You Won't Find That Word In The Bible!
Many Christians will often argue semantics without even realizing it. How often have you heard something along the lines of, "That word isn't even in the Bible" during a group Bible study or service at the Church? For example, the word "trinity" is nowhere to be found in the scriptures. However, when studying the Word of God it is quite clear to see that though God is One (Deuteronomy 6:4), He is triune at the same time (Genesis 1:26). God is Father (1 Corinthians 8:6), Son (John 20:28), and Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4) while still remaining One. The word trinity is convenient because it expresses the nature of God in one word. So while the actual term may be absent from the word the belief behind it is very present. Another example we could use would be the word "rapture." Nowhere in the Word of God do we see the word "rapture" used, but like the world "trinity", the concept is very present in the Word. You can read about people being raptured away (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). From these 2 examples alone we can conclude that words may be absent but their very meaning is present. What about the word "dinosaur?" You will never find the word "dinosaur" in the Bible. Does this mean that they go unmentioned? Like the word "trinity" and "rapture", I hope to convince you of the existence of "dinosaurs" throughout the Scripture despite the absence of the word. I will offer a few reasons as to why I believe it is biblical and necessary to believe that dinosaurs once roamed the earth. I will also offer an explanation as to why dinosaurs are no longer roaming the earth. All scripture quoted will be taken from the King James Version of the Bible.
God Created The Earth And All It Contains
I feel it is important to explain early on that I do not subscribe to a form of evolution (whether secular or theistic). God's Word is very clear that the Lord created the heavens and earth (Genesis 1:1), as well as all it contains within 6 literal 24 hour days, and then He rested on the 7th day (Genesis 1-2:3). The Lord is the Giver of life (John 1:4) and does not rely on evolution or silly theories to put things into action. God is sovereign, all knowing, all powerful, omnipresent, and dependent upon nothing. There is nothing made without Him, and through Him all things find their source of life (John 1:3). This would include dinosaurs. If dinosaurs did in fact roam the earth many years ago, it is only because God created them and gave them their life as He did with the other animals. If dinosaurs did exist, they would be an animal of some sort. Like all of the created things for earth, the dinosaurs would roam the earth, feed off of the food provided, and fall into one or more of the days of creation. Why would they not fall into just one day of the Creation? Well God divided things up. He created the flying creatures of the air on the 5th day of creation (Genesis 1:20). This would include birds, bats, and any flying dinosaurs (such as pterodactyls). He also created the creatures of the sea on the 5th day as well (Genesis 1:21). This would include fish, squid, shrimp, and any sea dinosaurs (such as the plesiosaur). Then God created land creatures on the 6th day (Genesis 1:24-25) which would include cattle, bears, or any land dinosaurs (such as the tyrannosaurus rex).
If Only The Bible Said "Dinosaur"
You may be wondering why the word "dinosaur" is never found within the Scriptures. John Wycliffe (nicknamed "The Morning Star of the Reformation") was the first person to translate the Bible into the English language around 1382. In the year 1535, the Coverdale Bible was printed in English (translated by Miles Coverdale). The word "dinosaur" is a newer word that did not exist until the 1800's. The absence of the word is quite understandable when you consider the dates given above.
Dragons?
So what scriptural words would lead me to believe that dinosaurs once existed? The first word we'll examine is "dragon" which is used numerous times throughout the Bible. In the New Testament we see the word "dragon" mentioned 13 times. I've refrained from using the New Testament usages of the word "dragon" because every usage takes place within the book of Revelation. We are told in 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." We are also told Revelation 20:2 "And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,". These verses tells us that the dragon in Revelation is Satan. While I do believe it is possible that the dragons mentioned in Revelation could be Satan in the form of literal dinosaur-like creature, I cannot use these verses honestly due to my admitted ignorance of eschatology and interpretation of the book of Revelation.
In the Old Testament you will find the word "dragon" 22 times. There are 3 Hebrew words that "dragon" is translated from. The first word given is tan (pronounced just like it looks, tan). Strong's Hebrew and Greek dictionaries offers the following definition:
From an unused root probably meaning to elongate; a monster (as preternaturally formed), that is, a sea serpent (or other huge marine animal); also a jackal (or other hideous land animal): - dragon, whale. Compare H8577.
The 2nd word given for "dragon" when looking up the Hebrew is tannah (pronounced tan-naw'). Strong's offers the following definition:
Probably feminine of H8565; a female jackal: - dragon.
The 3rd and final Hebrew word used for "dragon" is tanniyn tanniym (pronounced tan-neen', tan-neem'). This following definition is offered:
(The second form used in Eze_29:3); intensive from the same as H8565; a marine or land monster, that is, sea serpent or jackal: - dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale.
When researching this topic I came across something very interesting in regards to that last hebrew word. Many people think Genesis is silent when it comes to the subject of dinosaurs, but I've found something very different. In Genesis 1:21 God's word says, "And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good." If you check the hebrew word for whale, you'll discover this is the same word listed above, "tanniyn tanniym." So while the the King James Version translates this word as whale, it could just as easily be translated as dragon, sea-monster, serpent, or jackal. I wondered if this word that is rendered "whale" could've been some sort of fish, so I decided to compare it to the great fish that swallowed Jonah in the book of Jonah, 1:17. I found that the hebrew word for fish (dag da'g, pronounced dawg dawg) is quite different from the word rendered as whale. So the creature mentioned in Genesis 1:21 and Jonah 1:17 are quite different. Perhaps a better english translation would be "sea monsters" or "dragons."
You may also have noticed that this creature (the dragon) is commonly described as being some sort of jackal or monster. It seems unclear what exactly this creature is based on the Hebrew. Based on the descriptions offered within Scripture I've gathered a few things about this dragon.
1. Some dragons were water animals (Psalm 74:13, 148:7, Isaiah 27:1, Ezekiel 29:3).
2. Some dragons resided on dry land (Isaiah 35:7, 43:20, Jeremiah 19:11, Jeremiah 10:22, Jeremiah 49:33, Jeremiah 51:37, Malachi 1:3).
3. Dragons are wild beasts (Isaiah 13:22).
4. Dragons are known for their loud cries or roars (Job 30:29, Isaiah 13:22, Micah 1:8).
5. Dragons are large animals capable of devouring large creatures (Jeremiah 51:34).
6. The dragon is paired with another creature I've mentioned, the Leviathan (Isaiah 27:1).
Scripture and the descriptions given within it allow us to logically believe that dinosaurs are referred to as "dragons" in the Old Testament.
Behemoth?
The 2nd word I'd like to examine is "Behemoth." This word is used only 1 time throughout Scripture (Job 40:15) and it is then followed up with a lengthy description of this creature. The hebrew word is "bhemoth" (pronounced be-hay-mohth'). Strong's offer's the following definition:
a water ox, that is, the hippopotamus or Nile horse: - Behemoth.
Job 40:15-24 "Behold now behemoth, which I made with thee; he eateth grass as an ox. (16) Lo now, his strength is in his loins, and his force is in the navel of his belly. (17) He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together. (18) His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. (19) He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him. (20) Surely the mountains bring him forth food, where all the beasts of the field play. (21) He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens. (22) The shady trees cover him with their shadow; the willows of the brook compass him about. (23) Behold, he drinketh up a river, and hasteth not: he trusteth that he can draw up Jordan into his mouth. (24) He taketh it with his eyes: his nose pierceth through snares."
The identity of "behemoth" has been debated for many years. Strong's dictionary and many others believe "behemoth" to be the hippopotamus. This cannot work when you consider verse 17. Behemoth is a large creature with a large tail. His tail is so large that it's movement is compared to a cedar tree. A cedar tree is a mighty, large, pillar-like tree that is mentioned being in Lebanon frequently in the Old Testament. A hippopotamus has a tail similar to a pig. Verse 19 says "He is the chief of the ways of God..." which is an interesting statement. Every commentary, preacher, and comparison of the hebrew language suggests this means that this creature is the largest and tallest creature God has created. It is obvious that the hippopotamus does not live up to this description, but the dinosaur sure does. The dinosaur known as the brachiosaurus is believed to have been one of the larger dinosaurs that once roamed the earth. It's estimated that they were as tall as 40 ft. and weighed as much as 78 tons. More than likely, "behemoth" is a dinosaur.
Leviathan?
The 3rd and final word I'd like to examine is "leviathan." Leviathan is mentioned 5 times by name in the Old Testament. In hebrew, the word leviathan is livyathan (pronounced liv-yaw-thawn) and it is given this definition according to Strong's:
a wreathed animal, that is, a serpent (especially the crocodile or some other large sea monster); figuratively the constellation of the dragon; also as a symbol of Babylon: - leviathan, mourning.
Job 41:1-34 "Canst thou draw out leviathan with an hook? or his tongue with a cord which thou lettest down? (2) Canst thou put an hook into his nose? or bore his jaw through with a thorn? (3) Will he make many supplications unto thee? will he speak soft words unto thee? (4) Will he make a covenant with thee? wilt thou take him for a servant for ever? (5) Wilt thou play with him as with a bird? or wilt thou bind him for thy maidens? (6) Shall the companions make a banquet of him? shall they part him among the merchants? (7) Canst thou fill his skin with barbed irons? or his head with fish spears? (8) Lay thine hand upon him, remember the battle, do no more. (9) Behold, the hope of him is in vain: shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? (10) None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? (11) Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine. (12) I will not conceal his parts, nor his power, nor his comely proportion. (13) Who can discover the face of his garment? or who can come to him with his double bridle? (14) Who can open the doors of his face? his teeth are terrible round about. (15) His scales are his pride, shut up together as with a close seal. (16) One is so near to another, that no air can come between them. (17) They are joined one to another, they stick together, that they cannot be sundered. (18) By his neesings a light doth shine, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. (19) Out of his mouth go burning lamps, and sparks of fire leap out. (20) Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron. (21) His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth. (22) In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. (23) The flakes of his flesh are joined together: they are firm in themselves; they cannot be moved. (24) His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone. (25) When he raiseth up himself, the mighty are afraid: by reason of breakings they purify themselves. (26) The sword of him that layeth at him cannot hold: the spear, the dart, nor the habergeon. (27) He esteemeth iron as straw, and brass as rotten wood. (28) The arrow cannot make him flee: slingstones are turned with him into stubble. (29) Darts are counted as stubble: he laugheth at the shaking of a spear. (30) Sharp stones are under him: he spreadeth sharp pointed things upon the mire. (31) He maketh the deep to boil like a pot: he maketh the sea like a pot of ointment. (32) He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary. (33) Upon earth there is not his like, who is made without fear. (34) He beholdeth all high things: he is a king over all the children of pride."
The description given here is quite thorough and leaves little to the imagination. You can clearly see that this creature is a dinosaur. But if the Scripture alone does not convince you, I'd like to pay special attention to verse 20 which says, "Out of his nostrils goeth smoke, as out of a seething pot or caldron." I cannot think of any animal known to man that has smoke proceeding from it's nostrils except a dragon/dinosaur. This Scripture gives us no option but a dinosaur of some sort.
What Happened To The Dinosaurs?
If we are now convinced that dinosaurs once roamed the earth, we must then ask the next question that follows: what happened to the dinosaurs? Well we must realize that dinosaurs were on Noah's ark because God sent at least 2 of every land-dwelling, air-breathing animal upon the ark. Since dinosaurs are animals, this would include them as well. Many people believe that once the flood was over, the environmental changes were so drastic that the dinosaurs slowly started dying out. Another verse suggests that God had a part in the extinction of the dinosaurs. We read in Job 40:19, "He is the chief of the ways of God: he that made him can make his sword to approach unto him." As powerful and mighty as a dinosaur may have been, it was still in subjection to the Lord. God caused this creature to go extinct.
A Necessary Conclusion
In closing, I believe Scripture speaks very loudly and tells us that dinosaurs were once upon the face of the earth. If Scripture isn't enough evidence for us, we still have the fossil record. We cannot logically deny the existence of dinosaurs when we have such a huge fossil record that says otherwise. Bones suggest that there was once something living. Life suggests that God created these creatures. I heard a Pastor once say that he had heard someone say that the bones were placed on earth by God, in order to trick us. This person suggested that the bones are part of some sort of lie, a deception, given to unbelievers. God is not a trickster, He is a Holy and loving God. We seriously cannot believe such nonsense. Christians and the Church are mocked enough as is, denying something we have clear evidence of only makes Christians look uneducated and ignorant of what archaeology has proven over and over again. We must also consider the fact that just about every culture has some ancient story of a giant creature, a terrible lizard. Some of these creatures even blow fire. Is it so crazy to believe that these stories are based on some truth (much of which is verified in Scripture)? These stories did not come out of thin air, but must've been based on something that was once seen by the eyes of humanity.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Can you guess his soteriological views?
I bought a theological dictionary at a used bookstore the other day. I didn't get super picky or spend much time selecting a good one. I saw the price of $3.75 and that was good enough for me.
So then I take it home and I'm a bit disappointed with it. It's not the most thorough dictionary, the definitions don't go too far, and there are a bunch of terms or phrases I'd like to see within it. But my disappointment faded away when I read the definition of "Calvinism." When I shared this definition with a friend of mine that is Eastern Orthodox his reaction was, "Christina, you're making this up. It doesn't really say that." But oh yes, it does. My favorite parts (the obviously biased parts) are in bold print. Even as a Calvinist, this is just funny. Enjoy.
"Calvinism/Calvinist
John Calvin was born in France in 1509. He was one of the foremost of the Reformers.
Calvin taught no new doctrines. He simply put into systematic form (in his book 'The Institutes of the Christian Religion') the whole range of the doctrines of the Scriptures.
A Calvinist believes all that the Bible teaches about God and the human race. Calvinism emphasises the sovereignty of God about the sinful nature of mankind because the Bible teaches these doctrines..."
Gee I wonder if this guy is a Calvinist? So awesome.
So then I take it home and I'm a bit disappointed with it. It's not the most thorough dictionary, the definitions don't go too far, and there are a bunch of terms or phrases I'd like to see within it. But my disappointment faded away when I read the definition of "Calvinism." When I shared this definition with a friend of mine that is Eastern Orthodox his reaction was, "Christina, you're making this up. It doesn't really say that." But oh yes, it does. My favorite parts (the obviously biased parts) are in bold print. Even as a Calvinist, this is just funny. Enjoy.
"Calvinism/Calvinist
John Calvin was born in France in 1509. He was one of the foremost of the Reformers.
Calvin taught no new doctrines. He simply put into systematic form (in his book 'The Institutes of the Christian Religion') the whole range of the doctrines of the Scriptures.
A Calvinist believes all that the Bible teaches about God and the human race. Calvinism emphasises the sovereignty of God about the sinful nature of mankind because the Bible teaches these doctrines..."
Gee I wonder if this guy is a Calvinist? So awesome.
"A Thousand Angry Panthers" by Bradley Hathaway (REVIEW)
Less than a year after releasing the album "A Mouth Full of Dust", Bradley is at it again. Bradley Hathaway's newest EP, "A Thousand Angry Panthers" has conversed with my heart. I could attempt to persuade you into purchasing this EP by rating it with a system of stars. But stars can't explain why I fell in love with the 4 songs that have been on repeat for about a week now. Hathaway has done something incredible. Within a mere 4 songs he has released an unfortunately accurate assessment of the depraved condition of mankind and it's heart-wrenchingly desperate need for a salvation that can only come through a wholly surrendered relationship with the Divine, a relationship with Jesus. Enveloped within the sounds of music that composed scenes of brutal honesty, Hathaway has written lyrics that invite you to sit down and enter into the scene of 4 amazing stories that all share the same message- the world and the dim life within it are screaming out for restoration and saving.The thing that drew me into this EP was the story telling that took place within the lyrics. Bradley did not paint pictures with lofty language. Instead, using simple wording he was able to portray vivid pictures of a world saturated in habitual darkness. The opening track "She Was Raised By A Man With A Sickness" requires you to close your eyes and feel the deepest sorrows as guitars and other stringed instruments play a somber tune that accompany Bradley as he sings of a broken young woman. He offers the story of a woman that's been abused and belittled into believing the lies that she is worth nothing. She even refuses to embrace the pure love of the Divine because of her own estimate of her self-worth. Hathaway sings, "How could He dare? To love her, the unlovable, it just didn't seem fair." This reflection on the worth of mankind is frightening and convicting. Lyrics like these resonate within the heart of every believer at one point and this song leaves every broken person with a mirror reflecting some sort of shatteredness.
As we leave the first song we are welcomed into a more peaceful, upbeat sound with the second song "Carolina." Bradley sings of an exhaustion he's experienced but places it all within perspective when he shares why the exhaustion has not led to frustration. "I thought I heard a trumpet sound, I looked above and I looked around, thought maybe my Savior was coming back for me..." Such lyrics express a hope and a confidence that all these earthly exhaustions are more than worthwhile in comparison to the eternal future that lies ahead. The lullaby-like sounds of the instruments encourage you to drift away into the glorious hope that "...the wind brings You closer."
The third track "Would You Think Less Of Me" aligns perfectly with other messages offered in the previous two songs. As Hathaway repeats the exhaustion of being on the edge of breaking, you feel the seriousness and despair brought forth. Thoughts such as,"...I'm as tired as the winter branches, and the trees in the field, and for so long I've had to carry such a load..." are paired with a glimmer of hope as Hathaway reflects upon the passing of his Grandma. He sings, "...she smiles and her eyes open wide and she says she sees Jesus and the angels by her side" and you can't help but feel the overwhelming hope that we can only see dimly at the moment.
The fourth and final song "The World Is Screaming" is a musical masterpiece. Everything from the instrumentation, to the lyrics, to Bradley's unique vocals makes you want to join in as he and the world scream for something more. The simple yet full introduction almost produces the feeling of a wind or storm approaching. Bradley's voice breaks through the introduction and reveals the wicked and dark state of the world as he sings about problem after problem from a list that seems never-ending. Your heart can't help but break as he forces the listeners to acknowledge the mess this world is in. After being confronted with the numerous problems, Hathaway offers a veiled hope with the lyric, "We're all waiting for a Messiah to come, but we can't agree on who He is and which is the One." He then falls back into and repeats the all too true observation, "and the world is screaming." As the music continues to intensify, Hathaway parts ways with that veiled glimmer of hope. He trades it in for something, or should I say Someone, that can and will fix everything. He is not shy about the One that can rescue us, nor does he try to be. He confidently sings the life story of a mighty conqueror, a deliverer, a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Even though Bradley is only singing it's like you can hear him screaming inside, screaming a profound and life-changing truth of a God that is Love. "...His Father was good, His Father had a plan, so He raised Him back to life, now He's sitting at His right hand, He listens to us, He hears our pleas, and He joins with us, on our knees" is followed by Bradley singing "...and the world is screaming" over and over and over again as the music turns into a beautiful chaos that resembles the sound of a screaming generation. The bold drumming that closes the song will most likely be followed by the listener's reaction of agreement, anger, or surrender.
I will confidently say that this EP is something you cannot afford to miss. Do yourself a favor and head over to iTunes and pick up "A Thousand Angry Panthers" by Mr.Bradley Hathaway.
Bradley's Myspace
Bradley's EP on iTunes
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Degrees of misery in hell.
In a recent Sunday School class my soteriology was called into question. I guess it would be helpful to explain that I am the only Calvinist in my Church. I attend and serve within the local "Church of God" (a Pentecostal denomination). While there are a handful of Calvinists within the denomination, it is predominantly an Arminian Church when it comes to the issue of salvation. Shortly after I started attending services at my Church I shared with my Pastor and with a couple other Sunday School teachers my beliefs about predestination. Like John Piper, I truly believe that the ministry of a Calvinist can flourish within an Arminian atmosphere and I have no plans of leaving the Church. I truly believe God has placed me where I am and I am content with this.
Well during the class I was given an opportunity to share my beliefs more openly before the teenagers and the married couple that leads the youth ministry. My belief in sovereign grace was contested and I found myself having to answer many of the common objections that are thrown at Calvinists. One person asked me, "If predestination is true and there is an elect, then what is the point of evangelism?" Since this conversation was very explosive and energetic (question after question surfaced, opinion after opinion was offered), I was unable to answer as thoroughly as I would have liked to. But I offered two quick answers to the question. My first answer was that we evangelize out of obedience to Christ. If God tells us to do something then we surely must obey. My second answer (perhaps not a typical response) was that I believe we should evangelize all people because perhaps our message of truth could influence the lost sinners of this world to sin less frequently than they already do, even if they were to never exercise saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sinning less would mean a lesser degree of misery in hell.
My first answer seemed forgotten by the time my second answer was brought forth. Jim, the husband of the married couple, said something along the lines of "there is no such thing as a lesser degree of hell." I explained that if every sin will be brought into account and judged by God then the logic follows that those who have committed more sins would suffer more in hell than those who haven't sinned as frequently. I also added that hell will be miserable for all, but some would suffer more than others.
I've given this some more thought and I must say that I still stand by everything I said within that class, especially my comment about the varying degrees of misery for those in hell. I realize my opinion is worth nothing. I hope to express why I believe what I said is true using the most reliable and accurate source there is, the Holy Word of God.
In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 we are given these words, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." If God planned on giving equal judgements based on the state of our souls (lost or saved), there would be no need to bring EVERY deed or secret thing into judgement. We see we will be judged based on what we've done and if that is so, each judgement will differ from person to person.
If we turn to Matthew 10 we read of Jesus sending out the 12 disciples (starting in verse 5). He gives them some instruction before they depart.
"These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town."
Jesus then adds (verse 15), "Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town."
I'd like to discuss verse 15 a bit more. Notice that Jesus expresses variations in judgement here. Jesus plainly says that although the judgement for Sodom and Gomorrah was bad, it will be much more intense for the people that refuse to listen or receive His great message of truth. The Scriptures tell us Sodom and Gomorrah were both destroyed for their great wickedness (Genesis 19:24-25). Yet Christ says it will be more bearable for these people of great wickedness than it will be for those who have sinned by rejection of Christ. It seems as if Jesus believed that the suffering of those in hell would vary from person to person based on this scripture. You can also see the same point being made in the 11th chapter of Matthew.
Matthew 11:21-24 states, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you." If it will be more tolerable for Sodom, how can there not be different degrees of misery?
Matthew 12:40-45 also speaks of differing conditions during the judgement. "For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation." Here again we see differing conditions for judgement and the last state of a person being worse than the first. If we will be judged not by what general state we are in (lost or saved) but by the sins and conditions of our heart, then we must believe that those whose last state is worse than their first will be judged more severely.
Let's also look at the parable of the faithful steward in Luke chapter 12, verses 42-44. We find Jesus talking about those who are Christians and live their lives in subjection to the will of God, prepared for the return of Christ.
"And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions."
Then Jesus informs us of what happens to those who were not ready for His return (the non Christians) in verses 45-48.
"But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Jesus specifically says that there will be two types of beatings, a severe beating and a light beating. Here again we see Jesus expressing that judgement will be issued based on the behaviors and attitudes we've expressed and that not all judgements will be the same. Though both judgements are miserable, there seems to be a lesser degree of misery.
James 3:1 speaks of stricter judgement for false teachers of the Word. "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." How can judgement be stricter if it does not vary? Again we see that there will be different degrees of misery for those in hell based on our deeds.
"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them." This scripture found in 2 Peter 2:20-21 tells us that we will even be held accountable for our knowledge of the truth. Those who have rejected the truth will be worse off than those who have never known the truth. We can assume they will be worse off in hell. Here again we see various degrees of misery.
One of the strongest cases for the degrees of misery is found in Revelation 20:13. "And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done." Notice that those who are judged are not being judged for the state they are in (saved or lost), but they're judged according to what they've done. Judgement for these people will not be equal, nor will the degree of misery be equal. How do we know this? Because we know that not everyone in the world has sinned an equal amount of times, nor have they all committed the same sins.
I'd like to leave you with a short excerpt from "Theology in Dialogue" by John H. Gerstner because the author explains the subject more clearly than I do. I greatly enjoyed reading this book and Gerstner's teachings were used to open my eyes to many Biblical truths. The book is a conversation between a Christian and an unbeliever (both sides portrayed by Gerstner). In chapter 20 the Christian (C) and the inquirer (I) are discussing degrees of misery in hell. The Christian has expressed that there will be less cursedness for some unsaved people in hell.
"C: Since there are gradations in hell, then every sin that is avoided in this world will not be punished in the world to come. As our Lord says, every idle word will be brought into judgement. If idle words are avoided, then that will mean much less judgement.
I: But we must still face the fact that hell is hell. Everybody is going to be perfectly miserable there!
C: Yes. But the whole meaning of degrees in hell is that some people will have greater degrees than others.
I: But if you are perfectly miserable, what difference does it make what degree of misery you have?
C: Think about it for a moment. If God does say that every idle word will be judged, does that not mean that God will bring every idle word into judgement? One idle word will receive it's judgement and the next idle word will receive its judgement. If God says that, manifestly, He can deliver on that threat. So you can be sure that three idle words will receive three times the intensity of the divine fury than just one idle word would. It is perfectly true that the power of His anger is beyond human comprehension. If that is beyond human comprehension, the gradations of it may well be beyond human comprehension. One thing we can comprehend is
this: If God is going to punish every idle word, then He is going to punish it and make it felt. How He does it may be a mystery, but we know that He can do it. Consequently, it is important to keep the number of those idle words (and other sins) to a minimum, even if a person does perish."
Well during the class I was given an opportunity to share my beliefs more openly before the teenagers and the married couple that leads the youth ministry. My belief in sovereign grace was contested and I found myself having to answer many of the common objections that are thrown at Calvinists. One person asked me, "If predestination is true and there is an elect, then what is the point of evangelism?" Since this conversation was very explosive and energetic (question after question surfaced, opinion after opinion was offered), I was unable to answer as thoroughly as I would have liked to. But I offered two quick answers to the question. My first answer was that we evangelize out of obedience to Christ. If God tells us to do something then we surely must obey. My second answer (perhaps not a typical response) was that I believe we should evangelize all people because perhaps our message of truth could influence the lost sinners of this world to sin less frequently than they already do, even if they were to never exercise saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sinning less would mean a lesser degree of misery in hell.
My first answer seemed forgotten by the time my second answer was brought forth. Jim, the husband of the married couple, said something along the lines of "there is no such thing as a lesser degree of hell." I explained that if every sin will be brought into account and judged by God then the logic follows that those who have committed more sins would suffer more in hell than those who haven't sinned as frequently. I also added that hell will be miserable for all, but some would suffer more than others.
I've given this some more thought and I must say that I still stand by everything I said within that class, especially my comment about the varying degrees of misery for those in hell. I realize my opinion is worth nothing. I hope to express why I believe what I said is true using the most reliable and accurate source there is, the Holy Word of God.
In Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 we are given these words, "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." If God planned on giving equal judgements based on the state of our souls (lost or saved), there would be no need to bring EVERY deed or secret thing into judgement. We see we will be judged based on what we've done and if that is so, each judgement will differ from person to person.
If we turn to Matthew 10 we read of Jesus sending out the 12 disciples (starting in verse 5). He gives them some instruction before they depart.
"These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts, no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. As you enter the house, greet And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town."
Jesus then adds (verse 15), "Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town."
I'd like to discuss verse 15 a bit more. Notice that Jesus expresses variations in judgement here. Jesus plainly says that although the judgement for Sodom and Gomorrah was bad, it will be much more intense for the people that refuse to listen or receive His great message of truth. The Scriptures tell us Sodom and Gomorrah were both destroyed for their great wickedness (Genesis 19:24-25). Yet Christ says it will be more bearable for these people of great wickedness than it will be for those who have sinned by rejection of Christ. It seems as if Jesus believed that the suffering of those in hell would vary from person to person based on this scripture. You can also see the same point being made in the 11th chapter of Matthew.
Matthew 11:21-24 states, "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you." If it will be more tolerable for Sodom, how can there not be different degrees of misery?
Matthew 12:40-45 also speaks of differing conditions during the judgement. "For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. "When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation." Here again we see differing conditions for judgement and the last state of a person being worse than the first. If we will be judged not by what general state we are in (lost or saved) but by the sins and conditions of our heart, then we must believe that those whose last state is worse than their first will be judged more severely.
Let's also look at the parable of the faithful steward in Luke chapter 12, verses 42-44. We find Jesus talking about those who are Christians and live their lives in subjection to the will of God, prepared for the return of Christ.
"And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions."
Then Jesus informs us of what happens to those who were not ready for His return (the non Christians) in verses 45-48.
"But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Jesus specifically says that there will be two types of beatings, a severe beating and a light beating. Here again we see Jesus expressing that judgement will be issued based on the behaviors and attitudes we've expressed and that not all judgements will be the same. Though both judgements are miserable, there seems to be a lesser degree of misery.
James 3:1 speaks of stricter judgement for false teachers of the Word. "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." How can judgement be stricter if it does not vary? Again we see that there will be different degrees of misery for those in hell based on our deeds.
"For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them." This scripture found in 2 Peter 2:20-21 tells us that we will even be held accountable for our knowledge of the truth. Those who have rejected the truth will be worse off than those who have never known the truth. We can assume they will be worse off in hell. Here again we see various degrees of misery.
One of the strongest cases for the degrees of misery is found in Revelation 20:13. "And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done." Notice that those who are judged are not being judged for the state they are in (saved or lost), but they're judged according to what they've done. Judgement for these people will not be equal, nor will the degree of misery be equal. How do we know this? Because we know that not everyone in the world has sinned an equal amount of times, nor have they all committed the same sins.
I'd like to leave you with a short excerpt from "Theology in Dialogue" by John H. Gerstner because the author explains the subject more clearly than I do. I greatly enjoyed reading this book and Gerstner's teachings were used to open my eyes to many Biblical truths. The book is a conversation between a Christian and an unbeliever (both sides portrayed by Gerstner). In chapter 20 the Christian (C) and the inquirer (I) are discussing degrees of misery in hell. The Christian has expressed that there will be less cursedness for some unsaved people in hell.
"C: Since there are gradations in hell, then every sin that is avoided in this world will not be punished in the world to come. As our Lord says, every idle word will be brought into judgement. If idle words are avoided, then that will mean much less judgement.
I: But we must still face the fact that hell is hell. Everybody is going to be perfectly miserable there!
C: Yes. But the whole meaning of degrees in hell is that some people will have greater degrees than others.
I: But if you are perfectly miserable, what difference does it make what degree of misery you have?
C: Think about it for a moment. If God does say that every idle word will be judged, does that not mean that God will bring every idle word into judgement? One idle word will receive it's judgement and the next idle word will receive its judgement. If God says that, manifestly, He can deliver on that threat. So you can be sure that three idle words will receive three times the intensity of the divine fury than just one idle word would. It is perfectly true that the power of His anger is beyond human comprehension. If that is beyond human comprehension, the gradations of it may well be beyond human comprehension. One thing we can comprehend is
this: If God is going to punish every idle word, then He is going to punish it and make it felt. How He does it may be a mystery, but we know that He can do it. Consequently, it is important to keep the number of those idle words (and other sins) to a minimum, even if a person does perish."
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Update
I have not been neglecting this blog willingly. It seems like every time I say "I'm gonna post this or that", something happens. I've been without regular Internet access for a while now. I am able to get on and check emails and messages via the mobile phone but it's not all that great. Hopefully I can get Internet again soon.
But I'd like to give you a brief update of some of the activities in my life. I am happy to say that I finally found a Church in Tennessee. It was less than a mile away from my home. The reason I did not find it sooner is because our family never took the road that took us to it. My entire immediate family is now saved and we are active within our Church.
On Monday nights our Church offers it's building for the use of a program called "Overcomers Outreach." This is a faith-based /alcohol recovery program. Many of the members that attend are court-ordered to do so. Our pastor encourages the Church to come out and support this ministry. After attending one of these courses I realized what a powerful ministry it is. I try to attend these classes on a regular basis. I pray for others while I'm there, I may share a scripture or two that applies to the message, and sometimes I simply listen to what others have to say. It may not seem like much, but I appreciate being able to help out in whatever way I can. After Overcomers ends, there is another class (Anger Management). I attend this one as well in hopes of being able to help out and minister to someone. I love these classes. The people are so sweet and while some of the attendees are saved, quite a few are not. It's an amazing way to present the Gospel.
I've also been getting back into youth ministry. Our Church recently had a youth night. We had a bonfire, food, games, and I got to share a message. I felt like it was a great way to bond with the kids. I've also been helping out in the teen Sunday school class. Jim and Margarita (the youth directors) are allowing me to plan the next couple of lessons for the teens. The subject? The sacrifices of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and how they apply to us. We'll eventually start having a weekly youth night for the teens. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this! The last weekly youth night I was actively involved with was when I lived in Maryland a couple of years ago.
I've been reading a lot more. I'm currently reading a book called "Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions" by Gregory Koukl. This book is not so much a witnessing style, as it is a conversation plan. It teaches you how to really listen to what others say, and expose their words and message for what it really is. Since reading this book I've learned that many people use words so lightly and our conversations are so full of slogans and cliche little phrases that have very little thought behind them. I'd suggest checking this book out if you get a chance. It's a quick read I've found to be very helpful in my every day life. I've also been working my way through "Institutes of The Christian Religion" by John Calvin (though it's been on the back burner for a bit since I've been busier than usual), and I have a good amount of books by R.C. Sproul that I need to finish.
Mikey turns 9 years old tomorrow. He's adorable as ever. He's recently discovered that he can film little video clips on Amber's laptop and edit them using the movie-maker program. We recorded a talk show with a puppet last night. He especially loved being able to add his favorite song to the beginning of the clip with an opening caption introducing the show.
Amber and I would like to start witnessing again. For a while there we were walking around our town and sharing our faith with whoever would talk to us. But since it's been so cold this past month or so, we haven't been doing it. I've got a good amount of tracts though and as it warms up, I'd like to start passing them out. At Church we're actually doing a series on evangelism for the teens. Perhaps we could have some sort of day to get together and have some evangelistic community outreach.
Last night we went to court (yeah... they have night court here). My dog Mr.Fancy got out of his kennel a month ago and barked at a few neighbors, barked at an older boy, and ran around the street. The neighbors got upset and called the police. When the officer showed up, Mr.Fancy barked at him too. We had to appear in court. The charge? Dog at large. I won't lie, seeing that on paper made me giggle. Since that happened, we've secured the top of the kennel (Mr.Fancy can climb and was climbing out over the door). The Judge said please just make sure we keep our dog in our yard and dismissed the case. Justice was served for Mr.Fancy.
I'm still looking for work. I've had no luck at all. I've applied all over our small town. Nobody is hiring in our town. In the Sunday paper for the city of Cleveland (the largest city near us) there was a total of 10 jobs listed. Six them were part time, four full time, and one of the jobs was as an Avon representative. I mean I understand the economy is bad, but I think here in the south it's a little worse. Situations like these make me miss Maryland.
Anyways, I hope to be able to update this more often. Thank you guys for always checking in and even commenting. Hopefully I'll be able to make this a more regular thing.
But I'd like to give you a brief update of some of the activities in my life. I am happy to say that I finally found a Church in Tennessee. It was less than a mile away from my home. The reason I did not find it sooner is because our family never took the road that took us to it. My entire immediate family is now saved and we are active within our Church.
On Monday nights our Church offers it's building for the use of a program called "Overcomers Outreach." This is a faith-based /alcohol recovery program. Many of the members that attend are court-ordered to do so. Our pastor encourages the Church to come out and support this ministry. After attending one of these courses I realized what a powerful ministry it is. I try to attend these classes on a regular basis. I pray for others while I'm there, I may share a scripture or two that applies to the message, and sometimes I simply listen to what others have to say. It may not seem like much, but I appreciate being able to help out in whatever way I can. After Overcomers ends, there is another class (Anger Management). I attend this one as well in hopes of being able to help out and minister to someone. I love these classes. The people are so sweet and while some of the attendees are saved, quite a few are not. It's an amazing way to present the Gospel.
I've also been getting back into youth ministry. Our Church recently had a youth night. We had a bonfire, food, games, and I got to share a message. I felt like it was a great way to bond with the kids. I've also been helping out in the teen Sunday school class. Jim and Margarita (the youth directors) are allowing me to plan the next couple of lessons for the teens. The subject? The sacrifices of the Old Testament, the New Testament, and how they apply to us. We'll eventually start having a weekly youth night for the teens. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this! The last weekly youth night I was actively involved with was when I lived in Maryland a couple of years ago.
I've been reading a lot more. I'm currently reading a book called "Tactics: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions" by Gregory Koukl. This book is not so much a witnessing style, as it is a conversation plan. It teaches you how to really listen to what others say, and expose their words and message for what it really is. Since reading this book I've learned that many people use words so lightly and our conversations are so full of slogans and cliche little phrases that have very little thought behind them. I'd suggest checking this book out if you get a chance. It's a quick read I've found to be very helpful in my every day life. I've also been working my way through "Institutes of The Christian Religion" by John Calvin (though it's been on the back burner for a bit since I've been busier than usual), and I have a good amount of books by R.C. Sproul that I need to finish.
Mikey turns 9 years old tomorrow. He's adorable as ever. He's recently discovered that he can film little video clips on Amber's laptop and edit them using the movie-maker program. We recorded a talk show with a puppet last night. He especially loved being able to add his favorite song to the beginning of the clip with an opening caption introducing the show.
Amber and I would like to start witnessing again. For a while there we were walking around our town and sharing our faith with whoever would talk to us. But since it's been so cold this past month or so, we haven't been doing it. I've got a good amount of tracts though and as it warms up, I'd like to start passing them out. At Church we're actually doing a series on evangelism for the teens. Perhaps we could have some sort of day to get together and have some evangelistic community outreach.
Last night we went to court (yeah... they have night court here). My dog Mr.Fancy got out of his kennel a month ago and barked at a few neighbors, barked at an older boy, and ran around the street. The neighbors got upset and called the police. When the officer showed up, Mr.Fancy barked at him too. We had to appear in court. The charge? Dog at large. I won't lie, seeing that on paper made me giggle. Since that happened, we've secured the top of the kennel (Mr.Fancy can climb and was climbing out over the door). The Judge said please just make sure we keep our dog in our yard and dismissed the case. Justice was served for Mr.Fancy.
I'm still looking for work. I've had no luck at all. I've applied all over our small town. Nobody is hiring in our town. In the Sunday paper for the city of Cleveland (the largest city near us) there was a total of 10 jobs listed. Six them were part time, four full time, and one of the jobs was as an Avon representative. I mean I understand the economy is bad, but I think here in the south it's a little worse. Situations like these make me miss Maryland.
Anyways, I hope to be able to update this more often. Thank you guys for always checking in and even commenting. Hopefully I'll be able to make this a more regular thing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)