Some Words from the Author
With great conviction, I believe I am not an expert on this subject. More learned men than I have been attempting to unlock the truths in and about the Bible over many centuries. Is it the inspired word of God, or a compilation of the thoughts of men? Are the concepts contained therein unique and original, or recycled from older religions? I own and have used several different Bible study tools, and translations during my personal quest for understanding, but that in no way, makes me an expert. I only wanted to be able to hold rational discussions and present logical arguments supporting my belief system. The process took me so deep into the Bible that it finally led me away from traditional Bible-based faiths.
I believe what each of you chooses to believe should be most important to you, and that what I believe is probably only important to myself and those who may feel threatened by my unconventional views. I believe in Universal Law, laws common to all religions, laws concerned with directing the conduct of men towards peaceful interaction. The last six of the Ten Commandments are prime examples of Universal Law. The second great commandment summarizes Universal Law eloquently, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. (Matthew 22:39).” If there is a God, I believe the greatest form of worship is love and respect for all of his creation, which includes love and respect for self, because the love and respect one has for oneself is the measure by which you will show love for others.
I purposely do not include the first four of the Ten Commandments in what I call Universal Law. No war was ever fought over the treatment of others with love and respect, but wars have been fought, and even genocide committed over whose god is the true God, and how that god should be worshiped. Men of immoral fabric have used this aspect of religion to subjugate and control others for millennia, and it continues today. So forgive me for not seeing the love of my neighbor in the subjugation of others.
I did not wake up one morning thinking “Aha! Universal Law is the answer.” It works for me. Find out what works for you, and use it. I only suggest you don’t claim to believe in something you have never researched. All too often I meet people who label themselves Christians, but have never studied the Bible or even read through it once. A few have taken the nonsensical approach of starting to read the Bible from the middle and hopping around from book to book in no logical order. I can’t blame them when so many “read the Bible in a year” study guides give them this direction. The Bible is the only book I know of that people read without starting at the beginning and finishing at the end, wondering why they don’t understand it. I don’t care what you choose to believe. I only care that you know why you choose to believe it. If this entry helps you along your path, I’m happy for you. I hope your effort is successful.
Jesus had a Message
Anyone familiar with the mystery religions will tell you that Christianity did not arise as a new and different religion. Few will tell you that Christianity doesn’t even appear in the Bible as a new and different religion. The name itself implies that it is a new belief system based on the teachings of a man who has come to be known as Jesus Christ, or more accurately but still incorrect, Jesus the Christ. However, his proper name and title is a topic for another entry.
Regarding his mission and ministry, I suggest the character which has come to be known as “Jesus” in English language Bibles, did not found a new religion, but instead, attempted to restore and/or reform one in existence during his lifetime. Early in his ministry he is reported to have admonished those around him to “Repent: for the
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the
What is the Gospel?
We can infer from Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1: 14 & 15 that the
In addition, there is a gospel of that kingdom OR rather, a gospel from and about that kingdom. Why from and about? Read the words ascribed to Jesus in John chapter 8:
John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
John 8: 27 They understood not that he spake to them of the Father.
John 8: 28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.
He also shares many parables describing what the kingdom is like. Now let’s delve deeper into the word gospel.
gospel noun
1. often Gospel. The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus, which is the central content of Christian revelation. 2a. Gospel Bible. One of the first four New Testament books, describing the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and recording his teaching. b. A similar narrative. 3. often Gospel. A lection from any of the first four New Testament books included as part of a religious service. 4. A teaching or doctrine of a religious teacher. 5. Music. Gospel music. 6. Something, such as an idea or principle, accepted as unquestionably true.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old English godspel (ultimately translation of Greek euangelion) : god, good; see good + spel, news.
The earliest, widely accepted English definition of gospel is good news. Jesus was imparting his knowledge of the good news coming forth from his Father about his Father’s kingdom. A current, accepted definition of gospel is: The proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus… Exactly what does this latter definition mean?
proclamation noun
1. The act of proclaiming or the condition of being proclaimed. 2. Something proclaimed, especially an official public announcement.
proclaim verb
1. To announce officially and publicly; declare. See synonyms at announce. 2. To indicate conspicuously; make plain. 3. To praise; extol.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English proclamen, proclaimen (influenced by claimen, to claim), from Old French proclamer, from Latin prclmre : pr-, forward; see pro–1 + clmre, to cry out
official adjective
1. Of or relating to an office or a post of authority. 2. Authorized by a proper authority; authoritative. 3. Holding office or serving in a public capacity.
publicly adverb
1. In a public manner; openly. 2. By or with consent of the public.
public adjective
1. Of, concerning, or affecting the community or the people. 2. Maintained for or used by the people or community. 3. Capitalized in shares of stock that can be traded on the open market. 4. Participated in or attended by the people or community. 5. Connected with or acting on behalf of the people, community, or government. 6. Enrolled in or attending a public school. 7. Open to the knowledge or judgment of all.
redemption noun
1. The act of redeeming or the condition of having been redeemed. 2. Recovery of something pawned or mortgaged. 3. The payment of an obligation, as a government's payment of the value of its bonds. 4. Deliverance upon payment of ransom; rescue. 5. Christianity Salvation from sin through Jesus' sacrifice.
redeem verb, transitive
1. To recover ownership of by paying a specified sum. 2. To pay off (a promissory note, for example). 3. To turn in (coupons, for example) and receive something in exchange. 4. To fulfill (a pledge, for example). 5. To convert into cash. 6. To set free; rescue or ransom. 7. To save from a state of sinfulness and its consequences. 8. To make up for. 9. To restore the honor, worth, or reputation of.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English redemen, from Old French redimer, from Latin redimere : re-, red-, re- + emere, to buy
preach verb, transitive
1. To proclaim or put forth in a sermon. 2. To advocate, especially to urge acceptance of or compliance with. 3. To deliver (a sermon).
verb, intransitive
1. To deliver a sermon. 2. To give religious or moral instruction, especially in a tedious manner.
sermon noun
1. A religious discourse delivered as part of a church service. 2. An often lengthy and tedious speech of reproof or exhortation.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin serm, sermn-, discourse.
discourse noun
1. Verbal expression in speech or writing. 2. Verbal exchange; conversation. 3. A formal, lengthy discussion of a subject, either written or spoken. 4. Archaic The process or power of reasoning.
verb, intransitive
1. To speak or write formally and at length. See synonyms at speak. 2. To engage in conversation or discussion; converse.
Before answering that last question, a need for clarity requires I go off on a tangent line of reasoning at this point. The definition of gospel gives rise to the concept of redemption – redemption of what possession from whom by whom for what reason(s)? Take a look at John 8:31-34 and Romans 6:16-23.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
John 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
Romans 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Romans 6: 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
Romans 6: 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Romans 6: 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now, if a person who sins is a servant of sin, but servants of righteousness are servants to God, to whom then, is the servant of sin a servant? Uuuh, Satan, maybe? A servant that is not free is a slave. A slave is a possession of his owner. Essentially, the Bible is saying sinners gave themselves to Satan through their own actions (choosing to serve Satan through practicing sin), however, man is a creation of God, and hence, not his own to give. The penalty for such behavior is supposed to be death. This is where redemption comes into play. Man is the possession to be redeemed from Satan by God because of sin. One is made eligible for redemption through obedience to God’s doctrine of righteousness. The redemption price is death. This is why Jesus had to die for mankind’s sins. What made the taking of Jesus’ life acceptable as compensation for mankind’s debt? He still belonged to God because he was without sin. So what about the doctrine? What is it?
Jesus’ Doctrine: Words to Live by
John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
John 14:15. If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14: 16. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 14: 17. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14: 18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
John 14: 19. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
John 14: 20. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
John 14: 21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
John 14: 22. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?
John 14: 23. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
John 14: 24. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
Matthew 5: 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matthew 5: 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Now let’s look at the definition of doctrine.
doctrine noun
1. A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief, as by a religious, political, scientific, or philosophic group; dogma. 2. A rule or principle of law, especially when established by precedent. 3. A statement of official government policy, especially in foreign affairs and military strategy. 4. Archaic. Something taught; a teaching.
policy noun
1. A plan or course of action, as of a government, political party, or business, intended to influence and determine decisions, actions, and other matters.2. a. A course of action, guiding principle, or procedure considered expedient, prudent, or advantageous. b. Prudence, shrewdness, or sagacity in practical matters.
principle noun
1. A basic truth, law, or assumption.2.a. A rule or standard, especially of good behavior. b. The collectivity of moral or ethical standards or judgments.3. A fixed or predetermined policy or mode of action. 4. A basic or essential quality or element determining intrinsic nature or characteristic behavior.5. A rule or law concerning the functioning of natural phenomena or mechanical processes.
behavior noun
1. The manner in which one behaves. Psychology. The actions or reactions of persons or things in response to external or internal stimuli.
behave verb
1. a. To conduct oneself in a specified way. b. To conduct oneself in a proper way. 2. To act, react, function, or perform in a particular way
verb, transitive
1. To conduct (oneself) properly. 2. To conduct (oneself) in a specified way.
conduct verb, transitive
1. To direct the course of; manage or control. 2. To lead or guide.
noun
1. The way a person acts, especially from the standpoint of morality and ethics. 2. The act of directing or controlling; management. 3. Obsolete. A guide; an escort.
rule noun
1. a. Governing power or its possession or use; authority. b. The duration of such power. 2. a. An authoritative, prescribed direction for conduct, especially one of the regulations governing procedure in a legislative body or a regulation observed by the players in a game, sport, or contest. b. The body of regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for governing the conduct of its members.
law noun
1. A rule of conduct or procedure established by custom, agreement, or authority. 2. a. The body of rules and principles governing the affairs of a community and enforced by a political authority; a legal system. b. The condition of social order and justice created by adherence to such a system.3. A set of rules or principles dealing with a specific area of a legal system. 4. A piece of enacted legislation. 5. a. The system of judicial administration giving effect to the laws of a community. b. Legal action or proceedings; litigation. c. An impromptu or extralegal system of justice substituted for established judicial procedure.6. a. An agency or agent responsible for enforcing the law. Often used with. b. Informal. A police officer. Often used with the.7. a. The science and study of law; jurisprudence. b. Knowledge of law. c. The profession of an attorney. 8. Something, such as an order or a dictum, having absolute or unquestioned authority.9. Law a. The body of principles or precepts held to express the divine will, especially as revealed in the Bible. b. The first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures. 10. A code of principles based on morality, conscience, or nature. 11. a. A rule or custom generally established in a particular domain. b. A way of life.
This doctrine then, is a body of basic laws for human conduct. Jesus’ instruction is that his doctrine be kept, and that doctrine is actually his Father’s Law. There is no assemblage of codified rules in the Bible outside of the Torah (the first five books of the so-called Old Testament), and this body of law is referred to constantly throughout the Bible, several times by Jesus, himself. Obedience to this law makes one eligible for redemption and a servant to God. With all that in mind, let’s answer that earlier question.
What is the proclamation of the redemption preached by Jesus…? In a manner open to the knowledge of all (publicly), with the power assigned to them by God (officially), Jesus and His Apostles delivered discussions (preached sermons) on the process by which God planned to pay a specified sum to recover ownership (redemption) of men who surrendered themselves to serve Satan (Romans 6:16,17), thereby incurring the death penalty (Romans 6:23).
All well and good, but the Bible says Jesus preached the gospel from and about God’s kingdom and that he – just as John the Baptist – also issued a call to repentance. So the dictionary only reveals part of Jesus’ message. It’s time to revisit that definition of kingdom covered earlier.
The Kingdom is more than God’s dwelling place
kingdom noun
1. A political or territorial unit ruled by a sovereign. 2a. The eternal spiritual sovereignty of God or Christ. b. The realm of this sovereignty. 3. A realm or sphere in which one thing is dominant.
sovereign noun
1. One that exercises supreme, permanent authority, especially in a nation or other governmental unit, as: a. A king, queen, or other noble person who serves as chief of state; a ruler or monarch. b. A national governing council or committee. 2. A nation that governs territory outside its borders. 3. A gold coin formerly used in
government noun
1. The act or process of governing, especially the control and administration of public policy in a political unit. 2. The office, function, or authority of a governing individual or body. 3. Exercise of authority in a political unit; rule. 4. The agency or apparatus through which a governing individual or body functions and exercises authority. 5. A governing body or organization, as. b. The cabinet in a parliamentary system. c. The persons who make up a governing body. 6. A system or policy by which a political unit is governed. 7. Administration or management of an organization, business, or institution. 8. Political science. 9. Grammar The influence of a word over the morphological inflection of another word in a phrase or sentence.
govern verb, transitive
1. To make and administer the public policy and affairs of; exercise sovereign authority in. 2. To control the speed or magnitude of; regulate. 3. To control the actions or behavior of. 4. To keep under control; restrain. 5. To exercise a deciding or determining influence on.
verb, intransitive
1. To exercise political authority. 2. To have or exercise a determining influence.
political adjective
1. Of, relating to, or dealing with the structure or affairs of government, politics, or the state. 2. Relating to, involving, or characteristic of politics or politicians. 3. Relating to or involving acts regarded as damaging to a government or state. 4. Interested or active in politics. 5. Having or influenced by partisan interests. 6. Based on or motivated by partisan or self-serving objectives.
politics noun
1. a. The art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs. b. Political science. 2. a. The activities or affairs engaged in by a government, politician, or political party. b. The methods or tactics involved in managing a state or government.
We see now that God is the source of a code of conduct which is administered by His kingdom throughout His kingdom. Jesus is teaching that code of conduct to his followers, because obedience to this code makes one eligible for redemption. But there is another part of this equation – repentance. One must first have a sincere desire to do righteousness and stop committing sin, or as Paul wrote, a hear-felt desire to obey “…that form of doctrine which was delivered you.”
Repentance: A Key Part of Salvation often Overlooked
repentance noun
1. The act or process of repenting. 2. Remorse or contrition for past conduct or sin.
repent verb, intransitive
1. To feel remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; be contrite. 2. To feel such regret for past conduct as to change one's mind regarding it. 3. To make a change for the better as a result of remorse or contrition for one's sins.
verb, transitive
1. To feel regret or self-reproach for. 2. To cause to feel remorse or regret.
ETYMOLOGY: Middle English repenten, from Old French repentir : re-, re- + pentir, to be sorry (from Vulgar Latin *paenitre, from Latin paenitre).
Matthew 18:1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
Matthew 18: 2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
Matthew 18: 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
convert verb, transitive
1. To change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product; transform. 2. To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another; adapt to a new or different purpose. 3. To persuade or induce to adopt a particular religion, faith, or belief. 4. To exchange for something of equal value. 5. To exchange (a security, for example) by substituting an equivalent of another form. 6. To express (a quantity) in alternative units.
verb, intransitive
1. To undergo a conversion. 2. To be converted.
Repentance isn’t just feeling bad for a while then continuing in the same pattern of bad behavior. As the definitions show, true repentance does not exist apart from change. Jesus said unless you convert yourself, you will not enter his Father’s kingdom. So how does one convert oneself? Jesus told you how in Matthew 5:17-19 & 19:7. Paul told you the same thing in Romans 6:17; obeying Jesus’ doctrine frees you from sin and converts you from a servant of Satan to a servant of God. King David, the prophet, shows us that this is the purpose of God’s law in Psalm 19:7.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Now if you think the soul is some puff of smoke that leaves your body when you die, reread Genesis 1:7.
Genesis 1:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Your soul is not some thing floating around within you. Your soul IS you, according to the Bible. God’s law converts all of you. His dietary and hygienic laws convert the human body. His laws for human interaction convert the heart and mind. And His laws governing worship practices convert the mind and spirit. Body, mind and spirit are your whole person – your soul! Now let’s reexamine Mark 1:14 &15.
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the
Jesus was preaching the good news from and about is Father’s kingdom, Heaven. That good news included a call to repentance and belief in this good news. Belief is an action. It must be exercised. So let’s put all these parts together.
The Gospel of the Kingdom Of God as preached by Jesus, the Christ
In a manner open to the knowledge of all, with the power assigned to them by God, Jesus and His Apostles delivered discussions on the process by which God planned to pay a specified sum to recover ownership of men who surrendered themselves to serve Satan, thereby incurring the death penalty; and how, through conversion to obedience to God’s basic truths – His principles and rules for moral conduct – this plan would enable these men to forever abide in the territory in which God exercises supreme, permanent authority to make and administer the wise handling of practical matters (statutes), courses of action (precepts) and guiding principles (judgments) that affect the concerns of His people, under the direction of His first begotten son, Jesus.
This message bears little resemblance to the messages preached by hundreds of thousand of ministers and priests to millions of people who call themselves followers of the Christ. Instead these ministers preach a come-as-you-are instant salvation based on God’s grace. The Bible clearly shows us that God does not want us to “come as we are;” He wants us to change/convert to His way before He will redeem us. This was one purpose of the baptisms conducted by John the Baptist.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Mark 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of
Matthew 3:5 Then went out to him
Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance
Baptism and confession are gestures signifying repentance which embodies conversion. Just believing on Jesus and asking Jesus to come into your heart may be parts of what is necessary for entry into God’s kingdom, but alone, they don’t fit the bill. This is why James wrote that “faith without works is dead.”
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
James 2:22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
If Abraham had not believed, he would not have acted. He took the action of demonstrating his obedience because he believed God. Now, isn’t the faith Jesus and his apostles practiced beginning to look far less like the Christianity of today?
To Whom was Jesus Preaching the Gospel?
Key pieces of understanding that many overlook are the geographic bounds of Jesus’ ministry and the make-up of his target audience. During his ministry, Jesus is never reported to have left the lands settled by the twelve tribes of
Matthew 10:5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:
Matthew 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of
Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 15:22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
Matthew 15:23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
Matthew 15:24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of
Matthew 15:25 Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.
Matthew 15:26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.
Matthew 15:27 And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.
Matthew 15:28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Matthew 18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
We see then, that Jesus was sent to a specific group. It was a proactive mission in that he was to purposely seek out those from the house of
lost adjective
1. Unable to find one's way. 2a. No longer in the possession, care, or control of someone or something. b. No longer in existence; vanished or spent. c. No longer known or practiced. d. Beyond reach, communication, or influence. 3. Not used to one's benefit or advantage. 4. Having not been or unlikely to be won; unsuccessful. 5. Beyond recovery or redemption; fallen or destroyed. 6a. Completely involved or absorbed; rapt. b. Bewildered or confused.
Do you remember why Jesus preached a gospel which included the concept of redemption? Some folks at that time were no longer in the possession, care, or control of God. They had given themselves to Satan through their own sins and either no longer knew, or no longer practiced the doctrine that makes one a servant and possession of God. This particular group from the family line of
Luke 5:29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.
Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
Luke 5:32 I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
In light of what we covered earlier, Jesus was sent to seek out or call a group known as sinners, who were lost with respect to God. Sinners were people who did not keep the doctrine that, when practiced, made them possessions of God, either because it was forgotten or willfully disobeyed. They were not following God’s code of conduct.
There is another important point made by Jesus in Luke 5:29-32 that is often overlooked by many when quoting these verses. Jesus is testifying that there are righteous people around. Modern Christians attempt to refute this by referring to Romans 3:10 in which Paul quotes from Psalms chapters 14 and 53, “…there is none righteous, no, not one.” There are a few problems with this line of reasoning, however. First, it is based on the assumption that this statement is all encompassing in terms of people. Such an assumption would make Jesus a lair, for he clearly states he didn’t come to call the righteous, but rather, the sinners. Secondly, the proponents of that viewpoint fail to realize that Paul is speaking in context. He is quoting from Psalms about fools who say in their hearts, “There is no God.” Of course, to a prophet of God or an apostle of Jesus there are none righteous among those who deny the existence of God. Paul’s audience was the “lost sheep” and gentiles – people who had forgotten God’s doctrine and people who never knew God’s doctrine, respectively. How then, could there be any righteous among them? The proponents of that viewpoint apparently “err, not knowing the scriptures…” As an aside, if while Jesus was ministering none of the writings about his teachings existed yet, what scriptures was he referring to when he said they “err [by] not knowing the scriptures?” Give that question some consideration.
What is a sinner anyway?
The easy answer is: a person who sins. I would say a sinner is one who sins willfully. In the same way there is a distinction to be made between someone who plays tennis occasionally, and a tennis player, there is a difference between someone who stumbles and commits a sin occasionally, and a willful sinner. It would seem King Solomon was making this very point with Proverbs 24:16.
Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.
just adjective
1. Honorable and fair in one's dealings and actions. 2. Consistent with what is morally right; righteous. 3. Properly due or merited. 4. Law. Valid within the law; lawful. 5. Suitable or proper in nature; fitting. 6. Based on fact or sound reason; well-founded.
Hebrews 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
A just man is a righteous man, and righteous men sometimes fall into sin, but a righteous man picks himself up again and continues in God’s doctrine instead of just continuing in the sinful behavior. Someone who sins willfully, on the other hand, is someone who wants to sin. All of this leads to the question: What is sin? Preferably, what is the Biblical definition of sin? The answer can be found in I John 3:4.
I John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
It always boils down to the doctrine about which Jesus said those who love him would be observant; a doctrine that was not of his making, but of his Father’s making.
I John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
I John 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
The religion Jesus taught was one based on obedience to God’s law, contrary to the religion of modern Christians who is practice a grace-based faith that makes following God’s law optional at best. They view obedience to it as denial of God’s grace. Obedience to God’s law is the same religion taught by the so-called Old Testament prophets. It was an old religion still practiced by some who Jesus referred to as the righteous. Jesus was assigned the task of seeking out the sinners (spiritually lost), admonishing them to repent and convert back to following God’s laws. If they complied, they became eligible for redemption. This is the same mission assigned to the prophets as Jesus testifies to in the Parable of the Householder (Matthew 21:33-40). Jesus had the added responsibility of being the sacrifice that would pay the redemption price, but his message was the same as the prophets: Repent, and keep God’s laws to receive eternal life in God’s kingdom. There is nothing new about this religion.
Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
Isn’t there a New Covenant?
Some believe the Bible teaches that there is a new covenant and by extension, a new religion. This is simply not the case according to scripture. The terms of the “new” covenant appear in Hebrews 8:10-12 which is a quote from Jeremiah 31.
Hebrews 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of
Hebrews 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the
Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of
Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of
Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the
Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of
Jeremiah 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
I will not speculate as to why the word new was used as a translation for the Hebrew word in Jeremiah 31:31, but an English-Hebrew Bible dictionary reveals the inaccuracy of that translation. Being a quote, of the earlier text, Hebrews 8 must carry the same meaning as Jeremiah 31. In Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary of the Bible we find the word new in Jeremiah 31:31 assigned Strong’s #2319: from 2318; new: -fresh, new thing. Word #2318 is: to be new; causatively, to rebuild: -renew, repair. The covenant is new in the sense of being freshened as its root is a word which means to make new again or renew. This can be proven by examining the terms of the covenants.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. [ Where is it written? In the Law and the prophets – the so-called O/T ]
Deuter 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
Matthew 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. [If man shall not live by bread alone, what else is there? Keeping the commandments of God.]
Now since Jesus is apparently talking to living, breathing persons in these verses, the life He speaks of that bread alone cannot sustain must be eternal life and the way to receive it is through the keeping of God’s commandments – His every word. However, most Christian preachers teach that the laws (that old Jewish law) are done away with because “we are under grace.” Neither Jesus nor God made any such claim in Scripture. Preachers say we are under a “new and better covenant” which frees us from the keeping of the law. Read on then prove that claim through your own studies.
covenant noun
1. An agreement placing parties under legal obligation by contract or oath
Exodus 19:8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord. [This is the oath that was taken.]
agreement noun
3. An arrangement between parties regarding a method of action; a covenant.
4. Law. a. A properly executed and legally binding compact.
contract noun
1. An agreement between two or more parties, especially one that is written and enforceable by law.
term noun
5. Often terms. One of the fundamental, essential, or irreducible constituents of a proposed or concluded agreement.
testament noun
3. Law. A written document providing for the disposition of a person's property after death; a will.
4. Testament. Bible. Either of the two main divisions of the Bible.
5. Archaic. A covenant between human beings and God.
Genesis 15:6 And he [Abram/Abraham] believed in the Lord; and He counted it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 17:6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
Genesis 17:7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a Father unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. [Lasting forever; eternal.]
Genesis 18:17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
Genesis 18:18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the Way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which He hath spoken of him. [God testifies on Abraham’s behalf that Abraham will remain obedient.] [One must keep God’s Way in order to allow God’s blessings to come.]
Genesis 22:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;
Genesis 22:18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed My voice. [All this is possible because Abraham OBEYED.]
Genesis 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
Genesis 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham OBEYED My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My Laws. [God’s promise is conditional – contingent upon Abraham’s continued adherence to the terms of the covenant. God would make him father of many nations, bless the world through his seed and bring forth kings from his descendents if he fulfilled the terms of the covenant by fulfilling the requirements of the Law completely.]
Abraham believed in God (Ge 15:6). This means he accepted God’s existence as reality. He obeyed God because he believed God, and he believed God because he believed in God. That belief and the obedience that grew from it, was accounted to Abraham as righteousness by God.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Exodus 3:14 And the Lord said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of
Abraham had confidence the Lord could, and would deliver on His Promises – “…He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Genesis 35:10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but
Genesis 35:11 And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins;
Genesis 35:12 And the land which I gave Abraham and Isaac, to thee I will give it, and to thy seed after thee will I give the land. [Abraham’s obedience allowed God to extend His promise to Isaac under the same terms – identical covenant. The law required Abraham to train his seed in God’s Way. If he had not done this, Isaac could not have been offered the promise since he would not have known how to fulfill the conditions.]
Romans 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. [Jacob and Esau illustrate how a father’s obedience to God does not absolve the child of his responsibility to meet the obligations of the covenant. The promise was extended to Isaac then Jacob but not to Esau. These men were twins living in the same household and were instructed by the same teacher, but the outcome of their lives varied greatly.]
Romans 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
Romans 9:12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
Romans 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. [God loved Jacob because Jacob believed in and obeyed God. Therefore, God was faithful to extend the promise to his descendents as He did through Isaac to him.]
Exodus 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, THEN ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: [Without having doubt.]
Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God, His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Deuter 6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
Deuter 11:18 Therefore shall ye lay up these My words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
Jeremiah 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: [Strong’s #2319 when used as adjective, new as being made fresh again; renewed.] [Strong’s #3478 those who rule like God rules.] [Strong’s #3068 from 3034 those who worship with extended, open hands.]
Jeremiah 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the
Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of
Jeremiah 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know Me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
1John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know Him, IF we keep His commandments.
1John 2:4 He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him.
1John 2:5 But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.
Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Hebrews 8:8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of
Hebrews 8:9 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the
Hebrews 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of
Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Here are terms of the new covenant:
I will put My Laws into their minds, because all will know Me.
I will write My Laws in their hearts, because all will know Me.
I will be their Father, because all will know Me.
They shall be My people, because all will know Me.
They shall not teach very man, saying, “Know the Lord,” because all will know Me.
I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, because all will know Me.
I will be merciful to their sins, because all will know Me.
Their iniquities will I remember no more, because all will know Me.
“…because all will know Me” is a key phrase.
The promise was given to Abraham and his descendents, “BECAUSE THAT ABRAHAM OBEYED MY VOICE, AND KEPT MY CHARGE, MY COMMANDMENTS, MY STATUTES, AND MY LAWS.” In other words, Abraham KNEW God.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God, His Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.
Conclusion
Apparently, the so-called new covenant is only new in that one of the parties changed. Jeremiah 31:32 and Hebrews 8:9 testify that the “old” covenant was broken by the people and not by God who does not change (Malachi 3:6) and who is faithful (2 Thess. 3:3) and true (2 Corinth. 1:18). When one party fails to fulfill all the requirements of a covenant, the agreement is voided. God offered the covenant to a new party while retaining the same terms – know God by keeping His commandments and He will see to it that those commandments are written in your heart and mind. He will adopt you as His children and make you priestly kings who have dominion over all His creation under Jesus, the Christ, and He will forgive your past sins and forget them. This is obviously not a new covenant for a new religion. So I guess I was wrong. Christianity actually was formed as a new and different religion, but Christianity has little in common with the faith the Prophets, Jesus and His Apostles preached. Chew on that...
All english definitions from American Heritage dictionary unless otherwise noted.
