Category: curse of sin

Sin Divides #3

Monday, February 3, 2020

“Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house” (Micah 7:5,6 KJV).

In religious circles, it is frequently bemoaned, “Doctrine divides! Doctrine divides! We should throw away ‘doctrine’ and just assemble around ‘love!’” Today’s Scripture and its context expose that dictum for the utter foolhardiness that it really is….

If we look at life in the Godhead, we see the absence of selfishness. The three Members of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—live for the benefit of the other two. For example, the Son was submissive to His Father’s will rather His own will: “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt” (Mark 14:36). Jesus Christ went about doing His “Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). The Son said, “I honour my Father” (John 8:49). “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself” (John 14:10). “It is my Father that honoureth me” (John 8:54).

“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). “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). “For thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” (Psalm 138:2), Father God said of the words the Holy Spirit wrote. The Son said of the Holy Spirit, “The Spirit of truth… shall not speak of himself…. He shall glorify me” (John 16:13,14).

The Creator God designed mankind to function in a similar capacity: this is the idea of man being made in God’s image, after His likeness. Man should not be living for self, but rather for others. Nevertheless, sin complicates and destroys this simple arrangement. Sin is a man “doing his own thing,” going “his own way.” Without a doubt, sin is the fundamental problem with man and his society….

Sin Divides #2

Saturday, February 1, 2020

“Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house” (Micah 7:5,6 KJV).

In religious circles, it is frequently bemoaned, “Doctrine divides! Doctrine divides! We should throw away ‘doctrine’ and just assemble around ‘love!’” Today’s Scripture and its context expose that dictum for the utter foolhardiness that it really is….

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?,” the LORD asked in Jeremiah 17:9. He also answered His question, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (verse 10). Almighty God sees the human heart at its most basic level. With firsthand knowledge, He declares His verdict: supremely deceitful and desperately wicked! (How flattering!) Doubtless, man did not originate the Bible. Otherwise, he would have painted a better picture of himself. As he does now, he would have praised himself through and through. “I am not perfect—no one is—but surely I am not that bad. Plus, I do try my best to make up for my mistakes, so God will give me partial credit!”

Sin involves one person: I, myself, and me! There are two Bible definitions for “sin.” One is Isaiah 53:6: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way….” The other is 1 John 3:4: “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” To act sinful is to do nothing but “do your own thing,” follow your “own way.” So as to show us just how far off “our way” is from His way, God issued the Law, a series of boundaries He erected in order to define our failures. When we cross those lines, we commit sin (emphasized by the term “transgression”—literally “step across”). What happens? Division! Division! Division!

Let us survey some key Bible texts and see how sin divides everything….

Bible Q&As #689 and #690: “How is Jesus Christ the ‘firstborn’ of every creature?” and “How many angels fell with Lucifer when he transformed into Satan?”

We momentarily break away from this devotionals arc to bring you a special study tomorrow.

 

Sin Divides #1

Friday, January 31, 2020

“Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom. For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house” (Micah 7:5,6 KJV).

In religious circles, it is frequently bemoaned, “Doctrine divides! Doctrine divides! We should throw away ‘doctrine’ and just assemble around ‘love!’” Today’s Scripture and its context expose that dictum for the utter foolhardiness that it really is….

Dearly beloved, just look at the world around us. Have you ever attempted to fathom this mess we the human race are truly in? If you have, does it not boggle your mind? To say the least, all around the globe, society’s problems are monumental! There is something terribly wrong, and all are aware of it to some extent. However, most cannot pinpoint the problem—let alone solve it. While we usually have an inflated opinion of ourselves, bragging about being the “pinnacle of evolutionary theory via natural selection,” our thoughts and behavior indicate mankind is declining! Although enjoying improved technology, it is wishful thinking to say we ourselves are becoming more sophisticated internally.

Let us face the blunt reality of the matter, friends. Human civilization—even its “best”—will continue to prove itself to be totally inept as touching reformation. Try as hard as we might, we can never—and will never—achieve paradise. However, we refuse to learn this lesson. Deceived by sin, we just struggle more and more in an attempt to “do better.” Doing the same thing over and over, we expect different results. Alas, we continue to aggravate the problem! Insanity and futility still reign!

The most noticeable aspect of the human condition is man simply cannot love his fellow man. Yes, people can get along with others… but only temporarily. The disagreement was merely delayed. Emotions escalating, war suddenly breaks out. And, there it is: the closest ally is now the bitterest enemy! Unfortunately, the family unit is no exception to this rending. Whether a nation’s history or an individual’s life, the ancient world or the modern age, the global problem is that the deepest divisions involve blood relatives….

Limited (for a Limited Time!)

Friday, November 1, 2019

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 KJV).

What we see now is not what we will see forever!

Enduring bodily illness is certainly no fun (I currently speak from firsthand experience!). Alive in a fallen world, cursed by sin and death, pain and suffering are inescapable. Indeed, “We humans are creatures of habit.” We do not like change and grudgingly accept it (if ever). However, sin’s curse on creation is limited, and we Christians thus welcome our substantial transformation coming one day!

It is impossible to imagine functioning in anything other than these bodies of flesh and blood. We cannot fathom living in a world without sickness and death. These debilitating, dying bodies are all we know. Yes, all the “healing” claims aside, the death rate is still one apiece! We are all growing older, we will grow sicker, and, short of the Lord’s coming, we will all die. Here is the blunt reality of the curse of sin—something from which none are exempt. It has absolutely nothing to do with God being “unfair” or “uncaring.” Actually, He does care, and it is not yet His time to introduce a new and better order.

Life in this world is not easy; the Bible never told us it would be. Regardless, life in another world—that world free of sin, pain, suffering, and death—is one day closer. We need not be discouraged, brethren. What we see with our physical eyes will not last. It is passing, an experience wholly incomparable to the endless ages to come. Our glorified or resurrection bodies can be seen through the eyes of faith in sound Bible doctrine (see 2 Corinthians 5:1-8). One day, we will take up residence in those perfect and eternal bodies, and permanently abandon these deteriorating, restricted ones. We are limited… but only for a limited time! 🙂

When Sin Creeps In #1

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

“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 5:12 KJV).

Behold, how sin creeps in!

Recently, a Christian brother expressed to me how he had been in a long-term online conversation with a female stranger. He eventually realized that he was spending more time with this lady than he was with his own wife! Once this problem came to his attention, he broke off contact with the online friend. It was quite a smart move on his part—lest he wind up in an affair and divorce court!

Dear friends, do we see how something innocent gradually becomes sin? It is so subtle that we are transgressing and not even notice it until long after we started that conduct (if ever we do notice it). Well-meaning people in religion constantly emphasize confession of sins as being necessary to be saved unto eternal life or to stay saved unto eternal life. Wrong! We are saved (and stay saved) by grace through faith in Christ, not works! Furthermore, they say our prayers will not be answered if we have “unconfessed” sin. If that were the case, no one would be saved or get prayers answered. Wrong! There are things in all our lives we do not yet realize are sin because we have not matured enough in sound Bible doctrine to discern our actions.

Without daily exposure to the Bible rightly divided, we will be vulnerable to all sorts of sins creeping into our lives without our knowledge. Thus, Ephesians 5:15-17 exhorts: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” In today’s Scripture, had Adam applied sound Bible doctrine by faith, he would not have let sin “creep in.”

Study Genesis chapter 3. Notice how Satan was pretty skillful in deceiving Eve. Adam could have stopped it, but he remained quiet. What started as nothing more than eating forbidden fruit… is now our world of endless wars, rampant starvation, unspeakable crime, heartbreaking poverty, great suffering, horrific sickness, and eventual death. Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, will correct our thinking (and change our behavior)….

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Who was the father of the Prophet Zechariah?”

What is God Doing? #22

Saturday, January 26, 2019

“Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea” (Job 11:7-9 KJV).

What exactly is God doing? Can we say? Or, must we remain clueless?

Romans 5:1-5 says, “[1] 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. [3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; [4] And patience, experience; and experience, hope: [5] And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Long-term, we “rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” This is our heavenly abode, our eternal destiny as members of the Church the Body of Christ. Once sinners, “come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we are now saints, appointed to glorify the God of the Bible in Heaven. Short-term, until then, we must endure “tribulations” (troubles). Rather than fear them as Divine punishment, we “glory” (or find value) in them. We are justified, having “peace with God,” never worrying about seeing His angry face or coming under His wrathful hand.

Tribulations can benefit us—they can work patience fully (peace under pressure), that patience can work experience fully (skill in circumstances), that experience can work hope fully (complete confidence in God’s promises coming to pass), and that hope will neither fail nor disappoint, “because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

When we understand what God is doing, and what He is not doing, then we will begin to comprehend His boundless love for us. This “love of Christ” is featured in Ephesians 3:19, which love we are to experience and fathom. When all is accomplished, the goal is “that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.” All control over our lives has thus been surrendered to the Lord Jesus Christ….

What is God Doing? #21

Friday, January 25, 2019

“Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea” (Job 11:7-9 KJV).

What exactly is God doing? Can we say? Or, must we remain clueless?

Friends, honestly, God owes us absolutely nothing. Our selfish human nature, however, refuses to believe that. We demand He “do this” or He “should be doing that,” much like an inexperienced child attempts to “guide” (wiser) adults to behave a certain way. Let us be people (creatures), and let us let God be God (Creator). He made us; we did not make Him. It will be a happy day in the lives of billions when they get off the throne of their lives and trust the Lord Jesus Christ to sit there instead. “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” (Romans 1:25).

We can grow accustomed to seeing problems as occasions to inquire, “Where is God?” Indeed, if we are not thinking properly, that will we wonder. Having adopted the view of the world, the mindset of religious traditionalists, we lose sense of reality and wind up in the trap of delusion. Poor choices bring about horrible outcomes, yes. A fallen creation causes us suffering, indeed. Satan employs others to persecute us Christians, certainly. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, the God of the Bible offers to work on our behalf. Still, He will respond as He sees fit, not as we see fit.

The Apostle Paul had to learn this personally: “[11] Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:11-13). Rather than God removing our troubles, He gives us the grace (ability) to bear them….

What is God Doing? #20

Thursday, January 24, 2019

“Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea” (Job 11:7-9 KJV).

What exactly is God doing? Can we say? Or, must we remain clueless?

Today, God has temporarily (!) paused the prophetic program that He was operating in Job’s lifetime; He is running the mystery program, what He kept secret from previous ages (Ephesians 3:1-11). He is not currently forming an earthly people, the nation Israel (His past and future dealings with man). Contrariwise, He is creating the Church the Body of Christ, a heavenly people.

Jesus Christ’s shed blood is the purchase-price of God’s “whole family in heaven and earth” (Ephesians 3:15), by which He reconciles both Heaven and Earth to Himself. Colossians 1:19,20: “For it pleased the Father that in him [Christ] should all fulness dwell; 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” (cf. verse 16).

Earth’s innumerable evils do not mean there is no God, or that (if there is a God) He is cruel or apathetic. Scripture is quite clear that God’s restoration of Earth is momentarily suspended. His present program works invisibly in the heavenly places. When He has accomplished that purpose, then and only then He will resume His earthly work. Looking for God’s earthly acts right now is futile, for that earthly program is not (!!!) what God is doing today.

In God’s heavenly and earthly kingdom, when Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming, there will be no curse of sin. Bodily illness will be cured (Isaiah 33:24; Isaiah 35:1-10). Physical death will be removed via resurrection and spiritual ignorance will be corrected (Isaiah 25:7,8). All creation will be more glorious than ever; the heavens will literally illuminate like never before (Romans 8:19). Satan will be imprisoned (Revelation 20:1-3; Zechariah 13:2). The Lord Jesus will sit on a throne in Jerusalem to execute righteous judgment (Jeremiah 23:5-8; Hebrews 1:7-12). All things amiss will be righted (Isaiah 11:1-16). Until then, suffering, sickness, and death remain….

What is God Doing? #19

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

“Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea” (Job 11:7-9 KJV).

What exactly is God doing? Can we say? Or, must we remain clueless?

Adam knowingly decided to plunge us, the human race, into spiritual darkness and death. Contrariwise, Jesus Christ willfully obeyed His Heavenly Father. He went to Calvary’s cross to pay for our sins, redeem us. Romans 5:6-8: “[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. [8] But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Second Corinthians 5:21, “For he [Father God] hath made him [the Lord Jesus Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” We can be justified, declared righteous before God, because of Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork. (It is the reverse of being condemned because of Adam.) Ephesians chapter 2, “[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, [5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved; )….”

Colossians chapter 1: “[16] For by him [Christ] 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. [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. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; [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…..”

Our latest Bible Q&A: “Should we read denominational literature?”

What is God Doing? #18

Tuesday, January 22, 2019

“Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea” (Job 11:7-9 KJV).

What exactly is God doing? Can we say? Or, must we remain clueless?

Romans chapter 8 continues: “[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? [25] But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”

When Satan began to defile creation, the Creator God deliberately placed a curse on the Heaven and the Earth. This curse, described in Genesis 3:16-19 (cf. Romans 8:19-23), prevents Satan from using the universe in all of its splendor. A “diminished” Heaven and Earth keeps the Adversary from exercising greater influence. Scripture declares that “the bondage of corruption”will be removed one day. Creation will be delivered “into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” The creature awaits “the manifestation of the sons of God.” Such “sons of God” are Christians, people once part of Satan’s policy of evil, sinful sons and daughters of Adam, but now redeemed to function for God’s glory. This process of reconciliation all rests upon Calvary’s cross.

In your own time, friend, read all of Romans chapter 5. For now, we quote two verses: “[18] Therefore as by the offence of one [Adam] judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one [Jesus Christ] 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.” Though Adam’s sin condemns us, while his disobedience damns us, there is another Man, the God-Man, whose conscious choice gives us opportunity to be freed from sin and Satan. In other words, God wisely balances it….