Category: Calvary’s cross

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #22

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

Since Christ’s merits on Calvary have been imputed (reckoned) to their accounts, believers should not fear the penalty of sin (Hell and the Lake of Fire). Yet, if they fail to apply by faith the resources Father God gave them in Christ, they will be under the power of sin (not enjoying victorious Christian living). Such disruption of Christian growth and development is courtesy of false teachers, whose doctrine is worthless in God’s sight. The classic example of this is throwing away Grace and returning to the Law—as the Galatians.

Remember, the Law is an “all-or-nothing” system. “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written [Deuteronomy 27:26], Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 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 3:10,11). “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). To introduce the Law system into the Grace life is to destroy the Grace life: “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 do not frustrate [hinder] the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain [to no purpose]” (Galatians 2:20,21).

Teachers who place believers under Law today (when they are under Grace) emphasis human works (self-righteousness) at the expense of God’s righteousness: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Such false teachers, “whose end shall be according to their works,” will not “get away” from accountability before God….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #21

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

Barabbas was already incarcerated for serious crimes at the time of Jesus’ arrest. Every Passover, Pontius Pilate (Roman Governor of Judaea) customarily released a prisoner to appease the Jewish people. Israel’s religious leaders (representing their apostate nation) demanded Barabbas’ freedom. Therefore, Jesus would now face the death penalty intended for Barabbas—crucifixion, a method reserved for the worst offenders.

Matthew chapter 27: “[15] Now at that feast the governor was wont [accustomed] to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. [16] And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. [17] Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? [18] For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. [19] When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. [20] But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. [21] The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you. They said, Barabbas. [22] Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. [23] And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified…. [26] Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” (For more details, read companion passages Mark 15:6-15, Luke 23:13-25, and John 18:38-40.)

These events sinful man meant for evil, God took them and made them into something good. Barabbas symbolized sinners. Instead of devising various schemes to try to avoid God’s judgment against our sin, we can be saved from our deserved fate by trusting Christ as our substitute….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #20

Monday, September 29, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

In Acts chapters 7–9, religious leader Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee who hated Jesus’ name and tirelessly hunted believing Jews. Yet, Saul gave up depending on his “goodness” and trusted Christ’s righteousness (Philippians 3:3-9). As Paul the Apostle decades later, he writes of himself: “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (1 Timothy 1:13-16).

The salvation or justification of Saul/Paul is a “pattern” of how God has dealt with Christ-rejecting sinners for 2,000 years now. Firstly, He has been “merciful” or compassionate, holding back the wrath we sinners deserve. Secondly, He has been “gracious” or generous, giving us the favor we sinners do not deserve. Thirdly, He has been “peaceful” or friendly, pausing the war we sinners deserve. For a moment, He has interrupted the prophetic program, “[that] which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21), that He may operate the mystery program, “[that] which was kept since the world began, but now is manifest [through the Pauline epistles, Romans to Philemon]” (Romans 16:25,26).

God has caused the nation Israel to temporarily fall, concluded all Jews and all Gentiles in unbelief, that He might have mercy on all nations without distinction (see Romans 11:11-14,30-32). What we need to do is the only thing we can do without doing anything: we need to believe on Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for our sins. Since the Lord Jesus was our substitute on Calvary so long ago, we now enjoy God’s blessings….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #13

Monday, September 22, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

In New Testament times, many Jews believed an old fairytale (apocryphal work) written centuries before Christ. Supposedly, Abraham was sinless, and they had inherited his sinlessness. Wherefore, in their “righteousness,” they saw no need for repentance (change in mind) or water baptism under the ministry of John the Baptist. Read Matthew 3:9 and Luke 3:8: “we have Abraham to our father” was their argument John both anticipated and refuted (“say not!”).

Later, when Christ’s own ministry commenced, unbelieving leaders of Judaism boasted they were “Abraham’s seed” and how “Abraham is [their] father” (John 8:33,39). Physically, this was true (and Jesus did not deny this); however, they did not share Abraham’s faith. Moreover, Adam was their father, which automatically rendered them servants of sin. In verse 44, the Lord was candid in finally pointing out, “Ye are of your father the devil!” Convicted as sinners, they tried (but failed) to stone Him to death by chapter’s end!

Even now, many people suppose that, since they have been born into a certain culture (such as a “Christian” home), joined a particular denomination, or faithfully attended church services, they have a home reserved in Heaven. This is good religious tradition, but bad spiritual thinking. Religion attempts to take the old man and reform/rehabilitate/improve it by stopping “evil” and starting “good.” It does not give the Lord Jesus Christ the sole preeminence; neither the sinner’s identity in Adam nor its “works of the flesh” are important.

“Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid [God stop it from happening!!]: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe” (Galatians 3:21,22). Confessing sins, keeping commandments, getting water baptized, and donating money, are somehow believed they can be added to Christ’s crosswork (or, even replace it entirely) to give one a right standing before God. Man’s works, however, have been excluded before God, for no works-religion can give life to dead sinners… though they keep trying to get away from this truth….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #12

Sunday, September 21, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

Turn your attention to Romans 9:30–10:4: “[9:30] What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. [9:31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. [9:32] Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone [Jesus Christ]; [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.

“[10:1] Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. [10:2] For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. [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. [10:4] For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

The above excerpt describes unbelieving (Christ-rejecting) Israel during Matthew to John and early Acts—which lack of faith led to Calvary’s cross. Here would have been Saul of Tarsus, seeking to establish his own righteousness (recall Philippians 3:3-9). That lost Saul is now the Apostle Paul writing this very Romans passage during latter Acts, with Gentiles turning to Christ under his ministry while national Israel still languishes in unbelief. Paul at that time was visiting (Jewish) synagogues throughout the Roman Empire and preaching the Lord Jesus to them.

“Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses” (Acts 13:38,39). Paul’s sermon here maintained how Israel needed to have faith in Jesus Christ, true righteousness (right standing before God) being not by religious works (Judaism) but by trusting the Gospel of the Grace of God….

I Just Wanted to Get Away! #3

Friday, September 12, 2025

“And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10 KJV).

Will sinners “get away” from accountability before God?

Recall that amusing—but true—story. The police forced a robbery suspect, speeding down the interstate, to stop. As they placed him in handcuffs, that adult wept and whined, “Man, why did y’all do that to me?! I was just wanting to get away! I was just trying to get away!” Study those words carefully, friend, for they are a glimpse into the sinful human heart and mind. At no point did he admit any wrongdoing. Instead, he carefully shifted the blame over to the police: the authorities were “at fault” because they prevented his escape! Like almost everyone else being taken to jail, he was “innocent.” Yet, if he were guiltless, why did he run… and for so long?

The parallel is striking. Sinful man supposes he can “get away” from accountability before a holy, righteous Creator God. Adam and Eve repeatedly tried this method in Genesis chapter 3, failing miserably. Religious people have done it through all these subsequent ages too. They presume they can cancel their sins by doing various good works—obeying commandments, helping the poor, getting water baptized, confessing sins, praying faithfully every day, giving money to a denominational institution or theological system, joining a church, eating communion wafers, teaching religion classes, and so on.

So infatuated with their “goodness,” so in love with self and their religious busyness, they show absolutely no interest in hearing about Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary. As they rattle on and on (brag ad nauseam!!!) about how they have “done this” and “done that,” they sidestep accountability before God—and are therefore like our first parents, Adam and Eve. They respond, “No, I am not ‘that bad!’” Bearing a serious facial expression, some have even announced to me how they are truly sinless. They believe they have done no wrong at all. Ironically, if you point out their sin problem in an effort to lead them to Christ the Saviour of sinners, they accuse you of self-righteousness (!).

Indeed, they “just want to get away….”

God’s Offer to the Nations

Thursday, September 11, 2025

“…[T]hat God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is God’s offer to all the nations of the world today.

September 11, 2001 was a day that changed our nation forever. It was the worst terrorist attack in our two-century national history. Afterward, many Americans began to talk about “God Bless America” and “God Save the United States.” These phrases are not as commonplace as they used to be.

In the 24 years that have passed since that awful day, it is a sad commentary that “God” is now the least of our nation’s concerns. With the redefining of marriage, controversial political arena, moral decay, skyrocketing national debt, and the uncertainty as to what constitutes a human life and what does not, obviously, the God of the Bible has been largely pushed out… until we need His help, and then we cry out to Him. Unless we need Him, we rather not think about anything He has to say.

While many argue that God is judging America today for its sins, the Bible does not support such an idea. Certainly, God dealt with Israel in that manner—“Do good and I will bless, but disobey and I will curse” (Leviticus chapter 26; Deuteronomy chapter 28)—but we have no relation to that Old Covenant of Law.

For the last 20 centuries, God has offered His grace to all the world’s nations, to have a right standing before Him by trusting Jesus Christ. People still die and go to hell, but today’s Scripture says that God is not judging nations for their sins. Through Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork, God offers reconciliation to sinners, whether here or around the world. However, that grace is exhaustible, and one day, it will be replaced with His wrath (Romans 2:1-16). Still, we believers are not appointed to God’s wrath; we are saved from all wrath through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).

The only hope for America—yea, for any nation—is faith in Jesus Christ alone!

*You can also see our 2011 Bible study commemorating the 10th anniversary of 9/11. It can be watched here or read here.

You Builders! #6

Sunday, August 31, 2025

“This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner” (Acts 4:11 KJV).

Who are these “builders?” What have they done—and not done?

Jesus Christ is “the head of the corner,” the cornerstone, the foundation of everything Father God will do with the nation Israel in the ages to come. All prophecies and promises radiate from His crosswork (the basis or focal point).

First Peter chapter 2: “[4] To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed [rejected] indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, [5] Ye [Little Flock, believing Israel] also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. [6] Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed [rejected], the same is made the head of the corner, [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. [9] But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: [10] Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”

Likewise, everything God will do with us the Church the Body of Christ depends on Jesus Christ according to Paul’s mystery preaching of Him: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:20-22). Romans to Philemon is to and about us, Christ as revealed in mystery being the foundation of God’s current dealings with man (1 Corinthians 3:9-17). Like Israel’s apostate spiritual leaders, however, our leaders for the last 2,000 years have corrupted us with garbage (non-dispensational) doctrine, mixing law and grace!

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #8

Sunday, August 3, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

Indeed, we humans are “creatures of habit.” It is difficult (!!!!) to forsake former mindsets and old ways, no matter how incorrect or destructive they are. We believers in Christ can indeed live a lie by entertaining these erroneous thoughts: “The Christian life depends on me. I promise to ‘do better’ next time. I will make a deal with God to try harder to stop doing this or that. Oh no, I am just an old, poor, helpless, hopeless sinner who must sin!” This was exactly Paul’s dilemma in Romans chapter 7—a Christian positionally, but a spiritual loser practically.

Remember, Romans 6:6,7: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.” This “old man” is our identity in Adam, something God nailed to Calvary’s cross with Christ. We have been liberated from its power. Sin is not who we are anymore, but we lose the battle with it when we return to a performance-based acceptance system (Romans chapter 7). See Romans 6:14,15: “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.”

Sin dominates us when we think Christian living involves our obedience to rules and regulations. Romans 6:18: “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” Here is whom we are in Christ, what God made us in Christ. It is not something we make ourselves. We are simply living according to what God has done for us through Calvary (grace). Before we trusted Christ as our personal Saviour, we were living in the energy of the flesh because that is all we could do. We were alienated from the life of God. Now that we have trusted Christ, we have God’s life in us and should let the Holy Spirit have His way in us as we walk by faith in an intelligent understanding of God’s Word to and about us….

Attention: As touching our New Testament Survey Project, we have now started our Galatians studies. See the playlist of videos here.

Asset or Liability to the Establishment? #7

Saturday, August 2, 2025

“[Our Lord Jesus Christ] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:…” (Galatians 1:4 KJV).

Are we assets or liabilities to Satan’s Establishment?

The Apostle John wrote, “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 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. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17). Composing today’s Scripture, the Apostle Paul agrees. As God has delivered us from this present evil world (Satan’s influence positionally), so we should be separated from it practically. Unfortunately, the Galatians did not learn this, so Satan was thoroughly delighted when they kept hanging on to their “goodness” (rites, rituals, ceremonies, self-righteousness).

One day, God will overthrow this present evil world, this Satanic Establishment. It thus makes no sense for us members of the Church the Body of Christ to find value in what lost people do. Part of this present evil world is Satan’s religious system, in which we should not participate: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 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. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and 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. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh [Corinth’s sinful conduct] and spirit [Galatia’s sinful doctrine], perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1).

There is more….