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People of The Living God |
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February 2025
WATCHMEN ON THE WALLS
AND THE GAME GOES ON
Warren Berry
In yet another attack upon a Christian business in Tennessee, is a pizzeria in Chattanooga. From “Right Wing” we read, “Christian restaurant owners, Justin and Amanda Jo Bennett, own Pizzeria Cortile in Chattanooga, Tennessee. They found themselves at the center of a heated dispute after refusing to cater a same-sex wedding. This decision, rooted in their Christian beliefs, resulted in backlash from pro-LGBT advocates who accused them of discriminatory practices. The Bennetts argue that their decision is a personal conviction, not an attempt to legally enforce their beliefs.”
In another article from the Chattanooga Free Press, titled, “Pizzeria’s refusal to cater to gay weddings is about bigotry, not beliefs,” written by Ben Sessoms, it is most evident that Sessoms misses the whole point. Sessoms begins his opinion piece, “Before this week, many had never heard of Red Bank’s Pizzeria Cortile, but after the restaurant confirmed its refusal to cater a gay wedding, amid Reddit-fueled hearsay, the pizza maker finds itself in the local spotlight, garnering staunch criticism, for its blatant homophobia.”* (“blatant homophobia” is Sessoms’ assessment but is fundamentally untrue. Yet, most readers will accept his statement as fact. Christians are not afraid of homosexuality. They are afraid of offending a holy God by any sin or in any action that might sanction or condone sin. It is God’s standards to which they hold and, as Christians, endeavor to honor God by living according to His word.)
As usual, when Christians stand up for what they believe and for which they are convicted they are labeled, homophobic, xenophobic, or some other slanderous phobia. They are discredited, their names smeared, their lives endangered and, in many cases, their businesses disparaged to the point that the doors close. In some cases, falsely accused and falsely labeled Christians are taken to court where they have to spend their resources in defense of their convictions.
Sessoms, oblivious to his own contradictions, goes on in his article to say, "This is because people recognize, if they are being honest with themselves, that regulating someone's behavior — and yes, beliefs* — is a necessary element of democracy." Strange how he can say that Christians are trying to regulate someone’s behavior and beliefs when this is exactly what he is condoning – trying to regulate and force acceptance on one’s beliefs: in this case regulating (forcing) acceptance of homosexual lifestyles on those whose convictions oppose such activities. When it comes to Christians standing upon their biblical convictions and refusing service to homosexuals, it’s “regulating someone’s behavior,” but when it comes to gays forcing Christians to accept or overlook their perverted lifestyle, that’s okay. Such blatant hypocrisy!
It is not because Christians are attempting to regulate them or control them, but because Christians don’t want to condone a lifestyle that is contrary to God’s word. There is no phobia here. There is no attempt to “regulate” here. There is no hate here. If one will face truth (a rare commodity today), the message here is that of love. If homosexuals do not turn from this transgression, they will spend eternity in hell. Love is to speak the truth not to condone their way of life, a life which has eternal consequences.
These held beliefs are not something the Bennetts conjured up in their own minds or a phobia somehow innate within their psyche such as claustrophobia or hydrophobia, but a personal conviction based upon the word of God, which they desire to live by. It is not the Bennetts who have a personal vendetta against homosexuality, rather it is more often the homosexual community and those who support them that have a vendetta against true Christians who believe God’s word and call homosexuality, “Sin.” It is God who declares it to be an abomination.
A FEW PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE ON THIS TOPIC
First, let’s consider what God established regarding the issue of sexuality. In the book of Genesis, after God had created the universe, the earth and everything within, His final creation was man. He saw that it was not good for man to live alone, so He created woman and God said, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). This is God’s order and anything outside of this order is sin.
Jesus reiterated this standard as is recorded in Mark 10:6-9. “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.* For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.* God established His order and Satan has come to distort, pollute, desecrate, and destroy what God ordained as holy. This is the biblical teaching. However, it is not just homosexuality that is against God’s order regarding marriage, it is addressed to all sexual sins, including fornication of any type, adultery, pornography, and even lusting after those of the opposite (or same) sex (Matt. 5:28).
Addressing the specific sin of homosexuality, let’s begin in the Old Testament with Leviticus 18:22. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”* This is reiterated in Leviticus 20:1 “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:* they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” In the second verse, God shows His displeasure by ordering them to be executed. While many claim God as a God of wrath and as One who is unreasonable, the opposite is true. God was teaching in the Old Testament that sin has eternal consequences, not only under the Old Covenant but is transferred into the New as well. God gave us His law for our protection so that we might not be deceived by the lies of our Arch Enemy and be eternally damned.
We establish rules for our children because we want them to be safe. An example of this is when my first grandson was about five years old, we visited Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. We decided to go to one overview called “Buzzard’s Roost” which had no rails or fence to keep one from falling off. As you stood on the edge of this overview, the tops of the trees were about 75 feet below, so falling from here would not be a pleasant experience. As we started down the trail to Buzzard’s Roost, he wanted to run ahead. I told him to go ahead but when I told him to stop, he was to stop and wait on me. I told him several times that he was to hold my hand the whole time we were at the overview because I didn’t want him to fall off the cliff.
He ran on ahead but when I told him to stop, he stopped and I caught up with him. I again reminded him to hold my hand and not let go. Just as we reached the overview, he said, “Grandpa.” I responded and he said, “If you fall off, can I let go?” That was one of those special moments in life that one never forgets. I told him he could let go if I fell. But the point here is: why did I tell him to wait and to hold my hand? It was for his safety. Every command given by God is for our protection and to keep us from falling into hell’s burning flame. God so loves mankind that He sent His precious Son to bear our sins on Calvary so all of us, who are sinners could be saved. God’s love is why He gave His law.
While many don’t want to hear what the Old Testament says, claiming we are now under the New and those laws no longer apply. Therefore, let us present a few verses found in the New Testament. While I am a very strong supporter of the King James Version of the Bible, I know many today prefer some of the newer translations. I will use some of these because, in some ways, they are more direct and clearer than the KJV.
Jude 7: “And don't forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, all full of lust of every kind, including lust of men for other men.”* TLB
Rom. 1:24-27: “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator — who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men,* and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. NIV
1 Cor. 6:9-10: “Don't you know that evil people won't have a share in the blessings of God's kingdom? Don't fool yourselves! No one who is immoral or worships idols or is unfaithful in marriage or is a pervert or behaves like a homosexual”* CEV. Isn’t it interesting that many churches today are telling their congregants that the Apostle Paul didn’t know what he was talking about by ordaining gays into the ministry and in eldership positions?
There are several other verses that show that God hates homosexuality just as He hates all sin. Sin is the transgression of God’s law (I John 3:4). The Bible also says, “Therefore, to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). As believers, we treasure God’s word, for we understand that His law is a protection for us in a sinful and evil world.
PHOBIAS
In a Google search, I found there are over one hundred “phobias.” Unbelievable! We are a generation of fear. In fact, I found there is a fear of God – “ Theophobia” and a fear of Christians – Christophobia, or Christianophobia. So the question here is: Who’s afraid of who? And why? And is it realistic and rational?
Jesus, quoting from Isaiah, tells where the problem lies. “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed;* lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matt. 13:14-15). These want to remain in their present lifestyle and want everyone else to accept and condone it.
The National Institutes of Health defines: “Phobias … are irrational fears triggered by either specific or general events or items.” Notice the word, “irrational.” Why then should Christians be afraid of homosexuals? We aren’t. Maybe they are afraid of us. Consider the following.
"Theophobia" refers to an irrational fear of religion or God, meaning someone with theophobia experiences intense anxiety and distress when confronted with religious concepts, practices, or discussions about faith.” (AI Overview)
While the term “Theophobia” refers to any fear or anxiety toward religion and God, it is also a wise thing to be fearful in a realistic manner toward the Great Jehovah God who is able to cast us into an eternal fire. And yet God, in His love, has provided the means by which men can escape that fire and gain eternal life and live with God in the glories of His eternal kingdom. Solomon, the great wise man of the Old Testament, had this to say about fear, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Prov. 9:10). And Jude instructs us in the value of Godly fear in saving of a soul, “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 23). One of the great sermons of the past titled, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” was the means by which many souls repented and found salvation in Jesus Christ. This sermon, preached by Johnathan Edwards on July 8, 1741, is still available to read today and still has an impact upon both sinners and believers.
ATHEISM AND ITS DILEMMA
NCAA basketball coach, John Wooden, once said, “Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be.” This is very true when it comes to God and one’s belief in God or the lack thereof. It is claimed that atheism is not a religion, for it has no god, no Bible, no church, no prescribed beliefs, and consequentially – no future. In the obvious declaration by the world around us, creation declares the glory of God (Psalm 19:1). Contrary to Darwinism, creation declares that some Supreme Being or power created the universe. The Bible states in Romans 1:20 that creation is God’s divine revelation of His power revealing who He is, and this testimony is seen all around us every day. “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”*
To the atheist: Answer a few questions:
What are morals? Are they important? Why is it wrong for men, like animals, to kill one another? Who says it’s wrong? Why should one not take another’s wife? Why should one not steal? Who makes these rules or laws, which are undeniably innate within every person unless that law is quenched through continual violation of one’s conscience? What is conscience? Is it something created by evolution? How is it acquired? Is it merely a concept created by the society in which we live? Even among Muslims who are taught all their lives to hate the infidels, they have serious reservations when they are called upon to commit their first murder of the “infidel.” There is a deep down conviction in their conscience that what they are about to do is wrong. Why? Because God has put into the hearts of all men the ability, at least to some degree, to discern between right and wrong. It is true that men apart from God have no concept of the whole of God’s law nor the value of it, yet they know enough to make right choices in most critical issues.
Many other questions could be asked, but these should be enough to cause any soul seeking for truth to realize there is a God before whom we will all, one day, stand and be judged by the things we have done while here on God’s earth. May every eye be opened and every heart tender toward God and His divine word.
* All emphases in this article are the author’s.
TLB – Today’s Living Bible
NIV – New International Version
TIMELY ADMONITION
Randall Walton
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing” (I Cor. 13:1,2).
Whatever “charity” is, it certainly is the most essential thing to a Christian life. Yet, strange as it may seem, there are few Christians who have a definite idea as to just what constitutes “charity.”
Charity has been described as benevolence, charitable generosity, humane kindness, etc., but such an interpretation of this word does not agree with the rest of the chapter, for verse three says: “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
Many people have learned that there is a law of God which functions for a generous giver. “It is more blessed to give than it is to receive” (Acts 20:35). Rich men have often given millions because of the satisfaction they receive in return for their generosity. They have received their reward. This was not “charity.”
Notice in this 13th chapter of First Corinthians that “charity” is more than a mere expression of human kindness and generosity, for “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth” (verses 4-8).
Whatever “charity” is, it has the nature of God. It also has personality. If this were describing the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what more could one add to the description?
Consider this verse from Colossians 3:14-“Above all these things PUT ON charity.” In verse ten we are told to “PUT ON the new man.” And again in Romans 13:14: “PUT YE on the Lord Jesus Christ” The “new man,” “charity,” and the Lord Jesus Christ are one and the same!
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me” (Matt. 7:22,23). These were but “sounding brass and tinkling cymbals.” They lacked the one great thing–CHRIST. They knew A-B-O-U-T Him, but they were not known of Him. They must have PROFESSED Christianity, for they prophesied in His name, but He had not dwelt within them.
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Rom. 8:9). A true Christian is not merely a temple FOR the Holy Ghost: he is a temple OF the Holy Ghost.
Whenever a man “BELIEVES” on the Lord Jesus Christ he then is given “power to BECOME” a son of God (John 1:12).
In Colossians, we are told to “PUT ON Charity.” The words PUT ON are a combination of two different Greek terms: enduo, “En” indicates a relation of rest. “Duo” means to sink down into, and it is indicated that it takes “dunamisor” power to accomplish this. In order to PUT ON charity, the “new man,” or Christ, we must SINK DOWN, as one would sink into a great top coat. We become “clothed upon,” as our identity is lost in Christ.
Paul said “not I, but Christ.” The big “I” in Paul grew smaller as he “sunk down” and the Lord Jesus became larger in his life.
WRESTLING WITH GOD OR OURSELVES?
Shelia Rankhorn
Have you ever wrestled with God about anything? Jacob wrestled a lot. He wrestled with his brother before they were born and during their birth by grabbing him by the heel. Genesis 25:22-26: “And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD. And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. And the first came out red, all over like an hairy garment; and they called his name Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau's heel; and his name was called Jacob: and Isaac was threescore years old when she bare them.”
Jacob’s name actually means heel-catcher or supplanter. To supplant, according to Merriam-Webster, “implies either a dispossessing or usurping of another’s place, possessions, or privileges or an uprooting of something and its replacement with something else.” God revealed to Rebecca before their birth that the older would serve the younger. Throughout Jacob's life, he deceives or outsmarts his brother, father, and father-in-law. God was aware in advance of Jacob's actions and the person he would ultimately become.
In Genesis 25:29-34, “And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, ?with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called ?Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am ?at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and ?he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: ?thus Esau despised his birthright.” Esau not only held his birthright in low regard, but Jacob also deceived him to obtain it.
As Isaac grew old and his eyesight faded, he called for his eldest son Esau, asking him to hunt and prepare a meal that he loved, so he could bless him before he passed away. Rebekah, overhearing this, instructed her younger son Jacob to bring her two goats from the flock so she could cook a dish for Isaac instead. Jacob expressed concern about being discovered due to his smooth skin compared to Esau's hairiness, fearing it would lead to a curse instead of a blessing. Rebekah reassured him, taking matters into her own hands by dressing Jacob in Esau's clothes and covering him with goat skins. She then handed Jacob the prepared meal to take to Isaac.
When Jacob approached his father, Isaac, who was unsure of his identity, asked who he was. Jacob approached his father, claiming to be Esau, the firstborn, and asked Isaac to eat his venison so he could receive a blessing. Isaac, puzzled by how quickly Jacob had obtained the game, inquired about it, to which Jacob replied that God had guided him. Isaac then requested to feel Jacob to confirm his identity. As Jacob drew near, Isaac noted the difference in voice but was deceived by the hairy hands resembling Esau's. After blessing Jacob, Isaac asked if he was truly Esau, and Jacob affirmed it. Isaac then enjoyed the meal Jacob had prepared, and after a kiss, he blessed him again. Meanwhile, Rebekah, favoring Jacob, had orchestrated this deception, leading to a successful trickery.
When Esau returned and discovered the betrayal, he cried out in anguish, pleading for a blessing, but Isaac revealed that Jacob had cunningly taken it. Esau lamented that Jacob had outsmarted him twice, first with the birthright and now with the blessing, and he asked if there was any blessing left for him. Isaac replied to Esau, saying that he had made Jacob his master and given him all his brothers as servants, providing him with grain and wine. He then asked Esau what he could do for him. Esau, feeling desperate, pleaded with his father for a blessing, expressing his sorrow with tears. Isaac responded by saying that Esau would live off the richness of the earth and the dew from above, but he would have to live by the sword and serve his brother. However, there would come a time when he would break free from Jacob's control. This caused Esau to harbor hatred towards Jacob for the blessing he received, and he thought to himself that once their father passed away, he would take revenge on Jacob.
Rebekah learned of Esau's intentions and advised Jacob to escape to her brother Laban. She convinced Isaac that Jacob should not marry from the local women, which led Isaac to send Jacob to Laban for a wife, blessing him with the promise of inheritance from Abraham. During his journey, Jacob had a dream where God assured him of His presence and the land he rested on would belong to him and his descendants. As Jacob traveled, he met Rachel at a well and fell in love with her. Initially, it puzzled me why God would choose a deceiver like Jacob to carry out His promise. The narrative continues with Laban tricking Jacob into marrying Leah, requiring Jacob to work for 14 years to marry Rachel. When Jacob sought to return home, Laban urged him to stay longer, as Jacob's presence brought blessings to Laban. Jacob then devised a plan to gain Laban's livestock by requesting the speckled and spotted animals, manipulating their breeding to produce more of the same. Eventually, Laban's sons grew resentful, claiming Jacob had taken everything, prompting God to instruct Jacob to return to his homeland. Once again, Jacob outsmarted someone, this time his father-in-law Laban, yet God reassured Jacob of His presence. I found it puzzling that God would choose a deceiver to carry out His promise to Abraham. As I listened to this story in the scriptures daily, my confusion grew, especially since I had been mistreated by several men who took advantage of my kind and trusting nature. Additionally, I recognized that Satan is also a deceiver. I struggled with these thoughts until I continued to immerse myself in the scriptures.
Jacob sought the Lord's help to save him from Esau, expressing his deep concern for his own life and the safety of his wives and children. Driven by fear, he arranged substantial gifts from his flocks, sending them ahead in groups to create distance between each. Finally, Jacob sent his family across a brook while he remained behind to spend the night alone. Genesis 32: 24-32: “And Jacob was left alone; and there ?wrestled a man with him until the ?breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, ?Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, ?Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but ?Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and ?with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, thy name. And he said, ?Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after my name? And he blessed him there. And Jacob called the name of the place ?Peniel: for ?I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. And as he passed over ?Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he ?halted upon his thigh. Therefore the children of Israel eat not of the sinew which ?shrank, which is upon the hollow of the thigh, unto this day: because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank.”
Jacob's struggle with God for His blessing is truly astonishing, even though I've encountered this story numerous times since childhood. While Jacob's fear of Esau was a factor, his determination to seek God's favor inspires me. I aspire to wholeheartedly serve God, yet I often find myself wrestling with Him over various issues. Am I seeking a blessing or clinging to something I know is wrong? I've experienced both sides of this struggle. My goal is to emulate Jacob's commitment in my relationship with God and resist the pull of sin.
I am going to quote something by Donna Jones that I found in my research and study on the topic of wrestling with God: “God’s blessing comes to those who hold on to God with every fiber of their being, even as they wrestle with God over the very fabric of their believing. In the past few weeks Jacob’s words have become my words: “I will not let you go…” Even in the wrestling. Especially in the wrestling. Are you wrestling with God over some issue, dear friend? Some question? Some concern? Some heartache, or setback, or circumstance? If so, make up your mind. No matter how much you wrestle, pronounce Jacob’s resolve over your life and your faith:
I won’t let go. I won’t let go of God’s character. (He is always good)
I won’t let go of God’s Word. (It is always true)
I won’t let go of God’s faithfulness. (He will never leave me or forsake me)
I won’t let go of God. Period. No matter how I feel. Or how things look. Or what others say.
Like Jacob, I will declare, ‘I won’t let go until you bless me!’”
Despite Jacob's deceit in taking Esau's blessings and outsmarting his father-in-law Laban, God still chose to bless him and use him for His purpose, even changing his name to Israel. Just like Jacob, we all share in the sinfulness that originated with Adam and Eve's disobedience. If God can work through a deceiver to bring about His promises, He can certainly do the same for each of us if we allow Him. I am grateful for God's promises and their fulfillment and for Jesus' sacrifice that covers our many sins. It’s essential for us to fully surrender to God's will and release our own desires.
Luke 11: 9, 10: “And I say unto you, ?Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Lord, please help me be like Jacob in my efforts to be like Jesus.
Campbell, M. (2019, November 1). 5 Important Lessons from Jacob Wrestling with God. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/important-lessons-from-jacobs-wrestling-match-with-god.html
Jones, D. (2019, November 1). When You Wrestle with God. Retrieved October 14, 2024, from https://www.crosslinechurch.com/when-you-wrestle-with-god/
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (n.d.). Supplant verb. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved December 14, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supplant#:~:text=%3A%20to%20take%20the%20place%20of,supplanter
The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).
THE SCIENCE OF ELECTION
Harry Miller
No well-informed person would deny that the Creator was profusely lavish in dispensing His grace both to the just and to the unjust. But what appears to be promiscuous and extravagant liberality is actually the dispensation of the good things of heaven under the most exacting laws of the universe. Prosperity and overabundance can destroy as surely as does the shot from a pistol. By the wisdom of God the treasures of the divine nature are dispensed to the elect according to their ability to receive and retain them. Every effect from the acts of Providence must have a just cause: no laws in the universe demand stricter obedience to the precept than those which govern the providential hand.
God's throne (His legal governmental foundation) rests upon the eternal principles of righteousness. Such principles are as everlasting as He is everlasting. What God does is RIGHT: not because He is the doer, but because the deed of itself is right in principle. Although the Lord is a merciful administrator of divine law and order He is duty-bound to His creation to maintain peace and harmony by requiring complete respect to His legal enactments. Since the law is based upon unchanging principles, He Himself must remain unchanging toward such law: “I am the Lord, I change not” (Mal. 3:6). The writer of the book of Hebrews spoke of “the immutability of his counsel” and further declared that it was impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:17). God cannot contradict or deny that which is RIGHT and JUST.
The principles of right are not necessary factors in the administration of government under a tyranny. The law, in such a setup, is the dogmatic voice of the one in authority. Appeal to justice and reason are completely out of the question. Attributing such harsh despotic quality to the powers which rule the universe is the basis of fatalism, and, in fact, of all pagan philosophy. As Christians, we certainly must refuse to accept such a thoroughly heathenish theory.
The doctrine of free moral agency is both Scriptural and reasonable. Furthermore, it is the only teaching that honors the Creator as a just and merciful administrator. Free moral agency portrays the Lord as an impartial universal Sovereign whose heavenly blessings are rained down upon both “the just and the unjust.” This teaching of the freedom of will shifts the responsibility of the ultimate and final end of life from the Creator to the creature. Without freedom of will, there could be no choice.
The God-ordained interventions of the hand of Providence in the affairs of men may never violate the laws of free moral beings. In each and every case of divine intervention, there must be a just and sufficient cause. The administrator cannot legally meddle with the affairs of men. Nor can mercy act upon sentiment: if mercy is administered it must be for an equitable and impartial reason. On the other hand, wrath cannot be turned upon mankind merely for the emotional satisfaction of the powers that be. In each and every case there must be a JUST or LAWFUL REASON for any Providential action or interference.
In supporting the idea of JUST REASON for the acts of the Sovereign, several passages in the writings of the apostle Paul have been made “difficult” by certain scholars who have misused them in an attempt to support their false theories. In the light of unbiased reason let us examine some of the foundation pillars of the fatalistic doctrine: “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth…shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Rom. 9:18-21) In Paul's argument to the Romans he was not trying to feature the Lord as an autocrat who dogmatically and without reason created the kind of “vessels” He was of a mind to have. ( Such is the argument of Calvin, however!) The apostle was simply impressing the Romans with the fact that “the heavens rule” in the affairs of men, and that God molds and shapes all manner of vessels, both good and bad. There is no intimation that He chooses His subjects without reason for such a choice.
When God works as a “potter,” He does so according to scientific rules. His every act is the result of infinite wisdom and skill and designed to contribute to the completion of His eternal purposes. Without violating the attributes of His holy nature, and without compromising any standard of righteousness, the Lord of Creation molds the clay: “O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? Saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them” (Jer. 18:6-10).
The same principles which govern the acts of the Creator relative to a nation, also control whatever He does with regard to the individual: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die. All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? Saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die” (Ezek. 18:20-24). Both the blessings and the judgments of the Lord are based upon PRINCIPLES, and these principles are eternal: they never change.
The attributes of divine nature are such that God will not tolerate any indebtedness to His creatures. His reaction to any devotion is always reward. It has been rightfully said that no man can outgive the Lord. God is always the first to give. Then He seeks to bestow even more upon those who respond to His giving. Even God's act of pardon (the forgiving of our transgressions) is contingent upon how much we forgive those who trespass against us (Matt. 6:12). Pardon is a matter of justice, as well as of mercy. Therefore it cannot be granted to anyone who refuses to grant the same pardon to others. Only the merciful can “obtain mercy”; and those who hunger and thirst after righteousness are the only ones who “shall be filled.”
The elect, or chosen people, are those who respond to the wooing of the Spirit of God. God's choice of prospective sons was based upon His foreknowledge of how each man would respond, and how he would react to God's grace: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate” (Rom. 8:29). God loved Jacob before he was born, because He knew that Jacob would be workable material in the hands of Providence. In the economy of God, it is most practical to make every effort, within those limitations prescribed by the laws of free moral agency, to encourage and develop every promising potential found in man, which might lead to depth of character.
Moral worth is the product of the testing of character. Saints BECOME saints through the processes of fiery trial and patient faith in God. Not all men are willing to submit themselves to the rigorous treatment of personal crucifixion; and comparatively few ever do actually surrender gracefully to the will of the Spirit of God. However, it is those “few” whom God has chosen to become His sons; these are the ELECT. All others are rejected.
“So great salvation” is accomplished only because of the infinite grace of God toward those who gain His favor. But let it be known that salvation is given to no man unless that man first will with all his mind, and all of his heart, to be saved. If God should ever save any sinner against that sinner's will, justice would be struck an immortal blow; and grace would be turned to disgrace at the day of judgment, when every creature presents his case before the great white throne. Remember that many things are happening in the earth “for the record” that will be produced in the day of judgment. “A testimony against them” (Mark 6:11); for the day of judgment will not be an ordinary affair. “A WITNESS unto all nations” (Matt. 24:14) is another item “for the record” of that day. “The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it” (Matt. 12:41).
If the world were ruled by an arbitrary tyrant, there would never be any final court of justice. Anyone who ever presumes to oppose a tyrant is cut off before he can be heard. But the righteousness of God demands that every man be heard, for the day of judgment will reveal the glory of the Father's wisdom, justice, faithfulness, patience, and forebearance in dealing with each and every soul. That day will bring the complete vindication of God's just choice of the elect, and His impartial judgment of the lawless. The words, “I know ye not,” and “I never knew you,” will astonish many religious people. But when all of the evidence is finally presented, the mouth of every adversary will be stopped; and they will hang their heads in shame as they rush out of His presence.
In the judgment day it will be proven that God was impartial and that His salvation was offered to EVERY MAN. It will be shown, also, in that day, that whenever Providence has intervened in any of the affairs of men, that act was called for by JUSTICE as well as by mercy, and the intervention was for the general good of the whole economy of God.
It will be shown that no man has ever been, by nature, inherently good; neither does any man have a natural leaning toward goodness. All men are degenerate; but all men have been given a “portion of faith,” which portion, if used properly, can be developed into a genuine divine potential. Election therefore, although it rests in the will of God, is actually His choice, determined by the sort of reaction the creature offers to His grace.
Many scholars have stumbled over the record of the conviction and conversion of the apostle Paul, found in the book of Acts. The Calvinists have used this account as absolute proof of a manifestation of the Sovereign will of God. But a simple examination of the facts will disprove such a contention. The first thing to consider in relation to the judgment of God is HIS PERSPECTIVE: His viewpoint in evaluating the worth of a human life. God does not judge a man as he was yesterday, or as he is today. God sees the whole span of a man's life. He weighs every potential, every possible thing of value. He also considers that life as it could be under the proper divine influence. He measures the possibilities against the effort and the cost of reshaping and remolding; and if, by providential effort, the life of that individual can be salvaged for the glory of God, then such a task is foreordained and a “work order” is given to the Spirit to carry out the project.
Now consider the possibilities latent within the man, Saul, of Tarsus: a man full of misdirected religious zeal; a fanatical churchman obsessed with sectarian devotion. But, given a divine revelation, and brought under the proper influence, this enemy of the church of Christ could become an example to generations of millions of Christians, for his patient devotion to Christ in the face of all manner of trial, persecutions, and sufferings. When this potential was weighed in the balances of Providence, JUSTICE DEMANDED that the natural course of this man's life be waived, and the man be brought face to face with the truth, awakened, and prepared for his life for Christ. There was no necessity for MERCY to plead the case of Saul: the man was of unlimited value to the kingdom; and in faithfulness to his subjects, the Lord of the vineyard had no alternative but to declare that His business had need of this man.
Saul was struck down, not merely to give him an emotional experience, but to awaken him to his actual standing before God. Paul was not “saved” (born again) on the road to Damascus; he was, at that time, merely convicted of his sins. After he had spent three days of fasting and intense prayer, the Lord sent a man to him who TOLD HIM WHAT HE MUST DO to be saved. Paul was instructed: “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Paul carried out certain WORKS: Prayer, baptism, calling upon the Lord, all of these were factors in his conversion, but they were very minor contributions to the reasons why God was justified in intervening in the man's life. “For,” the Lord said, “I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake” (Acts 9:16). Many people would pray, repent, and be baptized, if God would knock them down as He did Saul of Tarsus, but very few are willing to suffer for the cause of Christ as this man suffered.
It is an indisputable fact that the sufferings of Paul justified the acts of Providence in his behalf; and by God's act of intervention, and Paul's response to the work of the Spirit, the judgment of God was vindicated “in the eyes of the heathen.” For, “I will be sanctified in you before the heathen” (Ezek. 20:41) is one of the demands of the JUSTICE of God. The occasion of the conversion of this great apostle was not merely a happy result of God's election; it is positive proof that those the Creator elects are elected by reason of their worth to the kingdom of heaven.
“Election” is not a matter of sentiment; nor is it an assertion of the ego of a dogmatic, overbearing, all-powerful sovereign. It is a matter of economy: the most practical and reasonable thing. And how right and just it is that God's grace should be dispensed in this most honorable manner.
LETTER FROM A READER
The Lamb’s Book of Life
A Special Introduction to Our Readers
The articles included in “The Testimony of Truth” are written by quite a few different people. The articles are included because we believe them to be written by men or women who love God and that the overall contents of the articles are beneficial to our readers. However, we do not all agree on every point of doctrine and sometimes one’s views or doctrinal position are not in harmony with the views of the editor. One issue brought to our attention is a case in point. We do not claim to have all truth but what we print is, in most cases, true to the best of our knowledge. It is the purpose and desire of the editor to clarify the issue of the Lamb’s book of Life and whose names are put in the book, when they are put in, and how a name might be blotted out. We pray the views expressed below will prove beneficial to all who read them.
Dear Editor,
I have a question(s) about “The Book of Life” in the elect portion of Harry Miller’s article “Election” Jan. '25.
He says the names are there from the beginning which I believe needs to be the case.
I would say this is true because if a young child or even a baby (even a miscarriage or abortion) should die, would the Lord cast them into the Lake of Fire? (Rev. 20:15) I think not! Also, if the names are so fixed in stone, why would the subject of blotting out a name from this book even come up? (Rev. 3:5)
Jesus is Lord. D.D.
Our Response:
Dear D.D.
This is a question that has troubled many over the years, and it may not be easy to solve in the minds of some even when a clear and reasonable answer is offered. This is partially because we all, to some degree, have preset doctrines and opinions which are most difficult for people to change. This is true for all of us. Therefore, we need to be open and at least seriously consider different views. I will share here how I understand this topic.
There are seven times in which the “Book of Life” is mentioned in scripture. I think it pertinent to look at each one so that our conclusion does not leave out a verse that might cause one to feel the answer is not complete.
Before we get into the seven scriptures, let’s appeal to logic and reason concerning the Book of Life. We all know that when a child is born, he is prone to sin. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). It is not reasonable nor logical to think that a sinner’s name would be placed in the Lamb’s Book of Life when he is dead in trespasses and sin. Life and death are contradictory words. The Book of Life is reserved for those who have life and not for those who are dead in trespasses and sin. Yet, it is claimed that one’s name is placed there before the foundation of the world and can later be blotted out. This seems contradictory to me.
It appears to me that when one is saved, his name is placed in the Book of Life. And if this is true, it is understandable how one’s name can be blotted out. This, of course, flies in the face of those who hold to “Once Saved, Always Saved” and, therefore, they will reject this premise. But, what about from the foundation of the world? This I will answer in this article and will give my understanding regarding the unborn.
What Do The Scriptures Say?
Let’s begin with the first place the Book of Life appears in Scripture:
1) Phil. 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.
Paul writes to the Philippian Church and declares that his fellow laborers’ names are included in this book. No problem here.
2) Rev. 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
Revelation 3:5 clearly states that overcomers have their names in the book. But it also reveals that some names that were in that book can be blotted out. If this is not the case, the phrase, “I will not blot out his name …” means nothing at all and the phrase pointless.
Question: Why would God place one’s name in the book, whether through foreknowledge or predestination, only to blot it out? He wouldn’t. Then how and why would one’s name be blotted out? God doesn’t make mistakes. To believe that God placed one’s name in the Book of Life only to blot it out seems to me to say that God made a mistake and we know that’s not the case. Let’s continue and read the other verses that refer to the Book of Life.
3) Rev. 20:12-15
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
These verses mention the Book of Life twice, in verse 12 and 15. In verse 12 we find that there are other books besides the Book of Life. It is by what is written in these other books that men will be judged at the last day. However, notice that those judged out of the other books are the dead, which are those whose names are not written in the Book of Life. The names in the Book of Life are those who are not only saved but who never lost their salvation. Those who were saved but who lost their salvation by disobedience, returning to their old way of life, were overtaken with the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches (Matt. 13:22) or for some other reason, fell away and, consequently, their names were blotted out of the Book of Life.
4) Rev. 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
The topic of Revelation 21 is the New Jerusalem. The point here is that those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will not gain entrance into the New Jerusalem. To gain entrance to the New Jerusalem are those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
5) Rev. 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Here we have the second witness that some names will be blotted out. According to Revelation 22:19, anyone who attempts to alter or distort God’s word will have his name removed from the Book of Life. It appears their name was there but blotted out because they preached and distorted God’s word. This is a special warning for ministers of the Gospel.
6) Rev. 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.
Revelation 13:8 merely states that when the beast rises up in the latter days, all those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life, at that time, will be deceived and will worship the antichrist. These are those who have not walked with God.
7) Rev. 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.
I saved this verse for last so we come to a clearer understanding by what has already been presented. Revelation 17:8 states basically the same thing as Revelation 13:8. Those whose names are not found in the book are captivated with the wonders of the beast and are deceived. But pay special attention to this sentence: “… whose names are not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world.” This is most often misread and therefore misunderstood. The verse is not saying that the names were put in the book from the foundation of the world but that the book existed from the foundation of the world. The Book of Life, first and foremost, contains God’s divine plan and promise that, through a process (this worldly arrangement He has placed men in), God will bring forth a divine family. The Book of Life contains the promised inheritance for those who would be saved and continue walking in obedience to God’s word and thereby obtain the heavenly reward promised, the promise of eternal life. One’s name is placed in that Book when he is saved, but if the saved one does not continue in the path God has set before him, his name will be blotted out. Before the foundation of the world, the Book existed but there were no names in the book. When any man or woman passes away and their name is not in the Book of Life, no matter how good they were, no matter how often they went to church, no matter how many alms they gave, nor even if they were at one time saved but fell away, their names will not be in the Book of Life.
Considering the Lamb that was slain from the foundations of the world: The divine plan was drawn up in heaven before the world began. The most important part of that plan was that Jesus, the only begotten of the Father, would come as a man and die for the sins of the whole world. While the death of Jesus was included in the plan, it was not fulfilled until Jesus came and bore the sins of the world on the cross. This was the means by which all who are saved will have their name placed in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
What About The Unborn, Stillborn Or Babies?
Those in this category have never sinned, and therefore they gain eternal life. How could they sin while in the womb? If there is any other view of this, I would like to hear it, so please, write and let us hear from you if you have a better understanding about the unborn, stillborn and babies. Paul stated it this way, “… sin is not imputed when there is no law” (Rom. 5:13). Therefore, until a baby comes to an age where his conscience knows right and wrong, he has not sinned. It is futile to burden oneself with the state of the unborn, as this topic is very controversial, but we know that God is just and that the God of the whole earth will always do right.
Sincerely,
The Editor