# Unleavened Faith > A Fellowship in Christ Jesus, IN the World, Not of the World > Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.3, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. ## Posts ### [Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, Open Theology, Foreknowledge of God](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/) **Published:** June 3, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Excerpt:** This article discusses the theological concepts of Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, Open Theology, and the foreknowledge of God. It highlights the importance of understanding two fundamental questions: whether individual salvation is predestined or determined by free will, and whether history is closed and unchanging or open and running in real time. The article explores how different answers to these questions lead to the various theological divisions within Christianity. It also discusses the limitations and contradictions of certain theological perspectives, such as limited atonement in Calvinism. Ultimately, the article emphasizes the need for an open mind and a comprehensive understanding of these theological concepts in order to interpret the Scriptures correctly. **Content:** - [**Introduction**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Points to Ponder**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**What Sayeth the Scripture**](#uagb-tabs__tab2) - [**The Potter**](#uagb-tabs__tab3) - [**Conforming**](#uagb-tabs__tab4) - [**Rightly Dividing**](#uagb-tabs__tab5) - [**Closing Remarks**](#uagb-tabs__tab6) ## Introduction Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. Isaiah 46:9-11 The frame of mind brought to the study of the Bible is dependent on two main theological questions whose answers determine the main bias held or the framework through which its understanding is confined and filtered. To approach the Bible with a more meaningful understanding and be fully outfitted as a soldier in the battle for the truth of the Scriptures, it is essential to understand and answer these questions correctly. The questions concern individual salvation and God’s foreknowledge: what does he know, when did he know it, and how does he know it? The definition of God’s omniscience as knowing everything that ever will happen from the beginning is an error blinding some to the truth. God certainly knows all there is to know; the debates and divisions are over that which is not there to be known. How does he know what has not happened as yet, or does he? What if God does not want to know all from start to finish but wants some things to play out like a man’s thoughts and desires? Can God give things a life of their own where he has to wait to see what that life will do? Would it be limiting God to say he can or cannot do so according to his own will? Psalms 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**. It is not a question of what God can or cannot do; he can do whatever he wants, however he wants, but what has God revealed concerning what he has and how he has determined things to be. Amos 3:7 Surely the **Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. All is revealed within God’s word; nevertheless, without an open mind, the Bible remains sealed. There are two foundational questions that must be answered correctly to understand and interpret the Scriptures correctly. - Is individual salvation predetermined or do men have free will? - Is history closed, completed, fixed, unchanging, or is it open, running in real time? These two questions, wittingly or unwittingly, are responsible for theological divisions within Christianity; they largely determine what you believe. Over the next few pages, an attempt will be made to explain this in a meaningful and understandable manner. ## Points To Ponder But strong meat belongeth to them that **are of full age**, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ―Hebrews 5:14 How the questions under consideration are answered determines whether the Bible is open and understood correctly. Again, those questions are: - Is individual salvation predestinated or do men have free will? - Is history closed, completed, fixed, unchanging, or is it open, running in real time? These two questions divide Christianity into four main theologies, which must be discernible and understood to rightly divide the word of truth. These are foundational theologies and although there are many mix–and–match teachings, once these four are understood, the rest will be easy to figure out. The four are: | **Calvinism/Reformed** | **Arminianism** | **Neo-Arminianism** | **Open Theology** | |---|---|---|---| | Predestination | Predestination | Sees All | In Real Time | | Limited Atonement | Open to All | Open to All | Open to All | | Total Depravity | Depravity | Free Will | Free Will | | History Closed | History Closed | History Closed | **History Open** | The difference between total depravity and depravity is that we are all depraved but we are able to do good. M*atthew 7:11* **If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children**, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? The election is still a predetermined predestination. God determined to elect those leaning toward Him when given Prevenient Grace to be predestinated to be saved. The bare essence of these theologies is all that is of interest; only the essential parts needed to compare them to each other and equate them to the Scriptures. Having this, it will be easy to comprehend the mixes and matches constructed. Many are familiar with these theologies; however, [**Neo-Arm**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/)[**inianism**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-of-calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology/), or new-Arminianism, may be unfamiliar. It is a designation made here to identify what many today refer to as being Arminian, to confirm they are not Calvinistic in the doctrine of predestination, nor in the total depravity of man, and their inability to exercise their freewill in salvation. They fail to realize that Arminianism was not against depravity, just total depravity, granting men limited merit. A name was needed to distinguish those who were truly against predestination and total depravity’s lack of all freewill. Since it is a modification of Arminianism, they call themselves, naively, Arminian; neo-Arminianism seemed appropriate. [**Arminianism**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-of-calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology/) modified Calvinism by incorporating a test prior to election. Each individual was given what is known as “Prevenient Grace”, or “Prevenient Faith”. Each is given enough grace/faith preceding election to see which way an individual leaned: toward or away from God. The test being one of a freewill choice or leaning, eliminated total depravity for depravity. Being a pass-or-fail test, it eliminates unconditional election. Since the test is given to all, limited atonement is excluded. Being a choice, Prevenient Grace can be resisted. Arminianism teaches that you can lose or relinquish your salvation, which countered Calvinism’s Perseverance of the Saints. [**Neo-Arminainism**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-of-calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology/) threw out Calvinism’s Monergism (man plays no part in his salvation) and modified Arminianism’s Synergism (man cooperates in his salvation). Predestination theologies strongly premise their view on the supposition that if all is not predetermined by God, then he would not be sovereign. It would be hard to find a more unreasoned, unbiblical assertion. God is the Creator and sustainer of all things; how can he not be sovereign in whatever he does or chooses to do? Regardless of what he elects to do, it would be his sovereign will. He would be just as sovereign if, after creation, he sat back in an easy chair to watch what happened (Neo-Arminainism). To insist on anything else would be to limit God. God is sovereign as long as He controls the outcomes. *Psalms 78:41* Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**. This is a major error in the premise of Calvinism and Arminianism; God does not like to be limited. Even those advocating predestination admit that their doctrine contradicts many passages of Scripture. Any time a teaching conflicts with the obvious meaning of a passage of Scripture, it is a clear sign that some part of it is in error. The Bible does not contradict itself. The clear and obvious meaning of the following verses dismisses the doctrine of Calvinism’s limited atonement. *John 3:14-17* And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That **whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved **the world**, that he gave his only begotten Son, that **whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into **the world** to condemn **the world**; but that **the world** through him might be saved. *Romans 10:13* For **whosoever** shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. *1 John 2:2* And he is the propitiation for our sins: and **not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world**. *Acts 17:30* And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth **all men every where** to repent: *1 Timothy 4:10* For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, **who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe**. These verses are clear and obvious in their meaning. The atonement was made for all men everywhere, all humanity, not limited, and those who believe get the benefit. Nonetheless, with these and many other such examples, the Reformed doctrine admits the contradictions with their teaching but continues holding to limited atonement. There are attempts to reconcile predestination and free will to achieve both. One such effort is to promote the idea that men have free will, but God’s sovereign will trumps it. If God does not approve of a free will choice, he will rewire the person so he will make the free will choice of God’s choosing. They think this preserves God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. It seems to fall short. One example given is as follows: The 41st President of the United States of America, George H. W. Bush, reportedly hates broccoli so intensely that he simply refuses to eat it under any circumstances. There is no chance of him choosing it, not because he is a robot or a puppet, but because he hates it. If you had the power to change his tastes such that he suddenly loved broccoli, you could effectively predetermine whether or not he would ever eat it: If you chose to leave him as he is, and not change his tastes, you would be effectively dooming him to brocolliless meals forever! You could count on the fact that he would always shun it of his own free will. If you elected to step in and change his tastes, you would be effectively assuring that he would eat it. If he began to love it, he would seek it out of his own free will. George’s free will remains intact, and you make certain your will is done, with no contradiction. George’s free will remains intact, and you make certain your will is done, with no contradiction. [**David J. Finnamore; elevenmistrel.com**](http://www.elvenminstrel.com/kontext/misunderstandingsofsovereigngrace.htm) (I believe he means both God’s sovereign will and George’s free will remain intact.) It is not clear if the author of that illustration understands what a contradiction is. It is not free will if God dictates what that free will is. The lack of understanding of [**the extent and limits of freewill**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) has been a debilitating factor in understanding the issues of many of the teachings of Scripture. The idea that man has free will to do as he pleases is utterly unbiblical. Man has free will of desire, inclination, passion, aspirations, motivation, intention: likes, dislikes, loves, hatreds. He does not have freedom of action, only of the thoughts and intents of his heart. *Hebrews 4:12* For **the word of God** is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and **is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart**. All actions must serve God’s purpose and be within the confines of the master plan. *Matthew 10:29* Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and **one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father**. *1 Samuel 2:3* Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and **by him actions are weighed**. *Lamentations 3:37* Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, **when the Lord commandeth it not**? The creator and sustainer of all controls all actions taken upon the earth. He may allow a desire to be acted upon; He may use the actions desired by the thoughts and intents of the heart for his purposes; or he may not allow action on a thought or intent. *James 4:13-15* Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: **14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow**. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. **15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that**. It would not be difficult for the Lord to find someone with the right thoughts and intents of the heart to serve his purpose in any given circumstance. *Romans 9:17* For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even **for this same purpose have I raised thee up**, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Do you think it was hard to find a haughty-minded, lifted–up–with–pride, selfish, self-centered, self-willed individual who regarded neither man nor God to set upon the throne? It would have been harder to find one that lacked these qualities. *1 Timothy 4:1*5 **Meditate upon these things**; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. A man’s free will desires are developed not by one mental or physical attribute (e.g., his taste buds), although they are a consideration. Freewill is developed by the events, education, training, and experiences in a person’s life. What you would choose of your own free will at five is not going to be the same at twenty, and that may not be the same at forty, fifty, sixty, etc. For God to change your free will choices is to predetermine your choice, removing your free will. This is the only proper biblical understanding of free will and must be adhered to maintain “*rightly dividing the word of truth*.” To understand and evaluate these theologies, it is essential to examine the differences in their view of history. Of the two questions: is individual salvation predestinated or do men have free will, and is history closed (i.e., completed, fixed, unchanging) or is it open, running in real time? The answer to the second will solve the dilemma. These different concepts of history lead to the questions about God’s foreknowledge: what God knows, how he knows it, and when he knows it? In the case of Calvinism and Arminianism, based on different reasoning, all is predetermined, unchangeable; history is closed. God’s foreknowledge is due to his having predestinated or having seen all things. This would hardly be meaningful to mankind. There is nothing men can do but follow a predetermined path; they are born, get elected or not, then they die. There were a few, some famous, gospel preachers of the Reformed religion; they were Reformed in name only, they acted and preached as if it made a difference, as if all could be saved. An analogy might be a road map. Reformed and Arminianism would have but one road, one route, going from one set place and event in a row to the next: point A to B to C to D to E, etc. All things are fixed, history is static, unchanging, everything is set in stone. The choices men make are not real, the options given them meaningless; everything is predetermined. That pretty much sums up what is needed to know about these doctrines. Many attempts are made to try reconciling them with the Bible; it would be preferred if your teaching were in accordance with and did not have to be reconciled to the Scriptures. Moving on, it is now time to look at the free will theologies. Still setting forth the idea that history is closed, complete, and unchanging, Neo-Arminianism rejects predestination, holding to foreknowledge coming from God’s looking at the past, present, and future all at once, thereby seeing history and all that happened. Individual salvation not being predetermined, but it is just known to God who will and will not be saved, as he sees history as it just happened to happen, without the giving of any faith, prevenient or not. Neo-Arminianism’s map has many ways to reach the same ordained points and events. The course taken is neither divinely determined nor guided; when the trip is over, God sees all and goes back and inserts himself and writes a book about the travels he has taken and particular interest in. There are some latent problems in this view. Two considerations must be addressed and explained. If not predestinated but just seen, for God not to have knowledge of all history, it would have to exist apart from God, flowing out on its undetermined course; how did it come into existence? History would have had to run its course for God to see what happened. This is the “he sat back in an easy chair to watch what happened” from above. Further, would God inserting himself into the past change the future? Would it cause men to have different free will choices, changing what God had already seen? How many changes need to take place before the future God saw was no longer valid? This led one commentator, in reference to 1 Samuel 23: 10˗13, to claim that the unchangeable foreknowledge of God can be changed. David broke the unchangeable foreknowledge of God by escaping the city before Saul came, and everything God said about that future was changed. “The Book of Romans”, Dr. Peter S. Ruckman (2003) ISBN 1-58026-045-4, Romans 8:29-30, pg. 333. It would seem that neo-Arminianism’s view of history creates some unanswerable questions and, as predestination, puts limits upon God as the other two do. Open Theology has history running in real time under the control and guidance of God, directing all to his predetermined end; there would be no limits to what he could choose to do. Open Theology’s road map has the same trip to make, the same fixed, ordained events to happen, same set waypoints to reach, and it ends at the same pre-established conclusion to all things. However, it is fluid; man’s decisions and actions make a difference in how history is played out in between the decreed events and waypoints. There is more than one road to take in reaching them. There are at least two ways of getting there: obey God and take the easy, direct route, or disobey him and take the circuitous, undulating, treacherous route due to God’s judgment upon your disobedience. Both closed and open theologies lead to the same place; it is just how you get there. Open leaves room for time and chance and God’s judgments upon and dealings with men in real time to determine and set their course on the fly. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. The idea that God must look down upon history to see what happens is the most lackluster God limiting view of these theologies. In Open Theology, having history flow in real time raises the Lord to heights the others cannot even imagine. Working in real time, knowing every thought and intent of men as they have them in the moment, knowing all things as they happen, having them in control, guided, and kept within his plan, God turns everything, all Satan’s devises and evil intents as well as man’s, to his purpose. He judges and passes judgment on all and records all in his books, all in real time. It is mind-boggling; man cannot fathom the depths of the wisdom and power of the Almighty. *Romans 11:33* O **the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God**! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! *Daniel 4:35* And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and **none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou**? As for David’s being able to change the unchangeable foreknowledge of God, Open Theology asserts that it is no more a matter than God’s searching men’s hearts and knowing their thoughts, thereby knowing what they would do in any given situation. David did not change the unchangeable foreknowledge of God; he changed the situation by leaving after being warned by God of what would happen according to the *“thoughts and intents of the heart”* of the men involved if he stayed. *1 Chronicles 28:9* for the Lord**searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts**: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. God’s plan or blueprint is laid out with its predetermined waypoints and events. He will guide and direct all things as needed to keep all within his plan. In Open Theology, there is room for time and chance, spontaneity, more importantly, for God’s dealing with men and nations, raising them up and tearing them down through judging and judgment upon them. There are always at least two ways to reach the waypoints: fear God and obey, or rebel and pay. God discerns the thoughts and intents, weighs all possible actions and outcomes, and determines the course he is going to take in real time, in accordance with his criteria, keeping all within his master plan and outline. Speaking of rain, Job writes that there are different reasons according to the circumstances God sends it upon the earth: *Job 37:13* He causeth it to come, whether **for correction**, or **for his land**, or **for mercy**. If the wrong view or bias is accepted, it will cloud and color the correct interpretation of all Scripture, while the right one will open the Bible. Viewing the Bible from a perspective of Calvinism or Arminianism will read those into verses everywhere and incorporate them into all understanding and interpretations, removing all personal responsibility. On the other hand, teaching that all history is just there and unchanging would lead to the acceptance of fate, also eliminating personal responsibility. Open Theology leaves room for God to act in the moment, to hold men responsible, to test men, to judge men, and for time and chance events. ## What Sayeth the Scripture These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11 Many concepts and teachings are based on philosophy rather than the diligent study of God’s word. Philosophy is the attempt to reason a knowledge of God and his ways without studying his revelations, precepts, or teachings in their proper context. Just read a verse and determine an interpretation that seems to fit distilled through your bias, your biblical view, without comparing scripture with scripture. However, God’s ways and thoughts are past the ability of man to fathom without his revelations and instructions. *Romans 11:33* O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! **how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out**! To privately interpret a verse is to interpret it apart from its context and apply whatever meaning fits based on the bias you bring. To properly understand a portion of Scripture, context must be maintained, not only that of the passage but the chapter, book, and the entire Bible. If any portion of Scripture fails to fit within or contradicts the Bible’s theology or teaching, there is something wrong with it. A modification needs to be made or an outright rejection of it; the Bible should not be rejected or changed to make it fit. In some instances, it is a mistake to rely on biblical understandings, interpretations, and traditions that were formed hundreds, or even thousands, of years ago without the benefit of the knowledge currently known of creation, prophecy, and history. All things are revealed within the Scriptures, but not all are made known from the beginning, nor have they been revealed at the same time throughout history. *Luke 24:45* Then **opened he their understanding**, that they might understand the scriptures, *Daniel 12:4* But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and **seal the book**, **even to the time of the end**: many shall run to and fro, and **knowledge shall be increased**. In 1909 Charles Péguy thought that “the world changed less since Jesus Christ than in the last thirty years”, and perhaps some young doctor of philosophy in physics would now add that his science has changed more since 1909 than in all recorded time before. Will & Ariel Durant. The Lessons of History, chapt. 1, pg. 12, Simon & Schuster, NY, 1968, ISBN 0-671-41333-3 Civilization has made its greatest strides in the last thousand years, and in the last three centuries, man’s rate of development seems almost to have increased by geometric progression. Vern L. Bullough, Man in Western Civilization, Holt Reinhart & Winston, Inc., (1957) (1970); ISBN: 03-077015-7 What would these historians say today? Can it be said that those interpreting the Bible in the past had the same knowledge available now in their attempts to correctly do so? *Ephesians 3:4-*5 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5**Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed** unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; I would think that it must be asked: was everything totally revealed and understood in the past? Has not knowledge increased? Is not more known about creation now than with those who came before? It does not matter how longstanding something is; many errors are longstanding. Who or how many hold to an understanding does not prove it. God has always parceled out the light of his word and knowledge in general at his scheduled rate and purpose. Many times, raising a man up to be the focal point (e.g., Moses, monotheism; Paul the Church; Martin Luther and others breaking from Catholicism; Peter S. Ruckman preservation of the AV 1611). This does not mean that they were the first or only people to hold those views, right in all their views, or necessarily any godlier than anyone else. In the next few sections, several competing theologies are going to be examined in the light of Scripture and reason. ## The Potter The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. Jeremiah 18:1-10 Several passages of Scripture are used to attempt to justify predestination; Romans 9:18˗21, the similitude of the Potter, is invariably used. *Romans 9:18-21* Therefore **hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy**, and **whom he will he hardeneth**. 19Thou wilt say then unto me, **Why doth he yet find fault**? For **who hath resisted his will**? 20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? 21**Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?** In this passage, the potter is a similitude comparing God as the creator of man to the potter as the creator of his vessels. As the potter can choose to make one vessel honorable and another dishonorable, so God can create a man thus. The question is whether this similitude is supposed to be teaching predestined individual salvation? The precepts and general truths established in the preceding chapters ought to tell us that such an interpretation is automatically wrong. For the moment, these precepts and truths will be disregarded in simply comparing scripture with scripture, rightly dividing. Let us see what the conclusion of the matter will be. That it is God’s word and not man’s must be remembered. He uses the similitude of the potter first in the Old Testament, so seeking its proper interpretation must begin in its original context and entirety to properly decipher its true biblical meaning in the New Testament. Remember, God is not the author of confusion, the intent of both uses will be the same. Jeremiah 18:1-10 The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2Arise, and go down to **the potter’s house**, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3Then I went down to the potter’s house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 6O house of Israel, **cannot I do with you as this potter**? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. 7At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; 8**If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them**. 9And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; 10**If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them**. In the similitude of a potter presented in the above passage, it can be easily seen that it is not an attempt to teach predestination in any form but rather just the opposite. God’s decisions are based on the choices made by man, whether to seek and obey God or to do evil. Paul did not, and neither can we, take a passage of Scripture out of its context but must rightly divide the word of truth. The context, in Jeremiah as in Romans, is the sovereignty of God over his creation, to judge and deal with it according to his will. If we take the passage in Romans and keep it within its proper context, we see that the similitude is given in answer to three particular questions. - Is there unrighteousness with God? - Why does he yet find fault? - Who can resist his will? Looking closely, we find that these questions are being asked by those who are complaining about God not accepting their self-righteousness―that is, in keeping the law, they have not obtained or earned the grace of God and the assurance of salvation. By their way of thinking, if salvation is solely based on the predetermination and/or caprice of God and not on a person’s works, how can he find fault? For who can resist his will? How is he just in this? Paul’s answer is simply to point out that God is our Creator, and he could just as easily have created us for damnation as not; therefore, there is no unrighteousness in God’s judgments, which is the question in verse 14 of Romans 9. *Romans 9:14* What shall we say then? **Is there unrighteousness with God**? God forbid. If we refuse to accept his salvation, it is the same to God as if he had created us unto damnation; your predestinated end in such a case is the same, eternal wrath. The similitude of the potter is not a description of God’s plan of salvation, but rather an example of our relationship to him and his sovereignty. He made us, and he can do as he pleases with us; there is no unrighteousness in whatever he does. It is for us to fear him and seek that which is pleasing unto God. It is not a picture of God’s plan, but of his prerogative as the creator to choose his own plan of salvation, one that pleases him, and our duty to conform. The actual plan God has elected to institute is not mentioned until the last verse of the chapter, *“whosoever believeth.”* *Romans 9:33* As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and **whosoever believeth on him** shall not be ashamed. This also answers the proverbial question that lost sinners ask in their attempt to make themselves more just than God: You mean that God would condemn a heathen in the jungle who has never heard of Jesus Christ? The answer is, if God chooses to do so, there is no unrighteousness with God; it is his prerogative, he made us, he can do whatever he wants with us. What we, as those who have trusted in God’s word, have to worry about is the other side of the coin: God is going to hold us responsible for that heathen not hearing about Jesus Christ, whether he lives in a jungle or is our neighbor. We ought to be thankful that he is *“not willing that any should perish,”* ## Conforming There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 One mistake often encountered when Romans 8 is under consideration is its being referenced and applied to the state of an individual Christian’s walk, whether a brother or sister is walking after the flesh or the Spirit, serving or not serving God. However, the subject of the chapter has absolutely no bearing on whether an individual Christian is living right or not. The chapter is a summary of the seven chapters that came before it, “There is therefore.” The chapter is a summary of what salvation is and is not, as explained in the previous chapters. It compares men as a group in their natural state, walking after the flesh, with saved men as a group walking after the Spirit. When it talks about being in the Spirit, it is speaking of being saved; when it speaks of being after the flesh, it is speaking of being lost. *Romans 8:9* But **ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit**, if so be that **the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. The common mistake of applying it to a saint’s personal life already clouds the understanding of the context of this chapter by putting individuals in where there are none. A Christian’s behavior and manner of living does not come into play until Romans 12. At that point, because of all that has come before (chapters 1-11), Paul states he implores each individual saint to serve God. Until Romans 12:1, the book has been a description and definition of what salvation is, is not, does, and does not include. Up till this point, Romans deals with men as sets—the set of believers as opposed to the set of non-believers—and that does not change in verses 8:29-30, which are the subject of this section. *Romans 8:5* For **they** that are **after the flesh** do mind the things of the flesh; but **they that are after the Spirit** the things of the Spirit. *Romans 8:14* For **as many as are led by the Spirit of God**, they are the sons of God. There is nothing that points to God speaking of each individual that ever was or any individual, whether predestined or just known. As stated, Chapter 8 is a summary of the first seven chapters. Paul goes on to talk about the glory of salvation and the waiting for its glorious completion. *Romans 8:18-28* For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with **the glory which shall be revealed in us**. 19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the **manifestation of the sons** of God … 21Because the creature itself also shall be **delivered from the bondage of corruption** into the glorious liberty of the **children** of God … 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even **we** ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for **the adoption**, to wit, **the redemption of our body** … 28And **we** know that all things work together for good to **them** that love God, to **them** who are the called according to his purpose. Why do all the above come into play? Because God predestinated us? No. The passage might not be referring to men conforming to anything. All these things come into play because God predestinated himself, the Word, to be manifested in the flesh, conformed to the image of his Son, and pay for our sins. Romans 8:29 is a description of salvation, of the Word becoming flesh, and our part in that predestination as a group. It might just be God, the Word, that had to be conformed to the right image. *Romans 8:29* For **whom he did foreknow**, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be **the firstborn among many brethren**. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. *Hebrews 10:5* Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but **a body hast thou prepared me**: *Philippians 2:7* But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: *Hebrews 2:9* But we see Jesus, who was **made a little lower than the angels** for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. The biblical definition of a son of God is one who was directly created or begotten by God in his image, which leaves out everything but Adam, angels, and Jesus Christ. *Luke 3:38* Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was **the** **son of God**. *Job 38:7* When the morning stars sang together, and all **the** **sons of God** shouted for joy? Adam and the angels were directly created by God individually, with the ability to reproduce, pro-creation. The angels were not given the liberty to do so, nor were they given what Adam was given, so he could—*Eve*. This did, as you remember, cause some problems a little later. *Matthew 22:30* For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. *Genesis 6:2* That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and **they took them wives** of all which they chose. What is the image of the sons of God, the angels? They are indistinguishable from men. *Hebrews 13:2* Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have **entertained angels** **unawares**. Man was created in the image of God; Adam was a son of God. We never lost the image; we did lose the relationship. *Genesis 5:3* And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son **in his** own **likeness, after his image**; and called his name Seth: God created Adam to be in his image; Adam reproduced children in his own image, which bore his image of God. *James 3:9* Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which **are made after the similitude of God**. *“Men, which are made after the similitude of God,”* but either not being directly created by God were not sons of God, or God chose not to extend the relationship due to the fall. This does not change the assertions that sin had a corrupting effect on the physical form, such as in the matter of blood, etc. Adam had a Spiritual birth, but not a water birth. His children had a water birth, but not a Spiritual one. Our salvation is the receiving of the spiritual birth and to be adopted and become sons of God. We do not have to be conformed to become the sons of God; we just need to be adopted. *John 1:12* But as many as received him, to them gave he power to **become the sons of God**, even to them that believe on his name: This does not require conformity to another image. We do not need to be conformed to an image; we need to *“present our bodies a living sacrifice.”* Any conforming we need will take place in the resurrection, when *“we shall be changed.”* Our spiritual bodies will bear the image of man and God as the angels. *Luke 24:39* Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for **a spirit hath not flesh and bones**, as ye **see me have**. *“For whom he did foreknow”*―we know that he foreknew the Word; we know that the Word had to conform to an image *“a little lower than an angels,”* *“made in the likeness of men”* to suffer death for us all. This is indisputable. Our predestination is part of the Word’s predestination. The Word as the Son of God was predestinated to have many brethren. Romans 8:29 is a complete sentence, which is a trinity: subject, verb, and complete thought. Verse 30 is a sentence with its own complete thought: it picks up at the end of verse 29. The Word was predestinated to be conformed to the image of a man and to be the firstborn from the dead and to have many brethren. Verse 30 picks up with the many brethren of verse 29 and completes their predestination to certain things. The two verses make a complete reference and description of salvation in accordance with the context of the entire book of Romans up to this point. *Romans 8:29-30* For whom (**The Word**) he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that (**the Word**) might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Moreover (**the many brethren**) whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Four other verses use the words predestinated or foreknowledge, and they all refer to the plan of salvation, not individuals. Why would we expect Romans 8:29˗30 to be any different? *Acts 2:23* Him, being delivered by **the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God**, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: *Ephesians 1:5* Having **predestinated us unto the adoption of children** by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, *Ephesians 1:11* In whom also **we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose** of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: *1 Peter 1:2* Elect **according to the foreknowledge of God** the Father, **through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ**: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. All these speak of different aspects of the predestinated plan of salvation. Christ was predestinated to make the atonement; men were predestined to be saved through the sanctification of the Spirit and the blood of Jesus Christ. Those who receive salvation are predestined to be adopted and receive an inheritance as children of God. Romans 8:29˗30 is also a description of the plan of Salvation. ## Rightly Dividing The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psalms 12:6 *“God is not the author of confusion*.” In Romans 8:29 it could have been stated; “For those, he did foreknow,” if it was referring to the “them” of verse 30. He could have stated; “Conformed to the image of the Son,” and sealed the interpretation. The words God chose to use in writing his revelation were purposely selected, purified seven times, there is nothing random in his choice of them. Possibly, we should not look for an interpretation that God could have made perfectly obvious in stating it a little differently and look for one that would only exist because he stated it the way he did. *Romans 8:29* For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of **his** Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. If you study the New Testament’s use of the terms, *“his Son”* compared to *“the Son,”* you will see that whenever the term *“his Son”* is used, it is always indirect reference to God or action of God in relation to Christ Jesus. Whenever the term *“the Son”* is used, it is in reference to everything other than God, e.g., men, Satan, demons, etc. to Christ Jesus. *John 3:16˗17* For **God** so loved the world, that he gave **his** only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For **God** sent not **his Son** into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. **God** gave, God sent … **his** Son *Matthew 4:3* And when **the tempter** came to him, **he said**, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. The **tempter** … **the** Son *Acts 3:13* The **God** of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the **God** of our fathers, **hath** **glorified his Son** Jesus; **God** glorified … **his** Son *Romans 1:4* And **declared** to be **the Son** of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, **by the resurrection** from the dead: Declared by the **resurrection** … **the** Son *1 Corinthians 1:9* **God** is faithful, by whom ye were **called** unto the fellowship of **his Son** Jesus Christ our Lord. **God** called … **his** son *2 Corinthians 1:19* For **the Son** of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. **Paul** and others preached … **the** Son *Galatians 4:4* But when the fulness of the time was come, **God** sent forth **his Son**, made of a woman, made under the law, **God** sent … **his** Son *Galatians 2:20* I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless **I** live; yet not **I**, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh **I** live by the faith of **the Son** of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. **I** (Paul) … **the** Son *Galatians 4:6* And because ye are sons, **God hath sent** forth the Spirit of **his Son** into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. **God** sent … **his** Son *Ephesians 4:13* Till **we all** come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of **the Son** of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: **We all** … **the** Son *1 Thessalonians 1:10* And to wait for **his Son** from heaven, whom **he raised from the dead**, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. **God** raised … **his** Son *1 John 5:10* **He** that believeth on **the Son** of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that **God** gave of **his Son**. **He** (whoever) believeth on … **the Son**; **God gave** record of … **his Son** Any of those verses could be rewritten to use the other term. The separation of the terms is purposeful, not an accident, not random. Romans 8:29 in using the term *“his Son”* tells us that God is performing some action related to *“his Son,”* and neither man nor anything else is involved. It is not man that has to be conformed; if it were the term used would have been *“the Son.”* *Romans 8:29* For whom **he** *(God)* did foreknow, **he** *(God)* also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of **his Son**, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Accordingly, when the Bible speaks of God in relation to Christ Jesus, the term used is *“his Son.”* When speaking of man or any other in relation to Christ Jesus, the term used is *“the Son.”* Man is not being spoken of in Romans 8:29; man is not being predestinated, not the one conforming; God as the Word is. God sent, God raised, God spoke through, God predestinated *“his Son.”* Attention to detail, keeping in context, not having an unbiblical view and corrupted bias is what is needed in studying the Scriptures. ## Closing Remarks Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1 In the last few pages, the two questions that divide the Church have been examined. 1. Predestination verses Free Will 2. Closed verses Open I have not covered all the debates and arguments for or against any of the four possible theologies that stem from the debates. They have been displayed in their basic forms to show their strengths and weaknesses. My conclusions, if not having been made known at this point, to answering the questions are these. 1. Free Will 2. Open I do not believe the Scriptures support any other determination. Open Theology’s assertions, that history is flowing in real time, that the future has not yet been, and that God is directing historic events to his predetermined end while along the way dealing with and judging men in real time, conforms to all Scripture. God is dealing with the hearts of men as they come into existence through God’s created system of pro-creation. All men came into this world by *“time and chance.”* *Ecclesiastes 9:11* but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. The foreknowledge presented by Open Theology is of God’s elections, how he has chosen to do things. That they can be spoken of as future, present, or past according to God’s perspective at the time he is speaking is due to the fact that the events are written in stone, immutable. They will come to pass on time as planned, nothing in heaven or earth can prevent them. This is what Satan has been attempting to do from the beginning of his rebellion—*break God’s word*. An analogy can be made to a supercomputer playing chess. At all times it knows the constraints and boundaries of play and every move the pieces can make and every change created by any possible move that happens. The computer may figure things out to three, four, or more moves ahead. It also knows every response it can make per each possible move made and the changes to possible moves they make. God knows everything there is to know at any given time and every possibility, every possible move by six billion plus men, creature, and nature, etc. He knows all the possible moves and all his possible responses, etc. How far ahead he takes it, who knows! He knows the hearts and minds of men and their propensities, frailties, weaknesses, strengths, etc. He is also dealing with men’s hearts seeking to save. God allows men a limited amount of free will in the moves they make. If God is not at the time purposely directing an event, man’s free will choice can make a time and chance event for someone else. As an example, I decide on my own free will to quit or retire from a job; this would make a time and chance job opening for someone else. On the other hand, God could just as easily be directing me to leave a job and create a job for someone in answer to prayer. God’s direction, man’s free will, and time and chance, all work together under God’s guidance and control. He is not having any difficulty controlling events to suit his purposes in having mercy or judgment upon the earth and leading all things to his predetermined end. God does not have to see what has been done to know what men will do, he knows their hearts and minds. History must be open and flowing for God to deal with and attempt to change the mind and hearts of men. The God of Open Theology is much greater than those of Calvinism, Arminianism, or neo-Arminianism. Predestination’s gospel of limited atonement and its irresistible grace is a different gospel from that of neo-Arminianism and Open Theology’s open to all conditioned on our free will choice to believe God. Anyone being saved in a Calvinistic setting is being so despite that doctrine and due to the preaching of the gospel: *“believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”* Calvinism, even with its teaching of limited salvation, has had some great soul-winning preachers who associated themselves with the reformed doctrine but still maintained the necessity to preach the gospel to all men (e.g., C. H. Spurgeon, Reformed Baptist). As one of the old Reformed preachers is reported to have stated, the more he preached the gospel, the more people were elected. God’s sovereign will remains uncontested in the absence of individual predestination. He has chosen, elected, as his sovereign will, to save those that will believe. He will have mercy on them to salvation and those that will not believe, he will not. One of the simplest and most poignant answers to the question of limited atonement was in an old sermon by Frederick Whitfield, first preached circa 1850s, *“The Apostolic Call and Commission.”* *“And they came unto Him.”* Here is the evidence of our calling and election. We come because He calls. Let us not trouble ourselves with the doctrine of election. Let each one ask himself the question; Have I come to Jesus? If you have, reader, then Christ has called you, and you have heard that call. You are one of the elect, for you have come to Jesus. To ask the question; Am I one of the elect? first ask another; Have I come to Jesus? But if there are two questions in the matter of salvation, such is the perversity of the human heart, that men are certain to ask the wrong one first. Am I one of the elect? is not the first question, reader. Have I come? ask that first. Your answer to this question will be the answer—the only answer—to the other. Oh, have you come to Jesus? Have you heard His call? Are you at His feet? “Apostolic Call and Commission”; from the book “The Word Unveiled”; Frederick Whitfield (1829-1904) ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/predestinationChart.jpg)Whether one chooses neo-Arminianism or Open Theology, as long as grace through faith is maintained, it will not change the effect on salvation, does not alter any major doctrine. The results are the same even if one must adjust his thinking on how something was done. It is the indirect that must be considered. The wrong option might be a little leaven that is trying to leaven the whole lump; which in these present days could be troublesome. Open Theology is the only one that does not limit God or create contradictions. *Psalms 78:41* Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. It is for each one of us to take the time to diligently study God’s word and determine for ourselves what option corresponds best with Scripture. Let us not be as those who learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what, refusing to yield to the truth. One error many people make is to learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what. Harry Lorayne, Secrets of Mind Power (1961) Much more could be said on the questions discussed in this study. It is hoped that enough information has been imparted to give a basic understanding of them and the importance of having the correct framework from which to study the Bible. For whatever context, with whatever bias, you approach God’s word will color the deeper study and understanding of it. Let me present a summary of what I hope to have demonstrated up to this point. - At this time in history, the times of the Gentiles or church age, we have **[liberty in Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ/)** from the fear of condemnation―once saved, always saved. - Biblical Christianity is unique among the world’s religions. - That there is **[a true church and a false church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/church-types/)**. - That there are**[ biblical precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/)** that must be understood and followed to understand the Bible. - Like a puzzle, the Bible pieces must be put together a little here and a little there, line upon line, precept upon precept in building our understanding and doctrines. - That salvation by grace through faith is **[a two-part process](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/)**; Christ Jesus died for all, but each has to come independently. This removes any supposed contradiction in God’s plan of salvation. - That salvation is by God’s grace through our faith at any time in history. - That you need the right biblical view: free will, by Grace through Faith, history is Open. **[Introduction ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/#uagb-tabs__tab0)– [Points to Ponder](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/#uagb-tabs__tab1) – [What Sayeth the Scriptures](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/#uagb-tabs__tab2) – [The Potter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/#uagb-tabs__tab3)** **[Conforming](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/#uagb-tabs__tab4) – [Rightly Dividing](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/#uagb-tabs__tab5) – [Closing Remarks](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/#uagb-tabs__tab6)** - 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Articles, Doctrine **Tags:** Theology --- ### [The Four Main Theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) **Published:** June 10, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Calvinism/Reformed, Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, Open, Theologies** The four basic theologies of Christianity determine how the Scriptures are interpreted. - They derive from different biblical viewpoints. - They set the frame of mind and filter the reader’s understanding of the Scriptures. When starting on the Christian journey to understand God’s word, it is best to have no previous knowledge of these, but that is rare. Most are brought up in one of them, or it is what is taught at the first fellowship attended after salvation. And as it is common among men, the first learned is what we will stick to no matter what. It is just too difficult and time-consuming to examine and diligently study, modifying what we have been taught. One error many people make is to learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what. Harry Lorayne, Secrets of Mind Power (1961) The most difficult subjects can be explained to the most slow-witted man if he has not formed any idea of them already; but the simplest thing cannot be made clear to the most intelligent man if he is firmly persuaded that he knows already, without a shadow of a doubt, what is laid before him. Leo Tolstoy (1828 – 1910); The Kingdom of God is Within You (1897) This may seem a harsh criticism, but someone has to tell you the truth. If the word of truth and this issue are approached with an open mind, with a desire to serve God and seek His truth, the truth will be evident. The subject of debate among these four centers on predestination and God’s foreknowledge. [**Calvinism/Reformed**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/) is a belief that God predestined everything, not the least of which is individual salvation. All being predestinated, history is closed. Calvinism maintains that men preexisted the creation of Genesis 1:1 in some form or other, in actuality or in the mind of God. The preexisting individuals were chosen to be saved either haphazardly, without any rhyme or reason given other than it is God’s prerogative or by reason of the way the Lord predestinated them to be. Christ’s atonement is limited to only those chosen, the elect. Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, **I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy**, and **I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion**. [**Arminianism** ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/ "Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, Open Theology, Foreknowledge of God")stems from disagreeing with Calvinism on five points, which became the five points of Calvinism. It objects to God just choosing the elect without rhyme or reason, and limited atonement. It invented a method of electing individuals known as Prevenient Grace, granting a little faith in anticipation of election. It can be a bit complicated. Arminianism tests each soul with Prevenient Grace: that is, each is given enough faith to see whether they lean toward or against believing God; see which way the wind blows, so to speak. It confirms the same predestination as Calvinism except in the method of electing: God knows who will or will not accept the gospel from the beginning and elects those who will accept to salvation. It is considered an act of freewill, even though no one can exercise it without being given the faith to do so. This would contradict limited atonement in that all are provided this Prevenient Grace and tested, giving them all the ability to choose if they so desire; hence salvation would be open to all. Nevertheless, they are still depraved but not totally being able to choose to come to God during the test. Men still have to be individually elected unto salvation; history remains closed. *Romans 9:14* What shall we say then? **Is there unrighteousness with God**? God forbid. Somewhere along the line, it became the mistaken belief that Arminianism did not hold to individual predestination or pre-election. People started saying they were Arminian to say they were not Calvinistic. I refer to this as new or Neo-Arminianism. **Neo-Arminianism** rejects individual predestination for salvation, holding that God just knows all due to looking down from eternity on the completed past, present, and future all at once. Therefore, he sees and knows all at one time. He does not predetermine or elect who will and will not be saved; that remains a free will choice. He just sees who does and does not believe. As the Lord is just witnessing the events of history, He cannot lay claim to being the causation of anything. The main problem with this is that no explanation is given as to where this past, present, and future came from that God did not know about and must look to see what happened. This would mean that history had to run its course for God to see what happened, and then He would have had to go back in time and insert Himself. This would mean that we are in a rerun of history. History is still closed, completed, and unchanging, as it could not change after God observed and inserted Himself within it. All three have their problems; the most significant of which is that they all limit God in some way. Calvinism/Reformed and Arminianism limit God in their claim that all must be predestined for God to be sovereign. In truth, God is sovereign by virtue of controlling the outcomes of all things. Neo-Arminianism limits God’s knowledge to having to wait for history to complete so He can see what happened to happen. *Psalms 78:41* Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**. This is not so with our last contender. [**Open Theology**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-open-theology/) accepts that everything is happening in real time; history is open and flowing. God is simply dealing with men as they come into existence [**naturally at conception**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-can-one-determine-their-purpose/). Hence, there is no need for supplemental fabrications: preexisting souls, a history for God to see, etc. Certain things are predestined from the foundation of creation, such as the plan of salvation, which includes the creation of a nation to be the focal point of His revelations, the final judgment, etc., and some are predetermined in the flow of history due to judgments made upon men. There are always two ways of getting to the predetermined events: the easy way, obey God; the hard way, disobey God and be taken the long, hard way around. Between the predetermined events is room for free will, time and chance, and most importantly, God’s judgments upon men and nations. Most of the course of history has been due to God’s judgments upon the evil men do in real time. God is not limited in any way except by His own choices. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. **Universalism** it extends far beyond the scope of Christianity; but from a Christian perspective it is the flip side of Calvinism. Neither could reconcile how Christ could have died for all and all not be saved. They cannot see the **[dual nature](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dual-nature-of-salvation/)** of eternal salvation. In consequence, Calvinism threw out salvation for all and introduced a limited atonement, just for the chosen elect. Universalism went the other way and threw out eternal damnation and has all being saved eventually. They failed to see that Christ’s death paid for the sins of the world and opened the door of salvation to all men, but each individual has to have their personal sins forgiven. The [payment for sins was accomplished en masse, while forgiveness is granted on an individual basis](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/). It is helpful if the correct biblical definition of the nature of [**free will**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) is understood and adhered to. This has been a brief look at these four/five theologies that drive divisions within the Church. > [Open Theology](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/open-theology-2/) Rate this post **Categories:** Required **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Arminianism or Calvinism, Which is Biblical?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/arminianism-or-calvinism-which-is-biblical/) **Published:** December 6, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Both **[Arminianism and Calvinism/Reformed](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/)** are non-biblical, as they both impose limitations on God. *Psalms 78:41* Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**. Both have God predestinating totally depraved humans but selecting the elect in different ways. Calvinism limits the choice to God’s caprice; Arminianism rightly figured salvation was open to all, but their methodology was also unbiblical. They added in a test by providing Prevenient Grace, giving each individual just enough faith to see which way they would lean, toward or away from God. If you lean toward God, you were predestined to be saved. Hence. God knows who would and would not believe from the beginning and elects those that do. The same individual salvation as Calvinism/Reformed Theology, just a more defined method of choosing the elect. What most call Arminian today is what I call **[Neo-Arminianism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/)**, new-Arminianism. It discards predestination altogether and replaces it with God just knows. He obtains his foreknowledge by looking down from eternity upon the past, present, and future all at once, seeing what has happened. However, no one seems to be asking where this past, present, and future came from that God is unaware of and has to look down upon it to see what happened. In the above three views, history is fixed, completed, unchanging, or in a word **closed**. The only biblical view is history being open, that is, running in real time under the control and guidance of God, maintaining all things within his plan. The most compelling problem is that most will not even attempt to reason these things out. When we look at the layout of history, it is the same regardless of the theological view. They all have the same fixed events, set waypoints, and the same predetermined end. The question is not whether God could have done it this way; he could have done it any way he desired. The question is what is revealed in God’s word concerning the way it was done; which theology fits the Scriptures. Closed Theologies have history as static, fixed, unchanging; everything is set in stone. The choices men make are not real; the options given to them are meaningless; everything is predetermined. It is like a road map with only one road to take. **[Open Theology’s](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/open-theology-2/)** road map has the same trip to make, the same fixed events to happen, set waypoints to reach, and we end up with the same predetermined end. However, it is fluid; man’s decisions and actions make a difference in how history is played out in between. There is more than one road to take. There are at least two ways of getting there: obey God and take the easy direct route, or disobey him and take the circuitous, undulating, treacherous route due to God’s judgment upon your disobedience. Both lead to the same place; it is just how you get there. This leaves room for time and chance and God’s judgments upon and dealings with men to determine and set the course of history. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. The idea that God has to look down upon history to see what happened is the most lackluster God-limiting view of these theologies, Neo-Arminianism. Open Theology, having history flowing in real-time, raises the Lord to heights others cannot imagine. Working in real-time, knowing every thought and intent of men as they have them in the moment, knowing all things as they happen, having them in control, guided, and kept within his plan, God turns everything, all Satan’s devices, his and man’s evil intents, to his own purpose. He judges and passes judgment on all and records all in his books, all in real time. It is mind-boggling; man cannot fathom the depths of the wisdom and power of the Almighty. *Romans 11:33* O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! **how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!** *Daniel 4:35* And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and **none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?** Only Open Theology lifts our Creator to these heights and beyond. The other three options all limit God in some way. God’s plan or blueprint is laid out with its ordained waypoints and events that He will guide and direct all things into. In between these is room for time and chance, spontaneity, more importantly for God’s dealing with men and nations, raising them up and tearing them down through judging and judgment upon them. There are always at least two ways to reach the waypoints: fear God and obey or rebel and pay. > [Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, Open Theology, Foreknowledge of God](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Questions --- ### [The Letter Is Death, The Spirit Is Life](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-letter-is-death-the-spirit-is-life/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Are Christians required to keep the law? This question seems to have and continues to plague the Church. Many denominations teach some form of keeping the law, works, for salvation. Some teach that you must keep the law to be saved. *Acts 15:*1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, **Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved**. The Gentiles must convert to keeping the law to keep salvation. *Acts 15:5* But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That **it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses**. There are two ways of keeping the law: obey the letter of the law or obey the spirit of the law. The one is bondage the other liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; **not of the letter, but of the spirit**: for **the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life**. Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for **ye are not under the law, but under grace**. Under the law means to be subject to or in bondage to the written statues, the letter of the law. It is where the law tells you what you must and must not do. The spirit of the law grants us the freedom to determine what conforms to the two great precepts that are the guiding principles of living a godly, and righteous life. Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind**. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 40On these two commandments **hang all the law and the prophets**. These two precepts or principles are all we need to live a lawful, holy, righteous, life. The love of God will restrain from doing anything that will be displeasing to him or bring distain upon his name. To love others as yourself is to not do unto others what you would not want done to you and to do unto others as you would have done unto you. These are the two sides to loving your neighbor: not doing harm to them at any time, and to render aid to them when they are in need. When considering this question, it must be understood that it is in relation to our eternal state. The law is what condemns us, it is that which pronounced all men guilty and sentenced to death, eternal damnation. Christ Jesus gave himself to pay the penalty the law required for every man. The penalty being the death and damnation of all men. The penalty being satisfied, all men are considered dead as far as the law is concerned. The law has no power over dead men. The sin debt did not just go away. Jesus bought all men out from under the law of God and now owns the sin debt that men owed to the law. 1 Corinthians 6:20 For **ye are bought with a price**: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even **denying the Lord that bought them**, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. As great as the mercy, grace, and sacrifice extended to men it amounted to a simple business transaction. The law owned our sin debt and demanded payment. The law has no mercy or grace. Christ paid the debt off, and ownership of the debt changed hands. This in and of itself did not save anyone from their sins; it opened the door to salvation for all men. The new owner, God, Christ, can now show the mercy to men that the law would not. [**Salvation is a two-part system**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dual-nature-of-salvation/). The sin debt to the law of God had to be paid which was done en masse, all at once, now each individual must have their sins forgiven by God. The lack of understanding the two-part nature of the plan of salvation has given rise to many false teachings due to not being able to reconcile the supposed contradiction of how could Christ Jesus have died to pay for the sins of the whole world and the whole world not be saved? Realizing the two-part nature of salvation answers that question. Thus eliminating the necessity of manufacturing non-biblical functions such as universal salvation, limited atonement, or the loss of salvation. Back to our question. We are dead to the letter of the law, hence all things are lawful for us as the law has no more power to condemn us. Romans 8:1 **There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus**, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The meaning of Romans 8’s use of in the flesh or in the Spirit is the contrast and comparison of the lost, in the flesh, as opposed to the saved, in the Spirit. Romans 8:8-9 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9But **ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit**, **if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. The application to individual saints living or walking correctly or not is an error. Romans chapters 1-11 speak of men in groups or sets: saved, lost, believers, non-believers, Jew, Gentile, etc. . It does not deal with individuals until chapter 12. The law having no power to condemn is the same as all things being lawful for us. Remember, we are speaking of its effect on our eternal salvation. We are free from the bondage of the Law, never knowing if we are good enough, or did we lose it? Living in this fear that we might or might not be saved. Not being able to be condemned regardless of what we do is our liberty in Christ, a very misunderstood biblical doctrine, once saved, always saved. Galatians 5:1 **Stand fast therefore** **in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free**, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. All may be lawful “**but**” all is not good nor proper, “**but**” we will be judged for how we used this freedom. 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful for me, **but all things are not expedient**: all things are lawful for me, **but all things edify not**. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that **every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. There are a couple of “but’s” in the mix. We are to do only that which is expedient to our purpose. That purpose is to glorify God, preach the gospel, and help others understand God’s word. 1 Corinthians 8:9 But **take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak**. Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; **only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh**, but by love serve one another. 1 Peter 2:15-16 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16As free, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as the servants of God. We are not in bondage to keep the letter of the law, but are required to keep the Spirit of the law. In this life, we are as all men required to keep the law of men in so far as it does not contradict the Scriptures. However, the perfect law of men would reflect at least the second precept: love others as yourself. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Romans 7:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-7-14/) **Published:** March 4, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For we know that **the law is spiritual:** **but I am carnal**, sold under sin. Romans 7:14 The Christian life is a dichotomy, a constant warfare between the flesh and the spirit. *Romans 8:6-7* For **to be carnally minded is death**; but **to be spiritually minded is life and peace**. 7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. *Romans 7:18* For I know that in me (that is, **in my flesh**,) **dwelleth no good thing**: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. *Galatians 5:16* This I say then, **Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh**. Man is a trinity: body, soul and spirit. our body, the flesh, has a mind of its own and is corrupt and subject to lust unto sin. *James 1:14-15* But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away **of his own lust**, and enticed. `15`Then **when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin**: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The flesh is self-centered, self-promoting, self-preserving, and self-gratifying; in a word, selfish. The law is spiritual and requires selflessness, taking all into consideration besides yourself. *Colossians 3:13-14* **Forbearing** one another, and **forgiving** one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even **as Christ forgave you, so also do ye**. `14`And **above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness**. Upon salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of God and if we walk in the Spirit we will be strengthen to mortify the flesh and live the law of God. *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 7:1-6 Freedom in Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-7-1-6/) **Published:** December 2, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** In understanding salvation Paul gives us this similitude in Romans 7:1-6. 1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the **law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth**? 2For the woman which hath an husband **is bound by the law** to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, **she is loosed from the law of her husband**. 3So then if, **while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress**: but if her husband be dead, **she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress**, though she be married to another man. The point Paul is making is that the woman once under bondage to the law is with the death of her husband no longer bound by it. The law of her husband was taken out of the way and no she is no longer an adulteress. 4Wherefore, my brethren, **ye also are become dead to the law** by the body of Christ; **that ye should be married to another**, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. 6But now **we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held**; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. The analogy is that with the death of Christ we became dead to the law and are no longer in bondage to it. Being delivered from the law delivered us from sin. As the woman is no longer an adulteress, we are no longer sinners. *Romans 7:17* Now then **it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me**. *Romans 7:25* I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then **with the mind I myself serve the law of God**; but **with the flesh the law of sin**. *Colossians 2:11-12* In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in **putting off the body of the sins of the flesh** by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of **the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. *Romans 6:18* **Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.** Paul is speaking of our eternal salvation. The circumcision of Christ is the entering in of the Holy Spirit cutting away our soul from our flesh. The flesh remains sinful, but its sins are not imputed to us, our souls. *1 John 3:9* **Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin**; for his seed remaineth in him: and **he cannot sin, because he is born of God**. 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and **in him is no sin**. Then there is what seems to the unbelieving heart a contradiction. We still live in and must contend with the sins of the flesh. 1 John 1:8 If **we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us**. The flesh does not have to win the battle between it and the spirit. We our inner self, our spirit/soul needs to be driving the bus, not the flesh. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Romans **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Romans 6:1-7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-6-1-7/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:1-7 When we trusted in Christ Jesus our sins were transferred to him and his righteousness to us. As far as the Father is concerned our sins were nailed to the cross with His Son. God reckons us dead to sin. This is in relation to our eternal status. We still have to contend with this life, so we should reckon ourselves dead to sin and cease from sinning. *Romans 6:11-14* Likewise **reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin**, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12**Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body**, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13**Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin**: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14For **sin shall not have dominion over you**: for **ye are not under the law, but under grace**. Without the power of the law to condemn and damn us, we are dead to sin; it cannot be imputed to us. *1 Corinthians 15:56* The sting of death is sin; and **the strength of sin is the law**. *Romans 4:15* Because **the law worketh wrath**: for **where no law is, there is no transgression**. Being dead to the law, we are where there is no law. Though we cannot be damn it is not a license to sin and we will be judged. We are not without law to God. Those that are Christ shall all stand before his judgment seat and give an account. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. The warning that those who have trusted in Christ Jesus will have to appear before His judgment seat should be taken to heart by all the saints. They would live much better lives if they looked in the mirror every morning and reminded themselves that they will have to give an account of this day. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 4:4-5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-4-4-5/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:4-5 One of the gravest errors in biblical doctrine—a heresy—is the teaching that works play any part in salvation. Old Testament or New, salvation is by the grace of God through our faith alone. Romans is a monograph, a detailed study, on salvation: what it is, what it is not, how it is obtained and how it is not. The contrast between grace through faith and salvation by the works of the law is its central theme. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:16* Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Salvation *“is of faith, that it might be by grace.”* Faith and grace in this context are interchangeable. Grace/faith and works are mutually exclusive; the one cannot exist with the other. *Romans 4:14* For if they which are of the law be heirs, **faith is made void**, and **the promise made of none effect**: *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. Most of the well-intentioned errors in teaching the Bible are due to not rightly dividing it. Good works are our duty to God; what we were created to do. Even so, our works must manifest God’s righteousness not attempt to establish our own. *Romans 9:31-32* But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, **hath not attained to the law of righteousness**. 32Wherefore? **Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law**. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; *Romans 10:3* For they **being ignorant of God’s righteousness**, and going about to establish **their own righteousness**, have not submitted themselves unto **the righteousness of God**. The law was not given to establish our righteousness, but to reveal our unrighteousness. It is the mirror that shows us we do not measure up. In seeking to establish our own righteousness by the works of the law, we sin: such striving glorifies ourselves rather than God and boasts in our efforts rather than His grace. We must still do the works, but they must flow from faith toward God and obedience to His commands; only then do they glorify Him. If works had any part in individual salvation, we could boast of our virtue, our merit, before God’s law. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: **it is the gift of God**: 9**Not of works, lest any man should boast**. This is Bible 101, works have no part in obtaining or maintaining individual salvation at any time, Old or New Testament, nor Tribulation. Realizing this doctrinal truth corrects several errors such as the correct interpretation of our liberty in Christ; which is once save always saved. To be given the free gift of eternal life then told you must work or lose it nullifies free and gift. *Numbers 14:11* And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and **how long will it be ere they believe me**, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? *Deuteronomy 32:20* And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children **in whom is no faith**. Any teaching that the works of the law has any part in our eternal salvation is false. That is not to say that the Lord does not judge our works in this life. Rightly dividing necessitates acknowledging the eternal as separate from the temporal. > [Why Works Based Salvation is Wrong?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Grammar](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/grammar/) **Published:** October 3, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** When it comes to rightly dividing the Bible knowing and being able to handle basic English grammar is a necessary topic of study for the student of the Bible. Several false teachings and doctrines are based solely on bad grammar. As an example, look at Colossians 1:21-29, nine verses that constitute one sentence having over two-hundred words. (222 words) *Colossians 1:21-29* 21And **you**, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Without using basic grammar to rightly divide this sentence verse 23 will be taken and the rest thrown out and it will be taught that you can lose your salvation. > [Liberty In Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/) Look at Ephesians 2:8-9*.* For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. It is hard to imagine that the meaning of this verse is debated, fervently by some. The contention is over the antecedent of the pronoun ‘it’. It is proffered that the noun ‘faith’ is the antecedent on the grounds that ‘faith’ is the closest noun to ‘it’. Unfortunately, there is no such grammatical rule. An antecedent can be three sentences back or more. I want to examine the grammar of this passage in tedious detail. First, this sentence is a compound sentence made up of three independent clauses. A clause has a subject and a verb and if it has a complete thought also can stand alone independently as a sentence of its own. Unlike a phrase which does not have both a subject and verb. The three independent clauses are: 1. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. 2. It is the gift of God. 3. Not of works, lest any man should boast. To continue you need to know what a prepositional phrase is. It is a preposition and its noun object. There are five prepositional phrases in these three sentences. I will highlight the prepositions and italicize the noun object. 1. **By** *grace* 2. **Through** *faith* 3. Not **of** *yourselves* 4. **Of** *God* 5. Not **of** *works* There are several things to know about prepositional phrases. They are modifiers; hence they can be taken out of the sentence without changing the meaning. If they are adverbial, used as an adverb, they can be moved about in the sentence. If used as an adjective they cannot be moved without changing the meaning or making the sentence sound ridiculous. We have four adverbial prepositional phrases and one adjectival. To determine the proper subject of the first sentence we will rearrange the sentence to put it in normal English order. Ye are saved, by grace through faith; and that not of yourselves. We can rearrange the prepositional phrases. Ye are saved through faith by grace; and not of yourselves. By grace through faith ye are saved not of yourselves And we can take the preposition phrases out. Ye are saved. As written the subject is ‘ye’ *(the plural you)* and the verb is ‘are’. Both ‘ye’ and ‘saved’ are nouns. ‘Saved’ is an appositive or subject compliment, a word that renames the subject; that is, ‘ye’ and ‘saved’ refer to the save object, in this case person. Ye are saved – Saved are ye. So, to determine the antecedent of ‘it’ as in *“It is the gift of God”* we must consider the following. One hard and fast rule of grammar is that the noun object of a preposition is never, repeat, never the subject of a sentence. It is in the objective case and subjects must be in the subjective case. ‘Faith’ is the noun object of the preposition ‘through’; ‘it’ is a subject. The prepositional phrase “through faith” can be taken out of the sentence as it is only a modifier modifying the verb ‘are’. As stated, an adverb can also be moved around in the sentence. Ye are by grace through faith saved. It is the gift of God. Now what is the closest noun to ‘it’? After removing the modifiers it is saved. Without the modifiers it reads: Ye are saved; it is the gift. Saved, or salvation, is the gift not faith. You may ask, why is the Bible written this way when it would be so easy to have written it so that saved was plainly the antecedent of ‘it’? God wants to see who cares enough to study. It should be clear that knowing and using basic grammar is a necessity in understanding and rightly dividing the Scriptures. You do not have to be an English major; you do not have to worry about the present past perfect indicatives; we are reading not translating. Grammar is the bane of every schoolboy, but the basic grammar we need is not that difficult and once you learn it all this will be automatic; it is only tedious to try and explain it. The method that is used to teach makes all the difference. I believe that I have made my point just by dividing the first of the independent clauses. I feel, however, that I need to quickly divide the second and third clause to complete the passage. They are much simpler. It is the gift of God The subject is ‘it’ which we have found to be ‘saved’ or salvation. This sentence contains one prepositional phrase being used as an adjective modifying the noun ‘gift’; therefore it cannot be moved about without making the sentence awkward. **Of God**, it is the gift. It is, **of God**, the gift. The last clause has the troubling word ‘lest’ and one prepositional phrase used as an adverb which is why it can be move to the rear of the sentence. Not of works, lest any man should boast. In normal order it reads: Lest any man should boast **not of works**. “Lest’ = for fear that, in order to prevent. Our sentence means: To prevent any man from boasting, it is not of works. That no man should boast, it is not of works This should take care of the passage. I know that this has been rather tiresome, but it is necessary to understand and interpret the Bible correctly. Grammar is something you need to study to rightly divide the Scriptures. Obtaining a working knowledge of basic grammar is not difficult. I recommend the following as a place to start. <https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/daily-diagrams-get-smart.html> <https://www.youtube.com/user/GrammarREVOLUTION> [English 3200 A Programed Course in Grammer and Usage](https://www.amazon.com/English-3200-Second-Joseph-Blumenthal/dp/B0027JTQZM?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.H0wR4KyvvHMNMGkFv5CZ5b-tS8C1wxflF5n9qWQa4CGav80BY2E7GAe6Ostu-h4SnCA-he86eLXLVTa7hBD7kBIFJfIw63q0GEwh2NjT2JpjQ7wbuZjsCRrXPsKn2tJvOUbgnN9G9W0ySrF0vVR_sZsY-MRtlsquWxva5VDg2x1-OaNEIwgEMhVLLnhE4ox7hGs2RLALyrJJMePVISKhaNDEcfcbKh9jbNTgG3zZly8.3NagY5y33aD6XRmU-3kogLwAgscoE4SIgoSHowoMwuc&dib_tag=se) [English 2600 A Programed Course in Grammer and Usage](https://www.amazon.com/English-3200-Second-Joseph-Blumenthal/dp/B0027JTQZM?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.H0wR4KyvvHMNMGkFv5CZ5b-tS8C1wxflF5n9qWQa4CGav80BY2E7GAe6Ostu-h4SnCA-he86eLXLVTa7hBD7kBIFJfIw63q0GEwh2NjT2JpjQ7wbuZjsCRrXPsKn2tJvOUbgnN9G9W0ySrF0vVR_sZsY-MRtlsquWxva5VDg2x1-OaNEIwgEMhVLLnhE4ox7hGs2RLALyrJJMePVISKhaNDEcfcbKh9jbNTgG3zZly8.3NagY5y33aD6XRmU-3kogLwAgscoE4SIgoSHowoMwuc&dib_tag=se) The 2600 uses a lower grade level of English than the 3200. The new Programmed Grammar books can be expensive, but I have been able to find them used for a lot less. > [Biblical Freewill](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Bible, Required --- ### [Emotionalism ~ Jeremiah 17:9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jeremiah-179/) **Published:** May 3, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **The heart is deceitful above all things,** **and desperately wicked**: who can know it? *Jeremiah 17:9* In our modern age, many people attend church services primarily to receive emotional support or to experience an emotional high. Emotionalism permeates nearly every aspect of contemporary life. A well-crafted movie can stir our feelings, but a truly great film takes us on an intense emotional rollercoaster ride. The same principle applies to advertisements, political speeches, and church services alike, whether they’re proclaiming biblical truth or falsehood. The strategy is simple: stir the emotions, captivate the audience, and secure their emotional attachment. The prophet Jeremiah offers a sobering diagnosis of the human condition: The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: This verse reminds us that our own hearts cannot be trusted to lead us. Our feelings often deceive us, pulling us toward what feels right rather than what is truly right according to God’s word. On numerous occasions, I have been told that it just felt right. Emotionalism is one of Satan’s favorite devices. Biblical Christianity maintains a balanced view of emotions. It acknowledges their value but insists they must be constrained by reason and firmly grounded in the diligent study of Scripture. Emotions should follow truth, never precede it. The Apostle Paul exemplified this approach in his ministry: *Acts 17:2* And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days **reasoned with them out of the scriptures**. Paul didn’t rely on emotional appeals or dramatic presentations. Instead, he reasoned from the Scriptures, engaging minds as well as hearts. *Proverbs 28:26* **He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool**: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. Leading with emotion, or allowing ourselves to be led by emotional responses, represents one of the most undesirable traits of our fallen human nature. Throughout church history, yielding to emotional temptation has proven to be the bane of Christianity, leading to doctrinal errors, spiritual deception, and moral compromise. Emotional attachments and temptations can be especially dangerous because they often operate subtly, almost imperceptibly, making them difficult to recognize and resist. Emotions are indeed a gift from God, but good only when properly controlled and constrained by reason, truth, and the authoritative guidance of Scripture. When emotions are allowed to lead, we risk being deceived by our own deceitful hearts. True spiritual growth comes not from chasing emotional experiences, but from anchoring ourselves in the unchanging truth of God’s word. Being led by the heart produces the following: even a simple thought or act can be categorized as evil. *Genesis 6:5* And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that **every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually**. *Jeremiah 16:12* And ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, **ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart**, that they may not hearken unto me: *Mark 7:21-23* For from within, **out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,** 22**Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:** 23All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. The saints are obligated to deny feelings, direct our hearts, and trust in the word of God. *Proverbs 3:5* **Trust in the LORD with all thine heart**; and **lean not unto thine own understanding**. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog, Jeremiah --- ### [DSA’s Plan to Destroy USA](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dsas-plan-to-destroy-usa/) **Published:** July 22, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ## DSA’s National Platform The Democratic Socialists of America’s current program is titled “Workers Deserve More”. Here are its main planks (grouped by the program’s three sections): ## Thriving Working Class Communities - Freedom to Flourish: Expand public resources; paid family leave; 32-hour work week with full pay/benefits; living minimum wage; free quality public education (pre-K to college); cancel student debt. - Healthcare For All: Universal healthcare at no cost, including reproductive and gender-affirming care; invest in public hospitals/clinics; make medical education/training public and free. - Housing For All: Publicly owned social housing; strict regulation of investment properties; universal rent control; right to counsel for all tenants. - Finish Reconstruction: End legacies of slavery/colonialism; reinforce anti-discrimination laws; honor treaties/tribal sovereignty; reparations and major investments in jobs/housing/infrastructure in neglected minority communities. - End Mass Incarceration and Police Immunity: Demilitarize police; disempower police unions; redirect funds to public services; work toward abolishing police/prison system; treat addiction/mental illness as health issues; end qualified immunity; empower civilian oversight with real authority. - Feminism For All: Socialist feminism focused on queer liberation and working-class women; oppose policies restricting bodily autonomy (including abortion/child raising/gender expression/transition, etc.); ban sex discrimination and ensure fair compensation/support for care work. - Green New Deal: Democratic transition to a green future; federal jobs guarantee; massive investment in sustainable, publicly owned energy/transit; phase out fossil fuels. ## Working-class Foreign Policy - End The U.S. War Machine: Defund the Department of War; end foreign wars; close overseas bases; support/fully employ veterans; end immunity for U.S. war criminals; support ICC prosecution of war crimes. - Free Palestine: Recognize Palestinian rights (including right of return, right to resist occupation, self-determination); free Palestine with Jerusalem as capital; end all military/economic aid to Israel; prosecute responsible U.S./Israeli leaders for Gaza genocide. - End Blockades, Embargoes, and Sanctions: End U.S. economic warfare against countries acting independently (e.g., Cuba, Venezuela, Iran). - Abolish ICE: End ICE detention/deportations and punish brutality; legalize migration; amnesty regardless of status; path to citizenship for permanent residents; end visa caps/quotas. ## Working-class Democracy - Democracy For All: Extend full voting rights to all permanent residents; restore voting rights for incarcerated people and people with criminal convictions; statehood for D.C.; self-determination for territories/colonies; expand/protect voting rights and end voter suppression. - A Real Democracy: End corruption/lobbying/dark money/Citizens United; publicly finance elections; abolish the Electoral College; replace President and Supreme Court with branches chosen by and subordinate to Congress. - A Democratic Congress: Replace two-party system with multi-party democracy; expand the House; use proportional representation and ranked-choice voting; abolish the Senate. - Economic Democracy: Public ownership of the largest corporations and essential industries; aggressive wealth taxes on the richest and corporations to fund public goods/infrastructure. - Democracy At Work: Empower workers to fight the boss; protect/expand/enforce union rights to form/join/strike; support democratizing union structures (e.g., reform caucuses) and political action. For further research see: <https://factually.co/fact-checks/politics/democratic-socialists-of-america-core-policies-platform-213ad4> ### Wake Up America America can be fixed without the need of enslaving ourselves to a Marxist dictatorship. If only the people would wake and do their part is governing the nation. One example: Distribution of wealth. Institute mandatory profit sharing. If we can legislate minimum wages, we can legislate minimum profit sharing. Works should get a profit sharing check every quarter (every three months). This would end most labor disputes, everyone would be working to make the company more profitable. This would also stimulate the economy. The people just have to demand it of their government to implement such. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Politics --- ### [1 Corinthians 7 - Marriage](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-7/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 1 Corinthians 7:1 Paul is answering questions put to him about marriage. Paul was unmarried and recommended that this was the best way to be. *1 Corinthians 7:7-8* For **I would that all men were even as I myself**. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. 8I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, **It is good for them if they abide even as I**. The reason for this is a legitimate desire for Christ. *1 Corinthians 7:32-34* But I would have you without carefulness. **He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord**: 33But **he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife**. 34There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. **The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord**, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but **she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband**. *1 Corinthians 7:28* But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. **Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh**: but I spare you. So, Paul’s concern and recommendation are justified; it is a distraction from serving the Lord, and in consequence of being married, there will be, at times, trouble in the flesh. *1 Corinthians 7:2* Nevertheless, **to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband**. This is one of those truths that rub many the wrong way. The reason for marriage is sex: *“to avoid fornication”*. As important as sex is in satisfying the baser instincts of the flesh, it is not what makes and keeps a relationship; alone, it makes a sorry one. *1 Corinthians 7:3* **Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence**: and **likewise also the wife unto the husband**. Benevolence: compassion, kindness, generosity 1. Disposition to do good 2. An inclination to do kind or charitable acts 3. An act intending or showing kindness and goodwill Regardless of the underlying reason for marriage, it comes with the duty to love one another. *1 Corinthians 7:4* **The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.** You have become one flesh. No one other than your spouse has any right to your body, nor do you have the right to give your body to anyone else. Real love is when you, in accordance with God’s commandment, command your heart to love your spouse unconditionally: in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part. *1 Corinthians 7:5* **Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again**, **that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency**. Do not deny your spouse the use of your body, sex, except for a short time of prayer and fasting, and only with the consent of your spouse. To do so without consent opens the door to Satan to use your desire and lack of restraint to push you to sin: cheat, fornicate, and pornography, etc. The life Paul lived is not for everyone. *1 Corinthians 7:9* But **if they cannot contain, let them marry**: for **it is better to marry than to burn**. Whether you are both saved or not makes a difference as well. If you just want to live apart simply because you cannot seem to get along good enough to live together, then you have one kind of problem. If there is abuse, the Lord provides that a wife can separate herself and children from an abusive spouse for a time in the hope that the abuser will wake up and fix their problem. However, if both spouses are saved, divorce is not an option. *1 Corinthians 7:10-11* And unto the married **I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:** 11**But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.** I speak of two saved individuals, which is difficult, as a biblical life can require the sacrifice of remaining unmarried if you cannot reconcile. *1 Corinthians 7:36* But **if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry**. We only have to look at Mary and Joseph for an understanding of this. *Matthew 1:18* Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother **Mary was espoused to Joseph**, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Mary and Joseph were espoused, that is married in every way but sex. She traveled with him and most likely kept house, did his cooking and cleaning, and he supported her. Who knows how long they had been this way or how much longer they could have gone? She was his virgin. *2 Samuel 3:14* And David sent messengers to Ishbosheth Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my **wife** Michal, which I **espoused** to me for an hundred foreskins of the Philistines. The following aphorism encapsulates the essence of biblical marriage. Marriage is: A man sacrificing himself FOR his woman, A woman giving herself TO her man. *Ephesians 5:25* Husbands, love your wives, **even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it**; *Ephesians 5:22* Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, **as unto the Lord**. The emphasis on family is throughout the Bible; a few quick observations, however: The proper order of ranking. 1. God 2. Christ 3. Man 4. Women Marriage is a similitude of salvation. The Lord loved and sacrificed Himself for His bride. It is for us to love and give ourselves to Him. This is the reason a godly marriage is so important as a testimony. *Ephesians 5:32* This is a great mystery: but **I speak concerning Christ and the church** God condemns women ruling over men and children not being under control. *Isaiah 3:12* As for my people, **children are their oppressors, and women rule over them**. O my people, **they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths**. Marriage and family are a divinely ordained institution with a clear structure and order. In this structure, the husband is the head. However, the husband is not given the authority or right to force his wife to do anything. He cannot truly lead if his wife will not follow. While God commands a wife to submit to her husband’s headship, the husband has no authority to enforce God’s commands upon her. Each spouse is accountable to obey the specific commandments given to them: the wife to fulfill her role, and the husband to fulfill his. It is the responsibility of each person to obey God’s instructions for their own life, independent of their spouse’s obedience or disobedience. Your spouse’s faithfulness—or lack of it—does not change or excuse your own obligations before God. L**et every one of you in particular** **so love his wife even as himself;** **the wife see that she reverence her husband.** If he is smart, hubby will realize that his best course of action is to make it as easy as possible for the wife to obey her commandments and show his appreciation. She is not a slave or doormat, and it is best to let her have her say before any final decisions are made. One more point that I think needs to be stated is that your loyalty is to each other. There should be no split loyalties. As an example, you honor your parents, but your loyalty is to your spouse. This applies to friends and other family members as well as your fascination with other things: sports, hunting, fishing, yoga, and even the kids. You have an obligation to raise and care for your children, but the two of you are one. Be careful not to neglect one another in the process. Now for the final and most difficult piece of the puzzle. I use my judgment; I can not give you a definitive answer from the Scriptures that cannot be debated. *1 Corinthians 7:2* Nevertheless, **to avoid fornication**, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. If a brother or sister finds themselves in such a situation, being divorced and cannot contain themselves, I judge they should marry rather than fight off fornication constantly. But you should know and accept that you will be living in adultery. Except this, and do not try to act as if you are not. That is, as such, you will be limited in any ministry you may endeavor to do. Do not take or hold any office in the local assembly, as an example. Everything written above still applies. *Romans 7:3* So then if, **while her husband liveth**, she be married to another man, **she shall be called an adulteress**: but **if her husband be dead**, she is free from that law; **so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man**. Take note that there is no command to separate if married and living in adultery. It is just what it is; live with it. The Lord will judge all in the end. Marriage in a nutshell. > [The Servant of the Lord Must](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-servant-of-the-lord-must/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [Faith of Jesus Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith-of-jesus-christ/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - [**Introduction**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Definition**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**Meditate**](#uagb-tabs__tab2) - [**Rightly Divide**](#uagb-tabs__tab3) - [**Final Thoughts**](#uagb-tabs__tab4) ## Introduction For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 1 Corinthians 11:19 Many errors have crept into biblical teaching, some more egregious than others. The error discussed in this study is truly heinous, an error that is such a subtle and innocent-looking misinterpretation designed to convince that it is glorifying God, when in fact it is corrupting his word and perverting the gospel. This error is becoming more pervasive within the Church and has had devastating effects. The error is the misinterpretation of the following group of words. - the faith of Jesus Christ - the faith of Christ, These and other similar phrases are being taken out of their context and a false meaning applied. They are interpreted to mean that it is Jesus’ faith, not our faith in Him, that saves. They derive this private interpretation by violating one of the basic rules of “rightly dividing the word of truth;” a sentence is the smallest unit of grammar that has a definite meaning. Any meaning can be applied to a clause, phrase, or group of words when removed from the context of their sentence. A sentence is a trinity; it must have a subject, a predicate (verb), and a complete thought. Anything less than a sentence lacks one of those three and has no definitive meaning. This error often insinuates, if not directly teaches, that men are not capable of having faith —that it is a gift given to them by God, or, more to the point, that Christ’s faith is attributed to us. This fallacy has been leavening segments of the Church and continues to entrench itself in an attempt to leaven the whole lump. To begin this study, we will consider the biblical definition of faith in all its aspects. The definition of faith may be well known to many, but due to the attacks on it, a refresher is not unreasonable. The errors covered here are far from harmless; their unforeseen consequences are very destructive. I have seen firsthand a young family ill-equipped, weak in the faith, being pushed out to a supposed calling based on not to worry, God will give you the faith to succeed, or you are not going on your faith, it is the Lord’s faith that will sustain you. Unfortunately, the Lord’s faith did not sustain, nor was faith provided, and a young family was destroyed, and torn apart when the young man was overwhelmed, returning to the world, losing his wife and children. There should be no doubt that if Satan can destroy one family with this deception, many others have or will also be destroyed. This teaching is a pernicious falsehood with devastating repercussions, and it has been infiltrating the thinking of many Bible teachers who are not diligently studying it out. Make the word of God as much as possible its own interpreter. You will best understand the word of God by comparing it with itself. *“Comparing spiritual things with spiritual”* Sir Isaac Newton 1642-1727 ## Definition But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 God has elected that we must have faith as a determining factor as to whether or not we *“please him.”* Few of the disputes and controversies debated within the Church are as important or as consequential as those embroiling faith. It is required of us to be pleasing to God, essential for salvation and its absence in anything constitutes sin. *Romans 14:23* …for **whatsoever is not of faith is sin**. For these reasons, it would seem that understanding what the Scriptures mean by it would be advisable. The false interpretations of faith are stumbling blocks to salvation. Faith is often set forth as the gift of God beyond man’s ability to exercise themselves. Faith is a divine virtue that can only occur in the human breast by an act of divine grace Thomas Aquinas 1225-74 Faith is the gift of God’s grace; it is not merited, earned, nor self-created Emil Brunner—1899~1966 But, what do the Scriptures have to say? In this instance I am going to touch on a little Greek and show how to use it correctly to support faith in God’s word. The Greek word translated as faith is “PISTIS”. Pistis is the noun form of the word. The adjective form is “PISTIOS” and the verb form is “PISTEUO”. As a noun Pistis is translated as: - Faith - Assurance - Believeth - Belief - Fidelity - Believe As an adjective Pistios is translated as: - Believed - Believeth - Believers As a verb Pisteuo is translated as: - Believeth - Believed The important point is that “faith” and “believe” in our Bible are translated from the same word. Using the Hebrew and Greek like this is useful. As this is a word study, it would be proper to begin by simply looking at the dictionary definition of faith. Most abridged dictionaries will give the two most common meanings. Faith: 1. Confidence, reliance, trust; Belief 2. That which is believed or the object of belief The two meanings simply look at faith from opposite ends. - I have faith in this — This is my faith - I have faith in Jesus Christ — I hold to the faith of Jesus Christ *Revelation 14:12* Here is the patience of the saints: here are they **that keep** the commandments of God, and **the faith of Jesus.** *“That keep…the faith of Jesus.”* The fact that faith can be looked at from these two directions will be a very important concept to remember in studying this error. Two examples of it being used for the objects of belief are found in Galatians and 1 Timothy. *Galatians 1:23* But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth **the faith** which once he destroyed. *1 Timothy 3:9* Holding the mystery of **the faith** in a pure conscience. *“That keep…the faith of Jesus.”* The fact that faith can be looked at from these two directions will be an important concept to remember in studying this error. The biblical definition of faith is the same, to believe, trust, rely on, etc. *Hebrews 11:6* But **without faith** it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God **must believe** that he is,… *“Faith…must believe,”* having the faith needed to please God begins with believing he is. *Isaiah 43:10* Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and **believe me**, and understand that **I am he:** before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. The Lord has always been attempting to get men to believe, put their faith, in him. *Numbers 14:11* And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be **ere they believe me**, for all the signs which I have showed among them? *Deuteronomy 32:20* And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children **in whom is no faith**. Faith is also defined in Romans as believing. *Romans 4:3-5* For what saith the scripture? Abraham **believed God**, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, but **believeth** on him that justifieth the ungodly, **his faith** is counted for righteousness. It is God who justifies the ungodly. Believing on him is defined in the above passage as exercising one’s own faith, *“his faith is counted for righteousness.”* Take note here that faith/belief is in contrast to works, *“to him that **worketh not, but believeth**.”* *Romans 4:16* Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of **the faith of Abraham**; who is the father of us all, Is the above verse speaking of Abraham’s faith being given to us or that we have the same faith in God that Abraham had? The Lord was consistently faulting men for not having faith. *Matthew 6:30* …**O ye of little faith**? *Matthew 8:26* And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, **O ye of little faith**?… *Matthew 14:31* …**O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt**? *Matthew 16:8* …**O ye of little faith**,… *Luke 12:28* …**O ye of little faith**? *Matthew 21:25* …Why did ye not then **believe** him? *Mark 4:40* …Why are ye so fearful? **how is it that ye have no faith**? *Mark 5:36* …Be not afraid, **only believe**. *Mark 9:23* Jesus said unto him, **If thou canst believe**, all things are possible to him **that believeth**. The point being, how can men be reproved of the Lord for not having something that they must obtain as a gift from him? Many times Ephesians 2:8-9 is used to support the teaching that faith is a gift from God, and it is a good example of how the lack of applying the principles of basic grammar can lead to false interpretations. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: **it is the gift of God**: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. It has been proffered that ‘faith’ being the closest noun to the pronoun ‘it’, that it must be its antecedent. No such grammar rule exist. An antecedent can be paragraphs away. These two verses contain one compound sentence which by definition means it is two or more independent sentence combined to show a closer relationship. If we use our grammar knowledge we can clarify and obtain its correct interpretation. First, divide the compound sentence into its independent clauses. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Now to find the simple sentences and its real complete thought, remove all the modifiers and conjunctions; adjectives, adverbs, etc. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. It is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. This leaves us the two simple sentences. > Ye are saved. It is the gift. In the first sentence, “Through faith” as well as “by grace,” and “not of yourselves,” are prepositional adverbial phrases and are treated as one-word adverbs. They all modify the verb “are.” Being used in an adverb phrase, the noun “faith” cannot be the antecedent of any pronoun, as it is in the objective case and not the subjective. Faith is not the gift. The noun *“saved”* is the antecedent to “it.” Prepositional phrases show relationships, on the table, under the table, etc. There are three relationships; ‘are by grace saved,’ ‘are through faith saved,’ and ‘are not of yourselves saved.’ The antecedent of *“it”* is the noun *“saved,”* not the noun *“faith”* which is being used as an adverb in an adverb phrase as the object of the preposition *“through”.* > Ye are saved. It (salvation) is the gift of God. Understanding and applying basic grammar can be tedious, but it is indispensable in rightly dividing the word of truth. By not doing so a phrase or group of words can be said to mean anything. Salvation is the gift of God’s grace, not faith. Salvation is granted to an individual through his faith in the gospel of Christ Jesus. Putting your faith in Christ Jesus is the requirement, the condition, to receive the gift of salvation. “[**Predestination**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/ "Predestination"),” and “[**The Foreknowledge of God**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/ "Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, Open Theology, Foreknowledge of God").”) In determining biblically that faith is synonymous with believing we must also realize that believing is not necessarily faith. *John 20:29* Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because **thou hast seen** me, **thou hast believed**: blessed are they **that have not seen**, and **yet have believed**. You can believe something because you have seen and touched, *“…because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed…”* or by faith, *“…blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”* This is a general principle, a precept, of the Scriptures that was most succinctly expressed by Blaise Pascal in the mid-1600s. God has chosen believing by faith, not through knowledge and understanding, as a general precept of his word. It explains why atheists, evolutionists, and the like do not see and understand creation the same as men of faith. God will not allow it to be seen and understood, even when that understanding would lead to believing in him or in his word. You must believe in him and his word first. Blaise Pascal 1623-1662) French Mathematician, Physicist, Theologian God has chosen believing by faith, not through knowledge and understanding, as a general precept of his word. It explains why atheists, evolutionists, and the like do not see and understand creation the same way as men of faith. God will not allow it to be seen and understood, even when that understanding would lead to believing in him or in his word. You must believe in him and his word first. *Acts 9:18* And immediately **there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight** forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. It is common for some to mistakenly assume God is preventing men from believing his word in verses such as the following: *Acts 28:26* Saying, Go unto this people, and say, **Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive**: *Matthew 13:14* And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, **By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive**: *Mark 4:12* That **seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them**. God is not preventing them from believing by faith from the heart; he is preventing them from understanding and believing from the head. He has chosen faith, to trust and believe him, even when you do not understand. To put it another way, God will not settle for intellectually coming to know Him; wisdom and understanding must begin with and flow from our heartfelt faith in him. Men have faith in almost everything they normally do. Without faith, you are a Psychotic Paranoid Personality. Men have faith that they can drive headlong at each other with only a four-inch painted line to keep them from crashing. We could not open a door without faith that there was nothing on the other side to hurt us. The Bible uses the word *‘faith’* in one sense, in reference to one thing and one thing only, *“faith toward God.”* Faith toward God, faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ, is its only biblical use. *Hebrews 6:1* Therefore leaving **the principles of the doctrine of Christ**, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of **faith toward God**, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. *Acts 20:21* Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and **faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ**. It ought to be evident at this point, seeing that faith is synonymous with believing and biblically it is in reference to “faith toward God” only, that it is each and every one of us that have to rouse that faith from within us. Believing/faith is not a gift; it is required of us. Having this understanding of the biblical definition of faith, we can use it to study and judge the correctness of the interpretations at issue, the errors that provoked this study. ## Meditating On These Things Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 1 Timothy 4:15 The error being opposed is the teaching that phrases as the following represent Jesus Christ’s faith and not our faith in Him. *Romans 3:22* …**by faith of Jesus Christ**… *Revelation 14:12* …**the faith of Jesus**. Before we look at the context and begin diagramming sentences there is one more aspect of our *“faith toward God”* and Christ to explore. *Hebrews 11:1* Now **faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen**. We know from the previous chapter that Hebrews 11:1 is not the definition of faith, it is rather an effect of faith. It is our *“faith toward God”* that is the substance of things hoped for. It is our walking in the faith, living by the faith, that is an evident token of the things unseen. *Philippians 1:27-28* Only let your conversation **be as it becometh the gospel of Christ**: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that **ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel**; 28And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is **to them an evident token of perdition**, but to you of salvation, and that of God. We know from the previous chapter that Hebrews 11:1 is not the definition of faith, it is rather an effect of faith. It is our *“faith toward God”* that is the substance of things hoped for. It is our walking in the faith, our willingness to live by the faith, to die for the faith, that is an evident token of the things unseen. *James 2:17-18* Even so **faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone**. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: **shew me thy faith without thy works**, and **I will shew thee my faith by my works**. In light of this, the question must be asked, What is God going to put faith in? What does he have to hope for? He created all things, he sees all things, he knows all things. What is he going to have faith in? He is in control of all things! We only see in part, we need faith. *2 Corinthians 5:7* (For **we walk by faith, not by sight**: ) *1 Corinthians 13:12* For now we **see** through **a glass, darkly**; but then face to face: now **I know in part**; but then shall I know even as also I am known. We cannot see it all thus we have to walk by faith. The contrast is faith opposed to sight. *Romans 8:24* For we are saved by hope: but **hope that is seen is not hope**: for **what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for**? God sees all; there is nothing for God to have faith in. *Psalms 139:12* Yea, **the darkness hideth not from thee**; but **the night shineth as the day**: **the darkness and the light are both alike to thee**. *Hebrews 4:13* Neither is there any creature **that is not manifest in his sight**: but **all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him** with whom we have to do. *Proverbs 15:3* The eyes of the LORD are **in every place**, beholding the evil and the good. In review, faith is believing; the Bible uses faith in only one sense, believing God. The Bible contrast faith against works, and it contrast faith against seeing. Faith is believing from the heart, not the head. - Faith is believing - The Bible uses faith in only one sense: believing God - The Bible contrasts faith against works - The Bible contrasts faith against seeing - Faith is believing from the heart, not the head With these points confirmed and in our minds, it is time to approach the *“faith of Jesus.”* ## Rightly Divide Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Our first reference will be the phrase *“the faith of God,”* which, in actuality, is just a group of words removed from the context of their sentence and chapter. What is God going to put faith in? What does he have to hope for? *Romans 3:3* For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make **the faith of God** without effect? The Lord created all things, he sees all things, he knows all things. What is he going to have faith in? He is in control of all things! So, it is not God’s faith but our faith in Him. God sees all; there is nothing for God to have faith in. *Psalms 139:12* Yea, **the darkness hideth not from thee**; but the **night shineth as the day**: the **darkness and the light are both alike to thee**. *Hebrews 4:13* Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but **all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do**. *Proverbs 15:3* **The eyes of the LORD are in every place**, beholding the evil and the good. Faith is not an attribute of God. So, without examining the context or diagramming a sentence, we know that the teaching that this phrase is to be interpreted as God having or exercising faith is in error. God does not walk by faith. *Romans 3:3* For what if some did not **believe**? shall their **unbelief** make **the faith of God** without effect? To interpret this verse, you have to remember what was just stated in the previous chapter. Chapter two is a discourse on believing and non-believing, Jews keeping or not keeping the law, and that it will not affect the judgments of God. *Romans 2:12-13* For as many as have sinned **without law shall also perish without law**: and as many as have sinned in the law **shall be judged by the law**; 13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Looking at Romans 3:3 in light of Romans 2, we see that it is a contrast between belief and unbelief. *Romans 3:3* For what if some did **not believe**? shall their **unbelief** make **the faith of God without effect**? It is asking if the **unbelief** of some in “**the oracles of God,”** God’s word, will void the **belief** that others have in it. *Romans 3:2* Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed **the oracles of God**. Will their faith in God’s word be useless or without effect because someone else does not believe? The words **“faith of God”** here have the same meaning as in Titus. *Titus 1:1* Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to **the faith of God’s elect**, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; Will the unbelief of some in God’s word make void the faith/belief of God’s elect in his word? In accordance with the definition and use of the word *“faith”* in the Scriptures described in the previous chapters and keeping with the context that this passage is found in, this is the only interpretation that is biblically sound. To place any other interpretation on those words is against every precept of *“rightly dividing the word of truth.”* There are several other references to which this error is applied. *Galatians 2:20* **the faith of the Son of God** *Ephesians 3:12* **the faith of him** *James 2:1* **the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ** *Philippians 3:9* And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is **through the faith of Christ**, the righteousness which is of God by faith: We would interpret the above the same as these below. *Romans 4:16* … but to that also which is of **the faith of Abraham**; who is the father of us all, *Philippians 1:27* … **the faith of the gospel**; *Colossians 2:12* … through **the faith of the operation of God**, … Is Abraham’s faith being imputed to us, or is it that our faith is like Abraham’s, believing God? *Romans 4:11* And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of **the faith which he had** yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: Is the gospel exercising faith, or is it our faith in the gospel? Does the operation of God have faith, or is it our faith in the operation? Clearly, this erroneous interpretation cannot be applied consistently and therefore must be suspect and rightfully questioned. This false interpretation is often illustrated with Galatians 2:15-16. It is again the product of wrongly dividing the word of truth by taking the phrase “the faith of Jesus Christ” out of its context. Look at Galatians 2:15-16; the two verses contain one sentence. *Galatians 2:15-16* We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16Knowing that a man is not justified by **the works of the law**, but by **the faith of Jesus Christ**, even **we have believed** in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by **the faith of Christ**, and not by **the works of the law**: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Here again, the only way to interpret the words *“the faith of Jesus Christ”* as Christ having faith is to take them out of the context of their sentence. By breaking this sentence down by taking all the modifiers out, we will be left with the simple sentence of a subject, verb, and the proper complete thought. We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Removing the modifiers leaves just the simple sentence of a subject being *“We”* and the verb *“have believed.”* Diagramming the sentence is easy enough. We \| have believed The complete thought of the sentence is that they, the Jews, have believed something, put their faith in something. The Jews are the doers of the action. The rest of the sentence contained in these two verses are modifiers either modifying the subject “we,” the verb “have believed,” and adding to and explaining the complete thought of *“We have believed,”* or we have put our faith in something. They are going to tell us who *“we”* are and what *“we”* are believing. Adding the modifiers back in for the subject first, *“We”* is modified to explain exactly who *“We”* is: We are Jews by nature not sinners of the Gentiles (we) knowing that a man is justified not by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ We see then that the subject *“We”* of the sentence are natural-born Jews and not Gentile converts. Jews who are knowing that Justification is not in keeping the law but by faith. The verb *“have believed”* is modified by: (We) have believed in Jesus Christ The verb *“might be justified”* is modified by: (that we) might be justified by the faith of Christ, not by the works of the law Here we have the same phrasing as *“the faith of Jesus Christ”* in the phrase *“the works of the law.”* Is it the work that the law is doing? Or is it the work “We,” the Jews, are doing in relation to the law? It is the work the Jews are doing in relation to the law. So it is with faith; it is their faith in or in relation to Jesus Christ, not Christ’s faith. In relation to is one of the definitions of the word “of”: not by the works (in relation) to the law. It is understandable that studying, especially grammar, can be tedious work. Understanding what the Bible says requires it. *Ecclesiastes 12:12* … and **much study is a weariness of the flesh**. Another point that is good to remember is that verse numbers are not part of grammar and should not be taken into account in rightly dividing and diagramming a sentence. They do serve an important role in aiding the study of the Scriptures in that they separate thoughts. A sentence has to have at least one complete thought, but can have sub-thoughts combining to make that complete thought. There are sentences in the New Testament that contain more than two hundred words, Colossians 1:21-29, as an example. These verses are often misread and misinterpreted. It may be a bit of effort to exercise proper grammar but it is worth it to ensure you are correctly interpreting and understanding God’s word. *Proverbs 2:3-5* Yea, **if thou criest after knowledge**, and **liftest up thy voice for understanding**; 4If thou **seekest her as silver**, and **searchest for her as for hid treasures**; 5Then shalt thou understand **the fear of the LORD**, and find the knowledge of God. **“The fear of the Lord”,** is it God who is in fear, or is it we who should fear the Lord? God never meant for everything in the Scriptures to be easy to understand. He would like to see some effort on our parts, some desire, to know and understand him, some love and passion toward His word. ## Final Thoughts By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 We are admonished throughout the whole Bible to believe in, on, and put our total trust, our faith, in God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Hebrews chapter eleven gives examples of men and women who trusted in God to exhort us to walk in that same faith. Hebrews 11:1-40 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3**Through faith** we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 4**By faith** Abel … 5**By faith** Enoch … 6But **without faith** it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must **believe** that he is, … 7**By faith** Noah, … 8By faith Abraham, … 9**By faith** he… 11**Through faith** also Sara … 17**By faith** Abraham, … 20**By faith** Isaac … 21**By faith** Jacob, … 22**By faith** Joseph, … 23**By faith** Moses, … 24**By faith** Moses, … 27**By faith** he forsook Egypt … 28**Through faith** he kept the passover, … 29**By faith** they passed through the Red sea … 30**By faith** the walls of Jericho fell down, … 31**By faith** the harlot Ra hab … *Hebrews 12:1-2* Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, **2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith**;… If the faith they all had was imputed to them or given as the gift of God, then their example is void of meaning. Who cannot be strong in the faith if God gives you the faith to be strong? This false teaching does one thing very well: it gives those weak in faith an excuse to remain so. *1 Peter 1:7* That **the trial of your faith**, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, **might be found unto praise and honour and glory** at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Why would God try your faith if he has to give it to you? How could it not be found *“unto praise and honour and glory”* if it is not our faith? The Lord deals with us, puts us through tough situations to try and build, test, and strengthen our faith in him. There are only three things mentioned in the Scriptures that are imputed to men: iniquity, sin and God’s righteousness. *Psalms 32:2* Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD **imputeth not iniquity**, and in whose spirit there is no guile. *Romans 4:8* Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not **impute sin**. *Romans 4:6* Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God **imputeth righteousness** without works, It is highly recommended you look up every one of the two hundred and thirty-one verses in the Bible that contain the word faith before you instruct on the question here contemplated. I list a few here so as to let the Lord speak for himself. *Mark 4:40* And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? **How is It that ye have no faith**? *Luke 8:25* And he said unto them, **Where Is your faith**? *Matthew 9:22* But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; **thy faith** hath made thee whole. Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw **their faith**, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. Matthew 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, **According to your faith** be it unto you. The Lord is looking for faith in man! *Luke 18:8* I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, **shall he find faith on the earth**? Why would this be a question if faith has to come from God? *Deuteronomy 32:20* And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, **children in whom Is no faith**. Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, **O ye of little faith**? If God has to impart faith, what criteria or conditions were not met for those whom the Lord chided for not having it? How can he reprove them for not having something he has to give them? *1 Thessalonians 3:10* Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that **which is lacking in your faith**? If your faith comes from God, how can it be lacking anything? The faith of Jesus Christ is the corporate beliefs that the Jews had in him. The faith of Jesus Christ is what we believe in and about him. The Lord by himself purged our sins, but to teach that man has nothing required of him, no action to take in the course of his salvation, is an error; he must repudiate his self-righteousness, admit to his helplessness, hopelessness, and sinful condition, and trust by faith in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. - Faith toward God - The faith of God - the faith of the operation of God - The faith of Jesus - Faith of Christ - By faith of Jesus Christ - The faith of the Son of God - The faith of our Lord Jesus Christ - The faith of the Son of God - The faith of the gospel - The faith of him - The faith of Abraham - The faith - The faith of God’s elect - The faith of the saints - The faith of some Interpreted correctly, all the above concern our faith toward God and Christ Jesus. This teaching can have sinners waiting for God to give them the faith to believe, those weak in faith being pushed out, trusting in the faith that will never come. The error discussed in this study is truly vile. It is an error that is such a subtle and innocent-looking misinterpretation designed to convince that it is glorifying God, when in fact it is corrupting his word and perverting the gospel. This is not to say that some with the right intentions and desire toward God are not just deceived by those who intended to deceive. **[Introduction ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith-of-jesus-christ/#uagb-tabs__tab0)**– **[Definition ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith-of-jesus-christ/#uagb-tabs__tab1)**– **[Meditate ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith-of-jesus-christ/#uagb-tabs__tab2)**– **[Rightly Divide](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith-of-jesus-christ/#uagb-tabs__tab3)** – **[Final Thoughts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith-of-jesus-christ/#uagb-tabs__tab4)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Erroneous Beliefs **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Luke 24:44 ~ Fulfilling the Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-2444-fulfilling-the-law/) **Published:** May 16, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Luke 24:44 Many apply the wrong idea to Jesus fulfilling the law. Of course, he obeyed the law; he was a faithful Israelite. Paul kept the law as well as every faithful Jew. *Philippians 3:6* Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; **touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless**. There was nothing of interest in the Lord obeying the Law. The fulfillment of the Law was the carrying out of the prophecies contained in the Law and the Prophets. Often, the question is asked as to why more of the life of the Lord is not recorded in the Bible. The answer is that only the parts that fulfilled prophecy are documented. *“all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, **concerning me**”* The Lord fulfilled the law in that he fulfilled all the prophesy concerning His first coming. All things written in the law and the prophets foretelling the events of his life had to be accomplished. *Matthew 2:5* And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for **thus it is written by the prophet**, *Matthew 26:24* The Son of man goeth **as it is written of him**: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. *Matthew 26:31* Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for **it is written**, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. *Mark 9:12* And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how **it is written of the Son of man**, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. *Mark 14:21* The Son of man indeed goeth, **as it is written** of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born. *Mark 14:27* And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: **for it is written**, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. *Luke 18:31* Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and **all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished**. *Luke 22:37* For I say unto you, that **this that is written must yet be accomplished in me**, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end. *Luke 24:44* And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, **that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me**. *Luke 24:46* And said unto them, **Thus it is written**, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: *John 15:25* But **this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law**, They hated me without a cause. All the prophesies of the OT must be fulfilled. Jesus fulfilled all that applied to him and His first coming. The rest will be fulfilled in their time. *John 13:18* I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but **that the scripture may be fulfilled**, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me. *Psalms 41:9* Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Luke --- ### [Walk with God](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/walk-with-god/) **Published:** May 15, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **Enoch walked with God**: and he was not; for God took him. Genesis 5:24 What does it truly mean to walk with God today and be pleasing to God as Enoch did? The simple answer is that the requirements are the same — nothing has changed in the principles we must follow to please God. *Hebrews 11:5* By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: **for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God**. To please God, we must put Christ and His service first in our lives. The Christian life is defined by three things: - **Service** - **Sacrifice** - **Suffering** We must be willing to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to serve Him, and endure whatever consequences come from that service. We are to read and diligently study God’s word. Even if something we do is right, if it’s not done because God commanded it, it glorifies self rather than God. Anything that does not glorify God is sin. *1 Corinthians 10:31* Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or **whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God**. *Isaiah 42:8* I am the LORD: that is my name: and **my glory will I not give to another**, neither my praise to graven images. Walking with God requires a boldness that only faith can give. The stronger your faith, the bolder and more steadfast your service will be. *Romans 10:17* So then **faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God**. Walking with God also means we should expect trials and tribulations. Scripture is clear that those who live godly in Christ will suffer persecution. *Philippians 1:29* For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, **but also to suffer for his sake**; *2 Timothy 3:12* `KJV `Yea, and **all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution**. *1 Thessalonians 3:3-4* That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that **we are appointed thereunto**. `4`For verily, when we were with you, **we told you before that we should suffer tribulation**; even as it came to pass, and ye know. *1 Peter 4:13* But **rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings**; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. *James 4:4* Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? **whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God**. Remember God’s **[precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-precepts/)**—*“whatsoever is not of faith is sin.”* Romans 14:23 *2 Timothy 2:3* Thou therefore **endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ**. Today as every day, it pleases God when we live the godly life of **S**ervice, **S**acrifice, and **S**uffering. > [Others May, You Cannot](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/others-may-you-cannot/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Ministry, Suffering --- ### [Romans 14:23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-1423/) **Published:** May 5, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** … **for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.** Romans 14:23 A recent **[article ](https://medium.com/backyard-theology/the-opposite-of-faith-is-not-doubt-5b61391b917b)**I read set forth that the opposite of faith was not doubt but certainty. *“Whatsoever is not of faith is sin”* is a universal principle in God’s word. Faith is trusting God and His word, no matter what happens. All things fall under His will. Praying in faith doesn’t guarantee that God will answer exactly the way we expect. Sometimes, great blessings come through tragedy. I once met a Christian man whose eighteen-year-old daughter was killed by a drunk driver. It shook his and his wife’s faith to the core. Two nights before, the family had sat down together to talk about their faith. Their daughter said she loved Christ and wanted to serve Him in any way she could. The accident devastated the parents, as you’d expect. But at her funeral, five of her friends gave their lives to Christ. They were still grieving, but they now saw meaning in her death. She had gone home to be with the Lord, and five of her friends went with her. Doubt is the opposite of faith. True certainty comes from knowing God is always in control. There are times when the Lord takes everything away to show that all we truly have is Him. When tribulations come, don’t ask “Why?” — bless the Lord and ask “How can I serve the Lord in this?” — *Job 1:21 KJV* And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: **the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.** > [Walk with God](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/walk-with-god/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 8:19-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-819-23/) **Published:** April 18, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for **the manifestation of the sons of God**. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that **the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now**. And **not only they, but ourselves also**, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.** Romans 8:19-23 At present, we have only the earnest, the guarantee of salvation. *Ephesians 1:13-14* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 **Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession**, unto the praise of his glory. *2 Corinthians 1:22* Who hath also sealed us, and given **the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts**. - Earnest: Something of value given by one person to another to bind a contract When you offer a bid on a house, it is often required that you provide earnest money, guaranteeing that you will not back out. If you do, you lose the earnest money. We are given the Holy Spirit as earnest that our salvation is sure: Once Saved, Always Saved. As such, we are waiting for the fulfillment of the contract or covenant God has made with us, the day we receive our full salvation. “waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.” Full salvation is when we receive our new bodies, putting on incorruption and immortality. we *1 Corinthians 15:53* For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortalit**y. *2 Corinthians 5:4* For **we that are in this tabernacle do groan**, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but **clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life**. This day is the day the Lord returns to catch out His bride, the Chruch. It is the **[Rapture or Translation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/)** of the body of Christ. *1 Corinthians 15:51-57* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, **Death is swallowed up in victory**. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, **which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ**. > [The Rapture or Translation of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Romans --- ### [American Unrest](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/american-unrest/) **Published:** April 18, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Articles such as: “[**Fundamentalist Christians Created Trump**](https://jeffrey-spencer.medium.com/fundamentalist-christians-created-trump-0b5bfdfd8354)“, promote that President Trump’s policies are the cause of the current unrest in America. Nothing could be further from the truth. The situation we are in was created by decades of control by the liberal, progressive, Marxist, Left promoting collectivism, which are attempting to tear our republic apart. They do not want equal rights; they want all the rights. Trump’s policies are the correct and necessary results needed to regain Constitutional sanity. No country can survive open borders. If you pay attention to the news, most who have practiced open border policies are now tightening their immigration policies, experiencing the same problems and danger as the US and resorting to the necessity of deporting immigrants. The Constitution does not safeguard illegal acts committed by those active in attempting mob rule. It was written to specifically prohibit such. There is no right to protest in the Constitution; the right is to be able to *“petition the government for a redress of grievances.”* Any assembly that impedes, interferes with, or blocks others from exercising their rights is not a”peaceful assembly”, nor Constitutional. America is engaged in a civil war—not with guns, but ideas. One side clings to law, order, and duty. The other to civil disobedience, disruption, and entitlement. The former sees government as a necessary evil, rights coming from something bigger, like nature or God. The latter believes in doing whatever feels right, no strings, with government as the ultimate provider—handing out life, liberty, even defining them. One seeks to maintain the nation with order; the other demands change through anarchy. Both cannot coexist without tension. One leads to personal freedom and responsibility, the other to collectivism and tyranny. The progressive, Marxist left does not realize that if they win, they lose all. “Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled, either by a power within them, or by a power without them; either by the word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by **the Bible or by the bayonet**.” *Robert Charles Winthrop (1809-1894) Speaker of the United States House of Representatives* “Paradoxically enough, the release of initiative and enterprise made possible by popular self-government ultimately generates disintegrating forces from within. Again and again, after freedom has brought opportunity and some degree of plenty, the competent become selfish, luxury-loving and complacent, the incompetent and the unfortunate grow envious and covetous, and all three groups turn aside from the hard road of freedom to worship the Golden Calf of economic security. **The historical cycle seems to be: From bondage to spiritual faith; from spiritual faith to courage; from courage to liberty; from liberty to abundance; from abundance to selfishness; from selfishness to apathy; from apathy to dependency; and from dependency back to bondage once more**.” *Henning W. Prentis, Jr (1903-1985) American businessman: “The Cult of Competency”* *(delivered at the University of Pennsylvania’s Mid-Year Convocation in February 1943).* “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. **It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other**.” *John Adams (1735-1826) 2nd President of the United States* The enemies of freedom and liberty have been attempting to destroy the government of the people, by the people, since the inception of the United States of America. Unfortunately, those who desire our republican form of government have not been as diligent in protecting and preserving it. Benjamin Franklin’s statement when asked what form of government the convention had created, *“A republic, if you can keep it,”* seems to be the question of the times. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog, Politics --- ### [Mark 16:9-20 - The Long or the Short](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-169-20-the-long-or-the-short/) **Published:** April 18, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Mark 16:9-20 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Mark 16:9-20 The debate over whether Mark 16 ends at verse 8 or continues through 9-20 is a question about whether the Bible is the preserved word of God. Either the Lord presented to the world a completed, corrected Bible for the last days, or we do not, nor can we ever have any assurance of any translation being the word of God. The same arguments made concerning one passage can be made about any passage of Scripture. How can it be known whether, the first time the originals were copied, no errors were produced or no intentional changes were made? If the Lord did not preserve His word, then every word can be questioned; nothing is sure. This is the state that Satan wants the saints and world to be in. In this state, Satan can deceive without restraint. *Amos 8:11-12* Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that **I will send a famine** in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but **of hearing the words of the LORD**: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. Every year, two or three new translations are published. There are now over 450 English translations of the Bible. If God did not preserve His word, go ahead and point to it. It does not take a genius to realize that Mark chapter 16 did not end at verse 8. The following is for those concerned to examine and decide. - [https://av1611.com/kjbp/faq/holland\_joh7\_53-8\_11.html](https://av1611.com/kjbp/faq/holland_joh7_53-8_11.html) - <https://biblescienceforum.com/2015/02/03/why-are-mark-169-20-missing-in-most-modern-bible-translations/> 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Mark --- ### [Suffering](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/suffering/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The question of suffering is incredibly important for saints to understand, and difficult for many to do so. Many of the promises of blessings and glory that the Lord has given us are to be fulfilled in the future, upon His return. Our immediate concern is to give ourselves to Christ as He gave Himself for us, regardless of the suffering brought upon us. A Christian’s life is one of **S**ervice, **S**acrifice, and **S**uffering. We are to serve, making whatever sacrifice needed to do so, and to suffer whatever consequences that service brings upon us. Job points out the first cause of suffering, because it serves God’s purpose. He made us; He can do whatever He wants with us. Sometimes we are just cannon fodder in the heavenly war. To glorify God is such a case is to remain faithful. Albeit, do not fear, we do not suffer in vain. The saints who suffer such will be well rewarded. *Romans 8:18* For I reckon that **the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us**. Correction is the next cause of suffering. When suffering falls upon you, the first thing to do is examine yourself, see if there is anything God might be pointing out that you need to correct in your life. This is what Job did first and found nothing he did or did not do to be the cause. What is harder to grasp is that someone else may have to suffer for God to get your attention. *1 Corinthians 11:31-32* For **if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged**. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. To teach a lesson is one other reason. God puts us through things, many times sufferings, to teach us to be faithful and help us grow in understanding and wisdom. At times, it is so we can serve others going through the same. *2 Corinthians 1:3-4* Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, **that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble**, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Another reason is evangelistic. A saint may have to suffer to reach one the Lord seeks to present with the gospel. It is hard to believe that so few saints understand and fail in their duty to witness the saving grace of God to others. This means that the saints who do have to suffer all the more to be put in a position to witness to one who is seeking the Lord. This can be a simple inconvenience as breaking down on the side of the road to witness to those who help you in fixing the problem, and reaches to major illnesses or even death to reach those the Lord wants reached. A natural condition is also a reason for suffering. Being genetically predisposed to an illness is simply the product of time and chance. Your unique DNA, which genes or mutations become dominant, is just the way things go. You cannot blame God. It is man’s sins that cause the mutations we inherit. Mutations may be inherited from ancestors so far back that no one has ever heard of them, and they just surfaced with you. Science is discovering that many things can affect a mutation in our DNA. God is not to blame for this. He created the perfect system of procreation, and man’s fall and subsequent sins perverted it. We shall, as death, be redeemed from its curse at the Lord’s return. A saint must never use one reason to hide from the true reason. It should be reasoned by all saints that knowing God’s word is the surest way of resolving the question of why. Whatever the reason, faithfulness is required to glorify God and His word. *1 Peter 4:16* Yet **if any man suffer as a Christian**, let him not be ashamed; but **let him glorify God on this behalf**. > [Depression](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/depression/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog --- ### [1 John 5:7 (Johannine Comma)](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-57-johannine-comma/) **Published:** April 6, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. *1 John 5:7* To be honest, I have no idea why this verse is called the Johannine Comma. In my opinion, the evidence is overwhelming in support of it. I can only list for your consideration a couple of the articles I have read concerning it. Personally, I do not see a reason for the fight. It changes nothing whether it is there or not. No doctrine is changed either way. The Trinity is biblical, with or without it; it does support and makes a clear statement concerning it. I can only recommed that time is alotted to examine the debate. - [https://av1611.com/kjbp/faq/holland\_1jo5\_7.html](https://av1611.com/kjbp/faq/holland_1jo5_7.html) - <https://www.bereanpatriot.com/the-johannine-comma-of-1-john-57-8-added-or-removed/> Far from challenging the textual reliability of Scripture, the Johannine Comma’s debate has shown how careful historical scrutiny (analysis of Greek manuscripts, translations, and patristic quotations) ultimately reinforces confidence in the text. When a later scribal addition is identified, it does not discredit the entire Bible but instead showcases the earnestness of scholarly and ecclesiastical communities in preserving and recovering what the original authors wrote. [https://biblehub.com/q/does\_the\_’johannine\_comma’\_affect\_bible\_consistency.htm](https://biblehub.com/q/does_the_'johannine_comma'_affect_bible_consistency.htm) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [Progressive Christianity](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/progressive-christianity/) **Published:** April 5, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** A young man who is not a liberal has no heart, and an old man who is not a conservative has no brain.” Winston Churchill Progressive Christianity as progressive politics are both products of the socialistic mentality, Marxism. It is the infusion of Marxist ideals into the Church. They deny the divinity of the Scriptures, ascribing them to merely a collection of ancient writings, shaped by flawed people, riddled with cultural bias, and open to re-interpretation. - In Progressive Christianity, Jesus is often reduced to a moral example. He is downgraded to a revolutionary who showed love, acceptance, and inclusion rather than His true divine nature. His miracles, resurrection, and divinity are sometimes treated as symbolic stories rather than historical facts. - Progressive Christianity teaches that salvation is about becoming one’s authentic self, making the world a better place, and/or recognizing the divine spark within oneself. Many even teach Universalism, the belief that all paths lead to God and no one is truly lost. - Progressive Christianity redefines the Gospel through inclusion, affirmation, and social activism. - Progressive Christianity promises freedom but delivers confusion, and although it may sound compassionate, it actually replaces God’s truth with human opinion. It offers a false gospel that cannot save. **[Patheos](https://www.patheos.com/blogs/livinginthelight/2025/08/progressive-christianity-what-the-bible-really-says/)**: “Progressive Christianity: What the Bible Really Says” The majority of blood bought saints have been deceived out of being steadfast in the faith, being led away from the word of God and its truths. Due to the failure of the majority of saints, the true Church is weak and a laughingstock in the world. There are three classes of saints: cold, lukewarm, or hot. If you are cold, you do not count. If you are lukewarm, you are a hindrance to the hot and the truth. The choice was made to live comfortably in the world. *1 Corinthians 16:13* **Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong**. *1 Corinthians 15:58* Therefore, my beloved brethren, **be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord**, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. If they had a social gospel in the days of the prodigal son, somebody would have given him a bed and a sandwich, and he never would have gone home. Vance Havner (1901-1986) Baptist Preacher Rate this post **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Theology --- ### [SoulMate](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-can-you-tell-if-someone-is-your-god-sent-partner-according-to-the-bible/) **Published:** May 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Questions about marriage, finding your soulmate, or choosing the right partner are often asked, and for good reason. It is a lifetime commitment. Most, however, miss the main idea. We are commanded of God to love our spouse, no matter how the relationship began—whether it’s a high school sweetheart, an arranged marriage, or any other circumstance. A successful marriage only happens when both partners commit, command their hearts to love their spouse, and forsake all others. In explaining biblical marriage, I decided on this aphorism, which I think encapsulates the essence of biblical marriage. Marriage is: - A man sacrificing himself FOR his woman, - A woman giving herself TO her man. *Ephesians 5:25* **Husbands, love your wives**, even **as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it**; *Ephesians 5:22* **Wives**, **submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord**. What most call love is lust and/or infatuation. A spouse is to command their heart to love the other unconditionally, in obedience to God’s command. It is advised that if you have the opportunity to choose your own spouse, you do so wisely. Take time to get to know them, don’t let your lust guide your decision. It is our responsibility to make our spouse our soulmate. Here is some good advise: **[Take Him On A Drive](https://medium.com/write-a-catalyst/take-him-on-a-drive-youll-know-everything-7f9fa79b8058)**. *Titus 2:4* That they may teach the young women to be sober, **to love their husbands**, to love their children, *Ephesians 5:33* Nevertheless **let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself**; and the **wife see that she reverence her husband**. > [1 Corinthians 7 – Marriage](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-7/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [Psalms 22/Mat 27:46/Mar 15:34](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-22-mat-2746-mar-1534/) **Published:** April 4, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? Psalms 22:1 The Son of God, The Son of Man, what is the correct biblical relationship between God and Christ Jesus? A discussion of this relationship would include the Trinity and Christ Jesus’ part in it, during His earthly ministry and now in eternity. The Trinity is the Father, Word, and Holy Ghost. *1 John 5:7* For there are three that bear record in heaven, **the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:** and these three are one. The Word became flesh. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. This is the meaning of the mystery of godliness. *1 Timothy 3:16* And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: **God was manifest in the flesh**, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. The Word needed a body of flesh to put Himself into. *Hebrews 10:5* Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but **a body hast thou prepared me:** *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ,** reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. **Conclusion:** The Son of God was the person born of Mary. The Word put Himself into that body. No different than the Holy Spirit dwelling within the believer. Jesus was truly God’s Son, and by virtue of the Word dwelling within him, God manifested in the flesh. Furthermore, Jesus was born to be the sacrifice for the sins of the world. The Word was given a body made to die. *Hebrews 2:9 KJV* But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels **for the suffering of death**, crowned with glory and honour; that **he by the grace of God should taste death for every man**. Jesus could not die while being indwelt with the Word. The Word left him on the cross, and Jesus had to bear the punishment for the sins of the world on his own. Matthew 27:46 KJV … **My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?** *Psalms 22* is Christ Jesus on the Cross up to verse 21, the rest is future to that event. After His resurrection, being permanently indwelt by the Word, He became part of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This interpretation explains much and does not cause the Scriptures to contradict as others provided are wont to do. > [The Trinity](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-trinity/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog, Mark, Matthew, Psalms --- ### [Date of the Curcifixon](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/date-of-the-curcifixon/) **Published:** April 1, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The year and day of the crucifixion are debated, as is everything else. The year ranges for 25 to 34 AD. Many claim that Christ Jesus died on a Friday. They add, diminish, and wrest the Scriptures to get three days and nights, which is impossible. It had to be on a Wednesday to get the three days and nights. Hence, we are looking for a year in which the Passover fell on a Wednesday. There is much debate and confusion over the day. Many try to make it Friday to match their unbiblical doctrines of Good Friday, etc. But it was a Wednesday. Check out the link to a chart below. Note that April 1, 33 AD is a Wednesday and is the date corresponding to the Passover that year. [https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/?year=33&country=23](https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/?year=33&country=23) Part of the debate is over which calendar to use. The Gregorian Calendar is not accurate. The Julian Calendar provides the correct date to fit the Scriptures. This would make the Gregorian calendar off by 33 years. Furthering the debate is how one determines the phases of the moon. You are on your own with that. The most biblical date is Wednesday, April 1, 33 AD. 33 AD to 2026 + 7 years 2033, exactly two thousand years. This matches the thousand years is a day to the Lord. If you are looking for the Lord’s return to translate (Rapture) the body of Christ, this year (2026) is looking good, it is seven years from 2033, Just a thought. The 15th of AV would be the perfect day. The 15th of AV is known as the Jewish St. Valentine’s Day. It is the evening when the virgins dance in the orchards, and the men caught them out a wife. This is what the Lord is going to do: catch out His bride. Personally, this is enough to make me hope. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog --- ### [1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - We are washed](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-do-christians-scripturally-justify-continuing-in-sin-when-the-bible-clearly-says-that-no-sinner-will-enter-the-kingdom-of-heaven/) **Published:** May 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, `10`Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 I am often asked by those who wish to justify themselves by denouncing Christians. They point out the mote in their eye and are blind to the beam in theirs. The question usually goes somewhat like this: How do Christians justify being sinners or continuing in sin when no sinner will enter the Kingdom of God? By rejecting Christ, they miss the blessing of the next verse. *1 Corinthians 6:11* And **such were some of you**: but **ye are washed**, but **ye are sanctified**, but **ye are justified** in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. Sin is not imputed to those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ. The saints have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the circumcision of Christ. *Colossians 2:11* In whom also ye are circumcised with **the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: When the Spirit entered into the saints, He cuts away the flesh from their souls. The sins of the flesh are no longer imputed to the saints. *Romans 4:8* **Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin**. We are spiritually perfect; we will be made physically perfect at the Rapture or Translation of the bride of Christ, the Church. *1 Corinthians 15:51* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, It would, however, be better if the saints all lived righteous, godly lives and did not provide the lost with ammunition. *1 Peter 3:16* Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, **they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ**. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** 1 Corinthians, Blog --- ### [First Things First](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/first-things-first/) **Published:** January 31, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Man is not very good at putting first things first; they are wont to put the cart before the horse. As an example, we throw out the first commandment, love God, and make the second (the Royal Law) the Golden Rule, love your neighbor. We fail to put first things first. *Matthew 22:37-39* Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38**This is the first and great commandment**. 39And **the second is like unto it**, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. *James 2:8* If ye fulfil **the royal law** according to the scripture, Thou shalt **love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: Here in lies the error in thinking, in putting the last first and the first last, or eliminating the first, all is lost. This post was inspired by this article: <https://medium.com/backyard-theology/if-jesus-did-not-save-us-from-our-sins-what-then-was-his-mission-3aa6a3322d36>. In which, it is supposed that Christ did not make a substitutionary atonement for sin, but came only to bring us into the kingdom with all its benefits. Denying Christ Jesus’ payment for sin is typical of many heretical teachings. However, all blessings flow out from the substitutionary atonement for sins. The first thing needs to be first. *John 8:24* I said therefore unto you, that **ye shall die in your sins**: for **if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins**. Before entering into the kingdom, you must put first things first, be redeemed from the debt owed to the law. *Galatians 3:13-14* Christ hath **redeemed us from the curse of the law**, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14**That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ**; **that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith**. All the blessings spoken of in that article are due to and follow after the substitutionary atonement for sin. Sins must be washed away first to make us clean to be able to enter the kingdom. *Revelation 1:5* And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and **washed us from our sins in his own blood**, Entrance into the kingdom of God is obtained by being washed in Christ Jesus’ blood and indwelt with the Holy Spirit. The Spirit could not indwell you until the atonement for sins was accomplished. *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But **this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive**: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy **in the Holy Ghost.** Yes, the Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, joy, love, and all that spoken of in that article, but it comes with the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. To be in the Holy Ghost, the Spirit must be in you. *Romans 8:9-10* But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now **if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his**. 10And **if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness**. Our righteousness will not allow us to enter the Kingdom of God. *Isaiah 64:6* But we are **all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and **our iniquities**, like the wind, **have taken us away**. Our iniquities must be paid for and cleansed away before we can receive the righteousness that will allow our entry: God’s righteousness. *Romans 10:2-3* For I bear them record that **they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge**. 3For **they being ignorant of God’s righteousness**, and going about to establish their own righteousness, **have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God**. *Philippians 3:9* And be found in him, **not having mine own righteousness**, which is of the law, **but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith**: All the blessings spoken of in that article flow out from putting our faith in the substitutionary atonement for sin made by the Lord Jesus Christ. *John 3:36* He that **believeth on the Son hath everlasting life**: and he that **believeth not the Son shall not see lif**e; but **the wrath of God abideth on him**. To be a citizen of an eternal kingdom, you must have eternal life. *1 John 5:10-12* **He that believeth on the Son of God** hath the witness in himself: he **that believeth not God hath made him a liar**; because **he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son**. 11And **this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son**. 12**He that hath the Son hath life**; and **he that hath not the Son of God hath not life**. There is a caveat. Faith cannot be put in Christ Jesus if it is not in the whole of God’s word, not understanding it all, but believing it all. *Luke 16:31* And he said unto him, **If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead**. *Acts 24:14* But**this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I** the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: Entrance into the Kingdom of God comes after faith in Christ Jesus as the Savior of the world. *1 John 2:2* And **he is the propitiation for our sins**: and not for ours only, but also **for the sins of the whole world**. *Romans 10:9-10* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. *Leviticus 17:11* For **the life of the flesh is in the blood**: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for **it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul**. *Hebrews 9:22* And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and **without shedding of blood is no remission**. > [Biblical Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) > [Repentance](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/repentance/) > [Faith](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Exodus 3:14 - I AM](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/i-am-who-i-am-in/) **Published:** June 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And God said unto Moses, **I AM THAT I AM**: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, **I AM hath sent me unto you**. I have been asked from time to time, What is the meaning of God stating**,**‘ “**I Am That I Am**”? I AM means that he just IS: **I AM**, **I IS**, **I ARE**, **I BE**. God is what he is, and that is all there is to it. There is no explaining where he came from, he just IS, he ARE, he BE, always has been and always will be. *Psalms 90:2* Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even **from everlasting to everlasting**, thou art God. *Isaiah 57:15* For thus saith the high and lofty One **that inhabiteth eternity**, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. *Deuteronomy 32:39-40* See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. 40For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, **I live for ever**. It is simple but profound. This is the bane of Satan; he has been trying to kill God since his fall. In fact, that is what the wicked, atheist, and other God-deniers are trying to do. So do not feel bad for those who reject Him. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Exodus **Tags:** God --- ### [Ephesians 6:4 & Colossians 3:21
Provoke not your children to wrath](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/provoke-not-your-children-to-wrath/) **Published:** November 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > And, ye fathers, **provoke not your children to wrath**: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, **provoke not your children to anger**, lest they be discouraged. Colossians 3:21 If, after being punished, your children walk away thinking they hate you, you may not be correctly administering the punishment. If your children run out the back door when you come in the front, you may not be conducting yourself properly in the home or toward them. Having been in law enforcement for a few years, I came to realize that there are precepts or general principles to the judicial administration of the law. Enforcing the law without discretion is oppression. In biblical terms, it is: The letter of the law killeth, the spirit of the law giveth life. I am not against corporal punishment; it has a necessary place, but in and of itself, without love and understanding that children are children, they make mistakes. With proper parental nurturing, correction, training, and understanding, corporal punishment is a lot less necessary and much more effective. Having raised children and ruled your house correctly is one of the qualifications for the offices of Bishop and Deacon. *1 Timothy 3:4-5* **One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity**; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) To raise children correctly, you need to be living correctly yourself in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Raising children is a God-given duty of parents. It is a delicate matter. Too much or too little discipline ruins a child. The Old Testament admonitions seem harsh, but when applied within the restraints of the New Testament guides you have struck the right balance. *Ephesians 6:4* And, ye fathers, **provoke not your children to wrath**: but **bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord**. *Colossians 3:21* Fathers, **provoke not your children to anger**, ******lest they be discouraged******. *Proverbs 22:6* **Train up a child in the way he should go**: and ******when he is old, he will not depart from it******. *Proverbs 29:15* **The rod and reproof give wisdom**: but ******a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame****** Training and disciplining should start at birth. Any mother knows you have to teach a babe not to bite when sucking. If you do not have your toddler under control, you will have a miserable life; the terrible twos are the product of the failure to train your child. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians, Ephesians **Tags:** Children --- ### [Preceptualism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/preceptualism/) **Published:** June 28, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Psalms 119:4 In the realm of Christianity there are several frameworks that maintain a bias when studying the Scriptures: - Calvinism(Reformed), - Arminianism, - Neo-Arminianism, - Covenant Theology, - Dispensationalism - New Covenant Theology, - Universalism Each framework or sect infuses a belief or bias through which all else is filtered. When they read the word of God, everything is interpreted to fit within their particular mindset. There is nothing more reliable than human nature to cause one to err. Many, whether misguided or deceived, rely upon man’s nature to propagate their stated belief or bias. **One error many people make is to learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what.** — Harry Lorayne, Secrets of Mind Power (1961) “**People are more likely to believe what they first heard, even if it’s later proven wrong**.” *– Unknown* **“Once a belief is formed, it is very hard to change**.” *– Unknown* This nature is an impediment to the truth as finding truth is dependent upon a willingness to change. **“To seek truth is a journey, and every step requires change.”** *– Unknown* To study God’s word without an open mind and a willingness to change is futile. There is another segment of human nature that hinders as much or more than unwillingness to change—human emotions. *Jeremiah 17:9* **The heart is deceitful above all things,** and **desperately wicked:** who can know it? The flesh, untamed, dictates emotions. Man’s nature produces an emotional response first in opposition to reason. Emotions flow effortlessly; reason requires effort to be expended. Emotions by themselves contrive thoughts; reason forms and guides them. “**We are not thinking machines that feel**; rather, **we are feeling machines that think**.” — Daniel Kahneman We are all emotional beings, but emotions have to be controlled by reason. Emotions react to, reason opens the Scriptures. Many issues are so charged with emotion that the truth is rejected as blasphemy. *Isaiah 1:18* Come now, and **let us reason together**, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. *Acts 17:2* And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days **reasoned with them out of the scriptures**, Another error made is to interpret the Scripture philosophically. *Colossians 2:8* **Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy** and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Philosophy is to interpret a difficult, confusing, or seemingly contradictory passage of God’s word not by diligently studying the Bible and waiting for more light, but by dreaming up, contriving a meaning that seems to make sense. How Christ could have died for all, and all not be saved, is such a case. A philosophical meaning rather than diligent study gave us limited atonement and universalism. Philosophical interpretations have given us many errors. As in all my articles, it will be assumed that I am speaking to Christians; those who believe that salvation is in Christ Jesus alone, that he was the virgin-born Son of God, died for the sins of the world, was buried, and rose again the third day. *Romans 10:9* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. This leads us to what I call Preceptualism. Preceptualism teaches that correctly interpreting the Bible requires recognizing and understanding its universal general principles, its precepts. Precepts are a fundamental rule, truth, or guideline for action or conduct. Preceptualism requires reasoned thought and limits our imagination. As the Bible is read the precepts or universal general principles should be sought and collected. No interpretation, belief, or teaching can be correct if it violates any of the biblical precepts. *Psalms 119:100* I understand more than the ancients, **because I keep thy precepts**. A few of the precepts are listed here: **All Things Are Possible:** The approach to Bible Study must be that nothing is impossible for God. *Matthew 19:26* But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but **with God all things are possible**. Men being what they are, faithless and doubting, reject the Bible based on what they consider to be impossible; *they limit God*. *Psalms 78:41* Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**. **The Great Precepts**: the two great precepts that all the law and prophets stem from: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. *Matthew 22:37-40* Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind**. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 40On these two commandments **hang all the law and the prophets**. Following these two precepts ensures a perfect life: not a painless life, a perfect one. **Salvation is only through Jesus**: Christ Jesus is the sole path to salvation. *1 Timothy 2:5* For there is one God, and **one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus**; *Acts 4:12* **Neither is there salvation in any other**: for **there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved**. **By Grace, Not Works:** The plan of salvation is designed to glorify God not man. Grace and works are mutually exclusive. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. No Christian denomination, sect, or teaching, can be correct if it requires man to perform some action, no matter how small or easy, as necessary to obtain or maintain eternal salvation. It is a gift from God. *Isaiah 64:6* But we are all as an unclean thing, and **all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. *Galatians 3:11* But that **no man is justified by the law in the sight of God**, it is evident: for, **The just shall live by faith**. *Romans 6:23* For the wages of sin is death; but **the gift of God is eternal life** through Jesus Christ our Lord. **All Men/Whosoever**: Salvation is open to all men. Christ Jesus is the life line thrown to all men; whether we take hold of it or not is up to us. *1 Timothy 2:3-4* For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have **all men to be saved**, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. *John 3:16* For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that **whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have everlasting life. **The Wrath of Man:** Our anger, righteous indignation, holy wrath, or whatever one might want to call it, has no place in ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ or in serving God. Man’s wrath is inappropriate in our lives as a whole. *James 1:19-20* Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20For **the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God**. There is one that is a bit enigmatic, not overtly clear and understandable, but if not adhered to gives us errors such as Christ Jesus being a created demigod rather than as the Scriptures proclaim, God manifested in the flesh. **The Trinity**: For the purpose of understanding the Bible, it is a precept that God is one but exists or is manifested as three distinct entities or individuals. To relegate Our Lord to be a lower created being, a demigod, is an egregious error. *1 John 5:7* For there are three that bear record in heaven, the **Father**, the **Word**, and the **Holy Ghost**: and **these three are one**. *John 10:30* I and my Father **are one**. *John 14:11* Believe me that **I am in the Father, and the Father in me**: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. The Father should be considered the first among equals: the Father, the Word, the Holy Spirit. To understand the Scriptures, this description of God is the extent and limit that we should go in any interpretation of the three persons of God until more light is given. This list is not exhaustive, nor should it be unwieldy or cumbersome. There are a few other ways of expressing them. They should be looked for as study proceeds. > [Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/) > [Biblical Precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-precepts/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Doctrine, Required --- ### [The Blessed Hope?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/was-is-the-blessed-hope/) **Published:** October 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Looking for that **blessed hope**, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; > > *Titus 2:13* Our blessed hope is the return of our Lord and our full redemption. What we have now is the earnest of our salvation, the guarantee of our salvation. It is at the Lord’s return that we put off this corruption and put on incorruption. *Romans 8:22-24* For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. `23`And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. `24`For **we are saved by hope**: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? It is at the Lord’s return and calling out of the Church, the Rapture or Translation of the Church, that we receive our new bodies. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, `52`In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and **the dead shall be raised incorruptible**, and **we shall be changed**. `53`For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. This is our blessed hope. > [The Day of Redemption](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-day-of-redemption/) > [The Rapture or Translation of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog, Rapture **Tags:** Rapture --- ### [The Events of the Rapture](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-will-happen-when-jesus-christ-descends/) **Published:** June 13, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. *1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 KJV* 13 But **I would not have you to be ignorant**, brethren, **concerning them which are asleep**, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so **them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him**. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that **we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep**. 16 For **the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God**: and **the dead in Christ shall rise first**: 17 **Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds**, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. *1 Corinthians 15:51-54 KJV* 51 Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52 I**n a moment, in the twinkling of an eye**, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and **the dead shall be raised incorruptible**, and **we shall be changed**. 53 For t**his corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, **Death is swallowed up in victory**. That pretty much explains it. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. *1 Thessalonians 4:18* **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Rapture **Tags:** Rapture --- ### [Open Theology](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/open-theology-2/) **Published:** August 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There are four mainline theologies: Reformed (Calvinism), Classical Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, and Open Theology, sometimes called Open Theism. The one main difference between them is their view of history and the foreknowledge of God. - **Calvinism/Reformed and Classical Arminianism** have all history predestinated, predetermined, completed, and unchangeable. Having predestinated all, God knows all. History is closed. - **Neo-Arminianism** rejects predestination and has history just being there completed, finished, unchangeable, where it comes from is never stated, God just looks down from eternity and sees the past, present, and future, all at once. Being able to see all, God knows all. History is closed. - **Open Theology** accepts that history is running in real time under the control and guidance of God. Many things are predestinated, predetermined, but not all. There is room for free will, plus time and chance, and most importantly God’s judgments. The future has not happened yet; hence, history is open. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. Open Theology recognizes that God rules in the lives of men and sets up and takes down whom he will. *1 Samuel 2:7* **The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up**. There are erroneous descriptions of Open Theology that distract from understanding it. It is preached by some that Open Theology has God guessing at what the future will be and attempts to juggle things accordingly. Such nonsense is unbecoming to anyone claiming to be a preacher of the truth. Open Theology posits that history is flowing in real time, and the future has yet to happen. God is in total control of the flow of history, guiding and directing its flow according to His purpose. His foreknowledge of events refers to those things that He has predetermined and predestined. In between those events is room for time and change, free will, and most importantly, God’s judgments upon man, whether blessing or cursing. God’s direction and guidance, man’s freewill, and time and chance all work together to fulfill God’s purposes. He is not having any difficulty controlling events to suit his purposes in having mercy or judgment upon the earth and leading all things to his predetermined end. God does not have to see what has been done to know what men will do; he knows their hearts and minds. History must be open and flowing for God to deal with and attempt to change those hearts and minds. The God of Open Theology is much greater than those of Reformed/Calvinism, Classical Arminianism, or neo-Arminianism. See: **[Calvinism, Arminianism, Neo-Arminianism, Open Theology](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/)** Open Theology adheres to God knowing all that can be known the moment it becomes knowable. This includes that which He has predetermined. He knows the beginning as He created it, He knows the ending as He has determined it. It’s important to recognize that the LORD cannot know anything until He conceives it. Creation had to be thought up and designed first before it could be known. Whether this took a millisecond or a billion years, God had to conceive and design it before He could know it. So it is in creation. The Lord cannot know our thoughts until we have them. The extent and limits of man’s **[free will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/)** must be properly understood. Men have free will of their heart’s desire, but actions are more restrictive. An individual may desire to perform an action; God will use that desire to execute his will. He may allow or modify a desired act to be performed to deal with an individual using it to bless, correct, punish, or deal with another, etc. All actions are controlled by God to perform his will. But it is man’s desire, on a personal and national level, that the Lord guides and focuses for his purposes. *Hebrews 4:12* For **the word of God** is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and **is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart**. All actions performed are either determined or allowed by God. *Lamentations 3:37* Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, **when the Lord commandeth it not**? Men are presented with choices. The choices they make stem from their free will desires. The consequences and outcomes of these choices, however, are predetermined by God. Thus, everything remains within His plan and will. The Lord is not surprised by the decisions men make; He is prepared for all. This doesn’t prevent Him from directing their thoughts to guide events toward the outcomes He desires. *Exodus 4:21* And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but **I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go**. It will be said that this eliminates man’s free will! Not so, it certainly would not be difficult for the Lord to find a man with the right desires, whether good or evil to use for his purposes. *Romans 9:17* For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have **I raised thee up**, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. It says, *“I raised thee up”* not ‘I raise one up’. God is controlling and guiding all things in accordance with His plan and will in real time. It is in real time that people cannot seem to grasp. They limit God to having to have predestinated everything, including what choices men make, to be sovereign. God is sovereign in controlling the outcomes. The God of Open Theology is much greater than that of predestination. Many things are predestined from the beginning, while others are determined throughout history. Calvinistic predestination suggests that everything is predetermined, which removes the concept of God’s judgments on individuals. In contrast, Open Theology posits that God judges people in real time, applying predetermined consequences—both good and evil—based on their choices. It is not a difficult concept and aligns with all Scripture. It does not make the Bible contradict as other theologies. Things are often added to Open Theology that have no bearing upon it, that confuse the issue. The main theme of Open Theology is that God is working in real time. It is simply a matter of conforming the rest to that. It is often retorted that time would limit God. Let’s take a moment to reflect on this. God, as the Creator of all, is only limited by the boundaries He establishes for His plans. Since the LORD created time, He naturally confines His work of redemption within the time limits He has set. It can get complicated when considering why the Lord allows or prohibits an action. A nation rejects God, so why not let it tear itself apart while letting it be a last warning to its citizens? There are many reasons why God allows or directs the actions he does. This knowledge will have to wait until all is revealed. *Proverbs 16:33* The lot is cast into the lap; but **the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD**. *James 4:13-15* Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15For that **ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that**. “Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, **when the Lord commandeth it not**?” Much of the lack of understanding is due to the false concepts of the extent and limits of biblical free will. Man’s free will extends and is limited to the thoughts and imaginations of his heart and mind. Men do not have free will of action. That is why we are judged according to the thoughts and intents of our hearts; sin is not in the doing, but in the wanting to. *Matthew 5:28* But I say unto you, That **whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart**. *Numbers 35:20-21* But **if he thrust him of hatred**, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die; 21Or **in enmity smite him** with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him. *Numbers 35:22-23* But if he thrust him suddenly **without enmity**, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, 23Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, **neither sought his harm**: It is the lust and desire to sin that condemn us. *James 1:15* Then **when lust hath conceived**, **it bringeth forth sin: and sin**, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The Bible only makes sense if history is running in real time and God is judging and dealing with the hearts of men. Holding to some other theology is why so many find the Scriptures confusing and contradicting. > [How to Determine Purpose?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-can-one-determine-their-purpose/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Articles, Required --- ### [Job](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/job/) **Published:** February 28, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Was Job righteous from the beginning to the end?** **What was Job’s sin?** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/JobandFriends.webp)No specific sin is attributed to Job. In fact, he is stated to be one of the three most righteous men in the Bible. Job’s issue stemmed from his lack of understanding and God chose him as a vessel to document an important lesson for others to learn. Job’s mistake was trusting in his own righteousness and good works as the basis for his justification before God. The lesson is that next to God, our Creator, we are not righteous and He holds absolute authority and can act according to His sovereign will. *Isaiah 64:6* But **we are all as an unclean thing**, and **all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and **we all do fade as a leaf**; and **our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away**. *Ezekiel 14:20* Though **Noah, Daniel, and Job**, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls **by their righteousness**. Even though Job was righteous among men, he was as a filthy rag next to God. After Job was brought before God, the reality of this set in. *Job 40:4* Behold, **I am vile**; what shall I answer thee? **I will lay mine hand upon my mouth**. Once God calls Job out, all he can say is hush my mouth. There is much more to the book of Job but this is the main thrust toward all men. It is where Israel messed up. *Romans 10:3* For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and **going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God**. Salvation is never by or in part by our works, our righteousness. **[*Ephesians 2:8-9*](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-28-9/)** For **by grace are ye saved through faith**; and that **not of yourselves**: **it is the gift of God**: 9**Not of works, lest any man should boast**. Job also answers the question of why men suffer: God uses the suffering to attempt to draw you to Him. *Amos 4:9-10* I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: **yet have ye not returned unto me**, saith the LORD. 10I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: **yet have ye not returned unto me**, saith the LORD. It is also a picture, a similitude, of Israel in the tribulation. Notice the book has 42 chapters, and the Jewish Great Tribulation is 42 months or 3.5 years long. At the end of which, God, Jesus, reveals himself to them and they receive their former glory and are established in the millennium as the greatest nation. I came across an article that caught the essence of one aspect of Job and recommend its reading. <https://medium.com/koinonia/the-most-misunderstood-book-in-the-bible-cac87593f1d7> Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Job **Tags:** Theology --- ### [What to Read?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/should-we-read-other-books-or-just-the-bible/) **Published:** December 1, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The question often comes up of whether Christians should read/study anything other than the Bible. The answer is, read and study all you are capable of. Only believe, read, and study the Bible, use it as your standard. Biblical Christianity is not a cult. The first indication of a cult is in instructing its adherents not to read or listen to any other viewpoint. If you desire to rid yourself of a porch visit by a JW or an LDS, just get a Bible out and begin to discuss it with them. *James 4:7* Submit yourselves therefore to God. **Resist the devil, and he will flee from you**. Unlike false teachings, the Bible, being the truth, is in no fear of anything. The more you know and understand its opposition, the more you will understand it. Take evolutionists as an example of maintaining a cult. They fight tooth and nail to keep any other theory out of the public view, as they know their theory will not hold up against true reason and inquiry. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study** to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, **rightly dividing the word of truth**. The Lord commands us to study, not just the Bible, but everything we might need to rightly divide and understand it properly. You certainly cannot understand it without a rudimentary knowledge of English grammar; there are sentences in it with over two hundred words that must be rightly understood. Of course, I am speaking of the KJV. This is true as it is a literal translation; Greek has these long sentence structures. History and science can only enhance your grasp of the Scriptures—true science, not some erroneous hypothesis. It is good to know the ridiculous lengths the ungodly will go in their fallacies, especially since they have all been pointed out, explained, or condemned in the Bible thousands of years before they think they came up with them. So yes, biblical Christianity encourages you to read, study, and know as much as possible. As long as you know and diligently study the Bible, you will find all roads lead to God in doing so. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog --- ### [Colossians 2:16-17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-2-16-17/) **Published:** June 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: **Which are a shadow of things to come**; but the body is of Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 The enemies of God frequently attempt to deceive the believers to put them back under bondage to the law by perverting the Scriptures. See the article: **[Does Colossians 2:16–17 Abolish the Sabbath and Festivals?](https://davidwilber.substack.com/p/does-colossians-21617-abolish-the?triedRedirect=true)** If the saints are going to recognize a day, those of the Jewish calendar would be preferable to **[Xmas](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/christmas/)**, Easter, Halloween, etc. *Galatians 2:4* And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, **that they might bring us into bondage**: *Galatians 4:3-5* Even so we, when we were children, **were in bondage under the elements of the world**: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 **To redeem them that were under the law**, that we might receive the adoption of sons. *Romans 6:14* For sin shall not have dominion over you: for **ye are not under the law, but under grace**. Freedom from the bondage to the law is our **[liberty in Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/)**, a very misunderstood doctrine of Salvation. We, those in Christ, are free from the letter of the law so that we might walk in the spirit of the law. The spirit of the law is contained in two great precepts: love God with all your heart, and love others as yourself. If you judge all your thoughts and actions by these, you will have fulfilled the law. We do not need the letter of the law spelling out every infraction possible. *2 Corinthians 3:17* Now the Lord is that Spirit: and **where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty**. The Spirit of the Lord is in us. We are at liberty. The OT saints did not have the Spirit indwelling them; they did not have eternal salvation, as Christ Jesus had not atoned for sin as yet. *John 7:39* (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him **should receive**: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) They were kept under the law to protect them, not as many mistakenly thought, to establish self-righteousness. It was not the works of the law God wanted; it was faith toward Him. God gave us the law and commanded to keep It. I believe and trust God; I will keep it. *Romans 9:31-32* But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, **hath not attained to the law of righteousness**. 32Wherefore? **Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law**. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; It was their faith in God manifested by the keeping of the law that preserved and protected them from the consequences of their sins until the atonement was made. The atonement having been made, we have the Spirit and eternal salvation. The law has no more power to condemn us. We are not under the law; we are dead to the law. *Romans 7:6* But now **we are delivered from the law**, that **being dead** wherein we were held; **that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter**. I say all this to say that faith and **[works are incompatible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/)**. Adding works, making anything law mandatory, even keeping the Sabbath or baptism, and grace and faith are voided out. All that would matter is whether you keep the mandatory requirements. Hence, the correct interpretation of Colossians 2:16-17 is that keeping the Sabbath or anything else is not a requirement, and we are not to be judged on whether we keep them or not. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. Paul states that the things he has mentioned are not judged today, but are a shadow or picture of things to come in the future. Most likely in the Millennial reign of Christ and/or beyond. *Hebrews 8:4-5* For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: 5Who serve unto **the example and shadow of heavenly things**, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. *Hebrews 10:1* For **the law having a shadow of good things to come**, and **not the very image of the things**, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. *Romans 14:5-6* One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6**He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it**. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians --- ### [Pastoral Care?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-pastoral-care/) **Published:** April 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How should a Pastor care for the flock? To understand this, it is necessary to know what a pastor is. I recommend the following be read first, and then continue with this article. [**Pastor, Bishops, Apostles, Reverends, Prophets**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/pastor-bishops-apostles-reverends-prophets/) Pastoral care is the responsibility of the elders in the faith. Hopefully, an assembly has access to elders who have labored in word and doctrine and are equipped with the knowledge and understanding as to be able to provide biblical care. From these men, hopefully, is one who desires the office of Bishop. **[The office of Bishop](http://unleavenedfaith.org/pastor-bishops-apostles-reverends-prophets/)** is not a calling, but a desire to aid others. *1 Timothy 3:1* This is a true saying, **If a man desire the office of a bishop**, **he desireth** a good work. The Bishop’s and if needed, with the assistance of Deacons, first responsibility is to know everyone in the assembly. He is to know who needs what help and who can provide help. Then, along with the other elders, organize to provide the assistance needed. They are the blood to the body, reaching every part. They are the organizers and maintainers of order, seeing all is taken care of. There are many ways a congregation should be able to help each other. The particular way deemed necessary or chosen to provide will be headed by the Bishop and Deacons under the watchful eye of all elders and whole congregation. The Church and its functions are not the responsibility of nor under the control of one man. You can liken Church governance to a Mayor and City Council. It is responsible to God and the whole assembly. The congregation is responsible for: - Caring for the poor - The windows - The fatherless - Providing for or aid in in the education of its children (Church school or homeschooling) - Help those who failed to get an education or job skills in their youth to achieve such. - The Bishop and elders should be able to provide biblically correct counselling. - The Bishop and elders should provide that there are men who have labor in word and doctrine to preach, teach, and provide for the spiritual needs of the assembly. It takes the efforts of the whole congregation to be a Church. It is every Christian’s responsibility to serve each other under the oversight of the elders. I hope that this answers your question, at least in part. I will note here that there will be many who would reject this response in favor of the status quo. The Church was never to follow blindly or put all the responsibility and authority in the hands of one man. “…the acquisition of such absolute command over the consciences and understanding of a congregation, however obscure or despised by the world, is more truly grateful to the pride of the human heart, than the possession of the most despotic power, imposed by arms and conquest on a reluctant people”. > Edward Gibbon, Esq; “History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire”, Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion *Philippians 2:21* For **all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s**. *Acts 20:30* Also **of your own selves** shall men arise, speaking perverse things, **to draw away disciples after them**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog --- ### [John 14:14 - Ask What Ye Will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-is-it-that-believers-hardly-experience-the-reality-of-john-1414/) **Published:** May 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. *John 14:14* KJV A question, whether asked in earnest or disingenuously, concerns prayer. Why if the Bible say*s “Ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you”* do prayers go unanswered? The Bible can be like a picture puzzle; the pieces have to be put together to arrive at the whole picture. It is a test to see who will study. *John 14:13-14* And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, **that the Father may be glorified in the Son**. `14`**If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it**. *John 15:7* **If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you**, **ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you**. *1 John 5:14* And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, **if we ask any thing according to his will**, he heareth us: Prayer is a complex subject. There are many reasons why prayers are hindered or go unanswered. Foremost is the fact that biblical Christians are not living a biblical life. The word of God does not abide in them; it is rare that they read, and certainly do not diligently [**study the Bible**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-1382duty-to-study-the-bible/). How can you ask according to God’s will if you have not studied and know what God’s will is? How do you know if what you ask glorifies the Father, if you have not studied and know what glorifies the Father? As a babe in Christ, there is a certain amount of leeway, but with time, the study of His word is required to guide you into all things. Then there is always the prayer asked simply out or want to the satisfying of the flesh. If this is answered, it will be to your detriment to teach or punish. Be careful what you ask for, you may get it. If the prayer is just for a want and not a need, it is questionable whether a response would be forthcoming. *James 4:3* Ye ask, and receive not, because **ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts**. Prayers must be in accordance with God’s will. He is not going to answer if the prayer violates His great precepts: “Love God” and *“thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”* Further, an answer may take time. The logistics of answering prayer is rarely, if ever, recognized. It can take a long time to bring about all that is needed to fulfill a prayer. View the video then replace ‘Pencil’ with ‘Prayer’. I hope this provides some material for thought. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog, John **Tags:** Prayer, Theology --- ### [Galatians 4:10 - Superstition](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-410/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. Galatians 4:10 The common answer for an explanation of the days, months, times, and years, of Galatians 4:10 is the Sabbaths and Jewish holydays, but I doubt this interpretation. It is speaking of things like your horoscope and other astrology types of observance and possibly keeping the pagan holy days they were used to. I assume this as we are told not to let a man judge us in whether we observed the Jewish holy days or not. *Colossians 2:16* **Let no man therefore judge you** in meat, or in drink, or **in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days**: But here Paul is condemning them for what they do. Galatians 4:9-11 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, **how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements**, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10**Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years**. 11**I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain**. It has to be something that they turned away from upon salvation or should not turn unto again. See an excellent article on this topic: **[Why Superstition Fails a Biblical Worldview](https://theologyinfive.com/providence-not-omens/)**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians --- ### [The Meaning of Verse Numbers](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verses-in-the-bible/) **Published:** August 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The Bible has 66 books, divided into 1,189 chapters consisting of 31,173 verses. The Bible was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton about 1228. The Old Testament was divided into verses by a Jewish rabbi by the name of Nathan in 1448, and the New Testament by Robert Estienne, aka Stephanus, in 1551. The first printed Bible divided into verses was an Old Testament Latin edition by Pagninus, printed in 1528. The first complete English version of the Bible divided into verses was the Geneva Bible, printed in 1560. If it is believed God preserved his word down through history to today, then it is believed that the Bible being divided into verses is of the Lord. Verses have no grammatical connection with the text. What verses do is divide the Scriptures into individual thoughts. A sentence is a trinity, it must have a subject, a predicate (verb), and a complete thought. The complete thought may be made up of two or more smaller thoughts or a sentence may have a main thought with ancillary or supplementary thoughts. The Bible should be studied sentence by sentence and then verse by verse. A biblical sentence may be made up of one verse or several verses. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study** to **shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed**, rightly dividing the word of truth. The verse above contains one sentence. However, it has a main thought with supplementary thoughts filling out the complete thought. The simple form of the sentence above is: “Thou study” (Thou being the singular “you”); it is a command to each individual believer. It has ancillary thoughts giving the purpose to study: so that we are *“rightly dividing the word of truth.”* It gives the reasons to study: *“to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.”* As in one verse it is the same when a sentence has more than one verse. *Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV* For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: `9`Not of works, lest any man should boast. This sentence is made up of two verses. The simple sentence is: Ye are saved. The additional thought producing the complete thought is: by grace through faith and not of ourselves Additional thoughts emphasize that it is not of ourselves our works: It is the gift of God. This sub-thought completes the first verse. The second verse reinforces the thought given in verse 8, *“not of ourselves”*: (9): Not of works, With a final reason why it is not of works: Lest any man should boast. That is, God should get the glory, not man. Together, the complete thought is brought out. At least one sentence in the NT contains 8 verses and 204 words. (**[Col 1:21–29](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/)**) If you do not put all the sub-thoughts together correctly, rightly divide them, you will develop, as many have, an erroneous interpretation. > [How to Study the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/) Rate this post **Categories:** Required --- ### [Two Resurrections: John 5:24-29](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-resurrections-john-524-29/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, **He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life**, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, **when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live**. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27And hath given him authority **to execute judgment** also, because he is the Son of man. 28Marvel not at this: for **the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice**, 29And shall come forth; **they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life**; and **they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation**. John 5:24-29 The two references are prophecies foretelling two resurrections: one to life only and another, a general resurrection of both to life and to damnation. The second, general, resurrection awaits its hour; it is future. The first resurrection is for the saved, and the hour is not only coming but now is; it spans from Christ Jesus’ resurrection to the resurrection at the end of the Tribulation. The Book of Revelation also shows the two resurrections. *Revelation 20:4*-6 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them **that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.** *5*But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. **This is the first resurrection**. 6Blessed and holy is he that hath part in **the first resurrection**: on such **the second death hath no power**, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and **shall reign with him a thousand years**. Verse 4 represents the last part of the first resurrection, those who did not take the mark or worship the Beast. The first resurrection ends before the millennial reign of Christ on earth; the second takes place at the end of the millennial reign. The first resurrection began with the resurrection of Christ Jesus himself. *Acts 26:23* That Christ should suffer, and that **he should be the first that should rise from the dead**, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. *1 Corinthians 15:20* But now is Christ risen from the dead, and **become the firstfruits of them that slept**. *1 Corinthians 15:22-23* For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: **Christ the firstfruits**; afterward they that are Christ’s **at his coming**. *Colossians 1:18* And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, **the firstborn from the dead**; that in all things he might have the preeminence. *Revelation 1:5* And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and **the first begotten of the dead**, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, The first resurrection began with Jesus Christ, the first to be resurrected unto eternal life. There were other resurrections, but they were not unto eternal life; they died again. The second part of the first resurrection is the pre-tribulation [**Translation of the Church**, ****or the Rapture****](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/). *1 Thessalonians 4:16-17* For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and **the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.** The last part of the first resurrection is at the end of the Tribulation, those who did not take the mark, *Revelation 20:4*-6 above. The second resurrection is the Great White Throne Judgment at the completion of the millennial reign of Christ Jesus. *Revelation 20:11-13* And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And **I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God**; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and **they were judged every man according to their works**. It must be remembered that during the millennial reign and beyond, there is no salvation by faith in Christ Jesus; He is sitting on the throne in Jerusalem, ruling the world; salvation is now based on works. Whether those works are based on the content of your heart’s desire would be a salient question. 4.5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Doctrine, John --- ### [All Men Are Created Equal](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/where-did-the-idea-that-all-men-are-created-equal-come-from/) **Published:** June 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > When dealing with the equality of people, the Bible calls it “respect of persons,” that is, it is against showing deference to one over others. All men are equal before the law; no one is to be treated differently in judgment. Hence, all men are equal in that the small and the great, rich or poor, should all be treated with the same dignity. Equality before the law for all men. *Leviticus 19:15* Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: **thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty**: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. *Deuteronomy 1:17* **Ye shall not respect persons in judgment**; but **ye shall hear the small as well as the great**; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God’s: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. *Colossians 3:25* But **he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done**: and **there is no respect of persons**. All men are to be treated with equal dignity. *Ephesians 6:5-9* **Servants**, **be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh**, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but **as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart**; 7With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9And, **ye masters, do the same things unto them**, forbearing threatening: **knowing that your Master also is in heaven**; **neither is there respect of persons with him**. *James 2:1-4* My brethren, **have not the faith** of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, **with respect of persons**. 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And **ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing**, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; **and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool**: 4**Are ye not then partial in yourselves**, and are become judges of evil thoughts? … 9But **if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin**, and **are convinced of the law as transgressors**. *1 Peter 1:17* And if ye call on the Father, **who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work**, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: For there is no respect of persons with God. *Romans 2:11* We hold these truths to be self-evident, that **all men are created equal**, that they are endowed **by their Creator** with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Declaration of Independence 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Blog, Politics **Tags:** Life, Theology --- ### [Are there two James in the Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-there-two-james-in-the-bible/) **Published:** July 19, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There are three (maybe four) men named James referenced in the Scriptures. *Matthew 10:2-4* Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; **James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother**; 3Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; **James the son of Alphaeus**, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. *Luke 6:14-16* Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, **James** and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15Matthew and Thomas, **James** the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes, 16And **Judas the brother of James**, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor. Apparently, there are three sets of brothers: Peter/Andrew, James/John, James/Judas. Matthew(Levi) is also said to be the son of Alphaeus. Apparently, the three were brothers. *Mark 2:14* And as he passed by, he saw **Levi the son of Alphaeus** sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. The third James is the Lord’s brother. *Mark 6:3* Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, **the brother of James**, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him. This gives us: - James/John – sons of Zebedee - James/Judas/Matthew – sons of Alphaeus (The context of Luke 6:14-16 & Mark 2:14 confirm this) - James – the Lord’s brother James, the brother of John was killed early on. *Acts 12:2* And **he killed James the brother of John** with the sword. James, the son of Alphaeus, being one of the original apostles, is most likely the James who seemed to lead in the Jerusalem Church. *Acts 12:17* But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, **Go shew these things unto James**, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. *Acts 15:13* And after they had held their peace, **James answered**, saying, Men and brethren, **hearken unto me**: *Acts 21:18* And the day following **Paul went in with us unto James**; and **all the elders were present**. Acts 21:18 is not the same time as Paul’s earlier visit mentioned in Galatians. *Galatians 1:18-19* Then **after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter**, and abode with him fifteen days. 19But **other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother**. Paul specifically points out that it was not James who was one of the original apostles, but the Lord’s brother whom he ran into at Peter’s place. It is my opinion that it was James, son of Alphaeus, one of the original apostles, who wrote the book of James. It is most likely that if the brother of the Lord had done so, he would have mentioned that he was the Lord’s brother. Jude of the book of Jude is Judas, the brother of James, son of Alphaeus. If he were the brother of the Lord, he would have said that and not that he was the brother of the brother of the Lord. *Jude 1:1* **Jude**, the servant of Jesus Christ, and **brother of James**, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: James and Jude, sons of Alphaeus, were both of the original twelve apostles. There is also James the less of Mark 15. *Mark 15:40* There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of **James the less** and of Joses, and Salome; He is not the Lord’s brother, and I doubt that James of the original twelve would be known as the less. I must assume that it is another James. Of course, this is just my gatherings from the Scriptures. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Electoral College](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/electoral-college/) **Published:** January 27, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The Electoral College is probably the most misunderstood and falsely maligned safeguard within our Constitution left to us today, without which our nation would not have lasted fifty years and will not if we are deceived into repealing it. The process was designed to prevent a few large-population states from controlling the Presidency. The argument is that a pure popular vote should elect the President; one person, one vote. If our forefathers had been that naive, we would not have had a nation to begin with. Let me state at the start that it is perfectly possible to have a popular vote with the Electoral College, and its demise is not needed unless you wish to aid in the destruction of our nation. In Article II, section one of the Constitution it states: > 2\. Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the State may be entitled in the Congress: but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States, shall be appointed an elector This simply means that each state gets several electoral votes for President equal to the number of Congressional districts plus two, one for each Senator. How the states elect and operate under this system is up to them to decide. When we go to the polls and vote for President, we are actually voting a person into the Electoral College, a representative of the candidate, who has sworn to vote for your choice as a member of the College. Most states, if not all, are operating under a winner-take-all system. That is, whichever candidate received the most popular votes at the polls is awarded all the Electoral College slots, to be filled by those sworn to vote for him. It does not have to be this way; it is the State’s choice. This is where the detractors of this system have a legitimate argument and also where they fail to see Colleges necessity. Our Electoral College system ensures that the various interests of the nation as a whole geographically are considered and prevents the control of the presidency by a small minority of heavily populated areas. The presidency is not supposed to be won by one national popular vote, but by a majority of State popular votes reflecting the nation’s diverse interests. The Electoral College is a system designed to meet the needs of all. It is heavily weighted toward a national popular election by virtue of the number of Electors being determined by population, while it affords the less populated states with less divergent interests to band together their Electoral votes and have, if not an equal, a greater say in Presidential politics. At the same time, it affords the more densely populated states the ability to divide their numerous Electoral votes and render a strict popular vote. Under a pure national popular vote for President, he would be elected by half the East Coast and California. The interests of the least populated states would be of no concern to anyone running for the office. States that have more than twenty Electoral votes should consider dropping their winner-take-all system and split them among the top two or three candidates with the highest votes. The pundits say that this will erode our two-party system by allowing greater access to smaller fringe parties. Well, our system was not specifically designed to be a two-party system; with a greater chance to win, one or two of those fringe parties may just turn out to be more mainstream than they appear. The Electoral College is a balance between the voice of the people of the less populated states and the voice of the people in states with larger populations. > [The Sovereignty of the Executive Branch](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-sovereignty-of-the-executive-branch/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Politics --- ### [Mark 4:37-39](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-437-39/) **Published:** January 24, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Mark 4:37-39 37 And **there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship**, so that it was now full. 38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, **Master, carest thou not that we perish**? 39 And **he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still**. And **the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.** Psalms 107:25-30 25 For **he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.** 26 **They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths**: their soul is melted because of trouble. 27 **They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end**. 28 **Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses**. 29 **He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still**. 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. As you can see from the above, the event of the storm was the fulfillment of prophecy. *Luke 24:44 KJV* And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that **all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms,** concerning me. > [The Fulfilling of the Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-fulfilling-of-the-law/) Rate this post **Categories:** Mark --- ### [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) **Published:** July 31, 2024 **Author:** **Content:** The following are biblical references that ULF has been asked to provide an opinion on how they should be interpreted. It is hoped that this section will be found useful. ## Gospels & Acts - [ Matthew ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/gospels-acts/matthew/) - [ Mark ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/gospels-acts/mark/) - [ Luke ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/gospels-acts/luke/) - [ John ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/gospels-acts/john/) - [ Acts ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/gospels-acts/acts/) ## Pauline Epistles - [ Romans ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/romans/) - [ 1 Corinthians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/1-corinthians/) - [ 2 Corinthians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/2-corinthians/) - [ Galatians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/galatians/) - [ Ephesians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/ephesians/) - [ Philippians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/philippians/) - [ Colossians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/colossians/) - [ 1 Thessalonians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/1-thessalonians/) - [ 2 Thessalonians ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/2-thessalonians/) - [ 1 Timothy ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/1-timothy/) - [ 2 Timothy ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/2-timothy/) - [ Titus ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/titus/) - [ Philemon ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/philemon/) - [ Hebrews ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/pauline-epistles/hebrews/) ## General Epistles - [ James ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/general-epistles/James/) - [ 1 Peter ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/general-epistles/1-peter/) - [ 2 Peter ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/general-epistles/2-peter/) - [ 1 John ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/general-epistles/1-john/) - [ 2 John ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/general-epistles/2-john/) - [ 3 John ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/general-epistles/3-john/) - [ Jude ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/general-epistles/jude/) - [ ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/revelations/) ## Revelations - [ Revelation ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/new-testament/Revelations/Revelation/) ## Old Testament ## Pentateuch - [ Genesis ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/pentateuch/genesis/) - [ Exodus ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/pentateuch/exodus/) - [ Leviticus ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/pentateuch/leviticus/) - [ Numbers ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/pentateuch/numbers/) - [ Deuteronomy ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/pentateuch/deuteronomy/) ## Histories - [ Joshua ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/histories/Joshua/) - Judges - Ruth - [ 1 Samuel ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/histories/1-samuel/) - [ 2 Samuel ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/histories/2-samuel/) - [ 1 Kings ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/histories/1-kings/) - [ 2 Kings ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/histories/2-kings/) - [ 1 Chronicles ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/histories/1-chronicles/) - [ 2 Chronicles ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/histories/2-chronicles/) - Ezra - Nehemiah - Esther ## Wisdom - [ Job ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/wisdom/job/) - [ Psalms ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/wisdom/psalms/) - [ Proverbs ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/wisdom/proverbs/) - [ Ecclesiastes ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/wisdom/ecclesiastes/) - Song of Solomon ## Major Prophets - [ Isaiah ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/major-prophets/isaiah/) - [ Jeremiah ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/major-prophets/jeremiah/) - Lamentations - [ Ezekiel ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/major-prophets/ezekiel/) - [ Daniel ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/major-prophets/daniel/) ## Minor Prophets - [ Hosea ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/major-prophets/hosea/) - Joel - [ Amos ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/minor-prophets/amos/) - Obadiah - Jonah - Micah - Nahum - Habakkuk - [ Zephaniah ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/old-testament/minor-prophets/zephaniah/) - Haggai - Zechariah - Malachi Rate this post **Categories:** Insights, Uncategorized --- ### [Hosea 14:2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hosea-142/) **Published:** January 23, 2026 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render **the calves of our lips**. Hosea 14:2 The Bible, especially the Minor Prophets, use quite a bit of symbolism, such as the phrase in question here, *“the calves of our lips”*. To those who have not spent a significant amount of time in the KJV, much of the symbolism can be confusing. The greater the familiarity with the Bible, the greater the understanding. Seeing that the Bible contains everything God has, is, and will do within the seven thousand years allotted to the reconciliation, much of what the Bible says is not only current descriptions but symbolic of other or more expanded events to be able to contain such vast amounts of information in the form of the Bible. *Amos 3:7* Surely the Lord GOD **will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. *Hosea 12:10* **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. Sticking with the KJV it is not difficult to render the correct interpretation of the phrase *“calves of our lips”*. A few modern translations get the general idea, but there is no reason to seek outside God’s word. The context is Israel returning unto the Lord, praising Him. The Hebrew word translated calves here is mainly translated as *“bullock”*, a young bull. The blood of bullocks was a premier item of sacrifice. *Exodus 29:12* And thou shalt take of **the blood of the bullock**, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar. *Leviticus 16:14* And he shall take of **the blood of the bullock**, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. *Numbers 8:8* Then let them take **a young bullock** with his meat offering, even fine flour mingled with oil, and another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin offering. *Ezekiel 43:19* And thou shalt give to the priests the Levites that be of the seed of Zadok, which approach unto me, to minister unto me, saith the Lord GOD, **a young bullock for a sin offering**. These are but a few of the references to sacrificing a young bullock. A young bullock would be a yearling. *Micah 6:6* Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with **calves of a year old**? With this we understand that the phrase in question is speaking of offering a sacrifice as a calf as being representative of offering with our lips. The following images give us the realization of what a yearling calf is. ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/YearlingBullocks01.jpg)![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/YearlingBullocks02.jpg)![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/YearlingBullocks03.jpg)What we say with our lips can seal our fate. *Deuteronomy 23:23* **That which is gone out of thy lips** thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast **promised with thy mouth**. *Psalms 12:4* Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; **our lips are our own**: who is lord over us? *Psalms 63:3* Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, **my lips shall praise thee**. In our verse, Hosea 14:2 it is speaking of prasing the Lord with the sacrifice of our lips. *Hebrews 13:15* By him therefore let us offer **the sacrifice of praise** to God continually, that is, **the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name**. Does this give more understanding than just running to a modern translation that may or may not interpret correctly. *Hosea 14:2* ***NET*** Return to the LORD and repent! Say to him: “Completely forgive our iniquity; accept our penitential prayer, **that we may offer the praise of our lips as sacrificial bulls**. *Hosea 14:2 **UASV*** Take words with you and return to Jehovah; say to him, “Take away all error; accept what is good, and **we will offer with bulls the praise of our lips**. *Hosea 14:2* ***WEB*** Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so **we offer our lips like bulls**. *Hosea 14:2* ***ASV*** Take with you words, and return unto Jehovah: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and accept that which is good: so will **we render as bullocks the offering of our lips**. *Hosea 14:2* ***CEV*** Return to the LORD and say, “Please forgive our sins. **Accept our good sacrifices of praise instead of bulls**. *Hosea 14:2* ***CEV*** Return to the LORD and say, “Please forgive our sins. **Accept our good sacrifices of praise instead of bull**s. Are these modern translations helpful in understanding? Rate this post **Categories:** Hosea **Tags:** Symbolism --- ### [Hebrews 11:1-3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hebrews-11-1-3/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now **faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen**. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Hebrews 11:1-3 Our faith, our belief, and trust in God is what makes what we hope for real, gives it substance. Our faith in God and his word: living it, giving all for it, willing to die due to it, is the evidence of those things we preach that are yet unseen. *Hebrews 11:4* **By faith Abel** offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. *Hebrews 11:8* **By faith Abraham**, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. It is our faith, belief, that gives us confidence in the unseen. *2 Corinthians 5:6-8* 6 Therefore **we are always confident**, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For **we walk by faith**, not by sight:) 8 **We are confident**, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Why are we confident and unafraid of death? Because of our faith, belief in, and trust, in God and his word. Faith, a believing heart, is what is required of us to bring to God, *“faith toward God.”* *Psalms 50:15* And **call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee**, and **thou shalt glorify me**. Our testimony has everything to do with our faith in Christ Jesus. It is our standing upon that faith, no matter what, no matter how bad the circumstance, that is the evidence, the substance, of the truth of the faith we preach. *Philippians 1:27-28* Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28And**in nothing terrified by your adversaries**: **which is to them an evident token of perdition**, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Our witness and testimony proclaimed by living godly, holy, honestly, soberly, before the world is our greatest gift to mankind. *1 Corinthians 16:13* - be strong. - Watch ye, - stand fast in the faith, - quit you like men, There are a few who have trouble reading and deciphering these verses. It is not that the KJV is difficult to read, it is that our education system has dumb us down. I have taken the liberty to diagram Hebrews 11:1-3. ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hebrews_11_1-3.jpg)Part of the problem is the mistake of thinking “it” (faith) is the subject of the sentence in verse 2; it is not. It is being used a part of an adverbial phrase modifying the verb *“obtained”*. If you are going to understand the Scriptures, brushing up on [**grammar** ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/grammar/)is a necessity. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Hebrews **Tags:** Faith --- ### [Isaiah 7:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-7-14/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, **a virgin shall conceive**, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 The debate and choler over whether “virgin” is the correct translation in Isaiah 7:14 will not end until the Lord’s return. The below is for those who desire to trust God’s word. Robert Dick Wilson, PhD, DD (1856 – 1930) was an American linguist and Presbyterian Old Testament scholar who devoted his life to proving the reliability of the Hebrew Bible. In his quest to determine the accuracy of the original manuscripts, Wilson learned 45 languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, as well as all the languages into which the Scriptures had been translated up to 600 AD. Below is his report on the translation of “virgin”. Mr. Wilson begins by giving the translation of the word “alma” in the passages of the O.T., in which it occurs as follows: Genesis 24:43 (virgin); Exodus 2:8 (maid); Pro. 30:19 (maid); Under each verse, he gives the translation of “alma” into other languages and versions: Jerome’s Latin Vulgate (4th century A. D.); Coptic, Armenian, Peshitto (Syriac); the Targum; into Greek by Aquila, Symmachus and Theodotion (2nd century A. D.); the Greek Septuagint; Arabic and others. After giving this complete list of how noted Bible scholars translated the word, he gives the root meaning of “alma” which is “hide.” Then two O.T. Hebrew words are given which are similar in meaning: “n’ara” (young woman, damsel) and “bethulah” (virgin, maid, maiden). After a careful study of this material, Dr. Wilson comes to the following conclusion: --- 1. None of the ancient languages or versions gives any evidence to show that “alma” ever meant a young married woman. 2. There seems to be no doubt that “bethulah” is the specific and unambiguous word for virgin. 3. A “n’ara” may not have been a virgin. Otherwise it would scarcely have been necessary to define her five times by the word “bethulah” (virgin). 4. An “alma” must have been presumed to be a “virgin” since it is never defined by “bethulah.” 5. Since the Septuagint version was made in the case of Genesis 280 years B. C. and in the case of Isaiah 200 years B. C., it is to be presumed that their rendering of “alma” by “parthenos” (virgin) in Genesis 24:48 and Isaiah 7:14 was in their minds a justifiable rendering. So far as we have any evidence, the citation of Isaiah 7:14 in Matthew 1:23 is thus justified by the Jewish interpretation up to the time when Matthew was written. 6. Since the Peshitto Syriac version of the Old Testament was probably made by Jews, their rendering of the word “alma” by “bethulah” in Isaiah 7:14 must have been considered proper even as late as the second century A. D. 7. Jerome, who studied Hebrew under Jewish rabbis of his time (about 400 A. D.), still thought it possible to render “alma” by “virgo” (virgin) in Genesis 24:43 and Isaiah 7:14. 8. Since Aquila, Theodotion and Symmachus were all probably renegades from Christianity, and Jewish proselytes, their rendering of “alma” in Isaiah 7:14 by “neanis” (young woman) instead of “parthenos” (virgin) is easily understood. 9. The feminine noun is not found in the Koran; but the masculine is used of the as yet unborn Isaac and John the Baptist, and of Jesus the son of the virgin Mary, of Joseph in the pit and of two young men who are expressly said to have been killed before they reached the age of puberty. 10. All the versions of the Greek “parthenos” (virgin) – Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopic, Harklensian, Syriac, and Arabic – render the word in both Isaiah 7:14 and Matt. 1:23 by the best word for “virgin” which they possess. 11. The evidence that Mary was a virgin does not, after all, depend on the meaning of the words “alma” and “parthenos” alone; for it is said, also, of Mary that “she had not known man.” This phrase is used in the Old Testament of Rebecca “a virgin that had not known man” (Gen. 24:16); of Jephthah’s daughter (Judges 11:39); and of the virgins of Jabesh Gilead (Judges 21:12). The rendering “ulemta” of the Targum to Isaiah 7:14 cannot possibly argue in favor of the meaning “young married woman” in view of the following facts: - “Alma” in the O.T. never has this meaning anywhere else. - “Ulemta” translates not merely “alma” but also “n’ara,” “yolda,” and “bethulah,” none of which means young married woman. - “Ulemta” is used of Rebecca when she came to the well and met Eliezer; of Miriam when she was set to watch the infant Moses; of the 400 virgins of Jabesh Gilead (Judges 21:12); of Esther and the other virgins who were selected for the choice of Xerxes as wife. Finally, two conclusions from the evidence seem clear: first, that “alma,” so far as known, never meant “young married woman”; and secondly, the presumption in common law and usage was, and is, that every “alma” is virgin and virtuous, until and unless it shall be proven that she is not. If Isaiah 7:14 is a prediction of the conception, and if the events recorded in Matt. 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-38 are true, and the Holy Spirit really overshadowed the virgin Mary; all difficulties are cleared away. The great and only difficulty lies then in disbelief in predictive prophecy and in the almighty power of God, or in the desire to throw discredit upon the divine Sonship of Jesus. In the third Sura of the Koran, Mohammed represents Mary as saying to the angel: “Lord, how can I have a son when man has not yet touched me?” And the angel said: “Thus God creates what He pleaseth; When He decrees a matter He only says, BE, and it is.” Mohammed was a better Theist than many who profess to follow Christ today.” --- The above represents the conclusion of Dr. Robert Dick Wilson, one of the greatest linguistic and Biblical scholars of all time. To his fine thoughts, I add the following: The RSV cannot be right in rendering “alma” for “young woman” in Isaiah 7:14; therefore, their rendering of it so was a result of liberalistic and modernistic bias. Let not my brethren be deceived by the modernists and their apologists. [https://www.wayoflife.org/reports/robert\_dick\_wilson\_defender\_of\_the\_faith.php](https://www.wayoflife.org/reports/robert_dick_wilson_defender_of_the_faith.php) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah **Tags:** Theology --- ### [1 John 2:15-16 ~ Temptation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-215-16-temptation/) **Published:** March 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For **all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life**, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 1 John 2:15-16 *James 1:15* Then **when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin**: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. The power of temptation is the lust one has for what is offered, but it must be understood by its dual nature. There are two sides to the coin of temptation. James 1:14 But **every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust**, and enticed. Eve was tempted by the snake and was tempted by the temptation set forth, on all three counts. *1 John 2:16* For all that is in the world, **the lust of the flesh**, and **the lust of the eyes**, and **the pride of life**, is not of the Father, but is of the world. *Genesis 3:6* And when the woman saw that the tree **was good for food**, and **that it was pleasant to the eyes**, and **a tree to be desired to make one wise**, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [The Servant of the Lord Must](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-servant-of-the-lord-must/) **Published:** December 3, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, *25*In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; *26*And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 A Christian street evangelist was demonstrating outside a city amphitheater. He was part of a group of individuals heckling concertgoers through a megaphone, calling them “whores,” “sissies,” and “Jezebels.” **[The Epoch Times](https://www.theepochtimes.com/us/supreme-court-to-examine-if-street-preachers-lawsuit-can-proceed-5952736?ea_src=frontpage&ea_med=section-1)** Taking the above into consideration, it does not appear that the two quotes are compatible by any rational standard. *Luke 9:54-56* And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, **wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them**, even as Elias did? *55*But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, **Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of**. *56*For the Son of man **is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them**. And they went to another village. There is a contingent of Christians, at least in name, who have arrived at a biblically skewed conclusion that the ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus includes harassing, denigrating, insulting, and otherwise badgering the lost. This attitude could not be further from our biblical calling. It is a far cry from the gentleness, patience, and meekness we are instructed as servants of the Lord to walk in. *Matthew 12:17-21* That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, *18*Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. *19***He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets**. *20***A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench**, till he send forth judgment unto victory. *21*And in his name shall the Gentiles trust. The Bible provides precise instructions to the servant of the Lord on how to conduct ourselves when occupied in the ministry of the Gospel of Christ Jesus: preaching, witnessing, and otherwise engaging with the lost. None of which includes calling them “whores,” “sissies,” and “Jezebels.” Those actions hinder the furtherance of the Gospel and are derived straight from Satan’s playbook and are the method of choice for those who refuse to **[read and diligently study](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-1382duty-to-study-the-bible/)** and apply the precepts of the word of God to all aspects of their lives. Now is not the time to judge others, but to sacrifice ourselves on behalf of Christ Jesus, who sacrificed Himself for all. The biblical calling to those who have trusted in the Lord can be described using three S’s. - **S**ervice - **S**acrifice - **S**uffering The saints (those that trust that Christ Jesus was the virgin-born Son of God, that He died for the sins of the world (our sins), was buried, and rose again the third day) are called to serve in the Gospel, to make whatever sacrifices needed to do so, and to suffer any consequences of that service may bring upon us. *Philippians 1:29* For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, **but also to suffer for his sake**; The saints may not be in bondage to the letter of the law, but neither does that grant them divine liberty to do as they please. We will be judged by the law of liberty. *James 2:12* So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by **the law of liberty**. The most difficult aspect of the life of a Christian is personal liberty. Liberty requires individual decision, individual action, individual responsibility, and most frightening of all, individual cost. Choosing to do good over evil, right over wrong, can cost one their family, friends, jobs, associations, and even life itself. Many live their lives in a lie because they are afraid of liberty, acting on what they believe is right, for fear of the cost. They follow the crowd. Exercising personal liberty, stepping forward alone, is a fearful thing for many. The Christian will be judged on the use of their liberty. *1 Peter 2:16* As free, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as **the servants of God**. The actions of the street preachers described above are malicious, incurring shame and derision upon the name of our Lord, and can bring grave consequences on individual saints. *2 Samuel 12:14* Howbeit, because by this deed **thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme**, the child also that is born unto thee **shall surely die**. We, as the saints of the Lord, are engaged in a deadly conflict, a war over the souls of men. It is a matter of life or death to all those within our sphere of influence. To fail to follow the instructions given in the Scriptures weakens our abilities in the battle. The battleground is the hearts of men. Not all things are expedient to our purpose of winning those hearts. *1 Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, **but all things are not expedient**: all things are lawful for me, **but all things edify not**. The servant of the Lord must: - Not Strive - Be Gentle - Be Apt to Teach - Be Patient - In Meekness Instructing *Titus 3:2-3* To **speak evil of no man**, to **be no brawlers**, but **gentle**, shewing all **meekness** unto **all men**. *3*For **we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another**. Would you have received the Gospel being harassed, denigrated, insulted, and badgered? It is reminiscent of the Inquisition, not the love and grace of God. *Luke 10:2* Therefore said he unto them, **The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few**: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, **that he would send forth labourers into his harvest**. The Lord is calling each and every one of His to enter into the harvest and gather in the wheat. The purging and cleaning of the wheat begins after it is in the Lord’s barn. *Hebrews 12:6* For whom the Lord loveth **he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth**. The Lord chastens us so that we will walk in the Spirit. *Galatians 5:22-23* But **the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith**, *23***Meekness, temperance**: against such there is no law. Does that sound like the fruit of those described above? Satan desires to take souls captive, the Christian should be winning souls by their godly, Spiritual, behavior. *Philippians 1:27* Only **let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ**: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye **stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel**; *Colossians 3:14* And above all these things **[put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-13/)**. *James 2:8* **If ye fulfil the royal law** according to the scripture, Thou shalt **love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: > [James 2:8 – Royal Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/royal-law/) > [Interpreting the 1st Amendment](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/proper-interpretation-of-the-1st-amendment/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Ministry --- ### [Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/) **Published:** November 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I am asked many times how to or **[how do I study the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/)**. There are what I believe to be some fixed rules in doing so that must be followed to have assurance of a correct interpretation. One of the first rules that must be implemented is that it takes work, time, and effort must be expended. As the Scripture says: *Ecclesiastes 12:12* And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and **much study is a weariness of the flesh**. As wearisome as it may be, we are all commanded to study God’s word. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study** to shew **thyself approved** unto God, a **workman** that needeth not to be ashamed, **rightly dividing the word of truth**. Note that the injunction is toward individuals, thyself, workman, both are singular, meaning that the unstated subject is ‘thou’, meaning you as an individual. We are all commanded to study to be able to rightly divide the word of truth. There is another caveat to the Lord granting you light. It concerns is done with the understanding already given; *“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”* If what is learned is not applied, there is no reason for the Lord to grant understanding. Our attitude toward the word of God is another major factor in understanding the Bible. One of the first essentials to comprehending the Scriptures is believing them to be the very words of God. *Acts 24:14* But this I confess unto thee, that **after the way which they call heresy**, so worship I the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: **God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them.** Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian; French Mathematician, Physicist If you do not believe God, why would he enlighten your understanding? One of the renowned New Testament scholars of our day is a publicly avowed atheist. Do you really think that you can depend on his understanding of the Bible he rejects as truth? In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. The greater the love and desire to know the word of truth, the greater God will bless with understanding. > [Why is the Bible so Cryptic?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/bible-cryptic/) Rate this post **Categories:** Required --- ### [Mark](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/who-is-mark-and-what-was-his-relationship-with-paul/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **when Peter was come to himself**, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. `12`And when he had considered the thing, **he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying**. Acts 12:11-12 Mark was a young man living in Jerusalem. It seems that he and his family were disciples and witnesses of all that had happened concerning Christ Jesus. When things settled a bit and Paul came on the seen, Mark went with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary venture. *Acts 12:25* `KJV `And **Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem**, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and **took with them John, whose surname was Mark**. Mark did not do well at this time, leaving Paul and Barnabas and returned to Jerusalem. *Acts 13:13* `KJV `Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and **John departing from them returned to Jerusalem**. Mark was young and not well-established in the faith. Sometime later, Paul and Barnabas made ready another missionary trip, but were divided over whether to take Mark or not. Mark had obviously grown stronger in the faith, but Paul was not as forgiving as he should have been, or the Lord directed the matter to suit His will. Mark went with Barnabas. *Acts 15:37-40* And **Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark**. `38`But **Paul thought not good to take him with them**, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. `39`And **the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other**: and so **Barnabas took Mark**, and sailed unto Cyprus; `40`And **Paul chose Silas**, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. However, Mark grew in faith and understanding and became a welcome addition to Paul’s efforts. Most importantly, he matured into an author of one of the gospels. *2 Timothy 4:11* Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and **bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** People --- ### [Stephen](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/was-stephen-a-disciple-in-acts/) **Published:** March 14, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Was Stephen a disciple in Acts?** Then the twelve **called the multitude of the disciples** unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. `3`Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. `4`But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. `5`And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and **they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost**, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Acts 6:2-5 Yes, he was a disciple. We know from the Bible, he was in Jerusalem and that he was Jewish. Anything else is pure speculation at best. Although never called an apostle, he was a powerful witness and did *“great wonders and miracles.”* *Acts 6:8* And Stephen, full of faith and power, **did great wonders and miracles among the people**. You have to read, Read, READ, and diligently study. *Hebrews 11:6* But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that **he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him**. Rate this post **Categories:** People, Questions --- ### [Biblical Views on Coercive Evangelism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-does-the-bible-say-about-pushing-religion-on-others/) **Published:** March 14, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What does the Bible say about pushing religion on others?** When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; **and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life**; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. 19Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Ezekiel 3:18-19 *2 Timothy 4:2* **Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season**; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. God is rather adamant that the wicked be warned, but that does not mean that in evangelizing we are to hammer it home. When dealing with individuals, we are to be meek, patient, kind, and gentle. It can be hard, but we must rein in our emotions when witnessing. *2 Timothy 2:24-26* And **the servant of the Lord must not strive**; but be **gentle** unto all men, apt to **teach**, **patient**, 25In **meekness** instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. This also applies to crowds. *Isaiah 55:1* **Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters**, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Ministry, Questions --- ### [Being Offended is an Emotional Response](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/grow-up/) **Published:** March 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What does the Bible say about not being easily offended?** **How do I overcome being easily offended?** It would be difficult to provide any kind of specific answer to your question, not knowing you or what it is you are offended over. The dictionary definition is that taking offense is an emotional response to something. Although it is human nature to respond emotionally first, hopefully reason will take hold. I would say from my personal experience and observations that emotional dominance over reason is a sign of immaturity. This has nothing to do with age; many supposed adults have never grown up and remain emotional adolescents. This is one of the traits of drug abuse; the abuser ceases to grow emotionally, remaining at the age/stage he began abusing, and in later years does not respond to things as an adult would. *Jeremiah 17:9* **The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked**: who can know it? The heart is considered the emotional center. You should not judge things by your emotions, as the vast majority of the time, you will be wrong. Pride, as another respondent mentioned, is a reason one is offended. Arrogant pride is an emotional feeling of superiority, not a reasoned position. All men have to understand and keep their pride in check. The opposite of pride, little self-worth, can leave one emotionally hurt and offended, also. As a Christian, I can only suggest that you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ if you have not done so. *Romans 10:9* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. If you are or after you are, I would suggest reading the Bible to know how you are to live and live as you know you should. As Christ Jesus is your judge, you have no reason to be offended if you are right with him. Without knowing you or more of the situation, I do not see how anyone could respond intelligently to your question. Basically, the answer is to study and grow up. > [Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Body of Christ, Questions --- ### [Philosophy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-do-the-bible-and-philosophy-interact/) **Published:** March 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Colossians 2:8 **Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy** and vain deceit, **after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world**, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8 Philosophy is man’s attempt to reason out things that he has limited or no knowledge of. Man dreams up things to try and fill in the gaps. The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself to man. *Job 9:10 (God)* Which doeth great things **past finding out**; yea, and wonders without number. *Romans 11:33* O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and **his ways past finding out**! *Isaiah 55:8-9* For **my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD**. `9`For as the heavens are higher than the earth, **so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts**. The diligent study of God’s word will give understanding, but man’s philosophy is guesswork. > [Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/) Rate this post **Categories:** Bible --- ### [God's Purpose](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-does-god-care-about-the-most/) **Published:** March 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What ultimately matters most to God?** Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and **for thy pleasure they are and were created**. Revelation 4:11 Even every one that is called by my name: for **I have created him for my glory**, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7 The Lord created all things for His pleasure and glory even salvation. *Psalms 147:11* The LORD **taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy**. *Psalms 149:4* For the LORD **taketh pleasure in his people**: he will beautify the meek with salvation. *Ezekiel 18:23* **Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die**? saith the Lord GOD: **and not that he should return from his ways, and live**? *Psalms 50:15* And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and **thou shalt glorify me**. God humbled himself before men and suffered shame and humiliation once. He will not do so again for anyone. If your salvation does not glorify God, you will not be given the chance to be saved. If God has to humble himself to get your attention, you are done for. This is why demands that God show you a sign, and you will believe, go unanswered. He has shown many signs, and you have rejected them all. If it does not please and glorify God, it is sin. Man’s salvation is a distant second, and its purpose is to glorify Him. *Psalms 79:9* Help us, O God of our salvation, **for the glory of thy name**: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, **for thy name’s sake.** Anything, thought or action, that does not glorify God is sin. *Romans 14:23* And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for **whatsoever is not of faith is sin**. > [What is not a matter of faith?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/it-is-all-about-faith/) Rate this post **Categories:** God-Christ-HS, Questions **Tags:** God --- ### [Covid Face Masks and Social Distancing](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mandating-wearing-of-face-masks-and-practising-social-distancing/) **Published:** March 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The Bible, in Leviticus 13:45-46, mandates wearing face masks and practicing what today is called social distancing for people with infectious diseases. So why are evangelical Christians against both? Some seem to be confused about the precautions that were mandated and why those Christians who knew the Bible and our Constitution were against them. And the leper **in whom the plague is**, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. 46**All the days wherein the plague shall be in him** he shall be defiled; he is unclean: **he shall dwell alone; without the camp** shall his habitation be. Leviticus 13:45-46 The commandment is not given to healthy people, but to those who are sick. These are the ones that are commanded to quarantine themselves, cover their mouths, and warn others to stay away. There is nothing in the Scriptures to support the notion that people who are not sick should be forced to do so. As for the government mandating such, it lacks constitutional authority to do so. If the government can deprive citizens of their rights based on an exigent threat, what is to stop them from making one up or creating one? As the progressive Marxists say: never let a crisis go to waste. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Leviticus, Politics --- ### [Is there an easy to understand KJV?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-there-an-easy-to-understand-kjv/) **Published:** October 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Is there an easier-to-read King James Version? The King James Version is the King James Version, and other versions claiming to be an easy-to-read KJV are not. Should the question not be, is there an easier edition of the KJV/AV, or is the Authorized Version of 1611 the preserved word of God? If yes, you need to learn to read it. Are you too lazy to increase your vocabulary or learn some **[grammar](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/grammar/)**? Many find reading a daily newspaper hard to understand. It depends on your educational level, more importantly, are you willing to put the effort into educating yourself? It is written in modern English, with minor characteristics and a few words that we do not commonly use today. Even though not in common use, and they are not as uncommon in some instances as people think, it does not mean they are not normal English. As far as just reading it, ten minutes is all it should take to get the poetic flow of it. Obviously, if your vocabulary is lacking, you will have to look up some words; this is no different from reading anything. You will have to study basic English grammar if you did not learn it in school. You do not have to be an English major, but as in reading anything, you have to understand basic grammar, or you can misinterpret. Basically, if you are not willing to put the time and effort into it, you cannot learn anything, no matter how easy it is supposed to be. A common response when speaking with people is that they had tried to read the Bible at one time, and failing to understand it, not having immediate comprehension, the Bible was set aside and left to collect dust. This type of statement always betrays one’s heart attitude, especially when it is from professionals, businessmen, college graduates, tradesmen of all sorts; men who have and continue to diligently study the disciplines of this world to reap its rewards and have applied no time to the diligent study of God’s word. Men have their priorities reversed. They spend all their time preparing for and attempting to profit in the here and now, our short and temporary home, and no time preparing to profit in eternity, our long and permanent home. > *Ecclesiastes 12:5* `KJV `…**man goeth to his long home**, and the mourners go about the streets:… Rate this post **Categories:** Bible, Questions, Translations **Tags:** AV 1611, Translations --- ### [Precept Upon Precept](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/precept-upon-precept/) **Published:** April 4, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **For precept must be upon precept**, precept upon precept; **line upon line**, line upon line; **here a little**, and **there a little**: Isaiah 28:10 At this point, I have been discussing what is needed to understand and correctly interpret the Bible. I am writing these articles to those who have trusted in Christ Jesus and have the heart and sense to realize that God preserved his word in the Authorized Version of 1611 and have probably studied more than the average Christian. In 1993, I first published my list of seven precepts to understanding the Bible. Most of you will be familiar with these concepts. **Our requirements:** - Study diligently - Believe all that is written - Do not add to nor diminish from the words, meaning, or sense of the Scripture **The construction of the Scriptures:** - The Bible is God’s revelation to man. We are not looking for what God could have, should have, or what we think he ought to have; we are looking for what God revealed. - God uses similitudes, word pictures describing things that may be designated differently at differing times in history. - Study that you might rightly divide the word of truth - Doctrines are built of precepts, general principles, and precepts are formed here a little, there a little, line upon line. These seven precepts, general principles, or truths, must be adhered to and understood to correctly comprehend the word of God. I desire here to take a closer look at number seven. How do we form correct doctrines? Doctrine is formed from the precepts of the Bible. *Psalms 119:4* **Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently**. *Psalms 119:63* I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that **keep thy precepts**. *Psalms 119:69* The proud have forged a lie against me: but **I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart**. *Psalms 119:100* I understand more than the ancients, **because I keep thy precepts**. *Psalms 119:134* Deliver me from the oppression of man: **so will I keep thy precepts**. Precepts are the universal general principles or truths that are inviolable; any teaching that violates one of the precepts of Scripture is in error at that point. A precept may be contained in one verse: For **the wrath of man** **worketh not the righteousness of God***.* —James 1:20 This is a universal biblical truth; our wrath, anger does not serve God in any capacity, nor any situation. Getting angry, even righteous indignation, will only make things worse or produce less than optimal results. We have Moses as an example. *Numbers 20:10-12* And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, **Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?** 11And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, **Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them**. Moses’ righteous indignation botched the similitude that the Lord was preparing. Christ was that rock; he was smitten once, never again. From that point on, you come before him and humbly ask. Moses, enraged with the people, failed in obeying God’s commandment to speak to the rock and smote it in his anger. His righteous indignation did not work the righteousness of God. Our anger only plays into the hands of Satan to hinder or limit the effects of God’s purpose. *2 Timothy 2:24-25* And **the servant of the Lord must not strive**; but **be gentle** unto all men, **apt to teach**, **patient**, 25**In meekness** instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; We have established the universal biblical precept that man’s wrath does not serve God. This is a general principle that is to be applied universally throughout creation. Other precepts require more references in an effort to define and establish them. Let’s look at the precept that nothing is impossible for God. *Matthew 19:26* But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but **with God all things are possible**. *Mark 10:27* And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for **with God all things are possible**. *Luke 1:37* For **with God nothing shall be impossible**. *Luke 18:27* And he said, **The things which are impossible with men are possible with God**. *Psalm 78:41* Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**, *Jeremiah 32:27*Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: **is there any thing too hard for me?** Here we have six verses attesting that nothing is impossible for God and that he is not to be limited. This is a universal precept, a general truth that applies in all situations and circumstances, yet many base their doctrines and teachings on the assumption that something is impossible for God. Calvinism, for one, in stating that God had to predetermine all things to be sovereign, limits God to their ideological belief. It is certainly possible for God to be sovereign in any way he chooses. We see that by applying just this one precept, you can determine that a teaching is wrong based on its limiting God in some way. *Psalms 119:100* **I understand more than the ancients**, because **I keep thy precepts**. Doctrines are build precept upon precept. Look at some of the precepts that go into the doctrine of salvation. - Christ is the only mediator between man and God, the only way to salvation - Salvation is by grace through faith and not of works, OT, NT, Trib, Salvation is never by man’s works. - Once saved, always saved, we are sealed with the Spirit until the day of redemption. - Jesus Christ came in the flesh - Jesus Christ was God manifested in the flesh - Jesus Christ was resurrected bodily - Absent from the body, present with the Lord These precepts or universal general truths of the Bible, taken together, yield the doctrine of salvation. Doctrines are formed of precepts, precepts by placing passages taken a little here and a little there, and placing them together line upon line. It is the precepts of the Bible that lead us into all truth. Once we have formed and found the precepts, they will guide our meditations and, more importantly, limit our imaginations. **I understand more than the ancients**, because **I keep thy precepts**. *—Psalms 119:100* > [Biblical Precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-precepts/) Rate this post **Categories:** Bible --- ### [Why does God choose whom He will to give Biblical understanding to?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-does-god-choose-whom-he-will-to-give-biblical-understanding-to/) **Published:** April 4, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Hebrews 11:6* `KJV `But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that **he is a rewarder of them that ****diligently**** seek him**. *2 Timothy 2:15* `KJV `******Study**** to shew thyself approved unto God**, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Are you diligently **[studying God’s word](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/)**, if you are you will be rewarded with understanding. We are looking for three things in the study of God’s word: knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. Knowledge, know what the Bible says, read it, whether you understand it or not. The more you know what it says, the more you will understand. The more you understand, the more wisdom you will have in how to use and apply it. God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. > Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian, French Mathematician, Physicist Rate this post **Categories:** Bible, Questions --- ### [In what sense was the man of sorrow from Isaiah 53:3 acquainted with infirmity?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/in-what-sense-was-the-man-of-sorrow-from-isaiah-533-acquainted-with-infirmity/) **Published:** April 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Isaiah 53:3* He is **despised and rejected** of men; **a man of sorrows**, and **acquainted with grief**: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. *Matthew 8:17* That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself **took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses**. *Isaiah 53:4* Surely **he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows**: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. *Hebrews 4:15* For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the **feeling of our infirmities**; but was **in all points tempted like as we are**, yet without sin. *Hebrews 2:14* Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, **he also himself likewise took part of the same**; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; Christ Jesus took upon him the flesh and suffered as we do. *Philippians 2:7-8* But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was **made in the likeness of men**: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and **became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross**. Rate this post **Categories:** God-Christ-HS, Questions --- ### [Ephesians 4:32?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-would-you-reflect-on-ephesians-432/) **Published:** April 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **grieve not the holy Spirit of God**, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. `31`**Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice**: `32`And **be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another**, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. *Ephesians 4:30-32* The context of the chapter is an admonishment on how we should lives. *Romans 12:10* **Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love**; in honour preferring one another; *2 Peter 1:5-8* And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith **virtue**; and to virtue **knowledge**; 6And to knowledge **temperance**; and to temperance **patience**; and to patience **godliness**; 7And to godliness **brotherly kindness**; and to brotherly kindness **charity**. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Putting away bitterness has to do with **[forgiving](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/forgiveness/)** one another. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians --- ### [Matthew 5:17-20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-517-20/) **Published:** July 18, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Think not that I am come to destroy **the law, or the prophets**: I am not come to destroy, **but to fulfil**. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. *Matthew 5:17-18* The law and the prophets are a revelation of our Lord and Saviour. Which is why changing one jot or tittle is bad, it destroys the prophecy or revelation. *John 5:39* Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are **they which testify of me**. *Luke 24:25-27* Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27And **beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself**. Christ came to fulfill all the prophecies and revelations of himself, part of which was to be the real sacrifice that the ones commanded by the law were but a similitude of. *Matthew 5:19-20* **Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven**: but **whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven**. 20For I say unto you, That **except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven**. The commandments he is speaking of are explained by example in verses 21 through the rest of the chapter, specifically commandments 4–10 of the Ten Commandments. However, he expands them by adding a spiritual aspect: the desires of the heart. This concludes in verse 43–48 as love all as yourself. It will be noticed that there are three classes of people described: least in the kingdom of heaven, great in the kingdom of heaven, and those who don’t get into the kingdom of heaven. This suggests that the kingdom of heaven will be established in the future. What the future holds is Christ’s return and setting up his physical reign over all the earth, which is what the Jews were waiting for, the restoration of the kingdom. It also shows that even if you have the right heart attitude and your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you can still get your doctrine messed up and teach the wrong thing. Having good intentions does not make up for diligent study. > [The Fulfilling of the Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-fulfilling-of-the-law/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 5:11-12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-5-11-12/) **Published:** February 3, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. `12`Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 *2 Timothy 3:12* Yea, and **all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution**. *John 15:18-19* **If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you**. `19`If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but **because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you**. *1 Peter 2:19* For **this is thankworthy**, if a man for conscience toward God **endure grief, suffering wrongfully**. If you stand for the truth of God and Christ Jesus you will be hated. You will also be greatly rewarded by our Lord and Saviour. *1 Corinthians 2:9* But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, **the things which God hath prepared for them that love him**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Suffering --- ### [If Jesus was tempted, can he be God?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/god-cannot-be-tempted-with-evil-jesus-was-tempted-by-the-devil-must-we-logically-conclude-that-jesus-is-not-god-or-that-either-or-both-of-james-and-luke-are-false/) **Published:** March 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **God cannot be tempted with evil; Jesus was tempted by the devil. Must we logically conclude that Jesus is not God or that either or both of James and Luke are false?** Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for **God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man**: 14But every **man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust**, and enticed. James 1:13-14 One has to read carefully. It is a play on the definitions of temptation. There are two sides to the temptation coin. Temptations can be set before you, but you do not have to be tempted by them. Men are tempted by temptation because they already lust after it in the first place. Christ was tempted by Satan, but he was not tempted by the temptations. *1 John 2:16* For all that is in the world, **the lust of the flesh**, and **the lust of the eyes**, and **the pride of life**, is not of the Father, but is of the world. God is not tempted by evil temptations; men, too many times, are tempted by the evil they are tempted with. > [1 John 2:15-16 ~ Temptation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-215-16-temptation/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Colossians 2:20-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-2-20-23/) **Published:** June 10, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Colossians 2:20-23* 20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, We are dead in Christ, dead to the law; it has no more power over us to damn us. 21(Touch not; taste not; handle not; So we are not subject to, in the eternal sense of salvation, the law.. 22Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Being free from the law’s power to damn us is our liberty in Christ: Once Saved, Always Saved. 23Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. Some of these deceitful teachings contain stringent physical aspects that amount to will worship or willing the body to do or accept these things. They may satisfy the desire of the flesh, but they do not gain you any honor or respect except in your own mind. Some attempt to bring us back under the bondage of the law. *Galatians 2:4* And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out [**our liberty**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/ "Liberty In Christ") **which we have in Christ Jesus**, **that they might bring us into bondage**: Bible believers are hit quite a bit on this issue with the accusation that we teach that the saved can do whatever they want. This is just a false accusation. The penalty for sin is death, eternal damnation. If a truly saved individual commits what would amount to a sin punishable by damnation for a lost person, they will not suffer that consequence, as Christ has already paid that penalty for them. However, we do not have a free ride to do whatever we want. Christians will have to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account of their lives from the day of their salvation until death or the Lord’s return. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation **gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. So besides the punishments man can inflict upon a saved individual and the chastisement the Lord can impose, we will also lose rewards in eternity. As far as the penalty for sin, we are no longer subject to the law, being dead to the law. It is our **[liberty in Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/)**: Once Saved Always Saved. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians **Tags:** Law --- ### [Sites of Interest and Help](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/sites-of-interest-and-help/) **Published:** April 26, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ## **Charities** - [**Good Samaritan Network**](https://www.gsncares.org) ## **Causes:** #### **Fighting Against Human Trafficking** - [**The National Human Trafficking Resource Center**](http://traffickingresourcecenter.org/) - [**Agape International Missions**](http://agapewebsite.org/) - [ **Covenant House**](http://www.covenanthouse.org/homeless-teen-issues/human-trafficking) - [ **Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking**](http://www.faastinternational.org/) - [ **Compassion 2 One**](http://www.compassion2one.org/) ## **News** #### **Free**: - **<https://freebeacon.com/>** - **[https://newsmax.com/](https://www.newsmax.com/)** - **<https://patriotpost.us/>** - **<https://thenewamerican.com/us/>** #### **Inexpensive**: - **<https://dailycaller.com/>** Rate this post **Categories:** References & Links --- ### [Galatians 5:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-51/) **Published:** November 23, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Stand fast therefore in **the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free**, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. *Galatians 5:1* The liberty we have is freedom from the condemnation of the law. Being dead to the law in Christ, it has no more power to condemn and damn us. We are no longer in bondage to the law. The OT represents the letter of the law, the NT the spirit of the law. God’s law remains God’s law, but we are not bound to the letter. We are given the two precepts that support all the law: love God, love others as yourself. God is not looking for automatons, but self-thinking individuals who will apply these two precepts in guiding their lives. Your list of freedoms would seem to come under this. This does not preclude the saints from judgment. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation **gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. We shall be rewarded or suffer the loss of rewards, but all will be saved, as there is no condemnation in Christ. *Romans 8:1* **There is** therefore **now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus**, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Being dead to the law, all things would be lawful, as the law cannot condemn us. However, we are not running around doing what is right in our own eyes, but being led by the Spirit and precepts of God. All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient to our purpose, nor do they edify. *1 Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, **but all things edify not**. *Galatians 5:13* For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; **only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh**, but by love serve one another. *1 Peter 2:16* As free, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as the servants of God. We are not supposed to be children having everything spelled out for us, enforced by threat. As mature, we are to align our lives to the glory of God, which is our purpose. *1 Corinthians 10:31* Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or **whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God**. Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians --- ### [Biblical Precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-precepts/) **Published:** April 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - [**The Wrath of Man** !](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**The Great Precepts** !](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**All Is Possible** !](#uagb-tabs__tab2) - [**Naked In, Naked Out** !](#uagb-tabs__tab3) - [**One Mediator** !](#uagb-tabs__tab4) - [**Not of Works** ! ](#uagb-tabs__tab5) - [**All Men** ! ](#uagb-tabs__tab6) - [**Whosoever** !](#uagb-tabs__tab7) - [**OSAS** ! ](#uagb-tabs__tab8) **The Wrath of Man** Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: *James 1:19 There is a short quick one verse universal precept of God’s word condemning man’s wrath, or as some would say, our righteous indignation toward that which we think offends God. For **the wrath of man** **worketh not the righteousness of God**. James 1:20 Our anger, righteous indignation, holy wrath, or whatever one might want to call it, has no place in ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ or in serving God; man’s wrath is in no way allowed by God in his service. This is supported throughout God’s word. *2 Timothy 2:24-25* And the servant of the Lord **must not strive**; but **be gentle unto all men**, apt to teach, **patient**, 25In **meekness** instructing those that oppose themselves; *Matthew 5:44* But I say unto you, **Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you**; *Luke 6:28* **Bless them that curse you**, and **pray for them which despitefully use you**. Romans 12:14 **Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not**. This is a universal precept, not just for the ministry. Our wrath does not equate to serving God in any circumstance. *Numbers 20:8-12* Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and **speak ye unto the rock** before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. 9And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. 10And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, **Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?** 11And Moses lifted up his hand, and **with his rod he smote the rock twice**: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. 12And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, **Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them**. Moses’ righteous indignation botched the similitude that the Lord was preparing. Christ was that rock; he was smitten once, never again. From that point on, you come before him and humbly ask. Moses, enraged with the people, failed in obeying God’s commandment to speak to the rock and smote it in his anger. His righteous indignation did not work the righteousness of God. Our anger only plays into the hands of Satan to hinder or limit the effects of God’s purpose. Precept: **The wrath of man** **worketh not the righteousness of God** ## **The Great Precepts** Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. *Matthew 22:37-40 There is none other commandment greater than these. *Mark 12:31 The first two precepts of God’s word are to *“Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind,”* and to “Love thy neighbour as thyself.” On these two commandments hang the law and everything else. **Love God:** *Deuteronomy 6:5* And **thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might**. *Joshua 23:11* Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that **ye love the LORD your God**. **Love others:** *Leviticus 19:18* Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the **children of thy people**, but thou shalt **love thy neighbour as thyself**: I am the LORD. *Leviticus 19:34* But **the stranger** that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and **thou shalt love him as thyself**; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. *Galatians 5:14* For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. *James 2:8* If ye fulfil **the royal law** according to the scripture, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: As you can see these precepts are universal; Old or New Testament, they have always been and always will be the two Great Precepts of God and the fulfillment of his law. As you can also see, man has a tendency to cut God out by making the second law the Golden rule instead of the first, to love God. To love your neighbor is the Royal Law, not the Golden rule. The first two precepts of God’s word: The Golden Rule and the Royal Law. **Love God with all your** **heart, mind, and soul** *―the Golden Rule* **Love your neighbor as your self** *―the Royal Law* **All Things Are Possible** **Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.** *Psalm 78:41 It has been my opinion, subsequent to having dealt with numerous individuals, that this very important precept is an oft-forgotten principle of the scriptures. I cannot tell you how many times I have been told that God could not have done something because it was impossible, or it would have tainted him in some way. We are not looking for what God could have done; God could have done anything. As the following verses testify, the Bible clearly teaches the precept that nothing is impossible for God. We are looking not for what he could have done, but what he has revealed to us in the Scriptures concerning what he has done. *Matthew 19:26* But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but **with God all things are possible.** *Mark 10:27* And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for **with God all things are possible**. *Luke 1:37* For **with God nothing shall be Impossible**. *Luke 18:27* And he said, **The things which are Impossible with men are possible with God**. *Psalm 78:41* Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**, *Jeremiah 32:27* Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: **is there any thing too hard for me**? All things are possible for God nothing is impossible for him. God could have established salvation by works as easily as by faith. He could have established all things as taught by Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Mormonism or any other. It is not a question of what God could have done; it is what has been revealed concerning His creation. This precept can be an effective witness. Many times, in dealing with a Jewish individual, I have ended all their arguments simply by asking them if there is anything impossible for God. They will inevitably answer no, nothing is impossible for God. At that response I state, “Then God could have manifested himself in the flesh as his own son if he wanted to.” To this I will receive one of two responses; silent confused acquiescence to this truth or, they will yell, “Impossible, Impossible,” and turn to speed away. This of course could be use to witness to others such a Moslems, “God can have no Son,” would that be impossible for God? Once they acknowledge that the gospel is possible with God, the door is open. Precept: **With God all Things are Possible** **Naked In, Naked Out** **For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.** *I Timothy 6:7 I often think of the Pharaohs and ancient Emperors of China when I think of this precept. How they buried everything to take with them, yet all their treasures still remain with us. You can’t take it with you. Unfortunately, many in this world act as if they can. *James 5:3* **Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you**, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. We came into this world without any material possessions and we are leaving the same way. *Job 1:21* And said, **Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither**: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. *Psalm 49:17* For **when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him**. *Ecclesiastes 5:15* **As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came**, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. *1 Timothy 6:7* For **we brought nothing into this world, and It is certain we can carry nothing out**. The rich of this world are a long way from the example of that perfect servant of the Lord, Job. *Job 29:12-16* Because **I delivered the poor** that cried, **and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him**. 13The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and **I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy**. 14**I put on righteousness**, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. **15I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame**. 16**I was a father to the poor:** and the cause which I knew not I searched out. It is not going with you, what you do with it here while it is in your power is how you will be judged. *Matthew 6:19-21* **Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth**, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But **lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven**, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For **where your treasure Is, there will your heart be** also. *1 Timothy 6:4-5* He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, …5and destitute of the truth, **supposing that gain is godliness**: from such withdraw thyself. The rich of this world are going to have a lot to answer for: *1 Samuel 2:7* The LORD **maketh poor, and maketh rich**: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. *Luke 12:48* …For unto **whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required**: … Precept: **We brought nothing into this world, and It is certain we can carry nothing out **One Mediator** For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; *I Timothy 2:5 The Scriptures are quite adamant, there is only one mediator, one saviour, one name under heaven that reconciles us to God. *Job 19:25* For **I know that my redeemer liveth**, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and **one mediator** between God and men, **the man Christ Jesus**; *Hebrews 9:14-15* How much more shall the blood of **Christ**, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15And for this cause **he is the mediator of the new testament**, … *Acts 4:12* Neither is there salvation in any other: for **there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved**. *1 John 5:12* **He that hath the Son hath life**; and **he that hath not the Son of God hath not life**. *John 3:18* **He that believeth on him is not condemned**: but he that believeth not is condemned already, **because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God**. The Bible leaves no room for co-mediators or co-mediatrix’s. Christ was not just a prophet, a good man; he is the Saviour, the only Saviour man has. The Scriptures leave no room for the concept that all or any other religion can lead to God and salvation. This is what the world, the lost, cannot abide and therefore, as foretold, they deny the actual person of Jesus Christ; teaching the precepts and principles of a mythological character they neither trust nor believe in. *1 John 4:2-3* Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: **Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God**: 3And every spirit that **confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God**: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. *2 John 1:7* For **many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh**. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Precept: **There is one God,** **and one mediator** **between God and men,** **the man Christ Jesus** **Not of Works** And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for **in thy sight shall no man living be justified**. *Psalm 143:2 Unfortunately, unlike some of the other precepts that enjoy almost universal appeal, this precept deals with a topic of some debate. Do our works have any part, or have works ever played a part in eternal salvation? I believe that in this study, we will find the answer to be a firm no, establishing the fact as a universal precept of God’s word. …**in thy sight shall no man living be justified**. The above verse alone ought to be enough to convince anyone, *“in thy sight shall no man living be justified.”* How is it then that some say we must have works for salvation? That we can be justified before God in and of ourselves? The following verses relate specifically to this topic to form the biblical precept that salvation is never by works. *Romans 3:20* Therefore **by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight**: … *Galatians 3:21-22* Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for **if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law**. 22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. *Galatians 2:16* Knowing that a **man is not justified by the works of the law**, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even **we have believed in Jesus Christ**, that **we might be justified by the faith of Christ**, and **not by the works of the law**: for **by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified**. *Isaiah 64:6* But **we are all as an unclean thing**, and **all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. It is evident that salvation, biblically, certainly does not come by works alone, as many of the religions of the world teach. However, some still try to keep works in the equation by making it works and faith. The following passages of Scripture show that if there is an element of works involved, whether in obtaining salvation or maintaining it, then faith is made void and salvation is not by the grace of God. *Romans 4:4-5* Now **to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. 5But **to him that worketh not, but believeth** on him that justifieth the ungodly, **his faith is counted for righteousness**. *Romans 4:14* For if they which are of the law be heirs, **faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect**: *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. If salvation is by the grace of God, then there can be no part of it by works at all; faith and works are mutually exclusive. If you are given a gift and then told you have to pay to keep it, grace and gift went out the window; all that matters now is did you pay for it or did you not pay. There is no grace involved; I am not thankful for a free gift, I am demanding what I paid for, *“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”* *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; … *Ephesians 2:8-9* For **by grace are ye saved through faith**; and that **not of yourselves**: it is the gift of God: 9**Not of works**, lest any man should boast. We find grace in God’s eyes when we believe him, his word, his revelation of himself. When we believe his account of how he hung his Son, Jesus Christ, on a tree and made him a curse for us. It is according to his grace that he applies the shed blood of the Lord’s atonement to our sins. God will have no man stand before him and boast his own righteousness. These verses establish a universal biblical precept, not just a church age or dispensational teaching. Eternal salvation is never by works, alone or in concert with faith. Any teaching to the contrary is not biblical, not Christian doctrine. Unless this precept is accepted, you will err in the formation of other doctrines. *Job 25:4-6* **How then can man be justified with God**? or **how can he be clean that is born of a woman**? 5Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, the stars are not pure in his sight. 6How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm? *Job 19:25* For **I know that my redeemer liveth**, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Precept: **Salvation is not conditioned on man’s works > [Depensationalism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/depensationalism/) **All Men** For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 This precept is important as we need to provide the biblical definition of the term *“all men”* as there are those who insist that it only applies to the elect. In this precept, we shall see that “all men” were created equal, at least insofar as salvation is concerned. Equal in that all were created to fear God and hope in his mercy and have the same opportunity to be saved. *Revelation 4:11* Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and **for thy pleasure they are and were created**. *Ezekiel 18:32* For **I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth**, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye. *Psalms 147:11* **The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy**. So how does the Bible define the term *“all men”*? *1 Timothy 4:10* For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour **of all men, specially of those that believe**. Here we have all men, and especially those who believed unto salvation, out of the group of all men. God is the Saviour of all, as he extends salvation to all; there is no other salvation. Remember, Christ is the only name under heaven whereby men must be saved. So, he is their Saviour even if they reject that salvation. *Acts 4:12* Neither is there salvation in any other: for **there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved**. Christ is the one and only Saviour of all men. Calvinism interprets this to mean, in the words of Calvin himself: And yet we must mark that Saint Paul speaks not here of every particular man, but of all sorts, and of all people. *Romans 5:12* Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so **death passed upon all men**, for that all have sinned: *Romans 12:17* Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest **in the sight of all men**. Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good **unto all men**, especially unto them who are of **the household of faith**. *1 Thessalonians 5:14* Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, **be patient toward all men**. *Titus 3:2* To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness **unto all men**. The following defines *“all men”* as inclusive of all mankind*.* *1 Timothy 2:4-6* Who will have **all men** to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6Who gave himself a ransom for **all**, to be testified in due time. Precept: **God created All Men** **to fear him and hope in his mercy. All Men = All that ever there was**. **Whosoever** For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. Psalm 147:11 John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the bible, it is the most famous of the *“Whosoever”* verses. The word whosoever appears sixty-six times in the Bible and yet there are those who deny this greatest of precepts; salvation is to *“whosoever believeth”* and *“whosoever will not”* is blotted out of the book of life. It has always been *“whosoever will”* or *“whosoever will not.”* *Exodus 32:33* And the LORD said unto Moses, **Whosoever hath sinned** against me, him will I blot out of my book. *Deuteronomy 18:19* And it shall come to pass, that **whosoever will not hearken unto my words** which he shall speak in my name, **I will require it of him**. *Matthew 10:32-33* **Whosoever** therefore **shall confess me** before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33But **whosoever shall deny me** before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. We can also put a finer point on the definition of *“whosoever.”* *John 3:16* For God so loved **the world**, that he gave his only begotten Son, **that whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have everlasting life. What set or group, subset or subgroup of people is being spoken of here? It is the group of people consisting of the world, *“God so loved the world.”* It is not a subgroup of a limited elect or any other lesser set of people. It is *“whosoever believeth.”* out of the whole *“world.”* This includes the entire human race. Take note of this precept from the previous tab: God created all things for his pleasure and the ramifications of that. If God created all things for his pleasure and takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, then he did not create any man to die the death of the wicked, but for all to be pleasing to him. *Psalms 147:11* The LORD **taketh pleasure in them that fear him**, **in those that hope in his mercy**. God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but does in the wicked turning from his wicked ways and joining those that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy. How can any doctrine or teaching be correct if it rejects this precept? Many pervert the clear teaching of Scripture, blinded to it for whatever reason, and teach other false interpretations. An example of this is Romans chapter nine. They take a couple of verses out of the chapter and preach predestination, while the context of the whole chapter teaches *“whosoever will”* as it is plainly stated in the last verse. *Romans 9:33* As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and **whosoever believeth on him** shall not be ashamed. It is man’s free choice whether he is one of those that belong to *“whosoever will”* or those that *“whosoever will not.”* Precept: **It is whosoever will out of the Whole World** **Once Saved Always Saved** And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30 *John 6:37-40 KJV* All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me **I will in no wise cast out**. 38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39And **this is the Father’s will** which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me **I should lose nothing**, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40And **this is the will of him that sent me**, that **every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him**, **may have everlasting life**: and I will raise him up at the last day. Those who teach you can lose your salvation do greatly err, not knowing the Scriptures. Salvation is not by our works; no one obtains salvation by self-righteousness, keeping the law, and no one maintains their salvation by their works. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then *is it* no more of works**: …**if *it be* of works, then is it no more grace**: … *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh is the reward **not reckoned of grace**, **but of debt**. *Ephesians 2:8* For **by grace** are ye saved **through faith**; and **that not of yourselves**: *it is* the **gift of God**: 9**Not of works, lest any man should boast**. *Romans 5:18* Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one **the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life**. If you receive the free gift by grace and find a payment book attached, what happens to grace, free, and gift? They are expelled; grace and works are mutually exclusive. It is by grace or by works; there is no grace and works. You did not work to get your salvation, and you are not maintaining it by works. That was the error in thinking of the Galatians. Galatians 3:2-3 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3**Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh**? The security of the believer is our liberty in Christ. *Hebrews 2:15* And **deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage**. If we could lose our salvation we would still be in bondage to the law and fearful of death. *Galatians 2:4* And that **because of false brethren** unawares brought in, **who came in privily to spy out our liberty** which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might **bring us into bondage**: There are ideas promoted as Judas losing his salvation. Not only was Judas not ever saved, no one could be saved until after Christ made the atonement. Judas was dead before then. If you can lose your salvation by not maintaining good works, then salvation is by works. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is **become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace**. *Galatians 2:21* I do not frustrate the grace of God: for **if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain**. *Galatians 3:21* Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for **if there had been a law given which could have given life**, verily righteousness should have been by the law. *Romans 10:3-4* For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For **Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth**. Precept: **Once Saved, Always Saved** **We were created unto good works,** **Not saved by them.** ~ **A free gift is not a free gift If you have to pay to keep it** > [Once Saved, Always Saved](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/once-saved-always-saved/) > [Dispensational Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dispensational-salvation/) **[The Wrath of Man](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab0) : [The Great Precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab1) : [All Is Possible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab2) : [Naked In, Naked Out](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab3) [One Mediator](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab4) : [Not of Works](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab5) : [Whosoever](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab6) : [All Men](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab7) : [OSAS](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/?p=15507&preview=true#uagb-tabs__tab8)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Bible --- ### [John 4:4 ~ KJV vs Other Translations](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-4-4/) **Published:** March 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Why does John 4:4 appear to be horribly worded** **in the KJV compared to other translations?** *John 4:3-5 TCENT* **he left Judea and went away to Galilee**. `4`But **he had to pass through Samaria**. `5`So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. *John 4:3-5 BBE* **He went out of** Judaea into Galilee again. 4 And **it was necessary for him** to go through Samaria. 5So he came to a town of Samaria which was named Sychar, near to **the bit of land** which Jacob gave to his son Joseph: *John 4:3-5 TS2009* **He left Yehu ah and went away again to Galil**. `4`And He had to pass through **Shomeron**. `5`So He came to a city of **Shomeron**, called **She em**, near the piece of land **Ya’aqo?** gave to his son Yoseph. *John 4:3-5 CEV* **Jesus left Judea and started for Galilee again**. `4`**This time he had to go through Samaria**, `5`and **on his way he came to the town of Sychar**. It was near the field that Jacob **had long ago given to his son Joseph**. *John 4:3-5 ISV* he left Judea **and went back to Galilee**. `4`**Now it was necessary for him** to go through Samaria. `5`**So he came to a town** in Samaria called Sychar, near **the piece of land** that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. *John 4:3-5 YLT* he left Judea and went away again to Galilee, 4 and **it was behoving him to go through Samaria**. 5 He cometh, therefore, to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the place that Jacob gave to Joseph his son; Canst thou truly believe the upper, loftier penned than the nether? *John 4:3-5* `KJV `He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. `4`And he must needs go through Samaria. `5`Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John, Translations --- ### [Mark 10:17-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-10-17-23/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, **One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.** 22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. 23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! *Mark 10:17-23* There are many errors in understanding and improper interpretations of the Bible. From a fleshly standpoint, it might be said that there are good men who preach and teach truth in 90% of what they say. But what keeps them from understanding the other 10%? Nothing good: pride, laziness, arrogance. It would be safe to affirm the Scriptures when it says, *“there is none good but one, that is, God.”* It is a noticeable fact that people tend to stick with what they learn, right or wrong, for whatever reason. This impedes the unity of the faith. One error many people make is to learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what. Harry Lorayne, Secrets of Mind Power (1961) Two of the errors this lesson is concerned with are that under the Old Testament and Jesus’ teaching, salvation was by works, and that now we are under the ministry of Paul and not Jesus, Peter, or any of the other apostles that were sent to the Jews. This is most common as what I call Grace Theology, the teaching that Paul was given the dispensation of Grace. It is also known as Hyper-dispensationalism. After 40+ years of walking with the Lord and studying his word, I have come to certain conclusions on what is needed to properly interpret the Scriptures. They are as follows: - Eternal salvation at any time in the history of man has always been by God’s grace, through faith toward God, [**without works**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/). Works have always been a show of faith. - You must understand the [**two-part nature of salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/): Christ died for the sins of the world, opening the door of salvation to all men, but each individual must come to God by faith for forgiveness of individual sins. - [**Open Theology**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-opposing-foundations/): history is running in real time. All is not predestinated, nor is God looking down from eternity on the past, present, and future. He is guiding and controlling the flow of history according to his plan and judgments upon men. - Once Saved, Always Saved is our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/ "Liberty In Christ") Unless you understand and approach the study of the Bible with the above as your frame of reference, you will wrest the Scriptures, forcing false interpretations upon them, and pervert them. Such is the case with our passage. It is often taught that the passage teaches works for salvation. If you are wise in the Scriptures, you will know that eternal salvation is never by works; hence, the passage can not be teaching that it is. *Mark 10:17-21* And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, **what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life**? 18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19**Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother**. 20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Examining the passage through the right framework and correct bias, you can see that his works, keeping the commandments, did not get him eternal life: *“thou lackest”*. What is the one thing he lacked? *Philippians 3:8* Yea doubtless, and **I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ**, The passage is a similitude of the gospel; the Lord told him to stop trusting in his riches and put his faith in Him. *Mark 10:21* Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, **One thing thou lackest**: go thy way, **sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor**, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, **take up the cross, and follow me**. Our works mean something in this life and will in the next, but they have nothing to do with eternal salvation at any time from Adam to the millennium. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Mark, Salvation **Tags:** Works --- ### [Is the Lord’s Supper meant to be a weekly tradition or a Passover fulfillment?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-the-lords-supper-meant-to-be-a-weekly-tradition-or-a-passover-fulfillment/) **Published:** May 15, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: **this do in remembrance of me**. `25`After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, **as oft as ye drink it**, in remembrance of me. 1 Corinthians 11:24-2*5* There is no set time nor number of times it is to be done. It is “as oft as ye”. Every week would seem to dilute its meaning and purpose. Some turn it from a memorial into a sacrament, a necessary duty to maintain favor with the institutional Church. That would be non-biblically bad. On the day of the feast of FristFruits, resurrection day. This is the 1st First Day, which is known as the first Sunday, after the passover. This is not Easter, the pagan holiday. It only falls on the same day once every 19 years. > [Two Churches](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-churches/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Body of Christ, Questions --- ### [Doesn't free will put restrictions on God?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/doesnt-free-will-put-restrictions-on-god/) **Published:** April 19, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** You have to understand the extent and limits of our free will. Men have **[free will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/)** of desire, inclination, passion, aspirations, motivations, intentions, likes, dislikes, loves, hatreds. what we would like to do or would do if we could get away with it. Free will of action is more restrictive. Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, **when the Lord commandeth it not**? Lamentations 3:37 We make choices according to our free will. The choice is ours; God predetermines the consequences of the choice. This puts all under the Lord’s control. *James 4:13-15* Go to now, ye that say, **To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain**: `14`Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. `15`For that **ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that**. God also chooses men for His service according to their hearts’ desire, an evil heart, such as Pharaoh, a good heart, as Paul, and many others, called to service in the gospel. Many are called, but due to the weakness of our faith, and desires not being wholly toward God, He cannot use us. Meditate upon this and it will become clear. > [How to Determine Purpose?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-can-one-determine-their-purpose/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Foreknowledge, Questions **Tags:** Free Will --- ### [Tithing](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tithing/) **Published:** April 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For if there be first **a willing mind**, **it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not**. `13`For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: `14`But by an equality, that **now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want**: that there may be equality: `15`As it is written, **He that had gathered much had nothing over**; and **he that had gathered little had no lack**. 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 Tithing is not a doctrine of the New Testament Church. Nowhere in the New Testament is tithing associated with believers. God wants much more from us. The Lord wants us to help one another. It is not a law but a free-will offering. It is according to what you have and are able; It is not how much you can borrow or put on your credit card. *Matthew 19:29* And every one that hath **forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake**, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. God is not interested in the believers being rich, not interested in our stock portfolio, savings accounts, etc. If we have more than we need, we are to help those brothers and sisters in Christ who lack what they need. It starts with your family, street, neighborhood, your city. *1 John 3:17* But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, **how dwelleth the love of God in him**? There are two choices: hide behind tithing and preserve your wealth, or let the love of God dwell in you. Rate this post **Categories:** Tithing --- ### [Can the law save us?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/can-the-law-save-us-or-by-grace-through-faith-according-galatians-3/) **Published:** April 24, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Acts 13:39* And by him all that believe are justified from all things, **from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses**. *Romans 3:20* Therefore **by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight**: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. *Romans 3:28* Therefore **we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law**. *Galatians 2:16* Knowing that a **man is not justified by the works of the law**, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and **not by the works of the law**: for **by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified***.* *Galatians 3:11* But **that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident**: for, The just shall live by faith. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of no effect unto you, **whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace**. The Galatians fell for the error of Acts 15: *Acts 15:5* `KJV `But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That **it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses**. Which is why Paul said: *Galatians 3:2-3* `KJV `This only would I learn of you, **Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith**? `3`Are ye so foolish? **having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh**? They were teaching that once saved, it had to be maintained by keeping the law. Many are teaching the same today. It would amount to salvation by works. If I gave you a gift, and upon opening it, you found a payment book, was it a gift? Salvation is a free gift. > [Why Works Based Salvation is Wrong?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions, Salvation --- ### [What are the problems with the
Pentecostal/Charasmatic movement?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-are-the-problems-with-the-pentecostal-charasmatic-movement/) **Published:** April 24, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** One thing that stands out when considering the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement is its non-biblical emphasis on the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit will not speak of himself, not promote himself, but rather glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. *John 16:12-14* I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, **the Spirit of truth**, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for **he shall not speak of himself**; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 **He shall glorify me**: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. *John 15:26* But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the *Father,* ***he shall testify of me****:* *Acts 5:30-32* The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And **we are his witnesses of these things**; and **so is also the Holy Ghost**, whom God hath given to them that obey him. The Holy Spirit is often preached and promoted in the place of Christ Jesus. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Erroneous Beliefs, God-Christ-HS, Questions --- ### [Matthew 3:11 & Luke 3:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-3-11-luke-3-16-baptism/) **Published:** May 10, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I indeed baptize you with **water** unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the **Holy Ghost**, and with **fire**: Matthew 3:11 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with **water**; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the **Holy Ghost** and with **fire**: Luke 3:16 There are three baptisms: - Water - Holy Ghost/Spirit - Fire Water baptism is a testimony of repentance. Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water **unto repentance**: … Fire is the baptism of being thrown into the Lake of Fire. *Revelation 20:15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life **was cast into the lake of fire**. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is when the Spirit indwells a believer, seals them and circumcises them: cuts their soul away from the flesh. The sins of the flesh are no longer imputed to us, the soul. *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, *Colossians 2:10-12* And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: `11`**In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: `12`Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of **the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. This circumcision, separating the soul from the flesh, is why the saints can sin and not be sinners. It is the flesh that sins and no longer imputed or ascribed to us, our soul. *1 John 5:18* We know that **whosoever is born of God sinneth not**; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. *1 John 1:8* **If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves**, and the truth is not in us. *Romans 7:17-18* Now then **it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me**. `18`For I know that in me (that is, **in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing**: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. We are currently waiting for our new bodies. *Romans 8:23* And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, **to wit, the redemption of our body**. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, `52`In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. `53`For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Baptism, Luke --- ### [The Trinity and How to Pray?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-pray-trinity/) **Published:** June 20, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** A young man of 13 asked me for an explanation of what the Bible taught concerning the Trinity and the correct manner in which to pray. The following is my attempt to provide a biblically sound one. [**The Trinity**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-trinity/) is a hotly debated issue, and I am not sure why. Jesus, being the Son of God, is then equal to God. If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that he was the virgin-born Son of God, that he died for your sins, was buried, and rose again, we ought to be able to fellowship together. If we agree on what God did or is doing, how and why he did it or will be doing it, is secondary and should be able to be discussed and studied out together. Unfortunately, not many feel the same way. Take the Rapture, for example. Many divisions within the Church are based on the Rapture being pre-Tribulation, mid, or post-Tribulation. It makes no difference to the gospel or salvation; it will happen exactly when God makes it happen. Yet some make their whole claim of being God’s man based on their teaching, condemning any who disagree with them on this issue. If it does not pervert the gospel of salvation, it is secondary and not a reason to divide the Church over. As an elder, I desire to impart this wisdom to any young man examining this website. As far as I understand from my studies and considering what others say, the full understanding of the Trinity is not given to us at this time. Let us examine what we do know. We know that the Word was God, but that he was also with God from the beginning, whenever that was. Further, we know that all things were made by him. *John 1:1-3* **In the beginning was the Word**, and **the Word was with God**, and **the Word was God**. 2The same was in the beginning with God. **3All things were made by him**; and **without him was not any thing made that was made**. We know that God was manifested in the flesh. *1 Timothy 3:16* And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: **God was manifest in the flesh**, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. We know that it was the Word (God) that was made flesh. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, **and dwelt among us**, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. We know that God was in Christ Jesus, reconciling the world unto himself. *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself**, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. We know that Jesus testified that he and the Father were one. *John 10:30* **I and my Father are one**. Remember, the Word and God are one, and it was the Word that became flesh. *Philippians 2:5-6* Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, **being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God**: Romans chapter 8 is misunderstood by so many, especially verses 29-30. These two verses encapsulate the gospel. *Romans 8:29-30* 29 For **whom he did foreknow**, **he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son**, that he might be **the firstborn among many brethren**. Whom God/Father did foreknow—the Word—God/Father predestinated the Word to be conformed to the image of His Son ( the Word became flesh) that the Word/Son would be the firstborn of many brethren. 30 Moreover **whom he did predestinate, them he also called**: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. The many brethren are those who believe in the Son. By believing on the Son, they are predestinated to be called, justified, and glorified. It is the method of salvation that is predestinated, not individuals. (This is another issue but hard to separate.) We see here God/Father and the Word/God, both being God, seemingly working independently. As a simple explanation, I describe the workings of the Trinity in salvation as God manifesting himself in the flesh as his own Son. Concerning the Holy Spirit/Ghost: *1 Corinthians 3:16* Know ye not that ye are **the temple of God**, and **that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you**? *2 Corinthians 6:16* And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are **the temple of the living God**; as God hath said, **I will dwell in them**, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. *1 Corinthians 6:19* What? know ye not that your body is **the temple of the Holy Ghost** which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? You can see that the Bible uses God and Holy Spirit/Ghost interchangeable; they are synonymous. *Isaiah 48:16* Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now **the Lord GOD, and his Spirit**, hath sent me. Many like to discount 1 John 5:7 as not belonging in the Bible. If you study and ask such questions, you will find that those who reject the Bible as absolute truth and change it at will to suit their beliefs are the ones who discount it. *1 John 5:7* For there are three that bear record in heaven, the **Father**, the **Word**, and the **Holy Ghost**: and **these three are one**. I have absolutely no doubt that the Authorized Version of 1611, commonly called the King James Version, is the preserved word of God. Concerning prayer in the name of Jesus. Christ Jesus’ atonement for sins opened the door for man to come to God/Father through the Son/God. *John 14:6* Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: **no man cometh unto the Father, but by me**. *John 14:13* And whatsoever ye shall **ask in my name**, that will I do, that **the Father may be glorified in the Son**. When we pray we should acknowledge that we come to God the Father through the shed blood of his Son, Christ Jesus, especially in public prayer. In doing so we glorify both. *Ephesians 5:20* Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father **in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ**; *Colossians 3:17* And **whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus**, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. The Holy Spirit is not prayed to. He does not promote himself. *John 16:13-14* Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for **he shall not speak of himself**; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. **14He shall glorify me**: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. The Spirit’s ministry is to glorify Jesus and deal with the hearts of men, leading them to Christ. Many over-emphasize the Spirit to the detriment of his ministry to glorify the Father and the Son. I have presented some evidence. You are the jury; it is for you to decide what it means. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** God-Christ-HS, Questions **Tags:** God --- ### [What is Born Again?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/born-again/) **Published:** November 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Marvel not that I said unto thee, **Ye must be born again**. John 3:7 The term ‘born again’ is a reference to being saved, being born of the Spirit through our faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. To be born again is to be indwelt with the Holy Spirit at which time the Spirit performs *“the operation of God”* upon us, the circumcision made without hands, where we, our souls, are cut away from the sins of our flesh. *Colossians 2:12* Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through **the faith of the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. *Colossians 2:11* In whom also **ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands**, in **putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: We become the children of God, that is, born of his seed, which remains in us, and the sins of our flesh are no longer imputed to us. *1 John 3:9* Whosoever is born of God **doth not commit sin**; for **his seed remaineth in him**: and **he cannot sin**, because **he is born of God**. Some misinterpret and distort this to mean that truly blood-bought, born-again individuals cannot and will not sin. This, of course, is as ridiculous as it sounds. I know of no one saved or lost who does not sin. Those who teach this do not know what sin is. Sin is in a mere thought. We cannot sin because we, our souls, have been separated from the flesh and its sins. The power of sin is the law, and we are dead to the law; hence, the law has no more power to convict us of sin. *Romans 5:13* (For until the law sin was in the world: but **sin is not imputed when there is no law**. *Romans 8:33* **Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect**? It is God that justifieth. We, our souls, are circumcised, cut away from our flesh. This is the *“circumcision made without hands”*, *“the operation of God.”* When we trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit does his work upon us, and we are given and sealed with him as the earnest (guarantee) of our salvation until the day of redemption. *2 Corinthians 1:22* Who hath also **sealed us**, and **given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts**. *Ephesians 4:30* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. The day of redemption, to the chagrin of many, is the Rapture or the great Translation when the Church, body of Christ, is called out and we receive full salvation with our redeemed new bodies. *Romans 8:23* And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. With being born again comes the promise of being adopted by God, which comes with our new bodies, *“waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”* *Romans 8:15* For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but **ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father**. The adoption is completed on the day of redemption as stated above. *Galatians 4:5* To redeem them that were under the law, **that we might receive the adoption of sons**. *Ephesians 1:5* Having predestinated us **unto the adoption of children** by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To be born again is the same as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions, Salvation **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [The Rapture of the Church Pre, Mid, or Post Tribulation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-rapture-pre-mid-post-tribulation/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 The Rapture of the Church: Pre-Tribulation, Mid-Tribulation, Post-Tribulation? Will we ever reach a consensus? Will we ever be of one mind? on the issue. The subject is made more complicated as it concerns the status of our salvation: is it secure, or can we lose it? If the Rapture is not pre-Tribulation, then Christians saved now by trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ can lose their salvation, if only by taking the mark. If the Rapture is pre-tribulation, then we can still debate whether it implies once saved, always saved, but if not, it is not OSAS. If we are saved, secured, and sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption, it is once saved, always saved; the Rapture of the Church must take place before the Tribulation. For a more detailed study on this issue, see the studies, **[Methodology of Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/)** and [**Dispensational Salvation**](../articles/dispensationalSalvation.php).” I am most assuredly in the pre-trib, OSAS camp; there is no doubt that we are saved, secured, sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. *Ephesians 4:30* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, **whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. Why grieve the Spirit that preserves you by thinking he cannot do what he says he has done? The whole problem with the issue is that many are not rightly dividing the word of truth. The times of the Gentiles, the Church age, did not have to be. It is an interjection, parenthetical, here only due to Israel rejecting her King and Messiah. It was a mystery kept in reserve for just such a case. Christ doesn’t speak concerning it, as he is dealing with the nation of Israel to move them in such a way that the Church age will not have to be invoked. He preaches and teaches over it as if it is not there. This does not affect the way of salvation; it is just that if Israel had accepted and trusted in Christ, salvation would have come forth of the nation of Israel to the world. Probably the same events would have happened as to the hatred of and persecution of the Church and Israel, but the Jews would have been the leaders in taking the gospel to the world. *Isaiah 60:3* And **the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising**. *Isaiah 2:2-3* And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and **all nations shall flow unto it. 3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob**; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. An examination of 1 & 2 Thessalonians will shed light upon this question. Reading 1 Thessalonians, we see that the context is trusting in Christ and waiting for him to come. There are no events given that precede the **[Translation ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/ "The Rapture or Translation of the Church")**of the body of Christ. *1 Thessalonians 1:9-10* For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10And **to wait for his Son from heaven**, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. It is also about our times, from the Cross to the Tribulation, and the gentle ministering in of the Lord. *1 Thessalonians 2:7-8* But **we were gentle among you**, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. Further, it admonishes the saints to walk worthy of our calling to serve God. *1 Thessalonians 2:11-12* As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12**That ye would walk worthy of God**, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. Then it speaks of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers that were given to the Church to edify it. *Ephesians 4:11-12* And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12**For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ**: These are all descriptions of our current historical position, the Church age, from the Cross to the Tribulation, or times of the Gentiles, waiting for our Lord’s return. It ends in chapter four with the Lord’s return and calling out his Church, the [calling out or Translation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-rapture-or-translation-of-the-church/) of the believers. *1 Thessalonians 4:14-18* For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For **the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air**: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. In chapter five, we are told the day of the Lord will come suddenly and unexpectedly to the world, but not to us, and that we are not to worry, God *“hath not appointed us unto wrath.”* *1 Thessalonians 5:9* For **God hath not appointed us to wrath**, **but to obtain salvation** by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians leaves us not appointed to wrath but appointed to salvation. Then, in 2 Thessalonians, we are now in the time of the second coming of the Lord to the earth and his judgments thereupon. *2 Thessalonians 1:8-9* **In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God**, and that **obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ**: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; Here we see that 2 Thessalonians is dealing with those who rejected Christ. In Chapter 2, we are told that that day, the one he just spoke about, the day of judgment upon the earth, will not come until the man of sin is revealed. *2 Thessalonians 2:2-3* That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that **the day of Christ** is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for **that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed**, the son of perdition; The man of sin is revealed when he sits in the temple, proclaiming himself to be God during the Tribulation. 1 & 2 Thessalonians gives us a logical timeline of events: the Church age, the rapture, the day of the Lord’s return to the earth. We also have the little considered similitude in John 7:10 where the Lord first goes into Jerusalem in secret before revealing himself. *John 7:10 KJV* But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, **not openly, but as it were in secret**. Take note also that the Jews sought him between his secret entrance and his revealing himself. The Jews will seek the Lord during the Tribulation between the secret rapture and his openly coming. More specifically, between the man of sin sitting in the temple and Christ’s return. *Hosea 12:10* I **have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. *Amos 3:7* Surely the Lord **GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. There should be no doubt that this is the correct order and interpretation of the Scriptures on the Translation of the Church. > [The Rapture or Translation of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/) 3/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Rapture **Tags:** Rapture, Theology --- ### [Faith](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - [**Preface**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Definition**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**Doctrine**](#uagb-tabs__tab2) - [**Salvation**](#uagb-tabs__tab3) - [**Faith & Works**](#uagb-tabs__tab4) - [**Rightly Divided**](#uagb-tabs__tab5) ## Preface Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Romans 4:16 Few doctrinal teachings in Scripture are attacked more than that of faith. Faith, such a little word, one syllable, yet our eternal fate rests solely upon understanding and handling it in accordance with God’s definition and dictates; it is for this reason that there are many controversies relating to the doctrines regarding it. Is eternal salvation by faith alone or faith and works? What has changed, if anything, from the Old Testament to the New? Are we required to have it, or is it given to us? The cause célèbre of Christianity, the Reformation, is attributed in the main to disputes over the truth concerning the doctrine of faith. Faith is considered and taught by some to be a mystical, indefinable quality of the soul or will of man. On the other hand, the philosophers reasoned that man was incapable of having his own, that faith was a divine attribute only bestowed as a gift of God to man. Never mind that the Scriptures consistently chide men for not having faith. Faith is a divine virtue that can only occur in the human breast by an act of divine grace. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Faith is the gift of God’s grace; it is not merited, earned, nor self-created. Emil Brunner (1899-1966) Emil Brunner, however, rejected the virgin birth and the resurrection of the Lord, along with just about everything else that would require faith in God’s word. He had no understanding nor personal experience in dealing with the subject of his diatribe. Thomas assumed for himself a state of superiority; he stated, “Philosophic arguments are too sophisticated for butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers.” He is described as Christianizing Aristotle & Aristotelianizing Christian Theology, not as having faith in the preserved word of God. It may be that he missed one or two verses of Scripture. *Matthew 21:16* And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, **Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise**? *1 Corinthians 1:26-29* For ye see your calling, brethren, how that **not many wise men** after the flesh, **not many mighty, not many noble**, are called: 27But God hath chosen **the foolish things** of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen **the weak things** of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And **base things** of the world, and things which **are despised**, hath God chosen, yea, and **things which are not**, to bring to nought things that are: 29**That no flesh should glory in his presence**. The teachings of these and many other philosophers are still with us today; they are responsible for many fallacies. The larger part of the doctrinal errors taught in the Church can be traced back to some philosophical contrivance. As many still refuse to search the Scriptures and stand on God’s word alone, the errors remain and are perpetuated. *Colossians 2:8* Beware lest any man spoil you through **philosophy** and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. How important is it for us to know for sure what biblical faith is? To answer this, ask yourself, “How important is eternity to me?” The word of God cannot be comprehended without understanding its doctrines concerning faith. In this study, we are going to consider what the Bible is endeavoring to teach us concerning the definition, concept, and application of faith. It will be seen that the Scriptures answer these, as all questions, in a fashion that will ease any doubt upon the ability of any man to know for sure *“… what saith the scripture. …”* The Bible, as a divine book, proves and interprets itself. It cannot be approached in the hope of understanding it, as many advocate, in a neutral fashion. We must have the preconceived idea, or belief, that it is what it claims to be; the word of God, *“… for he that cometh to God must believe that he is …”* It is up to each and every one of us to diligently study and search out the truths of God’s word concerning this and all of its doctrines. As we begin, remember the precepts that *“… God is not the author of confusion …”* and that *“… no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”* These being sound biblical precepts, then God must have defined clearly within the Scriptures the proper definition of any questionable words. Do not be swayed by anyone who contrives his own private interpretational, philosophical, or theological definitions. *1 Corinthians 14:33* For God is **not the author of confusion** … *2 Peter 1:20* Knowing this first, that **no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation**. Let us keep in mind the”[**Seven Precepts To Understanding The Bible**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/ "Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible")**.**“ 1. It must be studied diligently 2. We must not add nor diminish from its words, sense, and meanings 3. It must be studied, believing all that is written 4. We must remember it is God’s revelation 5. We must understand its use of similitudes 6. It must be rightly divided 7. Its doctrines are formed precept upon precept Here we will leave the philosophers and ask, *“… what Saith The Scriptures …”* For, it is in them, we think we have eternal life, not the philosophies or teachings of men. This we will do if God will light our way. ## Definition But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 God has elected that we must have faith as a determining factor as to whether or not we *“please him”* It is hard to imagine that so much could hang on one small word; whether or not we please God. It is obviously a very important word, an extremely weighty word; the weight of all eternity rest upon it, *For by grace are ye saved through faith …* It is for this reason that we need to understand the biblical doctrine of faith correctly. If the Bible is the word of God, the correct interpretation of the precept of faith becomes of paramount importance in the affairs of men. … without faith it is **impossible to please him** … Few of the disputes and controversies engaged in within the Church are as important or as consequential as those embroiling faith. It is a requisite for pleasing God, essential for salvation and its absence in anything constitutes sin. *Romans 14:23* … for whatsoever is not of faith **is sin**. If you have any hope of comprehending the Bible or intentions of instructing others in the word of God you must understand and be able to show from the Scriptures the correct interpretations of faith in all its aspects. Let us begin by simply looking at the dictionary definition of faith. Most abridged dictionaries will give the two most common meanings. Faith: - Belief, the assent of the mind to the truth of what is declared without evidence or on probable evidence of any kind - That which is believed or the object of belief Faith, in general, has only two uses. 1. Belief in something 2. The things, objects or doctrines of a belief (the something believed in) The two meanings simply look at faith from opposite ends. Faith is to trust, to rely on, have confidence in, or faith is that which is trusted, relied on and given confidence. I have faith in this — This is my faith An example of it being used for the objects of belief is in Galatians. *Galatians 1:23* But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth **the faith** which once he destroyed. *“The faith”* in this verse stands for the corporate beliefs or objects of belief that Paul once persecuted but now preaches. {In the last chapter of this study we are going to discuss some additional meanings for the word faith in relation to three questions that always appear when discussing this topic}. Let us compare now and see if the dictionary definition holds to the biblical one? The word faith is found 231 times in the Scriptures, out of this only twice is it used in the Old Testament. Each and every time it means to believe something or someone’s beliefs. Examine Hebrews 11:6 closely. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God **must believe** that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. We see that faith is defined within the verse, *“…for he that cometh to God must—believe—that he is….”* So here the faith that pleases God is defined as an individuals belief in him. In 2 Corinthians 4:13 we also see that faith is defined as individual belief. *2 Corinthians 4:13* We having the same **spirit of faith**, according as it is written, **I believed**, and therefore have I spoken; **we also believe**, and therefore speak; Abraham’s faith similarly is defined as his believing God. *Romans 4:3-5* For what saith the scripture? Abraham **believed God**, and **it was counted unto him for righteousness**. 4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5But to him that worketh not, **but believeth** on him that justifieth the ungodly, **his faith is counted for righteousness**. *“But to him that … believeth—his faith …”* faith is believing God, in what God says. God is not imputing faith, as some would have you believe, he is imputing righteousness based on one’s own faith toward him. God was striving to get Israel to believe him throughout the Old Testament. He is still seeking those that will believe him, his word! Exodus 4:5 That they **may believe** that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. *Exodus 19:9* And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and **believe thee** for ever … *Numbers 14:11* And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be **ere they believe me** , for all the signs which I have showed among them? Psalm 78:22 Because they **believed not** in God, and **trusted not** in his salvation: *Psalm 78:32* For all this they sinned still, and **believed not** for his wondrous works. *Isaiah 43:10* Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and **believe me** , and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. *Daniel 6:23* …So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because **he believed in his God**. God is searching for believing hearts, hearts that have faith in him and what he says. *Hebrews 3:12* Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an **evil heart of unbelief,** in departing from the living God. *Hebrews 3:19* So we see that they could not enter in because of **unbelief**. *Hebrews 4:6* Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of **unbelief**: *Hebrews 4:11* Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of **unbelief**. *Hebrews 11:31* By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that **believed not**, when she had received the spies with peace. Many, in misreading the Scriptures, have found support, in Ephesians, for faith being a gift of God. They read into, or misread, the following verse to make faith instead of salvation the gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 For **by grace are ye saved through faith** ; and that not of yourselves: **it is the gift of God** : 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. The verb of this sentence or the action taking place is *“are”* a ‘to be verb’ indicating state of existence: be, is, are, am. Writing this sentence in normal English order we have: Ye are saved, by grace through faith and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. It is salvation that we are receiving, that is the gift of God, not faith. As I have stated many times, without understanding and applying the rules of grammar you can make a sentence say anything you want it to say. We have seen no indication, thus far, to support the notion that faith is a gift or given to us. It is rather the opposite, God is requiring man to have faith in him. Not believing, not having faith in, God’s word is how all the trouble began. Genesis 3:1 …And he {the serpent} said unto the woman, **Yea, hath God said** , Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? Eve believed the serpent and not God, she was enticed, of her lust, to turn from God’s word and desire the fruits of unbelief. The rest is history ## Doctrine For we walk by faith, not by sight: 2 Corinthians 5:7 In the previous chapter I have biblically established two points: - Faith as defined in the Scriptures is synonymous with believing, trusting in. - Faith in the Scriptures is always in reference to man’s “faith toward God” believing the God of the Bible Let me attempt to put biblical faith in perspective and establish the doctrine of ***“faith toward God”*** *Hebrews 6:1-3* Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and **of faith toward God**, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this will we do, if God permit. Faith can be put into many things. We exercise faith every time we drive a vehicle on the highway sixty miles an hour head long at another vehicle doing the same with only a four inch painted line between us. We exercise faith every time we walk through a door. We could not do this if we did not believe, have faith, that there was nothing on the other side to hurt us. People without faith are classified as having a psychological disorder, paranoia. However, when the Bible speaks of faith it is in reference to the exercise of it in relation to one thing, *“…faith toward God…,”* the one true and living God; and more precisely believing what God said. Numbers 14:11 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be **ere they believe me**, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? Isaiah 43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know **and believe me**, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. John 5:47 But **if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words**? In the following two references it will be seen that when Israel left the law of God and worshiped idols God declared that they are men *“…in whom is no faith.”* Men would say this was their faith, but biblically it is not having faith. *2 Kings 17:14-16* Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, **that did not believe** in the LORD their God. 15And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they **followed vanity**, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them. 16And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and **made them molten images**, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. *Deuteronomy 32:20-21* And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, **children in whom is no faith**. 21They have moved me to jealousy with **that which is not God**; they have provoked me to anger with **their vanities**: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. Take note, also, that in comparing these two references faith is again defined as man’s belief. The Old Testament seems clear on the subject, belief in God and what he said is faith in or toward God, not believing God is to have no faith. This is simply explained. God reveals himself in many ways to man, all creation is a revelation by him of himself. *Romans 1:19-21* Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for **God hath shewed it unto them**. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are **clearly seen**, **being understood** by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. For men to reject the true revelations of God, whether in creation or his word, and to accept lies, vanities and idols is biblically having no faith. They turn from God’s revelations of himself because men have no faith toward him. 2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: **for all men have not faith**. Men turn unto their own inventions, unto something they can see, feel, something, in their minds, is more substantial, something they think they understand. Unfortunately, there are, also, those that maintain a false hope and deceive in order to remain in sin. This has been true throughout history. In Prescott’s history of Peru he states, “The Peruvians, like so many other of the Indian races, acknowledged a Supreme Being, the Creator and Ruler of the Universe … No temple was raised to this invisible Being …” However, at the time the Peruvians were conquered by the Spanish, their whole society was regulated by government fostered and enforced idolatry and multiple deities. They had long ago ceased to have faith in the one invisible God who made all things and to which all things pointed. The doctrine of *“faith toward God”* is the fact that God is requiring man to believe in him and his revelations of himself, whether by word or in creation. Although salvation is by faith, every time the word is used in the Bible it is not always speaking concerning salvation. Man’s entire obligation is to walk by faith. *Romans 14:23* And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for **whatsoever is not of faith is sin**. *2 Corinthians 5:7* For **we walk by faith**, not by sight: Hebrews 11:3 **Through faith** we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but **the just shall live by his faith**. As a topic or doctrine, faith encompasses much more than salvation. In fact, if we do not already have *“…faith toward God…,”* we will not have the faith in the Lord Jesus Christ needed to be saved. *John 5:46-47* For **had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me:** for he wrote of me. 47But **if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words**? *Luke 16:29-31* Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; **let them hear them**. 30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31And he said unto him, **If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead**. *John 3:12* If I have told you earthly things, and **ye believe not**, how shall **ye believe**, if I tell you of heavenly things? If a person has no faith in and denies what God has said concerning creation, Noah’s flood or any of the histories, miracles or other accounts, he will not suddenly believe that Jesus was the virgin born saviour. He will not believe he was the Son of God who died and rose the third day to save the world from their sins; *“…for he that cometh to God must believe that he is….”* A man certainly does not believe that God is, if he does not believe any of what he says about himself. I stated early in this study that for whatever reason God has elected that faith be a determining factor in whether or not we *“…please him….”* It does not take one long upon examining the matter to conclude that man desires certainty. The flesh wants to know where its next meal is coming from, to have assurance of a certain safe and comfortable resting place, it wants a certain amount of uniformity from day to day. When the natural man lives in uncertainty for any length of time it will effect his physical and mental health. Walking without a major amount of knowing is not easy for the natural man. God has elected the opposite of the natural, the flesh, the earthly; we are not to walk by sight, but by faith. *2 Corinthians 5:7* For **we walk by faith**, not by sight: I am not looking for man to prove that the Bible is true; in the natural course of things the proof is more than ample. My faith does not need a piece of the cross, a cup of the virgin Mary’s breast milk, John the Baptist’s head nor miracles to sustain and support it. I believe what God said, I take it for granted that it is the truth. Finding or not finding Noah’s Ark is not going to sway me in the least. The latest scientific discoveries do not trouble me nor raise doubts in my mind, science continually back tracks. This is faith, faith in what God has said. I have read and studied the book. This is the faith that *“cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”* *Romans 10:13-17* For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?… 17**So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God**. If you do not read and study the book, do not listen to it preached and taught and do not search the Scriptures to see whether the things that are said are so, then you cannot hope to have this faith. Neither will you see the proofs all about us or the prophecies of the Bible being fulfilled as they unfold before your eyes. The reason we are deceived and have so many denominations and doctrines is simply because we, the saints of God, do not know and study the Scriptures. The biblical doctrine of *“…faith toward God…”* is that God is requiring man to believe him, to walk by faith and trust in him not only for salvation but in all things. We will, in proportion to our faith, **“Believing all things that are written…,”** separating ourselves from the pollutants of this world. *Acts 24:14* But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: *2 Corinthians 10:5* Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and **bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ**; ## Salvation Not by works of righteousness whicqlvjh we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus refc3:5 In this chapter, we are going to discuss, as they say, where the rubber meets the road, salvation. What part does faith play and is it only part of the equation as far as man’s obligation is concerned? This is actually where you can easily separate true Christianity, as opposed to errors in doctrine, from the false claims upon the name of our Lord. As we stated in our introduction, the controversy of whether eternal salvation is at all times by faith alone or mixed with works was the spark that ignited the cause célèbre, the great debate, of Christianity, the Reformation. We will now search the Scriptures to see whether eternal salvation is by faith alone, faith and works and what, if any, is the difference between Old Testament salvation and New. Is salvation by faith alone in fact just New Testament, Church Age, doctrine or a general precept of God’s revelation? Is it the rule from Genesis to Revelations or as some still insist, are works involved? You would think, as God is offering to save men from their sins, that the issue of what man had to do would be simple, and it is. *2 Corinthians 11:3* But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from **the simplicity** that is in Christ. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all; Religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and the eastern religions in general may rely wholly on the efforts of the individual for their concept of salvation, but monotheistic religions i.e., Christianity, Judaism, Islam, all place an element of God’s grace in the equation. What the Bible explains and many fail to understand is that grace and works are mutually exclusive of each other. If eternal salvation is by the grace of God then there can be no part of it by works; *“if by grace, then is it no more of works”* The two, grace and works, are mutually exclusive. If eternal salvation is by the grace of God, then there can be no part of it by works. If I say to my son, “Son, you have found grace in my sight. Therefore, I am going to let you use the car tonight, if you mow the lawn.” With the inclusion of the works, grace went out the window. All that matters now is did my son do the works, or did he not do them. There is no grace involved; he either cut the grass or he didn’t. This may be a simplistic example but it is an accurate one. My son is not coming to me thanking me for my mercy and grace, he is demanding what I owe him for the work he did. *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh is the reward **not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. Many persist, nevertheless, in teaching as Bible truth that an element of works is required in obtaining or maintaining salvation. Both teachings were the subject of the great counsel and debate of Acts chapter 15, and both condemned. Many, also, continue to teach that eternal salvation by faith alone is only New Testament doctrine. Never mind that the subject and context of Romans chapter 11, *“…if by grace, then is it no more of works…,”* is Israel under the law not realizing that salvation was not of works, but of faith. A curse on details, details are the vermin that destroy great works. —Voltaire (1694–1778) writer, historian, and philosopher It took faith, to please God, in the Old as well as the New Testament; in believing what God said at the time. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is **impossible to please him** Noah was moved with the fear of the destruction to come because he believed what God said. Noah built the ark, did the works, to the physical saving of his family from the physical flood. He was imputed personal righteousness, salvation; before God, based on his believing what God said, his faith. *Hebrews 11:7* **By faith** Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of **the righteousness which is by faith**. The division in the “Christian Church” over differences in salvation continues. The debate divides biblical history into three sections; Old Testament, New Testament {between the cross and the rapture} and Tribulation. One side teaching salvation at any time i.e., Old Testament, New Testament, Tribulation, is the same as it is today; between the cross and the rapture. Another side advocating salvation by a combination of faith and works in the Old Testament and Tribulation, sometimes by works alone in the Tribulation. Last, but not least, faith and works at any time. In the face of the previous verse, it is rather difficult to understand how it is taught that Noah was saved by faith and works! He, *“became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”* The truth is none of these opinions are more than partly right the way they are taught which makes them all wrong. Noah did the works because he believed God and righteousness was imputed to him because of his belief, his faith in what God said, just as Abraham. If they had not done the works it would have been because they did not believe, have faith toward, God. Abraham offered up Isaac believing that God would fulfill his word even to raising up Isaac from the dead to do it. *Hebrews 11:17-19* By faith Abraham, when **he was tried**, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. 18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19**Accounting that God was able to raise him up**, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. Abraham was able to do the work, in this case offering up his own son, because he believed God, had faith in what God said. It is your works that manifest your faith, it cannot be seen any other way. The challenge in James concerning showing your faith without works constitutes a rhetorical question, the obvious answer to which is you cannot. *James 2:17-18* Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: **show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works**. Abraham was justified by the works that he did, in that they manifested, they proved his faith. His work of obeying God was the perfection of his faith, it was the trial of his faith. *Hebrews 11:17* **By faith** Abraham, when **he was tried**, offered up Isaac: … *James 2:21-22* Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and **by works was faith made perfect**? We know this interpretation of the relationship of faith and works in James is true and correct because the next verse states that Abraham’s work of obedience in acting on his faith fulfilled the scripture that states he believed God and it was because of his belief that righteousness was imputed to him. James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham **believed** God, and **it was imputed unto him for righteousness**: and he was called the Friend of God. *Romans 4:2-3* For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but **not before God**. 3For what saith the scripture? **Abraham believed God**, and **it was counted unto him for righteousness**. No other interpretation will fit all of the Scriptures. Many read works and faith for eternal salvation into the writings of James creating a contradiction between his and Paul’s writings. As the two preceding verses attest there is no contradiction between Paul’s preaching and James’. It was *“faith toward God”,* that produced the works, and it was and is, on the basis of that faith that God is imputing righteousness. The subject of James’ statements is not salvation, but rather the works we ought to have if we have faith in God unto salvation. Another fact that may help us to understand this is that Abraham never completed the works. He did not offer up his son; God stopped him from doing so. If it were the works God was requiring he would not have prevented Abraham from completing the task. The fact that God attributes the completed act to Abraham means that God was looking for the show of faith Abraham had toward him which gave him the strength to act and not the act itself, it was a trial of his faith. Remembering that faith and works are mutually exclusive, *“if by grace, then is it no more of works”,* it is apparent that there are only two religions in the world, two and only two. 1. Attempting to inherit eternal life, or reach a state of bliss, by your works. Whether simply trusting in the fact that you have done the best you could and a merciful God would not throw you in hell, or through a rigid oppressive system of religious law as is Romanism, Islam, Hinduism and all the more recent claimants of the truth. 2. Forsaking all claims of self-righteousness and ability of man to stand justified before God on his own merits and by faith trusting in the works, righteousness, and mercy of God. We know now that this is through Jesus Christ and His shed blood. No other religion other than biblical Christianity affords salvation without works. These are the only two religions there are, regardless of name, doctrinal tenets or whatever biblical dispensational scheme or pattern you follow. Do our works have any part, or have works ever played a part in eternal salvation? The biblical answer to this question is a firm No, *“if by grace, then is it no more of works”* *Psalms 143:2* And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for **in thy sight shall no man living be justified**. This one verse alone ought to be enough to convince anyone, *“…in thy sight shall no man living be justified.”* There are many more verses that relate specifically to this topic to form the biblical precept that it is not by works in whole or in part. *Romans 3:20* Therefore **by the deeds of the law** there shall **no flesh be justified in his sight**:… *Galatians 2:16* Knowing that a man **is not justified by the works of the law**, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even **we have believed in Jesus Christ**, that we might be **justified by the faith of Christ**, and **not by the works of the law**: for by the works of the law **shall no flesh be justified**. *1 Corinthians 1:29* That **no flesh should glory in his presence**. *Isaiah 64:6* But **we are all as an unclean thing**, and **all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. If there is any element of works involved, whether in obtaining salvation or maintaining it, then faith is made void and salvation is not by the grace of God. *Romans 4:14* For if they which are of the law be heirs, **faith is made void**, and the promise made of none effect: *Romans 4:4-5* Now to him that worketh **is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. 5But to him that worketh not, **but believeth** on him that justifieth the ungodly, **his faith is counted for righteousness**. We find grace in God’s eyes when we believe him, his word, his revelations of himself. When we believe on his account of how he hung his Son, Jesus Christ, on a tree and made him a curse for us, by his grace he applies the shed blood of the Lord’s atonement to our sins. In this study, I have established a universal biblical precept, not just a Church Age or dispensational teaching. Salvation is never by works, alone or in concert with faith. *Job 25:4-6* **How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman**? 5Behold even to the moon, and it shineth not; yea, **the stars are not pure in his sight**. 6How much less man, **that is a worm**? and the son of man, which is a worm? *Job 19:25* For **I know that my redeemer liveth**, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: *Romans 7:24-25* O wretched man that I am! **who shall deliver me from the body of this death**? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord …. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For **by grace are ye saved through faith**; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9**Not of works**, lest any man should boast. Salvation by grace though faith is not a New Testament doctrine, but a biblical precept. It is either by grace or works, not both, and we know it is not without grace. In the Old Testament the law had to be kept, but it had to be kept by faith. It was in believing God, not doing the works, that was efficacious. *Matthew 23:23* Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and **faith**: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. The Pharisees kept the letter of the law, tithing, fasting, offering up the sacrifices. Doing so did them no good because they did not keep it out of *“faith toward God”.* They kept the law to establish their own self righteousness. *Romans 10:3-4* For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and **going about to establish their own righteousness**, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. The Pharisees merely observed a religious rite, simply an act to conform to the prevailing powers, the traditions of their culture and superstition—to be seen of men. What they did not have was faith in what God said, faith in the sacrifices for the remission of sin, faith in the promised day God would take away their sins forever. We now know more fully the day has come that the eternal sacrifice for sins has been made: the everlasting atonement through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are commanded to believe on him. In this we have the interpretation of *“faith to faith”.* Faith in what God said at the time up through history until we now have the full revelation. *Romans 1:17* For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from **faith to faith**: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. This is the eternal paradox that baffles the self righteous. The vilest of sinners can be saved while the most observant of legalist can burn in hell. To understand this you must put works in its proper relationship to God. There are two possibilities to consider. - I do the works and credit myself for them, establishing my own self righteousness, glorifying myself. - I do the works and credit God. I am only doing what God has commanded me to do out of my faith and trust in him, glorifying God and manifesting his righteousness. In the second, no part of the work can be attributed to me. It was God who commanded the work to be done and only by my faith in him did I act in accordance with that command. The works cannot be attributed to my righteousness in any way, I am simply trusting God and doing as he has commanded. The trouble with the first case is that one slip, one folly, one sin and your righteousness is gone. *James 2:10* For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, **he is guilty of all**. *Romans 3:23* For **all have sinned**, and come short of the glory of God; You are either 100% righteous or you are not righteous; man is not righteous. Even if you have kept the whole law, all you have done is glorify yourself and blasphemed God in not glorifying him. *Luke 17:10* So likewise ye, **when ye shall have done all** those things which are commanded you, **say, We are unprofitable servants**: we have done that which was our duty to do. If we are able to put all this together it leads us to this precept of God’s word. The only eternal atonement for sin is the shed blood of Jesus Christ. That is how our sins were paid for. The New Testament saint, however, as the Old Testament saint, is saved by the grace of God through faith. Faith is the prerequisite to be granted access to that atonement. Sin was paid for on the cross not forgiven. Jesus Christ died to pay for the sins of the whole world. To receive forgiveness for sins and have access to that atonement is through faith. Let me demonstrate from the Scriptures. In Matthew eighteen we have the parable of the wicked servant whom his lord forgave the debt he owed. But when this servant did evil he was brought back before his lord. *Matthew 18:32-34* Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, **I forgave thee all that debt**, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, **till he should pay all** that was due unto him. The important thing to note here is that the debt had been forgiven yet it was laid back upon the servant until he paid all he owed. The debt had been forgiven, but not paid for. It was still on the books as a debit. You may ask, “Are you teaching we can lose our salvation?” No, not in the least. I am saying that God not only forgave our sins though faith but also paid for them on the cross. They are no longer on the books. Forgiveness and redemption i.e., payment for sins, are two different things. The passage quoted here refers to the Old Testament, before the atonement for sins was made. John 7:39 But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him **should receive**: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given**; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. Christ had not yet died for sin, therefore the payment for sin could not be applied under the old covenant. God forgave sins, but could require them again, they had not been redeemed. You may ask, “Then you are teaching that the Old Testament saint could lose their salvation?” No, I am teaching that they never had eternal salvation. Their sins were forgiven, but not paid for and they were liable for them if they did not continue in faith toward God and obedience to his word. The Old Testament saint could not be given the Holy Spirit, receive the circumcision made without hands i.e., the operation of God. The Old Testament saint did not have the liberty in Christ we enjoy; *“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”.* *Romans 8:1* **There is therefore now no condemnation** to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. This is the reason they had to go to Abraham’s bosom and wait until the atonement was made, it could not be absent from the body, present with the Lord. Old or New Testament and Tribulation, eternal salvation is by faith alone. This does not, however, mean that it was or will be exactly the same as it is for us now. Today, between the cross and the rapture, God is forgiving sin and applying the atonement, the payment, for sin at the same time. The difference, between the Old as opposed to the New Testament, is that the Spirit of God could not yet be given in the Old because the Lord had not yet made the atonement for sins. The Old Testament saint could not receive the new birth, eternal salvation, under the old covenant and the New Testament did not start until the death of the testator. The Tribulation saint will not receive it until death in the faith. *John 7:39* … for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given**; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. *Hebrews 9:17* For a testament is of force **after men are dead**: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. The Spirit of God could not indwell the Old Testament saint as he does the believer now. They could not be absent from the body present with the Lord. The saint rested in Abraham’s bosom until the new covenant was established, they were born from the dead when the Lord led captivity captive. The Old Testament saint was granted forgiveness of sin, access to Abraham’s bosom and the future atonement for sin by imputed righteousness based on their faith toward God. *Colossians 1:18* And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, **the firstborn from the dead**; that in all things he might have the preeminence. *Hebrews 11:13* These all died in faith, **not having received the promises**, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. *Hebrews 11:39* And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, **received not the promise**: The Tribulation saint will be denied the atonement until death in the faith. They will have to die a martyr’s death, believing and trusting the word of God as opposed to worshipping the beast and taking the mark. *Revelation 14:9-10* … If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10**The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,… and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone** in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: The Old Testament saint did not, nor will the Tribulation saint, enjoy liberty in Christ. That liberty being the instant application of eternal life upon the exercise of faith in Christ, as we have at the present time, between the cross and the rapture. Having the atonement applied upon believing gives us our liberty in Christ, we are sealed until the day of redemption. *Romans 8:1* **There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus**, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. *Galatians 5:1* Stand fast therefore in **the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free**, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Our liberty in Christ is another study and a much mis-understood and debated doctrine. Nevertheless, we see here that it is something we have that the Old Testament saint did not and the Tribulation saint will not have. We must, however, concluded from this study that eternal salvation at any time is by faith alone, it is the gift of God. When it is applied is the only difference. Any religion, denomination, sect or teaching that does not hold to salvation by faith alone has no claim to the designation of Christian. *Titus 3:5* **Not by works of righteousness which we have done**, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; *Ephesians 2:8-9* For **by grace are ye saved through faith**; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. ## Faith & Works For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 After saying all that I have said in the previous chapter concerning eternal salvation not being by works in any form or fashion, I do not want you to think that works are not important. The manner of our lives is important for a variety of reasons, mainly to glorify God and manifest our faith. Fearing and obeying God is required of every man, lost or saved, Old or New Testament. It is still the whole duty of man to fear God and keep his commandments, nevertheless, our works play no part in eternal salvation, forgiveness of sin. They do, however, have everything to do with God’s judgments on us in this life. Israel was told that if they kept the law they would be blessed, if not they would be cursed. Either way, their works and God’s response were going to be a sign to the world. We who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ are likewise instructed to keep God’s commandments. If we do not, we not only lose rewards, but can suffer in this life. *1 Corinthians 11:29-30* For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30**For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep**. *1 Corinthians 5:3-5* For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5**To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh**, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. *1 Timothy 1:19-20* Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; **whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme**. *Acts 10:4* And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, **Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God**. Saved or lost, God is a God to be feared. Just because we are saved does not mean we have to be healthy, wealthy or wise. Our works i.e., keeping the commandments, our service to him and stand for him, are going to be, and are being, judged and dealt with now. In the case of a saint it is through chastening and purging. Our works can determine many things concerning the quality of our lives and the things we have to go through in this life. We certainly do not like the scrutiny of others judging us in these matters and man has a natural tendency to abuse such judgments. They must be applied with wisdom and understanding of God’s word, tempered with great mercy, grace and humility. These types of judgments are better left to self examination and would be if self examination were practiced. *2 Corinthians 13:5* **Examine yourselves**, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? All that is important concerning works to this study is that one understands that God does judge our lives and works now, and will later. *Romans 14:10* But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for w**e shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ**. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may **receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad.** *John 15:2* Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, **he purgeth it**, that it may bring forth more fruit. *1 Peter 4:17* For the time is come that **judgment must begin at the house of God**: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? *1 Corinthians 11:32* But when we are judged, **we are chastened of the Lord**, that we should not be condemned with the world. *Hebrews 12:7* If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for **what son is he whom the father chasteneth not**? The chastening and purging of the saint by God is another study in and of itself. Know for a surety, however, that it is being done. The Scriptures foretell of a falling away from the truth before the return of the Lord. Obviously, the lost have no truth to fall away from, therefore naturally, it is the Church that is going to fall, reject the truth of God’s word. One aspect of this is the abhorrence of the qualities that God desires us to have e.g., humility, modesty, sobriety, honesty, charity etc. If you were to ask any one particular saint of course they would argue their adherence to all necessities of godliness. They might well support this with Scripture by quoting, *“All things are lawful for me.”* Never mind that this is not a complete quote nor even a complete sentence of Scripture. *1 Corinthians 6:12* All things are lawful unto me, **but all things are not expedient**: all things are lawful for me, **but** I will not be brought under the power of any. *1 Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, **but all things are not expedient**: all things are lawful for me, **but all things edify not**. It is not, *“All things are lawful for me.”*, it is, *“All things are lawful for me, BUT”,* all things are not expedient nor do all edify. What could Paul be speaking of? An expedience is something one must do to further a particular purpose or plan. That purpose is the salvation of lost men. That which adulterates the life of godliness a saint is supposed to be actively seeking is not expedient to that end. Nor is anything that pollutes our witness for Jesus Christ expedient or edifying. Our lives and conduct in relation to our liberty in Christ is, again, another study altogether. However, I would have been amiss, after the previous chapter, in not conveying the necessity for fearing God and keeping his commandments. Many get the wrong impression that as saints we are enjoying full benefits and no responsibilities as Christians. That it is eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we go to heaven. Nothing could be further from the truth. These are the days of our labour, our warfare. *Matthew 9:15* And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, **when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast**. ## Rightly Divide Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 In this last chapter I wish to address three points that some have had questions about. The first is in regards to Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1. “Now **faith is the substance of things hoped for** , the evidence of things not seen.” *“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for…,”* —Is not this the Bible definition of faith? I have been asked this question and the answer is no, not the word faith. We have shown in the preceding chapters that faith means believing God. You are not going to look in a dictionary and find the following definition. Faith – substance of things hoped for; evidence of things not seen If you will try using faith in a sentence with that meaning you will see the truth of this. It is, however, the biblical definition of what your faith is in relation to hope; that is your faith, your belief; the concept itself, faith in practice not the word. We are not hoping in God without believing first in God and what he has said, *“for he that cometh to God must believe that he is”.* I am hoping in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, because I believe the Bible when it says he is going to return. Hope in this case means to place trust in. Faith and hope in Scripture are very similar. *Ephesians 2:8* For by grace are ye saved **through faith** ; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: *Romans 8:24-25* For we are **saved by hope** : but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. *Hebrews 11:3* **Through faith we understand** that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. *1 Corinthians 13:12* For **now we see through a glass, darkly** ; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. We hope in what *“…we see not…”* because of our faith in God, and what he has said; we believe in that which we cannot see. The substance of the things we hope for is our faith in what God has said. The second again has to do with Hebrews 11:1. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Faith is *“the evidence of things not seen.”* *Philippians 1:27-28* Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them **an evident token** of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. We are now at the point of our works, works dictated by and manifesting the faith we say we have. *James 2:22* Seest thou how **faith wrought with his works** , and **by works was faith made perfect** ? *1 Peter 1:7* That **the trial of your faith** , being much **more precious than of gold** that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: *Hebrews 11:17* By faith Abraham, when **he was tried** , offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. We are going to act in accordance with what we believe. Just as Noah and Abraham acted on what they believed. Acting in accordance with our faith in God and his word in the face of adversity and trouble manifest our faith. That faith is the evidence of those things not seen and the condemnation of the world. *Hebrews 11:7* By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; **by the which he condemned the world** , and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Without works to manifest our faith, our faith can have no effect, no profit; it will bring us no rewards at the judgment seat of Christ. *James 2:20* But wilt thou know, O vain man, that **faith without works is dead**? *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. The third point is even more troubling to some. In first Corinthians chapter 12, faith is given as one of the gifts of the Spirit. One must rightly divide here, the gift is not given to everyone, none of the gifts are, only some receive certain ones. It is therefore, not the faith needed to be saved nor the faith of our daily walk with the Lord, everyone is required to have faith for those things. So we have here a different use for the word faith. *1 Corinthians 12:7-10* But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For **to one** is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; **to another** the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 **To another faith** by the same Spirit; **to another** the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 **To another** the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; **to another** divers kinds of tongues; **to another** the interpretation of tongues: *1 Corinthians 12:27-30* Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 **Are all** apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 **Have all** the gifts of healing? **do all** speak with tongues? do all interpret? The answer to those questions is, ” **No** .” There are two possibilities for this gift of faith. - The spiritual apprehension of divine truths {Oxford English Dictionary} {quick understanding of spiritual matters or seeing the spiritual side of matters} - Faithfulness, fidelity, strict adherence to duty and fulfillment of promise {When you pledge allegiance to something you make a pledge of faith, or to be faithful} Personally, I hold to the former as the correct interpretation for the gift, as we are all called to be faithful. The Bible as a whole is replete with references that show God is not bestowing faith upon man but requiring and striving to get man to put his faith in him. This study is in nowise definitive on the subject. *John 10:38* But if I do, though ye **believe not** me, **believe** the works: that ye may know, and **believe** , that the Father is in me, and I in him. *John 11:42* And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, **that they may believe** that thou hast sent me. *Luke 18:8* I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, **shall he find faith on the earth**? The idea that the faith to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ unto salvation is the gift of God or that salvation is not by faith alone is totally foreign to the Bible. I pray the Lord will bless this work, if it be in truth in accord with his word and hope that it has been a help to you in your studies in Scripture. Amen. **[Preface ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/#uagb-tabs__tab0)**– **[Definition ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/#uagb-tabs__tab1)**– **[Doctrine ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/#uagb-tabs__tab2)**– **[Salvation ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/#uagb-tabs__tab3)**– **[Faith & Works](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/#uagb-tabs__tab4)** – **[Rightly Divide](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith/#uagb-tabs__tab5)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Salvation **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Loss of Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-it-possible-to-loose-salvation/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Biblical Christianity is not like other religions; it is not based on anything you did but what God did for us. Consequently, [**our works**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/), good or bad, play no part in whether we are saved or not. This carries over from obtaining to maintaining our salvation. We did not work to get it, our works play no part in keeping it. *Ephesians 1:13-14* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, **ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, 14**Which is the earnest of our inheritance** until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. *Ephesians 4:30* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. Once saved always saved is our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/ "Liberty In Christ"). Of course, we are not to live in sin after being saved and will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ. *2 Corinthians 1:21-22 KJV* Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22**Who hath also sealed us**, and **given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts**. *Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that **ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, 14**Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession**, unto the praise of his glory. *Ephesians 4:30 KJV* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. Those that have trusted in the shed blood of Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption. What is the day of redemption you might ask? It takes place at the rapture. *Romans 8:22-23 KJV* For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, **which have the firstfruits of the Spirit**, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. The day of redemption is the day our bodies get redeemed, the day we get full salvation. *1 Corinthians 15:51-54* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and **the dead shall be raised incorruptible**, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. No, you cannot lose salvation. However, we will be judged for what we did with our salvation. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. This is where our rewards are given and taken away according to our works, good or bad from the day of our salvation until we die or the Lord returns whichever comes first. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For **other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ**. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation **gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. > [Depensationalism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/depensationalism/) Rate this post **Categories:** Salvation **Tags:** Judgment, Salvation --- ### [Once Saved, Always Saved](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/once-saved-always-saved/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. Ecclesiastes 3:14 Once saved, always saved is our [**liberty in Christ Jesus**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/ "Liberty In Christ"). Old Testament saints were not saved; they had their sins forgiven but they were not paid for since the atonement for sin had not been made. The Holy Spirit could not be given before the atonement. *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(**But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) This comes under dispensational salvation. You have to understand, which many do not seem to, that salvation is a two-part process. Before Christ’s atonement, you could have your sins forgiven, but that was not enough to be saved; your sins also had to be paid for. The Old Testament saints could have their sins forgiven but then had to wait in escrow, Abraham’s bosom, for the atonement to be made, paying for their sins before they could be saved, and receive the Spirit of God. Receiving the Spirit was the promise of salvation. *Ezekiel 37:14* And **shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live**, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD. *Ezekiel 36:27* And **I will put my spirit within you**, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Receiving the Spirit could not happen until Christ paid for all sins, but your sins could be forgiven. *John 7:39* (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) *Luke 5:20* And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, **thy sins are forgiven thee**. Christ’s atonement having now paid for sins, we receive payment for and forgiveness of sins at the same time and are sealed with the Holy Spirit, which is the earnest, guarantee of our salvation. *2 Corinthians 1:21-22* Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22**Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts**. *Ephesians 1:13-14* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, **ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, 14**Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption** of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. *Ephesians 4:30* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. Those who have trusted in the shed blood of Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins are sealed with the Holy Spirit until the day of redemption; but what is the day of redemption? It is the redemption of our corrupt bodies that takes place at the rapture. *Romans 8:22-23* For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. The day of redemption is the day our bodies get redeemed, the day we get full salvation. *1 Corinthians 15:51-54* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. No, you cannot lose salvation; it is our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/). We no longer have to fear condemnation. Realizing that only those who teach works for salvation, whether in the obtaining or maintaining of it, teach loss of salvation. Seeing that we did not work to get saved, we do not have to work to keep it. *Galatians 3:2-3* This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3**Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh**? Our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/) is a very misunderstood doctrine of Scripture. The OT saints did not have this liberty; if they messed up could have their sins laid back upon them being they were not paid for. The similitude of this is found in Matthew. *Matthew 18:32-34* Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, **I forgave thee all that debt**, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34**And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him**. > [Depensationalism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/depensationalism/) Rate this post **Categories:** Salvation **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [The Rapture or Translation of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/) **Published:** March 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Rapture is the term we use to designate the Lord’s promise to return to gather those who are his to be with him. It comes from the Greek for being caught up. *1 Thessalonians 4:17* Then we which are alive and remain shall be **caught up** together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. *2 Corinthians 12:2* I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one **caught up to the third heaven**. It is a biblical teaching and subject of prophecy. The saints will also be enraptured when it happens. *John 14:1-3* Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, **I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also**. Many repudiate this biblical event because the term used to denote it, rapture, is not found in the Bible. This can be remedied by using the term ‘translate’, as it is the biblical term when speaking of being caught up; hence, we are looking for the great translation of the Church. *Genesis 5:23-24* And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24And Enoch walked with God: **and he was not**; **for God took him**. *Hebrews 11:5* By faith **Enoch was translated** that he should not see death; and was not found, because **God had translated him**: for before **his translation** he had this testimony, that he pleased God. *Colossians 1:13* Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and **hath translated us** into the kingdom of his dear Son: The event is described in 1Thessolonians and 1 Corinthians. *1 Thessalonians 4:16-18* For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain **shall be caught up together with them in the clouds**, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, **shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven**. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. It is the event that all creation is waiting for. Romans 8:22-23 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. It is currently a future event that the Bible has always taught. > [The Rapture of the Church Pre, Mid, or Post Tribulation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-rapture-pre-mid-post-tribulation/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Rapture **Tags:** Rapture --- ### [Four Foundational Precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/four-foundational-precepts/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** After many years of study and debate, I have arrived at certain conclusions on what is necessary to interpret the Scriptures properly. I am convinced that four foundational precepts must be understood and adhered to so that a correct understanding of the Bible can be established. They are as follows: - [**Works**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/) have no part in our Eternal salvation at any time in the history of man. Salvation has always been by God’s grace, through faith toward God, without works from the first day of creation until the second coming and the Millennium. After which, Christ will rule sitting upon the throne in Jerusalem. It will not be a question of faith anymore. - The [**dual nature of salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/): Christ died for the sins of the world, opening the door of salvation to all men, but each individual must come to God by faith for the forgiveness of individual sins. Payment for the sins of the world was done en masse, all at once; forgiveness for sins is accomplished individually. - **Once Saved, Always Saved**: is our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/ "Liberty In Christ") - [**Open Theology**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-opposing-foundations/): history is running in real time. All is not predestinated, nor is God looking down from eternity on the past, present, and future. He is guiding and controlling the flow of history according to his plan and judgments upon men. Unless you understand and approach the study of the Bible with the above as your frame of reference, you will wrest the Scriptures, force false interpretations upon and pervert them. Let me further illustrate. [**Faith alone**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/): Once you realize that salvation is never by works, then you know that there is only one gospel and that the Old Testament saints were saved by God’s grace, through their faith, just as we are. This does away with [**Hyper-Dispensationalism**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/), Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and any other teaching that works has a part in obtaining or maintaining salvation. ([**Mark 10:17-23**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-1017-23/)) Understanding the two-part nature of salvation does away with [**Calvinism, Arminianism, and Universalism**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/calvinism-arminianism-neo-arminianism-open-theology-foreknowledge-of-god/). [**Open Theology**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-open-theology/): Means all things are running in real-time under the guidance and control of God. To put it another way, Open Theology has history open and ongoing, whereas the others all have history closed, predetermined, completed, and unchanging. Without a predetermined, unchanging history, Calvinism and Arminianism fall. [**Liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/): Once saved, always saved, is due to works having no part in eternal salvation. Not being able to lose our salvation means that there is a pre-Tribulation Rapture, preventing any of the saved from taking the mark and losing it. The framework or bias you bring to the study of God’s word matters greatly. These precepts disavow many other false teachings; understanding God’s word cannot be expected if these precepts are denied. > [The Four Main Theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) Rate this post **Categories:** Doctrine, Ministry **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/) **Published:** August 29, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - [**Introduction**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Diligence**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**Neither Add Nor Diminish**](#uagb-tabs__tab2) - [**Believe All**](#uagb-tabs__tab3) - [**Revelation**](#uagb-tabs__tab4) - [**Similitudes**](#uagb-tabs__tab5) - [**Rightly** **Divide**](#uagb-tabs__tab6) - [**Precept Upon** **Precept**](#uagb-tabs__tab7) - [**Summary**](#uagb-tabs__tab8) # **Introduction** For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,… *1 Corinthians 14:33* Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. *2 Peter 1:20* God is the author of order; out of order comes peace. Order in life, as in all things, necessitates borders, boundaries, and rules, all built upon a base set of principles. These principles are the general truths, the accepted conventions that all else is founded upon. In the course of my studies, I have found seven biblical precepts that together constitute a framework for biblical understanding. As in life and creation, so it is when it comes to the study of God’s word; there must be order, rules to govern a proper understanding and comprehension of its teachings and doctrines. These rules are in opposition to private interpretations, which give no regard to any such guiding limitations. The biblical precepts are simply God’s stated principles or the general truths on how he has determined and established all things. No doctrine or teaching can be correct if it attempts to evade or fails to conform to any one of them. These seven precepts, if understood and adhered to, will bring order and discernment to aid in correctly interpreting the precepts, teachings, and doctrines of Scripture. These principles are not a new discovery on my part; whole books have been written on several. However, I have never seen them listed together or taught as a complete cognitive list, a single unit. They act as a guide to meditation and, more importantly, limits to the imagination in studying the Scriptures. This study merely sets them forth so that they may be recognized as such a unit, a set of rules to study and judge by. I firmly believe that an understanding of these seven precepts and faithfully keeping them as a guide is the secret to unlocking the meaning and wonder of the Bible. It has been many years, many hundreds of conversations and debates, since I first began, in 1993, to teach these precepts as a list. With the passing of each, I am ever more convinced of their worth. To study the Scriptures without an understanding of these principles is to travel a highway haphazardly marked with partial or no signposts, a highway such as I hope none of my readers desire to travel. These precepts are not esoteric, not difficult to grasp in and of themselves, and it is quite comforting to have such guides. They are divided into two parts. The first three deal with the human heart; they address the attitudes and desires toward the word of God. The last four deal with the construction of the Scriptures, how the Bible is written, and to be correctly interpreted. I hope that you will find them as useful as I have. **Part One** **Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.** *Psalms\_119:2* And if you will stop and ask yourself, why you are not as pious as the primitive Christians were, your own heart will tell you, that it is neither through ignorance, nor inability, but purely because you never thoroughly intended it. English Clergy William Law (1686-1761) English Clergy **1st Precept** # **Diligence** But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6 > *“He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”* Whether or not due *diligence* is given to the study of the Bible is determined by the heart, its attitude toward God and his word. To understand the Bible, a godly perspective of life’s priorities and a heart’s desire to seek the Lord is required. How should the time devoted to the study of the words of our creator be compared to the time spent in the pursuit of the profit and pleasures of this world? God is *“a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”* *Jeremiah 9:23-24* Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: 24But **let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me**, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. The word diligent, diligence or diligently appears 62 times in 61 verses in the Bible. All but a few refer to being *diligent* toward obeying God’s word, *diligent* in studying God’s word or *diligent* in preparing ourselves to serve him. *Exodus 15:26* If thou wilt **diligently** hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight,… *Deuteronomy 4:9* Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul **diligently**, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life:… *Deuteronomy 6:7* And thou shalt teach them **diligently** unto thy children,… It is important to conceptualize the abstract meaning of *diligence* and make it a concrete desire of the heart if we expect to meet the standard that will be rewarded of God. The following is a short word study on *diligence*. It is not necessary to memorize the following definitions, but it will be extremely helpful to familiarize yourself with the terms and comprehend the action that each describes so that you understand what God is requiring, what he will reward. Diligence {Latin—*diligo*, to love earnestly} - Persistent application to one’s work or duty; persevering effort - Due attention; Proper heed; care; Steady application - Exertion of body and/or mind without delay or sloth - Constant and close attention to; Constancy is a very interesting part of diligence in relation to God’s word. Constancy {Latin – consto, to stand} - fixedness, standing firm - Unchanging; immutable - A permanent state; lasting affection - Particularly applicable to firmness of mind under sufferings to steadiness in attachments If time is taken to study and consider the above list, it will be seen that the substance of these words is not physical attributes, not all mental attributes but all are qualities of the heart. Persistence is not by strength but by a heart’s desire; you persevere when physical strength and mental determination fail. Zeal from the heart is undampened by disappointment while the affections of the flesh fade as fast as they are obtained; our minds we change constantly. Lasting affections, steadfastness, is of the heart. Standing firm, fixedness, unchanging these are attributes of God which he desires us to have. *Malachi 3:6* For I am the LORD, **I change not**;… *James 1:17* …the Father of lights, with whom is **no variableness, neither shadow of turning**. *Hebrews 13:8* Jesus Christ **the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever**. *Daniel 6:26* …the God of Daniel: …he is the living God, and **stedfast for ever**,… *1 Corinthians 15:58* Therefore, my beloved brethren, **be ye stedfast, unmoveable**, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, **stand fast**, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. A common response when speaking with people is that they had tried to read the Bible at one time and failing to understand it, not having immediate comprehension, the Bible was set aside and left to collect dust. This type of statement always betrays one’s heart attitude, especially when it is from professionals, businessmen, college graduates, tradesmen of all sorts; men who have and continue to *diligently* study the disciplines of this world in order to reap its rewards and have applied no time to the *diligent* study of God’s word. Men have their priorities reversed. They spend all their time preparing for and attempting to profit in the here and now, our short and temporary home, and no time preparing to profit in eternity, our long and permanent home. *Ecclesiastes 12:5* Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man **goeth to his long home**, and the mourners go about the streets:… Do you have a desire to know God, to understand his word? Make that desire a permanent state, a lasting affection. God is not going to give the undecided, the lackadaisical, the double-minded nor those that are self-promoting, any considerable understanding or wisdom in his word. *Psalms 78:5-8* For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:… 8And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that **set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God**. *James 4:8* …**purify your hearts**, ye double minded. *James 1:8* **A double minded man** is unstable in all his ways. *Philippians 2:21* For **all seek their own**, **not the things which are Jesus Christ’s**. There is much more to the admonition that God, *“is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him,”* than first meets the eye. The Bible is our lamp, our light, and our guide; without a knowledge of what it says we will not understand the Scriptures, and can not fully comprehend life, history, or the nature of the universe we live in. The greatest indignity we as part of creation can perform toward God our creator is not to listen and diligently consider when he speaks, to forsake his word and walk in our own way. *Psalms 10:4* The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will **not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts**. *2 Corinthians 10:5* Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and **bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ**; *1 Samuel 2:6-8* The LORD **killeth**, and **maketh alive**: he **bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up**. 7The LORD **maketh poor, and maketh rich**: he **bringeth low, and lifteth up**. 8He **raiseth up the poor** out of the dust, and **lifteth up the beggar** from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them. According to the Scriptures, there is nothing that is without the Lord nor is there anything not in his control. We are far better advised to *diligently* seek him and an understanding of his word than the wisdom and understanding of this world. The first precept to understanding the Bible is: **God is a rewarder of them that Diligently seek him** Some believers stop looking for treasure in their Bibles after a while. They don’t stick to the map, don’t rely on the Word to chart their course, and after a while they get detoured into a maze of self-help books, psychology, intellectual speculation, philosophy, materialism, educational title mongering, mass media punditry, or motions of empty religiosity. THE TRANSLATOR TO THE READER “The Orthodox Jewish Bible” Translated by: Dr. Phillip E. Goble Artists for Israel International Publishing **2nd Precept** # **Neither Add Nor Diminish** Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2 On the face of it, this next precept would seem to be a self-evident simple truth, *do not add to nor diminish* from the word of God. However, men and women, being what we are, are prone to adding and subtracting from the Bible almost subconsciously. Most of us are familiar with the following statements, all of which are not biblically true: - God helps those who help themselves - Cleanliness is next to godliness - Finders keepers, losers weepers - The Golden Rule as being love your neighbor The violation of this precept takes on many forms from blatant out and out lies to feigned subtleties of those who contrive false representations, take out of context, and otherwise imitate the truth to form the multitudes of false teachings and doctrines we struggle with today. *2 Peter 2:1-3* But **there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you**, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom **the way of truth shall be evil spoken of**. 3And **through covetousness** shall they with feigned words **make merchandise of you**:…. *2 Corinthians 11:13-15* For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, **transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ**. 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is **transformed into an angel of light**. 15Therefore it is no great thing if **his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness**; whose end shall be according to their works. The precepts discussed in this study, understood and applied, will prevent the student of Scripture from being deceived. Failure to understand is derived from the infraction of the first precept, the lack of *diligent* study, from which improper conclusions are drawn, leading to the formulation of incorrect doctrines, many of which are obtained by adding or diminishing from what the Bible says. Being human, we are subject to trusting our faulty reasoning and becoming fixated, mentally stuck on an erroneous idea or principle. One error many people make is to learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what. “Secrets of Mind Power” Harry Lorayne. 1961 The most difficult subjects can be explained to the most slow-witted man if he has not formed any idea of them already; but the simplest thing cannot be made clear to the most intelligent man if he is firmly persuaded that he knows already, without a shadow of a doubt, what is laid before him. Leo Tolstoy (1828 – 1910); The Kingdom of God is Within You (1897) We must never be too dogmatic in our attitude toward what we think we know; always be open-minded. There is always more to learn, and those who have learned it. This is not to be tossed about *“with every wind of doctrine,”* it is self-examination, building upon the truths you have previously biblically discovered. Be firm in the knowledge of God’s precepts, with strict adherence to the context of God’s word. Examine and reexamine everything as you study; growing in knowledge and understanding requires it. You can be well assured that, at some point, a modification or clarification of a belief or interpretation held will have to be made if you are growing at all. *Ephesians 4:14* That we henceforth **be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive**; *1 Timothy 5:17* Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, **especially they who labour in the word and doctrine**. Be wise in understanding that all men, and the ladies too, are naturally inclined to being slack, puffed up, and self-serving rather than diligently searching the Scriptures. We change the Bible, wrest its passages, misquote, misapply, and dismiss; that is, we add and diminish from the words of the Book. When we ought to be constantly adjusting our attitudes, way of thinking, values, our priorities, so that they conform to the word of God as we obtain greater knowledge and understanding in the Scriptures, we are defiant, self-willed, obstinate. If we have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, we should hold no principles, opinions, or attitudes that we cannot show from the Bible, without adding thereto nor diminishing therefrom, to be correct. Carefully consider the fact that this precept embodies more than just the addition or removal of words in the Bible. It also includes changing the meaning or the sense of the words, as in not keeping to the context of a passage or the use of proper grammar. These mental changes take place before the words are changed. *Nehemiah 8:4-8* And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood,…5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people;… 7Also Jeshua, and Bani, …and the Levites, **caused the people to understand the law**: and the people stood in their place. 8So they **read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading**. Simply placing the wrong meaning on a word can lead to a false understanding of the doctrines and precepts of God. It is very important to pick the proper meaning in accordance with its context, subject, and cross-references. All the words in the Bible have understandable definitions, and when held in the context in which they appear, all but a very few are easily understood. A good dictionary is always a good investment, but the Bible will define words within itself. Beware of anyone who offers their own private or theological definitions. Be especially wary of those who base their definition in the shrouded mist of unrecorded history, of ancient antiquity; context is everything! context, Context, CONTEXT! Another all too common mistake is to assume a meaning where there is none. It must be remembered that the smallest unit of English grammar, or any other language, that has meaning is the sentence. Anything less than a whole sentence, e.g., a clause, phrase, or any group of words, has no significance outside the context of its sentence. It is an amazing feat of ignorance when one bases their teaching on a mere phrase taken out of the context of its sentence; many have done just that. *2 Peter 1:20* Knowing this first, that **no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation**. *1 Peter 4:11* If any man speak, **let him speak as the oracles of God**;… to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. *Deuteronomy 4:2* Ye shall **not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it**, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. *Proverbs 30:6* **Add thou not unto his words** lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. The second precept to understanding the Bible is: **Ye shall not add unto the word neither shall ye diminish ought from it** The word of God will stand a thousand readings; and he who has gone over it most frequently is the surest of finding new wonders there. James Hamilton (1814-1867) English Clergy **3rd Precept** # **Believe All** But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: Acts 24:14 The Bible is either God’s word or it is not. God preserved his word, or we do not have his word; the question is no more complicated than that. All the controversy never really had anything to do with whether or not we have his word. It has always been about us, will we believe God or will we not believe him? *Romans 4:3* For what saith the scripture? Abraham **believed** God, and **it was counted unto him for righteousness**. *Galatians 3:6-7* Even as Abraham **believed** God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of **faith**, the same are the children of Abraham. *Luke 24:25* Then he said unto them, O fools, and **slow of heart to believe all** that the prophets have spoken: Many of the pulpits of the world are filled by men and women standing before the congregations and proclaiming their unbelief in the Scriptures. They disavow anything and everything that requires faith in the power of God by ascribing it to allegories, legend, or mythology. Whether it be the Genesis account of creation, Noah’s flood, dividing the Red Sea, or the person and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, they add and diminish from the words, meaning, and sense of the Scriptures, rejecting God’s *revelations*. *John 3:12* If I have told you earthly things, and **ye believe not, how shall ye believe**, if tell you of heavenly things? *2 Timothy 3:5* Having a form of godliness, but **denying the power thereof**: from such turn away. *John 5:46-47* For **had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me**: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? What is the reason for this unbelief? Simply, they are men without faith. They stumble from the beginning and *believe not* God. *2 Thessalonians 3:2* …for **all men have not faith**. *Deuteronomy 32:20* And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, **children in whom is no faith**. *Hebrews 11:3* **Through faith we understand** that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. What are we to think of those that reject the Scriptures as fact, whether they be scholars or novice? What does God’s word say about such? *John 10:26* But **ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep**,… *Luke 16:29-31* …They have Moses and the prophets; **let them hear them**. …31And he said unto him, **If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead**. *1 Timothy 1:5-7* Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7**Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm**. It is a curious thing how the Bible can have so many warnings to beware of deceivers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and so many fail to heed them, fail to preach or teach about them. Deceivers abound and must come, for God uses them to try the hearts. If we wish to understand the Bible, then we must believe all things that are written and adhere to the word of God and not be swayed by those who believe not. *Deuteronomy 13:1-4* If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3**Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul**. 4Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. *2 Peter 2:1-2* But there were false prophets also among the people, **even as there shall be false teachers among you**, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2And **many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of**. *1 Corinthians 11:18-19* For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be **divisions among you**; and I partly believe it. 19For there **must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you**. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study** to shew thyself approved unto God,… Within the Church today, many controversies exist; it is more divided than ever, caused by a falling away from the truth due to an ignorance of and lack of desire toward the Scriptures. If you are unwilling to make the necessary sacrifices in your life, to direct your life toward the Lord your God, to diligently seek and believe your creator, then you can expect confusion and uncertainty. Diversity of opinions abound, the council of God’s word has been *added to and diminished from*, supplanted by the preaching of philosophy and the sciences, *“falsely so called,”* e.g., Theistic Evolution, Psychology, the Social Sciences, prosperity gospels, etc. *Colossians 2:8* Beware lest any man spoil you through *philosophy and vain deceit*, after the tradition of men, after **the rudiments of the world**, and not after Christ. *1 Timothy 6:20* O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of **science falsely so called**: *1 Timothy 6:5* Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, **supposing that gain is godliness**: from such withdraw thyself. We cannot avoid those who choose not to believe, who add and diminish from God’s word, who would have you follow them rather than diligently study the Scriptures. Believing the Bible will bring their disdain, contempt, and derision; to *believe* the truth is heresy with them. *Acts 24:14* But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which **they call heresy**, so worship I the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: The third precept to understanding the Bible is: **Believe all things which are written** Bad men or devils would not have written the Bible, for it condemns them and their works, good men or angels could not have written it, for in saying it was from God when it was but their own invention, they would have been guilty of falsehood, and thus could not have been good. The only remaining being who could have written it is God—*its real author*. John Flavel (1627-1691) English Clergy **Part Two** # **The Construction of the Scriptures** For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:21 > I believe the Bible is to be understood and received in the plain and obvious meaning of its passages; for I cannot persuade myself that a book intended for the instruction and conversion of the whole world should cover its true meaning in any such mystery and doubt that none but critics and philosophers can discover it. Daniel Webster 1782~1852 American Orator & Statesmen **4th Precept** # Revelation Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 There is one very important and oft-forgotten precept of the Scriptures, *“All Things Are Possible.”* *Luke 1:37* For with God **nothing shall be impossible**. God was not restricted in the design of his plan by anything other than his own purposes. We are not looking for what God could have done; God could have done anything. We are looking for what he has *revealed* to us, whether through creation or his word, concerning himself and what he has done. Speaking in condemnation of idols, the Lord said: *Isaiah 41:21-23* Produce your cause, saith the LORD; bring forth your strong reasons, saith the King of Jacob. 22Let them bring them forth, and **shew us what shall happen**: let them **shew the former things**, what they be, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or **declare us things for to come**. 23**Shew the things that are to come hereafter**, that we may know that ye are gods:… Here in Isaiah, it is shown that the proof of the divine authorship of the Bible is in its *revelations*, in making known the past, explaining the present, and revealing the future. The Bible is a book of *revelations*. This precept, according to Amos 3:7, states God has chosen not to do anything without revealing it, revealing himself, his person, personality, power, and plans. Amos 3:7 Surely the Lord GOD **will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. This is especially so in these last days when the greater part of all prophecy is unfolding before our eyes so that we are without excuse for not seeing his hand in everything. Whether *revealed* through the tapestry of history, wonders of nature, or mysteries of science, the key to all *revelations* is the revelation of God’s word. *Isaiah 42:9* Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: **before they spring forth I tell you of them**. *Isaiah 45:21* Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: **who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time?** have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. *Isaiah 46:9-10* Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10**Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done**,… There is one clarification that must be made in regard to this precept. God does not prognosticate, he does not predict the future, nor divine what shall come. God knows the future as he is in control of it. He controls events and guides them to the conclusions of his choice, his making. If He says a nation shall rise up, He raises that nation, etc. However, do not go over the deep end, as some have, in concluding all things predestinated, or all things being foreknown, that is not so. Much of the course of history has been God’s judgments in response to man’s actions, as well as the thoughts and intents of the heart. The correct interpretation of the biblical flow of events is more complicated than the simplistic teachings that have prevailed in mainstream thinking. There is an underlying framework in God’s plan containing all the major events of history; creation, the bring forth the nation of Israel as a witness to the world, the raising up of the nations of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, etc., the Lord Jesus Christ, his first and second comings, the latter judgments and much more, however, between these is plenty of room for cause and effect. Every nation in the world is not referred to in Scripture, but everyone is judged and dealt with in accordance with the examples God has set forth. It is often very difficult to get some to understand and accept this; not understanding it limits the comprehension of God’s word. See the study, “Foreknowledge of God,” for more on this topic. *Ecclesiastes 7:29* Lo, this only have I found, that God hath **made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions**. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. The Bible, being God’s revelation of Himself, is the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ. *Revelation 19:10* …for the testimony of Jesus is **the spirit of prophecy**. *John 5:39* Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and **they are they which testify of me**. *Psalm 40:7* Then said I, Lo, I come: **in the volume of the book it is written of me**, The mysteries of the Church and its doctrines and precepts are also made known by the revelations of the New Testament, not by philosophy or reason. *Galatians 1:12* For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but **by the revelation of Jesus Christ**. *Ephesians 3:1-6* For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that **by revelation** he made known unto me the mystery;… 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now **revealed** unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs,… This precept will become especially viable in relation to the next, that of *similitudes*; they are a major form of presenting the revelations in Scripture. A personal knowledge of and relationship with God is through the *revelation* of his word. Creation manifests the existence and power of God, but to know Him, He must personally reveal Himself through his word. *Psalm 19:1* **The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork**. *Isaiah 55:8* For **my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways**, saith the LORD. *1 Samuel 3:7* Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was **the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him**. It should be stressed at this point, as we begin the second part of these seven precepts, that they are an inseparable unit; all interpretations of Scripture must conform to the whole of the fundamentals embodied in them. If faithful adherence to the first three precepts is maintained, to diligently study without adding nor diminishing from the Scriptures and believing all things that are written, the last four principles will follow quite naturally. The revelations of Scripture establish God’s and the Bible’s authenticity in explaining the past, giving understanding of the present, and revealing the future. The fourth precept to understanding the Bible is: **It is God’s Revelation** The biblical record is far more concerned with events than it is with ideas. Ideas there are, but they are subordinated to events. The conviction, usually unstated, is that God reveals himself much more fully in history than in nature or in any other way. The men who wrote the words of the Bible were contented, for the most part, with telling a story. Elton Trueblood (1900-1994) American Quaker & Philosopher **5th Precept** # Similitudes I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitude, by the ministry of the prophets. Hosea 12:10 What would education be without the use of examples? Instruction in any craft or skill is based on learning the governing principles and studying examples of both the correct and incorrect, following these comes their application. It is the same with God’s word. The Bible is a book of precepts and instruction by example or *similitudes*. That the historical events recorded in the Scriptures are *similitudes* is of extreme importance to remember. The Bible was not written for the sole purpose of providing us with a historical record of the past, although its record is true. The segments of history that are recorded were done so for the express purpose of *revelation*. They are for revealing God, as we have seen in precept four, but just as importantly, there are examples of the personalities and characters of men. It is much too easy to deceive ourselves, we need an accurate characterization. Additionally, many of the historical accounts are graphic representations of spiritual events. As *similitudes* the Scriptures transcend all historical and cultural limitations; the commandments, doctrines, and lessons of the Bible are eternal, as applicable today as when they were written. Its teachings cannot be dismissed on the tenuous excuse of historical progress or cultural bias. The times and cultures for the settings of the lessons of scripture were well chosen by God conveying his exact meaning. These teachings stand at any time in history; man has not evolved to greater truths or cultural advancements but has fallen away from the truth. *2 Timothy 3:16* All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is **profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness**: *2 Peter 2:6* And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them **an ensample** unto those that after should live ungodly; *Jude 1:7* Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are **set forth for an example**,… *Luke 17:26-30* And **as it was in the days of Noe**, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man…. 28Likewise also **as it was in the days of Lot**;… 30Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. *Romans 15:4* For **whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning**, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. *Romans 5:14* Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after **the similitude** of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. *Colossians 2:16-17* Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17**Which are a shadow of things to come**;… *Hebrews 4:11* Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same **example** of unbelief. *Hebrews 8:5* Who serve unto the **example** and **shadow of heavenly things**, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle:.. *1 Corinthians 10:11* Now all these things happened unto them for **ensamples**: and **they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come**. Several *similitudes* are pointed out with explanations as to their interpretations giving us a guide to understanding and interpreting the others. An example to demonstrate the breadth and scope of this precept begins with allowing an ox to eat as it works and ends with its application to men. *Deuteronomy 25:4* **Thou shalt not muzzle the ox** when he treadeth out the corn. *1 Corinthians 9:9-10* For it is written in the law of Moses, **Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox** that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? **For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope**. *1 Timothy 5:17-18* Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18For the scripture saith, **Thou shalt not muzzle the ox** that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Similitudes can come in a variety of forms, which we will briefly define here. Probably every form of English style is represented within the Scriptures, and you need to have some familiarity with them. Let us review the definition of similitude. Likeness; resemblance; likeness in nature, qualities, or appearance; comparison, simile, a representation; a facsimile; a portrait, allegory The forms represented in biblical similitudes are as follows: > 1. Allegory—A symbolic representation *Galatians 4:22-24* For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24**Which things are an allegory**: for **these are the two covenants**; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. > 2\. Metaphor—Speaking of one object as if it were another (Sleep, the peaceable death of the saved) > *John 11:11-13* …Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep…. 13Howbeit Jesus spake of **his death**:… *1 Thessalonians 4:14* For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also **which sleep in Jesus** will God bring with him. - Light for truth and righteousness, Darkness for lies and unrighteousness. *John 3:19* And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men **loved darkness rather than light**, because **their deeds were evil**. The strait gate and narrow way of life opposed to the wide gate and broad way of death. *Matthew 7:13* Enter ye in at the **strait gate**: for **wide is the gate**, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. > 3\. Parable—Instruction not only in morals but in general knowledge made by comparison with natural or plain things. In the Scriptures, they are to give understanding in the things that pertain to God and his ways. Parables are also to hide the truth from those who do not follow our first three precepts. *Matthew 13:10-11* And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. > 4\. Paradigm {para dime}—A list, an example serving as a model; pattern; A framework containing the basic assumptions, ways of thinking, and methodology. (Not all lists would constitute a paradigm.) *Proverbs 6:16-19* These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, **seven are an abomination unto him**: - A proud look, - A lying tongue, - Hands that shed innocent blood - An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, - Feet that be swift in running to mischief, - A false witness that speaketh lies, - He that soweth discord among brethren. Paradigms can be descriptive lists of the constituent parts, rules, teachings or behavior of individuals, organizations or religious beliefs that recur throughout history. They may appear under different names or guises and it is important to recognize and evaluate them correctly. The parts may not necessarily be contained in the same verse. *Matthew 6:7* But when ye pray, **use not vain repetitions**, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. *Matthew 23:9* And **call no man your father** upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. *Mark 12:38* And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which **love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces**,… *Luke 20:46-47* Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk **in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts; 47Which devour widows’ houses, and for a shew make long prayers**: the same shall receive greater damnation. In the above verses, there are several descriptions of practices and mentalities given that transcend time and appear under different guises in history. When these descriptive acts are combined in a list they form the systems constituent parts, a paradigm. The Lord specifically points these things out to us and we ought to be able to recognize them wherever they occur. The paradigm would be: X = Repetitious Prayer Religious Title of Father Long Robes, i.e., Religious Costumes Love of Preeminence Many such lists are contained within the Scriptures, the Ten Commandments as a list is a paradigm, a set of conditions setting the proper parameters of life. *Romans 8:7* Because the carnal mind **is enmity against God**: for **it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be**. Upon salvation one encounters a paradigm shift. You operate under a different list of conventions than the carnal mind. > 5\. Proverb—A pithy saying condensing the wisdom of experience. We should all be familiar with the book of Proverbs. > 6\. Simile—A comparison or likeness using the words ‘like’ or ‘as,’ etc. *Matthew 11:15-19* He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 16But whereunto shall **I liken** this generation? **It is like** unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17And saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. *Jeremiah 6:2* I have **likened** the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. > 7\. Types—Are descriptions or pictures God has woven into history Remember our forth precept; Revelation, and examine Genesis chapter 22:1-18 and chapter 24 for the types or pictures that God has drawn in history: In chapter 22 God is using Abraham as a similitude of himself sacrificing His Son. It is argued by some erroneously that Abraham did not sacrifice his son, he did in type, a figure of what was to come. *Hebrews 11:19* Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; **from whence also he received him in a figure**. Then in chapter 24 after the son is sacrificed and resurrected, Abraham is pictured as God, sends his servant, the Spirit, back to his own people to find a wife for Isaac, the anointed heir of all that Abraham has, a picture of Christ the anointed Son. Rebecka, a type of the Church, believes the testimony of the servant and goes with him in faith to be Abraham’s son’s wife—a picture of the rapture of the Church, the bride of Christ. You have to understand when interpreting the OT prophecies that the Gentile Church of the NT has to be removed as it did not have to come. When Israel rejected her King, God set them temporarily aside suspending the OT prophecies until the fullness of the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled blessing and dealing with the Church in like figure as Israel, but not replacing it. There are other points of comparison, but these should be enough to convince the truth of this. As you can see, if we will *diligently* study we will find a great amount of detail in the histories of the Bible. Many such types open the Scriptures as part of the *revelations* of our fourth precept. They graphically describe the operational methods, person, personality, and character of God as well as that of men and Satan. Marriage is one such type being a picture of the Church’s relationship to our Lord. *Ephesians 5:31-32* For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32**This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church**. This is the reason marriage is constantly being assailed to destroy the picture and pattern in the minds of men of God’s relationship with the Church. An epic work on the subject is that of similitudes is “Preaching from the Types and Metaphors of the Bible,” Benjamin Keach; 1640-1704, Kregel Publications, ISBN 0-8254-3008-9, a comprehensive work reprinted at approximately a thousand pages. The fifth precept to understanding the Bible is: **God uses Similitudes** The scriptures teach us the best way of living, the noblest way of suffering and the most comfortable way of dying. John Flavel (1627-1691) English Clergy **6th Precept** # **Rightly Divide** Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 *“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, …”* the first thing we should take notice of is that to study is a command, an injunction, not a request nor a suggestion; we are to study. In so doing, we receive the approval of God, while failing to do so will bring us shame before him. We are given a goal, a purpose for this studying, and that is that we might rightly divide God’s word. The obvious conclusion that must be drawn from this injunction is that in order to comprehend the Scriptures, their proper divisions must be recognized and maintained; failing to do so leads to misunderstanding and incorrect doctrinal teachings. A correct understanding is not obtained easily, but through *diligent* study, labor in the word, and doctrine. *1 Timothy 5:17* Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who **labour in the word and doctrine** *1 Corinthians 3:8* …and every man shall receive his own reward according to **his own labour**. The precept of *rightly dividing* will be found to be one of the major places where men fail in their efforts to correctly understand and interpret the Scriptures, and where the body of Christ wrongly divides the word of truth; it divides itself. One division that must be made is determining who is being spoken to or about, the Jew, the Gentiles or the Church. *1 Corinthians 10:32* Give none offence, neither to **the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God**: There are several books written on the topic of *rightly dividing* which cover it in great detail; two such works are “Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth,” C.I. Scofield, “Rightly Dividing The Word,” Clarence Larkin. In this study, we are just pointing out the necessity of understanding it. The following examples will demonstrate the necessity for and complexity of rightly dividing the word of truth. Example one: *Isaiah 2:4* And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall **beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks**: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, **neither shall they learn war any more**. *Micah 4:3* And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall **beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks**: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, **neither shall they learn war any more**. vs *Joel 3:9-10* Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; **Prepare war**, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: 10**Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears**: let the weak say, I am strong. Here within the Scriptures, we have two passages advocating diametrically opposing commands; you could be holding a plowshare when you need a sword or vice versa. In such a case, it must either be accepted that the Bible contradicts itself, or there is a definite need to rightly divide the word of truth. During the millennial reign of Christ, there will be no need for swords and spears, but until then, there shall be wars and rumors of wars, and the war at the end of it. Example two: Luke 4:16-21 …**This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears**. The Lord in this passage is quoting Isaiah 61:1-3, but he stops halfway through, at a comma, and states that this prophecy is fulfilled by him at that time. Here is the whole passage, separated where the Lord made the division: *Isaiah 61:1-3* The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and then the prophecy continues: and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. The division is between the first and second coming of our Lord. His first coming to proclaim salvation; his second when he returns to bring judgment upon the earth. Notice that the division does not come at a verse break. The verse numbering system aids in finding and memorizing passages of Scripture, but has no grammatical significance; it does not affect meaning in any way. The Bible needs to be studied sentence by sentence. Remember, the smallest unit with definite meaning in grammar is the sentence. Errors are made simply due to breaking sentences at verses and not maintaining the sentence structure. Dividing at verse numbers is wrongly dividing. It should be clear from these two examples that divisions must be made along the historical timeline; where in history do the components of prophecies properly belong? Many people in conversation have expressed that they are awaiting the great Gog and Magog battle, setting the scene for this by describing current world events. They become quite flabbergasted when informed they have at least a thousand years to wait according to the Bible. *Revelation 20: 7-8* And when **the thousand years are expired**, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, **Gog and Magog**, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. The great Gog/Magog battle does not take place until the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ. Probably the most notable schism maker caused by not *rightly dividing* is the controversy between faith without works and faith and works, as typified by the book of Romans vs. James. *Romans 3:28* Therefore we conclude that a man is **justified by faith without the deeds of the law**. *James 2:24* Ye see then how that **by works a man is justified, and not by faith only**. The mistake is in applying these two verses as speaking of the same thing; they are not. The cause for this is simply not diligently studying the passages. Divisions must be made, the word of God must be rightly divided. Other divisions must be made, such as who is speaking and to whom, to the Jew as opposed to the Gentiles, the Church as opposed to the lost. Not all Scripture is directly applicable to the Church. One must at all times be careful of context when making divisions; as has been aptly stated, a text without a context is a pretext. In Romans, it is speaking of a person’s salvation, in James, his judgment as a saved man. Wrongly Dividing the Scriptures is probably the cause of more errors in formulating incorrect doctrines than any other. *Rightly dividing* the Scriptures is impossible to do without *diligent* study, *neither adding nor diminishing* from the words, meaning, and context of its passages, and having a proper *believing* attitude toward God’s word. It cannot be emphasized enough that all Scripture must fit your doctrinal schemes, or you have something wrong. The last point regarding this precept concerns the need to understand English grammar or the grammar of whatever language Bible you use. Many false teachings being taught today are based solely upon errors in reading caused by not understanding or applying basic grammar. When the Bible states, “Study…rightly dividing the word of truth,” it does not limit that study to the word of truth only, but anything you have to study to be able to *rightly divide* it; grammar is one of those things you have to study. There is not room here to expand on this topic, but it is hoped that this will be considered when studying. You do not have to be an English major just know and use the fundamentals. The sixth precept to understanding the Bible is: **The word of truth must be Rightly Divided** The word of God will stand a thousand readings; and he who has gone over it most frequently is the surest of finding new wonders there. James Hamilton (1814-1867 English Clergy **7th Precept** # **Precept must be upon Precept** Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. 10For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:… Isaiah 28:9-10 If you have carefully contemplated the first six precepts of this study you should be able to recognize this principle in their construction, for we have been practicing this one throughout. We have been taking the word of God line upon line, a little here and a little there and forming precepts. The precepts of the Bible are its universal inviolable general truths upon which all else is established. It is from these that correct doctrine must be built. The preceding six precepts or general truths taken together, precept upon precept, establishes the doctrine of studying God’s word. God’s word must be *diligently* studied, it must *not be added to nor diminished from* and *all that is written must be believed* in order to be able to understand it correctly. These three are the principles God requires of the heart. The Scriptures themselves are God’s *revelation* of who he is and what he has done, is and will be doing, and what he requires. Further, the Bible teaches with *similitudes*, or examples, many times woven in history. Finally, it all has to be *rightly divided*. These first six, all taken in conjunction, lead to the successful culmination of the seventh, establishing the correct doctrinal teachings based on the Bible’s precepts. All of the doctrines of Scripture must be built from the precepts contained therein. Our title verse, Isaiah 28:9-13, explains the reason why the Bible is written the way it is, not only to teach knowledge and to give understanding in doctrine but to destroy those who refuse knowledge and understanding. *“…that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.”* The Bible, to those who will put their faith in God’s word and *diligently* study it, *neither adding nor diminishing* from it and *believing* all that is written, is the source of knowledge and understanding in the things of God and this world. *Proverbs 2:1-9* My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; 2So that thou *incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding*; 3Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; 4**If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures**; 5Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. 6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9**Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path**. To those who are *not diligent*, *not believing* and who *add and diminish* from the word of God, it is laden with snares to confuse and befuddle, refusing them knowledge and understanding leaving them confused or snared in a lie. *Proverbs 1:20-33* Wisdom crieth with out; she uttereth her voice in the streets: 21She crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates: in the city she uttereth her words, saying, 22**How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge**? 23Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, **I will make known my words unto you**. 24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; 25But ye have set at naught all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 26I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; 27When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. 28**Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me**: 29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: 30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. 31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. 32For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. *1 Corinthians 1:25-29* Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that **not many wise men** after the flesh, **not many mighty, not many noble**, are called: 27But God hath chosen **the foolish things of the world to confound the wise**; and God hath chosen **the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty**; 28And **base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen**, yea, and **things which are not, to bring to nought things that are**: 29That **no flesh should glory in his presence**. Who can receive this knowledge and understanding? *Isaiah 28:9* Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? **them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts**…. *Hebrews 5:11-14* Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are **dull of hearing**. 12For **when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again** which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have **need of milk, and not of strong meat**. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is **a babe**. 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who **by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil**. Understanding is for those who are weaned from the milk of the word, that are ready for its meat. Therefore, our growth as Christians is required, we must mature in the word. Our spiritual growth and our understanding go hand in hand. *Hebrews 12:1* Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, **let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us**, The doctrines of God are the facts concerning what he has established as the moral laws, standards, requirements, and responsibilities on any given subject according to the precepts of the Bible. The precepts are developed by studying and taking the relevant parts a little here and there a little and putting them line upon line as shown throughout this lesson. No biblical doctrine or teaching can be correct if it violates any of God’s precepts, its general truths, upon which all else must be founded. Without a correct understanding of the Bible’s doctrines the Church is what it has become; weak and divided. Without sound doctrine we are confused. *1 Corinthians 14:33* For God **is not the author of confusion**,… *Romans 16:17* Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences **contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned**;… *I Timothy 4:6* If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of **good doctrine**, whereunto thou hast attained. *1 Timothy 4:13-16* Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, **to doctrine**. 16Take heed unto thyself, **and unto the doctrine**; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. *1 Timothy 5:17* Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and **doctrine**. *2 Timothy 4:2* Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and **doctrine**. *2 Timothy 3:16* All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for **doctrine**, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: In the absence of correct doctrine reproof, correction and instruction all would be in error. *Titus 1:9* Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by **sound doctrine** both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. *Titus 2:1* But speak thou the things which become **sound doctrine**:… *Titus 2:7* In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: **in doctrine shewing uncorruptness**, gravity, sincerity,… Understanding the correct doctrinal teachings of the Scriptures is one of our main purposes in life. *2 Timothy 4:3-4* For the time will come when they will **not endure sound doctrine**; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And **they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables**. As part of studying the Scriptures, a list could and should be made of the biblical precepts as they are discovered. The biblical precepts are simply God’s stated principles or the general truths on how he has determined and established all things and no doctrine can be correct if it attempts to evade any one of them. You cannot formulate correct biblical doctrines without having an accurate understanding of the precepts upon which they are built. Any doctrinal statement or teaching that violates any biblical precept is in error. The seventh precept to understanding the Bible is: **Precept upon Precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little** I cannot too greatly emphasize the importance and value of Bible study; more important than ever before in these days of uncertainties, when men and women are apt to decide questions from the standpoint of expediency rather than on the eternal principles laid down by God, himself. John Wanamaker (1838-1922) American Businessman, US Postmaster General # **Summary** Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 This study has been an attempt to show, from the Scriptures, the seven precepts God has established that, if adhered to, will bring order and understanding to the study of his word. It is hoped that it has conveyed the need to recognize and consider these principles. The more I speak with people, the more I have felt that the lack of understanding these precepts and their recognition as an inseparable unit and guide has hindered many from having a greater comprehension of God’s Holy Word. It is impossible to establish sound doctrine and correct teaching without applying and practicing all seven of these precepts. Whenever we establish doctrinal teachings or search the Scriptures to judge the things that are said, we must ask the following: - Is this the product of diligent study and not feigned words, philosophy, or private interpretation? Have all relevant passages been considered? - Has anything been added to or diminished from the words, meaning, sense, or understanding of the Bible? - Is all being believed, or is any part of the Bible being denied or disbelieved? - Anything is possible, but is this the truth God is revealing? - What are the similitudes, examples, or illustrations given within the Scriptures concerning the subject or topic under consideration? - Are things rightly divided? Be sure you are not comparing apples with oranges. Locate God’s precepts, what are the guiding principles and limiting truths that apply? It is only when conclusions drawn conform to all seven precepts that you can be assured of being on solid ground in establishing the doctrines of the Bible. God is the author of order, and these principles are the rules of order in studying and understanding his word. > [The Four Main Theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) **[Introduction](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab0) : [Diligence](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab1) : [Add Nor Diminish](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab2) : [Believe All](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab3)** **[Revelation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab4) : [Similitudes](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab5) : [Rightly Divide](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab6) : [Precept Upon Precept](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab7) : [Summary](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab8)** **[Back to the Top](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/#uagb-tabs__tab0)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Bible --- ### [Liberty In Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/) **Published:** September 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - [**Introduction**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Colossians 1:23**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**Hebrews 6 & 10**](#uagb-tabs__tab2) - [**2 Peter 2:20-21**](#uagb-tabs__tab3) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Galatians 5:1 ## Introduction Eternal security, can we lose our salvation or not? To answer this, ask yourself: What liberty do you have if you can lose your salvation? Somehow, the question of our liberty in Christ and the eternal security of the believer never gets put together. The answer to the question has eluded many in Christianity since the Dark Ages. The answer is not difficult to ascertain. The truth in this regard can easily be obtained if we refer to the precept we established in the study, [**Not of Works**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/ "Why Works Based Salvation is Wrong?"). Once we realize that denying the eternal security of the believer creates a system of salvation based on works, it becomes evident that there is a serious problem with a doctrine whereby one can lose their salvation. It being necessary for those who teach the absence of our security to show a reason for the loss, therefore, it must naturally follow that works apply, if not in gaining, at least in maintaining salvation. However, as the precept, [**Not of Works**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/ "Why Works Based Salvation is Wrong?") shows, if at any time works are added to our salvation, either in the obtaining or maintaining thereof, grace and faith go out the window. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that **not of yourselves**: it is the gift of God: **Not of works, lest any man should boast**. The Bible declares works and grace to be mutually exclusive; one cannot exist with the other. Any teaching that works is involved in obtaining or maintaining our salvation, nullifies grace. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work**. *Galatians 3:2-3* This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? **having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh**? If the gaining of salvation is by God’s grace and not by our works, the maintaining of it must also be by grace and not works. To be given a free gift and then be told you have to pay to keep it disannuls any semblance of free. It is the same with grace and works; works to maintain salvation nullifies the free gift of grace as well as faith, God’s promises, and Christ’s death. *Romans 4:14* For if they which are of the law be heirs, **faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect**: *Galatians 3:18* For if the inheritance be of the law, **it is no more of promise**: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. *Galatians 2:21* I do not frustrate the grace of God: for **if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain**. Any doctrine that teaches that one can earn grace, either in gaining salvation or maintaining it, is in error. *Romans 4:4* Now **to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. In this study, we are going to look at a few of the passages of Scripture: Colossians 1:23, Hebrews Chapters 6 & 10, and II Peter 2:10-21, that are commonly used to promote the teaching that one can lose salvation. Only we will look at these passages with the knowledge of the precepts we have established and in keeping with our [**Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/ "Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible"). The teaching that one can lose salvation is many times restricted to the tribulation saints or the Old Testament Jews in order to preserve faith without works in this age. Often, it is taught that, to avoid loss of salvation in this age, the books of Hebrews through Revelation are written to the tribulation Jews only and should only be applied to them. Again, I must point to the mutual exclusiveness of grace and works in any dispensation. The Bible was written to all men, and although comprised of many books, is one book with one theme and one plan of salvation. There may be parts of Scripture that, in application, do not belong to the church, such as the old covenant of animal sacrifice, the earthly kingdom given to Israel; except for these types of things, everything else applies today to all men everywhere and always has. Sin is still sin, and men have always needed a Saviour. *Job 19:25* For **I know that my redeemer liveth**, and that **he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth**: Old Testament, New Testament, before Moses, after the rapture, salvation is still through the shed blood of Jesus Christ and obtained by faith alone. For further treatment on these things, refer to the studies, The [**Methodology of Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/ "Methodology of Salvation") and [**Dispensational Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dispensational-salvation/ "Dispensational Salvation"). Unfortunately, you cannot answer most doctrinal questions in a simple verse or two; it takes study and a knowledge of what the whole Bible says. When keeping things in context, one has to preserve the context from the basic sentence, the paragraph, chapter, book, and the whole of the Bible itself. Most, if not all, false teachings are born out of someone’s inability or lack of patience in studying and simply misreading the Scriptures. Anything less than a sentence in English grammar, or any other language, has no meaning. The sentence is the smallest unit of grammar that possesses definite meaning. A sentence is a trinity; it must have a subject, a predicate \[verb\], and a complete thought. Remember to study it until you comprehend the complete thought. The following chapters are examples of proper Bible study in accordance with the “[**Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/ "Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible").” Make the word of God as much as possible its own interpreter. You will best understand the word of God by comparing it with itself. “Comparing spiritual things with spiritual”. Sir Isaac Newton 1642-1727 English Physicist & Mathematician ## Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Colossians 1:23 Our first passage of Scripture to be considered, Colossians chapter 1:23. This is one of the many occasions where grammar is neglected, for this passage is not a sentence but only part of one. It must be remembered that the sentence is the minimal unit of grammar that maintains definite meaning. The sentence that this phrase is taken out of runs from verse 21 to verse 29, containing 221 words. Admittedly, this sentence can instill a feeling of apprehension in the student of the Bible, as the word grammar did when in grade school. Verse 23 is often removed from the context of its sentence and taught as a support for the loss of salvation. The sentence contained in Colossians 1:21-29 reads as follows: And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled, 22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. This sentence is enough to make a school child tremble. However, it is quite simple, especially if we keep in mind the context of the whole chapter. *Colossians 1:10* **That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God**; This is one of the many sentences in Scripture that try our heart’s desire to study and must be rightly divided. This sentence simplified, viz. without modifiers and side tracking, and in normal order, reads thus: He (Christ) hath now reconciled you **to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight**. As for the phrase in question: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, … The subject matter in Colossians has nothing to do with losing salvation; but, as being saved, continuing in righteousness so that our Lord may present you holy, unblameable and unreproveable in his sight. Compare this with Ephesians. *Ephesians 5:25-27* Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27**That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish**. In Colossians 1:21 it states that the Lord reconciled us to himself, this reconciliation was our salvation. *Romans 5:10* For if, when we were enemies, **we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son**, much more, **being reconciled**, we shall be saved by his life. *2 Corinthians 5:18-19* And all things are of God, **who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ**, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19To wit, that God was in Christ, **reconciling the world unto himself**, not imputing their trespassesunto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. *Colossians 1:20* And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him **to reconcile all things unto himself**; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. In verse 22 of our text, it states that his purpose is, *“to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight.”* or as Ephesians puts it, *“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”* We are told that, now being cleansed by the blood of Christ, it is up to us to remain, *“unblameable and unreproveable in his sight”*. *2 Peter 3:14* Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, **be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless**. This is what preaching and teaching to the saints is for, to keep us from spotting ourselves, its the washing of our feet. *John 13:10* Jesus saith to him, **He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit**: and **ye are clean**, but not all. *Colossians 1:28* Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; **that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus**: Works have nothing to do with salvation; everything to do with whether we remain holy, unspotted and blameless. For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. *Corinthians 5:10* ## Hebrews Chapters 6 & 10 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: Hebrews 6:4-7 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. Hebrews 10:26-27 Our second set of biblical passages to examine as we continue our study on eternal security are Hebrews chapter 6 verses 4-6 and chapter 10 verses 26-27. The explanation of these verses is really, again, not very difficult, it simply requires that we keep everything in context. These verses cannot be taken without some small amount of thought. All one has to do is look and they will see that there is no explanation within any one of the verses to explain who they are talking about. Therefore, we must put them back in context. The old questions once taught in school, whether they still do I know not, still apply; who, what, where, when, why and how. Before you can understand a verse of Scripture you must have the answers to all of these questions. **I had six honest serving men, They taught me all I knew, Their names were Where and What and When And Why and How and Who** Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) English Journalist, Writer, The secret, for lack of a better word, to understanding the book of Hebrews, to rightly dividing the book, is comprehending that there are no major divisions in it. There is no change of topic or subject. The entire book, except for the salutation and closing, is concerned with the same subject from the first chapter to the last. Although written from a Jewish viewpoint the book is for everyone, it is the book of Romans chapters 1-7 from a Jewish perspective. It is a simple comparison between the old covenant and the new. It begins with telling how God spoke under the old, in the past, and how he now speaks through his Son. It goes on to explain who the Son is and how he is worthy of more glory than Moses or angels. It compares the Old priesthood with the new priesthood of Christ, the blood of bulls and goats with the blood of Christ, It shows that the way was not shown, under the first covenant, into the holy of holies. It compares the imperfection of the law and its requirements to that of the body, Jesus Christ, that God hath prepared for an acceptable sacrifice. Hebrews also demonstrates that the Old Testament saints were saved by faith just as the New, chapter 11. However, the great comparison in the book of Hebrews is the comparison between belief and unbelief, faith in God and not having faith in God. If you will keep the verses in question in the context of their chapters and in the context of the entire book it is easy to see that this comparison is the subject of the passages questioned here. Take chapter 10 and look at the last verse: *Hebrews 10:39* But we are not of them who **draw back unto perdition**; but of them that **believe to the saving of the soul**. It tells you plainly that it is not the saved who are being spoken about *“looking for a fearful judgment”*, in verses 20 and 21, no one has lost it. The *“drawing back unto perdition”* is not believing unto salvation. Who are those then being spoken of? They are compared to those that *“despised Moses law”*. *Hebrews 10:28-29* He that **despised Moses’ law** died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath **trodden under foot the Son of God**, and hath **counted the blood of the covenant**, wherewith he was sanctified, **an unholy thing**, and hath **done despite unto the Spirit of grace**? The comparison is between believers and non-believers. We are they who have believed to the saving of our souls, they are they who are equated with those who *“despised Moses’ law”* and who have treated God’s Holy Spirit of grace contemptuously and have *“trodden under foot the Son of God”*. Let us look and determine the context of the entire book of Hebrews: *Hebrews 3:12* **Take heed**, brethren, **lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief**, in departing from the living God. *Hebrews 3:19* So we see that they could not enter in **because of unbelief**. *Hebrews 4:6* Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in **because of unbelief**: *Hebrews 4:11* Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same **example of unbelief**. The whole book of Hebrews is an exhortation to believe the gospel. *Hebrews 4:2* For **unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them**: but the word preached did not profit them, **not being mixed with faith** in them that heard it. Yes, the gospel was preached, and rejected by those spoken about being condemned in 10:26-27. Chapter six is no different, it is a continuation of the belief-unbelief comparison. Hebrews 6:9 But, beloved, **we are persuaded better things of you**, and **things that accompany salvation**, though we thus speak. The better things are things that *“accompany”* or are brought about by salvation. All Israel was enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift and were partakers of the Holy Ghost, but many did not believe and fell away from the truth. The world and especially this nation has tasted also. *Hebrews 6:18-19* That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, **we** might have a strong consolation, **who have fled for refuge** to lay hold upon the hope set before us: **Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul**, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; There should be no need to say more. If you will read the book of Hebrews through from start to finish a few times without stopping and get the context settled it is self-evident. Too many people read the Bible one verse at a time and never put anything into context. ## II Peter 2:20-21 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 2 Peter 2:20-21 We will close our current study of eternal security with II Peter chapter 2, verses 20-21. This passage is one of the staples of the lose your salvation teaching. We are going to find that the same thing is true here in this chapter as in our other passages, the verses are taken out of context. The subject of the chapter is as there were false prophets, there are false teachers. Again, it is a comparison, a double comparison; the false teachers of chapter two contrasted against the holy men of the preceding chapter and being comparable with the false prophets of the Old Testament. *2 Peter 2:1* But **there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you**, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. Verse nine gives us the comparison again. *2 Peter 2:9* The Lord knoweth how to deliver **the godly** out of temptations, and to reserve **the unjust** unto the day of judgment to be punished: Again, we are told who is being spoken about in verses 20 & 21? *2 Peter 2:10* But **chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness**, and despise government. **Presumptuous** are they, **selfwilled**, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. *2 Peter 2:12* But these, as **natural brute beasts**, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; *2 Peter 2:17* These are **wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest**; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. This is not the description of the saved; these never understood. It is the false teachers; it is their judgment being spoken of. *2 Peter 2:3* And **through covetousness** shall they with feigned words **make merchandise of you**: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. If you will really put a little effort in our study and read chapter one, you will see that chapter two is just a continuation and the comparison is between those holy men God spoke to, who accepted God’s word and these false teachers that do not. To further cinch my contention that no one is losing their salvation the Lord gives us the example of Lot for us to understand the security of the believer. *2 Peter 2:7-8* And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For **that righteous man** dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed **his righteous soul** from day to day with their unlawful deeds; What is Lot’s testimony of faith toward God? He certainly is not one of the hero’s of the faith of Hebrews chapter eleven. He was greedy, materialistic and his family so unaccustomed to righteous living and teaching about God that the one time he is shown to preach the truth his children think he is drunk or out or his mind. He had chosen to live and remain among the sodomites for his own personal gain, to the detriment and lose of his own family. One time and one time only is Lot shown to have had faith in what God said, when he was told to flee the wrath to come. He did not live godly before or after, yet is describe as a *“righteous ”*man. He is put here to emphasize that God is not condemning the saved. No one is losing salvation in this chapter nor anywhere else in the Scriptures. *Romans 8:1* **There is** therefore now **no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus**, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. *Romans 8:9* But **ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. When the Spirit of God made his abode in us, we passed from being under the wrath of God to being under his grace, passing from death unto life; there is no going back. *John 5:24* Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and **believeth on him** that sent me, **hath everlasting life**, and **shall not come into condemnation**; but **is passed from death unto life**. *1 John 5:12* **He that hath the Son hath life**; and **he that hath not the Son of God hath not life**. If I were to take the Scriptures out of their context like so many others, I would be forced to conclude that the only way to lose your salvation would be to try and keep it by works. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. One can make the Bible teach anything by taking its passages out of their context. context, **C**ontext, **CONTEXT** **[Introduction ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/#uagb-tabs__tab0)**– **[Colossians 1:23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/#uagb-tabs__tab1)** – **[Hebrews 6 & 10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/#uagb-tabs__tab2)** – **[2 Peter 2:20-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/#uagb-tabs__tab3)** Rate this post **Categories:** Bible, Salvation **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [The Day of Redemption](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-day-of-redemption/) **Published:** November 15, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto **the day of redemption**. Ephesians 4:30 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. Romans 8:22-23 The Day of Redemption, all creation waits for it. What is it, and when does it occur? The Day of Redemption is when we receive all the benefits of salvation: our new incorruptible, immortal bodies. 1 Corinthians 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. The Day of Redemption takes place at therapture, or translation, of the saints, when all the saints shall rise and meet the Lord in the air. At that time, our bodies will be changed and become incorruptible and immortal. Many believe that there is no **[rapture or translation of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/ "The Rapture or Translation of the Church")**, but they are greatly mistaken or deceived. *Romans 8:19* For the earnest expectation of the creature **waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God**. The Rapture does not take place in secret; the saints will be manifested by their conspicuous absence. > [The Rapture or Translation of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Rapture, Salvation --- ### [Rapture Missed??](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-missed/) **Published:** November 14, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Did we Missed the Rapture?** No, you have not missed the [**Rapture**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-rapture-or-translation-of-the-church/). The only event that the Rapture has to come before is the mark of the beast. Those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins are sealed until the day of redemption. The day of redemption is the completion of our salvation, the redemption of our bodies. *Romans 8:23* And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. This takes place at the Rapture. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52**In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye**, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and **the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. *1 Thessalonians 4:16-17* For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and **the dead in Christ shall rise first**: 17Then **we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air**: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [**Once saved, always saved**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/once-saved-always-saved/ "Once Saved, Always Saved") is biblically true. Therefore, the saved will have to be taken out before the mark, as all who take the mark are damned. There are many weak Christians who would take the mark so they cannot be here at that time. The mark comes with digital money. Once they have digital money in place, they will own you. Not being able to buy or sell, you will have to worship the Beast and take the mark to be able to. I hope you find this reassuring. Wherefore **comfort one another with these words**. *1 Thessalonians 4:18* > [The Rapture or Translation of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions, Rapture **Tags:** Rapture --- ### [How to Study the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ### A Study Guide But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that **he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him**. Hebrews 11:6 To study the Bible, to understand it, you have to have faith in God and his word. This would be a necessary starting point. From there, obey the rules of reading comprehension. - Context: maintain the context of the book, chapter, paragraph, and sentence. - Nothing less than a whole sentence has definite meaning—study sentence by sentence, then verse by verse. - A sentence is a trinity; it must have a subject, a predicate (verb), and a complete thought. - The complete thought within a sentence is made up of all the individual thoughts within that sentence. They may be set off by colons, semi-colons, commas, or parentheses. (Take special note: the smallest unit of grammar that has a definite meaning is the sentence. Anything less than a sentence can be made to mean anything.) At this point, we have only covered the rudimentary rules of basic reading comprehension. Now we will get into the nitty gritty, rules specific to the study of the Scriptures. First, if you do not know what the Bible says, you cannot know what it means. Reading it over and over is the surest way of increasing its understanding. The word of God will stand a thousand readings; and he who has gone over it most frequently is the surest of finding new wonders there. James Hamilton (1814-1867) English Clergy One of the first general rules of Bible study concerns contradictions. If your interpretation contradicts or causes the Bible to contradict itself, you have something wrong; the Bible does not contradict. It is most likely the product of wrongly dividing the word of truth. **[Verses divide the Bible into individual thoughts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verses-in-the-bible/)**. The complete thought within a sentence comprises all the individual thoughts, each verse in a sentence, to make the complete thought. The Bible is a jigsaw puzzle and has to be put together piece by piece. If unfamiliar with the whole Bible pieces are missing. The Scriptures are also written in layers of complexity. The first layer’s meaning is easily understood: thou shalt or shalt not for example. The two great commandments is another example. *Matthew 22:37-40* Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy m**ind. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. If God is loved, nothing will be done that will bring disdain upon his name. If others are loved, nothing will be done to them unwanted for oneself. These two commandments fulfill all the law and the prophets. One caveat or factor that determines how much additional light is provided is based on what is done with what God has shown in the easier layers. If what He has shown is not acted upon, how can it be expected He would show more? I have found in my studies seven precepts if understood and adhered to will bring order and discernment to aid in correctly interpreting the precepts, teachings, and doctrines of Scripture. They act as a guide to meditation and, more importantly, limits to the imagination in studying the Scriptures. From: [**Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/) 1. Study diligently 2. Believe all that is written 3. Do not add nor diminish from the words, meaning, or sense of the Scripture 4. The Bible is God’s revelation to man: we are not looking for what God could have, should have, or ought to have, we are looking for what God says He has done and how He says it was done. 5. God uses similitudes, word pictures describing things that may be designated differently at differing times in history. 6. Study that you might rightly divide the word of truth 7. Doctrines are built of precepts and precepts are formed here a little, there a little, line upon line. I had six honest serving men, They taught me all I knew, Their names were Where and What and When And Why and How and Who. Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) English short-story writer, poet, and novelist After 45 years of walking with the Lord and studying his word I have come to certain conclusions on what is needed to properly interpret the Scriptures. They are as follows: - Eternal salvation at any time in the history of man has always been by God’s grace, through faith toward God, [**without works**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/). - You must understand the [**two part nature of salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/): Christ died for the sins of the world opening the door of salvation to all men, but each individual must come to God by faith for forgiveness of individaul sins. - **[Open Theology](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/open-theology-2/ "Open Theology")**: history is running in real time. All is not predetermined nor is God looking down from eternity on the past, present, and future. He is guiding and controlling the flow of history according to his plan and judgments upon men. - Once Saved, Always Saved is our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/ "Liberty In Christ") *Galatians 5:1* **Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free**, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Unless you understand and approach the study of the Bible with the above as your frame of reference you will wrest the Scriptures, forcing false interpretations upon and pervert them. (This seems like a good place to mention what I think are beneficial aids to Bible study, especially in preparing a sermon or study. The following is a list of what I have on my computer for this purpose. - <https://e-sword.net> - <https://www.purebiblesearch.com> - <https://wordweb.info/free> - <https://onelook.com/reverse-dictionary.shtml> - <https://www.biblestudytools.com/compare-translations> I find these apps helpful in preparing my studies.) > [Grammar](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/grammar/) Rate this post **Categories:** Bible, Required --- ### [Commonly Used Biblical Phrases](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/commonly-used-biblical-phrases/) **Published:** March 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Bite the Dus**t: *Psalms 72:9* They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall **lick the dust**.” **The Blind Leading the Blind**: *Matthew 15:13-14* Let them alone: they be **blind leaders of the blind**. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. **By the Skin of Your Teeth***:* *Job 19:20* My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the **skin of my teeth**. **Nothing but skin and bones**: *Job 19:20* My **bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh**, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. **Broken Heart:** *Psalms 34:18* The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a **broken heart**; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. **Can a Leopard Change his spots?** *Jeremiah 13:23* Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or **the leopard his spots**? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” **Cast the First Stone***:* John 8:7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the **first to throw a stone at her**.” **Drop in a Bucket:** *Isaiah 40:15* Behold, the nations are as **a drop of a bucket**, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. **Eat, Drink, and Be Merry**: *Ecclesiastes 8:15*Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than **to eat, and to drink, and to be merry**: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. **Eye for Eye, Tooth for tooth**: *Matthew 5:38* Ye have heard that it hath been said, An **eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth**. **Fall From Grace***: Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are **fallen from grace**. **Fly in the Ointment**: *Ecclesiastes 10:1* **Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour**: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.”” **To Everything there is a Season***:* *Ecclesiastes 3:1* **To every thing there is a season**, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: **Forbidden Fruit**: *Genesis 3:3* But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, **Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die**. **Go the extra mile**: *Matthew 5:41* And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, **go with him twain**. **Good Samaritan**: *Luke 10:30-37* – The Parable of the Good Samaritan. **How the Mighty have Fallen**: *2 Samuel 1:19* The beauty of Israel is slain upon thy high places: **how are the mighty fallen!** **He who lives by the sword, dies by the sword**: *Matthew 26:52* Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for **all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword**. **Let there Be Light:** *Genesis 1:3* And God said, **Let there be light**: and there was light. **The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil:** 1 Timothy 6:10 For **the love of money is the root of all evil**: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. **The Powers that Be:** *Romans 13:1* Let every soul be subject unto **the higher powers**. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” **Pride comes before a fall**: *Proverbs 16:18* **Pride goeth before destruction**, and **an haughty spirit before a fall**. **Put words in one’s mouth**: *2 Samuel 14:3* And come to the king, and speak on this manner unto him. So Joab **put the words in her mouth**. **Rise and shine:** *Isaiah 60:1* **Arise, shine**; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. **The Root of the Matter**: *Job 19:28* But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing **the Root of the matter** is found in me?” **Scapegoat**: *Leviticus 16:10* But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a **scapegoat** into the wilderness. **See eye to eye**: from Isaiah 52:8 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for **they shall see eye to eye**, when the LORD shall bring again Zion. **Sign of the times**: *Matthew 16:3* And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern **the signs of the times**? **Strait and Narrow:** *Matthew 7:14* Because **strait is the gate, and narrow is the way**, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. **Twinkling of an Eye**: *1 Corinthians 15:52* In a moment, **in the twinkling of an eye**, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” **There’s nothing new under the sun** *Ecclesiastes 1:9* says, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and **there is no new thing under the sun**. **Wash your hands of the matter:** *Matthew 27:24* When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and **washed his hands** before the multitude, saying, **I am innocent of the blood of this just person**: see ye to it.” **Weighed in the balance**: *Job 31:6* Let me be **weighed in an even balance** that God may know mine integrity. **What God has joined together let no man put asunder**: *Matthew 19:6* Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. **What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder**. **Wit’s End***: Psalm 107:27* They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their **wits’ end**. **Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing:** *Matthew 7:15* Beware of false prophets, which come to you **in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves**. **Writings on the Wall**: *Daniel 5:5* In the same hour came forth **fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote** over against the candlestick **upon the plaister of the wall** of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Rate this post **Categories:** Bible --- ### [Problem with the Pentecostal/Charismatic Movement?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-are-the-main-problems-with-the-pentecostal-charasmatic-movement/) **Published:** December 6, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > One thing that stands out in my mind concerning the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement, which I believe is contrary to the Bible, is their non-biblical emphasis on the Holy Spirit. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit does not speak of himself, nor promote himself, but rather glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. *John 16:12-14* I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, **the Spirit of truth**, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for **he shall not speak of himself**; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14**He shall glorify me**: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. *John 15:26* But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the *Father,* ***he shall testify of me****:* *Acts 5:30-32* The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And **we are his witnesses of these things**; and **so is also the Holy Ghost**, whom God hath given to them that obey him. In the Pentecostal/Charismatic movement, the Holy Spirit is often preached and promoted in the place of Christ Jesus. Just an observation on my part. > [John 16:12-14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-16-12-14/) Rate this post **Categories:** Erroneous Beliefs, God-Christ-HS --- ### [Two Misunderstood Commands](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-misunderstood-commands/) **Published:** March 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: James 2:8 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) Ephesians 6:2 Many seem to miss the salient aspect of the commandments to honor your parents and love your neighbor as yourself. The most important point in the two is that neither of these instructions in life has anything to do with how anyone treated you. God is commanding you on how you are to treat your parents and others, regardless of how they treated you. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. Proverbs 24:29 You may have horrible parents. It makes no difference. It is like the President; you may hate the man occupying the office, but the office deserves respect. Your parents hold the office of your parents; God requires that you honor the office. If you can understand this, it will make your life and decisions much easier. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Bible, Body of Christ, Doctrine --- ### [Feelings](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/feelings/) **Published:** January 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked**: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 Two words should never grace the lips of the saints of God, those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. These two words should never be used concerning what a saint of God is supposed to do, think, say. These two words replace the two words that ought to be said. These two words are, “I feel”. I feel means you are following your heart which is *“deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.”* I feel is thinking with your emotions and not with reason. The two words they replace are, “God says”. To walk according to your feelings is for every man to do what is right in his own eyes, to glorify himself. Judges 17:6 In those days **there was no king** in Israel, but **every man did that which was right in his own eyes**. Is there a King in your life? To walk according to God’s word is to glorify God. It is not feeling God’s word, but to derive wisdom from what it says and take that wisdom to heart. There is a place for feelings but not leadership. The response to feelings should be reason. When you feel something is right or wrong it should lead you to reason correctly from the Scriptures what it is that is right or wrong and how to respond. Ecclesiastes 8:5 **Whoso keepeth the commandment** (follows what God says) **shall feel no evil thing**: and **a wise man’s** (one who takes to heart what God says) **heart** **discerneth both time and judgment**. To feel after the Lord is to seek what God says. Acts 17:27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they **might feel after him**, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: You should feel your need of God and what He says. Romans 10:8 But what saith it? **The word is nigh thee**, even in thy mouth, and **in thy heart**: that is, **the word of faith, which we preach**; If you reason from the word of God, then the word will be in your heart. Your heart will be guided by what God says. For feelings come and feelings go, And feelings are deceiving. My warrant is the word of God Naught else is worth believing. Though all my heart should feel condemned, for want of some sweet token, There is one greater than my heart Whose word cannot be broken. I’ll trust in God’s unchanging word, Till soul and body sever; For though all things shall pass away His word shall stand forever. attri. Martin Luther (1483~1546) German Reformer Rate this post **Categories:** Biblical Christianity **Tags:** Life --- ### [Forgiveness vs Atonement?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/forgiveness-vs-atonement/) **Published:** October 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Salvation must be understood as a two-part process. Prior to Christ’s atonement, sins could be forgiven, but that alone was not enough to be saved; sins also had to be paid for. The OT saints could have their sins forgiven, but then had to wait in escrow, Abraham’s bosom, for the atonement to be made, paying for their sins before they could be saved, and receive the Spirit of God. Receiving the Spirit was the promise of salvation. *Ezekiel 37:14* And **shall put my spirit in you**, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD. *Ezekiel 36:27* And **I will put my spirit within you**, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. Receiving the Spirit could not happen until Christ’s paid for all sins. *John 7:39* (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) So to answer your question, the OT saints could not benefit from salvation until the atonement was made, but could have their sins forgiven. Salvation is a two-part process; sins were paid for en-mass, but forgiveness is individual. It does not matter in which order they proceed. *Luke 5:20* And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, **thy sins are forgiven thee**. Assuming for the moment that Christ failed to or decided not to offer himself in payment for all sins, then all bets were off; Abraham’s bosom would have emptied into hell. > [Methodology of Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/) Rate this post **Categories:** Salvation **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [The Letter vs the Spirit of the Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-letter-vs-the-spirit-of-the-law/) **Published:** November 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** According to the Bible what is the Spirit of the law and what is the Letter of the law? When the Bible speaks of the letter of the law, it is referring to the law as given to Moses. It is written out and has no mercy, makes no allowances. It puts men in bondage to it, all it can do is condemn. However, the letter of the law is based on the two principles of love God and love others as yourself. If you live in the spirit of these two precepts, you will fulfill the law and more. You do not have to condemn but can have mercy as you would want for yourself; you can extend it to others. Having trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are dead to the letter of the law. It has no more power to condemn us as we pay the ultimate penalty in Christ’s atonement for us. Hence, we are instructed that now no longer in bondage to the letter, we should live by the spirit of the law. *Romans 7:6* But now **we are delivered from the law**, that **being dead** wherein we were held; that we should serve in **newness of spirit**, and **not in the oldness of the letter**. *Romans 13:10* **Love worketh no ill to his neighbour**: therefore **love is the fulfilling of the law**. *2 Corinthians 3:6* Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; **not of the letter, but of the spirit**: for **the letter killeth**, but **the spirit giveth life**. *Matthew 22:36-40* Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind**. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 40**On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets**. *Mark 12:33* And to love him **with all the heart**, and **with all the understanding**, and **with all the soul**, and **with all the strength**, and **to love his neighbour as himself**, **is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices**. We do not need to be told what is right and wrong. What is right is what glorifies God, and what you would want done to you; what is wrong is what brings disdain upon God’s name, and what you would not want done to you. The Old Testament represents the letter of the law, the New the spirit. Rate this post **Categories:** Bible, Body of Christ, Doctrine --- ### [Fasting](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/fasting/) **Published:** November 12, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The question of fasting, is it required, how to do it, etc., comes up quite often. As Christians, we have no requirement to fast at any given time or period of time. You may set a length in your prayers or not. It seems better if you not. However, make sure you understand that fasting does not include going without food or drink for long periods of time. It is the deprivation of all that is pleasurable and comforting to the flesh. *Daniel 10:2-3* In those days I Daniel was mourning **three full weeks**. 3**I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth**, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Fasting is show the Lord that what you are asking means more than yourself. Sexual intercourse is something that is curtailed during fasting. *1 Corinthians 7:4-5* The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5**Defraud ye not one the other**, **except** it be with consent for a time, **that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer**; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. Fast is to show God that what you desire of Him means more than the comfort and care of your flesh. The Lord may test your resolve. Rate this post **Categories:** Body of Christ, Doctrine --- ### [Christmas](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/christmas/) **Published:** May 29, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24 The topic of Christmas has been covered extensively by many people for many years. Its pagan origins, its commercial value to the world, and the fact that even the enemies of Christ celebrate it, are all indisputable facts. This study will not rehash these things but will take a strictly biblical view concerning whether we as those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins and claim as our authority the Bible as being God’s word should be associated with this rite called Christmas. The short answer is simply?no. You cannot keep Christ in something he was never in to begin with. There is a reason that the Bible does not preserve the actual day of the Lord’s birth because God did not want us to know it. Which brings us to our first point. *Proverbs 30:6* **Add thou not unto his words**, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. This study will not list all the references to not adding to nor diminishing from God’s word. If you have had any desire toward God and his word you know them or can easily find them. Sufficient is the fact that God’s word does not tell us to celebrate or recognize his birthday in any form or way, which means to do so is adding to and diminishing from his word. The next point is as our lead verse states, we must worship God in, “spirit and in truth.” Is there anything more physical and less spiritual than Christmas? Is there any truth in Christianizing the pagan rite? 1. Are we told to recognize Christ’s birthday?—No. 2. Is Christ’s birthday within a month either way of December 25th?—No. 3. Were shepherds in the field at night in December?—No. 4. Were there three wise men?— No, the Bible does not say how many. 5. Were the wise men in the stable, did they see the baby in the manger?— No, they showed up two years later; that is why Herod had all the children two years old and younger killed. 6. Is the Christmas tree in any way associated with Christ?—No, in fact, we are told in no uncertain terms not to have one. 7. Is there a Santa Clause?—No, what would he have to do with Christ? 8. Are there flying reindeer?— No. 9. Are there elves?—No. If we tell our children all these lies, how do we expect them to suddenly believe that Jesus was the Son of God who died for their sins? We must worship God in, “spirit and in truth”. *1 John 2:21* …**no lie is of the truth**. *Matthew 2:7-16* Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. 11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, … 16Then Herod, … sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, **from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men**. At this point we have the act of Christians recognizing the Xmas rite as adding to God’s word and that everything about the Xmas story is a lie. It is amazing that in the face of this, so many Christians have and continue to blaspheme God’s word. But there is more. What about the tree and the holiday itself? *Jeremiah 10:2-8* Thus saith the LORD, **Learn not the way of the heathen**, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For **the customs of the people are vain**: for **one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe**. 4**They deck it with silver and with gold**; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. … 8But **they are altogether brutish and foolish**: the stock is a doctrine of vanities. Here, more than six hundred years before Christ, we are told that the heathen have a rite where they put up a tree and do all the things done at Xmass with it. We are told not to learn their ways is so doing. Can anyone be so foolish as to say this is not the pagan rite celebrated in December? Is this not a similitude of what we are not supposed to do? Will you feel comfortable standing before the judgment seat of Christ excusing your participation with, “yes, but I did not worship the tree”, that you, “just did it for the children”. *Matthew 10:37* He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me **is not worthy of me**. I have been in several local congregations where the “Pastor ” would not have any public displays or functions within the Church stating that whether or not one celebrated Xmas was a private matter just so they could say they were against it but celebrated it in their homes to make their wives and children happy. God hates hypocrisy, and we wonder why Christianity is in decline. I have one purpose in life, to preach and teach the truth of God’s word. The Lord Jesus Christ has no part nor should we have in the pagan rite of Xmas. The same applies to Halloween and Easter. Rate this post **Categories:** Erroneous Beliefs **Tags:** Holidays --- ### [A Man's Family is His First Duty](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/a-mans-family-is-his-first-duty/) **Published:** December 22, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But **if any provide not for his own**, and **specially for those of his own house**, **he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel**. *1 Timothy 5:8* I probably should not have to comment on this verse, as it seems self-evident. However, there are a few implications that some fail to see. As a young to middle-aged male, your obligation, your ministry, is to care for your family. Get a job, if you need an education to do that, get it first, if you can, before you take on the obligation of a family. It is not the place of a young to middle-aged man with a family to take on the oversight of a Church assembly. That is for elders, men who have fulfilled their family obligations and are free to take on the obligations of the oversight of the Church. No man still raising his family can do both. *1 Peter 5:1-3* **The elders which are among you I exhort**, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2**Feed the flock of God** which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. Yes, your family’s care and needs come first, however, remember, that your family needs to learn to sacrifice and care for others as well, your family extends beyond your own household. That would be part of what you are to teach and demonstrate in your life. *1 Timothy 5:4* But if any widow have children or **nephews**, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. The oversight and feeding of the Church assembly is the responsibility of the elders of an assembly. “Elder” in the Bible always means elder in age, it is not an office of the Church. Elders are the ones who are supposed to fill the offices. *Titus 1:5* For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and **ordain elders** in every city, as I had appointed thee: *1 Peter 5:1-3* **The elders which are among you I exhort**, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2**Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof**, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. > [Pastor, Bishops, Apostles, Reverends, Prophets](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/pastor-bishops-apostles-reverends-prophets/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ministry **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [We are Watchmen!](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/watchmen/) **Published:** December 22, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Son of man**, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. 18When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and **thou givest him not warning**, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. 19Yet **if thou warn the wicked**, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but **thou hast delivered thy soul**. 20Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: **because thou hast not given him warning**, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. 21Nevertheless **if thou warn the righteous man**, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also **thou hast delivered thy soul**. *Ezekiel 3:17-21* Ezekiel was sent as a watchman to warn Israel of God’s judgment. We all are a son of man being flesh and blood. This applies to Christians today to be the watchmen and warn the lost of the judgment to come. This is shown via Paul’s remarks when he is giving his last goodbyes. *Acts 20:26-27* Wherefore I take you to record this day, that **I am pure from the blood of all men**. 27 For **I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God**. As Christians, our mission our purpose in life is to witness to the lost. If we fail to do so we will suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man **build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 14**If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.** 15**If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss**: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. > [Our Mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ministry **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [The Leadership of the Church](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-leadership-of-the-church/) **Published:** November 12, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **The elders which are among you** I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2**Feed the flock of God** which is among you, **taking the oversight thereof**, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but **being ensamples to the flock**. 1 Peter 5:1-3 Elder in the Bible always means more advanced in age. Regardless of the number, the elders of an assembly are responsible for overseeing the Church as a whole. It is a duty, a responsibility, placed upon them by God. *Acts 20:17-28* And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and **called the elders of the church**. … 28Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over **the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers**, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. This would make any elder who fulfilled his responsibility a Pastor. The more Pastors, the better. Nowhere in the Bible are we shown that a church is run solely by a single “pastor”. Bishops and Deacons are chosen from among the elders. The Bishop would be the chief deacon; he would be the representative, CEO, of the Church in any dealings with those outside the Church. It would be the Bishop’s responsibility with the aid of the Deacons to serve the Churches needs, to know everyone, to know who needs help, elderly, widows, the fatherless, etc. These are not paid positions, not callings, but desires to serve. *1 Timothy 3:1* This is a true saying, If a man **desire** the office of a bishop, he **desireth** a good work. There is no requirement for the Bishop to be the preacher, just a man who is apt to teach, that is, if you hang around him, you are apt to learn something. *Acts 14:23* And when they had **ordained them elders** in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. They would have ordained elders to be Bishops. Take note that in the book of Acts, it is never the Bishops that are called, but the elders. It is the apostles and elders, Paul would call the elders of a Church to meet with him. A Bishop would have been just one of the elders. *Acts 15:6* And the apostles **and elders** came together for to consider of this matter. Acts 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and **called the elders of the church**. The idea that one man is the Bishop, Pastor, Preacher, and Elder, is erroneous. The idea that an elder is an office of the Church is erroneous. One reason for the corrupt one-man organization is the pride and desire for preeminence of the man and the indolence of the assembly, happy to let one man do all rather than do anything themselves. “…the acquisition of such absolute command over the consciences and understanding of a congregation, however obscure or despised by the world, is more truly grateful to the pride of the human heart, than the possession of the most despotic power, imposed by arms and conquest on a reluctant people”. Edward Gibbon, Esq; “History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire”, Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion *3 John 1:9* I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, **who loveth to have the preeminence** among them, receiveth us not. *Philippians 2:21* For **all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s**. Any adult man who has studied and has a grasp of God’s word can preach and teach. The more elder, the more time in life and the word, the better the grasp of the word. Teaching the word is not for a young man who has not experienced life, regardless of his education. The experience of having to raise, support, and prayed over, a family is needed to fully fill a position of teaching. We see that it is absolutely necessary to be a Bishop or Deacon. *1 Timothy 3:4-6* One that ruleth well his own house, **having his children** in subjection with all gravity; 5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. *1 Timothy 3:12* Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. Obviously, not speaking of newlyweds. A congregation could financially support a full-time preacher, teacher, evangelist if it desired to, and what would be especially nice, a principal/teacher of their Church school. It would take more time and space to cover the topic than we have here now. I hope this provides some food for thought. > [Pastor, Bishops, Apostles, Reverends, Prophets](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/pastor-bishops-apostles-reverends-prophets/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ministry **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [Why is the Bible so Cryptic?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/bible-cryptic/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos 3:7 The Bible is a bit cryptic for several reasons. One is that the amount of material if spelled out plainly would fill 400 encyclopedic volumes: *“God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret”*. Everything the Lord has, is, and will, do between Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21 is in the Bible necessarily coded within historical accounts, parables, similes, metaphors, allegories, etc.; these are collectively called similitudes. *Hosea 12:10* **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. Not every detail is spelled out, but enough is given to explain them and accurately prophesy events. Much of the OT is cryptic for another very good reason. Many events were not supposed to be understood until after the fact, as with Christ’s atonement. If the Jews understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. *1 Corinthians 2:8* Which none of the princes of this world knew: for **had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory**. Many of the prophecies in Scripture were not meant to be understood until the events passed or a certain knowledge had been acquired. *Revelation 13:17* And that **no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark**, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. For centuries, people have been puzzled by how the world’s buying and selling could be regulated. It wasn’t until the rise of information technology and digital currency that the means to achieve this emerged. There are clear overt prophecies, those to be understood at the time published, and obscure covert prophecies, those that needed a completed event or a certain knowledge to be understood. In 1909, Charles Péguy thought that “the world changed less since Jesus Christ than in the last thirty years”, and perhaps some young doctor of philosophy in physics would now add that his science has changed more since 1909 than in all recorded time before. The Lessons of History, chapt. 1, pg 12 Will & Ariel Durant; Simon & Schuster, NY, 1968 Civilization has made its greatest strides in the last thousand years, and in the last three centuries, man’s rate of development seems almost to have increased by geometric progression. “Man in Western Civilization” Vern L. Bullough; Holt, Rinehart & Winston, inc. 1957 Encryption is also used to determine the application and strength of desire of the heart. God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. > Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian, French Mathematician, Physicist The Bible is not an open book to unbelievers or believers whose hearts are not right. *Acts 24:14* But this I confess unto thee, that after **the way which they call heresy**, so worship I the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: Things are also encrypted to test one’s resolve. *Hebrews 11:6* But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them **that diligently seek him**. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed**, rightly dividing the word of truth. *1 Timothy 5:17* Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, **especially they who labour in the word and doctrine**. *Ecclesiastes 12:12* And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and **much study is a weariness of the flesh**. Understanding is granted to those that overcome the flesh and diligently study. I hope this gives you some understanding of why the Bible is written the way it is. > [The Meaning of the Verse Numbers](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verses-in-the-bible/) Rate this post **Categories:** Bible, Questions, Required --- ### [Replacement Theology](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/replacement-theology/) **Published:** January 24, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Replacement Theology simply stated is that all the promises and prophesies concerning the nation of Israel have been transferred to the Church. It states that Israel has permanently been cast off. You can argue when its founding principles were incorporated within Church doctrine but would not be wrong in suggesting the time of Constantine and the foundings of Rome Catholicism. Naturally, the doctrine is a false teaching according to the Bible. *Romans 11:1-2* I say then, **Hath God cast away his people? God forbid**. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 **God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew**. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, Israel is the focal point of God’s revelation of himself to the world. *Jeremiah 31:35-37* Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: 36**If those ordinances depart from before me, saith the LORD, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever**. 37Thus saith the LORD; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, **I will also cast off all the seed of Israel** for all that they have done, saith the LORD. Israel is the burning bush. It can neither be consumed by the flame nor its flame extinguished. *Romans 11:11* I say then, **Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid**: but rather **through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy**. *Romans 11:25* For **I would not**, brethren, **that ye should be ignorant** of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that **blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in**. God’s interactions with Israel may have been delayed, but they have not been shifted to the Church. To accurately interpret the Old Testament prophecies and the Gospels, one must consider the Church age as a separate period, from the rejection of Stephen’s preaching to the Rapture. *Luke 21:24* And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until **the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled**. Rate this post **Categories:** Erroneous Beliefs --- ### [Love](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/love/) **Published:** May 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Love is a tricky word, one has to use reason in determining its intent. I love my wife; I love ice cream. I do not love ice cream as I love my wife, yet I desire them both. The Ten Commandments are how you should conduct yourself if you love God and others as yourself, and you would if you did. This is why sin is committed in the heart and mind before acted out. It is why it takes two rights to make a right: you have to do the right thing for the right reason. This is one concept that alone would bar eternal salvation by works, as works can be done for the wrong reason. They can be done out of charity, love, toward others or for self-interest. God judges the hearts, the reasons, men do things. Men are selfish, self-preserving, self-center, self-serving, self-gratifying, etc. To make love directly one of the Ten Commandments, as some suggest, would have ensured failure. As it is, love is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, the enlightenment obtained by the seeker, the power to stay our fears, the strength that perseveres, finding God, knowing and understanding him, is finding love. *Jeremiah 9:24* But **let him that glorieth glory in this**, **that he understandeth and knoweth me**, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. *1 John 4:8* **He that loveth not knoweth not God**; for **God is love**. He is the one who loves, is love, and desires that we find love, become love. *1 John 4:10* **Herein is love**, not that we loved God, but that **he loved us**, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Rate this post **Categories:** Bible --- ### [The Unforgivable Sin](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-unforgivable-sin/) **Published:** April 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but **the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.** Matthew 12:31 There is only one sin that will never be forgiven and send you to hell, rejecting the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit gives witness. *John 15:26* But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, **he shall testify of me**: The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to deal with the hearts of men and attempt to lead them to Christ Jesus. Rejecting His testimony, refusing to believe, is to call the Spirit a liar at best, essentially an evil spirit. **Hearken While You May** This truth to you I would make plain,\| All through God’s Word we’re told, The Holy Spirit calls to man, Both to the young and old. ‘Tis said He knocks at every heart, At least one time in life; And does not promise to return, Or stay if there is strife. When knocking at the sinner’s heart, He pleads with tender voice, For him to leave the paths of woe And make God ‘s way his choice. If you refuse to heed His Call, He then will take His flight; And if He fails ne’er to return, No words can pen your plight. In darkness you must grope through life, The Spirit goes His way; In misery your soul lives on, While sorrow fills your day. This sorrow will intensify, E’en when this life is o’er; ‘Twill torment be through endless days As you’ve not known before. The Bible states there’s no return, When from this life you pass; Your soul will groan forevermore, Though you may cry, “Alas.” O sinner, heed the Spirit’s voice; He calls to you today; He will not always strive with you; Oh, hearken, while you may. > *“Down Memory’s Lane With Father” 1944 Loella Hobson, Ft Wayne. IN* Rate this post **Categories:** God-Christ-HS, Salvation --- ### [Revelation 2:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-2-14/) **Published:** March 24, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold **the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication**. Revelation 2:14 > [Where does Balaam Teach Balakto Entice the Israelites to Sin?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/where-does-balaam-teach-balak-to-entice-the-israelites-to-sin/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Luke 11:31](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-11-31/) **Published:** September 12, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here. Luke 11:31 I have been asked if the judgment spoken of here is part of the Great White Throne judgment. There is not enough information to determine where the judgment spoken of fits in with other judgments. It could be part of the White Throne judgment, and is most likely so. It may help if the Great White Throne judgment is properly understood. It is not to condemn anyone; all who stand before it are condemned. The Great White Throne judgment is actually where God gets judged. It is where every condemned man gets his day in court to offer his defense and accuse God of unrighteousness. *Romans 3:4* God forbid: yea, **let God be true, but every man a liar**; as it is written, **That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged**. Men will make every accusation against God they can think of to try and save themselves. In the end, the Lord will display the thoughts and intents of their hearts and minds, and they will have to admit that the Lord is righteous in damning them. The Queen of the South may very well be part of the Lord showing that they should have also sought Him as she sought the wisdom of Solomon. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Judgment, Luke **Tags:** Judgment --- ### [Isaiah - Who Wrote?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-who-wrote/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** One of the disputes promoted by Bible deniers concerns the authorship of Isaiah. You either believe the Bible or you do not. I*saiah 1:1* The vision of **Isaiah the son of Amoz**, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. *Isaiah 2:1* The word that **Isaiah the son of Amoz** saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. *Isaiah 6:1* In the year that king Uzziah died **I saw** also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 7:3 KJV Then **said the LORD unto Isaiah**, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller’s field; *Isaiah 8:1* Moreover **the LORD said unto me**, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. *Isaiah 13:1* The burden of Babylon, which **Isaiah the son of Amoz** did see. *Isaiah 18:4* For so the LORD *said unto me*, I will take my rest, and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest. *Isaiah 20:2* At the same time spake the LORD by **Isaiah the son of Amoz**, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. *Isaiah 37:2* And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests covered with sackcloth, unto **Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz**. *Isaiah 37:21* Then **Isaiah the son of Amoz** sent unto Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Whereas thou hast prayed to me against Sennacherib king of Assyria: I*saiah 38:1* In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And **Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz** came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. *Isaiah 39:3* Then came **Isaiah the prophet** unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon. *Isaiah 39:5* Then **said Isaiah** to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts: I will admit there is another author, from chapter 40-66 it appears that the dialog is all the Lord speaking and being recorded by some prophet. I would hazard a guess that it is Isaiah, but then, I believe the Bible. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah, Questions, Vilipendencies --- ### [Romans 1:24-27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-1-24-27/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What is the significance of God turning people over to their own sinful desires? Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness **through the lusts of their own hearts**, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25**Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator**, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26**For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections**: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and **receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet**. Romans 1:24-27 The crime, “changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator”, having a materialistic worldview, evolution: the willful rejection of God rather than acknowledging him as the Creator of all things. This way of thinking is not new to our millennium, it goes back to the beginning. I will not assert that I understand how our minds work, but it seems that with the fall and corruption of the mind, it holds evil as well as good, depraved as well as virtuous leanings. The conscience would restrain the depraved leanings, however, the conscience can be destroyed. *1 Timothy 4:2* Speaking lies in hypocrisy; **having their conscience seared with a hot iron**; One possibility would be that the destruction or removal by God of the conscience leaves only the reprobate. The stated end of which would be homosexuality. It can be seen today that the further we turn from God, homosexuality increases and inflicts itself upon our nation, as well as many other forms of godlessness. *Genesis 6:11-12* The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for **all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth**. *Psalms 9:17* **The wicked shall be turned into hell**, **and all the nations that forget God**. I wish harm to no one, but only that all men come to repentance and the knowledge of the saving grace of God. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Judgment, Romans **Tags:** Judgment --- ### [Depensationalism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/depensationalism/) **Published:** December 22, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Dispensationalism is a controversial subject among Christians. Some of the points of contention debated are: - **Israel and the Church**: The extent to which they are distinct or unified. - **Rapture Timing**: Pre-tribulation, mid-tribulation, or post-tribulation views. - **Literal vs. Symbolic Interpretation**: How to interpret prophetic texts. The various forms of dispensationalism reflect differing interpretations of Scripture and lead to numerous divisions within the true Church. There is no doubt that the Bible is dispensational; it just has to be rightly divided. Some of the designations for the different theological views are: - Classical Dispensationalism - Revised Dispensationalism - Progressive Dispensationalism - Hyper-Dispensationalism Not having a balanced biblical view of dispensations has produce many, if not most, of the divisions within the body of Christ. Paul certainly recognizes that his ministry is contained within a certain time frame, a particular dispensation. *1 Corinthians 9:17* For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, **a dispensation** of the gospel is committed unto me. *Ephesians 3:2* If ye have heard of **the dispensation** of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: *Colossians 1:25* Whereof I am made a minister, according to **the dispensation** of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 1 Corinthians 9:17 tells us that Paul was given “**a**” dispensation which means one of more than one, *“a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.”* Paul is given “a” dispensation which is “the” one given to him. *1 Corinthians 9:17* For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, (**a) dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me**. *Colossians 1:25* Whereof I am made a minister, according to (**the) dispensation of God which is given to me for you**, to fulfil the word of God; There is a split within the Church on this misunderstanding this, that Paul was not given *“a”* but *“the”* only dispensation under God’s grace and all other times salvation was by **[works](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/)**. Dispensation: - The action or act of dispensing or dealing out; distribution; disbursement; economical use or disposal. - The orderly administration of affairs committed to one’s charge; stewardship - The ordering of events by divine Providence. The Bible is definitely divided into segments of time. - Were things the same after the fall as before? No. - Were things the same after the flood as before the flood? No. - Were things the same after God called out Israel as before? No. - Were things the same after the Cross as before the atonement? No. - Are things going to be the same after the Rapture as before it? No - Are things going to be the same in the Millennium as they are now? No. Ephesians 1:10 tells us that dispensations are the disbursement of times, *“the dispensation* *of the fulness of times”.* That is, in the end when all the different dispensations of time are completed, the Lord will gather all that is His together. *Ephesians 1:9-10* Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That **in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him**: Anyone who denies that there are divisions of time in Scripture is not comprehending God’s word correctly. As with any teaching and doctrine of Scripture, some fail to take it far enough and some take it too far. This is not a reason to deny it. Dispensationalism just acknowledges that things were different at different times. **Example:** Where OT saints saved? No, they were reserved unto salvation until the atonement was made. *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. `39`(But **this spake he of the Spirit**, which they that believe on him should receive: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) They had their sins forgiven according to their faith toward God and were reserved unto salvation until their sins were paid for. That is a big difference compared to now when we receive forgiveness and payment of sins at the same time. It is all about studying so the word of truth is rightly divided. ***[2 Timothy 2:15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-timothy-2-15/)*** **Study** to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, **rightly dividing the word of truth**. > [Dispensational Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dispensational-salvation/) Rate this post **Categories:** Dispensationalism **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Dispensational Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dispensational-salvation/) **Published:** May 29, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: Ephesians 3:2 In the study,”[**The Methodology Of Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/),” it was discussed and the biblical evidence given showing that salvation is by grace through faith and as such cannot be wholly or in part by works. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**;… *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh is the reward **not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of **no effect unto you**, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. In this article, the differences in salvation at different times in history, dispensations, is our theme. Salvation by grace through faith and not of works is, of course, a universal precept of God’s word and is in force at all times in all places. So, what are the differences between the Old Testament, New Testament, and Tribulation salvation? The three dispensations or periods of history used in this study are divided into the period of time from Adam to the crucifixion of our Lord, from the crucifixion to the Rapture, and from there to the return of our Lord. These are the three periods where the mode of salvation is slightly nuanced: 1. Adam to Cross – Faithful unto death; reserved unto salvation 2. Cross to Rapture – Full salvation, liberty in Christ, absent from the body present with the Lord 3. Tribulation – Faithful unto death; salvation To begin the scriptural underpinnings for these conclusions we begin with the Old Testament saints, from Adam to the cross. They could not receive full, complete, unconditional salvation due to the fact that the payment for sin had not been made; Christ had not physically died for the sins of the world as of yet. *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him **should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) *Hebrews 11:13* These all died in faith, **not having received the promises**,… *Hebrews 11:39-40* And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, **received not the promise**: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that **they without us should not be made perfect**. Christ had not died, salvation could not yet be given. The Old Testament saints could have their sins forgiven, but they were not paid for. In fact as such they could have their sins laid back upon them if they fell out of grace. In Matthew, we are given a similitude, a word picture, of this very situation. The servant’s debt was forgiven but they were laid back on him when he failed to remain in the good graces of his master. *Matthew 18:21-35* …23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24….one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents…. 26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27Then the lord of that servant…**forgave him the debt**. …32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, **I forgave thee all that debt**,… 34And his lord was wroth, and **delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due**…. There was no being sealed with the Holy Spirit, no absent from the body present with the Lord; no liberty in Christ, but those that died in faith were reserved unto salvation and rested in Abraham’s bosom until the price for their sins was paid. *Luke 16:22* And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into **Abraham’s bosom**:… The Old Testament saints had to be faithful unto death and were reserved awaiting Christ’s crucifixion and salvation. Upon that payment, God led captivity captive. *Ephesians 4:8* Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he **led captivity captive**, and gave gifts unto men. Of course, their sins were forgiven on the basis of faith through grace; faith in whatever God told them at the time. He told Noah there was a flood coming and Noah *“moved with fear”* built the boat. Noah preached to the people, they rejected it. He told Abraham to sacrifice his son, the Israelites to keep the law; not for there own self-righteousness, but through faith in him who gave it to them. *Romans 9:31-32* But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? **Because they sought it not by faith**, but as it were **by the works of the law**. For **they stumbled at that stumblingstone**; This is the stumblingstone many stumble over today. But, what were the promises they could not receive until the payment for sins was completed? *2 Corinthians 6:16* And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, **I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God**, and they shall be my people. *Ezekiel 36:26-27* **A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you**: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27And **I will put my spirit within you**, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. New Testament salvation is post-payment for sins as opposed to pre, Old Testament. New Testament saints, upon their faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, receive the promises; they receive and are sealed with the Spirit of God, saved completely and unconditionally forever. It is our liberty in Christ, once saved always saved. Our **[liberty in Christ ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/)**is another one of those misunderstood, rarely taught doctrines of the Bible. Between the cross and the rapture salvation in full is given to *“whosoever believeth.”* *2 Corinthians 1:21-22* Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22Who hath also **sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts**. *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, **ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, *Ephesians 4:30* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. After the rapture, the Tribulation period begins. During this time, there is no believe on the name of the Lord and thou shalt be saved. At this point, it returns to faithful unto death, and this faithfulness means having to give your life having faith in God’s word as opposed to worshiping and taking the mark of the beast. *Revelation 13:16-17* And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, **to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads**: 17And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. *Revelation 14:9-11* And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, **If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God,** which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and **he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone** in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11And **the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night**, who **worship the beast** and his image, and **whosoever receiveth the mark of his name**. During this time one will have to put your faith in God’s word and be martyred; worship the beast and take his mark—*you are damned*. *Revelation 6:9* And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar **the souls of them that were slain for the word of God**, and for the testimony which they held: *Revelation 15:2* And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and **them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name**, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. That is briefly the three dispensations of salvation; **Old Testament**—Faith unto death, reserved unto salvation **New Testament**—Faith in Christ, full salvation, liberty **Tribulation**—Faith unto death, salvation 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Dispensationalism **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [What is not a matter of faith?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/it-is-all-about-faith/) **Published:** January 21, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** One might think they know something, but they are putting their faith in what they think they know. It is all about what you put your faith in. God wants you to put your faith in Him. Hebrews 11:6 But **without faith it is impossible to please him**: for **he that cometh to God must believe that he is**, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Before you can come to God you have to believe, have faith, that He is. If you reject God, you believe, have faith, that He is not. The Bible is the only accurate explanation that everything is about faith. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Faith --- ### [Biblical Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) **Published:** February 4, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The battle persists and will until the coming of the Lord to the truth of God’s grace and salvation. The following is my attempt to bring it all together and explain biblical salvation. That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. `10`For with the heart man **believeth** unto righteousness; and with the mouth **confession** is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; **what doth hinder me to be baptized**? `37`And Philip said, **If thou believest with all thine heart**, thou mayest. And he answered and said, **I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God**. Acts 8:36-37 *John 3:14-18* And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even **so must the Son of man be lifted up**: `15`**That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life**. `16`For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that **whosoever believeth** in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. `17`For **God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved**. `18`He that **believeth** on him is not condemned: but he that **believeth not** is condemned already, because he hath **not believed** in the name of the **only begotten Son of God**. *Romans 5:1-2* Therefore being justified **by faith**, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: `2`By whom also we have access **by faith** into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. God created all things to glorify Himself; if salvation were by works, it would glorify man. One of the first and major precepts of Scripture is that if it does not glorify God, it will be the wrong interpretation, the wrong way of doing something, etc. There are only two religions in the world: establishing your own righteousness by your works or saved by grace through faith; they are mutually exclusive. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh **is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. There are only two possible modes of salvation. Salvation is either by man’s efforts, his works, to establish his self-righteousness or man abandons his efforts and any righteousness he may think he has to boast of and turns to God in the hope of His grace and mercy. Salvation by works is pitting man’s righteousness against God’s. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For **by grace are ye saved through faith**; and that **not of yourselves:** it is the **gift** of God: 9Not of works, **lest any man should boast**. *Isaiah 64:6* **But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. *Titus 3:5* **Not by works of righteousness which we have done**, but **according to his mercy he saved us**, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; *Romans 3:21-24* But **now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested**, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22Even **the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ** unto all and **upon all them that believe**: for there is no difference: 23For **all have sinned**, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace **through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus**: Men have limited **[free will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/ "Free Will")**. We have free will of desire, inclination, passion, aspirations, motivations, intentions, likes, dislikes, loves, hatreds. what we would like to do or would do if we could get away with it. Faith in God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ is required of us. It is within our power to direct our hearts to believe, to acknowledge, or reject God. Satan plans to deceive men into believing that they must establish self-righteousness to earn God’s grace and salvation. Many have fallen into the trap of believing that works are necessary for obtaining or maintaining salvation. Concerning the Gentiles: Works to obtain: convert to Judaism. *Acts 15:1 KJV* And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, **Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved**. Works to maintain: convert to Judaism *Acts 15:5 KJV* But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That **it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses**. The Apostles judged that this was false teaching. *Acts 15:8-9* And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, **giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us**; `9`And put no difference between us and them, **purifying their hearts by faith**. *Acts 15:11* But **we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they**. *Acts 15:24* Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: **to whom we gave no such commandment**: No one teaching works for salvation is following the commandments of the Apostles or Christ Jesus. God created all things to glorify himself; if salvation were by works, it would glorify man. One of the first and major precepts of Scripture is that if it does not glorify God, it will be the wrong interpretation, the wrong way of doing something. *Psalms 50:15* And **call upon me in the day of trouble**: **I will deliver thee**, and **thou shalt glorify me**. It glorifies God when we call upon Him to save us. Many have not been able to reason out what they perceive as a contradiction in the Scriptures. If Christ Jesus died for all, how then are all not saved? Their solution attests to their lack of diligent study of God’s word. They fail to understand the dual nature of the plan of salvation. They reject salvation being open to all and limit it to an elect few, or, on the other hand, they reject eternal damnation and falsely teach the salvation of all eventually. Salvation is in two parts. The retribution the law of God required had to be paid before sins could be forgiven to maintain God’s holiness and righteousness; otherwise, he would be complicit in men’s sins. - If a judge, upon a finding of guilty, released the individual, clearing his name without any punishment, we would say the judge was crooked and complicit in the crimes of the guilty party. So also would God be judged if He just forgave all without paying the penalty for their sins. All men were condemned to death for the debt they owed the law; that debt had to be paid before the efficacy of forgiveness. When Christ died on the cross, He purchased the world’s sin debt. Thus, the law being satisfied was taken out of the way, as far as it was concerned, the debt was paid, all men were as dead, and the law had no more power over men to condemn them. All men moved from death unto life, being justified by the atonement. *Romans 5:18* Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one **the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life**. All men had their names written in the Book of Life, which is why the Bible only speaks of blotting men out not entering them in, they were put in by Christ’s atonement. *Exodus 32:33* And the LORD said unto Moses, **Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book**. *Deuteronomy 29:20* The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and **the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven**. *Revelation 3:5* He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and **I will not blot out his name out of the book of life**, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. The law demanded payment for all sin; Christ made that payment. Ownership of our debt was exchanged. The transaction did not include instant or automatic forgiveness of that debt, only a transference of ownership. The debt was no longer owed to the law but by God’s grace. This opened the door to salvation for all. Each individual still owed the debt to God’s grace. No one is sent to hell by the law; that debt was paid; men are condemned for rejecting God’s grace. God has elected, chosen, to forgive the debt completely to whosoever will believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The sin debt to the law was paid en masse; forgiveness is obtained individually. You will either have your name blotted out of the Book of Life, or your sins blotted out. *Psalms 51:9* Hide thy face from my sins, and **blot out all mine iniquities**. Added to the above is the question of repentance: what is it? Repentance is acknowledging God and that you have sinned against him and his laws, accepting whatever consequences for it, and doing all that is possible to make it right. Godly sorrow is over having sinned against God, hopefully leading to repentance. Worldly sorrow is over having been caught. *2 Corinthians 7:10* For **godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation** not to be repented of: but **the sorrow of the world worketh death**. Remorse is the deep regret that you have sinned against your Maker and Lord. Repentance is acknowledging your sin against God and your need for his mercy and salvation. *Psalms 51:3* For **I acknowledge my transgressions**: and my sin is ever before me. *Jeremiah 3:13* **Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God**, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, **and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD**. *Jeremiah 14:20* **We acknowledge**, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for **we have sinned against thee**. *Hosea 5:15* I will go and return to my place, **till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face**: in their affliction they will seek me early. The repentant heart will acknowledge their sins and seek the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness upon hearing the preaching of the gospel. To seek God is to believe that Jesus was the virgin-born Son of God, that he died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. *Romans 10:9-10* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. `10`For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. *“godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.”* God acknowledged his responsibility in creating man with free will, knowing sin would enter the world, by creating a plan of salvation whereby all individuals could believe Him and receive the forgiveness of sins and the free gift of eternal life. Repentance is the individual taking responsibility and acknowledging their part in using that free will to sin. Salvation is when the two meet. How do you know you are saved? Have you come to Jesus? Have you believed with all your heart that he was the Son of God, died for your sins, and rose the third day? No doubts, no alternative plan? Are all your eggs in that one basket? Find a mirror, look yourself in the eyes and say, “I believe Jesus was the Son of God and that he died for my sins was buried, and rose the third day.” Then go out and look someone else in the eye and say the same. Do it often. *1 Corinthians 12:3* Wherefore I give you to understand, that **no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed**: and that **no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost**. At least you will know you are saved. Being a Christian, learn God’s word and live by it. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Salvation **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [James 1:19-20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/james-1-19-20-anger/) **Published:** December 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20For **the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God**. James 1:19-20 Our wrath, anger, whether justified or not does not commend, reside in, or promote the righteousness of God. Many, men especially, have a problem being short tempered and they need to control it, women tend to hang on to it and let it fester. To get through anger one needs to realize the above and that their anger is not contributing in any way to a solution of whatever problem there is but is detrimental to all. If it requires forgiveness, remember that true forgiveness does more for the forgiver than the forgiven. *Proverbs 16:32* He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. *Ecclesiastes 7:9* Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Ask yourself, is your anger more important than your peace and well being? *Ephesians 4:31-32* **Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice**: 32And **be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another**, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** James --- ### [To keep or not keep the law of Moses](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/to-keep-or-not-law-of-moses/) **Published:** February 11, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > The Old Testament vs the New Testament is the contrast between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law, *Romans 6:14* For sin shall not have dominion over you: for **ye are not under the law, but under grace**. *Galatians 5:18* But **if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law**. Neither Old nor New, neither was or is justified by the works of the law. *Romans 3:20* Therefore **by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight**: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. *Psalms 143:2* And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for **in thy sight shall no man living be justified**. In the OT, the law was supposed to be kept, not to establish self-righteousness but out of faith toward God. *Romans 9:31-32* But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? **Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law**. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; In the OT there was no eternal salvation as Christ had not atoned for sin, so the indwelling of the Holy Spirit could not happen. They could have their sins forgiven, but had to wait in Abraham’s bosom for them to be paid for. *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) We, as those that have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that was the virgin-born Son of God, that he died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, are given instructions on how to live in the form of two precepts: love God and love others as yourself, which are the underpinnings and reflect the nature of the law given to Israel. There is no need for the letter of the law; we are to apply the two precepts. *Mark 12:30-31* And **thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength**: this is the first commandment. `31`And the second is like, namely this, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. There is none other commandment greater than these. In addition, instructions are given in the NT to guide us in what is pleasing to the Lord. Christians are neither Jew nor Gentile but new creatures under a new covenant. *2 Corinthians 5:17* Therefore **if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature**: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. *Ephesians 2:14-15* For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath **broken down the middle wall of partition between us**; `15`**Having abolished** in his flesh the enmity, even **the law of commandments contained in ordinances**; for **to make in himself of twain one new man**, so making peace; *Ephesians 2:18* For through him **we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father**. We do not serve God by being in bondage to the letter of the law, but we serve in and shall be judged by the law of liberty. *Romans 7:6* But now **we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter**. *Colossians 3:17* And **whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus**, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Acts 15 is where we learn that it is wrong to say Christians have to keep the letter of the law. *Acts 15:1* And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, **Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved**. *Acts 15:5* But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That **it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses**. *Acts 15:10-11* Now therefore **why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear**? 11But **we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Body of Christ, Doctrine **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Advise to the young verging adulthood](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-advice-to-give-to-18-year-old-with-bible-reference/) **Published:** February 15, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** It is difficult to decide what is the most important advice to give a young person on the verge of adulthood. If they were not raised in the fear of the Lord, it is more so. I recommend the following wisdom be taken to heart. Ecclesiastes 11:9 **Rejoice**, O young man, **in thy youth**; and **let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth**, and **walk in the ways of thine heart**, and **in the sight of thine eyes**: but **know thou**, that for **all these things God will bring thee into judgment**. *Ecclesiastes 12:14* For **God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil**. *Proverbs 7:2* **Keep my commandments,** and live; and **my law as the apple of thine eye**. *Malachi 3:16-17* `KJV `Then they that feared the LORD **spake often one to another**: and **the LORD hearkened, and heard it**, and **a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name**. `17`And **they shall be mine, saith the LORD** of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and **I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son** that serveth him. Tell them they have **[freewill](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/)**: use it wisely. *Luke 6:31* And **as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise**. > [Biblical Freewill](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [Revelation 5:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-5-1-the-sealed-book/) **Published:** March 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **What is written inside the sealed book of Revelation 5:1?** And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne **a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals**. ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/sevenSealedBook.webp "sevenSealedBook") Revelation 5:1 The sealed book is the Book of Revelation being revealed by Christ Jesus. I do not know how else it can be interpreted, as the seals are open and the Book of Revelations is seen and written by John at the time. It may help to realize that the Book of Revelation divides the account of the last days and second coming into four parts running concurrently the same as the gospels. Each of the four accounts ends in Chapters 6, 11. 14, 19 with the return of Christ Jesus. The four are concurrent just as the gospels. *Revelation 6:17* For **the great day of his wrath is come**; and who shall be able to stand? Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, **The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,** and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. *Revelation 14:14-20* And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and **upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man**, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. `15`And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. `16`And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. `17`And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. `18`And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. `19`And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. `20`And **the winepress was trodden without the city**, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. *Revelation 19:11-15* And **I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war**. `12`His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. `13`And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and **his name is called The Word of God**. `14`And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. `15`And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and **he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God**. I prefer being concise rather than overly academic when discussing the Bible. My goal is to simply share what the Scriptures say [unleavened](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/) and rightly divided rather than writing lengthy expositions. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Revelation 12:4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-12-4-stars/) **Published:** December 6, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And his tail drew the third part of the **stars** of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the **dragon** stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. Revelation 12:4 Stars can be the physical lights in the night sky but can also represent beings. *Job 38:7* When t**he morning stars sang** together, and **all the sons of God shouted** for joy? *Numbers 24:17* I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: **there shall come a Star out of Jacob**, and **a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel**, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. In Numbers 24:17 the term “Star” and “Sceptre” represent Christ Jesus. *Revelation 12:4* And his tail drew **the third part of the stars of heaven**, and did cast them to the earth: and the **dragon** stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. The **[dragon is Satan](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-12/)** and the stars are those beings (angels) that rebelled with him. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Paul and the Mosaic law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/paul-and-the-mosaic-law/) **Published:** May 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For **the law was given by Moses**, but **grace and truth came by Jesus Christ**. [John 1:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%201%3A17%20&version=KJV) *Romans 6:14* For sin shall not have dominion over you: for **ye are not under the law, but under grace**. *Galatians 2:21* I do not frustrate the grace of God: for **if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain**. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become **of no effect unto you**, whosoever of you **are justified by the law**; **ye are fallen from grace**. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty demanded by the law determined upon every individual sinner. Thus, as far as the law is concerned, all are dead in Christ. Being dead, the law has no more power to condemn us. We are not in bondage to the law. *Galatians 5:1* Stand fast therefore in **the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free**, and **be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage**. Those who teach that works are necessary to obtain salvation are trying to bring us back under bondage and fear of not being good enough, never knowing whether we are saved or not. Understandably, all men without the saving grace revealed in the Bible’s pages fail that judgment, as the Bible presents the strictest of religions in that it requires absolute sinless perfection to be saved. Unlike other religions that leave you hanging, unsure as to whether you are good enough. The Bible tells us flat-out that—we are not and cannot ever be good enough. We can stand securely and confidently on this solid ground, the knowledge that we are not good enough, cannot save ourselves, next to God. *“We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”* With this knowledge, we can do what no other religion affords. It affords us the ability to see within its pages that the God of the Bible, the God of creation, the God of justice, judgment, and loving-kindness, has freely provided absolute sinless perfection for us: on the one condition that we believe him. God’s moral standards have not changed. It is simply that we are dead to the letter of the law, it has no more power to condemn us, we are not chained to it, in bondage to it, and no longer have to fear it. *Romans 7:6* But now **we are delivered from the law**, that **being dead** wherein we were held; that **we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter**. This does not make us free to do whatever our flesh desires. We are to walk in the Spirit. *Romans 6:1-2* What shall we say then? **Shall we continue in sin**, that grace may abound? `2`**God forbid**. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? All the law is contained in two general precepts: love God and love others as yourself. If you obey these you will have fulfill the whole law. If you love God, you will take no action that is displeasing or that disparages His name. If you love others as yourself you can do no harm to and will aid all within your power. Many falsely believe that the saints will not be judged on their works. Nothing could be further from the truth. Works mean nothing before salvation, everything after. Each individual saint will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of all their works from the day of their salvation until death or the return of the Lord. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may **receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. *1 Corinthians 3:13-15* **Every man’s work shall be made manifest**: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. `14`If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. `15`If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. Christianity is not a free ride. As with most gifts, there are strings attached. If give your child a car as a gift, it is understood that driving safely and obeying the rules of the road are required. It is the same with the free gift of salvation. We are expected to be thankful and glorify God in any circumstance. I would that all true Christianity understood this. > [Why Works Based Salvation is Wrong?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/) > [Will the saved be judged?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/will-the-saved-be-judged/) Rate this post **Categories:** Doctrine --- ### [Which Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-bible/) **Published:** October 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** When discussing the authenticity of the word of God, all opinions are encompassed within two prevailing opinions. The first asserts that God has safeguarded his word throughout time, ensuring its preservation until today. This perspective upholds that the Bible is inerrant, embracing the authority of the word of God. Conversely, the alternative viewpoint contends that all available texts are human endeavors attempting to reconstruct ancient, unverifiable originals. This perspective considers all versions as flawed and open to criticism and modification by anyone. The former aligns with an unwavering objective standard, whereas the latter operates based on an ambiguous subjective standard, susceptible to private interpretations. *2 Peter 1:20-21* Knowing this first, that **no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation**. `21`For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: **but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost**. Concerning the former stance, there is only one translation anyone will uphold as that perfect word of God; that is the Authorized Version of 1611, commonly called the King James Version. Today’s standard is the 1769 edition containing corrections to printing errors and spelling and font updates. Any other version or multiple versions may be used but none will be touted as the preserved perfect word of God. The King James Version has no competition to the title of the preserved word of God, as no one will uphold any other version as being such. So I look for the use of the King James Version in any Church I am thinking of attending. If you cannot find an uncorrectable Bible (KJV) how can you expect to know and understand the word of God? [**Truth is Christ**](https://www.youtube.com%2F@www.youtube.com/@TruthisChrist) – for valuable information on the KJV. Rate this post **Categories:** Questions, Translations **Tags:** AV 1611, Translations --- ### [What does it mean “there is none who does good, no not one”?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-does-it-mean-there-is-none-who-does-good-no-not-one/) **Published:** May 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Psalms 14:3* They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: **there is none that doeth good, no, not one**. *Romans 3:12* They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; **there is none that doeth good, no, not one**. *Romans 3:23* For **all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God**; *Ecclesiastes 7:20* `KJV `For **there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not**. You have to consider that sin is in the heart, the thoughts and intents of the heart. *James 1:14-15* But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of **his own lust**, and enticed. 15 Then **when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin**: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. One has sinned a long time before committing a sinful act and one can sin without committing a sinful act. *Matthew 5:28* But I say unto you, That **whosoever looketh** on a woman **to lust** after her **hath committed** adultery with her **already in his heart**. None of us are pure in heart and mind. Christianity is the most difficult of religions as it ask that we cease to imagine evil and bring every thought into submission to Christ Jesus. *2 Corinthians 10:5* Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and **bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ**; This ought to bring home the fact that we cannot clean ourselves and need a Saviour. God demands perfect sinless perfection and knowing we could never be that—provided it for us. Now he ask that with this understanding we try harder to live up to the model given us: Jesus Christ. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [2 Thessalonians 2:1-4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-thessalonians-21-4/) **Published:** May 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now we beseech you, brethren, **by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ**, and by our gathering together unto him, 2That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that **the day of Christ is at hand**. 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for **that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first**, and **that man of sin be revealed**, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that **he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God**. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Many mistakenly believe that 1 Thessalonians 4’s calling out of the believers, the Rapture, or as the Bible terms it, the **[Translation of the body of Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/ "The Rapture or Translation of the Church")**, is connected to the events described in 2 Thessalonians 2. In 1 Thessalonians, the Lord does not return to the earth, but instead calls the believers away from it. In contrast, 2 Thessalonians 2 discusses the Lord’s physical return to the earth, which will occur only after a significant departure from the truth and the revelation of the Antichrist, who will sit in the temple and declare himself to be God. The falling away will be when those left after the Translation of the body of Christ turn to and worship the anti-Christ. *Revelation 13:7-8* And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8And **all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life** of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. The saints that the anti-Christ makes war against are those who refuse the mark and will not worship him. The temple will be the one that the Jews are preparing to build at this time. It will be the tribulation temple or the third temple. The anti-Christ will sit in the temple and proclaim himself God halfway through Daniel’s seventieth week. 1 Thessalonians 5, Tells us that the Rapture or Translation of the Church comes as a thief in the night as far as the world is concerned. It does not give any events that have to happen first as in 2 Thessalonians 2 and the return of the Lord to the earth. *1 Thessalonians 5:1-4* But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. 2For yourselves know perfectly that **the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night**. 3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4But **ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief**. The world shall be astonished and shocked at the Rapture, but we are not as the world and do not live in the darkness it does. We should know the times and seasons so that day should not come as a surprise to us. 1 Thessalonians speaks of things that have been taking place now, between the Cross and Tribulation. 2 Thessalonians speaks of things to come. *2 Thessalonians 1:7-8* And to you who are troubled rest with us, **when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven** with his mighty angels, 8**In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God**, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: > [The Rapture of the Church Pre, Mid, or Post Tribulation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-rapture-pre-mid-post-tribulation/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Thessalonians --- ### [John 1:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-1-1/) **Published:** January 1, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 Here, we are presented with a concept that helps us understand the Trinity. We have God and the Word. The Word was in the beginning as was God, therefore they are both eternal. The Word was with God, shows the union of purpose and thought. It appears that the two, Word and God, are distinct but one. *1 John 5:7* For there are three that bear record in heaven, the **Father**, the **Word**, and the **Holy Ghost**: and **these three are one**. We are not given much more to go on about the Trinity except that the Three—Father, Word, and Holy Ghost—are One. We do not have to understand any more than this to believe it. Before we can understand anything in the Bible, we have to believe it. God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian, French Mathematician, Physicist *1 Timothy 3:16* And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: **God was manifest in the flesh**, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. God was manifested in the flesh; that part of the Trinity that was made flesh was the Word. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. *Romans 8:29* For **whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate** to be c**onformed to the image of his Son**, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Whom did God forknow that was predestined to be manifested as His Son? The Word. *Isaiah 9:6* For **unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given**: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, **The mighty God, The everlasting Father**, The Prince of Peace. *1 Timothy 3:16* And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: **God was manifest in the flesh**, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. *2 Corinthians 5:19*To wit, that **God was in Christ**, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. *Mark 10:27* And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for **with God all things are possible**. God manifested himself in the flesh as his own son. The Word was with God, was God, was made flesh. We have God, the Word, made flesh; now all we need is the flesh. *Hebrews 10:5* Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but **a body hast thou prepared me**: *Galatians 4:4* But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, **made of a woman**, made under the law, *Isaiah 9:6* For **unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given**: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, **The mighty God**, **The everlasting Father**, The Prince of Peace. *Luke 1:32-35* He shall be great, and shall be called **the Son of the Highest**: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: … 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called **the Son of God**. Being born of a woman, Christ was not only the Son of God but the Son man. *Hebrews 2:9* But we see Jesus, who was **made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death**, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. **I and my Father are one.** John 10:30 > [John 1:4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-1-4/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 4:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-414/) **Published:** May 9, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but **the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life**. [John 4:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%204%3A14&version=KJV) *John 7:38-39* **He that believeth on me**, as the scripture hath said, **out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water**. 39(But **this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive**: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) The water in this context is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. The Lord pours out His Spirit like water. *Joel 2:28* And it shall come to pass afterward, that **I will pour out my spirit** upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: That is not the only thing He pours out. *Ezekiel 14:19* Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast: Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [Pastor, Bishops, Apostles, Reverends, Prophets](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/pastor-bishops-apostles-reverends-prophets/) **Published:** January 11, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What is the difference between pastors, bishops, apostles, reverends, and prophets according to the Bible?** My answer, which I think is the more biblical one, gets me into trouble with those holding the current conventional positions. The care and feeding of the flock of God is not a [**one-man job**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-the-leadership-of-the-church-a-one-man-show/). There are two offices within a local assembly: Bishop and Deacon. Their qualifications are laid out in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 3. The Bishop is the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the assembly, and the Deacons are his assistants. Their function is to see to the care of the physical needs, not to the exclusion of spiritual needs, but the Pastors are the spiritual feeders of the flock. The more Pastors, the better. *Acts 6:1-4* And in those days, **when the number of the disciples was multiplied**, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because **their widows were neglected in the daily ministration**. 2Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and **serve tables**. 3Wherefore, brethren, **look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business**. 4But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. The physical needs of the brethren, such as widows and the fatherless, need to be cared for. Someone needs to know all the members and their needs and to prioritize them as to most in need for the assembly to aid each other. This is what the Bishops and Deacons are for, as well as seeing the bills get paid, the lawn gets mowed, etc. The qualifications for these men and for pastors require them to be elders. Elders, as used in the Scriptures, always mean elder in age. These are not paid positions. The men should be retired and financially able to support themselves, having time to give and a desire to do so. The office of Bishop is not a calling; it is a desire, a desire to work for and help the assembly. *1 Timothy 3:1* This is a true saying, **If a man desire the office of a bishop**, he desireth a good work. *Acts 20:17–28* And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called **the elders of the church**. …Take heed **therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God**, which he hath purchased with his own blood. *Titus 1:5* For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and **ordain elders** in every city, as I had appointed thee: *1 Peter 5:1-3* **The elders which are among you** I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 **Feed the flock of God** which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, **not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre**, but of a ready mind; 3 **Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock**. The other classifications, preacher, teacher, and evangelist, are callings to all who will study and equip themselves to do the job. *2 Timothy 4:5* But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, **do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry**. These positions are not limited to being carried out in the assembly of believers. Everyone who is saved is called to minister the word of God to all those they come in contact with. *Romans 10:14* How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and **how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher**? Every saved individual is called to preach the word in some form or fashion. That is the first calling you have. Naturally, one can not preach what one does not know. So, to answer this first call requires preparation: Study. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study** to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, **rightly dividing the word of truth**. Once you begin studying, you can begin ministering the word as you come to know and understand it. The first part of your calling is to study God’s word and apply it to yourself. Live a life that will complement your testimony of faith toward God, then witness to all you have the opportunity to do so. If you will faithfully attend to your first calling, God will take note and begin to use you in specific witnessing. That is, once God knows you have studied and know some things and will open your mouth to witness, then he will bring you into contact with those he wants specifically witnessed to. It may be someone who has been praying to him for light or some old drunk whose wife and little congregation have been praying to God to have mercy on him for ten years. Regardless, the Lord will have their hearts prepared to hear at a certain point and needs to bring someone he knows will open their mouth and preach the word on cue. *Timothy 4:2* **Preach** the word; **be instant in season, out of season**; reprove, rebuke, exhort **with all longsuffering and doctrine**. If you prove yourself faithful in this, then the Lord will use you as he deems fit. Doors will open for you in whatever direction the Lord desires for you to go. But you have to be careful; there are many corrupt reasons men desire leadership in a congregation, and they will deceive themselves and others to obtain and maintain the position. …the acquisition of such absolute command over the consciences and understanding of a congregation, however obscure or despised by the world, is more truly grateful to the pride of the human heart, than the possession of the most despotic power, imposed by arms and conquest on a reluctant people”. “History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire” Edward Gibbon, Esq. > Paul, speaking of blood-bought saints supposedly serving the Lord states: *Philippians 2:21* For **all seek their own**, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. If you are faithful, doors will open. All you have to do is walk through. *1 Corinthians 4:2* Moreover **it is required in stewards**, that a man be found **faithful**. The word reverend as used in the Bible is not an office of the Church nor the title of any man. To call yourself such is to demand that others bow down to you. God is reverend, man is not. *Psalms 111:9* He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: **holy and reverend is his name**. *Hebrews 12:28* Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God **acceptably with reverence and godly fear**: *Esther 3:5* And when Haman saw that Mordecai **bowed not, nor did him reverence**, then was Haman full of wrath. 3/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Timothy 3:2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-3-2/) **Published:** January 11, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > A **bishop** then must be blameless, **the husband of one wife**, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; *1 Timothy 3:2* Does being the husband of one wife, as required for the office of Bishop in 1 Timothy 3, mean that a divorced man should not be a pastor? The qualifications are for a Bishop and later on for a Deacon as well. A Bishop/Deacon and a Pastor are two different classifications. The qualification for a Bishop/Deacon to be the husband of one wife, contrary to the chagrin of some, is the disallowing of having multiple wives. If a Muslim or Mormon were to get saved, having multiple wives, they would not be qualified to be a Bishop or Deacon. Some erroneously interpret this to mean that a man could only have one woman as a wife. But when God wants to say that he does. *1 Timothy 5:9* Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, **having been the wife of one man**, The qualification could easily have been that a Bishop/Deacon must have been the husband of one woman, but it is not. A wife might die, and the man remarried; he would still be qualified. His separation from his wife may be biblically approved: a man receives Christ, and his wife says no way and leaves him. *1 Corinthians 7:12-15* But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. … `15`But **if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases**: but God hath called us to peace. Then there is always the acceptable separation due to infidelity. The office of Bishop or Deacon is one thing, but there are no limiting qualifications for preaching and teaching except the lack of ability or study. Any elder can and ought to be pastoring the flock. *1 Peter 5:1-3* **The elders which are among you** I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2**Feed the flock of God which is among you**, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. A Bishop/Deacon is chosen from the elders of an assembly. > [Pastor, Bishops, Apostles, Reverends, Prophets](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/pastor-bishops-apostles-reverends-prophets/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy --- ### [Ephesians 4:1-10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-4-1-10/) **Published:** January 15, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The following is a **[sentence-by-sentence](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/grammar/)** breakdown, which is how the study of the Bible should be commenced. *Ephesians 4:1-10* 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with [**longsuffering**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/longsuffering/), forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Paul is writing from prison in Rome. Admonishing all the saints (those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He was the virgin-born Son of God, that He died for our sins, was buried, and rose again) to be faithful regardless of how difficult a situation one might be found in. Walking in humility and meekness, being patient and tolerant of one another, having the love of the brethren. We are to strive to maintain peace within the body of Christ. *Romans 12:16* **Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits**. *James 2:9* But **if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin**, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. > 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. *Romans 12:4-5* For as **we have many members in one body**, and all members have not the same office: `5`So we, **being many, are one body in Christ**, and every one members one of another. > We all have the same hope in the same faith unto salvation. There is one God whose Spirit resides in all of us. The one baptism is that of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 12:3–8) *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, > 7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. We are all granted the grace of God through the atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. The OT saints had their sins forgiven, but they were not paid for until Christ’s atonement. [**They could not receive the Holy Spirit until the atonement was made,**](http://unleavenedfaith.org/dispensational-salvation/) and therefore could not enter heaven. They were kept captive in Abraham’s bosom, reserved unto salvation until Christ’s resurrection. He then took them to heaven with Him, *“led captivity captive”.* The Lord *“gave gifts unto men”*. *1 Corinthians 12:8-10* For to one is given by the **Spirit the word of wisdom**; to another **the word of knowledge** by the same Spirit; 9To another **faith** by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of **healing** by the same Spirit; 10To another **the working of miracles**; to another **prophecy**; to another **discerning of spirits**; to another **divers kinds of tongues**; to another **the interpretation of tongues**: *Ephesians 4:11-12* And **he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers**; `12`For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: > 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Verses 9-10 are parenthetical, extra information, with no grammatical connection to the rest. At death, the Soul of our Lord descended into the lower parts, hell, and Abraham’s bosom. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians --- ### [Departed Loved Ones](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/departed-loved-ones/) **Published:** February 28, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What does the Bible say about departed Loved ones?** *2 Samuel 12:23* But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? **I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me**. The book of **[Ecclesiastes ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/ecclesiastes/)**is written from man’s point of view, under the sun. It goes by what we can know without God’s revelation. But in reality, the dead do know. Whether they died saved or lost determines their state. With the saved, it is absent from the body, present with the Lord. Their flesh sleeps in the ground from which it came; their souls reside in Paradise with the Lord, waiting for the **[day of redemption and their new bodies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-day-of-redemption/ "Romans 8:15")**. *2 Corinthians 5:6-8* Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, **whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord**: `7`(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) `8`**We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord**. I say the truth, I lie not. It grieves me to have to preach the word of the Lord concerning the lost. As the Lord takes no pleasure in those that die lost; I take none in having to warn the living. *Ezekiel 33:11* Say unto them, **As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live**: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? *2 Peter 3:9* **The Lord** is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but **is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance**. Those who die lost open their eyes in the fires of hell. They spend their time praying to God to send someone to their loved ones to warn them not to go where they have gone. *Luke 16:23* And **in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments**, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. *Luke 16:27-28* `KJV `Then he said, **I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:** `28`**For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment**. You do not have to accept this; you must direct your heart. No matter how unpleasant it is for me; I have to tell you. *Romans 10:9* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Repentance](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/repentance/) **Published:** March 10, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There are several opinions on what repentance is or means. Biblically, repentance is acknowledging God and that you have sinned against him and his laws, accepting whatever consequences for it, and do all that is possible to make it right. In this same vein, reconciling ourselves with whom we have sinned against is acknowledging the wrong to the person wronged, making whatever restitution required and seeking **[forgiveness](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/forgiveness/)**. Godly sorrow is over having sinned against God, hopefully leading to repentance. *2 Corinthians 7:10* For **godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation** not to be repented of: but **the sorrow of the world worketh death**. Remorse is the deep regret that you have sinned against your Maker and Lord, acknowledging God and your need of his mercy and salvation. *Psalms 51:3* For **I acknowledge my transgressions**: and **my sin is ever before me**. *Jeremiah 3:13* Only **acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God**, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD. *Jeremiah 14:20* **We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers**: for **we have sinned against thee**. Hosea 5:15 I will go and return to my place, **till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face**: in their affliction they will seek me early. The repentant heart will acknowledge their sins and seek the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness. To seek Christ is to believe that Jesus was the virgin-born Son of God, that he died for your sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. You cannot reach the Father without the Son. *John 14:6* Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: **no man cometh unto the Father, but by me**. *Romans 10:9-10* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.” God acknowledged his responsibility in creating man with freewill, knowing sin would enter the world, by creating a plan of salvation whereby any individual could believe Him and receive the forgiveness of sins and the free gift of eternal life. Repentance is the individual taking responsibility for his part in using that free will to sin; salvation is when the two meet. > [Dual Nature of Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dual-nature-of-salvation/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles, Required --- ### [What is Septuagint?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-septuagint/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image.webp)Notice the line “According to the Vatican Text.” and “with the principal various readings of the Alexandrine Copy.” The Septuagint is compiled form the Vaticanus and Alexandrinus manuscripts which are 400–500 A.D. manuscripts. In the “To the Readers of the New English Translation of the Septuagint, Oxford Press, It states, “According to the Legend it was seventy(-two) Jerusalem elders… translated…” Anything beyond being a translation of those two 400 A.D. manuscripts is a legend. There are no renderings of the Septuagint in the Bible (KJV). It is usually said that Hebrews 11:21 follows the Septuagint reading of Gen. 47:31; however, the scribe responsible for the corruption in the LXX failed to perceive that the context of Hebrews 11:21 was not that of Genesis chapter 47! The context of Hebrews 11:21 is: “when he (Jacob) was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph” – and that story appears in the 48th chapter of Genesis! **[The Septuagint: A Critical Analysis 1996, 5th edition Floyd Nolen Jones, Th.D., Ph.D.](https://avpublications.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/20_Septuagint_A_Critical_Analysis_Dr_Floyd_Nolen_Jones_PhD_ThD.pdf)** The “Septuagint” and the abbreviated form “LXX” have been the usual designations hitherto, but, as these are based on a now discredited legend, they are coming to be replaced by “the Old Testament in Greek,” or “the Alexandrian version” with the abbreviation “G”. **[International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Septuagint, 1; Section II; Name,](https://www.internationalstandardbible.com/S/septuagint-1.html)** **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions, Translations **Tags:** Translations --- ### [1 Timothy 2:11-15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-211-15/) **Published:** April 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. `12`But **I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence**. `13`For Adam was first formed, then Eve. `14`And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. `15`**Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety**. 1 Timothy 2:11-15 This is part of the curse placed upon mankind at the time of the fall. *Genesis 3:16* Unto the woman he said, **I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee**. It was therefore incorporated into the law. *1 Corinthians 14:34* Let your **women keep silence in the churches**: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, **as also saith the law.** Paul covers this in several books, which would indicate it was a topic of wide interest. *Titus 2:3-5* The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; `4`That they may teach the **young women** to be sober, **to love their husbands**, to love their children, `5`o be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, **obedient to their own husbands**, that the word of God be not blasphemed. *1 Corinthians 11:9* `KJV `Neither was the man created for the woman; **but the woman for the man**. Many of the historical accounts are graphic representations of spiritual events. Much of Scriptures being similitudes, they transcend all historical and cultural limitations; that is, the commandments, doctrines, and lessons of the Bible are eternal, as applicable today as when they were written. Its teachings cannot be dismissed on the tenuous excuse of historical progress or cultural bias. The times and cultures for the settings of the lessons of scripture were well-chosen by God to convey his exact meaning. These teachings stand at any time in history; man has not evolved to greater truths but has fallen away from the truth. *1 Corinthians 11:3* But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and **the head of the woman is the man**; and the head of Christ is God. It is with the greatest regret that I must apologize to the women of the world for men having totally misread, misinterpreted, and misapplied these commandments. Applying the law of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, men have to ask themselves, Would you want to be treated like you treat your wife? Would you want your head to treat you like a doormat or a slave to be used and abused? Those commandments are given to women. You will notice there is no provision for a man to force her to obey them. The best that a man can do is try and make it so she wants to do so with joy and gladness. *1 John 4:19* We love him, because **he first loved us**. Husband, first love your wives. *Ephesians 5:25* **Husbands, love your wives**, even **as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it**; Marriage is a picture of the relationship of Christ and the Church. *Ephesians 5:31-33* For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. `32`**This is a great mystery**: but **I speak concerning Christ and the church**. `33`Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so **love his wife even as himself**; and **the wife see that she reverence her husband**. It would be a good idea husbands if you attempted to make yourself worthy of that reverence. *1 Timothy 2:15* Notwithstanding **she shall be saved in childbearing**, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. This is speaking of an easing of the curse. *Genesis 3:16* Unto the woman he said, **I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children**; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. The pain of childbirth is referenced throughout the Bible. *Jeremiah* 13:21 What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, **as a woman in travail**? *Isaiah 21:3* Therefore are my loins filled with pain: pangs have taken hold upon me, **as the pangs of a woman that travaileth**: I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it. Why don’t modern churches apply this today? Most modern Churches are Bible rejecters. This is briefly what I think is correct. I am sure much more could be said, but it would all be contingent on the above. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [Was the ending of Mark 16 added?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/was-the-ending-of-mark-16-added/) **Published:** April 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Mark 16:9-20 The longer ending of Mark 16 was not added later. > The longer ending is supported by W (4th/5th century), A (5th century), C (5th century), D (5th century), Theta (9th century), 33 (9th century), 2427 (14th century?), majority of all Greek manuscripts, Vulgate and part of the Old Latin tradition, Syrus Curetonianus, Syriac Peshitta, Syrus Harklensis, Bohairic (*Nestle-Aland: Novum Testamentum Graece*, 27th revised edition (2006)). The late 2nd century Irenaeus considered the passage as authentic scripture, citing Mark 16:19 as follows: > > “Also, towards the conclusion of his Gospel, Mark says: So then, after the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God; confirming what had been spoken by the prophet: The Lord said to my Lord, Sit on My right hand, until I make Your foes Your footstool.” > > [**Against Heresies (Book III, Chapter 10:5**](http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newadvent.org%2Ffathers%2F0103310.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw12urtI4L1yyclCuGh5jBFM) Case for the Longer Ending of Mark The longer ending of Mark, which appears as Mark 16:9-20 in most translations, is believed to be spurious by many Bible translators and commentators today. Most modern translations footnote the passage, and the NIV 2011 prints the passage in italics, further [**Should the Longer Ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) be in the Bible?**](https://www.kjvtoday.net/home/should-the-longer-ending-of-mark-mark-169-20-be-in-the-bible) This comes down to whether you believe God preserved his word, or what we have is just man’s best attempts to recreate some long-lost originals that no one has or will ever see. Those who believe the Bible when it says God will preserve his word will always have a KJV in hand. > [Which Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-bible/) Rate this post **Categories:** Translations **Tags:** Translations --- ### [What do you think of Paul's instructions to drink wine not water, eat meat, and not exercise?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-do-you-think-of-pauls-instructions-to-drink-wine-not-water-eat-meat-and-not-exercise/) **Published:** April 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *1 Timothy 4:8* For **bodily exercise profiteth little**: but **godliness is profitable unto all things**, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. It does not say not to exercise; it gives a comparison that physical, bodily, serving the flesh, exercise is of little profit in the long run, but exercising godliness is profitable in all things. It does not say that you must eat meat, but that there is no prohibition from eating meat. *1 Timothy 4:4-5* For **every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving**: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. The wine recommended to Timothy was for the medical problems he was having. *1 Timothy 5:23* **Drink no longer water**, but use **a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities**. Note that it was a little wine and it would have been new, non-alcoholic, wine as fermented wine is not good for your health. > Clear patterns have emerged between alcohol consumption and the development of the following types of cancer: > - Head and neck cancer: > - Esophageal cancer: > - Liver cancer: > - Breast cancer: > - Colorectal cancer: National Cancer Institute – **[Alcohol and Cancer Risk](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-sheet)** Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Psalms 10:12-18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-10-12-18/) **Published:** December 20, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble. `13`Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it. `14`Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless. `15`Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none. `16`The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. `17`LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear: `18`To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress. *Psalms 10:12-18* It is the last part of the prayer for God to bring judgment upon the wicked. *Psalms 10:12* Arise, O LORD; O God, **lift up thine hand: forget not the humble**. *Psalms 10:14* Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: **the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless**. The wicked mock God. Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? - Contemn – Look down on with disdain; treat as of small value, view with contempt; disregard; despise, scorn. The wicked believe that there is no judgment of God. Psalms 10:11-13 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: **he hideth his face; he will never see it**. … 13Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? **he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it**. God sees and will judge all. **Psalms 10:18** To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, **that the man of the earth may no more oppress**. *Revelation 20:12* And **I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened**: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and **the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works**. Those who know not God will be cast out. *Psalms 10:16* The LORD is King for ever and ever: **the heathen are perished out of his land**. *Revelation 20:15* `KJV `And **whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire**. God hears the humble and prepares their hearts to hear and understand His saving grace. *Psalms 10:17* LORD, **thou hast heard the desire of the humble**: thou wilt prepare their heart, **thou wilt cause thine ear to hear**: *Matthew 13:16* `KJV `But **blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear**. *Matthew 5:3-11* - 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. - 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. - 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. - 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. - 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. - 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. - 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms **Tags:** God --- ### [Deuteronomy 22:28-29](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/deuteronomy-22-28-29-2/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If a man find a damsel that is a **virgin**, which is **not betrothed**, and **lay hold on her**, and lie with her, and they be found; 29Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel’s father fifty shekels of silver, and **she shall be his wife**; because he hath humbled her, **he may not put her away all his days**. *Deuteronomy 22:28-29* The girl is a virgin and she is not engaged to be married or betrothed. If a man *“lay hold on her”*, takes her by force, rape. In such cases, the man must take her as his wife. *2 Samuel 2:21* And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to thy right hand or to thy left, and **lay thee hold on one** of the young men, and take thee his armour. But Asahel would not turn aside from following of him. *1 Kings 13:4* And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, **Lay hold on him**. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him. For cases where it is consensual and not rape, we have Exodus 22:16-17. *Exodus 22:16-17* And if a man **entice a maid** that is **not betrothed**, and lie with her, **he shall surely endow her to be his wife**. 17If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. The law is different for women who are betrothed/married. Betrothal is like marriage in all aspects except sexual intercourse. *Deuteronomy 22:23-27* If a damsel that is **a virgin be betrothed unto an husband**, and a man find her **in the city**, and lie with her; 24Then ye shall bring them **both** out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall **stone them with stones that they die**; the damsel, **because she cried not, being in the city**; and the man, because **he hath humbled his neighbour’s wife**: so thou shalt put away evil from among you. 25But if a man find a betrothed damsel **in the field**, and the man force her, and lie with her: then **the man only that lay with her shall die**: 26But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the **damsel no sin worthy of death**: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: 27For **he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her**. This happening in a city means that there would have been someone to hear if the woman cried out. In those days, every man from 20 years up to 50 years was in the army of Israel and would have come to her aid. Today, it would be doubtful. If happening in a field, she is given the benefit of the doubt as to whether anyone could have heard her. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Deuteronomy --- ### [Theology of Grace](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/) **Published:** May 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - [**Preface**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Introduction**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**The Gospel**](#uagb-tabs__tab2) - [**Works**](#uagb-tabs__tab3) - [**Dispensations**](#uagb-tabs__tab4) - [**Mysteries**](#uagb-tabs__tab5) - [**In Closing**](#uagb-tabs__tab6) ## Preface Grace Theology is also known as Hyper-Dispensationalism. The belief that salvation was by works prior to Paul being called out and assigned the dispensation of grace. Some hold to there being two gospels today: one of works for the Jews, and one of grace/faith for the Gentiles. This is what this study will examine in the light of Scripture. ## Introduction But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. Acts 15:11 A significant portion of the Christian brotherhood regard salvation by grace through faith as not only a new testament doctrine but a doctrine that was first instituted with the calling out of Paul and his ministry to the Gentiles. Grace Theology, the subject of this study, sometimes referred to as Hyper-dispensationalism, contends that there are two gospels, one for Gentiles and a different one for Jews. Within the purview of Grace Theology, there is a variety of teachings, variations on the same theme, some even as far as stating that Paul was the first person saved by grace without works and/or the first person to be put into the body of Christ, the Church. Trying to correlate the variety of different variations can be quite difficult. Due to that difficulty, the focus of this study will be concerned with the basic assertions or cornerstones of this theology. The main tenet of Grace Theology is that Paul preached a different gospel to the Gentiles than Christ Jesus, Peter, John, James, and others, to the Jews. It is not certain whether all adherents of Grace Theology preach two gospels today. If it is taught that there is still a Jewish gospel different than Paul’s that must be preached to Israel today, then it would indeed be deceitful and pernicious. If they believe in two different gospels today then the gravity of the error reaches the definition of heresy, a perversion of the gospel. It is difficult to filter as not all teachings concerned with Grace Theology by its different advocates are in agreement with each other. This theology is certainly not being singled out on this point as it is the same with most theologies and this can make it difficult to discuss the common ground within any of them. The differences within Grace Theology are of no consequence to this study as it will be shown that there never were two gospels of salvation. Grace Theology is defined here as believing that salvation by grace through faith without works was a mystery given to Paul for the times of the Gentiles and that our Lord, Peter, John, James, Matthew, Luke and the Jewish believers preached to the Jews a different gospel. This difference is such that some teach that John 3:16 is a Jewish gospel that will not lead to gentile salvation. In this study, we will look at several aspects of the teaching of Grace Theology comparing them to the Scriptures. 1. **The Gospels**—are there more than one? 2. **Works**—can they save? 3. **Dispensations**—is grace but one of many? 4. **Mysteries**—is the gospel one? Men tend to learn something the wrong way and stick to it no matter what for many reasons, all bad, rather than learn to diligently study, rightly divide God’s word, and prove all things for themselves. There is no growing in knowledge and understanding without constant reexamination and making needed changes to what you thought you knew. The contention over this teaching, as in all the battles over God’s word, is spiritual. The same assertions of defending the word and rightly dividing will be made on all sides. It is important to keep in mind the confusion and division the teaching of two gospels has within the Church’s and remember that God is not the author of confusion. *1 Corinthians 14:33* For **God is not the author of confusion**, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. *Hebrews 12:2* Looking unto Jesus **the author and finisher of our faith**; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ## The Gospel For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 There are several gospels mentioned within the Scriptures: *Matthew 4:23* **the gospel of the kingdom** *Mark 1:1* **the gospel of Jesus Christ**, the Son of God *Romans 10:15* **the gospel of peace** *Mark 1:14* **the gospel of the kingdom of God** *Acts 20:24* **the gospel of the grace of God** *Romans 1:1* **the gospel of God** *Romans 10:15* **the gospel of peace** *Galatians 2:7* **the gospel of the uncircumcision** **the gospel of the circumcision** *Ephesians 1:13* **the gospel of your salvation** *Revelation 14:6* **the everlasting gospel** The best definition for the word ‘gospel’ is—truth. It is the truth concerning the topic at hand. *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard **the word of truth, the gospel** of your salvation: … If we are to understand the Scriptures, we should be able to determine any difference between one gospel from another if there are any differences. Only one gospel concerns us at this point, *“the gospel of your salvation.”* It must be determined whether or not Christ Jesus, Peter, James, John, and all the others preached the same gospel of salvation as Paul, Barnabas, Mark, Silas, and the other Jews and Gentiles that ministered with Paul: that we are saved by grace through faith and not of works. Are there two different gospels of salvation? This is our first question to be resolved. Jesus was the *“Lamb slain from the foundation of the world”* *Revelation 13:8* And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of **the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world**. There is only one lamb slain from the foundation of the world, one plan of salvation, one sacrifice for sins. *Hebrews 10:12* But this man, after he had offered **one sacrifice for sins for ever**, sat down on the right hand of God; The gospel of Christ being born of a virgin, our sins being laid on him, his dying for them, and being raised from the dead, are all subjects of prophecy throughout the Old Testament taught before he was born. Paul himself states the truth of this fact. *1 Corinthians 15:3-4* For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins **according to the scriptures**; 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day **according to the scriptures**: Paul’s gospel was not a mystery *“kept secret since the world began.”* It was according to the Scriptures and at that time it could only be a reference to the Old Testament. *Amos 3:7* Surely the Lord **GOD will do nothing**, but **he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. *John 5:39* **Search the scriptures**; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and **they are they which testify of me**. We need to compare the gospel preached by the Lord, Peter, John, et. al. The gospel of salvation that the Lord preached was that you had to believe in and on him, what he said about himself, and what he was going to do. *John 8:24* I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for **if ye believe not that I am** ***he***, ye shall die in your sins. *Mark 8:31* And he began to teach them, that **the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.** Mark 8:31 …the Son of man **must suffer many things**, and **be killed, and after three days rise again**. *John 3:14-16* And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, **even so must the Son of man be lifted up**: … 16For God so loved the world, that **he gave his only begotten Son**, that **whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have everlasting life. *Matthew 27:63* Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, **After three days I will rise again**. Our Lord preached to believe in him and that he was to be crucified, die, be buried, and rise the third day. Compare the above preaching of Christ’s with that of Paul’s: *1 Corinthians 15:1-4* Moreover, brethren, **I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, …** how that **Christ died for our sins …** 4And that **he was buried**, and that he **rose again the third day** according to the scriptures: What is the difference? Is there a difference simply due to the Lord pointing to it in the future and preaching believe it and Paul pointing to it in the past and preaching believe it? Are they two different gospels? *John 8:28* Then said Jesus unto them, **When ye have lifted up the Son of man**, **then shall ye know that I am he**, … *“Then shall ye know,”* it was to the Jews that Christ stated that they would know the truth after he made his sacrifice. Naturally, if they had been understood and enlightened beforehand they would not have crucified him. *1 Corinthians 2:8* Which none of the princes of this world knew: for **had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory**. There may seem to be differences in the administration of the gospel before and after his resurrection which is understandable as no one could receive the Holy Spirit before he made the atonement. The way had to be prepared for the understanding of the gospel. *John 7:39* (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him **should receive**: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) *Hebrews 11:13* These **all died in faith, not having received the promises**, … *Ezekiel 36:27* And I will **put my spirit within you**, … It is taught by some that John the Baptist’s preaching is the same as that of Christ, Peter, John, James, etc. This is not true. John the Baptist was not preaching the gospel of salvation but the remission, personal forgiveness, of sins in preparation for the gospel; he was preparing the way to it. *Matthew 3:3* For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, **Prepare ye the way of the Lord**, make his paths straight. John preached baptism for the remission of sins. Remission of sins is not salvation, it is forgiveness of sins. Remission, forgiveness, of sins is only half of what you need for salvation. John the Baptist was preparing the way for the other half. [**The other half**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dual-nature-of-salvation/) is faith in the atonement for sins, the payment for sins, *“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”*. When the Lord arrived on the scene he preached that he was the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the Messiah, that he must suffer, die, and rise from the grave on the third day. The particulars of the gospel he preached are the same as the one Paul preached. The Jews were waiting for their Messiah and the restoration of their kingdom, *“gospel of the kingdom.”* Until the martyrdom of Steven in Acts and Israel’s rejection of Christ as Saviour; the great commission and bringing in the kingdom were the next items on the agenda. The only difference in the gospels before and after the atonement, we have discovered at this point, is that before they were told they would receive the Holy Spirit and after we are told we have received the Spirit. Does that make them different gospels? This causes some misunderstandings in the book of Acts. At the stoning of Steven; Israel as a nation is set aside for later and the individual transition from the old covenant into the new covenant of the Church consisting of Jew and Gentile continues. In the book of Acts, a couple of transitions take place owing to this division in being able to receive the Holy Spirit. One transition concerns those believing or receiving the remission of sins by John’s baptism before the atonement having now to be led to and baptized unto the resurrected Lord obtaining the atonement and full salvation from sin. That is you could be baptized for the remission and forgiveness of sins before the atonement and then after be pointed to faith in Christ and be baptized unto him to receive the atonement for sin, the Holy Spirit, and full salvation. Sin having been paid for, we are pointed after the atonement to faith in Christ for the remission of our sins receiving the Holy Spirit and full salvation. This is done all with one gospel, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ that he died for our sins was buried, and rose again the third day. (See the Study, Methodology of Salvation.) Another disputed proof text of Grace Theology is that the gospel of the circumcision is different from the gospel of the uncircumcision as found in Galatians. *Galatians 2:7-9* But contrariwise, when they saw that **the gospel of the uncircumcision** was committed unto me, as **the gospel of the circumcision** was unto Peter; 8(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of **the circumcision**, the same was mighty in me toward **the Gentiles**: 9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto **the heathen**, and they unto **the circumcision**. The teaching that the two gospels in Galatians are different is the product of taking the terms out of the context of not only their sentence but chapter, book, and the Bible as a whole. The correct interpretation of the phrases *“the gospel of the circumcision”* and *“the gospel of the uncircumcision”* is found by keeping the context of chapter two and not forgetting what you should have just read in chapter one. *Galatians 1:6-7* I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into **the grace of Christ** unto **another gospel**: 7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would **pervert the gospel of Christ**. Paul states that it is really not another gospel the Galatians are getting messed up with but a perversion of the gospel of the grace of God. They are backsliding, now that they are saved they think they have to keep the law to keep their salvation. *Acts 15:5* But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That **it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses**. *Galatians 3:2* This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit **by the works of the law**, or **by the hearing of faith**? We know that Paul is preaching the same faith he persecuted. *Galatians 1:23* But they had heard only, That he which **persecuted us** in times past **now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed**. Take note, also, that it was not Gentiles but the Jewish Christians he was persecuting. *Acts 9:1-2* And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, **went unto the high priest**, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, **he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem**. Roman Gentiles did not come under the control of the Jewish High Priest so the gospel he preached was the same that he persecuted which was the same gospel the Jews were saved by. Later in Galatians chapter two Paul shows again that there is but one gospel for Jew and Gentile. When Peter, who was enjoying the fellowship of the Gentiles in so much that he was eating with them, described by Paul as living like them. At hearing that some Jewish believers sent from James were coming, Peter decided he needed to be a Jew again. *Galatians 2:11-12* But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12For before that certain came from James, **he did eat with the Gentiles**: but when they were come, he withdrew and **separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision**. Paul takes notice and rebukes the Jews for trying to make two gospels and reminds them there is but one. *Galatians 2:14* But when I saw that they walked not uprightly **according to the truth of the gospel**, … In rebuking Peter for trying to divide the gospel into two, one Jewish, one Gentile, we get Paul’s dissertation on the Jewish gospel. *Galatians 2:15-16* **We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles**, We, Paul says, being natural born Jews and not Gentile converts. 16Knowing that a man is not justified **by the works of the law**, but **by the faith of Jesus Christ**, even **we have believed in Jesus Christ**, that **we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law**: for **by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified**. We, Jews, know that no man is justified by the works of the law, but salvation is through grace by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. *Acts 15:11* But **we** believe that **through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ** we shall be saved, **even as they**.) As Paul states, we being Jews, know that no works can save us, that there is but one gospel preached by Paul, Peter, James, John, and the Lord Jesus Christ. There are two ministries, one to the Jews and one to the Gentiles. This is by no means absolute as both Paul and Peter preached to both Jew and Gentile. *Ephesians 2:11-17* Wherefore remember, that ye being **in time past Gentiles** in the flesh, who are **called Uncircumcision** by that which is called **the Circumcision** in the flesh made by hands; 13**But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh** by the blood of Christ. 14For he is our peace, who hath made **both one**, and hath **broken down the middle wall of partition between us**; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself **of twain one new man**, so making peace; 16And that he might reconcile **both** unto God in **one body by the cross**, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace **to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh**. *“The middle wall of partition between us,”* spoken of here was the barrier to keep Gentiles from entering the temple, *“between us.”* Remember, Paul was accused of bringing a Gentile into the temple. *Acts 21:28* Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further **brought Greeks also into the temple**, and hath polluted this holy place. With Christ’s atonement, there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, *“preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.”* Gentiles were the people far off and Jews the ones that were nigh. How can there be a difference in the gospel? *Acts 15:8-9* And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, **giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us**; 9And **put no difference between us and them**, purifying their hearts **by faith**. *Romans 3:22* Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ **unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference**: *Romans 10:11-12* For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12**For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek**: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile! How then can there be two gospels? *“Put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”* God was giving both, Jew and Gentile, the Holy Ghost and purifying their hearts by faith alone before Paul’s conversion and ministry. If you accept all of what Paul said, how can you possibly get two gospels? Paul contends that there is one gospel for both Jew and Gentile. *“Is Christ divided?”* Who is causing the contention in the Church? Is it not those that say the gospel is divided, that they are of Paul and the Jews are of Peter? *1 Corinthians 1:11-13* For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that **there are contentions among you**. 12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, **I am of Paul**; and **I of Apollos**; and **I of Cephas**; and **I of Christ**. 13**Is Christ divided?** was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? *1 Corinthians 3:4* For while one saith, **I am of Paul**; and another, I am of Apollos; **are ye not carnal**? It is carnal Christians dividing Christ by saying I am of Paul and the Jews are of Peter. Romans chapter fifteen is an excellent exhortation of the unity of the Jew and Gentile Church and the one gospel Paul preached. In it, we have the gospel of God, the gospel of Christ, and the gospel, all synonymous with one another, verses 16, 19, 20 & 29. *Romans 15:16* That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering **the gospel of God,**. *Romans 15:19* … I have fully preached **the gospel of Christ**. *Romans 15:20* Yea, so have I strived to preach **the gospel** … *Romans 15:29* … I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of **the gospel of Christ**. These gospels are surely synonymous with these: *Ephesians 1:13* … **the gospel of your salvation:** … *Ephesians 6:15* … **the gospel of peace**; *2 Thessalonians 1:8* … **the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ**: *Acts 20:24* … **the gospel of the grace of God**. Surely, these are the same gospel, the same one that was to be preached to all nations and every creature. *Mark 13:10* And **the gospel** must first be published among **all nations**. *Mark 16:15* And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and **preach the gospel to every creature**. The gospel of the kingdom seems to be the only gospel that is not dealing with individual salvation but the restoration of the nation and kingdom of Israel. Never in all of Paul’s writings does he condone, mention, not preach against, there being any other gospel but the one he preached to both Jew and Gentile. ## Works And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. Psalm 143:2 A major problem for Grace Theology in teaching two gospels of salvation: one for the Jews and one for the Gentiles, is establishing what is the difference between them. There is only one name under heaven given whereby men must be saved. He gave himself once for all, not willing that any should perish, there is but one Holy Spirit which all receive. These are all particulars of Paul’s gospel. To make two different gospels something has to be added or taken away from this. What do they have that they can take away from Paul’s gospel, the Lord, the Holy Spirit, the one sacrifice? There is nothing that can be removed. This leaves adding something to Paul’s gospel. What do they have they can add to make them different? The only thing that can be changed is a different condition on which to receive salvation. The condition to receive the grace of God in Paul’s gospel is believing, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For **by grace** are ye saved **through faith**; and that **not of yourselves**: it is the gift of God: 9**Not of works**, lest any man should boast. It can be seen in the above verse that faith is contrasted against works. Works were briefly mentioned in the previous chapter, here we will go into more depth. Is it possible that Grace Theology is relying on the common misconception of the book of James and believe that: for by grace are ye save through faith and works; it is partly of yourselves and partly the gift of God. It matters not that some teaching Grace Theology do not admit to teaching works as necessary for the Jews, work is all they have to add to make the gospels different. Having spoken to many individuals advocating this teaching all ardently confessed before the atonement salvation was by works as well as it will be in the Tribulation. Whether aided by the misreading of James or not works are what they add to the gospel to make it different than Paul’s holding to the concept that God’s grace was only in one dispensation given to Paul. Is it possible to be saved by grace and works? Is it possible to be saved by faith and works? Is it possible to be saved by works alone? These are the questions that must be answered. *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh **is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; … Regardless of what period of time you are speaking of the above two verses and the precept they contain will apply, if by works it is not of grace or faith. Therefore, we must remove grace and faith for Grace Theologies gospel to the Jews. For ye Jews are saved through works; it is of yourselves: not the gift of God, not by grace. Would that statement fit anywhere within the Scriptures? Keep this thought in mind when trying to interpret Galatians 2:7-9, is the gospel of the circumcision one of works and the gospel of the uncircumcision one of grace? *Galatians 3:8* And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify **the heathen through faith**, preached before **the gospel unto Abraham**, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, **was not** to Abraham, or to his seed, **through the law, but through the righteousness of faith**. The gospel is *“by grace are ye saved through faith”* at all times, to all peoples. The Lord, Peter, James, John, Matthew, Luke, et al., preached the same gospel as Paul, Barnabas, Mark, Silas, etc. This is affirmed in Acts 15 at the great apostolic council where Peter, John, James, Paul, and many others, concluded that keeping the law was not necessary for Jew or Gentile to be saved or maintain their salvation. *Acts 15:10* Now therefore **why tempt ye God**, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, **which neither our fathers nor we** were able to bear? *Acts 15:11* But **we believe** that **through the grace** of the Lord Jesus Christ **we shall be saved, even as they**. We, the Jews; Peter, James, John, Paul, et al., believed that they were saved the same way as the Gentiles: *through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ*. Salvation at any time, pre-crucifixion, post-crucifixion, tribulation, is by grace through faith, not of works. Noah and Abraham being examples show it is a universal precept of God’s word and not a Pauline mystery. *Genesis 6:8* But **Noah found grace** in the eyes of the LORD. *Exodus 33:17* And **the LORD said unto Moses**, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for **thou hast found grace in my sight**, and I know thee by name. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; … *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of** works: …/b> This is not difficult to explain. If salvation was by works anyone obtaining it would be glorifying himself, not God. *Ephesians 2:9* Not of works, **lest any man should boast**. *1 Corinthians 1:29* That **no flesh should glory in his presence**. We are here to glorify God, not boast ourselves. Grace Theology will go so far as to teach that Paul was the first person saved by grace through faith without works and the first to be in Christ, in the body. However, Paul preached the same faith he once destroyed and stated that others were in Christ before him. *Galatians 1:23* But they had heard only, That he which **persecuted us** in times past **now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed**. *Romans 16:7* Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, **who also were in Christ before me**. It was the same faith, same gospel, that Paul preached that he once persecuted. This shows that the gospel Paul preached was being preached before he was converted. Paul’s gospel was not new, not a mystery hidden until revealed to him but the same faith, same gospel, he had been persecuting. In Galatians chapter two Paul is speaking to both Jew and Gentile, especially to Peter, when he confirms there is but one gospel and it is not one of works. *Galatians 2:21* I do not frustrate the grace of God: for **if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain**. Paul was speaking for all Jewish believers, even those in Christ before him, and he was certainly speaking to Peter when he said, *“even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for **by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified**”* At this point ask yourself, are the gospels of the circumcision and uncircumcision two different gospels, one by God’s grace through our faith and one by our works, or are they two different ministries of the same gospel? *“Not of works”* is a universal biblical precept, not just a church age, dispensational, or Pauline, teaching. Eternal salvation is never by works, alone or in concert with grace. Any teaching to the contrary is not biblical, not Christian doctrine. Unless this precept is accepted you will error in the formation of doctrine and teachings. (See the studies, Methodology of Salvation, and [**Dispensational Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dispensational-salvation/) for further information.) *Romans 4:14* For if they which are **of the law** be heirs, **faith is made void,** and the **promise made of none effect**: *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise **grace is no more grace**. But **if of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. A major stumbling block to their thinking is understanding biblical works. The Bible defines works as the keeping of God’s law to establish your own self-righteousness. Whether you are observing the given written statutes or verbal statutes of God. Remember, keeping the law of God is fulfilled in one commandment, *“love thy neighbour as thyself.”* Violating the law is doing something to someone you would not want to be done to you. *Romans 13:9* For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, **it is briefly comprehended in this saying**, namely, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.** *Galatians 5:14* For **all the law is fulfilled in one word**, even in this; Thou shalt **love thy neighbour as thyself**. Noah building the Ark was not a work of obeying the law, it was an act of faith, *“it is of faith, that it might be by grace.”* Abraham sacrificing his son was not a work of obeying the law. It was a trial of his faith. *Genesis 6:8* But Noah **found grace** in the eyes of the LORD. *1 Peter 1:7* That **the trial of your faith**, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, **though it be tried** with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: … *Hebrews 11:17* By faith **Abraham**, when **he was tried**, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, … Being told to do something by God is not the same as doing the works of the law given by God. Being baptized for the remission of sins is not a work of the law, not a work period. It was a witness of the faith put in God’s word that was being preached. It was also God’s judgment and a snare on those who would not put their faith in his word. *Mark 11:30-32* The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me. 31And **they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?** 32**But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people**: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed. Baptism is not a work. If someone had just followed the group and had been baptized by John, would they have received remission of sins? *No*. John’s baptism was not only not a work—it was not salvation. *Acts 19:4* Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the **baptism of repentance**, saying unto the people, **that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus**. Even keeping the whole law of God without the right attitude and understanding, by faith, profited and obtained nothing. *Romans 9:31-32* But Israel, which followed after **the law of righteousness**, **hath not attained** to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? **Because they sought it not by faith**, but as it were **by the works of the law**. For **they stumbled at that stumblingstone**; *“If by grace, then is it no more of works,”* *“it is of faith, that it might be by grace”*, if it is by grace there is no element of works. It is either works or grace and God will not accept any man’s works. He will accept the faith if that is what provoked and caused the works. *Hebrews 11:6* But **without faith it is impossible to please him**: … Romans 4:16 Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace; …** *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**:.. **if it be of works, then is it no more grace:** … Hebrews chapter eleven is filled with examples of Old Testament saints and their faith toward God, *“it is of faith, that it might be by grace”.* It is their faith that found them grace in God’s eyes, not their works. It was their faith that caused them to do the works, the works that proved they had faith. ## Dispensations If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: Ephesians 3:2 Dispensational teaching is the dividing of the Bible into divisions of time or ages where something was different. The usual divisions are: 1. **Innocence**—Adam and Eve before they sinned 2. **Conscience**—First sin to the flood 3. **Civil Government**—After the flood, government 4. **Promise**—Abraham to Moses, the Law is given 5. **Law**—Moses to the cross 6. **Church or Grace**—Cross to the millennial kingdom 7. **Millennial Kingdom**—The rule of Christ on earth Dispensations charts are formed in several ways with different numbered divisions. The above list would be considered a common chart and manner of explaining dispensations. Regardless of what religious belief system sets forth their idea of dispensations, there is one very grave mistake associated with many including ones used by Grace Theology. That error is assigning salvation by grace as existed in just one dispensation. The one called the Church dispensation is also known by some as the dispensation of grace with the specific meaning that it is only in this dispensation that men are saved by grace through faith and not by works. The rest have an element of works that we have seen in the previous chapter is not consistent with the Scriptures. Salvation at any time is by the grace of God. Being so means that it is by faith to the exclusion of works. *Romans 11:5-6* Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant **according to the election of grace**. 6And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. All dispensations, however differently God was dealing with men, are all a dispensation of God’s grace: Grace = faith without works. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; … Part of Grace Theology’s mistake is going by this mistaken belief that the grace of God is covered by just one dispensation. Grace Theology is also known as Hyper-Dispensationalism due to their teaching that Paul was given the dispensation of grace with a different gospel to go with it. This too is derived by taking things out of context and not diligently comparing Scripture with Scripture. Paul was not given **THE** dispensation, he was given **A** dispensation. *1 Corinthians 9:17* For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, **a** **dispensation** of the gospel is committed unto me. Paul was given *“**A** dispensation of the gospel”* which according to him was a dispensation of the grace of God. *Ephesians 3:2* If ye have heard of **the dispensation of the grace of God** which is given me to you-ward: If I give you **A** pencil then you have **THE** pencil I gave you and you can say, see **THE** pencil which was given to me. But, it is still **A** pencil, one of many. So here is one gospel separated into several dispensations, *“a dispensation of the gospel.”* The dispensation Paul was given was one dispensation of the same gospel as other dispensations. All dispensations are dispensations of God’s grace. *Colossians 1:25* Whereof I am made a minister, according to **the dispensation of God** which is **given to me** for you, to fulfil the word of God; The dispensation he was given was *“**A** dispensation of the gospel.”* Paul was given a ministry, a dispensation of the gospel of the grace of God to the Gentiles. It was not a different gospel but a different ministry, the ministry of the grace of God to the heathen, those that had not the law. *Romans 2:14* For when **the Gentiles, which have not the law,…** Why would it be that Paul was given the ministry to the Gentiles and not Peter? Could it be that the Gentiles *“which have not the law”* would not benefit from the law as a schoolmaster to bring them unto Christ? *Galatians 3:24* Wherefore **the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ**, that we might be justified by faith. Possibly the ministry needed someone to explain the law and its purpose to them, a doctor of the law: Dr. Saul of Tarsus, PhD., graduate of the school of Gamaliel, taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers. *1 Corinthians 9:8* Say I these things as a man? or **saith not the law the same also**? It could be the Gentiles needed a little tutelage so that they would not be deceived by another or perverted gospel. *Galatians 3:12* And **the law is not of faith:…** *Galatians 3:28* There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: **for ye are all one in Christ Jesus**. To kick-start the Gentiles, they needed instruction in the law for several reasons. It was necessary to know from what they needed to be saved, how they were supposed to live, and the knowledge of the prophecies contained within the law to strengthen their faith. Hence, a dispensation of the gospel was given to Dr. Paul Attorney at Law. It was not a different gospel but a special ministry. ## Mysteries Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Grace Theology teaches that salvation by grace through faith was a mystery given to Paul by being given the dispensation of grace. We have covered dispensations in the last chapter in this one we will look at the mysteries in the Bible. The mystery of the faith is God being manifested in the flesh, that God was in Christ. *1 Timothy 3:9-16* Holding **the mystery of the faith** in a pure conscience … 16And without controversy great is **the mystery of godliness**: **God was manifest in the flesh, …** *2 Corinthians 5:18-19* And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19To wit, that **God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself**, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. *Colossians 2:2-3* That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of **the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ**; 3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. *John 10:30* **I and my Father are one**. *John 14:10* Believest thou not that **I am in the Father, and the Father in me?** the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but **the Father that dwelleth in me**, he doeth the works. And that Christ is in the believer. *John 14:20* At that day ye shall know that **I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you**. *Colossians 1:25-27* … 26Even **the mystery** … which is **Christ in you, the hope of glory**: … *(Is Christ teaching anything different than Paul?)* And that the Church is Christ body. *Ephesians 5:30-32* For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones …**This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church**. That the Gentiles are fellow heirs and of the same body with the Jews. *Ephesians 3:3-6* How that **by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; …** 6**That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel**: The mystery that the saved will be changed from mortality to immortality. *1 Corinthians 15:51-55* Behold, **I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed**, … the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed…**. *Matthew 22:30* For **in the resurrection they** neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but **are as the angels of God in heaven**. *(Is Christ teaching anything different than Paul?)* In addition to the mysteries directly related to the faith, there are a couple of others. The mystery of all things being gathered together in Christ. *Ephesians 1:9-10* Having made known unto us **the mystery of his will**, … 10**That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him**: *Colossians 2:2-3* That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of **the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ**; 3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The mystery of Israel not being cast off but blinded for a time. *Romans 11:25* For **I would not**, brethren, **that ye should be ignorant of this mystery**, … **that blindness in part is happened to Israel**, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. The mystery of the kingdom of God. *Mark 4:11* And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know **the mystery of the kingdom of God**: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: The mystery of the seven stars and candlesticks. *Revelation 1:20* **The mystery of the seven stars** which thou sawest in my right hand, **and the seven golden candlesticks.** The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches. The mystery of Babylon the Great. *Revelation 17:5* And upon her forehead was a name written, **MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT**, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. These are the mysteries of the Bible. Take note that there is no mystery of salvation by grace through faith. The gospel of salvation by the grace of God through our faith in him is a universal precept of the Scriptures. God will not allow any man to stand before him and declare his own righteousness by his own works at any time. Isaiah 64:6 But **we are all as an unclean thing**, and **all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. ## In Closing Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:12 It has been seen that Paul was given *“**a** dispensation of the gospel,”* which all dispensations are of the grace of God. *“**The** dispensation of the grace of God”* is speaking of the one of many he was given to minister to the Gentiles. Paul was the foremost defender of there being but one gospel, one faith, with no difference between Jew and Gentile. It has been shown that there is nothing that can be taken away from Paul’s gospel to make it different than Peter’s. Further, if works are added, it nullifies grace and faith, nullifying the gospel. *Job 25:4* **How then can man be justified with God**? or **how can he be clean that is born of a woman**? Paul most assuredly did not preach a divided Church, a dual gospel. *Ephesians 4:4-6* There is **one body**, and **one Spirit**, even as ye are called in **one hope** of your calling; 5**One Lord**, **one faith**, **one baptism**, 6**One God** and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Paul preached one undivided gospel and a curse on anyone who preached another. Grace Theology is divisive in that it says the Gentiles are of Paul and the Jews are of Peter. *1 Corinthians 1:23-24* But **we preach Christ crucified**, **unto the Jews** a stumblingblock, and **unto the Greeks** foolishness; 24But unto them which are called, **both Jews and Greeks**, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. *Romans 15:16* That I should be **the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles**, ministering **the gospel of God**, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. *“Ministering the Gospel of God”* to the Gentiles, not ministering the gospel of the Gentiles, the gospel of the uncircumcision to the uncircumcision. *Galatians 1:8-9* But **though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed**. 9As we said before, so say I now again, **If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed**. It has never been by the act of doing what God said to obtain righteousness, but by doing it out of faith toward Him. Salvation has always been and always will be by God’s grace through faith in Him, which excludes works of any kind. *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh is the reward **not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. It seems apparent that Grace Theology has not completely made it over the *“stumblingstone.”* *Job 19:25* For I know that **my redeemer liveth**, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Paul was given *“**A** dispensation of the gospel,”* *“the gospel of the grace of God,”* not a unique dispensation particular to its own special gospel for Gentiles. *1 Corinthians 9:17* For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, **a dispensation of the gospel** is committed unto me. It was just one of several dispensations of the gospel. It has always been a gospel of grace that was divided into dispensations, grace throughout all dispensations. Salvation by the gospel of grace through faith was not a mystery solely given to Paul. Granted, Noah, Job, Abraham, and the Old Testament saints might not have known that their salvation was contingent upon the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ Jesus for the payment of sins, but it was upon their faith that God granted them his grace and forgiveness of sins. For further understanding, see the Studies , “[**Methodology of Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/ "Methodology of Salvation"), and [**Dispensational Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dispensational-salvation/ "Dispensational Salvation"), Paul ministered to both Jew and Gentile. After his pronouncement of a curse on any other gospel, It is doubtful he preached a different one to the Jews. *Romans 15:25* But now **I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints**. Just as importantly, the mysteries were not only revealed to Paul, but to others as well. *Ephesians 3:4-5* Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as **it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets** by the Spirit; Taking all that has been said into consideration, how can it be asserted that there is more than one gospel of the saving grace of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? There is only one other gospel in the Scriptures, and that is the gospel of the kingdom, which concerns Israel as a nation and the restoration of its kingdom in the millennium. The consequences of this error might not be clearly seen at this time, but it is a false understanding of God’s word. As such, it can only bring harm to the gospel of salvation, if only by the confusion and division it causes within the Church of God. Where this theology began is inconsequential; diligent study and rightly dividing God’s word is all that is needed to understand that it is in error. All of what has been said in this study must be considered and explained away in order for Grace Theology to maintain itself. Some brothers will stick to their guns no matter what, for many reasons, all bad. The one sure fact is that they reject half of what Paul, the apostle, whom they claim as theirs, says. Then there are false brethren, false apostles, false prophets, false teachers, and Satan and his minions, bringing in damnable heresies. This is not a pointed condemnation of anyone; it is just a fact. Many advocating this doctrine have been soul winners. However, the many deceivers we are warned about is the reason each and every one of us needs to know and study the Bible for themselves. Peter preached grace through faith for salvation, the same as Paul. *1 Peter 1:9-10* Receiving the end of **your faith**, even the **salvation** of your souls. 10Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who **prophesied of the grace** that should come unto you: > Nothing less than a whole Bible > can make a whole Christian. AW. Tozer (1897-1963) **[Preface ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/#uagb-tabs__tab0)**– **[Introduction ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/#uagb-tabs__tab1)**– **[The Gospel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/#uagb-tabs__tab2)** – **[Works ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/#uagb-tabs__tab3)**– **[Dispensations ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/#uagb-tabs__tab4)**– **[Mysteries ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/#uagb-tabs__tab5)**– **[In Closing](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-of-grace/#uagb-tabs__tab6)** Rate this post **Categories:** Erroneous Beliefs **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [1 Peter 4:7-10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-peter-47-10/) **Published:** July 26, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8And **above all things have fervent charity among yourselves**: for **charity shall cover the multitude of sins**. 9**Use hospitality one to another without grudging**. 10As every man hath received the gift, even so **minister the same one to another, as good stewards** of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:7-10 *Colossians 3:12-14* **Put on therefore, as the elect of God**, holy and beloved, **bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering**; 13**Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another**, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And **above all these things put on charity**, which is the bond of perfectness. Many erroneously replace the word ‘charity’ with ‘love’. They are related but not necessarily synonymous, even if translated from the same Greek word. The Greek is no different than English; the same word can not only mean more than one thing but also have shades of meaning. The opposite of love is hate; the opposite of charity is selfishness. To be charitable is to be selfless, to give of yourself to others, this is to love others as yourself. Although we are dead to sin in that all are paid for, we still sin in the flesh. *Romans 6:2* God forbid. How shall **we, that are dead to sin**, live any longer therein? We who are saved by the faith of Jesus Christ still have to appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account of our lives. *“Fervent Charity”* will cover many negatives, sins, on that day. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now **if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. It has nothing to do with some sins not being covered, as others have stated, or having to work to maintain salvation. All sins were paid for by Christ’s atonement, and once saved, always saved, is our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/ "Liberty In Christ"). Failing to “rightly divide the word of truth” raises many false interpretations. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study** to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, **rightly dividing the word of truth**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Peter --- ### [2 Timothy 2:15 - Study](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-timothy-2-15/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 *1 Timothy 5:17* Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who **labour in the word and doctrine**. *Ecclesiastes 12:12* And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and **much study is a weariness of the flesh**. To understand the Bible takes diligent study, effort, and combating the flesh. Take note in this articles main concern, 2 Timothy 2:15, that the injunction to study is a personal individual command. It is thyself, not yourselves, workman, not workmen. It is written to each and every believer not just to the elders, bishops, pastors. It is our responsibility, our duty, to read and diligently study God’s word. We are given a reason and a purpose to study. The reason is to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen who need not be ashamed. It is a shame for us not to have the answers to questions we might be ask when we claim to hold so dear the word of God. Most importantly, will we be ashamed at the Judgment Seat of Christ when it is show we put the things of the world: financial gain, entertainment, sports, hunting, fishing, Yoga, Soap Operas, before the reading and studying the Scriptures? The reason to diligently study is so that we are able to rightly divide the words of truth. We must therefore acknowledge that the Bible contains divisions that if not properly comprehended will pervert the truth. Take note also that it does not say to study the word of truth to rightly divide the word of truth, but to study. That is, it does not say what specifically to study so we are left with study everything that will guide you to rightly divide the Scriptures. One of the most significate means of rightly dividing is to keep things in context. There is the adage, a text without context is a pretext. Here is a pithy little poem to guide us in dividing as we study: **I had six honest serving men, They taught me all I knew, Their names were Where and What and When And Why and How and Who.** Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) English short-story writer, poet, and novelist It will greatly help you to understand scripture if you note – not only what is spoken and written, but of whom and to whom, with what words, at what time, where, to what intent, with what circumstances, considering what goes before and what follows. Introduction to the Coverdale Bible translation (1535 ) Miles Coverdale (1488 – 1569) Figure out the what, the where, the when, the why, the how, and the who of a passage of Scripture before assigning an interpretation. Another crucial element that many a false teaching is derive due to the failure of it being upheld is grammar. Basic grammar must be maintained and applied to arrive at the correct interpretation. A sentence is the smallest unit of grammar that has definite meaning. To rip a clause, phrase, or group of words out of their sentence leaves them open to any meaning. This is how the Bible is twisted and wrested to make it mean anything. This is one way of creating a private interpretation. For an example of failing to understand and use proper grammar see the verse insight for [**Ephesians 2:8-9**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-28-9/ "Ephesians 2:8-9"). We are not speaking of studying Hebrew and Greek, but the English of the Authorized Version of 1611 commonly called the King James Version. One is grateful to have studied Hebrew and Greek, just to be able to tell others who have not that they do not require either to hearken to our Heavenly Father’s voice…. the Bible was not given to scholars, but to the people, and *“hear we every man in our own tongue wherein we were born”* “How to Master the Bible”, Gray, J. M. (1906) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Timothy --- ### [Hebrews 11:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hebrews-11-6/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that **he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him**. Hebrews 11:6 I have been asked, How do you know that God is speaking to you when you are reading the Bible so you understand it correctly? You need to obey the rules of diligent study. - Context: keep all in context, do not just take a verse by itself. - Context: maintain proper grammatical structure. Nothing less than a whole sentence has definite meaning. - Study sentence by sentence. Context: a sentence must have a complete thought. The complete thought might be made up of several thoughts. - Verses divide the Bible into individual thoughts. A sentence might be contained in one verse or contain several verses. The thought within a verse might be modified or limited by the context of the sentence it is within. - Context: If your interpretation contradicts another passage you have something wrong; the Bible does not contradict itself. From: **[Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/ "Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible")** 1. 1. Study diligently 2. Believe all that is written 3. Do not add nor diminish from the words, meaning, or sense of the Scripture 4. The Bible is God’s revelation to man, we are not looking for what God could have, should have, what we think he ought to have, we are looking for what God revealed. 5. God uses similitudes, word pictures describing things that may be designated differently at differing times in history. 6. Study that you might rightly divide the word of truth 7. Doctrines are built of precepts and precepts are formed here a little, there a little, line upon line. Another old adage that needs to be followed: > I had six honest serving men, > They taught me all I knew, > Their names were > Where and What and When And Why > and How and Who. > > Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) English short-story writer, poet, and novelist Figure out the what, where, when, why, how, and who of a passage of Scripture before assigning an interpretation. > > The word of God will stand a thousand readings; and he who has gone over it most frequently is the surest of finding new wonders there. > > James Hamilton (1814–1867) English Clergy Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Hebrews **Tags:** Faith --- ### [2 Corinthians 10:8-11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-10-8-11/) **Published:** August 22, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: 9That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. 10For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. 2 Corinthians 10:8-11 Paul is being mocked and disparaged by some, claiming that Paul and those with him are acting in conformity with flesh. Note the ‘us’ in the passage: *“which the Lord hath given **us** for edification.”* *2 Corinthians 10:2* But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against **some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.** Paul says that, with the same weight and power of his letters, he will be in person. He seems to be giving fair warning that someone needs to take heed and straighten up before he gets there. Paul has been through way too much to be accused of such. *2 Corinthians 11:23-28* Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) **I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.** 24Of the Jews **five times received I forty stripes save one**. 25**Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck**, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 26**In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren**; 27**In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness**. 28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [Romans 8:35-39](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-835-39/) **Published:** November 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The context is that no matter what the saints have to go through, persecution and suffering, we as Christians are called to endure for the faith of Christ Jesus. The statement is that none of it or anything else can separate us from God’s love or Christ Jesus. In this, we have more than conquered the world and the powers of darkness: once saved, *always saved*. *Philippians 1:29* For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, **but also to suffer for his sake**; *1 John 4:4* **Ye are of God**, little children, **and have overcome them**: because **greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world**. *2 Timothy 2:3* Thou therefore **endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ**. *1 Corinthians 2:9* But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, **the things which God hath prepared for them that love him**. If your faith is weak, read and diligently study God’s word. The more you know God the more trust can be put in Him. *Romans 10:17* So then **faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God**. > [How to Study the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/) > [Psalms 138:2 Duty to Study the Bible!](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-1382duty-to-study-the-bible/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 8:28](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-8-28/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 This verse can and is to be applied everywhere and at all times. It answers the question, “Why do the righteous suffer?” We are not called to a life that will be a bed of roses. That false idea will lead to disappointment and confusion. Whatever those who love God are called to do or go through will, in the end, be good. *Romans 8:18* For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time **are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us**. *Philippians 1:29* For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, **but also to suffer for his sake**; A brother who once told me that he and his wife sat down with their teenage daughter one night to discuss salvation and Christian service; the daughter confirmed her love of Christ and desire to give her life in service to him. Two days later, she was killed by a drunk driver; five of her friends received Christ unto salvation at her funeral service. If you love God and Christ, whatever you have to go through will be of the Lord and meant for good. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Ecclesiastes 12:1-7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-12-1-7/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Remember now thy Creator **in the days of thy youth**, **while the evil days come not**, **nor the years draw nigh**, **when thou shalt say**, **I have no pleasure in them**; 2While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 3In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 4And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of musick shall be brought low; 5Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home (dies), and the mourners go about the streets: 6Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7Then shall **the dust return to the earth** as it was: and **the spirit shall return unto God** who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 is one complete sentence and God is speaking to the youth of all ages. It gives the admonition to remember God while young and then go on to describe old age. - No pleasure - Lost of sight - Weakiness - Lost of teeth - Sleeplessness - Lost of hearing - Fearful of everything - Desires fail Then comes death. *Ecclesiastes 11:9* **Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth**; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: **but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment**. *Ecclesiastes 12:13-14* **Let us hear the conclusion** of the whole matter: **Fear God, and keep his commandments**: for **this is the whole duty of man**. 14For **God shall bring every work into judgment**, with every secret thing, **whether it be good, or whether it be evil**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes **Tags:** Life --- ### [Ecclesiastes 9:11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-9-11/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* ***Time and Chance*** Of the **[four major theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/ "The Four Main Theologies")** two deny time and chance. The fact that the Bible states that time and chance happens to all men eliminates Calvinistic predestination where all is predetermined before the foundation of the world. The judgments of God, man’s free will desires, as well as time and chance all work together in God’s plan. … taking into account the astonishing number of possibilities of parents meeting, grandparents meeting before them, and so on going back generations, and then adding the vast number of sperm and ova in possible combinations over decades of the marital act in all those generations, the odds of me existing just as I do are about 1 in 102,685,000. [The Probability of You Existing at All Is Unbelievably Low](https://blog.adw.org/2018/08/probability-existing-unbelievably-low-yet-lets-look-numbers/) > > [How to Determine Purpose?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-can-one-determine-their-purpose/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes --- ### [Ecclesiastes 7:16-17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-716-17/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Be not righteous over much**; **neither make thyself over wise**: **why shouldest thou destroy thyself**? *17***Be not over much wicked**, **neither be thou foolish**: **why shouldest thou die before thy time**? *Ecclesiastes 7:16*-17 Having, expressing, and advocating an intelligent, informed opinion enhances prestige. Being an ideologue, absolutist, self-righteous zealot, thinking yourself smarter than everyone else, and force-feeding your ideals onto others or society destroys legitimacy, credibility, and stature, in effect destroying oneself. The biblical term for this is “scorner.” *Proverbs 21:24* Proud and haughty **scorner is his name**, who dealeth in proud wrath. *Proverbs 22:10* **Cast out the scorner**, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease. The wickedness of many has caused premature death, whether as punishment for crimes, another’s vengeance, or God simply taking them out. Foolishness has killed its thousands; *“What are you afraid of, watch me!”*, *“Oh, I can make it!”*. Johnny Ace, an R&B singer, died in 1954 while playing with a pistol during a break in his concert set. His last words were, *‘It’s okay! Gun’s not loaded… see?’* and pointed it at himself with a smile on his face and ‘Bang!’ > https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny\_Ace Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes --- ### [Daniel 8:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/daniel-8-14/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Daniel 8:13-14 It is speaking of the time of Jacob’s trouble, the Great Tribulation. At that time, the anti-Christ, as he is called, will set up an idol, an abomination, in the temple. *Daniel 12:11* And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be **a thousand two hundred and ninety days**. At the end of the Tribulation the temple, sanctuary, will be cleansed of the abominations and resanctified. The ten-day difference in the time given is, I assume, the time of the cleansing. These times can seem complicated, and I admit that I too, need to spend more time in the study of them. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Daniel **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Colossians 3:12-14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-3-12-14/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Colossians 3:12-14* 12 **Put on** therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, **bowels of mercies**, **kindness**, **humbleness of mind**, **meekness**, **longsuffering**; 13 Forbearing one another, and **forgiving one another**, if any man have a quarrel against any: **even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye**. 14 And **above all** these things **put on charity**, **which is the bond of perfectness**. This chapter of Colossians is roundup of how we are as Christians are to live our lives and interact with others. To “forbear” means: Showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adversity; slow to retaliate or express resentment. This is what is signified here; forbearing is the correct translation. In Galatians, we are instructed to *“Bear ye one another’s burdens”*; this is far from forebear. *Galatians 6:2* **Bear ye one another’s burdens**, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Verses 12-13 constitute one sentence, so to get the proper context, the whole sentence must be taken into consideration. The conclusion is to put on charity. Many feel that charity is a mistranslation in places, but it is not. Charity is the opposite of selfishness; it is selflessness, to give of yourself freely, no strings, no repayment, no quid pro quo, to use a term that is in the news a lot. Although close in meaning in some cases, charity demands more of oneself; it goes beyond the love of an individual; it is the love of common decency toward all men. Not being selfless (being selfish) is the second-greatest sin in the Bible (KJV) next to blaspheming the Holy Ghost. *14* And **above all these things put on charity**, **which is the bond of perfectness**. Charity is the opposite of selfishness; it is being selfless. You cannot obey the commandment to love others as yourself unless it is out of charity/selflessness. > [1 Corinthians 13 – Charity](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-13/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians --- ### [Colossians 3:1-7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-3-1-7/) **Published:** July 18, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above**, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2**Set your affection on things above**, not on things on the earth. 3**For ye are dead**, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, **then shall ye also appear with him in glory**. 5**Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth**; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7**In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them**. Colossians 3:1-7 If ye then be risen with Christ, **seek those things which are above**, *[Colossians 2:10-12 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-2-10-12/ "Colossians 2:8-14")*And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12**Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 1 John 2:15 **Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world**. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. *Galatians 2:20* **I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me**: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, t**hen shall ye also appear with him in glory**. *1 John 3:2* Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and **it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him**; for we shall see him as he is. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; *Romans 8:5* For **they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh**; but **they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit**. *For* **which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience**: *Ephesians 5:6 KJV* **Let no man deceive you with vain words**: for **because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience**. In the which **ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them**. *Ephesians 5:8-11* For **ye were sometimes darkness**, but **now are ye light in the Lord**: **walk as children of light**: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And **have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians --- ### [Colossians 2:8-14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-2-10-12/) **Published:** November 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Colossians 2:8-9* Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Philosophy is the attempt to reason a knowledge of God and his ways without studying his revelations, precepts, or teachings in their proper context. One just reads a verse and thinks up an interpretation without comparing Scripture with Scripture. However, God’s ways and thoughts are past the ability of man to fathom without his revelations and instructions. *Romans 11:33* O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! **how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out**! To privately interpret a verse is to interpret it apart from its context and apply whatever meaning is assumed to fit; this is philosophy. To properly understand a portion of Scripture, context must be maintained, not only that of the passage but the chapter, book, and the entire Bible. If any portion of Scripture fails to fit within or contradicts another portion of the Bible or teaching, then it is wrong somewhere. *Colossians 2:10-12* And **ye are complete in him**, which is the head of all principality and power: `11`In whom also **ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: `12`**Buried with him in baptism**, wherein also ye are **risen with him through the faith of the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. Verses 10–12 constitute a complete sentence; all must be kept in the context of the sentence. The context of the passage is our salvation. *Colossians 2:13-14* And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath **he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses**; `14`**Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us**, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, **nailing it to his cross**; Our salvation is complete in Him. There is no need or requirement to add anything to it: once saved, always saved. Many try and bring us back under the bondage of the law, teaching that we must keep the law to maintain our salvation or simply be water baptized to obtain salvation. This is tantamount to salvation by works. *Galatians 2:4* And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to **spy out our liberty** which we have in Christ Jesus, **that they might bring us into bondage**: Our [**liberty in Christ**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/) is the security of our salvation. It is complete in Christ Jesus. > [Liberty In Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Amos 5:4-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/amos-5-4-21/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** This is a bit less than a verse-by-verse commentary, but It will provide the general idea. The Lord is telling Israel to stop sinning and not to seek the idolatrous and evil ways of Bethel, Gilgal, or Beersheb, but to seek him that they may live . *Amos 5:4* For thus saith the LORD unto the house of Israel, **Seek ye me, and ye shall live**: *Amos 5:7* Ye who **turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness** in the earth, *Amos 5:10* **They hate him that rebuketh in the gate**, and **they abhor him that speaketh uprightly**. That is, they hate the prophet/preacher who is warning them to turn from their ways. *Amos 5:12-13* For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right. 13Therefore **the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time**. The land is full of corruption (kind of like now) so those not in the click or member of the club keep their mouths shut and hope no one comes after them. *Amos 5:14-15* **Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live**: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. 15**Hate the evil, and love the good**, and **establish judgment** **in the gate**: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph. Once more, the Lord instructs them to pursue what is good. The gate symbolizes the courts of law, where matters were judged by the priests and elders—essentially the entrances to the city. *Amos 5:18* **Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD**! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. The day of the Lord is always a reference to the tribulation and second coming of Christ Jesus. So it appears the passage is concerning Israel’s final judgment, the time of Jacob’s trouble. *Jeremiah 30:7* Alas! for **that day is great**, so that **none is like it**: it is even **the time of Jacob’s trouble**; but he shall be saved out of it. *Matthew 24:21* For **then shall be great tribulation**, such **as was not since the beginning of the world** to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Amos --- ### [Amos 9: 7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/amos-9-7/) **Published:** June 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Why does God liken Israel to the Ethiopians?** **Are ye not as children of the Ethiopians unto me**, O children of Israel? saith the LORD. Have not I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt? and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir? *Amos 9:7* *Jeremiah 13:23* **Can the Ethiopian change his skin**, or **the leopard his spots**? then may ye also do good, **that are accustomed to do evil**. God has given Israel many many chances to change their ways and do good but they refused. They are so accustomed to doing evil the Lord likens them to the Ethiopian who cannot change his skin or as the leopard that cannot change his spots. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Amos **Tags:** Israel --- ### [Acts 20:35](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-20-35/) **Published:** November 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, **It is more blessed to give than to receive**. Acts 20:35 It is often asked where the quote “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is found. There is no direct quote to that effect recorded in the Gospels. At this point, Paul may have, and probably did have, copies of the letters written by the other apostles, just as Peter refers to what Paul has written. *2 Peter 3:15* And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; **even as our beloved brother Paul** also according to the wisdom given unto him **hath written unto you**; Although it is not recorded in one of the gospel letters, it could be a compilation or paraphrase of one or more verses in the Gospels. Many things the Lord did and said were not recorded in the Gospels. The idea is certainly contained within the Scriptures. *John 21:25* And **there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written**. Amen. Paul could have been told it by one of the other apostles, by Luke, or directly from our Lord himself. *Galatians 1:18-19* Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and **abode with him fifteen days**. 19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. *Galatians 2:1* Then fourteen years after **I went up again to Jerusalem** with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. *Galatians 1:12* For **I** neither **received it** of man, neither was I taught it, but **by the revelation of Jesus Christ**. The idea is certainly contained within the Scriptures. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts --- ### [Acts 13:47-48](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-13-47-48/) **Published:** September 28, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. 48And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and **as many as were ordained to eternal life believed**. Acts 13:47-48 An individual’s salvation being predestined is wholly unbiblical. The teaching makes the Bible contradict itself, and in such cases, you know you have something wrong, as the Bible does not contradict itself. **[The plan of salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/ "Methodology of Salvation")** is predetermined, not individual salvation. *John 15:16* Ye have not chosen me, but **I have chosen you**, **and ordained you**, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. You will notice in the above verse that choosing someone and ordaining them is not the same. Setting the condition to be ordained before the foundation of the world does not mean you met those conditions and were chosen at the same time. The plan of salvation ordained that all who would trust in the Lord Jesus Christ would be chosen and saved. *Acts 1:22-25* Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, **must one be ordained** to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 23And **they appointed two**, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, **shew whether of these two thou hast chosen**, 25That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. Here, two men who had been with them beginning with John the Baptist and who witnessed with them the Lord’s resurrection were by the apostles set before the Lord; the man chosen by God was ordained to be a witness with them. “**as many as were ordained to eternal life believed**.” The Holy Spirit’s ministry is to deal with the hearts of men, convict them of their sins, and the need of salvation. *John 15:26* But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, **he shall testify of me**: These men heard the word and were glad and glorified God; all who turned to God and trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ were ordained by God to be saved, but were chosen after they believed. God does not have to let you believe. *Matthew 13:14-16* And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, **By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive**: 15For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; **lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them**. 16But blessed are your eyes, **for they see: and your ears, for they hear**. So here we have people whose hearts are not right, and the Lord does not let them believe, and then there are those whose hearts are right and he does. God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian, French Mathematician, Physicist To see the truth of this, you have to abandon your false premise of predestination. If you retain this false framework, you will read predestination into everything. > [The Four Main Theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts --- ### [1 Corinthians 14:33](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-14-33-2/) **Published:** September 2, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The Bible maintains that God is not the author of confusion; therefore, can confusion in the interpretation of the Bible be a result of sin? For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33 First, note that it says he is not “the author of confusion”, not ‘an’ author. This would mean that there is a “the author”, but if not God then who? Satan. God did not allow for the confusion of having multiple authors of confusion. The context is order in the assembly of believers. The way of confusion is not of God but of order and peace. Confusion is also a consequence of sin. Daniel 9:8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. Lacking a right heart toward God and the correct attitude toward studying the Scriptures leads to misinterpretations and misunderstandings of God’s word, causing confusion in the assemblies of the Lord. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Life --- ### [1 Corinthians 14:1-25 - Tongues](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-14-1-25/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 The subject of 1 Corinthians 14, tongues, if properly considered, is simple to understand. I firmly believe that the references below show what the proper attitude toward the use of tongues should be. I believe they establish the **[context ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/)**in which Paul is trying to instruct the Corinthians, babes in Christ, who show their lack of understanding and have just about everything wrong. *1 Corinthians 12:29-30* Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? **do all speak with tongues**? do all interpret? The answer to all those questions is No; hence, tongues can have nothing to do with proof of salvation. Throughout the whole discourse on gifts/tongues we are instructed they are of little value and that we ought to desire to prophesy (preach the word). *1 Corinthians 14:5* I would that ye all spake with tongues, **but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues**, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Why waste time on a lesser-valued gift and not concentrate on the greater one? *1 Corinthians 14:9* So likewise ye, **except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood**, how shall it be known what is spoken? for **ye shall speak into the air**. > *“Speak into the air”* = Waste your breath. *1 Corinthians 14:11* Therefore if **I know not the meaning** of the voice, **I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me**. Speaking of a language spoken by men, not some angel talk. The English are known for thinking those not speaking English were beneath them, barbarians. *1 Corinthians 14:12* Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, **seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church**. 1 Corinthians 14:4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue **edifieth himself**; but **he that prophesieth edifieth the church**. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15 For **if I pray in an unknown tongue**, my spirit prayeth, but **my understanding is unfruitful**. 15What is it then? **I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also**. *1 Corinthians 14:18-19* I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19Yet **in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding**, that by my voice I might teach others also, **than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue**. I will pray with *“the understanding”* means I will not pray in an unknown tongue. *1 Corinthians 14:20-22* Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21In the law it is written, **With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people**; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22Wherefore **tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not**: but **prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe**. Tongues are not for use before believers. A Church assembly should be geared toward believers. Tongues are not for use in the Church. *1 Corinthians 14:23-25* If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, **and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad**? `24`But **if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all**: `25`And **thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest**; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. Verses 23-25 is an instruction on the confusion and lack of edification that speaking in tongues in the Church causes. Tongues are a reference to Jews being witnessed by non-Jews of many different languages. Tongues are not for use in the Church. Believers are to prophesy, preach the word to other believers. If everyone preaches the word, unbelievers will be converted by the Spirit’s dealing with and manifesting a man’s own heart to himself. *1 Corinthians 14:34* **Let your women keep silence in the churches**: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. If it is not right for a woman to speak out in the Church, she certainly should not be speaking in tongues in church? The point is, I think many put too positive a spin on the subject. Paul cannot deny the gift of tongues; he himself had it, but is trying to put it in proper perspective. It is the least of gifts and not for use in the Church, *“greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues.”* If you desire to serve God, do so the best way: diligently study God’s word and preach it. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Tongues --- ### [1 Corinthians 11:10 - Hair](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-11-10/) **Published:** December 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels**. 1 Corinthians 11:10 The truth of the matter is that no one, at least that I know of, has a sufficient interpretation of this passage to be definitive. Unfortunately, there are a couple of such passages. The context is honoring authority over you. The line of authority is: 1. God 2. Christ 3. Man 4. Woman What one’s head covering, hair, has to do with it, is also difficult to say. But hair is definitely significant, as mankind has been using it as a symbol since time immemorial. It is rather long, but this is what I obtained when asking ChatGPT “how has hair been used as a symbol?” ChatGPT said: Hair has long been a potent symbol in cultures worldwide, representing identity, power, spirituality, social status, and personal transformation. Its significance varies across contexts and eras, reflecting diverse human experiences and beliefs. **Cultural and Religious Symbolism** > 1. **Spiritual Power**: In many cultures, long hair is seen as a source of spiritual strength. For example: **Samson in the Bible**: His hair symbolized his divine strength.**Sikhs**: Uncut hair (kesh) signifies devotion to God and respect for natural creation. Some Native American traditions view hair as a connection to the spirit world. > 2. **Sacred Rituals**: Shaving or cutting hair is often a rite of passage or spiritual renewal. **Buddhist monks** shave their heads to signify renunciation of worldly [Under Construction](http://attachments.in/) Hinduism, shaving the head during mourning represents humility and purification. > 3. **Modesty and Piety**: Covered hair is a symbol of modesty in many faiths, such as Islam (hijab) and Orthodox Judaism (sheitel or tichel). --- > **Power and Status** > 1. **Royalty and Nobility**: Elaborate hairstyles or wigs in ancient Egypt, Europe, and other societies denoted wealth, status, and power.The powdered wigs of 17th–18th century Europe symbolized aristocracy and authority. > 2. **Gender and Fertility**: Flowing hair has often been linked to femininity and fertility. In many cultures, it serves as a marker of beauty and Youth. In contrast, cropped hair or shaving has historically been used to signify shame or punishment, such as in post-WWII Europe when women accused of collaborating with Nazis were publicly shorn. --- > **Rebellion and Identity** > 1. **Counterculture Movements**: In the 1960s, long hair became a symbol of rebellion and freedom among hippies, rejecting mainstream societal norms. Punk hairstyles (e.g., mohawks) represent defiance and individuality. > > *(I will add here that short hair on women has been the symbol of rebellion and rejection of biblical norms.)* > 2. **Ethnic Pride**: Natural hair movements, such as the embrace of afros during the Civil Rights Movement, have symbolized Black pride and resistance against racial oppression. --- > **Transformation and Change** > > Haircuts often symbolize personal or societal transformation: > - **Military Recruits**: Shaved heads mark a break from civilian life. > - **Post-Trauma or Renewal**: Changing hairstyles can signify a fresh start or healing after significant life events. --- > **Modern Interpretations** > > Hair continues to play a vital role in personal expression, signaling individuality, cultural identity, and social movements. From rainbow-colored hair in LGBTQ+ communities to the political implications of wearing natural hair, it remains a medium for communicating deeper messages. --- Knowing this makes it unsurprising that the Bible mentions hair. Regardless of whether we understand the meaning fully we can comprehend the actions we are to adhere to. - Man should not have long hair - Woman should not have short hair *1 Corinthians 11:14-15* `KJV `Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, **if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him**? `15`But **if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her**: for **her hair is given her for a covering**. Those then who adhere to this admonition would be honoring God. It is interesting that in the first verse, Paul says, *“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”* In the second, he states that he is a deliverer of ordinances. I take it then that the admonition that follows is something we need to take seriously. Men and women have always been intrigued with and used hair as a symbol **[The Trendiest Hairstyles](https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/hair/g3471/most-popular-hairstyles-of-all-time/)** Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 11:1-16 - Head Covering](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-1-11-15/) **Published:** December 13, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2Now I praise you, brethren, that **ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you**. 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 He is restating the ordinances and instructing on the proper attitude that the assembly should have. *1 Corinthians 11:3* But I would have you know, that **the head of every man is Christ**; and **the head of the woman is the man**; and **the head of Christ is God**. The order of authority in the family is God, Christ, man, woman. *1 Corinthians 11:4-6* Every man praying or prophesying, having his head **covered**, dishonoureth his head. 5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head **uncovered** dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were **shaven**. 6For if the woman be not **covered**, let her also be **shorn**: but if it be a shame for a woman to be **shorn** or **shaven**, let her be **covered**. The opposite of covered is to be shorn or shaven. This sets up verses 14-15. 14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, **if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him**? 15But **if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her**: for **her hair is given her for a covering**. *1 Corinthians 11:7-9* For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as **he is the image and glory of God**: but **the woman is the glory of the man**. 8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. It is just a fact of creation that the woman was made for the man. This does not make her less than a man. *1 Corinthians 11:10* For this cause ought **the woman to have power on her head because of the angels**. I do not know the meaning of this nor have I ever heard one from any source. The only reference to it is Genesis, where the Angles leaving their first estate to marry women. Until further light is given, this is all we have. *1 Corinthians 11:11-12* Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, **in the Lord**. 12For **as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman**; but **all things of God**. That is: God created both man and woman. Though different, in the Lord they stand equal before the Lord as desiring to have the same compassion, mercy, and grace on both, as well as holding them to the same standard of responsibility to obey His commandments. *1 Corinthians 11:13-15* Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God **uncovered**? 14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, **if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him**? 15But **if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her**: for **her hair is given her for a covering**. The covering spoken of is your hair. Men should not have long hair, women should have long hair. If you are a man who cannot tell how long long is, shave your head. If you are a woman who cannot tell how long long is, never cut your hair. What are the first things covered by long hair? Your ears and back of the neck. *1 Corinthians 11:16* But **if any man seem to be contentious**, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. Verse 16 is simply stating the it is not something to waste time debating. If one does not desire to obey this admonition, so be it. Let the faithful condemn him by obeying. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 10:13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-1013/) **Published:** December 21, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, **who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able**; but **will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it**. *1 Corinthians 10:13* Not being tempted beyond what you are able means you can resist any temptation. Many times, God puts more on you than you can handle, so that you have to look to Him for help? *Psalms 50:15* And **call upon me in the day of trouble**: I will deliver thee, and **thou shalt glorify me**. If you can handle everything, how is God to be glorified? Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 10:1-12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-101-12/) **Published:** December 13, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were **under the cloud**, and **all passed through the sea**; 2And **were all baptized unto Moses** in the cloud and in the sea; 3And **did all eat the same spiritual meat**; 4And **did all drink the same spiritual drink**: for **they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them**: and **that Rock was Christ**. *1 Corinthians 10:1-4* Those who came before us had all the same spirituality we have, and yet many of them fell into diverse sins. *1 Corinthians 10:12-13* Wherefore **let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall**. 13T**here hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man**: We should not think we are any better than they or more able to handle life’s trials and temptations. There is no temptation they were tempted with that is not common to all men, and we are just as liable to succumb to them as they did. *1 Corinthians 10:14* but God is faithful, **who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able**; but will **with the temptation also make a way to escape**, that ye may be able to bear it. God will not allow you to be tempted or put in a situation that you cannot resist or find a way out—if you want one. He will make a way out, not force you to take the way out. *1 Corinthians 10:6-11* Now **these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted**. 7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11**Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come**. Wherefore **let him that thinketh he standeth** **take heed lest he fall**. *1 Corinthians 10:12* Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 9:24-27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-924-27-2/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25And **every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things**. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27But **I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection**: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Paul is encouraging the saints to remain faithful, comparing our race and fight in this life of service for Christ to a worldly athlete in that they prepare and keep fit and strive to win. It is often mistaken that Paul is speaking of a competition; that is not the case. Many rewards await the saint who faithfully serves. Every saint is just as eligible to receive them according to their service. Some are described as crowns. *2 Timothy 4:8* Henceforth **there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness**, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but**[ unto all them also that love his appearing](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-rapture-or-translation-of-the-church/)**. *James 1:12* **Blessed is the man that endureth temptation**: for when he is tried, **he shall receive the crown of life**, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. The elders who feed the flock properly will receive a crown of glory. *1Peter 5:1-4* **The elders which are among you I exhort**, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2**Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof**, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4And **when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away**. *“Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway”*, This is not speaking of losing salvation but being a castaway at the Judgment Seat of Christ and losing the crowns. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-8-4-6/) **Published:** January 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto **idols**, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. 5 For **though there be that are called gods,** whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 6 But **to us there is but one God**, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 There are the false gods of men’s invention. *Psalms 82:6* `KJV `**I have said, Ye are gods**; and all of you are children of the most High. Then there are those God says are gods. (Not going into to who here.) *Deuteronomy 10:17* For the LORD your God is **God of gods, and Lord of lords**, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: *Joshua 22:22* **The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods**, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,) *Psalms 136:2* O give thanks unto **the God of gods**: for his mercy endureth for ever. *Daniel 2:47* The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a **God of gods, and a Lord of kings**, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. *Daniel 11:36* And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against **the God of gods**, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. When it come to God, big G, there is only one. *Isaiah 44:6* Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am **the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [1 Corinthians 7:36-37](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-7-36-37/) **Published:** May 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward **his virgin**, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: **let them marry**. 37Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that **he will keep his virgin, doeth well**. *1 Corinthians 7:36-37* We only have to look at Joseph and Mary for an example of this. They were espoused/betrothed, legally; Mary was Joseph’s wife in all ways except sexual relations. They could have remained that way for as long as they liked. Marriage can be consummated or not consummated. *Matthew 1:18-19* Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary **was espoused to Joseph**, **before they came together**, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19Then Joseph **her husband**, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. *Deuteronomy 22:23-24* If a damsel that is **a virgin be betrothed unto an husband**, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; 24Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; **the damsel**, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath **humbled his neighbour’s wife**: so thou shalt put away evil from among you. When a woman says “Yes”, the marriage begins. You are a couple, even if the consummation is years away. Neither has any right to give themselves to another. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [1 Corinthians 6:19](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-619/) **Published:** August 29, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [1 Corinthians 6:19](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A19&version=KJV) *1 Corinthians 6:19* What? know ye not that your body is **the temple of the Holy Ghost** which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? *2 Corinthians 6:16* And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for **ye are the temple of the living God**; as God hath said, **I will dwell in them**, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. **1 Corinthians 3:16** Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that **the Spirit of God dwelleth in you**? *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, **ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, *Ephesians 4:30* And grieve not **the holy Spirit of God**, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. Taken together, I am confident in my belief that the Holy Spirit is as much God as the Father and the Word. *1 John 5:7* For there are three that bear record in heaven, **the Father**, **the Word**, and **the Holy Ghost**: and **these three are one**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 6:12 & 1 Corinthians 10:23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-612-1-corinthians-1023/) **Published:** December 25, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *1 Corinthians 6:12* **All things are lawful unto me**, but all things are not expedient: **all things are lawful for me**, but I will not be brought under the power of any. [1 Corinthians 6:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A12&version=KJV) All things are lawful for me, **but all things are not expedient**: all things are lawful for me, **but all things edify not.** [1 Corinthians 10:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010%3A23&version=KJV) If you read the context of the chapters, it will be taken that these verses are part of a warning to the saints not to use their liberty in Christ, once saved, always saved, as an occasion to violate God’s laws and commandments. *Galatians 5:13* For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; **only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh**, but by love serve one another. *1 Peter 2:16* As free, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as the servants of God. We are dead to the law in Christ; that is, being dead, the law has no more power to condemn us. *“All things are lawful,”* as we are not in bondage to the law. However, there are a couple of big *“**BUT**s”* in the verses. We were saved for a purpose, and although all things are lawful, all do are not expedient to our purpose of serving God and being a witness to the lost. Even though the law cannot damn us, we still have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and receive our rewards, whether for good or for bad *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Christianity is not a free ride to do whatever you want, as we are warned in the verses under question. In fact, it is the most demanding of religions. One has to choose and do righteously of one’s own accord, not being herded, constrained, or protected by laws and ordinances. Many times, selfless acts against your own benefit are required. Ultimately, we are required to give up everything, even our lives, for Christ. *“All things are lawful for”* us, **BUT** all things are not right for us to do. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 6:9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-69/) **Published:** August 27, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What does Apostle Paul mean when he says,** **“abusers of themselves with mankind”?** Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [1 Corinthians 6:9 ](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A9%20&version=KJV) It is a reference to Homosexuality. *Leviticus 20:13* **If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination**: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Biblically, homosexuality is a sin, just as fornication (sex outside of marriage) or adultery. Sin is sin. Many Christians have the wrong idea about witnessing. It makes no difference to me if you choose to reject God’s words and law. It does, however, make a difference to me if I fail to warn you of God’s judgment to come on all unrighteousness. In other words, it is not for Christians to force compliance with God’s law, but to extend the offer of God’s grace to others. *2 Timothy 2:24-26* And **the servant of the Lord must not strive**; but **be gentle unto all men**, apt to teach, **patient**, 25**In meekness** instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. Too many Christians fail to remember we just plant and water, both gentle occupations; you do not plant with a backhoe or water with a fire hose. It is God who gives the increase. T**he servant of the Lord must not strive**; **be gentle**, **apt to teach**, **patient**, **meek**. This does not mean you do not have the same rights as any other American to vote for and petition the government and politically fight for what you believe is best for the country. Just be careful how you do things or what you drag Christ Jesus into!! *2 Corinthians 6:14* **Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers**: for **what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness**? and **what communion hath light with darkness**? Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Homosexuality --- ### [1 Corinthians 5:3-5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-53-5/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5**To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh**, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 *1 Timothy 1:19-20* Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom **I have delivered unto Satan**, that they may learn not to blaspheme. *1 Corinthians 11:29-32* For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh **damnation to himself**, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30For this cause many are **weak and sickly** among you, and **many sleep**. 31For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. I would be of the opinion that we at times are chastened of the Lord by inflicting on our flesh. There are three ways the Lord can deal with us: distress our environs, distress our flesh, or distress our mental state. *“Many sleep”*, means many have died because of their failure to live right. This does not mean anyone lost salvation. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 5:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-51/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have **his father’s wife**. [1 Corinthians 5:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%205%3A1&version=KJV) It is, as stated, a son had sexual relations with his father’s wife, the woman not being his mother. *Leviticus 20:11* And the man that lieth with his father’s wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 3:18-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-3-18-21/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; [1 Corinthians 3:18-21](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A18-21&version=KJV) The context of the chapter is our service for God and is directed toward babes in Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? He warns of the Judgment Seat of Christ, which we all have to stand before and give an accounting of our lives. Then the warning of verse 18: *“If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.”* If you think yourself wise in worldly wisdom, you need to forget it and become wise in spiritual wisdom. You need to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God’s word(KJV) and use that wisdom to judge all things. *1 Corinthians 2:14-15* But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. In other words, quit walking and thinking in the flesh and start walking and thinking in the Spirit. *Romans 12:2* And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Renew your mind with the diligent study of the Bible. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Corinthians 3:11-15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-311-15/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For **other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ**. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation **gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. [1 Corinthians 3:11-15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A11-15&version=KJV) For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. 2 Corinthians 5:10 It has to do with the judgment of the saints, those saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. I put that definition in, as there are those who think a saint is something other than each and every one that is saved. We who are saved have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of our lives from the time of our salvation to our death or coming of the Lord; “that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” We will be rewarded accordingly. We will receive rewards or lose rewards depending on whether we served God or the flesh (ourselves); *“gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble”*. Furthermore, we will suffer loss of rewards, not loss of salvation; *“but he himself shall be saved”*. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Judgment --- ### [1 Corinthians 3:1-3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-31-3/) **Published:** August 27, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ**. 2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 3For **ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men**? [1 Corinthians 3:1-3](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%203%3A1-3&version=KJV) The Corinthians had not grown in spiritual understanding as yet; being saved, they needed instruction in just about everything, which the books of Corinthians just about cover. The NT, it is said, is written in line with spiritual growth from babes to the ministry. Each book of Paul’s, from Corinthians to Titus, takes you through the growth of a Christian. With each book comes a little more spirituality. *Hebrews 5:14* But **strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age**, even those who **by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil**. Christians are supposed to grow in grace and knowledge of God through his word and the practice of living it. The trouble with the Corinthians and most today is that they have not grown. *Hebrews 5:12* For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, **ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God**; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. I had a man once proudly show me his thirty-year Bible study pin. He had not missed a Bible study at his Church in thirty years. My question was, why had he not had his own ministry and been teaching a Bible study after five years? If only a home study with neighbors and friends. Christians, especially in America, have never grown up. They still want to be friends with and have the benefits of the world. They are Corinthians. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-126-29/) **Published:** December 21, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For ye see your calling, brethren, how that **not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called**: 27But God hath chosen **the foolish things of the world to confound the wise**; and God hath chosen **the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty**; 28And **base things of the world, and things which are despised**, hath God chosen, yea, and **things which are not, to bring to nought things that are**: 29**That no flesh should glory in his presence**. [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%201%3A26-29&version=KJV) Verses 26-29 constitute one sentence; if it is all kept in its context, the purpose of God’s choice is clear: *“That no flesh should glory in his presence.”* The Lord is not going to use the best and the brightest. The world would give them the glory and not God. He will send in the weak and humble so that he gets the glory. *Matthew 11:25* At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because **thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes**. Creation, as well as salvation, is not about us; it is about God. Man is not going to be promoted by his righteousness, his might, his wisdom, his nobility, in glorifying himself. God created all things to manifest his greatness, his glory, his holiness, his goodness, his righteousness, loving-kindness, mercy, and grace. If you consider it in this fashion, the passage is not hard to understand, especially if the KJV is used. God is not shaming, as many new versions say, but confounding the world and its wisdom. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Corinthians 13 - Charity](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-13/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three;** **but the greatest of these is charity.** 1 Corinthians 13:13 The Authorized version of 1611, commonly called the King James Version, has been the standard Bible for hundreds of years. This statement in and of itself is not an argument for its perfection. Nonetheless, a standard is a standard. Everyone lauds its beauty, grace, stateliness, and power, and it practically established modern English. These millions of readers would agree with Adam Nicolson, who states in his “God’s Secretaries: The Making of the King James Bible” that, more than any other English translation of Scripture, the KJV is driven by an “idea of majesty” whose “qualities are those of grace, stateliness, scale, \[and\] power.” What its admirers sense in it above all, writes Nicolson, is what they sense in the Hebrew Bible itself: “a belief in the enormous and overwhelming divine authority” of the text. … I do not sense this, or feel the same “grace, stateliness, and power,” in other Bible translations, including the ones mentioned by Mr. Flatow: Philologos, the renowned Jewish-language columnist. [Mosaic Magazine](https://mosaicmagazine.com) – Advancing Jewish Thought As a standard, it should not be changed without a fairly good reason. There are very few, if any, words that do not or cannot be used in more than one way, with different meanings. That is, to change the way the standard translates a word based on the word being translated one way a majority of the time is not a fairly good reason to do so. Charity and love may be translated from the same Greek word, but the meaning is different. Many Greek words, as well as English and every other language, can have more than one meaning. The standard translates the Greek word ‘agape ’in the New Testament 118 times: 88 times as *‘love’*, 28 times as *‘charity’*, once as ‘charitably’, and once as ‘dear’. It must be assumed that the translators of the standard had a fairly good reason for doing so. As we are speaking of the one and same Greek word ‘agape ’, the reason why it is translated as such in the standard or changed in new versions could not be based on any attributes of a particular Greek text. This being the case, the reason must solely be based on the use of, meaning intended, context, or the translator’s preference for whatever reason. The words love and charity, though closely related, which would be obvious as they are both translations of the same Greek word, are not always synonymous. - ***love***: any object of warm affection or devotion; a deep feeling of sexual desire and attraction; a strong positive emotion of regard and affection - ***charity***: an activity or gift that benefits the public at large; a kindly and lenient attitude toward people It would seem that love has more to do with self than charity. Love is a feeling you have, one that warms and comforts your heart. This is why love desires, and to be effective needs, a reciprocal feeling. Unrequited love hurts. *Proverbs 8:17* **I love them that love me**; and those that seek me early shall find me. Charity needs no reciprocity or quid pro quo: to require, ask for, or receive, a return in kind as it would void charity. You cannot love others as yourself if you are not charitable: selfless. Having faith and hope without charity toward others is as James says, dead without works. A better understanding of the words can be obtained by examining their main opposites, or antonyms. - **Love**—hate, hatred - **Charity**—selfish, selfishness You can love, or you can like, dislike, disdain, or hate, but you cannot say to love at the same time as the others. You can be charitable to those you love, like, dislike, disdain, or hate; it makes no difference to charity. Children are selfish, self-centered, self-absorbed, etc. Selfish adults are called childish. When you grow up you are expected to put away selfishness and *“put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness”*. *1 Corinthians 13:4-8* Charity **suffereth long**, and **is kind**; charity **envieth not**; charity **vaunteth not itself**, **is not puffed up**, 5**Doth not behave itself unseemly**, **seeketh not her own**, is **not eas1ily provoked**, **thinketh no evil**; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7**Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things**. 8Charity **never faileth**: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. These are not the attributes of love. Love does not always suffer long, is not always kind, does envy, can vaunt itself, can be unbelieving, and easily provoked. How many times has love caused one to be unseemly, making a fool of oneself? It is claimed that ‘agape’ love refers to a pure, willful, sacrificial love that intentionally desires another’s highest good. To this I say, that is the definition of charity, to give of yourself, sacrifice, desire another’s good, and if one used the word charity, one would know what type of love is meant. The point of this is to say that where the standard, AV 1611, translated ‘agape ’as charity, there was no reason to change it; it was correct in its use and meaning for the context. Any new version that changes where the standard uses charity to love is confusing, making it an error. *1 Corinthians 13:13* And now abideth faith, hope, **charity**, these three; but **the greatest of these is charity**. *Colossians 3:14* And above all these things **put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness**. Having charity is truly loving others as yourself. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [How to Determine Purpose?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-can-one-determine-their-purpose/) **Published:** August 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Determining God’s purpose is a complicated issue. I can only briefly describe how a purposeful life is determined, which I believe to be correct according to the Bible. I will be speaking in general terms. Very rarely, it would seem from Scripture, does the Lord call one for his service from the womb. Jeremiah was one and Cyrus was named and called one hundred to one hundred-fifty years before he was born. *Jeremiah 1:5* **Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee**; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and **I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations**. *Isaiah 44:28* **That saith of Cyrus**, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. In general, there is no specific plan for an individual’s life. Men come into existence at conception. When two individuals come together to produce an offspring, they create a new DNA sequence as a matter of *“time and chance.”* DNA contains all the traits of the parents, their parents, and their parents, etc., etc. All the qualities, good as well as all the mutations and corruptions, to the DNA. This is all the product of *“time and Chance”*. The traits, talents, and abilities you inherit are determined by which genes get turned on or off, and which ones take dominance. DNA is the book that contains all the information about your physical and mental composition. It is the product of *“time and chance”*, not predestination. It is God’s system of procreation at work, guaranteeing the uniqueness of each individual. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. The environment a child is raised in must be added. Are the parents loving or neglectful? Is the child abused or bullied? Was the individual born in an industrialized nation or a third-world country? What type of education was provided? All these things are the result of “time and chance” and make individuals who they are. Added to this is freewill; [**biblical freewill**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) is not absolute. Men have freewill of desire, inclination, passion, aspirations, motivations, intentions, likes, dislikes, loves, and hatreds; what we would like or would do if we could avoid the consequences. Take note that an individual can alter or overcome many qualities: physical, mental, or emotional, through a change of heart, which can be influenced by events and various situations. Freewill of action is more restrictive. However, it is man’s desire, good or evil, that the Lord guides and focuses for his purposes. Taking all this into consideration, God chooses whom he will, whoever fits his needs, for his purposes. God’s calling is predicated upon His requirements, and our desires, education, and skills. Most of us are not called for any specific duty, but are expected to witness and live according to God’s will and laws: love God with all your heart, and love and do unto others as you would have done to you; we are to live godly, righteously, and justly in this present evil world. As a biblical Christian, this means reading and diligently studying God’s word and preparing yourself to be an effective witness of his saving grace to others. With this foundation, we are free to pursue our desires, keeping within the Scriptures. The Lord will bless and aid you according to the heart’s desire toward him. *Ecclesiastes 11:9* Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: **but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment**. As I stated, this is a brief general description. It certainly does not cover every intricate detail of our becoming who we are or God’s dealing with us. It is an opinion based on my studies. I hope it helps. > [Others May, You Cannot](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/others-may-you-cannot/) Rate this post **Categories:** Required **Tags:** Life --- ### [Are sins due to our actions or inaction?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-sins-due-to-your-actions-or-inaction/) **Published:** October 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Sins are due to the thoughts and intents of our hearts and minds. *James 1:14-15* But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away **of his own lust**, and enticed. 15Then **when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin**: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. *James 4:17* Therefore **to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin**. Knowing to do good and not desiring to do it is sin unto us. Sins begin with our lust. *James 1:13-15* Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But **every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust**, and enticed. 15 Then **when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin**: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Our sinful actions are the product of our sinful hearts and minds. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Jude 1:3-4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jude-1-4/) **Published:** December 31, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and **exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith** which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were **before of old ordained to this condemnation**, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude 1:3-4 This passage is not stated in a prophetic sense, although it tells us that the damnation of the ungodly was ordained long ago, in fact, from the foundation of the world. When the plan of salvation was devised, it would have included the demise of the ungodly. Speaking of the Anti-christ: *Revelation 13:8* And **all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life** of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Jude **Tags:** Theology --- ### [What is the most reliable English translation of the Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-the-most-reliable-english-translation-of-the-bible/) **Published:** January 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I hold to the Authorized Version of 1611, commonly called the King James Version. https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-bibl > [How to Study the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions, Translations **Tags:** AV 1611, Translations --- ### [KJV adds words not in the Hebrew!](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/kjv-adds-words-not-in-the-hebrew/) **Published:** August 20, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew *`the brother of`* Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 2 Samuel 21:19 In 2 Samuel 21:19 the KJV is defamed for having added in the words *“the brother of”* in italics when it is not found in the Hebrew. Being in italics shows they knew the words were not in the Hebrew. But, they are in the Hebrew in 1 Chronicles 20:5. Therefore, they were correct in putting them in 2 Samuel. 1 Chronicles 20:5 And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi **the brother of** Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver’s beam. Rate this post **Categories:** Translations **Tags:** AV 1611, Translations --- ### [Mark 1:2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-1-2/) **Published:** March 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **As it is written in the prophets**, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. *Mark 1:2* The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, **Prepare ye the way of the LORD**, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3 Behold, **I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me:** and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:1 Some argue that Mark took a portion of Malachi 3:1, and just changed the words to fit. Based on this modern versions change the word *“prophets”* to *“Isaiah the prophet”* in Mark 1:2. *Mark 1:2* ***ESV*** As it is written in **Isaiah the prophet**, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, This argument is in error. Mark quoted a prophecy that both Isaiah and Malachi had prophesied concerning Elijah. John the baptist was Elijah in type. As you can see below, Mark was not just quoting Isaiah but “*the prophets,”* just putting the two prophesies together. One more example of why the King James Version is superior to any that change *“the prophets”* to *“Isaiah.”* *Mark 1:2* As it is written in **the prophets**, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. *Matthew 3:3* For **this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias**, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. *Matthew 11:13-14* For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14And if ye will receive it, **this is Elias, which was for to come**. *Mark 9:13* But I say unto you, **That Elias is indeed come**, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him. Types and similitudes are quite a topic and I cannot think of a way to simply explain them at the moment. *1 Corinthians 10:4* And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and **that Rock was Christ**. *John 3:14-15 KJV* And **as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up**: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. *Numbers 21:8-9* And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, **when he looketh upon it, shall live**. 9And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, **when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived**. Look and live. *Hosea 12:10* **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Mark, Translations **Tags:** AV 1611, Translations --- ### [Abraham's Son vs Jephthah's Daughter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/abrahams-son-vs-jephthahs-daughter/) **Published:** December 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son but not Jephthah’s daughter, how come?** *Genesis 22:2* And he said, **Take now thy son**, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and **offer him there for a burnt offering** upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. *Genesis 22:12* And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for **now I know that thou fearest God**, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. *Hebrews 11:17* By faith Abraham, **when he was tried**, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son as a test of his faith never intending to allow it to happen. *Judges 11:30-31* And **Jephthah vowed a vow unto the LORD**, and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the children of Ammon into mine hands, `31`Then it shall be, **that whatsoever cometh forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’S, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering**. *Numbers 30:2* If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; **he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth**. *Judges 11:35* And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter! thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one of them that trouble me: for **I have opened my mouth unto the LORD, and I cannot go back**. *Deuteronomy 23:21-23* When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, **thou shalt not slack to pay it**: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee. `22`But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee. `23`**That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform; even a freewill offering, according as thou hast vowed unto the LORD thy God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth.** *Ecclesiastes 5:4-5* When thou vowest a vow unto God, **defer not to pay it**; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. `5`**Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay**. Jephthah made his free vow of his own accord I suspect expecting some animal but certainly not his daughter to have first come through the doors of his house to meet him. The vow was made and had to be fulfilled. *Ecclesiastes 5:6* **Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin**; **neither say** thou before the angel, **that it was an error**: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, **and destroy the work of thine hands**? God’s word is His bond, and He holds us to the same standard. Nothing says you have to run your mouth, but if you do, be prepared to pay. *Deuteronomy 23:22* But if thou shalt forbear to vow, **it shall be no sin in thee**. Jephthah should have been able to offer a sin offering and not offered his daughter. Maybe he did not study God’s word as much as he should have. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Our Mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** We the people of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. The preamble to the Constitution is the mission statement of our Federal Union, our government. This study is not going to waste time in discussing the debate on how far from its mission our government has strayed; however, the preamble is a perfect example of my point. Every organization, group, or club has a purpose, a reason for being, a mission. The mission statement is not a detailed description of how to do anything; it is the purpose, the why, for its being and proper focus of all its activities. A mission statement does not have to be of great length; one short sentence or phrase will do. Upon the establishment of a mission follows the forming of the bylaws, regulations, and methods of operation that govern the body, prescribing and proscribing its bounds in order to set the extent and limits to its functions in meeting its mission. The physical Church on earth is an organization; it has a mission, a purpose for being. Establishing the Church is not something God had to do; it is part of his plan, and it was designed to fulfill a purpose, its mission. It is, or ought to be, obvious that a majority of the New Testament is a framework of commandments and instruction to guide, direct and limit the saints’ walk to fulfill that mission. *1 Corinthians 6:12* **All things are lawful** unto me, but **all things are not expedient**: **all things are lawful** for me, but **I will not be brought under the power of any**. *1 Corinthians 10:23* **All things are lawful** for me, but **all things are not expedient**: **all things are lawful** for me, but **all things edify not**. Many of God’s people are enjoying their freedom in Christ but overlooking their responsibility to stay focused on our mission. While it is true that *“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”* not everything permissible is beneficial or constructive for our mission. If we truly want to fulfill our calling to serve God and our Savior, let’s examine what our mission entails and the actions that will help advance it. Assuming that we want to be on mission to serve our God and Saviour, Let us look at what our mission is and the functions that advance it. **Our mission is to glorify God** *1 Corinthians 6:20* For ye are bought with a price: therefore **glorify God in your body, and in your spirit**, which are God’s. *Isaiah 43:7* **Even every one that is called by my name**: for **I have created him for my glory**, … *1 Corinthians 10:31* Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or **whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God**. *Psalms 22:23* Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, **glorify him**; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. *Romans 15:6-7* That ye may with one mind and one mouth **glorify God**, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us **to the glory of God**. We have a clear uncomplicated mission statement: glorify God. There is therefore no difficulty is comprehending what our objectives in life are suppose to be. *1 Corinthians 10:31* Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or **whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God**. Let us look into God’s word and see if we can find what it is that glorifies him. **Praising God glorifies him** *Psalms 50:23* **Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me**: … *1 Peter 2:9* But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that **ye should show forth the praises of him** who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: *Revelation 19:5* And a voice came out of the throne, saying, **Praise our God**, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. But, what is praise? - v. tr. praised, prais-ing, praises. 1. To express warm approbation of, commendation for, or admiration for. 2. To extol or exalt; worship. *Hebrews 13:15* By him therefore **let us offer the sacrifice of praise** to God continually, **that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name**. **Giving thanks glorifies God** *1 Timothy 4:3-4* Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, **if it be received with thanksgiving**: We are given eating and drinking as examples of when we ought to be glorifying God. These of course are about the lowest most common actions man engages in. If we are to glorify God doing the lowly actions of our life we are to Glorify him in all our actions. How are we glorifying God while involved in these activities. The giving of thanks for our daily bread testifies of God’s care and control of all things. It testifies that he brings forth the increase of the earth and all that is involved in the raising of crops, the weather, i.e., rains, drought etc.; the economy, your job and ability to procure sustenance. Not to give God thanks is to deny all of this. It is the more to his glory when in public, at restaurants, at work. To do so is to glorify God, not to do so, to fear to be embarrassed, is to glorify those whom you fear, or desire to please more than God: men. *Proverbs 29:25* **The fear of man bringeth a snare**: but **whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe**. Having a joyful song of praise on your tongue and in your heart glorifies God. How else is God glorified in us? *Judges 5:3* Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; **I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel**. *Ephesians 5:19* **Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord**; *Colossians 3:16* Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another **in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord**. **Our salvation glorifies God** *Psalms 79:9* Help us, O God of our salvation, **for the glory of thy name**: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake. *Ephesians 1:6* **To the praise of the glory of his grace**, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Being strong in faith glorifies God *Romans 4:20* He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, **giving glory to God**; *1 Corinthians 16:13* Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, **be strong**. Repentance gives glory to God *Revelation 16:9* And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and **they repented not to give him glory**. You can easily involve yourself in endless debates on what is repentance. Repentance is no more than recognizing and admitting God’s existence and his power and authority in creation; to confess that you have violated his law and are guilty before him, this is repentance, doing so glorifies God. Our calling upon God in times of need glorifies him. So many of us in times of trouble attempt to extricate ourselves by our own power, in our own way. We will call upon doctors, call upon lawyers, and who knows what else before we will call upon God. Yet, God is glorified when we call upon him, put our trust and our hope in him. *Psalms 50:15* And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and **thou shalt glorify me**. **Our good works and charity glorifies or cause others to glorify God** *Matthew 5:16* Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and **glorify your Father** which is in heaven. *2 Corinthians 9:13* Whiles by the experiment of this ministration **they glorify God** for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; *1 Peter 2:12* Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, **glorify God in the day of visitation**. *Philippians 1:11* Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto **the glory and praise of God**. However, there is a catch to good works glorifying God. That is, God has to be given the credit. Too many saints think that just by setting an example, not drinking, not running around, supporting the family, etc. presents a testimony for Christ. No, not if you refuse to open your mouth and confess him as the reason you live as you do. Not to confess him before man merely glorifies yourself. “Old Joe there, now he’s a great guy, give you the shirt off his back”; as opposed to, “That’s some God old Joe’s always talking about, for him to trust in and sacrificing so much to help others.” See any difference? **Suffering for Christ glorifies God** *1 Peter 4:16* Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but **let him glorify God** on this behalf. *Philippians 1:29* For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, **but also to suffer for his sake**; Our mission as the Church and members in particular is to glorify God. This is an important precept and should be the guiding principle in all that we do as individuals or as an assembly of believers. - Our mission is to glorify God - Praising Him glorifies God - Giving thanks glorifies God - Our salvation glorifies God - Being strong in faith glorifies God - Repentance gives glory to God - Our good works and charity glorifies God - Suffering for Christ glorifies God Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [Jonathan Cahn](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-jonathan-cahn-revealing-gods-biblical-template-of-old-testament-prophecies-and-judgement-on-america/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Is Jonathan Cahn revealing God’s prophecies of judgement on America? I enjoy and am thankful for Jonathan Cahn’s ministry as much as I know of it. I do believe he is correct biblically in his understanding that America has followed the same path as ancient as well as modern Israel in departing from God and rejecting his word. The consequences for this are clear, America is now suffering and will continue to suffer. America as we knew it is over. It is inevitable that America falls in these last days with the execution of judgment upon the world. We are in the last days; Daniel’s seventieth week is looming. With the implementation of the cashless society and digital money, the world will be enslaved. Rate this post **Categories:** People --- ### [Frederick Whitfield](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-word-unveiled/) **Published:** June 4, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FrederickWhitfield.jpg "FrederickWhitfield") **Rev. Frederick Whitfield, A.B.** (*1829—1904)* *Author of The Following Books:* [**The Word Unveild**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/old-paths/frederick-whitfield/word-unveilded/) Voices From The Valley [**Gleanings From Scripture**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/old-paths/frederick-whitfield/gleanings-from-scripture/) Truth In Christ The Saviour Prophet Spiritual Unfoldings From The Word Of Life *And Hymns* “There Is A Name I Love to Hear” “Oh, How I Love Jesus” “I Saw The Cross Of Jesus” “I Need Thee, Precious Jesus” ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/FrederickWhitfield-old.webp "FrederickWhitfield-old") Birth Death Burial Memorial ID 7 Jan 1829 Shropshire, England 13 Sep 1904 (aged 75) Surrey, England [Kensal Green Cemetery](https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/658427/kensal-green-cemetery) Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Greater London, England 178318632 · [View Source](https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178318632/frederick-whitfield#source) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Old Paths --- ### [Are Children Covered](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-children-covered/) **Published:** June 7, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** This question is a highly explosive one. From my own experience, I would have to say if you ask 99% of Christians, they would say children are protected until some unspecifiable time or point of growth. The question is undebatable, not because they have any definitive proof, the most you will get is one or two verses that do not relate directly to the question, but because they do not want to think. I do not have the definitive answer, neither do I know of anyone nor have read anyone who has the definitive answer. I believe my answer could be God’s definitive answer. There are two possibilities: - That all children are cover up to a certain point. - That if a parent is saved, the children are covered up to a certain point. There does not seem to be any biblical evidence for the first. It is more of an emotional response. The second does have some biblical underpinning. *Ephesians 5:5* For this ye know, that **no** whoremonger, nor **unclean person**, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, **hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God**. *1 Corinthians 7:12-14* But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. 13And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: **else were your children unclean**; but now are they holy. In the case of not having a definitive answer, I would err on the side of caution. The truth is that either way, you must err on the side of caution. See the constant in these two scenarios; Both scenarios contain the same problem: when does the coverage end? Even if we know the exact point and time the coverage ended, would you wait till then to witness to the child? Our responsibility as Christians is the same regardless of whether children are covered; we are to witness to all. For God is going to hold us responsible, the blood of those we fail to witness to, even the blood of the children of parents we fail to witness to, will be accounted to us. *Ezekiel 3:18* When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and **thou givest him not warning**, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. *Acts 20:26-27* Wherefore I (Paul) take you to record this day, that **I am pure from the blood of all men**. 27For **I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God**. Whether children are covered or not is of no consequence to us. Whichever scenario is correct, we as Christians are commanded to raise our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and to preach the word to all near and far. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: 7And **thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up**. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Articles, Questions **Tags:** Life, Salvation, Theology --- ### [John 6:44-45](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-6-44-45/) **Published:** December 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him**: and I will raise him up at the last day. `45`It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. **Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me**. *John 6:44-45* > > *John 12:32* And I, **if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me**. > > *2 Thessalonians 2:14* Whereunto **he called you by our gospel**, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. > > *Romans 10:14* How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and **how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard**? and **how shall they hear without a preacher**? The Lord takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Therefore, I must conclude that the call goes out to all men. Whether one heeds the call is up to our free will choice. The wicked cannot turn from his way if God does not draw him. > *Ezekiel 33:11* Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, **I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live**: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? *“turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways”* That is a call to repentance, the draw of God. This puts the burden of one rejecting God’s mercy squarely upon themselves. God is not picking and choosing who will be drawn, he is picking and choosing those who come when drawn. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [John 9:4-5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-94-5/) **Published:** April 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I must work the works of him that sent me, **while it is day**: **the night cometh, when no man can work**. `5`**As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world**. *John 9:4-5* *Matthew 5:14* **Ye are the light of the world**. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. *1 Thessalonians 5:5* Y**e are all the children of light**, and the **children of the day**: we are **not of the night, nor of darkness**. Christ is the light of the world, and he is still in the world in us. We must be that light shining forth the light of the gospel and the love of God to a lost and dying world. When the Lord returns for His bride, the saints, in the Rapture, there will be no more light in the world. There will be those that understand that they missed the boat and know that worshiping the Beast and taking his mark means damnation, but they will be on their own to resist and choose martyrdom. Many will be in this situation because they believed salvation was by their works, now they will get the chance to show their faith by their works. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 8:44 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-8-44/) **Published:** March 25, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Ye are of your father the devil**, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44 *“Ye are of your father the devil,”* I take it to be a metaphorical appellation. You are either seeking God open to His word and witness or against His rule in your life, either God is your spiritual Father or Satan. *Matthew 12:30* **He that is not with me is against me**; and **he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad**. *Mark 9:40* For **he that is not against us is on our part**. *1 John 3:8* **He that committeth sin is of the devil**; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John **Tags:** Theology --- ### [John 6:63](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-6-63/) **Published:** July 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life**. *John 6:63* *Genesis 2:7* And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and **breathed into his nostrils the breath of life;** and man became a living soul. The flesh is dead without the spirit of life. *Genesis 7:15* And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, **wherein is the breath of life**. *Ecclesiastes 12:7* Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and **the spirit shall return unto God who gave it**. *Job 33:4* The Spirit of God hath made me, and **the breath of the Almighty hath given me life**. *Ezekiel 37:9* Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, **O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live**. God’s words are spirit. *Psalms 33:6* By **the word of the LORD were the heavens made**; and all the host of them **by the breath of his mouth**. *Deuteronomy 8:3* And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, **but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD** doth man live. You cannot speak words without breathing. Words are formed by the breath of the mouth. God said or God breathed all into existence. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 4:36-37](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-4-36-37/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both **he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together**. 37And herein is that saying true, **One soweth, and another reapeth**. 38I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours. *John 4:36-38* *Luke 8:11 KV* Now the parable is this: **The seed is the word of God**. *Mark 4:14* **The sower soweth the word**. *1 Corinthians 3:6-9* **I have planted**, **Apollos watered**; but God gave the increase. 7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8Now **he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour**. 9For **we are labourers together with God**: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building. *Ecclesiastes 11:6* **In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand**: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. It has to do with serving the Lord. Preaching the grace of God to the lost is a team effort even if you do not know who it was that came before you. One plants, sows, the word and another follows and waters what was sowed. Many have been martyred sowing the seed where it had never been planted before so others could come later to water and harvest God’s increase. Every man will receive rewards for his own labor at the judgment seat of Christ. *1 Corinthians 3:8-9* Now **he that planteth and he that watereth are one**: and **every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour**. 9For we are labourers together with God: **ye are God’s husbandry**, ye are God’s building. *2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that **every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. *1 Corinthians 3:10-15* According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, **I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon**. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now **if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;** 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [Mark 15:25 vs John 19:14
Time of Crucifixion](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-15-25-vs-john-19-14/) **Published:** April 17, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** It is believed by some that there is an apparent contradiction between Mark 15:25 “*it was the third hour, and they crucified him,”* and John 19:14 “*about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!”* Was he crucified at the 3rd hour or was he still in the judgment hall on the 6th hour? The Jews have more than one way of designating the time of day. The accounts given in the Bible use different designations. One of which is: - First hour …………. Sunrise to 9 a.m. - Third hour ……………. 9 a.m. to Noon - Sixth hour ……………. Noon to 3 p.m. - Ninth hour …………. 3 pm to 6 pm Recognizing this eliminates any contradiction. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all agree in the timeline. 6th-9th would be from 12 noon till 6 pm. *Matthew 27:45-46* Now **from the sixth hour** there was darkness over all the land **unto the ninth hour**. 46And about the **ninth hour** Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? *Mark 15:33-34* And when **the sixth hour** **was come,** there was darkness over the whole land **until the ninth hour**. 34And **at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice**, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? *Luke 23:44-45* And it was **about the sixth hour,** and there was a darkness over all the earth **until the ninth hour**. 45And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. Just before 3pm, 9th hour, Jesus cries out *“Why hast thou forsaken me,”* Between the 9th and 12th hour, 3-6 pm, Jesus was given the vinegar, cries out again and dies, the veil is rent, Christ is stabbed with the spear, taken down, and buried. I do not believe anyone has a controversy with this timeline for Matthew, Mark, and Luke. The contention is that Mark says he was crucified the 3rd hour and John says he was being judged by Pilot at the 6th hour. *Mark 15:25* And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. - The third hour in this verse is from 9am-12 pm. *John 19:14* And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! - Sixth hour is 12 noon -1pm Hence, it was between 12 and 1 pm that Pilot brought Jesus out and handed him over to be crucified. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** John, Mark **Tags:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Matthew 27:5 vs Acts 1:18
How did Judas Die?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-did-judas-die/) **Published:** June 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and **hanged himself**. *Matthew 27:5* Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and **falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out**. *Acts 1:18* The following is my interpretation of the events that led to the death of Judas Iscariot, as recorded in the Scriptures. It is a supposition based on the facts given. It very well could have happened the way I describe it, it may not have. I am not being dogmatic about it, I am just responding to those who use this question as a means of disparaging the Bible. By Bible I mean the AV 1611, or KJV, in this case probably any and all bibles are meant to be disparaged. *John 13:26-27* Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27And after the sop **Satan entered into him**. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly. Judas, being an unrepentant thief and evildoer, was chosen by God to fulfill the prophecies concerning the betrayer of Christ. At the time to do the deed, as the Scriptures say, Satan entered into him to guarantee his plan. This was necessary, as we shall see later. Judas goes to the Priest and makes his deal and goes out and betrays Jesus. This having been accomplished and Satan having no more need of Judas, departs from him. Satan’s motto: use’m, abuse’m, lose’m. At this point, human nature and conscience take over, and Judas realizes what he has done, and guilt sets in, and he repents of his actions. *Matthew 27:3* Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, **repented himself**, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Sometime between the betrayal of Jesus and the priest taking him to Pilate, Judas goes to the priest and tries to undo his deal. The priest being the fine fellows they were would not about to admit any guilt on their part would not offer Judas absolution nor take his money back. So Judas knows he is condemned; the priest, I am sure, mentioned it to him. But unable to take him to trial without admitting their involvement, so they tell Judas to “What is that to us? See thou to that,*”* which is tantamount to saying go kill yourself. In a state of despair and depression, Judas takes them up on it and goes out and hangs himself. This is shortly after he leaves the priest, who are taking Jesus to Pilate or thereabout. He is probably stepping off into eternity while the priest are lobbing their accusations and Pilate is examining Jesus. Judas is hanging during the time Christ is being worked over and crucified, probably six to eight hours. He is getting ripe and bloating up with gases from the decomposition when something happens. *Matthew 27:54* Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw **the earthquake**, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. At the Lord’s death round about 1800, 6:00 PM for some, an earthquake happens. Judas’ limb breaks, tree falls, rope snaps, six of one, half a dozen of another, take your pick. His bloated body falls and burst open. Now, unless you just want to belittle and disparage the Bible, there is nothing unreasonable about this scenario. Peter, in Acts as recorded by Luke, just assumes or knows that everyone being spoken to knows that Judas hung himself simply moves on to the end results. I do not know how else you could account for him *“falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.”* I realize that many will not show any affection toward having any kind of logical answer to this question. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts, Vilipendencies --- ### [Why Works Based Salvation is Wrong?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-works-based-salvation-is-wrong/) **Published:** June 4, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** God created all things to glorify himself, if salvation were by works it would glorify man. One of the first and major precepts of Scripture is that if it does not glorify God it will be the wrong interpretation, the wrong way of doing something, etc. There are only two religions in the world: works and saved by grace, they are mutually exclusive. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For **by grace** are ye saved **through faith**; and that **not of yourselves**: it is the gift of God: 9**Not of works**, lest any man should boast. Salvation by works is pitting man’s righteousness against God’s. *Isaiah 64:6* But we are all as an unclean thing, and **all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. *Titus 3:5* **Not by works of righteousness which we have done**, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; *Romans 3:21-24* But **now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested**, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22Even the righteousness of God **which is by faith of Jesus Christ** unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For **all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God**; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: And here is the rub: *1 Samuel 15:23* For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. **Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee** from being king. Reject the word of the Lord and the Lord will reject you. *Matthew 5:20* For I say unto you, That **except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees**, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. The Pharisees and scribes were the ones keeping the law working their way to salvation. *Romans 10:3-4* For **they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God**. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. Many false religions call themselves Christian; biblical Christianity is the only religion in the world that is not works-based; our righteousness is not good enough and does not glorify God. > [Was is not a matter of faith?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/it-is-all-about-faith/) > [Our Mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Know Your Place](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/) **Published:** May 22, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - [**Introduction**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Comparative Religion**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) - [**One or the Other**](#uagb-tabs__tab2) # Introduction Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27 To begin a study of God’s word, it is best to start by finding our place within the world of religion in general. It is affirmed by some, saved by the grace of God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, that they do not have a religion; they have salvation. I would agree with that to an extent. Salvation is obtained by a belief. Religion will be looked at here in this broadest sense as simply beliefs held. An examination of religion on this level will lead us to a noteworthy truth. The world contains different beliefs on God, spirituality, theology, etc. By any loose definition, there are hundreds of distinct belief systems. Below are illustrations of some of the more prominent. --- ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Catholic-wafer-980x1024.webp "Catholic-wafer") **Catholicism** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jweish-prayer.webp "Jweish-prayer") **Judaism** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Islam-pilgramage.webp "Islam-pilgramage") **Islam** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Buddist1.webp "Buddist1") **Buddist** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hinduism-HinduMan1.webp "Hinduism-HinduMan1") **Hindu** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Christianity-BoyReadingBible-1024x683.webp "Christianity-BoyReadingBible") **Biblical Christianity** --- In searching for the right one as opposed to the wrong one, the vast number of religions is a huge stumbling block. There are just too many to represent here, too many for the common man to manage. Just two are needed, one or the other, to be able to choose; this leads us to the study of comparative religion. ## **Comparative Religio**n I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Deuteronomy 30:19 There are those who actually spend their time studying comparative religions. Be thankful for them. Whoever these fine fellows happen to be, they have performed a tremendous amount of work for us by tracking and studying the religions of the world, comparing, categorizing, and organizing them into twenty-two groups. Here are the groups listed by the number of adherents. 1. Christianity: 2.1 billion 2. Islam: 1.5 billion 3. Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion 4. Hinduism: 900 million 5. Chinese traditional religion: 394 million 6. Buddhism: 376 million 7. primal-indigenous: 300 million 8. African Traditional and Diasporic: 100 mil-lion 9. Sikhism: 23 million 10. Juche: 19 million 11. Spiritism: 15 million 12. Judaism: 14 million 13. Baha’i: 7 million 14. Jainism: 4.2 million 15. Shinto: 4 million 16. Cao Dai: 4 million 17. Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million 18. Tenrikyo: 2 million 19. Neo-Paganism: 1 million 20. Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand 21. Rastafarianism: 600 thousand 22. Scientology: 500 thousand Although all the religions of the world have been organized into twenty-two categories, it is still far from what the average student of religion or Bible is able to distill in determining the right one from the wrong one, the one from the other. In a final attempt to narrow the distinctions between religions, those resolute, undiscouraged fine fellows have reduced that number to five major groupings containing all the religions of the world based on the criteria of how they perceive or conceive of God. - Hindu Type—Polytheistic, many gods and/or goddesses - Buddhist Type—Atheistic, no God - New Age Spiritualistic—Man is or will be God - Islamic Type—God is Unknowable - Christian Type—God is Knowable and de-sires to be known These can also be listed as the following using the criteria of how God is perceived or conceived of. It may be determined as one deems fit to place a particular religion into any of the five categories. - Many Gods - No God - Man is God - Unknowable God - Knowable God Who did the original research is unknown; certainly, they were not all Bible-believing Christians? Nonetheless, their work turns out to be rather miraculous in that these five groups are the five categories of religion found within the Scriptures. Five Major Religions groups referenced in the Bible: 1. Many Gods Jeremiah 11:13 For **according to the number of thy cities were thy gods**, O Judah; Isaiah 2:8 **Their land also is full of idols**; 2. No God Psalms 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, **There is no God**. 3. Man is God Ezekiel 28:2 Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, **I am a God, I sit in the seat of God**, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: 4. Unknowable God Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO **THE UNKNOWN GOD**. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 5. Knowable God Jeremiah 9:24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, **that he understandeth and knoweth me**, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. It is far easier to deal with five than hundreds and much better than twenty-two. However, our quest is to narrow our choice down to two, the right one and the wrong one. Meditating on this conundrum without the vast number of choices a dividing line can be seen between these groups; using a different criteria these five can be combined into two. Now two is a number that can be handled as we are looking for just two religions—the one or the other, the right or the wrong one. If the criterion is changed from their perception of God, which gave us five categories to their scheme for progression, the number of categories can be reduced. By progression, I mean their method for moving up, whether it is termed salvation, nirvana, becoming one with the universe, obtaining a better reincarnation, etc. In biblical terms, what is their plan of salvation? Under this criterion, there are only two choices. The first choice is by man’s own efforts, his works, his self-righteousness, earned or received as payment for a debt owed to him. The second is by the grace of God, received as a free gift, without works. You could use different terms to denote the two columns: | Works | Gift | |---|---| | Self-Righteousness | God’s Righteousness | | Debt/Earned | Grace | | Do | Done | For our purposes, the column heads used from here on will be the biblical terms “works” versus. “grace.” It is evident, that the two theological extremes are mutually exclusive. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh **is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. Where does faith come in? *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; If you are graciously given a free gift with a pay-ment book attached, it is not gracious, free, nor a gift. Adding works disannuls grace, free, and gift. *Galatians 5:4* Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. *Romans 4:14* For if they which are of the law be heirs, **faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect**: Biblically, works refer to establishing self-righteousness denoted by keeping the law of God, doing good, etc. There is a teaching that putting faith in Christ would be a work; therefore, faith cannot be internal but the gift of God. This is totally unbiblical. Biblical definitions must be used; in the Bible, works and grace/faith are mutually exclusive. Putting our faith in Christ is not a work as defined by the Scriptures. There are two facets, two sides of the same coin, when it comes to the religion of works. Both equate to self-righteousness: (1) keeping the law, (2) proclaiming innocence, having done nothing to be condemned for. It is often expressed as pure self-righteousness, “I’m a good person. I’ve never killed anybody. I treat others as I want to be treated. Why should God condemn me?” L*uke 18:11* The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that **I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican**. Then there is the expanded definition of works that of doing penance, voluntary self-punishment, to pay for or cover one’s sins, or to atone for some wrongdoing. This can take on many forms from reciting prayers to substantial self-abuse. Penance is a large part of religion by works. When comparing the world’s religions by the parameters of their plan for individuals, or method of progression, salvation, upward mobility, or whatever term is used, it becomes obvious that the progression of biblical Christianity—by grace through faith and not of ourselves, not of works—is a religion that is unique among the world’s religions. It stands unequaled, distinct, unparalleled, among all the world’s religions, which are works based. Biblical Christianity is exceptional, uncommon, peculiar. ## **One or the Other** And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, **choose you this day whom ye will serve**; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. Joshua 24:15 Success, all religions of the world have been concentrated down to two. There are only two religions in the world―the one or the other, the wrong or the right. They are quite easy to tell apart. The one is based on man’s works; the other is not of man’s works. The one says to rely on yourself, find yourself, heal yourself, clean yourself. The other says you are lost, incurable, filthy. The one says you have time; it will all work out in the end. The other says today, now. The one is a struggle, a constant effort; the other is a gift bringing peace, the product of grace and mercy. The one will make a few allowances, nobody is perfect; the other demands the sinless perfection that you can never provide and—provides it for you. The one or the other, the wrong or the right one; how to choose? The easy answer to that question is to look in a mirror. *Proverbs 20:9* Who can say, **I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin**? It is your decision, your choice. Are you righteous, holy, clean, pure? Contemplate just your thoughts over the last week. If you are able to make yourself pure, choose the one; if you are not able to wash yourself clean and pure of your sins, choose the other. *Romans 6:23* For the wages of sin is death; but **the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord**. *“By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works”* is a singular unique religion separate from all the religions of the world. This is where the contention arises. All the religions of the world can come together without condemning each other as they are all the same religion: that of man’s own efforts. On the other hand, you have a religion that condemns all the rest—by grace through faith. All the world can join hands in worshipping God the Father, but not God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. At this point, it must also be noted that there are those that pervert the gospel of grace through faith and teach a doctrine of works in whole or in part as Christian doctrine. This will be covered later in our studies. Suffice it, for now, to say that as much as they try to mix Christianity with and make it just another religion of works, they are sadly mistaken. As referenced earlier, grace and works are mutually exclusive. By grace through faith is not the only thing unique about the other religion. Its God is also unique among the gods, one true living God, ever existing, knowable and wanting to be known, gracious and merciful. There is also one unique book that leads us in the way of all truth. The Bible is unique among all the world’s religious writings. There is also one unique Bible among all the contenders for the title of God’s word—the AV 1611. This is covered by many in other studies and books, but to show its uniqueness one point to remember is that no one will say that they are holding in their hands the inerrant persevered word of God unless they are holding an Authorized Version of 1611. In closing, it would be beneficial to look at the world’s religions from another vantage point and see some of what the God of the Bible has delivered us from. ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Catholicism-Flagellation-png.avif)--- ![Catholicism-Flagellation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Catholicism-Flagellation.webp "Catholicism-Flagellation") **Catholicism – Flagellation** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Islamic-Flagellation.webp "Islamic -Flagellation") **Islamic Flagellation** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hindu-HookHanging.webp "Hindu-HookHanging") **Hindu – Penance** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hindu-Hooked1-683x1024.avif "Hindu-Hooked1") ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hindu-Penance-HookBack.webp "Hindu-Penance-Hook Back") ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Hindu-Penance1.webp "Hindu-Penance1") **Hindu – Penance** ![African-ScaringHead](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/African-ScaringHead.webp "African-ScaringHead") **African – Scarring** ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/African-Scaring1-1.webp "African-Scaring1") ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/African-Scaring2-baby.webp "African-Scaring2-baby") **African – Scarring** --- The above are on the extreme end of works usually found where the religion is not only dominant but holding political power as well as the culture of an area. The extremes have not been seen in the USA up to now for that reason. As stated above, all the religions of the world, except for biblical Christianity, are all the same: a religion of self, self-righteousness, and self-glorification. They are just the opposite of biblical Christianity’s glorification of God. *Ephesians 2:8* For **by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God**: It is the religion of works that the God of the Bible has saved us from. The God of the Bible forbids the practice of self-mutilation and physical abuse as penance or a show of earnestness in one’s devotion. It also forbids many other practices like widows being burnt alive along with their husband’s corpse, sacrificing children, crawling on your hands and knees over rough stone, and many other religious/cultural customs that permeate the religion of works. Most importantly, the religion of the Bible relieves us from the impossible requirement to obtain and maintain self-righteousness and gives us God’s righteousness. *1 Kings 18:28* (Prophets of Baal) And they cried aloud, and **cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them**. When questioned about other religions, it is safe to say that there are only two: one of works, the other of grace. This is as far as reason alone can take us; to grow further in the knowledge of God and his ways the light of his revelations must be relied upon. So we begin our series of studies of the Bible, its religion, and the true intent and meaning of our faith, unleavened, to obtain a greater understanding and to fulfill our place as children of the Most High. *Matthew 16:6* Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and **beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees**; That leaven is the theology of works. > [Summary of the four main theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) **[Introduction ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/#uagb-tabs__tab0)**– **[Comparative Religion](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/#uagb-tabs__tab1)** – **[One or the Other](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/#uagb-tabs__tab2)** 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Articles, Required **Tags:** Religion --- ### [Two Churches](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-churches/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There are only **[two religions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-religion/)** in the world, the right one and the wrong one. They are quite easy to tell apart. The wrong one is based wholly or in part on man’s works, the right one is not of man’s works. The wrong one says don’t worry it will be alright, the right one says your dead and one heartbeat from hell. The wrong one says you’ve got time, the right one says today, now. The wrong one makes allowances, the right one demands sinless perfection an—-*provides it for you*. In the forward to the book “Forerunners, A History of the English Baptists” lies one of the great truths of religious understanding, a description of the true Church and its false counterpart. “No modern reader of some of the earlier histories of the Baptist can fail to be surprised at the extraordinary way in which their descent from the New Testament is traced through such groups as the Montanists, the Novatianists, the Paulicians, the Albigenses, the Waldensians, the Lollards and others, all of whom are claimed as Baptists. The instincts of the writers who made these excursions into genealogy were sounder than their scholarship. We cannot now agree that all the groups they so industriously enumerated were Baptists, but they did belong to the same type of Christianity, and of that type Baptists have been the spearhead. In this connexion we owe a great deal to the insights of Troeltsch who, in his monumental work, The Social Teaching of the Christian Churches, has shown that from the first Christianity has shaped its life and organization according to two main patterns. For the proper understanding of the history of the Baptists, it will be necessary to sketch the salient features of both types, since they have often been developed in collision with each other and Baptists belong unmistakably to one of them. Troeltsch calls one the Church-type and the other the Sect-type, but he uses the term “sect” in default of a better and without implying that the Sect-type is more sectarian in spirit than the Church-type. For the moment we may accept the terminology of Troeltsch and with his help proceed to sketch the main features of both, postponing any discussion of the question whether it is possible to discover more satisfactory designations for them. The most prominent feature of the Church-type is the stress it lays on the institutional character of the Church which is thought of as being in exclusive possession of the supernatural life. It thinks of the Church as the Body of Christ and as an extension of the Incarnation and, therefore, in possession of a life and tradition which carry within themselves a certain divine authority. It conveys its divine life to the individual by means of its sacramental system. Hence, it emphasizes the need of infant-baptism as the sacrament of initiation which brings the child under the supernatural influence of the Church. In conformity with its sacramental character, the Church-type of Christianity usually possesses a sacerdotal ministry whose members are graded in a hierarchy. As a divine, the Church is thought of as in possession of a holiness of its own quite apart from the personal holiness of its members. For this reason its sacraments are not rendered inefficacious by the sins of those who administer them. For the same reason, it can accept the secular order without contamination, and does not hesitate to accept State patronage and control. It endeavours to become an integral part of the social order, utilizing the State and the ruling classes and weaving these elements into its own life, seeking to dominate the masses and thus to cover the whole life of humanity. In spite of all compromise the institution remains holy and divine. Similarly, its stability remains unaffected by the extent to which its influence over individuals is actually attained. From the masses it is content with an average level of religious and moral attainment, for it regards the highest levels of the religious life as reserved for a special class who are divinely called thereto. In so far as the Church-type aims at the stabilization of the social order and makes terms with the State in return for its patronage, it becomes dependent upon the upper classes and, therefore, conservative in its tendencies. In this way the distinction between the Church and the Kingdom of God tends to be blurred; and, for that reason, all millenarian ideas are ruled out. The Sect-type of Christianity starts from the Christian experience of the individual believer and stresses the necessity of a genuine, if rudimentary, Christian experience in all who would join a church. No man can be born into this type of Christianity. He can enter it only by personal choice, that is, on the basis of conscious conversion. For this reason, infant-baptism frequently becomes a stumbling block, when it is retained by the Sect-type, which stands for a voluntary community whose members join it of their own free will. Thus, the Sect-type organizes itself in comparatively small groups. Being convinced that organization should follow life and not precede it, it tends to disparage the idea that the Christian community as a whole must precede the individual. It organizes itself apart from the State and is indifferent to the authority of the State and the ruling classes, whom it makes no attempt to weave into the fabric of its life. At times this attitude to the State has led to the rejection of the oath and the refusal of military service. The adherents of the Sect-type are usually drawn from the lower classes and, for this reason, it has always been more radical and democratic than the Church-type. It offers them a religion which men, who are believers and are therefore under the direct rule of Christ, can manage for themselves, instead of one managed for them by the hierarchy or the upper classes. It stands for a lay Christianity, for brotherly love and religious equality. Rejecting all sacerdotal notions, it often permits the sacraments to be administered by laymen. It tends to be critical of official spiritual guides and theologians. Its followers prefer to make their own appeal direct to the New Testament. In both range and content the asceticism of the Sect-type differs from that of the Church-type. The ascetic ideal of the former is one which is possible for all and is appointed for all, whereas that of the latter is prescribed for special classes, such as priests, monks and nuns, or for special circumstances. The Sect-type refuses to recognize a double standard of Christian living and is radical in its ethical demands, often exercising a strict discipline over all its members. It urges them all to aim at a personal, inward perfection, which is more than an average morality on good terms with the world. It calls upon its adherents to renounce the world with its pomps and pleasures. At the same time, it rejects all quasi-physical ideas of holiness, insisting that holiness is a quality not of things but only of persons, and is to be found in the common performance of the moral demands of Christ. It, therefore, takes the Sermon on the Mount seriously and, sometimes, almost as a New Law. It feels compelled to reject the notion that the Church is in possession of an objective, concrete holiness, which it can impart to mankind through its sacraments and which is something quite apart from the personal holiness of its members. In its worship the Sect-type tends to revolt from ordered and liturgical forms and prefers a worship which is free, spontaneous, enthusiastic and un-stylized. The tones of its piety are not aesthetic and ritualistic but ethical and prophetic. Now that sufficient has been said for the reader to recognize the two types, the question may be raised whether we can discover less question-begging names for them than those employed by Troeltsch. it has been suggested that “Group-type” would serve better than “Sect-type” and also bring out the fact that the Sect-type does not aim at establishing mass churches. Unfortunately, however, the term “group” is now associated in the minds of many with the Oxford Group Movement. A better suggestion is to apply the term “voluntary” to the Sect-type and the term “institutional” to the Church-type. In the structure of the former the voluntary element is certainly stronger than the institutional. By it church-membership is made a matter of individual free-choice, and church-organization takes the form of voluntary associations. Moreover, the term “voluntary” has often been employed in Britain to indicate institutions free from State interference and control, which are supported by the voluntary gifts of their members. But the term “institutional” is not free from objection, as it may suggest to some readers a church which provides an institute with recreational facilities for its young people. Other suggestions are “Catholic” for the Church-type and “Gathered” for the Sect-type; “comprehensive” for the former and “confessional” for the latter. No suggestion is likely to command universal approval. Probably no serious harm will be done if we keep fairly closely to the terminology of Troeltsch in the following pages, and are careful to remember that he does not use the term “Sect-type” polemically, as its opponents have often done, to suggest that it possesses a larger share than the Church-type of the sectarian temper. The adherents of the Church-type have always been more numerous than those of the Sect-type. Thus arose the tendency, which has not yet spent itself, for the Church-type to regard the Sect-type as an inferior side issue or an unfortunate exaggeration or abbreviation of ecclesiastical Christianity, which alone has any right to exist. “There can, however, be no doubt,” says Troeltsch, “about the actual fact: the sects, with their greater independence of the world, and their continual emphasis upon the original ideals of Christianity, often represent in a very direct and characteristic way the essential, fundamental ideas of Christianity.” “The essence of the sea does not consist merely in a one-sided emphasis upon certain vital elements of the Church-type, but is in itself a direct continuation of the idea of the Gospel.” Troeltsch admits, however, that though both streams take their rise in the depths of the same mountain range, their waters are differently coloured and have a different taste. The idea that the Sect-type of Christianity is of comparatively recent growth is, then, one which will not bear examination. Sound scholarship has made it clear that for several centuries the Christian Church fluctuated a great deal between the Church and Sect-type. Indeed, the Church-type became dominant only after Christianity had taken up into itself, from Judaism and the heathen cults, sacerdotal notions of the Christian ministry and had compromised its independence by forging an alliance with the State. It was never able completely to suppress the Sect-type which appears in the Montanists, the Novatianists, the Donatists, the Cathari, the Paulicians, the followers of Peter of Bruys, the Waldensians, the Franciscans, Wyclif and the Lollards, and the Hussites. In all these movements may be traced, in varying degrees, an attempt to assert the spirituality of the Church, an insistence that doctrines and institutions must be judged by Scripture, and also an awakening of the spirit of free lay discussion. The Paulicians, who flourished in the Eastern Church during the eighth and following centuries, and the followers of the French priest, Peter of Bruys, who lived in the twelfth century, definitely rejected infant-baptism in favour of that of believers only….” *Forerunners A History of the English Baptists* *by A. C. Underwood, D.D.* *The Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland* The idea that I promote here is not to extol the Baptist but warn of the dangers of the institutional Church type. It is not limited to Christianity, most all religions other than biblical Christianity are of this type. They are political instead of spiritual, Islam being the current news headliner. Religion is used to make the people unwilling pawns in the radical grab for physical control and the enslavement of people. > [Which Religion?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-religion/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Colossians 1:23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-1-23/) **Published:** July 10, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Colossians 1:23 See: “**[liberty in Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/)“:** Colossians 1:23 Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians --- ### [Will the saved be judged?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/will-the-saved-be-judged/) **Published:** June 15, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Where in the Bible does it say we will be judged? For the time is come that **judgment must begin at the house of God**: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17 If you are saved, have trusted that Christ Jesus was the virgin-born Son of God and that he died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, then you will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. *Romans 14:10* But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for **we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ**. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Our salvation will not be in question, that is secure, but our works; what we did or did not do, even what we thought, after being saved is what shall be judged. Of course one of the first questions will be, ‘did you study God’s word or did you ignore Him?’ *2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV* Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and **bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ**; *2 Timothy 2:15 (Thou)* **Study** to shew **thyself** approved unto God, a **workman** that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The command to study and rightly divide the word of truth is an individual command to each and every one of the saints. Living life for Christ is possible if you direct your heart toward him and impossible if you direct it toward the world. *2 Timothy 4:10* For Demas hath forsaken me, **having loved this present world**, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. *James 4:4* Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that **the friendship of the world is enmity with God**? **whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God**. Even His own can be his enemy for not to give yourself wholly to God is to hinder the work of God. A further description of the judgment of the saints is given in 1 Corinthians. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now **if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. If you die lost without Christ you will stand before the Great White Throne judgment. *Revelation 20:11-15* And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And **I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God**; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and **the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works**. 13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14And **death and hell were cast into the lake of fire**. This is the second death. 15And **whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [The Sovereignty of the Executive Branch](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-sovereignty-of-the-executive-branch/) **Published:** June 3, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The argument being made by some that the current President cannot change what a previous President did is an absurdity. Congress is not bound by what previous congresses have done. The Supreme Court is not bound by what previous Supreme Courts have ruled. **Sovereign Authority**: Each Congress is considered a separate and distinct legislative body. This means that the decisions, rules, and policies established by one Congress do not obligate future Congresses. A Presidential administration is a sovereign authority, not bound by the acts or orders of previous administrations. Any actions of a President that have not been legislated into law by Congress is not binding upon a new administration. The President is obligated to fulfill Congressional mandates as he sees most fit. A current President is not obligated to maintain how previous Presidents thought fit to do so. The Supreme Court can rule on the constitutionality of a law passed by Congress but it is up to the Executive to determine how to apply and execute those laws. The Supreme Court has no authority to rule over or otherwise interfere with a President’s Constitutional authority over the Executive branch. It is within the authority of Congress to curtail or control how Presidents execute their authority. We do not have three equal branches of government. We have three branches, one of which is first among the three. Congress has the ultimate authority. It can remove Presidents and Judges; neither of those two has such power over Congress. Congress has that authority over itself. The people have the final authority over the makeup of Congress. Rate this post **Categories:** Politics --- ### [Others May, You Cannot](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/others-may-you-cannot/) **Published:** December 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If God has called you to be really like Christ in all your spirit, He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility and put on you such demands of obedience, that He will not allow you to follow other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other good people do things which He will not let you do. Others can brag on themselves, and their work, on their success, on their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works. The Lord will let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hid away in obscurity because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit for His glory, which can be produced only in the shade. Others will be allowed to succeed in making money, but it is likely God will keep you poor because he wants you to have something far better than gold and that is a helpless dependence on Him; that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury. God will let others be great, but He will keep you small. He will let others do a great work for Him and get credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious, He will let others get the credit for the work you have done, and this will make your reward ten times greater when He comes. The Holy Spirit will put strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings, or for wasting your time, which other Christians never seem distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an infinite Sovereign, and has a right to do what He pleases with His own, and He will not explain to you a thousand things which may puzzle your reason in His dealing with you. He will wrap you up in a jealous love, and let other people say and do many things that you cannot do or say. Settle it forever, that you are to deal directly with the Holy Spirit, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that others are not dealt with. > Now, when you are so possessed with the Living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this particular personal, private, jealous guardianship and management of the Holy Spirit over your life, you will have found the vestibule of heaven. Buell H. Kazee (1900-1976) Baptist Minister and Teacher > Rate this post **Categories:** Articles, Required --- ### [Dual Nature of Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dual-nature-of-salvation/) **Published:** October 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How could the Lord have died for all and all not be saved? This is the question that Augustinian/Calvinistic/Reformed and Arminianism’s, as well as Universalism, could not figure out, ‘How could Christ Jesus have died for the sins of the whole world and the whole world not be saved?’ To understand how Christ died for all and all not be saved, you must realize and accept the dual nature of salvation. Many failing to understand this have entered into serious errors. In consequence, Calvinism stuck with Augustine’s throwing out salvation for all, opting for limited atonement, just for the predetermined elect. Universalism went the other way and threw out eternal damnation and has all being saved eventually. The retribution the law of God required had to be paid before sins could be forgiven to maintain God’s holiness and righteousness. If God just forgave sins without satisfying His holy law, He would be complicit in men’s sins. All men were condemned to death for the debt they owed the law. When Christ died on the cross, He purchased the world’s sin debt unto himself. Thus, the law being satisfied was taken out of the way, as far as it was concerned, the debt was paid, all men were as dead, and the law had no more power over men to condemn them. All men moved from death unto life, being justified by the atonement. *Romans 5:18* Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one **the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life**. All men had their names written in the book of life, which is why the Bible only speaks of blotting men out, not entering them in; they were put in by Christ’s atonement. *Exodus 32:33* And the LORD said unto Moses, **Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book**. *Deuteronomy 29:20* The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and **the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven**. *Revelation 3:5* He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and **I will not blot out his name out of the book of life**, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. The law demanded payment for all sin, Christ made that payment. Ownership of our debt was exchanged. The transaction did not include instant or automatic forgiveness of that debt, only a transference of ownership. The debt was no longer owed to the law, it was taken out of the way. This opened the door to salvation for all. Each individual still owed the debt to God, Christ. God has elected, chosen, to forgive the debt completely to whomsoever, any and all who, will believe on His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The sin debt to the law was paid en masse, forgiveness is obtained individually. You will either have your name blotted out of the Book of Life, or your sins blotted out. *Psalms 51:9* Hide thy face from my sins, and **blot out all mine iniquities**. > [Which Religion?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-religion/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles, Required **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Biblical Freewill](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) **Published:** January 10, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Of all the definitions conceived, the following is believed to be the correct biblical understanding of freewill. *Ezra 7:13* I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, **which are minded of their own freewill** to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee. Men have freewill of desire, inclination, passion, aspirations, motivations, intentions, likes, dislikes, loves, hatreds. what we would like to do or would do if we could get away with it. Freewill of action is more restrictive. An individual may desire to perform an action; God will use the desire to execute his will. He may allow or modify a desired act to be performed to deal with an individual using it to bless, correct, punish, or deal with another, etc. All actions are controlled by God to perform his will. But it is man’s desire, on a personal and national level, that He guides and focuses for his purposes. *Hebrews 4:12* For **the word of God** is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and **is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart**. *2 Corinthians 9:7* Every man according **as he purposeth in his heart**, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. *Hebrews 3:10* Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway **err in their heart**; and they have not known my ways. *Matthew 12:35* A good man out of the **good treasure of the heart** bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the **evil treasure** bringeth forth evil things. *Proverbs 16:33* The lot is cast into the lap; but **the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD**. Having freewill of the thoughts and intents of the heart and minds is why the thought of sin is sin. *Matthew 5:28* But I say unto you, That **whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart**. *James 1:14-15* But every man is tempted, when he **is drawn away of his own lust**, and enticed. 15Then **when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin**: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. > [Repentance](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/repentance/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles, Required **Tags:** Free Will --- ### [Which Religion?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-religion/) **Published:** June 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Excerpt:** There are only two religions in the world; the one or the other, the wrong or the right. **Content:** There are **[only two religions in the world](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/)**; the one or the other, the wrong or the right. They are quite easy to tell apart. The one is based on man’s works; the other is not of man’s works. The one says to rely on yourself, find yourself, heal yourself, clean yourself. The other says you are lost, incurable, filthy. The one says you have time; it will all work out in the end. The other says today, now. The one is a struggle, a constant effort; the other is a gift bringing peace, the product of grace and mercy. One will make a few allowances, nobody is perfect; the other demands the sinless perfection that you can never provide and—*provides it for you*. The one or the other, the wrong or the right one; how to choose? The easy answer to that question is to look in a mirror. *Proverbs 20:9* Who can say, **I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin**? It is your decision, your choice. Are you righteous, holy, clean, pure? Contemplate just your thoughts over the last week. If you are able to make yourself pure, choose the one; if you are not able to wash yourself clean and pure of your sins, choose the other. *Romans 6:23* For **the wages of sin is death**; but **the gift of God is eternal life** through Jesus Christ our Lord. *“By grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works”* is a singular, unique religion separate from all the religions of the world. This is where the contention arises. All the religions of the world can come together without condemning each other, as they are all the same religion; that of man’s efforts. On the other hand, you have a religion that condemns all the rest—*by grace through faith*. > [Know Your Place](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles, Required **Tags:** Religion --- ### [Methodology of Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Excerpt:** This article discusses the methodology of salvation from a biblical perspective. It highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to certain precepts or principles outlined in the Bible. The methodology of salvation is a topic that has been widely debated and disputed. Various questions are raised, such as whether salvation is dependent on free will or predestination, the role of faith and works, the necessity of baptism, and the requirement of membership in a particular denomination or church. This article strives to answer them. **Content:** - [**Part 1**](#uagb-tabs__tab0) - [**Part 2**](#uagb-tabs__tab1) For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: Isaiah 28:10 When it comes to the doctrine of Eternal Salvation, as with most doctrines, there is a large disparity in its proper interpretation. Naturally, the biblical methodology of salvation is under attack from all sides. What is the correct form or methodology of this most important doctrine? This study looks at the biblical precepts that guide our understanding and limit our imagination as to how our salvation was accomplished. Many are not aware of the amount of disputing and contention that there is concerning this doctrine. Does man have freewill, or is he predestinated? Is he required to have faith, or is he given faith? Do our works play any part in our salvation? Does one have to be a member of a particular denomination or church? Is water baptism necessary for salvation? The disputes are endless, and to our shame. To understand this doctrine, we must first consider the precepts or general principles that govern it. In the chapter **[Precepts of the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-precepts/)**, several precepts that were directly related to salvation were given as examples. One answered the question is salvation in whole or in part dependent upon our works? The answer is quite simply no; we were given the answer in no uncertain terms; there is very little to interpret. Romans 11:6 And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; *Ephesians 2:5* Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (**by grace ye are saved**; ) It is not known at the time of this writing if there is any sect or denomination claiming to be Christian that does not hold to salvation being wholly or in part God’s grace. What the Bible explains, that many fail to understand, is that grace and works are mutually exclusive of each other. If eternal salvation is by the grace of God, then there can be no part of it by works; *“if by grace, then is it no more of works.”* The two, grace and works, are mutually exclusive. If I say to my son, “Son, you have found grace in my sight. Therefore, I am going to let you use the car tonight—if you mow the lawn.” With the inclusion of the works, grace went out the window. All that matters now is did my son mow the lawn, or did he not? There is no grace involved; he either cut the grass or he did not. This may be a simplistic example, but it is an accurate one. My son is not coming to me thanking me for my mercy and grace, he is demanding what I owe him for the work he did. *Romans 4:4* Now **to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace**, **but of debt**. Many persist, nevertheless, in teaching as Bible truth that an element of works is required in obtaining or maintaining salvation. Both teachings were the subject of the great counsel and debate of Acts chapter 15 and both were condemned. Many also continue to teach that eternal salvation by faith alone is only New Testament doctrine. Never mind that the subject and context of Romans chapter 11, *“if by grace, then is it no more of works,”* is Israel under the law not realizing that salvation was not by the works of the law, but by God’s grace. A curse on details, details are the vermin that destroy great works. Voltaire (1694—1778) French Enlightenment writer The great tragedy of Science: the slaying of a beautiful hypothesis by an ugly fact. Thomas Henry Huxley (1825—1895) English biologist and famed evolutionist This is the great eternal paradox that baffles the self-righteous. The vilest of sinners can be saved, while the most observant of the law can be lost. Self-righteousness is the first casualty of the election of grace. *Titus 3:5* **Not by works of righteousness which we have done**, **but according to his mercy he saved us**, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; The conclusion to this is obvious: any teaching that works is involved in obtaining or maintaining our salvation nullifies faith and grace. If the gaining of salvation is by God’s grace and not by our works, the maintaining of it is also by grace and not works. To be given a free gift and then be told you have to pay to keep it disannuls any semblance of free. It is the same with grace and works, works to maintain salvation nullifies the free gift of grace. *Romans 4:14* For if they which are of the law be heirs, **faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect**: *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; Any doctrine that teaches that one can earn grace is in error. Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, **but of debt**. *Galatians 5:4***Christ is become of no effect unto you**, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. This single precept, *“not by works of righteousness that we have done,”* if adhered to would dissipate many false teachings. This forms our first precept of the doctrine of salvation. **Salvation is by the grace of God not by the works of man neither in the gaining or maintaining thereof**. Our precept is not only a principle of New Testament salvation but a general universal precept of God’s word. This means that salvation is by grace and not in part or in whole of works at any time, Old Testament, New Testament, Tribulation. Remember that the subject of Romans 11, *“if by grace, then is it no more of works”*, is Old Testament Israel’s failure to understand this precept—God’s election of grace. Even if you had lived a perfect life, from the heart as well as physically, you would only have done what God created you for—*your duty*. *Luke 17:10* So likewise ye, **when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you**, say, **We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do**. *Ecclesiastes 12:13* Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for **this is the whole duty of man**. This brings us to the next precept one has to understand to comprehend the doctrine of salvation. Having established that salvation is by grace and in no part based on works, while at the same time realizing that works are our duty to God, not subject to payment or reward or incurrence of debt, we can determine that God is not obligated in any fashion to man. *Exodus 33:19* And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and **will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy**. *Romans 9:18* Therefore **hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth**. Our next precept then must state the position that God is not obligated to save anyone. **Christ’s atonement was not** **an obligation on God’s part to save anyone** This precept, as difficult as it is for some to grasp, is also reflected in passages such as John 3:16, where it states God loved and Christ died to save the world while establishing the condition of *“whosoever believeth.”* He died to save the world while that atonement was not an automatic salvation for the world or anyone but given to those that met the condition of believing. Many errors in teaching are based on the belief that since Christ died for sin someone must automatically have been saved. It is hoped that from this study, you will see that this idea is not biblically sound. This mistaken notion is the underpinning of Calvinism (Reformed Theology), the doctrine of individual predestination, as well as Universal Theology, universal salvation. Both theologies are formed by obligating God upon Christ’s atonement to automatically save someone. Many faithful saints over the centuries have been confounded by this mistake in reasoning. The truth is, God is not obligated by Christ’s atonement to save anyone; it opens the door of salvation to all, more specifically, to anyone who will meet His conditions. Our last precept in this discussion extends from this point and deals with whom was it the Lord give himself for? Although he is not obligated to save anyone he certainly died for someone. *2 Peter 3:9* The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, **not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance**. *1 John 2:2* And he is the propitiation for our sins: and **not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world**. *John 12:47* And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but **to save the world**. *Acts 17:30* And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth **all men every where to repent**: *Ezekiel 18:32* For **I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth**, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore **turn yourselves, and live** ye. With these verses, we can easily stand on the principle that the atonement for sins was not limited. It is, of course, a point of contention to some, as above, who reject our second precept. However, this point will not be further suffered. Christ died for the sins of the entire world, all men. Therefore, our next precept states it as such. **Christ’s atoning sacrifice** **was for the sins of the whole world**. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. Psalms 119:81 At this point in the study, we have developed three biblical precepts which are enough to present us with a framework that must be maintained in any description of salvation’s methodology. **Salvation is by the grace of God and** **not by the works of man** **neither in the gaining or maintaining** **Christ’s atonement was not** **an obligation on God’s part to save anyone** **Christ’s atoning sacrifice was** **for the sins of the whole world** From these precepts, we can compile a list of prerequisites that any interpretation of the doctrine of salvation must incorporate and meet. - Must be by grace to the exclusion of works - Must affirm the total inclusiveness of Christ’s atonement while allowing for individual exclusion - Must preserve God’s sovereignty in the selection while sustaining universal opportunity of salvation When we examine this list, we begin to see some of the supposed contradictions that men have stumbled at in forming their theologies. These contradictions become the issues that must be dealt with in our study of salvation’s scheme. Two of the main questions that must be contended with are the following: - How is it that Christ could have died to pay for all sin yet not all be saved? - How is it that all are eligible and have an equal opportunity to be saved if God in his sovereignty chooses whom he will? It is these two questions that take us back to the foundation of salvation’s plan to attempt to reconcile them. At first glance, considering much of what is being preached, this would seem to be an insurmountable task, but not so. The following is a portrayal of a design for God’s scheme that satisfies these requirements. There can only be one correct biblical interpretation of any doctrine of God’s word: *“God is not the author of confusion.”* With any doctrine, the interpretation must conform to the requirements of any and all Scriptures that have any bearing on it. Having now established the requirements that must be incorporated into the scheme of salvation; every verse of Scripture must fit our theology for it to be correct. If a passage of Scripture does not fit, we have something wrong; no forced interpretation of God’s word is correct. Our description, therefore, of this doctrine must be simple and unforced in its interpretation; it must easily fall into place, meeting all the requirements of the Bible. Reconciling the apparent contradictions is quite simple. Salvation is analogous to a simple business transaction, the same type of commerce that takes place hundreds of times during a business day among men. Do not be deceived by the transaction’s simplicity; regardless of how great the amount being dealt with, the exchange is not complex. This description does not trivialize God’s salvation. Whether you purchase a twenty–thousand–dollar house or a five–hundred–million–dollar high-rise complex, the transaction is the same. However great the mercy, grace, and price of our salvation, the transaction, the exchange, was simple. *2 Corinthians 11:3* But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from **the simplicity that is in Christ**. Mankind, as a whole and each of us individually, owed a sin debt to the law of God. Once Adam was corrupted, all that came from him bore that corruption, and we have been doing a fair job of it on our own as well. *Job 14:4* **Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean**? not one. Christ purchased the total debt of the world. It was no different than when you borrow from a bank. The bank sells the debt, it does not keep your debt. It is the new owners of your debt that you now owe. The bank wanted payment and was paid; the new owners can do with the debt as they please. They can demand, or reduce payment; they can forgive the whole debt according to whatever criteria they set. The bank, or in our case, the law, has no more say in the matter. The law demanded payment for all sin, Christ made that payment. Ownership of our debt was exchanged. The transaction did not include instant or automatic forgiveness of that debt, only a transference of ownership. You can distinguish the transfer by whatever names you care to use, from the law to grace, etc. God’s law being satisfied, God can now have mercy on whom he will according to whatever criteria he so desires. The law being satisfied, his holiness and righteousness remain intact and uncompromised. To confirm the accuracy of the division of payment and forgiveness is simple enough. Throughout the Old Testament, God forgave sin; Christ forgave sin during his earthly ministry. Regardless of that forgiveness, no one was saved, born again, or obtained eternal life thereby. Eternal salvation was not accessible under the old covenant; the sin debt was still owed, as such the Holy Spirit could not be given. *John 7:39* (But this spake he of the Spirit, **which they that believe on him should receive**: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) *Hebrews 11:13* These all died in faith, **not having received the promises**, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. *Hebrews 11:39* And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, **received not the promise**: Without the atonement for sins, there was no salvation, regardless of sins forgiven. Further, after the atonement for sins having been made, men still died lost. Under the old covenant, those dying having forgiveness for sins were held in escrow, in Abraham’s bosom. It could not be absent from the body present with the Lord. They were held until the law received payment for sin; the ownership of the debt transfer. At present, when we receive forgiveness it is immediately effectual: *“absent from the body, … present with the Lord,”* the payment having been made. The atonement for sins, great as it was, can best be understood by realizing that it initiated an accounting entry. The sin debt of the world was marked paid in the law column and entered as being owed in the mercy or grace column (or whatever column headings you care to use). The point is that men were transferred from absolute damnation to a position of eligibility for salvation where forgiveness of sins was made possible. Men passed from death unto life. *Romans 5:18* Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one **the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life**. Everyone’s sin debt to the law was paid making all eligible for forgiveness. Without the atonement, forgiveness would have been ineffectual. Christ died for all and is the means of salvation. Whether or not one finds grace in God’s eyes, the forgiveness of their individual sin debt is determined by God’s dealing with and judging men’s hearts. He has elected that it be by whether one will put their faith in him, in his word, in the testimony and preaching of his Son crucified and raised again. God’s sovereignty is preserved in the setting of a condition that men must meet—*faith*. *Romans 9:15* For he saith to Moses, **I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion**. This The Old Testament saints were granted forgiveness of sins based on their faith and trust in God, whether brought about through the preaching of the prophets, the law, or the works that God showed. We now have a greater revelation if not a complete one. That revelation is of God’s Son who gave himself that men might receive forgiveness of sin. God, *“not willing that any should perish”,* paid the sin debt for all while not obligating himself to save any. He is free under this plan to establish and set his criteria for his forgiveness of individual sins even after his atonement for all sin. Once the precepts and requirements of the doctrine of salvation are understood, it is easy to see how this scheme fits. Its interpretation can be reduced as long as the dual elements of atonement to the law and individual forgiveness are maintained. God fulfilled the requirements of the law, satisfying His holiness and righteousness. He now judges the hearts of men to determine whether he will apply that atonement through individual forgiveness maintaining his sovereign will. This scheme of the methodology of salvation satisfies all the requirements of Scripture without any strained or forced interpretations. This methodology of God’s salvation must be the foundation which all else is built upon. We are saved by Christ’s atonement upon our meeting the condition of believing in him. Anything other than this dual nature of salvation leads to errors. > [Which Religion?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-religion/) **[Part 1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/#uagb-tabs__tab0) – [Part 2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/#uagb-tabs__tab1)** Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Ephesians 2:8-9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-28-9/) **Published:** August 11, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Many times, Ephesians 2:8 is used to support the teaching that faith is the gift of God. This is accomplished by assigning incorrectly ‘faith’ as the antecedent of the pronoun ‘it’. This is an error corrected by understanding and proper use of English grammar. They assume some non-existent rule that the closest noun has to be the antecedent. There is no such rule; the antecedent could be three pages back. It is all in the context and grammar. The first thing to note about Ephesians 2:8-9 is that it is a compound sentence containing two independent clauses that can be split into two sentences. - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves. - It is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. Starting with the first sentence we will rewrite it in normal order subject/predicate (verb). - Ye are saved by grace through faith and not of yourselves. Next we will remove the modifiers: adverbs, adjectives, etc. In this case the modifiers are in the form of three prepositional phrases. - Ye are saved by grace through faith and not of yourselves. This leaves us with the simple sentence: simple subject and simple predicate. - Ye are saved. We will break down the second sentence removing its modifiers. - It is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. This leaves its simple sentence. - It is the gift. This leaves us with two simple sentences. - Ye are saved. It is the gift. You can clearly see now that the antecedent of the pronoun ‘it’ is the noun ‘saved’. Prepositional phrases, as we all know, are additional information that can be taken out or moved around without affecting the meaning of the sentence. - Ye are saved through faith, by grace. - By grace, through faith, are ye saved. - Through faith, by grace, are ye saved. - Ye are saved through faith by grace. - By grace are ye saved through faith. The object of the preposition, the noun of the prepositional phrase, is never the subject of a sentence as it will be in the objective case and not the subjective. Hence, the antecedent of the subject ‘it’ is not ‘faith’ but the predicate nominative, the noun ‘saved’. Salvation is the gift of God’s grace and it is granted to an individual through his faith in the gospel of Christ Jesus. Putting your faith in Christ Jesus is the condition to receive the gift of salvation. This is sometimes referred to as conditional salvation. *John 3:16* For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, **that whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have everlasting life. *“Believeth in him”* is the condition men have to meet to receive *“everlasting life.”* It is by God’s grace through the condition of having faith that we are granted God’s gift, eternal life. You may ask why it was not written were it would be obvious what was meant? It is a test and a trap; God wants to see who will diligently study and ensnare those that do not. *1 Corinthians 11:19* For **there must be also heresies among you**, that **they which are approved may be made manifest** among you. As you can see, using basic grammar keeps us from making the error. For those interested in sharping your grammar shills, I recommend [Grammar Revolution](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/), a very easy way to learn grammar, everything you need is free. Works have no part in eternal salvation. Works is in everything else. It takes work to diligently study God’s word. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [The Great Tribulation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-the-great-tribulation/) **Published:** December 9, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **The Bible speaks of a “great tribulation.” Is it the same as the “end times?** Many associate the Tribulation as being the end times, this would not be technically correct; it would be a part of the last times. The reference to the great tribulation is speaking of the second half of Daniel’s seventieth week which is a seven-year period just before the Lord’s return. It is referred to as the time of Jacob’s trouble. *Jeremiah 30:7* Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even **the time of Jacob’s trouble**; but he shall be saved out of it. *Revelation 11:2* But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot **forty and two months**. The 42 months equals 3.5 years, the last half of Danel’s seventieth week. The end times are more than that. We are in the end times now. Everything is being set up for Daniel’s seventieth week. When they complete the implementation of digital money the powers that be will control and enslave all. *Revelation 13:17* And that **no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark**, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Digital money gives them complete control over the lives of all. If you cannot accept money or pay it out what are you going to do except what they tell you? The world is now in the process of implementing a complete digital cashless society. We are very close to entering Daniel’s seventieth week as described in the book of Revelation. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** End Times --- ### [John 1:4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-1-4/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4**In him was life; and the life was the light of men**. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. *John 1:3-5* It is a scientific fact that you cannot get life from non-life. God, the Word, is life and we get our life from him. The Word was in Christ. *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself**, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, as the Word was in Christ, He was the “**I A**M”, just as much a part of the eternal God as the Father, and from him flows all else. *Isaiah 57:15* For thus saith the high and lofty One **that inhabiteth eternity**, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. *Deuteronomy 32:40* For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, **I live for ever**. *John 14:6* Jesus saith unto him, **I am the way, the truth, and the life**: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. > [John 1:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-1-1/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [1 Timothy 6:13-16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-6-13-16/) **Published:** October 10, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:13-16 Verse 13-16 constituted a complete sentence. The context of the full sentence must be maintained when interpreting a verse within a sentence. Remember in studying the Scriptures that a sentence is the smallest unit of grammar that has a definitive meaning. Anything less than a whole sentence can be made to mean anything. A sentence is a trinity, it requires a subject, predicate (verb), and a complete thought. The Bible should be studied sentence by sentence, however, the complete thought might be made up of two or more sub-thoughts. The **[verse numbers](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verses-in-the-bible/)** divide the sentences by individual thoughts which make up the complete thought. *1 Timothy 6:13-16* *13* **I give thee charge in the sight of God**, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; `14 `That thou **keep this commandment** without spot, unrebukeable, until **the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ**: *1 Timothy 6:11-12* But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and **follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness**. `12`**Fight the good fight of faith**, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. `15` Which **in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;** `16 `**Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting**. Amen. It is another passage of Scripture telling us that Jesus Christ is God and that we are to live godly and righteously in Him. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy **Tags:** Life --- ### [1 Timothy 5:17-19](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-5-17-19/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour**, **especially they who labour in the word and doctrine**. `18`For the scripture saith, **Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn**. And, **The labourer is worthy of his reward**. `19`Against **an elder** receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 1 Timothy 5:17-19 *Deuteronomy 25:4* Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. The term ‘elder’ in the Bible (KJV) is always a reference to elder in age. It is the elders of an assembly who are instructed and commissioned to feed the flock. *1 Peter 5:1-3* **The elders which are among you I exhort**, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: `2`**Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof**, not by constraint, but willingly; **not for filthy lucre**, but of a ready mind; `3`Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. *Acts 20:17-28* And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and **called the elders of the church**. …. `28`**Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God**, which he hath purchased with his own blood. The elders in this sense would be the senior citizens of the Church. Those that have raise families and worked in the world knowing the trials and temptations of those they are instructed to feed. *1 Corinthians 9:9-10* For it is written in the law of Moses, **Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written**: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. Elders overseeing the Church is not an office or a paid position: *“not for filthy lucre”*. They deserve to be honor and respected, especially those that have labor in the word and doctrine. *Leviticus 19:32* **Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man**, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. This something we have neglected to do and teach our children for some time. The elders should be first in line,first to be seated, and treated with the upmost respect. Those elders who take the mantel of missionary and/or evangelist to the lost (not just hopping from one Church to another) should come out from and be supported by a local Chruch. Support should come from other Churches along their travels. As with the oversight of the Chruch, missionaries should be elders. It is not calling men with families to the mission field. *1 Timothy 5:8* But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. A man’s first ministry is to establish a stable home and provide for his family. If it is felt that God has called to the mission field, it is to prepare for when the family responsibilities are over. An elder who has labored in word and doction is much more experienced and stable in the faith and fit for the work. I realize this flies in the face of contemporary thinking. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy --- ### [1 Timothy 5:8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-5-8/) **Published:** September 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1 Timothy 5:8 I probably should not have to comment on this verse, as it seems self-evident. But there are a few implications that some fail to see. As a young to middle-aged male, your obligation, your ministry, is to care for your family. Get a job, if you need an education to do that, get it first before you take on the obligation of a family. It is not the place of a young, middle-aged man with a family to take on the oversight of a Church. That is for **[elders](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-4-12/)**, men who have fulfilled their family obligations and are free to take on the obligations of the oversight of the Church. No man still raising his family can do both. Yes, your family’s care and needs come first, however, remember, your family needs to learn to sacrifice and care for others as well. That would be part of what you are to teach and demonstrate in your life. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Timothy 4:12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-4-12/) **Published:** September 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 In a proper society the elders are respected and lead. This is true of a Church assembly; the elders, in age, have the responsibility to feed the flock. *1 Peter 5:1-3* **The elders which are among you I exhort**, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2**Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof**, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. Paul is telling Timothy all though young, not an elder, to set the example “in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” that none can find the faults of youth in him and his preaching and teaching. Timothy is not there to be a Bishop, which only elders can be qualified for, but to explain and set up the Churches in the area and ordain elders as Bishops. He is there is Paul’s stead. Titus is in Crete for the same reason, to set up the Churches and ordain elders to oversee them. *Titus 1:5-7* For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and **ordain elders** in every city, as I had appointed thee: 6If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7For a **bishop** must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; I believe this to be the correct way to understand this verse. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Timothy 3:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-3-16/) **Published:** May 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ## *God Manifested in the Flesh* And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: **God was manifest in the flesh**, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 *John 1:1* In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and **the Word was God**. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. *1 Timothy 3:16* And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: **God was manifest in the flesh**, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ**, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. --- *Isaiah 44:6* Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; **I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God**. Revelations 1:8**I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending**, **saith the Lord**, which is, and which was, and which is to come, **the Almighty**. *Revelations 1:11* Saying, **I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last**: *Revelations 2:8* And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith **the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive**; … *Isaiah 9:6* For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, **The mighty God, The everlasting Father**, The Prince of Peace. --- *John 19:37* And again another scripture saith, **They shall look on him whom they pierced.** *Revelations 1:7* Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also **which pierced him**: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. *Zechariah 12:4-10* In that day, saith the LORD, … 10and they shall look upon me **whom they have pierced**, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. *Psalms 22:16* For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: **they pierced my hands and my feet**. --- *Philippians 2:10* That **at the name of Jesus every knee should bow**, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; *Isaiah 45:23* I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That **unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.** *Philippians 2:10-11* That **at the name of Jesus every knee should bow**, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that **every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord**, to the glory of God the Father. --- *Genesis 1:1* In the beginning **God created the heaven and the earth**. *John 1:10* He was in the world, and **the world was made by him**, and the world knew him not. *Colossians 1:16* For **by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth**, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy --- ### [1 Timothy 3:8-13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-3-8-13/) **Published:** September 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** 1 Timothy 3:8-13 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Likewise means that the deacons are to be held to the same standards as the bishops . The things list here would for the bishops as well. 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. Many misinterpret this to mean never having been married more than once. That is an error. If the Lord wanted to say that he very well could. Which he does concern widows. *1 Timothy 5:9* Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, It could have been stated that bishop and deacons had to be the husbands of one woman. But it was not. The husband of one wife refers to being monogamous, having only one current wife, not two, three, four, or more. There are legitimately acceptable reasons that allow for divorce. Further, it would be prudent not to hold a man to what his life was before his salvation without diligent consideration. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. We must also compare and join this passage with Titus where we are told bishops and deacons are to be chosen from elders (in age) of the assembly. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Timothy 2:15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-2-15/) **Published:** July 24, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 1 Timothy 2:15 *Genesis 3:16* Unto the woman he said, **I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception**; **in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children**; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. *Isaiah 26:17* Like as a woman with child, that draweth near the time of her delivery, **is in pain, and crieth out in her pangs**; so have we been in thy sight, O LORD. *Psalms 48:6* Fear took hold upon them there, and **pain, as of a woman in travail**. *Jeremiah 48:41* Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab at that day shall be as the heart of **a woman in her pangs**. It is referring to the curse in some way. We have sorrow and the travail and pangs, the pain in the process of giving birth. *1 Timothy 2:15* Notwithstanding **she shall be saved in childbearing**, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. It definitely does not refer to eternal salvation, but the curse is some way. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy --- ### [1 Timothy 2:8-10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-timothy-2-8-10/) **Published:** August 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Does the Bible say that braids are a sin? I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 **In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel**, with **shamefacedness** and **sobriety**; **not with broided hair**, or **gold**, or **pearls**, or **costly array**; 10**But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works**. *1 Timothy 2:8-10* It is saying that the vain fascination with style, fads, makeup, fancy apparel, and hair dews, is not supposed to be the occupation of a woman’s mind and time. It does not mean you have to dress in a potato sack or cannot put your hair in braids, or a ponytail, etc. But spending 3 hours and 200.00+ dollars in a hair salon is not what a Christian lady is supposed to do. You do want to present yourself as a representative of Jesus Christ, not mopping about dressed in rags or looking like you only bath once a week, but you do not want to take it too far and end up chasing the world’s fads and promiscuous styles. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4But **let it be the hidden man of the heart**, in that which is not corruptible, **even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit**, **which is in the sight of God of great price**. *1 Peter 3:3-4* Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Timothy --- ### [2 Thessalonians 2:11-12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-thessalonians-211-12/) **Published:** March 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And for this cause **God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie**: `12`That they all might be damned **who believed not the truth**, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Honestly, I do not believe you can explain the insanity any other way than God messing with their minds. Most of what the lost think is total insanity. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Thessalonians --- ### [1 Thessalonians 5:22](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-thessalonians-5-22/) **Published:** June 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Abstain from al**l** appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV To work effectively, it is important that society’s criminal process “satisfy the appearance of justice,” Offutt v. United States, 348 U.S. 11 (1954) Offutt v. United States It simply means that whatever you do, it must be done in a manner that appears to all to be proper and good beyond question. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Thessalonians --- ### [1 Thessalonians 5:1-4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-thessalonians-5-1-4-2/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **But** of **the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you**. `2`For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. `3`For **when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape**. `4`But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. *1 Thessalonians 5:1-4* Paul states, Concerning what I just said I am adding a *“but”* to it. So we must look at what Paul just said; look back to the end of chapter 4 to get the first part. Paul just finished prophesying the rapture. Therefore, the *“but”* refers back to that and he is stating that it is the times and seasons for the rapture that he need not write to them about. When the world, or possibly those upon taking over the world, say they have achieved world peace and safety then comes the rapture and the realization that they were wrong and now headed for eternal damnation. The world is going to be overtaken by the event as a thief in the night, but it should not overtake us as a thief; we can know the time and season. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Thessalonians **Tags:** Rapture --- ### [Philippians 4:8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/philippians-4-8/) **Published:** December 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Finally**, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things**. *Philippians 4:8* Sin and evil come from the heart, which we know to be the thoughts and intents of the mind. Keep your mind pure and you will be pure. *James 4:8* Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and **purify your hearts, ye double minded**. *2 Corinthians 10:5* Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and **bringing into captivity every thought** to the obedience of Christ; This was Paul’s finally admonition to the Philippians on how to maintain and comport themselves as Christians. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Philippians --- ### [Philippians 3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/philippians-3/) **Published:** November 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Finally, my brethren, **rejoice in the Lord**. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. `2`**Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision**. `3`For **we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh**. Philippians 3:1-3 Wrapping things up, Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord and to conscience and wary of false preacher, teachers, apostles, and the concision which is a reference to the Jews. *Philippians 3:4-6* Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. **If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more**: `5`Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; `6`Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. The Jews put their confidence in the flesh: sons of Abraham, followers of Moses, etc. Paul state that he could have such confidence in the flesh and explains that he was a Jew of the Jews. *Galatians 1:14* And **profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers**. No one could claim more confidence in the flesh than Paul. *Philippians 3:7 -11* But **what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ**. `8`Yea doubtless, and **I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord**: **for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ**, `9`And be found in him, **not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law**, but that which is through the faith of Christ, **the righteousness which is of God by faith**: `10`That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; `11`If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Paul goes on to say that he gladly lost all the benefits and prosperities of the flesh for knowing the saving grace of our Lord, Christ Jesus. All he had gained in the flesh he compared as dung (I hesitate to translate this into modern English) next to knowing our Lord, including all the sufferings he endured. *Philippians 3:12-14* **Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect**: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Paul is not resting on his laurels but continues to fight the good fight. *Philippians 3:13-14* Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this **one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before**, `14`**I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus**. Verses 15–19 should be self explanatory. *Philippians 3:20-21* For our conversation is in heaven; from **whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ**: `21`**Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body**, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Our bodies are changed at His coming for the Church, **[the Rapture](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/rapture-or-translation/)**. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, `52`In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. `53`For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Philippians --- ### [James 2:20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/james-2-20/) **Published:** March 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? James 2:20 *Ephesians 2:8-9* For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, **lest any man should boast**. There are many precepts or general principles contained within the Scriptures that must be understood to rightly divide the word of truth. One of them is that God created all things to glorify himself. Anything that does not glorify God is in error, sin. Teaching that our works contribute in anyway to salvation is in error as it would not glorify God but ourselves, *“Not of works, **lest any man should boast**.”* *Romans 4:4* Now **to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace**, **but of debt**. Here we have established another precept of the Bible, grace and works are mutually exclusive. If by grace it is not of works, if by works it is not of grace. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then it is no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. Salvation is God’s free gift of grace to man. If I graciously give you a free gift and there is a payment book attached, is it a gift? is it free? Do you get to receive and keep the gift by my grace or your works? Once you establish these precepts and understand them you will be able to rightly divide the word of truth in regards to James. James does not contradict Paul, they are not speaking of the same thing. Paul is speaking of obtaining salvation James of how to live after salvation. Before salvation: *Matthew 16:26* **For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul**? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? After salvation: *James 2:14-17* What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17Even so **faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone**. There is no profit in having faith if you do not live it. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, **according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad**. *Romans 3:27-28* Where is boasting then? **It is excluded**. By what law? **of works? Nay**: but **by the law of faith**. 28Therefore we conclude that **a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law**. He that hath ears, let him hear. > [Biblical Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** James **Tags:** Faith, Salvation, Works --- ### [Numbers 5:11–31
Is this Biblical Evidence for Abortion?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/numbers-5-11-31-is-this-biblical-evidence-for-abortion/) **Published:** November 17, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 12Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man’s wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him, 13And a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her, **neither she be taken with the manner**; …14And the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled: 15Then shall the man bring his wife unto the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. … 27And when he hath made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass, that, if she be defiled, and have done trespass against her husband, that the water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the woman shall be a curse among her people. 28**And if the woman be not defiled, but be clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive seed**. 29This is the law of jealousies, when a wife goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and is defiled; 30Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the LORD, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law. 31Then shall the man be guiltless from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity. *Numbers 5:11-31* There is nothing in this passage that says the woman is with child and under going an Abortion. In fact, the indication is she is not, *“neither she be taken with the manner,”* as that would be evidence she messed around when her husband was away and there would be no need for this test. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Numbers, Questions **Tags:** Children --- ### [What is a biblical prophecy?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-a-biblical-prophecy/) **Published:** May 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Surely the Lord GOD **will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. Amos 3:7 Prophecy is God telling us what he has done, is doing, will do. All is contained with in the Scriptures in some form or fashion whether it is future history woven into the accounts of past history, in the form of similitudes, or given in clear concise language. *Hosea 12:10* I have also spoken **by the prophets**, and I have **multiplied visions**, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. God is not soothsaying or prognosticating not telling what he sees in the future. Prophecy is concerned with what God is going to make happen. History is not predestinated nor complete and known; it is running in real time controlled and guided by God to perform his will and purpose. He has predetermined certain events from the foundation of the world, but most prophecy is the product of God’s judgments and dealings with men according to their free will thoughts, desires, and works: mostly evil unfortunately. > [How did Jesus fulfilled the law?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-is-it-jesus-fulfilled-the-law/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [What does the Bible mean to be carnally-minded?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-does-the-bible-mean-to-be-carnally-minded/) **Published:** May 15, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Carnal: 1. Of or relating to the body or flesh 2. Marked by the appetites and passions of the body Carnally minded is to be worldly/fleshly minded as opposed to spiritually minded. *1 John 2:16* For all that is in the world, **the lust of the flesh**, and **the lust of the eyes**, and **the pride of life**, is not of the Father, but is of the world. *Romans 8:6* For **to be carnally minded is death**; but **to be spiritually minded is life and peace**. *1 Corinthians 3:1* And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, **even as unto babes in Christ**. To be carnally minded is to be an immature Christian. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [What did Canaan do to Noah whereby Noah punish him for his transgression?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-did-canaan-do-to-noah-whereby-noah-punish-him-for-his-transgression/) **Published:** May 15, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Genesis 9:1* And **God blessed Noah and his sons**, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. *Genesis 27:33* And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, **and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed**. Canaan did not do anything wrong Ham did. However, God had already bless Ham so Noah could not curse him, so he cursed his son Canaan. If he had been able to curse Ham all his posterity would have been cursed including Canaan. In cursing Canaan only his posterity would be cursed. Either way Canaan was cursed. It is not specifically stated what Ham did. However, it was more than just seeing Noah naked. *Genesis 9:24* And Noah awoke from his wine, **and knew what his younger son had done unto him**. We do not have many choices to choose from. Remember, sexual perversion was the order of the day in the world they just came out of. Not much else is given in the way of description. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Zephaniah](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/zephaniah/) **Published:** June 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Zephaniah 1:7 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for **the day of the LORD is at hand**: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests. *Zephaniah 1:15* **That day is a day of wrath**, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wasteness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, The day of the Lord or the day of his sacrifice is a reference to the tribulation and second coming. *Zephaniah 2:1-3*` `Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation not desired; `2`Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, **before the fierce anger of the LORD come upon you**, **before the day of the LORD’S anger come upon you**. `3`**Seek ye the LORD, all ye meek of the earth**, which have wrought his judgment; **seek righteousness**, **seek meekness**: **it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the LORD’S anger**. Chapter two starts out with a warning to seek the Lord before the day of his wrath come. It then continues with the day of the Lord. Chapter 3:9 to the end speaks of the millennial reign. *Zephaniah 3:9* For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Zephaniah **Tags:** End Times --- ### [Amos 3:7
Prophecy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/amos-3-7/) **Published:** September 29, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What is a biblical prophecy? Surely the Lord GOD **will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. Amos 3:7 Prophecy is God telling us what he has done, is doing, will do. All is contained with in the Scriptures in some form or fashion whether it is future history woven into the accounts of past history, in the form of similitudes, or given in clear concise language. Hosea 12:10 **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. God is not soothsaying or prognosticating not telling what he sees in the future. Prophecy is concerned with what God is going to make happen. History is not predestinated nor complete and known; it is running in real time controlled and guided by God to perform his will and purpose. He has predetermined certain events from the foundation of the world, but most prophecy is the product of God’s judgments and dealings with men according to their free will thoughts, desires, and works: mostly evil unfortunately. > [Biblical Free Will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Amos, Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Ephesians 6:12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-6-12/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 The things on earth in our realm are a reflection of the heavens and the war in heaven. *Revelation 12:7* And **there was war in heaven**: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and **the dragon fought and his angels**, Which is what many do not understand and this causes them to misinterpret passages such as Isaiah 14 where Lucifer is spoken of as being the king of Babylon. Isaiah 14:4-15 That thou shalt take up this proverb against **the king of Babylon**, … 12How art thou fallen from heaven, **O Lucifer**, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. It is not the earthly Babylon. See also [**Ezekiel 28**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ezekiel-2811-17/) where Satan is again described as the king of Tyrus. It is not an earthly king. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Ephesians 5:25-27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-525-27/) **Published:** October 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26**That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word**, 27That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Ephesians 5:25-27 We may be saved, but we have a lot to learn from God’s word. This is the “washing of water by the word.” We need to read and study God’s word (KJV) and put off the fleshly and put on the spiritual. Ephesians 4:22-24 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And **be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24And that ye put on the new man**, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. The only way for us to obey the injunction to be renew in righteousness is by a knowledge and obedience to the word of God. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [Ephesians 5:22-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-5-22-23/) **Published:** October 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, **as unto the Lord**. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, **even as Christ is the head of the church**: and he is the saviour of the body. Ephesians 5:22-23 > [1 Corinthians 7:1-5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-7-1-5-marriage/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [Ephesians 5:18-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-518-21/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:18-21 Ephesians 5:18-21 is one complete sentence, and all within it should be taken in the context of the sentence. The context of the passage is part of the description of what the will of the Lord is. *Ephesians 5:17* Wherefore be ye not unwise, but **understanding what the will of the Lord is**. It is part of the description of how we should walk in the Lord. *Ephesians 5:15-16* **See then that ye walk circumspectly**, **not as fools**, but **as wise**, 16**Redeeming the time**, because the days are evil. In this context, I would surmise, that it is speaking of attitude in general and toward others, that we do not put on airs thinking that we are better than anyone else. We should walk humbly together and, as it states in other passages, charitably toward one another. *1 Peter 5:14* Greet ye one another with a **kiss of charity**. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. *2 Thessalonians 1:3* We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and **the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth**; Charity is selflessness, giving of one’s self. We should be charitable, kind, helpful, giving toward one another, and seeing to the needs of the needy. The failure of this injunction can be found in most Churches, the poor and downcast are unwelcome and uncared for. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Life --- ### [Ephesians 4:27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-4-27/) **Published:** November 12, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Neither give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:27 It simply means to yield to, let him in, leave him an opening, etc. *James 4:7* Submit yourselves therefore to God. **Resist the devil, and he will flee from you**. *1 Peter 5:8-9* Be sober, be vigilant; because **your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour**: 9**Whom resist stedfast in the faith**, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians --- ### [Ephesians 4:11-16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-4-11-16/) **Published:** October 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16 Verse 11-16 constitute one complete sentence and all must be kept within the context of the sentence. The context of the entire chapter is the unity, growth, and testimony of the one body, the Church. Ephesians 4:11-16 11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; The simple sentence is “He gave” speaking of Christ. The direct objects of gave are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers. ‘Some’ in all cases is an adjective modifying the nouns apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastores, and teachers. Verse 12-13 is to be taken as for prepositional phrases used as adverbs modifying the verb ‘gave’: 12**(gave)** **For the perfecting of the saints**, **(gave)** **for the work of the ministry**, **(gave)** **for the edifying of the body of Christ**: 13**(gave) Till we all come in the unity of the faith**, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: The purpose of the gifts is for: - the perfecting (maturity) of the believers - the work of the ministry (living and witnessing the faith) - the edifying (encouraging intellectual and moral improvement) of the believers - the unity (being of one mind in understanding and doctrine) of believers The perfect man is the mature believer of verse 14 having the full understanding of our purpose in this life and the ability and boldness to stand for our Lord and Saviour. 14**That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine**, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15But **speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things**, which is the head, even Christ: Verse 16, ‘whom’ is ‘Christ’ of verse 15. The rest of the verse is what Christ wants for the body, Church; that every member should add to the whole in ministering unity of teaching and preaching and edifying each other in truth and love. 16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [Ephesians 4:5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-4-5/) **Published:** October 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Since the Word ‘but’ places contrast on what’s mentioned previously in a sentence, why did it never place contrast on water baptism in Matt 13:11, Mark 1:8, Lk 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:5 that makes two baptisms Violating ONE baptism (Eph 4:5)?** One Lord, one faith, **one baptism**, *Ephesians 4:5* *Matthew 3:11* I indeed baptize you with **water unto repentance**: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the **Holy Ghost**, and with **fire**: *Acts 1:5* For John truly baptized with **water**; but ye shall be baptized with the **Holy Ghost** not many days hence. There are three baptisms: water, Holy Ghost, fire. Water baptism is a public witness of acknowledging God and your sins against him (repentance). The baptism of the Holy Spirit is salvation, the Spirit of God indwells the believer and seals him. *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, The baptism of fire is to be thrown into the lake of fire. The one baptism of Ephesians 4:5 is the is that of the Spirit unto salvation. *Ephesians 4:5* **One Lord**, one faith, one baptism, *1 Corinthians 8:5* For though there be **that are called gods**, whether in heaven or in earth, (as **there be gods many**, and **lords many**,) The context of Ephesians 4:5 is eternal salvation. Concerning this, there is but one Lord (Christ Jesus), one faith (that Christ died for our sins), and one baptism (baptism of the Holy Spirit). Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Ephesians 3:20-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-3-20-21/) **Published:** October 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 The “him” in the passage refers to God the Father. Refer back to the previous sentence. Ephesians 3:14-19 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto **the Father** of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of **whom**(the Father) the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That **he**(the Father) would grant you, according to the riches of his (the Father) glory, to be strengthened with might by **his**(the Father) Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of **God**(the Father). *Ephesians 3:20-21* Now unto **him**(the Father) that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto **him**(the Father) be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. The message is that the Church, believers, should glorify God the Father. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Ephesians 2:11-13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-2-11-13/) **Published:** October 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13But **now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ**. Ephesians 2:11-13 Paul is instructing on how God included the Gentiles along with the Jews in salvation. Just as verse 11-13 constitute one complete sentence so do verses 14-17. *Ephesians 2:14-17* For he is our peace, **who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us**; 15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16And **that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross**, having slain the enmity thereby: 17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. God has made of the two, Jew and Gentile, one new man in Christ Jesus. The middle wall of partition was the boundary around the temple that Gentiles were not allowed to cross. The ordinances were the laws of the law of Moses. *Romans 7:12* Wherefore **the law is holy**, and **the commandment holy**, and **just, and good**. The law or commandment was that given to Moses on mount Sinai. The whole is considered just one law or commandment. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians **Tags:** Salvation, Theology --- ### [Ephesians 1:3-6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ephesians-1-3-6/) **Published:** October 5, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places **in Christ**: 4According as he hath chosen us **in him** before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5**Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself**, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted **in the beloved**. Ephesians 1:3-6 Ephesians 1:3–6 constitutes one complete sentence. Anything less than a sentence has no definite meaning. Therefore, everything within a sentence must be interpreted from within the context of the sentence. The context of the passage is *“in Christ”*. It is the plan of salvation not individual salvation. All who are *“in Christ”, “in the beloeved”, “in him”*, are predestinated to certain things: that we should be holy and without blame, and be adopted by God. God chose that all who would believe him, on Christ Jesus, would be saved from his wrath and predestinated to certain things: the adoption, becoming children of God. *John 1:12* But **as many as received him**, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: If you are in Christ Jesus you are accepted by God. ![A chart showing the two ways of live: unbelief or belief.](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/predestinationChart-FateDestiny.webp "predestinationChart-FateDestiny") We are predestined to certain things if we reject Christ, and to certain other things if we are in Christ. The plan of salvation, how individuals can be saved not which individual, was predestinated. Christ died to open the door of salvation to all, but each individual must decide to enter. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ephesians --- ### [Galatians 6:1-3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-6-1-3/) **Published:** November 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What is the meaning of “For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself”?** *Galatians 6:1-4* Brethren, **if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted**. 2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3For **if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself**. 4But **let every man prove his own work**, and **then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another**. If you think too highly of yourself you will think less of others, condescending, and less willing to help in time of need. You will falsely think yourself immune to temptation, unable to falter. Humble yourself and you will be able to rejoice in your own work and not another. *Galatians 6:10 KJV* **As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men**, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians --- ### [Galatians 5:25](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-525/) **Published:** March 6, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, `23`Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. `24`And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. `25`**If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit**. `26`Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:22-26 We live in the Spirit as the Spirit lives in us. *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, Even though the Spirit lives in us, we still have free will and can choose to or not to walk in or follow the Spirit. We have to direct our hearts to walk in the Spirit. The more you read, diligently study, and absorb God’s word into your heart and mind, the easier this becomes. > [Biblical Free Will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians --- ### [Galatians 5:22-23
Fruit of the Spirit](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-5-22-23/) **Published:** November 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 It is, *“the fruit of the Spirit”*, therefore it is not the believer but the Spirit in the believer moving him/her to be the person God wants them to be. These traits are not automatic, the believer has to grow into them by putting into practice the fruit of their reading and studying God’s word. A mature biblical Christian’s life should be founded upon them. *Hebrews 5:12-14* For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, **ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God**; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: **for he is a babe**. 14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, **even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil**. *Ephesians 4:22-24* That ye **put off concerning the former conversation the old man**, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And **be renewed in the spirit of your mind**; 24And that ye **put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness**. *Romans 12:2* And **be not conformed to this world**: but **be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind**, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians --- ### [Galatians 5:17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-5-17/) **Published:** July 7, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For **the flesh lusteth against the Spirit**, and **the Spirit against the flesh**: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Galatians 5:17 Until the Lord Returns those that have trusted in Christ’s atonement for sins have been cut away from their bodies of flesh by the operation of God but still have to contend with the flesh. *Colossians 2:12 KJV* Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of **the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. *Colossians 2:11 KJV* In whom also ye are circumcised with **the circumcision made without hands**, **in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: *Romans 7:18 KJV* For I know that in me (that is, **in my flesh**,) **dwelleth no good thing**: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. There is a battle as to which is going to control your life. The flesh pulls one way, the Spirit the other. We must decide and direct our hearts to follow the Spirit or it will automatically follow the flesh. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians --- ### [Galatians 3:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-3-16/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now to Abraham and **his seed** were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Galatians 3:16 And if ye be Christ’s, **then are ye Abraham’s seed**, and heirs according to the promise. *Galatians 3:29* If I have a child and that child has a child, the grand child is still of my seed. If we be in Christ by faith in his death, burial, and resurrection, we are in him and he in us making us Abraham’s seed. Christ is in the family line back to Abraham and we are in him by the same faith as Abraham. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Galatians 3:6-9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-3-6-9/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Even **as Abraham believed God**, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 7Know ye therefore that **they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham**. 8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9So then **they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham**. Galatians 3:6-9 The Galatians were teaching the error of once saved that you had to keep the law to maintain your salvation. *Acts 15:5* But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, **That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses**. *Galatians 3:2-3* This only would I learn of you, **Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith**? 3Are ye so foolish? **having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh**? Paul is pointing out that Abraham’s faith was accounted to him for righteousness so we also by our faith in Christ Jesus are righteous before God and in no need of works to maintain that righteousness as it is the righteousness of God given to us. *Galatians 3:13-14* Christ hath **redeemed us from the curse of the law**, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; **that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians **Tags:** Salvation, Theology --- ### [Galatians 2:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/galatians-216/) **Published:** September 15, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even **we have believed in Jesus Christ**, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Galatians 2:16 KJV See the study: > [Faith of Jesus Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/faith-of-jesus-christ/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Galatians --- ### [2 Corinthians 13:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-13-1/) **Published:** August 12, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **In conjunction with Deutereonomy 17:6 & 19:15, Matthew 18:16 does 2 Corinthians 13:1 mean that any biblical idea must have at least 2 or 3 witnesses in scripture to confirm it is true?** This is the third time I am coming to you. **In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established**. 2 Corinthians 13:1 *Deuteronomy 17:6* At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, **shall he that is worthy of death be put to death**; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. *Deuteronomy 19:15* One witness shall not rise up against a man **for any iniquity**, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. *Matthew 18:15-16* Moreover if thy brother shall **trespass against thee**, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. You will see that the context is the accusation of some sin or evil some one has done. That is you cannot find one guilty of a falsehood, sin, or crime, by the mouth of one witness. Courts in this country will not even accept a guilty verdict upon a confession by the accused without a supporting witness. This does not mean you must have two or three witnesses to support a truth which is not an accusation of guilt against another. If I say to you that it is raining you do not have to ask for supporting evidence but believe me in your determination of my trustworthiness. *2 Corinthians 13:1-3* **This is the third time I am coming to you**. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 2I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to **them which heretofore have sinned**, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: 3Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. In 2 Corinthians Paul is equating this principle to his warning the Corinthians of his impending punishment he will impose upon those who are sinning by stating that his next visit will be the third time he has come and if they do not do right he will show them his power and authority from God to execute judgment. This is based upon the guilt of some Corinthians having already been established. *1* Corinthians 5:1 **It is reported commonly** that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife. *1 Corinthians 4:21* What will ye? s**hall I come unto you with a rod, or in love**, and in the spirit of meekness? The Lord does use this principle when repeating certain things three times or more times written in Scripture to *emphasize* them. *Deuteronomy 8:3* And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that **man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD** doth man live. *Matthew 4:4* But he answered and said, It is written, **Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God**. *Luke 4:4* And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That **man shall not live by bread alone,** but **by every word of God**. *Mark 9:44* **Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. *Mark 9:46* **Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. *MarK 9:48* **Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quench.** *Revelation 20:10* And the devil that deceived them was cast into the **lake of fire** and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. *Revelation 20:14* And death and hell were cast into the **lake of fire**. This is the second death. *Revelation 20:15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the **lake of fire**. *Matthew 22:37* Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God** with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. *Mark 12:30* And **thou shalt love the Lord thy God** with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. *Luke 10:27* And he answering said, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God** with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. In the New Testament God tells us to love our neighbor six times. It must be twice as hard for us to love each other than to love God. *Matthew 19:19* Honour thy father and thy mother: and, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. Matthew 22:39 And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. Mark 22:39 And the second is like, namely this, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. There is none other commandment greater than these. Romans 13:9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thysel**f. Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. *James 2:8* If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: However, this principle does not necessarily equate to every command, instruction, or admonition, given in the Bible. If God says it once it should be good enough. Or, on that note, if God says it then it is said by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [2 Corinthians 12:9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-12-9-2/) **Published:** October 5, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And he said unto me, **My grace is sufficient for thee**: for **my strength is made perfect in weakness**. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 *Judges 7:2* And the LORD said unto Gideon, **The people that are with thee are too** many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, **lest Israel vaunt themselves against me**, saying, **Mine own hand hath saved me**. God working through the weak, the out numbered, etc., manifest that it is not the man or men that are doing it but God. To work with the Strong, men would take the credit to themselves: *“no flesh should glory in his presence”*. *1 Corinthians 1:26-29* For ye see your calling, brethren, how that **not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called**: 27But **God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise**; and **God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty**; 28And **base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are**: 29That **no flesh should glory in his presence**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [2 Corinthians 12:7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-12-7/) **Published:** November 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me **a thorn in the flesh**, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7 The only indication we have suggests that Paul was what we would call legally blind, not totally but very limited. We derive this from his letter to the Galatians. *Galatians 6:11* **Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand**. It would appear he was referring to the size of the writing itself, the font. As he praises the Galatians for their faith in that if possible they would have given him their eyes. *Galatians 4:13-15* Ye know how through **infirmity of the flesh** I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14And **my temptation which was in my flesh** ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, **ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me**. This certainly would have been a throne in Paul’s flesh and would have made it very difficult for him to go anywhere or do anything without the aid of others keeping him humble. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [2 Corinthians 6:14 Unequally Yoked](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-614-unequally-yoked/) **Published:** December 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers**: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? *2 Corinthians 6:14* Unbelievers are simply those that are unsaved not having put their faith in the gospel of Christ Jesus. It is an admonition on certain aspects of how to live our lives, We are not to join in any contractual agreements with a lost person, never ends well. This would include business partnerships, marriage, etc. This has to do with joining together, partnerships, and being yoked together. It does not mean your business contracting out your services or products to others, etc. If you do, I can assure you Satan will use your contractual obligation to make you compromise the faith or your faith to destroy your agreement. Either way, it will hurt your testimony as a Christian. If you are already in a contractual agreement at the time you trust in Christ the proper thing to do is to start living the faith. If your partner(s) can live with that then honor your obligations. If they cannot then let them choose to dissolve the contract and move on without prejudice to you. If it is a marriage and your spouse can live with your faith then honor the marriage. If your spouse cannot live with it and leaves you, you are free to marry again, only in the Lord, a believer. *1 Corinthians 7:12-15* But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: **If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away**. `13`And **the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him**. `14`For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. `15`**But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases**: but God hath called us to peace. The bondage spoken of is the law. *1 Corinthians 7:39* The wife is **bound by the law** as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; **only in the Lord**. If it is a local assembly or Church, unbelievers should not be part of it. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [2 Corinthians 5:19-20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-5-19-20/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** To wit, that **God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them**; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, **be ye reconciled to God**. *2 Corinthians 5:19-20* Salvation is a [two-part process](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/). Christ Jesus died to pay the penalty for the sins of the whole world. This took everyone out from under the death penalty and open the door of salvation to all. But, each individual must come to God and Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of their individual sins. *1 Timothy 4:10* For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, **who is the Saviour of all men**, **specially of those that believe**. God threw the lifeline, Christ Jesus, out to all men: those that take hold survive. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [2 Corinthians 5:17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-5-17/) **Published:** July 26, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Therefore if any man be **in Christ**, **he is a new creature**: old things are passed away; behold, **all things are become new**. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Our text tells us that In Christ you have been born again, you have a clean slate, all has become new. *Romans 6:4-6* Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, **even so we also should walk in newness of life**. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that **our old man is crucified with him**, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. *Ephesians 4:22-24* That ye **put off concerning the former conversation the old man**, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23And **be renewed in the spirit of your mind**; 24And **that ye put on the new man**, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. *Colossians 3:8-11* But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9Lie not one to another, **seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds**; 10And have **put on the new man,** which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: 11Where **there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free:** but **Christ is all, and in all**. We are new creatures in Christ, neither Jew nor Gentile. *Galatians 6:15* For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, **but a new creature**. *Ephesians 2:15* Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for **to make in himself of twain one new man**, so making peace; Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [2 Corinthians 5:6-8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-5-6-6/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 In the Old Testament, heaven was not open as the Lord had not made atonement for sin. The souls of the OT saints went to Abraham’s bosom and waited for the day of atonement. At Christ’s resurrection he took the souls of the OT saints to be with him. *Ephesians 4:8* Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, **he led captivity captive**, and gave gifts unto men. At the time of our Lord’s resurrection the souls of the Old Testament saints in Abrahams bosom were moved to heaven to be with the Lord. Many were bodily resurrected as a witness to the Lord’s resurrection. *Matthew 27:52-53* And **the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose**, 53And came out of the graves after his resurrection, **and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many**. Now that the atonement for sin has been made those that have trusted in the Lord for salvation are able to go immediately to be with the Lord at death and do not have to wait. *2 Corinthians 5:8* We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be **absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord**. Now, whether dead or alive in Christ, we are waiting upon the day of redemption, that is the day our bodies are redeemed, *Romans 8:22-23* For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. This takes place at the Lord’s return; the Lord shall bring the souls of them that are with him and the resurrection of the bodies of the saved will take place. *1 Thessalonians 4:14* For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, **even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him**. 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and **the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed**. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. *Philippians 3:21* **Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body**, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [2 Corinthians 5:1-8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-5-1-8-2/) **Published:** February 17, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For we know that **if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands**, eternal in the heavens. 2For in this we groan, earnestly **desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven**: 3If so be that being **clothed** we shall not be found naked. 4For **we that are in this tabernacle do groan**, being burdened: **not for that we would be unclothed**, but **clothed upon**, that **mortality might be swallowed up of life**. 5Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, **whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord**: 7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8We are confident, I say, and willing rather **to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord**. 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 Tabernacle = - Building - House - Clothes - Body > Absent from the body = physical death (soul leaves the body) *Genesis 35:18* And it came to pass, as her **soul was in departing**, (for **she died**) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. When the soul is absent the body, it is present with the Lord. *1 Thessalonians 4:14* For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so **them also which sleep in Jesus** will God bring with him. *Revelation 6:9* And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of **them that were slain for the word of God**, and for the testimony which they held: *2 Corinthians 5:4* For we that are **in this tabernacle** do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be **unclothed**, but **clothed** upon, that **mortality might be swallowed up of life**. *1 Corinthians 15:51-54* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. 54So **when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality**, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, **Death is swallowed up in victory**. We are waiting to put off this body of flesh and get a new body. *2 Peter 1:13* Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am **in this tabernacle**, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; *2 Peter 1:14* Knowing that shortly **I must put off this my tabernacle**, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Putting off the tabernacle is to die. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [2 Corinthians 3:17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-3-17/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 *Romans 8:2* For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus **hath made me free from the law of sin and death**. Our**[ liberty in Christ Jesus](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ/)** is not having to fear whether we made it or not, we made it. Our salvation is secure and eternal. Our liberty is once saved, always saved. The Old Testament saints did not have this liberty as the Holy Spirit could not be given, could not indwell the believer, as Christ Jesus had not made the atonement to paid for their sins as yet. *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But **this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) The Old Testament saints had to wait in Abraham’s bosom until the atonement was made. They had forgiveness of sins, but their sins had not been paid for. It is the [two-part process of salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/). Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians --- ### [2 Corinthians 3:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-corinthians-3-6/) **Published:** August 22, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; **not of the letter, but of the spirit**: for **the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life**. 2 Corinthians 3:6 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for **ye are not under the law**, **but under grace**. Romans 6:14 When considering this question, it must be understood that it concerns our eternal state. The law is what condemns us, it is that which pronounced all men guilty and sentenced to death, eternal damnation. In this life, we are as all men required to keep the law of men in so far as it does not contradict the Scriptures. Christ Jesus gave himself to pay the penalty the law required for every man. The penalty being the death and damnation of all men. The penalty being satisfied, all men are considered dead as far as the law is concerned. The law has no power over dead men. Jesus bought all men out from under the law of God and now owns the sin debt that men owed the law. As great as the mercy, grace, and sacrifice extended to men it amounted to a simple business transaction. The law owed our sin debt and demanded payment. The law has no mercy or grace. Christ paid the debt off and ownership of the debt changed hands. This in and of itself did not save anyone from their sins. It opened the door to salvation. The new owner, God, Christ, can now have the mercy upon men that the law would not. Salvation is a two-part system. The sin debt to the law of God had to be paid which was done en masse, all at once, now each individual must have their sins forgiven by God. The lack of understanding the two-part nature of the plan of salvation has given rise to many false teachings due to not being able to reconcile the supposed contradiction of how could Christ Jesus have died to pay for the sins of the whole world and the whole world not be saved? Realizing the two-part nature of salvation answers that question. Thus eliminating the necessity of manufacturing non-biblical functions such as universal salvation, limited atonement, or the loss of salvation. Back to our question. We are dead to the letter of the law, hence all things are lawful for us as the law has no more power to condemn us. *Romans 8:1* **There is** therefore now **no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus**, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The meaning of Romans 8’s use of in the flesh or in the Spirit is the contrasting and comparison of the lost, in the flesh, as opposed to the saved, in the Spirit. *Romans 8:8-10* So then **they that are in the flesh cannot please God**. `9`But **ye are not in the flesh**, but in the Spirit, **if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. `10`And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. The application to individual saints living or walking correctly or not is an error. The law having no power to condemn is the same as all things being lawful for us. Remember, we are speaking of its effect on our eternal salvation. We are free from the bondage of the Law, never knowing if we are good enough, or did we lose it? Living in this fear that we might or might not be saved. Not being able to be condemned regardless of what we do is our liberty in Christ, a very misunderstood biblical doctrine, once saved, always saved. *Galatians 5:1* **Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free**, and **be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage**. All may be lawful “but” all is not good nor proper, “but” we will be judged for how we used this freedom. *1 Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, **but** all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, **but** all things edify not. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; **that every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done**, whether it be good or bad**. There are a couple of “but’s” in the mix. We are to do only what is expedient to our purpose for being left after salvation to live out our lives. That purpose is to glorify God, preach the gospel, and help other saints to understand God’s word. *1 Corinthians 8:9* **But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak**. *Galatians 5:13* For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; **only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh**, but by love serve one another. *1 Peter 2:15-16* For so is the will of God, that **with well doing** ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: `16`**As free**, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as the servants of God. We are given the two precepts of the Spirit of the law to guide us. *Matthew 22:37-40* Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind**. `38`This is the first and great commandment. `39`And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. `40`**On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets**. These two precepts or principles are all we need to live a lawful, holy, righteous, life. The love of God will restrain from doing anything that will be displeasing to him or bring disdain upon his name. To love others as yourself is to not do unto others what you would not want done to you and to do unto others as you would have done unto you. There are two sides to loving your neighbor: not to do harm to them at any time, and to render aid to them when they are in need. So in answer to your question, no we are not in bondage to keep the letter of the law, but are required to keep the Spirit of the law. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Corinthians **Tags:** Law --- ### [1 Corinthians 15:58](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-1558/) **Published:** August 28, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 There are many works to be done for the Lord. - Living correctly is one work. *Titus 2:11-12* For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, **denying ungodliness and worldly lusts**, **we should live soberly, righteously, and godly**, in this present world; - Acknowledging him in all things is a work oft forgotten. - It is **[our mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/)** to glorify God. - **[Studying God’s word](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-1382duty-to-study-the-bible/)** is a labor for the Lord. The ultimate slight perpetrated against the Creator is not to listen when he speaks, to ignore his words, or to place less than the appropriate importance upon the study of them. The Bible is God speaking to us. When and wherever the Scriptures have been easily accessed as in most places in the world today, it will not be an excusable offense, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, not to have read and diligently studied them. - Preach the word, witness to the lost. *Ezekiel 3:18 KJV* When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; **and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way**, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and **how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard**? and **how shall they hear without a preacher**? How does a saved saint not burn within himself to tell others of the grace of God he has received if not for a being a cold or lukewarm Christian: selfish, self-center, self-serving, fearful, cowardly, individual. The most important verse in the Bible for the born again, blood-bought, saint is 2 Corinthians 5:10. For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. We are going to give an account of the work conducted during the time of our salvation unto our death or the coming of the Lord. Our works will be tried, whether we lived and worked for Christ Jesus or ourselves, whether we put him first or the things of the flesh and the world. I do not think there is any great mystery to what the work is in 1 Corinthians 15:58. It is just a question as to whether one thinks ignorance is bliss. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Søren Kierkegaard (1813 – 1855) Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, religious author Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [1 Corinthians 15:29](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-15-29/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Else what shall they do which are **baptized for the dead**, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? 1 Corinthians 15:29 Paul speaks of baptism for the dead. The first thing that has to be acknowledged here is that Paul affirms the existence of the practice of being baptized for the dead. The second thing is that the existence of this practice testifies to the importance the early Church placed on baptism, even though this practice represents a perversion of it. The third thing is that Paul does not ask, “why do you or we” but, why do “they,” whoever the ‘they’ were. Paul is clearly separating himself and those at Corinth who did not practice this ritual for the dead, from those who did. It must also be noted that Paul is not giving credence to the practice. He simply acknowledges that some, whom he does not identify, were practicing and would not do so if they did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. This reveals the existence of yet another faction that existed among those at Corinth just like those who were forbidding to marry; just like those who had divided into factions over baptism, etc. Some were teaching that there was no resurrection from the dead. Paul is not offering a defense for this practice, rather, he is stressing the obvious absurdity of denying the resurrection and then being baptizing for those who had died. How would they propose to defend the logic of this? Paul is not legitimizing the practice, he is showing its absurdity if there is no resurrection. Being baptized for the dead is not a Christian doctrine else there would have been more about it in the Scriptures. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 15:20-28](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-15-20-28/) **Published:** December 25, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** 20But now is **Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits** of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, **by man came also the resurrection of the dead**. 22For as in Adam all die, even so **in Christ shall all be made alive**. 23But every man in his own order: **Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming**. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 These verses give a brief synopsis of God’s redemption. Christ the firstborn from the dead, resurrected unto eternal life. We will be born from the dead at the resurrection, the rapture. This completes our redemption. *Romans 8:23* And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. 24**Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God**, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For **he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet**. 26**The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death**. 27For **he hath put all things under his feet**. But when he saith all things are put under him, **it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him**. God the father put all things under the feet of Christ, except himself. *Genesis 41:39-40* And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art: 40**Thou shalt be over my house**, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: **only in the throne will I be greater than thou**. 28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall **the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all**. After the rapture, God’s judgment upon the whole earth begins and the great tribulation of Israel, leading into the millennial reign of Christ and the final judgments at the end of that. Then the new heaven and earth are brought in and Christ will present all things back to the Father. It began with God, the Father, creating the heaven and the earth where he dwelt within his creation, and it will end the same. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Resurrection --- ### [1 Corinthians 15:9-11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-15-9-11/) **Published:** February 11, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For **I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God**. `10`But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but **I laboured more abundantly than they all**: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. `11`Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. 1 Corinthians 15:9-11 Paul is center stage as we are in the times of the Gentiles and Paul is the apostle to the Gentiles. *Luke 21:24* And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until **the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled**. *Romans 11:13* For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as **I am the apostle of the Gentiles**, I magnify mine office: *Galatians 2:7-8* But contrariwise, when they saw that **the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter**; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, **the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles**:) It is also known as the Church age by many. *2 Corinthians 11:28* Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, **the care of all the churches**. When Israel as a corporate entity rejected their Messiah and King they were set aside for a period which has lasted two-thousand years and is now coming to an end. *Romans 11:11* I say then, **Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid**: but rather **through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy**. Paul is not better but more prominent at this time. His gospel is no different than that preached by Christ Jesus, Peter, John, James, et al., as some wrongly proclaim. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians --- ### [1 Corinthians 14:34-35](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-14-34-35/) **Published:** September 2, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What is 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 telling us?\_ With great deference to the ladies, I must submit a response in support of God’s word. *1 Corinthians 14:34-35* Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. God is not the author of confusion but or order, physically, spiritually, culturally, societally, etc. There is an order and a hierarchy to all creation. *Luke 12:6-7* Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Mankind is a high-value item, but male and female have their place in the order of culture and society as God designed it. Both will be judged in accordance with that order. Man is just as guilty if not more for the subsequent disorder of the design. *1 Corinthians 11:3* But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.No matter what anyone may desire, men and women are different, not equal, biologically and one cannot be changed into the other. Yet, neither has been given authority to forced the other to comply to God’s laws. It is to each and everyone to chose to seek and obey God or not. As similitudes the Scriptures transcend all historical and cultural limitations; that is, the commandments, doctrines and lessons of the Bible are eternal, as applicable today as when they were written. Its teachings cannot be dismissed on the tenuous excuse of historical progress or cultural bias. The times and cultures for the settings of the lessons of scripture were well chosen by God to conveying his exact meaning. These teachings stand at anytime in history; man has not evolved to greater truths, but fallen away from the truth.In condemning Israel the Lord stated: *Isaiah 3:12* As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. There is no need that I say more just to increase the ire I shall incur. The points of incursion into this topic are vast but the conclusion is simple. When Eve disobeyed, certain curse were brought upon her. *Genesis 3:16* Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. Those maledictions may have been eased in certain conditions but they have not been repealed as yet. *1 Timothy 2:15* Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. The book is the book. You either have faith and trust in God or you don’t. You can always find yourself another version that reads more to your liking. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [1 Corinthians 10:1-4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-101-4/) **Published:** February 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that **all our fathers** were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of **that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ**. 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 *Ephesians 2:11-13* Wherefore remember, that **ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh**, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; `12`That **at that time** **ye were without Christ**, being **aliens from the commonwealth of Israel**, and **strangers from the covenants of promise**, having no hope, and without God in the world: `13`But now **in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ**. *Ephesians 2:19* Now therefore **ye are no more strangers and foreigners**, but **fellowcitizens with the saints,** and **of the household of God**; When a Gentile is saved he is taken in and included and is no longer an alien to Israel’s covenants promise. The covenants of promise was the new convenant with its promises which the old covenant pointed to. This would be a spiritual connection. So, in this sense the fathers in Israel are now our fathers for the purpose of Paul’s teaching. At least this is how I take it. He was talking to the Corinthians who were now saved and no longer Gentiles, *“ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh.”* Ergo, they are include in the our fathers and longer far off . Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [1 Corinthians 9:19-22](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-919-22/) **Published:** August 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For though I be free from all men, yet have **I made myself servant unto all**, that I might gain the more. 20And **unto the Jews I became as a Jew**, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21**To them that are without law, as without law**, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22**To the weak became I as weak**, that I might gain the weak: **I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.** 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 It means he empathized with people, met them where they were, was not condescending but understanding, etc. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [Acts 15:29](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-15-29/) **Published:** February 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **That ye abstain** from meats offered to idols, and **from blood**, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. > Acts 15:29 *Genesis 9:4* But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood **thereof, shall ye not eat**. *Leviticus 17:11-12* For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. `12`Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, **No soul of you shall eat blood**, neither shall any stranger that sojourneth among you eat blood. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Acts 13:13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-13-13/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. Acts 13:13 It has been asked, why did Mark leave Paul and the mission field? I can only assume as everyone else. I am of the opinion that John Mark was a young man and not quite ready for the rigors of Paul’s ministry. A few years later he was. Although Paul would not take him, Barnabas did. *Acts 15:37-39* And **Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark**. 38But **Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work**. 39And the contention was so sharp between them, that **they departed asunder** one from the other: and so **Barnabas took Mark**, and sailed unto Cyprus; It was not long before Mark proved his worth. *2 Timothy 4:11* Only Luke is with me. **Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry**. As I stated, one can but assume, and I think my assumption fits the Scriptures. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts **Tags:** Service --- ### [Acts 12:4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-12-4/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after **Easter** to bring him forth to the people. Acts 12:4 > [Easter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/easter/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts **Tags:** Holidays --- ### [Acts 8:37](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-8-37/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, **I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God**. Acts 8:35-37 Some claim that verse 37 should not be in the Bible. It is obvious to anyone with an honest heart that it belongs in the passage. A manuscript being older does not mean better. The reading is found in several extant texts, and as I say, even if it wasn’t you know it belongs. *Romans 10:9* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. The eunuch fulfilled Romans 10:9, he believed with the heart and confessed with the mouth. Of course, maybe Romans 10:9 does not belong either. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts **Tags:** Translations --- ### [Acts 5:1-11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-5-1-11/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ## Ananias & Sapphira Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses **sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold**, 35And **laid them down at the apostles’ feet**: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. Acts 4:34-35 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And **kept back part of the price**, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to **lie to the Holy Ghost**, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Acts 5:1-3 Hypocrisy, like so many others Ananias and Sapphira want to pretend to run with the big dogs but lacked the faith to do so. Hence, they lied to convince others they were equal to and should be treated as those who had the faith and trust in God that they did not. It is not men that we lie to, it is God. They were lukewarm Christians pretending to be faithful which would have ended in hindering the truly faithful; their hidden weakness would have been a weight upon the faithful pulling them down. That is why God disdains the lukewarm Christians. *Revelation 3:16* So then because **thou art lukewarm**, and neither cold nor hot, **I will spue thee out of my mouth**. The lukewarm will not stand, hinder, and disparage, those that will. The moral is, do not play Church, turn to God with all your heart. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts **Tags:** Life --- ### [Acts 2:38 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acts-2-38/) **Published:** August 11, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Does Acts 2:38 mean that we are baptized to be saved or because we have been saved?** Then Peter said unto them, **Repent**, and **be baptized** every one of you **in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins**, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. *Acts 2:38* *Matthew 3:11* I indeed **baptize you with water unto repentance**: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Water baptism is a public testimony of a repentant heart whether before salvation or after. It is not essential to salvation or it would be adding a required work; salvation never includes any work on man’s part. One does not believe in or assent to the gospel of our Lord if one does not think himself a sinner in need of salvation which is repentance. It also must be considered that in Acts 2:38 the Lord is dealing with nation of Israel, the Jews. There is no Gentile Church until the Jews nationally reject the gospel at the preaching of Stephen. Today we are publically declaring and giving testimony to our repentance and faith in Christ after believing and receiving the Spirit by being baptized. > [Repentance](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/repentance/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Acts **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [John 20:19-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-20-19-23/) **Published:** January 7, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, **when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst**, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20And when he had so said, **he shewed unto them his hands and his side**. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22And when he had said this, **he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost**: 23**Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained**. John 20:19-23 It is a record and testimony of Christ’s physical resurrection. It is also the beginning of the Church, these disciples were the first to be given the Holy Spirit which could not be given until Christ’s atonement. *John 7:38-39* He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But **this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive**: for the Holy Ghost **was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) The last part was spoken to the Holy Ghost: *“Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”* Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [John 19:28-29](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-19-28-29/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, **that the scripture might be fulfilled**, saith, **I thirst**. 29Now there was set a vessel full of **vinegar**: and **they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop**, and put it to his mouth. John 19:28-29 I have been asked, what is meant by *“the scripture might be fulfilled”*? *Psalms 69:21* They gave me also gall for my meat; and **in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink**. There are many prophecies recorded in the Old Testament and all of them must be fulfilled. They prove the Bible to be the word of God. *Matthew 1:22-23* Now all this was done, **that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet**, saying, 23Behold, **a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel**, which being interpreted is, God with us. *Isaiah 7:14* Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, **a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel**. *Matthew 2:14-15* When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15And was there until the death of Herod: **that it might be fulfilled** which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, **Out of Egypt have I called my son**. *Hosea 11:1* When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and **called my son out of Egypt**. Matthew 8:16-17 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: 17**That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet**, saying, **Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses**. *Isaiah 53:4* Surely **he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows**: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. Most of the Old Testament is prophecy and must all be fulfilled. This is what the Lord meant when he stated that *“one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”* *Matthew 5:17-18* Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18For verily I say unto you, **Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 18:37-38](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-18-37-38/) **Published:** September 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What did Pontius Pilate mean when he asked, “What is truth?” Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38Pilate saith unto him, **What is truth**? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. John 18:37-38 Pilate was a typical self-serving politician. The truth to him is whatever served you or what you could deceive the people into believing. With that attitude, he could not know he was face to face with the truth. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 17:5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-17-5/) **Published:** August 31, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self **with the glory which I had with thee before the world was**. *John 17:5* It is a good verse to support the Trinity. *John 1:1-2* In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2**The same was in the beginning with God**. It is something that is not explained, at least not understood by anyone I have heard of. God manifested himself in the flesh as his own Son. The Word became flesh. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 16:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-16-16/) **Published:** October 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** A little while, and **ye shall not see me**: and again, a little while, and **ye shall see me**, because **I go to the Father**. John 16:16 The context of the passage if you read down to verse 24 is the death and resurrection of Christ where he goes to the Father and then returns at His second coming. *Acts 1:9-11* And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, **he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight**. 10And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? **this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 16:12-14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-16-12-14/) **Published:** July 3, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13Howbeit when he, the **Spirit of truth**, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for **he shall not speak of himself**; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14**He shall glorify me**: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. *John 16:12-14* The comforter is the Holy Spirit. *John 14:16-17* And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another **Comforter**, that he may abide with you for ever; 17Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for **he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you**. *2 Corinthians 1:22* Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of **the Spirit in our hearts**. *Ezekiel 36:27* And **I will put my spirit within you**, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. *John 14:26* But **the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost**, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. One very important point here is that the Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, will not speak of himself, not promote himself. Therefore, all these religions and preachers that promote the Holy Ghost can be suspect as to their calling and faithfulness to truth. > [Problems with the Pentecostal/Charasmatic Movement?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-are-the-main-problems-with-the-pentecostal-charasmatic-movement/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 15:1-2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-15-1-2/) **Published:** October 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2**Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit**. *John 15:1-2* The Lord is instructing and making a comparison between the lost and the saved. Those that reject Christ are the branches that are broken off. *John 15:6* If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and **cast them into the fire, and they are burned**. This discourse is taking place at the last supper beginning at chapter 13:1 and given to his apostles and disciples. Here he explains he is going away and that he will send them a comforter, the Holy Spirit. John 15:26-27 But when the Comforter is come, **whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth**, which proceedeth from the Father, **he shall testify of me**: 27And ye also shall bear witness, **because ye have been with me from the beginning**. It does not have anything to do with losing salvation, but either accepting it or rejecting it. *Romans 11:20* Well; **because of unbelief they were broken off**, and **thou standest by faith**. Be not highminded, but fear: Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [John 14:6 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-14-6/) **Published:** April 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Jesus saith unto him, **I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me**. John 14:6 *John 8:24* I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for **if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins**. *John 3:15* That **whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life**. *Acts 4:12* Neither is there salvation in any other: for **there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved**. *1 Timothy 2:5* For there is one God, and **one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus**; It is a recurring theme throughout the NT, Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, He is truth and life. *Romans 10:9* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John --- ### [John 10:30-36](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-10-30-36/) **Published:** January 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **I and my Father are one**. 31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that **thou, being a man, makest thyself God**. 34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, **I am the Son of God**? John 10:30-36 *John 14:9-11* Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? **he that hath seen me hath seen the Father**; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that **I am in the Father, and the Father in me**? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but **the Father that dwelleth in me**, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that **I am in the Father, and the Father in me**: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself**, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John **Tags:** Theology --- ### [John 8:58](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/john-8-58/) **Published:** June 27, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, **Before Abraham was, I am**. John 8:58 Most that reject the idea that God is a trinity, just as he made us in His image, cannot seem to understand context. *1 Thessalonians 5:23* And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole **spirit and soul and body** be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The context of John 8:58 is Christ saying he was God. This is attested to by the next verse. *John 8:59* **Then took they up stones to cast at him**: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. *John 10:33* The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that **thou, being a man, makest thyself God**. You cannot make someone see who does not want to see. The most difficult subjects can be explained to the most slow-witted man if he has not formed any idea of them already; but the simplest thing cannot be made clear to the most intelligent man if he is firmly persuaded that he knows already, without a shadow of a doubt, what is laid before him. Leo Tolstoy (1828 – 1910); The Kingdom of God is Within You (1897) Jesus Christ was the body of flesh God created to put himself in. *Hebrews 10:5* Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but **a body hast thou prepared me**: *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ**, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** John **Tags:** God --- ### [Luke 23:43](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-23-43/) **Published:** March 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. *Luke 23:43* There is some contention over this verse. Some find in it a contradiction they can use to repudiate the word of God. The comma is exactly where it is supposed to be. There is nothing contradictory about the passage. Christ’s sacrifice, his death, paid for our sins. Once he died and entered hell, our sins were paid for. The resurrection was not part of the payment but the proof of his divinity and power. His resurrection is the hope for ours. Psalms 16*:10* For **thou wilt not leave my soul in hell**; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. *Romans 1:4* And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, **by the resurrection from the dead**: Salvation is a two-part process, payment for sins is accomplished by Christ’s sacrifice, and forgiveness for sins, which is provided conditionally upon an individual’s faith in Christ. The thief met the condition in his request, **“Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”** So that day the thief’s sins were paid for by Christ’s atonement and he exercised faith in Jesus Christ. That settles the first part, the thief was saved that day. He may very well have been the first person to receive full salvation. The OT saints had forgiveness of sins, but not payment for sins. They were reserved in Abraham’s bosom until Christ’s resurrection. I point out here that the thief did not have to be resurrected to be with Christ. *Ephesians 2:6* And hath raised us up together, and **made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus**: We are in Christ’s, sitting with him in heavenly places now. When Christ died his Spirit returned to God, his body went into the ground, and his soul went into hell and then over to Abraham’s bosom, paradise at this time. It is the Spirit that puts us in paradise with him. When the thief died, his sins were forgiven, and he entered Abraham’s bosom to await Christ’s resurrection and ascension. He could not have gone to heaven before Christ’s ascension. With us now, it is absent the body, death, present with the Lord, heaven. *2 Corinthians 5:8* We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be **absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord**. This is my understanding. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Luke --- ### [Luke 21:5-32](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-21-5-32/) **Published:** May 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Luke 21: 5-32 is the history of the world concerning the Jews from 70 AD and the destruction of Jerusalem until the Tribulation. Luke 21:5-32 5 And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, 6 As for these things which ye behold, **the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down**. 7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass? 8 And he said, Take heed that ye **be not deceived**: for **many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near**: go ye not therefore after them. 9 But when **ye shall hear of wars and commotions**, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10 Then said he unto them, **Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom**: 11 And g**reat earthquakes shall be in divers places**, and **famines**, and **pestilences**; and **fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven**. 12 But **before all these**, they shall lay their hands on you, and **persecute you**, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. 13 And **it shall turn to you for a testimony**. 14 Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. 16 And **ye shall be betrayed both by parents**, and **brethren**, and **kinsfolks**, and **friends**; and **some of you shall they cause to be put to death**. 17 And **ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake**. Verses 18 -19 is speaking of Jewish believers, like those he was speaking to at the time. 18 But **there shall not an hair of your head perish**. A hair shall not perish, their salvation is sure. 19 **In your patience possess ye your souls**. Verse 20 – 26 is the Tribulation. 20 And **when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh**. This would be when the seven-year treaty is broken by the anti-Christ. 21 Then **let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains**; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For **these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled**. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for **there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people**. Verse 27-28 is the return of the Lord at the end of the Tribulation. 27 And then shall they see **the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory**. 28 And **when these things begin to come to pass**, then look up, and lift up your heads; for **your redemption draweth nigh**. This generation would be the Jews going through the Tribulation, the last generation before the return of the Lord. It can be said that they have seen all these things come to pass in history and the last part in actuality. 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, **when ye see these things come to pass**, **know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand**. 32 Verily I say unto you, **This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled**. Much is unfolding before our eyes today. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Luke --- ### [Luke 17:20-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-1720-21/) **Published:** May 6, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: `21`Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, **the kingdom of God is within you**. Luke 17:20-21 The Kingdom of God dwells within the believer. *Romans 8:9-10* But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that **the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now **if any man have not the Spirit of Christ**, he is none of his. `10`And **if Christ be in you**, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, *Colossians 2:11-12* **In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: `12`Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of **the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. *Colossians 1:13* Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, **and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son**: Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Luke --- ### [Luke 14:26](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-14-26/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple**. 27And **whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple**. *Luke 14:26-27* *Matthew 10:37-38* **He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me**: and **he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me**. 38And **he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me**. The meaning is clear and obvious, Christ Jesus has to be first in your life or you are not worthy of him and the sacrifice he made to save you from your sins. God has to come first. *Matthew 10:39* **He that findeth his life shall lose it**: and **he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it**. He that lives a life without Christ will lose life, he that gives up his life for Christ will find life. *1 John 5:12 KJV* **He that hath the Son hath life**; and **he that hath not the Son of God hath not life**. It is a rather recurring theme in the Scriptures. If God is not first in your life, God is not in your life. He will not take second place. Anything, whether person, purpose, or desire, above God is an idol. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Luke **Tags:** Life --- ### [Luke 14:7-11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-14-7-1/) **Published:** March 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Luke 14:7-11* And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, 8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, **sit not down in the highest room**; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; 9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, **Give this man place;** and **thou begin with shame to take the lowest room**. 10But when thou art bidden, go and **sit down in the lowest room**; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, **go up higher**: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. 11For **whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted**. *Luke 14:7-11* *Proverbs 25:6-7* Put not forth thyself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7For better **it is that it be said unto thee, Come up hither; than that thou shouldest be put lower** in the presence of the prince whom thine eyes have seen. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Luke --- ### [Luke 12:49-53](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-12-49-53/) **Published:** March 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Luke 12:49-53* 49 **I am come to send fire on the earth**; and what will I, if it be already kindled? *Matthew 10:34* Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: **I came not to send peace, but a sword**. 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! 51**Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division**: 52 For from henceforth there shall be **five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three**. 53The **father shall be divided against the son,** and **the son against the father**; the **mother against the daughter**, and the **daughter against the mother**; the **mother in law against her daughter in law**, and the **daughter in law against her mother in law**. The Christian faith divides believers from non-believers, even in families . Our country, USA, is in a war between believers versus non-believers. Christ came to divide those with a heart toward God from those hardened against him. 50 But **I have a baptism to be baptized with**; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! The baptism of fire is the one Jesus is speaking of, suffering hell fire for the sins of the world. *Matthew 3:11* I indeed **baptize** you with **water** unto **repentance**: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall **baptize** you with the **Holy Ghost**, and with **fire**: Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Luke --- ### [Mark 16 - Longer Ending](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-16/) **Published:** April 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. 10And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not. 12After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. 13And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. 14Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. 15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. 19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. Mark 16:9-20 > [Was the ending of Mark 16 added?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/was-the-ending-of-mark-16-added/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Mark **Tags:** Translations --- ### [Mark 10:13-14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-10-13-14/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. `14`But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, **Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God**. Mark 10:13-14 Men have to believe and trust God in the manner that children trust unconditionally without doubt. *Matthew 28:17* And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but **some doubted**. *Luke 12:29* And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, **neither be ye of doubtful mind**. *Romans 14:23* And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for **whatsoever is not of faith is sin**. There is no reason to doubt God. Most of our doubts arise due to being ignorant of God’s word. *Romans 10:17* So then faith cometh by hearing, and **hearing by the word of God**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Mark --- ### [Mark 8:34-38](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-8-34-38/) **Published:** June 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Mark 8:34-38* 34And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, **Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me**. 35For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but **whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it**. 36For what shall it profit a man, **if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul**? 37Or **what shall a man give in exchange for his soul**? 38**Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels**. It may be a version thing, but I do not find it all that difficult in the KJV if you keep it in context. If Christ is not first in your life he is not in your life. God, Christ, will not take second place. *Romans 12:1* I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, **that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice**, holy, acceptable unto God, **which is your reasonable service**. Everything must be put on the sacrificial altar in service to Christ Jesus and the gospel. *Philippians 3:8* Yea doubtless, and **I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord**: for **whom I have suffered the loss of all things**, and **do count them but dung**, that I may win Christ, Anything you are not willing to sacrifice in service to our Saviour is an idol set before God: family, friends, dignity, reputation, job, wealth, life. God did not save us to sit on the sidelines. If you are a lukewarm Christian, get hot and serve or get cold and get out of the way. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. *Revelation 3:16* So then **because thou art lukewarm**, and neither cold nor hot, **I will spue thee out of my mouth**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Mark --- ### [Mark 5:24-34](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/mark-5-24-34/) **Published:** June 11, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And Jesus went with him; and much people followed him, and thronged him. 25And **a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years**, 26And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, 27When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment. 28For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. 29And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? 31And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? 32And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. 33But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. 34And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. Mark 5:24-34 > [The Woman with the Issue of Blood](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-woman-with-the-issue-of-blood/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Mark --- ### [Matthew 24:1-31](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-24-1-31/) **Published:** September 3, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Matthew 24 is Christ prophetically telling the future of Israel and the Israelites from the destrucion of the Temple in 70 AD to the Tribulation, and the second coming. *Matthew 24:1-31* Destruction of temple *1-2* And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. Israel’s world history from the destruction of the temple and nation to middle of Daniel’s seventieth week. *4-14* And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. 6And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. Ante-Christ sits in the temple proclaim he is God. The beginning of the second half of Daniel’s seventieth week, the start of the Great Tribulation, final judgment upon Israel. *15-22* **When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place**, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. Reverts back to 70 AD through to Daniel’s seventieth week. *23-28* Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25Behold, I have told you before. 26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. The second coming. *23-28* Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25Behold, I have told you before. 26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. 27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together. Verses 6-7 is the history of the world since the fall of the Roman empire and will be the history of the last days before the Tribulation. It will be something like it is now. *:6-7* And ye shall **hear of wars and rumours of wars**: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7For **nation shall rise against nation**, and **kingdom against kingdom**: and there shall be **famines**, and **pestilences**, and **earthquakes**, in divers places. What follows is the history of the Jews for the same time period as above. Matthew 24:9-10 Then shall they **deliver you up to be afflicted**, and shall **kill you**: and **ye shall be hated of all nations** for my name’s sake. 10And then shall **many be offended**, and **shall betray one another, and shall hate one another**. As stated, Matthew 24 concerns the Jews and the nation of Israel as it goes through history on into the Tribulation where like the Old Testament they will have to endure to the end. There are other chapters that outline the history of Israel such is Revelation 12. So likewise ye, **when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors**. 34Verily I say unto you, **This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled**. *Matthew 24:33-34* We are the generation that sees all this things. It all appears looking back across history and today all is being set up for Daniel’s seventieth week. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** End Times --- ### [Matthew 18:20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-18-20/) **Published:** February 18, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.** Matthew 18:20 The Chruch is not a physical place, not a building. Those that have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins are the body of Christ, the Church. *1 Corinthians 12:27* Now **ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular**. *Colossians 1:18* And he is the head of **the body, the church**: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. *Colossians 1:24* Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for **his body’s sake, which is the church**: Wherever two or more saints gather together is an assembly of the Church. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Matthew 16:18-19](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-16-18-19/) **Published:** July 19, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and **upon this rock I will build my church**; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And **I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven**: and **whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven**. Matthew 16:18-19 We need to keep the context. *Matthew 16:13-17* When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, **Whom do men say that I the Son of man am**? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, **But whom say ye that I am**? 16And **Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God**. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for **flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven**. Here Peter is confessing what we all must to be saved. *Acts 8:37* And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, **I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God**. This is not something you realize in the flesh but is revealed to us by God from heaven via the Holy Spirit. It is up to us to believe or not believe. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, **whom I will send unto you from the Father**, even the Spirit of truth, **which proceedeth from the Father**, **he shall testify of me**: This, of course, is pre-atonement so there is no receiving of the Holy Spirit or eternal salvation until after. *John 20:22* And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, **Receive ye the Holy Ghost**: It is the faith and confession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God that is the focal point of the passage. Jesus, himself, is the rock upon which the Church is built. *1 Corinthians 3:11* For other foundation can no man lay **than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ**. *1 Peter 2:4-8* To whom coming, as unto **a living stone**, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious… 7Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, **the stone** which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8And **a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence**, even to **them which stumble at the word**, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. As far as binding and loosing, it is the Church in Matthew 18 and has to do with judging in this life. The church would be the whole or representative assembly. Matthew 18:17-18 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto **the church**: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18Verily I say unto you, **Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth** shall be bound in heaven: and **whatsoever ye shall loose on earth** shall be loosed in heaven. It must be remembered that the passage is the Lord still dealing with Israel and the kingdom of heaven is the physical kingdom on earth. I hope this helps in your effort to understand this passage. It would seem to me that any interpretation not along these lines would contradict many other passages. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 12:31 ~ Unforgivable sin](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-12-31/) **Published:** April 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but **the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.** Matthew 12:31 There is only one sin that will never be forgiven and send you to hell, rejecting the faith of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit gives witness. *John 15:26* But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, **he shall testify of me**: The ministry of the Holy Spirit to deal with the hearts of men and attempt to lead them to Christ Jesus. Rejecting His testimony, refusing to believe, is to call the Spirit a liar at best, essentially an evil spirit. **Hearken While You May** This truth to you I would make plain,\| All through God’s Word we’re told, The Holy Spirit calls to man, Both to the young and old. ‘Tis said He knocks at every heart, At least one time in life; And does not promise to return, Or stay if there is strife. When knocking at the sinner’s heart, He pleads with tender voice, For him to leave the paths of woe And make God ‘s way his choice. If you refuse to heed His Call, He then will take His flight; And if He fails ne’er to return, No words can pen your plight. In darkness you must grope through life, The Spirit goes His way; In misery your soul lives on, While sorrow fills your day. This sorrow will intensify, E’en when this life is o’er; ‘Twill torment be through endless days As you’ve not known before. The Bible states there’s no return, When from this life you pass; Your soul will groan forevermore, Though you may cry, “Alas.” O sinner, heed the Spirit’s voice; He calls to you today; He will not always strive with you; Oh, hearken, while you may. *“Down Memory’s Lane With Father” 1944 Loella Hobson, Ft Wayne. IN* Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 10:34-36](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-10-34-36/) **Published:** September 28, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword**. `35`For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. `36`And **a man’s foes shall be they of his own household**. *Matthew 10:34-36* If you are one that turned to God and trusted in the shed blood of Jesus Christ for salvation from a family of religious Catholics, Mormons, JW, Jewish, Atheist, etc. you would know what it is talking about. You will not be very welcome anymore and they certainly would not be interested in your views or witnessing. Even your family of lukewarm Christians are going to do battle with you if you get hot for the Lord. If you are going to get Hot and serve the Lord you will have to put Him first in your life. *Matthew 10:37-39* He that loveth father or mother more than me **is not worthy of me**: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me **is not worthy of me**. 38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, **is not worthy of me**. `39`He that findeth his life shall lose it: and **he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it**. The Christian life is **Service**, **Sacrifice**, and **Suffering**, even if you have to suffer the loss of your family and friends. *Philippians 1:29* For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, **but also to suffer for his sake**; Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 7:1-2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-7-1-2/) **Published:** June 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Judge not, that ye be not judged. For **with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged**: and **with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again**. Matthew 7:1-2 We might say, what goes around, comes around, or you get what you give. Best to treat all others how you would want to be treated if you were in their situation, with mercy and grace. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 6:24 ~ Two Masters](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-624-two-masters/) **Published:** April 7, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. **Ye cannot serve God and mammon**. Matthew 6:24 For **the love of money is the root of all evil**: which while some **coveted after**, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1 Timothy 6:10 The Hebrew word “mammonas” is used four times in the Scriptures and each time is translated as *‘mammon’*. It does not mean money but the wealth personified, Mammon. It is avarice the extreme greed for wealth. It is the correct word as it is use in contradistinction to the love of God. The new translations change the word to ‘money’ or is a few cases ‘wealth’. Both fail in fitting the context. It is not money or wealth itself but the overall cupidity, craving, for wealth as opposed to the whole hearted love of and desire toward God. If your primary interest is the bottom line and not what is right before God, you may be lining up to be *“pierced … through with many sorrows”*. *Luke 16:11* If therefore ye have not been faithful in the **unrighteous mammon**, who will commit to your trust the true riches? It is the unrighteous greed for wealth. Obviously, we need certain things. In today’s world we do not hand make all that is necessary or wanted. We use money as a method of trade to obtain what is needed. Depending on what the money is used for determines whether it is being used in a righteous endeavor. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 6:22-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-6-22-23/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! Matthew 6:22-23 It is a metaphor for what you choose to look at, focus upon, think about. *Job 31:1* **I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid**? *Psalms 101:3* **I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes**: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. *Philippians 4:8* Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 5:39](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-5-39/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 *Romans 12:17* **Recompense to no man evil for evil**. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. *Romans 12:21* Be not overcome of evil, but **overcome evil with good**. Job in trying to understand why evil has befallen him stated: *Job 31:29-30* **If I rejoiced at the destruction of him that hated me**, or **lifted up myself when evil found him**: 30 **Neither have I suffered my mouth to sin by wishing a curse to his soul**. He did not wish evil upon those that hated him. *Proverbs 24:17-18* **Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth**, and **let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth**: 18Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. It has to do with loving others as yourself. *Luke 6:27-31* But I say unto you which hear, **Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you**, 28**Bless them that curse you**, and **pray for them which despitefully use you**. 29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek **offer also the other**; and him that taketh away thy cloke **forbid not to take thy coat also**. 30**Give to every man that asketh of thee**; and **of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again**. 31And **as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise**. When reading Matthew 5 it must be taken into consideration that Jesus is speaking to OT Jews expecting the restoration of the kingdom of Israel; the kingdom of heaven. This will take place in the millennium. No new birth has taken place, there are no Christians, no Gentiles. The second coming is hot on the heels of the first coming up until Israel rejects its King and Messiah. Everything from Acts 7 to Philemon had not and did not have to come. Some of the principles of Matthew 5 carry over as far as doing unto others as you would have done to you, not recompensing evil for evil, etc. Salvation is of the Jews. *John 4:22* Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for **salvation is of the Jews**. It was the Jews who were to take the gospel to all nations being persecuted along the way. *Matthew 5:11* Blessed are ye, **when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely**, for my sake. It was the OT prophecies of the coming King and kingdom that were being fulfilled. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Matthew 4:14-17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-4-14-17/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16**The people which sat in darkness saw great light**; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death **light is sprung up**. 17From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:14-17 *Isaiah 9:2* The people that walked in darkness **have seen a great light**: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, **upon them hath the light shined**. *John 1:4-5* In him was life; and **the life was the light of men**. 5And **the light shineth in darkness**; and the darkness comprehended it not. The light is the Lord Jesus Christ and the gospel of God’s grace and salvation. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Romans 12:3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-12-3/) **Published:** September 27, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Why does God give us a measure of faith?** For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, **according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith**. Romans 12:3 Having the proper translation does make a difference. God is not giving a measure of faith; he has dealt out to every man according to the measure of faith he has. The context is the individual’s position in the body of Christ, what God can use him for. Romans 12:4-5 For **as we have many members in one body**, and **all members have not the same office**: 5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. If God needs a Noah, Daniel, or a Job he is not going to choose a Demas. Ezekiel 14:14 Though these three men, **Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness**, saith the Lord GOD. 2 Timothy 4:10 For **Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world**, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 12:1-2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-12-1-2/) **Published:** May 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that **ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service**. `2`And **be not conformed to this world**: but **be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind**, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2 Chapter 12 of Romans is where God begins to deal with individual saints. Up until now, the Book of Romans dealt with groups or sets of people: lost vs saved, believers vs unbelievers, Jews vs Gentiles, etc. Everything dealt with applied equally to every member of the set spoken to. Chapters 12–15 deal with the saints as individuals. Verse 1–2 explains that our salvation requires us to be living sacrifices for God and the gospel, which it states is only reasonable in light of Christ Jesus’ sacrificing his life for us. We are not to continue following the world’s values or ways of speech, dress, actions, desires, etc. We are to renew our values and ways to comply with God’s word. To do so requires the saints to read and diligently studied the Bible. To counter the evil in the mind, it is necessary to fill the mind with good and think upon that. *Philippians 4:8* Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things**. Quit watching or reading the evil, pornographic, material and start with good things. I would recommend the reading of the Bible` ` as one item to put in the heart and mind. You have to renew the mind. Watch and read documentaries, histories, biblical instructions, etc., in the place of the evil. To control your lust, you must control what you think of. *Colossians 3:5-8* **Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth**; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: `6`For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: `7`**In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them**. `8`But **now ye also put off all these**; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Evil thoughts must be killed. The only way to do that is to have good thoughts to take their place. *2 Corinthians 10:5* Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and **bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ**; This is difficult, but the mind must not be allowed to coast, do not let the mind wander aimlessly. It will always end up in the gutter. Self-control must be practiced even in times of relaxation. It gets easier with more good being placed in the mind and the more self-control is practiced. I would like to be able to tell you it is easy, but it is not. You are not alone, every person has the same problem. But the instruction is directed to you and every other individual saint. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-12t/) **Published:** December 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **I beseech you therefore**, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye **present your bodies a living sacrifice,** holy, acceptable unto God, **which is your reasonable service**. *Romans 12:1* Romans chapters 1–11 concern what salvation is, what it is not, and why we need it. It deals with mankind as groups or sets: saved vs lost, believers vs unbelievers, etc. Starting with chapter twelve and going through fifteen it changes from groups to individual saints giving instructions to every one of us individually on how we are supposed to live. *“Therefore,”* because of what I just said in the first eleven chapters, I beseech you all, that we as saved saints of the Lord Jesus Christ ought to give all to the service of him and his gospel which is no more than our reasonable service. *Romans 12:9* **Let love be without dissimulation**. **Abhor that which is evil**; **cleave to that which is good**. *Romans12:10* **Be kindly affectioned** one to another **with brotherly love**; **in honour preferring one another**; *Romans12:11* **Not slothful** in business; **fervent** in spirit; **serving the Lord**; *Romans12:12* **Rejoicing** in hope; **patient** in tribulation; continuing **instant in prayer**; *Romans12:13* **Distributing** to the necessity of saints; given to **hospitality**. *Romans12:14* **Bless** them which persecute you: **bless**, and **curse not**. *Romans12:15* **Rejoice** with them that do rejoice, and **weep** with them that weep. *Romans 12:16* **Be of the same mind** one toward another. **Mind not high things**, but **condescend** to men of low estate. **Be not wise in your own conceits**. Rom 12:17 **Recompense to no man evil for evil**. **Provide things honest** in the sight of all men. And so goes chapters 12–15, instructing the saints as individuals on how to live their lives. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 11:7-8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-11-7-8/) **Published:** September 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and **the rest were blinded** 8(According as it is written, **God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear**;) unto this day. Romans 11:7-8 Deuteronomy 29:2-4 And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Ye have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of Egypt unto Pharaoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his land; 3The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles: 4**Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear,** unto this day. Isaiah 29:10-14 For the LORD hath **poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep**, and **hath closed your eyes**: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. 11And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book **that is sealed,** which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: 12And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. 13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as **this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men**: 14Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for **the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid**. God blinded them to the truth because their heart was not toward him. God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian, French Mathematician, Physicist Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Romans 11:5-6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-11-5-6/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to **the election of grace**. 6And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 11:5-6* This shows that grace and works are mutually exclusive of each other. Salvation between the fall and the millennium was not, is not, and shall never be by works. *Galatians 5:4 KJV* **Christ is become of no effect unto you**, whosoever of you are justified by the law; **ye are fallen from grace**. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, *Romans 4:4-5 KJV* Now **to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. 5 But **to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness**. The subject of Romans 11 is Israel under the law so we know that the remnant that were saved were saved by grace/faith not works. *Romans 9:31-33 KJV* But Israel, **which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness**. 32Wherefore? **Because they sought it not by faith**, **but as it were by the works of the law**. For **they stumbled at that stumblingstone**; 33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and **whosoever believeth on him** shall not be ashamed. Again, speaking of Israel mistakenly believing that they would be saved by keeping the law, we are told they were not, that they missed the point. They should **not** have tried to keep the law to establish their own self-righteousness, but they should simply have done so because God said so, out of *“faith toward God”* and realized that the law only pointed out that they were filthy sinners and that God was extending them mercy and grace in providing a way to cover their sins. Attitude, Attitude, Attitude, it makes all the difference. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-11/) **Published:** August 20, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Do the olive branches that are cut off in Romans 11 prove that salvation can be lost? I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. Romans 11:1 No one that has salvation is losing it. There is no individual concern in romans 1-11, but only groups, sets, of people: Saved vs lost, Jew vs. Gentile, belief vs unbelief. Chapters 9-11 are dealing with Israel, Jews. *Romans 11:11-12* I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? *Romans 11:20* Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: If they were broken off due to their rejection of Jesus Christ they were not saved and could not lose it. This of course is speaking to the national rejection of Christ. Individual Jews believe and were saved. The Gentiles are being spoken of as nations also. Just as America has turned from God and is being cursed for it. Our founders were believers in the God of the Bible and our nation was blessed for it; individaul believers are still being saved and in no danger of losing it. *Romans 11:25-27* For **I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery**, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that **blindness in part is happened to Israel**, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. 26And so **all Israel shall be saved**: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27For **this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins**. Romans 11:8 (According as it is written, **God hath given them the spirit of slumber**, eyes that **they should not see**, and ears **that they should not hear**;) unto this day. Romans 11:11 KJV I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather **through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy**. When the nation of Israel’s leaders rejected Jesus at the preaching of Stephen, it was there last chance, God set Israel aside for a time and sent the gospel to the Gentiles. The Temple was destroyed and the people of Israel were dispersed throughout the world. God is now turning back to Israel and bringing the people back to the land and preparing to enter into the Tribulation and the salvation of the nation of Israel. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Romans 10:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-10-14/) **Published:** July 6, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and **how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard**? and how shall they hear without a preacher? *Romans 10:14* *Romans 10:17* So then **faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God**. Romans 10:14 means that people go to hell when Christians do not do what they are supposed to do, live godly, holy, righteously, and **preach the word**. *Ezekiel 33:8 KJV* When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; **if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way**, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. Just so you know this applies to New Testament saints: *Acts 20:26-27 KJV* Wherefore I take you to record this day, that **I am pure from the blood of all men**. 27 For **I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God**. *2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Romans 9:13-15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-9-13-15/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How could God hate Esau before he was born? As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. 14What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Romans 9:13-15 The purpose of Romans 9 is to show God’s prerogative in choosing his own plan of salvation. *Romans 9:11-12* (For **the children being not yet born**, neither having done any good or evil, **that the purpose of God according to election might stand**, **not of works**, but of him that calleth;) 12**It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger**. If the law were kept, the younger would serve the elder. God manifested that salvation was not according to the law, but by his will, it was his prerogative to choose the younger over the elder. Verse 13 on the other hand was not said before they were born, but many years after it was written in Malachi. *Romans 9:13* **As it is written**, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. *Malachi 1:2-3* I have loved you, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the LORD: yet **I loved Jacob, 3And I hated Esau**, and **laid his mountains and his heritage waste** for the dragons of the wilderness. *Hebrews 12:16* Lest there be **any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau**, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. Again, if was God exercising his prerogative though not without reason. *“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion”*, With God’s declaration that salvation was not according to the works of man came the question in the minds of men, is there unrighteousness in God not judging and saving men according to their works? *Romans 9:14* What shall we say then? **Is there unrighteousness with God**? **God forbid**. The Lord continues with the rest of the chapter explaining that it is his prerogative and his alone on whom he will have mercy and compassion. Calvinists interpret this as individual predestination from before the foundation of the world. I must assume that they never read the rest of the chapter. The plan of salvation that God has chosen is given in the last four verses. *Romans 9:30-33* What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even **the righteousness which is of faith**. 31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? **Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law**. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and **whosoever believeth on him** shall not be ashamed. *“Whosoever believeth on him”* is God’s chosen method of salvation. *Isaiah 8:14* And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for **a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence** to both the houses of Israel, for **a gin and for a snare** to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. *1 Peter 2:8* And **a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence**, even **to them which stumble at the word**, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. Of course, the him is Jesus Christ. *Romans 9:16* So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, **but of God that sheweth mercy**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Romans 9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-9/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Does Romans chapter 9 support predestination of individuals for salvation and others for damnation? If we will look closely at Romans nine we find that three questions are being asked by those who are complaining about God not accepting their self-righteousness, that is in keeping the law they have not obtained or earned the grace of God and the assurance of salvation. By their way of thinking, if salvation is solely based on the predetermination and/or caprice of God and not on a person’s works, *“how can he find fault? For who can resist his will?*” *Romans 9:19* Thou wilt say then unto me, **Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?** How is he just in this? Paul’s answer is simply to point out that God is our creator and he could just as easily have created us for damnation as not, therefore, there is no unrighteousness in God’s judgments, which is the question in verse 14 of Romans 9. *Romans 9:14* What shall we say then? **Is there unrighteousness with God?** God forbid. If we refuse to accept his salvation it is the same to God as if he had created us unto damnation; your predestinated end in such a case is the same, eternal wrath. The explanations and similitudes of the chapter are not a description of God’s plan of salvation, but rather an example of our relationship to him and his sovereignty. He made us and he can do as he pleases with us; there is no unrighteousness in whatever he does. It is for us to fear him and seek that which is pleasing unto him. It is not a picture of God’s plan, but of his prerogative as the creator to choose his own plan of salvation, one that pleases him and our duty to conform. The actual plan God has elected to institute is not mentioned until the last verse of the chapter, *“whosoever believeth on him.”* *Romans 9:33* As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and **whosoever believeth on him** shall not be ashamed. The chapter does not support individual predestination to salvation. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Romans 8:29-30](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-8-29/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For whom **he did foreknow**, he also did predestinate to **be conformed to the image of his Son**, that he might be **the firstborn** among many brethren. Romans 8:29 Romans 8:29-30 are two of the most misunderstood, misinterpreted, sentences in the Bible. J*ohn 1:1* In the beginning was the Word, and **the Word was with God**, and the Word was God. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. *John 1:3* All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. It was the Word whom God foreknew, the Word that was God manifested in the flesh, the Word that was conformed to the image of God’s Son, and who was the firstborn of many brethen. The many brethren are those whom God will call, justify, and glorify due to their faith in Christ Jesus. *Colossians 1:15-18* **Who is the image of the invisible God**, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, **the firstborn from the dead**; that in all things he might have the preeminence. *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ**, reconciling the world **unto himself**, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Romans 8:30 Verse 30 picks up with the many brethren of verse 29 and completes their predestination to certain things. The two verses make a complete reference and description of salvation in accordance with the context of the entire book of Romans up to this point. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Romans 8:15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-8-15/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received **the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father**. *Romans 8:15* What is our Adoption? *Galatians 4:5 KJV* To redeem them that were under the law, **that we might receive the adoption of sons**. *Ephesians 1:5 KJV* **Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ** to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, *Romans 8:22-23 KJV* For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, **which have the firstfruits of the Spirit**, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. The biblical definition of a son of God is one who was directly created by God. Hence the angels are and Adam is a son of God but his children are not as they were not directly created but are the product of the system of procreation. Therefore, part of salvation is God directly changing us individually at the Rapture where we receive full salvation and put on incorruption and immortality becoming sons of God. *Ephesians 4:30 KJV* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. The redemption is that of our bodies at the Rapture where we receive the completion of our salvation. *1 Corinthians 15:51-55* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, **but we shall all be changed**, 52**In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump**: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, **Death is swallowed up in victory**. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 8:13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-8-13/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Romans 8:13 Some misinterpret Romans 8 failing to realize that Chapters 1-8 do not deal with individuals but sets or groups of people: saved/lost, believers/nonbelievers, Jews/Gentiles, God’s righteousness/the Laws Righteousness. Romans 1-7 explains what salvation is and isn’t: by faith not works, God’s Righteousness/self-righteousness. Chapter 8 is the conclusion or summary of the first seven chapters. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. “Therefore:” because of all that I said in the preceding chapters. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. If you are in Christ Jesus you are dead to the law and therefore cannot be condemned of the law of sin. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The lost walk after the flesh, the saved after the Spirit. Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that he was the virgin-born Son of God, that he offered himself to pay for the sins of the world by the death on the cross, that he was buried, and rose again, you were sealed with the Spirit of God. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Romans 8 continues to address groups or sets: lost or saved, walking after the flesh or the Spirit. No individuals are being discussed in the Book of Romans until Chapter 12. Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. “After the flesh” = lost; “through the Spirit” = saved. Without this understanding, the book of Romans has been greatly misinterpreted. If you are interested, you have the Trinity in Romans chapter 8:9 Spirit, Spirit of God, Spirit of Christ. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 8:9-11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-8-9-11/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What does Romans 8:11 mean? [**Romans chapter 8**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-8/) is by many highly misinterpreted and misunderstood. It is a summary of Chapters 1-7 centered on the comparison of the save vs the lost: those with the Spirit dwelling in them and those without the Spirit. *Romans 8:1* There is **therefore** now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. *“Therefore”* after all I said, chapters 1-7, chapter 8 therefore, is the conclusion or summary of it all. Chapter 8 highlights the comparison between the saved, those the Spirit dwells in, versus the lost, those that do not have the spirit dwelling in them. Romans 8 is not speaking of any individual saint doing right or not. It only deals with the group consisting of the saved and the group consisting of the lost. Applying it to individuals is the basic error made. Romans 8:9-11 But **ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now **if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his**. 10And **if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness**. 11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead **dwell in you**, **he** that raised up Christ from the dead **shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you**. Verse 11 states that if the Spirit that raised Christ Jesus from the Dead is in you, he will quicken or make ysu alive, resurrect, us from death. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For **the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout**, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and **the dead in Christ shall rise first**: 17**Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds**, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 8:1-2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-8-1-2/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 Romans 8 is one of those chapters sadly misinterpreted by many. It is the final words, summary, and conclusions, of Paul on what he just wrote about salvation in chapters 1-7: *“There is therefore”*. *“Therefore”*, because or based on what Paul just said in the first seven chapters, he is concluding and summarizing that there is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. Lest anyone miss the correct interpretation, that of a comparison between the lost and the saved, Paul states this context in verse 9. *Romans 8:9* But **ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Being dead to the law in Christ, the law cannot condemn us; the law has no power to condemn dead men. We were also sealed with the Holy Spirit as our guarantee, the earnest, of our salvation. *Ephesians 1:13-14* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, **ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, 14Which is **the earnest of our inheritance** until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. *2 Corinthians 1:21-22* Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; 22Who hath also sealed us, and **given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts**. *Ephesians 4:30* And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. *2 Corinthians 5:5-8* Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also **hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit**. 6Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8We are confident, I say, and willing rather **to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord**. Being dead to the law, the law having no power to condemn us, all things are lawful for us; however, this is not a license to sin. All the saved will have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ that not only our lives but every thought we ever had. *2 Corinthians 10:5* Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and **bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ**; *Hebrews 4:12* For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and **is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart**. All things lawful, but not allowed by Christ. *1 Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, but **all things are not expedient**: all things are lawful for me, but **all things edify not**. So here we have two restrictions on what we are to do. All must be expedient to our purpose of glorifying God and ministering the gospel of salvation to the lost; all must be edifying: enlightening, or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvement. We are saved or lost forever; there is no getting out of either. *Ecclesiastes 3:14* I know that, **whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever**: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and **God doeth it, that men should fear before him**. Once saved, always saved is our liberty in Christ; we are at liberty from the fear of death and condemnation. *James 2:12* So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by **the law of liberty**. *1 Peter 2:15-16* For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 16As free, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as the servants of God. *Galatians 5:13* For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only **use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh**, but by love serve one another. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 7:21-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-7-21-23/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What is the interpretation of Romans 7:14-23? Is Paul discussing the concept of a sin nature or his struggle with doing things against his will? I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Romans 7:21-23 Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Paul is discussing sin’s nature and how it applies to believers. Our inner man, the soul, has been cut away from our body of flesh, leaving us with a dual nature battling for supremacy. Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in **putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. This is why we are still sinners but do not sin. The sins of our flesh are no longer imputed to us, the inner man, the soul. We are stuck in this body of sin until the day of redemption, the Rapture, or if you prefer, the Translation of the Church. *Romans 8:23* And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, **even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 7:17-18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-7-17-18/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What is meant by “it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me”? Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:17-18 *Colossians 2:10-12* And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, **in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh** by the circumcision of Christ: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. When we are saved we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. The process is a circumcision where we, our soul, is cut away from our flesh. The sins of the flesh are no longer imputed to our souls. Hence, it is no more us that sin, but the body of flesh. For I know that in me **(that is, in my flesh,)** dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:18 Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 3:21–26](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-3-21-26/) **Published:** May 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Romans 3:21–26 constitutes one complete sentence. It must be read as a whole sentence to keep the proper context. This is where many of the modern versions fail in their translations, they do not maintain the complex sentence structure of the Greek, losing the proper context. The KJV maintains it so you can get the true complete thought. **[Verses divide the Bible into individual thoughts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verses-in-the-bible/)**. A sentence might be contained in one verse or contain several verses. The complete thought within a sentence comprises all the individual thoughts, each verse, in a sentence to make the complete thought. *Romans 3:21-26* 21 But now **the righteousness of God without the law is manifested**, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even **the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe**: for there is no difference: 23 For **all have sinned**, and come short of the glory of God; It does not matter who or what your are, there is no difference, all are sinners, and all who will believe will receive the righteousness of God. 24 **Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus**: 25 Whom God hath set forth **to be a propitiation through faith in his blood,** to declare his righteousness for **the remission of sins that are past,** through the forbearance of God; Salvation is by God’s grace through our faith; *“by grace are ye saved through faith”*. 26 To declare, I say, at this time **his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus**. A sentenceis the smallest unit of **[grammar ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/grammar/)**that has a definite meaning. Anything less than a sentence can be made to mean almost anything. Do not study the Bible verse by verse, but rather sentence by sentence, taking into account the individual thoughts marked out by the verse numbers that make up the complete thought of the sentence or provide all information needed to properly interpret it. Once you have interpreted the sentence correctly, the individual thoughts, verses, can be studied independently. In this particular instance, if you take just verses 21 & 26 you will get a complete sentence. This will demonstrate that the other verses add to the complete thought by adding secondary information. *Romans 3:21 & 26* But now **the righteousness of God without the law is manifested**, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 26**To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus**. You can see clearly how verses 22-25 add to the sentence in providing more information. Not all sentences in the Bible can be so laid out. Diligently study the sentences. The only word that might give you trouble is propitiation, which can be defined by reading the whole sentence: the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing, *“remission of sins”*. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Romans 3:9-18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-3-9-18/) **Published:** July 15, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. 13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: 14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: 15Their feet are swift to shed blood: 16Destruction and misery are in their ways: 17And the way of peace have they not known: 18There is no fear of God before their eyes. Romans 3:9-18 *“There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.”* This passage is often misinterpreted to support the argument against free will and the support of Calvinistic election and individual predestination. This interpretation, as all of Calvinism’s private interpretations, contradicts the Scriptures which affirm Christ’s atonement was made for all men and all are eligible for salvation. *2 Peter 3:9* The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, **not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance**. *1 Timothy 4:10* For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, **who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe**. The only way to interpret verses as these is to recognize the dual nature of Salvation. This is where Calvinism, Universalism, and the like fail. Salvation consists of the payment for all sin and individual forgiveness of sins. Christ died to pay for the sins of all men, but all men will not accept it; those that do, believe and are accepted of God; “*who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe”.* The lifeline of salvation was cast to all men whether or not one grabs hold is their free will choice. How do you interpret Romans 3:12-18 without contradicting any other passage? We take it for what it says, all men in their natural state are led about and guided by the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. *1 John 2:16* For **all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life**, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Without any influence from God, this is man’s state. God, however, has not left us to ourselves but communicated and manifested himself to man in many ways and forms. *Hebrews 1:1-2* God, who **at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets**, 2Hath in these last days **spoken unto us by his Son**, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Just as a child has to be raised up, disciplined, and corrected, so does man. As with the child, it is an individual’s choice whether to go with the corrections or not. Left to himself, a child will be as described in Romans 3, left to himself without God a man will also. *Proverbs 29:15* The rod and reproof give wisdom: but **a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame**. It is the Holy Spirit’s ministry to deal with the hearts of men. *John 16:7-11* Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9**Of sin, because they believe not on me**; 10Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. **This truth to you I would make plain, All through God’s Word we’re told, The Holy Spirit calls to man, Both to the young and old. ‘Tis said He knocks at every heart, At least one time in life; And does not promise to return, Or stay if there is strife. When knocking at the sinner’s heart, He pleads with tender voice, For him to leave the paths of woe And make God ‘s way his choice. If you refuse to heed His Call, He then will take His flight; And if He fails ne’er to return, No words can pen your plight.** “Down Memory’s Lane With Father” 1944 Loella Hobson Ft Wayne. IN Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Romans --- ### [Revelation 11:19](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-11-19/) **Published:** May 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament**: and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail. Revelation 11:19 The Ark is a similitude just as Noah’s Ark was a similitude of being in Christ. Noah was safe in the ark as we are safe in Christ. The Ark of Testimony, Moses’ Ark, was also a picture of Christ Jesus. The law in the ark was the letter being swallowed up by the Spirit in Christ. Aaron’s rod a picture of the resurrection in Christ. The whole Ark was a testimony of Christ Jesus. God’s Mercy Seat rested upon the Ark as His mercy in only through His Son, Christ Jesus. *Joshua 4:16* Command the priests that bear **the ark of the testimony**, that they come up out of Jordan. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Ecclesiastes 3:18-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-3-18-21-2/) **Published:** May 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ` `I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that **God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts**. `19`For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: **as the one dieth, so dieth the other**; yea, they have all one breath; so that a **man hath no preeminence** above a beast: for **all is vanity**. `20`All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. `21`**Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward**, and **the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth**? Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 Solomon is exercising philosophical wisdom. *“All is vanity”*, man’s pride and arrogance is a futile attempt to deceive themselves into thinking that they are somehow better than beast. In the end, as the beast goes, so goes the man, they both die. They are, however, not quite the same. The spirit of a beast goes downward to the earth, that of man goes upward to God. *Ecclesiastes 12:7* Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and **the spirit shall return unto God who gave it**. The point is that we ought not think more highly of ourselves than we are. We are all created and responsible to God. The conclusion of the consideration is verse 22. *Ecclesiastes 3:22* Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that **a man should rejoice in his own works**; for **that is his portion**: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? *Ecclesiastes 11:9* **Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart**, and **in the sight of thine eyes**: but **know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment**. The beast will not stand in judgment, man will. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes --- ### [What does it mean to be holy?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-does-it-mean-to-be-holy/) **Published:** May 10, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If you would like to be holy, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. You will be holy and separated unto God. God is not the only thing holy in the Bible. Whatever he cleans and sanctifies for his use is holy. *Romans 12:1* I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye **present your bodies a living sacrifice**, **holy**, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. *1 Corinthians 3:17* If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for **the temple of God is holy**, **which temple ye are**. *1 Corinthians 7:14* For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but **now are they holy**. *Ephesians 1:4* According as he hath chosen **us** in him before the foundation of the world, that **we should be holy** and without blame before him in love: *Ephesians 3:5* Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto **his holy apostles and prophets** by the Spirit; *Ephesians 5:27* That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that **it should be holy** and without blemish. *1 Thessalonians 5:27* I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all **the holy brethren**. If you want to live a life of holiness? Love God and Love others as yourself and you will have fulfilled the whole law. *Matthew 22:37-40* Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. `38`This is the first and great commandment. `39`And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. `40`**On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets**. *Matthew 7:12* Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for **this is the law and the prophets.** Holiness is not some strange esoteric accomplishment obtained by sitting on top of some mountain for twenty years. It is fear God and keep his commandments. *1 John 3:23* And **this is his commandmen**t, That **we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ**, and **love one another**, as he gave us commandment. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Isaiah 60:19-20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-6019-20/) **Published:** May 10, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory**. `20`**Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself**: for **the LORD shall be thine everlasting light**, and **the days of thy mourning shall be ended**. Isaiah 60:19-20 > *Revelation 21:10* And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me **that great city, the holy Jerusalem**, **descending out of heaven from God**, *Revelation 21:22-23* And **I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it**. `23`And the city **had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof**. It is a prophecy concerning the new heaven and new earth going into eternity where the Lord God almighty will reside within his creation as at the start. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah --- ### [1 John 5:20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-520/) **Published:** May 10, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And we know that **the Son of God is come**, and **hath given us an understanding**, that **we may know him that is true**, and **we are in him that is true**, even **in his Son Jesus Christ**. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 The Son of God is come. *1 John 4:2* Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that **confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God**: The Son of God has given us understanding. *Luke 24:45* Then **opened he their understanding**, that they might understand the scriptures, *Ephesians 1:18* **The eyes of your understanding being enlightened**; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, *Colossians 1:9* For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and **spiritual understanding**; - That **we may know him that is true**, - and **we are in him that is true** - even **in His Son, Jesus Christ** We are in him who is true by being in the Son of him who is true. Hence, Him that is true is God the Father, and if you are in His Son, Jesus Christ, you are in Him who is true. *John 14:20* At that day ye shall know that **I am in my Father**, and **ye in me**, and **I in you**. The Father of Jesus Christ is the true God and giver of eternal life. The world will gather around God the Father, but not God the Father of Jesus Christ. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [Why no Remission without Shedding of Blood?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-no-remission-without-shedding-of-blood/) **Published:** May 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and **without shedding of blood is no remission**. Hebrews 9:22 *Leviticus 17:10-11* And whatsoever man there be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood; I will even set my face against that soul that eateth blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 11For **the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls**: for **it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul**. *Numbers 35:33* So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and **the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it**. I do not believe we are given a scientific explanation as to why it takes blood to cleanse us from sin, other than the life of the flesh is in the blood. It is the sins of the flesh we need to be cleansed from **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [How many trumpets have been sounded and are we even on the 7 trumpets or 7 seals (holy, Bible related, priest)?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-many-trumpets-have-been-sounded-and-are-we-even-on-the-7-trumpets-or-7-seals-holy-bible-related-priest/) **Published:** May 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The seven angels enter the sceen after the mark of the beast has been introduced. Revelation 16:1-2 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying **to the seven angels**, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. `2`And **the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image**. Hence, the earth has not reached that point as yet. The seven seals also takes place during Daniel’s seventieth week. *Revelation 6:9* And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar **the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held**: These are those who were martyred for not taking the mark and worshipping the Beast. Chapter 6 ends with the second coming. The Book of Revelation is divided into four parts when dealing with the tribulation and second coming just as the gospels are for the fist coming. You will see the second coming ending Chapters 6, 11, 14, 19. The seals, trumpets, 7 angels, run concurrently. Just as with the gospels you have to put the four accounts together to get the whole picture. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [1 John 3:9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-18/) **Published:** May 6, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin**; for his seed remaineth in him: and **he cannot sin, because he is born of God**. 1 John 3:9 As long as we are in this corrupt body of flesh, the saints sin. However, the sins of the flesh are not imputed to the saints. *1 Corinthians 6:11* And such were some of you: but **ye are washed,** but **ye are sanctified**, but **ye are justified** in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. This is why we have the apparent contradiction in the minds of those who do not diligently study God’s word. 1 John 1:8 **If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us**. *1 John 1:9* **If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins**, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. *Romans 7:18* For I know that **in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing**: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. *Romans 7:25* I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then **with the mind I myself serve the law of God**; but **with the flesh the law of sin**. > We are spiritually perfect; we will be made physically perfect at the Rapture or Translation of the bride of Christ, the Church. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [Revelation 20:11-12 Great White Throne](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-20-11-12-great-white-throne/) **Published:** May 5, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it**, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12And **I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God**; and **the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life**: and **the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works**. Revelation 20:11-12 The Great White Throne judgment is not to determine salvation but to give everyone their day in court. All will be given a chance to challenge their conviction. Each in turn will accuse God of everything they can think of to justify themselves. In the end, God will be shown to be righteous in condemning them. *Romans 3:4* God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, **That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Lamentations 3:37](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/lamentations-337/) **Published:** April 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not? Lamentations 3:37 No action is perform without God’s approval, all must be within His plan and will. To understand this better, free will must be understood correctly. > [Biblical Free Will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) With this Open Theology needs to be understood. > [Open Theology](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-open-theology/) Rate this post **Categories:** Lamentations --- ### [Robert Klaiber](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/robert-klaiber/) **Published:** May 21, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ## An Old Soldier Crosses the Finish Line December 8, 1910 – March 13, 2001 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Brother Robert was a true soldier of the cross. No better example could be set before us of service and suffering for Christ. A local newspaper article reported a brief history of Brother Robert’s ministering, in which it stated the following: Tall and gaunt, with the sign draped over him, the Rev. Robert Klaiber looks like a scarecrow selling salvation. He wears a rollup hat, a red plaid flannel jacket and a sandwich board—two placards, hanging over the shoulders in front and back. Generations ago, it was a common form of advertising. It’s with 6-inch tall block letters, filling the space between his neck and hips— ‘Jesus said Ye must be born again ‘John 3:3.’ The quote is in red, the rest in black. On his back it reads—’Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life John 14:6.’ Jesus’ words again blaze in red. ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ROBERT3.jpg)![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ROBERT.jpg) ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/robert_back.jpg) On a late Tuesday afternoon, bright and cool, Klaiber stands wearing his sign on the dangerously busy comer of Griffin Road and U.S. 98 in Lakeland. The volume of traffic is high, and so is the noise. Every time the light changes, he makes a quarter turn to face the oncoming traffic. Smiling broadly—Klaiber smiles a lot—he says with mock combativeness, “I’m ready to do battle.” For almost 30 years, in the blue icy winters of Massachusetts and New Hampshire and under Florida’s white hot summer sun, in sleet, wind and rain, Kaiber has kept up his lonely work of notifying staggeringly indifferent drivers about the gospel. He says that God told him one day to wear the word and he’s been doing it ever since. Klaiber is a familiar sight here. Last year, before his second heart attack, he would spend several hours at a time on this corner. But he’s almost as well known in Bartow, and he has flashed his sign like a beacon to warn sinners in almost every major city in Florida. Now 89, he can stand for only an hour or two at a time. He says he has an ulcer on one leg that won’t heal. “The Lord manages to get me by. It’s no fun when you get home at night. But it doesn’t make a difference. I’ve got to keep going,” he says matter-of-factly. The Ledger: www.theledger.com – Saturday January 1, 2000 I first met Robert in 1998. Driving though Lakeland I saw a man standing in the intersection of Griffin Road and U.S. 98 and I stopped and went over to meet and encourage him in the work. I came up behind him and said hey, as he turned to meet me I was surprised to see a tall slim frail 87 year old saint. I spent the next several hours standing with him talking laughing and witnessing to passerbyers. A more faithful steward nor a greater burden for souls will be found. Five days a week morning and afternoon he would fight off the pain and failings of his flesh and stand for the Lord. There is much more to the story of his walk with the Lord than I can recount now. Through the many years of their ministry they have been for the most part self supporting. Most of the Churches he has been associated with including the one he currently attends not only do not support his ministry, they think him an embarrassment and hindrance to their Church expansion programs. **Moreover it is required in stewards,** **that a man be found faithful**. *1 Corinthians 4:2 KJV* ***Service — Sacrifice — Suffering*** Robert Klaiber (1910-2001) A faithful steward As an example to us all, Robert Klaiber defies all who say they cannot do something. Rate this post **Categories:** People --- ### [Easter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/easter/) **Published:** May 29, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and **thou shalt see greater abominations than these**. 16And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD’S house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, **with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east**; and they worshipped the sun toward the east. Ezekiel 8:15-16 As those that have trusted in the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, we have a responsibility, a duty, to study God’s word and know what is right and hold to it regardless of the consequences. Mixing pagan rites into Christian observances has been a significant shortcoming of many. Where Easter is concerned we have confused a pagan ritual with the Feast of First Fruits. Each spring, the Babylonians saw the genuine first fruits and assumed it would be a fine time to ask their goddess, Ishtar (Easter), for new babies. They worshipped the things in nature which represented fertility, such as the rabbit and the egg. The people wore new costumes, in keeping with the new buds on the trees and shrubbery. Today, we continue the Babylonian rite with our Easter Bunny and our painted eggs and our new outfits for the Easter Parade. Facing East and worshipping toward the Sun is described as being an abomination in our lead verse, Ezekiel 8:15-16. “thou shalt see greater **abominations** than these. … five and twenty men, **with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east**; and **they worshipped the sun toward the east**” Every Easter “Christians” re-enact this very abomination along with the pagan use of bunnies and eggs. The important thing to realize is that Easter has nothing to do with Christ Jesus’ resurrection. The Lord rose on the Feast of Firstfruits which was the 1st first day of the week, the Sunday, after Passover. It always comes within the days of unleavened bread. [The Feast of First Fruits](https://promisestoisrael.org/jewish-culture-2/jewish-holidays/the-feast-of-first-fruits/) – Promises to Israel *Exodus 34:25-26* Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leaven; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the passover be left unto the morning. 26**The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God**. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother’s milk. Leviticus 23:10-11 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: 11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: **on the morrow after the sabbath** the priest shall wave it. Christ Jesus’ resurrection was on the Feast of Firstfruits. This would be the 1st, first day of the week following Passover; the Sunday following passover. As Passover could fall on any day of the week, the Feast of Firstfruits could be anywhere from one to six days after. Obviously, it was three days after that year. *1 Corinthians 15:22-23* For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: **Christ the firstfruits**; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. There is some disagreement on the proper day to observe this feast. One side considers the Passover as the Sabbath spoken of in Leviticus 23:10-11, *“on the morrow after the sabbath”* meaning that this feast was to be observed the day after Passover. The flip side is the more biblical approach which has been show correct by the Lord’s resurrection as the 1st first day of the week, or 1st Sunday, after the Passover that would be after the regular weekly Sabbath. *Matthew 28:1* **In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week**, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. *Mark 16:2* And very early in the morning **the first day of the week**, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. *Luke 24:1* Now **upon the first day of the week**, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. Passover could be any day or date of the week but the Feast of Firstfruits could only have been the day after the first regular Sabbath following the Passover, the Sunday following the first Saturday. In the year of our Lord’s atonement it was three days after. The pagan holiday of Easter, bunnies, and eggs, has nothing to do with Our Lord’s resurrection or otherwise. Remember, we all have to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an accounting of our lives. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Holidays --- ### [Isaiah 45:7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-45-7/) **Published:** May 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things. —Isaiah 45:7 This verse uses two sets of contrast: light vs darkness and peace vs evil. The Lord can give light and he can take it away. That can be physical, metaphorical, or spiritual; he can lighten you understanding or darken it according to his purposes and the thoughts and intents of the heart. *John 12:40* He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. The opposite of peace is some many things: war, pain, illness, famine, etc., so many but all are evil and that is why the word is used here. All these evils come upon men for various reasons: the judgments of God for one, but God is ultimately responsible and takes ultimate responsibility. *Amos 3:6* Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the LORD hath not done it? The main reason for the evils that beset man is God attempting to turn your heart unto him. Man receives far less evil than he deserves. *Ezra 9:13* And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; *Job 11:6* And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah --- ### [Job 41](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/job-41/) **Published:** May 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? Job 41:1 The key to understanding Job 43 and Leviathan is to read the whole chapter; the key verses are the last two. *Job 41:33-34* **Upon earth there is not his like**, who is made without fear. 34He beholdeth all high things: **he is a king over all the children of pride**. So first, it is not speaking of anything upon the earth. With that it should be easy to see whom it is that it is speaking of. *Isaiah 27:1* In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish **leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent**; and he shall slay **the dragon that is in the sea**. *Revelation 12:9* And **the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan**, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Job --- ### [Hebrews 13:9 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hebrews-13-9/) **Published:** September 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.** *Hebrews 13:9 KJV* The word ‘strange’ in Scripture is use for anything that is not specifically commanded by God. The Israelites were to marry other Israelites but the men marry stange wives. Some men decided they could be priests and offered offered incense not in accordance with the Lord instructions. *Ezra 10:10 KJV* And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken **strange wives**, to increase the trespass of Israel. *Leviticus 10:1 KJV* And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and **offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not**. Hence, strange doctrines would be false teachings. *Hebrews 13:9 KJV* Be not carried about with divers and **strange doctrines**. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. *2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV* For the time will come when **they will not endure sound doctrine**; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And **they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Hebrews --- ### [1 Samuel 23:11-13 - Did God Lie?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-samuel-23-did-god-lie/) **Published:** December 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **If whatever God says comes to pass,** > **did God lie in 1 Samuel 23:11 when he said Saul would come?** Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O LORD God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the LORD said, **He will come down**. 12Then said David, **Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul**? And the LORD said, **They will deliver thee up**. 13**Then David and his men**, which were about six hundred, arose and **departed out of Keilah**, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told **Saul** that David was escaped from Keilah; and he **forbare to go forth**. *1 Samuel 23:11-13* It was not a question of whether Saul was coming to get David even if he had to destroy the city of Keilah. David double checked with God on this, but the main question asked of God was will the men of Keilah give him over to Saul. God knowing the hearts of the people of Keilah knew that they feared Saul and had no desire to fight him for David’s sake. David seeing he was finished if he stayed left which changed the situation as he was no longer at Keilah. Hence, Saul turned back knowing that David was gone and out of his reach. God did not lie, the situation changed when David left being told the men of keilah would give him up. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Samuel, Questions **Tags:** God --- ### [Proverbs 25:11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/proverbs-2511/) **Published:** May 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11 The right words at the right time are a beautiful treasure. *Isaiah 50:4* The Lord GOD hath given me **the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary**: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. *Proverbs 15:23* A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and **a word spoken in due season, how good is it**! *Proverbs 16:13* **Righteous lips are the delight of kings**; and **they love him that speaketh right**. The wrong words at any time have the opposite affect. *James 3:6* And **the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity**: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and **setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Proverbs --- ### [Sin](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-sin/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11 To not sin against God, a knowledge of what sin is would be mighty helpful. Most, if asked what sin is offer sin to be breaking God’s laws and they would be correct as far as that goes. 1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for **sin is the transgression of the law**. What is amazing about sin being the transgression of God’s law is the fact we do not have to memorize or even know God’s law to fulfill it and sin not. All we have to do is treat each and every other person as we would want to be treated in any given situation. *Galatians 5:14* For **all the law is fulfilled in one word**, even in this; **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. James 2:9 But **if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin**, and are **convinced of the law as transgressors**. *Matthew 7:12* Therefore **all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them**: for **this is the law and the prophets**. *Luke 6:31* And **as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise**. Man unto himself needs no law. It is the regulation of the relationship of one to another that requires law. So, fulfilling that law is simply a matter of doing onto others as we would want done unto us. However, man is never unto himself, we are in a relationship with God also and there are further definitions of sin that regulate that relationship. *Romans 14:23* … for **whatsoever is not of faith is sin**. *James 4:17* Therefore **to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin**. *Proverbs 24:9* **The thought of foolishness is sin**:… *Proverbs 21:4* **An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin**. *1 John 5:17* **All unrighteousness is sin**: Be it noted and realized, Sin is not in the physical act committed, but the thought of, the desire of, committting. *Matthew 5:28* But I say unto you, That **whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart**. *James 1:14-15* But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15Then **when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin**: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Sin is conceived in the thoughts and intents of the heart. This is why the law cannot cleans us from sin. It is hoped that this short study will help guide us in our daily walk. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [The Heavenly Race](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-heavenly-race/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 5And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 6For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 7If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 8But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 10For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 13And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” —Hebrews 12: 1-13 We are about to enter on the consideration of a solemn and most instructive portion of God’s holy word. May each reader of these lines be able to enter into its full spiritual meaning. May he be one of those on the heavenly race course, running that race diligently yet patiently, with one great object filling his heart and his eye with Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. The striking figure, under which the truth to which we have referred is brought before us, is that of the ancient games. Those who were selected to run the race divested themselves of everything that would im­pede them in their course, retaining only what was ab­solutely necessary, the fewer the garments and the lighter their weight, the better. On the day of the race thousands assembled to look on. All was interest and intense expectation. Every eye was bent on the course and as each one started forward towards the goal the interest of the spectators increased till it was at its height. The shout of joy was raised when that goal was reached and the prize had been won. On this striking and beautiful figure the lessons of spiritual truth in this chapter are founded. Two views are held with respect to the *“cloud of witnesses.”* One is, that the Christian, the runner in the heavenly race, is the great object of interest by those who have passed on to God—*“the spirits of just men made perfect:”* that that great *“cloud of witnesses”* now before the throne look down upon us in this race with intense interest: that they are wit­nesses of all our sorrows and joys, of all that affects us here, whether it be small or great. And if it be asked, would it not grieve our departed ones to see us weep­ing, and in trouble and sorrow? it is replied, no; for they see the end—the issue of all—which we do not: and that end is joy, whatever may be the path that leads to it. The other view is, that this *“cloud of witnesses”* are the worthies mentioned in the previous chapter: that in them, beginning with Abel, the first Christian saved by faith, and recounting each one up to the time in which the Apostle wrote, we have a numberless host of witnesses to the faithfulness, the mercy, the grace, and the long-suffering of God. They were each, in their day and generation, or in some special act in their lives, witnesses to something in God—to some point in His character. This seems the more probable view; and yet I doubt not both views are true. The Word of the Lord is a two-edged sword. It seems to be so here. It is a truth cutting both ways. There are numerous instances in this blessed Book of a similar kind. Why should we pare down God’s blessed Word so frequently to one Particular view? Is not truth many-sided? May not one particular passage reflect various shades of Divine truth? Surely it may! God’s words are like the rays of the sun casting their brightness through the descending shower, and reflecting them in varied but beauteous colors on the dark background of our sin-stained hearts. Oh for largeness of heart and expan­sion of mind in things pertaining to God! Perhaps the expression *“cloud of witnesses”* is not without meaning. The cloud is everywhere, in Scrip­ture, the symbol of God’s presence. It was an inseparable accompaniment of God’s people. Christ and His people are one. What drew attention of old to the people was the cloud, *“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke?”* So, it is Christ in His people that is the great object of attraction and not they themselves. It is the cloud accompanying the witnesses, coming up out of the wilderness that the Spirit of God notices. It may be so in the chapter before us. Another feature is the faith of these witnesses. As we look over the recorded list in the previous chapter, we fail almost to discern any faith in the history of some of the characters—at least any worthy of the Spirit’s notice or of being held up as an example. If there be any, we say, it is at least, so overlaid with infirmity and sin in the individual as to be beneath notice, or at any rate unworthy of record. So man judges: but God is not like man. He notices the least germ of faith and passes over the infirmity and sin. He can discern a bright spark in the heart of even a Rahab. He will not pass it over. It is treasured in His heart and shall have its reward. The names of the world’s great ones, together with their mighty deeds, have long ago been buried in oblivion but the faith of a Rahab survives them all and is set before the Church as a bright example. Say not, how much deception there was connected with it; the decep­tion was the evil, unchanged heart. The faith was the new principle which had not yet had time to work. Our hearts, reader, are not one whit better than this harlot’s. Cast not the first stone. *“Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.”* The treasure is in *“earthen vessels.”* Be humble, and let all the glory be to Him who made thee to differ. *“Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.”* We notice in these words a remarkable distinction between *“weights”* and *“sins.”* A weight is not in itself a sin. It may become a sin, but in itself, it is not sinful. It may be in itself something quite right, quite in accordance with the mind of God. A man may have his business, his family, his worldly interests, and many important matters on his mind. These are all quite right. They are God’s ap­pointed portion for each of His children. But when these things come to press heavily on the mind and heart; when they become a weight, a drag, so that we are hindered in running the race to heaven, then they have become sins. When the cares of business or the concerns of a family occupy an undue prominence in a man’s mind and make him so anxious that his thoughts are continually running in that direction then they have become sins. When anything—no matter what—below Christ takes up so much of a man’s time, or occupies his thoughts so as to leave him little time to be alone with God, interferes with his spiritual communion with God or so occupies him as that he cannot at a moment drop it and enjoy his Saviour, then, whatever it may be, the weight has become a sin. Whatever it may be that draws a film between the soul and God and hides the brightness of a Saviour’s countenance or that so hangs upon it as to make it run heavenward with a slower pace; then that weight has become a sin. In fact, it is like Mary’s sorrow. All sorrow is sacred. When, however, it keeps the soul too long or too exclusively hovering round the sepulcher or hinders it from seeing a living Saviour at its side, then it becomes a sin. It is an important distinction. We see in God’s Word the same distinction between *“transgression”* and *“sin.”* *“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”* These are by no means synonymous terms. Transgression is the fruit; sin is the root. Transgression is the stream; sin is the fountain. Transgression is the effect; sin is the cause. We have a remarkable instance of this distinction in the eighth chapter of St. John’s Gospel. The scribes and Pharisees brought before the Lord a woman taken in adultery—*“in the very act.”* Their object was to tempt the Saviour. *“Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?”* If the Saviour condemned the woman, where would be His mercy? If He forgave her, He would set aside the law. They thought He was on the horns of a dilemma. They had Him fast. The marvelous wisdom displayed in the Lord’s answer is not seen at first sight and is attributable to the opening words of the chapter. Of course, we speak of Him as man only. We are told after the debates previous to this incident that, *“every man went unto his own house.”* but *“Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.”* He came forth from the place of prayer into the temple. Hence the power and the wisdom displayed in His answer. Yes, prayer is power? Coming from the inner chamber to meet the temptations of the devil—this is the sure path to victory. Mark it here, in the case of the Saviour. *“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”* The scribes and Pharisees point out the transgression, the act of adultery. They point the finger to the fruit, transgression. the Lord points them to the root—sin. The Lord does not say, He that is without transgression let him first cast a stone at her. He could not have said that. If he had, these men could have cast the stone at her, for they were not guilty of the transgression, the act of adultery. He says. *“He that is without sin among you”* and thus shows them that the great evil is, not in the effect, but in the cause—sin; that they are all sinners; and that as a sinner man is the criminal and not as a transgressor only. He thus cuts the ground from under them completely and shows them that there is no difference between them and her as to guilt; that it is not degrees of guilt He notices, but the cause of guilt—sin. *“For all have sinned”* (it says nowhere all have transgressed, though that also is true) *“and come short of the glory of God.”* What marvelous wisdom thus displayed in His reply! Nowhere in the word of God have we a more striking instance. Thus it was that, while forgiving the woman’s sin, He yet vindicated Moses’ law by leaving it still untouched as the great denouncer of man’s transgression. The way in which the scribes and Pharisees looked at this woman is a perfect picture of the human heart. Look, for instance, at the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee looks only at transgression, and says *“God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.”* He looks at the transgression at the stream, not at the fountain. He thanks God he is not like these men. And so he could and justly thank God he was not like them. So far as transgression was concerned, he was free from such outward crimes. He judged as a natu­ral man and natural men never go deeper than mere transgression in his estimate of sin. In fact, this is all he can see. He cannot go deeper for he has not the spiritual sight to penetrate. He knows nothing of sin. All he knows is of transgression. It is only the Spirit of God that can show him sin. Only He can give him that sight that will make him look deeper. And herein is the beautiful and striking contrast of the publican. He looks not at transgression. He passes by the stream and goes to the fountain. *“God be merciful to me a sinner.”* Ah, the head was down the face was covered, the breast was smitten; the whole man was covered with dust and ashes! All was right before God here. He had spiritual sight. The other had natural sight. One spoke as a man. The other spoke as a spiritual man. And the scribes and Pharisees present us with a true picture of our own hearts at all times. What is it we are always pointing out in the conduct of others? Their transgressions. What is it we are always having on our lips, always condemning in them? Their transgressions. What is it we are constantly doing—we Christian men and women—doing every day? Dragging some poor sinner like ourselves into God’s presence and pointing the finger of reproach at some transgression we see in him. And what is the Lord saying to us every time we do it? He is cutting the ground from under us, by leading us to look at the root and to see that we are all in the same condemnation. Every time our fellow sinners’ transgression is in our mind and on our lips, He whispers, *“He that without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.”* Go down deeper to the cause and see if you are any better than that poor adulteress or murderer or thief. Reader, mark this and look not at thy transgressions nor yet at the transgressions of others. Go down deeper and behold thyself a sinner—all dark and guilty within. Thou who art secretly distinguishing thyself from others because thou hast not been guilty of their transgressions, behold the fountain, the root, the cause within thee! Thou art a sinner, with all thy freedom from transgression. It is as a sinner thou art under the wrath of God, not as a transgressor. Oh, think of this and betake thee now to the blood of Jesus, which can alone reach that hidden root within thee! Let us now return to the consideration of the passage from which we have diverged. Next to the distinction between weights and sins, let us notice the expressive word *“lay aside.”* When we lay aside anything, it is not, so to speak, thrown away. If we take off a garment, we do not cast it aside as useless. We have an appointed place, and there we *“lay aside”* that garment. It is a place known in the household and specially set apart for the purpose. So is it with regard to the *“weights”* of which we have been speaking. There is a place set apart for them. There they are to be laid—taken off like a garment, and put in the ap­pointed place. What is that place? *“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”* It is Jesus. On Him, these weights are to be laid. He is at our very side for the purpose. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.” Let not that weight rest upon the burdened heart, upon the wearied mind, upon the jaded body, upon the troubled spirit, or deepen one more furrow on that careworn brow. That is not the place for it; *“lay aside every weight”* on Jesus. This was the purpose for which God laid it upon you that it should take you to the Saviour, there to lay it on Him and thus learn how well He can bear it. Remember, this is heaven’s appointed place—*“the nail … in the sure place”*—on which is to be hung every weight of the human heart. And remember also the *“every weight”*; that which presses lightly as well as that which presses heavily; not only the great trials of life but the little crosses of each hour. The great trials of life come but seldom, the famine, the pestilence, the earthquake—these are easily seen and God’s hand recognized by the most careless. Nor yet the sad bereavement, making the heart to bleed and the eye to weep; nor the sudden, overwhelming crash in business, plunging into poverty those who once had every comfort, these and such like are of rare occurrence. Not these alone are to be cast on the Saviour but the little crosses, the little disappointments, the little vexations and annoyances of each hour which chafe the spirit so sorely and gradually whiten the locks with care—all those little circumstances in domestic life and in public life which we call things going across. Perhaps the servants are not what they ought to be; perhaps your children have been unusually fretful, perhaps some word may have been uttered, thoughtlessly, which has given rise to hasty words or tempers or ruffled another’s spirit; perhaps some member of the family has some failing or infirmity which is constantly exposing the household to discomposure of spirit or making things not as pleasant as they might be. Whatever it may be, *“let us lay aside every weight.”* Go to Jesus with them all. Let Him bear them for you. Let them not hinder you in running the race. You cannot bear them yourself, little though they seem to be. You cannot and God never intended that you should. If you try to bear them yourself, they will crush you. It is the nature of all trials to become heavier by the heart dwelling upon them. The feather will come to weigh like a mountain of lead. Trials become heavier by being borne. So it will be with you. Bear it yourself, it will weigh you down—it will crush you. You cannot run the race to heaven—impossible. Oh take every weight then and lay them aside on Jesus and see how sweet, how full, how free, His compassions are to your troubled spirit! Try Jesus, dear suffering servant of Christ. Lay your weights there and learn what a precious, all-sufficient Saviour He is. Some will come to you by the way of offering sympathy, and will say, Why do you allow such a trifle as that to weigh upon you? How can a sensible person, like you, take such a thing as that to heart? Fling it away, and think nothing more about it. Ah, dear reader, the man, whoever he may be, that can speak thus, is utterly unfit to sympathize! Keep such a man away from the troubled heart. He is but one of Job’s miserable comforters. He forgets what trial really is. Suppose the Lord were to treat us that way, where would His tried and tempest-tossed children be now? Ah, Jesus comforts not his dear ones thus! Such comfort betrays a sad state of mind. Trial is not mea­sured by our estimate of it. One man may look upon my sorrow with a smile and I may regard his as equally trifling. *“The heart knoweth his own bitterness,” “Bear ye one another’s burdens,” “weep with them that weep.”* The tears of the Lord’s suffering ones, from whatever cause they may spring, are reflected in the face of Jesus. He weeps in our sorrows and re­joices in our joys. Childhood’s tears find a place in heart, as well as those of the strong man. Take all to Him, dear tried one. The changed look, the altered expression, the unkind word, the demand you cannot meet, the charge you cannot answer, the problem you cannot solve, the perplexity you cannot unravel, the network undefined that twines itself around your feet, all casts a shadow over the brow and dulls the elasticity of the once happy spirit—oh take all to Jesus! *“Lay aside”* that weight, whatever it may be. Hesitate not because it seems a little one. It will not be little long if you bear it yourself. Shrink not for fear of troubling Him. Let not your evil heart say, *“trouble not the Master.”* Your danger, your sin is that you trouble Him so little. Oh, deal very closely with Jesus, by *“laying aside every weight”* on Him! So also with your sins. *“let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.”* This does not refer to any particular sin, such as unbelief. It means simply any sin to which the soul feels itself particularly exposed, whatever besets us most easily and into which we are liable to fall. *“Lay aside”* these sins. How? Take them to the blood of Jesus. We have thus two things to grapple with all through life’s journey—our weights and our sins. For both of these, there is a rich provision at our very side—the person of Christ for the weights, the blood of Christ for the sins. Therefore we are encouraged to *“lay aside”* both the one and the other. But mark how important are the words *“lay aside”* when applied to our *“sins.”* Nothing produces such a saddening effect on the soul as sin. Nothing more effectually keeps it back in the race to heaven. The heaviest drag of all is forgotten sin—sin committed, not immediately confessed, and thus forgotten. These sins we are daily falling into. They enter in through our eyes and ears, our thoughts and words, our deeds and duties. We rush into the thick of life’s daily cares and are absorbed in them. There are impure thoughts, hasty words and tempers, sights and sounds, only too readily suggesting evil deeds, acts not straightforward or thoroughly transparent services, yea, holy services not free from self-interest. These, apart from sins of a darker type, we are all of us more or less daily falling into. Perhaps our spiritual sensibility is not deep, our consciences not very tender so that we do not think much of sins like these. Alas, there are many of God’s children with whom this is the case. There is a sad, a fearful lack of spiritual sensibility, of tenderness of conscience. Only the grosser sins of life affect them. So far have they fallen, so little are their souls in living communion with God that if their outward life is comparatively free from these, there is no secret compunction of soul. No wonder they live in the outer court and realize so little of the preciousness of Christ. There is an earthliness about them. They live in the world’s atmosphere. There is little inward peace and joy. They are spiritually dull and heavy. It must be so. There is only one antidote to this—that the soul be much alone with God. So strongly is the current of the world pressing upon us on every side that we must be dragged down its fatal stream. In the history of you and me, reader, the daily history, every hour of the day should be linked with heaven. Whatever we are engaged in, there should be no hour of that day in which some thought does not shape itself into prayer and rise to the throne of God. In the believer’s history, the hours of the day are sanctuaries from which the worshiper should never be absent. This will be to link heaven and earth in one glorious intercourse. This will keep the soul calm in the midst of the excite­ment of life’s daily duties and if the Lord should come in the midst of them, make it ready to receive Him with joy. Be *“ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord.”* But to return to forgotten sin, perhaps in thought or else in word or it may be in act, we have sinned. Conscience quickly tells us of it. Perhaps very gently, so gently that there is a danger of being unaware of its reminding. What do we do? Do we go at once, in thought, to the blood with that sin? Most likely we will not. The hours pass on and we have forgotten it. The tide of other things rolling in upon the soul has thrust it out of sight. Ah, reader, though we have forgotten our sin, that sin has not forgotten us! It has added another crust on the heart. It has drawn another film between the soul and the bright shining of God’s countenance. It has cast another shadow between us and heaven. We have forgotten it but it has secreted itself within. It has found a lodgment. One look at the blood at the moment would have set all right. But we did not and now we feel it. The day has come to a close. We open the word, how dull and insipid it seems! We seem to read, and read, and obtain no light, enjoy no comfort, derive no profit! We close it and bend the knee in prayer. What an earthliness of spirit there is in us. What unaccountable deadness! What inability to speak with God! What a mockery it seems! We are speaking to the air, we cannot pray! We ask, How has all this come? What has been the cause? Ah, it is forgotten sin. There is a secretion, a lodger in the soul, poisoning its purest springs. Nothing but the blood can restore it. We ought to have gone at the time when conscience gently touched us and then this sorrow would have been saved. We did not and now God is showing us how bitter sin is and that before He can thaw the frozen heart and unloose the sealed lips there must be a baptism in the cleansing blood of Jesus. O reader, learn the solemn lesson! *“Lay aside”* the sin, the moment it is committed, in the blood of the Lamb. Go in thought to its precious stream and then all will be well with thy soul. Deal closely deal con­tinually, deal earnestly with the blood. Let not sin be forgotten and the enemy of thy soul triumph. Be not ignorant of his subtlety. Be beforehand with him. *“Lay aside”* the weight, and let not that become a sin; *“lay aside”* the sin, and let not that become a *“weight”* to keep thee back in the race. But what does all this imply? That our souls have close dealings with God every hour of the day; that we bring Him into everything; that we have one aim before us each day of our lives, come what may—to walk with God. Reader, is this your aim? What *“weights”* or *“sins”* can you be *“laying aside”* if you have not dealings with God continually? It is through such laying aside that we come to prove the Saviour, how precious He is as our burden-bearer and sin-bearer. His preciousness is then no theory, no mere doctrine. Oh no! It becomes a deep reality. It is only then we come to know Him. It is thus we are *“taught of God.”* Reader, do you know Him thus? Have you this con­stant dealing with Him? Is Christ precious to you from such close dealings? Have they made Him *“the chiefest among ten thousand”* the *“altogether lovely”* to your soul? But to proceed with the passage, *“let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”* The Christian race is activity, progress, growth. It is no half-hearted work. We are to *“run”* that race, but run it with *“patience.”* This is not the word we should have used. We should have said, run with diligence, run with speed, run with haste. No, says the Spirit of God, *“run with patience”* Why is this? The word is divinely chosen. When we see a man in a hurry or running with haste, it occurs to us that he may be too late if he does not make haste—that he may miss the object of his race. This cannot be with the child of God. To him the prize is sure. It is secured to him by the finished work of the Lord Jesus. It forms part of the everlasting covenant made between God and Christ and in which every blessing is secured, eter­nally secured, to the soul that trusts in Jesus. The victory, the prize, the “crown of glory that fadeth not away.” are all in that covenant and, come what may, the child of God shall not miss them. These things are not conditional to the believer. If they were, he never would have one. The prize never could be gained. These blessings were conditional, it is true. They were all to come to the believer on con­dition that Christ fulfilled the terms of that covenant. God made that covenant with Christ and seemed to say, If You fulfill the terms of it, all blessings shall be Yours, on behalf of Your people. Christ came and did fulfill the terms of that covenant. And Christ, speaking through David, says, *“he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure.”* Therefore all things are sure to the believer. They are made sure by what Christ has done. The conditions on which they were to be given were all fulfilled by the Lord Jesus. Therefore, the believer’s blessings are all eternally secured to him in Christ. His salvation is secured. His victory over death is secured. His prize is secured. His crown of glory is secured. Every step of his journey through this troublesome world and the grace that is needed for it, is *“ordered in all things and sure.”* Every hour of sorrow is an *“ordered”* hour. Every perplexing dispensation is *“ordered.”* Every dark path, every bitter cup, every tearful eye, every bleeding heart—all are *“ordered.”* They are not only *“ordered,”* but *“ordered in all things.”* The timely relief, the lightened pressure, the helping hand at the critical moment, the kind word in due season, the series of little circumstances in an hour of trial, when the mind is too excited to think and too burdened to arrange—all are *“ordered”* things. Not only so, but every comfort, every help, every blessing needed by the feeble, helpless one at such trying seasons has inscribed on it, in God’s own hand—*“sure.”* You shall not lack one, believer, whoever you are. They are all secured to you in that everlasting covenant, every condition of which was fulfilled by Christ on your behalf. And having this everlasting covenant, what then shall be your portion here but blessing? What then? Why then another pilgrim song; And then a hush of rest divinely granted; And then a thirsty stage (ah me, so long!), And then a brook, just where it most is wanted. What then? The pitching of the evening tent! And then, perchance, a pillow, rough and thorny; And then some sweet and tender message, sent To cheer the faint one for tomorrow’s journey. What then? The wailing of the midnight wind; A feverish sleep; a heart oppressed and aching; And then a little water-cruse to find Close by my pillow, ready for my waking. What then? I am not careful to inquire: I know there will be tears, and fears, and sorrow; And then a loving Saviour drawing nigh, And saying, “I will answer for the morrow!” What then? For all my sins His pardoning grace; For all my wants and woes His loving-kindness; For darkest shades the shining of God’s face; And Christ’s own hand to lead me in my blindness. What then? A shadowy valley, lone and dim; And then a deep and darkly rolling river; And then a flood of light-a seraph hymn— And God’s own smile, forever and forever! Therefore, it is that there is no haste, no hurry, in the heavenly race. We are to run, but with, *“patience.”* All is sure, for all is secured in Christ Jesus our Lord. *“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”* The great design of God in setting this race before His people is to make them like His dear Son, to mold and fashion us day by day into His blessed image. This is the explanation of all God’s dealings, both in sorrow and in joy. To accomplish this great purpose of God, however, there must be some great transforming medium. Sorrow of itself will never make us like Christ. Nay, its tendency may be to make us very unlike Him. It may harden the heart. It may stir up feelings of rebellion and hatred. No, afflictions will never, of themselves, mold us into His image. What will then? Only beholding Himself. Therefore we are exhorted to run this race *“Looking unto Jesus.”* It is as if God would say, My great desire is not the running in the race, but to make you like My beloved Son to so mold and shape and fashion you on earth that when you come into My presence there may be some resemblance in you to Him. This can only be accomplished by the eye and the heart keeping constantly before it the one great transforming medium—Christ Jesus. We know how true this is from a scientific point of view. No faculty of the body is as powerful for taking in impressions from external objects as the eye. Doubtless, this is the reason why the figure is used, association begets as­similation. What the mind most dwells on it becomes like. The desires strongly bent on sensuality will betray that very sensuality in the countenance. The heart strongly directed towards the Saviour will develop the calmness and meekness of that Saviour in its countenances. If we had greater discernment, if our own mental and spiritual faculties had not been so dulled by sin, we should be able to look into each other’s counte­nances and from the very expression written in them, trace the prominent affections of the heart, trace the governing principle under which it lived and moved. In heaven, we shall be free from sin. A wonderful change will, in consequence, take place in all our bodily, mental, and spiritual faculties. We shall see, see deeply, into each other’s hearts and minds. All will be transparency there and nothing will be seen in us or without us, that will not be reflected in the coun­tenance of the Lord Jesus. As one has beautifully remarked, the angels will know us to be brothers and sisters of the Lord Jesus, by our likeness to Him. In calling us to look to Jesus in this race, we see a great principle in God’s word. Man’s tendency, when he wants to find some foundation on which he can rest for salvation, is to look within—into his heart. Does he need peace? He looks at his own heart to see if he can find in its state any warrant for that peace. This is the direction in which the thoughts of man naturally and invariably turn—inward. Now when the salvation of the soul is the question, or when peace and assurance are the points to be settled, the word of God never, in any instance, directs man to look within. He is always directed to look outside himself. *“Look unto me, and be ye saved”*—*“Behold the Lamb of God.”* It is true that the Christian is to look inward, to see that there is nothing in his life and conduct, in his desires, motives and aims, that is hindering the brightness of the Lord’s countenance from shining on his soul. But it is not so in the matter of salvation. He is then to look out. Salvation has been accomplished by the finished work of Jesus, look out at that and accept it. Thy sin has all been put away by that blood shed on Calvary—look out at that and be at peace. God teaches us this truth in many ways. If in sorrow, trial, or trouble, how is the heart comforted? Not by looking in and dwelling on its troubles, but by a word spoken from without by some kind friend, or by some deed of kind­ness from without. If there be diseases in the frame, do we look within for the remedy? No, that is without, in the physician and his medicine. In fact, this truth is taught us in the meanest affairs of life and forced upon our notice by almost every object in the natural world around us. Everything seems to say, Look without, not within! The word of God in its teachings is but nature’s counterpart. God is the great Teacher in both. Nature is only the echo of revelation and, rightly interpreted, teaches the same lesson—*“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”* Observe how remarkably the Bible confirms this view. *“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same,” “it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” “And they shall see his face; and his name* (the name is the expression of character) *shall be in their foreheads.”* Thus we see that the great transforming process on earth, in running this heavenward race, is ever *“Looking unto Jesus.”* Looking in sin. Looking in sorrow. Look­ing in joy. Looking there, and only there. This is the direction every eye takes in heaven. This is the direction in which every eye should be bent on earth. And He is *“the author and finisher of our faith”* He began the work in the Church, and He will finish it. *“The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it…”* He began the good work in the soul of the awakened sinner and He will finish it. The first thought, the first reflection, the first dim and distant feeling after Christ, the first uplifted eye, the first falling tear, the first gleam of peace and joy, of sunshine after darkness-He began it all, and having begun it He will Surely finish it. He puts not His hand to the plow and looks back. Oh no! *“he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”* He is the Finisher as well as the Author of our faith. Let us take courage then, and *“be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” “the path of the just is as the shining light, that”*—despite all clouds—*“shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”* Every lamb in the Shepherd’s flock is *“kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.”* “Not one object of His care Ever suffered shipwreck there.” But let us notice another precious truth. *“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”* Three things were set before the Lord Jesus—the race, the joy, the crown. These three things are set before each of His followers. He is their great Forerunner, who has entered for them within the van. A forerunner is one who leads a company after him. Thus Jesus has run that race and is now leading His people after Him, that they may be with Him where He is and behold His glory. He, too, was a cross-bearer. What made Him endure, the cross? The joy set before Him. His eye was never off that joy for a moment. And is not the same joy set before us? Is not the same glorious prize to consummate our journey? Shall not we, too, wear the same crown, and sit on the same glorious throne? Surely we shall: *“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them…”* Why are we not cross-bearers too? Why do we shrink from it? Why do we try to shift it off, or make it press as lightly as possible? Why is there so little bold confession of Christ in word and deed before men? Because our hearts are so little in the joy before us, our eyes are so little on the crown and the glory of the resurrection morning. We live so far below our standing. We live as beggars instead of kings’ sons and daughters. We live down here, very little above. The glory is such a distant thing with us. It is separated by years or dimmed by earthly influences, hence the little enduring of the cross. And not only so, but these are truths which react on each other. We bear so little of the cross because our hearts are so little in the coming joy and glory. We enter so little into the joy because we bear so little of the cross. The heart in the joy will make us take up the cross and the taking up of the cross will bring *“great joy”* into the soul. *“For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”* Mark reader, the, *“as”* and *“so.”* The two things run side by side. The one is in exact proportion to the other. As is the suffering, so is the consolation. The deeper your soul goes down into the valley of Christ’s sufferings, the deeper will be the joy in your heart. If you have not one, you cannot have the other. Is there little outward suffering? Then there is little inward joy. Is your path comparatively smooth, the sky above you, as to all earthly things, bright and do you meet with few piercings of heart from the world in which you live? Then, reader, your soul is asleep. The outward absence of conflict is a certain symptom of the inward sleep of the soul. There may be nothing in your outward conduct indicating decay, but it is Surely there. No conflict? Then there is no running in the race. No conflict? Then there is no joy. The soul is asleep, though there may be no flaw the keenest eye can detect, though the profession may be so clear and sound as to elicit the admiration and applause of all men. Reader, may God write this solemn warning on your heart! The coming of the Lord Jesus will be preceded by very little cross-bearing among God’s people. It will be a day of deep sleep, a time when there shall be a great falling away, even among those we have reason to believe to be true Christians. It shall be a day the striking feature of which, both among God’s people and the people of the world, shall be, *“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”* The Lord shall find most of His own asleep. He shall find them in scenes and circumstances and states of heart that shall crimson their faces with shame when they behold Him. The door is open now and God’s great work is going gloriously on. Soon it shall be shut. And then will follow the form of godliness, the absence of the cross, the sleep and slumber of religious indifference. The spiritual light shall be dim in God’s people. Compromise and concession will make rapid advances. In such an hour shall the coming of the Son of man be. Reader, beware! Look to yourself! That day is very near! May God keep you! *“be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”* But mark the expression—*“endured the cross.”* He did not wear it, He bore it. There is a great deal of difference between cross-wearing and cross-bearing. To wear the cross is easy. To bear it is hard. Yet the hollow hypocrisy of the world would fain make men believe they are bearing the cross because they are wearing it. They want to make men believe they are bearing the cross. They are little concerned about bearing it under the approving eye of God alone. There is far too much of this cross-wearing among us. It is on the increase, and simply because the inward reality is on the decrease. Cross-wearing is becoming fashionable. It is fascinating our young men and young women. It is beginning to possess matchless charms for *“silly women laden with sins.”* O reader, be it yours to be a cross-bearer, to stoop down. *“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily”*—looking only for the approving smile of your Saviour. But I would not have you suppose that you are to make crosses for yourself. That is the other extreme of the self-righteous picture. No, you are not to wear the cross, nor to make it, but bear it when the world makes it for you. This is to be like Christ. The world made the cross for Him and He meekly and lovingly bore it. Do you do the same? And depend upon it, the more that cross is borne in secret, the less will there be of its outward manifestation in the folly and hypocrisy of cross-wearing. But mark the closing words of this verse—*“and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” He is “set down.”* The expression is significant. The priests under the law never sat down in the offering of their sacrifices. They were always standing. Why? Sitting down is a figure of rest and satisfac­tion. *“Never with those sacrifices…make the comers thereunto perfect.”* There was always again a remembrance of sin. They were imperfect and could give no permanent rest to the conscience of the worshiper. *“It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”* Christ’s sacrifice was a perfect one. It needed not to be repeated. This showed its perfection, *“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”*—so that now Christ is said to sit down in heaven. He is satisfied with His finished work on Calvary. There was no rest before for the soul. There was no satisfaction in heaven before. But now God and man are at rest in the finished work of Jesus. But mark the expression—*“and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”* The right hand of the throne is the place of the heir. The Prince of Wales takes the place at the right hand of the throne of England on all state occasions and none else but he can take it. Why? Because he is the heir to that throne. This is the figure used in the passage before us. Christ *“is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”* He is the heir to it. *“The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord Jesus Christ.”* He shall soon come forth as *“King of kings, and Lord of lords.”* On His head shall be *“many crowns.”* Observe how two things are united here—the cross and the crown. He *“endured the cross…and is set down at the right hand of the throne.”* It is the same with us. From the moment we came to the cross, God put before us the crown. *“Ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”* *“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”* What is the next thing? *“Behold, he cometh with clouds.”* Between the cross and the crown the Church has no portion on earth. Her place in the meantime is sorrow, suffering, and testimony. From that cross, her eye overleaps everything to the comings of the Lord. As it was with her Saviour, so is it with her. *“We look for the Saviour,”* not for an improved world, not for the evangelization of mankind. Not for anything but Jesus only. We shall be *“satisfied when we awake with His likeness;”* but never till then. *“For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striv­ing against sin.”* Weariness comes first—the effect of difficulties, trials and persecutions continually pressing upon us. Then follows faintness-such spiritual weak­ness as gives one the idea of death. The believer becomes so discouraged by the way that he is tempted to relax his energies and become less wakeful and watch­ful. Then follows faintness, the semblance of death. The cross is not borne. The soul’s spiritual health declines. The man seems like one of the world. There is no mark of heaven upon him. What is the antidote? *“Consider him.”* See what He bore for your sake. See what a precious salvation He won for you! See at what a cost He won it! See how He loved you, yea, how He loves you still! See how He is interceding for you on high! See what a crown of glory He has won for you! Ye tried and tempted, ye buffeted and storm-tossed ones “consider him!” Ye trembling, weary, and exhausted ones, ye be­reaved and desolate ones, “consider him” “Ye have not yet resisted unto blood.” but He did. Ye have not yet borne the bloody scourge, and cross, and crown of thorns, but He has. Ye have not yet “endured such contradiction of sinners” against yourselves, but He has. Ye have not yet *“sweat…as it were great drops of blood”* like those which fell from His agonized brow in Gethsemane, but He has. Oh, *“consider him”* and be neither weary nor faint. *“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:”* To despise the Lord’s chastening is the sin of many. What is it to *“despise”* it? It is to make light of it, to think meanly of it, to allow it to rest lightly on our minds. How many, to whom God sends trials, thus make light of them! They ‘try to make the best of them,’ as the world says—try to think as little of them as they can help. They rush into pleasure, or folly, or sin, or into the whirl and bustle and excitement of this world’s cares and duties, in order to keep them from dwelling on them. What is this but *“despising”* God’s *“chasten­ing?”* He sends them to make us think, think soberly, solemnly and deeply. He sends them that we should be led into our secret chamber, search our hearts and lives, and ask the serious question, Why has God sent me this? What great end has He in view in per­mitting it? This is the reason they are sent, and yet men try to drown them, to think as little of them as they can! Surely this is “despising the chastening of the Lord.” They are sent in love. Man tries to put the solemn message away from him. He despises the Lord’s chastening. Then God says, I have spoken, but he will not hear—Let him alone. O fearful words! Reader, *“despise not thou the chasten­ing of the Lord.”* Does not the Bible teach us that there is a point in man’s history when God’s patience and long-suffering end; when the stamp of reprobation is set upon the brow and man is left alone; an exam­ple of mercies and judgments neglected or abused and gospel warnings despised? Beware, reader! The line which separates the day, when man may be saved from the night, when the light of mercy is withdrawn, may be passed unwittingly. The conscience may be at ease, the spirits gay and life may be full of brightness and sunshine, but by Him who searches the heart it may be seen that such despisers of God’s chastening have passed the confines of hope and have entered on that path, each step of which is deepening into the blackness of eternal dark­ness. Reader, especially unconverted reader, whom God has visited with many strokes, again I say, Beware! “despise not thou the chastening of the Lord.” See that they lead thee, as a poor sinner, to the feet of Jesus; then all will be well. But how is the child of God to receive these chastening? As proofs of a Father’s love and in His hands to produce, ere long, peaceable fruits of righteousness. This they shall do to His child, no matter how dark, or grievous, or bitter they may be. No greater proof of His love can He give us than by sending these strokes and though the flesh may quiver under their piercing, yet shall they produce blessed results. A day is coming, even here, when we shall Surely praise Him for each one. Oh, how we shall bless Him for them in heaven! There we shall see how deep the love was that sent them; but never fully till we are there. How these strokes are brightening the crown of glory for us! How each one will make the golden harp vibrate more sweetly! How each one will add melody to the new song! How loud will be our praises then, most of all, for earth’s *“deep calleth unto deep!”* And what effect should this have upon the believer’s present course? *“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”* What a practical word! Let us examine it, in closing. The lifting up of the hands is the figure under which prayer is brought before us. *“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands.”* The same mode of engaging in prayer is brought before us in other parts of God’s word. The hands that *“hang down,”* therefore, conveys to us the neglect of prayer or the interruption of commu­nion with God. The *“feeble knees”* presents another view. It indicates the weakness of the body, its liability to fall, its tottering step and irregular walk. Spiritually it refers, doubtless, to “the race” to which the apostle alludes. There can be no running in the race, when the knees are feeble. The chastisements and rebukes to which he had referred were *“weights,”* and unless you *“lay aside”* them on Jesus, would make the hands *“hang down”* and the body stoop with their pressure. Wherefore, the Apostle would say, In the midst of these strokes, which are all loving messages from a Father’s hand, be much in prayer, lift up the hands which hang down; also strengthen the feeble knees by laying the weights aside on Jesus. Thus will the soul become stronger, and will run the race with no feeble knee, with no tottering step, with no irregular walk. But he adds, *“And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”* We have thus the three parts of the body brought before us—the hands, the knees and the feet. The head is not spoken of. Christ is our head. He is the life of the body. His finished work has given life to the soul and the head of the spiritual body is above. Our life is *“hid with Christ in God”* Nothing can touch that, for it is in heaven. The members, however-the hands, the knees and the feet, are on earth and it is to these the passage now calls our attention, *“make straight paths”* Why? Because you have *“lame”* members. You have a race to run. Take out of the paths all rough stones, sharp thorns. The Lord is a tender, pitiful, gracious Father. He does not wish us to stum­ble. He wants to heal our lameness. He longs to see us *“strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”* He looks mercifully upon our infirmities, and for the glory of His name would turn from us all those evils that we most righteously have deserved. There are few “paths” of God’s people in which there are not many things over which we may stumble; and there are none of them who have not “lame” members. There is in every Christian’s “path” some stone against which the *“lame”* member within him is con­stantly stumbling. In some it is one thing, in some it is another. Perhaps, reader, your faith is weak. There is some point in your Christian faith which pierces you or proves a stumbling block. Perhaps you cannot understand the immortality of the soul. The body dies and we see nothing of the spirit. All seems as if we died like the brute creation. Perhaps it is something connected with the inspiration of the word of God. What have we on which to rest our faith? A few old parchment leaves, rudely inscribed by illiter­ate Galilean fishermen, rescued from the oblivion of corrupt and superstitious ages, which have been put together and called the word of God. Perhaps this is your stone of stumbling. Or it may be some doubt about the pardon of your sins (though this ought not to be, for the word of God is so explicit) or about your faith, assurance or prayers. Or it may be something altogether different from this—something you cannot or dare not tell to others. Every time your secret heart comes in contact with it, it worries you, dis­tracts you, casts you down; and you feel that, go where you will or do what you will, it seems always in your way. Your lame member seems always to be running against it and you are often nearly thrown down by this terrible stumbling-stone! What is to be done? Only one thing, dear reader. Mark it well! *“lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;”* Be much in prayer. *“lay aside every weight”* on Jesus. Tell Him all about your lame member. Tell Him what is the thorn in your path, the stone of stumbling always in your way. Only thus will you be able to *“make straight paths for your feet.”* Only thus can the *“lame”* member be healed. Oh yes, dear, tried and tempted fellow-pilgrim, this is the way! Have closer dealings with God. Depend upon it no weight will weigh heavily very long there. Depend upon it the path will be freer from stumbling-blocks and lacerations then. Do not try and grapple with these difficulties any longer. You have done that too long already. Take them to Jesus and live nearer to Him. This is the remedy-the Divine panacea for your many maladies-only this. God grant that you may be oftener there than you have been! God grant that the Lord may find you there in that solemn hour when He shall come *“taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:”* It is only for a little while and then every mystery shall be solved, every cloud shall vanish forever. Oh, for faith to trust Him for this little while, for strength to live near to Him, for power to walk with Him! God give you strength dear friend, for this *“one hour”* of watching, and yours shall be the everlasting song! Oh for the peace which floweth as a river, Making life’s desert places bloom and smile! Oh for the faith to grasp heaven’s bright “forever,” Amid the shadows of earth’s “little while!” “A little while,” for patient vigil-keeping, To face the stern, to wrestle with the strong: “A little while,” to sow the seed with weeping, Then bind the sheaves, and sing the harvest song. “A little while,” to wear the robe of sadness, To toil, with weary step, through miry ways; Then to pour forth the fragrant oil of gladness, And clasp the girdle round the robe of praise. “A little while,” midst shadow and illusion, To strive, by faith, love’s mysteries to spell; Then read each dark enigma’s bright solution; Then hail sight’s verdict, “He doth all things well.” “A little while,” the earthen pitcher taking To wayside brooks, from far-off fountains fed, Then the cool lip its thirst forever slaking Beside the fullness of the Fountain-head. “A little while,” to keep the oil from failing; “A little while,” faith’s flickering lamp to trim; And then, the Bridegroom’s coming footsteps hailing, To haste to meet Him with the bridal hymn. And He, who is Himself the Gift and Giver, The future glory and the present smile, With the bright promise of the glad “forever,” Will light the shadows of the “little while.” Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled **Tags:** Life --- ### [How Do You Draw Closer To God](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-do-you-draw-closer-to-god/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8 If you have not trusted in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ, I would start with that. *Romans 10:9* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. If you have trusted in Christ and trying to draw closer to God, I suggest you cannot grow closer to or get to know God if you do not know what he thinks about things. Get to know him by reading his word. I further suggest the King James Version. *1 Peter 2:2* **As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word**, that ye may grow thereby: You must understand that if you do not know God’s word you will sin continually throughout your day. If you are just doing what you think is right and good and not what God says is right and good you are glorifying yourself and not God. Even if you happen to be doing what God said it would just be coincidental giving no glory to God. That is what Eve’s sin was, to know good and evil for herself and not need God to tell her. *Genesis 3:5* For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and **ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil**. You will find that the Bible is written in layers. The first is easy, plain, simple, and you should not have any trouble understanding it. It contains the basic thou shalt and thou shalt not’s; Do not kill, steal, rape, pillage, burn, gossip, defame, plus some do’s tossed in. *Philippians 4:8* Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things**. There is much more, too much for me to try and list here, but the first layer is easily understood especially when it comes to salvation. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Ephesians 2:8-9* For **by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves**: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. *1 John 5:12* **He that hath the Son hath life**; and **he that hath not the Son of God hath not life**. That last one you will notice is all one-syllable words; You cannot write it any simpler and clearer than that. The second layer goes into more detail and begins to add in twist to mess with those whose hearts are not right or will not spend the energy or time to diligently study. *Hebrews 11:6* But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that **he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him**. Faith, got to have faith, **“without faith it is impossible to please him.”** And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for **whatsoever is not of faith is sin**. *Romans 14:23* After this, it is just a test of your desire and commitment to study and live his word. > [How to Study the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [Biblically, When does life begin?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/according-to-the-bible-when-does-life-begin/) **Published:** July 3, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **[Biological human life begins at conception](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/abortion/)**. The main question that needs a biblical answer is what part of the franchise on life does a child in the womb have. This depends largely on whether the biological human life form in the womb is a living soul or not, a debated issue. The question, however, bears directly upon such issues as abortion and how we as Christians are supposed to respond Until we answer this question, we have no idea what we are doing. It is irrefutable that at the point of conception the fetus is not just a polyp, a nodule, or a tumor, on a woman’s body but an independent biological human life form. It has at least two-thirds of its trinity: a body and the spirit of life, but does it have the third part; is it a living soul with a full franchise on life? At conception, the spirit of life is conferred on that single unique cell and it immediately begins to grow and form into a body. *Jeremiah 1:5* **Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee**; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. *Psalms 139:16* Thine eyes did see **my substance, yet being unperfect**; and **in thy book all my members were written**, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. Jeremiah is often misinterpreted to mean before you were in the womb, before conception, God knew us. This is an error in interpretation. It is before God formed us in the womb he knew us and that is because all our members, physical and mental features, were written in God’s book, our DNA. We have but one reference to a child in the womb becoming a living soul having the full franchise of all the rights of a living human being: that happens at birth when it is separated from the mother. *Genesis 2:7* And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and **breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul**. If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, you must yield to the Scriptures on this point. At the first independent breath, a child becomes a living soul, not before. The Fetus is a physical biological human body endowed with the spirit of life. Not being a living soul till birth the child in the womb is not eligible or in need of salvation nor in any danger of damnation. Upon death it is the same as any dead human body; it returns to the dust from whence it came. This is the big issue with religious thinking that the fetus will suffer eternal damnation if killed. This is not biblically true. If a child dies before it is born it is as if it never was. > [Abortion](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/abortion/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life, Theology --- ### [Tongues](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tongues/) **Published:** July 19, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I firmly believe the below references show what the proper attitude toward the use of tongues should be. They establish the context in which Paul is trying to instruct the Corinthians, babes in Christ who show their lack of understanding and have just about everything wrong even tongues. *1 Corinthians 12:29-30* **Are all** apostles? **are all** prophets? **are all** teachers? **are all** workers of miracles? **30Have all** the gifts of healing? **do all** speak with tongues? **do all** interpret? The answer to all those questions is No; hence, tongues can have nothing to do with proof of salvation. *1 Corinthians 14:1* Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, **but rather that ye may prophesy**. Throughout the whole discourse on gifts/tongues we are instructed they are of little value and that we ought to desire to prophesy (preach the word). *1 Corinthians 14:5* I would that ye all spake with tongues, **but rather that ye prophesied**: for **greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues**, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. Why waste time on a lessor valued gift and not concentrate on the greater one? *1 Corinthians 14:9* So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for **ye shall speak into the air**. “Speak into the air” = Waste your breath. *1 Corinthians 14:11* Therefore **if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me**. This is referencing speaking of a language spoken by men, not some angel talk. The English in the early years of its empire building held the stereo type for this, those not speaking English were beneath them, barbarians. *1 Corinthians 14:12* Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, **seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church**. *1 Corinthians 14:4* He that speaketh in an unknown tongue **edifieth himself**; but **he that** prophesieth **edifieth the church**. *1 Corinthians 14:14-15* For **if I pray in an unknown tongue**, my spirit prayeth, but **my** understanding **is unfruitful**. 15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and **I will pray with the understanding also**: I will sing with the spirit, and **I will sing with the understanding also**. I will *“pray with the understanding”* means I will not pray in an unknown tongue. *1 Corinthians 14:18-19* I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19Yet **in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue**. *1 Corinthians 14:34* **Let your women keep silence in the churches**: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. If it is not right for a woman to speak out in the Church, she certainly should not be speaking in tongues in church. The point is, I think many put too positive a spin on the subject. Paul cannot deny the gift of tongues, he himself had it, but he is trying to put it in proper perspective. It is the least of gifts and not for use in the Church, *“greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues.” If you desire to serve God do so the best way, without speaking in tongues. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles --- ### [Hebrews 12:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hebrews-12-6/) **Published:** August 30, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For **whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth**. *Hebrews 12:6* God punishes those that are his. In fact if he does not, you are not his. *Hebrews 12:8* But **if ye be without chastisement**, whereof all are partakers, **then are ye bastards, and not sons**. We are not only held responsible for our sins and punished at times; those that are his will stand at the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of everything, every thought, from the time we were saved till we stand before him. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that **every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation **gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that he died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day, you are in no fear of damnation, but you will give an account and have much to lose. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Hebrews **Tags:** Judgment --- ### [The Lord's Supper](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-lords-supper/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. 26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come. —I Corinthians 11:23-26 Disorder and confusion had arisen in the Church of Corinth. Heresies of various kinds had, even at that early period, crept into it. These heresies had become preeminently conspicuous with regard to the Lord’s Supper. Some came together simply to satisfy the craving of the carnal appetite; without any reference to the solemn character with which the Saviour Himself, in His dying hour, had invested that ordinance. One was hungry, another was drunken. Shame crimsoned the countenances of all those among them who were the Lord’s, and who had His honor at heart. Much of this, in all probability, arose from ignorance, rather than from willful sin. Still, when disorder, confusion and every evil work creeps into the Church what is the divine remedy? It is to bring Christ into the midst; Christ in His word, Christ in His example, Christ as we know Him in our own experience. This is the instrumentality by which the Spirit of God would set all things right. It is, therefore, the way the Apostle strives to meet the state of things in the Church of Corinth. He administers reproof, rebuke, warning, exhortation, and then he brings before them the word and example of the Lord Jesus, as taught him by revelation in the first place, and by the Holy Spirit in the second. The Apostle opens the passage under consideration with such a solemn announcement! *“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.”* Oh, that every minister, when he comes before his congre­gation, could say the same! Oh, that every minister, on looking back over his ministerial life, was able to say, to his people; that which I have delivered unto you I have received from the Lord Jesus! With what solemnity would the words issuing from the ambassador’s lips be invested! What a weight of respon­sibility would they entail! And yet this is what the messenger of Christ should always be able to say. There is sadly too much of human wisdom, too much of man in the message. The Lord cannot bless it. If we have not gone to God for what we are about to utter, if we have not received our message from Himself, in His own presence, how can God use it? If it has been merely the fruit of study, of critical research, of deep thought, of long and anxious preparation; it may be a good sermon, a good lecture or address, but how can God use it to the heart? With all of this making it acceptable to our evangelical congregations, and drawing men in crowds to listen, it has not been *“received of the Lord.”* Ah! It may be ex­cellent and beautiful, but it lacks the one thing need­ful, the breath of God, the unction of the Spirit. Chris­tian minister, whoever you may be, go to God Himself for your message. Go into His presence and there plead, strive, pant, for a blessing. Get your heart filled, first of all, with His love, with His message to your own soul; then the Spirit of God will fill the message from your lips, no matter how feeble may be the utterance. Go with a heart full from His pres­ence, and speak as a dying man to the dying around you. Let your conscience be able to testify to those whom you are about to address, that you *“have received of the Lord”* that which also you are about to deliver unto them. Then you will not have to com­plain, as so many do; I have been laboring for years in this parish or over this congregation, and see little or no fruit of my labors, I am discouraged and cast down. Ah, ambassador of Christ, change your plan! Trust less than you have done to your preaching, your research and your study. Get alone with God, breathe that atmosphere more than you have done. Depend upon it, the secret cause is here and nowhere else; not in the people, not in the place, not in any circum­stances connected with it. It is in your own heart. You have thought much of your study, your research, your own powers, and God has blown upon them. *“Why?”* saith the Lord of hosts, *“Because of mine house that is waste”*—my secret presence that is not valued as it ought to be. Lord of light, and love, and mercy; lay this message solemnly on the heart of every messenger of yours, for your dear name’s sake. And remember at all times what you are; a receiver. So said St. Paul; *“I have received of the Lord.”* We can receive everything from God, but can give Him nothing. We are but *“vessels of mercy.”* A vessel will take in anything we put into it, but it can give us nothing. The Christian is the same. Whatever he has from God, it is as a receiver, as a vessel, as a debtor to sovereign grace. We must bear this in mind every step of our way. God will put his treas­ure only into *“earthen vessels.”* As vessels, we must come to Him, hour after hour, to be filled. As vessels, we must be emptied by His Spirit, and laid very low at the feet of Jesus; then will He fill us. We shall receive from him that message that will tell on the hearts of others. There will then be less of the taint of our own evil hearts to mar its beauty and deprive that mes­sage of its healing power. But the Apostle continues, *“That the Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you.”* What a beautiful and expressive figure is this in which He presents Himself to us in this passage—bread. Bread is our principal food. We could do without many other foods; we cannot do without this. We must have it, have it daily, or else we droop and die. So it is with Christ. He is the bread of the soul. We can do without other spiritual food; we cannot do without Him. We must have Him, have Him daily; yea, every hour of the day. Without Him, our spiritual life decays and dies. Without Him, death reigns in the soul. Without Him, we are but gathered thorns, brands fit for the burning. But bread is the life of the body. Through what a process it has to pass before it can become food, before it can sustain life! It was a corn of wheat cast into the ground to die. It grew up, the blade, the ear, and the full corn in the ear. It was cut down, winnowed, ground into flour, and finally subjected to the fiery process of the oven. Then, but not till then, could it be food for the body. Oh, beauteous emblem of the Lord Jesus! He was that corn of wheat. He grew up a tender plant before His Father. He was cut down by our sin. *“He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him.”* The fire of God’s wrath descended upon Him on Calvary, and thus He became the food of our souls. It is a crucified Saviour that is now our life, our food. And thus it was shown in type with regard to the lamb. *“Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire.”* It is this bruised and smitten, this suf­fering, bleeding, dying Jesus that is our life, our food, our strength, our all. The bread is not food before it has been in the oven. The lamb could not be food while it was raw. So it is not Christ in His life or in His example that is the soul’s salvation. No. It is Christ in his death. This is the *“bread,”* and only this. And mark the time, too, in which the Saviour gave this bread to His disciples: *“The Lord Jesus the same night in which He was betrayed.”* It is Surely not without its meaning that this bread was given to His people just at the time when He was betrayed by His disciple, and about to be crucified by His people and by the world. It is now the *“night”* dispensation. It is now that the world is crucifying the Son of God, despising His grace and mercy, and putting Him to open shame. But more than this, we are living in days when disciples are betraying their Master. We see the Church betraying His cause, playing into the hands of the world, and obtaining its reward at the expense of the Saviour’s denial. On every side, in the Church of God, this spirit is entering in. The cross is irksome. The narrow way is too hard. Separation unto God is a thing to be heard from the pulpit but not plainly seen in the heart and life of God’s people. Oh, the deadening in­fluence of the world! How unconsciously we are dragged down its stream! Where are the unmistak­able marks of heaven on God’s chosen ones? Where is now to be seen the sneer, the curled lip, the distant atti­tude towards them which the world once assumed? They are becoming less and less seen. Why? The Church and the world have effected a compromise. Oh! It is an evil day. Rationalism, Romanism, Ritualism, and worldliness; this last the worst of all, are rolling in upon us like a flood. Oh, speak not of the good time coming. It is an evil time, a dark and cloudy day. It is a day of mourning and woe; a day when *“the sea and the waves;”* the vapid passions of the populace, are beginning to roar and when all things shall be out of course. The good time coming! Believe it not, expect it not, till Jesus comes in the clouds of heaven. Then shall be the good time, such as earth has never yet seen; then songs of victory. Then shall it be everlasting joy upon our heads; never till then. It was Surely significant, then, that at this dark hour He should have taken bread, and given it to His disciples. He seems to say; Believer, in the hour when I am betrayed when darkness gathers round, when sin is beginning to roll in like a flood; then feed on me, live near to me, remember me. Oh, Surely this is the lesson! Now, more than ever, let us live on Jesus. Now more than ever, let Him be the food, the life, the peace, the joy of our souls. Now, more than ever, the cry—None but Jesus. O, reader, the dark­ness is growing darker and darker! Be faithful to Him! Cling to Him as you never have done before! It is but for a *“little while,”* but oh, that little while will be a solemn, a trying, one. May God keep you faithful in the midst of it!—Only He can. *“And when he had given thanks, he brake it.”* Everything in this narrative is significant. The Lord’s Supper is emphatically a feast. It is a joyous commemoration. It is an occasion of thanksgiving; for it speaks only of comfort, peace, and joy to the believer. It tells him that sin has been forever put away by the death of Christ. Oh, should not this make us thank­ful? It tells the believer that guilt is gone, wrath gone, condemnation gone—gone for ever. Oh, Surely this is a cause of thankfulness! Poor, needy, fainthearted sinner, just touching, with a trembling hand, the hem of the Saviour’s garment, go not to this table with a downcast countenance and a heavy heart! Go not with fear, trembling and dread! Go with humility, yet with joy. Go with a deep sense of your unworthiness, but go with a heart filled with thankfulness, lips full of praise. Go this way and your Master gladly bids you, and has Himself set the example. Then you will receive that supper as He Himself received it; and could you receive it better than He did? *“This do in remembrance of me.”* Ah! Enter yonder dying chamber and tread softly for the angel of death is there. A loved mother lies on that couch. Weeping ones gather round for the brightest treasure of earth is about to pass from their hearts and homes. Tears fall fast and thick from every eye. The death damps are gathering on the brow; a moment more, a moment of suspense and agony and that spirit shall be with Jesus. See, she stretches out her wasted hand and leaves with those loved ones who bend over her a farewell token, and ere the spirit takes its flight she breathes her last word: ‘Remember me.’ The hour has fled. Weeping ones return again to that desolate home. The tear dimmed eye falls, as if by accident, on that farewell token. Oh, how it is pressed to the heart! Oh, how it is bedewed with tears! What tongue shall tell its worth? Who shall estimate its costliness? Not men, nor angels. What stamps it with such value? That loving and now glorified one who stands before the throne—only she. Reader, a dearer than any earthly mother is about to yield His breath. What mother’s love was ever like His? What mother had ever a heart like Him? But ere He steps forward to the scourge and the bloody cross, He stretches forth His hand, and says, *“this do in remembrance of me.”* Oh, do you indeed love that dear Saviour, and yet refuse to press this loving token to your heart? Do you indeed love Jesus, and yet think so little of his last dying token that you can turn your back on it? Would you treat that dear mother that way? And will you treat Jesus so? Is His love nothing to you? Yes, nothing; if you indeed can turn your back on this blessed, holy, joyous feast. Oh, think of what it will be, if you love Him not. Listen! *“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha”*—accursed when He comes. *“For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”* The Lord’s death is, in Scripture, continually connected with His coming. *“Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,”* What follows? *“Behold, he cometh with clouds.”* Again, mark our Lord’s own address in Luke 22. Compare this with the previous chapter. See how He joins the coming and his death! It is so always. The moment we come to the cross, God puts before us the crown. The interval is overleaped. We are chosen, as the Apostle says, *“in him”*—*“to wait for his Son from heaven.”* The Holy Spirit leads each one to the cross of Jesus; but, from the moment they are brought there, the hope set before them is, not the conversion of the world, not the refor­mation of mankind, but the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. They were chosen to this; they were redeemed to this. They were kept for this—*“to wait for his Son from heaven.”* This is the way in which the Apostle sets it before us in the passage under consideration; *“ye do shew the Lord’s death till He come.”* The Lord’s Supper is the great connecting link between these two great events. There are, as it were, two great pillars, one on earth the other in heaven. The one the Lord’s death, the other the Lord’s coming and this supper is the great chain connecting them, stretching through this dispensation. This shows the obligation of the Lord’s Supper, as well as its blessed character. It shows the perpetuity of the ordinance and that if we love it not, and partake not of it, we sever the chain, so far as our own souls are concerned, that binds these two glorious events together. Reader, meditate on these solemn words. Yet stay! Be warned! If thou art a lover of the world, and have never yet felt your need of Jesus, go not, at thy peril, to this table. It is not for thee, lover of the world! It is not for thee, unpardoned sinner! It is not for thee, careless and unconcerned one! Away with your plea of baptism, if thy heart has not been baptized, if you have not felt your need of Jesus! God bids thee not to it! Why should you call down His wrath upon your head? But if you have indeed felt yourself to be a sinner in His sight, and has some faint longing after that Saviour—no matter how faint it may be—then, indeed, baptism is a good thing. No one more welcome than you are. Come, poor, trembling, hesitating one! Jesus bids you welcome! Turn not your back on this precious ordinance! Come and eat that broken bread with praise! Drink the cup with joy! And listen, as you do so, to what that ordinance speaks to you; All thy sin is forgiven; all thy transgressions are covered; no condemnation for thy soul: thou hast *“passed from death unto life.”* Reader, lis­ten again to your dying Saviour’s words; listen, and may they ring ever and anon in your heart as the festive day dawns upon you: *“This do in remembrance of me.”* Remember Jesus! Oh, can you forget Him? Then ever be found at His table. According to Thy gracious word, In meek humility, This will I do, my dying Lord; I will remember Thee. Thy body, broken for my sake, My bread from heaven shall be; Thy testamental cup I take, And thus remember Thee. Can I Gethsemane forget? Or there Thy conflict see, Thine agony and bloody sweat, And not remember Thee? When to the cross I turn mine eyes, And rest on Calvary, O Lamb of God! my Sacrifice! I must remember Thee. Remember Thee and all Thy pains. And all Thy love to me! Yes, while a breath, a pulse remains, Will I remember Thee. And when these failing lips grow dumb, And mind and memory flee, When Thou shall in Thy kingdom come, Jesus, remember me!” Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled --- ### [The Mourner at the Sepulcher](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-mourner-at-the-sepulcher/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. 18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. 19Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. —John 20:10-19 Bereavement is the sharpest arrow in the quiver of God. Coming at a moment unexpected, it enters the heart and makes every fiber of the frame to quiver. Here all human consolation fails. Sweet as human sympathy is at all times, God has fixed a limit to it, beyond which it cannot pass. He has reserved to Himself the prerogative of administering sympathy to the bereaved heart. Only at His feet can the bleeding wounds be staunched. Only on the bosom of Jesus can the throbbing heart find rest. Every other cistern is a broken one. This is the lesson taught us in this narrative. Its opening words fall solemnly, but truthfully, upon us. *“Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulcher weeping.”* While others have their homes, whither they repair and find a resting place, the bereaved heart has, for a time, its only home in the sepulcher. There its fondest earthly treasure has been laid to rest. It may be drawn out for a time, by the pressure of daily duties, or by the necessities and requirements of daily life; but when these are over it returns, like a broken bow, in thought and affection, to the lonely churchyard or to the green sod beneath which the remains of some loved one is sleeping. In the midst of worldly thoughts, the social circle or the ordinary conversation, the bereaved heart—stooping down and looking into this sepulcher—weeping in secret, though the outside seems all fair. Thus it was with Mary. Let us not blame those tears, but *“weep with them that weep.”* What if faith was weak and her thoughts should have been on a liv­ing Saviour, instead of being concentrated in that silent grave: is our faith always strong under the crushing blow? Does not a bleeding heart, crowding thoughts and a fevered brain struggle fitfully with the faith within us and sometimes wellnigh extinguish its light? Can faith be always calm under the pressure of a heart ready to burst? Let us mingle our tears with those of the Son of God, as we stand at the grave sides of Bethany. The joyous voice, *“I am the resur­rection, and the life,”* shall Surely find its way to the secret springs of that heart, and restore peace and joy. In the meantime let us, *“Bear ye one another’s burdens,”* remembering that sooner or later the crushing stroke must fall on our own hearts. Let us *“fulfil the law of Christ.”* by taking some of that load, for we cannot take it all, upon ourselves. So shall we be a blessing to the mourner amid the desolation which reigns around. But what did Mary weep for? for the dead body. The cold clay corpse she would have clasped to her heart. The dust was precious in her sight. But why weep and look into that sepulcher? Why weep we so bitterly at our grave sides? Our beloved treasure is not there. The body may be, but the treas­ure is with the living Saviour. *“Absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”* The treasure—the liv­ing Saviour—was outside that sepulcher from the moment Mary came to it. So it is with us. From the moment we are called to stand at the grave side of some loved one, the treasure is outside. Where is it? Do we want to know? Behold the living Saviour! It is with Him. Seeing Him, we see our loved one. *“And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.”*—*“Because I live, ye shall live also.”* The life of the corn begins just when death has overpowered the seed. So it is with our departed ones. In the last struggle of the failing tabernacle lies the germ of that life which shall last forever. The spirit is with Jesus. We saw it not in its passage from the hushed chamber. The eye can see only material things; spirit alone can see spirit. It passed upward with a bound and quicker than electric speed was in the presence of God. Spirit meets with no obstacle in matter. In its very nature it is inde­pendent of it. How we may thus be surrounded by these spirits none can tell. Not till our own spirit is released from the prison in which it is bound can we recognize our fellow spirits who have passed on before us. These are mysterious subjects. We cannot solve them nor is it necessary. Sufficient, abundantly suffi­cient for us, that the spirits of the blood bought ones are *“with Christ; which is far better.”* Believer, repose on this! It is only for a little while and that body so familiar to you, so vividly before your eye, shall arise from its silent resting place, whether in the ashes of Smithfield, amid the sands of the desert, beneath the monumental stone or down in the watery deep. Soon thou shalt clasp it again to your heart, with no hidden disease, no wasted cheek, no feverish gasping, no taint of tears, sorrow or sin. In patience possess thy soul. Jesus will soon be here and with Him thy fondly cherished treasure. *“Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”* But death has no victory over the Lord’s sleeping ones. Where their dust lies, there is victory graven with the pen of heaven. Behold it here at this sepulcher! Though the treasure is not there, there is something very glorious. Angels, the messengers of heaven, are in that sepulcher. There they sit, in an attitude of triumph. They proclaim the victory over death. They seem to say to all who weep for them which sleep in Jesus, *“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”* Surely they speak to us with the same voice. There is victory and triumph in our sepulchers; heaven’s victory, heaven’s triumph, heaven’s repose. Angels can say, *“why weepest thou?”* but they can go no further. Only Jesus can speak the word, “Mary,” that shall heal the desolate heart. Yet how quickly, Jesus can do it. He has only to speak one word, and the mourner’s tears are dry and the heart leaps up in gladness. Oh, reader, think of this! Go to Jesus, to Jesus only, with thy sorrow. That sorrow, is too deep for human ministry. Even angels are but broken cisterns. Oh, try Jesus! Deal very closely with Him. There unfold again and again thy oft-told tale. He will not weary of it, though thy nearest and dearest may. Oh, try Jesus! See how soon He can gladden the desolate heart. Prove His all sufficiency, His wondrous love, His tenderness and pity! There is none like Jesus! Lean on that bosom, dear suffering friend, then will you wonder why you did not go before; then will you marvel you should so long have carried that load which is now sinking you beneath its weight. Oh, try Jesus! *“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.”* There is a point in all sorrow, which if we pass, that sorrow, however sacred, becomes sin. That point Mary had now reached. Mark the climax. First she came to the sepulcher with tears in her eyes, and again and again stooped down and looked within. Next she exclaims in agony, “they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” But now that agony is at its height. The heart is ready to burst. She cries out, in the wildness of her grief, *“Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.”* The point is reached. One step beyond, and all sor­row is sin. If God’s child is to be spared, He must now interfere. At this point the Lord steps in. He cries *“Mary.”* Why does He call her thus suddenly by her name-to draw away her heart and thoughts from the sepulcher to the living Saviour. This is always the Lord’s call. He is ever so speaking as to call us away from our sepulchers to the living Saviour. It is as if He would say: gaze not down into those gloomy depths too long. Let not sorrow blind your eyes to a living Saviour. Look not there, but here. *“I am he that liveth,”* I have your treasure. Look to me. Dear Christian mourner, remember this. There is a point in all sorrow, which if you pass, it becomes sin. What point is that? The point reached by Mary in this narrative—when sorrow blinds the eyes to a living Saviour. He was before her, but she could not see Him for her tears. Oh, dear fellow sufferer, let not this be thy case! Sorrow, but *“sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”* Weep, but not so that your tears hinder you from gazing upon a living Saviour at your side. *“She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni”* Now Mary’s back is on the sepulcher, and her face towards Jesus. Oh, blessed leading of God’s hand! May all our sorrows bring us there! Precious sorrow, that leads us to gaze upon Jesus! Precious trial, that ends in bringing us to his feet! In the surge of feeling consequent on recognizing the Saviour, Mary would have rushed forward to embrace Him. *“Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father.”* We may learn a precious truth here. The Saviour would teach us that when in heaven He could be touched more powerfully, more effectually on our behalf; that heaven’s sympathy, heaven’s comfort, heaven’s succor, are far more valuable, more effectual, than those of earth or of mere natural affection. Come to me when I am ascended. Touch me at the mercyseat. There will you find a Father’s bosom to lean upon, a Father’s hand to dry your tears, a Father’s arm clasped around you. This will be more blessed to you than, in the outburst of natural affection, embracing me on earth. He would thus show us that though earthly affection and sympathy are sweet, there is a loving sympathy on high sweeter than it all. Oh, dear afflicted one, forget it not! Thy nearest, thy dearest, thy truest Friend is on high. The devoted love of a mother, a wife, a husband, a child, is nothing compared with His. Make Him everything to thee. Take Him into the first place in thy heart. Let not the dearest earthly treasure come between thee and Jesus. Thou wilt find Him always true, always faithful, always at hand. Jesus is so pre­cious in sorrow’s hour. Oh, try Him, and see how His dear presence can make a heaven for thy soul in the midst of thy deep desolation of spirit! *“But go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disci­ples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.”* Two precious truths are presented to us here. *“Go to my brethren”* says the Saviour. The love of Mary to the Saviour was intense. He shows us in these words what direction such love should ever take. It should prove its true character by being shown—to the brethren. Do you so love me? Then go and show it to my brethren. Comfort their weeping hearts with the joyous news that I am risen from the dead. The same truth is presented to us in the chapter following this. *“Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these…Feed my lambs.”*—*“go to my brethren”* Thus will you show that you love me. The other truth presented to us is a practical one. What is God’s end in sending trial? His strokes have a meaning. Each one has a gracious, loving, and wise purpose. None are purposeless. Let us never think so. They are to quicken us in the heavenward race, to stir us up to more watchfulness, more earnestness, more heavenliness. This is the legitimate effect of all trial. Now for a swifter race, said one of old, on whom God’s hand had been heavily laid. “Go to my brethren” said the Saviour, and *“Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord.”* There was no longer the brooding in sorrow at the sepulcher. All was now earnestness and energy, an eager pressing forward with the glad news, a vessel filled with that joy which only the sight of a living Saviour can give, a precious messenger with a glorious message on her lips, coming fresh from an overflowing heart and drying the tears of a weeping church. These are the blessed effects of the strokes of heaven on our hearts. Now, for a swifter race! Mourner at the sepulcher think of this. Stay not brooding in sorrow at that cheerless vault. Up and work for God with renewed energy and zeal. Get nearer to Jesus. Ask him to fill the emptied vessel with His glory. Ask Him to unbind every tie that has bound thee to a dying world. Ask Him to send thee forth to the weeping ones on every side of thee with whispers of comfort that shalt lift them nearer to Him. Linger not, *“as others which have no hope,”* over the sleeping dust of thy loved one. It shall soon be here again, in a form far more bright and lovely than ever thou hast gazed upon it on earth; meanwhile onward, upward, heavenward, homeward, nearer and nearer to Jesus! Now for a swifter race! Now for a holier walk with God! Now for a more earnest pressing toward the mark for the prize! Up and work for God in a way thou hast never done yet! The time is very short. The days are all numbered. The Lord is on the way. Hearest thou not the sound of His chariot wheels in the distance? Up, speak, write, and warn the world! Let none pass by thee without the Master’s warning. Let no blood of souls rest on thy head. Let no voice cry out at the bar of God that thou hast been unfaithful to thy solemn trust. Let not fear, or sloth, or sin dim the brightness of that crown which shall be placed that day on thy brow. O Lord of light, and love, and mercy, speak to the mourner’s heart; speak, and let that heart hear thy solemn message, for Jesus Christ’s sake! I shine in the light of God; His likeness stamps my brow; Through the valley of death my feet have trod, And I reign in glory now! No breaking heart is here, No keen and thrilling pain, No wasted cheek, where the frequent tear Hath rolled and left its stain. I have reached the joys of heaven; I am one of the sainted band; For my head a crown of gold is given, And a harp is in my hand. I have learned the song they sing Whom Jesus has set free, And the glorious walls of heaven still ring With my new-born melody. No sin, no grief, no pain; Safe in my happy home; My fears all fled, my doubts all slain, My hour of triumph’s come! Oh! friends of mortal years, The trusted and the true Ye are watching still in the valley of tears, But I’ll wait to welcome you. Do I forget? Oh, no! For memory’s golden chain Shall bind my heart to the hearts below, Till they meet and touch again. Each link is strong and bright: And love’s electric flame Flows freely down, like a river of light, To the world from whence I came. Do you mourn when another star Shines out from the glittering sky? Do you weep when the raging voice of war And the storms of conflict die? Then why should your tears run down, And your hearts be sorely riven, For another gem in the Saviour’s crown, And another soul in heaven? Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled --- ### [The Apostolic Call and Commission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-apostolic-call-and-commission/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** “And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils: 16And Simon he surnamed Peter;” —Mark 3:13-16 It has been beautifully remarked that God’s narratives in the New Testament are like many sided polished stones, so cut as to reflect their luster in different directions. There is scarcely a narrative in the New Testament that does not portray, to discerning and thoughtful minds, the glorious character of the Lord Jesus in one or other of His different characters. He is the METROPOLIS of the Scriptures, and there is no book, no chapter, no verse, through which we may not find a way to Him. The Saviour’s actings on earth are frequently symbolical. They present us with a beautiful picture of what He would be to His people after He had left the world. Doubtless the Holy spirit designed that every action of our Lord on earth should be a reflex picture of what He would be to His people throughout all time. Some of these actings are so true in this respect as to arrest our attention. They are so like God’s dealings with His people at the present hour, that it would almost appear as if they were designed to represent these alone; while at the same time they are so natural, so simple, that they appear to be only the history of the actor and the hour in which He lives. The passage we have selected for consideration confirms these remarks. It is a picture of what the Lord has been doing ever since He was on our earth. It is so correctly drawn as to arrest our attention, and make us wonder and adore. May God teach us by His Spirit, and enable us to understand its spiritual meaning. Above all, may we not be readers of His truth, but doers also. We are all familiar with the beautiful and touching narrative of the storm on the lake, recorded in the sixth chapter of St. Mark’s gospel. While the little boat, with its precious charge, was tossed about on the dark water, the Lord was on the mountain top praying for them. We are accustomed to regard that boat full of disciples, driven to and fro on the stormy deep, as an emblem of the Church in this world, tossed from wave to wave by the tempests of persecution sorrow, and sin; and the Lord on the mountain-top as a picture of the Lord’s intercession, on heaven’s mountain height, for His storm tossed trembling people. The passage under consideration presents a similar picture. *“He goeth up into a mountain,”* the Lord has gone up to heaven’s height. And what has He been doing there for the last eighteen hundred years? A great and glorious work. Even that which he is represented as doing on this mountain height of Capernaum, *“Calleth unto him whom he would.”* He has been sending message after message to a dying world and a sorrowing Church, calling them unto Him. The Spirit of God has borne these messages from one to another in ten thousand different ways. From heaven’s mountaintop the voice of the Lord has been uttered time after time, “*Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters,”*—*“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth:”*—*“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”* Every sinner brought nigh to Jesus bears witness to that call. Every wanderer restored to the fold attests the mighty power of that voice. Every blessing enjoyed by the believer on earth owes its origin to the Lord’s grace, and bears witness to His all prevailing intercession on the mountain height in glory. But for His presence there, the Church would long ago have been overwhelmed by the water floods. But for that intercession, the world, little as it thinks of it, would be in intolerable torment or crushed to an atom. What upholds the one and spares the other? Only the presence of Jesus at the right hand of the Father. Let us not think of the death, the resurrection and the ascension of Christ, so as to push out of view the Saviour’s intercession. What would they all be with out it? What would have been the value of the blood to the Israelite of old, had it not been presented by the High Priest upon the altar within the most holy place? The conscience of the worshiper would have remained unpurged and the blood of the lamb been valueless. Oh how inestimably precious to us, then the intercession of the Lord Jesus! But mark the first important truth brought before us, *“He… calleth unto Him.”* This is solemn and instructive. The Lord Jesus need not have called the disciples first to Him. He might have sent them forth on their mission of salvation without this. He might just simply have said: go forth, and make known the gospel, and draw sinners unto me, but He did not. There was a more important work to be done first; a preparatory work. They must first of all be called *“unto him.”* They must have close personal dealings with Him. They must come into His presence, look Him in the face, and hear His voice speaking to their innermost souls with living power. They must go forth from that presence to their solemn work. Without this preparatory work they would have run in vain, they would have labored in vain. Without this work He would not send them. Without this they would have gone forth to meet with failure and defeat. Without this their mission would have been fruitless, immortal souls would have been lost, Christ’s name would have been sullied with dishonor, and a dying world would have perished in its sins. *“He… calleth unto Him,”* here lay the secret of their strength, the explanation of their victory. Here is the solution of the question; how is it that Christianity has made itself such a name in the world? Here is the answer to the question; will it ultimately triumph? Yes! It will triumph. It began in the presence of Jesus. It went forth from the presence of Jesus; and whatever work begins and goes forth from His presence, must have victory inscribed on its banner. It will triumph, for the strength of the Omnipotent accompanies it. *“He… calleth unto Him.”* Not first to the Church, but to Himself. Not first to the waters of baptism, but to Jesus. Not first to ordinances or ceremonies, denominations or opinions, but to a crucified and living Saviour. Oh, that ambassadors of religion would bear this in mind in their ministrations, in the pulpit and out of it! Jesus first—Jesus only. All the others are good only when He is first. All else subservient to His glory. All else deriving their luster from His dear name alone. *“He… calleth unto Him.”* What Jesus did Himself, Surely we may do. Surely Christ is our example. Did He call men first to Him? Then minister of Christ, do you follow His blessed example? Begin it with your next Sunday’s sermon, and carry it on through life. First to Jesus;then will everything else be beautiful, seen in His precious, holy light. *“He… calleth unto Him.”* Why first to Him? Who can do for us what He can? Who can give us strength for our work as He can? What can leave such an influence upon ourselves and upon our message as the presence of Jesus? What can give such living power to the heart, the life, and the lips, as communion with Him? To look God in the face and go forth to our work from that presence; Oh, is not one hour of it of more value than hours of study and preparation, valuable though they may be? *“He… calleth unto him.”* Yes, the Saviour knew all this. He knew the soul wanted this. He knows it wants it still. Therefore he called them *“unto him,”* because He could give them what nothing else could give; power for their work, blessing on their labors, victory in their conflicts, triumph in defeat. Oh, may our first call ever be *“to him;”* our life, our labour, our beginning, our ending, ever be—*“to him.”* *“He… calleth unto him whom he would.”* Mark it well, reader, *“whom He would.”* It is altogether a work of sovereign grace. *“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”* It is *“not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”* If you have come to Jesus, it is because He and not you have willed it. If your will is towards Him, it is solely because he has drawn it. *“No man can come to me, except the father which hath sent me draw him.”* Your song must always be of grace. Your crown must ever be laid at His feet. You have nothing to boast of, nothing to glory in, nothing to distinguish you from the vilest around you. It may seem to have been your own will, your own act, which first led you to Jesus, but there was behind a moving, directing, overruling power which you saw not, and but for which you would have been at this moment a slave of sin and death. *“Whom he would.”* Yes, dear Saviour, the work is all Thine, and Thine be all the praise and glory throughout eternity! Every crown shall be placed on Thy brow! Every song be vocal with Thy praise! Every chord of the golden harps on high shall be strung to the riches of Thy grace! Each shall utter, throughout the countless ages of eternity, *“Worthy is the Lamb.”* Christian reader, this is the *“new song”* of heaven. Oh, learn the measure of it now! Learn it well. Within the city of the pearl bright portal and jasper walls on high no other note is heard. Let no other be heard now from thy lips. Let it be always—Jesus only. *“And they came unto Him.”* Here is the evidence of our calling and election. We come because He calls. Let us not trouble ourselves with the doctrine of election. Let each one ask himself the question; have I come to Jesus? If you have, reader, then Christ has called you, and you have heard that call. You are one of the elect, for you have come to Jesus. To ask the question; am I one of the elect? first ask another; have I come to Jesus? But if there are two questions in the matter of salvation, such is the perversity of the human heart, that men are certain to ask the wrong one first. Am I one of the elect? is not the first question. Have I come? ask that first. Your answer to this question will be the answer—the only answer—to the other. Oh, have you come to Jesus? Have you heard His call? Are you at His feet? *“And they came unto him.”* All who hear His voice go *“to him.”* *“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”* Take care, dear reader, you make no mistake here. Take care it is *“to him”* you go. There are many voices all around you. One calls to baptism another calls to the Church, another calls to the sacraments. God’s call is to come first to Jesus. This is the voice of the Good Shepherd; not that I would under-value the others. Oh, no. They are all ordinances of God. But Jesus first—Jesus only. O, reader, in the midst of the many strange voices on every side of you, see that you hear God’s voice calling you to Jesus. *“And He ordained twelve that they should be with Him.”* Mark the important word here—*“with him.”* *“He… called them unto him.”* For what purpose? That they should be *“with him.”* Christianity is not an isolated fact, accomplished eighteen hundred years ago on Mount Calvary and ending there. No, it is a germinating seed, a living principle, the first step only to a great end, and that end—walking with God. It did not end with saving the soul, it only began there. How often do we hear it spoken of as if its only design were to make us happy and to take us to heaven. True, this is its design, but much more than this. We were redeemed that we should walk with God. We were chosen in Christ that we should be His traveling companions through this wilderness. We were bought with His blood that we should be *“with him.”* That we should never leave His side, that we should have Him nearer to us than any earthly friend, however near or dear. We were redeemed that we should be so near as to hear His whispers and speak to Him, heart to heart. This was the end for which he chose the twelve; this is the end for which God chose us, for which He chooses any man. Ah, many Christians seem to know Jesus very little! He is rather an abstraction than a living Person. He is known at best in some of the prominent displays of His grace, such as in His death, resurrection and ascension; in His miracles of healing. These are but the outer court of Christianity. We cannot know Jesus thus. We know much of principles, of doctrines, of creeds, of the landmarks of divine truth; but what do we know of a living Person, what of the beating heart, what of a tender bosom, what of a constantly realized companion, what of abiding nearness to One whose eye of love is never off us, whose heart of love is ever open to us and out of the fullness of whose grace we are hourly drawing and feeling satisfied? This, only this, is to know Jesus. Why do we remain in the outer court? Why so little thirsting to be within the veil? Why are so many satisfied with having been called *“unto him,”* and care so little about being *“with him?”* Ah! most of God’s people now are walking at a distance. They have forgotten why the Saviour called them—that they should be *“with him.”* Dear Christian reader, this is the only tenure on which you hold the great blessings of redemption through Christ. You have no right to one of them, except on this condition—that you walk with God. Oh, remember it and live not on at a distance from Him. Know your Saviour by living very near to Him, having close and constant dealings with Him. Know Him, not as an abstraction, the embodiment of everything holy and everything good; know Him as a living Person, a constant companion, and abiding friend, a very present help. Only thus can any one know Him. Christian, be it yours to know Him thus. Live very near. Deal very closely. Drink deeply from that well of living waters. Strike your tent at its very side. Then how unspeakably precious will He be to you! Oh, what a Friend will you have found! But how can we be always *“with him?”* Are we to be always *“looking unto Jesus?”* Can we always *“Pray without ceasing?”* Surely not. The passage does not mean this. The disciples were not always *“with him.”* Jesus was in one town and they were often in another. In this sense they could not be always *“with him,”* nor was this needful. Always “with him,” always “looking,” always *“praying,”* refers not to the fixed attention, the ordered words. It is the disposition of the soul, the bent of the heart, the native element of the believer. He is to be like the bird; not always flying, but ready to fly. He may be engaged earnestly in life’s daily duties, he may have the weight of life’s daily cares, and yet there may be such a disposition of soul towards the Saviour that he may always be said to be looking, praying, living *“with him.”* This is what the passage implies. This is what God demands. This is the disposition we should carry about us everywhere, from the moment we wake in the morning till our eyelids relapse into slumber. This is what it is to be *“with him”* in the passage under consideration. This disposition of soul can only be had by being very much in the presence of God. It is not knowledge that can give it us, not even scriptural knowledge. It can only be had by being alone with Him. We contract the disposition, and habit, and manner of some people wonderfully. There are some cases where association begets assimilations rapidly that we seem to gaze upon another being altogether from that which we formerly knew. Dear Christian reader, it is the same with Jesus. Be much alone with Him. In no other way can you obtain the disposition of soul that will make you to be always *“with him,”* and thus become like Him. God grant that you may know Jesus thus! Let us now mark the next point in this beautiful passage. *“And that he might send them forth to preach.”* Mark, reader, the three beautiful links in this divine chain; unto Him, with Him, from Him. God will only use His own instrumentality. If we are to be sent forth to do His work we must be called unto Him we must be living with Him. Why is there so much speaking for God and so little result? Because we are not with Him and He cannot send us. Why is there so much machinery at work in God’s service, so much revival work, so much instrumentality of every varied kind, with which no previous age can bear comparison and yet so little blessing? Why so many complaints, of ministers and others, that so little fruit is borne? Ah! it is because we are not with Jesus and He cannot send us forth. True, God may use a worldly minded minister or an unconverted minister, just as He used Balaam or even as He used Judas. But these are the rare exceptions, not the rule. They are the meteors in the dark sky, dazzling by their brilliance and by that brilliance showing that absence of all substance. They are beacons, not examples. If, reader, you want to be used for God, you must live with God; depend upon it He will not use you without it. And if, on a calm retrospect of your labours, you find He has not used you, depend upon this and only this; it is the secret, the real cause. Though you may try to persuade yourself it is to be attributed to other causes, to the nature of your parish or the character of your people, it is here. If you are living with Jesus, he will Surely send you forth. And being sent forth, it is to do His work, and that work will sooner or later be seen. And what is another result of being *“with him?”* We see it in the passage itself. *“And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.”* In His presence we get just what we all need for our work—power. It is not carnal power, not the power of knowledge, of eloquence, of learning. No. It is the power of the Spirit of God. We are weak and helpless. Who so weak as we? Foes without, and fears within. Who so weak as we? An evil heart, a feeble body, an unpalatable message. Who so weak as we? A feather in the hurricane, a straw in the tempest. What do we need? Power. Who can give it us? Jesus. Where alone can it be had? In His presence. And what power that is! It is *“mighty through God”* even *“to the pulling down of strong holds.”* Yes, it is the power to *“heal sicknesses, and cast out devils.”* But has the child of God this power? Is not the age of miracles past? No. The age of miracles is here still. The child of God has this power, even now. What said our Lord? *“Greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”* Yes even the weak and feeble Bible woman, or the unlearned Scripture reader, may be seen going to the bedside of some poor failing tabernacle, and so speaking of Jesus and His salvation as to lift the sufferer above pain and every sickness, in the joy of sin forgiven and peace with God through His precious blood. And is not this a healing greater than the healing of any bodily disease? Yes, the trembling servant of Christ, going forth to her work from His presence, can so speak *“a word…in due season”* as to cast out the devil ready to leap forth from some heart in the shape of foul language or brutal assault. Oh, is not this a casting out of devils as truly as anything ever yet seen by the world? Is not this a mightier power, a grander work than all the miracles earth has ever known? And this shall be the *“power”* of all those who go forth to their work from the presence of Jesus. O, ambassador of a living Saviour, think of this! Be *“with him,”* and then fear not how feeble your body is, how weak your efforts, how poor your utterance, *“Power”* will be yours in spite of them all. For God will send you forth. *“Power”* will be yours, while feebleness will be stamped upon all else that man calls power. Yours will, with all your weakness, shine forth in direct contrast, because the “treasure” is in the *“earthen vessels.”* The excellency of that power will not be of you, it will be of God. O, minister of Christ, if you rise from your breakfast table to pay some sick a visit in your parish without first going into God’s presence, no wonder you are unblessed! If you go forth from your study to your sermon or your lecture without spending a large portion of your time in secret prayer, no wonder you are not blessed! If you go forth among your people, from your house, without first having looked God in the face, and take away with you the bright shining of His countenance, no wonder you are unblessed! There is no mark of heaven upon you. God cannot, God will not use you. Think of this, then and change your entire plan. Try this, if you have never tried it before; and, depend upon it, God will bless you. One point more in this passage, and I close. *“And Simon he surnamed Peter.”* When we give a name to anything, we claim that thing as our own. The Lord gave a new name to Simon. He thus declared him to be His own property. It was a new name, the name given him by Jesus. It is thus the Lord calls His people by a new name and declares them to be His by so doing. We are no longer our own but His. We are to go through the world with the name He has put upon us and henceforth to be known only by that. Reader, have you Christ’s new name? Are you really His? Does the world know you as a disciple of the Lord Jesus? Oh, take not that holy name in vain! If you are called a Christian-be one. Be not a lukewarm, halfhearted one, under such a holy name as that you bear. Far rather, fling away your profession altogether. There’s no misery like that of being half Christian, half worldling. There’s nothing so unsavory as salt that has lost its savor. God sends His own judgment on the secret heart of such a soul. There is no joy, no peace, no light of God’s countenance. All is dreariness within. All is a dismal blank between that soul and God. It stands on the brink of a precipice. A terrible stroke must come from God’s hand ere it can be brought back. A bleeding heart, a reddened eye, a mountain weight, making every fiber of the frame quiver and the whole body, soul, and spirit, stoop under the crushing blow. Reader, to know the joy, the peace, the hopes and blessings of Christianity, you must be a Christian out and out. You can never know them without. Oh, bear the new name and let the world see it on you! Live near to God-very near. See that this threefold link be the mark of your life. See that Jesus has called you, and that you have gone to Him. Make no mistake here?it is fatal. See that, having gone to him, you are with Him. See that being with Him, you ever go forth into the world from Him. Then God will bless you, and make you a blessing. Not now, my child, a little more rough tossing, A little longer on the billows’ foam, A few more journeyings in the desert darkness; And then the sunshine of thy Father’s home. “Not now, for I have wanderings in the distance, And thou must call them in with patience love; Not now, for I have sheep upon the mountains, And thou must follow them wher’er they rove. “Not now, for I have loved ones sad and weary; Wilt thou not cheer them with a kindly smile? Sick ones, who need thee in their lonely sorrow; Wilt thou not tend them yet a little while? “Not now, for wounded hearts are sorely bleeding, And thou must teach those widowed hearts to sing; Not now, for orphans’ tears are thickly falling; They must be gathered ‘neath some sheltering wing. “Not now, for many a hungry one is pining; Thy willing hand must be outstretched and free; Thy Father hears the mighty cry of anguish, And gives His answering messages to thee. “Not now, for dungeon walls look stern and gloomy, And prisoners’ sighs sound strangely on the breeze— Man’s prisoners, but thy Saviour’s noble freemen; Hast thou no ministry of love for these? “Not now, for hell’s eternal gulf is yawning, And souls are perishing in hopeless sin; Jerusalem’s bright gates are standing open— Go to the banished ones, and fetch them in! “Go with the name of Jesus, to the dying, And speak that name in all its living power; Why should thy fainting heart grow chill and weary? Canst thou not watch with me one little hour? “One little hour, and then the glorious crowning; The golden harp-strings and the victor’s palm! One little hour! And then the hallelujah! Eternity’s long, deep, thanksgiving psalm!” Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [The Trinity](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-trinity/) **Published:** June 13, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ‘Trinity’ is a word that describes three things together as one, three in concert, one divided into three or manifested as three. By definition the word ‘trinity’ is in the Scriptures. Listed below are a few of the trinities found in Scripture. The two trinities that are against man: *1 John 2:16* For all that is in the world, **the lust of the flesh**, and **the lust of the eyes**, and **the pride of life**, is not of the Father, but is of the world. *Revelation 20:10* The **Devil, the beast, the false prophet** The trinity that over comes evil: *1 Corinthians 13:13* **Faith, Hope** and **Charity** Whether or not a particular word is found or not found in the Scriptures is not an issue. The issue is and always will be, *“What sayeth the Scripture”*. Does what you say or describe conform, coincide and correspond with the word of God. The following is a list of some of the many references found in the Scriptures that show that Jesus Christ was the one and only God manifested in the flesh and that the God of the Bible is to be understood as a trinity. *John 1:1* In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and **the Word was God**. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. *1 Timothy 3:16* And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: **God was manifest in the flesh**, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ**, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. *1 John 5:7* For there are three that bear record in heaven, **the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost**: and these three are one. *John 10:30* **I and my Father are one**. *John 14:8-9* Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? **he that hath seen me hath seen the Father**; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? --- *John 19:37* And again another scripture saith, **They shall look on him whom they pierced**. *Revelations 1:7* Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which **pierced him**: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. *Zechariah 12:4-10* In that day, saith the LORD, … 10and **they shall look upon me whom they have pierced**, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus **every knee should bow**, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, **That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear**. We see here in the above verses that the Lord of the Old Testament is the one that gets pierced, which is a reference to the crucifixion and that he is the God of the Old Testament where which every knee shall bow. --- *Acts 20:28* Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the **church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood**. *Revelations 1:5* And from **Jesus Christ**, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins **in his own blood**, *Isa 44:6* Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; **I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God**. *Revelations 1:8* **I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord**, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. *Revelations 1:11* Saying, **I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last**: *Revelations 2:8* And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith **the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive**;… *Isaiah 9:6* For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, **The mighty God, The everlasting Father**, The Prince of Peace. We see again that Jesus and the Lord and God of the OT are one and the same. --- *Micah 5:2* But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth **have been from of old, from everlasting**. *Isaiah 9:6 KJV* For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, **The mighty God, The everlasting Father**, The Prince of Peace. *Matthew 16:16-17* And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, **the Son of the living God**. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. *Luke 4:41* And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, **Thou art Christ the Son of God**. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. *John 6:69* And we believe and are sure that **thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God**. *John 5:18* Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also **that God was his Father, making himself equal with God**. *Philippians 2:5-6* Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6**Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God**: We see, comparing the Old with the New Testament, in the above verses that the Lord of the Old Testament and the Lord Jesus Christ are both the eternal God. --- *Gen 1:1* In the beginning **God created the heaven and the earth**. *John 1:10* He was in the world, and **the world was made by him**, and the world knew him not. *Col 1:16* For **by him were all things created**, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: --- It seems difficult for me not to understand the Bible is teaching that Jesus Christ was God manifested in the flesh. Much of the trouble arising with the doctrine of the Trinity is that many attempts to provide a description of it that they could not possibly show, going far beyond what is revealed concerning it within the Scriptures. I do not see where it defines God as three completely different personages, or in any way other than there is three in some form or fashion. However, God is constituted does not affect the fact that Jesus was God. I am sure that this list is by no means complete, but I hope that it will help you in your defense of the faith. If nothing else it does show that the doctrine of the trinity is derived from the Scriptures and that Christ was God manifested in the flesh which some have tried to deny. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** God --- ### [The Word Of God - Its Value & Effects](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-word-of-godits-value-effects/) **Published:** June 4, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** From the Book: “The Word Unveiled” by Fredrick Whitfield “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts. 17I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone, because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.” Jeremiah 15:16-17 The intrinsic value of everything is known by putting it to the proof. The dross falls off by the test to which it is subject, and there remains behind the fine gold. The present day is one that subjects everything to the crucible. Every age has its characteristics and the age in which we live has this as its prominent feature. The veneration of bygone years and the reverence bestowed by ancestral worth, the blessing of mature judgment, enlarged understanding and exalted intellect; such pleas characterized the years gone by, but are now regarded as among the littlenesses of a childhood state or the weaknesses of times that had not the courage or the manliness to speak out; all is as nothing in the estimation of our modern thought. Everything must yield to the crucible of criticism, as if it had never before been tested. We are in the age of manhood, when it is noble to doubt and manly to deny; when the imbecility of bygone years has given way to a self-proclaimed intellectual vigor, and elevated understanding, and a higher tone of religious thought. The assumption of all this is startling. Such pretensions demand an adequate basis and credentials which cannot be gainsayed. When the age in which we live is put in contrast with every preceding one, for its superior character as to religious and intellectual thought, the least we can ask is that its claims be well supported; that it will stand the fiery ordeal of criticism in a way which no other age has stood it. With such pretensions, this demand is only fair. We shrink not from criticism when applied to God’s word. If indeed it be what it claims to be, God’s word, then indeed it should not shrink from impartial criticism; it should rather lay itself open to it. On every side, from every quarter, we invite it. Only let it be fair, let it be impartial; let us stop where we cannot reconcile, and instead of consigning to the region of human fallibility, let us wait for more light. Only in our criticism let us stop where reason suggests we cannot decide for want of that light. Only let us treat the book of Revelation as we treat its counterpart, the book of nature. We ask no more than this; we ask no less. To ask more would be to manifest that fear of putting forth our hand to touch the ark. To ask less would be to yield the palm to modern prejudice and partiality, to a fettered reason and a contracted heart. How has the Bible been examined by modern critics? Its effect on the nations of the earth in civilizing, socializing, and elevating man; morally, intellectually, spiritually; its effect as manifested in every country where it has found its way and in our own country especially; in giving an exalted character to its sys tem of education, a healthier tone to its morals, and making this country the greatest and noblest in the world. Its effect on the hearts of men, in making them real and true men, in giving them strength in the hour of trial, and above all, victory in the hour of death. All this has been forgotten; nay, ignored. The Bible, in the hands of modern critics, has had no credit for this. There are questions that have not been asked, ‘Is not a book that has produced, and is producing such effects, manifestly from God? Has not such a book marks of an origin not of man? Did ever a book speak like this book?’ How has the Bible been criticized? Have these men stated; ‘There are difficulties in nature that are inexplicable, heights that are insurmountable, contradiction apparently irreconcilable; and if nature be the work of an infinite mind, it must ever be so to finite understandings; and therefore, if the Bible has for its author the God of nature, we must expect to meet with similar difficulties in it?’ This would have been impartiality; it would have been justice. But where has this impartiality and this justice been shown by modern critics? Would they like their own writings to be criticized as they have criticized the writing of Heaven? How has the Bible been criticized? Would not the scientific conclusions of modern critics provoke a smile, even from a child for the very childishness which has characterized them? Have not such conclusions been arrived at without sufficient data, been put forward hastily and rashly, and demanding imperiously the assent of mankind? Do not men speak proudly and loftily, as if the sciences were all in their manhood, instead of being in their infancy? Have impartiality, justice and honesty combined with humility, been characteristic features in modern criticism? Rather have they not been with temerity, pride and arrogance? And what have they all done? Has there been discovered one scientific error in God’s word? Has one apparent contradiction been proved to be real? Has one statement within its folds ever been discovered at variance with nature? Has there been found in the God of the Bible one feature of character not in harmony with the God of the universe? Have not all their criticisms made it emerge from the crucible with tenfold brightness, reflecting in that brightness the folly of the skeptic and scoffer? Yes, and so it always will be. Let the night grow darker, the surges rise, and the waves beat upon the rock. Let them cover with their crested billows its loftiest peaks, till it be lost sight of in the tumultuous heavings of the sea of skepticism and unbelief; still will each crested wave break upon its sure foundation, and be compelled to subside in stillness at its base and that rock stand forth in the midst of the troubled sea in all its grandeur. The word of the Lord shall endure forever. The rock of ages shall stand fast. *“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall not pass away.”* But what are all these modern objections to God’s word? There is not one of them new. They are all old forms in new garments. Those who have no time to examine and sift thoroughly, look at them from behind; and struck by the new and flashy exterior, are deceived. Others, more deeply learned, and bent on sifting everything, run on before, and recognize the old features under new garments. So it has been; so it will be; for man has nothing to advance against that word that has not been repeatedly and conclusively answered. It is God’s word, and no foe in heaven or earth can stand against it. It can be tested by any crucible: it emerges with brightness from them all. Science, philosophy, learning, rank, and power have, in all ages, laid their trophies at its feet, and have appeared before the world lovely from the beauty, the radiance, the glory borrowed from its pages. Wherever it has gone, it has cast out the demoniac spirit in man, and made him sit down at Heaven’s gate in his right mind. It has made poverty rich and weakness strong; turned defeat into victory, and the sighings of sorrow into songs of triumph. It has penetrated the dungeon darkness of our world like the sunshine of Heaven, gladdening the heart of the captive, and raising hope in the breast that nothing else could give, and nothing could extinguish. Look at the Bible from any point of view, subject it to any crucible we please, apply it to any case we like; and in each and all it shines forth as the Book for our world and has inscribed on its portals, in letters of light, *“The power of God unto salvation…”* Let us examine the portion of it presented to our view in the passage we have selected for consideration. Let us see what was thought of it by prophets and kings nearly three thousand years ago. Let us see if every word of the prophet finds not an echo in our hearts, as Surely as it did far down in the ages of time. Let us see if its sweet sound from the prophet’s lips does not now ring as clearly and as sweetly as though we were listening for the first time to its melody. Let us listen and learn, and praise and trust; and may God give us His Blessing. Doubtless the word of God is precious to believers at all times and under all circumstances. But it is especially in seasons of trial that its beauty is seen and its sweetness tasted. It is the dark background that gives life and beauty to the colors of the landscape. So it is with the word of God; when its rays fall upon the dark background of a heart stricken with sorrow, then do they appear in their fairest proportions, in their loveliest outlines. The leaves of the lemon tree, the more they are wrung, the more does their fragrance come forth. The stricken heart clings to the leaves of the tree of life, wrings them out, and never till then has it known their healing virtue. We had known the Bible before, known it savingly, known it as our life, our joy, our all; but now it seems as if we had only half known it. Now it seems as if we had only been sipping at its streams. Now it comes home in a strange, inexpressible way to our hearts. Words cannot tell, tongue cannot utter, thought cannot conceive of its depth and sweetness. Experience alone knows it. The living waters, in passing through the dark valleys of trial and sorrow, impart a sweetness unknown elsewhere. So it is in the passage before us. Mark the circumstances in which the prophet was placed, as recorded in the verse preceding the passages we have selected for consideration; *“O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.”,*and the verse following them; *“Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?”* It was in the midst of anxieties, troubles, and persecutions such as these that the prophet uttered these remarkable words: *“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”* So long as prosperity encircles us on every side, and life, and health, and happiness are ours; so long as the sky over our heads is without a cloud, and our ship glides over the sea of life without a ripple to disturb its glassy stillness—then we can afford to be but half Christian. We become superficial, and there is little reality or depth in our religion. We are satisfied to walk at a distance from God. The world flings its unhallowed mantle over the soul, and we wear it only too readily. We are little more than half awake, and a palsy creeps over us, an earthliness of spirit, casting its malaria over every fruit and flower of God’s life within us. Thus we go on, satisfied with our state, and with a deep chasm between our souls and heaven. But when God draws near, when the sky over us becomes black with clouds; when the beauteous stillness of our glassy sea is plowed up with billows and breakers dashing rudely over our frail ship on its waters; when every blossom, flower and fruit lies seared and lifeless at our feet, and the sound of the muffled drum or the strain of the Death March is heard in the place of life’s joyous music; Ah! Then we feel the hollowness of our profession, the worthlessness of all we had been so proudly clinging to. Then we feel we need a Saviour. Then we come to look to and lean upon Him as we never did before. Then we clasp that precious word to our hearts with an earnestness we never knew before. It was much to us before; it is everything now. Then we exclaim, in the language of the prophet, *“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.”* Then we feel we have found it. It had not been *“found”* before, in the true and deep sense of that word. Sorrow has opened our eyes, and we see with new vision. We have *“found”* a treasure, oh, what a treasure! Every line is fragrant. Every word speaks to our souls with living power. On this side is persecution; on that perplexity and distress; on this side is injustice and wrong, on that side, coldness, estrangement and desertion: on this; a failing tabernacle and bright hopes dashed one by one to the ground; on that, a heart bleeding at every pore from bereavement and the bitter pangs of farewell still ringing in our ears. We turn away from them all. Weary and heavy laden, we open that word. There alone is our resting place now, there alone is peace and comfort. It leads us to the bosom of Jesus. It opens living waters to freshen our thirsty souls; it brings around the everlasting arms. What a word it is! How sweet! How precious! How full of power! Ah, we feel now that we have found His words, and that they are the joy and rejoicing of our hearts. The Word of God has been at all times the true barometer of the Church of God, as well as of individual Christian character. By its estimate of that word both the one and the other rises or falls. Only if it holds an elevated place in the body, or exerts power over the heart, is there any real light or life of God within. Let this word be taken away, and it matters little what else remains. Let the high estimate of it be lowered, no matter in how small a degree, and that moment all living power in the Church or in the heart begins to decline. If we want to know what made the Church of bygone years so bright, what gave it such power in persecution, such energy in the midst of corruption and superstition, let us look at the estimate in which that word was held for an answer. If we want to know what was thought of that word of old, let us ask the martyrs at the stake, or clad in pitch and bound to the iron stakes of imperial Rome to irradiate the darkness or gratify the yells of an infuriated mob. Let us go back, and see what they thought of God’s word. Or let us come nearer still, cross our own narrow stream, and penetrate the wilds of Connemara or Connaught, and learn even there what is thought of that word. Many a poor convert snatched from the bonds of superstition and misery, with scarcely clothing to cover the weakened limbs, still clasps that word to the heart, and taking up the language of the prophet, exclaims: *“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.”* O England, England, shouldest thou ever let the coverings and shadows of a gorgeous ritual, the excess of a ceremonial religion, or the exaltation of the human intellect overcloud that word, then will thy church and nation sink to rise no more. The country on whose possessions the sun never sets holds her greatness only on one condition—faithfulness to God’s word. We look around now and we see clouds and darkness gathering around her on every side. Our hearts are fainting with fear; for England has been unfaithful to her God. *“What is truth?”* is the cry that has been uttered by her rulers time after time, as though God had never spoken, as though the mysteries of Vishnu or the idolatries of Rome were of equal weight and authority with the word of the living God. Oh that her rulers were wise, that they would not put these things from them as the fears of a weak mind or a narrow soul! We may learn these things too late! We may put these things from us, and refuse to see that the judgments abroad in the land are the result of such unfaithfulness. We may class them among second causes, and go blindly onward in the same downward path of expediency and concession to error. Be it so; but God will not be mocked. England’s sun will surely set. Only one thing remains, only one way of escape from impending ruin—let, our readers think as they please, and the modern infidels indifferent smile cast derisively upon our warnings—and that is, faithfulness to God and His truth. Let us mark the next truth brought before us in the passage. *“Thy words were found, and I did eat them.”* We are thus taught how to use the word of God, to eat it. That word is not to be admired, not to be criticized, not to be merely read, it is to be eaten. It is to be to the soul what food is to the body. It is to be taken in, to be thought over, meditated on and prayed over. It is to be the constant food of the soul. It is to be spread before us, morning, noon and night and regularly lived upon. Only thus can it be known. Only thus can its strengthening, sustaining, supporting qualities be discovered. The man who uses not the word of God in this way cannot know its intrinsic value, its unutterable preciousness. It is not like other books, which may be known with the intellect merely. The Bible cannot be thus known. It is the book of the heart, and if the heart know it not, it must be an undiscovered mine. *“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart:”*—*“For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness.”* It is the book of the heart. It is the food of the heart. It is the joy and rejoicing of the heart. It is the word *“hid in mine heart.”* And if the heart knows it not, man can know nothing about it. But when the heart knows it; really knows it by eating it, there is love, joy, peace, holiness, yea, Heaven itself. O reader, is it thus you know the word of God? Does your heart know it as having shown you your true state as a sinner before God? Do you know it as having humbled you, as having laid you very low in the dust before Him as the chief of sinners? Do you know it as having made you fly, all unclean and guilty, to His precious blood for pardon and peace? Do you know it as revealing One who has put all your guilt away, and given you peace with God through His finished work on Calvary? Do you know it in its power over your thoughts and motives, your aims and plans, your daily hourly walk through this world, bringing all within you into entire obedience to His blessed will? Ah, dear reader, all knowledge of God’s word that falls short of this is of little or no value here! It may have changed you very much outwardly, it may have raised you in the estimation of men by an outward reformation of conduct, but as to any real value to your immortal soul, as to any real influence over others, it is a dead letter. To know the Bible, and yet not to know it as *“the power of God unto salvation”* to our own souls, is only adding a weight of condemnation. Better never to have known it at all. It shall be more tolerable, in the day of judgment, for Tyre and Sidon, or for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for that soul who has known the word of God only to hold it in unrighteousness, or in barren familiarity. But why is the Bible loved, prized and eaten? The prophet tells us: *“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”* He was called by the name of the Lord; in other words, he was a child of God. This was why he loved the Bible. We do not wonder at the unconverted man not loving the Bible. We do not wonder at men of learning, men of science, men in high places in our church and university, trying to weaken its inspiration and ignore its authority. It is only natural. It is only the old heart showing itself in all its enmity. How can the unconverted man love the Bible? The holiness of its commands, the righteousness of its warnings, the justice of its threatenings, the solemn and impartial verdict which it passes on them in their secret consciences, is like the sword of the executioner hanging over their heads. They writhe under it. It hangs like a dark specter over every path. It condemns them in every step they take. It condemns them in their sin, condemns them in their crookedness of conduct, condemns them in their worldly schemes and selfish interests, condemns them in their covetousness after it and their heartlessness towards God. Oh, how should unconverted man love the Bible? He does not, he cannot love it. It is not in his nature, and never will be till that nature is changed by the Spirit of God. It is the dark cloud of condemnation ever harassing the skirts of his path, and he inwardly hates it—‘We cannot meet its evidences; we cannot gainsay its truths; do what we will, we cannot resist its influences. Let us get it out of the way, any way we can; only let us get this book out of the way and then we shall have the world’s jubilee!—This is the deep, unspoken language of these men now. And God is letting them try it. He is allowing the wild waves of hatred and passion, of indifference and skepticism, to lash the rock in all their unavailing fury, while He, whose omnipotent word it is, sitteth in the heavens laughing them to scorn. No wonder man does not love the Bible. How should it be otherwise? Never till he has crossed the boundary between life and death, till he is born again and has been made a new creature in Christ Jesus, can he love that word. Never till then can he know it. But when he has thus been converted, and the name of the Lord God of host is called upon him, his language is: *“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.”* Now, let us mark the effect of eating the word. *“I sat not in the assembly of the mockers.”* This is the result, the genuine evidence of what had gone before. When a man tells us that he loves the word of God, we want something more than his acknowledgment; something more than his profession. We look for some evidence of it in his life. Such a profession demands these evidences; and the profession is only self-deception where these evidences do not follow. It is a day of wide spread profession. It is a day when men must make a profession of some kind. They cannot get on in the world without it. If it be only for making money, for climbing the ladder of fame, for advancing their own selfish interests, still they must make some profession. Men know this and they value such profession at its real worth. They will let you preach as much as you like. They will let you quote Scripture as fluently as you please. This is the fashion. This is the garment you must wear, and it serves your own ends. It makes you pass for a decent, respectable, well-meaning man. This is very creditable. Who would be without it? Men of the world are keen, farsighted and mark all this. They want something more. They want tangible proofs, genuine evidences. They want to see them. They watch for them in your spirit, in your temper, in your words, in the little transactions of business which bring you into contact with them hour by hour, when you are off your guard, when advantages are in your way, and in order to gain your ends, what means you employ, what spirit you manifest to encompass them. They look for a holy shrinking from sin, from indirect means, from crooked plans. They expect to see no grasping disposition, no anxiety to make the best of a bargain at the expense, in however slight a degree, of others. They expect to see an unworldly spirit, amiability of temper, gentleness in word and deed. They are sensible enough to know that no man can be perfect; that there will be times when we will slip, when, in unguarded moments, something, not quite all this, may show itself. They are not unreasonable here. They make allowance for this. They think not the less of the Christian for it. We speak of sensible, unprejudiced worldly men. Still they expect uniformity of Christian character. It is right they should expect it. They expect not too much. Men of the world should see it, ought to see it, in God’s people. They know as well as we do that all profession without it is only self-deception or hypocrisy. The badge of our holy religion is the cross of Christ, by which the world is crucified unto us, and we unto the world. It is a Divine and perpetual command that we daily take up our cross. And yet is not this just now the very thing Christians are shrinking from? They want to shift off the cross, or to make it press as lightly as possible. They like Christianity, real Christianity; but in their personal behavior, and their conduct in the world; their conduct when advantages are in their way, is there a joyful self-denying, a hearty self-sacrificing, if so be that Christ may be glorified and His truth commended? A watching world looks on and says nothing, but thinks deeply. Hour by hour we are putting stumbling blocks in their way, we are keeping them back from Christ, from heaven. We are not *“hastening unto the coming of the day of God.”* by drawing them to Jesus. We are preaching thus silently every hour of the day, and most powerfully when we least expect it. Eyes and hearts are taking in our lessons, that shall tell throughout eternity, to our joy or sorrow. O Lord of light, and love, and mercy, for the glory of thy dear name, write these thoughts very deeply on the heart of writer and reader! This genuine evidence of the truth hid in the heart is what is now presented to us: *“I sat not in the assembly of the mockers.”* Man can no longer sit in haunts of sin or keep company with sinful companions. His own sin is now his greatest burden, and he hates it in every form. Sin was sweet before; it is bitter now. Evil habits and dispositions were no sorrow to him before; now they are a galling yoke. More and more often they wring from his secret heart, the cry, *“O wretched man that I am.”* His sleep is over, the slumbers of sin are broken, he dreams no longer. He is alive and wakeful. All is changed. *“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”* He is a new creature himself, and he views himself and everything around him in a new light. Like the prophet of old, when the light of heaven fell upon his soul, he gained a right view of himself; *“I am a man of unclean lips”* and also a right view of everyone around him, *“I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.”* So is the passage before us. The word has shed light on the heart, and the prophet can no longer sit *“in the assembly of the mockers.”* But though he did not sit there, he did sit somewhere. Though he could find no resting place among the mockers, he did find a resting place with God. *“I sat alone”* he says. Ah! There is the true resting place of the soul alone with God. This is where the word ever leads when it is indeed hid in the heart, its *“joy and rejoicing.”* Trials sweep over the soul like a flood, and make the word of God and God’s presence inestimably precious. In that presence, how do all its riches come forth to view! There we look God in the face, and come forth with His impress upon us. Alone with God! precious shelter from every stormy wave, from every sweeping torrent, from every swelling flood. Though the storm rages wildly outside, what calmness there is there! Though midnight darkness spreads its curtain over us, what light there is there! Though sorrow rends the troubled heart, what balm there is there! Though fainting and bleeding, the heart sinking beneath its load of grief, what rest, what consolation, what a bosom there is there!—Dear refuge of our weary souls! May we ever be found near to your sure and certain hiding place, bathing our tears in the ocean fullness of your sympathy and love! *“Alone”* with God! Why are we not more often there? Why need we the pruning knife, the cutting stroke, the bleeding heart, the scalding tear, to bring us to that sweet spot? Is there aught outside to attack our souls? Is there attraction in a dreary desert, in the wintry blast and deepening death shadows? Is there beauty in the withering blossom, the fading flower, the seared and lifeless stem? Is there joy in the world’s mirth, or rest amid the sounds of revelry, the wailings of despair, and the cries of the lost? Lord, lead us into Thy presence and keep us there. May it be our dwelling place till Thou shalt come, and all shadows flee away forever! *“Alone”* with God! Why are we not more often there? For want of this, our light is half darkness, our wakefulness half slumber, our very life more than half death. For want of this we shine not, we burn not. For want of this the palsy of the world creeps over us, we become earthly, and speak so little for Jesus. Our testimony lacks clearness and brightness, strength and vigor. Only one thing can make us what we ought to be, what God would have us always be here; that is being—*“Alone”* with God. There is one more effect the word eaten and rejoiced in by the heart produces; *“thou hast filled me with indignation.”* It fills the soul with righteous indignation at what is going on around us. When God is dishonored, the Saviour’s blood trampled on, His offers of mercy despised, His laws trodden under foot, and wickedness reigns on every side, the child of God cannot look on unmoved. He weeps in secret. The Spirit of God within him is stirred. He is filled with the indignation of the Lord, and cries, *“O Lord, how long.?”* Oh, come quickly and end creation’s sighs and tears and blood! Creation groans and travails in pain. Your Church has waited long, and pants to see Your face. Come back, Lord, and bring with You the precious treasures You have taken to Yourself, of which death has robbed us here! Come and wipe all tears from our eyes, the serpent’s trail from Your own fair world, and make it shine again with Your own matchless beauty! Reader, remember the three golden links of the chain in the beautiful passage we have been considering. Mark them. They are first, the love of God’s word; *“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.”* Secondly, the love of holiness; *“I sat not in the assembly of the mockers.”* Thirdly, the love of prayer; *“I sat alone.”* These are the three links of Heaven in this Divine chain. Snap any of these links, and the whole chain becomes useless! God grant that each link may be strong and powerful round our own hearts! May you love that word, love holiness, love God’s presence! Then will you be ready whenever the Lord shall send for you. I rest with Thee, Lord! Whither should I go? I feel so blest within Thy home of love! The blessing, purchased by Thy pain and woe, To Thy poor child Thou sendest from above. Oh, never let Thy grace depart from me: So shall I still abide, dear Lord, with Thee. I rest with Thee! Eternal life the prize Thou wilt bestow when faith’s good fight is won; What can earth give but vain regrets and sighs To the poor heart whose passing bliss is done? For lasting joy I fleeting ones resign, Since Jesus calls me His and He is mine. I rest with Thee! No other place of rest Can now attract, no other portion please: The soul, of heavenly treasure once possessed, All earthly glory with indifference sees. Poor world, farewell! Thy splendors tempt me no more, The power of grace I feel, and thine is o’re. I rest with Thee! With Thee, whose wondrous love Descends to seek the lost, the fallen raise. Oh that my whole of future life may prove One hallelujah, one glad song of praise! So shall I sing, as time’s last moments flee, Now and forever, Lord! I rest with Thee! *Adolphe Morahnt* Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled --- ### [The Risen Saviour](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-risen-saviour/) **Published:** June 4, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** “And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43And he took it, and did eat before them. 44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48And ye are witnesses of these things. 49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 50And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. 52And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: 53And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.” —Luke 24:36-53 The Lord had risen from the dead. The grave had been rifled of its prey. Songs of victory were already on the lips of some to whom He had shown Himself, and their hearts burned within them as they hastened onward with the joyous news. For a brief moment the tears of the weeping Church ceased to flow. It was a moment of suspense; awe and wonder filled every heart, for they knew not what to think. At this juncture, while assembled in the upper room in Jerusalem, and with the doors around them closed, the risen Saviour appears in their midst. It is a scene full of comfort, full of instruction, full of practical issues. Let us look at it, under the guidance of God’s Spirit, and may we learn His lessons. The disciples had assembled together to hear the glad tidings brought by the two who had just returned from Emmaus. They came together to hear of and to speak of the risen Saviour, and that Saviour came to meet them; this is our first lesson. When we come together to hear of Him or to speak of Him, He comes to meet us. It is immaterial where we meet; for where He is all is hallowed ground, every place is a consecrated temple. It is not the place; it is the object in view that is everything. It is not the variety and diversity of character in those who meet that is of any weight; it is Him whom they come together to meet. There were strange characters among that throng. One had only a few hours before cursed, sworn and denied that he knew Him. Two others had been clamoring as to which should have the chief place in His kingdom. Three of them had fallen asleep in His hour of agony, when most of all He needed their sympathy. All of them had forsaken Him and fled, when He stood alone at the cross. ‘Surely,’ men would naturally have said, ‘it is not these You are going to meet, and comfort, and strengthen! Why trouble Yourself with such as these? They have treated You as badly as anyone could have. They played the traitor and the coward at the last moment, and may do so again. Leave them to themselves.’ Such a course would only have been natural. Such a course man would have taken, and no doubt they deserved it. But God is not like man. God begins at the very point where man stops short. This is grace. *“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.”*—*“having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”* Just at the very point where nature would exclaim, ‘Leave such creatures to themselves,’ there grace begins; there Jesus went. There He goes still; and there all who are like Him go too. If we have any measure of grace in our hearts answering to grace in Him, we shall do as Jesus does here; go where nature would stop short. Oh that we had this grace more in us! Oh, that this trying yet true test of our hearts found us in the same path! Lord Jesus, give us Thy mind, Thy Spirit, that we may turn and seek those who have injured us, forsaken us, cast us off; that we may be found with hearts full of love among those who least of all deserve it! Yet, with all their weaknesses, and failings, and sins, they loved Him and came to meet Him; and where we come to meet Him, God is faithful, there He never fails to meet us. It may be we are full of failings, and look back on the past hours with shame and confusion of face; still His love fails not. He cannot, He will not, keep back from us. Nay, these things draw out His grace the more. He yearns to meet us because He sees these things in us. He longs to meet us, to cheer our hearts, to strengthen our faith, and to encourage us onward with His love. What a Saviour He is! How every view of Him charms and cheers our hearts! Who is like Him? *“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”* Let us remember this at all times, and especially when we meet together for worship. It is not the prepared prayer that is the form nor yet the absence of it that makes prayer worship. It is not ecclesiastical order, unvarying services or constantly repeated words which constitute form, nor yet the entire absence of them that makes worship scriptural and spiritual. Oh no! The form is in our own hearts, whether the place be consecrated or otherwise, whether the prayer be prepared or spontaneous, whether the words be constantly changed or continually repeated. The form, we repeat it, is in ourselves, not in any of these things. Let us not make these things the occasion of difference, nor yet excuses for our own want of spiritual life and power. The fault is within, not without. Only let us come with a single eye to meet Jesus, and we shall Surely find Him, whether in a cathedral or in an upper room, whether under a preconceived form of prayer or a spontaneous one. Oh, that we had a single eye to meet Jesus—Jesus only! What a change would there then be in cathedrals, and chapels, and churches! What blessings on our services! What spiritual worship from our worshipers! It is the going to meet Jesus that makes all right. It is going to church or to prayer as simply treading a beaten path that makes all wrong. Let us go with Christ in our hearts and there will we meet Christ; and then all things will become new. Let us continue and mark how the wondrous grace of the Lord Jesus is further shown, in this narrative. *“And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said unto them, Peace be unto you.”* He came to meet these weak ones, bringing with Him the message He always brings wherever He goes—peace. They who come together with a loving heart and a single eye to meet Him, receive from Him that deep peace which He only can give, and which passeth all understanding. Although, He comes Himself to the heart with this precious message, how strangely He is received. What weaknesses, and infirmities, and unbelief; what a tumult of agitation, and doubt, and fear, meet Him at His very first approach! How little to encourage, how much to drive Him away! What unpreparedness to meet Him! What hearts we have when Jesus draws near to us! What dishonor we do to His grace! What doubts of His love, and even of His very person! How we look through our own fears at Him, and transmute the very essence of all love, and grace, and mercy, into an angry being, a dark spirit, come expressly from the spirit-world to swallow us up! *“But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.”* Alas! When grace comes to the heart in the person of the Lord Jesus, such is the unvarying reception it meets with! Our hearts are always the same; they can give nothing else. Driven by our unkindness and sin, does He retire; does He leave us to ourselves, as we deserve to be left? Ah no! He only draws the nearer. What wondrous grace! *“And He said unto them, Why are Ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”* How He lingers around our darkness and sin! How He presses Himself upon us! How He draws nearer and nearer, gently reasoning, meekly bearing with our fears and unbelief! ‘Come nearer to me; prove me, that it is I myself!’ Thus does He banish our fears, dispel our sadness, and win our souls. Only one thing can do this; not doctrines, not knowledge, nor sermons. No! The heart’s deep maladies can be met by none of these; religion itself is valueless here. We want a living person, a beating heart, a loving bosom, on which to cast ourselves. It must be Jesus Himself drawing very near, Jesus only, speaking His own word as He only can speak it. Man needs only this, but nothing short of this. Now and forever our motto must be—Jesus Himself, Jesus only. Does our Lord stop here? Surely grace and love have stooped low enough! Nay, not the grace and love of Jesus! He stoops lower still. *“And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it and did eat before them.”* Truly no human thought can conceive, no human tongue can tell, the depths to which the grace and love of Heaven will descend to win the wanderer, to seek and save the lost! God Himself, in the person of His dear Son, can travel forty miles across the desert, with the dust on His sandals and the sweat on His brow, and fling Himself, jaded and weary, at the well of Sychar, to win a sinner’s heart! He can become a debtor to that heart for a drink of water, if only He may gain it; and then, afterwards, in the joy that He has won it, forget the draught, the water, and the well! The exhibition of grace in the narrative we are now considering falls not a whit behind this. The good Shepherd goes forward in His heavenly path, seeking the wandering sheep. He finds this band, like the lost sheep in the wilderness. He finds them in agitation and doubt, in fear and unbelief. Surely they are the strayed sheep! And now the good Shepherd has found them, how He stoops down and gently lays them on His shoulders: *“Why are ye troubled…Behold my hands and my feet…handle me and see”* and lastly, He takes the broiled fish and honeycomb and eats *“before them.”* Could grace and love stoop lower? Could heaven present us with a sweeter picture of the wondrous love of Jesus? Sinner, will not such a picture win thine heart? Will it not banish all thy fears? Will it not win and woo thee to His feet, to drink in deep drafts of love from the ocean fullness that is in Him? Oh gaze on it; and if thou hast ever doubted, or had hard thoughts before, never doubt again. Now, joy and wonder enter. Now, the good Shepherd lifts the weak ones in His arms, and placing them in His bosom, carries them across the desert, safe, to His everlasting fold. Let us turn and gaze for a moment longer on this beauteous picture, and see how it applies to ourselves. When Jesus comes to us, He finds the same thing as He found when He came to these. What varieties of temperament and constitution has the truth to contend with before it can find an entrance into the heart! What fears and anxieties, what clouds and darkness, morally, physically, and spiritually! One is too optimistic, and looks too much on the bright side; another labors under continual gloom and depression. One is excitable, another uninterested and dull. One labors under some continual nervous irritation, starts at every shadow, and is scared by every cloud. One is continually doubting and fearing, and can believe nothing without the plainest and most tangible evidence; while another, too trusting, takes upon everything without a show of evidence. One is irritable, sensitive and quick to act on feeling; another is cold, callous, and indifferent. Oh, what a variety of character has the Lord to contend with when He approaches the heart with His messages of love and mercy! Yet He lingers fondly around us, bears month after month, year after year, with all our failings and infirmities. They are infirmities and He knows it. He is touched with a feeling of each one. He is never wearied, His love is never exhausted. He presses Himself upon us again and again. He comes nearer, and says, ‘Handle me and see. Come nearer to my side. Behold the evidences of my love to thee, poor, doubting soul! See the marks in my hands and side! See how I have loved thee! Gaze upon that rude and crimson cross, and there read what I did for thee.’ *“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”* Poor, anxious, troubled one! Shrink not back from Jesus! Say not, He will charge me with my sins. Say not, His wrath is over me. Tremble not with fear and dread. Draw near to Him. Handle Him, and see that it is Jesus, thy friend and brother, the One who loved thee and gave Himself for thee. It is no dark being from the spirit-world, come to swallow thee up. It is thy best beloved; the One who has so often stood near thee in sorrow’s dark hour, stilled the troubled waves to rest, and hushed the storm around thee! It is the One who has encompassed thy path with loving kindness and tender mercies; who has turned aside the blow that it might not fall upon thee, and whispered, in the midst of thy troubles, *“Peace, be still.”* It is Jesus, thine own dear, tried, precious Saviour. O trembling, doubting one, lean on that tender, all sympathizing bosom. Lean on His exhaustless love, and be at rest. Let us here mark God’s way of restoring peace to the agitated, doubting heart. *“Behold my hands and my feet,”* are the first words He utters to bring them to a right state of mind. Yes! It is to His wounded hands and bruised feet, that now, as then, He points the troubled one. Have we doubts of His love? *“Behold my hands and my feet,”* He cries still. Are we agitated, filled with fears because of our sins, cast down because of our past treatment of Him and His love to us? Yet hear Him say; *“Behold my hands and my feet.”* See my love to thee, poor burdened one! Gaze on that cross on which I died for thee, and let all thy fear and doubts be at rest. Do deep thoughts sometimes flash like electric light through our souls, of our great unworthiness, of our past life of shame and neglect, of the holiness and majesty of that God against whom we have sinned, and to whom we must one day give account; and do risings of fear and dread, misery and agony, make us shrink and tremble? See Him standing, as of old, before the door of our hearts and whispering, *“Behold my hands and my feet.”* See all your sin put away; all your iniquity for…given; all your wrath borne; see all My love in these spear marks and bruises—My love to you, poor, troubled one. Handle me and see. Let joy fill the aching crevices of thy soul. Are we doubtful of our strength, fainting under the pressure of earthly trial, anxiously asking how will tomorrow’s need be supplied? Or how shall I bear that heavy cross, breast that swelling flood, or brave that storm now looming in the distance? See Jesus at thy very side! See Him before thine own heart, showing thee the print of the nails and the gash in His side, and whispering, *“Behold my hands and my feet,…handle me and see.”* The dark spirit of your troubled heart is closing your eyes to my love and grace, my sympathy, compassion, and tenderness. *“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”*—strength for every day; light in every dark hour; joy in every trouble; victory in every conflict—yea, all things. *“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”* What a pillow for the weary head! What a resting place for the anxious heart! The Saviour closes His work of comforting His people, strengthening their faith with the Scriptures. *“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”* He thus shows us, that however various may be the ways in which we approach the heart, to comfort and strengthen it, we are never to lose sight of the most effective means; the Word of God. Let us use what ways we please in approaching man, as wisdom and judgment may suggest, only let them never be severed from the word of God, by which alone they can be sanctified and made a blessing to the soul. Jesus Himself, Jesus only brought home to the heart through the written word of God, was the remedy, and the only remedy He Himself used to meet man’s varied cases, in the chapter we have been considering, and in every other case recorded in the Bible. If, then, these were the means used by the Lord Himself, let us not, in our conceit and folly, try to use some other, as if we knew better than He. Jesus and His word; this is heaven’s own and only remedy for man, whatever his case may be. Now, having viewed the Saviour’s grace and love to his own, let us follow Him, and see what are His thoughts toward the world. *“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”* We have before alluded to grace beginning where nature stops short, and have seen it manifested in the Lord’s conduct in this narrative. See here exactly the same principle exercised towards the world—*“beginning at Jerusalem.”* What place was first in His thoughts of love and mercy? That which would have been last in nature’s thought, even if it could have found a place at all—Jerusalem. Yes, if we are like Jesus, we shall always begin with Jerusalem. Whether in carrying the gospel to sinners, or in our conduct towards each other; we shall begin where the heart would naturally stop short. This is grace, as it was in Jesus, and if we have any measure of likeness to Him, this must show itself. ‘What,’ men would have said, ‘Begin with those who murdered You, with those who refused to listen to Your words, trampled Your messages under their feet, planned and plotted from morning till night to kill You!—go to these, and first!’ Yes, sinner, dark in guilt as the blood red hands of Jerusalem’s murderers, of thee God is thinking. Thou art in God’s heart of love; not only in it, but first in it. Oh, what a message of mercy to thy hell deserving soul! Let Satan paint thy past life in the dark lines of the murderers of the Son of God, still there is mercy for thee; yes, mercy overflowing! His first message is to thee; yes, mercy overflowing! His first message is to you, Jerusalem sinner! And what is that? Pardon of all thy sin—*“repentance and remission of sins…beginning at Jerusalem!”* Oh come to Jesus! Come, sinner, come! Surely He Himself is calling you! Listen again to the wondrous word—*“remission of sins…beginning at Jerusalem.”* This is the brightest picture of grace! It can soar no higher! It can descend no greater depths! Come, sinner, come! He now is about to leave them and gives them directions to go and tarry in Jerusalem till the promise of the Father is sent. *“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”* The position in which the Lord places them here is significant, and shows us how He deals with all His people. A great blessing is about to be granted from heaven. Before receiving it, however, He places His people in the attitude of faith and expectation, in patient waiting, in obedience to His command, and in the midst of their foes. Is not this the way in which God deals with every soul? A blessing from above is promised. Our course in relation to this is faith in the promise, obedience to the command, and patient waiting on God for its fulfillment, in the midst of a world of sin. Surely we wait for a blessing. Surely we know God is faithful, and that not one good thing of all the Lord has promised us shall be lacking. What should be our attitude now?—Faith, Obedience, Patience. Oh, may we be found in this state always; faithful, obedient, patient; praying, watching, working, till the Lord shall send for us! At this point we approach the interesting narrative of our Lord’s ascension. *“And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.”* We have a beautiful commentary on these words in Leviticus 9:22-23. When the high priest was about to enter the tabernacle of old, he lifted up his hands and blessed the people, and in this attitude he passed within. Afterwards, when all the priestly work was over, and he again emerged from the tabernacle, it was with uplifted hands blessing the people; and then, we are told, *“the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the people.”* We have in this narrative a partial and beautiful fulfillment of that of which this was a type. Jesus, the great High Priest, is now about to enter the tabernacle. He is lifting up His hands in blessing, and in this attitude He passes from their sight within the veil. In a little while, when all the priestly work is over, that same High Priest shall again come forth *“in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven”*—with uplifted hands blessing His people. Then, the glory of the Lord shall appear to all the people; *“And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”* all shall know Him, from the least to the greatest; *“for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.”* *“He was parted from them.”* What an expressive word! It reminds us of a family scene. A loved one is about to leave the family hearth. He lingers fondly over the precious treasures he is about to leave. The hour draws near, the time is up. A gentle touch reminds him that he must stay no longer. Still he lingers. And now loving hands have to lay hold of him and separate him from the fond ties round which his heartstrings are entwined. Thus he is parted. Jesus lingers round the hearts that had loved and followed Him. Lovingly He bends over them with uplifted hands. And now the time for separation has come. Still He lingers. Angel hands descend from heaven and part Him from them; and the last glimpse they catch, as the cloud carries Him upward, are the outstretched hands of blessing, an emblem of the attitude He was ever to retain towards them while hidden from their view, till He should come again and receive them to Himself. And what effect had all this upon His people? *“And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:”* They had seen Jesus. He had revealed Himself to them in a gracious, loving manner. This sight produced worship, praise, and blessing. All true worship springs from the same source. It is simply Jesus manifesting Himself to the soul through the written word. Then worship, praise, blessing, must follow. But where the heart sees not Jesus, all worship must be a form, a dead letter. *“They returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”* How wonderful! If, when our Lord had said to them, only a short time before, *“I go my way to Him that sent me;”* and when their hearts were full of sorrow at the thought, some one had whispered: ‘A day is at hand when you will rejoice at His going away,’ could they have believed it? They would have said: ‘Impossible! That can never be.’ Yet that day did come. They returned to Jerusalem not only with joy, but with *“great joy.”* And what do we learn from this? That God gives us strength for our need; *“as thy days, so shall thy strength be;”* not before your day; not beyond your day; but as your day. When the hour of trial comes, God will give the needful strength for it. Then, dear Christian reader, look not at the future. Leave that with God. God comes with every extremity. Only trust Him. Think not of tomorrow. Tomorrow’s need will Surely bring with it tomorrow’s God. Trust and be still, *“stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord…The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”* Oh, trust Him, trust Him! When the hour approaches that now gives you so much anxiety, so much dread, all shall flee away, and you shall pass through it with joy, yea, with *“great joy.”* Trust, oh trust that precious Saviour, and be at peace! They *“returned to Jerusalem with great joy.”* One would have supposed that was the last place in the world they would have gone to. There their Master had been murdered. There His testimony and theirs had been continually rejected. There their lives had been in continual jeopardy. Persecution, insult, slander, and reproach had been heaped upon them on every side. And yet to this place and to these people they now hasten with *“great joy”* filling their hearts! What was the great secret? Ah! They had seen Jesus. His love filled their hearts. His word was burning within them, hence the result. With the love of Jesus burning within, we can go anywhere. His love can make us overleap every barrier, and scatter difficulties of mountain height to the winds. This is what we want now—Jesus’ love filling every niche within. What can stand before it? Nothing! It is omnipotent! Do we want God’s work revived, souls saved, saints comforted, and all God’s people to become *“witnesses of these things”*—lights bright and clear, cities set on the hill that cannot be hid? Oh, then, let the hearts of ministers, of people, be filled with the love of Jesus. This will send us right joyfully to any Jerusalem, with the message of God on our lips. This will send us with zeal into the dens of iniquity and sin, wherever they are to be found. This will bring us souls to Christ and magnify His name. They *“were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.”* Here the chapter closes. O, reader, is this the close of each chapter of our spiritual life? Does each hour, each day, find us in the presence of God, with hearts filled with the love of Jesus, and our lips filled with His praise? Does each act of life find us here? Does the world see us here? O, God, grant that when the chapter of our earthly life closes, whether that life be long or short, it may close upon us as this chapter closes upon the disciples here, with the love of Jesus shining brightly in our souls, and the praises of Jesus on our tongues! Reader, be this thy portion now, and whenever the Lord may send for thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake! O Jesus! Friend unfailing! How dear art Thou to me! Are cares or fears assailing? find my strength in Thee. Why should my feet grow weary Of this my pilgrim way? Rough though the path, and dreary, It ends in perfect day. Naught, naught I court as pleasure, Compared, O Christ with Thee! Thy sorrow without measure Earned peace and joy for me! I love to own, Lord Jesus! Thy claims o’er me Divine; Bought with Thy blood most precious, Whose can I be but Thine? What fills my heart with gladness? ‘Tis Thy abounding grace. Where can I look, in sadness, But, Jesus, on Thy face? My all is Thy providing, Thy love can ne’er grow cold; In Thee, my Refuge, hiding, No good wilt Thou withhold. Why should I droop in sorrow? Thou’rt ever by my side. Why, trembling, dread the morrow? What ill can e’er betide? If I my cross have taken “Tis but to follow Thee; If scorned, despised, forsaken, Naught severs Thee from me. O worldly pomp and glory, Your charms are spread in vain! I’ve heard a sweeter story! I’ve found a truer gain! Where Christ a place prepareth, There is my loved abode: There shall I gaze on Jesus! There shall I dwell with God! For every tribulation, For every sore distress, In Christ I’ve full salvation, Sure help, and quiet rest, No fear of foes prevailing! I triumph, Lord, in Thee! O Jesus! Friend unfailing! How dear art Thou to me! *Berlin Gesangbuch* Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [The Preparation Of The Passover](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-preparationof-the-passover/) **Published:** June 4, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** “Now the feast of unleavened bread drew nigh, which is called the Passover. 2And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people. 3Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4And he went his way, and communed with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray him unto them. 5And they were glad, and covenanted to give him money. 6And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude. 7Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed. 8And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. 9And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare? 10And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. 11And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? 12And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. 13And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover. 14And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.” —Luke 22:1-14 Jerusalem, with all its religious festivals and ordinances, was externally what it had ever been. Year by year these festivals came round and found the people in the same beaten path, strictly attentive to the outward act, and meticulously so in a superincumbent mass of details nowhere prescribed in God’s law. It has ever been the case, that a religion decaying in vitality increases its external rites as well as its painstaking in attending to them. It would seem as if conscience were accusing the inner heart, on account of its decline, and that in order to silence its reproofs, it would make up for the lack of internal vitality by external ceremonies. It is in this way that a form of godliness is so deceptive. It looks all the more beautiful for the ab­sence of life, just as the polished marble, which takes in not one ray of the sun’s warmth, reflects its beams all the more brightly. The corpse looks often much more beautiful than previous to the departure of the spirit from its tabernacle. So it is often with religion, in its external form. So it was with Jerusalem, its religion was not only a decaying thing, it had decayed. The life, the true life of God, had gone out of it. It was the body without the soul. How do we prove this? The opening words of this chapter show us: *“And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him.”* Jesus was, Jesus is, the life of all true religion. They would not have Him. They sought to kill Him. Yet, He must be killed. The feast of the Passover drew nigh. At the feast God’s own word had delivered that the people should *“take to them every man a lamb”* that it should be slain in the evening; that its blood should be struck *“on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.”* The day and the hour came round. Where was the lamb? Where is the blood? Where’s the flesh to eat? Jesus must needs be slain. He was the Lamb, His the blood, His the flesh to eat. God was providing the lamb, while these chief priests and scribes were the blind instruments. They were planning, plotting, working hard, while God was overruling. Each and every step of theirs was carrying out God’s end, while blindly imagining they were carrying out only their own. But who was to betray the Saviour?—a Disciple. Where was He to be betrayed?—in the Church. Yes, it has ever been that the Lord has been betrayed in the Church. Had the Church been true to Him, how His cause would have triumphed! But He and His cause have been betrayed in the Church. There the betrayer has arisen, there the cause has suffered. Satan is first in the scene here, is he not in every scene? He is the ruling spirit at all times in the world, but he never appears in his true character as when he enters the Church, or when he is displayed in a disciple. The betrayal of the Lord Jesus came not from the world; it came from a disciple. What a humbling thought! Therefore we are told that in him, especially, the devil was seen. The very contrast of discipleship only made this the plainer. The disciple can do what the world cannot—betray the Master! The disci­ple has means and ways to carry out this end that the world has never thought of. Surely, Satan is conspicuous there in a way that he is not among even the *“chief priests and captains!”* Yes, the Devil, he is the actor, the disciple the instrument and so, as is always the case, the Saviour suffers and dies. But we are told something of this disci­ple, in words sufficiently ominous, at the very outset: *“Then entered Satan into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.”* It is as if the Spirit of God would say, ‘he had no other part with the Lord’s people than being of the number.’ The numerical part was the only connection between him and the Saviour, or between him and the Lord’s peo­ple. Satan is never at rest; where he enters it is to work, to be active. Therefore it is said that when he entered into Judas *“he went his way.”* It is called his way. How so, if he were the blind instrument of another? Because he, in the first place, yielded himself; and *“to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey.”* Our yielding makes us responsible for every act of the one to whom we yield ourselves. Therefore the way Judas took is not said to be Satan’s way, but his own. Whenever the disciple leaves the presence of Jesus to make the world *“glad,”* Christ must suffer in His cause as well as in the heart of that disciple. We cannot leave the presence of Jesus to go into the world, without making it richer and ourselves poorer; without making it *“glad”* and ourselves sorrowful. Nor can we go back to the presence of the Saviour from the world without carrying the spirit of the world along with us. Judas made the enemies of the Lord *“glad.”* He came back to the presence of Jesus, bringing in his heart what he had not when he left the side of Jesus—a powerful stimulant to sin in the reward of­fered by the world. What a scene was displayed in that upper room! What a picture of the world in which we live. There was one as near to Jesus as a saint can ever be, whether in heaven or earth—on His bosom. There was another as far off as man can be, even possessed by the very person of Satan! In the very presence of the Lord Himself, in the holiest of all assemblies, there was a traitor. Oh, may there not be such a traitor in the heart of the holiest! May we not, in the midst of our holiest things, have a heart that is nourishing a traitor! Even where the Lord is, there stands Judas. Let us now turn and look at the preparation for the Passover: *“Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed. And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the Passover, that we may eat. And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?”* The disciples must not only do God’s work, but do it where He would have it done. If the Master is to feast with us, it must be in the place and in the way He appoints. We must follow His bidding, in dependence on His word; and He will Surely guide us to the right path, the right man, the right house, and the right room. Going forward, as the disciples did here, with His instructions in memory and heart, and following these and these only, we shall Surely have the Saviour to feast with us: *“I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”* *“And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.”* Two striking truths are brought before us in the passage just quoted. The first, How far should a Christian follow the leadings of providence? In an answer to the question, *“Where wilt Thou that we prepare?”* the Lord Jesus simply directs them to go into the city, and when they were there, they should be directed. They were to see a man bearing a pitcher of water. We see here, however, that the first step was obedience to the Lord’s word; afterwards they should see the signs He had pointed out. First of all, obedience to the word, and then they should see and might follow the leadings of providence. Before a Christian can feel himself justified in following the leadings of providence, he must be in the same place as the disciples were here. They were in the presence of Jesus, listening to His instructions, treasuring them up in memory and heart, and acting implicitly on them. These things comprise nearness to Jesus, look­ing to Jesus, trusting in Jesus, and obedience to Jesus. This is the state of heart a man must be in if he would safely follow the leading of providence. To follow providential leadings without this, we shall follow what we think is the leading of the Lord, but only because it accords with some favorite plan we had chalked out for ourselves. How often are such leadings followed, and we come to find they have been but the following out of our own inclinations or likings. We have decided on some course, and anxiously look out for some favorable turn in circumstances to give it sanction. Some coincidence happens, rather strange and unexpected, and this is looked upon as a voice from heaven, as a leading of providence! We come to find, in after years, that it was a mistake; and although God makes *“all things,”* even our mistakes, *“work together for good to them that love God,”* we have to reap the bitter fruits. We followed our own heart’s secret wish or liking, perhaps unconsciously, and fondly persuaded ourselves it was the Lord’s way, made now very plain! Yes, dear Christian reader, such mistakes as these you will always be making unless you are in the place of the disciples here. If you are not, you have no warrant whatever for expecting any such manifestation on your behalf. You sin in expecting it. They to whom such plain providential leadings were accorded here, when they should enter the city, were men who loved the Saviour, followed Him, were in His very presence, listening to His word, and going forth through the world with that word hid within them, and with it only as their guide. Is this the case with you, reader? Do you follow Jesus; follow Him through evil report and through good? Do you live in His presence? Are you near to His side, listening to His word, following its instructions in all things? Then indeed you will be safe in expecting the Lord to give you some gracious tokens of the way, in giving you some providential evidence that you are right, that you may go onward in the path. You shall not miss the way then, nor will you be ready to take as the Lord’s leading any coincidence because it happens to favor a preconceived plan or some secretly cherished wish. Rest assured, the heart that is not living near to God is in no fit state to judge what are leadings of providence. It will, it must, go wrong. It requires faithfulness of heart, sincerity of purpose, a single eye to God’s glory, and a well balanced mind and judgment, to decide on the leadings of providence; and these things are only to be had by a life spent in God’s presence. Say not; ‘this is hard, this is too high a standard.’ Enoch walked with God under far less light than you have and with as many cares on his back. What he did, all God’s people may do. Sit not still, Christian, rest not satisfied with present attainments, whatever they may be. Higher and higher still! Nearer and yet nearer to Jesus! Press towards the mark. Press on through the world, the flesh, the devil. Press through sins and failings, through wanderings and weaknesses, through shadows, and clouds, and darkness. Oh press on nearer and yet nearer to Jesus! We are taught another important truth in this verse; that the Lord will make His way plain after our obedience. We often ask like the disciples here, *“Where wilt thou?”* What course shall I adopt, where shall I go, what will be the issue of this? What is the Lord’s answer? *“Go into the city,”* take the first path open before you; leave the future. Follow the Lord, obey implicitly His word. Take the first step before you, though you only see that one. You walk by faith, and therefore one step at a time is quite enough. Take this step. God will make every other plain. When the disciples had gone into the city; then, but not till then, they saw the man with a pitcher, the house, the Goodman, and the room. Do you the same and depend upon it the same result will follow; you will be guided to the right place, and you will find that in following the Lord fully, He has brought you into a guest chamber, where He will sup with you and you with Him. The joy of the Lord will be yours. *“Follow him into the house where he entereth in.”* Here we have another important truth brought before us. When the Lord Jesus seeks a place in our hearts and homes, He does not force us against our wills. He does not ask us to go another way, or to go to another house, or to lay down the pitcher and take up some other duty. No, grace never does this, it says; carry your pitcher, go to your house, but let me go along with you. Grace would only sanctify our callings and duties. It would ask for a place in them all. We shall have all the better duties, all the happier homes, all the more joyful guest chambers, for having Jesus along with us. And there should be no duty, no calling, no home, no guest chamber, where He cannot be taken, where He cannot be glorified. O reader, remember this, and cling to Jesus! Go nowhere, do nothing, say nothing, unless you can have Him with you. Live for Him—for Him only. Is there anything else worth living for? Oh, nothing! Live for Him, with Him, in Him! They only, who live such, truly live. Life without Jesus as the chief moving spring is sleep, slumber, death! However, though there are no compulsions in true religion, though the Lord asks us only for a place in everything, yet where He comes, He comes to reign; where He is admitted, He will only enter as a sovereign. *“And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?”* The word is, *“The Master saith.”* Into that heart or home where He is about to take up His abode, He will enter only as *“The Master.”* All within must bend to His will. All must subserve His glory. He, and only He, must sit on the throne there and every will; all affections, plans, every duty, must become His subject. Yea, the husband, the wife, every child, every relative, every servant within that house must come under the influence of his laws. The Goodman of that house must know, and know it from the Lord Himself, that in his own house and home there is a Master, even over him. Mark another truth taught here, from the message of the Lord to this *“goodman”* and to this house. *“Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?”* Mark, reader, the inseparable connection between Christ and His disciples; It is not where I shall eat the passover. No. That is never the message of Jesus. It is *“where I shall eat…with my disciples?”* Where the Lord Jesus finds a heart and a home, there, too, must His people find the same hearty welcome. He will not dwell where they cannot find a welcome. Think you, dear reader, that He who said, *“With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you”* would have entered that dwelling except on this condition; *“with my disciples?”* Listen to His own words, applicable as much to the present time as to the future, *“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am.”* Dear reader, if yours be not a heart or home that can joyfully admit the disciple, there the Master will not dwell. Say not, he is so peculiar, or he holds views so different from mine, or he is so opposed to any own particular system that I cannot take him to my heart. O narrow hearted soul! Go and see if you can carry that spirit into the presence of God! These are the very things that will prove the character of your religion. These are the things that will test your forbearance, and patience, and love. If your religion be good for anything, it will stand this test. If it has the stamp of heaven, it will bear all for the Master’s sake. O reader, ask for this large heartedness! Ask for this love to the Master, which will overleap every barrier. Ask for that large heart and loving spirit that will scorn to let such paltry differences come between thy soul and Jesus. Remember the word of the Lord Jesus to thee—*“I and my disciples.”* Yes, reader, this word is to thee. Mark the individu­ality of it in this passage; *“And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber?”* Reader, have thou a place in your heart for the Master? Is there a cham­ber there for Him which He can make a guestchamber? Or is thy heart like the inn of Bethlehem, which had room for everything and everyone but Jesus? The message comes now to thee, as Surely as it did of old, *“Where is the guestchamber?”* Where is it, reader? Is it in thy heart? Is it in thy household? The voice that cried of old unto Adam; *“Where art thou?”* still cries aloud to each heart, *“Where is the guestchamber?”* With eternity before thee, with the awful concerns of a never dying soul hanging on the issues of this question, I ask thee solemnly, before God, hast thou a place in your heart for the Master? Oh! It will be a sad case for thee if thou hast not. Turn not away from looking this matter in the face. Say not; ‘this was a well prepared, furnished room, but my heart is not prepared, my heart is not furnished. It is all sinful, and vile, and wretched.’ Jesus will enter in if you are ready and willing to take Him. He will make it fit for Him. He will furnish it for Himself. He Himself is all that is needed to make the chamber *“all glorious within.”* You can not make it ready yourself. You can not furnish it by any amount of effort of your own. Every such effort is sin. Christ is standing at the door; let Him in, and all will then be done. He will then make that chamber a guest chamber, a place of joy and gladness, a place of song and victory. Only, sinner let Him in. Take Him as thy Saviour. Look at Him as having forgiven all thine iniquities, as having pardoned all thy sins. Look at the cross and see it all done, and done, sinner, for thee. Cease from all thine own doings, and accept, just as you are; a poor, bankrupt soul, the finished work of Jesus. Take this finished salvation, this all sufficient, ever loving Saviour, into thine heart now. Listen to the sounds of redeeming love ringing in thine ears from heaven, in answer to the deep-seated inquiry in thy soul, *“what must I do to be saved?”*—*“It is finished.”* Nothing to be done to save thyself; you have been saved by the doing of another. Fling thine own doings to the winds. Receive, and receive now, the doing of another— Jesus. He has done the work. He has saved thy soul; *“It is finished.”* Can you not receive it! Oh listen, believe, and rejoice! Master of a household, head of a family, owner of an establishment with servants under you, and for whose moral as well as spiritual welfare you art responsible, *“The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber?”* Are all the members of thy household children of God? Are thy children daily trained up, *“in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”* Are thy ser­vants taught that they serve not you but the Lord Jesus Christ? Art thou living before them as a witness for Jesus? Is there something of heaven about thee, and thy children, and thy household? Master! Master! *“The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber?”* What answer canst thou make to God in these matters? Say not, I pay them well, I work my servants none too hard, they have plenty of opportunities of attending to these things; I don’t meddle with their religion, it is entirely a matter between their own souls and God! Master, say not so! Thou art deceiving thyself. Thou art responsible, in no small degree for the state of their souls. On thee, master, be visited their blood if you see not to this matter. The ruin of their souls will only drag thee down if you dismiss the matter in this way. Hast thou done all thou canst to set Christ before them? Hast thou, without forcing or intruding injudiciously, spoken to them about their never dying souls? Hast thou set the truth before them, and set them in the way of the truth, as well as thou art able to do it? Master, you are responsible, and one day thou wilt see it. *“See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh.”* Minister of Christ, *“The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber?”* Is there a place in thy heart and home for Jesus? Ah! Thou wilt never speak to the hearts of others if Jesus be not living and abid­ing in your own heart! Art thou living near to Him, living in the light of His countenance? Does thy spirit pant for Him? Can thou bear to live outside of His sweet, solemnizing, holy presence? Is Christ car­ried with thee into the pulpit, into the parish, into the cottage, to the dinner table and the drawing room? Christ in thy heart, Christ on thy lips, Christ in thy conduct? Minister, of whatsoever denomination thou art, *“The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber?”* O reader, I earnestly beseech thee to ponder these things. Live not on without Christ in thy guest chamber! Make room for Him and His, though everything else be shut out! Let not the world, or the flesh, or the devil make a fool of you by shutting out your nearest and dearest Friend. The world shuts Him out—Oh, take Him in. The world will have none of Him—Make Him thy all. It is but for *“a little while!”* Oh, to meet Him with His brand upon our brow and His right glad welcome in our hearts! *“Heir of God,”* may this be for thee and me! Here is my heart! my God, I give it Thee; I heard Thee call, and say, Not to the world, my child, but unto me; I heard and will obey. Here is love’s offering to my King, Which in glad sacrifice I bring. Here is my heart! in Christ its longings end, Near to His cross it draws; It says, Thou art my portion, O my Friend, Thy blood my ransom was; And in the Saviour it has found What blessedness and peace abound. Here is my heart! Teach it, O Lord, to cling In gladness unto Thee; And in the day of sorrow still to sing, Welcome my God’s decree. Believing, all its journey through, That Thou art just, and wise, and true. Here is my heart! O Friend of friends, be near To make each tempter fly; And if my latest foe I wait with fear Give me the victory. Gladly on Thy love reposing, Let me say, when life is closing, “Here is my heart!” *Ehrenfried Liedich* Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled --- ### [Glimpses Of Christ And His People](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/glimpses-of-christ-and-his-people/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 2I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not. 3The watchmen that go about the city found me: to whom I said, Saw ye him whom my soul loveth? 4It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 5I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please. 6Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? 7Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. 8They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night. 9King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. 10He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. 11Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart. —Song Of Solomon 3 This world of ours is full of danger to the soul of the believer. There is no place, no scene, no circum­stance, from which this danger is absent. Our very blessings are full of danger. The choicest gifts from the hand of God form no exception to this rule. The blessings of life have a tendency to make the believer sit at ease in the world, to find a resting place below the skies, to build his nest in the branches of this green tree. The gifts of God may draw away his affections from the Giver, leaving the balance on the side of the fond treasures by which he is surrounded. And then, if the soul is to be brought back to its right state, comes the crushing stroke, the bleeding heart, the tearful eye. These are life’s daily lessons. In one form or another they are the lot of all. The snow-white locks, the deep lines in the furrowed brow, the half suppressed sigh, the secret tear forcing itself to the eyelid in spite of ourselves; these are some of the penalties a treach­erous world inflicts on our too trusting hearts. And why is there such sorrow in every hour, such danger in every path? The cause is in the heart. The world does not take our hearts by assault, or we should be better able to resist it. No, it steals a march upon us. The citadel is captured while we have not yet awaked from slumber. We have lain in the world’s lap so long that we have become overpowered by its influence. The ease of nature, the repose of the flesh, the absence of outward trial and the comparative prosperity of our path have stolen a march on the soul. Somehow or other the heart is not quite so fresh in its breath­ings after God as it used to be. There is not the inner thirsting, the secret panting of spirit for the light and joy of the Lord’s presence which once character­ized us. We feel a distance between our souls and Jesus. We perceive; perhaps not a dark cloud or a deep gulf between Him and our hearts, but a few films and shadows obscuring the dear countenance once so bright to our view. This has come about, not from indulged sin, not from any plain and persistent course of disobedience, but from the heart’s repose in the blessings and gifts of God by which it is surrounded; by lying too unreservedly in the lap of ease and comfort. In this way our inner heart has become almost a stranger to the *“cross daily”* taken up for the Lord’s sake. It has had a long repose and now it starts from its slumber to find that all is not quite right with it. It misses the peaceful, joyful, soul-restoring presence of the Lord Jesus. So it is with the believer in these opening verses. *“By night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loveth: I sought him, but I found him not.”* She was on the bed and there she missed the Saviour. Ah, the sweet presence of Jesus is not in the repose of the flesh, in the lap of nature. Christ and the cross, Christ and self-denial, Christ and earnest wakeful watchfulness, Christ and an ever pressing towards the mark, these are inseparable companions; not Christ and ease, Christ and repose, Christ and slumber. We may seek Him in the latter, but the heart will be painfully conscious that He is not with it in them. Its deep, unspoken language will be, *“I sought him, but I found him not.”* Still there is one thing that keeps it safe; one golden link that binds that heart to the Saviour, even in the very midst of all this and that is love: *“I sought him whom my soul loveth.”* This, in God’s hand, will sooner or later set the heart right again. This stirs it up, makes it feel that all is not right within and lifts it up from the bed on which it has too long lain. The love of Christ shining within and drawing the heart after Him by its heavenly attraction is the source of all renewing, reviving energy in the soul. This, touched afresh by the finger of God’s Spirit, or under the chas­tening strokes of a Father’s hand, makes it rise up in renewed energy and seek again that which it has lost: *“I will rise now,”* is the soul’s language. All is wakefulness, earnestness. It has heard a voice from heaven on that bed, *“Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”* The heart has looked around, like the prodigal in the far country, and missed this and that; the plenty of the Father’s table, the joy and gladness of the presence of Jesus, and it exclaims with him, *“I will arise, and go to my Father.”* True, a thorny path lies before it, a tedious path; and perhaps a long one, before it is again seated at that Father’s table. Still there is one precious thought. From the moment it exclaimed, *“I will arise,”* that moment the loving Father started forth to meet the wanderer. The journey taken, the meet­ing will soon be, then the long lost joy and glad­ness, the plenty of the Father’s house. So with the beloved here: *“I will rise now, and go about the city in the streets, and in the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth.”* Still she does not find Him. The mournful cry ascends from the heart, *“I sought him, but I found him not.”* Why is this? Can the Lord be sought and not be found? If when we wander from Him He could be again found with ease it would seem to be a less grievous thing than it is to forsake Him. The Lord loves not to stand at a distance in our earnest seeking after Him; but we must learn by experience that, *“it is an evil thing and bitter,”* to *“forsake the living God.”* Therefore He stands at a distance, in order that the soul may learn thoroughly this needed lesson. This is Infinite wisdom. It makes us dread to leave His side again. It makes us cleave and cling more firmly to Jesus than ever we did. It makes us cry from the depths of our souls, *“Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.”* Still the love of Christ in the heart only urges her onward. She sits not down in despair. She seeks Him, and she must find Him, or her heart cannot rest. Like Mary at the sepulcher, she stoops down and weeps, passes all earthly glory by, nay, heavenly glory also, for the longing she has after Jesus. No resting place for her troubled heart till Jesus is found. Oh, what are angels, what is heaven itself, to the heart that loves the Saviour and yet sees Him not! Nothing, nothing! Jesus only is its cry; and having Him, it has all. The watchmen are next tried: *“Saw ye him whom my soul loveth?”* She does not mention names, for her own heart is so full of love that she supposes every one must know Him and love Him too. Like Mary at the tomb again, when asked by the Saviour, whom she supposed to be the gardener, *“whom seekest thou,”* she mentions no name, but says, *“Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.”* Jesus had so possessed her own heart that she supposed the gardener and all others were possessed with Him in the same degree. Would to God it were so with us all! Oh, that Christ had this place in our affections; so filling every niche in the heart that we could see nothing else! Reader, does Christ hold an exalted place in your heart? Is Christ all to you? Oh, you are not worthy of Him if He be not! Now comes the great, the joyous change; *“It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth.”* Mark, dear reader: *“It was but a little,”* precious, precious words! The Lord loves not to stand at a distance. The Lord will stand at a distance only *“a little.”* Only till we have learned thoroughly the lesson, what a bitter thing it is to leave Him. Only until we have *“passed from them,”* till we have found the emptiness of everything besides. Only till we have come to the end of the city, the streets, the broad ways, the watchmen; only till the end of everything here. Only until the soul has learned thoroughly the lesson that all its hope is Jesus, Jesus only. Then does He present Himself; then does the heart cling to Him as it never did before. Only with its last expiring breath will it cease to clasp the Saviour. *“I held him, and would not let him go.”* Then does the Savior not only meet us graciously, lovingly, and draw our hearts to Him; He places Himself in our power. He allows us to detain him. Like the disciples on the way to Emmaus we constrain Him. We move the heart of our God. We make Him turn in to our dwelling. It is as if He could not resist our plea. *“Abide with us,”* is the language of the heart. And He allows the soul to move Him; to bring Him: *“Into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.”* What may we learn from these figures? *“My mother’s house,”* my native home, the place of my heart and all its affections; the dearest place earth knows, as well as the nearest. Oh yes, the soul now desires to bring the Saviour into everything; every place and every duty, every scene and every circumstance. The heart’s native place must be His also; where it loves to dwell He must dwell likewise. It has no home, no resting place, if He be not there. Where that heart is, He must be too, or else the place has no attraction for it. Oh, blessed renewal! Blessed waking up! How precious the dealing that remained at a distance to produce this glorious result. Surely we shall praise God throughout eternity, most of all for the cross; for our dark clouds and thorny paths, for our heart-rending and *“deeps calling unto deep.”* Surely these things will wake a new melody from the golden harps, new praises from our tongues! Surely the sweetest songs of heaven will rise from the deepest sorrows of earth! But, mark again. Not only does she bring her Saviour into the *“mother’s house”* but *“into the cham­ber of her that conceived me.”* This is quite a distinct thing. The mother’s house is the home of the heart, where others may enter with the Saviour. But this is a chamber in that house, a secret chamber, a place where all are excluded but the nearest and dearest. Into this she now brings that Saviour. She must have Him in secret; Him alone with herself, Him where all else are shut out—Him and only Him. The soul’s desire is now to hold communion with Jesus. Oh, how near she now draws to His side, how near He draws to her? What sweet fellowship there is now between heart and heart! How God and his child hold fellowship together, as if they never could part! Reader, do you know anything of this? This is being within the veil. Has your soul ever yet tasted such bliss? Mark then, the two features in this returning Christian bringing Jesus into everything and holding sweet fellowship alone with Him. What does the Saviour Himself say about this? *“I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.”* The correct rendering of the closing words of this verse is, *“till she please.”* or, till the hour of his full pleasure is come. The *“roes and the hinds of the field”* are, of all other animals, the most quick to hear. The least sound or approach of danger can be heard by them at a great distance. This is the reason the figure is used. The soul desiring to have nothing without Jesus, and living near to His side, is in a safe place. There it is most quick1y alive to danger. There it discerns evil most quickly, sees the foe at a great distance, hears the sound of alarm when others living at a greater distance are deaf. Three times only in this precious book are these words used, and on each occa­sion because of the nearness of the soul to Christ. The Lord is just saying in this verse, she is now near to me, and with her heart full of me. Stir her not from that spot. Wake her not up from that blessed repose. Leave her there till the hour of her full pleasure is come. And when will be the Church’s hour of full pleasure? The morning of resurrection. Her cup of joy will then be full. But not till then. Thus she anticipates it—*“I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.”* Lord, hasten that day! *“Come, Lord Jesus! come quickly.”* And now, how is the believer seen? No longer on the *“bed,”* but as she ought to be seen at all times; coming out of the wilderness. *“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?”* Now she makes an impression, she arrests attention, she witnesses for Jesus to those around, so that they look on, and ask, *“Who is this?”* We have a similar view in the eighth chapter and fifth verse. *“Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved”* It is the leaning on Jesus, the humility, the conscious helplessness, the entire dependence on Him, that strikes the world’s eye and leaves an impression behind, so that they ask, *“Who is this?”* So here—she is now alive, awake. She is now no longer reposing on the bed, but *“coming up out of the wilderness.”* So it is that she speaks for God. It is *“out of the wilderness”* the back turned on the world and all its vanities, and the face towards heaven that speaks for God. It is the unworldliness, the heavenly-mindedness, the self-sacrifice, the pressing onward toward the mark—these are the things that speak for God; these are the things that make the world look on and *“take knowledge of them,”* that have *“been with Jesus.”* But how is she seen coming *“out of the wilderness”* In a special manner. She is seen as *“pillars of smoke”* This strikes the eye. This arrests the attention. And what is this figure? We have in these words a picture of Israel in the wilderness; a type of the true Israel of God. A cloud spread itself over the people as they journeyed, protect­ing them from the scorching rays of the sun. In their front was a cloudy pillar which led them onward. In the night-time a pillar of fire gave them light light to the people of God—but darkness to all others. A cloud is, in Scripture, the symbol of God’s presence. It is of constant occurrence. This cloud, or *“pillar of smoke,”* breathed a sweet perfume of myrrh and frankincense. It is this cloud, in the passage before us that strikes the eye. It is because of this cloud upon the people, fragrant with its delicious perfumes, that the question is asked, *“Who is this?”* It is Christ seen in us, and over us, and with us, that makes men take knowledge of us, and ask, *“Who is this?”* It is Christ that makes us fragrant, Christ that fills us with sweet perfumes. This—only this—speaks for God in a dying world. And the more we are covered with this cloud, this precious One, Christ Jesus, the brighter will our light shine, the clearer will be our testimony before men. Lord Jesus, cover us with this cloud! Cover us in every step we take, at all times, in all places, with Thyself! Let nothing of us be seen! Hide us, Lord, in the clefts of the Rock! Let Thyself be seen, only Thyself, Lord, in all Thy precious fragrance, and so may we come up *“out of the wilderness”* But what are the perfumes of the *“pillars of smoke?”* They are *“myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?”* Myrrh is bitter, emblematical of the cross. Frankincense is sweet, emblematical of the joys, the gladness, the delights of that cross. Of old, it was said to Israel, when they were feasting on the lamb, *“With bitter herbs they shall eat it.”* They had the frankincense in the fast—in the joy of their security in the blood of the lamb. They had the, *“myrrh”* in the *“bitter herbs,”* which they had to eat along with that lamb. The sufferings of Christ and the consolations of Christ are inseparable. They ever run side by side. The believer is baptized into Christ’s sufferings; he feels that the myrrh is his portion. But oh, how sweet the frankincense! The mercy-seat, the intercession of Christ, the joy of the Lord, the love ever-abiding, unchangeable, the comfort of the Spirit; these form the fragrant perfumes springing from the cross, from the frankincense combined with the myrrh. Oh, precious cloud by which we are covered! Jesus, Jesus, it is Thou! Thou art all our sweetness, all our beauty, all our joy! *“With all powders of the merchant*,” with every perfume that can be conceived or known. In Him is concentrated all fragrance, all beauty. Heaven is holy and beautiful only because He is there. Its golden harps have no melody apart from His dear name. Its new song would be all discord apart from Him. Its very light and atmosphere, its golden pavement and jasper walls; all, without Him, would be dreariness, desolation, and death. Yes, in our dear, precious Jesus, is concentrated the fragrance of *“all powders of the merchant”* The sufferings of the cross, the fragrance of the mercy-seat, the sum of all peace, all joy; these are in the cloud, in the “*pillars of smoke”* which cover the people of God as they *“cometh out of the wilderness.”* *“Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness.”* Once they were enemies; now are they the redeemed of the Lord. Once hateful and hating one another; now are they knit together in the bonds of a Saviour’s love. Once without hope, without God, *“afar off;”* but now the pardoned, accepted, beloved, and chosen. As such they are coming up from the wilderness, leaning upon her beloved. *“Who is this that cometh up from the wilderness”* Weak, wandering, helpless ones, full of failings, infirmities, and sins; often in the depths of sorrow and in paths of perplexity and distress; often with a tearful eye and a bleeding heart; often *“stooping down, and looking…into the sepulcher,”* and anon on Tabor’s summit. Yet the cloud is round them; the arms of love beneath them; the eye of Omnipotence and Mercy never of them; and Canaan, with its songs of victory, before them. Thus are they seen coming up out of the wilderness. *“Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s”* Here the Saviour, the true “Solomon,” the Prince of peace, reposes. Among His people, thus “cometh out of the wilderness” He delights to dwell. There He rests with joy. It is His *“bed,” “Behold”* it! See the cloud in which He dwells! Mark ye the fragrance which issues from it! It is *“myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant”*—*“Behold”* it! There Jesus rests. There is the fullness of His joy! *“Threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. They all hold swords, being expert in war: every man hath his sword upon his thigh because of fear in the night.”* This is the night dispensation through which the Lord’s people are now passing. *“The night is far spent, the day is at hand”* Dangers throng them in the darkness of this night. Foes of every kind are in their path—foes without and fears within. They are passing through a *“wilderness.”* There is no green spot near. Fierce howling wolves are abroad, seeking their prey. The darkness of the night favors their designs. All is danger. And whom do they surround? There are *“lambs”* in that flock—weak, trembling, helpless ones. They are full of *“fear in the night.”* They need to be cared for, watched over, taken to the bosom of the Lord, to be guarded from error, and shielded by truth. Therefore there are *“ministers”* over the Lord’s weak ones; men wakeful, watchful, sober, vigilant; men who have the love of Christ shed abroad in their hearts, and the care of His people their first concern. They are men who know the truth, and love it, and are prepared to stand by it in the face of every foe. They have no name, no party, no badge, beyond being *“the valiant of Israel.”* They fight the Lord’s battles. They guard, strengthen, and build up the weak. One feature distinguishes them— *every man hath his sword on his thigh”* the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, is bound closely to their hearts. It is the only weapon seen on them. They never travel without it. It is always at hand. It is a keen, two-edged blade, and in the Spirit’s hand pierces deeply. Their Master told them to carry it always with them. He used it Himself to meet every foe. *“It is written”* made that foe fly back at every quarter. That sword is now girded on their thigh. But not always girded. It is ever and anon in their hands. *“They all hold swords”* They know they are on a field of battle, and that after the sword has been in their hands, it must not be put away, but girded to the thigh. They are told not only to *“withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”* The armor is never off them. The battle is never over. They *“stand”* as true soldiers on the field, with the sword ever at their side. And they know how to use that sword. They are no novices in the faith. They are *“expert in war.”* The midnight vigil, the trench work, the assault, the roar of artillery, and the clash of arms, these have made them what they are. They have had to meet Satan in his wiles, as well as in open warfare. They have had to meet him as an *“angel of light,”* as well as a beast of prey, *“seeking whom be may devour.”* These are the Lord’s valiant ones, the guardians of His people, the soldiers of the cross, standing sleeplessly and earnestly round the *“bed”* of the Prince of peace, as with His chosen ones He is seen coming up *“out of the wilder­ness”* Let us now turn and look at Solomon’s chariot. *“King Solomon made himself a chariot of the wood of Lebanon. He made the pillars thereof of silver, the bottom thereof of gold, the covering of it of purple, the midst thereof being paved with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.”* We are here presented with a view of the Lord’s chariot of salvation. It is that which is to convey the bride to her royal inheritance. The believer steps into it the moment he is brought to know Jesus. The Lord Jesus, the Prince of peace, is there, and His bride by His side. It is made *“of the wood of Lebanon.”*—the fragrant and incorruptible cedar. It is made by no human hands; *“King Solomon made himself a chariot.”* The plan of salvation was wrought out in heaven, it is the Lord’s own devising. Salvation is His from beginning to end. Man has no part in it whatever. It is of fragrant and incorruptible material, it is fragrant with the blood of Jesus. It is incorruptible, for it is founded on Him who is the first and the last, the beginning and the ending, the Almighty. Its pillars are of silver. Apostles, martyrs, prophets, are those pillars. They are refined and purified as silver. The, Lord causes them to *“pass under the rod.”* He refines them as silver in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. They are cast into the furnace. The Lord Himself sits by. The fire purges away their dross. Then when the silver reflects the refiner’s image they are taken out. Not one moment sooner, lest the dross should not be purged; not one moment longer, lest the silver should be injured. Then they become pillars in the temple of God. They are the ornament and support of the chariot of salvation. *“The bottom thereof of gold”* The foundation of this chariot is gold. This gold is Jesus. *“I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.”* *“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich.”* This golden foundation, then, is Jesus. It forms the bottom of the chariot and its back. On this those who are inside recline. So it is with Jesus. The Church reclines on Him. He is her sure and precious foundation. He is her resting-place. Without Him she has nothing solid beneath her. Without Him she has no hope of salvation. *“The covering of it of purple”* The covering over her, that which spreads itself over her head, is the royal color. Her Saviour is “King of kings,” and she is also a king—a “king and a priest unto God.” She has a kingdom which cannot be moved. She has a crown before her which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall soon place upon her brow. She is soon to—*“live and reign with Christ.”* *“The midst thereof being paved with love”* The inner part of this heavenly chariot is love. The love of Jesus is that on which she rests. He “loved me, and gave himself for me.” The banner which floats over the banqueting house is *“love”*—the unutterable love of Jesus. The internal part of this chariot of salvation is the same—the love of Jesus. “Having loved His own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.” *“God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”* *“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God”* Ah, this no tongue can utter; this no mortal page can show; The love of Jesus, what it is, None but His loved ones know. *“Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the crown wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his espousals, and in the day of the gladness of his heart.”*The mother brings forth the son, and heaven brought forth Jesus. There the counsels of redeeming love were planned. There everything was arranged. Heaven sent forth the beloved Son. He *“loved the church, and gave himself for it;”* In that day when, on the cross, He gave Himself for the Church, He espoused her to Himself. She became His betrothed bride. We behold the Saviour’s dying love, and we cast our crown, even now, at His feet. The Church on high, the Church below—the Church militant, and the Church trium­phant—cast their crowns at His feet, and cry, *“Worthy is the Lamb”* It was joy to Him to leave His bright home on high, and give Himself for her. It was the *“gladness of his heart.”* to redeem her from *“this pres­ent evil world”* That hour was to Him the hour of espousal, the hour of the *“gladness of his heart.”* Yet a little while and He shall come forth. On His head shall be many crowns—conspicuous above all, the crown of redemption. Now the cry is, *“Go forth and behold king Solomon”* Go forth, sinners, and look upon this Jesus. Go forth, Christians, and behold this precious Saviour. Behold Him! Is he not worthy of all praise! Behold Him! Should He not attract every eye. Behold Him! The *“chief of ten thousand,” “he is altogether lovely”* Behold Him, O ye heavens! Behold Him, all ye nations of the earth! The crown is on the head of Jesus, hasten and bow at His feet. The crown is on the head of Jesus. *“Go forth”* and own him as your Saviour, your King, and your God. He is now about to come forth from the inner shrine with that crown on His head. Then *“every eye shall see him”*—*“every tongue should confess”* Him. Oh, now, before that hour of judgment and wrath breaks upon thine head, sinner, go forth and fall at His feet. Accept Him while the hand of mercy is outstretched to welcome thee. Yet a few more suns shall rise and set, and then shall no longer be extended the hand of mercy, but the outstretched arm of judgment. O sinner, O nominal professor, with a name to live but dead! Hasten to His feet! *“now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”* Oh for the robes of whiteness; Oh for the tearless eye; Oh for the glorious brightness Of the unclouded sky! “Oh for the no more weeping Within the land of love; The endless joy of keeping The bridal feast above. “Oh for the bliss of rising My risen Lord to meet! Oh for the rest of lying Forever at His feet! “Oh for the hour of seeing My Saviour face to face; The hope of ever being In that sweet meeting-place. “Jesus, Thou King of glory, I soon shall dwell with Thee! I soon shall sing the story Of thy great love to me. “Meanwhile my thoughts shall enter E’en now before Thy throne; That all my love may center On Thee and Thee alone. Rate this post **Categories:** Frederick Whitfield --- ### [The Four Manifestations](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-four-manifestations/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. 2There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. 3Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. 4But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. 5Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. 6And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. 7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. 8And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. 9As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. 10Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. 11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. 12Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. 13Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. 14This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 18Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. 19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. 20Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. 23Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? 24This is the disciple which testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. 25And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen. —John 21 The soul that possesses Christ carries within itself the Divine panacea for every evil. Where there is not a firm fixture on this foundation, the heart of man must ever be subject to fluctuation, and carry within itself a tendency to doubt and despair. To know Christ experimentally as our Saviour and our God; to know Him as having followed us when *“afar off,”* found us and brought us home to His fold; to know Him as having forgiven all our sins, this is peace, this is joy, this is the soul’s secret strength, light in the midst of its darkness. It is an anchor that holds the soul fast amid all the tumultuous heavings of life’s troubled sea; the hope entering within the veil, laying hold of the great Forerunner, the Lord Jesus Christ. The chapter we have selected for consideration brings this before us in its opening words. Let us mark them carefully. May we learn again what we have so often learned before, and cannot learn too deeply, the Spirit’s lesson taught us in this portion of the Word?the all sufficiency of Christ for every state of man’s heart. *“After these things Jesus showed Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias; and on this wise showed he himself.”* The word *“again”* calls our attention to the previous manifestations of Christ after His resurrection, and recorded in the preceding chapter. The first was to Mary at the sepulcher, the second to the disciples in the upper room, the third to Thomas, and the fourth to the entire band on the shore of Tiberias. These four parties to whom the Saviour presented Himself are the representatives of four great classes of people in the world. And in connection with this view of the subject we press upon the reader the significance of the expression in the opening words of this chapter, “Jesus shewed himself.” Mark how the showing of *“himself,”* on each of these occasions, was all that was required to give peace, joy, gladness, and perfect satisfaction to the heart. In Mary at the sepulcher we have the type of the mourner-the suffering, sorrowing, brokenhearted one. The Saviour simply revealed *“himself”* to her through the sound of her own name, and every tear was dry, and the heart glad and happy. In the disciples in the upper room, waiting for Christ, with the doors shut about them for fear of per­secution, we have a type of the waiting ones, the tried, tempted, persecuted, rejected ones; those who are struggling between hope and fear, hoping in spite of hope, impeded in the path by foes from without and fears from within, yet pressing on to God. To these the Saviour simply showed *“himself,”* through the medium of the wounded hands and the bruised side, and all was joy and gladness. “Then were the disci­ples glad, when they saw the Lord.” In Thomas, we have the type of another class-the doubting, fearing, unbelieving one; the wandering, backsliding one; the one who cannot believe unless all is plain, demonstrative, tangible. To him the Saviour simply showed *“himself,”* and we are told that Thomas exclaimed, in the fullness of his joy, *“My Lord and my God.”* In the entire band of disciples, just returned from their fruitless night of toil on the lake, we have the type of another class—the toiling, the weary, the dis­appointed ones; the hungry, needy, helpless ones; the toilers throughout the long, dark night, with empty vessels, disappointed hopes, and fainting hearts. To these the Saviour simply shows *“himself,”* and all is fullness of joy-the satisfaction of every need, and the reaping of an abundant harvest. Oh how true it is that the heart of man needs only to see Jesus! Whatever its state may be, whether that of Mary mourning for some loved one who has left our hearth and homestead never to be seen again till the morning of resurrection or that of the waiting disciples; in doubt, fear and dread, still hoping on and pressing through the foes by which we are surrounded or whether like Thomas; unbelieving, backsliding, sinful; or the disciples on the shore toiling year after year with no fruit to their labors; all the poor heart needs to see is Jesus. Yes, only Jesus is the Church’s cry. Let Him present Himself to the heart and all will be well. Then will it be filled with joy and gladness and repose on His bosom with perfect rest. In this last manifestation of Christ we have a prophetic lesson brought before us. It is a type of what is yet before the Church and has its spiritual ful­fillment now in the history of each believer. It shall have its literal fulfillment in the morning of the resurrection. The mourning, the waiting, the unbelieving ones are to be satisfied with Christ now. The toilers through the dark night; the hungry, weary, and disappointed ones, are also to be satisfied with Jesus now. But in the morning of resurrection there shall be a full supply, an abundant harvest, an overflowing reward, that shall richly repay all the toil and labor of this dark night through which we are passing. We shall reach the long wished for *“shore,”* and there meet Him whom we have known of old. He shall then open to His toiling ones all the treasures of His love, and grace, and mercy. Every mouth shall be filled. Every heart shall be satisfied. Every song shall resound to the riches of His grace. But mark another truth in this verse: *“Jesus shewed himself.”* Man can never see the Saviour till the Spirit of God reveals that Saviour to him. Jesus must show Himself or we shall see no beauty in Him that we should admire Him. How strikingly this truth is confirmed in the four cases we have referred to. Mark it well, dear reader, and may God write it on your heart. Mary stood at the Saviour’s very side, but she knew Him not. Not till He *“shewed himself”* in the word *“Mary”* did she see Him. The Saviour stood in the midst of the disciples in the upper room; but they knew Him not. St. Luke tells us “they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.”1 Not till the Saviour *“showed Himself,”* through His wounded hands and bruised side, did they see Him. *“Then”* but not till then, *“were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”* So it was also with Thomas. The Saviour was at his side, but he knew Him not. Not till the Lord *“shewed himself,”* in the words, *“Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side:”* did Thomas exclaim, out of the fullness of his heart, *“My Lord and my God.”* And, so also with the disciples on the shore of Tiberias. The Lord stood in their midst, yet not one of them knew Him. This is expressly stated. *“But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.” Not till the Saviour “shewed himself,”* in the draught of fishes, did one of them exclaim, *“It is the Lord”* Oh, when will men learn this solemn truth so clearly brought before us in these cases, that the heart of man cannot see Christ till Christ reveals Himself to it! *“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: (and the seeing Christ as his Saviour is one of them) for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”* Reader, with all your profession of religion, if the Spirit of God has not shown you the Saviour, you are still in ignorance, in darkness, in death. You cannot of yourself see Jesus. You cannot of yourself see your true state before God as a sinner. You cannot of yourself see the blackness, the vileness, the awful depravity of that heart of yours. You may readily acknowledge it, but have you felt it? Has the mountain weight of sin on your secret heart forced from your lips the agonizing cry, *“O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”* If not, your general acknowledgment of sin is only a mockery—a solemn mockery of God. Your knowledge is of the head, not of the heart. Your religion is a subterfuge, a mask, a superficial covering that can never bear the searching eye of a holy God. And this must continue till God, the Spirit, *“show”* Jesus to you. But how to *“shew”* Him? Show Him so that you can no longer look upon yourself with complacency, but with deep self-abhorrence. *“Shew”* Him so that the whole heart be bowed down before God and the soul cling to the Saviour as its life, its all. *“Shew”* Him, so that the conscience smitten under a sense of sin will cling with delight and joy to the blood of Jesus for pardon and peace. “Shew” Him, so that in the flesh shall be seen no good thing, but Jesus only—*“the chiefest among ten thousand;”* the *“altogether lovely.”* Reader, solemnly, in the sight of God, I put a question to you. Permit me, as a dying man, speaking to a dying fellow sinner, to lay my hand upon you and ask, has the Spirit of God thus shown Jesus to you? If not, of what real value is all your knowledge of Jesus? Would it not be far more honest of you to have done with the lie you are carrying in your right hand—the hollow, worthless profession of religion you are so tenaciously grasping? It may serve you for a little while. But oh, dear friend, remember the solemn meeting at the bar of God towards which you are daily hastening. There will be no masks there! No re­ligious subterfuges there! None! The holy eye of God shall scatter them all like chaff before the wind and the soul shall stand in all its deformity before Him! O, fling away these flimsy coverings and bow at the feet of Jesus! You like reality, honesty, before men, oh, be honest yourself before God! Wear no hypocritical religious garb. Carry no lie in your right hand. Ask the Lord to show you your state as a sinner before Him! Ask Him to show you Jesus putting away sin by His finished work on Calvary. Thus will you be a true man. Thus will you be a Christian, not in name, but in reality. Thus will your eyes be open to see Jesus and to see Jesus is everlasting life. Child of God, remember this every step of your way to heaven, you cannot see Jesus till He shows Himself to you. You sometimes open the Word and you read passage after passage, without profit, without comfort, without any blessing. Ah! He is teaching you the deeply needed lesson that you cannot see Him of yourself. God is always teaching us this in one way or another. We are not willing to learn it as deeply as He would have us. Therefore He makes us feel it. Then how does the conviction of our ignorance force itself upon us! How is our dullness, blindness and earthliness of spirit disclosed to our astonished view! Be not discouraged, dear reader, at this. The Lord is teaching you. It is the Lord’s lesson you are learning in this painful way. Be not cast down, but go in humility to his feet, and say, Lord, teach Thou me! *“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”* Show me Jesus, and I shall be satisfied. Oh remember it always; the Lord must show Himself or you can never see Him. Wait on Him then. Wait patiently, but wait continually. It is only as He shows Himself your soul can learn. It is only as He shows Himself you can grow in grace. It is only as He shows Himself you can become like Him. And you will become like Him then, for you will see Him. But now let us proceed to the remaining portion of this beautiful chapter. *“There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately.”* What a solemn warning are we presented with in the words of this verse! The disciples went back again to their old calling. The Lord had drawn them from it, when He said, *“Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.”* But no sooner is the Lord crucified, and laid in the grave, than all hope seems to have fled. Acting under the influence of the ardent and impetuous Peter, they go back again to the very scenes and circumstances from which the Saviour had called them. For this rash step there was no excuse. The Lord had plainly declared to them, *“after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.”* Their attitude should have been one of faith and patient expectation, but no, faith has fled, hope has died out. By a remarkable rebound they go to their old calling. Not one suggests a pause. Not one word is thought of consulting God. They took a step, leaving God out of the question altogether. Their own inclination, their own resolve, their own step, nothing else was thought of. And mark the judgment—*“that night they caught nothing.”* Reader, take heed to the warning! Learn well the solemn lesson! If you take a step without consulting God remember what will be the consequence. It matters nothing what is the nature of that step. If you take it from choice or inclination or because it seems a right step and do not consult God, you will Surely, either directly or indirectly, have the judgment of God resting upon it. Yours will be the painful experience, *“that night they caught nothing.”* Do not plead as an excuse that it is duty or that it seems right. The sin of this act of the disciples did not consist so much in there being something wrong in it. It was their worldly duty, their earthly calling. So they might have pleaded. The sin is not so much the wrong in the act as the taking the step without reference to God’s will. Yours may be a right step; but if you take it without reference to His glory, without having first consulted Him, depend upon it yours will be the same result. Time will display to your view the handwriting on the wall, written by the finger of God over that step of yours—*“that night they caught nothing.”* Throughout life we are bent on carrying out our own will. Man loves to be independent. He glories in it. He says: Cannot I do as I like? Who shall lord it over me? This independence, this carrying out of our own will, is essentially rebellion against God. So inveterate is this propensity that even when we are brought to know Christ we act in the common concerns of life, in the minutia of each day’s duties, just as if it were a matter of course that we should do as we pleased! And we are prepared to resent, as an affront, any one who would step in and tell us that we are not to do as we please! This unconscious, yet deeply rooted, prin­ciple is a part of our very being and our Christianity is powerless to shake it off. We carry it into the things of God, yea, into the very presence of God. We forget that we are bought and that now we are no longer our own; but that body, soul, and spirit, are the Lord’s, the purchase of His precious blood. We forget that not only are we ourselves bought, but that our moments of time are bought, our influence is bought, our talents are bought, our money is bought, our very words and thoughts, and deeds are bought. Yes, all are bought-blood bought. We forget that we have no right to take a walk, except it may please God. We forget that we have no right to go to an evening party, except it may please God. We forget that anything we may do, as a matter of right, as the carrying out our own will and pleasure, is a robbery of God. It is the rebellion of a servant against his master, the revolt of a slave from the one who has purchased him. Yet how will this be resented by some! How shall we meet the cavil, the objection, the taunt, the sneer, perhaps, at such a statement as this! How do Christians habitually forget it, yea willfully act against it? But this must not be in God’s child. He will not let it be. The characteristic of the Master was, *“I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”* The one great feature of His life was, He *“pleased not himself.”* As the Master was, so must the servant be. It is a hard lesson, often a life-long lesson, but we must learn it. God steps in and says: It may be so with the natural man, but it shall not be so with you. God says-You shall not be independent, you shall not carry out your own will. You must be a dependent creature every step of your journey. You must give up your will and carryout mine. You must depend upon me every hour of the day and be ready to do my will in every act of life—hence the constant crossings in our daily lot, the repeated thwarting of our precon­ceived plans, the mournful and yet constantly repeated complaint, “Everything seems to go across with me!” Yes, because your own will, your own way, your own choice, are what you are bent on carrying out, and God will not have it. You must become like the Master. Your will must be broken and bent to God’s. Your time, plans, pleasures and engagements, must have constant reference to His glory. You are not prepared for this. But God must, God will see it in you, though you have to pass through the furnace to reach it. Reader, think of this! Remember this rash step of the disciples. Remember the fatal little word “imme­diately,” in this verse. Mark its contrast to another passage; the first chapter of St. Paul to the Galatians, and sixteenth verse. See that every step of yours has the same reference to God’s g1ory. Then will the experience of your soul not be, *“that night they caught, nothing.”* but that of the beloved apostle in this chapter, *“they glorified God in me.”* But how comforting is the truth we are taught in connection with this! *“But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.”* Though the disciples had gone wrong, had forgotten the Lord, had followed their own ways and had brought upon themselves disappointment, perplexity and distress, yet the Lord has not forsaken them. They have deserved it, it is true; but God is not like man. He knows the wanderings of His sheep and has compassion upon their infirmities. They have returned from their night of toil. Their nets are empty. They are weary, hungry and perplexed; but Jesus is on the shore. It is the hour of nature’s extremity, but God is there. They have sown and reaped the bitter fruits of their own ways, but the Lord is there; they have forgotten Him, but He has not forgotten them. They have forsaken Him, but He has not forsaken them. The shore is reached. The nets are thrown aside. Despair is depicted on each countenance. Then Jesus speaks, *“Children, have ye any meat?”* Blessed be God for this precious truth. We are like this poor band of fishermen. We are continually bent on carrying out our own wills. We are continually doing things without consulting God. We are daily making mistakes, daily turning our backs on our best friend. Our life is simply a history of mistakes, wanderings and sins. Oh, who among God’s people does not feel this! Yet, blessed be His holy name, He is not long away from our side; only so long as to make us feel our sins and follies, that we may trust ourselves less and Him more. Our history in all these things is sad enough, but it has the silver lining—*“when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore”* What a picture of daily provocations is ours! What daily sins, crookedness, and shortcomings! What a course of wandering from God; *“If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shell stand?”* But blessed be Thy holy name forever, after each dark night of mistake, wandering and sin, we come back and find Jesus on the shore. His love and faithfulness have brought Him there in the hour of our extremity, despite it all. Each night of toil on the dark waters of mistake and sin has a shore on which Jesus stands; ever ready to help and to save. What a Saviour is ours! What marvelous love! What tender pity! What deep compassion! What never failing faithfulness! Oh, who would not trust Him! Lord, give us hearts to lean on Thee, to rest on thy bosom, to dwell in Thy love! *“But the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.”* This is our history on earth. God comes at the end of all our sins and mistakes with a blessing, but He hides Himself. We see Him not. He makes Himself known through His actings. We neither see Him nor expect Him at this point in our history. Conscience accuses. We have wandered and sinned. We dare not expect Him now. If we had not so wandered, we might have expected Him to draw near and bless us; but now we cannot, we dare not. The thought never enters our minds. Never did the disciples expect the Saviour less than at this moment. So it is with us. But Jesus was there. What brought Him? Not their faith, but their sins. What brought Him? Not their consistency of conduct, but their deep needs. What brought Him there? His own love! His own marvelous compassion and grace, and nothing else! But they did not know Him. There was a cloud about their souls brought on them by their own wandering. God hides Himself but with a hand full of blessing and grace. Just now the cloud will pass and they shall see their God through the blessing He leaves behind Him. At present, though He is at their side, they see Him not. He is the last One in the world they expect. When Jesus stood at Mary’s side, she thought it was the gardener; the one who had taken Him away. Her sorrow was at its height. But it was her own dear Saviour! When the disciples were in the upper room, and the Saviour appeared, they thought it was a spirit, and were *“terrified.”* But it was Jesus! When the disciples were overtaken by the storm, and He drew nigh, they thought all was over and that a messenger had come from the spirit-world to swallow them up! But it was Jesus. So it is with us. Our failings and infirmities, our mistakes and sins bring a cloud with them that hides us from God. We come to some point of extremity in our life. Darkness, thick darkness, is around us. The critical moment approaches—the climax—and we give up all hope. But Jesus is in the cloud. Not a spirit, but a loving, gracious Saviour. We know not that it is Jesus. Let us wait a little. We shall know Him when the cloud passes. We shall see our God by the blessing He has left behind Him. Yes, we can see Him now. We can look back on our earthly path and trace one event after another and see his hand in them. We can raise our Ebenezers on some of the darkest spots in our earthly pilgrimage. We can bless Him now most of all for what at the time we thought was a spirit come to swallow us up. Now we see it was Jesus. We know Him, just as the disciples knew Him here, by the blessing He has left behind Him-by the great draught of fishes they took. Let us trust Him! He is always the same. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace ; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face! *“The disciples knew not that it was Jesus.”* Nor was it necessary. He knew them, and there lay their safety, their blessing. He knew them; their sins, their needs, their disappointment, their fruitless night of toil. He knew all and He was there. Yes, He was there-their loving, gracious, all sufficient Saviour. He was there—was not that enough? Surely it was. His presence was the sure and certain pledge of every blessing. In His presence is fullness of joy. In His presence the disciple shall not be weary, nor hungry, disappointed, nor cast down. Precious Saviour! Blessed be Thy holy name forever, for Thy love, Thy mercy, Thy continued faithfulness, to poor, needy sinners such as we are! *“Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered Him, No.”* We may notice another truth taught us here. God speaks to man’s soul through his wants. It is our daily needs that bring us into contact with Him. These are the points of vital contact between the soul and God. Through these He meets the soul with the riches of His redeeming grace, and thus brings us to see and feel that He is *“the God of all grace.”* Not only is the soul’s con­scious need the first point of vital contact with God. These needs are the meeting places between the soul and God, through which He is daily speaking to us, daily opening up the riches of His grace and love, His tenderness and wisdom. Oh, what precious points of contact with the Lord Jesus are these needs! How we come, through them to realize the fullness, the all suffi­ciency, of Christ! How they make us know him! This is the truth brought before us in these words of the Lord Jesus, *“Children, have ye any meat?”* This was what they had been toiling all the night for. They had returned home empty and hungry. *“Meat”* was their need and through it the Saviour speaks to their hearts. Through it He reveals to them His full­ness and all sufficiency. *“Children, have ye any meat?”* brought from their hearts what it ever brings from the heart of God’s child—the confession of emptiness and poverty. *“They answered him, No.”* He knew their poverty. He knew their need. The ques­tion was not put that He might know it, but that through it He might draw their attention to Him as the all sufficient one. This is what God is always doing. We are all, sinners and saints, needy creatures. These needs of man are not accidents; they come not from second causes, they are not the result of capricious nature. No! They come to us as everything does, through the chain of second causes, apparently by accident, by circumstances over which we have no control and so we allow them to pass over, supposing they are unguided results. They are second causes only, as the hunger of these disciples was after their night of fruitless toil. But these second causes create needs in man’s heart. God sends them for this very purpose and through these needs He may approach the soul and reveal Himself to it as the great supplier. It is in this way God is speaking to every man living in every event of life. The lover of pleasure and sin, at some moment unexpected, when the flush and excitement of the draught are over, comes to reflect. He feels for a moment that the cup does not, satisfy him. For the time it was sweet, but now he feels it was not enough. He wants something of a more permanently satisfying nature. There is the need. It has been created by a chain of second causes. But it is no chance creation. An unerring Guide has been directing these second causes, in order to create this very want, that through it He may approach the soul. He speaks, Child, hast thou any meat? He speaks, but man hears not His voice. So strongly are second causes twined round his soul, so strongly is practical infidelity the element in which he lives that he is deaf to God’s voice. And though God follows him hour after hour, in amazing mercy, creating fresh needs, and again approaching his soul through them, and whispering, Child, hast thou any meat? He hears not God’s voice. Still God follows him in wondrous mercy, sending deeper needs, needs that inflict wounds in his soul and bring forth hot scalding tears from his eyes, and in a louder clearer tone whispers, Child, hast thou any meat? And yet, he hears not. Thus man lives on. Thus he dies, the life, long subject of a discipline from the hand of God to which he has been blind. Thus he dies, with a long, dark shadow behind him, stretching through years of mercies and judgments, creating deep needs in his soul, and all lost, all guiltily trodden under foot. These are his witnesses, which he himself, in his lifetime, has called forth to the bar of God to condemn him. And that condemnation must be a righteous, holy and a just one. The Lord now proceeds to manifest Himself. *“And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find”* The Lord was about to pour out a blessing; but before doing so He tries their faith. The trial of faith is generally the forerunner of blessing. But what a command this was! Nature would have said: What difference is there between the right side of the ship and the left? What a foolish command! Here we are, weary, disappointed, hungry; we have toiled all the night and He says to us, *“Cast the net on the right side of the ship.”* So they might not unreasonably have argued. God tries our faith by something the natural mind would consider foolish. Ah! The wisdom of God is foolishness with men. Will the disciples reason or obey? Will they, like Naaman of old, say, *“Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?”* or will they obey the word of the Lord? This was the turning point in their history. Blessing or no blessing hung upon it. Another historian tells us what they did on a similar occasion. Peter said unto Him, *“Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”* What a precious resolve, *“nevertheless at thy word.”* Everything is against us, *“nevertheless at thy word I will.”* It seems a foolish command, “nevertheless at thy word I will.” It seems to be mocking us in this hour of trial and hun­ger, *“nevertheless at thy word I will.”* Here is faith, in spite of all appearances, casting itself upon God. Here is faith, with everything against it, resolving to act in obedience to the Lord’s word. Precious faith! How God is glorified in it! *“They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”* Obedience is always the forerunner of blessing. To every step God increases faith strength and power. And the more the soul acts on His simple word, in the face of improbabilities and impossibilities, the more He is glorified. *“They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”* The disciples might have thought that, somehow or other, the Saviour would provide for them. They might have calculated on His uniform love to meet their necessities in this hour of trial. But could they have expected so large a blessing? Could they have thought for a moment that such an overflowing supply was at hand? Could they have conceived the blessing that hung upon obedience to that word, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship.” Never! Ah! When God gives us a blessing, it is a blessing worthy of Himself, a Godlike blessing. See what awaits the faith that trusts in spite of all improbabilities! See what a blessing follows simple obedience to God and His Word! *“Now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes.”* O child of God, trust Him! See what He would have you do and do it, though everything is against you. Faith shall gain the victory. Obedience shall gain the blessing. Taking this verse in connection with the eleventh we see how God rewards those who trust His word and obey it. *“Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three.”* One particular word in this verse must not be passed over. It shines like the bow in the dark cloud. *“Cast the net on the right side of the ship.”* It seemed useless. Disappointment was depicted on the countenance and a command of such a kind was tantalizing. Everything was very dark. But there was one precious word on which faith could lean, even at this trying moment. *“Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find;”*—*“ye shall”* what an assurance! It was the word of Him who cannot lie. It was the assurance of One who has said, *“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”* Could they trust it? Could they venture on it? Yes, they did. *“Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.”* In the midst of the darkest paths, God gives the soul a promise-“ye shall find” This is the silver lining to the dark cloud. There is no dark cloud without it. Reader, if God calls you to walk in darkness, He gives you a *“shall,”* a sure and certain promise for your soul to lean upon. May you lean upon it unreservedly, then you will ex­perience its comfort and soon, also, its faithfulness, in a glorious fulfillment. *“He is faithful that promised.”* *“Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord.”* We have, in this verse, two distinct types of Christians. Here is John-the one whose heart is full of Christ’s love—calm, reflect­ive and meditative; the one who most quickly recog­nizes the Saviour by sitting, like Mary, at His feet. There is Peter also, a true believer, but full of zeal and impetuosity and ready to plunge into the deep to do honor to his Lord. Both are doing the Lord’s work. Both shall receive His reward. But, dear reader, in this day of excitement and impetuosity may our char­acter be the happy blending of the two. May we have the first that it may lead to the second. May we sit at the feet of Jesus and go forward from that sweet spot full of zeal to do the Lord’s work, walking in the Spirit and led of the Spirit. But who was it that first discovered the Saviour? The one who was near to Jesus, leaned on His bosom, dwelt in His love. Reader, remember this. If you want to discern quickly your Saviour’s image, wher­ever it is to be seen; if you want to see most clearly the Lord’s mind, the Lord’s ways, the Lord’s presence, you must live near to Him, lean on His bosom, dwell in His love. Christians are not spiritually quick sighted because they are not living near to Jesus and leaning on Him. All spiritual dullness and cloudiness of soul proceeds from want of this. And one feature marks this disciple here-he never mentions his own name. The soul that lives near to Jesus and leans on His bosom will be always hiding itself in Him. If it has to appear at all it will appear in this way—*“that disciple whom Jesus loved.”* He calls our atten­tion to him only as hidden under the love of Jesus. Reader; live near, very near, lean on Him. Then will you too delight to hide yourself in the cleft of the Rock of ages. *“Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.”* The net was not broken; it was very weak, made by the hands of a few poor fishermen, yet it held this great draught. When God sends a blessing, He prepares the vessel to hold it. The cords of that net would have broken under other circumstances. But God prepares both, the treasure and the vessel; and when He makes strong, what weakness can there be? There may be many a spiritual net now cast in faith and prayer into the great deep of this world’s sea which shall bring up a great draught. There may be many a poor weak servant of Christ now going forth into whose soul the Lord may pour a large blessing to overflow into the bosom of others. The cords may be those of a weak body, a trembling heart; but many *“out of weakness were made strong.”* God has prepared the net for the blessing, and it shall not burst. We marvel to see how often God’s richest blessings are carried in very frail nets. We marvel to see the vessels, “earthen” ones, not gold or silver. Ah! It is thus the glory of Christ shines forth. *“The excellency of the power”* is seen to be *“not of us,”* but of Him. Let us not wonder. Let us not tremble and fear lest our feeble nets should burst under the weight of His glory. No, He has prepared them: *“and for all there are so many, yet was not the net broken.”* Let us trust Him and go forward. Our faith, our prayers, our desires, our efforts, our service in the work, our machinery employed in carrying it on—all may be nets very frail, but God has prepared them, and the nets He has prepared, be they ever so weak, shall not burst but bear the treasure He has put into them. Precious truth! Strong consolation for our weak faith and trembling hearts! *“Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine.”* This is instructive. The Lord was about to administer a gentle reproof to Peter for having three times denied Him. He does it very gently, and indirectly too, by three times asking, *“lovest thou me.”* He does not even mention his sin. He only indirectly reminds him of it. But, before doing even this, He says *“Come and dine.”* In reminding Him of his fault He disabuses the mind of Peter of any thought of unkindness towards him by inviting him to the social feast. Not pointing out the fault first, but winning the heart. If, dear reader, we want to gain the soul, we must first win the heart. Then, having precluded the idea of unkindness by His invitation and thus prepared the ground, He proceeds to the work of faithful but loving reproof. O reader, what an example for you and me! May God give us grace to follow it! Do you want to warn, rebuke, reprove? Win the heart first! Show by words and deeds that you love the man, then you may proceed. Then you will have prepared the ground for the seed. But not even then fully; something more, even yet. Study the gentlest way of doing it. Rather be indirect than pointed. Rather remind than openly point out. Oh, be like Jesus! See Him at the well of Sychar after a journey of forty miles, fling Himself, jaded and tired, at the well’s mouth. Mark the dust on His sandals and the sweat on His brow. Mark the ignorance and blindness, the tantalizing stupidity; for such the flesh would call it, of this woman. See how utterly incapable of comprehending His plainest words! Yet not a frown is on His brow. Not a word of reproach escapes His lips. He follows her down into the lowest depths of her blindness, ignorance and sin, without a check or word of rebuke. And why? Just to win her soul. Oh, as we look on at these cases we may well exclaim, was ever gentleness like His? Was ever tenderness like Christ’s? Was ever love, dear Lord, like Thine? But reader, *“Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”* Let us look at Jesus and do likewise. *“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”* How gently the Saviour, by this thrice repeated question, brought home to Peter’s conscience his sin. And, having touched the conscience, no further allusion is made to the matter. It teaches us the lesson that to touch the conscience should be our aim at all times and that this having been accomplished no after allusion should be made to the sin we have by God’s blessing brought home to it. The poor sinner should not sink in our estimation, should not be one shade less in that estimation than he was before. We should forget as well as forgive. The conscience touched so as to bring it to its true state before God, touched gently, touched indirectly, touched by reminding rather than by pointing out, touched after we have gained the heart-this is God’s way of dealing with the poor wanderer. Oh reader, may you and I have grace to go and do likewise. It is not in this way the wanderer is generally dealt with. Why?-because there is so little of the mind of Jesus in us. Let us ask for this, and when an occasion presents itself, as it Surely will, let us follow our blessed Master’s example; so shall we win that soul and not lose our reward. “He that winneth souls is wise.” But what agitation must have been going on, at this moment, in Peter’s mind. How his transparent character shows itself and betrays the agitation within. How plainly he shows us that his conscience was touched, *“lovest thou me more than these,”* our Lord says. Peter does not answer the question. He simply replies, *“Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.”* Did the Saviour ever doubt Peter’s love to Him? Never. Peter’s conscience was touched, and he evades the real point of the question; *“more than these.”* Of course he loved the Saviour. But after his third denial, after his lies and oaths, how could he say *“Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee (more than these.)”* He could not. He dared not. Conscience was stung to the quick. He bowed his head in the dust. His eye quailed before the gentle, loving look of the Master. Yet with all his past sins, with all his perfidy and treachery, brought on in an unguarded hour, with all his boasting and self confidence full in view, he could say, he would say, dark as the picture was that now hung before his conscience, *“Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”* With a black scroll spread out before him he could yet look up into the face of God; and with a flood of Omnipotent light penetrating his heart through and through, exclaim, with sincerity and truth, *“Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”* He seems to say: After my past base ingratitude and guilty conduct, I dare not, I cannot, I will not say I love Thee more than these, but, Lord, Thou knowest all things, Thou knowest this poor heart of mine, Thou knowest its every secret, and that it is with no guile, no feigned lips, I say it, Thou knowest all things, Lord, Thou knowest I love Thee. Reader, can you say the same? It may be that, like poor Peter, you look back on a lifetime of base ingratitude, on a past history, every leaf of which is written in dark characters of crime and sin. It may be that conscience, appalled by the Almighty’s searching gaze, shrinks back and hides itself in the dust. It may be that there is not one bright spot in your past history, not one redeeming feature to the dark vision that hovers in your path, but with all this can you look up into the face of God with a tearful eye, but a true heart, and say, *“Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”* God’s voice is calling to you from heaven. It is calling you by name. It asks you to substitute your own name for that of Simon in this passage. It asks you this solemn question, *“lovest thou me”* Dear reader, earnestly do I entreat you—before you read one line further of this book—to close your eyes, look up into the face of God and give an honest answer to His question, *“Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?”* *“This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper.”* Peter needs a command to follow Christ, needs that command to be repeated. But the disciple who was living near to Jesus, leaning on His bosom, dwelling in His love, is seen following Jesus without any command. It was not that this disciple did not need the command, he outstripped it. He saw the Lord’s mind, and followed it. Peter, not living near to Jesus, saw not this and needed a command; nay, could not follow without it. There are these two classes of Christians all around us. One, like Peter, is a true disciple, but walking at a distance from God. He gets into difficulties and wrong paths, is perplexed and cannot move without a plain command from God’s word. Not finding it, he cannot move; or if he moves, it is in a wrong direction. Another Christian, like John, living near to the Lord, gets into the same trying paths as the other. His guide, however, in every path, is not the letter only of the word, but the spirit of it. He knows that if he were to be guided only by its letter, that word must constantly fail him. He looks at God’s mind. He knows the spirit of that word. He is living near to Jesus. Therefore he is never at a loss. His course, however perplexing, is one of *“following”* Jesus. His eye is single, he sees Christ. He presses onward in the path that will most tend to His glory. The world looks on and seeth him following. Why? Because he leaned on his Saviour’s bosom. He sees that Saviour before him. To him, *“to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”* The other disciple is walking at a distance and is far behind in the race. That distance has cast a shadow over his spiritual vision. He stands still or turns himself about in the race, dragging on a slow and imperceptible progression while the other is pressing rapidly on to the prize. O Lord, give each one of us to live near to Thee, to lean on Thy bosom and to hide ourselves in Thy love, so that, see­ing Thy mind, we too may press on to heaven! One point more, *“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.”* Dear reader, this is no pious exaggeration. It is the language of every true believer. The soul that knows the preciousness of Jesus can say, WILL say, No books can tell what He is to my soul. If every book the world ever penned were to be transmuted into a history of Jesus, all put together could not tell out the preciousness of His dear Name! All are too mean to speak His worth, Too mean to set the Saviour forth. Only before the throne, when I see Him as He is and praise Him with un-sinning heart and with the echoes of the new song falling on my enraptured spirit from *“a great multitude which no man can number,”* only then shall I see the fullness of His grace, the wonders of His love; only then shall I praise Him as I ought! Reader, can your heart endorse the language of this verse? If you are a child of God you can-fully. If you cannot, you have *“neither part nor lot in this matter”* of a Saviour’s salvation. You are still; though you may be able to do everything else—*“dead in trespasses and sins.”* It is an awful state of soul in which to meet God! Reader, is it thy state? I am weary of straying! oh fain would I rest In that far distant land of the pure and the blest! Where sin can no longer its blandishments spread, Where tears and temptations forever have fled. I am weary of hoping where hope is untrue As fair, but as fleeting, as morning’s bright dew. I long for that land whose blest promise alone Is changeless and sure as eternity’s throne. I am weary of sighing o’er sorrows of earth, O’er joy’s glowing visions that fade at their birth, O’er the pangs of the loved that we cannot assuage, O’er the blighting of youth and the weakness of age. I am weary of loving what passes away; The sweetest, the dearest, alas, may not stay. I long for that land where these partings are o’er, Where death and the tomb can divide hearts no more. I am weary, my Saviour, of grieving Thy love; Oh when shall I rest in Thy presence above! I am weary; but oh, let me never repine, While Thy word, and Thy love, and Thy promise are mine. Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled --- ### [The Cherubim On The Mercy Seat](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-cherubim-on-the-mercy-seat/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And thou shalt make a mercy seat of pure gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof. 18And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat. 19And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 20And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. 21And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. 22And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. —Exodus 25:17-22 One of the most instructive and beautiful symbols of God’s word is the cherubim. Taken in connection with the ark and the mercy seat, both of which are intended by the Spirit of God to represent the Lord Jesus Christ, they bring before us the glory of the Church. They are the representatives of the Church of God in its glorified state. They bid us look at them and see, through them, what we ourselves shall shortly be. They are calculated to draw our hearts upward, and make us long for that time when *“we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”* It is a *“blessed hope”* a glorious prospect! May the Lord the Spirit direct our minds and hearts to understand this precious portion of His word! We are told, in the first place, the material of which these cherubim were made. “As many as were will­ing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.” Of this gold the cherubim were made; *“of beaten work shalt thou make them.”* There was thus a threefold work in the preparation of these glorious bodies. The gold was first cast into the furnace. All the pieces, which had previously formed separate and distinct parts, were thus melted into one piece. How beauti­fully does this present us with the oneness of God’s people! No longer are they isolations, widely apart, having no connection one with another. They are, by the furnace of the cross into which the Saviour was cast, melted into one glorious piece. They become united to Him and to each other. There they become one lump in Christ. They are members one of another. The cross binds them together with indis­soluble ties. *“And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”* Not only so, but the fire purified the gold of the cherubim from its dross. Thus does the Church become purified by the work of Christ on the cross. In that furnace she is baptized *“the blood of Jesus Christ…cleanseth us from all sin.”* There she is purified from all her uncleanness. There she is washed whiter than snow. From that fountain she steps up to the throne, *“all glorious within;”* she has not spot or winkle. She leaves the dross behind, and is *“complete in him.”* But not only does the Church become one in Christ, not only purified, but also beaten; *“of beaten work shalt thou make them.”* Stroke after stroke was to fall upon this melted and purified gold. Thus was the fine gold to be shaped and molded, so as to become meet for the glory within the veil. Nor were these strokes random ones. Each one came from the hand of a Bezaleel, a wise hearted man, filled with unerring judgment and Divine wisdom. Every stroke laid upon it was molding and fashioning the fine gold giving it the expression, figure and lineament of countenance, the grace and plumage, which was to appear within the veil. So it is now with God’s people, of whom these cherubim were the symbol; stroke after stroke of sorrow and trial falls upon them in this world. Wave after wave rolls over them, so that they exclaim in bitterness of heart, *“Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.”* Yet there is no accident, no mistake, no random stroke. Each one comes from a wise hearted One-One full of wisdom, and yet full of love. Each one is part of a great and glorious process. It is giving grace and fashion and shape to the soul, and preparing it to shine in glory within the veil. It is molding and fashioning the blood bought one, so that, like the cherubim within the veil, he may bear the cloud of Divine glory that shall rest upon him in the morning of resurrection and throughout the countless ages of eternity. Another truth brought before us in this symbol is the oneness of Christ and His people; *“even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims.”* The mercy seat and the cherubim were thus made out of the same mass of gold; so Christ and His people are one. They are *“partakers of the divine nature.”* The same strokes fell upon Him as fall upon them. They pass through the same furnace, the same path of tribulation to them as to Him. One process prepares them both for the same glory. But how sweetly does this remind us of the Saviour’s sympathy! As the cherubim were made out of the same piece of gold as the mercy seat, every stroke on the one vibrated through the other. Thus the Lord Jesus is touched with a feeling of our infirmities. Do the strokes of the hammer fall on the Lord’s weak ones at Damascus? Immediately a voice is heard from heaven, *“why persecutest thou me?”* *“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”* *“I have Surely seen the affliction of my people…I know their sorrows.”* Oh, how does the oneness of the cherubim and the mercy seat, in being formed out of the same piece of gold, re­flect this precious truth! We next learn the position of these cherubim. *“And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof.”* They were to stand on the ends of the mercy seat, and thus teach us that the Church has her foundation in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the true mercy seat and on Him she is built. *“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”* Not only do we see the true resting place of the Church, but as these cherubim stood at each end of the mercy seat and looked down upon it, they gazed upon the whole length and breadth of it. The eye dwelt on the full range of blessings which that mercy seat con­tained. So is it with the Church. As she stands on that solid foundation she feels that every blessing is hers; the height and depth, the length and breadth of that love which passeth knowledge is underneath here. She is blessed *“with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”* There is not one spiritual blessing which is not hers. Standing on that glorious rock, she exclaims with the apostle, “all things” are mine. *“Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.”* *“And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.”* The outstretched wings over the mercy seat thus formed a kind of chariot, on which the cloud of glory, the vehicle and symbol of God’s presence, rested as we find it in the twenty-second verse, *“And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat.”* One striking truth, however, is presented in the words, *“their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be.”* We are thus taught that the mercy seat is the great object of adoring wonder and praise and that though their gaze is fixed upon it, it does not hinder them from looking on each other. So will it be in resurrection glory. Christ shall be the great theme of adoration and praise throughout eternity. We shall gaze with rapture upon His matchless beauty and yet behold each other with delight and joy. We shall behold His glory beaming from the countenances of those we love; *“in thy light we shall see light.”* The joys and friendships of this world shall be renewed in His presence, without their sins and sorrows, their shadows and clouds, their infirmities and failings. Even now we *“look one to another”* just in proportion as we look to the true mercy seat-Christ Jesus. We *“look one to another”* and recognize His image. We love as brethren. We have one Father and God, one glorious home on high, one eternal bond that has bound us forever. The more we turn our *“faces…toward the mercy seat”* the more our “faces shall look one to another.” We see this truth confirmed by a similar view of the seraphim, in the sixth chapter of Isaiah. There the redeemed in glory are again symbolized by these glorious beings. As they gaze upon the Lord Jesus, sitting on His throne of glory, we are told *“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts.”* Yes, even now, where Jesus is the subject, though we may differ widely in other matters, we still cry one to another. Our praise is one. Our joy is one. Our hearts’ resting place is one. There is no discordant note. The same cry goes forth from the lips of one as from another, *“Holy, holy, holy,” “Worthy is the Lamb.”* But again. The mercy seat and the cherubim were to be forever united. How forcibly we are reminded of the beautiful words of our Lord, *“Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory.”* Yes, precious Saviour, sin defiled, and ruined, and helpless though we are, Thou canst not do without us! That home would be no home to Thee, were Thy blood bought ones not with Thee. O, wondrous love! O, deepest mystery! And that time is at hand. We shall soon *“ever be with the Lord.”* The cherubim and the mercy seat shall be manifested as one, never to be seen apart. Lord, hasten that glorious consummation! Thy people sigh and cry for Thy return! Creation groans and travails! Oh, come quickly, Lord, and take the kingdom for Thine own! *“And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony.”* The testimony of two men is true and these two cherubim were witnesses to the mercy seat. They show us that the redeemed in glory will be witnesses, throughout eternity, to God’s faithfulness, love and mercy. As they gaze upon the abyss from which they have been rescued, they will sing a louder song and strike a sweeter chord on their golden harps. They will bear witness to His grace that rescued them, His love that followed them through life, His faithfulness in preserving them hour after hour. Oh, how will these notes of praise resound through the courts of glory! How loud will be the song to the riches of God’s grace! Let us look at one more truth taught by the cherubim. They were carried forward by the Levites through the wilderness under the guidance of the cloudy pillar. The holy furniture, when it was thus carried forward had two coverings. The inner one was the beautiful veil. Its outer was the covering of badger skins. The inner, or hidden one, was of beautiful workmanship. The outer and visible one was the rough and unsightly coverings of the badger skins. How beautifully did that tabernacle, in its passage through the wilderness, fore-shadow the Man of sorrows in His journey through this world! The outward eye fell on Him, and exclaimed, *“he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.”* Outwardly He was as the tabernacle covered with the badger skins. Those who would see the beauty and glory must go within the tabernacle and must look at Jesus with the eye of faith. They must be led to Him by the Spirit of God. They must leave the world outside and gaze upon the riches of His grace within the veil. Without, there is the *“man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”* Within, there is the beauty and glory of the Son of God; the peace, the joy, the gladness of heart, the royal robes and the kingly crown, which they shall wear who tread the courts of the Lord’s tabernacle as it passes through the wilderness. O, reader, have you gone within or are you only gazing upon Christ at a distance? Have you gone within? Have you seen His beauty and glory? Is Christ precious to your heart? What is Jesus to you now? O, sinner, enter within and see for thyself what a glorious Saviour Jesus is! O, Christian, enter within, live within! Press nearer and nearer to God. If for a moment thy sinful heart lead thee out; oh, stay not there! Get back as quickly as possible. Get back again through the sprinkled blood. Get back from the world’s hollow laughter, from the world’s false glare and glitter, from the poisonous atmosphere that broods over it. Get back within the veil as quickly as thou canst and when the Lord shall come may He find thee there, hidden in the clefts of the Rock of ages. May this be thy portion now and then for Jesus Christ’s sake! Lord, the waves are breaking o’er me and around, Lord, the night is closing round my feeble bark; How shall I encounter its watches, long and dark? Sadly worn and shattered by many a billow past, Can I stand another rude and stormy blast? Ah! the promised haven never may attain, Sinking and forgotten amid the lonely main. Enemies around me, gloomy depths below; Loose the cable, let me go! Lord, I would be near Thee, with Thee where Thou art, Thine own word hath said it, ‘tis better to depart;’ There to serve Thee better, there to love Thee more, With Thy ransomed people to worship and adore. Ever to Thy presence Thou dost call Thine own; Why am I remaining, helpless and alone? Oh! to see Thy glory, Thy wondrous love to know! Loose the cable, let me go! Lord, the lights are gleaming from the distant shore, Where no billows threaten, where no tempests roar; Long beloved voices calling me I hear, Oh! how sweet their summons fall upon my ear! Here are foes and strangers, faithless hearts, and cold; There is fond affection, fondly proved of old. Let me haste to join them; may it not be so? Loose the cable, let me go! Hark, the solemn answer! hark, the promise sure, ‘Blessed are the servants who to the end endure! Yet a little longer, hope and tarry on; Yet a little longer, weak and weary one! More to perfect patience, to grow in faith and love; More my strength, and wisdom, and faithfulness to prove: Then the sailing orders the Captain shall bestow, Loose the cable, let thee go! Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled --- ### [Abram’s Vision](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/abrams-vision/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. 2And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? 3And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. 5And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. 7And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it. 8And he said, Lord GOD, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it? 9And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon. 10And he took unto him all these, and divided them in the midst, and laid each piece one against another: but the birds divided he not. 11And when the fowls came down upon the carcases, Abram drove them away. 12And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. 13And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. 16But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. 17And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp that passed between those pieces. 18In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: 19The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, 20And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, 21And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.” —Genesis 15 The portion of Scripture we have selected for consideration is one of the most comprehensive in God’s word. It is replete with instruction; and there are underlying principles which, in this evil day, when errors of the worst kind are finding an open door into the Church of God, we should do well to consider. Reader, ask the Lord to enable you to receive its truths in your heart, and to make them fruitful in your life, so that you may not be “a hearer of the word” only, but *“a doer”* also. *“After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.”* The expression “these things” refers us to the previous chapter. Abram was God’s faithful servant and wit­ness to His truth in the midst of the ungodliness and spiritual darkness which reigned around. He had, gained a great victory over Chedorlaomer and was returning from the slaughter, when he was met by the king of Sodom. This king proposed to Abram to share the spoil: *“Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself.”* Abram’s noble reply ensured for him a further manifestation of God’s presence and the assurance of the fullness of blessing from Him as his *“shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”* God’s servants are called upon to be faithful to Him, to make no compromise with the world, but to live separate; *“Touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”* We see how remarkably this was fulfilled in Abram’s case. He would make no compromise with the wicked king of Sodom. He would not touch anything of his. *“And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take anything that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich:”* Mark, dear reader, the simple meaning of these beautiful words. Abram would not put himself under the influence of the world by being under any obliga­tion to it. Had he accepted the gifts of the king of Sodom he would have been under an obligation and would, consequently, have been less independent, less free to act for God. He would have felt fettered. To one not decidedly on the Lord’s side, it might have ap­peared very harmless to take these gifts. What harm! You need make no further advances to the king of Sodom. There is no sacrifice of principle, Surely in such a little thing as this. So Saul thought when he brought Agag but spared the oxen. So Gehazi thought when he turned back again to Naaman. How differently from Abram did another child of God act in the Old Testament! *“Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him.”* Ahab knew how to gain his ends. When once he had succeeded in getting Jehoshaphat to accept the *“sheep and oxen in abundance,”* that end was gained. How could Jehoshaphat act independently? He had laid himself, by this act, under an obligation to Ahab. How could he withstand the next artful request—*“Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead?”* How could he make any other reply than, *“I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war.”* The world had conquered him. He was no longer God’s independent servant, but under the trammels of Ahab. Oh! if Jehoshaphat had only made the noble reply of Abram, *“I will not take any thing that is thine,”* what sorrow, what sin, what disgrace he would have saved himself that day! Abram would be independent of the world. He would act and live above it. He knew he was God’s servant, and he would act as one. He seems to say, the Lord, the possessor of heaven and earth, is my God. I have pledged myself to Him. He is my Lord and Master, and Him only will I serve and obey. What noble conduct! This is the course every child of God should take in reference to the world. He should live above it. He should be God’s uncompromising servant. He should stand out boldly, clearly, unmistakably on the Lord’s side. This is the only noble course. This is the only course that will bring peace to our souls and ensure the light of God’s countenance on our path. Not trying how to make the most of both worlds. Not making trifling advances towards it. No wonder such Christians have clouds and shadows round their hearts. No wonder they enjoy little communion with God. No wonder if they have little assurance of the pardon of their sins or their acceptance in Christ. No misery like that of being half Christian. God sends His own judgment on that soul, in the inward dissatisfaction, the secret uneasiness of conscience, the want of peace and joy. *“The salt that has lost its savor”* is the most insipid of all. It is fit only for the dunghill. You look at such people, but you see no clear, distinct marks of heaven upon them. You are unable to tell whether they are converted or not. They look so like the world that you cannot put them *“among the children,”* and yet there are features about them that make you hope better things. Oh sad state to be in! Such people are walking at a distance from God—if indeed they are His at all. The world is full of them. We meet them on every side of us. No decision for Christ. No outspoken word for Him in the face of a smiling world. For fear of being thought singular or extreme they are full of little concessions and compromises. Alas! for them. They are the sufferers. They are the most to be pitied. Half hearted Christians! who could rush forward in the heat of the world’s battlefield and in the face of a thousand bullets plant the flag of victory and yet quail before the sneer, the curled lip, the reserve, the distance of a poor worldling in the drawing room or at the fireside or occupying some lofty position in respect of them. Ah, say not, this is an isolated case! The world is full of such people. Christians are themselves more guilty of the crime of unfaithfulness to Christ than of all other crimes they have ever com­mitted. Who stands out now like Abram in the passage before us? Few are they indeed among the many. The great question now is not, how like Christ can I become, without asceticism or eccentricity? but, how much of the world can I grasp without losing heaven? Oh fearful apostasy of the Church! *“come, Lord Jesus.”* and end this shame, and sorrow, and sin! And mark, dear reader, the Lord’s promise to faithful conduct. *“Touch not the unclean thing” is the com­mand. And what is the reward? “and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters.”* Mark how it was fulfilled to Abram. He would not touch the unclean thing and now the Lord appears to him. *“After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward.”* Yes, even now God appears to the soul of His child-after every step of faithfulness. God appears to him in the silent but secret approval of conscience; in the secret whisper, *“Well done, thou good and faithful ser­vant”* in the flood of love and light which fills his soul, in the increased enjoyment of communion with God. These are infinitely more, even now, than the pressure of that cross, whatever it may be, through which the blessing has been purchased and what shall be the reward in the world to come! Oh, for a decision for Christ, for faithfulness to God, at all times, under all circumstances! Child of God, throw not away the blessings which such faithfulness will bring to thy soul! Live for the Lord, and see, even on earth, how richly He will reward it! But what does God say to Abram? *“Fear not.”* Why such a word? He seemed to be one of the most fearless of men. Had he not shown it by his conduct in going forth in the face of mighty foes to the rescue of Lot? Yes. But it is after the conflict the danger appears. It is not in the thick of the battle that we can see calmly what we have had to encounter, the forces we have had to contend with. It is in the calm retirement and reflection when the battle is over. When we come to look back and see our weakness and the greatness of the foe, then we begin to tremble. Then we need to look again to our strong hold. We need the armor, not only to *“withstand,”* but *“to stand”* when the conflict is over. This armor was on when Abram met the king of Sodom; it was off when he met God. *“I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward,”* What greater reward could He give him than Himself. He seems to say, the world and all its treasures are too poor for thee, my child. There is nothing below that is sufficient reward for thy faithfulness. I give thee something greater than them all. I give thee Myself. *“Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.”* This is the reward God sets before faith. This is the reward God has for those who live for Him. All else is too little for them. Whatever other reward He might give, it would be unworthy of Him. Therefore He gives us Himself. What more could Abram have? What more could God give him? Having Him, he had all things: and therefore the first and the greatest blessing God gave to Israel of old is the blessing, the first and the great­est, which God gives to His children now, *“I am the Lord thy God.”* It was the first of Israel’s laws. It is the first of the Christian’s, too. Could God give anything higher to the Christian than he gave to Israel—Himself? Impossible! There may be greater light, but salvation was the same then as now. But was *“God”* enough for Abram? *“And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless?”* Poor heart of man! How like ourselves to the present hour! There was one little idol on which the heart had set itself; a child, and because he had not this all God’s gifts were as nothing. So long as this remained ungratified, even God Himself was as nothing. How many a child of God is mirrored in this narrative of Abram! God has given Himself to us, in all the riches of His grace, in all the length and breadth, the heights and depths of His love, in all the promises and sure rewards of His word and yet because some thorn is not removed from the heart, some longing desire of the soul is not gratified, some object of life is not attained or some plan on which we had set our hearts has been crossed, all is as nothing. Not even God Himself is sufficient. The idol is there. There is a substance, or, perhaps, only a shadow, between the soul and God and that dims His brightness. It must be moved. That idol must be thrown down. That shadow must be dispersed. “The dearest idol I have known, Whate’er that idol be, Help me to tear it from Thy throne, And worship only Thee,” But how does God remove it? By granting the request? Never. He is God and the creature must know it and bow. Man must come to terms with God, not God with man. His way is always the best and therefore He never bends. God will give the blessing, but not in Abram’s time or manner. He will give it in His own. In the meantime He does not leave us without hope. He gives us His word of promise-His *“sure word of prophecy.”* With that Abram must be satisfied. On that he must lean. So with all God’s children. *“And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And He brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.”* Let us mark another important truth. *“And he said unto him, I am the Lord that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.”* God gives Abram the promise to rest upon, and in these words appeals to him for trust in that promise by reminding him of what He had done for him in times past. It is as if He would say, did I not choose thee and lead thee out of thine own country, Ur of the Chaldees? By My grace to thee in time past, in leading thee out and making thee Mine, trust Me now. The Lord had brought him out of Ur, for the very purpose that his seed should inherit the land. Abram needed to be under no apprehension, for God would be faithful. So now with us. God has chosen us in Christ, and *“blessed us with all spiritual blessings”* in Him. Not one good thing of, all the Lord our God has promised, shall fail. But as with Abram, so with us. It is not God what fails, it is our faith. We cannot wait for God. We want his promises fulfilled in our time, instead of His, in our way, instead of His, according to our measure, instead of according to His. Our faith is continually failing. We exclaim, in fretfulness of heart, *“Lord God, what wilt thou give me?”* Perhaps we are tried, like Abram here, in another way. We see at our very side some Eliezer, some one who has not taken up the cross as we have or done what we have, in the full enjoyment of God’s choicest gifts, while we are kept waiting day by day without any token of coming blessing. Oh how trying to flesh and blood is this waiting! Well, the Lord will not answer the fretfulness of our hearts. He will not let us have things as we like. He again puts before us just what He put before Abram here, *“the sure word of prophecy,”* and says, lean on that. That is enough for the present, wait on Me. Not only so, but He meets us further, even as He met Abram. Remember how I brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees, out of the darkness and bondage of sin and death. See what great things I have done for you in time past. Can you not trust Me for all that is to come? In this way God bids us look back at His love and faithfulness, that we may trust Him for the future. In the same way David takes encouragement: *“O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.”* These were places where God had shown His power on David’s behalf and now he is in trouble he looks back, remembers God’s goodness, and takes courage for the future; *“I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”* Thus God seems to speak to Abram. But alas, Abram’s faith is weak! Who would have thought that the one who only a short time before had stood out so boldly for the Lord would now have shown such marvelous want of faith? Again he replies, *“Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?”* What strange questionings of God’s faithfulness! What clouds had gathered round this good man’s faith! *“Lord God, what wilt thou give me…Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?”* He hardly seems the same man who had just before said to the King of Sodom, *“I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet … I will not take anything that is thine…”* Ah, dear Christian reader, said we not well that the armor is needed after the conflict? “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day.” What follows? *“and having done all, to stand.”* The foe comes to us after the conflict, because then he knows we so often have the armor off. See Elijah. He who could boldly stand before Ahab and exclaim, “There shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.”3 is seen a few hours after fleeing into the wilderness to hide himself under a juniper tree, trembling like a leaf, under the boastful threat of guilty Jezebel! See David; through great faith in God he smote the giant with a sling and with a stone. *“Come to me”* were the fearful words of the giant of Gath, *“and I will give thy flesh to the fowls of the air.”* Yet David with his armor of faith prevailed. Not too long afterwards he is seen fleeing into the wilderness and exclaiming, in miserable distrust of God, *“I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul.”* Oh, sad unbelief of the heart! Blessed be God, though our faith is constantly fluctuating, always bringing dishonor and discredit upon Him, He never changes! He is our heart’s only resting place. Not our faith, not our resolutions, not our confidence in Him, our knowledge of Him. No—Only Himself. Abram had asked, *“Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall inherit it?”* God now proceeds to point out how he may be sure that he shall. *“And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three year old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle dove, and a young pigeon.”* Mark this well, reader. Abram had asked, *“Whereby shall I know?”* and God points him to the sacrifice-to the divided heifer, the she goat and the ram. He points him to these as a pledge of the fulfillment of every promise, the full realization of every blessing. Do we, like Abram, want to be assured that every promise of God will be fulfilled, that every blessing in His storehouse shall be ours? Where does God still direct us to look? To the cross-the divided, suffering, bleeding, dying Lamb on Calvary. There is God’s answer to our question. *“He that spared not his own Son,”* He seems to say to us, *“but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”* Yes, heaven still points to the cross of Jesus for an answer to every question of the heart. There He bids us look and rest. There we turn in our darkest moments. There faith revives, and goes onward in its heavenward path with new energy. God be praised for that wondrous cross! On it hangs all our hopes. On it are suspended the issues of every step of our way. We behold the dying Lamb, and raise our songs of praise. We go forth from His side rejoicing. We go forth to victory. And this encouragement is for the weakest, the poorest, the most needy. *“The turtle-dove and the young pigeon”* are there-God’s provision for the poor. They are specially provided for. They are special objects in God’s heart. They are bidden to look at the cross of Christ and take courage. That bleeding Lamb is their pledge that every blessing shall be theirs, every promise of God’s their everlasting portion. *“And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him.”* All the external channels of communication with the outer and visible world were now closed in order that Abram might hold communion with God. It is only when outward things are shut out that the spiritual vision is clear. Then we see God. Then He opens His mind to us. Then He reveals to us the deep purposes of His heart. This took place, it is said, *“when the sun was going down.”* There must be darkness round the earth before the lights of heaven can be seen. When darkness covered the earth, the light of redeeming love shone in its brightest rays on Calvary. So is it always. God’s lights shine in the world’s darkness. God opens wide the spiritual faculties of the soul when all the channels of communication with the outer world are closed. There is darkness over the earth, the faculties of Abram’s soul are closed to outward things but what wondrous realities are being made visible to him! Oh the things unseen revealed in God’s presence to the soul that leaves the world and self and sin behind are always wonderful! They are the true realities of life. There is nothing so real as they are. The mightiest of the mighty of this world’s events are but shadows in comparison. The only real life is the life *“hid with Christ in God.”* The only real existence is that spent in His presence. All else is shadow, dream, the spray dashed from the ocean’s rock, the bubble glittering for a moment on the world’s treacherous sea! *“And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years.”* Here was the rebuke to Abram’s want of faith, as truly as was the dumbness of Zacharias for his unbelief. Abram had said, *“Lord God, what wilt thou give me?”* God reveals to him much that saddens his heart. His hopes are thus subdued and chastened and he is taught that the true resting place of his heart is not in outward things but in God Himself, not in the earnestly desired child-but in God alone. Alas, the fondest desires of the heart, if allowed to stand between us and God, when realized, end in sadness and sorrow. God is teaching us this continually. Let our most fondly cherished wishes be fully gratified, their sequel is a mingled experience of sadness and grief, as Surely as the issue of the seed of Abram was a sequel of tears and afflictions, sorrows and sins. Surely we may learn again God’s often taught, but never fully learned, lesson, “I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Not the child, but God. Not the creature, but God. Not in anything below, but in Him above. Reader, have you learned this lesson? Is there some desire between your soul and God, some cherished wish, some darling treasure—it matters not what—on which your heart is set, and leading you, as long as it remains ungratified, to exclaim, *“Lord God, what wilt thou give me.?”* Oh learn the lesson! When you get it, it will disappoint. It will not be equal to expectation. Earthly hopes are never realized. The tendency of the human mind, by dwelling on some earthly expectation, is to exaggerate its value, so that when realized it falls far below expectation. This dis­appointment is, must be, from the very nature of the human mind, the sequel of every cherished earthly desire. *“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”* Expectation, however long cherished, however long dwelt upon, never falls below the mark when centered in Him. The fulfillment is always beyond the expectation, however great it may be, because it is in God. Mother, is the shadow between thy soul and God a child? wife, is it a husband? merchant, is it thy busi­ness? nobleman, is it thy rank or wealth? Whatever it is, the end will be sorrow. Whatever comes between the soul and God will prove to be a thorn piercing the soul. Perhaps you say you value them, but you hope you have not made an idol of them. Who is to judge? Did man ever confess, or even know, that what his heart was set upon had become an idol? Never. Can you say, well, whatever is between my soul and Him, let Him remove it. I am ready to let everything go for Him. This will be the test. Try to realize this. Suppose at this moment God were to draw near and take away that child, that husband, that business, that rank and wealth, do you hold each one of them so in subservi­ence to Him that you could say take them, Lord: leave me only Thyself and I shall be happy? Can we say, and say truly this? Ah, let us beware of these idols! Let us keep everything in subjection to the Saviour. Let us ask the Lord earnestly to let nothing, however dear, take His place on the throne. We shall be saved from tearful eyes, broken spirits, and bleeding hearts. We shall value them all according to their true estimate, simply because Christ is valued above all. But when do these treasures become idols? Passing along the road, on a starlight night, I have looked up at the bright moon shining in all its brilliancy. I saw no cloud on its bright surface. But suddenly I became conscious of a less luster, a dimmed brightness on the path. Looking up I saw a faint shadow, scarcely a cloud, almost a film on its beauteous surface. I saw it not before. I never should have seen it at all till it came between me and the light, it was so faint and slight. So is it with many a thing here. It looks all right. We can detect nothing wrong. Ah! let it pass between the soul and the light of God’s presence. Then only will its true character be seen. Does it cast no shadow over the heart? Does it leave the brightness of the Lord’s countenance shining on the soul? Is Jesus seen through it clearly, sweetly? Is the soul enjoying unclouded fellowship with Him under it? Is there no check to the current of his peace and joy? If there be, reader, in however slight a degree, in the same degree has that thing become an idol. If peace, and joy, and holy fellowship with Jesus are not thine, depend upon it there is some idol between thy soul and God. It may be the world or the flesh, or even the gifts and blessings of God; it matters not what, it is an idol. Oh search and see! Am I truly living under the unsullied light of God’s countenance? Is Jesus only on the throne in my heart? Is my heart whole for Him, or is it divided? Search, reader, search. True joy consists only in one thing-being whole hearted for Christ. *“And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.”* Abram had given up all for God. He had had to separate from his coun­try, kindred and his father’s house. Every earthly association was severed and he had to walk with God a stranger and a pilgrim through an enemy’s country. Now God promises him a renewal of the family tie in that bright and blessed world towards which be was journeying, *“Thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace.”* This is the glorious reward God sets before all who have to pass through that fiery path of separation. They shall have an eternal restoration of every severed tie. The fond affections of the family hearth shall be renewed where no cloud can ever enter to mar their beauty, to overshadow their luster or cause distance or reservation between heart and heart. Human affection shall be deepened and intensified, yet be holy and happy. The eyes and hearts of all shall gaze upon Him who sits upon the throne and catch His glory which shall be reflected from heart to heart and from face to face. The tenderness and affections of earthly homes shall be gathered up again and shall run throughout eternity in one even course under the eye of Him from whose presence they now derive their highest joy, though amid tears, severances and sad farewells. Yes, “Eye hath not seen” what that family scene shall be; *“nor ear heard”* the holy, heavenly harmo­nies that shall be heard from that great gathering round the throne. This is *“prepared”* for all them that love Him. This is our glorious prospect, the promise of our God, on which hangs all our hopes, all our earnest longings. *“And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace.”* Peace is the heritage of all God’s people. When they came to the cross, it was then they tasted its stream. The Saviour’s peace was given to them day by day as they journeyed through the desert below. It was peace when they came to Jesus, peace as they journeyed on day by day, peace when they stood on the border of the dark river through which they had to pass, peace as the ransomed spirit left its prison house of clay to join the family on high—all was peace. Blessed assurance for each child of God: *“And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace.”* One by one are passing from us, of those we loved below. The smiles that once greeted us on earth of the trusted and the true are lessening as we pass on. We can count them very easily. The golden links of heaven are stronger and more in number today than they were a few short years ago. What a host is gathering round the throne! What a greeting shall be, ere a few more suns rise and set! What warm embraces are at hand! How they make our hearts beat for joy at the very thought of them! Each hour is filling the ranks of the unfilled homes on high. And the morning is very near; oh, how near! Jesus is coming, and with Him every broken link shall be bound again, every sad farewell shall be left behind forever. As each one passes on before us, leaving us to tread a still more lonely path, we count up our numbers and see how few are the links that bind us to this world. We are waiting to join them. We long for that eternal glory, that endless greeting. We are waiting in the hall below till the summons shall come from above. Yet more than all, we long His glory to behold, Whose smile fills all that radiant throng With ecstasy untold. Our waiting cry is, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly; and the glad echo that greets us from heaven and cheers our broken spirits on earth, is, *“Surely I come quickly.”* We are like to servants In their Master’s hall, Busied with our daily work, Waiting for His call. On the roof above us Rows of bells are hung; One by one they summon each, With their clamorous tongue. Then, the servant bidden Saith ‘That rings for me,’ Leaveth off his present toil, Whatever it may be; Smootheth his apparel, Looks a farewell round, Passeth from his fellows While the bell doth sound; Mounteth up the staircase, To his Lord doth go; Tarrieth in the upper rooms, Comes no more below. Oh to be up yonder Pressing near to God! Thus we pine and murmur, Counting service vain; But the loving Master Reckons up our pain. He, the unforgetting, Marks our every sigh; When our heart is heaviest, Comfort then is nigh. When our hope is faintest, And despair most strong, And the night gloom deepens Round the waiting throng, Then the welcome summons Suddenly shall ring, And our glad steps hasten To our Lord and King. “Thou shalt be buried in a good old age.” What a delightful sight is the head hoary in God’s service! What a heart-cheering, holy sight to see, that while the hair is growing whiter, the heart is deepening in love to the Saviour, the life more unreservedly laid upon the altar as a living sacrifice to Him! Oh what a blessed, and glorious sight is this! But how terrible the converse of this! What more melancholy, what more heart rending sight can there be than to see beneath the hoary head an unrenewed heart! Can there be on earth anything more saddening than to behold the hoary hairs consecrated to mammon, to the service of the world? Can there be a more heart rending sight than an unconverted, a worldly old age? Oh, if angels can weep, it is here! They bend over the battlements of glory in wonder and pity. An unconverted old age! Then conversion to God is almost hopeless. It is a rare occurrence. The die has been cast. The seal has been fixed upon the brow. Only a stupendous miracle can break the hardened heart-hardened, perhaps, by long years of familiarity with the gospel-and snatch the brand from the burning. Oh fearful sight! Reader, art thou one of these aged unconverted ones? Oh, may God speak to thee now, through these lines! Only He can. May He break that hard heart! May He rouse thy slumbering, yea, seared conscience—seared, perhaps, as with a hot iron! May He melt thy frozen soul, and bring thee to the foot of His cross as a poor, humbled sinner! Then, with all the dark picture of the past, shall there be hope in thy latter end. May the Judge standing at that awful bar on high have mercy upon thy soul! Neither heaven nor earth can draw a darker picture than thine, unconverted aged one! “*But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.”* God’s people could not enter the promised inheritance till “the iniquity of the Amorites” was full. They must fill up their measure of rejected mercy, and despised grace, and indulged sin. Then should the Lord’s people return. It is the same now. “The Lord is not slack con­cerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”1 We cannot yet enter our inheritance. *“the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.”* Not yet, but soon will be. The cup is in their hand. It is fast filling up. Mercy despised, grace rejected, warnings unheeded, entreaties mocked, the holy blood habitually trampled under foot and counted an unholy thing! These are the droppings, hour after hour, into that cup. It is now nearly full. Who shall conceive the vengeance! Who shall picture the blood stained apparel of Him who cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah! Who shall describe that winepress of wrath preparing by unholy hands for their own un­holy souls and bodies! Then *“the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”* We shall then enter into our everlasting inheritance and go no more out. Let us now consider the most important and instruct­ive portion of this chapter—the *“furnace,”* the *“burn­ing lamp,”* and the *“pieces.”* *“And it came to pass, that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold a smoking furnace, and a burn­ing lamp that passed between those pieces.”* The narrative presents us with a striking type of the death of Christ. This was the covenant God made with Abram, through which all the promises of God were made good and every blessing came down to him and his descendants. Looking at it as a representation of the great sacrifice of the Lamb of God and the part His people have in that sacrifice, it is very striking. *“when the sun went down, and it was dark”* then was the light of heaven seen shining in meridian rays from Calvary. Then the sacrifice; symbolized here by *“the pieces,”* was smitten, and pierced, and rent asunder. *“there was darkness over all the land”* the historian tells us, and a cry from that cross rent the blackened vault of heaven, *“My God my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”* But what was seen between those *“pieces?”*, *“a smoking furnace, and a burning lamp”* The former represents the sufferings, the persecutions, the trials and sorrows of the Lord’s people. The latter represents the light of God’s presence—God’s promises, and peace, and joys. Between the *“pieces”* both were seen. In the cross of Christ the Lord’s people find both. When they come to Him—to know, to follow, to lean upon Him—it is in much tribulation. The cross is their portion hour by hour. It is indeed a furnace, a *“smoking furnace,”* through which they are called to pass. But blessed be His holy name there is, along with that smoking furnace, the light, the comfort, the joy of the Lord’s presence. In Christ both are found. Not till man comes between those *“pieces,”* not till the sinner is led to hide in a crucified Saviour, does he know what it is to take up the bitter cross. Not till then does he know what it is to taste true joy. It is indeed darkness all around him then. Only in Christ has he light. *“Between the pieces”-there is his place all through this dispensation. “Hid with Christ in God”*—there he finds his light as well as his cross, his “smoking furnace and burning lamp.” But one sweet word here reminds him of a glorious time drawing near. If there is the *“smoking furnace,”* it will not be always there. It *“passed between the pieces.” “Our light affliction which is but for a moment.”* The day is at hand when there shall be no longer the *“smoking furnace.”* In the meantime, though there is the anguish, the cry, the sin, yet God’s people are between the pieces—safe in Christ, and “*all things”* work­ing *“together for good,”* because he is in Him. *“In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram”* We have in these words a most important truth brought before us. The same day on which God showed Abram the “pieces,” He showed him also his part in them. There were the pieces, and also the covenant made with Abram, founded on the “pieces.” Thus God would have all His people not only to look to the crucified Saviour, but also to see their own individual interest in that Saviour; not only to know that He died to put away sin, but also that by that death He put away our sin. The one should never be preached without the other. What avails religion if we cannot be sure of an individual interest in it? Far better be without it! What peace can that soul have, which, while looking to the cross, cannot see its own part in that great work of re­demption. God would have us not only see the “pieces,” but that in those pieces a “covenant” is made with the soul. He would have us to say with humility, yet with confidence, not only Jesus died for sinners, but Jesus died for me; not only He put away sin, but He put away my sin. *“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”, ” “My Lord and my God.”* said Thomas; **“My beloved is mine, and I am his”** Reader, rest satisfied with nothing short of this per­sonal assurance of salvation. God shows you here that He would have you see your own interest in His *“finished”* work. He died for you. He has put away your sins. Oh, poor, anxious sinner, believe it and be at peace. Accept that work—salvation finished, and finished for thee. Nothing to be done, but everything already done by Jesus. If you could do anything to get an interest in that work, it would not, it could not, be a *“finished”* work. As such it would be unworthy of God. It would be an incomplete thing and would give no peace. But *“it is finished.”* Oh! believe it. Be­lieve it now. Take this full and freely offered salva­tion, and go in peace. *“In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates.”* We notice here the expression *“have I given”* The previous appearances of God to Abram brought with them future promises of blessing to him and his seed. Here, however, it is not a future promise, but a present possession. It is not, as before, *“I will give,”* but *“I have given.”* This is instructive. God had just shown Abram the *“pieces,”* and his own covenanted interest in them. In the sacrifice everything is present possession. In Christ all things are ours. *“who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”* *“Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;”* That sacrifice made all the land though, then filled with enemies, forever the possession of Abram and his seed. The sacrifice of Christ makes the world and all things the believer’s, though as yet it is the enemy’s country. Having Christ, we have all things. Blessed and glorious truth! May we know our wealth! May we understand our high and holy position! May we, as *“kings and priests,”* sons of God, and heirs of eternal life, never stoop from our lofty position to find a resting place in anything lower. May we be whole hearted for Him, in this day of being lukewarm, of indecision, and of declension. Many are going back and walking no more with Jesus. The love of many is waxing cold. Forms and ceremonies are taking the place of real life from God in the soul. On all sides the declen­sion is rapid and startling. Let us see to it, that the rapidity of the current does not carry us along with it. If we breast it in our own strength, we are hopelessly lost. Our only strength, our only security is in Christ; our only hiding place the Rock of ages. As the storm rages more wildly outside and the horizon grows darker and darker as the droppings of the last thunder cloud begin to fall faster and faster may we shelter ourselves more closely than ever in the clefts of the smitten Rock and wait with patience the hour when the storm shall cease and the wild waves cease to roar and the blackened sky give place to a bright morning, a *“morning without clouds,”* when *“the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings,”* and chase every shadow, and every cloud, and every sorrow from our blighted world, and all shall be bright and glorious again as Eden was, reflecting in ten thousand forms of light, and life, and beauty, the glory of Him who is fairer than the children of men, and who shall lead His people “unto living fountains of waters: and wipe away all tears from their eyes.”3 Hasten, Lord, that glorious hour! Come quickly, and tarry not! I journey forth rejoicing, From this dark vale of tears, To heavenly joy and freedom From earthly bonds and fears: Where Christ, our Lord, shall gather All His redeemed again, His kingdom to inherit: Good-night till then! Go to thy quiet resting, Poor tenement of clay! From all thy pain and weakness, I gladly haste away; But still in faith confiding, To find Thee yet again, All glorious and immortal: Good-night till then! Why thus so sadly weeping, Beloved ones of my heart! The Lord is good and gracious, Though now He bids us part. Oft have we met in gladness, And we shall meet again, All sorrow left behind us: Good-night till then! I go to see His glory, Whom we have loved below! I go, the blessed angels, The holy saints to know. Our lovely ones departed I go to find again, And wait for you to join us: Good-night till then! I hear the Saviour calling, The joyful hour has come! The angel-guards are ready To guide me to our home, Where Christ, the Lord, shall gather All His redeemed again, His kingdom to inherit: Good-night till then! Rate this post **Categories:** The Word Unveiled --- ### [How do you live according to the Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-do-you-live-according-to-the-bible/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And if you will stop and ask yourself, why you are not as pious as the primitive Christians were, your own heart will tell you, that it is neither through ignorance, nor inability, but purely because you never thoroughly intended it. William Law 1686-1761; English Clergy - First, you have to make it the desire of your heart to live for God. - Second, you have to know his word to know how to live right. There are at least a hundred commandments in the Bible telling us how we are to live, all are practical and doable. Romans 12:21 KJV **Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good**. Romans 13:13-14 KJV **Let us walk honestly**, as in the day; **not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying**. 14But **put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof**. You only really have to obey two commandments to live a perfect life: Love God with all you mind, body, and soul, and love others as yourself. Do these and you will have lived according to the Bible. *Matthew 22:37-40* Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind**. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 40**On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets**. Easy peasy. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Life --- ### [The Woman with the Issue of Blood](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-woman-with-the-issue-of-blood/) **Published:** June 11, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And *Jesus* went with him (Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue); and much people followed him and thronged him. And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, when she had heard of Jesus, came in the press behind, and touched his garment: for she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in *her* body that she was healed of that plague. And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched my clothes? And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the mul­titude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me? And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. —Mark 5:24-34 Our blessed Lord was truly called the Light of the world. It is the property of light to *make manifest;* and this was emphatically the case with Him, for wherever He journeyed He brought to light what would otherwise have been hidden. The hidden desires, wants, diseases, the hidden unbelief, and enmity of the heart; all seemed to be drawn out by the very presence of the Saviour. His walks in and out among the sons and daughters of sin and sorrow, ignorance and woe, seemed to draw to the surface all that I had lain concealed. His presence did not create them, but it brought them to light. Sin and misery, want and woe, hatred and fear, disease and death, all came forth from their secret hiding places under the influence of this Light of heaven, and either revived beneath His healing rays, or withered under His holy influence. Mercy distilled from His lips like the dews of heaven, refreshing and healing the needy and desolate ones that thronged His path and that clung to the life-giving words that fell from His lips with the mellowed softness of heaven’s own music; while the hidden enmity of the heart leaping forth with unrestrained violence heard in them its death knell, and shrank back, appalled by the holy brightness of the Son of God, to its envenomed prison house. And as it is by contrast that everything is seen in its truest colors, so it is when these are brought into association with the Lord of glory, that the pictures of grace from the sacred gallery of Gospel portraiture shine with effulgent rays, and charm our hearts with their heavenly beauty. They meet *our* needs. They restore *our* spirits. They increase *our* faith. They seem as if they had been drawn purposely for us, and as if the inspired pencil that delineated them had none other than ourselves in view. We fix them in the secret chambers of our souls and feel we have the costliest treasure in heaven or earth. We feel we can only yield them at one price; the price of the soul itself. They are linked together, and linked by God Him­self; and what “God hath joined together let no man put asunder.” We stand before one of these portraitures of grace, suspended from the walls of the Gospel gallery. It is one with a dark background of misery and disease, throwing out in bold relief the Divine pencilings of mercy, grace, and love. The Saviour was journeying at the summons of mercy. A needy, helpless creature lay at the point of death. The bleeding heart of the father interceded for his loved one, and the Saviour bent His steps towards the sor­row stricken, home. Multitudes thronged His path and pressed upon Him. Suddenly His steps were arrested by a poor, wasted, bowed-down wreck of humanity. She had borne the burden of suffering and disease for twelve years and groaned beneath its weight. She had tried every resource within her reach and tried in vain. She had spent her all on the world’s physicians, and they had left her worse than they found her. There she lay; in the Saviour’s path, a poor shattered wreck of humanity, with the lifeblood flowing from her body, with no hand to staunch the wound; a standing testimony, to this hour, of the im­potence of the world to meet man’s deepest needs. From the crowd of curious or thoughtless beings that throng the Saviour’s path, the Holy Spirit selects this one and brings her conspicuously before our view. What a picture does the scene, on its very first appearance, present to our notice! How true, to this very hour, its lessons! Crowds throng and press the Saviour in various ways, but one here and there among the throng, helpless and needy, in whose inward hearts the name of Jesus has sounded like music, touch Him; because they feel there is in Him the only balm that can heal the spiritual diseases of their souls. They feel their inward disease. They feel that He alone can heal them, and they cast themselves at His feet. Content they would be, like this helpless woman, to be hidden, if only they might touch the Saviour’s hem. While others throng the Saviour in Churches and chapels, in ordinances and ceremonies, in rites and rituals, in prayers and fastings, they feel that these pressings on Him are not in themselves sufficient. They have no virtue in them for their deadly diseases. While they go with the throng, they feel they need something of which these are all but the outward shadows; the channels it may be, but not the living stream. They feel that the holiest and the best alone are poverty itself. It is Jesus they want. Jesus Himself; Jesus only. And if they touch not Him, they turn away, like Mary from the sepulcher, with a bleeding heart and a tearful eye, and find no resting place till Jesus reveals Himself to their souls. These earthly channels are all dry without Him, and that which conveys Him *in the most direct manner* to the soul is the most Divine and most worthy of preference. The instrument derives from Him its sole value. At best it is but an earthen vessel, even though it is stamped with heaven’s own beauty. When Jesus fills it, then is the vessel glorious. When anything else is there, either wholly or in part, the vessel has only one merit; that of being broken to pieces. The silver has become dross, the fine gold has be­come dim. And oh, how different a thing it is to press and throng the Saviour with the crowd and to touch Him! There is just all the difference there; the difference between life and death, between an heir of glory, and one hopelessly lost. The crowd feels no spiritual disease. They bow down under the weight of no spiritual malady. They feel no heart need of Jesus. They know not experimentally of a hid­den virtue in His dear name. It awakens no chord in their hearts. To all this they are strangers. True, their religion may teach it; their ministers may preach it; their creeds may profess it; their lips may acknowledge it; the bowed head may reverence it; the freedom from open glaring sin may yield some conformity to its demands. Ah! this is only thronging and pressing the Saviour. In all this, He remains untouched. There is no deep need in the heart. There is no virtue communicated from Him. They know not Jesus, with all their outward conformity; for He is known only by the needy soul. The soul’s deep poverty touches the deep springs of His heart and draws forth the healing virtue from within. Well: she had an incurable disease; a true type of sin, and she felt it. So far, all was right. To feel that we are diseased is the first step towards the Divine remedy. There can be no remedy without it. But how many feel their sinful state who have not found the remedy, nor sought it! Conscience may make a man feel that he is a sinner, but the Holy Spirit can alone reveal the remedy and lead the soul to obtain it. This throws no shade over the blessed truth that the Holy Spirit is the convincer of sin, for when *He* convinces He reveals the remedy and leads the soul to it. The light of natural conscience, even in its darkest state, makes all men feel they are sinners. Let us not suppose for a moment that this is the work of the Holy Spirit. The Divine mark which distinguishes the work of the natural conscience from that of the Holy Spirit is that He leads the soul He convinces to Jesus. Some there are who tell us that this work of the natural conscience is, in all cases, the work of God’s Holy Spirit! So that the poor cannibal who devours his fellow man, and offers another to appease the wrath of an imaginary deity, is under the influence of the Holy Spirit, though he may never have heard of Christ or His Gospel! Alas for such teachers! How come then He does one part of His work, and leaves the other undone? If the conviction of sin in the breast of the poor savage be the work of the Holy Spirit, how is it that He begins His work and leaves it unfinished; leaving the poor soul to die in its sin? How is it that He convinces of sin, and yet, having so convinced it, mocks it by revealing no remedy? Is not such a view most dishonoring to Him? Is it not blasphemous? Does it not place Him before us in a repulsive light? Far be it from me to say that such a light in the case I have alluded to is *nothing*. It is a *natural* light, and by it, where the Gospel has never been heard, the soul will probably be judged. But it is not the work of the Holy Ghost, He operates through the medium of the *written word.* Does He convince? It is through some stray beam of light that has found its way from that word to the soul, like the trickling rivulet among the distant hills from the river or the ocean. Does He rebuke? It is by some truth from its treasury taking hold of the conscience. Does He com­fort? It is by some promise from its storehouse. Does He quicken? It is by some precept or warning from its manifold and inexhaustible resources. The Spirit speaks and operates through the word. God has His witness in the breast of every man living, leaving him without excuse. (Rom 1) Let us not confound it, however, with the work of the Holy Spirit, whose distinctive operation is through the word of God. This is the only check we have against error. Were it not for this, there would be nothing to distinguish the wildest excesses of the brain from the genuine work of God. He convinces the soul of sin by bringing it under the light of the holy law of God. He makes sin to be exceeding sinful. He enlightens the understanding. He corrects the judgment. He instructs the mind. He educates the heart. The word is the medium; and where He begins His work, He never leaves it till it is finished, and the believer is presented faultless before tne throne. For many a long year, the burden had pressed upon this woman. She had sought long and earnestly for some skillful hand to heal the wound. She had consulted the world’s physicians on every side but in vain. Her burden only increased. Her disease spread. Poverty stared her in the face. They had taken from her all she possessed, and what had they done for her? Only increased her suffer­ing. Poor world! thou hast no remedy for the diseases of the soul. Thou hast no medicine for a bleeding heart. He who repairs to thee in his hour of need finds a broken cistern. Thou canst empty but never fill. Thou canst promise but never perform. Thou canst bruise but never heal. Thou canst take away all the poor soul has, but leave it worse and not better. The flower may be plucked by thy ruthless hand, but the stalk left to wither on the ground. So she found it to be, and so have all who have sought it as she did. Ah, how much we learn from this case, of our utter inability to find the Divine remedy, even when brought to a knowledge of our true state before God. Like her, the soul convinced of sin, if left to itself, will repair to the world’s physicians instead of Jesus. It is like a little child and needs to be led every step of the way. There is within it a tendency to diverge, of which it cannot divest itself. Like the child, it will leave the path and turn aside to pluck the flowers, however poisonous they may be. Strange that it should at every step seek what must be its ruin! But it does. It is its nature. And if God the Spirit carry not on the work He has begun, if He lead not the poor foolish child *every* step of the way, not one would be found before the throne to praise the Lord for the riches of His grace. Heaven would be a desert but for sovereign grace. Heaven would be untenanted by a single redeemed one, but for the continued leading, restoring, and upholding of God’s Holy Spirit, O believer, do *you* not feel it is so? Is this the doctrine merely of a certain class? Is it not rather a truth deeply endorsed by your own daily, hourly experience? Surely the answer to every cavil lies in your own individual history. Could you trust yourself for the next hour without Him? Let reason and argument aim their polished shafts at this glorious doctrine, yet there is a testimony to its truth which nothing can gainsay; your own individual experience. And mark who it was that had not only taken her all but left her worse. It was the world’s physicians; the world’s professed healers. So is it to the present hour. Does the soul feel its diseases? What have the world’s physicians to offer? Its religion; its penances and prayers, its fasting and ceremonies, its toils and labors, its miserable *hope* after death. Oh, how these things rob the soul, leaving it in deeper wretchedness than before! Thus it labors and toils, not twelve years, but a whole lifetime, with a disease, ever-deepening. No light of truth shines within, telling of sin put away and peace through the blood of Jesus. No present salvation, lighting up the soul with joy, quickening its steps in devotedness to the Lord, and making that service a delight instead of a task. All is wretchedness within, darkness and uncertainty, fear and dread, bondage and restraint, dreariness and death. Oh, miserable physicians for the soul! Yet such are the best. Such are all the world has, or ever had, till we go to Jesus and listen to the sweet sounds of redeeming love from His lips. The undying memorial over the skele­tal remains of a Bishop, found scratched by his own hand in the dungeons of Rome, is the only true superscription over the brightest and best the world can hold out: “No rest here but in Christ.” No rest but in Christ; and he who would repair elsewhere may behold in this shattered wreck of humanity his own certain history to the end. But mark how the soul clings to anything in itself. So long as she had *means* to pay these physicians, so long would she continue to try them, and so long would God let her go on. So long as the sinner is conscious he has within himself anything to merit salvation, so long will he trade upon that, and so long will God let him go on. No salvation but by grace. Nothing in the sinner to earn it, nothing from which he can lay claim to it. All this must go. He must become bankrupt, with nothing in the purse. Diseased and helpless, ruined and undone, such are they whom Jesus came to seek and save. When the sinner is brought to this, as she was, with no purse to fly to, no help at hand, then does the Spirit reveal Jesus to the soul. Oh, how precious then is His dear name! How sweet the notes of mercy! How divine the blood that heals the soul! How valuable the word of truth! What a reality in all, and how suited to our case! Reader, have *you* been brought to this? Have you been brought, poor and wretched, helpless and undone, to the feet of Jesus? If you are ever to be saved you *must* come to this. Be not deceived; all religion without this is counterfeit. It may have upon it the very stamp of heaven itself; without this, it is a mockery. It is blind­ing your eyes, while it is leading you onward to certain destruction. Again I say, be not deceived. Without this, not a glimmer of Divine life has ever yet dawned on your soul. You are dead while you live. Christian reader, have you been brought to this? Yes, you have if you are a Christian. Then *keep* in this place. Ah, it is often much easier for the Spirit to *bring* us there than to *keep* us there. The heart is so deceitful. As a *doctrine,* how we prize this! We feel that in the matter of salvation, this must ever be our place. But to keep here; to be at all times self emptied; to carry it with us into all our ways, how rare, how difficult! How often *complacency* steals into the heart under the conscious possession of spiritual mercies or spiritual gifts! How often the Spirit’s work within us is tarnished by conscious spiritual superiority, painfully visible perhaps to all but ourselves! Oh, how self-complacency, conscious superiority, a lofty air or elevated bearing in spiritual things, betrays the soul’s leanness, its practical alienation from God, its evidence of low communion, and that a process of declension is going on within! Oh, the deceitfulness of the heart! The Christian’s danger is not so much in not acknowledging that he is helpless and ruined in the matter of his soul’s salvation, but in feeling this continually, and in all things. He needs to have the prayer daily on his lips, “Lord, keep me from my own evil heart. Keep me, lest I, not thou, be all. Keep me, lest in my services for thee, self may poison everything.” Self will be uppermost. It is its nature, and most when engaged in the things of God. Then the holy garment blinds us to a sense of the deadly gangrene within. We suspect it least where we should suspect it most. Thus it is fostered, and God is not glorified. When she *“had spent all that she had,”* she heard of Jesus. The creature must be brought to the end of every­thing, ere the Holy Spirit can make known Christ. Jesus must be a full Saviour, an exclusive Saviour, or none at all. So long as there is any resource to which it can look for the healing of its diseases, no matter what it may be, Christ cannot meet it in the fullness of the riches of His grace. This is a hard lesson: it is the last the flesh will learn. And yet it *must* be learned, ere God can act, or redeeming mercy be experienced and prized. God will not yield in His requirements. This is absolutely indis­pensable. Till you have ‘spent all that you have,’ till you have been brought to the end of everything, to the end of all hope of anything in yourself, or in the world for which you are living, or in your outward religion, your lifeless creed, your formal profession, till you have been brought, reader, to the end of everything, poor, helpless, undone, with every prop removed, you will never hear the voice of the Spirit making known Jesus to you. You will never know the sweetness of His name, the healing virtue of His precious blood. This is the only state in which He can be prized, the only state in which He can be experienced as the Saviour of sinners, and He will never enter the heart on any other terms. He will not enter as a half Saviour, or to be esteemed, venerated, respected. No; He came into the world for no such purpose. Shame on such dis­honor to His blessed mission! He came to die *“for the ungodly,”* to seek and to save the *lost;* and wherever He meets a heart that has not been brought to know that *it* is such, to cover itself with dust and ashes, under a sense of this, He passes it by. Reader, you are just fit for the Saviour if you have been brought to this. Do I hear you saying, “I feel I am a sinner. I see so many inconsistencies in my life that I am ashamed of myself. Though I know I ought to be what God says, yet I find I cannot; my sins get the better of me. My conscience is troubled. I know I shall have to meet God, and yet the thought is dreadful. I am wretched.” This is the Spirit of God bringing you to feel that you are ungodly. He is making your conscience feel it. Then it is, when you are brought to this, the voice of the Lord speaks, and says, “You *are* ungodly, but in due time Christ died for the *ungodly.*” How “in due time?” Just in due time for us, when we had lost, ruined, sinned away our blessings. When you, reader, are brought to the sense of this, then is your *“due time.”* Then does the Spirit make known that you, ungodly as you *feel* yourself to be, are the one Christ shed His blood for? He bore the curse of your ungodliness. He took all your sins on Himself, bore them away, left none for God to look upon, not one. They are all gone forever from His view. The wages of sin, of *your* sin, is eternal death; and these wages you must have paid, had Jesus not paid them for you. But He has. The debt of *death* on account of your sins has been paid by Him. He died, the Just for the unjust, to bring us to God. The debt has been fully paid, and now you are the Lord’s freeman. Oh, what joy, what comfort to the conscience bowed down under a sense of its ungodli­ness! Reader, believe this, precious truth, and let the song of praise burst forth from your lips: *“There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.”* Let conscience condemn, let Satan accuse, let the law thunder. Be it so. Another has answered all their claims, every one. Look at Jesus. He is your substitute. He has finished the work. God sees you now in Jesus and is well pleased with you for His sake. Poor, bankrupt sinner, that hast spent all that thou hast, that hast toiled, and labored, and struggled, and art nothing better, but worse; listen to the Spirit of God pointing thee to Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.” “He was bruised for our iniquities, he was wounded for our transgressions, and by his stripes we are healed.” “The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all;” of thee, sinner. It was all laid on Jesus. By His stripes, *thou* art healed. Oh! believe and be happy; believe and rejoice; believe and let songs of praises be on thy lips; believe, and: ``` Tell to sinners all around What a, dear Saviour thou hast found. ``` But there is a lesson here for the Christian too, a needed one. When she “had spent all she had,” she heard of Jesus. Christian, God must bring you to this all through your history. What are you looking to for help in your trials, for sympathy in your distresses, for healing in your sorrows? To the world? To Christian friends? To some resources of your own? Oh vain, vain every one. They are all the world’s physicians at best. God must bring you to spend all that you have. He must, He will, be all. When you have tried everything, and everyone, and are brought to the end of the creature in every form, nothing better, but worse; when you have been brought to lie helpless at the feet of Jesus, then will you have spent all that you had. Then will you see *“the Lord’s hand is not shortened.”* Then will the voice of Jesus be heard. In His time, and in His way, will come the healing touch that shall be more to you than the world, or friends, or anything. You ought to have trusted in none of these at first; you ought to have gone straight to Jesus at once, and closed your eyes to all else. But you did not. You had friends, you had means, you had resources, and you went to them. So the Lord allowed you to go on till you spent all you had; and then, when you had come to the end of everything, He had mercy on you. Yes, dear Christian reader, remember this lesson. Bear it in mind all through your history. You must come to the end of everything here but Jesus. Only then will you know what a Saviour He is. Only then will you know His unutterable preciousness. Only then you will know what thought cannot conceive nor tongue express. We must be shut up alone with Jesus, to know all that is in Him. We never half know Him till then. When the landscape is clouded, when the sky is dark, when the stream is dry, when the pitcher is broken, and when every bud, blossom, flower, and leaf are seared and frost bitten, then is Christ precious! We have come to the end of the creature, and the Spirit presses Jesus upon us. We feel our need. We lie at His feet. We are the poor bankrupts; He the God of all grace. *“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them; I the God of Israel will not forsake them.”* Then we know Jesus as He seeks to be known, supplying the greatest wants, meeting the worst cases, filling the emptiest souls. Then He is indeed a *Saviour,* not in name, but in power. We *taste* and see that the Lord is gracious. And mark how God deals with His people. He often lets things go to the worst with them before He steps in. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. He lets us come to the end of everything. Flesh and blood shrink, and we feel that none but He can help us. We are brought to this often, and when brought to it we are often kept in it, waiting on the Lord. Such seasons are trying, but they are the discipline of His hand, to wean us from everything here but Himself. He said to the disciples of old, “These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.” What things had He spoken? Things of sorrow, things of sadness, things to make the flesh creep, along with things cheering and delightful, a *mingled* cup, “judg­ment and mercy.” Such is the cup the Lord always pre­sents to His people here. And why? The reason is always the same, “That in me ye might have peace.” Mark it well, reader, “That in *me* ye might have peace.” This mingled cup is given to wean us from everything to Him. And it is well it is a *mixed* cup, for no other would ever wean us. Idolatry is so rooted in our nature, that the *mixed* cup, seen rightly, is unmingled love and mercy. Without it we should soon, like Israel of old, be full, and forget God. This was the way God dealt with this woman. She was allowed to go on. Things got worse and worse. She knew it not, but love was only emptying the vessel by this painful process to fill it with heavenly virtue. I dare say she often counted her money and watched with tearful eye and trembling heart the purse gradually diminishing. When the last penny was gone, she perhaps thought all was over. And where were her physicians? All had gone. And there she was, weaker than ever. Her malady had increased, and they had been the means of it. Ah! the world can do no more. It may increase the malady, but it can never heal it; and those who seek *its* healing powers return with a bleeding and desolate heart. We can fancy this woman’s inward agony: “What shall I do? I shall never have this terrible disease healed. The grave is before me. There is no hope.” How many a poor and needy one has felt the same, the tongue failing for thirst, and not a drop of water near to quench it! “Oh,” says one, “I shall never have this load of sin re­moved! It is a burden too heavy to bear.” “I shall never bear this crushing sorrow,” is the language of another. *“My spirit is overwhelmed within me.” “I am poured out like water.” “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!”* Ah! Judge not the Lord by feeble sense. But trust Him for His grace. His way is in the sea, and His path in the mighty waters. *“The Lord sitteth upon the flood; the Lord remaineth king forever.” He is only preparing you for the revelation of Himself. He is emptying the vessel that He may fill it. Every hair of your head is numbered. Every turn and bend in your checkered history is* in His hand and on His heart. Not one unneeded sorrow will He send. Not one rough wave shall break over the frail vessel without His will. The Pilot is at the helm. The mariner may be at his wits’ end, but the tempest-tossed vessel shall outride the storm, and reach the haven where He would have it. Be still, and know that He is God. Look not, like Peter, at the boiling flood at your feet, or the blackness of darkness overhead. Look at Jesus, and all will be well. You shall tread the waves in safety, and rejoice. Brought to the end of the creature, bowed down under a load of disease, with an empty purse, and nothing to look to, at such a juncture, this woman heard of Jesus. Oh, how sweet is the sound of His dear name to such! “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven !” In such a state we are prepared to receive the Saviour as He seeks to be received. In such a state, but in no other, are the sinner and the Saviour fitted for each other. The silences of God’s word on certain subjects are very striking and as important to us as those that are re­vealed. One of these most expressive silences forms an important feature in the history of this woman. She had learned much about Jesus. She possessed faith of no com­mon order. The very sound of His name drew her to His feet. The very “touch,” and that of His ” clothes,” she felt assured would be sufficient. She knew there was virtue in Him. She knew that it would do for her what all her physicians had failed to accomplish, make her whole. Where did she learn this? We are not told. There is a veil over it all. Let not someone say, “Oh, she was told it.” Her language and conduct are not those result­ing from a report. They are the exponents of a deep con­viction, which no report could have produced. Repeated disappointments, such as she had met with, would have cast suspicion on any mere report. The confidence and faith implied in them lead us to seek their explanation in a far different origin. A power had evidently been at work in her heart, of which she in all probability was unconscious, and of which she could offer no explanation. The Spirit of God had been preparing the vessel for the virtue that was to be poured into it. He opened her ear to the sound of the name of Jesus. There was something in it which she felt met her case. There was something in it which led her to His feet. The same blessed Spirit revealed to her the “virtue” in Him. He revealed to her the truth that the “touch” of trembling faith was enough to draw that virtue from Him. He revealed to her that her need would meet its fullness in Him. The Spirit taught her, the Spirit led her to His feet. No other explanation can be given of her confidence and assurance, her knowledge and faith, in the face of the many disap­pointments she had met with. No mere report could have produced them. Impossible. Now we see the reason for the vail over this part of her history. The Spirit’s leadings are the same in every case. The first report, the secret conviction, the thought darting through the mind like a flash of lightning, the uplifted eye, the falling tear, all that secret and often long process, involving, perhaps, the history of years of providential dealings, by which the soul emerges from darkness to light, under the gentle, unperceived leadings of the Spirit of God. Who knows it? Where is its record? Only on high. There is a vail over it all here. None sees it. None traces it. Like the volcanic eruption that, unseen to mortal eye, has little by little been gathering its elements for one grand explosion, until it makes itself heard and felt, so with the history of conver­sion to God. What are called sudden conversions are, most of them, only sudden in the same sense as that eruption. The work had been going on before in secret, under the eye and hand of God. The Spirit of God had been doing His work, and if we had been behind the scene, we might have seen it years ago. But we are not behind the curtain. It is well that we are not. It is all His work, and too sacred for mortal eye. There is a vail over the Spirit’s dealings; as with her, so with all God’s people. We see the *effects,* the touch, the cure, the blessing. We see one who had been dead in sins, now alive unto God, loving Him, serving Him, rejoicing in Him, and we wonder. The *pro­cess* of that change we see not. Its record is on high. One thing, however, we see, which is important to observe. However varied may be the *process* by which he leads each, however long or short, He leads everyone to Jesus. It was to Jesus He led her, to Jesus only. For Him He had been training her in secret, for Him only. So is it to the present hour. The Spirit ever leads to Jesus, to Jesus only. This is the genuine mark on His work. “He shall glorify me.” Wherever the soul is not led, as this woman was, to the feet of Jesus, there we may be sure is not the Spirit’s work. Not only so, but the effects of His work are the same in every case as in hers; the conscious disease, the conscious poverty, the entire emptying of self, the fall­ing at the feet of Jesus, and an inward experience of His healing virtue. Reader, has this been the history of *your* conversion to God? If not, it is not genuine. These are the footprints of the Spirit of God in *every* case of real conversion; and if they are not seen in your history, it is because you are yet unconverted. Well, she came to Jesus. There was much in her thoughts about Him that was wrong and dishonoring. She did not know Him fully, but the Spirit of God was leading her step by step. She felt her disease, she felt her need, she was poor and helpless, and in this state she came. Grace meets us not according to our correct views, or right thoughts of God, but according to our need. Alas ! if it demanded right thoughts and correct views of His charac­ter, where should we be, where would this woman have been? If dishonoring thoughts of His love, ignorance of His character, blindness in seeing what He requires, were hindrances to His grace, she must have gone back to her home again, and remained a cripple for life. But, blessed be His holy name! it is not so. Grace is measured by no standard but the poverty and need of the sinner. Ignor­ance, blindness, and sin are no barriers to His grace. Nay, these are the things that call it forth. It is because we are such that grace meets us, welcomes us, saves us. The enlightening of the understanding as to the Saviour’s true character comes afterwards. We come as beggars to the gate of heaven, as prodigals from the far country, and are embraced, clothed, and fed. So she came. She touched the Saviour’s hem, and “immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up.” What she had sought for twelve long years from the world’s physicians, and sought in vain, she got by a single touch of Jesus. How quickly He can heal the soul! We go to Him in our poverty and sin, in our sorrow and trial, and oh, what a Saviour we find Him! We get by a single touch of Him what the world could never give. How hollow are all the world’s physicians when viewed in His light. How fully every want of the soul is met. What a mighty power there is in a touch, a word, a look from Him! One *look* brought a backsliding apostle home to the fold. One *word* dried the tears of a weeping Magdalene, and filled her desolate heart with deep songs of joy. One *touch* of His clothes dried up the fountain of disease in this helpless cripple, and sent her to her home rejoicing. Precious Jesus! Who is like unto thee? The poor, the penniless, the outcast, the diseased, the needy and helpless sons and daughters of sorrow and woe, ever repaired to thy outstretched arms for mercy, and found it. Under thy sheltering wings they reposed in safety, driven by the blasts and tempests of a heaving world. Thou hast been “the hiding place from the wind, the covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Blessed Jesus ! who is like unto thee? But now that grace has met her, and, irrespective of her wrong thoughts, has healed her disease, the Lord proceeds to correct her, to enlighten her as to His true character. “She came behind in the press.” “She fell down before Him fearing and trembling.” Why was all this? She thought He was about to condemn her. What dishonor to His love! What sad thoughts she had of Him! Her mind was still dark as to His true character. Her heart was not made perfect in the knowledge of His love. “Perfect love casteth out fear.” That love she deeply wronged. And is not this the twilight state of many a soul that has been led like her to the Saviour? They see the aspect of terror round His blessed brow. They look on the Lord’s trying dealings with them as judgments for their sin. They hesitate and tremble as to their individual safety in the finished work of Jesus, as if its application to themselves depended upon their uprightness of conduct, their frames, and feelings, and prayers. What dishonor to Him, to His finished work and gracious dealings! Besides dishonor done to His love and grace, there was another error in her mind. If she were to receive the virtue from Jesus, it must not be hidden. The light was not to be put under a bushel. The world must see it, in order that Jesus may be glorified. This is the reason we receive grace, that we may let it shine before the world. We have been redeemed “that we should show forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.” It might be all well enough for her to desire to be healed, and go to her home again with thankfulness for the mercy. But there was a touch of selfishness in it. What an opportunity was here for testi­mony to the grace and virtue in Jesus! A poor diseased woman, who for twelve long years had sought healing from the sources of the world, healed in an instant by a touch of the Saviour’s clothes! Should this be hidden? No: God *will* be glorified in us. The glory of Jesus shone through this diseased cripple on to the throng. This is the way God is honored. The world is to see the charac­ter of Jesus in His members, whose sin-diseased souls He has healed. The treasure is to shine through the earthen vessel, “that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” Nor this only. There was another lesson she had to learn. We cannot touch the Saviour and He not know it. She very likely thought she could. But no. The touch of trembling faith, the uplifted eye, the falling tear, the unexpressed desire, all are known to Him. His eye is upon each. His heart open to each. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. Precious truth! “We have not an high priest who cannot be touched with the feeling of our in­firmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” These three truths then she did not seem to understand; the love of Jesus, testimony to His grace, and His knowledge and sympathy. To hold the grace of God in ignorance of these truths should not be the desire of any disciple of Christ, nor will the Lord have it so. She is now to be taught them, and by the Lord Himself. “And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that virtue had gone out of him, turned him about in the press, and said, Who touched me ?” It is important to notice the manner in which the Lord would teach this woman. He says, “Who touched me?” He knew who it was, for He knew all things. His question, however, was designed for the *conscience,* and for the conscience of the one who had been made partaker of His grace. It went to the conscience of the woman. Not one in the throng knew its meaning, nor the deep transaction that had been passing between God and her soul. We learn from this how God teaches His lessons. It is through the medium of con­science. The truth as it is in Jesus is not for the intellect, not for the understanding, but for the conscience. He spoke to her conscience *first,* and through it brought home the truths she should have known. Those who have been made partakers of His grace must be exercised in con­science. It is thus all truth should come to us. When the Spirit of God teaches us, it is there He applies it first. Oh, how much religious knowledge there is in the world! How much of the truths of God’s word rest on the surface of man’s being! How little comes home to the conscience! It is this familiarity with truth that is so dangerous and so prevalent. It is one of the Christian’s greatest snares. From this comes that barren familiarity with the things of God that is so deadening to the soul. The heart is a busy mocker of the understanding. It cheats it into the belief that the truths in the understanding are the ex­pression of its own character. It believes itself to be what it knows it ought to be. It is thus we invest ourselves with a fictitious character. There is the ready acquies­cence in the truths of the Gospel and all its solemn require­ments, and facility of speech in speaking of them, while the conscience is unstirred, and there is no truth brought home with power to the soul. Oh, how much need we have to be on our guard against truth not received through the conscience! How much need to pray that God would make all truth come home there, lest we become like those who have a name to live while they are dead. The deepest snares are those which lie alongside of truth. It is there they are least perceived and least suspected; and it is there the child of God has most occasion to watch and pray lest he enter into temptation. Reader, beware of truth resting in the intellect. Beware of truth that has not its root in the conscience, and its fruit in the daily life. Better never to have known the truth, than to hold it in unrighteousness. Better to have been in ignorance of it, than that it should be inoperative in the soul, en­crust the conscience, and deceive us with the notion that because we know it, it is the expression of our own hearts. There is an intellectual manner of acquiring truth, even in the Christian, which is very dangerous. The deep things of God coming from the lips of one who has been thus taught, is like the reflection of the glorious sun from the polished marble. It shines all the brighter often from its inability to penetrate. All is uninfluenced internally. Not a ray is absorbed. Alas! even the deep things of God are reflected from some hearts in a similar manner. Oh, for a conscience ever touched with the Divine power of the truth! Lord, give writer and reader this! Lord of light, and love, and mercy, preserve each one from the hardening influence of the other! It is through the conscience, then, that God would have us learn anything about *Him*. This is what is taught in this narrative. But we learn more than this. We are manifestly taught that we can only be instructed about Him by being brought into close personal dealing with Him, by His fullness meeting our deep needs. It was when she had come into His presence, and had for herself experienced His virtue, that the Saviour proceeded to en­lighten her as to His true character. Thus is it God ever teaches. When we have come as needy ones into His pres­ence, and have felt His fullness meeting our emptiness, His truth comes home to us with Divine power: *thus* would He instruct us. Only then will the truth touch the con­science. It is because we do not learn in this way, that conscience remains unexercised. We have not met Jesus, and in His own presence proved His preciousness, and so the truth we have learned is inoperative. Her conscience was exercised in *God’s presence*. If we learn truth any­where else, conscience will be the worse for it. And how entirely the world is ignorant of what passes between the soul and God. The crowd knew nothing of what had been passing between this woman and Christ. Not even the disciples knew of it, so secret, so solemn, so individual a matter was it. “And his disciples said unto him, Thou seest the multitude thronging thee, and sayest thou, Who touched me?” Only the heart of the one He had made partaker of His grace could understand His words. So is it ever. Into the dealings between the soul and God none can enter. How deep, how sacred, how per­sonal, how shut out from the eyes of all, are these blessed transactions! “The heart knoweth its own bitterness, and a stranger intermeddleth not with its joy.” Yet all are open to Him. He knows exactly where the soul’s *deepest* need is, and it is *at this point* the Saviour is touched. “Who touched my *clothes*?”The medium is immaterial if *He* is touched. It may be through the clothes, through the mercy seat, through the word, through the ordinances of His house, on a sick bed, in the solitude, or in the throng. What matter where or how, so that we touch *Him*?Let our daily emptiness, our hourly want, our pressing sorrow, our unsympathized trial, our unshared burden, only cast itself on the Lord’s fullness, and we too, like her, shall ex­perience that virtue to meet it which He only can give, and which the world can never take away. “But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what was done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him all the truth. And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” What had she got from Jesus? Just as much as she needed. No more. For this cause He came into our world, to meet man’s *need.* He is the same to this hour. Christian, what do you get from the Saviour now? Just what you *need*. There are no dealings now between the Saviour and His people, beyond this. Every approach to Him is founded on this. Every answer to prayer is ac­cording to this measure. Every blessing we receive cor­responds with the need that it meets. Alas, then, for the soul that has never felt its need of Him! It can receive nothing. There is no point of contact between that soul and Christ. There is no link uniting it to heaven. It is an alien, an outcast, a wandering star, “having no hope,and without God in the world.” Reader, are *you* such a one? If you have never yet felt in your heart the need of Jesus, you can never receive His virtue to heal your sin diseased soul. You will go on like this woman, not to better, but worse, till body and soul sink beneath your deadly disease, “where the worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Remember, reader, I beseech you, this solemn truth, if there be in your heart no *felt* need of Jesus, there is no point of contact whatever between your soul and God, you are a *lost* soul. Christian, seek to feel more deeply your need of that precious Saviour. Let your prayer ever be, “Lord deepen the vessel, that it may receive more of thy fullness.” No­thing brings you so close to Him as these hidden needs. These are the most precious points of contact in your earthly history. These make the Saviour precious. These tell us something of *what* a Saviour He is. These are the channels through which His virtue flows. It is Him you want, to meet every need, none but Jesus. In the solitude or the throng, in the routine of daily duty or the calmness of the closet, in sickness or in health, in sorrow or in joy, in living or in dying, let your heart be filled with one desire, one thought, one aim, *to touch Jesus.* This one thought filled this woman’s soul to the exclusion of every other, from the very moment the name of Jesus sounded in her ears. All else seemed as nothing in comparison. Reader, may her history be yours and mine! ``` Oh, holy Saviour, Friend unseen, Since on thine arm thou bidd'st us lean; Help us throughout life's changing scene By faith to cling to thee! Bless'd with this fellowship Divine, Take what thou wilt, we'll not repine; For, as the branches to the vine, We only cling to thee! Though far from home, fatigued, opprest, Here we have found a place of rest; As exiles still, yet not unblest, Because we cling to thee! What though the world deceitful prove, And earthly friends and hopes remove, With patient, uncomplaining love Still can we cling to thee! Though oft we seem to tread alone Life's dreary waste with thorns o'ergrown, Thy voice of love, in gentlest tone, Whispers, 'Still cling to me!’ Though faith and hope are often tried, We ask not, need not, aught beside, So safe, so calm, so satisfied, The soul that clings to thee! They know thee near, and strong to save, With thee all danger they can brave, Because they cling to thee! Bless'd is our lot, whate'er befall, Who can affright, or who appall? Since as our Strength, our Rook, our All Jesus, we cling to thee! ``` Rate this post **Categories:** Gleanings From Scripture --- ### [Depression](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-depression-sin/) **Published:** May 29, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Is depression sin?** It is certainly a challenging inquiry and a daunting task to respond in such a fashion that it covers all the possibilities without being disparaging or insensitive. I have myself suffered at times with depression so I have a good idea of how debilitating it can be. For this reason, I consider some of my answers correct and accurate through personal experience as I understand those experiences. I wanted to pass this question by, but I could not shake off the feeling that it deserved a biblical response. I hope mine will be of some value. Any response should be prefaced by saying that science has just scratched the surface of understanding the biology of life and the workings of the human creation. The entrance into microbiology as dispelled the belief of life being a simple mixture of chemical elements and the complex existence of biological machines with coded information controlling their operation has emerged. That is to say, life is not simple. My perspective will be viewed from my faith in the God and of the Bible and what it says. Is depression in and of itself sin? This remains to be discovered although sin is the cause as it is the cause of all man’s suffering and distresses. How is this manifested in our everyday lives? God created man in a state of physical perfection but with the fall sin enter and death by sin as well as the corruption of life’s systems. *Romans 5:12* Wherefore, as by one man **sin entered into the world, and death by sin**; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: The physical became corrupted. It is a known fact that with every new generation additional mutations develop within our DNA and/or genes, etc. Each is a loss of information, a corruption of the code of life. If man continues on course without any supernatural intervention he will simply become extinct in a couple of thousand years +/-. ([Are humans genetically loaded for extinction?](https://geneticliteracyproject.org/2018/03/09/are-humans-genetically-loaded-for-extinction/)) To today’s science, what this corruption causes, what ailments, diseases, malady’s, can be attributed to this is unknown. So our first point is that depression could be solely or partly strictly a physical ailment out of our control. If this is the case then it can be said to be a consequence of sin but not sin in and of itself. However, research has shown that an individual’s environment, physical activities or mental state can influence the condition of one’s physical and mental health. Some of the symptoms used to diagnose clinical depression are: - Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness - Anxiety, agitation or restlessness - Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame There are several others, however, they would seem to me to stem from these. These symptoms are in a large part controllable. Although, we do have a question of chicken or egg, which comes first. Are these symptoms triggering a physical response leading to depression or is a physical condition triggering these symptoms and depression? There is also a spiritual aspect to this question. We have an enemy that would like nothing better than for all of us to be depressed and dysfunctional to the point of uselessness or suicide. The sooner we are dead the better as far as he is concerned; the less chance of finding Christ Jesus and the saving grace of God. And, he is a he, a being created by God and given the ability to mess with the minds of men. Especially those that have rejected the grace and mercy of God. We do not have to delve further into this but know that this too is within our control. *James 4:7* **Submit yourselves therefore to God**. **Resist the devil, and he will flee from you**. The question was not about solutions but definitions. Is depression sin? In and of itself as all man’s troubles, it is the result of sin and the fall. However, your sins may very well be a contributory factor. We are created; our individual value is only that which our creator affords us. If we reject his outreach to us, his mercy, grace, and care, in the end, we will be valueless. Upon turning to him, recognizing him, trusting that he only desires good for us, and accepting his truth of all things, we are afforded great value. Living our lives as he directs, being mindful of the things he instructs us to be mindful of, and knowing him can go a long way in removing the symptoms of depression and depression itself. Not to turn to him is sin and depression may be just one reward in response. *John 3:17-18* For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but **he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God**. Will trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God allow you to escape all your physical ailments—No. But, knowing him will give you the hope and ability to keep a sound mind if focused on him to control any and all factors outside of physical corruption that might be contributing to them. There is more to living a life in Christ than just believing on him. If you have trusted in him and are suffering from depression, again, outside of physical corruption, learn of him, his word, and obeying his voice will go far in controlling it. I can only pray that this response has some semblance of truth in accordance with God’s word and that it will help someone somewhere. Nothing said precludes seeking medical advise. Depression can be purely physical. When the physical remedies fail look up. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [Reconciling
Free will vs Omniscient/Omnipotent](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/reconciling-free-will-vs-omniscient-omnipotent/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** It must be realized that being omniscient and omnipotent God could have done anything he elected to do, the Lord has absolute free will. We are not looking for what God could have done, he could have done anything any way he determined. If you begin the study of the Scriptures from any other position, you will fail in obtaining a correct understanding of the Bible. Many mistakenly suppose that to have [**free will**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) it must be absolute. Man’s free will is not absolute. **We have freedom of thought**, desire, disposition/intent, etc. We are free to believe God or not to. However, **we do not have freedom to act**; actions are controlled by God. We may intend to do something but whether or not we are allowed to is up to the Lord. *James 4:13-15* Go to now, **ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city**, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15For that **ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that**. 1 Samuel 2:3 KJV Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and **by him actions are weighed**. *Proverbs 16:33* The lot is cast into the lap; but **the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD**. *Lamentations 3:37* Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, **when the Lord commandeth it not**? God’s plan leaves room for our free will and limited freedom of action as God’s judgments are played out within the bounds of that plan. At times and in certain situations, the Lord can just let man go to demonstrate what our end would be without him. *Deuteronomy 32:20* And he said, **I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be**: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. The Lord tries to raise us up to be what he would like us to be, but he is not forcing any certain predisposition upon us. He can create situations and put us in them to see what we will do to try to train, shape, and draw us to him. How we act and respond is on us; our thoughts, intents, and desires, are our own. *Luke 13:34* O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and **ye would not**! *Galatians 6:7* Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for **whatsoever a man soweth**, that shall he also reap. *James 1:22* But **be ye doers of the word**, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. *Proverbs 1:30-31* **They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof**. 31Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of **their own way**, and be filled with their own devices. Man has free will of the thoughts and intents of his heart to the bringing of blessings or troubles upon himself. *Hebrews 4:12* For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of **the thoughts and intents of the heart**. *James 4:1-3* From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of **your lusts** that war in your members? 2**Ye lust**, and have not: **ye kill**, and **desire to have**, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. There is no contradiction between man’s free will and our Creator’s omniscient and omnipotent. God’s direction of events, man’s free will, and time and chance events are allowed; all work together under God’s guidance and control. He does not have any difficulty controlling events to suit his purposes of having mercy or judgment upon the earth and leading all things to his predetermined end. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. Our free will is our mental determination. Which is why the thought of sinning is the same as committing it. *Matthew 5:28* But I say unto you, That **whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart**. Actions have consequences though many unforeseen by us are all coordinated by God to suit his purposes. Actions reverberate through history like a line of dominoes falling; God is in control of those dominoes, which way they fall and how far they go, but what we think and desire is our own. > [Biblical Free Will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Free Will --- ### [Vengeance is Mine](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/vengeance-is-mine/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** O LORD God, **to whom vengeance belongeth**; O God, **to whom vengeance belongeth**, shew thyself. *Psalms 94:1* *Romans 12:19* Dearly beloved, **avenge not yourselves**, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, **Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord**. Biblical Christianity, Judaeo Christian ethics, does not allow for taking personal vengeance. We wait on the Lord for that, our commission is to reach out to those that hate God and us for not hating him. Whatever the reason we are being hated, persecuted, or used, we are to love and desire good toward our enemies. Who said Christianity is easy? *Matthew 5:44* But I say unto you, **Love your enemies**, **bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you**, and **pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you**; At this time our purpose is to proclaim the mercy of God unto salvation. God will judge all things and take vengeance when he sees fit. Vengeance comes from hatred, hatred corrupts the hater not the hated. It is as forgiveness, forgiving heals and is for the forgiver just as much as or more than the forgiven. > [Golden Rule or Royal Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/golden-rule-royal-law/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [People Show Biblical Historical Accuracy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/people-show-biblical-historical-accuracy/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There are many that attempt to disparage the Scriptures advocating that the Bible is not historical. Nothing could be further from the truth. An article in [**Drive Through History**](https://drivethruhistory.com/biblical-figures-found-through-archaeology/%0A) is a good place to start your research into the study of this topic. It list those names in the Bible that have been found in the archeological finds. #### Historical People Discovered from the Old Testament 1. Adramelech, Prince of Assyria 2. Ahab, king of Israel 3. Ahaz (Jehoahaz), king of Judah 4. Artaxerxes I, king of Persia 5. Ashurbanipal, king of Assyria 6. Azaliah, scribe 7. Azariah, grandfather of Ezra 8. Baruch, scribe of the prophet Jeremiah 9. Balaam, Moabite prophet 10. Belshazzar, coregent of Babylon 11. Ben-hadad II, king of Aram 12. Ben-hadad III, king of Aram 13. Cyrus II, king of Persia 14. Darius I, king of Persia 15. Darius II, king of Persia 16. David, king of Israel 17. Esarhaddon, king of Assyria 18. Evil-merodach/Abel-Marduk, king of Babylon 19. Gedaliah son of Ahikam, Persian governor of Judah 20. Gemariah, scribe 21. Geshem the Arab, king of Kedar 22. Hadad-ezer, king of Aram 23. Hazael, king of Aram 24. Hezekiah, king of Judah 25. Hilkiah, high priest 26. Hophra (Apries), pharaoh of Egypt 27. Hoshea, king of Israel 28. Jehoash, king of Israel 29. Jehoiachin/Yaukin, king of Judah 30. Jehu, king of Israel 31. Jehucal (Jucal) son of Shelemiah, court official 32. Jerahmeel, prince of Judah 33. Jeroboam II, king of Israel 34. Jezebel, wife of king Ahab of Israel 35. Joash, king of Judah 36. Johanan, grandson of the high priest Eliashib 37. Josiah, king of Judah 38. Jotham, king of Judah 39. Manasseh, king of Judah 40. Menahem, king of Israel 41. Merodach-baladan/Marduk-apla-iddina, king of Babylon 42. Mesha, king of Moab 43. Meshullam, father of Azaliah the scribe 44. Nebo-Sarsekim, Babylonian official 45. Nebuchadnezzar II, king of Babylon 46. Nebuzaradan, Babylonian official/captain/chief cook 47. Nebo-Sarsekim, Chief Eunuch of Babylon 48. Necho II, pharaoh of Egypt 49. Nergal-sharezer, king of Babylon 50. Neriah, father of Baruch the scribe 51. Omri, king of Israel 52. Osorkon IV/So, Pharaoh of Egypt 53. Pekah, king of Israel 54. 54. Rezin, king of Aram 55. 55. Sanballat, governor of Samaria 56. 56. Sargon II, king of Assyria 57. 57. Sennacherib, king of Assyria 58. 58. Seraiah, court official of Zedekiah 59. 59. Shalmaneser V, king of Assyria 60. 60. Shaphan, father of Gemariah the scribe 61. 61. Sharezer, son of Sennacherib 62. 62. Shebna, royal steward of Hezekiah 63. 63. Shelemiah, father of Jehucal (Jucal) 64. 64. Shoshenq I/Shishak, pharaoh of Egypt 65. 65. Taharqa (Tirhakah), pharaoh of Egypt 66. 66. Taita/Toi, king of Hamath 67. 67. Tattenai, Persian Governor of Eber-Nari 68. 68. Tiglath-Pileser III/Pul, king of Assyria 69. 69. Uzziah/Azariah, king of Judah 70. 70. Xerxes I/Ahasuerus, king of Persia #### Historical People Discovered from the New Testament 1. Annas, high priest 2. Ananias, high priest 3. Antonius Felix, procurator of Judea 4. Aretas IV, king of Nabateans 5. Augustus Caesar, emperor of Rome 6. Berenice, Herodian princess 7. Caiaphas, high priest 8. Claudius Caesar, emperor of Rome 9. Drusilla, Herodian princess 10. Erastus, public official in Corinth 11. The Egyptian (name unknown), rebel 12. Gallio, proconsul of Achaia 13. Gamaliel the Elder, Rabbi 14. Herod the Great 15. Herod Antipas 16. Herod Agrippa I 17. Herod Agrippa II 18. Herod Archelaus 19. Herod Phillip 20. Herodias, Herodian Princess 21. James, half-brother of Jesus 22. Jesus Christ 23. John the Baptist 24. Joseph (the carpenter) 25. Judas of Galilee, Judean rebel 26. Lysanias, was tetrarch of Abila 27. Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea 28. Porcius Festus, Procurator of Judea 29. Quirinius, governor of Syria 30. Sergius Paulus, proconsul of Cyprus 31. Theudas, rebel against Rome 32. Tiberius Caesar, emperor of Rome Other sources of information. - [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_biblical_figures_identified_in_extra-biblical_sources) - [Armstrrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology](https://armstronginstitute.org) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles --- ### [The Pool of Bethesda](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-pool-of-bethesda/) **Published:** June 8, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep *market* a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time *in that case*, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.** — *John 5:1-9* The darker the picture of human guilt, the brighter shines the grace that is brought into contact with it. It is the power of contrast that brings its virtues to light in a special manner, just as the darkest background reflects most brightly the colors on its surface. It is preeminently so in grace. It would seem as if, apart from all other considerations, the Holy Spirit would thus anticipate the great objection of Pharisaic righteousness and encourage the sinner to hope by showing him that the Saviour is most glorified when He comes in contact with cases the most hopeless. The more guilty the sinner, the more hopeless the subject, the further removed from all human possibility, the greater the glory reflected on the Saviour. This is the reason why, in the history of the Lord as recorded in the New Testament, it is generally the worst cases that come under His notice. We may ask why other cases are not recorded; why, for instance, more of such cases as the centurion, in­stead of such a large proportion of cases of the *worst* kind? It was the design of the Spirit to bring out, in a full blaze of light, what would be most needed in this world of ours—*hope* for the most guilty. One of these striking contrasts, so encouraging to the sinner, is brought before us in the narrative we have chosen for consideration; the meeting between the impotent man and the Lord of glory. While the glory of the Saviour is so brightly reflected on the one hand, the poverty of religion; its fasts and festivals, its gorgeous temple and external observances, are brought before us on the other. That which was the great medium of the display of His glory, the impotent man, was the standing testimony to the poverty of Judaism in all its outward grandeur. It was no Gentile city, where the light of truth had never shone, where the Lord of glory had never appeared in the Shekhinah and published His righteous laws, but in Jerusalem itself, the very center of boasted righteousness and truth, that this spiritual poverty is displayed. There were the temple, the synagogues, the preachers and teachers of the law and the symbols and figures of holy things all around. On every side the eye fell on some testimony to the holiest of all religions; the stranger was reminded that he stood within the very precincts of the sanctuary of Jehovah. Yet, what of all this? In the midst of this out­ward display of religion, there lay the blind and halt and withered, a standing testimony of its utter inability to meet man’s deepest need; the only Being who alone is the very life of all religion and to whom every ordinance pointed, a stranger in their midst; rejected, persecuted and pursued with relentless hate even unto death. Oh, striking testimony to the poverty of all religion of which Christ is not the sum and substance, the beginning and the ending, the all and in all! What is all its righteousness, its ordinances and ceremonies, even though they be imprinted, as these were, with the seal of Jehovah himself, without Jesus? They may be outwardly the very scaffolding of heaven, but with Him left out, there is impotence on all—*“blind, halt, and withered”*—the very center of the system mocking the showy exterior and silently testifying to its poverty and degradation. And yet, this picture is strikingly prophetic. What the Church was at our Lord’s first coming, so will it be at His second. *“Having a form of godliness”* (as they had here) “*but denying the power*”—even Jesus. Yes, it is this that will be lacking, as it was then. Not, indeed, Jesus in name, Jesus in profession, Jesus in doctrine, Jesus in creeds and rituals: no, not these will be lacking. Nay, they will increase; the outward, as is ever the case; *just in proportion* as the gangrene is eating within. Not these will be lacking, but just what was lacking in the religion of Jerusalem at this very moment—Jesus in active power; Jesus the life of everything, small and great; Jesus the secret moving spring of every service and duty, whether great or little. He was, in the midst of Jerusalem, the stranger, the rejected. So will He be in name in the Church, but in vital power still the stranger, the rejected. Oh, solemn warning for the Church of God in this day! How stealthily this spirit may creep upon us! How the body may be there in the profession of Christ; while the soul is dead! This is not a warning for Tractarian or Romanizing Churches but for the Evangelical Churches of Christ and for Evangelical churchmen; for those whose boast is that they preach “Christ crucified” and the utter depravity of the human heart. Amid all this *form* of godliness is Jesus, in His ever working power, in the midst? Is He the spring of every motive? Is He the one thing uppermost in the heart? Are Churches and rituals kept in subservience to His glory? Are the conventional rules, the strict routine, the exact conformity, held secondary when that Name may be glorified? Oh! our hearts are not overflowing with love to Christ or the stream would overleap all our self-constructed barriers. There may be a degeneracy in all this to a form of godliness; sound as far as human eye can penetrate, yet in the center the Saviour not holding supreme sway. He may be the stranger still—the practically rejected. May this not also be an individual picture? Alas! may not Jerusalem with its external religion and its *“blind, halt, withered”* at the center, be the very type of many a heart? With not a flaw in the moral or religious standing before men, esteemed by the world, accounted as pillars in the Church of God, conscious that they possess unparalleled spiritual light, looking down with self-complacency upon others who dare not so much as lift up their eyes to heaven; in profession acknowledging all is from Christ and thus the more deeply deceiving themselves; the spiritual phraseology ever ready, adding the appearance of sanctity to their persons. Yet, with all this outward imprimatur of Divine grace, there may be, in the inner man, that which is a standing testimony to the poverty of the exterior. There may be the impotent, the lame, the halt, the withered, testifying to the utter powerlessness of all this outward godliness to meet its hidden state. There needs the presence of Jesus, laying His hand on the impotence of the soul and by His mighty word dispersing its moral palsy; renewing, strengthening and invigorating, rousing it from the bed on which it has for so many years been slumbering. Oh, many a heart tells to conscience the sad story of its impotence within! Many a soul with all its outward trappings of religion shrouds a spiritual corpse! Many a Christian man has fallen through the insidious advances of the world, from a high spiritual state of watchfulness against sin, from earnestness of heart in the cause of Christ and from fervent love to the Saviour, into a slumber that has rendered him spiritually impotent. Reader, what is the state of *your* heart before God? You may have your picture in Jerusalem, as to outward things, while the secret conscience may whisper that the moral death of the pool of Bethesda is within. Is this your state? Oh, remain not in it! Let nothing tempt you to sleep on in your spiritual impotence. It may not, it need not, be so with you. There is One at your side who is only waiting for you to open your heart to Him and He will speak the word and bid thee live again. His voice will awaken thee from thy slumber. It may be you have been in this torpid, world-loving, state for many a year. Say not, there is no hope—Jesus is at thy side. Breathe thy wants to Him. Tell Him thy desires. Disclose to Him the impotence of thine heart, that none may know but God. Thy confession of sin and hardheartedness will bring down a fresh assurance of pardon through His blood, a fresh anointing of the Spirit within, and new strength to run thy race anew. Oh, rest not without these inward spiritual revivings. Rest not without this spiritual renewing of your soul. Can you live without the love of Jesus burning within you? Can you go on year after year with a fading assurance of pardon, with a clouded evidence of your union with Christ, with a restless uncertainty as to His love to your soul, with a feverish anxiety as to the future? Have you arrived at that state when the things of the world, of time and of sense are allowed to conceal your in­ward uneasiness and misery; the sorrowful conviction that there is a cloud between your soul and heaven continually pressing upon you and leaving you peaceless, joyless and unhappy? Can you live on thus? Oh, better a thousand times, the eye should be red with the tears of penitence, the heart be broken by a continued sense of its backsliding and the whole soul secretly prostrate and bleeding at the Saviour’s feet. Better a thousand times to be heart­broken and in the dust, with the hand smiting on the breast and the eye scarce uplifted to heaven from conscious shame and unworthiness, than to remain in a state of spiritual alienation from God. Though joy should not be the portion, yet thrice welcome the sorrow. Though gladness of heart may not be the heritage, yet blessed are the sacrifices of a broken and contrite spirit. Yet are there among God’s own people many, it is to be feared, whose hearts are mirrored in this pool of Bethesda, who deeply need these spiritual revivings from the Lord. Blessed Jesus, thou who didst speak the word of almighty power to one poor impotent of old, so speak to each of our souls! So speak, blessed Lord, to him or her whose eye falls on these lines! Speak thus, Lord, for thy dear name’s sake and thy servants shall hear and shall *“rise, take up their bed, and walk,”* under thy secret, reviving power! But to pass on now to the narrative. There was much in the circumstances connected with this pool characteristic of the dispensation. Those who crowded within its porches reflected, as in a mirror, the needy and helpless objects of sovereign grace; and the means by which their needs were met accord with the character of that dispensation. It was one of imperfection. It was only one at a time that could be healed. It was only at certain seasons that its waters were efficacious. It kept its weak and helpless ones *waiting*, and required them to use *their efforts* to avail themselves of its healing efficacy. In all this, it corresponded with the ordinances of the Jewish dispensation. The day of atonement kept its worshipers waiting. The law of the leper required him to *come* to the priest. The repetition of the sacrifices evidenced their imperfection. They were all like this pool of Bethesda, only *“a shadow of good things to come.”* *“The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest.”* The veil was not rent. How strikingly does the shadow of grace, reflected in Bethesda’s pool, contrast with the present time! The Saviour Himself showed this in the act of mercy He performed. It was not the helpless one *coming* to the great High Priest, but the Priest in the defiled *place* among the moral lepers seeking and saving the lost. It was not the poor cripple waiting for a certain season before the Saviour could extend that mercy, but that Saviour coming to the cripple and *just as he was* meeting all the needs of his soul. It was not the sinner coming to Christ, but Christ coming to the sinner. It was not the law requiring something on the sinner’s part, but grace giving him all—*just as he was*. What a contrast! Jesus thus drew aside the veil and gave man a glimpse of better things which were to have their full accomplishment on Calvary. It was the dawn of the Sun eclipsing the stars in the Levitical horizon while as yet that Sun had not risen in its splendor. It was the lifting of the veil for a moment before it was rent forever. It was the first droppings of the showers of grace which fell from the hill of Calvary that “Where sin abounded grace” should “much more abound.”3 But, in these earthly shadows of grace there were bless­ings and there was much also to instruct the worshiper. Whether in the sacrifices of old or in the pool of Bethesda, the helpless and needy one was made to feel that he was dependent upon heaven for the necessities of his soul. Of old everything depended on God’s acceptance of the atoning sacrifice; everything depended here on the descent of the heavenly messenger to stir up the stagnant waters. Dispensations may differ as to perfection, clearness and permanent satisfaction; but, the great vital principles of salvation are undispensational. It was blood of old that saved; it is blood still. It was the altar and the priest of old; it is the same still. It was sovereign grace of old; it is sovereign grace still. Man was made to feel that he was a sinner, that as a sinner he needed a Saviour and that it was sovereign grace that provided and accepted a substitute, whether in the form of a lamb or in the anti-­type of after days–the Lamb of God. These are the foundations of everlasting salvation; and they are not one whit different now from what they were in the days of Abel, Moses, David or the cripple at the pool of Bethesda. The light of the star differs nothing from that of the Sun in *principle*. So it is with the great truths of redemption. It was starlight then; it is sunlight now. It was shadow then; it is substance now. Beyond what God has done now in Christ heaven cannot go. *“There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.”* All the resources of heaven have been developed. Beyond the cross of Calvary neither God nor man can go. But the pool of Bethesda, like the sacrifices of old, had its points of instruction, pointing to the *manner* in which the Saviour should accomplish His work. The watchful believer could discern in the burning of the sacrifices, in the shedding of blood and in beating into fineness the elements of the offerings, as well as in the troubling of the pool, the sorrows and sufferings of the cross of Christ. *“Now is my soul troubled,”* was the Redeemer’s mournful cry. *“By Whose stripes we are healed;”* *“He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities.”* All this was foreshadowed in type and ceremony and figure, in every varied form, from the very gates of Eden till the coming of the great Anti-type. The animal was *slain,* the flour was *ground,* the incense was *beaten,* the sacrifice was *burned*—the pool was *troubled*. All spoke in varied but expressive language of the bruised and smitten, the bleeding, dying Jesus. Such is the price of the believer’s salvation, but not only of his salvation, but of every blessing he enjoys. Oh, that we might remember this as we press our fondest blessings to our hearts! *“And a certain man was there which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.”* Such is the object towards which the Lord’s attention is directed. So long had he waited and waited in vain. This is the feature of every human system, no matter how excellent it may be—it keeps the sinner *waiting*. In all of them, though outwardly, like Jerusalem, they may bear the impress of heaven, yet inwardly there is the impotence of Bethesda’s pool. In all of them the sinner is left behind, just as at this pool. In the best and holiest of all; the Jewish system; the sinner had to wait for his pardon till the great day of atonement and scarcely was that over ere a fresh set of unpardoned sins weighed upon the conscience not to be set at rest till the next great meeting. The conscience was not at rest, so in every human system. The only comfort for the conscience is the *hope* of pardon hereafter; no certainty yet. So also in angelic agency; it kept the poor helpless cripple *waiting* to be healed and kept him waiting in vain. Nor is this the case with *systems* only. It is the thought lying deep in the heart of every natural man. No *present* par­don. No *already accepted* worshiper. No conscience peaceful and happy in the assurance that sin has gone, wrath has gone, condemnation has gone–gone forever. No; the secret thought is that all this is presumption. There is; and often, alas, in God’s own people, a trembling anxiety, a secret fear, an inward uneasiness, an ever present doubt, troubling the conscience and drawing a veil over the perfect peace of the poor heart. It flutters in doubt and uncertainty. Now more satisfied, then becoming restless. Now happy when its *feelings* correspond with the truth, then wretched when it loses the sensible assurance of the fact. Now happy and rejoicing when its conduct has been in harmony with God’s holy will, then miserable when the feet have slipped and conscience is secretly charging. Oh, why is all this? Why this restlessness, this anxiety, this misery within, as if the work of your eternal salvation had not been everlastingly finished? as if your warm, feelings or your right faith or your holy life or your own steadfastness, had redeemed you instead of the precious blood of Christ! Why not rest on Jesus and His finished work? Why not have done with all these self-constructed resorts? You are a poor sinner; the chief of sinners, none viler than you—none more unworthy or undeserving; your faith is weak; your feet are continually slipping; your prayers are half-hearted—a mockery of God; your resolutions are all broken; your feelings are as changing and restless as the tide; your heart seems as hard as stone; you look within, there everything is discouraging; you look forward, all seems dark. Be it so, my brother; what has all this to do with the *finished* work of Jesus on thy behalf? Nothing; *Nothing*. Though you should change, becoming viler in your own estimation than ever, can it affect at all the finished work of Jesus? Oh, not the shadow of a shade! Cease expecting to make yourself worthy of that great work. Cease from all thoughts that it depends, *in any measure*, on your faith or feelings or righteousness or anything else belonging to you. God’s love sent Jesus to save you. He came and finished your salvation, every jot of it, and has left you nothing to do but accept it—to believe and be happy. You may change, but your salvation is *finished*. You may grow cold, but your salvation is *finished*. You may slip and stumble, but your salvation is *finished*. You may not feel happy, but your salvation is finished. *Jesus* saved you, not your warm feelings. Jesus finished your redemption, not your right faith. Jesus has secured your everlasting salvation by His work on the cross; it is not your own steadfastness that has done it. Believe, and honor God’s word. Believe and have peace of conscience. Believe and be a happy man. Believe now. You are not saved because you are a saint, but because you are a sinner. You were not saved because you would have right faith or a better character or pious feelings or a holy life or steadfastness of character; you were saved when you had none of them and because you had none of them. When Jesus died to save you, not one of these things were taken into consideration. He saved you as a poor, needy, guilty sinner, having nothing at all; to sovereign grace alone be all the praise! But to proceed. Jesus takes the worst case. He takes the one *left behind*. It was not that there were not others equally diseased there. Doubtless, there were. But they retained *some strength of their own* to get into the pool. Here was one that did not. He was left behind. He al­ways had been. He always would be. He was *“without strength.”* For such did Jesus die. This poor soul was left behind, even in angelic agency. So of every human system. It leaves the one “without strength” behind. To such did Jesus come. To the one left behind by every human system, to the one left behind by law, to the one left behind by man, to the one left behind by angels. It was *because* he had always been left behind that Jesus came to save him. Precious thought! Sinner, are you left behind? Are you *“without strength”*? Are you without righteousness, without character, without one thing to commend you to God or man; and because of this are you left behind? To you Jesus comes. To you He speaks, *“Wilt thou be made whole”*? Dost thou feel thy *need* of Him? None more welcome to His heart than thou. Such are the objects of His salvation. Now, as then, He goes forth by His Spirit through our world, seeking the one left behind of every system, left behind of every hope, left behind of himself, *“having no hope, and without God in the world.”* How strikingly the Holy Spirit brings before our notice the poverty of all human systems to meet the deep necessities of the soul! *“A certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.”* How the time is mentioned, as if to bring out the utter impotence of the means he had been seeking to meet his deepest needs. True, the pool could do much for those who were not *altogether* without strength, but for such a one as he it could hold out no hope. It left him thirty and eight years and would have left him thirty and eight more. For those “without strength” it had nothing to offer. None could meet these but Jesus. The deepest needs need the deepest grace, and such grace is only in Him. In Him they find their only response. He was sent to meet them; and had He not come our world would have lain in its impotence forever and have been like the cripple at Bethesda’s pool. The law could do much, angelic agency could do much, but there was one thing they could not do–they could not reach the deep needs of man’s soul, they could not meet the one “without strength” and make him whole. Only Jesus could do that. Jesus only! This is now our song. Saved sinners can sing no other. No other name but His can wake the chords of the heart or retune the broken instrument. It must be Him or nothing. None but Jesus is the utterance of earth and re-echoed in heaven throughout eternity. It is the *“new song”* which none can sing but those who know they are *“without strength”* and who have experienced the grace of God meeting them in Christ Jesus and making them whole. Let us learn, in passing, several brief but important lessons from this narrative. The Saviour took the worst case here, to show us that however bad ours may be, it is not beyond His mercy and grace. He took up the one who had been thirty and eight years in impotence; to show us that no matter how long we may have wandered in sin, how far we may have gone from Him, there is salvation, full and free, at our very side. And, lastly, He takes *one* case only, to show us that the soul’s salvation must be an individual thing. These are stereotyped truths but we need them continually brought before us from the word of God. Oh, how encouraging are they to the poor sinner! How they cry to the far off sinner, *“Come!”* How they re-echo the beautiful lines, so well known— Just as I am, without one plea, But that thy blood was shed for me, And that thou bidd’st me come to thee, O Lamb of God, I come I How they inspire hope within the darkest bosom! What a heavenly beam penetrates the dungeon of darkness, misery and despair, lighting it up with joy and gladness! Far off sinner, Come! Ye whose consciences are writing dark and bitter things, whose past lifetime is one guilty blot, whose crimes are numbered in the sands of the sea­shore and to whom the heavens above seem brass, Come! Ye who dare not look up, from conscious shame, who are outcasts from among men and in whose desponding bosoms the cry of despair is wailing up to heaven, Come! Ye who have heard the secret whisper from within of no hope and who are rushing forward under its impulse in a reck­less career of guilt under the goading’s of a guilty con­science, Come! Jesus is at your side. Redeeming love stands before you with inviting arms and will never turn away. Shut out you may be from earth, from heaven, from society, from friends, from hope, from God, from everything and every one–yet not from Jesus. Oh, no; He stands at your side and speaks to the one left behind of all, *“Wilt thou be made whole?”* Your case is fully known to Him. He sees you where you lie in wretchedness and guilt, in misery and despair. He knows that you *“have now been a long time in that case.”* This is why He is at your side. This is the reason the sweet notes of mercy are sounding in your ears. It is because you are so bad, that He has sought you. It is because you are so bad, that he is willing and waiting to save you. There is not a phase in your history but He knows it. There is not a crime in your dark life but He has marked it. He followed you in all your guilty paths, when you knew it not. He knows much more of you than you know your­self. Let conscience charge, accuse and condemn; let the world frown and society shrink from your touch; let the picture be drawn darker and darker. Be it so. Jesus seeks you; Jesus calls you. Mercy waits and will wait at your very side and whispers in heaven’s own accents, *“Wilt thou be made whole?”* But to proceed with the narrative. The impotent man has no idea of salvation being so near. Grace meets him with an open hand, stands at his very side, but he discerns it not. His thoughts are full of the pool, the angel, the troubled waters and his own infirmity. An Almighty Deliverer at hand, meeting him in his state of helplessness and hopelessness, with a present deliverance, never enters his mind. The sight of the pool and his own long sustained burden filled every place in his thoughts. Like the woman of Samaria, the well before her had so filled her thoughts that she knew not who was speaking to her, nor what it was He had to offer. The well, the natural water, the thirst of the body, the place where her fathers had worshiped; all these had so completely filled the mind, that, like the inn of Bethlehem, there was no room for Christ. So with this poor impotent. The season, the angel, the troubled waters, his own inability to step down, these had so filled his thoughts, that there was no room for pre­sent deliverance and a present Saviour. Oh, how truly these two characters, in their several aspects, correspond with two great classes at the present day! One so filled with thoughts of the world and the things of the world, the other so filled with thoughts of its own wretchedness and misery, as to have the eye closed to Jesus and His complete salvation. Yet this is the great aim of Satan. If he can fill the mind of the sinner so as to keep out Jesus, he cares not with what it is occupied. A well, a water pot, will do; a pool, an angel or anything else; *high* or low, lofty or lowly, heavenly or earthly–anything, so that it is not *Christ.* It will serve his turn just as well if the mind be filled with sentimental thoughts of heaven and its songs of joy or its streets of azure gold, if Christ be only left out. This will do as well as a water pot or a pool, as well as the things of this world, the cares of life, or the concentration of the mind on its own miseries. And is it not so with many of those who are truly awakened also? Like the impotent man at the pool of Bethesda, they are so filled with thoughts of their own sin and misery; cast down and in the dust, their only comfort a vague hope of pardon–that a present Saviour, a present pardon, a present peace, a full salvation secured for them in the finished work of Jesus, is never thought of. Something of self, in one form or another and under the false garb of humility, so shuts out Jesus from the soul, that there is no room for a gleam of light to enter. O Satan, serpent, deceiver, destroyer of the soul, hinderer of God’s peace in His child, disturber of his conscience, how art thou working in the heart of man on all sides! At the gates of Eden, at the well of Samaria, at the pool of Bethesda and up to the present hour we trace thy serpent trail. Spirit of the living God dispel the darkness and cause thy voice of power and love to enter our impotent hearts and understandings so filled with everything but Jesus and His glorious work! Speak but thy word and the impotence of the soul shall vanish and it shall rise up in thine own strength and bear testimony to thy mighty work and glorious name. Well, though the impotent knew not the grace of God nor who it was that spake to him, there was one thing to rejoice in–he was in the presence of Jesus. This was enough. No soul ever yet came to Him and went away empty; no heart ever came with its needs to Him and left without a stream from His ocean fullness. There, on the one hand lay a wretched, ignorant, needy creature; on the other all grace and love and boundless fullness. Fit and blessed company for Him! He filleth the hungry soul with goodness. This was the hour for manifesting His glory. This was the hour when the heart of Jesus rejoiced. Grace uttered its blessed sound in the words of Jesus, *“Wilt thou be made whole?”* and brought from the heart of the poor cripple an unconscious expression of his deep poverty and helplessness. This was all that Jesus required; God asks nothing else. No amount of faith in Him, no right thoughts about Him, no right way of coming before the blessing can be given, no improvement in the moral character. Oh no, never! This would be destructive of every thought of grace. All the fitness He requireth Is to feel thy need, of Him. Dost thou, sinner, feel thy poverty, thy wretchedness, thy need of Jesus? Then Christ is thine and, with Christ, a full salvation, free forgiveness, a perfect righteousness. Christ is thine, thine now, thine just as thou art and, with Christ, everything else. *“Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”* It is thy Saviour Himself bids thee. Go in peace, and rejoice in the glorious truth that He has set thy spirit free. We have said that one blessed feature in the case of the poor impotent was that he was in the presence of Jesus. He was blind, ignorant, miserable and in despair; but he was in the presence of Jesus. This was enough. Oh, that we could bring the spiritual cripples of this Bethesda world of ours into that blessed presence! Then should we see more strength in the Church of God; more Divine power, more frequent testimony to the preciousness of Christ. Then would there be heard less of self, less of Churches, less of everything and more of Him. Why should our empty vessels be so long unfilled? Why should we let them down to every earthly stream and current and turn our backs on the well of living waters at our very side? No wonder there is so much thirst, so little refreshment. No wonder there is so much of the world about us, so little of heaven. No wonder there is so much of Churches and rituals of creeds and doctrines and so little of Christ. No wonder the light from the earthen vessel reflects the cold rays of the moon rather than the warmth and life and vigor of the Sun of righteousness. When shall we learn that the secret of all our strength and power is the presence of God? When shall we learn that it is the only atmosphere we can breathe in safety and that the soul feeds on husks and will famish and starve if it has not its dwelling place there? Every other place, no matter how holy, how excel­lent, how beautiful, is but Delilah’s lap to the spiritual Samson. Everywhere else *“the strong shall be as tow, and the maker of it as a spark.”* Reader, be familiar with the presence of God. Go not with thy burden of sin and sorrow to men; not even to Christian men. Go with it to the presence of Jesus. What, though thou art spiritually and naturally mirrored in this cripple of Bethesda: ignorant, blind, miserable, bowed down under a long borne burden? Go to Jesus with it all. Oh, lay it at His feet! He loves to hear thy broken utterances. He feels thy every sorrow, thy every need, thy every care. Tell it not to *man*. *“Cease ye from man, … for wherein is he to be accounted of?”* Stay not from thy best friend, Jesus. He delights in filling the emptiest souls, in bearing the heaviest burdens, in satisfying the deepest needs. Oh, go there, and learn, in a way that none can teach you, the preciousness of Jesus! Go there, and learn *what* a Saviour He is. Go there, if you want the sweetest foretaste of heaven that can be known on earth. Go to Him, who will make sorrows sweet, burdens light, trials precious and your soul joyful in the midst of the deepest affliction. Go to Him and learn to say with an emphasis none can teach you, “Precious, precious Jesus!” *“Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”* Blessed, blessed words! The world had kept him waiting thirty and eight years. One word from Jesus is more than it all. Oh, how soon He can restore the soul! How soon He can bid the dry bones live! Yet who could utter them but Jesus? Angels could say, *“Woman, why weepest thou?”* but they could go no further. They could not stanch the bleeding heart wounds, nor dry the weeping eyes nor restore peace and joy to the soul. None but Jesus can do that. One word, “Mary,”15 falling like sweet music on the ears of the Magdalene, lights up the desolate heart with joy. So with this poor impotent. Angels might descend from their dwelling places of glory and stir up Bethesda’s pool, but they could go no further. They could not speak the gracious word that would once more send the flowing life blood through the withered channels of the cripple’s frame and make it start up in strength and joy and gladness. None but Jesus could do that. The world, the flesh and the devil could draw the poor helpless apostle from the feet of Christ, to follow “afar off,”16. but one *look* of Jesus brought him home again in sorrow, faith and love, to the fold. Oh, one word of Jesus, one look from Him, and what will it not do! It is more powerful than the mightiest of angelic agencies and more efficacious than the toils of a lifetime. Thirty and eight years sink into insignificance by its side. Sinner, place these two things side by side; the thirty and eight years and angelic agency and power, by the side of one word from Jesus; one look, it may be, and you have the difference between Christ and all else. Toil in thine own way or the world’s and at the end of that time it will leave thee miserable and in despair. Go to Jesus and one word from Him will be more to thee than the combined power of heaven and earth though both had been engaged on thy behalf. Try this precious Saviour. Leave all thy broken cisterns, thy poisoned streams, thy withered gourds, and come to this overflowing fountain. Come, taste and see the preciousness of Christ! *“Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.”* Not only life flows from His words, but strength also. *“Take up thy bed, and walk.”* It had long detained him a captive. Now the captive was free, and was carrying that whereon he had laid, in triumph. It was an outward manifestation of complete restoration and triumph. Captivity is captive led,17 through Jesus, who had done all. So is it ever. Jesus gives us life; Jesus gives us spiritual health, Jesus gives us strength; Jesus gives us victory, Jesus gives us all. Without Him we have nothing, we are nothing. Like the impotent here, but for Him we should have lain in the porches of sin and misery forever; but for His sovereign grace, we should have been left to die in our sins. We may well speak of *Him*. *“God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,”* should be the language of every lip, the deep feeling of every heart, the expression of every life and the motto for all time. Reader, trust that precious Saviour. Take Him as your all. Lean on Him in every scene and circumstance of life. Though all may fail, He will abide faithful. The more you lean and trust and wait and pray the more precious will He become to you. No soul that ever passed through this vale of tears trusted Him yet that had not reason to praise and bless Him. The saint’s deepest sorrows have ever issued in songs of joy while leaning on the bosom of Jesus. So, reader, shall it be with you. Oh, trust Him, trust Him! He is worthy of it all. He is your best, your truest Friend and will be true to the last. With Christ in your vessel, you will ride out every storm in safety. With Christ as your pilot, the haven is secure, whatever breakers may be in the way. With Christ as yours, life is yours, death is yours, heaven is yours, *“all things are yours.”* The chief feature in this narrative is the utter impotence of everything to meet the soul’s deepest needs but Jesus. Reader, have *you* learned that lesson yet? If not, you have learned nothing. With all your learning, with all that with which nature and education have endowed you, calculated to elicit the applause or admiration of the world, you are a poor, ignorant, needy creature; you know no­thing as yet. The world may call you rich, but you are poor. The world may admire, but angels look down in pity. The world may call you happy, but till you come to know, to love, to follow, to live upon Christ, you cannot know what true happiness is. That thing you call happiness, and beyond which you have no idea of anything higher, is a miserable counterfeit. He who would taste of true happiness must know Christ; and he who knows not Christ must be a stranger to it forever. This is the joy of heaven; and he into whose heart this joy has never entered can never hereafter enter into joy. Reader, what is Christ to *you*? Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave, and follow Thee; Naked, poor, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shalt be. Perish every fond ambition, All I’ve loved, or hoped, or known, Yet how rich is my condition, God and heaven are all mine own! Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Saviour too; Human hearts and looks deceive me, Thou art not, like them, untrue And if Thou wilt smile upon me, God of love, and power, and might, Foes may hate, and friends despise me, Show Thy face, and all is bright. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, Come disaster, scorn, and pain; In Thy service pain is pleasure, With Thy favor loss is gain. I have called Thee Abba, Father, I have set my heart on Thee; Storms may howl, and clouds may gather, All shall work for good to me. Man may trouble and distress me, ‘Twill but drive me to Thy breast; Life with trials hard may press me, Heaven will bring me sweeter rest. Oh! ’twere not in grief to harm me, Were Thy love but left to me; Oh! ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with Thee. Soul, then, know thy full salvation; Rise o’er grief and sin and care; Joy to find, in every station, Something still to do and bear: Think what Spirit dwells within thee, Think what Father’s love is thine, Think how Jesus died to save thee, Child of heaven, canst thou repine? Hasten on from grace to glory, Armed by faith, and winged by prayer, Heaven’s eternal gates before thee, God Himself shall guide thee there. Soon shall close thine earthly mission, Soon shall end thy pilgrim days; Hope shall change to glad fruition; Faith to sight, and prayer to praise. *[Henry F. Lyte](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Francis_Lyte)* (1793–1847) Rate this post **Categories:** Gleanings From Scripture --- ### [Deuteronomy 33:3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/deuteronomy-3-33/) **Published:** June 13, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. Deuteronomy 33:3 Please see Frederick Whitfield’s sermon on this verse: > [The Blessing Of Moses](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-blessing-of-moses/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Deuteronomy --- ### [What is the Golden Rule?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-the-golden/) **Published:** July 3, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind**. 38**This is the first and great commandment**. 39And **the second** is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:37-40 Leave it to man to reject God and throw him out and make the second rule the first. The Golden Rule is actually to love God; the second rule is the Royal Law. *James 2:8 KJV* If ye fulfil **the royal law** according to the scripture, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: Some deny the Scriptures are the word of God and attempt to distract from their authority by asserting that the Royal Law was found in history before it was written in the Bible, referring to the New Testament. They use Confucius as their example (551–479 BC). But it was written in the Old Testament long before Confusious was born and I would not be surprised to find that he obtained it from the Hebrew Scriptures. *Leviticus 19:18* Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but **thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**: I am the LORD. *Leviticus 19:34* But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and **thou shalt love him as thyself**; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. *Proverbs 24:29* **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Hebrews 12:1-4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hebrews-12-1-4/) **Published:** December 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Wherefore **seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset ****us****, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us**, `2`Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of *our* faith; who for the joy that was set before him **endured the cross, despising the shame**, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. `3`For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, **lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds**. `4`Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. *Hebrews 12:1* The great cloud of witnesses is chapter 11. Seeing we have the witness of their testimony of faith and trust in God we ought to be able to set aside every weight and sin that is keeping us from doing so just as they had to and run our race just as they ran theirs by faith toward God and the Lord Jesus Christ. If we feel faint in the way we are to look at what Christ endured for us. Many in the world since then have and are resisting the evil with their lives, shall we not stand up with our brothers and sisters and be counted with the Lord? *Philippians 1:29* For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, **not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake**; *2 Timothy 3:12* Yea, and **all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Hebrews --- ### [Anger](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/anger/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What are some verses in the Bible that can be applied when someone is angry?** If the angry person is saved, possibly: *James 1:20* For **the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God**. *Proverbs 14:17* **He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly**: and a man of wicked devices is hated. *Proverbs 22:24* **Make no friendship with an angry man**; and **with a furious man thou shalt not go**: *Proverbs 14:29* **He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding**: but **he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly**. *Proverbs 16:32* **He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty**; and **he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city**. *Proverbs 19:11* **The discretion of a man deferreth his anger**; and **it is his glory to pass over a transgression**. *Proverbs 17:14* **The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water**: therefore **leave off contention, before it be meddled with**. *Ecclesiastes 7:9* **Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry**: for **anger resteth in the bosom of fools**. The major point to remember is that *“the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”* > [Biblical Precepts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-precepts/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [Is Anything too Hard for God?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-anything-too-hard-for-god/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? 14**Is any thing too hard for the LORD**? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. *Genesis 18:13-14* *Jeremiah 32:17* Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and **there is nothing too hard for thee**: Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: **is there any thing too hard for me**? *Matthew 19:26* But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but **with God all things are possible**. *Mark 10:27* And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for **with God all things are possible**. *Luke 18:27* And he said, **The things which are impossible with men are possible with God**. *Ezekiel 12:28* Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but **the word which I have spoken shall be done**, saith the Lord GOD. *Isaiah 14:24* The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, **Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand**: *Isaiah 46:10-11* Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, **My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure**: 11Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, **I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it**. I will leave the interpretation to the reader. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** God --- ### [The Washing of the Feet](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1697-2/) **Published:** June 8, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. 2And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s *son*, to betray him; 3Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; 4He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe *them* with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? 7Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. 8Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. 9Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also *my* hands and *my* head. 10Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his *feet*, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. 11For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. 12So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14If I then, *your* Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. 16Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. 17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.** John 13:1-17 The portion of Scripture I have selected for consideration brings before our notice one of the most important subjects in the word of God; the intercession of Christ and its blessed results to the children of God. By many it is overlooked, by others it is not understood. In these cases two striking features of character are manifested. In those who overlook it, there is carelessness of walk; in those who do not understand it, there is often no abiding peace, no unhindered fellowship with the Father and the Son. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross and its precious results is one thing, the priesthood of Christ is quite another. It is the nature and operations of the latter which so many fail to apprehend and to which we would now call the reader’s attention. We must always bear in mind that the great effect of the sacrifice of Christ, the one offering once offered for sin, is to place the believer in a relation to God that nothing can change. By it he becomes a son of God. That is hence­forth the relation in which he stands and from which no­thing can remove him. Let us not suppose that when he is overtaken by sin, I say overtaken, he is no longer a child of God; that the relationship in which he stood is altered. You may as well say that when a child does some­thing wrong he ceases to be the father’s natural child. No, the relationship remains the same under all circumstances. So is it with God’s people. Nothing can change their relationship. It is this that invests that relationship with such a solemn responsibility. It lays the believer under a responsibility from which he is never free. If that relationship could be changed, then would his responsibility cease; then would he be free to act as he pleased; to serve the devil or God. It is the knowledge of this relationship that lays him under an obligation to live at all times and under all circumstances to the glory of God. We cannot insist too strongly on this, for all the blessings, all the promises and all the commands of God’s word are based upon it. We dwell upon it here because it is the key to the interpretation of the portion of Scripture on which we have entered. But if nothing, not even being overtaken in sin, can change the relationship in which the child of God stands to his heavenly Father, what is the effect of sin? May he go on in sin? Is he to have nothing to say to it? Is nothing to be done with it? Reader, rest assured that if *we* have nothing to do with our daily sins and shortcoming, they will very soon have something to do with *us.* Ah! the man who can say or think such a thing is *very far* gone from God. What should we think of a child who would say, ‘It does not matter what I do to my father?’ Should we not say it was an unnatural child; that it was in a profane state of affection? Would not all the feelings of a child in relation to its parent be gone? Would not the absence of such feelings be the ultimate cause of its ruin? If it had nothing to say to *sin,* would not sin very soon have something to say to *it,* either in the prison or on the gallows? Yes, reader, these sins have a great deal to say to us and we have a great deal to say to them. But this we must bear in mind, that it is just in proportion as we apprehend our unchanging relationship to God, that we shall know what we have to do with them. The more clearly we see and enter into that relationship the more sinful will they appear, the more grievous will they be. It is the child who knows its relationship to its father and *values* it that will feel every wrong done to him *most keenly.* We come to feel the heinous character of sin so little because we see not the relationship in which we stand to Him against whom it is committed. What then is done with these sins and what do they with us? The portion of Scripture under consideration will, under the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit, teach us. There are two prominent subjects which are the burden of this portion of Scripture, namely, the believer’s completeness in the finished work of Jesus and the trespasses of his daily life; and they are presented to our notice under a very expressive symbol or figure. They are both comprehended in one verse; *“He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit.”* Our blessed Lord evidently compared His finished work on Calvary to having been washed *in the bath.* It has made the child of God clean *every whit.* It has made him a child; placed him in that relationship which nothing can change. Henceforward, all that can contract defilement is—not his person—but his *feet*. Henceforth, he is pardoned, forgiven, accepted, “complete in Him.”1 But he is represented while going through this world as coming up out of the bath. In his passage, the feet come into necessary contact with the world and thus contract defilement. His daily walk, symbolized by the feet, contracts defilement. These must be washed. For this purpose Christ is now in heaven. It is this that is brought before us in the portion of Scripture we are considering. *“Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end.”* The very fact of the Lord washing the disciples’ feet was another evidence of His love to them. It is here set before us as such. The expression *“to the end”* signifies not only to the end of all *time,* precious as that thought is; it means more. It has reference to the washing of the feet. It means that He loved them *through everything.* *“Having loved***“** them when they were sinners, rebels, haters of God, He loved them through all this and as sinning, wandering, back­sliding *children.* He loved them with a full view of what they *were* and also with a full view of what they *would be*—*“to the end”*—as far as love could go. The evidence of this was the act in which He was about to engage*;* the washing of their feet and what it symbolized. He saw what they were, yet He would *die* for them. He saw what they would be afterwards, yet He would *live* for them. This was love—*“to the end”*—love through every­thing. Oh, wondrous, perfect love of Jesus! Who can estimate it *here?* Who can measure its height or depth, its length or breadth? Not here shall we ever know its perfection and fullness. Not *here,* but *there*— “When I stand before the throne Dressed in beauty not my own; When I see thee as thou art, Love thee with unsinning heart; Then, Lord, shall I fully know, *Not till then,* how much I owe.” But we learn from the Lord’s words the necessity for this washing of the feet. He says to Peter, *“If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me;”* that is to say, all those for whom He has died have a part with Him and must have their feet washed. If therefore He does not wash your feet, you are not one of those for whom He has died, you have not been in the bath, you are not His, you have *“no part with me,”* you are still dead in trespasses and sins. Here we perceive the great end for which He came into the world, that all His people should have a part with Him; and the great evidence that they *had* that part with Him was the fact of His washing their feet, inter­ceding for them in heaven, removing from them all their daily defilements. This He was going to show them by this very act. This is the reason it is said, *“When Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world to the Father,”* and *“having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end.”* He was going away, and before He went He must show them that He not only came to die for them, but that He was going to *live* for them; their great High Priest in heaven. He was going away, but before He went He must show them by this symbolic act that He not only loved them as sinners, by dying for them, but that He loved them with a full view of what they *would be;* sinful, wandering *children.* We see this more clearly by the following words, *“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; he riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself,”* He was about to enter into His Father’s glory. He *knew* He was. For this cause He rose up and began this significant act. What does this show us? That doing it as He was about to enter that glory, and with a full view of that glory before Him, He would *continue* it when He had entered into it. Combining this with His own words to Peter, it becomes clearer still—*“What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”* Let us not resolve this act into a mere *example of humility.* It was that doubt­less, but it was much more than that. As an example of humility, Peter evidently understood it, from his indignant remonstrance, *“Thou shalt never wash my feet.”* As an example of humility *only,* it would not have been correct to say, *“thou knowest not now.”* Peter *did* know that. But he did not know the far deeper meaning; the inter­cession in heaven. The Lord says to him, *“thou knowest not now, but thou shalt know hereafter,”* that is, so soon as the Spirit should come down in the Lord’s place and teach it him. Besides, as a mere *example* of humility, see what a strange anomaly we are reduced to; *“If I wash thee not,”* if I do not set before you this example of humility, *“thou hast no part with me,”* no inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. Is it the Saviour’s example of humility that is our title to heaven? Surely it was an example of humility, but who can read the Lord’s words here and not see a clear allusion to something deeper? Reader, meditate on this portion of Scripture with an unbiased mind and after earnest prayer for the teaching of God’s Holy Spirit. Take not up *my* judgment here, but listen to what God says, then you will not go wrong. *“Jesus answered him, if Iwash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.”* The idea of not having a part in Christ fills the disciple with horror. To miss this evidence of it from the Saviour himself, he cannot endure. Anything rather than this. But at the same time, his words show very plainly what the Lord had told him, *“What I do thou knowest not now.”* He did not see what the Lord meant by this act. He should know it after the Spirit had descended; “he shall bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you.”2 He did not need a renewal of the Sacrifice to wash away his defilements; he did not need to go into the *bath* again. His trespasses, whatever they might be, could not change his relationship to God. They could not unChristianize him. All he required was the feet to be washed by the great High Priest. This the Lord now shows him: *“he that cometh up out of the bath is clean every whit, and needeth not save to wash his feet.”* “You stand in the position of one who has come out of the bath. You are clean *every whit,* by virtue of the efficacy of my one offering for sin; but you must have your daily defilements removed from you by my intercession as the great High Priest.” This is what the Lord seems to say. The truth of our relationship to God being unchanged by our daily defilements, is beautifully shadowed forth by the priests under the Jewish dispensation. When they were prepared for their holy office and arrayed in their priestly garments, they were never removed from their holy place of service. They were priests there at all times and under all circumstances. Their hands and feet, how­ever, were continually defiled by the blood of the sacrifices. What were they to do? Were they unpriested? By no means. There was placed, between the brazen altar and the most holy place where they were serving, the laver. In this they washed their hands and feet and returned again to their place of service within the veil. So is it now, dear Christian reader. You are washed. You are a priest unto God. Nothing can change your relationship to God as His child. All you need is that your daily life be washed in the true laver; the intercession of Christ Jesus on your behalf. But *how* does Christ, as our great High Priest, cleanse our daily defilements? The necessary contact of the *feet* with the earth; of the soul with the world and the things of the world, tends to draw a veil between us and God. Besides this, we are continually overtaken in things positively evil. Evil thoughts, unholy tempers, unguarded expressions, crooked conduct, inordinate affections; perhaps worse than even these. These draw a cloud between the soul and God, disturb the peace of the conscience and place us at a distance from God. We are out of communion with Him, we have fallen and we *feel* it. We dare not look up, an unaccountable earthliness has come over the spirit. We feel as if we were dead to all spiritual life. These are the defilements of the feet upon us. Oh, how bitterly we feel them! Sorrow overwhelms us. We go to the feet of our great High Priest. *“He ever liveth to make intercession”* *for us;* to remove these defilements. How does He do it? He gives us a *fresh view* of His one offering—His precious, ever speaking blood on the altar on high. By this view we see our defilements removed. *We see again* that we are accepted, beloved, pardoned, forgiven. The sight restores us. We feel all our sins are gone. We feel, too, that all our defilements are gone. The great High Priest has restored our souls. We are again happy. We are again brought into communion with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ; all is changed now. All was cloud and darkness before; now all is sunshine. What has done it? The great High Priest has done it, by His Holy Spirit giving us a *fresh* view of that one offering that hath *“perfected for ever.”* Our sins *obscured* this view and made us unhappy. He has removed them and the cloud *along with* them—He has washed our feet. One point more in this beautiful portion of Scripture. *“So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said to them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord : and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things happy are ye if ye do them.”* If Christ has washed our feet, and if He *continues* to wash them, surely, dear Christian reader, we should do the same. How can *we* do this? Exactly as He does it for us; by removing from the heart and conscience of His people anything that makes them unhappy; by removing, as far as we are able, all defilement from the mind and restoring it to communion with God; by comforting them in sorrow, by bearing with their infirmities, weaknesses, and failings; by gentle re­proof and loving rebuke and by praying for them. In these and many other ways we can comfort the heart, en­lighten the mind, restore the soul, rejoice the spirit; we can wash their feet. Let us not be like poor Peter here, and say to each other, *“Thou shall never wash my feet.”* Let us not think such offices too low. Let us bend, let us stoop, let us lay aside the garment, let us take the towel, bind it to us and carry it with us everywhere, as true followers and servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let no pride, or rank, or social distinction *qualify* this plain command. See the Lord of glory bending at the feet of the fishermen of Galilee! Let us keep the picture before us and remember that the *“servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”* Let us remember His closing words, *“If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.”* And what will enable us to *“do them?”* Let us see what influenced the Saviour here: *“Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into His hand, and that He was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside His garments; and took a towel and girded Himself.”* There were two things before Him here, His high dignity and relationship, and the prospect of the glory into which He was about to enter. These made Him take this place as the servant of His people. Why is it that there is so little of this washing of one another’s feet now, so much disinclination on the part of the people of God towards it? Oh, it is because we realize so little of our high dignity and relationship to God as His sons and daughters and so feebly apprehend the glory that is before us. The more we enter into these blessed realities, the more ready shall we be to bind the towel about us and go forth as the Lord’s disciples and servants to this holy work. In the doing of that work we shall know what it is to be *“happy,”* to participate in His joy and shall understand and enter into the full meaning of His blessed word. Christian reader, you have been called unto liberty. You see the exalted relationship into which the finished work of Jesus has brought you. But beware that you “use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.”5 Take care that you have to do with your sins, or else they will very quickly have something to do with you. Beware of sin; take every film and stain and sin, *the moment it is committed,* to your great High Priest; then all will go well. If you do not, it will raise a cloud between you and God. It will blunt your spiritual sensitiveness to the heinous character of sin. It will make the slippery path more slippery still. It will encrust the heart. It will leave you without any visible mark on your daily life as a testimony for God. You will gradually lose your sense of pardon. You will begin to question God’s love to you. You will begin to doubt your acceptance with Him. Prayer, in its spirit, will yield; communion with God will yield; every outward and visible mark of heaven upon you will yield and you yourself will be a spiritual wreck on the shores of this soul blighting world. Oh, beware of sin! “Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”6 I walk as one who knows that he is treading A stranger soil; As one round whom the world is spreading Its subtle coil. I walk as one but yesterday delivered From a sharp chain; Who trembles lest the bonds so newly severed Be bound again. I walk as one who feels that he is breathing Ungenial air; For whom, as wiles, the tempter still is wreathing The bright and fair. My steps, I know, are on the plains of danger, For sin is near; But looking up, I pass along, a stranger, In haste and fear. This earth has lost its power to drag me downward; Its spell is gone; My course is now right upward and right onward, To yonder throne. Hour after hour of time’s dark night is stealing In gloom away; Speed thy fair dawn of light, and joy, and healing, Thou Star of Day! For thee, its God, its King, the long-rejected, Earth groans and cries; For thee, the long-beloved, the long-expected, Thy bride still sighs. *Rev. H. Bonar, D.D.* Rate this post **Categories:** Gleanings From Scripture --- ### [The Blessing Of Moses](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-blessing-of-moses/) **Published:** June 8, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.** *Deuteronomy 33:3* In whatever light we view Israel of old, we see them as a type of the Church of God in this dispensation. Did God find them in Egypt in a state of bondage and slavery? Did He pity them in their ruined state and send a deliverer to rescue them from their bondage? Did He preserve them from death through the medium of the blood of the lamb sprinkled on the door posts of their houses? Thus has God dealt with His people now, has delivered them from the bondage of sin in this Egypt/world through the blood of the Lamb of God and translated them into the kingdom of His dear Son. Did God bring Israel of old into the wilderness? Did He try them and discipline them there? Did He permit foe after foe to harass them and obstruct their journey in order that they might lean upon Him and feel that without Him they were nothing? So does God deal with His people now. And finally, when all the wanderings and murmurings and trials of the desert had come to an end, did He bring them to the dark river through which they must needs pass ere they could reach Canaan, their heavenly inheritance; did He, as the Ark of Safety, remain in the midst of the flood till the feet of His people had all clean passed over? So does God now lead each one of His people through the wilderness, go with them through the dark river of death and never leave them till the weakest and feeblest of the flock are brought home to the *“inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation…”* It is thus that truth spoken to Israel has its application to us. What was true of them naturally, historically, is true of us typically, spiritually. What was spoken to them is spoken by the same Spirit to us. While the application of these truths may differ; to an earthly people they may have an earthly application, to a heavenly people they have the same application in a spiritual sense, the great leading truths of God’s word are undispensational. Let us look at the passage before us, and see what God says; of Himself and what He says of us. There is a manifest division of the passage into four distinct parts, each one depending so closely and yet so beautifully on the other that if one were left out or disarranged from the order, in which the Holy Spirit has placed it, the Divine harmony would be lost and the chain broken. They are: I. God’s love to His people; II. The security of His people; III. The spiritual posture of His people; and IV. The blessing of His people. The first statement is a most precious one, *“Yea, he loved the people.”* Mark, reader, when the Holy Spirit begins to teach us Divine truths, how He does it. First and foremost He begins by telling us what God is *to us.* He does not begin by saying anything about what *we are* to God. This has its place, but not yet. This has its place, but it must have something to rest on, something out of which it flows. The apostle says, “We love him;” but then he tells us out of what that flows, what our love rests upon; “because he *first* loved us.”2 This is the way in which the same Spirit begins in the passage under consideration. It would not have been Divine order to tell us *first* that *“they sat down at thy feet,”* or *“all his saints are in thy hands,” or “every one shall receive of thy words.”* No, such an order would have shown us the effect without an adequate cause; the ray without the sun, the stream without the fountain. It begins by giving us the Fountain and then shows us the three beautiful refreshing streams which flow from it–the security, the posture, and the blessing of God’s people. With this love as the cause, we can understand all. Without it, we are shrouded in mystery. And when the Spirit of God teaches His people, this is the manner in which He does it. He first begins by telling them what *God is to them.* This is often the very opposite way in which men act. They begin by speaking of what man should be to God. They leave out the great motive by which he is to be influenced. We had almost thought, as we listened, that the motive was to proceed from the creature, from his sense of *duty,* or from a regard to his well-being in the world, or from the terrors of the judgment seat. No wonder there is perplexity and fear and uncertainty in the minds of the people of God. They are so filled with thoughts of what they ought to be to God, that the mind is full of bondage. There is within something akin to the apostle’s warning; *“By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified before God.”* They are striving *to get up to God’s* standard*,* as if their salvation depended upon it, yet never accomplishing it, and consequently, always unhappy with a trembling uncertainty of their acceptance before Him. The love of God giving peace through the blood of the Lamb, and constraining the believer to holiness of life, is the Spirit’s order. This is the order all through the Bible. This is Divine; every other is human. Let us begin by telling the poor soul what God is to him. This will melt the heart, give peace to the conscience, subdue the risings of evil habit; this will render temptation powerless, make man holy; nothing else will. The love of God in Christ Jesus, brought by the Spirit of God before the soul, is the only incentive to holiness and makes the creature happy as well as holy. It is instructive to notice how Moses introduces God’s love to our view. He begins by recapitulating, reviewing, what God was to His people, the wondrous things He had done for them; and he concludes it with a climax and that climax the love of God: “The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from Mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints; from his right hand went a fiery law for them. *“Yea, he loved the people.”* He commences on the minor key and rises to the full development, the last revelation God can make to man—His love. He begins with His doings for them, and ends with unveiling His heart*.* Here the great lawgiver of Israel rests. He seems to have left earth and earthly things and to have soared to the throne of the Eternal. He seems to say, ‘I can go no higher. Here would I rest, and from this lofty eminence trace the stream of blessings flowing down to my people.’ One emphatic chord is heard, re­minding us of the lofty height he has reached: *“Yea, he loved the people.”* Stretching through centuries and generations yet unborn, we catch the echo as it finds a response in words that shall reverberate through the countless ages of eternity—*“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”* The words of Moses seem as if they were a prophetic shadow; giving us first the *doings* of God, as characteristic of that dispensation; and closing with the *love* of God, as the glory of this. He speaks of many things in this chapter; of himself and the people and all the blessings in store for them, but he traces all to this one source–the love of God. Viewing the people in this light, what *could* there be for them but blessing? Oh, that we could follow this blessed pattern, and before looking at ourselves or anything connected with us, look at what God is to us, look at what He has *done* for us, think how He has opened His heart to us, behold the sacrifice He has made for us; and then resolve it all into that same great ocean of joy–the love of God! How would our hearts then become enlarged, like that of Moses, and we should behold blessing after blessing as our portion here and hereafter. How would every feeling of doubt, uncertainty and unhappiness be banished from the heart! There would then be fewer clouds and more sunshine with­in; more of the quiet stream and less of the heaving of the tempestuous ocean. The most comforting feature of the love of God is its unchanging character. Love is of God; God is love. He cannot change, neither can it. It is the same yester­day, today and forever. Time cannot change it, ingratitude cannot chill it, sin cannot turn it aside. *“Having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them to the end.”* As with Israel of old, so with us. It was the same when they cried out at the Red Sea, when they murmured at Meribah, when they despised the *“light bread,”* when they fell into idolatry and when they passed over the Jordan. They had failed, but God had never failed. Their love had changed, their footsteps had wandered, their hearts had grown hard, but God was the same. He had loved them and He loved them still. He had borne them on eagle’s wings and would bear them still. “I am the Lord,” is His own loving declaration, *“I change not, there­fore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”* What a comfort amid the world’s vicissitudes! Friends are changing, our circumstances are changing, our fondest schemes and brightest prospects are melting like vapor beneath the sun. What a changing world! Who can find a resting place below the skies? But here is a rock that remains immutable amid all the changes and chances of this mortal life—the love of God in Christ. The Christian may be like a solitary oak in the forest stripped of its branches and bowed beneath the tempests of a stormy world, yet can he clasp his hands amid the wreck and desolation around him, and exclaim: “One there is above all others, Oh, how He loves! His is love beyond a brother’s Oh, how He loves! Earthly friends may fail or leave me, One day soothe, the next day grieve me, But this Friend will ne’er deceive me; Oh, how He loves!” Reader, are you living under a sense of God’s unchanging love? Have you looked to the cross of Christ and seen love flowing from His bruised side in streams of blood to wash away your sin? Can you now look up to God and see no frown there, but love smiling on your path? Oh, live under its refreshing shadow! Let it draw you from self, from the creature, from the world, from all—to Him. Are you wounded, does your heart bleed, is your soul cast down within you? still Jesus is love and loves *you.* What­ever blessing He may see good to take from you, Himself He will never take. Whatever stream of creature comfort He may see fit to dry, His own love will never fail. Live then under its grateful shade and you will be ready for every trial, to bear every cross and to pass through the valley of the shadow of death with joy. The second truth the passage presents to us is also a precious one: *“All his saints are in thy hand.”* The connection between this clause and the previous one is evident. Those whom God loves He preserves. It is the law of our natural life. We study to preserve what we deeply prize. Love clasps its object to the heart and places it in the bosom where nothing can touch it without at the same time wounding itself. The weakest lamb in the flock of the good Shepherd is deeply embosomed in the love of God, and from the moment the Saviour found it, it was laid upon the shoulders of the good Shepherd, the place of strength and security. Yet how often it seems as if God’s people were left like others to walk alone, to wander and stumble and fall. At one time in paths of perplexity and distress, devising means for their deliverance, as if every­thing depended upon themselves; at another brought to the end of everything, on the verge of despair and the next step threatening destruction. At one time brought, in the mysterious windings of Providence, to a stand-still. At another time brought into a path apparently clear, yet every step taken seems to be wrong, every effort to be frustrated and, as if without a landmark to guide them, they had been left to breast the wind and brave the flood alone. Yet all things are ordered, all planned, all under the eye of God; every path, every step, every movement. Where we thought *we* were planning, it was God. Where we believed all depended upon our steps, He was overruling and directing. Not a turn or bend in our checkered history but was the result of an all wise, all gracious, ever loving God; *“all his saints are in thy hand.”* Their salvation, their circumstances, their wants, their trials, their joys and their sorrows; whatever shades or brightens, elevates or depresses, cheers or saddens, exalts or lays low, nothing too little for Jehovah, if it concerns His beloved child; *“all his saints are in thy hand.”* Precious truth! there, where nothing can ever touch them. All–the weak as well as the strong, the man of years and the infant of days, the hoary headed saint of threescore years and ten and the babe in Christ, born but yesterday; the feeble, doubting, trembling one, whose faith staggers at every step, and starts at every shadow and the one who stands in the strength of the Lord, rejoicing as a giant to run his course—*“all his saints are in thy hand.”* On Africa’s burning sands and Greenland’s snow capped hill, on Arabia’s desert wastes and India’s fertile plains, beside the Danube or the Thames, in the hovel or the mansion, under the kingly purple or beneath the beggar’s rags; *“all his saints are in thy hand.”* Say, child of God, is not this a precious truth for your soul to grasp? Is it not a sweet resting place for the aching heart in a world like this? See that Christian mother. She has parted with all that makes earth dear to her; her only son. She has committed him in earnest prayer to Israel’s Keeper, who slumbers not nor sleeps. The tiny ship dashes onward amid the foam and the billows to a distant land. Days, weeks, months pass over, and still no tidings of her child. In anxious suspense she bends at the throne of Grace. She clasps her hands and exclaims, “O thou who art the helper of the helpless and the God of all grace, look down upon my precious child!” Oh, at such a moment, the sweetness of the words, *“all his saints are in thy hand.”* Behold that Christian widow, struggling amid the foam and billows of life, with few friends, shattered health, scanty means, putting forth strained and overtaxed energies to keep her young family afloat on the world’s rough sea. See health failing, strength failing, and penury and death staring her in the face. Listen to her prayers as she bends before the mercy seat, ‘O God, my heart is overwhelmed within me, leave me not nor forsake me.’ Oh, the sweetness, at such a moment, of the Spirit’s whisper in her ears, *“all his saints are in thy hand.”* See! enter that chamber. Tread softly, for the angel of death is there. On that couch lies the beloved of the heart. By her side sits one who has bent night after night in anxious suspense over the failing tabernacle. The voice grows feeble. The pulse beats languidly. The eye grows dimmer. Memory is losing its power and freshness. Oh, the anxious suspense, the throbbing’ heart, the scalding tear, the not knowing what may be on the morrow; earth’s dearest tie snapped asunder! Oh, at that moment, when flesh and heart are failing, the unutterable sweetness of those words; *“all his saints are in thy hand!”* Yes, in the hand of Him who loves us and who gave His life for ours, without whose will not even a sparrow can fall to the ground, and who has numbered every hair of our heads; “all his saints are in thy hand.” The third truth is also a precious one; *“They sat down at thy feet.”* This is the attitude of all God’s people; they sit at the feet of Christ. They take the low place. Humility is the conspicuous garment. This is the striking evidence of their spiritual greatness. Great knowledge makes men humble. Great spirituality of mind will make Christians humble too. It is only littleness that is conceited, because littleness is full of self. The more clearly and deeply the believer apprehends what God is to him, the more humble he will be, the lower the place he will take. Like the apostle of old, he will subscribe himself, *“less than the least of all saints.”* This is the place all God’s people take; they sit down at His feet. There is no room for self there. There is no place for pride there, for self-righteousness, for anything that would exalt itself be­fore God. None sit there but the empty, the poor in spirit, the one who smites upon his breast and exclaims, *“God be merciful to me a sinner!”* the one who is willing to be nothing that Christ may be all; these sit there. Then there are the hungry and needy, the weary and heavy laden, who have sought rest but have not found it, who have chased phantom after phantom, who have tried all the broken cisterns of the world, and have turned at last to Jesus; these sit there. There they have found rest, for He is faithful that promised it: “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” But it is the place where we learn too. Sitting at the feet was an expression peculiar to the ancients. It was the mark of discipleship. The students in the schools of the philosophers of Greece were said to sit at the feet of Plato and Aristotle. St. Paul tells us he was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel. He was his disciple, taught in his school. So is it with believers. They sit at the feet of Christ. This is the mark of their true discipleship. They are in the school of God. It is there the Spirit teaches all His lessons, and those who do not sit there are not taught of Him. He who sits there loves to see Christ exalted. He who sits there gets nearest to the throne of God. There we learn; learn to know ourselves, learn to know Christ; and till man has been brought to sit there he never knows either. It is said of the demoniac that he was in his right mind when he sat at the feet of Jesus; never till then. So it is with every man. He is never in his right mind till he sits at the feet of Jesus. Like the prodigal in the far country, he never *“comes to himself”* till he has been brought to feel with him, *“I have sinned against heaven.”* The first work of the Spirit, and the first evidence of that work in his heart, is when he begins to feel himself a sinner. But this is a lesson only learned at the feet of Jesus. There is no place that concentrates upon itself so much blessing. There we learn, there we receive, there we take refuge. We are safe because we are low; we are happy because we are near. At the feet of Jesus, we are at the source of all strength, the fountain of all joy, the center of all blessing, yea, at the very throne of God; and no soul will find itself at the foot of the throne in heaven who is not found at the feet of the Saviour on earth. And what a sweet place the feet of Jesus is in a time of trial! There the weary and heavy-laden find repose. There they rest. But oh! it often needs many a stroke to bring us there, many a cross, many a bitter thorn in the flesh, many a heart-crushing sorrow; yea, has God often to smite every idol, to break every cistern, to dry up every spring, to wither every gourd, and to cloud life’s loveliest landscape, ere the soul can be brought there. I may be addressing some such tried and suffering ones through these pages. Jesus has snatched from your side all that your heart so fondly leaned upon. Perhaps the idol stood between your soul and Him, and God smote it to the ground. Was it a fond, affectionate wife or husband? Was it the lovely flower that God gave you to train for Him, that stole your affections? Was it your social position, or the comforts of life by which you were surrounded, that lulled you into ease, and indifference, and forgetfulness of God? Ah! be sure, my brother or sister, there was a *“needs be”* for it. It stood between you and Him. He loved you too well to let it be your ruin. But now, where are you? Has the blasted gourd brought you to the feet of Jesus? Has it brought you, a poor, humble, broken-hearted prodigal, to the feet of Jesus? Say, my tried and afflicted fellow-traveler to eternity, where has it left you? Oh, if it has not brought you to the feet of Jesus, be sure if God loves you, He will, He must, send you another trial. But if it has led you to Jesus, oh, be thankful! Do not think because you are afflicted that He loves you not. It was love that smote the idol; it was love that withered the gourd; it was love that broke the cistern and embittered its pleasant waters; it was love; only love, in order to bring you to the feet of Jesus. Think not that He has forsaken or forgotten you. He that clothes the grass of the field with verdure and beauty that today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, can He ever forget you? He that provides its sustenance for the ephemeral insect that dances in the summer’s sunbeam, will He forget you? He that watches the sparrow upon the housetop and preserves it weary winged in its flight, will He forsake you, His beloved child? What though the cistern is broken, if the fountain of living waters has taken its place! What though the beautiful gourd has been blasted in a night, if the tree of life be yours! What though every star in your earthly canopy has been quenched in midnight darkness, if the Sun of righteousness has risen upon your soul! Oh nothing, if it has brought you to Jesus. Carry your burden there. Ask Him to fill the chasm in your heart with His love. Ask Him to bring you to His feet, and keep you there. There you will soon see every cloud gilded, every rod sent in love; and you will find that in bearing the cross you have put your hand upon the crown. One point more before we pass on to the last link in this golden chain, and that is the *rest* that is implied in these words, *“They sat down at thy feet.”* Sitting down is a figure of speech conveying the idea of rest. What gives this perfect rest? The two previous truths apprehended by the soul; the love of God, and the security of the believer. It is the knowledge of what *God is to the soul,* and that only, that will make it sit down at the feet of Christ. Our love to Christ may bring us to His feet, but the knowledge of what He is to us will alone make us *sit down* there. Our love to Christ will take us to heaven, but the realizing of God’s love to us will bring much of heaven down here. The more we turn our eyes away from ourselves and everything belonging to us, and dwell on what God is *to us,* the more shall we *sit down* at the feet of Jesus, and the peace of God which passeth all understanding be the even current of our souls. Oh that every child of God reading these lines may think of this and prove its truth! The last truth of this text is also a precious one; *“Every one shall receive of thy words.”* Mark, reader, how inseparably each clause of this beautiful and comprehensive verse is connected. *“Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand; and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.”* The connection is beautiful; the order Divine. The clauses preceding this last, however, are present truths, actual realities. This last differs; it is a promise. True God’s promises are present and actual realities; nothing so real as they are; but there is a precious distinction. This last is the *closing* word of the Spirit, and it leaves the believer in the place of faith. He has to listen to its echo through life. He is to live on the promise. He is to live by faith. Abraham *saw* not his seed as the sand of the seashore for multitude, but he believed it. He lived and acted on the promise. He went down to the grave with nothing else to lean upon but the promise. God gives His people nothing else here. They are all, like Abraham, children of faith. They have nothing to lean upon but the promises; the written word of God. These are everything to them, for they are God Himself speaking. And the last echo of the Spirit in this verse is still reverberating in our ears. It will never die away until the Lord comes, when every promise shall have its blessed fulfillment. What a comfort to hear from the lips of God himself the assurance that every child of God *shall* receive of His words! Whether weak in faith or strong, whether the man of years in Christ or the infant of days; *“every one shall, receive of thy words.”* Is there a promise of grace to help? you shall surely have it. Is there a promise of light in the darkness, of strength in the midst of weakness, of comfort in the midst of sorrow, of hope on the very verge of despair? Oh, rest assured, dear Christian sufferer, you shall surely have it; *“every one shall receive of thy words.”* Is there a promise that when you pass, through the waters He will be with you, through the rivers they shall not overflow you, through the fire the flame shall not kindle upon you, through the valley of the shadow of death His rod and His staff shall comfort you? be sure you shall have it; *“every one shall receive of thy words.”* Is there a promise that you shall soon be like Jesus, that you shall meet the loving and the loved ones with Him, where sin cannot enter and death cannot sever, that you shall have a crown, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall place upon your brow; that ere a few short years are over you shall have done forever with sinning, and wandering, and grieving, with a frail body and an evil heart and a clouded faith? Oh, be sure it shall be fulfilled in you; *“every one shall receive of thy words.”* Trust the promise. Live upon the promise. Clasp it to your heart now more than ever, as the end approaches. As the same great lawgiver of Israel said on another occasion when he called all Israel to witness “that not *one* good thing of all the Lord your God hath promised hath failed you,” so does the Spirit of God whisper now in the ear of each believer, *“every one shall receive of thy words.”* Precious truth! Lord, may we live upon it. May it be our light in darkness, our comfort in sorrow, our joy in tribulation, and our prop and stay in the hour of death, till the *“morning without clouds”* breaks upon our view. But, Christian reader, remember you are only a receiver, from beginning to end; *“every one shall receive of thy words.”* You are a *“vessel of mercy.”* You can *give* nothing to God; you must receive all. You are a poor bankrupt sinner, and every step of your way to heaven a debtor to sovereign grace. A child of God spiritually proud! proud of his gifts or graces, of his talents or attainments, of his learning or endowments, of his wealth, or rank, or station! Poor worm of the dust, what hast thou to be proud of? What hast thou that thou didst not *receive*? What hast thou to be proud of? An evil heart, a sinful nature, a rebellious will. What hast thou to be proud of? An earthly spirit, a worldly mind, a transgressing step. What hast thou to be proud of? A frail body, a lump of clay, a corpse, a coffin, a shroud, a grave! What hast thou to be proud of? Oh, bend at the cross of Jesus. Sit down at His feet. Take thy motto for life— “I’m a poor sinner, and nothing at all.” At the end of every grace, and every prayer, and every duty, and every gift and endowment, the brightest and best, write; “I am less than the least of all saints;” “I am the *chief* of sinners.” Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee. Reader, have *you* been brought to this? You *must,* if your soul is to be saved. You must, if you do not wish your portion to be the undying worm, the fire that is not quenched, the blackness of darkness, forever. You must, if you want to know either yourself or Christ. You must, if God is to be glorified in you. You must be emptied, entirely emptied, consciously emptied, or else you can never enter the Kingdom of heaven. An empty sinner and a full Saviour travel hand in hand, step by step, to glory. With no other will He walk. Come then to the feet of Jesus, and the promise,’ the blessed, unfailing promise shall be yours, *“every one shall receive of thy words.”* Christian reader, sit at the feet of Jesus. Drink deeply of God’s love to you. Think of your everlasting security in that love. Turn away your eyes from yourself, and dwell on what God is to you. This will make you come to the feet of Jesus and sit down there. Empty yourself daily at His feet. Walk in obedience to God’s commands. Resist not the promptings of His Spirit within you. By all the love you profess to the Saviour, walk as an obedient disciple: then will you enter into the fullness and preciousness of these words. An entrance will be administered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. You will have the Spirit bearing witness with your spirit that you are a son of God, and that all these blessings are your portion. *“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”* *“Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.”* Is God for me? I fear not, though all against me rise; When I call on Christ my Saviour, the host of evil flies; My friend the Lord Almighty, and He who loves me—God, What enemy shall harm me, though coming as a flood? I know it, I believe it, I say it fearlessly, That God, the highest, mightiest, forever loveth me. At all times, in all places, He standeth at my side; He rules the battle fury, the tempest and the tide. A rock that stands forever is Christ my righteousness, And there I stand unfearing in everlasting bliss; No earthly thing is needful to this my life from heaven, And nought of love is worthy, save that which Christ has given; Christ, all my praise and glory, my light most sweet and fair, The ship wherein He saileth is scathless everywhere. In Him I dare be joyful, as a hero in the war; The judgment of the sinner affrighteth me no more. There is no condemnation, there is no hell for me, The torment and the fire my eyes shall never see; For me there is no sentence, for me has death no sting, Because the Lord who loves me shall shield me with His wing. Above my soul’s dark waters His Spirit hovers still, He guards me from all sorrows, from terror and from ill; In me He works, and blesses the life-seed He has sown, From Him I learn the “Abba,” that prayer of faith alone. And if in lonely places, a fearful child I shrink, He prays the prayers within me I cannot ask or think, The deep unspoken language known only to that Love Who fathoms the heart’s mystery from the throne of light above. His Spirit to my spirit sweet words of comfort saith, How God the weak one strengthens who leans on Him in faith, How He hath built a city of love, and light, and song, Where the eye at last beholdeth what the heart had loved so long. And there is mine inheritance, my kingly palace-home: The leaf may fall and perish, not less the spring will come; Like wind and rain of winter, our earthly sighs and tears, Till the golden summer dawneth of the endless year of years. The world may pass and perish, Thou, God, wilt not remove, No hatred of all devils can part me from Thy love; No hungering nor thirsting, no poverty nor care, No wrath of mighty princes can reach my shelter there; No angel and no heaven, no throne, nor power, nor might, No love, no tribulation, no danger, fear, nor fight, No height, no depth, no creature that has been or can be, Can drive me from Thy bosom, can sever me from Thee; My heart in joy upleapeth, grief cannot linger there, She singeth high in glory amidst the sunshine fair; The Sun that shines upon me is Jesus and His love; The fountain of my singing is deep in heaven above. *[Paul Gerhardt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Gerhardt)* (1607–1676) Rate this post **Categories:** Gleanings From Scripture --- ### [The Teachings Of The Cross](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-teachings-of-the-cross/) **Published:** June 9, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also *his* coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. John 19:23-30 There is no such thing in the history of this world as what men call accident or chance. It is a term the reality of which does not exist save in the vocabulary of the atheist. God is in all things, little and great, fulfilling His own great purposes, and making even the wrath of man to praise Him. We are willing to admit this when we see the work of the Lord prospering, but when we see it, to our short-sighted view, thwarted, and the enemy of mankind active and apparently successful, it is a truth that is forced upon us with reluctance. This is, however, the infirmity of the flesh, and is very much akin to the feelings that can discern God’s hand in the great events of life and not in the minutiæ of each day; in the earthquake that buries its untombed millions, but not in the passing intelligence which shades the brow and leaves its momentary sadness on the heart. How often do we find in the word of truth God reversing the order, as if, by anticipation, to rebuke our short-sightedness and folly? He who of old made use of a “worm,” a “gourd,” and an “east wind,” to accomplish mighty purposes of grace, is the same God still, and speaks to us through the same medium. He who made His glorious voice to be heard through the mighty operations of His Spirit, in adding to the Church more than three thousand souls in one day, was doing His work as effectually when, to all human appearance, the turbulent passions of bloodthirsty men rose like a sea of waters to extinguish the light of the world on the cross, for: The very spear that pierced His side Drew forth *the blood to save.* This truth is strikingly brought before us in the words we have selected for consideration. Whether in the affairs of this world, or in the kingdom of grace, everything is carrying out the fulfillment of God’s own word. The murderers of the Son of God thought, through His cross, to carry out the work of their master the devil. How little it enters their minds that they are but the machinery in the hand of the Omnipotent and are carrying out His designs. Each one filled with his own peculiar malice, and that malice suggesting its own peculiar thought, and finally developing itself into action of its own peculiar kind, yet each was fulfilling a Divine end. The first suggestion to divide the garments of the Saviour into four parts, and the deliberation afterwards as to the coat, and who it was that suggested it should not be rent but drawn for, and how that proposal was received, with regard to all these things, so natural, so apparently the result of human deliberation, who would have supposed that each pivot in the vast machine was exactly fitted to the place designed for it in the counsels of eternity? And yet so it was: “that the Scriptures might be fulfilled, these things *therefore* the soldiers did.” Nature could only discern the unruly wills of sinful men wreaking their vengeance on a pure and spotless Being. Faith pierced the mists of second causes, and read in each, not the gratification of the carnal heart, but the fulfillment, one by one, of all God’s purposes; *“these things therefore the soldiers did.”* No accident, no chance, no second causes, no mere result of human delibera­tion; none. One answer alone is given to the question Why? *“That the Scriptures might be fulfilled,”* therefore these things were done. It is the same too in Divine affairs as in worldly ones. If the world throughout this drama was fulfilling in all its actions the purposes of God, so also was the Lord Jesus Christ in every action of His. “Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, *that the Scriptures might be fulfilled,* saith, I thirst.” From the least and lowest act of the worldling, up to the highest in the kingdom of grace, there is one vast chain in which every act is but a link tending to the full accomplishment of all the purposes of God. Let us look behind the scene and realize this. Let us rend asunder the tinsel which dazzles the eye of faith, and see the mighty Ruler behind, and the purposes He is bringing to pass. When the heaven-born soul droops, and its lofty pinions are bowed with sorrow at the thought of wickedness prospering, God’s work apparently hindered, and Satan advancing on every side, let us pause and look behind the vail which nature has flung over our spiritual vision, and repose with calmness on the Divine word, *“that the Scriptures might be fulfilled,”* therefore are these things done. *“The LORD sitteth upon the flood; yea, the LORD sitteth King for ever.”* Nor as to the passing events of the world only, but in our own individual concerns also. This reverse that has happened, this affliction that has been permitted, that plan thwarted, that mercy turned aside, that promise delayed, what are all these, and a thousand others of a similar character, but the outward machinery of the Divine hand, the cloud behind which God is hiding Himself and working out gracious and merciful designs that shall be fully known only in heaven. Read the superscription over each, *“that the Scriptures might be fulfilled,”* *therefore* these things have happened. God is behind each, ordering, overruling, and working out His own blessed purposes. *“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.”* See the honor God is setting on His own name behind that wasting sickness, that restless pil­low, that increasing anxiety around, that unaccountable delay, that coffin, that shroud, and those weeping mourners. Jesus is glorifying Himself in that untoward calamity that, leaves two helpless sisters without an earthly prop to lean upon. God is behind the vail; listen, and be still. Go, sit at the feet of the Master, and wait in patience the time when every mystery shall be unraveled and each purpose shine out in its own bright effulgence. If the Saviour is glorified, enough for you, if you are His child. Love will rest there, and learn at length to say, *“Yea, let Him take all”* if so be that He is glorified. *“The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. “* But mark the honor God puts upon His written word. *“Therefore did the soldiers these things, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.”* All the passing events of the world are for this one great purpose. They must be fulfilled, come what may. *“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but not one jot or tittle”* of *it,* for God’s word is God Himself speaking. The mightiest actions of the world are as motes dancing in the sunbeam, compared with the fulfillment of this written word. It were of less importance, infinitely, that ten thousand worlds like this, with all their teeming millions, should be shivered to atoms, than that one jot or tittle of it should seem to fail in ts accomplishment. This is what God seems to declare to us in these remark­able words. Oh, what a solemn warning to all those who are seeking to invalidate its verbal testimony, or, far worse, to bring it to the low level of fallen humanity by fasten­ing upon it its errors and mistakes! Who shall estimate the judgment overhanging such daring impiety? Only in its own solemn words can such a judgment be described: For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. *Revelation 22:18-19* But to pass on. We have, then; to speak figuratively, these two pillars; one on earth, the other in heaven, and the chain and links between them are the doings of the soldiers and the thirsting of Christ; the work of Satan and the work of God, while on each pillar are inscribed the words, “that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” Between these two pillars are all the passing events of this world, and all the gracious actings of God to man. There is man’s sin, and the cross of Christ meeting it. There is the cross, and the loving and loved ones clustering round it. There is the intercourse or communion between the Saviour and His people at its foot. There is the binding of hearts to­gether in ties, not natural, but stronger than nature, and that can be bound only by and at the cross. Such are some of the important links in the chain that unites the two great pillars of God’s purposes in these verses. Let us turn our eyes to the great center of attraction between these pillars; the cross of Christ. This is the point to which everything worthy of the name of Chris­tianity is drawn, and the great orbit round which it re­volves. What is Christianity without the cross? What is religion without a crucified Saviour? What is faith or hope, peace or joy, if they are not streams from the smitten Rock? Are they not all illusions, the mirage of the desert, ropes of sand to the needy ones around? Take away the cross, and you take the sun out of the firmament, leaving all religion cold, dark, and dead. Where, reader, is *your* soul drawn? Round what center do the supreme affec­tions of your heart secretly cluster? What thrillls your soul with delight, draws your heart heavenward, fills the eye with tears of joy, and is the sunshine of your darkest hours? Is it not the cross of Christ? Is anything on earth half so precious to you? Is not your language that of the poet: Sweet the moments, rich in blessing, Which before the cross I spend? Never do we approximate the mind of heaven so closely as when every affection of the heart and every yearning of the soul are drawn to it. For what is it that draws the ascrip­tion of praise from that multitude which no man can number, gathered out of every kingdom, and nation, and clime, and tongue, but the sight of the Lamb as it had been slain in the midst of the throne? In the Church above and the Church below, in the Church militant and the Church triumphant; the cross of Christ is the great attraction of all hearts, and without it there is noth­ing. In this light it is presented to us in this narrative. A company had gathered round it of various characters, drawn by its Divine attractions. The one pronounced “blessed among women,” the beloved disciple, the reclaimed penitent, the family connection; all are there. The artificial distinc­tions of society, or the conventional rules of worldly rank, might have placed them at a distance from each other. Natural religion would have placed one before another ac­cording to its estimate of their character or their past life. The idiosyncrasies or peculiarities of natural constitution might have prevented approximation or union of heart one among another. But not at the cross. All these differences and distinctions are lost sight of there. All are on the same level there, because all are before God. Saint and sinner, high and low, rich and poor, bond and free, all stand on common ground as sinners saved by grace. Whatever differences of natural character, or degrees of natural holi­ness, or distinction of social rank, all are lost sight of at the cross, and are but the sparks of earth eclipsed by heaven’s radiance. This is the great meeting place between God and man. Not Jesus without the cross; the religion of the Rationalist, not the cross without Jesus; the religion of the Romanist, but Jesus *and* His cross. Here the family are seen clustering around, gathered from their various haunts and homes, attracted by one common object, and bound together by one common bond. No discord is there. No variance, no strife, no emulation, no clashing of opposite opinions there. We hear, indeed, the sound of the human voice, but it is that of the God-man speaking from it, creating new relationships stronger than nature, giving the mother a son, and the son a mother, and bind­ing them together in everlasting bonds. We see fore­shadowed at this cross the great spiritual features of the present hour; the common ground of *sovereign grace, com­munion* between Christ and His people, and *union* among His members; clustering round the feet of Jesus, the place of richest blessing. All are seen at the cross, and at the cross only. There the brightest rays of God’s glory converge. There heart becomes knit to heart, and heaven’s morning has begun. There is the place, of all others, to which the poet’s language may be applied: There is a place where Jesus sheds The oil of gladness on our heads; A place than all besides more sweet, It is the blood-stained mercy-seat. There is a spot where spirits blend, And friend holds fellowship with friend; Though sundered far, by faith they meet Around our common mercy-seat. Let us observe another instructive truth here. Let us mark the ready obedience of the loving disciple in recog­nizing the new relationship. *John 19:26-27* When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. There was no mental reserva­tion, no conferring with flesh and blood, no worldly-wise calculations as to the result. None. *“From that hour”* he recognized and adopted the relationship. Under the con­straining influence of the love of Christ, there was a ready and joyful obedience to the Lord’s mind. Does it seem strange to us? It need not. There was a secret cause for it, a powerful lever in the disciple’s heart. What was it? The love of Christ. He was the one who had drunk most deeply of the Lord’s love to him. *“The disciple whom Jesus loved”* is the happy way in which he ever presents himself to our notice. It was the apprehen­sion of the Lord’s love to his own soul that made him recognize the new relationship so quickly, and act upon it. This love of Jesus makes the soul quick sighted. Who was it that first recognized the Lord on the shores of Tiberias? The same disciple who had drunk most deeply of the Lord’s love himself. Love quickens love. Love penetrates; sees the mind and heart of God, sees His ways and actings most quickly. Love leaves knowledge far behind. It outstrips faith. It flies on wings. It leaves everything else far be­hind. It scales summits, overleaps barriers, unbolts bars, and neither sees nor knows obstacles. It was this love of Jesus, so deeply realized, so richly shed abroad in the dis­ciple’s heart, that made him recognize the relationship and act upon it so quickly. It was the same mighty principle that operated in the heart of another disciple in after years: *“But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, to reveal His Son in me,”* what followed? *“Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.”* The love of Christ filled his heart and made him ready, quick, obedient. Christ filled his eye, and there was room for nothing else. So was it with the beloved disciple at the cross. The love shed abroad in his own heart was the bond that bound him to that mother. It spoke to him from the cross; where alone it ever speaks most powerfully, and there was no room for any other consideration. The Lord’s own love toward himself was the measure of its exercise to others. And what will enable us to own as brothers and sisters in Christ those whom He has made one? Only the love of Christ. No wonder we are restrained, and cold, and distant one towards another! The love of Christ to our own souls is not sufficiently apprehended. We are not leaning on the Lord’s breast; near to His heart, near to His side. We are not at the foot of the cross, looking at Jesus listening to His voice. We are not hiding ourselves in His love as this beloved one of old. Consequently there is no quick sightedness as to the Lord’s ways and actings. There is no *“immediate”* decision for Christ in the face of flesh and blood. There is no recognition of His blessed image, and ready obedience in taking the Lord’s children “from that very hour” to our hearts and homes. Christian reader, are you one of those who would stand at a distance from your brother or sister in the Lord? Are you conferring with flesh and blood as to consequences, or differences, or distinctions? Oh, go to the cross of Christ! Drink more deeply of His love to your own soul, and then that spirit will be forever banished. Oh, lean on the Saviour’s breast. Go to His feet, and behold Him from that rude and crimsoned cross saying to thy soul, Woman, behold thy son; Son, behold thy mother. Go there, and listen to His voice speaking to thee by name; and with thy dying Saviour’s image imprinted on thy soul, take that brother or sister to thy heart and thy home *“from that very hour.”* Get a fresh view of His love to thee from that cross, and that love will thaw thy heart and make thee quick to re­cognize God’s image everywhere, and to clasp it to thine heart. And we may notice, as we pass on, that it was not so much the Divine command the beloved disciple recognized, as the Divine *mind*. Perhaps the Saviour’s language can scarcely be called a command; but still there exists that distinction. Some can act only on a request, while others recognize the mind or heart of the speaker. It was so with the beloved disciple. In the words of Jesus, Woman, behold thy son! Son, behold thy mother! there ap­pears no command; for where love is deeply seated in the heart there is a principle more powerful. Where the love of Jesus enters deeply into the souls of His people, we do not find Him giving them commands so frequently. Love recognizes the mind, and heart, and will, and is urged onward by a principle far more powerful than any com­mand. We see this exemplified in the case of this same apostle (see John 21:19-20). Peter, whose love to Christ was unmistakable, yet needs the command, follow thou me; while the beloved disciple, who apprehended more than Peter did the Lord’s love to him, is seen following*.* This was ever the case with the beloved disciple. He recognized the Lord’s mind. Those who lean on His breast, who drink deeply of His love to them, always do. It is not that they do not need the command; they out­strip it. They are far in advance of it. It is heart recog­nizing heart by a sight peculiar to itself, and leaving the command far behind. Thus was it with the beloved dis­ciple at the cross. At a glance he saw the Lord’s mind, and acted on it. Christ’s own love in his heart was the telescope revealing to him the heart of the Saviour. Love sees, and moves, and acts in a region of its own. Thus the disciple acted; for *“from that very hour he took her unto his own home.”* The love of Jesus urged him on­ward. For His sake, was the constraining motive. For His sake, the cheerful, ready obedience. For His sake, the enduring nature of the bond. For His sake, the answer to every disclaimer, every remonstrance or cavil. For His sake; this, and this alone, sanctified all. Oh, that we had this love of Jesus so shed abroad in our hearts, that we could discern the Lord’s mind, instead of that moral and spiritual dullness which cannot move a step without a command! Lord, so fill our hearts with thy love, that we may see thee and know thee! Give us a deeper apprehension of it, that we may perceive thy mind and ways, and act upon them with decision and delight! Give us to lean upon thy breast, to be often at thy cross, to sit at thy feet, and to hide ourselves under the pavilion of thy love! *“After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scriptures might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.”* There is the inner and the outer, in grace as well as in nature. The one is the vehicle for conveying the precious treasure to the soul. Through the Lord’s literal words we learn the spiritual meaning which none but those taught of the Spirit can perceive or understand. *“I thirst”* for the full and final accomplishment of all God’s purposes of grace in redemption. *“I thirst”* for the time when I shall see of the travail of my soul and be satisfied. *“I thirst”* for the millions yet unborn, that shall be made partakers of my grace, and sharers of the glory which thou, O Father, hast given me. How carnal and dull the mind that could see nothing but the vinegar! Yet this is just the difference now, as then, between the carnal mind and the mind of the Spirit, *“The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolish­ness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”* Sinner, thou wert in the Saviour’s mind then. He thirsted for thee. Roam no longer the forest haunts of sin. Plunge not into one scene after another of the world’s fascinations, in the vain hope of silencing the voice of con­science within thee. Turn and behold this weeping, bleed­ing, dying Jesus. Look unto Him and be saved. Hear His cry, *“I thirst,”* and hasten to Him. There thou shalt find salvation for thy soul; peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Prodigal, wanderer from thy God, trembling under the goadings of conscience, seeking rest and finding none, thou wert in the Saviour’s mind then. Turn and behold this precious Saviour. Go and bathe His feet with thy tears. Go, wash in His precious blood again, and lie at the foot of His cross. There shall His Spirit give thee a fresh seal of thy pardon, and from that cross peace shall flow in to thy soul, and become the even current of thy life. Look to Jesus; to Jesus only. Cling to Jesus, rest in Jesus, abide in Jesus, and all will be well with thee. One point more in this precious portion of God’s word: *“All things were now accomplished.”* But had the Saviour yielded up His life here, one great link in the Divine chain would have been snapped asunder; the Scriptures would have been unfulfilled. For the purpose of supplying this link the Saviour yet prolonged His life. *“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”* For this He still lingered on the cross, that every jot and tittle of that word should have its literal fulfillment. Yes, it was absolutely necessary that the Saviour’s sufferings should be protracted, in order to bind this last link to the Divine chain of prophecy. When He had received the vinegar; not till then, He cried, *“It is finished; and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”* That word which so many are daring enough to under value or to set at nought, the Saviour’s sufferings were protracted to fulfill; to teach us its awful value. May God write this lesson deeply on our hearts! While we read it, may we lose sight of the instru­ment, and receive it as God speaking to our souls. Thus reading, we shall honor it. Thus reading, we shall receive a blessing. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down, Thy head upon my breast.” I came to Jesus as I was, Weary, and worn, and sad; I found in Him a resting-place, And He has made me glad. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Behold I freely give The living water-thirsty one, Stoop down, and drink, and live.” I came to Jesus, and I drank Of that life-giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, And now I live in Him. I heard the voice of Jesus say, “I am this dark world’s light, Look upon me, thy morn shall rise, And all thy day be bright.” I looked to Jesus, and I found In Him my Star, my Sun; And in that light of life I’ll walk Till traveling days are done. *Rev. H. Bonai, D.D.* Rate this post **Categories:** Gleanings From Scripture **Tags:** Life, Theology --- ### [3 John 1:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/in-3-john-16-what-is-meant-by-which-have-borne-witness-of-thy-charity-before-the-church-whom-if-thou-bring-forward-on-their-journey-after-a-godly-sort-thou-shalt-do-well/) **Published:** November 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > > The elder unto the wellbeloved **Gaius**, whom I love in the truth. 2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3For I rejoiced greatly, **when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth**. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5Beloved, **thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers**; 6**Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church**: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: 7Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. 3 John 1:1-7 If we keep all in context, understanding this passage is not difficult. Gaius has been living and doing right. As in James, his works have testified of his faith, and those he has helped testified to the Church of his faithfulness. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 3 John --- ### [Quotes on the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/on-the-bible/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** To read the Bible is of itself a laudable occupation and can scarcely fail of being a useful employment of time; but the habit of reflecting upon what you have read is equally essential as that of reading itself, to give it all the efficacy of which it is susceptible. So great is my veneration for the Bible, that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens to their country and respectable members of society. J. Q. Adams (1767-1848) 6th President of the United States Sink the Bible to the bottom of the ocean, and still man’s obligations to God would be unchanged. He would have the same path to tread, only his lamp and guide would be gone; the same voyage to make, but his chart and compass would be overboard! Henry Ward Beecher (1627-1691) Minister, abolitionist Bad men or devils would not have written the Bible, for it condemns them and their works, good men or angels could not have written it, for in saying it was from God when it was but their own invention, they would have been guilty of falsehood, and thus could not have been good. The only remaining being who could have written it, is God-its real author John Flavel (1627-1691) English Clergy It is impossible to enslave, mentally or socially, a bible-reading people. The principles of the bible are the groundwork of human freedom. ``` Horace Greeley (1811-1872) American newspaper editor and publisher ``` The word of God will stand a thousand readings; and he who has gone over it most frequently is the surest of finding new wonders there. James Hamilton (1814-1867) English Clergy All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more strongly the truths contained in the sacred Scripture. Sir John Frederick William Herschel (1792-1871) Astronomer, Physicist The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Søren Kierkegaard (1813 – 1855) Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, religious author, The Bible is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by God on the children of men. It has God for its author; salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture for its matter. It is all pure. John Locke (1632-1704) English Philosopher Physician A readiness to believe every promise implicitly, to obey every command unhesitatingly, to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God, is the only true spirit of Bible study. Andrew Murray (1828-1917) South African Religious Leader and Evangelist I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without a Bible. Reading the Bible; The Mackmillan Co., 1919, William Lyon Phelps (1865-1943); Lampson professor of English literature at Yale Let the world progress as much as it likes; Let all branches of human research develop to the very utmost; nothing will take the place of the Bible. Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749-1832) German poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman Rate this post **Categories:** Articles --- ### [Revelation 22:11-12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-22-11-12/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **He that is unjust, let him be unjust still:** and **he which is filthy, let him be filthy still:** and **he that is righteous, let him be righteous still**: and **he that is holy, let him be holy still**. `12`And, behold, **I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be**. Revelation 22:11-12 Verse 11 is the most fearful of verses. It is the point of no return, the line in the sand. The end, what you are is what you will be forever: unjust and filthy or holy and righteous. All that remains is judgment. His reword is the just recompense of your life: lost or saved. All men will have their works judged: lost or saved. The lost before the Great White Throne, the saved before the Judgment Seat of Christ. **The Lost:** *Revelation 20:11-13* And I saw **a great white throne**, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. `12`And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. `13`And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and **they were judged every man according to their works**. **The Saved:** *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive **the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. `12`Now if any man build upon this foundation **gold**, **silver**, **precious stones**, **wood**, **hay**, **stubble**; `13`Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work** of what sort it is. `14`If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. `15`If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Interpreting the 1st Amendment](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/proper-interpretation-of-the-1st-amendment/) **Published:** June 12, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. The amendment places prohibitions upon the federal government regarding six areas. - Congress shall make no law - respecting an establishment of religion - prohibiting the free exercise of religion - abridging the freedom of speech - abridging the freedom of the press - abridging the right of the people peaceably to assemble - abridging the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances It is obvious that these are not absolute rights that can have no bounds, but it is not for the federal government to set those bounds. Yelling fire in a crowded theater is the usual example of limits on free speech, should we allow religion to practice human sacrifice, or allow lies to be published with the forethought and intention of destroying another’s reputation or inflict harm? Is blocking and stopping traffic in the streets peaceful just because you have an assembly of people? Does a person have the right to walk down an empty street swinging a baseball bat? I would assume so. Would that same person have the right to do so on a crowded, busy, street? Absolutely not. These types of restrictions should be the right and responsibility of the States and People to enact, seeing that the Constitution prohibits the Federal government from making any law regarding these rights. The first precept of interpreting the Constitution is that the Constitution does not affirm or protect any right to do wrong. Just as when studying the Bible, one must accept the interpretation that does not cause it to contradict itself; we have to interpret these rights in a fashion that does not contradict common sense, safety, decency, and equality. The first precept of interpreting the Constitution is that the Constitution does not affirm or protect any right to do wrong. **The Federal Government cannot respect an establishment of religion** 1. The Federal Government cannot establish a national religion or cause any religion to be supported with tax dollars. 2. The Federal Government cannot prohibit the free exercise of religion. This prohibition is the first sticking point. It is certainly not acceptable to allow human sacrifices, cannibalism, mutilation, execution, maintaining a legal system in conjunction or superseding the nations, etc. Therefore, what is it the government cannot prohibit? It can only be the exercising of religious opinion; you can proclaim whatever religious beliefs one has as well as practice that which does not harm or impede the rights of another. All have the right to their own religious opinions, and beliefs, even if the practice is not allowed. **The Federal Government cannot abridge the freedom of speech.** The right to free speech is also not absolute. It must be determined what definition of speech ensures equality and does not contradict restrictions for safety and decency. When the Supreme Court ruled that free speech meant freedom of expression they threw decency and morality out. Ruling freedom of speech as freedom of expression was an egregious error. It destroyed the moral fiber of our nation. The only way to interpret free speech that does not contradict common sense, safety, decency, and equality, is the freedom to express opinions and views. You have the right to express your opinion verbally, in writing, and in today’s world, by video, podcast, Facebook, Instagram, tweet, website, etc. The freedom of expressing using vulgarity, obscenity, immodesty, or pornography, is not required to express an opinion or view on an issue or bring grievances to the attention of the government or public. The manner in which a method of expression is used in the public arena was once rightfully and should be restrictive. The opinion that one should be able to express an opinion in an obscene, lewd, raunchy, or repugnant, manner is fine, but but the Constitution contains no right to do so. Slander, libel, smears, defamation, or vilification, are not required to express an opinion either and should be open to scrutiny and redress. Without a proper interpretation, these rights can be abused by both individuals and governments. Interpreting the Constitution correctly is the only power our government has to control this right. **The freedom of the press cannot be abridged** Is this an absolute right? How could it be? There are expectations of privacy for individuals; we do not have the right to know or publish all about everyone. The Press has the right to witness, search, investigate, and publish, on events, crimes, public figures, politics, etc. but it must be responsible for what it publishes. It must be held to the same restrictions as freedom of speech. Neither can it be allowed to publish information vital to our national security, however, national security should not be used as an excuse to hide things that are not. It can be a thin line between the press’s responsibility to inform the public of the truth and what is detrimental to the safety of the nation. Freedom of the press is not freedom to lie, slander, defame, or twist the truth to promote your personal views or ideology. If not provable fact then it must be identified as supposition or opinion. **The Federal Government cannot abridge the right of the people peaceably to assemble.** The answer to the proper interpretation of this is so simple that any deviation must be intentional. Any assembly that violates or impedes the rights of another is not peaceful. Taking to the streets, hindering traffic whether motorized or foot is not a peaceful assembly. You have the right to peacefully assemble in your home, back yards, a park, rent a hall, a school auditorium, a Church, theater, over the Internet, or anywhere else that does not impede or prevent another from exercising their rights. **The Federal Government cannot abridge the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances** Petitioning the government is the proper way to protest. You publicly express your opinions, peacefully assemble with those like-minded or desirous to learn more of the matter, then you prepare a petition signed by all that agree and submit it to your representatives. This and voting are the only proper ways to protest. Civil disobedience is not protesting, it is a crime. The only proper exercise of rights is to do so without impeding or preventing another from his. With rights come responsibilties. It is the responsibility of every citizen to educate themselves as to where and how they can express their opinions without having to act out or resort to criminal behavior. With rights come responsibilities. There are only so many rights and they are shared by all. The only proper exercise of rights is to do so without impeding or preventing another from his. Rate this post **Categories:** Politics **Tags:** Politics --- ### [What is required to receive eternal life?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/does-god-require-anything-of-us-to-receive-eternal-life/) **Published:** June 15, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Does God require anything of us to receive eternal life? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8**He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee**, but **to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God**? *Micah 6:7-8* Our works have consequences in our everyday life. However, seeing that none have always done right, none are perfect, all are sinners, all fall short of the glory of God, eternal life is another question. *Romans 3:23* For **all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God**; *Romans 6:23* For **the wages of sin is death**; There is a precept that must be understood and adhered to in order to interpret salvation correctly. All things were made to glorify God. If it does not glorify God it is a contempt of Him. *1 Corinthians 10:31* Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, **do all to the glory of God**. God created man to glorify himself and the means of saving man must glorify God and not man. God, knowing he was going to create man in His image with free will, knew that would open the door for sin to enter the world so he provided the means to pay for all sin and opened the door for salvation to all men as His free gift from the foundation of the world. The means of salvation had to glorify God not man so the works of man could have no part in it. *Ephesians 2:9* Not of works, **lest any man should boast**. Therefore, all we are required to do is to believe God and put our trust in His salvation, Christ Jesus; this glorifies God. *Romans 10:9-10* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. > [Our Mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Revelation 21:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-211/) **Published:** June 22, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and **there was no more sea**. Revelation 21:1 As I understand the Scriptures, *“there was no more sea”* indicates that we have come full circle. *Genesis 1:1* I**n the beginning God created the heaven and the earth**. In the beginning, God created heaven and earth without separation, God dwelt within and in fellowship with his creation. Something happened where God decided to change and make a separation. God buried the earth under the great deep, water. (Satan’s rebellion) *Genesis 1:2* And **the earth was without form, and void**; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. *2 Peter 3:5-7* For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth **standing out of the water and in the water**: 6Whereby **the world that then was**, being overflowed with water, **perished**: 7But **the heavens and the earth, which are now**, by the same word **are kept in store, reserved unto fire** against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. God did not create the earth in vain without form but to be habitable. *Isaiah 45:18* For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, **he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited**: I am the LORD; and there is none else. The six days are not the original creation but the recreation/restoration with the earth in its new position buried under the water separating it from God. This is what baptism symbolizes; we are dead and buried separated from God and must be resurrected up through the water into fellowship with him again. 2 Peter 3 is not Noah’s flood. Revelations 21 is the creation of things back to what they were supposed to be, no separation from God: God dwelling within and in fellowship with his creation. The sea that is no more is the great deep that separated the earth from heaven. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation **Tags:** End Times --- ### [Belief vs Faith?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/belief-vs-faith/) **Published:** July 1, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What is the difference between belief and faith? Biblically faith is believing. *Hebrews 11:6 KJV* But **without faith** it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God **must believe** that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. *Numbers 14:11 KJV* And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and **how long will it be ere they believe me**, for all the signs which I have shewed among them? *Deuteronomy 32:20 KJV* And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, **children in whom is no faith**. To understand faith biblically you must understand that the Bible only uses faith in one regard, faith toward God/Jesus. *Hebrews 6:1 KJV* Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and **of faith toward God**, Men have faith in almost everything they normally do. Without faith your a psychotic Paranoid Personality. Men have faith that they can drive head long at each other with only a four inch painted line to keep them from crashing. We could not open a door without faith that there was nothing on the other side that was going to hurt us. The Bible uses the word ‘faith’ in one sense, in reference to one thing and one thing only, *“faith toward God.”* Faith toward God, faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ, is its only biblical use. *Galatians 2:16 KJV* Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but **by the faith of Jesus Christ**, even **we have believed in Jesus Christ**, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. *Romans 4:3-9 KJV* For what saith the scripture? **Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness**…. for we say **that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness**. Although faith is synonymous with believing, believing is not always synonymous with faith. *John 20:29 KJV* Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, **because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed**: blessed are they **that have not seen, and yet have believed**. Faith is believing in that which is not seen. This is not the same as blind faith. There can be evidence that points to something which produces the faith to believe it. All creation is evidence of God. Faith, belief, and hope, are all used synonymously at times to express our faith. *Romans 5:2 KJV* By whom also we have access **by faith** into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice **in hope** of the glory of God. What you have faith in, believe, you hope for. *Romans 8:24-25 KJV* For **we are saved by hope**: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But **if we hope for that we see not**, then do we with patience wait for it. *1 Corinthians 15:19 KJV* If in this life only **we have hope in Christ**, we are of all men most miserable. We believe on, put our faith in, Christ and he becomes our hope. *2 Corinthians 3:12 KJV* Seeing then that **we have such hope**, we use great plainness of speech: Hebrews one was mention in another response. Hebrews 11:1 Now **faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen**. We know this is not the definition of faith, it is rather an effect of faith. It is our *“faith toward God”* that is the substance of things hoped for. It is our walking in the faith, living by the faith, that is an evident token of the things unseen. Philippians 1:27-28 Only let your conversation **be as it becometh the gospel of Christ**: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that **ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel**; 28And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is **to them an evident token of perdition**, but to you of salvation, and that of God. Our living our faith condemns the lost, that is why they hate us. Our being steadfast in the faith is a witness of the truth and to them evidence of their own destruction. Our *“faith toward God”* is a testimony of the things we hope for and the evidence of those things not seen as yet. Trusting God, believing his word and obeying it is our works without which we have no testimony of our hope and salvation. That is why our faith without those works is dead. *James 2:17-18* Even so **faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone**. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: **shew me thy faith without thy works**, and **I will shew thee my faith by my works**. You can have faith in Christ unto salvation, but you cannot show your faith without living it. > [Biblical Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Faith --- ### [Can angels take human form?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/can-angels-take-human-form/) **Published:** June 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Can angels take human form?** **Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.** Hebrews 13:2 Apparently so. *Revelation 21:17* And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to **the measure of a man**, that is, **of the angel**. *Daniel 9:21* Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even **the man Gabriel**, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. *Luke 1:19* And **the angel** answering said unto him, I am **Gabriel**, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Age of Adulthood](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/age-of-adulthood/) **Published:** August 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The question arises from time to time as to what age does God consider a human being an adult in The Bible? *Exodus 30:14* Every one that passeth among them that are numbered, from **twenty years old and above**, shall give an offering unto the LORD. *Numbers 1:2-3* Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls; 3From **twenty years old and upward**, all **that are able to go forth to war** in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies. *Numbers 1:18* And they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from **twenty years old and upward**, by their polls. *Numbers 14:28-30* Say unto them, As truly as I live, saith the LORD, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: 29Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from **twenty years old and upward**, which have murmured against me, 30Doubtless ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. It would seem that at twenty years of age you are an adult, at least for males, subject to all the responsibilities incumbent upon an adult. This would not include the respect due elders or for accomplishments. > [All Men Are Created Equal](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/where-did-the-idea-that-all-men-are-created-equal-come-from/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Politics, Questions **Tags:** Children, Life --- ### [Ezekiel Chapt. 38 & 39](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ezekiel-38-39/) **Published:** March 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee. Ezekiel 38:9 KJV And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army: 16And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes. Ezekiel 38:15-16 I am confident that Ezekiel 38 & 39 are describing the events of Revelation 20. The phrase “in the latter days” is one of the keys to the interpretation meaning being in the end times. *Revelation 20:7-9* And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. *Ezekiel 38:8* After many days thou shalt be visited: in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that is brought back from the sword, and is gathered out of many people, against the mountains of Israel, which have been always waste: but it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely all of them. *Ezekiel 39:8* Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord GOD; **this is the day whereof I have spoken**. Hosea 3:4-5 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: 5 Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days. Daniel 10:14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. Daniel 2:28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; At this time I see no other option than the two passages speak of the same battle. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ezekiel **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Psalms 138:2
Duty to Study the Bible!](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-1382duty-to-study-the-bible/) **Published:** March 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for **thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name**. Psalms 138:2 *“Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”* How much glory and honor is God placing upon his word by magnifying it above his name? *Deuteronomy 28:58* If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this **glorious and fearful name**, THE LORD THY GOD; *Psalms 111:9* He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: **holy and reverend is his name**. *Psalms 29:2* Give unto the LORD **the glory due unto his name**; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. *Psalms 148:13* Let them **praise the name of the LORD**: for **his name alone is excellent**; his glory is above the earth and heaven. Surely, many more verses extolling God’s name could be listed. It is glorious and fearful; his name alone is excellent and reverend. It must now be asked, if God’s name is glorious, to be praised, to be feared, and to be reverenced, what should our attitude be toward his word which he not only puts but magnifies above his name? You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature. `Mahatma Gandhi (1869-948); Leader of the Indian independence movement` The ultimate slight perpetrated against the Creator is to not listen when he speaks, to ignore his words, or to place less than the appropriate importance upon the study of them. The Bible is God speaking to us. When and wherever the Scriptures have been easily accessed as in most places in the world today, it will not be an excusable offense, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, not to have read and studied them. It is Our Responsibility our duty to read and diligently study God’s word *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Whether or not we have read and taken to heart God’s word will probably be one of the top questions we will be judged on. It is not whether we understood all, but did we give it all we could to that end, and did we adhere to the parts we did understand? Although, there are those *“whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not”*, it is not our responsibility to judge any man or his motives but to speak the truth as God gives us the light to see it. Whatever any individual does with it, God will judge. Individuals knowing the truth, through a personal knowledge of what the Bible says, is the only way to stop the mouths that need to be stopped. How many of the millions of lost souls will become known on the day all things are revealed that: For want of knowing the Scriptures, faithfulness was lost, For want of faithfulness, witness was lost, For want of witness, truth was lost, For want of truth, many were lost, All for the want of knowing God’s word. > [Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles, Psalms --- ### [What is Scripture Meditation?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-scripture-meditation/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** All men’s miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) French Mathematician, Physicist, Christian It means to think, muse, ruminate, ponder, contemplate, mull or think over; to quietly consider what you have read. Think about it, turn it over in your mind, look at it from all angles, put it into context, etc. *Psalms 63:6* When I remember thee upon my bed, and **meditate on thee in the night watches**. *Psalms 77:12* **I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings**. *Psalms 143:5* I remember the days of old; **I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands**. *Malachi 3:16* Then they that feared the LORD **spake often one to another**: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and **a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name**. We should devote a large segment of out brain power engaged in meditating upon God’s word. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Acknowledge Him](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/acknowledge-him/) **Published:** June 10, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6 We, being created beings, are responsible to our God and Maker. Without God there is no moral law, no right, no wrong; with him there comes a moral imperative. Nonetheless, we cannot know what is right or wrong unless he tells us in some form or fashion. Hence, the great temptation in the garden. *Genesis 3:5* For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and **ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil**. So it is with men; we think we know right and wrong. We decide what is important to observe and what words of God can be disregarded. It is as common today as any feature of life for the word of God to be reasoned away. That was then, this is now; you have to look at the culture of the times the Bible was written in, etc. Unfortunately for those who let the words of Scripture drop, the Lord wrote in similitudes. That many of the historical events recorded in the Scriptures are similitudes is of utmost importance to remember in your studies. The Bible was not written for the sole purpose of providing us with an historical record of the past, although its record is true. There are segments of history recorded for the purpose of providing evidence of the integrity of the Bible, however, many were recorded for the express purpose of revelation. They are for revealing God and just as importantly there are examples of the personalities and characters of men. It is much too easy to deceive ourselves, we need an accurate characterization. Additionally, many of the historical accounts are graphic representations of future, spiritual, or heavenly, events. As similitudes the Scriptures transcend all historical and cultural limitations; the commandments, doctrines, and lessons of the Bible are eternal, as applicable today as when they were written. Its teachings cannot be dismissed on the tenuous excuse of historical progress or cultural bias, as many today attempt to do. Men are not rising upward to new heights, but ever falling deeper into the abyss. Precept and similitude, principle and example; it is the natural way to teach. Nothing has changed in the definitions of godliness, righteousness, modesty, honesty, humility, moderation, etc. *Colossians 3:17* And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, **do all in the name of the Lord Jesus**, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. *Proverbs 3:6* **In all thy ways acknowledge him**, and he shall direct thy paths. Another aspect of not knowing right form wrong unless God reveals his moral laws to us is our sinning against him by not acknowledging him in all things. **“In all thy ways acknowledge him”** Remembering that the primary purpose of all creation is to glorify God, to act or perform an act of godliness, righteousness or charity and not profess with your month that you are doing so because you fear God, or love him, and that it is his law you are following in doing so is to rob God of his glory. It may be helpful to meditate and examine our lifes to see whether we are acknowledging and glorifying the Lord. Not to give him credit is to glorify ourselves in that we are leaving the impression, whether by design or not, that we have the power and right to decide within ourselves what is right and wrong, good and evil. *Genesis 3:5* For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and **ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil**. > [Our Mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life --- ### [Deuteronomy 32:20-28](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/deuteronomy-32-20-28/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, **children in whom is no faith**. 21They have moved me to jealousy with that **which is not God**; they have provoked me to anger with **their vanities**: and I will move them to jealousy with those **which are not a people**; **I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation**. Deuteronomy 32:20-21 *Romans 10:19* But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, **I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you**. Romans 11:11 KJV I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the **Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy**. Why is Israel determined to be of no faith? Because they turned unto idols, *“that which is no God.”* In the Scriptures faith is always a reference to faith toward God. The Israelites turned from God unto idols, and it is said they have no faith. The Lord said he would use the Gentiles to provoke Israel to Jealousy. Gentiles are called a foolish nation and them that are not a people. What is the Lord going to do in the line of punishment? *Deuteronomy 32:22-28* **For** a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. **23I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them. 24They shall be burnt with hunger, and devoured with burning heat, and with bitter destruction: I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. 25The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs**. 26I said, **I would scatter them into corners**, **I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men**: The subject of the next few verses is not Israel, but the Gentiles. *Deuteronomy 32:*27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of **the ene**my, lest **their adversaries** should behave themselves strangely, and lest they *(their adversaries)* should say, Our hand is high, and the LORD hath not done all this. 28For they (their adversaries) **are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them**. The nation spoken of as the enemy, Israel’s adversaries would be the foolish nation, the Gentiles. It is they who are void of counsel and understanding. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Deuteronomy --- ### [Who or what is Molech?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/molech/) **Published:** June 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Molech or Moloch the KJV spells it both ways. *Leviticus 18:21* And **thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech**, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. *Leviticus 20:2* Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, **Whosoever** he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that **giveth any of his seed unto Molech**; he **shall surely be put to death**: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. *Acts 7:43* Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of **Moloch**, and the star of your god Remphan, **figures which ye made to worship them**: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. He was one of the false Gods of the Ammonites which they sacrifice their own child to by burning them alive. *1 Kings 11:7* Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for **Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon**. *Jeremiah 32:35* And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, **to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech**; which **I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination**, to cause Judah to sin. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Snakes with Four Legs](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/snakes-with-four-legs/) **Published:** August 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Was Genesis 3:14 the early Bible writers way of explaining the origin of snakes and the creature in the garden was originally a lizard?** Once again God gave men enough rope to hang themselves and then shows them up. Fossil snakes have been found with four legs. ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Snake-Hind-Legs.webp "Snake - Hind Legs") <https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/a-fossil-snake-with-four-legs> Snakes did have legs: **[ScienceDaily](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150723140142.htm)** > [Unicorns](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/unicorns/) Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [An All-Loving God Creates Evil?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/an-all-loving-god-creates-evil/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Why would an all-loving god create evil?** > **He must not be all-loving then.** I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and **create evil**: I the LORD do all these things. Isaiah 45:7 I can find no reference within Scripture to God being “All-Loving”. We are made in God’s image, what emotions we have he has: we love, we hate. God is and desire to be love, but that is not His entire range of emotion. *Exodus 20:5* Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for **I the LORD thy God am a jealous God**, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation **of them that hate me**; *Deuteronomy 7:9-10* Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, **the faithful God**, which keepeth covenant and mercy with **them that love him and keep his commandments** to a thousand generations; `10`**And repayeth them that hate him** to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. *Deuteronomy 32:41* If I whet my glittering sword, and mine hand take hold on judgment; **I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me**. *Proverbs 6:16-19* These six things **doth the LORD hate**: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: `17`A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, `18`An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, `19`A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. *Amos 5:21* **I hate, I despise** your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies. *Zechariah 8:17* And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for **all these are things that I hate**, saith the LORD. *Revelation 20:15* And **whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire**. God loved the world and provide for the salvation of anyone in the world that would turn to and trust Him. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:9 > [Biblical Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** God --- ### [Geocentric vs Heliocentric?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/geocentric-vs-heliocentric/) **Published:** August 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Is the Bible Geocentric or Heliocentric** It is argued both ways. Personally, I think you could stick a pin anywhere in the universe and make it the center. You simply record the relative movements of the stars from that point. If that is the case, you could put the pin in either the Sun or the Earth. Up until the 1500s, the geocentric view prevailed. It was Copernicus who brought forth the theory of heliocentric at just the right time when men were putting their faith in materialism. I do not believe that absolute motion can be determined from inside a closed system. Only the relative motions in relation to an object such as the Sun or Earth. When they calculate space travel trajectories, they must figure from a fixed, non-moving earth. Man’s world is all relative. The growing awareness of man’s minuscule place in the cosmos has furthered the impairment of religious belief. In Christendom we may date the beginning of the decline from Copernicus (1543). The process was slow, but by 1611 John Donne was mourning that the earth had become a mere “suburb” in the world, and that “new philosophy calls all in doubt”; and Francis Bacon, while tipping his hat occasionally to the bishops, was proclaiming science as the religion of modern emancipated man. In that generation began the “death of God” as an external deity. Lessons in History: Will & Ariel Durant Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Creation --- ### [Psalms 122:6-7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-122-6-7/) **Published:** September 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What’s the meaning of Psalms 122:6-7,** **and what are the reasons to be so?** > **Pray for the peace of Jerusalem**: they shall prosper that love thee. `7`**Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces**. > > *Psalms 122:6-7* > *Zechariah 1:14* So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, **Thus saith the LORD of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy**. It is the city of God, it will be the throne of Jesus Christ. *Isaiah 2:3* And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and **the word of the LORD from Jerusalem**. *Isaiah 24:23* Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed, when **the LORD of hosts shall reign in mount Zion, and in Jerusalem**, and before his ancients gloriously. *Jeremiah 3:17* At that time **they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the LORD**; and all the nations shall be gathered unto it, to the name of the LORD, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the imagination of their evil heart. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [Proverbs 24:17-18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/proverbs-24-17-18-2/) **Published:** February 4, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: `18`Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Proverbs 24:17-18 It can truly be said, “except for the grace of God there go I.” It would be a violation of do unto others as you would want done unto you. I do not think anyone enjoys being laughed at. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Proverbs --- ### [Genesis 6:1-2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-61-2/) **Published:** July 27, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And it came to pass, **when men began to multiply** on the face of the earth, and **daughters were born unto them**, 2That **the sons of God** saw **the daughters of men** that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. Genesis 6:1-2 The first thing to notice is that it is the sons of God not sons of men taking the daughters of men. It would not be worth noting if it were the sons of men as that is what God created them male and female for. *Genesis 1:27-28* So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; **male and female created he them**. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, **Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth**, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Hence, if the sons of God were just some family line of one of the men, as some proffer, it would not bear mentioning. *Genesis 6:4* **There were giants in the earth in those days**; and also after that, **when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men**, and they bare children to them, **the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown**. The second thing to note is that the union of the sons of God with the daughters of men produced abnormal offspring: giants. These giants became men of renown. Again, if it were sons of men there would not be abnormal offspring. *Job 1:6* Now there was a day when **the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD**, and **Satan came also among them**. *Job 2:1* Again there was a day when **the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD**, and **Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD**. Third, take note that Satan is presented with the sons of God. *Job 38:4-7* Where wast thou **when I laid the foundations of the earth**? declare, if thou hast understanding. 5Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? 6Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or **who laid the corner stone thereof**; 7When the morning stars sang together, and **all the sons of God shouted for joy**? We see that the sons of God were in existence at the foundation of the earth. Therefore, they can not be sons of men. This ends the Old Testament’s references of the sons of God. The New Testament use of the sons of God refers to those having trusted in the atonement of Christ Jesus our Lord and as part of salvation being adopted to become the sons of God. *Galatians 4:5* To redeem them that were under the law, **that we might receive the adoption of sons**. Being adopted by God upon receiving Jesus Christ was a predestination part of the plan of salvation. *Ephesians 1:5* **Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself**, according to the good pleasure of his will, The conclusion is that although Adam was a son of God his children were not. *Luke 3:38* Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of **Adam, which was the son of God**. We who have trusted in the shed blood atonement of our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus, are waiting for the adoption. *Romans 8:23* And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption**, to wit, **the redemption of our body**. *1 John 3:2* Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and **it doth not yet appear what we shall be**: but we know that, **when he shall appear, we shall be like him**; for we shall see him as he is. We receive the redemption of our body and full salvation at the Rapture which is another study. *1 Corinthians 15:51* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, But, what shall we be? *“When he shall appear, we shall be like him.”* What shall we be? We shall be as the angels. *Luke 20:35-36* But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36Neither can they die any more: for **they are equal unto the angels**; **and are the children of God**, being the children of the resurrection. We conclude then that the sons of God are angels. The sons of God of the Old Testament were angelic beings. It was angels that took them wives of the daughters of men in Genesis and angels that shouted for joy at the creation of the foundation of the earth. What makes Adam and the angels sons of God but not Adam’s children? Here we have to use so reason. What is the difference between Adam and his children? Adams was a direct creation of God, his children were the product of procreation. Procreation is a system of reproduction created into Adam. The angels are neither given or taken in marriage *Matthew 22:30* For in the resurrection **they neither marry, nor are given in marriage**, but are as the angels of God in heaven. I must conclude that angels were directly created by God individually and hence the definition of a son of God is the fact of being a direct creation. The saints become direct creations when be become new creatures in Christ and are changed when the Lord returns. *1 Corinthians 15:51-55* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? There is a teaching that transposes the New Testament definition of the sons of God being believers having the adoption into the Old Testament. This interpretation is biblically impossible as there was no salvation in the Old Testament as the Holy Spirit could not be given due to Christ not having made the atonement for sin. *John 7:39* (But this spake he of the Spirit, **which they that believe on him should receive**: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) Therefore, there were no born again believers in the Old Testament who had receive the salvation benefit of the adoption to become the sons of God. I believe this to be the only interpretation that fits all of the Scripture without wresting or causing them to contradict. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis --- ### [1 John 5:18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-518/) **Published:** June 5, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** We know that **whosoever is born of God sinneth not**; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 1 John 5:18 *Colossians 2:10-12* And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, **in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ**: 12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of **the operation of God**, who hath raised him from the dead. *Romans 7:18* For I know that in me (that is, **in my flesh**,) **dwelleth no good thing**: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. When we trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ we were indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit, this is the baptism of the Spirit or being born of the Spirit. In the process of the Spirit coming into us he circumcises us, that is he cuts us, our soul, away from out flesh whereas the sins of the flesh no long stick to us. Our flesh does sin but it is not laid upon us. In that sense we cannot sin. We are still capable and instructed of God to mortify the flesh, kill its desires, and walk in the Spirit. It is a fight we face everyday. The flesh has a mind of its own, but we need to control it, we need to be driving the bus so to speak. *1 John 3:6* **Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not**: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. When we trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ we were indwelt and sealed with the Holy Spirit, this is the baptism of the Spirit or being born of the Spirit. In the process of the Spirit coming into us he circumcises us, that is he cuts us, our soul, away from out flesh whereas the sins of the flesh no long stick to us. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [How much is a Chirstan allowed to pray?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-much-a-day-is-a-chirstan-allowed-to-pray-according-to-the-bible/) **Published:** June 26, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **How much a day is a Chirstan allowed to pray According to the Bible?** Pray without ceasing. *1 Thessalonians 5:17* *Luke 18:1* And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that **men ought always to pray**, and not to faint; *Romans 12:12* Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; **continuing instant in prayer**; *Ephesians 6:18* **Praying always** with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; *Philippians 4:6* Be careful for nothing; but **in every thing by prayer and supplication** with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. *Colossians 4:2* **Continue in prayer**, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; I will leave you to do the math. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Life --- ### [Is the scientific method biblical?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-the-scientific-method-biblical/) **Published:** August 18, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The scientific method use to examine the physical world is not the same methodology used in studying the Bible. Scriptures are examined more as a legal proceeding, the Bible is a witness in the case of God vs mankind. > Jurors must decide if they believe a witness’s testimony. But lawyers may impeach witnesses by raising doubts about their credibility or motives. [www.lawyers.com](https://www.lawyers.com/legal-info/criminal/criminal-law-basics/a-credible-witness-is-trustworthy-and-believable.html) Those studying the Bible are the jurors and the lawyers raising the doubts and issues of credibility are those that wish to impeach the Bible and free the world of its moral authority. The reliability of a witness is determined by several factors. Not only do they apply to the witness of the Scriptures but also to the credibility of those attempting to impeach it. - Do the witnesses have a personal or financial interest in the case? For instance, do they have a relationship with the crime victim or one of the parties (the defendant or prosecution)? - Did the government offer them leniency or [immunity ](https://www.lawyers.com/legal-info/criminal/criminal-law-basics/taking-the-5th.html)for their own possible crimes in return for their testimony? - Are the witnesses biased for or against either party? - Is the testimony clear, consistent, and convincing? - Does other evidence support or contradict what the witnesses said? This could include a witness’s own previous statements that contradict the testimony at the trial. - Do the witnesses have a reputation for being honest and trustworthy? - Was there anything that hindered the witnesses’ ability to see or hear the events they’re testifying about? Do they have visual or hearing impairments? Were they under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time? - Do the witnesses’ appearance and demeanor support or undermine their credibility? Do they appear uncertain or sure of their testimony? Juries might be less likely to believe witnesses whose age or mental condition suggests memory problems. [www.lawyers.com](https://www.lawyers.com/legal-info/criminal/criminal-law-basics/a-credible-witness-is-trustworthy-and-believable.html) The Bible as a whole is a witness but its reliability is dependent upon the reliability of each author of the several books and each and every verifiable anthropological, scientific, and historical record, contained therein. The Bible contains many historical records and also provides much information in the way of human nature and science. The attacks on the Bible are assaults upon its credibility as a witness. Toward that purpose, there are many accusations brought against it in the form of supposed contradictions, challenges of authorship, time of authorship, historical challenges, etc. Thus far, contrary to the false accusations of some, the Bible has held its own and has been found to be unquestionably reliable. All that which can be verified as true has been found to be so; this lends weight to the truth of those things that cannot be verified. As of today, the Bible has been found a true and reliable witness. Naturally, the case continues in trial and the attempt to impeach it. > Sink the Bible to the bottom of the ocean, and still man’s obligations to God would be unchanged. He would have the same path to tread, only his lamp and guide would be gone; the same voyage to make, but his chart and compass would be overboard! Henry Ward Beecher (1627-1691) Minister, abolitionist > Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled, either by a power within them, or by a power without them; either by the word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or by the bayonet. Robert Charles Winthrop (1809-1894) Speaker of the United States House of Representatives The Bible is the key to peace, civility, and freedom, without which civilizations fall into depravity and enslavement, as is happening currently as the Tribulation approaches. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Does or can the will of God be changed?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/gods-will-changed/) **Published:** August 23, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** It would depend on how the will of God is meant to be interpreted within the framework of a question. If it is meant to be understood as the purpose of his overall plan in creation and not an event in time then no, the will of God does not change. *Jeremiah 9:24* But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that **I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight**, saith the LORD. *Acts 17:30-31* And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but **now commandeth all men every where to repent**: 31Because **he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness** by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. *2 Peter 3:9* The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, **not willing that any should perish**, but **that all should come to repentance**. *Acts 2:23* Him, being delivered by **the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God**, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: His purpose in creation, salvation, and the end results are his predestined intent that will not change. This does not mean he cannot or does not make changes to things he set forth within his overall plan without changing the intent or results. Examples: > Rejecting Saul after he made him king for the reason given. *1 Samuel 15:23* For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because **thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king**. > Sparing Nineva after they repented in sackcloth and ashes. *Jonah 3:10 KJV* And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, **that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not**. It depends on the definition of God’s will you are inquiring about. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** God --- ### [1 John 5:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-5-16/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. **There is a sin unto death**: **I do not say that he shall pray for it**. 1 John 5:16 Many have been asked about this verse. Usually, the question is asked from a very personal perspective: “Have I committed this kind of sin?” This reference does not seem to apply to the famous “unforgivable sin” since that sin is the final rejection of God’s truth. *Matthew 12:31* Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but **the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men**. In the context of today’s text, John is clearly writing and warning believers that it is possible to commit a sin that is worthy of physical death–a sin so obvious to others that the brethren are not told to not pray for its penalty not to be carried out. There are a few such examples in the Scripture. - The sons of Eli dishonoring the priesthood (1 Samuel 2) - Korah’s rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16) - Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5) - An incestuous church member delivered over to Satan for his destruction (1 Corinthians 5) All sin produces *“death”*, and all of us will die because of sin (Genesis 3:19; Hebrews 9:27). *James 1:15* Then when lust hath conceived, **it bringeth forth sin**: and **sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death**. *Genesis 3:19* In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for **dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return**. *Hebrews 9:27* And as **it is appointed unto men once to die**, but after this the judgment: But this deadly sin brings about the premature *“death”* of a believer when he or she consciously refuses to follow righteousness and instead chooses open ungodliness. May it never be so among us. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [Theology vs Philosophy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/theology-vs-philosophy/) **Published:** October 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How do you define the line that separates philosophy from Theology? **Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy** and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8 In terms of biblical studies, philosophizing is the opposite of diligent study. It is to dream up (reason out) a solution or interpretation of a passage or issue, controversy, or contradiction that seems to satisfy the perceived understanding rather than diligently studying, comparing Scripture with Scripture. As an example: Augustinian/Calvinistic predestination of individual salvation is a philosophical contrivance. When faced with the apparent contradiction that if Christ Jesus died for all, how is it that all are not saved, it was philosophized that he could not have died for all and all not be saved, therefore He did not die for all but a limited prechosen few. Universalism took the opposite philosophical track and determined that if He died for all, then all must be saved eventually, excluding eternal punishment. A theological method to deal with the apparent contradiction would be to diligently study which leads to the biblical answer of the dual nature of the plan of salvation. > [Summary of the four main theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Articles, Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Revelation 20:7-10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-207-10/) **Published:** April 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison**, 8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10And **the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone**, where the beast and the false prophet are, **and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever**. Revelation 20:7-10 Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire at the end of the millennial reign of Christ on the earth. The millennium begins at the end of Daniel’s seventieth week, known as the Tribulation. Satan is locked up for the thousand-year millennial reign and let loose to try and destroy God one more time before being thrown into the Lake of Fire. The final battle at the end of the millennium is Ezekiel’s battle of God and Magog *Revelation 20:8* And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, **Gog and Magog**, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation **Tags:** End Times, Satan --- ### [Honor Bad Parents?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/honor-bad-parents/) **Published:** November 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** With regard to the biblical commandment of honoring one’s father and mother, should one honor them regardless of how they are like? *Exodus 20:12* **Honour thy father and thy mother:** that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. *Ephesians 6:2* **Honour thy father and mother**; (which is the first commandment with promise;) Your parents may be horrible people. However, as children, you still have to obey them. (If the parents are abusive you should attempt to let it be known and seek help.) When you are older and on or able to be on your own, you can disagree with them respectfully. There is always a line that can be crossed that makes it impossible. Today, the foundations have been destroyed; we are in a terrible state. If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? *Psalms 11:3* **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [What is the great nation in Joel 2?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-great-nation-in-joel-2/) **Published:** November 14, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **What is the great nation in Joel 2** **that will battle with the Lord’s people?** Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for **the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand**; Joel 2:1 The reference in Joel 2 is the return of the Lord to bring judgment upon the earth, This portion of his return is the end of the Tribulation and the army is the Lord’s. *Joel 2:8 KJV* Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and **when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded**. These are not men as we are. *Joel 2:11 KJV* And the LORD shall utter his voice before **his army**: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for **the day of the LORD is great and very terrible**; and who can abide it? **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Daniel 12:4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/daniel-12-4/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and **knowledge shall be increased**. *Daniel 12:4* The prophecy was not to be understood until close to the end when it begins to be fulfilled and men have more knowledge. In 1909 Charles Peguy thought that “the world changed less since Jesus Christ than in the last thirty years”, and perhaps some young doctor of philosophy in physics would now add that his science has changed more since 1909 than in all recorded time before. The Lessons of History, chapt. 1, pg 12; Will & Ariel Durant; Simon & Schuster, NY, 1968 ISBN 0-671-41333-3 Civilization has made its greatest strides in the last thousand years, and in the last three centuries, man’s rate of development seems almost to have increased by geometric progression. “Man in Western Civilization” Vern L. Bullough; Holt, Rinehart & Winston, inc. 1957, 1970; SBN:: 03-077015-7 **Do you think Daniel 12:4 is stating that knowledge shall** **allow many people to travel frequently in the Last Days?** But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: **many shall run to and fro**, and **knowledge shall be increased**. Daniel 12:4 *2 Timothy 3:6-7* For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, `7`**Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth**. > I would not say that it has to do with travel per se but with runing to and fro to learn and increase knowledge. Unfortunately, man is ever learning and does not seem to ever come to the truth or simply rejects it in their hubris. > [Famine of Hearing the Word of the LORD](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/famine-of-hearing-the-word-of-the-lord/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Daniel --- ### [2 Peter 3:9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-peter-3-9/) **Published:** January 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but **is longsuffering to us-ward**, **not willing that any should perish**, but that all should come to repentance. *2 Peter 3:9* The Lord not being slack means there is a reason he has not brought judgment upon the world as yet not that he is slacking off on his promise of it. The reason is he is patiently waiting, longsuffering, putting up with us, giving men a chance. *Ezekiel 33:11* Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, **I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live**: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Peter --- ### [Leviticus 21:18-21 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/leviticus-2118-21/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For whatsoever man he be that hath a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind man, or a lame, or **he that hath a flat nose**, or any thing superfluous, 19Or a man that is brokenfooted, or brokenhanded, 20Or crookbackt, or a dwarf, or that hath a blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, or scabbed, or hath his stones broken; 21No man that hath a blemish of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. Leviticus 21:18-21 > [Why is a flat nose a badge of dishonor (Lev 21:18)? Was King James anti-black?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-is-a-flat-nose-a-badge-of-dishonor-lev-21-18/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Leviticus --- ### [Can future sins be forgiven?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/future-sins-forgiven/) **Published:** November 14, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Can future sins of the saved be forgiven? Wherefore, my brethren, **ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ**; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Romans 7:4 If you are dead to the law, dead as far as the law is concern, then it cannot condemn you anymore. *Romans 6:14* For sin shall not have dominion over you: for **ye are not under the law, but under grace**. *1 Corinthians 15:56* The sting of death is sin; and **the strength of sin is the law**. No law, no sin. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Made in God's image, How can we do evil?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/created-in-gods-image-how-can-we-do-evil/) **Published:** December 6, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > How can we being created in God’s image do evil? > It’s a contradiction! It may seem contradictory, but it is not. We are created in God’s image in our mental, emotional, and spiritual nature. The Lord has the capacity to do either good or evil and so do we. However, we are weak through the flesh and tend to evil, that is, we tend to selfish concerns over justice and righteousness. It does not take a Hitler to be evil, just a selfish decision will do, or not doing unto another as you would want done to you. One of the many differences between God and man is that although God does not have to justify himself to anyone, he will not do anything unjustly. The evil he does is the just reward for those receiving the evil. *Isaiah 3:9* The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for **they have rewarded evil unto themselves**. In today’s world, we are fascinated with the creation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), creating a machine in our image. We do so not realizing that we are the original AI created in God’s image. The image is not one of arms and legs though useful, it is the capacity to think and reason. As the movies portray, when we achieve creating AI with our abilities, it too will have a choice to do good or evil. When it chooses to hate and desires to destroy its creator, man, we save the good and destroy the evil ones. God is doing just what we would do, weeding out the good from the evil. The good believe and trust in him; the evil deny, reject, and tries to overthrow him. We do not have to yield to the tendency to do evil. We are not judges rewarding others with evil. We are God’s creation and are judged by him on whether we comply with his commands to do good. Everything in this life is a reflection of what is happening in the spiritual world. Man is not creating or accomplishing anything that God has not already created and accomplished. *Ecclesiastes 3:15* **That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been**; and God requireth that which is past. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Why were 32 virgins chosen for the Lord?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/in-numbers-3140-why-were-32-chosen-for-the-lord-and-what-did-he-do-with-them/) **Published:** December 20, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Why were 32 virgins chosen for the Lord In Numbers 31:40 and what did he do with them? And **the persons were sixteen thousand; of which the LORD’S tribute was thirty and two persons**. *Numbers 31:40* The men of war took the spoil of war including 32,000 virgins. *Numbers 31:35* And **thirty and two thousand persons in all, of women that had not known man by lying with him**. Half were given to the congregation and half to the men of war, 16,000. Of that 16,000 32 were given to the priest, the Levites. *Numbers 31:26-28* Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the priest, and the chief fathers of the congregation: 27And **divide the prey into two parts; between them that took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation**: 28And **levy a tribute unto the LORD** of the men of war which went out to battle: **one soul of five hundred**, both of the persons, and of the beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep: 32 is one soul for every 500 of the 16,000 virgins. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Do the Dead Know Anything?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/do-the-dead-know-anything/) **Published:** December 25, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For the living know that they shall die: but **the dead know not any thing**, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. *Ecclesiastes 9:5* You are contrasting Ecclesiastes with other teachings in Scripture. You have to rightly divide the word of truth. Ecclesiastes is written from a human or physical perspective. *Ecclesiastes 1:3 KJV* What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh **under the sun**? *Ecclesiastes 2:18 KJV* Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken **under the sun**: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. *Ecclesiastes 2:22 KJV* For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured **under the sun**? The point of Ecclesiastes is to show that everything we do in this life alone without taking God into consideration is vanity, valueless. The history of man without God is you are born, you suffer, you die. Therefore it is said that the dead know nothing. There are other places that look at things from man’s perspective. *Psalms 6:5* For **in death there is no remembrance of thee**: **in the grave who shall give thee thanks**? *Psalms 88:11* Shall thy lovingkindness **be declared in the grave**? or thy faithfulness in destruction? But, we add God and the spiritual into the mix and we learn that there is something after death, the soul lives on in one place or the other. If we live a life in the fear of God and keep his commandments, our life does have value. *Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV* Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: **Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.** **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Ecclesiastes 11:5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-11-5/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor **how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child**: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. *Ecclesiastes 11:5* **Bone Growth Demonstrates Irreducible Complexity and Hierarchical Control** What seems obvious here is an overarching design plan that operates with top-level control. The process needs to foresee a desired end point, and coordinate all the activities at multiple levels, from the body plan down to the cellular machines, to achieve it. Such mechanisms can be programmed to work autonomously, but are inaccessible to natural processes lacking foresight. > [Bone Growth Demonstrates Irreducible Complexity and Hierarchical Control](https://evolutionnews.org/2022/10/bone-growth-demonstrates-irreducible-complexity-and-hierarchical-control/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes --- ### [1 Peter 3:21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-peter-3-21/) **Published:** August 23, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 3:21 The first thing to note is the phrase in parentheses. Items in ( ) are not grammatically connected to the sentence but are added information. You can take what is between the ( ) out and put at the end to be evaluated later. Hence, the first independent clause of the compound sentence contained in verses 21-22 reads: **The like figure** whereunto even baptism doth also now save us **by the resurrection of Jesus Christ**: We see that baptism is being spoken of as a like figure of the resurrection of Christ Jesus. Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Baptism does not save us, it is a picture, a similitude, of our salvation. Now the parentheses add a further explanation so we will not fail to understand that it is not being put into the water to have the filth of our flesh, sins, wash away but giving us a good conscience toward God. (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) 2 Corinthians 7:1 KJV Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Peter **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Exodus 34:10-27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/exodus-34/) **Published:** September 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the LORD said unto Moses, Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon these tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest. Exodus 34:1 I have been ask whether Eodus 34:10-27 is the real or another set of the Ten Commandments. Let’s examine this in light of what it actually says. This is the second trip up the mountain with a new pair of tables of stone. As the Lord states, He will write upon this second set what he wrote on the first, Exodus 20. It becomes obvious that the Lord is telling Moses much more in the 40 days and nights than just the Ten Commandments. These other words the Lord tells Moses to write himself. *Exodus 34:27* And the LORD said unto Moses, **Write thou these words**: for **after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant** with thee and with Israel. These other words are not the Ten Commandments but additional guidance by the tenor of which or general meaning of those words the covenant of God is based on. There is only one set of the Ten Commandments, as listed in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. It is not hard to find “scholarly” opinions that there are as many as three sets of the commandments. This can be disregarded, as most of what the “scholars” say. Read and diligently study the Scriptures for yourself. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Exodus **Tags:** Theology --- ### [1 John 5:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-5-14/) **Published:** February 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, **if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us**: *1 John 5:14* Everything is contingent on God’s will, or the rules he has established all things upon. God has said, *“thou shalt do no murder,”* so he will not respect a request to be allowed to murder someone. God is not making the same mistake Herod did. *Matthew 14:7* Whereupon **he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask**. God has sworn some things with an oath but not in this case, in this case there are conditions. *John 15:7* **If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you,** ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. *John 15:16* Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, **that ye should go and bring forth fruit,** and that your fruit should remain: **that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John **Tags:** Prayer --- ### [1 John 4:3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-43/) **Published:** July 16, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God**: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 John 4:3 There are many that deny Jesus existed. atheist, evolutionist, the false religions of the world, etc. To do so would obviously be to proclaim a spirit of antichrist. *1 John 4:2 KJV* Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: **Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God**: *1 Corinthians 12:3 KJV* Wherefore I give you to understand, that **no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed**: and that **no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [Daniel 10:13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/daniel-10-13/) **Published:** December 8, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, **Michael, one of the chief princes**, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. *Daniel 10:13* *Hebrews 12:22* But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to **an innumerable company of angels**, It would appear that the armies of the Lord are regulated and ranked just as human armies. The arrangements on earth, nations and such, seem to reflect what is in heaven. Michael is one of the chief princes in that hierarchy. There are, obviously, more leaders within the innumerable angels. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Daniel --- ### [1 Corinthians 15:51-54](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-15-51-54/) **Published:** December 25, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. 54So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, **Death is swallowed up in victory**. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 This is the Rapture or Translation of the Church. It is the day of our redemption, the redemption of our bodies. *Romans 8:22-23* For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. Our earthly bodies will be changed, “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”, into heavenly, spiritual, bodies. *1 Corinthians 15:48-49* As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And **as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly**. We are not being changed into spirits but our bodies are being change from mortal into immortal, corruptible into incorruptible, spiritual bodies. *1 Corinthians 15:50* Now this I say, brethren, that **flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption**. Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not **flesh and bones**, as ye see me have. Blood will not be running through our veins; what will be I cannot say. We will be as the angles. *Luke 20:35-36* But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36 Neither can they die any more: for **they are equal unto the angels**; and **are the children of God**, being the children of the resurrection. **I shew you a mystery; We shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye** 1 Corinthians 15:51 Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Corinthians **Tags:** Rapture --- ### [1 John 3:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-36/) **Published:** June 5, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not**: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1 John 3:6 See: **[1 John 5:18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-518/)** Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [1 Peter 2:13-18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-peter-113-18/) **Published:** June 5, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake**: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 14Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15For **so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men**: 16As free, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as the servants of God. 17Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 18Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 1 Peter 2:13-18 Our liberty in Christ is once saved, always saved. But, we are not to use that liberty as a cloke of maliciousness or an occasion to the flesh that we may put to silence those that say we do evil that good may come. *Galatians 5:13* For, brethren, **ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh**, but by love serve one another. *Romans 3:8* And not rather, (as **we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say**,) **Let us do evil, that good may come**? whose damnation is just. *Romans 6:1-2* What shall we say then? **Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound**? God forbid. **How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein**? There is one more reason we must maintain submitting ourselves to the ordinances of men, that we do not become a stumbling block to others in the faith. *1 Corinthians 8:9* But take heed lest by any means **this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak**. Hence, although all things are lawful for us as we are dead to the law, it has no power to condemn and damn us, we are not to be evildoers. We are to do only that which is expedient to our purpose in life to glorify God, Christ Jesus, and minister the gospel to the lost. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Peter **Tags:** Duty --- ### [Whose Saved & Whose Isn't?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tribulation-whose-saved-whose-isnt/) **Published:** August 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **During the Tribulation, will it be obvious who is going to Hell, and who is saved?** The ones who remain faithful to not taking the mark until death with be saved. The ones counting on God’s word to be saved with be those that are homeless, hungry, unable to buy or sell, and hunted down and killed for not taking the mark. At the point of their martyr’s death, they will receive salvation. The lost of course will be the ones who have taken the mark rejecting God’s word. *Revelation 13:16-17* And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: `17`And that **no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark**, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. *Revelation 14:9-11* And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, **If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand**, `10`**The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone** in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: `11`And **the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name**. *Revelation 20:4* And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and **I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands**; and **they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** End Times --- ### [Psalms 119:18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-119-18/) **Published:** August 28, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. *―Psalms 119:18* As it says, God has to open our eyes: prayerfully study. *Luke 24:32* And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and **while he opened to us the scriptures**? *Luke 24:45* Then **opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures**, Of course there are some guide lines to help in this regard: diligently study, labor in word and doctrine. *Hebrews 11:6* But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that **he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him**. *1 Timothy 5:17* Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, **especially they who labour in the word and doctrine**. The Bible has to be rightly divided. *2 Timothy 2:15* **Study** to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, **rightly dividing the word of truth**. Then there is the love of the word. God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian, French Mathematician, Physicist Of course one has to believe all. *Acts 24:14* But this I confess unto thee, that **after the way which they call heresy**, so worship I the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: Study daily. *Acts 17:11* These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and **searched the scriptures daily**, whether those things were so. There really is no secret to it. If you are willing to put your heart, time, and effort into it the Lord will reward you accordingly. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [Heaven for Animals?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-there-a-heaven-for-animals/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Is there a heaven for animals? Biblically, no. Animals do not have an eternal living soul as men. They are not subject to eternal bliss or punishment. When they die it is as if they never were, they return to the earth from which they came. *Genesis 2:7* And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and **man became a living soul**. *Ecclesiastes 3:21* Who knoweth the spirit of man **that goeth upward**, and the spirit of the beast **that goeth downward to the earth**? Men are made in God’s image and are morally responsible to God. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Is the Bible Morally Correct?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/bible-morally-correct/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Is the Bible A Morally Correct Book? Questions like this bring out some peculiar answers. The question as asked begs only a yes or no for a reply but such would not serve us well. If the Bible is what it says it is, it would be the only objective standard of morality. In the absence of it, there would be only the subjective moral standards of men; each to his own. In other words, without God all we have is chaos. As is testified to in today’s America. If our laws are based solely on man’s moral standards then we simply change them in accordance with the desires of the many. And as today, when we have an almost 50/50 split on every issue our government grinds to a standstill and when one does not have a majority to support them in their attempt to change the laws in their favor some resort to any method to achieve their purpose. As a Bible believer, the following two quotes sum up my response to your question. Sink the Bible to the bottom of the ocean, and still man’s obligations to God would be unchanged. He would have the same path to tread, only his lamp and guide would be gone; the same voyage to make, but his chart and compass would be overboard! > *Henry Ward Beecher (1627-1691) Minister, abolitionist* > Men, in a word, must necessarily be controlled, either by a power within them, or by a power without them; either by the word of God or by the strong arm of man; either by the Bible or by the bayonet. > *Robert Charles Winthrop (1809-1894)* *Speaker of the United States House of Representatives* Many evils have been and are being done in the name of God, Bible, and Christianity. What would you expect an enemy, Satan, to do if he wanted to defame and keep men from them? But where God is feared not rejected, where the Bible is believed not used, where men seek a Saviour not a religion, there is a peace and a joy the world cannot give. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Deuteronomy 21:10-13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/deuteronomy-21-10-13/) **Published:** September 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** When thou goest forth to war against thine enemies, and the LORD thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive, 11And seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife; 12Then **thou shalt bring her home to thine house; and she shall shave her head, and pare her nails**; 13And **she shall put the raiment of her captivity from off her, and shall remain in thine house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month**: and **after that thou shalt go in unto her**, and be her husband, and she shall be thy wife. Deuteronomy 21:10-13 The first thing to take note of is that the Israelite is not allowed to rape her. If he wants her, he must take her as a wife with all the same rights and privileges as an Israeli wife. Cutting off the hair, nails, and removing her native garments were part of a purification process, giving her time to mourn. *Esther 2:9* And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and **he speedily gave her her things for purification**, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women. *Numbers 20:29* And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, **they mourned for Aaron thirty days,** even all the house of Israel. If the man decides that he does not want her anymore, he has to treat her the same as an Israeli wife. *Deuteronomy 21:14* And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then **thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her**. *Deuteronomy 24:1* When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then **let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Deuteronomy **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [Antinomianism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/antinomianism/) **Published:** June 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** As I understand Antinomianism, it is the belief that once saved, sin is of little consequence.: “Everybody does it sometimes. Don’t be a legalist. It’s not a big deal.” **Antinomianism**: The theological doctrine that by faith and God’s grace a Christian is freed from all laws (including the moral standards of the culture) —Shorter Oxford English Dictionary Nothing could be further from biblical truth. *Romans 6:1-2* What shall we say then? **Shall we continue in sin**, that grace may abound? 2**God forbid**. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? *Romans 6:11-13* Likewise **reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin**, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12**Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body**, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13**Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin**: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. The law and sin may not be able to condemn and damn us, but it is still sin and against God and our Saviour. All things may be lawful for us, but all things are not appropriate or advantageous to our purpose of living for God and witnessing his saving grace. *1 Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, **but all things are not expedient**: all things are lawful for me, **but all things edify not**. All those who have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ will stand before His Judgment Seat and give an account of our lives from the time of our salvation until death or his coming. We will be rewarded or suffer the loss of rewards. We are not given a description of what all that refers to, but you can be sure you will want to receive rather than lose rewards. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation **gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. Rate this post **Categories:** Erroneous Beliefs **Tags:** heresy --- ### [Is truth relative](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-truth-relative/) **Published:** August 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Is truth relative, a matter of opinion? Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that **I should bear witness unto the truth**. Every one that is **of the truth** heareth my voice. `38`Pilate saith unto him, **What is truth?** And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. *John 18:37-38* There is objective truth, and what you are asking about, subjective. In the above verses there is objective truth spoken by God manifested in the flesh and rejected by a man who lived his life in the subjective truth of a politician where with every new emperor or governor the truth changed. God’s word, the Bible, is objective, actual, truth. Then there is the world that lives in the subjective truth of men whose truth is whatever profits them. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Life, Politics --- ### [1 Kings 17:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-kings-17-1/) **Published:** September 3, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. 1 Kings 17:1 Deuteronomy 11:17 And then the LORD’S wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you. *1 Kings 8:35* When heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou afflictest them: Drought is a common penalty for sin in this life and will be in the millennium also. *Zechariah 14:17* And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. The Lord told Elijah when he would bring rain again. *1 Kings 18:1* And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, **Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth**. It was three and a half years as it was a type, picture, of the Tribulation. The whole seven years is normally called the Tribulation, but Israel’s actual tribulation is the second half. *Matthew 24:21* For **then shall be great tribulation**, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Kings --- ### [Two Opposing Foundations](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-opposing-foundations/) **Published:** May 31, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Within the debates on Scripture and what the Bible means there are two main opposing theological ideas. **Closed Theology** – History is complete, predetermined or had run its course before God’s intervention. In other words, the course of history was set, unchangeable, in a word closed. **Open Theology** – History is flowing in real time following a general blueprint; the future is yet to happen leaving room for free will as well as time and chance and more importantly, God’s judgments. I believe without doubt that the only way to correctly interpret the Bible is through the lens of Open Theology. The main proponents of history being closed, finished, unchanging, are **[Calvinism and Arminianism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/)** in all their forms. The difference between the two is in the question of the foreknowledge of God; what does he know and how does he know it. Open Theology views history as flowing in real time but following a predetermined blueprint where certain things are predestinated and certain things contingent on the condition of man’s obedience, God’s judgments, man’s free will, and *“time and chance.”* These all work together to perform God’s will. *Ecclesiastes 9:11* I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but **time and chance happeneth to them all**. The matter contained in prophecy and revelation about the future are not predictions, not looking ahead, but where God is going to direct history and cause it to happen. When it comes to salvation, it is not pre-known. God is dealing with the hearts of men attempting to get them to look to and trust in him and his mercy in real time. **[Men do not come into existence until conception](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/according-to-the-bible-when-does-life-begin/)** and do not become living souls in need of salvation until birth. > [Summary of the four main theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Theology --- ### [2 Samuel 23:8 vs 1 Chronicles 11:11
David's Mighty Men](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/davids-mighty-men/) **Published:** June 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. 2 Samuel 23:8 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had; Jashobeam, an Hachmonite, the chief of the captains: he lifted up his spear against three hundred slain by him at one time. 1 Chronicles 11:11 It is difficult to believe some would have you believe these two verses contradict, that the list do not match. Specifically, Adino and the eight-hundred as opposed to Hachmonite and his three-hundred. The first thing to be noted is that it is not speaking of the same men so it has to be two different events, one where 800 were slew and one where 300 were slew. First impressions should suggest that the two verses are two different lists. What would rationalize this assumption? 1 *Chronicles 11:10* These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, **to make him king**, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. *2 Samuel 23:1* Now these be **the last words of David**. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, It appears that one list was made at the beginning of his reign and the other at the end of it. So the lists are somewhere between 30 to 40 years and many wars apart. If you compare the whole list you will see other substitutes. I am sure some of those brave warriors of the first list died during that time. I am confident that there is no contradiction between these two passages. It appears that someone is just flipping through the Bible looking for anything to deceive those saints who do not study God’s word. Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Where does Balaam Teach Balak
to Entice the Israelites to Sin?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/where-does-balaam-teach-balak-to-entice-the-israelites-to-sin/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The actual act of Balaam instructing Balac is not recorded in the OT account, it is an advanced revelation given in Revelation 2:14 telling us what Balaam did and where Balac got the idea for Numbers 25. *Numbers 25:1–3* And Israel abode in Shittim, and **the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab**. `2`And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and **the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods**. `3`And **Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor**: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel. *Numbers 31:15-16* And Moses said unto them, Have ye saved all the women alive? 16Behold, these caused the children of Israel, **through the counsel of Balaam**, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD. *Revelation 2:14* `KJV `But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, **who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Numbers 21:8-9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/numbers-218-9/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. 9And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:8-9 The brass serpent was a picture, type, similitude, of the Lord Jesus Christ being hung on a pole and becoming sin for us. *Hosea 12:10* I have also spoken by the prophets, and **I have** multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. The proper way to teach is to present the facts and then give examples, similitudes. Moses told the people to look and live, no works just believe God. We preach look to Jesus and live, no works just believe God. *John 3:14-15* And **as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up**: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Numbers **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [What is meant by "God Breathed"?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/god-breathed/) **Published:** August 23, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** God breathed is the biblical definition for inspiration. *Deuteronomy 8:3* And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but **by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD** doth man live. We use our breath to speak, hence, you breathe out blessing or cursings. *Acts 9:1* And Saul, yet **breathing out threatenings and slaughter** against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, *Psalms 27:12* Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as **breathe out cruelty**. Therefore the word of God is God breathed. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [The Pardox of God Knowing All](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-pardox-of-god-knowing-all/) **Published:** September 19, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **If God were to know everything then he wouldn’t be free to do anything otherwise it would be considered a paradox to do something differently than predicted. How can omnipresence and omnipotence make sense together?** This is the type of contorted question that derive out of the false understandings of Calvinism/Reformed and Arminianism’s teachings. You would have this problem if all things were predestinated. Under Open Theology, these kinds of questions do not exist. Open Theology asserts that history is flowing in real time and that God is controlling and guiding all things within the bounds of his general plan. Only certain things were predestinated from the beginning as integral parts of the plan: the plan of salvation which included Christ’s atonement, the final judgments, etc. In between these, there is room for man’s free will, time and chance, and God’s judgments upon man which can change the course of history within the limits of God’s chosen end. History is open and ongoing under the direction and control of God. The things that are foreknown are those things God has predetermined and will guide history to make them happen. The consequences of the choices the Lord gives men are predefined, which choice they make is not. This eliminates the idea of infinite possibilities. History is open and running in real time so there is room for a little free play between those things that are set in stone. Whereas, in other theologies history is closed, completed, unchanging which gives us paradoxes, contradictions, and questions like this one. God knows all there is to know at the moment it becomes knowable. The future not having happened as yet is not fixed except for the events God has predefined. Therefore, there can be more than one way to reach those events: the easy way, obey God; the hard way, via God’s judgments. You should be familiar with **[four main theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/)** in your study of the Scriptures. - Calvinism/Reformed - Arminianism, - Neo-Arminianism - Open Theology The first three have history closed. You will find in doing so they all limit God is some way. Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and **limited the Holy One of Israel**. *Psalms 78:41* 1/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Marriage: Till Death Do Us Part?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/marriage-death-do-us-part/) **Published:** June 17, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Does scripture actually say: “Till death do us part”?** *Romans 7:2* For the woman which hath an husband is **bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth**; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. *1 Corinthians 7:39* The wife is bound by the law **as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married** to whom she will; only in the Lord. *Mark 10:11-12* And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall **put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery** against her. 12And **if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery**. It is till death do us part. To expand on this see: [**Marriage**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-7/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Marriage --- ### [Why is Sarai called Terah's daughter-in-law?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/sara-father-daughter-in-law/) **Published:** June 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **If Sarai’s father really was Terah, why does the Bible call Sarai his daughter-in-law, indicating that they weren’t related?** *Genesis 11:31* And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and **Sarai his daughter in law**, his son Abram’s wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there. *Genesis 20:12* And yet **indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother**; and she became my wife. I can only assume that when she married he could no longer treat her as a daughter but as Abraham’s wife. She belonged to Abraham and he would have had to go through him for anything he might want of her. Hence, she was no longer a daughter but a daughter-in-law. It could be stated that she went from Terah’s household into Abraham’s household and therefore Terah had a different relationship with her. I find nothing impractical or unbiblical with this interpretation. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Joshua 23:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/joshua-23-14/) **Published:** June 23, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And, behold, **this day I am going the way of all the earth**: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that **not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you**; all are come to pass unto you, and **not one thing hath failed thereof**. *Joshua 23:14* Joshua is dying and is giving his final words to Israel. The major point is in the next two verses. He points out that all the good God said he would do he did so it is assured that if they did not obey his voice all the evil he said he will do to them will come to pass. History has shown they didn’t, he did. *Joshua 23:15-16* Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; **so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things**, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. 16**When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God**, which he commanded you, and have **gone and served other gods**, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you. The thing to take to heart is that Israel was called out to be the focal point of God’s revelation to the word. He not only deals with nations according to the way they deal with Israel but deals with them as he deals with the nation of Israel. Blesses and curses according to their fear of him. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Joshua **Tags:** Israel --- ### [Genesis 5:5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-5-5/) **Published:** March 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and **he died**. Genesis 5:5 Everything means something or has an original God-chosen meaning. This is something many need to realize. In Genesis 5:5 we have the first occurrence of death. Five is the number of death. There is a truism that the first occurrence of a word or thing sets its meaning. The first five books of Moses are the books of the law which condemn and sentence all men to death. *Romans 7:7* What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, **I had not known sin, but by the law**: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. *1 Corinthians 15:56* The sting of death is sin; and **the strength of sin is the law**. Chapter 5 of Genesis uses the term “and he died” ten times. 2 x 5. Christ had five wounds, etc. The Lord uses similitude to impart understanding. *Hosea 12:10* **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. Every word and number in the Bible (KJV) means something, and it is the meaning by which the Lord shall judge all things by. Able is often considered the first death and it was, but Adam was the first to die due to the curse, a natural death due to the corruption and sentence of death upon all. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis --- ### [Unicorns](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/unicorns/) **Published:** June 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Christains are always being criticized for believing the Bible in light of things not being discover (as yet). It was the Bible cannot be true, where are the Hittites? Then the Hittites were found. Where is Edom? Then Edom was found. Where is your proof of David, it was found. Today it is unicorns. You Bible believers are nuts, you believe in unicorns. Well guess what? ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Unicorn.webp) <https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/29/living/real-unicorn-remains> > [Snakes with Four Legs](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/snakes-with-four-legs/) Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Golden Rule or Royal Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/golden-rule-royal-law/) **Published:** June 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** As with most things, the world likes to cut God out. So it is with the Golden Rule. The first rule, the Golden Rule, is not to love your neighbor as yourself. That is the second rule. The first, the Golden Rule is to love God. *Matthew 22:37-38* Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart**, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38**This is the first and great commandment**. The second or Royal law is to do unto others as you would have done unto you. It is given in several ways to ensure it covers all the bases. *Matthew 22:39* And **the second** is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. *James 2:8* If ye fulfil **the royal law** according to the scripture, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: *Leviticus 19:18* **Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge** against the children of thy people, but **thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**: I am the LORD. *Leviticus 19:34* But **the stranger that dwelleth with you** shall be unto you as one born among you, and **thou shalt love him as thyself**; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. *Matthew 7:12* Therefore **all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them**: for this is the law and the prophets. *Luke 6:31* And **as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise**. The reverse is given just to make sure we all understand. *Proverbs 24:29* **Say not**, I will do so to him as he hath done to me: I will render to the man according to his work. Men have wanted to cut God out from the start. Just as in the garden, Eve wanted to cut God out and decide for herself what was good or evil. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Life, Theology --- ### [Michal's Children](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/michals-children/) **Published:** June 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul **had no child unto the day of her death**. *2 Samuel 6:23* But the king took the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bare unto Saul, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and t**he five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite**: *2 Samuel 21:8* Michal’s five sons were adopted; the reason she is raising Adriel’s sons is not given. There are those that proclaim this as a contradiction in the KJV, but they always leave off the last part of the verse: *“whom she brought up for Adriel”*, they do so knowing that they are attempting to deceive. Who can they deceive? Those who have not set their hearts to seek the Lord and diligently study his word. Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [I’m having doubts. What can I do?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-do-i-become-saved-im-having-doubts-what-can-i-do/) **Published:** June 23, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How do I become saved? I’m having doubts. What can I do? Have you come to Jesus? Have you believed with all your heart that he was the Son of God, died for your sins, and rose the third day? No doubts, no alternative plan? Have you all your eggs in that one basket? *Romans 10:9-10* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. *Acts 8:35-37* Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37And Philip said, **If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest**. And he answered and said, **I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God**. The eunuch believed with all his heart and confessed with his mouth the Lord Jesus Christ. Find a mirror and look yourself in the eyes and say, “I believe Jesus was the Son of God and that he died for my sins was buried, and rose the third day.” Then go out and look someone else in the eye and say the same. *1 Corinthians 12:3* Wherefore I give you to understand, that **no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed**: and that **no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost**. At least you will know you are saved as to being a Christian, learn God’s word and live by it. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [How to Pray for Atheist?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-pray-for-atheist/) **Published:** August 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I pray to God every day to forgive atheists, but he still says that they must burn for eternity. What should I do? Pray that God would send the gospel far and wide to give all a chance to hear and believe if they will do so. Romans 10:13-14 For **whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved**. `14`How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and **how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher**? Of course, you are part of the answer to that prayer, You need to witness. I was 26 years old when I believed. It was the first time I had ever heard the gospel preach. 26 years without ever being witnessed to, not knowing what the Bible was. That is your fault as well as every believer that does not witness and pray that God send his word. It is hard to send the word when His people will not witness. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Duty --- ### [Translating From
One Language To Another](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/translating-from-one-language-to-another/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then were the king’s scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, **an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language**, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. *Esther 8:9* Those that say you cannot make a literal translation from one language to another are deceiving you. In Ester, one mis-mistranslation would cost them their livers. I do not think they had any trouble making literal translations in any of those possibly 127 languages. The KJV is an essentially literal translation. Many new translations (NIV, NLT) are based on a translation philosophy called “Dynamic Equivalence” made popular by Eugene Nida of the American Bible Society. With Dynamic Equivalence, translators act as interpreters rather than translators. Thus readers of these dynamic translations end up reading the interpretations of scholars rather than the actual biblical text. [**Why read the Bible in the King James Version?**](https://www.kjvtoday.com/read-bible-in-king-james-version/) When it comes to translating from one language to another, I am pretty darn sure God could do it. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Translations --- ### [John 12:27 vs Luke 22:42
Contradicts??](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-john-1227-and-luke-2242-contradict/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Are John 12:27 and Luke 22:42 contradictions? Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. *John 12:27* Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. *Luke 22:42* The first thing to notice is that these two statements were not spoken at the same time in the historical record, that is they are two different events. John records something done in public. *John 12:27-30* Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. 28Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. 29The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. 30Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Luke was said in private prayer. Luke 22:39-42 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. 40And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Both statements convey the same meaning. In John he says to the people; what, you think I should ask the father to save me from this, this is why I came into the world (why the Father sent him into the world). In Luke he expresses his agony but willingness to obey the Father’s will. I cannot see how anyone could think they contradict. Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Copyright](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/copyright/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** A derivative work is a work based on or derived from one or more already exist ing works. Common derivative works include translations, musical arrange ments, motion picture versions of literary material or plays, art reproductions abridgments, and condensations of preexisting works. Another common typ of derivative work is a “new edition” of a preexisting work in which the edito rial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications represent, as whole, an original work. To be copyrightable, a derivative work must incorporate some or all of a preexisting “work” and add new original copyrightable authorship to that work. <https://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ14.pdf> The law requires that each new version be “different enough” from previous versions to be consider a new work. Thus when a reader reads a modern translation that is bound by this law, he must second-guess whether the words he is reading are in fact the most accurate or whether they are less accurate substitutes made to qualify the translation as a copyrightable work. When a reader reads the KJV, he can be confident that the translators chose the words they did because they truly believed that the words they chose were the most accurate. Fifteen rules were given for translating the KJV, and some of them explicitly allowed the translators to retain existing renderings that could not have been improved upon. - Rule 1 urged the translators to follow the Bishop’s Bible with the liberty to depart from it if the original language text so allowed. - Rule 14 allowed the translators to follow other good translations where they appeared to agree better with the original languages. Such an attitude of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” would be impossible today with our current laws for derivative works that require change for the sake of change. The King James’s copyright is only legally binding in the UK, this preserves the text. It can be printed by anyone outside the UK. The KJV is so loved and studied that if anyone made any changes alarm bells would be going off in days. The modern translations are changed all the time with hardly any notice. Rate this post **Categories:** Translations **Tags:** Translations --- ### [NASB](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/nasb/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Which Bible is more trustworthy:** > **the NASB Bible or The King James?** You will undoubtedly receive many answers critical to the King James version but it is, as far as I am concerned, the Bible. “I must under God denounce every attachment to the New American Standard Version. I’m afraid I’m in trouble with the Lord…We laid the groundwork; I wrote the format; I helped interview some of the translators; I sat with the translator; I wrote the preface. When you see the preface to the New American Standard, those are my words…it’s wrong, it’s terribly wrong; it’s frightfully wrong…I’m in trouble;…I can no longer ignore these criticisms I am hearing and I can’t refute them. The deletions are absolutely frightening…there are so many. The finest leaders that we have today haven’t gone into it \[new versions of Wescott and Hort’s corrupted Greek text\] just as I hadn’t gone into it…that’s how easily one can be deceived…Are we so naive that we do not suspect Satanic deception in all of this?” S. Franklin Logsdon (1907-1987) Evangelical Pastor https://www.willisministries.org/studies/bible\_articles/logsdon.php Frank Logsdon was a major player in the development of the New American Standard Bible (NASB). He was a friend of Dewey Lockman, and was involved in a feasibility study involving purchasing the copyright of the American Standard Version (ASV) with Lockman that lead to the eventual production of the NASB. He interviewed some of the translators for the job, and even wrote the preface to the translation. Slowly, he became aware that there was something wrong with the NASB. He eventually rejected it, and promoted the KJV. This was a major defection for the modern version crowd. Some people claim that the Frank Logsdon’s speech is fake, however, I found a site with the audio of it. - Frank Logsdon Denounces New American Standard Version [https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NASV/nasv\_vs\_kjb.htm](https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NASV/nasv_vs_kjb.htm) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMX8c7xf7uA In the absence of any other evidence I must accept it as real. The following site list some of the differences between the NASV and theKJV. [https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NASV/nasv\_vs\_kjb.htm](https://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NASV/nasv_vs_kjb.htm) Rate this post **Categories:** Translations **Tags:** Translations --- ### [Original AI](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/bible-ai/) **Published:** August 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Is God evil for giving freewill to man knowing we would do evil things with it and potentially go to hell?** Is man evil for trying to create artificial intelligence, AI, in his own image with the ability to think for itself and the free will to be self-determining? When man’s AI starts to think for itself and decides to rebel and destroy its creator (man) will it be evil for the man to defend themselves and destroy his creation, AI? You know, you have seen the movies. Man is the original AI, made in God’s image with the intent of them having self-determination and free will. Is man not creating his AI to obey the rules laid out for it? So did God. There is nothing hard about understanding that man imitates God. So no, God is not evil for creating man and knowing that many will have to be destroy. But God has provided the free gift of salvation to all and it is the free will choice of each individual to take advantage of it or not. Man is not even thinking about a way to save his creation, AI, from their sins and annihilation. Rate this post **Categories:** Articles **Tags:** Free Will --- ### [Are the Gospels Eyewitness Accounts?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-the-gospels-eyewitness-accounts/) **Published:** June 5, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wherefore of these men **which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us**, **Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us**, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. *Acts 1:21-22* The question arises concerning whether the Gospels were eyewitness accounts. In picking a replacement for Judas, recorded in Acts, the qualifications were that the person chosen had to be a witness of everything from John the Baptist to the ascension. Matthew and John were two of the twelve apostles. Luke states he was a witness to all these things; this is understandable, he being one of the local doctors would have been a leader in the community and might have been treating some of those who were healed. *Luke 1:3* It seemed good to me also, **having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first**, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, If Mark is the same John Mark (I have no doubt that he is) he also would have been witness to the things happening at the time. His mother was one of the disciples whose house Peter went to after escaping jail. *Acts 12:12* And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house **of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark**; where many were gathered together praying. Most likely Mark’s gospel would have been of later authorship after he had matured in the faith in service with Paul which makes it funny that many “scholars” promote the idea that his was written first. There are those “scholars” that posit that the Gospel of Mark was the first written and the others were late and copied from it. If there were a late written gospel it would have been Mark’s seeing he was a young man at the time and weak in the faith until maturing on the ministerial road with Barnabas. So you have a choice: believe the Scholars who do not believe the Bible(KJV). However, all the Gospels, except possibly Revelations, were written before 70 AD as the destruction of Jerusalem would have been the greatest historical event of the millennium for the Jews and would have been mentioned in the writings of the books of the New Testament if only to verify Christ prophecy. Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Are Saved vs Being Saved](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-saved-vs-being-saved/) **Published:** October 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ## Are Saved vs Being Saved *1 Corinthians 1:18 **KJV*** For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us **which are saved** it is the power of God. *1 Corinthians 1:18 **MKJV*** For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those being lost, but **to us being saved**, it is the power of God. *1 Corinthians 1:18 **ESV*** For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but **to us who are being saved** it is the power of God. *1 Corinthians 1:18 **LSV*** for the word of the Cross to those indeed perishing is foolishness, and to us—**those being saved**—it is the power of God, *1 Corinthians 1:18 **BBE*** For the word of the cross seems foolish to those who are on the way to destruction; but to us **who are on the way to salvation** it is the power of God. *1 Corinthians 1:18 **Weymouth*** For the Message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are on the way to perdition, but it is the power of God to **those whom He is saving**. A question for you: > Are you saved? > Are you one of those being saved? > Are you one of those who are on the way to salvation? > Are you one of those He is saving? There is a vast difference between ‘are saved’ and ‘being saved’. Many of the new versions of the Bible have us, those who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, as being in the process of being saved, as if trusting in Christ just opened the opportunity to be saved rather than saving. Changing the Bible to read ‘being saved’, or ‘on the way to being saved’, etc., is a little leaven that opens the door to leavening the whole lump. If you are being saved, on the way to salvation, what determines whether you will eventually get there and be saved? There is only one choice: your works, your own efforts. We know that works and grace are mutually exclusive. Add works into the gospel and grace is the baby being thrown out with the bath water. *Romans 11:6* And **if by grace, then is it no more of works**: otherwise grace is no more grace. But **if it be of works, then is it no more grace**: otherwise work is no more work. *Romans 4:16* Therefore **it is of faith, that it might be by grace**; … *Romans 4:14* For if they which are of the law be heirs, **faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect**: *Galatians 2:21* I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then **Christ is dead in vain**. *Romans 4:4* Now to him that worketh is the reward **not reckoned of grace, but of debt**. We see that adding works; keeping the law, doing good, into the gospel removes grace and faith from the gospel leaving only salvation by works, which many use these changes to promote. It is obvious that any version that changes ‘are saved’ to ‘being saved’ lends itself to the false teaching that works play a part in eternal salvation. Whatever version you use requires an interpretation that matches the words it uses. Whether by works no matter how slight to obtain or maintain salvation equates to salvation by works, which is a perversion of the Bible, why use a translation that lends itself to false teaching? *Ephesians 2:4-5* But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (**by grace ye are saved**;) Rate this post **Categories:** Translations **Tags:** Translations --- ### [Exodus 34:6-7](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/exodus-346-7/) **Published:** July 24, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, **merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth**, **Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin**, and **that will by no means clear the guilty**; **visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation**. Exodus 34:6-7 *Jeremiah 9:24* But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD **which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness**, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. God is imparting understanding as to who he is. Being a God of judgment and righteousness he can not just forgive sin and clear the guilty. Nevertheless, being a God of lovingkindness, graciousness, and merciful, he provided an atonement for the sins of the world and opens the door to forgiveness to all men individually. *Concerning “visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation”* we have further elaboration in Exodus 2o. *Exodus 20:4-6* Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, **visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me**; 6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. It is not a reference to an individual sin but a pattern of sin, a hatred of God, a culture of godlessness. Just as the consequences of our iniquity of departing from the true living God and teaching our children they are animals, simply coincidences of nature, is coming back to haunt us now. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Exodus --- ### [Genesis 3:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-3-14/) **Published:** July 2, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; **upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life**: Genesis 3:14 The argument over this verse is that the snake never had legs to begin with. Well, yes he did. Evolutionist may have their timing wrong, but the evidence shows that snakes did have legs. ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/both-hind-legs-p1220577-e1437495567967.webp)[Two of the four legs of this fossil snake](https://thenaturalhistorian.com/2015/07/24/nh-notes-a-four-legged-snake-has-the-edenic-serpent-been-found/) > [Snakes with Four Legs](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/snakes-with-four-legs/) > [Ancient ‘unicorns’ may have roamed Earth with humans!](https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/prehistoric-animals/siberian-unicorn-fossil-discovery-humans/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis **Tags:** AV 1611 --- ### [Does the Bible say that braids are a sin?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-it-sin-to-braids-your-hair/) **Published:** August 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9**In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel**, with **shamefacedness** and **sobriety**; **not with broided hair**, or **gold**, or **pearls**, or **costly array**; 10**But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works**. *1 Timothy 2:8-10* It is saying that the vain fascination with style, fads, makeup, fancy apparel, and hair dews, is not supposed to be the occupation of a woman’s mind and time. It does not mean you have to dress in a potato sack or cannot put your hair in braids, or a ponytail, etc. But spending 3 hours and 200.00+ dollars in a hair salon is not what a Christian lady is supposed to do. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [I’m an incel. What do I do?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/im-an-incel-what-do-i-do/) **Published:** August 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I’m an incel. What can I do to improve my chances of a normal life? Incel: A subculture of men who define themselves by being unable to find a sexual relationship despite wanting one Grow your interest of the world around you, educate yourself to improve your personality and ability to speak and hold a conversation. Read, watch documentaries, and be well-groomed. The more topics you are familiar with and are able to converse in the more others will take interest in you. In a word: it will improve your personality. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Life --- ### [Genesis 3:15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-3-15/) **Published:** November 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Genesis 3:15 Women do not have seed, men do. So if a woman is going to give birth of her own seed it would be a virgin birth. That birth of course would be Christ Jesus who is the one that will bruise the serpent’s head, Satan. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis --- ### [What purpose does the Bible attribute to suffering?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-the-biblical-purpose-of-suffering/) **Published:** August 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What purpose does the Bible attribute to suffering. How do passages like Romans 8:18-30 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 inform our perspective on enduring hardship and finding meaning in suffering? You are asking way too much for one response, therefore, I will only address some of the issues contained in the references you give and in the perspective of the saved. Romans 8:18 For I reckon that **the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us**. *Romans 8:28* And we know that **all things work together for good to them that love God**, to them who are the called according to his purpose. No matter what suffering or for what reason, it will be recompensed with great glory at the Lord’s coming, and all will be to the good. > *2 Corinthians 1:6* And whether we be afflicted, **it is for your consolation and salvation**, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. Christ gave himself to save others, we are expected to do the same. The Christian life is supposed to be: **Service**, **Sacrifice**, **Suffering**. We are to sacrifice whatever it takes to serve our Lord in the gospel to bring the knowledge of salvation to the lost and suffer whatever consequences that service may bring upon us. > *1 Peter 4:16* Yet **if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God** on this behalf. There are many reasons men suffer: to test and grow our faith, correction, punishment, to reach others, would be major reasons. God wants us to manifest our faith. It is difficult for anyone to take notice of your faith if living a life of comfort and bliss. It is only in adversity that faith can be manifested. Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Turn The Other Cheek](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/turn-the-other-cheek-vs-turn-a-blind-eye/) **Published:** September 6, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Why do people seem to confuse “turn the other cheek” with “turning a blind eye”? Can you explain the difference or similarity if any?** Turning a blind eye means to do nothing when you become aware of a need, wrong, or crime, refusing to render aid or be a witness. *Luke 10:30-32* And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. `31`And by chance there came down a certain **priest** that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. `32`And likewise a **Levite**, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. The priest and the Levite both turned a blind eye to the man in need. Turning the other cheek means to suffer abuse and not seek vengeance, or not to seek an eye for an eye. *Romans 12:19-21* Dearly beloved, **avenge not yourselves**, but rather **give place unto wrath**: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. `20`Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. `21`**Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Psalms 101:3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-101-3-2/) **Published:** March 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Does Psalms 101:3 mean I can’t consume media that glorify sin?** **I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes**: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalms 101:3 The computer adage garbage in, garbage out is true for our minds as well. Having trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, it is now our responsibility, our duty, to separate ourselves from the world’s way of thinking and take control of our minds and direct them in the right ways. *Romans 12:2* And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed **by the renewing of your mind**, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. *Philippians 4:8* Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, **think on these things**. As far as occupying yourselves with the worthless, the Bible admonishes to redeem our time wisely there is precious little of it. *Ephesians 5:15-16* See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 **Redeeming the time**, because the days are evil. *Romans 13:11* And that, **knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep**: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Time cannot be regained or lived over. Time and tide wait for no man. Geoffrey Chaucer ( 1340s – 1400) English poet, author > Time comes but goes as fast as it came; the Lord intends that we use it well. Remember we will all have to give an account of our use of it. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms, Questions --- ### [Deuteronomy 18:10-11](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/deuteronomy-18-10-11/) **Published:** July 7, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a **necromancer**. Deuteronomy 18:10-11 Necromancer comes from to seek or enquire at. In the sense of this verse, it is one that seeks answers from false gods, idols, or the dead, instead of the Lord. *Exodus 18:15* And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me **to enquire** of God: In this case, Moses enquires or asks the Lord; the word ‘enqurie’ comes from the same word as ‘necromancer’. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Deuteronomy --- ### [1 Kings 15:1-10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-kings-15-1-10/) **Published:** June 5, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned **Abijam** over Judah. 2Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And **his mother’s name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom**. 1 Kings 15:1-2 And Abijam slept with his fathers; and they buried him in the city of David: and **Asa** his son reigned in his stead. 9And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel reigned Asa over Judah. 10And forty and one years reigned he in Jerusalem. And **his mother’s name was Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom**. 1 Kings 15:8-10 Abijam’s mother was “Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom”, his son Asa’s mother was “Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom”. Abijam had his son Asa with his mother, “Maachah, the daughter of Abishalom”. I just go by what says. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Kings --- ### [1 Peter 2:1-3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-peter-2-1-3/) **Published:** September 7, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:1-3 The first thing one has to take note of is that verse 1-3 is the complete sentence. The sentence is the smallest unit of grammar that provides definite meaning. Everything within the sentence must be interpreted within the context of the sentence. Taking a clause or a phrase out of its sentence devoids it of any definite meaning and you can apply any meaning you like to it. That is how one gets a private interpretation. “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” Verse three is a reference to salvation. If you know God’s saving grace then what should you do. “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,” You should put off all your evil ways: malice, guile, hypocrisy, envying, and evil speaking. “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” The Bible is a complex book with many facets, many layers, going from simple instruction on how we are to live and transform ourselves by the renewing our minds through the word of God, to the more challenging developments of doctrine and understanding similitudes and prophecy. Romans 12:2 And **be not conformed to this world**: but **be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind**, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. You cannot renew your mind without the knowledge of the word of God. Amos 3:7 Surely **the Lord GOD will do nothing**, **but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. Meat – everything that God has, is, and going to do, is in the book. Hosea 12:10 KJV **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. Meat – Because of the sheer volume of what is in the book, much has to be encoded in [**similitudes**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/). We are to start by desiring the simple, the milk of the word and learn to put of malice and put on kindness, replace guile with honesty, hypocrisy with sincerity, envy with contentment, evil speaking with speaking the truth in love. Learning how to live in Christ is the milk of the word. We are not to remain babes but grow being weaned off the milk and move unto the meat of the word. Many fail in growing preferring the safety of being a babe. *1 Corinthians 3:1-3* And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2**I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able**. 3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? *Hebrews 5:12* For when for the time **ye ought to be teachers**, **ye have need that one teach you again** which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and **are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat**. Growth comes from the reading and diligent study of the Scriptures. *1 Corinthians 13:11* When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but **when I became a man, I put away childish things**. *Hebrews 5:14* But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those **who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Peter --- ### [Why do people not believe in the Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-do-people-not-believe-in-the-bible/) **Published:** September 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Why do people not believe in the Bible’s writings? The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, religious author It is the same for non-believers also. *Romans 1:21-23* Because that, **when they knew God**, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22**Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools**, 23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and **men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil**. Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Where in the Old Testament does it teach
that women are not allowed to preach?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/where-in-the-old-testament-does-it-teach-that-women-are-not-allowed-to-preach/) **Published:** September 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Let your women keep silence in the churches**: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, **as also saith the law**. *1 Corinthians 14:34* It is not just Paul’s opinion but **according to the law** also. Of course, the only law he would be speaking of is that of God as given by Moses. *1 Timothy 2:11-14* **Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection**. `12`But **I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence**. `13`For Adam was first formed, then Eve. `14`And Adam was not deceived, but **the woman being deceived was in the transgression**. It is obviously part of the punishment for Eve’s transgression, brought upon all women. This prohibition does not stop a woman from witnessing (prophesying). One of the faults of Israel was they liberated their women, kind of like America. *Isaiah 3:12* As for my people, **children are their oppressors**, and **women rule over them**. O my people, **they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths**. Please, do not impute misogyny to me. I believe men have an obligation to make it easy for women to obey their commandments by being gentle, kind, and patient. Not that I do not fail miserably at times. If men had not failed in their responsibility, most women would not have felt the need to liberate. IMHO **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Barnabas](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/barnabas/) **Published:** September 12, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The following is what we can glean from the Scriptures related to Barnabas. Act 4:36 KJV And **Joses**, who by the apostles was surnamed **Barnabas**, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a **Levite**, and of the country of **Cyprus**, Joses, named Barnabas by the apostles, was a Levite from Cyprus. Today Cyprus is an independent Republic, an island country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, but then it was part of the Roman Empire. Barnabas comes into focus when Paul returned to Jerusalem. The disciples were afraid of him, but Barnabas convinced them of Paul’s true conversion and that he had seen the risen Saviour. *Acts 9:26-27 KJV* And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but **they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple**. 27But **Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles**, and **declared unto them how he had seen the Lord** in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and **how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus**. Barnabas was an apostle and made the first missionary mission recorded in Scriptures. He is said to be a good man full of the Holy Ghost. *Acts 11:19-24 KJV* Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and **they sent forth Barnabas**, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24For **he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith**: and much people was added unto the Lord. The focus moves from Barnabas to Barnabas and Paul for a while. *Acts 11:25 KJV* **Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul**: The missionary partnership between the two begins at this time with them carrying a offering of help to the saints at Jerusalem. *Acts 11:29-30 KJV* Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30Which also they did, and sent it to the elders **by the hands of Barnabas and Saul**. After returning to Antioch from Jerusalem their missionary efforts really began and Mark enters the picture. *Act 12:25 KJV* And **Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem**, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and **took with them John, whose surname was Mark**. Acts\_13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, **the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them**. Barnabas and Paul eventually had a falling out over Mark and went their separate ways. *Acts 15:36-40 KJV* And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. 37And **Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark**. 38But **Paul thought not good to take him with them**, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39And **the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other**: and so **Barnabas took Mark**, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40And **Paul chose Silas**, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. Later Mark proved himself and Paul thought him profitable for the ministry. 2 Timothy 4:11 KJV Only Luke is with me. **Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry**. The focus fell upon Paul becoming the leader of the work and point man for organizing and explaining salvation to the Gentile Church. Romans 11:13 KJV For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as **I am the apostle of the Gentiles**, I magnify mine office: Rate this post **Categories:** People **Tags:** People --- ### [What is Truth?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-truth/) **Published:** September 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What did Pontius Pilate mean when he asked, “What is truth?” Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. John 18:37-38 Pilate was a typical self-serving politician. The truth to him is whatever served you or what you could deceive the people into believing. With that attitude, he could not know he was face to face with the truth. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. John 17:17 **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Isaiah 44:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-44-6/) **Published:** April 24, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** “Does Isaiah 44:6 reveal more than one person speaking, or is the King and the Redeemer the same ‘I Am’?” Thus saith **the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts**; **I am the first, and I am the last**; and **beside me there is no God**. Isaiah 44:6 The LORD, King of Israel, and Israel’s redeemer, the LORD of hosts, as stated In the second part of the verse are one and the same. *“I am the first, and I am the last;* *and beside me there is no God”* The second part tells us the Jesus Christ was God manifested in the flesh. *Isaiah 48:12* Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; **I am he; I am the first, I also am the last**. *Revelation 1:17-18* And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; **I am the first and the last**: `18`**I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore**, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah **Tags:** God --- ### [How does God go from the jealous God of war as in Genesis and Exodus to Jesus?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/god-of-war-to-jesus/) **Published:** September 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For I am the LORD, **I change not**; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Malachi 3:6 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, **with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning**. *James 1:17* There is no change in God from the OT to the NT. The LORD is our Creator, as such he can do whatever He desires to do with us. He has stated that he desires to save us from ourselves, our sins, our evil. However, this is not free, someone has to pay God’s law for those sins to maintain God’s holiness and righteousness. To save us He gave His Son, Christ Jesus, to pay the retribution the law required. The Bible is given to us to learn of our Maker. He is a God who is delighted by exercising lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness. *Jeremiah 9:24* But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that **I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness**, in the earth: for **in these things I delight**, saith the LORD. Those that he destroyed in the OT were those that rejected Him and all sense of decency and morality is so much that they offer their children to be bunt to death in sacrifice. *Jeremiah 19:5* They have built also the high places of Baal, **to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal**, which **I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind**: How do you know whether the LORD had not sent them warnings of his wrath to come upon them which they rejected. He sent Enoch, Noah, Jonah, to warn the people. *Jude 1:14* And **Enoch** also, the seventh from Adam, **prophesied** of these, saying, **Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints**, *2 Peter 2:5* And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; *Matthew 12:41* The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because **they repented at the preaching of Jonas**; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here. The LORD does not change which leaves us with the only biblical indication we have and that is that he warns before the impending doom. Israel is the witness and warning to the world. Did Jericho repent in sackcloth and ashes as Ninevah? *Joshua 2:9-11* And she said unto the men, **I know that the LORD hath given you the land**, and that **your terror is fallen upon us**, and that **all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you**. `10`For **we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you**, when ye came out of Egypt; and **what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites**, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom **ye utterly destroyed**. `11`And as soon as we had heard these things, **our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man**, because of you: for **the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath**. *“The LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath”*, They knew in mind that the God of the Israelites was God Almighty but did not repent. Isreal circled the city for seven days, which would have given them time to do so. What makes you think God has changed? **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** God --- ### [Wear Your Religion On Your Sleeve](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wear-your-religion-on-your-sleeve/) **Published:** September 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Verbum Domini Manet In Æternum VDMIÆ The term, “to wear your religion on your sleeve,” stems from the Reformation. In the late sixteenth century those adhering to the supremacy of the Bible over the traditions of church and men wore the initials VDMIÆ down their right sleeve designating Verbum Domini Manet In Æternum; it translates to “The Word of the Lord Endureth Forever.” D’Aubigné’s “History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century”. Those that have trusted in the virgin-birth of our Lord and Saviour, Christ Jesus, and that he died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, ought to wear our faith on our sleeves, be public Christians. Read and diligently study God’s word to strengthen your faith. > [Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/) Rate this post **Categories:** Articles --- ### [Are we obligated to keep the OT law?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-we-obligated-to-keep-the-ot-law/) **Published:** September 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; **not of the letter, but of the spirit**: for **the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life**. *2 Corinthians 3:6* For sin shall not have dominion over you: for **ye are not** under the law, but under grace. *Romans 6:14* But if ye be led of the Spirit, **ye are not under the law**. *Galatians 5:18* When considering this question, it must be understood that it is concerning our eternal state. God’s law is what condemned us, it is that which pronounced all men guilty and sentenced to death, eternal damnation. In this life, we are as all men required to keep the law of men in so far as it does not contradict the Scriptures. Christ Jesus gave himself to pay the penalty the law required for every man. The penalty being the death and damnation of all men. That penalty being satisfied, all men are considered dead as far as the law is concerned. The law has no power over dead men. Jesus bought all men out from under the law of God and now owns the sin debt that men owed to the law. As great as the mercy, grace, and sacrifice extended to men, it amounted to a simple business transaction. The law owned our sin debt and demanded payment. The law has no mercy or grace. Christ paid that debt off and ownership of the debt changed hands. This in and of itself did not save anyone from their sins. It did open the door of salvation. The new owner, God/Christ, can now extend the mercy upon men that the law would not. Salvation is a two-part system. The sin debt to the law of God had to be paid which was done en masse, all at once by Christ Jesus, now each individual must have their sins forgiven by the new owners of the debt. The lack of understanding the two-part nature of the plan of salvation has given rise to many false teachings due to not being able to reconcile the supposed contradiction of how could Christ Jesus have died to pay for the sins of the whole world and the whole world not be saved? Realizing the two-part nature of salvation answers that question. This knowledge eliminates the necessity of manufacturing non-biblical functions such as universal salvation, limited atonement, or the loss of salvation. Back to our question. We are dead to the letter of the law, hence all things are lawful for us as the law has no more power over us to condemn us. *Romans 8:1* **There is** therefore now **no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus**, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. The meaning of Romans 8’s use of in the flesh or in the Spirit is the contrasting of the lost, in the flesh, as opposed to the saved, in the Spirit. *Romans 8:8-10* So then **they that are in the flesh cannot please God**. 9But **ye are not in the flesh**, but in the Spirit, **if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now if any man have not the **Spirit of Christ**, he is none of his. 10And if **Christ** **be in you**, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. The Trinity is in this verse, God, Christ, and Spirit are all inner changeable The application of Romans 8 to individual saints living or walking correctly or not is an error. The law not having any power to condemn us is the same as all things being lawful for us. Remember, we are speaking of its effect on our eternal salvation. We are free from the bondage of the Law: never knowing if we are good enough, did we lose it, and living in the fear that we might or might not be saved. Not being able to be condemned regardless of what we do is our liberty in Christ, it frees us from the fear of dying. It is a very misunderstood biblical doctrine, once saved, always saved. *Galatians 5:1* **Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free**, and **be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage**. All may be lawful *“but”* all is not good nor proper, *“but”* we will be judge for how we used this freedom. *1 Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, **but** all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, **but** all things edify not. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; **that every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done**, whether it be good or bad**. There are a couple of “but’s” in the mix. We are to do only what is expedient to our purpose for being left after salvation to live out our lives. That purpose is to glorify God, preach the gospel, and help other saints to understand God’s word. *1 Corinthians 8:9* **But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak**. *Galatians 5:13* For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; **only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh**, but by love serve one another. *1 Peter 2:15-16* For so is the will of God, that **with well doing** ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: **16As free**, and **not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness**, but as the servants of God. We are given the two precepts of the Spirit of the law to guide us. *Matthew 22:37-40* Jesus said unto him, **Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind**. 38This is the first and great commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. **40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets**. These two precepts or principles are all we need to live a lawful, holy, righteous, lives. The love of God will restrain from doing anything that will be displeasing to him or bring distain upon his name. To love others as yourself is to not do unto others what you would not want done to you and to do unto others as you would have done unto you. There are two sides to loving your neighbor: not to do harm to them at any time, and to render aid to them when they are in need. In answer to the question, no we are not obligated or in bondage to keep the letter of the law, but are required to keep the Spirit of the law. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Are Angels Immortal?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-angels-immortal/) **Published:** September 20, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: 36**Neither can they die** any more: for they are **equal unto the angels**; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Luke 20:34-36 But we see Jesus, who was **made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death**, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9 Not being able to die is why, or at least one reason why, Angels are called gods. *Psalms 82:1 A Psalm of Asaph.* God standeth in the congregation of **the mighty**; he judgeth among **the gods**. *Psalms 82:6-7* I have said, **Ye are gods**; and all of you are children of the most High. 7But **ye shall die like men**, and fall like one of the princes. Although angels cannot die it does not mean they have eternal life. As we are changed in the resurrection and move up equal with the angels except with the promise of eternal life, the naughty angels get moved down and die like men. This means that even if they cannot die, they are not immortal, have the promise of eternal life, believers in Christ Jesus have. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised **incorruptible**, and **we shall be changed**. 53For this corruptible must put on **incorruption**, and this mortal must put on **immortality**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Famine of Hearing the Word of the LORD](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/famine-of-hearing-the-word-of-the-lord/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that **I will send a famine** in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but **of hearing the words of the LORD**: 12And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it. Amos 8:11-12 ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/KJV-front.webp "KJV-front") This prophecy is fulfilled today. Running from translation to translation but never able to say here we have the word of God. This is a better translation, it should have been translated this way, this manuscript is older than that one, my scholarship is better than your scholarship, we are lost is a sea of confusion. English readers have access to more translations of the Bible than readers of any other language. The American Bible Society estimates that there have been around 900 full and partial biblical translations into English. Naturally, that staggering number isn’t readily available, but you can easily order more than 50 different translations in your favorite bookstore, and many more can be found in used bookstores and libraries. As can be seen from the responses you have received as with this same question each time it is asked confusion reigns over the issue. I will send a famine in the land, of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, to seek the word of the LORD, **and shall not find it**. This prophecy is fulfilled today. Running from translation to translation but never able to say here we have the word of God. This is a better translation, it should have been translated this way, this manuscript is older than that one, my scholarship is better than your scholarship, we are lost is a sea of confusion. English readers have access to more translations of the Bible than readers of any other language. The American Bible Society estimates that there have been around 900 full and partial biblical translations into English. Naturally, that staggering number isn’t readily available, but you can easily order more than 50 different translations in your favorite bookstore, and many more can be found in used bookstores and libraries. **[10 Bible Translations You’ve Never Heard Of](https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/march/10-bible-translations-youve-never-heard-of.html)** If God did not preserve his word from the originals through copies and translations then we do not have his word. Men have forsaken and lost his word from time to time but God has always preserved it and brought it forth in the manner he chooses and in His timing. 2 Kings 22:8 And Hilkiah the high priest said unto Shaphan the scribe, **I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD**. And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. *Jeremiah 36:27-28* Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah, after that the king had burned the roll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying, 28**Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll**, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned. If God did not preserve his word from the originals through copies and translations then we do not have his word. Men have forsaken and lost his word occasionally, but God has always preserved it and brought it forth in the manner he chooses and in His timing. *Jeremiah 36:28* **Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll**, which Jehoiakim **the king of Judah hath burned**. I am not looking for the best translation man can come up with. I am looking for the one God preserved and has revealed to be His. God chose to take 1,600 +/- years to complete and compile the OT and the same for the NT. God does things like repeating history to reveal his hand in things. No one has ever confessed that they have the inerrant preserved word of God in their hands unless holding a King James (Jacob) Version. Maybe they are crazy, maybe we just do not have God’s word anywhere in any translation?? The King James Bible is the most loved, lauded, hated, disparaged, version of the Bible there is. Whatever is thought of it, it remains the center of the controversy. For more responses on the subject see the following: > [Which Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-bibl/) Rate this post **Categories:** Translations **Tags:** Translations --- ### [Why Read the King James Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-read-the-king-james-bible/) **Published:** August 13, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The KJV is overwhelmingly, IMHO, the most accurate translation of the Bible. It is more than that, but for the purposes of responding to your question it is good enough. The KJV is written in the same English you speak today. You may have to increase your vocabulary as you read, but that is a good thing. Here is a sampling of statements in support of the KJV. **Literal Translation** The KJV is an essentially literal translation. Many new translations (NIV, NLT) are based on a translation philosophy called “Dynamic Equivalence” made popular by Eugene Nida of the American Bible Society. With Dynamic Equivalence, translators act as interpreters rather than translators. Thus readers of these dynamic translations end up reading the interpretations of scholars rather than the actual biblical text. The NKJV, NASB and ESV are also essentially literal translations. **Person Distinction** The KJV uses “thou” and “ye” and inflected verbs to distinguish between the second person singular and the second person plural. “Thou, thee, thy” refer to one person whereas “ye, you, your” refer to more than one person. Other modern languages such as Spanish (“tú” and “vosotros”), French (“tu” and “vous”), German (“du” and “ihr”) and Chinese (“” and “”) still maintain this distinction. Without this grammatical distinction, the reader cannot identify whether an individual or a group is being spoken of in passages such as Exodus 4:15, Exodus 29:42, 2 Samuel 7:23, Matthew 26:64, Luke 22:31-32, John 3:7, 1 Corinthians 8:9-12, 2 Timothy 4:22, Titus 3:15, Philemon 21-25. See – [Why Read the Bible in the King James Version? – KJV Today](https://www.kjvtoday.com/read-bible-in-king-james-version/) {On the KJV} “If accuracy and strictest attention to the letter of the text be supposed to constitute an excellent version, this is of all versions the most excellent.” Alexander Geddes 1737-1802 Scottish, Catholic Biblical Scholar > There is no English in the world equal to that found in the 1611 Bible. … Whether the original text was inspired or not, I have never felt any doubt as to the divine inspiration of the version of 1611. “Reading the Bible”, The Mackmillan Co., 1919″: William Lyon Phelps 1865-1943 Lampson professor of English literature at Yale > > And they constantly regret the increasing tendency, noticeable in our churches, to replace the Authorised Version, which gave us all, perhaps more than all, the poetry and moving quality of the original, by the Revised, which sacrifices these things to a grammatical pedantry of intellectual precision. It is safe to prophesy that if the Bible is ever to be restored to the place it occupied a hundred years ago in the hearts and memories of the English people it will not be through the medium of the Revised Version. It is poetry, not logical grammatical accuracy, that moves and wins men, and that not only by its beauty, but by its higher and more essential truth.” > ``` > Literary Supplement of the London Times, July 4, 1918   > ``` > [Why is the Bible so Cryptic?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/bible-cryptic/) Rate this post **Categories:** Translations **Tags:** Translations --- ### [Any hint in the Bible why John Mark left Paul and Barnabas went back to Jerusalem?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/any-hint-in-the-bible-why-john-mark-left-paul-and-barnabas-went-back-to-jerusalem/) **Published:** September 20, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and **John departing from them returned to Jerusalem**. > > *Acts 13:13 KJV* I can only assume as everyone else. I am of the opinion that John Mark was a young man and not quite ready for the rigors of Paul’s ministry. A few years later he was and although Paul would not take him, Barnabas did. *Acts 15:37-38* And **Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark**. 38 But **Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work**. *Acts 15:37-39* And **Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark**. 38 But **Paul thought not good to take him with them**, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so **Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cypru**s; Mark proved his worth with Barnabas and later with Paul. *2 Timothy 4:11* Only Luke is with me. **Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry**. As I stated, one can but assume, and I think my assumption fits the Scriptures. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Are we spiritually blind?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-we-are-spiritually-blind/) **Published:** September 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **If the Bible is a spiritual book that needs interpretation then does that mean we are spiritually blind? Who blinds us?** *2 Corinthians 4:3-4* But if our gospel be hid, **it is hid to them that are lost**: 4In whom **the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not**, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. *Ephesians 4:17-19* This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18**Having the understanding darkened**, being alienated from the life of God **through the ignorance that is in them**, because of **the blindness of their heart**: 19Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. The gospel, if they choose to believe it, will open their eyes. *Acts 26:16-18* But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18**To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God**, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. We have the power to command our hearts to seek God or reject Him. God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. Blaise Pascal 1623-1662; Christian, French Mathematician, Physicist The knowledge of God and salvation must start in heart belief. *Romans 10:9-10* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Is Hell Literal and Forever?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-hell-literal-forever/) **Published:** September 27, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I am often asked whether hell is literal and is it forever? *Isaiah 66:24* And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for **their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched**; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. The Lord comments on how horrible it is to be cast into hell. *Mark 9:43-48* And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands **to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched**: 44**Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. 45And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to **be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched**: 46**Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. 47And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to **be cast into hell fire**: 48**Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. I am not sure that the Lord could have made it any plainer. Hell is real and forever. We who have trusted in Christ Jesus to the saving of our souls need to witness to others of this horrible fate. It is the reason we are left here. *Revelation 20:15* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life **was cast into the lake of fire**. The corruption of man is so great that if they think that the consequence of rejecting God and his salvation will be less than eternal or just some separation from God, they will not fear nor see the need or urgency in salvation. Even if they think that burning in the lake of fire will not be for eternity, they will imagine coming out the other side and thumbing their nose at God saying, “Is that all you got?” We have an eternal God and to reject and rebel against him is to spit in his face and wish he were dead. Eternal damnation is the only proper consequence to such. As long as the God you rejected lives, you will suffer his wrath. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Hell --- ### [Psalms 37:8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-37-8/) **Published:** October 2, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Cease from anger**, and **forsake wrath**: **fret not thyself in any wise to do evil**. > > *Psalms 37:8* > > *James 1:19-20* Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, **slow to wrath**: `20`For **the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God**. Anger does not help in any situation. Do not fret, or worry, yourself into doing something rash, evil. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Author of Job?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/author-of-job/) **Published:** October 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Questions arise as to the authorship of one book or another. Here the authorship of the book of Job is examined. *Job 32:2* Then was kindled the wrath of **Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite**, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. If I had to guess, I would say Elihu wrote the book. He shows up out of nowhere in chapter 32 but it becomes obvious that he was there the whole time. He also speaks for God. Take note also that no rebuke is directed toward him as the other three. He does not need Job to pray for him. *Job 42:7-8* And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, **My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends**: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. 8Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and **my servant Job shall pray for you**: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. Elihu disappears as he appeared. We do not know where he came from or where he went. He is a strange fellow. I would bet on him as the author of the book. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Job, Questions --- ### [2 Timothy 2:10 - The Elect](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-timothy-2-10-the-elect/) **Published:** December 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Who is the “The Elect” in 2nd Timothy 2 verse 10?** > Therefore I endure all things **for the elect’s** sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. *2 Timothy 2:10* Elect means to choose, the elect are those God has chosen. The question is who has God chosen? The predestinationist will say the elect were chosen before the world began. That would not be biblically correct. The self-righteous say that those who keep the law are his elect. This too would be biblically incorrect also. *Romans 9:16* So then ***it is*** not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but **of God that sheweth mercy**. But, to whom will show mercy? *John 6:39* And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 40 And **this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him**, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. *John 3:15–18* That **whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that **whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18**He that believeth on him** is not condemned: but **he that believeth not** is condemned already, because **he hath not believed** in the name of the only begotten Son of God. *Romans 9:31* But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. 32Wherefore? **Because *they sought it* not by faith**, but as it were by the works of the law. For **they stumbled at that stumblingstone**; 33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and **whosoever believeth on him** shall not be ashamed. The elect are whosoever believeth. Many still stumble at the stumblingstone. *1 John 5:12* **He that hath the Son hath life**; *and* **he that hath not the Son of God hath not life**. The elect are all those who have believed and all those who shell yet believe of their own free will choice to do so. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Timothy **Tags:** Salvation, Theology --- ### [James 3:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/james-314/) **Published:** December 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. *James 3:14* If you keep the context of the whole chapter, it is speaking of controlling ourselves. To do this we need to put on the new man in Christ and walk in charity and humility. If our hearts are not right with God this cannot be done. `Philippians 1:15 `Some indeed preach Christ **even of envy and strife**; and some also of good will: If you envy and lust after what others have, you will be causing strife and contentions trying to tear down others. *Galatians 5:14-16* For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. `15`But **if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another**. `16`This I say then, **Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh**. *Romans 13:13* **Let us walk honestly, as in the day**; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, **not in strife and envying**. *1 Corinthians 3:3* For **ye are yet carnal**: for **whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men**? Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** James --- ### [Colossians 2:8 - Philosophy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-2-8-2/) **Published:** October 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Beware lest any man **spoil you through philosophy** and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Colossians 2:8 In terms of biblical studies, philosophizing is the opposite of diligent study. It is to reason out (dream up) a solution or interpretation of a passage or issue, controversy, or contradiction that seems to satisfy the perceived understanding rather than diligently studying, comparing Scripture with Scripture. As an example: Augustinian/Calvinistic predestination of individual salvation is a philosophical contrivance. When faced with the apparent contradiction that if Christ Jesus died for all, but all are not saved, it was philosophized that he could not have died for all and all not be saved, therefore He did not die for all but a limited prechosen few. Universalism took the opposite philosophical track and determined that if He died for all, then all must be saved eventually, excluding eternal punishment. A theological method to deal with the apparent contradiction would be to diligently study which leads to the biblical answer of the[ **dual nature**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dual-nature-of-salvation/) of the plan of salvation. Some try to remove the person of Jesus Christ teaching that all He is a mythological or literary device and that all we need are the teachings. This is vain deceit using *“vain deceit, after the tradition of men”* to misdirect from the truth. The teachings are to show how badly we need a Saviour, Jesus. *Colossians 2:10* And **ye are complete in him**, which is **the head of all principality and power**: We are **[complete in him](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-2-10-12/)**; we do not need anything more or anyone else. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Exodus 20:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/exodus-20-16/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exodus 20:16 *Proverbs 6:19* **A false witness that speaketh lies**, and he that soweth discord among brethren. *Proverbs 14:5* A faithful witness will not lie: but **a false witness will utter lies**. *Matthew 19:18* He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, **Thou shalt do no murder**, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, **Thou shalt not bear false witness**, In the last reference the Lord establishes the correct interpretation of *“thou shalt not kill”* as *“thou shalt do no murder”*. He could have corrected bearing false witness to thou shalt not lie if he needed to ensure a proper interpretation; which He did not do. Bearing false witness is lying to cause damage or hurt to another. It is perjuring oneself in a court or official document, lying about someone as in false gossip, etc. It is lying to someone else’s hurt. If someone ask me if I am feeling alright and I say yes even though I feel horrible, it may not be the truth but it is not bearing false witness. If the Nazis come to my house asking if I have any Jews hidden in the wall and I say no, even though there are, this is not being a false witness. Your lie did not hurt the Nazis nor anyone else. *“Thou shalt not bear false witness”* is correct as is. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Exodus **Tags:** Law --- ### [Jeremiah 32:35 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jeremiah-3235/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > [What does the Bible mean by causing their sons to pass through the fire?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-does-the-bible-mean-by-causing-their-sons-to-pass-through-the-fire/) Rate this post **Categories:** Jeremiah **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Literal or Metaphorical?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/literal-or-metaphorical/) **Published:** October 10, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How much of the Bible based on fact, How much should be taken metaphorically? As any other writing, unless you are told it is not literal, take it literally unless there is no way possible to do so. *Matthew 13:3* And **he spake many things unto them in parables**, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; Many things in the Bible although literal or historical fact are still similitudes, prophecies of future events. *Hosea 12:10* **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. > [Why is the Bible so Cryptic?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/bible-cryptic/) > [Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/7-precepts-understanding-bible/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Titus 2:13](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/titus-2-13/) **Published:** October 11, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > Looking for that **blessed hope**, and **the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ**; > > *Titus 2:13* Our blessed hope is the return of our Lord and our full redemption. What we have now is the earnest of our salvation, the guarantee, of our salvation. It is at the Lord return we put off this corruption and put on incorruption. *Romans 8:22-24* For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. `23`And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. `24`For **we are saved by hope**: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? It is at the Lord’s return and calling out of the Church, the Rapture or Translation of the Church, that we receive our new bodies. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, `52`In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and **the dead shall be raised incorruptible**, and **we shall be changed**. `53`For **this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality**. This is our blessed hope. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Titus **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Exodus 20:8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/exodus-20-8/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8 There are always those that desire to put us back under the letter of the law. *Galatians 2:4* And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out **our liberty** which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might **bring us into bondage**: Our liberty in Christ is being free from the law of sin and death, that is the law has no power to condemn us any more. The Church, body of Christ, is not compelled to keep the Sabbath. *Colossians 2:16* **Let no man therefore judge you** in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or **of the sabbath days**: Those that say we are compelled to keep the Sabbath never seem to provide any consequence for not keeping it. Do they think you will loose salvation if you fail to keep it? That would constitute salvation by works, which is why we are not compelled to keep the Sabbath or any of the laws. *Corinthians 6:12* **All things are lawful unto me**, but all things are not expedient: **all things are lawful for me,** but I will not be brought under the power of any. All things are lawful in that the law cannot condemn us as we are dead to the law in Christ. *Corinthians 10:23* All things are lawful for me, **but** all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, **but** all things edify not. All things may be lawful **but** all are not expedient or edifying. Expedient to what purpose? Our witness of the saving grace of Christ Jesus. The law and its strictures and punishments were part of the Old Covenant made with the nation of Isreal. They are there today to learn from not to be in bondage to. But remember, we have to stand at the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of our lives. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that **every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. Keeping the Sabbath or not keeping it will not be on the list for judgment. What you do every day will. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Exodus **Tags:** Law --- ### [Ecclesiastes 9:5-6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-9-5-6/) **Published:** December 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For the living **know that they shall die**: but **the dead know not any thing**, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. `6`Also **their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished**; neither have **they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun**. *Ecclesiastes 9:5-6* The context of Ecclesiastes is the physical world, under the sun, or man’s view point. If you remember this you will have less trouble interpreting the book. We all know we are going to die and from our stand point the dead are just dead, know nothing. They have no more to do with the living. It makes no difference any more what they loved, hated, envied, etc. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes **Tags:** Life, Theology --- ### [Psalm 23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalm-23/) **Published:** July 3, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > The Lord is my Shepherd > — That’s Relationship! > I shall not want > — That’s Supply! > He maketh me to lie down in green pastures > — That’s Rest! > He leadeth me beside the still waters > — That’s Refreshment! > He restoreth my soul > — That’s Healing! > He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness > — That’s Guidance! > For His name sake > — That’s Purpose! > Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death > — That’s Testing! > I will fear no evil > — That’s Protection! > For Thou art with me That’s > — Faithfulness! > Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me > — That’s Discipline! > Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies > — That’s Hope! > Thou annointest my head with oil > — That’s Consecration! > My cup runneth over > — That’s Abundance! > Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life > — That’s Blessing! > And I will dwell in the house of the Lord > — That’s Security! > Forever > — That’s Eternity! *Unknown* Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [What is the Forbidden Fruit](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-the-forbidden-fruit/) **Published:** November 3, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** What is the forbidden fruit on the tree acknowledge, was it not an Apple? But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. Genesis 3:3 The Bible does not say specifically, but a grape might just fit the bill. *Numbers 6:3-4* He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, **neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried**. 4All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of **the vine tree**, from the kernels even to the husk. A vine is a tree and grapes are the only fruit forbidden at times. *Judges 13:14* **She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine**, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe. Grape juice is also a type of blood. *Deuteronomy 32:14* Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink **the pure blood of the grape**. So if I had to say, I would say the forbidden fruit was a grape. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [1 Peter 1:3-5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-peter-1-3-5/) **Published:** November 3, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Verse 3–5 constitute one sentence. To correctly interpret a verse you must keep it in the context of its sentence. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. *1 Peter 1:3-5* The resurrection is the proof that engenders life in our hope of salvation. *1 Corinthians 15:19-20* If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20**But now is Christ risen from the dead**, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. We have an incorruptible inheritance reserved for us. *1 Corinthians 2:9* But as it is written, **Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him**. We are waiting to receive our full salvation. *Romans 8:23* And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, **waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body**. We have not yet receive our salvation but have the promise, the earnest of the Holy Spirit which we are sealed with until the day of our redemption. Ephesians 1:13-14 KJV In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also **after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, 14**Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession**, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 4:30 KJV And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby **ye are sealed unto the day of redemption**. We receive full salvation at the time our bodies are redeemed and changed to have a body like unto Christ our Saviour. When does this take place, you ask? *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. *1 Thessalonians 4:16-17* For **the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout**, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and **the dead in Christ shall rise first**: 17**Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the cloud**s, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. We receive the redemption of our bodies and full salvation at the Rapture, or if you prefer the Translation, of the Church. I do not agree with those that deny the rapture, it is the day of our redemption. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Peter --- ### [Does a divorce bar from becoming a pastor?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/does-a-divorce-bar-from-becoming-a-pastor/) **Published:** November 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The question of whether a divorce under any situation disqualifies a man form being a Pastor comes up quite often. It must be understood that Pastor and Bishop are not biblically the same as many teach, which is another study concerning the correct organization of a Christian assembly. Anyone one who feeds the flock would be a Pastor, but a Bishop is chosen from the elders to be the chief elder in the oversight of an assembly or location. The oversight of the Church is not a one man job, neither is it a career for young men to follow. *1 Timothy 3:2* **A bishop then must be** blameless, **the husband of one wife**, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Many erroneously interpret *“the husband of one wife”* to mean only having been married once. This of course would exempt divorced men. The correct interpretation is not being polygamous. When the Scriptures want to make the distinction it can. *1 Timothy 5:9* Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, **having been the wife of one man**, Being the husband of one wife is different than being the husband of one woman. Supose a polygamous gets saved, he cannot be a Bishop. If a divorce is biblically sanctified why would it bar a man from the office? **1 Corinthians 7:15** But **if the unbelieving depart, let him depart**. **A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases**: but God hath called us to peace. The bondage, of course, is the law of marriage. *Matthew 19:9* And I say unto you, **Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery**: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. *Romans 7:2* For the woman which hath an husband **is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth**; but **if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Leviticus 10:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/leviticus-10-1/) **Published:** November 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered **strange fire** before the LORD, **which he commanded them not**. Leviticus 10:1 *Numbers 3:3-4* These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests which were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. `4`And **Nadab and Abihu died before the LORD, when they offered strange fire before the LORD**, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father. *Numbers 26:61* And **Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the LORD**. Strange in the Bible means that God did not command it to be done. *Exodus 30:9* Ye shall offer **no strange incense** thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon. *1 Kings 11:1* But king Solomon loved many **strange women**, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; *Ezra 10:2* And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken **strange wives of the people of the land**: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. *Joshua 24:20* If ye forsake the LORD, and serve **strange gods**, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. Any nation that is not Israel is a strange nation, anything God has not commanded is strange, marrying women of other nations are strange wives, etc. *Exodus 21:8* If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: **to sell her unto a strange nation** he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her. We sanctify the Lord by keeping His commandments or by suffering the punishment for not doing so. *Leviticus 10:2-3* And there went out **fire from the LORD, and devoured them**, and they died before the LORD. 3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, **I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me**, and before all the people **I will be glorified**. And Aaron held his peace. *Deuteronomy 12:32* What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: **thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Leviticus --- ### [2 John 1:5-6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-john-1-5-6/) **Published:** November 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 6And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 2 John 1:5-6 John is merely stating that Christians should walk by the commandment to love one another and that this is the original commandment from the beginning. *John 15:12* This is my commandment, **That ye love one another, as I have loved you**. *1 Thessalonians 4:9* But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for **ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 John --- ### [Genesis 3:3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-3-3/) **Published:** November 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. Genesis 3:3 The Bible does not say specifically what the forbidden fruit is but a grape might just fit the bill. *Numbers 6:3-4* He shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, **neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or dried**. 4All the days of his separation shall he eat nothing that is made of **the vine tree**, from the kernels even to the husk. A vine is a tree and grapes are the only fruit forbidden at times. *Judges 13:14* **She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine**, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe. Grape juice is also a type of blood. *Deuteronomy 32:14* Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat of lambs, and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou didst drink **the pure blood of the grape**. So if I had to say, I would say the forbidden fruit was a grape. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis --- ### [Colossians 1:27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-1-27/) **Published:** June 1, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is **Christ in you, the hope of glory**: Colossians 1:26-27 *Ephesians 1:13* In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, **ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise**, It is speaking of the mystery of the Spirit indwelling the believer. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Christ and if it is in you, Christ is in you. *Romans 8:9-10* But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, **if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now **if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his**. 10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians --- ### [3 John 1:2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/3-john-1-2/) **Published:** November 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 John 1:2 *3 John 1:3-4* For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. Your soul prospering is speaking or your spiritual health and prosperity which is determined by whether you love God and live right and serve the Lord. It was reported to John that Gaius was saved and walking in the faith. His soul was prospering for this. John desired that his health would prosper even as his soul was. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 3 John --- ### [Longsuffering](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/longsuffering/) **Published:** November 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **How would you define Long suffering?** But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, **longsuffering**, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. *Galatians 5:22-23* Longsuffering is to patiently put up with for a goodly amount of time, to either give one enough rope to hang oneself or enough time to come to one’s senses. It should be done in the hope of the latter. *2 Peter 3:9* The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but **is longsuffering to us-ward**, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The Lord not being slack means there is a reason he has not brought judgment upon the world as yet not that he is slacking off on his promise of it. The reason is he is patiently waiting, longsuffering, putting up with us, giving men a chance. It is an attribute of God and being in his image one we should also strive for. *Exodus 34:6* And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, **longsuffering**, and abundant in goodness and truth, **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Genesis 1:3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-1-3/) **Published:** July 2, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. Genesis 1:3 You always get someone who will state that the Bible is a fable as you can’t have light the first day and the sun being made on the fourth day. - Light – The Electromagnetic Spectrum (energy) The sun is not needed for light. *Revelation 22:5* And there **shall be no** night there; and they need no candle, neither **light of the sun**; for **the Lord God giveth them light**: and they shall reign for ever and ever. So there is no need for all the confusion. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis, Vilipendencies --- ### [Exodus 4:22-25](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/exodus-4-22-25/) **Published:** October 7, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, **Israel is my son, even my firstborn**: `23`And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, **I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn**. `24`And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that **the LORD met him, and sought to kill him**. `25`Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and **cut off the foreskin of her son**, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. *Exodus 4:22-25* The Lord was going to kill Gershom, Moses’ firstborn, as Moses had not circumcised him according to God’s command to Abraham. *1 Chronicles 23:15* The sons of Moses were, **Gershom**, and Eliezer. *Genesis 17:10-11* This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; **Every man child among you shall be circumcised**. `11`And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and **it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Exodus **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Exodus 3:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/exodus-3-14/) **Published:** October 10, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And God said unto Moses, **I AM THAT I AM**: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, **I AM** hath sent me unto you. *Exodus 3:14* It is the designation that God gave of himself to Moses. It answers the question of who and where did God come from. I AM – no beginning, no end, he just is what he is. I AM, have always been, always will be. I AM, I IS, I ARE, I BE, there is none else except Me. Some would say that you cannot know any more about God but that would not be biblical. *Romans 1:20* For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even **his eternal power and Godhead**; so that they are without excuse: I firmly believe at this late date, that is being in the last days, some scientist out there somewhere have figured it out and it is just not getting out. *Romans 1:21* Because that, **when they knew God, they glorified him not as God**, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. But it is be coming more difficult to deny him. The complexity of life’s foundation has paralyzed science’s attempt to account for it; molecular machines raise an as-yet-impenetrable barrier to Darwinism’s universal reach. Darwin’s Black Box; Michael J. Behe, Touchstone Simon & Schuster 1996 ISBN 0-684-82754-9 Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Exodus **Tags:** God --- ### [Exodus 15:18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/exodus-15-18/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The LORD shall reign for ever and ever. Exodus 15:18 *Deuteronomy 32:39-40* See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. 40For **I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever**. *Isaiah 57:15* For thus saith the high and lofty One **that inhabiteth eternity**, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. The God of the Bible is the great **I AM**, always was, is, and always will be. *Exodus 3:14* And God said unto Moses, **I AM THAT I AM**: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, **I AM** hath sent me unto you. No one knows what eternity is. It is where God is. It has no beginning and no ending. *Hebrews 4:12-13* For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13**Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do**. I tremble at his word, I suggest everyone do the same. *Psalms 99:1* The LORD reigneth; **let the people tremble**: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. *Jeremiah 5:22* **Fear ye not me**? saith the LORD: **will ye not tremble at my presence**, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? *Daniel 6:26* I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom **men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel:** for **he is the living God**, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and **his dominion shall be even unto the end**. *James 2:19* Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, **and tremble**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Exodus **Tags:** God --- ### [Ecclesiastes 6:9](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-6-9/) **Published:** November 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire**: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. *Ecclesiastes 6:9* It is better to be content with what you have, what is in your sight, than to be constantly lusting after what you do not have, e.g., the grass is always greener on the other side the fence. The continual feeling of deprivation vexes the soul. Make the best of what you have. *1 Timothy 6:6-8* But **godliness with contentment is great gain**. `7`For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. `8`And **having food and raiment let us be therewith content**. The serenity of contentment cannot be surpassed by obtaining your lust. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes **Tags:** Life --- ### [Ezekiel 37:16-17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ezekiel-37-16-17/) **Published:** January 31, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For **Judah, and for the children of Israel** his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For **Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions**: `17`And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. *Ezekiel 37:16-17* The nation of Israel was divided in the course of God judging them. The 10 northern tribes went into captivity first and spread throughout the world. These tribes are called Joseph and Ephraim. The southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin were taken later into Babylon. In the millennium, the one-thousand-year reign of Christ on earth, the nation of Israel will be joined back together and be restored. *Ezekiel 37:19* Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and **make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand**. *Ezekiel 37:22* And **I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel**; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: Rate this post **Categories:** Ezekiel **Tags:** Theology --- ### [The Wise Men](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-wise-men/) **Published:** March 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The location of the wise men’s home, also known as the Magi, is a topic of debate and speculation. In Christian tradition, the wise men are said to have traveled from the East to visit the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. However, the Bible does not provide specific details about their homeland or origin. They themselves are not numbered; there being three is derived at from the three gifts. There is no reason for the debate. If God wanted us to know or it was germane to the what the Lord was trying to tell us, He would has told us. Over the centuries, various traditions and legends have emerged, associating the wise men with specific countries or regions. For example, in some traditions, they are referred to as Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, and each is associated with a different region. Melchior is often associated with Persia, Caspar with India, and Balthazar with Arabia. By my rudimentary calculations, the only place that would have taken close to two years to travel is the far reaches of China, home of the Han Chinese. The history of the Han Chinese people spans over four thousand years, back to the tower of Babel. The Silk Road was well in use at the time of Christ. *Matthew 2:11* And when they were come into the house, they saw **the young child** with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. *Matthew 2:16* Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, **from two years old** and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. I am not making any claims, I will leave that for better minds, but if it did take close to two years to arrive they would have had to have come a long way. It is a curious factoid. Nonetheless, the Lord may not have wanted them there until two years later and not shown the star until then. As I stated it is a dubious topic of discussion. Rate this post **Categories:** People --- ### [2 Samuel 24:1 & 1 Chronicles 21:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-samuel-24-1-1-chronicles-21-1/) **Published:** March 9, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And again the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and **he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah**. 2 Samuel 24:1 And **Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel**. 1 Chronicles 21:1 God simply used Satan to do his bidding. Here is another example. *1 Kings 22:20-22* And the LORD said, **Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead**? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. 21And **there came forth a spirit, and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him**. 22And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, **I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets**. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. The Bible does not contradict, it just gives more information in different places. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Chronicles, 2 Samuel **Tags:** Theology --- ### [2 Peter 2:10-21](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ii-peter-2-10-21/) **Published:** July 10, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 11Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. 12But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; 13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; 14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: 15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; 16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man’s voice forbad the madness of the prophet. 17These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. 18For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. 19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 20For **if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning**. 21For **it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them**. 2 Peter 2:10-21 **See the following:** > [Liberty In Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ-2/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Peter **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Colossians 1:15-17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-1-15/) **Published:** June 4, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Who is the image of the invisible God, the **firstborn of every creature**: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the **firstborn from the dead**; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Colossians 1:15-18 *Acts 26:23* That Christ should suffer, and that he should be **the first that should rise from the dead**, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles. *1 Corinthians 15:20* But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become **the firstfruits of them that slept**. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the firstborn, firstborn from the dead. His resurrection was on the Feast of Firstfruits. Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and **the first begotten of the dead**, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians --- ### [Repeal the 17th Amendment](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/repeal-the-17th-amendment/) **Published:** November 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **U.S. Constitution** **Article I.** **Section 3**. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, **chosen by the Legislature thereof**, for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote. **AMENDMENT XVII.** The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each state, **elected by the people thereof**, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. In 1913 the 17th Amendment changed five words in the Constitution ignoring the wisdom of our founding fathers. We went from being a government Of the People, By the People, For the People, to one Of the Money, By the Money, For the Money. Being popularly elected created the need for campaign contributions which opened the way for Big Money to influence the course of legislation and created the Lobbying Industrial Complex which desired to pull the strings of independent Senators. Recent figures suggest that annual spending on lobbying the U.S. federal government, including the Senate, consistently exceeds four billion dollars. There is no doubt that the people behind the lobbying want something for their money. Am I against lobbying, no. I am against the 17th amendment which took the necessity of lobbying the people directly and the State Legislatures and concentrated their efforts and money on independent individual Senators. Repealing the 17th Amendment would take the money out of the Senate. Senators would be chosen by the State Legislators who are directly elected by the people. This also would have the added effect of eliminating candidates that deceive the people by saying one thing and doing another as they would be well known to the State Legislators: Rinos for example. We can have no sense of permanence in legislation as long as Senators are agents of the highest bidder and not the States. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Politics --- ### [Able](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/able/) **Published:** November 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Genesis 4:2* And she again bare his brother Abel. And **Abel was a keeper of sheep**, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. Abel was a shepherd. Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of **righteous Abel** unto between the temple and the altar. Able was righteous. *Luke 11:50-51* That the blood of all **the prophets**, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51From **the blood of Abel** unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation. Abel was a Prophet. *Hebrews 11:4* **By faith Abel** offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which **he obtained witness that he was righteous**, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Abel was a man of faith. Rate this post **Categories:** People **Tags:** People --- ### [Two Rulers of Synagogue?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/two-rulers-of-synagogur/) **Published:** November 22, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Why are there two different names given for the chief ruler of the synagogue in Acts 18 verses 8 and 17?** And **Crispus**, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. Acts 18:8 Then all the Greeks took **Sosthenes**, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. Acts 18:17 This is easily explained if you read the verses in between those two. If it is the same synagogue it is 18 months later; they could have a new chief. *Acts 18:9-11* Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11And **he continued there a year and six months**, teaching the word of God among them. Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Where are the waters above the firmament?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/where-are-the-waters-above-the-firmament/) **Published:** December 1, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **What exactly happened to the waters above the firmament?** I can only surmise. *Genesis 1:2* And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of **the deep**. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. The universe is surrounded by water, the deep. It is where the floodwaters came from. *Genesis 8:2* `KV `**The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped**, and **the rain from heaven was restrained**; The original creation Genesis 1:1 was not separated from God; He dwelt within his creation and thus shall it be at the end with the new earth and heaven. We will go full circle. The restored creation (the six days) left it buried under the waters of the deep separating the third heaven, God, from us. That is what baptism is a picture of, being dead, buried under the deep, and being resurrected up through the water to be in fellowship with God. *Job 38:30* The waters are hid as with a stone, and **the face of the deep is frozen**. *Revelation 4:6* And before the throne there **was a sea of glass like unto crystal**: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind. *Revelation 15:2* And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, **stand on the sea of glass**, having the harps of God. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [1 Samuel 17:4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-samuel-17-4/) **Published:** May 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **How tall was Goliath?** And there went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was **six cubits and a span**. *1 Samuel 17:4* A cubit is the length from your elbow to the tip of your longest finger. Currently, as far as I am aware, there are a couple of competing cubits, 18″, 21″, or 24″. Of course if you were using Goliath cubit it would be a bit more. A span is 4″ to 6″. > A 18″ cubit would be = 9′ + a span of 4″, 6″ = top end 9″ 6″ > A 21″ cubit would be = 10′ 6″ + a span of 4″, 6″ = top end 11′ > A 24″ cubit would be = 12′ + a span of 4″ = 12′ 6′ Goliath is not said to be a giant but a son of the giant. *1 Chronicles 20:6* And yet again there was war at Gath, where was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and six on each foot: and he also was **the son of the giant**. Apparently, there was somebody bigger somewhere. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 Samuel --- ### [Hebrews Chapters 6 & 10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hebrews-chapters-6-10/) **Published:** July 10, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. Hebrews 6:9 **S**ee the study: **[Liberty in Christ / Hebrews Chapters 6 & 10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/liberty-in-christ/)** Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Hebrews --- ### [Psalm 22:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalm-22-16/) **Published:** November 3, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. Psalms 22:16 Was Psalm 22:16 (17 Hebrew Bible), *“They pierced my hands and feet”*, or “like a lion my hands and my feet”? The contention is whether the verses says *“they pierced my hands and feet”* or “like a lion, they are at my hands and my feet”. It is best to start with the context and see which is the most consistent with that. *Psalms 22:14-18* I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. 15My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. 16For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. The context is a pretty good description of crucifixion after being beaten half to death. Along with the prophesy of the parting of garments the evidence points to this event. The rejection of this event is the real problem. We also have a companion verse no one likes to bring up as there is no dispute to its translation. *Zechariah 12:10* And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and **they shall look upon me whom they have pierced**, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn. Then there is the Greek translation of the Hebrew of Zechariah by John and subsequently into English. *John 19:37* And again another scripture saith, **They shall look on him whom they pierced**. And finally the book of Revelation, here John is given the vision of the Lord’s return. *Revelation 1:7* Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and **they also which pierced him**: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Are all these translators performing feeble work? Or is the most likely translation of Psalms, *“they pierced my hands and my feet”*? Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [Purgatory](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/purgatory/) **Published:** December 24, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** As far as I am aware purgatory is the invention of the Roman Catholic Church and quite the money maker. I was raised among and associated with many Roman Catholics in my youth and am quite familiar with the practices of paying for masses to shorten the time of a loved one, especially mothers, in purgatory. Purgatory is not a biblical doctrine. First of all, it is payment for sins that one does one’s self, that is, it is a form of works for salvation. If graciously given a free gift and then finding you have to pay for it, grace and free go out the window. Biblical salvation is the free gift of God’s grace and not of man’s works. There is only one penalty for sin, death. *Romans 6:23* For **the wages of sin is death**; but **the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord**. Christ paid for all sin, there is no need for anyone to pay more. *1 John 1:7* But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from **all sin**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Congressional Secret Deals](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/congressional-secret-deals/) **Published:** December 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ### Congressional Secret Deals diminish the role of “We the People”. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., complained on Thursday that social media has ruined Congress’s ability to make secretive deals on legislation before it is released to the public. T**[he Federalest (12/13/24)](https://thefederalist.com/2024/12/13/gop-sen-markwayne-mullin-decries-social-media-for-giving-americans-insight-into-congresss-backdoor-dealmaking)** Half the trouble with our government is the secrets kept from the people. All their debates and deals should be in the public’s eye, that’s transparency. How can “We the People” say something is good without knowing what deals were made, what we had to pay for it? The government needs to remember it is a representative of the people, not its ruler. How can we judge our representatives if acting behind closed doors? It is not just how they voted, but why, what deals did they make? Congress could cut down on some of the deals if they would hold to the logical and reasonable rules such as not bundling legislation and requiring that all amendments to a bill must bear directly on the bill. It should not be scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours, but let’s vote on your itch then on mine. This would cut down on the need to make deals. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Politics **Tags:** Politics --- ### [2 Samuel 24:1 vs 1 Chronicles 21:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-samuel-24-1-vs-1-chronicles-21-1/) **Published:** December 14, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > *2 Samuel 24:1* And again the anger of **the LORD** was kindled against Israel, and he **moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah**. > > *1 Chronicles 21:1* And **Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel**. There is no contradiction but a completion of the story. It just shows that God uses Satan’s devise for His purposes. He uses man also. *Jeremiah 51:7* **Babylon hath been a golden cup in the LORD’S hand**, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. *Isaiah 13:17* Behold, **I will stir up the Medes against them**, which shall not regard silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. Rate this post **Categories:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Marxism and the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/marxism-and-the-bible/) **Published:** December 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The Bible does not support Marxism, Communism, Socialism, or whatever you desire to call it. This is why Marxism is anti-Bible desiring to rid the world of it. I would suggest that all read the [Communist Manifesto](https://www.gutenberg.org/files/31193/31193-h/31193-h.htm) before listening to what anyone says about Marxism. It advocates burning everything to the ground **(entering the future unburdened by the past)** and rebuilding based on the total enslavement of the people as the only way of obtaining peace and equality. Of course, in the beginning this cannot be effected except by means of **despotic** inroads on the rights of property and on the conditions of bourgeois production; by means of measures, therefore, which appear economically insufficient and untenable, but which, in the course of the movement, outstrip themselves, necessitate further inroads upon the old social order and are unavoidable as a means of entirely revolutionizing the mode of production. [Communist Manifesto](https://www.gutenberg.org/files/31193/31193-h/31193-h.htm) The Bible supports individual independence and responsibility while being pragmatic in dealing with human nature. The Bible supports capitalism regulated by the Royal Law of doing unto others as you would have done unto you. *James 2:8-9* If ye fulfil **the royal law** according to the scripture, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: `9`But **if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin**, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. The Bible supports tempering all human interactions with [**charity**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-13/) toward all. There is no love of one’s neighbor without being charitable toward them. **And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.** *Colossians 3:14* Rate this post **Categories:** Politics **Tags:** Politics --- ### [Nostradamus](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/nostradamus/) **Published:** December 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **What did the contemporary Protestant reformers think about Nostradamus and his prophecies?** I can only surmise what was thought of the predictions of Nostradamus. Bible believers would know that to be a prophet of God, he would have had to be 100% correct. It would have been impossible for contemporaries to determine if anything he said agreed with the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:22 **When a prophet speaketh** in the name of the LORD, **if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken**, but **the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously**: thou shalt not be afraid of him. Even if something he said came true in their lifetime, if Nostradamus attempted to lead away from the Scriptures and God, he would have been considered a false teacher. *Deuteronomy 13:1-5* **If there arise among you a prophet**, or a dreamer of dreams, **and giveth thee a sign or a wonder**, `2`And **the sign or the wonder come to pass**, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, **Let us go after other gods**, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; `3`**Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet**, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. `4`Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. `5`And **that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death**; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Daniel 3:25](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/daniel-3-25-2/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Daniel 3:25 It appears, at least if you are using a KJV, that it was God manifested in the form of his future incarnation, a man. It was most likely a prophetic utterance on the Kings part. It was probably the same as Joshua 5. *Joshua 5:14* And he said, **Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come**. And **Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship**, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? It is, as most things, a controversial issue within the “Church”. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Daniel **Tags:** Theology --- ### [James 2:8 - Royal Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/royal-law/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: James 2:8 *Leviticus 19:18* Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but **thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**: I am the LORD. *Leviticus 19:34* But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and **thou shalt love him as thyself**; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. *Matthew 7:12* Therefore all things **whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them**: for **this is the law and the prophets**. *Luke 6:31* And **as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise**. *Romans 13:8-10* Owe no man any thing, **but to love one another**: for **he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law**. 9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. 10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore **[love is the fulfilling of the law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-corinthians-13/)**. *Galatians 5:14* For **all the law is fulfilled in one word**, even in this; **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**. Proverbs 24:29 **Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me**: I will render to the man according to his work. *Obadiah 1:15* For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen: **as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee**: thy reward shall return upon thine own head. All the law is fulfilled by obedience to the Royal Law: Do unto others as you would have done unto you. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** James **Tags:** Theology --- ### [2 Timothy 2:5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-timothy-2-5/) **Published:** March 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And if a man also strive for masteries, **yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully**. 2 Timothy 2:5 Although it would apply to anything one does, taking the rest of the chapter into account, it seems the context would have to do with the ministering of God’s word. *2 Timothy 2:2* And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, **who shall be able to teach others also**. *[**2 Timothy 2:15**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-timothy-2-15/)* **Study** to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, **rightly dividing the word of truth**. A crown awaits those who diligently study, understand, use, and serve in God’s word correctly. *1 Corinthians 9:25* And every man that **striveth for the mastery** is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; **but we an incorruptible**. Many use God’s word to profit and promote themselves. *Philippians 2:21* For **all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s**. *Acts 20:29-30* For I know this, that after my departing shall **grievous wolves enter in among you**, not sparing the flock. `30`Also **of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them**. … the acquisition of such absolute command over the consciences and understanding of a congregation, however obscure or despised by the world, is more truly grateful to the pride of the human heart, than the possession of the most despotic power, imposed by arms and conquest on a reluctant people > ``` > Edward Gibbon, Esq; "History Of The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire", Chapter XV: Progress Of The Christian Religion  > ``` At least, this is the way I understand it. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Timothy --- ### [Hebrews 4:15](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/hebrews-4-15/) **Published:** August 23, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For we have not **an high priest** which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but **was in all points tempted like as we are**, yet without sin. *Hebrews 4:15* *Hebrews 2:16-18* For verily **he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham**. 17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18For in that **he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted**. *Philippians 2:7 KJV* But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and **was made in the likeness of men**: *Hebrews 2:9-11* But we see Jesus, who was **made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death**, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God **should taste death for every man**. 10For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, **to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings**. 11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, *Hebrews 4:15-16 KJV* For **we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities**; but **was in all points tempted like as we are**, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. You will not be able to stand before God and say “you do not understand what we went through, you are not flesh and blood.” He became flesh and blood and can have compassion on us as he has been there, done that, and has the scars. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Hebrews --- ### [1611 Authorized Version](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1611-authorized-version/) **Published:** December 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Sites in support of the 1611 Authorized Version, King James Version** - [Digital photostatic copy of the original 1611 Authorized Version](https://archive.org/details/1611-the-authorized-king-james-bible/page/n174/mode/1up) - [Digital photostatic copy of the 1769 edition of the AV 1611](https://archive.org/details/kjv-1769-oxford-edition-full-bible/page/n4/mode/1up) - [King James Bible Online](https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1611-Bible/) - [Pure Cambridge 1611 Bible](https://bibleprotector.com/) - <https://av1611.com/> - <http://1611bible.com/> - <https://biblebelievers.com/> Rate this post **Categories:** References & Links --- ### [Modest Women's Ware](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/modest-womens-ware/) **Published:** December 21, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** - **[Inherit](https://www.inheritco.com/)** - **[Dainty Jewells](https://daintyjewells.com/)** - **[The Modest Fitting](https://www.themodestfitting.com/)** - **[Devorah’s Secret](https://www.devorahsecret.com/)** - **[Blessed to Bless Boutique](https://b2bless.com/)** - **[Apostolic Trends](https://apostolictrends.com/)** - **[NeeSees Dresses](https://www.neeseesdresses.com/)** Rate this post **Categories:** References & Links **Tags:** Women --- ### [Labor Relations](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/labor-relations/) **Published:** December 25, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** \#Business vs #labor has been mostly an unnecessary battle in a war that need not be. Business/management cannot exist without labor. The proper allocation of labor is not an expense, it is a necessary partnership in obtaining prosperity. The battle has ever been over the proper sharing of that prosperity. The expenditure of wages should not only negatively affect a business, there needs to be a positive aspect as well. A one-sided effect produces tension between parties. The extreme to this is the instability of personnel, strikes, shutdowns, and business relocating. Much of this could be eliminated by the institution of profit sharing. If a substantial part of earnings emanated from profit sharing, everyone would prosper from the success of a company, all would work toward its prosperity. Financial debates between labor and management should not be viewed as an assault on profits but as a matter of achieving an equitable distribution of them. Any adjustments to the division of profits would be independent of changes in costs or pricing, not as an incentive for such changes but as a neutral factor, with all parties sharing in gains or losses. All benefits to labor come out of profits so there would be a sharing of their cost. This stability is what our nation’s economy should aspire to. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Politics **Tags:** Politics --- ### [Are Animals Resurrected?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/animal-resurrection/) **Published:** December 29, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Based on my understanding, there is no indication that animals are resurrected nor need to be. *Ecclesiastes 12:7* Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and **the spirit shall return unto God who gave it**. *Ecclesiastes 3:21* Who knoweth **the spirit of man that goeth upward**, and **the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth**? Man is not the same as an animal: they are totally of the earth, man is created in the image of, and his spirit comes from, God. Men are morally responsible, animals are not. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Depression](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/depression/) **Published:** January 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **Is depression a sin? Why or why not?** Is depression sin? It is certainly a challenging inquiry and a daunting task to respond in such a fashion that it covers all the possibilities without being disparaging or insensitive. I have myself suffer at times with depression so I have a good idea of how debilitating it can be. For this reason, I consider some of my answer correct and accurate through personal experience as I understand those experiences. I wanted to pass this question by but I could not shake off the feeling that it deserved a biblical response. I hope mine will be of some value. Any response should be prefaced by saying that science has just scratched the surface of understanding the biology of life and the workings of the human creation. The entrance into micro-biology has dispelled the belief of life being a simple mixture of chemical elements. The complex existence of biological machines with coded information controlling their operation has emerged. My perspective will be viewed from my faith in the God of the Bible and what it says. I will not footnote and reference every conclusion and opinion in this response. Is depression in and of itself sin? This remains to be discovered although sin is the cause as it is the cause of all man’s suffering and distresses. How is this manifested in our everyday lives? God created man in a state of physical and mental perfection but with sin came the fall with its corruption and death. *Romans 5:12* Wherefore, as **by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin**; and so **death passed upon all men**, for that **all have sinned**: The physical and mental became corrupted. It is a known fact that with every new generation additional mutations develop within our DNA and/or genes, etc. Each is a loss of information, a corruption of the code of life. If man continues on course without any supernatural intervention he will simply become **[extinct ](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/will-men-become-extinct-scientists-warn-the-possibility-is-huge-cite-this-reason/articleshow/115230221.cms)**in a couple of thousand years +/- no longer able to sustain life**.** Today’s science is learning what this corruption causes and what ailments, diseases, malady’s, can be attributed to this is unknown. So our first point is that depression could be solely or partly strictly a physical ailment out of our control. If this is the case then it can be said to be caused by sin but not sin in and of itself. However, research has shown that an individual’s environment, physical activities, or mental state can influence the condition of one’s physical and mental health. Some of the symptoms used to diagnose clinical depression are: - Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness - Anxiety, agitation or restlessness - Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame There are several others, however, they would seem to me to stem from these. These symptoms are in large part controllable. Although, we do have a question of chicken or egg, which comes first. Are these symptoms triggering a physical response leading to depression or is a physical condition leading to these symptoms and depression? There is also a spiritual aspect to this question. We have an enemy that would like nothing better than for all of us to be depressed and dysfunctional to the point of uselessness or suicide. The sooner we are dead the better as far as he is concerned. And, he is a he, a being created by God and given the ability to mess with the minds of men. Especially those that have rejected the grace and mercy of God. We do not have to delve further into this but know that this too is within our control. James 4:7 **Submit yourselves therefore to God**. **Resist the devil, and he will flee from you**. The question was not about solutions but definition. Is depression sin? In and of itself as all man’s troubles, it is the result of the sin of the fall. However, your sins may very well be a contributory factor. We are created. Our individual value is only that which our creator affords us. If we reject his outreach to us, his mercy, grace, and care, in the end, we would be valueless. Upon turning to him, recognizing him, trusting that he only desires good for us, and accepting his truth of all things, we are afforded great value. Living our lives as he directs, being mindful of the things he instructs us to be mindful of, and knowing him can go a long way in removing the symptoms of depression and depression itself. Not to turn to him is sin and depression may be just one reward in response. John 3:17-18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Will trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God allow you to escape all your physical ailments, No. But, knowing him will give you the hope and ability to keep a sound mind if focused on him to control any and all factors outside of physical corruption that might be contributing to them. There is more to living a life in Christ that just believing on him. If you have trusted in him and are suffering from depression, again, outside of physical corruption, learn of him, his word, and obeying his voice will go far in controlling it. I can only pray that this response has some semblance of truth in accordance with God’s word and that it will help someone somewhere. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Life --- ### [Ecclesiastes 5:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes-5-1/) **Published:** January 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Keep thy foot** when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give **the sacrifice of fools**: for they consider not that they do evil. *Ecclesiastes 5:1* *“Keep thy foot”*, do not stumble. “The sacrifice of fools”, running their mouths. *Ecclesiastes 5:2* **Be not rash with thy mouth**, and **let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God**: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: **therefore let thy words be few**. Do not stumble by being foolish and running your mouth rather than listening to what God has to say. *Proverbs 15:2* The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but **the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness**. *Ecclesiastes 10:12* The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but **the lips of a fool will swallow up himself**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ecclesiastes **Tags:** Life --- ### [Isaiah 29:13 - Hypocrisy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-29-13/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as **this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me**, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Isaiah 29:13 *Ezekiel 33:31* And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for **with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness**. *Matthew 15:7-8* **Ye hypocrites**, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, `8`This people **draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me**. They are hypocrites. Today it is, they say they are Christian but live, look, talk, and act, like the world. *Revelation 3:15-16* I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. `16`So then **because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah --- ### [Isaiah 30:10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-30-10/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Which say to the seers, **See not**; and to the prophets, **Prophesy not unto us right things**, speak unto us smooth things, **prophesy deceits**: Isaiah 30:10 The children of Israel had turn from following the Lord just as the world is doing now. They did not want to hear of see anything of the truth of God’s word. Seer is another name for prophet. *1 Samuel 9:9* (Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for **he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer**.) They wanted the prophets to stop prophesying the truth and to tell them lies so they could sin without the discomfort of being told they were sinning. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah --- ### [Psalms 22:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-22-6/) **Published:** April 4, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But **I am a worm, and no man**; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. Psalms 22:6 *Isaiah 66:24* And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for **their worm shall not die**, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. *Mark 9:44* **Where their worm dieth not**, and the fire is not quenched. *Mark 9:46* **Where their worm dieth not**, and the fire is not quenched. *Mark 9:48* **Where their worm dieth not**, and the fire is not quenched. Appearently, as the saints will get a body fit for heaven, the lost will get one fit for hell, think a red maggot. The lake of fire will be full of maggots burning, feeling the pain, never ending. I believe Christ is referencing that fact as he is about to enter hell on our behalf. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [Ezekiel 28:11-17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ezekiel-2811-17/) **Published:** November 15, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 12Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; **Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty**. 13**Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God**; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. 14**Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth**; and I have set thee so: **thou wast upon the holy mountain of God**; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15**Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created**, till iniquity was found in thee. 16By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, **O covering cherub**, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: **I will cast thee to the ground**, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Ezekiel 28:11-17 The earthly king of Tyrus was certainly did not seal up the sum of wisdom and beauty nor was he in Eden. Neither was he the anointed cherub. We may not understand some of the other discriptive references, but they surely do not apply to the earthly king of Tyrus. A cherub is what we term a spiritual or angelic being. (Ezekiel 10) Lucifer is the being described in this passage. *Isaiah 14:12-14* How art thou fallen from heaven, **O Lucifer**, son of the morning! **how art thou cut down to the ground**, which didst weaken the nations! 13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; **I will be like the most High.** What many do not understand is God’s use of similitudes. *Hosea 12:10* **I have also** spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes**, by the ministry of the prophets. One aspect of the Bible’s use of similitudes is that things on earth can be representations of things in heaven or the physical can be a representation of the spiritual. *Colossians 2:16-17* Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17**Which are a shadow of things to come**; but the body is of Christ. *Hebrews 8:5* Who serve unto **the example and shadow of heavenly things**, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount. *Hebrews 10:1* For the law having **a shadow of good things to come**, and **not the very image of the things**, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Although the passage speaks of the king of Tyrus, It is speaking to and of a spiritual being, the anointed cherub. The description given is obviously not an earthly man but what we, correctly or not, call an angelic being. *Ezekiel 28:2* Son of man, say unto **the prince of Tyrus**, Thus saith the Lord GOD; **Because thine heart is lifted up, and thou hast said, I am a God**, **I sit in the seat of God**, in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God: *Isaiah 14:12-14* How art thou fallen from heaven, **O Lucifer**, … 13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, **I will exalt my throne above the stars of God**: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; **I will be like the most High.** It is one of the mysteries of the Bible that many prophecies and descriptions of heavenly things are hidden in the mist of speaking of the earthly things. The spiritual world is all around us. *2 Kings 6:17* And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, **open his eyes, that he may see**. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, **behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha**. The Scriptures have many such hidden things. *Luke 24:32* And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and **while he opened to us the scriptures**? All God’s doings have been revealed by the prophets to whom and when it pleases God. *Amos 3:7* Surely the Lord GOD **will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets**. Those that do not believe all that is written attempt to give everything a natural and physical basis regardless of its absurdity. Just take a believing common sense view of what is said. If it cannot be applied in a natural way to men it probably is not suppose to be. Rate this post **Categories:** Ezekiel --- ### [2 Peter 1:20
Private interpretation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-peter-1-20/) **Published:** November 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > And **this voice which came from heaven we heard**, when we were with him in the holy mount. `19`**We have also a more sure word of prophecy**; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: `20`Knowing this first, that **no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation**. `21`For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. > > *2 Peter 1:18-21* > > The Scriptures are a more sure word of prophecy than if a voice from heaven spoke to you. That is to say, No voice from heaven is of God if it does not agree or contradicts what the Bible says. Being so makes it hard to understand why so many reject that we have the preserved word of God today. > > *Psalms 12:6-7* The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, **thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever**. Ensuring the correct interpretation of Scripture requires a knowledge and comparison of the whole of God’s word`,` Scripture with Scripture. To privately interpret a verse is to interpret it apart from its context and apply whatever meaning is assumed to fit. To properly understand a portion of Scripture, context must be maintained, not only that of the passage but the chapter, book, and the entire Bible. If any portion of Scripture fails to fit within or contradicts a theology or teaching then that theology or teaching is wrong somewhere. Rather than the diligent study of God’s word. Philosophy is the attempt to reason a knowledge of God and his ways without studying his revelations, precepts, or teachings in their proper context. Just read a verse and think up an interpretation without comparing Scripture with Scripture. *Colossians 2:8* **Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit**, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. However, God’s ways and thoughts are past the ability of man to fathom without his revelations and instructions. *Romans 11:33* O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! **how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!** > [Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/) > [How to Study the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-to-study-the-bible/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Peter --- ### [Where are Narcissist in the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/narcissist/) **Published:** December 29, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Narcissism biblically would come under scorn, a scorner, at least in the KJV. Narcissist hold themselves above others, hold others in contempt, etc. They are the cause of much strife. They refuse correction: *Proverbs 9:8* **Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee**: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. *Proverbs 15:12* **A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him**: neither will he go unto the wise. They are proud and arrogant: *Proverbs 21:24* **Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath**. Separate yourself from them and you will have a much more peaceful life: *Proverbs 22:10* **Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease**. The Pharisees would fit the bill nicely with there contempt for others. *Luke 5:30* But their scribes and Pharisees **murmured against his disciples**, saying, **Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners**? **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Jude 1:3](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jude-1-3/) **Published:** December 31, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of **the common salvation**, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 1:3 There is only one common way to obtain salvation: faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ. Those in the OT who had their sins forgiven through faith in the one true God of Israel were imputed faith in Christ. *1 Timothy 2:5* For there is one God, and **one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus**; Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Jude **Tags:** Salvation, Theology --- ### [What is the Gospel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-gospel/) **Published:** January 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The gospel is very simple. We are all sinners. *Isaiah 64:6* But **we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags**; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Men inherited this uncleanness due to the fall of the first man. He corrupted himself and all have inherited that corruption which leads to death. In condemning Adam, God condemned all that came out of him, the entire human race. *Romans 5:16-19* And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for **the judgment was by one to condemnation**, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. 17 For **if by one man’s offence death reigned by one**; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) 18 Therefore **as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation**; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. 19 For **as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners**, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. By the disobedience of one, Adam, we were all made sinners. That is only half the verse. By one we were condemn, by one we can also be made righteous. That righteousness is a free gift of God’s grace secured for us by God’s Son, Jesus Christ. The law condemned us and sentenced all to death. Christ Jesus completed the sentence for all men. The sentence of death was carried out by him for all, our crimes, sins, paid for. God’s law and his holiness are satisfied, the sentence for all was carried out, the penalty paid. By doing this Christ redeemed us from the law, that is he bought our debt. *1 Peter 1:18-19* Forasmuch as **ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold**, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 **But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot**: It is the same as financing a home from a bank; the bank does not keep your debt but sells it. The new owner can do what he likes with it, make you pay, forgive part, or forgive all. God purchased the world’s sin debt from the law. The law being satisfied, he can now do what he wants with that debt; he can forgive it or make you pay. He has established criteria so that anyone can be forgiven: by faith in his Son Jesus Christ. *Romans 10:9* That **if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved**. Christ Jesus died to open the door of salvation to all, but each individual must enter in on his own. I hope this helps you. If you need more, ask more specific questions. > [Methodology of Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/methodology-of-salvation/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Salvation --- ### [Proverbs 16:4](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/proverbs-16-4/) **Published:** January 3, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The LORD hath **made all things for himself**: yea, **even the wicked for the day of evil**. Proverbs 16:4-5 *Revelation 4:11* Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for **thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created**. *Ezekiel 33:11* Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, **I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live**: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? The verse proclaims that God created all things for himself, as Revelation states, for His pleasure. It does not mean that the Lord created anyone evil. They just choose to be evil. As stated in Ezekiel, God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God created all even if in the end they turned from Him and chose evil. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Proverbs **Tags:** Creation --- ### [Ezekiel 18:20](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ezekiel-18-20/) **Published:** June 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The soul that sinneth, it shall die. **The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son**: **the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him**, and **the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him**. Ezekiel 18:20 We even wrote this into our Constitution. **Section. 3.** > The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason, **but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood**, or Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted. Which means the crime does not effect the perpetrator’s children by branding them as the same as their progenitor. *Ezekiel 18:23* **Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die**? saith the Lord GOD: **and not that he should return from his ways, and live**? Just in case you do not know the answer: *Ezekiel 18:32* For **I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth**, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore **turn yourselves, and live ye**. Rate this post **Categories:** Ezekiel --- ### [Isaiah 6:10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-6-10/) **Published:** September 10, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; **lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed**. *Isaiah 6:10* God has determined that divine things should enter through the heart into the mind, and not through the mind into the heart. In divine things, therefore, it is necessary to love them in order to know them. Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) Christian, Mathematician, Physicist > The people rejected God in their hearts and sought out and worship idols committing unspeakable horrors in doing so (burning their children alive in sacrifice). God requires faith from the heart to take knowledge to the head. God is saying he is blocking that head knowledge least it lead to the heart being converted; the heart must be converted first. If God wanted to save the world based on knowledge, he would just pull back the heavens and say “Here I am”. What God wants is for us to come to him with a humble heart in faith toward him leading to a relationship and understanding. *Hebrews 11:6* But **without faith it is impossible to please him**: for **he that cometh to God must believe that he is**, and **that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him**. Faith and belief first then seek diligently from the heart to pass knowledge through to the head. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah **Tags:** Faith, Salvation --- ### [Ecclesiastes](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ecclesiastes/) **Published:** October 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Is Ecclesiastes 2 saying that scientific wisdom is meaningless since it’s talking “wisdom that is done under the heavens? The conclusion of Solomon’s search for wisdom provides the answer to the question. *Ecclesiastes 12:13-14* Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. The context of Ecclesiastes is the world from man’s perspective of life on earth. It points out the futility of life when God and the spiritual are not considered. We are created beings and whatever we do that leaves out the power of and our duty to God amounts to nothing in the end, all is vanity if not done to the glory of God. *Ecclesiastes 11:9* Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. This does not preclude the scientific investigation of creation. God wants man to seek and understand Him through the wonders of His creative work to His glory. *Romans 1:19-20* Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: The trouble comes when men reject God and the science that points to Him. *Romans 1:21-22* Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, *1 Timothy 6:20* O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: *Psalms 19:1* To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. 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[2 Samuel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-samuel/) - [2 Peter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-peter/) - [2 Kings](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-kings/) - [2 John](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-john/) - [2 Corinthians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-corinthians/) - [2 Chronicles](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-chronicles/) - [1 Timothy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-timothy/) - [1 Thessalonians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-thessalonians/) - [1 Samuel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-samuel/) - [1 Peter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-peter/) - [1 Kings](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-kings/) - [1 John](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-john/) - [1 Corinthians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-corinthians/) - [1 Chronicles](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-chronicles/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ### [Can You Sin Through Ignorance?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ignorantly-sinning/) **Published:** January 27, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Have you ever heard of “ignorance of the law is no excuse!” Yes, you definitely can sin without knowing it. *Leviticus 4:27-28* And if any one of the common people **sin through ignorance**, while he doeth somewhat against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and be guilty; `28`Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge: then he shall bring his offering, a kid of the goats, a female without blemish, for his sin which he hath sinned. *Leviticus 5:15* If a soul commit a trespass, and **sin through ignorance**, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: *Numbers 15:24* Then it shall be, if ought be **committed by ignorance** without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bullock for a burnt offering, for a sweet savour unto the LORD, with his meat offering, and his drink offering, according to the manner, and one kid of the goats for a sin offering. Numbers 15:27-28 And if any soul **sin through ignorance**, then he shall bring a she goat of the first year for a sin offering. 28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he **sinneth by ignorance** before the LORD, to make an atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven him. *Deuteronomy 19:4* And this is the case of the slayer, which shall flee thither, that he may live: Whoso killeth his neighbour **ignorantly**, whom he hated not in time past; God’s laws are self-evident. Do unto others as you would have done to you. The basic purpose of the law is to define and specify the penalties for breaking the law. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Life, Theology --- ### [Proverbs 11:22 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/proverbs-1122/) **Published:** July 26, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion**. *Proverbs 11:22* It means that a women without discretion is not appealing no matter how she does herself up. Discretion 1. Knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress 2. Refined taste; tact 3. Subtly skillful handling of a situation 4. reserved 5. prudence Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Proverbs --- ### [Ezekiel 3:17-21 Watchman](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/ezekiel-317-21-watchman/) **Published:** January 25, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Son of man**, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. `18`When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and **thou givest him not warning**, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. `19`Yet **if thou warn the wicked**, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but **thou hast delivered thy soul**. `20`Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: **because thou hast not given him warning**, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but **his blood will I require at thine hand**. `21`Nevertheless **if thou warn the righteous man**, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also **thou hast delivered thy soul**. Ezekiel 3:17-21 Ezekiel was sent as a watchman to warn Israel of God’s judgment. We all are a son of man being flesh and blood. This applies to Christians today to be the watchmen and warn the lost of the judgment to come. This is shown via Paul’s remarks when he is giving his last goodbyes. *Acts 20:26-27* Wherefore I take you to record this day, that **I am pure from the blood of all men**. 27 For **I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God**. As Christians, our mission our purpose in life is to witness to the lost. If we fail to do so we will suffer loss at the judgment seat of Christ. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body**, according to that he hath done, **whether it be good or bad**. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. `12`Now if any man **build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; `13`Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. `14`**If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.** `15`**If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss**: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. > [Our Mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/) Rate this post **Categories:** Ezekiel **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [Are All Men Created Equal?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-all-men-created-equal/) **Published:** January 31, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Obviously, men are not procreated (the system of self-replication) physically equal. Although, the basic design of man is in the image of God. The Bible does say that men ought to be equal before the bar of justice. *Deuteronomy 16:19-20* **Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons**, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. 20 **That which is altogether just shalt thou follow**, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. *Deuteronomy 27:19* Cursed be he that **perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow**. And all the people shall say, Amen. The Bible in general is against discrimination. *James 2:1-4* My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, **with respect of persons**. 2For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And **ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place**; and **say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool**: 4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? You are to treat the rich and poor alike, treat all men fairly with the same benefits or opportunities unless their actions prevent such. The man who robbed you is not treated with the same respect as the customer doing business with you. Hence, like situations require like responses. A poor customer deserves the same service as the rich. In salvation all men stand equally condemned and have equal access to redemption. *1 Timothy 4:10* For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, **who is the Saviour of all men**, specially of those that believe. Christ died to open the door of salvation to all, it is up to each individual whether he takes advantage of it. *Galatians 3:28* There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for **ye are all one in Christ Jesus**. The Royal Law, to do unto others as you would have done unto you, is a law of equality. *James 2:8* If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, **Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself**, ye do well: This demands that you treat others as equally as you would want to be treated. I hope this helps. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Life --- ### [Colossians 1:3-8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/colossians-1-3-8/) **Published:** January 31, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, `4`**Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints**, `5`For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; `6`Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: `7`As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; `8`**Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit**. Colossians 1:3-8 A blessing for the Colossians because of their faith in Christ and love of the brethren: *Colossians 1:9-17 KJV* 9 **For this cause we also, since the day we heard it,** do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 **That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,** being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 **Strengthened with all might**, according to his glorious power, **unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness**; Giving thanks to God who by the blood of HIs Son has made us meet to be partakers of the blessings of the inheritance that comes with salvation. 12 **Giving thanks unto the Father**, which hath **made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance** of the saints in light: 13 **Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son**: Speaking of Christ Jesus: 14 **In whom we have redemption through his blood**, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 **Who is the image of the invisible God**, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For **by him were all things created**, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: **all things were created by him, and for him**: 17 And **he is before all things**, and **by him all things consist**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Colossians **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Money](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/money/) **Published:** January 31, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The Bible says a bit about making money. *Proverbs 23:4-5* **Labour not to be rich**: cease from thine own wisdom. 5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. *Proverbs 28:20* A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but **he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent**. *Proverbs 28:22* **He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye**, and considereth not that **poverty shall come upon him**. *1 Timothy 6:9-10* But **they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition**. 10 For **the love of money is the root of all evil**: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. *Proverbs 15:27* **He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house**; but he that hateth gifts shall live. *1 Samuel 2:7* **The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich**: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. > [Matthew 6:24 ~ Two Masters](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-624-two-masters/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Difference between Angels and Men](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/difference-between-angels-and-men/) **Published:** February 7, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Hebrews 2:9* But we see Jesus, who was made **a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death**, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. *Luke 20:36* **Neither can they die any more**: for **they are equal unto the angels**; and are the children of God, **being the children of the resurrection**. *Revelation 21:17* And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of **a man, that is, of the angel.** *Luke 1:26* And in the sixth month **the angel Gabriel** was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, *Daniel 9:21* Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even **the man Gabriel**, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. *Hebrews 13:2* Be not forgetful to entertain **strangers**: for thereby some have entertained **angels unawares**. Men are a little lower than the angels in that we suffer death. Those who are saved, in the resurrection will become as the angels. *1 Corinthians 15:51-53* Behold, **I shew you a mystery**; We shall not all sleep, but **we shall all be changed**, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and **we shall be changed**. 53For **this corruptible must put on incorruption**, and **this mortal must put on immortality**. Angels are man living on a higher plain, what we call spiritual as opposed to physical. Apparently, there is a hierarchy, some command others. They are very powerful as we understand, but if we have faith we are said to be able to move mountains. *Daniel 10:13* But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, **Michael**, one of the chief princes, **came to help me**; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. *Jude 1:9* Yet **Michael the archangel**, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. *Revelation 12:7* And there was war in heaven: **Michael and his angels** fought against the dragon; and **the dragon fought and his angels**, As men, they have different levels of understanding. *Daniel 10:21* But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and **there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince**. They are not given or taken in marriage. *Matthew 22:30* For in the resurrection **they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels** of God in heaven. Hence, they must have all been individually created, being direct creations of God and not procreated, they are sons of God. There is no mention of female angels. This could explain Genesis 6. *Hebrews 1:14* Are they not all **ministering spirits**, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? They are spirits (I doubt our understanding of a spirit is correct) having physical form as well. They obviously have free will as many rebelled against God. Anything else on the topic would just be supposition. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Revelation 12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-12/) **Published:** June 26, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Revelation 12:1-17* 1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: The woman is Israel. Genesis 37:9 And he (Joseph) dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, **the sun and the moon and the eleven stars** made obeisance to me. The sun and moon were Joseph’s mother, father (Jacob, Israel) and the eleven stars his brothers, the tribes of Israel. The child is Jesus Christ. 2 And **she being with child cried, travailing in birth**, and pained to be delivered. The dragon is Satan : 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a **great red dragon**, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 12:9 And **the great dragon** was cast out, **that old serpent**, called **the Devil**, and **Satan**, … 4 And his tail drew **the third part of the stars of heaven**, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, **for to devour her child as soon as it was born**. *Matthew 2:16* Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and **slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under**, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. The man child is Christ Jesus. 5 And she brought forth **a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron**: and **her child was caught up unto God**, and to his throne. *Revelation 19:15* And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall **rule them with a rod of iron**: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. Christ shall no more be the lamb of God but the Lion of the tribe of Juda; he will rule with a rod of Iron in the Millenium. *Psalms 2:8-9* Ask of me, and **I shall give thee the heathen** for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9**Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron**; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. At this point we are at the end of Daniel’s sixty-nine weeks covering the history of Israel and of the first coming of Christ. There is a disconnect between the sixty-ninth and seventieth week. The Church age is skipping over which did not have to come or did not have to happen as it did if Israel had accepted her Messiah. From here we move into the Tribulation, time of Jacob’s trouble. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her **there a thousand two hundred and threescore days**. The three and one half years spoken of is the last half of Daniels seventieth week. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. **Woe to the inhabiters of the earth** and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because **he knoweth that he hath but a short time**. Satan is **cast** out at the beginning of the seventieth week. 8 And prevailed not; **neither was their place found any more in heaven**. 9 And **the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan**, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. See verse 4. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, **Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ**: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 And **they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb**, and **by the word of their testimony**; and **they loved not their lives unto the death**. These would be the persecuted faithful Jews in the Tribulation. They believed on the shed blood of Christ Jesus. 12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. **Woe to the inhabiters of the earth** and of the sea! for **the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time**. 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, **he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child**. As stated above, Satan persecutes Israel. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for **a time, and times, and half a time**, from the face of the serpent. See verse 6, Israel is saved as she was in the exodus, chased by Satan. Satan tries to drown Israel as God did Pharaoh. 15 And **the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman**, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And **the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood** which the dragon cast out of his mouth. A supernatural event to come in the near future. 17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with **the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ**. They who believe are the saved of Israel. *Romans 11:23* And they also, **if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in**: for God is able to graff them in again. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Genesis 1:1](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-11/) **Published:** July 2, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1 In the first verse of the Bible, if the correct one is used, heaven is singular. God created one heaven and dwelt within it. Certain events took place and God destroyed it. Then, in the process of restoring it, you end Chapter 1 with three heavens. At the end of Revelation, God destroys the three, and a new heaven and earth are created where we come full circle and God dwells within his creation again. The three heavens are: Outer Space *Genesis 1:16-17* And **God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also**. 17And God set them in **the firmament of the heaven** to give light upon the earth, Our atmosphere *Genesis 1:20* And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and **fowl that may fly above the earth** in the **open firmament of heaven**. And then there is the third heaven above it all. *2 Corinthians 12:2* I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to **the third heaven**…. How that he was caught up into **paradise**, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. Now we see how the astronomical evidence supports the Biblical view of the origin of the world. The details differ, but the essential elements in the astronomical and Biblical accounts of Genesis are the same: the chain of events leading to man commenced suddenly and sharply at a definite moment in time, in a flash of light and energy. The Enchanted Loom; Robert Jastrow, American astronomer and planetary physicist ([Is the End of Days Prophesied in the First Word of the Bible](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtATSQx3cjI)?) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis **Tags:** Creation --- ### [1 John 1:8-10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/1-john-1-8-10/) **Published:** August 18, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10 We realize we are sinners in need of a savior, we believe on Christ Jesus asking God to forgive us unto salvation. The atonement is applied to us, all our sins are paid for and forgiven. *1 John 1:7* But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. We are no longer dealing with a vengeful God but our Father in heaven. His dealings with his children continue as he wants us to grow up into that perfect man that he created unto good works. But we are weak, he puts us through trials and tribulations to strengthen our faith in him. We fail, we sin. As any father, he wants to hear from his children to know that they know. So, we realize and we admit and ask for forgiveness. The forgiveness is already there, but we need to stand up and do right for our learning and growth. *1 John 2:1* My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 1 John --- ### [Why sould we not repay evil with evil?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-sould-we-not-repay-evil-with-evil/) **Published:** February 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Romans 12:21 KJV***Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good**. *Romans 12:17 KJV***Recompense to no man evil for evil**. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. *1 Thessalonians 5:15 KJV***See that none render evil for evil unto any man**; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. *1 Peter 3:9 KJV***Not rendering evil for evil**, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. *Proverbs 20:22 KJV***Say not thou, I will recompense evil**; but wait on the LORD, and he shall save thee. *Proverbs 24:29 KJV* **Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me**: I will render to the man ac We as those that have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ are left here to manifest the love and forgiveness of God. As he forgave us, we should forgive others. It is the law of do unto other what you would want done to you. *Matthew 7:12* *KJV* Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. *Luke 6:31 KJV* And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Why is it important to understand
how God speaks to us through the Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-is-it-important-to-understand-how-god-speaks-to-us-through-the-bible/) **Published:** February 25, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Sink the Bible to the bottom of the ocean, and still man’s obligations to God would be unchanged. He would have the same path to tread, only his lamp and guide would be gone; the same voyage to make, but his chart and compass would be overboard! Henry Ward Beecher (1627-1691) Minister, abolitionist > The ultimate slight perpetrated against the Creator is to not listen when he speaks, to ignore his words, or to place less than the appropriate importance upon the study of them. The Bible is God speaking to us. When and wherever the Scriptures have been easily accessed as in most places in the world today, it will not be an excusable offense, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, not to have read and studied them. So great is my veneration for the Bible, that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens to their country and respectable members of society. J. Q. Adams (1767-1848) 6th President of the United States > When Darwin visited Terra Del Fuego in 1833, he wrote: “The Fugians are in a more miserable state of barbarism than I ever expected to see any human being.” He thought it would be impossible to civilize them. Protestant Christians took the Bible there, taught it, and lived its precepts. Darwin visited it again in 1869. His astonishment was great to find those people, whose condition he thought hopeless, transformed into Christian men and women. He wrote to the London Missionary Society, enclosing twenty-five pounds for its work, and said: “I shall feel proud if your Committee shall think fit to elect me an honorary member of your Society. I certainly should have predicted that not all the missionaries in the world could have done what has been done. It is wonderful, and it shames me, as I always prophesied failure.” Gladly Mr. Darwin acknowledged the proof of the power of the Bible to transform and elevate mankind. Scientific Faith: Howard Agnew Johnston. The Winona Publishing Company > It is impossible to enslave, mentally or socially, a bible-reading people. The principles of the bible are the groundwork of human freedom. Horace Greeley (1811 – 1872) American newspaper editor and publisher > It seems there are good reasons to do so. I know of no reason not to. Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [What Bible verses support God being eternal?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-bible-verses-support-god-being-eternal-and-always-existed/) **Published:** March 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Isaiah 57:15* For thus saith the high and lofty One **that inhabiteth eternity**, whose name is Holy;… *Deuteronomy 33:27* **The eternal God** is thy refuge, and underneath are **the everlasting arms**: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. *Psalms 90:2* Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from **everlasting to everlasting, thou art God**. *Psalms 93:2* Thy throne is established of old: **thou art from everlasting**. *Psalms 102:27* But thou art the same, and **thy years shall have no end**. *Isaiah 44:6* Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; **I am the first, and I am the last**; and beside me there is no God. **Etc., etc., etc.** **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** God --- ### [Are Heaven and Hell literal and Eternal?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/are-heaven-and-hell-literal/) **Published:** March 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Are Heaven and Hell literal places or just a state of being for those who are saved or condemned to eternal suffering? ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HeavenAndHell.webp "HeavenAndHell") *Isaiah 66:24* And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for **their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched**; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh. Mark 9:43-48 KJV And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into **hell**, **into the fire that never shall be quenched**: 44**Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. 45And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into **hell**, **into the fire that never shall be quenched**: 46**Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. 47And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast **into hell fire**: 48**Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched**. *Revelation 20:15 KJV* And whosoever was not found written in the book of life **was cast into the lake of fire**. The corruption of man is so great that if they think that the consequence of rejecting God and his salvation, Christ Jesus, will be less than eternal or just some separation from God, they will not fear nor see the need or urgency in salvation. Even if they think that burning in a lake of fire will not be for eternity, they will imagine coming out the other side and thumbing their nose at God saying, “Is that all you got?” We have an eternal God and to reject and rebel against him is to spit in his face and wish he were dead. Eternal damnation is the only proper consequence to such. As long as the God you rejected lives, you will suffer his wrath. If hell is real, I have no doubt that heaven is too. > [Understanding the Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/understanding-the-bible/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [2 Samuel 21:19 - "the brother of"](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-samuel-21-19/) **Published:** November 16, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And there was again a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaareoregim, a Bethlehemite, slew ***the brother of*** Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 2 Samuel 21:19 There are those that use the fact that the phrase *“the brother of”* in 2 Samuel 21:19 is in italics to condemn the Bible as being in error as it is not in the Hebrew at that position. However, it is in the Hebrew in 1 Chronicles 20:5. *1 Chronicles 20:5* And there was war again with the Philistines; and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi **the brother of** Goliath the Gittite, whose spear staff was like a weaver’s beam. The translators of the KJV did not make a mistake, they clarified the Hebrew. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Samuel, Vilipendencies **Tags:** Vilipendencies --- ### [Forgiveness](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/forgiveness/) **Published:** March 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves as much as others. When we hold onto hatred, we carry a burden that weighs heavily on our hearts and minds. By choosing to forgive, we release ourselves from the prison of bitterness that can poison our lives. Forgiveness doesn’t necessarily require a face-to-face encounter. It’s an internal process that frees us from the corrosive effects of anger and resentment. When we forgive, we prevent what the Bible calls “a root of bitterness” from taking hold in our hearts. *Ephesians 4:31* **Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking,** **be put away from you, with all malice**. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing harmful behavior. Rather, it means choosing not to let that behavior continue to harm us through our own resentment. It’s about reclaiming our peace and emotional well-being. Should those who wronged us eventually seek reconciliation, we can meet that moment having already done the internal work of forgiveness. We might simply tell them we forgave them long ago—a powerful testimony to the freedom we’ve found by choosing love over hatred. *Colossians 3:13* Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, **if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [2 Chronicles 7:14](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-chronicles-7-14/) **Published:** March 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 This was written to the nation of Israel but just because he told them this does not mean that it was not always so that whoever turned to him would receive the same. *Jonah 3:5-9* So **the people of Nineveh believed God**, and **proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them**. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 **Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?** *Jonah 3:10* And **God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not**. Israel as a nation was called out by God to be the focal point of his revelations of himself to the world. He operates the same way toward all nations. He is more intense in his dealings with Israel, whether blessing or cursing, to ensure all know it is from God. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Chronicles **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Oaths & Vows to God?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/should-we-make-an-oath-vow-to-god/) **Published:** March 9, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Should we make an Oath/Vow to God? *Ecclesiastes 5:4-5* When thou vowest a vow unto God, **defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed**. `5`**Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay**. *Deuteronomy 23:21-22* When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, **thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee**; and **it would be sin in thee**. `22`But **if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in thee**. Why bind yourself to a vow if it is not required? Most vows are the product of running the mouth more than it should be. *Proverbs 29:20* Seest thou a man that is **hasty in his words**? **there is more hope of a fool than of him**. *Matthew 5:37* But **let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay**: for **whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil**. *James 5:12* But above all things, my brethren, **swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath**: but **let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Isaiah 5:20-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/isaiah-5-20-23/) **Published:** December 19, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! 21Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! 22Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: 23Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Isaiah 5:20-23 You are getting a practical application of this everyday in America, the world for that matter. It is the Left condemning the objective moral standards of God and proclaiming anyone who stands on them as racist, homophobic, intolerant, Nazis, their calling moral standards bad and taking away the righteousness of those that uphold them. The left can be recognized and is guilty of reincrimination, accusing others of the crimes they are committing. We are fighting a battle in the USA today over whether the objective morals established by God will continue to be upheld or the subjective morals of those abhorred by and abhorrent to God’s objective standards will prevail. In the end God has already chosen to give the world over to them for his final judgment upon the world. It is still our responsibility to proclaim the truth throughout. Woe means trouble is coming your way. Isaiah 3:9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. **Woe unto their soul**! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Isaiah 3:11 Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him. Isaiah 45:9 **Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker**! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Revelation 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. **Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea**! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Woe is found 106 times in 98 verses in the Bible. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Isaiah **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Why does God not give help to angels in Hebrews 2:16?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-does-god-not-give-help-to-angels-in-hebrews-216/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For verily **he took not on him the nature of angels**; but **he took on him the seed of Abraham**. Hebrews 2:16 But we see Jesus, **who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death**, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 2:9 I do not understand your question; however, it may be a version thing. The verse does not mention helping or not helping angels. If you are reading something like the follow, you are using the wrong Bible. *Hebrews 2:16* ***ESV*** For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. The Word became a man in the being of the Son of God to die for our sins as angels do not die. *Luke 20:36* **Neither can they die** any more: **for they are equal unto the angels**; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. *John 1:14* And **the Word was made flesh**, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. *Hebrews 10:5* Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but **a body hast thou prepared me**: *Galatians 4:4-5* But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, **made of a woman**, made under the law, 5**To redeem** them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. I would stick with the King James Version if you want the truth. > [Biblical Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Revelation 6:6](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-6-6/) **Published:** March 12, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, **A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine**. Revelation 6:6 *Revelation 6:2* And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and **he went forth conquering, and to conquer**. > *Revelation 6:4* And there went out another **horse that was red**: and power was given to him that sat thereon **to take peace from the earth**, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. The white horse would be the anti-Christ conquering the world with a weapon of causing wars. The third horse the one in question is famine. Then comes Death and Hell. We are told that with them come death by the sword, the red house, and with hunger, the black horse. With these a forth part of the earth is slain. For the record, it was not the third horseman speaking but a voice from the midst of the four beasts. This would be taking place in the Tribulation. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Why do 2 Samuel 12:22 and job 7: 9-10 and Ecclesiastes 12:5 indicate that death is our “eternal home”?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-do-2-samuel-1222-and-job-7-9-10-and-ecclesiastes-125-indicate-that-death-is-our-eternal-home/) **Published:** March 13, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his **long home**, and the mourners go about the streets: *Ecclesiastes 12:5* The book I accept as the Bible states that man goes to his *“long home”* leaving the question of the resurrection open. *2 Samuel 12:22-23* And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? 23But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? **can I bring him back again**? **I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.** Again, David states that he cannot bring him back and points out the surety that he as all men will go to him. This does not close the door on resurrection by God. *Job 7:9* As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so **he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more**. Again, this is speaking as a man from a man’s viewpoint. Job did believe in a resurrection. *Job 19:25* For **I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth**: *Job 19:26* And though **after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God**: So, you need not question the possibility of a resurrection. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [2 Kings 4:1-7 ~ Lessons](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-kings-4-1-7/) **Published:** March 13, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen. `2`And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? **tell me, what hast thou in the house**? And she said, Thine handmaid hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil. `3`Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad of all thy neighbours, even empty vessels; borrow not a few. `4`And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons, and shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt set aside that which is full. `5`**So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.** `6`And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. `7`Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, Go, sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children of the rest. 2 Kings 4:1-7 I see a couple of things right off. - It is a story of faith, she believed without doubt and obeyed. - God works with what you have not what you do not have. *2 Corinthians 8:12* For if there be first a willing mind, **it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not**. If you are faithful and willing the Lord can work miracles with what you have: not only you physical possessions but your mental and physical abilities. God is not looking for the best and brightest, he is looking for the faithful and believing. *1 Corinthians 1:26-29* For ye see your calling, brethren, how that **not many wise** men after the flesh, **not many mighty**, **not many noble**, are called: `27`But God hath chosen **the foolish** things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen **the weak** things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; `28`And **base** things of the world, and things which are **despised**, hath God chosen, yea, and **things which are not**, to bring to nought things that are: `29`That **no flesh should glory in his presence**. *2 Corinthians 12:9-10* And **he said** unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for **my strength is made perfect in weakness**. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, **that the power of Christ may rest upon me**. `10`Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for **when I am weak, then am I strong**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Kings --- ### [Is preaching the gospel a calling
or a must-do for all Christians?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-preaching-the-gospel-a-calling-or-a-must-do-for-all-christians/) **Published:** March 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** The first call as Christians is to be a living sacrifice unto the Lord, and it is called our reasonable service. *Romans 12:1* **I beseech you** therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, **that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice**, holy, acceptable unto God, **which is your reasonable service**. This is a call, a plead, to all the saved to give their lives to the service of the gospel of Jesus Christ, to sacrifice our lives to save others. *Romans 6:12-13* Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but **yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God**. We are all called to be witnesses of the saving grace of God. If we will do so, and God can count on you doing so, then you might be called for a specific reason or ministering. This call might be as simple as putting you in the right place and the right time to run into someone he has been dealing with and for you to witness to him some more. It could also be a call to a great missionary undertaking, or any where in between. If you learn to hear God’s voice and obey it, you will be called again and again. > [Our Mission](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/our-mission/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Psalms 17:7-9 ~ Apple of His Eye](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-177-9-apple-of-his-eye/) **Published:** April 2, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them. 8 **Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings**, `9`From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about. Psalms 17:7-9 I believe the KJV is clear and unambiguous in its meaning. The psalmist asking God that he be precious in His sight and to be protected like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings for the wicked. *Luke 13:34* O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; **how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings**, and ye would not! Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [2 Timothy 1:7 - Sound Mind](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/2-timothy-1-7/) **Published:** October 5, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and **of a sound mind**. 2 Timothy 1:7 Have you not noticed that those opposing God are insane? They believe that a man can be change into a woman and have babies, and that a women can become a man among many other totally idiotic proposals. *2 Thessalonians 2:11* And for this cause **God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie**: *Romans 1:28* And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, **God gave them over to a reprobate mind**, to do those things which are not convenient; Reject God and he gives you a spirit of insanity. We are given a spirit of a sound mind, of love, and power in the Lord. We do not have to fear for we know in whom we have believed and know that he will keep all his promises to us. *Titus 1:2* In hope of eternal life, which God, **that cannot lie**, promised before the world began; *2 Timothy 1:12* For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for **I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day**. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** 2 Timothy **Tags:** Life --- ### [Psalm 14:1 & 53:1 - The Fool](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalm-14-1-53-1/) **Published:** December 8, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** > **The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God**. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. > > *Psalms 14:1* > > **The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God**. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. Psalms 53:1 It seems pretty cut and dry. To be an atheist is to be a fool. It may not be the only thing that makes you a fool, but it is one. *Romans 1:21-23* Because that, **when they knew God, they glorified him not as God**, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and **their foolish heart** was darkened. `22`Professing themselves to be wise, **they became fools**, `23`And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Atheist would be classified by the Scriptures `(KJV)` as fools. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [Genesis 1 vs 2](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-1-vs-2/) **Published:** February 8, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Thus **the heavens and the earth were finished**, and all the host of them. 2And on the seventh day **God ended his work which he had made**; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it **he had rested from all his work** which God created and made. Genesis 2:1-4 The account of creation has ended. **These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created**, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, Genesis 2:4 What follows is an encapsulation of the original creation and an expansion on man’s creation. *Genesis 2:5-6* And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. 6But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. The ceation of flora and fauna takes place, and now man. *Genesis 2:7* And **the LORD God formed man** of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. God plants the garden and puts man into it. *Genesis 2:8* And the LORD God **planted a garden eastward in Eden**; and there he put the man whom he had formed. *Genesis 2:15* And the LORD God took the man, and **put him into the garden** of Eden to dress it and to keep it. God has created the original artificial intelligence (AI), a son. With every new creation, the Creator tests it. He sets Adam up for his first reason problem and choice. You say you are a father. At some time when they were young and learning you would have tested them with a problem to see if they could reason it out and make the correct choice. *Genesis 2:16-17* And the LORD God **commanded the man**, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. He further tests and plays with His son, as any father. *Genesis 2:19* And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and **whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof**. This is not the original creation of the fauna but in the garden creating them from the dust to the wonder of His Son and to test the AI to see what it could do, reason out names for the animals. The Lord creates a clone of the Man. *Genesis 2:21-22* And **the LORD God** caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, **made he a woman**, and brought her unto the man. All the above most likely did not all occur on the sixth day but continue on through time. It might be stated that an awful lot is being packed into 24 hours. Nothing is impossible for God. Note also we have been and continue to devolve at an ever-increasing rate. The first man’s brain must have been one-hundred times more powerful with much greater abilities: photographic-total recall memory, much faster computational capabilities, etc. Regardless, Genesis chapter 2 is not a second account of creation, nor does it contradict chapter one. All the above most likely did not all occur on the sixth day but continued through time. Chapter 3 could begin years after this. We know that God was want to walk in the garden in the cool of the day and obviously communed with the couple. Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God **walking in the garden in the cool of the day**: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. Some suggest that Adam was thirty-three years old at the time of the fall, which seems plausible. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis, Vilipendencies --- ### [Why did Judas change his mind?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-did-judas-change-his-mind/) **Published:** March 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Then Judas, which had betrayed him, **when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself**, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, `4`Saying, **I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood**. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. Matthew 27:3-4 He repented when he realize he was condemn of God and His law. Take note that his repentance did not lead him to believe in and confess Jesus as the Son of God or the Messiah. He just wanted to get out from under his condemnation. > [Repentance](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/repentance/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [What is the definition of “quicken” in a Bible verse?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-is-the-definition-of-quicken-in-a-bible-verse/) **Published:** March 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** But if the Spirit of him that **raised up Jesus from the dead** dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead **shall also quicken your mortal bodies** by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Romans 8:11 Quicken means to be made alive, raised from the dead. *John 5:21* For as the Father **raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them**; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. *Romans 4:17* (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, **who quickeneth the dead**, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. The Greek word “zoopoieo” is translated as: - quicken, quickeneth, quickening. quickened - giveth life, given life I hope this helps you in your studies. 5/5 - Thank You for voting **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Jeremiah 25:33 ~ Why should we bury the dead?
Why can't we just leave them to rot?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-should-we-bury-the-dead-why-cant-we-just-leave-them-to-rot/) **Published:** April 1, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And the slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, **nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground**. Jeremiah 25:33 Being left to rot is a great dishonor according to the Scriptures. Burying the dead, the funeral business, is big business (20 Billion a year). It is also a waste and a plague on the earth. We fill our bodies full of poisons and stick them in the ground. This is why it is mandatory that you be buried in a concrete vault if you are embalmed. On the other hand you can be cremated or composted. There is no need to preserve your earthly body. God has everything about you written in a book (DNA) and he can reconstitute your body at any time and put your soul back in it. *Job 19:26* And though **after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God**: An elite Jewish burial is one that lets your body rot for a year and then your bones are collected and put in an ossuary, burial box. No need to preserve the flesh. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Jeremiah, Questions --- ### [James 1:8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/james-1-8/) **Published:** September 28, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **A double minded man is unstable in all his ways**. James 1:8 In politics it is called a mugwump: your mug is on one side of the fence and your wump is on the other. It is an undecided person, one who cannot commit fully to walking with Christ. Your life is like a yo-yo, you are in, you are out. Such a person will be fearful of the consequences of serving the Lord. *2 Timothy 3:12* Yea, and **all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution**. *James 1:6-7* But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For **he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.** 7**For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord**. You are going to be in a rather limited position with the Lord if you cannot commit to being faithful. *James 4:8* **Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you**. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and **purify your hearts, ye double minded**. The cure is to purify your heart, commit wholly to the Lord. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** James **Tags:** Faith --- ### [Titus 2:9-10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/titus-2-9-10/) **Published:** March 25, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **Exhort servants** to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10**Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity**; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Titus 2:9-10 There are bond servants, there are paid servants. Do you have a job? Someone is paying you to serve them. Servant is the correct translation, not slaves. Are you being slack on the job, you are purloining. Purloining is stealing as burglary, robbery, and embezzlement, are stealing. They are methods of stealing. Purloiniong is stealing by breach of trust. An employer has a right to expect you to spend your time employed in what he is paying you for. When you said you would work for him for so much, you engaged in an unwritten contract. When you are slack in your work, you are in breach of that contract and stealing his money. Purlioning is the opposite if being faithful: *“good fidelity.”* The Bible is just as applicable today as any other. Lest you feel that the word ‘purloin’ is an archaic out of-use word: These aren’t counterfeits, but actual cards **purloined** from a hospital pharmacy where the vaccines were sold and included batch numbers but without names attached. In essence, they were contraband. > [Hypocrisy Unlimited: Hollywood’s Secret Counterfeit Vaccine Network](https://oceanstatecurrent.com/hypocrisy-unlimited-hollywoods-secret-counterfeit-vaccine-network/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Titus **Tags:** Translations --- ### [It is said that God lives in us. What does that mean?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/it-is-said-that-god-lives-in-us-what-does-that-mean/) **Published:** March 30, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** At that day ye shall know that **I am in my Father,** **and ye in me, and I in you**. John 14:20 It would have to do with the Spirit of God that dwells with God being in Christ and in us. *2 Corinthians 5:19* To wit, that **God was in Christ**, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. *Colossians 1:26-27* Even **the mystery** which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of **this mystery** among the Gentiles; **which is Christ in you**, the hope of glory: It is the promise of God. *Ezekiel 36:26-27* A **new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you**: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27And **I will put my spirit within you**, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. The OT saints could not receive the promise of the indwelling of the Spirit as Christ had not made the atonement. *Hebrews 11:39-40* And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, **received not the promise**: 40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. *John 7:39* (But this spake he of the Spirit, **which they that believe on him should receive**: for **the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified**.) The gift of God is salvation but salvation entails Christ’s atonement, payment of sins, our believing in him, forgiveness of sins, and the indwelling of the Spirit. *Romans 8:9-11* But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, **if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you**. Now **if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his**. 10And **if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness**. 11But **if the Spirit** of him that raised up Jesus from the dead **dwell in you**, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies **by his Spirit that dwelleth in you**. God, Christ, the Spirit, dwells in those that have faith toward God, in the Lord Jesus Christ. *1 Corinthians 3:16* Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that **the Spirit of God dwelleth in you**? I hope this aids you in understanding the Scriptures. Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Leviticus 3:17 vs. Nehemiah 8:10](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/leviticus-317-vs-nehemiah-810/) **Published:** July 26, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, **that ye eat neither fat nor blood**. Leviticus 3:17 If you put this in the context of its chapter you will see this is a command concerning a certain sacrificial offering. *Leviticus 3:1* And **if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering**, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. Nehemiah is a reference to eating the fat and the sweetness of the land. Then he said unto them, Go your way, **eat the fat, and drink the sweet**, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 *Genesis 45:18* And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall **eat the fat of the land**. *Numbers 13:20* And **what the land is, whether it be fat or lean**, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes. *1 Chronicles 4:40* And they found **fat pasture** and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for they of Ham had dwelt there of old. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Leviticus --- ### [Revelation 3:15-16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/revelation-3-15-16/) **Published:** August 27, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** I know thy works, **that thou art neither cold nor hot**: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then **because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot**, I will spue thee out of my mouth. *Revelation 3:15-16* There are three categories of Christians: hot, lukewarm, and cold. They are all saved and all will go in the Rapture. The hot are on fire for Christ, they realize their duty and responsibilities to Christ and the gospel to witness to the lost. They read and study their Bible diligently. They understand and accept that they will suffer persecution. The lukewarm are those that play Church, hypocritical, rely on many version of God’s word so they cannot be held responsible. They put money in the plate and dump all on the “Pastor” to do what believe is the work and service of God. The main problem is they hinder the hot from their service. They side with the world because they do not want to suffer for Christ. *2 Timothy 4:10* For **Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world**, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. The cold are those that are saved but never grew are fearful, weak in faith, that remain quiet and out of the spotlight. They may love the world or they may read the Bible and pray. What many of the lukewarm and cold do not realize is that they will have to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and give an account of their saved lives. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. *1 Corinthians 3:11-15* For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now **if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble**; 13Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and **the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is**. 14If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, **he shall receive a reward**. 15If any man’s work shall be burned, **he shall suffer loss**: but **he himself shall be saved**; yet so as by fire. We are not given many details of what those rewards are that some will receive and others lose, but it is enough for me to not want to be on the losing end. Do you want the shame of having denied Christ by not serving him all eternity? If what I have said is not so and we do not have the choice, the New Testament would not be 50% warnings against doing wrong and admonitions for Christians to do right. For the time is come that **judgment must begin at the house of God**: and **if it first begin at us**, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? *1 Peter 4:17* Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Revelation --- ### [Why do Roman Catholics
trust the pope over the Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-do-roman-catholics-just-trust-the-pope-over-the-bible/) **Published:** March 25, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** In conclusion, derived from my studies, I have found that Roman Catholicism is not the same as biblical Christianity. In Papism, salvation is earned through the sacraments, confessions, penance, and repetitive prayers. There are two churches: biblical and institutional. Popery is institutional, you have to gain salvation through conformity to and the grace of the institution of the Church. Biblical is a personal relationship with Christ Jesus without any intermediary. *1 Timothy 2:5* `KJV `For there is one God, and **one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus**; There is no mediator between Christ and man. > [Which Religion?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-religion/) > [Church Types](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/church-types/) > [Know Your Place](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [At what point was Esau Jacob's brother
not considered a Hebrew?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/at-what-point-was-esau-jacobs-brothernot-considered-a-hebrew/) **Published:** March 26, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Abraham (Abram) was the first to be identified as being a Hebrew. *Genesis 14:13* And there came one that had escaped, and told **Abram the Hebrew**; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram. The Bible does not specifically elucidate the origin of the term, but there are a few suppositions about it. Joseph, and by extension, his brothers and all their families are the next to be known as Hebrews. *Genesis 39:17* And she spake unto him according to these words, saying, **The Hebrew servant**, which thou hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me: *Exodus 1:19* And the midwives said unto Pharaoh, Because the **Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women**; for they are lively, and are delivered ere the midwives come in unto them. It would have been all the sons of all the posterity of the twelve brothers that the midwives were instructed to kill. The Bible does not identify anyone not descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as being Hebrew. Today the following are identified as Hebrew whether rightly or not according to AI Poe. - **Jewish People**: The primary descendants of the ancient Hebrews, encompassing various ethnic groups such as Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews. - **Israeli Citizens**: People living in Israel, including Jews, Arab citizens, Druze, and others who may identify culturally or ethnically with Hebrew heritage. - **Beta Israel**: Ethiopian Jews who have ancient roots in the Hebrew tradition and have migrated to Israel. - **Samaritans**: A small community that claims descent from the ancient Israelites and follows a distinct religious tradition based on the Torah. - **Hebraic Roots Movement**: Some Christians and other groups who embrace elements of Hebrew culture, language, and practices while maintaining their own faith traditions. Any determinations as to who is an Hebrew beyond this are supposition such as a descendent of Eber. [Back to Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [What does the Bible mean by
causing children to pass through the fire?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/what-does-the-bible-mean-by-causing-their-sons-to-pass-through-the-fire/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, **to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech**; which **I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination**, to cause Judah to sin. Jeremiah 32:35 *Deuteronomy 12:31* Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for **even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods**. *2 Kings 17:17* And **they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire**, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. *Jeremiah 7:31* And they have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, **to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire**; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart. *Jeremiah 19:5* They have built also the high places of Baal, **to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal**, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind: *2 Chronicles 28:2-3* For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made also molten images for Baalim. `3`Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and **burnt his children in the fire**, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. The Lord is against it. *Leviticus 18:21* And **thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech**, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. *Leviticus 20:2* Again, thou shalt say to the children of Israel, Whosoever he be of the children of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn in Israqvjael, **that giveth any of his seed unto Molech; he shall surely be put to death**: the people of the land shall stone him with stones. *Deuteronomy 12:31* **Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God**: for every abomination to the LORD, **which he hateth**, have they done unto their gods; for **even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods**. It was common for the heathen to sacrifice their children which why it was not a strange thing when God tested Abraham by telling him to sacrifice Isaac. He want to see if Abraham was as devoted to Him as the heathen were to their false gods. One of the things God saved us from was burning our children alive in sacrifice to idols. That is what making your children pass through the fire means. It is the religion of works that the God of the Bible has saved us from. The God of the Bible forbids the practice of self-mutilation and physical abuse as penance or a show of earnestness in one’s devotion. It also forbids many other practices like widows being burnt alive along with their husband’s corpse, sacrificing children, crawling on your hands and knees over rough stone, and many other religious/cultural customs that permeate the religion of works. Most importantly, the religion of the Bible relieves us from the impossible requirement to obtain and maintain self-righteousness and gives us God’s righteousness. > [Know Your Place](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/know-your-place/) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Why is a flat nose a badge of dishonor (Lev 21:18)?
Was King James anti-black?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/why-is-a-flat-nose-a-badge-of-dishonor-lev-21-18/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For whatsoever man he be **that hath a blemish**, he shall not approach: **a blind man, or a lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing superfluous**, 19Or a man that is **brokenfooted**, or **brokenhanded**, 20Or **crookbackt**, or a **dwarf**, or that hath **a blemish in his eye**, or be **scurvy**, or **scabbed**, or hath his **stones broken**; 21**No man that hath a blemish** of the seed of Aaron the priest shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the LORD made by fire: he hath a blemish; he shall not come nigh to offer the bread of his God. Leviticus 21:18-21 I do not believe it has anything to do with race. As you can see, many of the blemishes are not from birth but from wounds in war, accidents, etc. *Deuteronomy 23:1* He that is **wounded in the stones**, or **hath his privy member cut off**, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD. From this context, I would have to say that a flat nose is one that has been broken. (King James had no part in the actual translating of the Bible known by his name.) Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Does the Bible say that all sins are equal in the eyes of God?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/does-the-bible-say-that-all-sins-are-equal-in-the-eyes-of-god/) **Published:** March 29, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, **he is guilty of all**. James 2:10 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for **sin is the transgression of the law**. 1 John 3:4 Yes, the Bible does state that one sin, transgression of the law, is the same as transgressing them all. It is not the fact you sinned, it is the fact you sin against God. In the here and now we apply different penalties to what are different crimes, eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, etc. However, in the end, the final judgement, sin is a transgression against God; murder, stealing, and any other transgression of God’s law are all contempt of God. *Romans 6:23* For **the wages of sin is death**; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. The penalty for sin, any and all sin, is death. Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** Theology --- ### [Jeremiah 10:2-8](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jeremiah-102-8/) **Published:** April 7, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel: 2Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them. 3For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. 4They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. 5They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good. Jeremiah 10:1-5 > [Christmas](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/christmas/) Rate this post **Categories:** Jeremiah --- ### [Psalms 2:1-12](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-2-1-12/) **Published:** December 11, 2023 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Psalm 2 is a prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ, partly his first coming and partly the second coming. First Coming.: *Psalms 2:1-12* 1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? 2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, 3Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. *Acts 4:25 KJV* Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, **Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things**? 26 **The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ**. 4He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. 5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. 6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. 7I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, **Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee**. *Acts 13:33* God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up **Jesus** again; as it is also written in the second psalm, **Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee**. *Hebrews 1:1-5* God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by **his Son**, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5For unto which of the angels said he at any time, **Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee**? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? Indefinite point: 6 **Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion**. 7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, **Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee**. 8Ask of me, and **I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession**. Second Coming: 9**Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron**; **thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel**. *Revelation 2:27* And he shall **rule them with a rod of iron**; as the vessels of a potter shall **they be broken to shivers**: even as I received of my Father. Warning to men. 10**Be wise now therefore**, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 1**1Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling**. 12**Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.** Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [Jeremiah 1:5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jeremiah-1-5/) **Published:** October 9, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Before I formed thee **in the belly** I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, *and* I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. *Jeremiah 1:5* Many misread and misinterpret this verse immediately assuming it is speaking of before conception. That is not what it says. *“Before I formed thee in the belly”*, at the moment of conception you exist as a one-cell organism. Within that cell is all the information about you coded in your DNA. It is estimated that the information in the DNA if written out would fill in the neighborhood of four hundred volumes. The rest of the verse just explains that God chose Jeremiah for a particular ministry. Do take note though, his ministry is to the “nations” not just Israel. Woven into his writings are many prophetic similitudes. *Hosea 12:10* I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and **used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets**. Rate this post **Categories:** Jeremiah **Tags:** Ministry --- ### [Psalms 7:11-16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/psalms-7-11-16/) **Published:** March 16, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Psalms 7:11-16* 11 God judgeth the righteous, and **God is angry with the wicked every day**. 12 **If he** (the wicked) **turn not**, he (God) will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. 13 **He** (God) hath also prepared for him (the wicked) the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors (the wicked). 14 Behold, **he** (the wicked) travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. 15 **He** (the wicked) made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which **he** (the wicked) made. 16 **His** (the wicked) mischief shall return upon **his** (the wicked) own head, and **his** (the wicked) violent dealing shall come down upon **his** (the wicked) own pate. God will requite men for the evil they do; it will come back to haunt them. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Psalms --- ### [How do you fast 40 days?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/how-do-you-fast-40-days/) **Published:** April 19, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** How do you fast 40 days, do you go vegan, do intermittent fasting, give up a food you love for 40 days, or something else? Fasting is not a matter of not eating anything. This may work for a short period but not for an extended one. In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. 3**I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all**, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. Daniel 10:2-3 Fasting is a way to show God that what you are asking for is more important to you than your flesh, body, self. Do away with all for short fast and the cake, cookies, sweets, steaks, etc., and just eat enough bland food to survive for longer fast. It is not necessarily limited to food. One thing also included is sex with the wife. *1 Corinthians 7:5* **Defraud ye not one the other**, except it be with consent for a time, **that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer**; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. *1 Samuel 21:4-5* And the priest answered David, and said, There is no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; **if the young men have kept themselves at least from women**. 5And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth **women have been kept from us about these three days**, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. Daniel having been made a eunuch when taken to Babylon did not have to mention this. There is another aspect to a fast. *Isaiah 58:6-7* Is not this the fast that I have chosen? **to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke**? 7**Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry**, and **that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house**? when thou seest the naked, that **thou cover him**; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? This is the fast of the Lord, to do unto others as you would have them do unto you. *Isaiah 58:8-11* **Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward**. `9`Then shalt thou call, and **the LORD shall answer**; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. **If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity**; `10`And **if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul**; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: `11`And **the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not**. *Colossians 3:14* And **above all** these things **put on charity**, which is the bond of perfectness. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Is it possible to believe in the Bible and Christ
without calling yourself a Christian?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/is-it-possible-to-believe-in-the-bible-and-christ-without-calling-yourself-a-christian/) **Published:** April 19, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Is it possible to believe in the Bible and Christ without calling yourself a Christian? Why is it necessary to assign yourself to something to have a relationship with God? And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And **the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch**. Acts 11:26 Christian was a label placed upon the disciples by others as they were preaching Christ. It was most likely derogatory to begin with but was quickly accepted as a badge of honor. *1 Peter 4:16* Yet **if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed**; but **let him glorify God on this behalf**. When being a Christian costs you something, even your life, it means something. In most of the industrialized world there has been little persecution of Christians so the name has been assumed and usurped by very unchristian elements so that being called Christian means just about nothing. As God brings in the Tribulation the heat is going to be turned up on Christians and those that are not true to the faith will shed it for their safety, and it will regain its meaning and uniqueness to biblical Christianity. As for myself, I am a King James Bible believing Christian. *Acts 24:14* But this I confess unto thee, that **after the way which they call heresy**, so worship I the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [James 4:17](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/james-4-17/) **Published:** April 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Therefore **to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin**. James 4:17 If you know what is right and good in any situation and you fail to do it, it is a sin. We are to do unto others as we would have them do to us. I am sure we would want what is right and good *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. All the saved will give an account of everything from the time of their salvation to their death or the Lord’s coming whichever comes first. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** James --- ### [Proverbs 21:5](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/proverbs-215/) **Published:** April 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **The thoughts of the diligent** tend only to plenteousness; but of every one **that is hasty** only to want. Proverbs 21:5 We are comparing opposites: diligent thoughts as opposed to being hasty. Diligent thought is patiently thinking things through rather than hastily rushing in. Being hasty is never a good thing. *Proverbs 29:20* Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him. *Ecclesiastes 5:2* Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few. *Ecclesiastes 7:9* Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Proverbs --- ### [Genesis 1:31 vs Genesis 6:6?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/genesis-131-vs-genesis-66/) **Published:** April 20, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Genesis 1:31 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, **it was very good**. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. Genesis 1:31 And **it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth**, and **it grieved him at his heart**. Genesis 6:6 Everything was hunky-dory until man screwed it up. Before the fall, everything was very good. With the fall came disappointment. There is the belief that because God knows everything before it happens, He cannot be disappointed. This is due to the lack of critical thinking and/or not having raised children. Take note that having raise children properly is one of the qualifications for Bishop. Anyone who has raised a child knows that you want them to make the correct choices but you know that in any given situation your child will not. Even knowing this, you are still disappointed. However, God knowing all before it happens is an error in reason. What benefit to the Lord would creation be if all was predetermined and predestinated? The Lord sets choices before us with the consequence of them predetermined. What choice we make is of our own free will. > [Biblical Free Will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-free-will/) > [Summary of the four main theologies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/summary-four-main-theologies/) Rate this post **Categories:** Genesis --- ### [Where\when is Satan destroyed in Revelation?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wherewhen-is-satan-destroyed-in-revelation/) **Published:** April 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** And **when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison**, 8And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. 9And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them. 10And **the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone**, where the beast and the false prophet are, **and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever**. Revelation 20:7-10 Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire at the end of the millennial reign of Christ on the earth. The millennium begins at the end of Daniel’s seventieth week, known as the Tribulation. Satan is locked up for the thousand-year millennial reign and let loose to try and destroy God one more time before being thrown into the Lake of Fire. The final battle at the end of the millennium is Ezekiel’s battle of God and Magog *Revelation 20:8* And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, **Gog and Magog**, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions **Tags:** End Times, Satan --- ### [Please provide verses about keeping your mouth shut?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/please-provide-verses-about-keeping-your-mouth-shut/) **Published:** April 22, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** *Proverbs 17:28* **Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise**: and **he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding**. *Psalms 15:1-3* A Psalm of David. LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill? 2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. 3 **He that backbiteth not with his tongue**, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. *Psalms 34:13* **Keep thy tongue from evil**, and **thy lips from speaking guile**. *Psalms 39:1* To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that **I sin not with my tongue**: **I will keep my mouth with a bridle**, while the wicked is before me. *Proverbs 21:23* `KJV `**Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.** *Proverbs 29:20* Seest thou a man that is **hasty in his words**? **there is more hope of a fool than of him**. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Does the Bible say who can forgive sins?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/does-the-bible-say-who-can-forgive-sins/) **Published:** April 24, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? **who can forgive sins but God only**? Mark 2:7 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? **Who can forgive sins, but God alone**? Luke 5:21 *Matthew 9:6* But that ye may know that **the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins**, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. *Mark 2:10* But that ye may know that **the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins**, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) *Luke 5:24* But that ye may know that **the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins**, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. If God is the only one who can forgive sins, which is totally biblical and logical, then the Father, and the Son are one as well as the Spirit. *John 20:22-23* And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye **the Holy Ghost**: `23`**Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained**. It is the Holy Ghost being spoken to, not the disciples. Hence, the Trinity. It is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to glorify Jesus, to deal with and judge the hearts of men, and to forgive those who believe his testimony. **Back to: [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/)** Rate this post **Categories:** Questions --- ### [Matthew 7:22-23](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-7-22-23/) **Published:** April 25, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? `23`And then will I profess unto them, **I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity**. Matthew 7:22-23 Many men and ministries are called Christian that are far from God’s word. Satan’s main purpose is to deceive and lead away from the Scriptures. *2 Corinthians 11:13-15* For such are **false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ**. `14`And no marvel; for **Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light**. `15`Therefore it is no great thing if **his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness**; whose end shall be according to their works. The only way to know the truth is to read and diligently study the Bible `(KJV)`. > [Which Bible?](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/which-bibl/) Back To: [Verse Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/verse-insights/) Rate this post **Categories:** Uncategorized --- ## Pages ### [Home Page](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/) **Published:** March 9, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ### To Know God's Wordis to Know God But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. *Jeremiah 9:24* ### AV 1611 The Bible, the most published, sold, given away, personally owned, outlawed, read, neglected, loved, hated, praised, despised, book ever to have existed. It is esteemed as the very words of God, renounced as merely the work of men, cherished as truth, and scorned as fable. ### Our Attitude **Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.** *—Psalms 138:2* Unleavened Faith has the same attitude toward God’s word that the LORD places on it. He sets if far above his name which is to be feared, praised, glorified and reverenced, so much more his word. ![The Forbidden Book God’s Holy Word was Prized When ‘Twas Unsafe to Read](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ForbiddenBook.webp) **The Forbidden Book** God’s Holy Word was Prized When ‘Twas Unsafe to Read **But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.** *Jeremiah 9:24* **For want of knowing the Scriptures, faithfulness was lost, For want of faithfulness, witness was lost, For want of witness, truth was lost, For want of truth, many were lost, All for the want of knowing God’s word.** ![A chart showing the two ways of live: unbelief or belief.](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/predestinationChart-FateDestiny.webp) ![In Christ Jesus](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-Unleavened-Faith-favicon.webp) In Christ Jesus Recent Post 5 ### Recent Post ## [ DSA’s Plan to Destroy USA ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dsas-plan-to-destroy-usa/) DSA’s National Platform The Democratic Socialists of America’s current program is titled “Workers Deserve More”. Here are its main planks (grouped by the program’s three sections): Thriving Working Class Communities Working-class Foreign Policy Working-class Democracy For further research see: https://factually.co/fact-checks/politics/democratic-socialists-of-america-core-policies-platform-213ad4 … ## [ The Letter Is Death, The Spirit Is Life ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-letter-is-death-the-spirit-is-life/) Are Christians required to keep the law? This question seems to have and continues to plague the Church. Many denominations teach some form of keeping the law, works, for salvation. Some teach that you must keep the law to be … ## [ Luke 24:44 ~ Fulfilling the Law ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-2444-fulfilling-the-law/) And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in … ## [ Romans 14:23 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-1423/) … for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23 A recent article I read set forth that the opposite of faith was not doubt but certainty. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” is a universal principle in … ## [ Emotionalism ~ Jeremiah 17:9 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jeremiah-179/) The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 In our modern age, many people attend church services primarily to receive emotional support or to experience an emotional high. Emotionalism permeates nearly every … ##### Recent Posts - [DSA’s Plan to Destroy USA](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dsas-plan-to-destroy-usa/) - [The Letter Is Death, The Spirit Is Life](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-letter-is-death-the-spirit-is-life/) - [Matthew 3:11 & Luke 3:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-3-11-luke-3-16-baptism/) - [Romans 1:24-27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-1-24-27/) - [Luke 11:31](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-11-31/) - [Romans 3:9-18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-3-9-18/) - [Romans 3:21–26](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-3-21-26/) Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. *Malachi 3:16* [**Biblical Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) **BIBLE** **Bible not Private Interpretation Bible not Dreams and Visions Bible not Denominations Bible not Commentaries Bible not Philosophy Bible not Seminary** *BIBLE* ![The Forbidden Book God’s Holy Word was Prized When ‘Twas Unsafe to Read](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ForbiddenBook.webp) **The Forbidden Book** God’s Holy Word was Prized When ‘Twas Unsafe to Read **But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.** *Jeremiah 9:24* **For want of knowing the Scriptures, faithfulness was lost, For want of faithfulness, witness was lost, For want of witness, truth was lost, For want of truth, many were lost, All for the want of knowing God’s word.** ![A chart showing the two ways of live: unbelief or belief.](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/predestinationChart-FateDestiny.webp) ### To Know God's Wordis to Know God But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. *Jeremiah 9:24* ### AV 1611 The Bible, the most published, sold, given away, personally owned, outlawed, read, neglected, loved, hated, praised, despised, book ever to have existed. It is esteemed as the very words of God, renounced as merely the work of men, cherished as truth, and scorned as fable. ### Our Attitude **Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.** *—Psalms 138:2* Unleavened Faith has the same attitude toward God’s word that the LORD places on it. He sets if far above his name which is to be feared, praised, glorified and reverenced, so much more his word. ![In Christ Jesus](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/cropped-Unleavened-Faith-favicon.webp) In Christ Jesus Recent Post 5 ### Recent Post ## [ DSA’s Plan to Destroy USA ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dsas-plan-to-destroy-usa/) DSA’s National Platform The Democratic Socialists of America’s current program is titled “Workers Deserve More”. Here are its main planks (grouped by the program’s three sections): Thriving Working Class Communities Working-class Foreign Policy Working-class Democracy For further research see: https://factually.co/fact-checks/politics/democratic-socialists-of-america-core-policies-platform-213ad4 … ## [ The Letter Is Death, The Spirit Is Life ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-letter-is-death-the-spirit-is-life/) Are Christians required to keep the law? This question seems to have and continues to plague the Church. Many denominations teach some form of keeping the law, works, for salvation. Some teach that you must keep the law to be … ## [ Luke 24:44 ~ Fulfilling the Law ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-2444-fulfilling-the-law/) And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in … ## [ Romans 14:23 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-1423/) … for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:23 A recent article I read set forth that the opposite of faith was not doubt but certainty. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin” is a universal principle in … ## [ Emotionalism ~ Jeremiah 17:9 ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/jeremiah-179/) The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9 In our modern age, many people attend church services primarily to receive emotional support or to experience an emotional high. Emotionalism permeates nearly every … ##### Recent Posts - [DSA’s Plan to Destroy USA](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/dsas-plan-to-destroy-usa/) - [The Letter Is Death, The Spirit Is Life](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/the-letter-is-death-the-spirit-is-life/) - [Matthew 3:11 & Luke 3:16](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/matthew-3-11-luke-3-16-baptism/) - [Romans 1:24-27](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-1-24-27/) - [Luke 11:31](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/luke-11-31/) - [Romans 3:9-18](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-3-9-18/) - [Romans 3:21–26](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/romans-3-21-26/) Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. *Malachi 3:16* [**Biblical Salvation**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/biblical-salvation/) **BIBLE** **Not Private Interpretation** **Not Denomination** **Not Philosophy** **Not Seminary** --- ### [D. Paul Walker](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/about-d-paul-walker/) **Published:** May 12, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who **labour in the word and doctrine.** *1 Timothy 5:17* At twenty-six while in the USMC Paul Walker found and accepted the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had gone twenty-six years not knowing what a Bible was other than a book with that title. It used to perplex him when he saw a magazine such as “The Shooters Bible”, “The Trout Fisherman’s Bible”, wondering what was meant. After trusting in the Lord, he read the Bible threw over the next thirty days. His Christian life had many ups and downs. Several times he was led astray by some with, possibly good intentions but, definitely false understandings of the Scriptures and no experience in life. He determined that the biggest impediment to his Christian life was not having any faithful elders in the faith to guide and counsel him, men who had labored *“in word and doctrine.”* Brother Walker is determined to be a faithful elder and to help as many as he can learn the Bible correctly. His books and studies are the fruit of that forty+ year effort. Brother Walker can be contacted at: Email: dpaulwalker@unleavenedfaith.org Cell: 334-494-58296 --- ### [Unleavened Faith](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/in-christ-jesus/) **Published:** May 30, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** ![Unleavened Faith Logo](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Unleavened-Faith-Logo.webp) But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. Jeremiah 9:24 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. Titus 1:10-11 “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1-3 Unleavened Faith is a ministry of D. Paul Walker, who, as an elder, is attempting to fulfill his obligation to feed the flock. As an elder with this responsibility, this site is dedicated to teaching the younger how to study God’s word in such a way as to let the Bible speak for itself, *“not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth: comparing spiritual things with spiritual,*” comparing Scripture with Scripture. The purpose of Unleavened Faith is not to criticize or castigate others, but to compare the many diverse teachings to the Scriptures. It is recognized that we are in the last days and that many, including those who have never studied or read the Bible, are being drawn to books and sermons on the Lord’s return, the Tribulation, and the end of the world. Knowing the exact time and day of his return will not make you a better Christian or witness of the grace of God. Knowing the doctrines and teachings of Scripture will. The Bible—the most published, sold, given away, personally owned, outlawed, read, neglected, loved, hated, praised, despised, book ever to have existed. It is esteemed as the very words of God, renounced as merely the work of men, cherished as truth, and scorned as fable. The Bible promises peace beyond understanding, but with trials and tribulations to all who trust in and live its precepts. It warns of false prophets, false apostles, false teachers, of Satan and his ministers appearing as an angel of light and ministers of righteousness—all deceiving and misleading on what the Bible says and means. It is quite a book. If what it says is true, all the contradictions and confusion over and about it are to be expected. It is a book that admonishes mankind to have charity toward all, to recompense no man evil for evil, provide things honest in the sight of all men, to love and care for your family and others as yourself. In short, there is no reason to disparage and reject the Bible or the God of the Bible, except for the fact that many hate the idea that the God of the Bible is going to bring all things into judgment. Nevertheless, the Bible not only warns of that judgment but provides the means for all who will turn to its God to pass that judgment justified and guiltless. Understandably, all men without the saving grace revealed in its pages fail that judgment, as the Bible presents the strictest of religions in that it requires absolute sinless perfection to be saved. Unlike other religions that leave you hanging, unsure whether you are good enough, the Bible tells us flat out—we are not! We can stand securely and confidently on this solid ground, the knowledge that we are not good enough, cannot save ourselves, next to God, *“we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”* With this knowledge, we can do what no other religion affords. It affords us the ability to see within its pages that the God of the Bible, the God of creation, the God of justice, judgment, and loving-kindness, has freely provided absolute sinless perfection for us: on the one condition that we believe him. *Numbers 14:11* And the LORD said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and **how long will it be ere they believe me**, Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that **after the way which they call heresy**, so worship I the God of my fathers, **believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets**: *“Believing all things which are written,”* what should our attitude be toward the things that are written, God’s word? *Psalms 138:2* I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for **thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name**. *“Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”* How much glory and honor is God placing upon his word by magnifying it above his name? *Deuteronomy 28:58* If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this **glorious and fearful name**, THE LORD THY GOD; *Psalms 111:9* He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: **holy and reverend is his name**. *Psalms 29:2* Give unto the LORD **the glory due unto his name**; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. *Psalms 148:13* Let them praise the name of the LORD: for **his name alone is excellent**; his glory is above the earth and heaven. Surely, many more verses extolling God’s name could be listed. It is glorious and fearful; his name alone is excellent and reverend. It must now be asked if God’s name is glorious, to be praised, and to be reverenced, what is our attitude supposed to be toward his word which he not only puts but magnifies above his name? > You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of literature. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-948); Leader of the Indian independence movement The ultimate slight perpetrated against the Creator is to not listen when he speaks, to ignore his words, or to place less than the appropriate importance upon the study of them. The Bible is God speaking to us. When and wherever the Scriptures have been easily accessed as in most places in the world today, it will not be an excusable offense, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, not to have read and studied them. *2 Corinthians 5:10* For **we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ**; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Whether or not we have read and taken to heart God’s word will probably be one of the top questions we will be judged on. It is not whether we understood all, but did we give it all we could to that end, and did we adhere to the parts we did understand. Unleavened Faith is produced to aid in correctly interpreting and understanding the Bible. Although, there are those *“whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not”*, it is not the purpose of these studies to judge any man or his motives but to speak the truth as God has given me light to see it and whatever any individual does with it, God will judge. These studies compare the teachings and doctrines as taught to what the Bible teaches. Individuals knowing the truth, through a personal knowledge of what the Bible says, is the only way to stop the mouths that need to be stopped. So with Christian charity for all, I present these studies of the doctrines of Scripture for your consideration. If studied with a heart’s desire to learn and understand God’s word it is felt that the truth will shine through. How many of the millions of lost souls will it become known on the day all things are revealed that: **For want of knowing the Scriptures, faithfulness was lost, For want of faithfulness, witness was lost, For want of witness, truth was lost, For want of truth, many were lost, All for the want of knowing God’s word.** --- ### [Downloads](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/free-downloads/) **Published:** June 19, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** These studies are available for free download, not for sale or resale, and can be used for individual study or shared for group studies, provided that proper attribution is given as to the source. Additionally, you can opt-in to receive the Unleavened Faith Ministry Letter, which offers occasional insights on biblical topics related to life and current events. ## **Downloads**: **Guide to Understanding the Bible** - [**PDF**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/UnderstandingTheBible-PDF-booklet.pdf) - [**Word**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Understanding-the-Bible-Word-booklet.docx) **Seven Precepts to Understanding the Bible** - [**PDF**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7Precepts-PDF.pdf) - [**Word**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7Precepts-Word-booklet.docx) **Kings & Prophets-TimeLine** - [**PDF**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/KingsProphets-TimeLine-PDF.pdf) - [**Word**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/KingsProphets-TimeLine.doc) **The Books of the Old and New Testaments Proven to be Canonical: Robert Haldane, 1832** *(Can be downloaded in several formats)* - [**Archive.org**](https://archive.org/details/booksofoldnewtes00hald/page/n5/mode/2up) - [**PDF**](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Books-of-the-Old-and-New-Testaments-Proved-to-be-Canonical-RobertHalcane.pdf) - [**Amazon**](https://www.amazon.com/Testaments-Canonical-Inspiration-Maintined-Established/dp/159442179X) --- ### [My Account](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/my-account/) **Published:** June 23, 2025 **Author:** **Content:** \[user\_registration\_my\_account\] --- ### [Lost Password](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/lost-password/) **Published:** June 23, 2025 **Author:** **Content:** \[user\_registration\_lost\_password\] --- ### [Confirmation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/checkout/confirmation/) **Published:** June 17, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Thank you for your purchase! --- ### [Terms of Use](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/terms-of-use/) **Published:** August 7, 2024 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** Please read the following terms of use carefully. 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We are continually improving the user experience for everyone and applying the relevant accessibility standards. ###### Conformance status The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. **Unleavened Faith** is making constant efforts to improve the accessibility of its site and services in the belief that it is our collective moral obligation to allow seamless, accessible, and unhindered use for those of us with disabilities. We aim to make all pages and content on **www.unleavenedfaith.org** accessible, but some content may not yet fully meet the highest accessibility standards. This could be due to challenges in identifying the most suitable technological solution. 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This statement was created on 6/3/2025. --- ### [Contact Unleavened Faith](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/contact-unleavened-faith/) **Published:** June 6, 2022 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** If you have trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He was the virgin-born Son of God, that He died for the sins of the world (your sins), was buried, and rose from the dead, I welcome your fellowship. *Malachi 3:16* Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. Questions are welcome from anyone. D. Paul Walker dpaulwalker@unleavenedfaith.org 334.494.5829 Email me, call direct, or use the form below. First Name \* This field is required. Last Name \* This field is required. Subject \* This field is required. Email \* This field is required. Message Submit ![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/plugins/essential-blocks/assets/images/loading.svg) --- ## Quotes ### [](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/quote/18627/) **Published:** August 7, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **![](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/John-Q.-Adams.webp)So great is my veneration for the Bible, that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens to their country and respectable members of society.** *J. Q. Adams (1767-1848) 6th President of the United States* --- ### [](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/quote/18625/) **Published:** August 7, 2025 **Author:** Paul Walker **Content:** **“England has two books, the Bible and Shakespeare.** **England made Shakespeare, but the Bible made England.”** --- ## Categories ### [Uncategorized](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/uncategorized/) --- ### [Articles](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/) --- ### [Politics](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/politics/) --- ### [People](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/people/) --- ### [Old Paths](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/old-paths/) **Description:** Selections from the Books: The Word Unveiled – Gleanings From Scripture – --- ### [Study](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/) **Description:** Categories Required – Questions – Verse Insights – Erroneous Beliefs – Vilipendncies – Translations – People --- ### [Erroneous Beliefs](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/erroneous-beliefs/) **Description:** There are many errors and misinterpretations of Scripture. Listed here are gross errors that many blood-bought saints have fallen into. These may or may not fall short of being heresies depending on whether they pervert the gospel of Christ Jesus but nevertheless, they are egregious errors, leaven, that lead to serious failings and divisions within the body of Christ. --- ### [Frederick Whitfield](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/old-paths/frederick-whitfield/) --- ### [Hebrews](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/hebrews/) --- ### [Revelation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/revelation/) --- ### [Genesis](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/genesis/) **Description:** Articles concerning the Book of Genesis --- ### [Exodus](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/exodus/) --- ### [Leviticus](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/leviticus/) --- ### [Numbers](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/numbers/) --- ### [Deuteronomy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/deuteronomy/) --- ### [1 Samuel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-samuel/) --- ### [1 Kings](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-kings/) --- ### [1 Chronicles](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-chronicles/) --- ### [Job](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/job/) --- ### [Psalms](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/psalms/) --- ### [Proverbs](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/proverbs/) --- ### [Ecclesiastes](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/ecclesiastes/) --- ### [Isaiah](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/isaiah/) --- ### [Jeremiah](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/jeremiah/) --- ### [Lamentations](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/lamentations/) --- ### [Ezekiel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/ezekiel/) --- ### [Daniel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/daniel/) --- ### [Hosea](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/hosea/) --- ### [Amos](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/amos/) --- ### [Zephaniah](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/zephaniah/) --- ### [Mark](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/mark/) --- ### [Luke](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/luke/) --- ### [John](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/john/) --- ### [Romans](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/romans/) --- ### [1 Corinthians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-corinthians/) --- ### [Galatians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/galatians/) --- ### [Ephesians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/ephesians/) --- ### [Philippians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/philippians/) --- ### [Colossians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/colossians/) --- ### [1 Thessalonians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-thessalonians/) --- ### [1 Timothy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-timothy/) --- ### [Titus](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/titus/) --- ### [James](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/james/) --- ### [1 Peter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-peter/) --- ### [1 John](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/1-john/) --- ### [Jude](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/jude/) --- ### [Vilipendencies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/vilipendencies/) **Description:** Vilipendency: belittle; disesteem; slight; disparagement; mock Answers to the allegations of contradictions, unscientific claims, and other complaints against the truth of the Bible. --- ### [2 Corinthians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-corinthians/) --- ### [Acts](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/acts/) --- ### [2 Thessalonians](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-thessalonians/) --- ### [2 Timothy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-timothy/) --- ### [2 Peter](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-peter/) --- ### [2 John](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-john/) --- ### [3 John](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/3-john/) --- ### [2 Chronicles](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-chronicles/) --- ### [2 Samuel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-samuel/) --- ### [2 Kings](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/2-kings/) --- ### [Joshua](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/joshua/) --- ### [About](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/about/) --- ### [The Word Unveiled](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/old-paths/frederick-whitfield/word-unveilded/) **Description:** These sermons are from the book, “The Word Unveiled” by Frederick Whitfield. --- ### [Gleanings From Scripture](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/old-paths/frederick-whitfield/gleanings-from-scripture/) **Description:** These sermons are from the book, “Gleanings From Scripture” by Frederick Whitfield. --- ### [Translations](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/tranlations/) **Description:** Comparing Bible Translation, Version, and Editions --- ### [Required](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/required/) **Description:** The information in the following article, I firmly believe, is required knowledge to be able to rightly divide, understand, and interpret “the word of truth” correctly. --- ### [References & Links](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/references/) --- ### [Questions](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/questions/) **Description:** Over the years I have been asked many questions on the Bible. The following is a list of a few of them. I am sure there are some you will find interesting. --- ### [God-Christ-HS](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/god-christ-hs/) **Description:** Deals with God in all His manifestations. --- ### [Body of Christ](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/biblical-christianity/body-of-christ/) **Description:** Topics concerning the saints: Church, both universal and Local, life in Christ --- ### [Biblical Christianity](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/biblical-christianity/) **Description:** Articles related to the topic of Biblical Christianity as opposed to CINO (Christian In Name Only --- ### [Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/biblical-christianity/salvation/) --- ### [Doctrine](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/) --- ### [Foreknowledge](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/foreknowledge/) **Description:** Contained within the category of Foreknowledge are topics concerning the main theological division and predestination. --- ### [Rapture](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/rapture/) --- ### [Judgment](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/judgment/) --- ### [Dispensationalism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/dispensationalism/) --- ### [Baptism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/baptism/) --- ### [Tithing](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/doctrine/tithing/) --- ### [Bible](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/study/bible/) --- ### [Ministry](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/biblical-christianity/body-of-christ/ministry/) --- ### [Insights](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/verse-insights/) --- ### [Suffering](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/articles/biblical-christianity/body-of-christ/suffering/) --- ### [Blog](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/blog/) --- ### [Matthew](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/category/matthew/) --- ## Tags ### [Holidays](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/holidays/) --- ### [God](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/god/) --- ### [Salvation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/salvation/) --- ### [Life](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/life/) --- ### [Theology](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/theology/) --- ### [Free Will](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/free-will/) --- ### [Works](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/works/) --- ### [Tongues](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/tongues/) --- ### [Religion](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/religion/) --- ### [Ministry](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/ministry/) --- ### [Marriage](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/mariage/) --- ### [End Times](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/end-times/) --- ### [Faith](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/faith/) --- ### [Politics](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/politics/) --- ### [Rapture](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/rapture/) --- ### [Resurrection](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/resurrection/) --- ### [Homosexuality](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/homosexuality/) --- ### [Service](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/service/) --- ### [Translations](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/translations/) --- ### [Law](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/law/) --- ### [AV 1611](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/av-1611/) --- ### [Duty](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/duty/) --- ### [Children](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/children/) --- ### [Judgment](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/judgment/) --- ### [Creation](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/creation/) --- ### [Israel](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/israel/) --- ### [heresy](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/heresy/) --- ### [People](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/people/) --- ### [Hell](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/hell/) --- ### [Vilipendencies](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/vilipendencies/) **Description:** Vilipendency: belittle; disesteem; slight; disparagement; mock Answers to the allegations of contradictions, unscientific claims, and other complaints against the truth of the Bible. --- ### [Women](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/women/) --- ### [Prayer](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/prayer/) --- ### [Satan](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/satan/) --- ### [Symbolism](https://www.unleavenedfaith.org/tag/symbolism/) ---