Category: The Mosaic Law

Liberated to Serve

Thursday, July 4, 2024 🇺🇸

“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).

Today, as we in the United States celebrate the 248th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we invite our Christian brethren worldwide to rejoice with us concerning our freedom in Jesus Christ.

When we proclaim Romans 6:14—“Ye are not under the law, but under grace”—people tend to assume “loose living.” Does “grace living” really mean we can now live any way we want? Lest anyone be misled in that regard, God the Holy Spirit moved the Apostle Paul to write in the next verse, “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid [May God never let that happen!]” (Romans 6:15). Grace living is not Law-keeping, but it certainly is not Law-breaking either.

God still cares how we live, albeit He is not operating the “weak and beggarly” system of “bondage” (Law) that He once did with Israel (Galatians 4:9). God proved to the entire world that since Israel could not keep His commandments perfectly, no other sons of Adam (the Gentiles) could either: “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them [Israel] who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world [Gentiles] may become guilty before God” (Romans 3:19).

We sinners cannot keep the Law. However, God in His grace provided us a way to escape that condemnation by sending Jesus Christ to offer Himself on Calvary’s cruel cross to pay for our sins. By simple faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the fully-satisfying payment for our sins, we can now be “made the righteousness of God in [Christ]” (2 Corinthians 5:21). We can be delivered from the penalty of sin (hell and the lake of fire) and the power of sin (flesh-walking).

Why are we Christians free? To selfishly live any way we want? NO! Today’s Scripture says we are liberated to now serve others, especially our Christian brethren, just as Jesus Christ selflessly served His Father and selflessly died on our behalf. That is grace living!!!!

Please see our 2011 Fourth of July Bible study “Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land,” which can be watched here or read here.

Jeremiah 29:11 and Right Division #7

Sunday, May 26, 2024

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

What is the truth about today’s Scripture?

Today’s Scripture is connected to the Jews’ Babylonian Captivity (see verse 10). For 70 years, the Kingdom of Judah would live in the foreign territory of Babylonia because of habitual violation of the Law of Moses. However, a remnant would come back to the Promised Land. In the short-term, that was the return under Zerubbabel and Ezra (see the Books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi). In the long-term, however, it speaks of a regathering of Israel even future from us. That would be Christ’s Second Coming in Matthew 24:30,31.

Read the verses immediately following today’s Scripture: “[12] Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. [13] And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. [14] And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” Israel’s believing remnant will recognize their apostate nation is doomed under the Old Covenant—but will be blessed under the New Covenant. As God drove the Jewish people from the land of Canaan during the Babylonian Captivity, so He will bring them back to the land of Canaan at Messiah’s return. See also Deuteronomy 30:1-10; Psalm 126:1-6; Isaiah 11:11,12; Jeremiah 16:14,15; Ezekiel 36:16-38; Zephaniah 3:20; et cetera.

We study the Bible “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15), carefully separating Israel from the Body of Christ, prophecy from mystery, Peter from Paul, earth from heaven, and law from grace. After the “evil” or curses of the Law have fallen on Israel and Jerusalem (Jeremiah 21:10; Jeremiah 39:16; Jeremiah 44:27), the “thoughts of peace” will be brought to pass (the “expected end” or hope of today’s Scripture). This is the LORD dealing with Israel, not us! “For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them” (Jeremiah 32:42).

Spiritual Calligraphy #12

Saturday, May 18, 2024

“And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3 KJV).

What can today’s Scripture teach us about spiritual calligraphy?

Read this excerpt from the Sermon on the Mount, Christ’s Kingdom Constitution of Matthew chapters 5–7. It is Israel’s prospect in the ages to come, and complements today’s Scripture: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). Also, Matthew 13:43: “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Our parallel passage as members of the Church the Body of Christ is Philippians 2:13-16, what we read earlier.

Whether the nation Israel living in accordance with the Law of Moses (time past), or we the Church the Body of Christ conducting ourselves in agreement with the Pauline epistles of Romans through Philemon (but now), or the redeemed nation Israel functioning under the New Covenant or Law of Messiah (ages to come), it is the life of the one true (Creator) God being revealed in and through His people. He is thus glorified in His creation. Yet, if they do not walk in their respective identities, they will give an occasion for Satan’s people to sneer, laugh, and discredit them.

Indeed, it can be spiritual calligraphy—God the Holy Spirit’s attractive handwriting on the pages of Scripture being brought into the very details of human existence. Or, it can be spiritual cacography—hideous words and repulsive deeds that are not even worth mentioning or thinking about. To state it another way, either it will be a “sinner’s gospel” or a “scoffer’s creed.” We would do well to remember grace living as taught in Romans 6:1-14, Ephesians 5:1-20, Colossians 1:9-13, and Titus 2:11-15. It is our choice to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, so any poor decisions we make will not be God’s fault. May we choose spiritual calligraphy! 🙂

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #7

Monday, April 29, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

In Luke 1:15-17, John the Baptist and his ministry are described using the following words: “For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

As noted above, John the Baptist’s ministry was designed “to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” That is, his preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom—Jesus is Messiah/Christ—would summon a believing remnant from apostate/unbelieving (national) Israel. This believing remnant is known as “the Little Flock” (Luke 12:32) or the Messianic Church (Matthew 16:18): “church” here in Greek being “ekklesia,” or “called-out [group]” (the origin of our word “ecclesiastical”).

Watch repentant Jews come to John the Baptist: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 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. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:1-6).

By believing the Gospel of the Kingdom and submitting to his water baptism, John the Baptist’s converts are separating themselves from their unbelieving nation Israel, the nation upon whom God’s wrath is coming (see Matthew 3:7-12)….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #6

Sunday, April 28, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

Continue reading the context of today’s Scripture: “[15] Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before [Jeremiah 31:33,34], [16] This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.” To repeat, Hebrews chapters 8–10 (the larger context) are Israel’s Old Covenant (Law of Moses) passing away so the New Covenant can be ratified via Christ’s finished crosswork. If necessary, read Jeremiah 31:31-34 (plus Hebrews 8:1-13).

Keep reading Hebrews chapter 10, with today’s Scripture in its context: “[19] Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, [20] By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; [21] And having an high priest over the house of God; [22] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. [23] Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised; ) [24] And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

To wit, today’s Scripture is situated in a passage where believing Jews are isolating themselves from their apostate (unbelieving) nation, a nation that obstinately refuses to come to the one true God “the new and living way” because its majority prefers to retain “the old and dead way….”

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #5

Saturday, April 27, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

To fully appreciate it, we must read today’s Scripture in context. Start at the beginning of the chapter: “[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. [2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. [3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. [4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

“[5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith [Psalm 40:6-8], Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; [9] Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.

“[10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

The context of today’s Scripture, Hebrews 10:25, is Israel moving from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant….

Not Forsaking the Assembling of Ourselves Together? #4

Friday, April 26, 2024

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV).

Does today’s Scripture render church attendance obligatory?

When reading Hebrews, it would do us well to note the obvious: its title is “the Epistle to the Hebrews,” meaning it is written to national Israel (which is composed of believing and unbelieving Jews). Hebrews has been called “the Leviticus of the New Testament,” and this is due to the fact a great deal of Hebrews describes how the Levitical priesthood and its Old Covenant will give way to Christ’s Melchisedecian priesthood and its New Covenant. The writer of Hebrews goes into much detail to argue why Jesus Christ is superior to creation, angels, Moses, Aaron, and the Law. Hebrews stresses how national Israel needs to move on to spiritual maturity.

Hebrews 5:11–6:3: “[5:11] Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. [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. [5:13] For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. [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. [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, [6:2] Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. [6:3] And this will we do, if God permit.”

Today’s Scripture sits in this context of God the Holy Spirit calling the nation Israel to come out of spiritual darkness and into His marvellous light….

One Mediator #9

Sunday, April 21, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

It is as plain and simple as English can be. We do not need to attend seminary (Bible cemetery!) and study foreign languages for 10 years to understand today’s Scripture: Jesus Christ alone is the one mediator between God and men. As works-religion Israel must learn, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man [Jesus Christ!], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;…” (Hebrews 10:11,12).

Long ago, a little girl enrolled in a religious school reported to her mother how a Roman Catholic nun that day had given the class a lesson on prayer and mediatorship. The nun instructed these children (under age 10) how to pray. With all heads bowed and all eyes closed, that nun led these little children in prayer to ask “Jesus” for candy. When everyone finished praying, the nun ordered them to lift their heads and open their eyes. In utter disappointment, the youngsters noticed there was no candy on their desktops! The nun guided the children to again bow their heads, close their eyes, and pray for candy—except now they would pray to “the Virgin Mary.” After they begged for Mary’s intercession, they were thoroughly amazed to find candy on their desktops. In these dear little impressionable minds, and upon their naïve hearts, an indelible mark was made: for the rest of their lives, they would always remember how Mary provided what Jesus cannot (or will not)!

Yet, that is not all. The little girl revealed something disturbing to her mother (a woman with whom I talked). In class, this clever and curious student had peeked during the Mary prayer whereas her classmates had their eyes shut. She had seen the nun’s helpers quietly running around the classroom with bags of candy and placing these treats! Beloved, this kind of dishonesty abounds in religion, people who will deceive anyone and everyone so as to preserve their denomination or theological system. Beware of them!

One Mediator #8

Saturday, April 20, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

Just as the Book of Hebrews declares, Israel must learn how the Old Covenant of Law (including its Levitical priesthood) will give way to the New Covenant (and its Melchisedecian priesthood of Jesus Christ). “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:15). “And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:24).

John the Apostle added, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate [intercessor] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:…” (1 John 2:1). Christ’s shed blood that will ratify the New Covenant at His Second Coming, is the same shed blood that allows us in the Dispensation of Grace to come before Father God (see today’s Scripture, plus verses 6 and 7).

Nevertheless, countless intermediary beings or inanimate things are presumed to play some role in men’s fellowship with God. Whether “Mother Mary” (the so-called “co-mediatrix and co-redemptrix”), or angels, or departed saints in Heaven, or sacraments, or priesthoods, someone or something is being used as a vessel, channel, or vehicle to “get closer to God,” to elicit blessings or answers to prayer from Him. Frankly, these are nothing more than Satan’s policy of evil sidetracking hearts and minds away from the Lord Jesus Christ. These “other mediators” serve no purpose whatsoever—save to blind the minds of them which believe not, to hide the Gospel of the Grace of God from Hell-bound sinners, that they stay out of God’s will of being saved through Jesus Christ’s mediatorship (see 2 Corinthians 4:3,4).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

One Mediator #7

Friday, April 19, 2024

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1 Timothy 2:5 KJV).

According to Sacred Scripture, the Holy Bible, how many mediators are there between God and men?

In Judaism (especially detailed in Leviticus, and briefly summarized in portions of Hebrews), the Levitical priests in the Tabernacle and the Temple served as mediators between the LORD God and Israel. They offered sacrifices for the Jewish people, burned incense for the Jewish people, annually appeared before the Mercy Seat for the Jewish people on the Day of Atonement, and so on. These sons of Aaron were Israel’s representatives before JEHOVAH God.

However, when Jesus Christ came to Israel during His earthly ministry, the nation preferred to retain their watered-down religion instead of recognize His mediatorship. The writer of the Book of Hebrews, penning his work during Acts, expounds: “By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man [Jesus], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable [nontransferable] priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore” (Hebrews 7:22-28).

Alas, due to church tradition (especially Roman Catholicism), Christendom has retained some elements of Judaism (a priesthood, an elaborate system of sacrifices and holy meals, altars, candles, prayers). Like with apostate (unbelieving) Israel in New Testament times, when Hebrews and today’s Scripture were written, these “aids to worship” served only to distract from the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished crosswork (of which the Law of Moses foretold). Whether lost Israel or pagan Gentiles, all had inferior mediators between God and men. This is still true….