Mark 10:18 Only God is Good

Mark 10:18

"'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good—except God alone.'"

There is a story in the gospels (the four books about Jesus' life titled Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), and this story appears in three of the four gospels. It's the story where Jesus encountered the rich young ruler, and this story begins with a very wealthy man falling on his knees before Jesus and saying, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17). In the accounts of this story in Mark, Matthew and Luke Jesus then asks the rich young ruller this, "Why do you call me good?...No one is good—except God alone." (Luke 18:19). What Jesus and the rich young ruler discuss next is worth reading and understanding, however this post will focus on Jesus' first statement in this conversation, "There is only One who is good" (Matthew 19:17).

Unlike as it is often used in the english language, the word "good" biblically is not a synonym for the word "great." The word Jesus uses for good is ἀγαθός (agathos) and it's the same word used in Matthew 7:18 where Jesus talks about how "only good trees can bear good fruit" and in Luke 19:17 where Jesus says that the father will say, "Well done, my good servant!" to those who can be trusted with what God gives them. This good is not about a quality of a product or person but about the level of righteousness that something can have; it's about how close something follows God and abides in Him. Bibilically, the opposite of "good" is not "bad," but "evil," and those who are evil seek to oppose God and stay away from what He commands. We, as believers, should keep this in mind, when we use the word "good" in our daily lives. From a Biblical standpoint, only God and everything He deems righteous is good; only what abides in Him can be good.

Since only God is good, we need to look to Him as the sole example for what is good. We, as believers, will not find anything good where God is not present. Everything we long for that is apart from God will never satisfy our thirst for good things, but Jesus says, "Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst" (John 4:14). Jesus later on explains the good water flowing from Him is His words. If we have faith in what Jesus says and who He is, then we drink His water that satisfies. Jesus says, "Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" (John 7:38). In answer to the rich young ruler's question, Jesus says that believing in Him is how anyone can inherit eternal life. When the living water of Jesus Christ wells up inside of us, we can then pass it on to others. We can lead them to who God He is and what He says, so that they too can have eternal life. We can direct them to the one who is good and from whom all good things flow; God alone.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Biblehub.com (good)
• Dictionary.com (good)

John 1:29 (The Lamb Who Takes Away Sin)

John 1:29

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"

Before Mary gave birth to Jesus, Mary's relative Elizabeth gave birth to a boy named John. He was the son of a priest named Zechariah. As a priest, one of Zechariah's jobs was to serve in the offering of sacrifices. Without question, the most regarded of all sacrifices was the Passover lamb. It was offered once a year by every household as a payment for sins. There were rigorous requirements a sacrificial lamb had to meet, as well as laws concerning how it was to be offered. John, being a priest's son, was well acquainted with these laws. He knew what was a worthy sacrifice, and one day, John saw his cousin Jesus and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me,'" (John 1:29-30). Even Though Jesus' birth was after John's, John said Jesus was before him, and he also said Jesus would be a perfect sacrifice.

To see what it would mean for Jesus to be a sacrifice, here is a brief look at the law written concerning sacrificial lambs: At the time of the first Passover, God told His people this is what they must do so none of them would die. Every household was to take a young male lamb (Exodus 12:3-5), and they were to care for it, until the time came to slaughter it (Exodus 12:6). Every lamb was to have its blood put on the wooden frames of the family's door (Exodus 12:7), and the family was to cook and eat the rest of the lamb inside the house (Exodus 12:8-9). None of the lamb was to be left till morning (Exodus 12:10). God said the Passover was to be commemorated and celebrated for generations, (Exodus 12:14). Concerning lambs offered for Passover as well as other times, the chosen lamb could not be lame (unable to walk) or blind (unable to see) and had to be without disease, (Deuteronomy 15:21). Its blood was not to be eaten, but had to be poured out on the ground like water (Deuteronomy 15:23). Lambs had to be presented to the priests to make sure they were sufficient to pay for one's guilt, (Leviticus 14:12) and they had to be disposed of outside the camp where people lived (Leviticus 16:27). It was important that all presented lambs be "without defect," (Leviticus 1:10,22:19).

Why animals? What did they do wrong? 

That is the point. Since the animals did 

no wrong, they died in place of 

the one performing the sacrifice.

- GotQuestions

Jesus says, He came into the world to fulfill this sacrificial law (Matthew 5:17). He says it is through Him that none of God's people will have to die (John 5:24). He came as a young male (Luke 3:23), and people cared for Him by giving Him food (John 12:1-2), loaning Him animals (Mark 11:1-6), and giving Him a place to stay (Luke 22:10-13). The world tolerated Jesus, until the time came for Him to be slaughtered (Luke 22:53). On the night of the Passover celebration (John 13:1), Jesus was presented before the priests (Matthew 26:57). They examined Him and declared He was worthy of death (Matthew 26:65-66). Jesus was then handed over to the governor Pilate, where His whole body was tortured and none of it was left unscathed into the morning (Mark 15:15, John 19:1-2). Jesus was then sentenced to be crucified at a place called Golgotha, which was outside of the city (John 19:16-17). He was able to walk to that place (Mark 15:22), and able to see the people around Him (John 19:25-26). At Golgotha, Jesus was nailed to a cross (John 20:25), and His blood ran along its wooden frame (Colossians 1:20). Then, He died (Luke 23:46). After this, His side was pierced, and out of it came blood and water which poured out onto the ground (John 19:34). In the days before His death, Jesus lived a perfect life and was without defect (1 John 3:5). He was a perfect sacrificial lamb.

The depth of His grace flowed with every sin erased. 

He knew that this was why He came.

Would you take the place of this man? 

Would you take the nails from His hands?

- Jeremy Camp

In order for God's people to be forgiven, blood must be shed, "for the life of a creature is in the blood, and [God gave this] to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life," (Leviticus 17:11). Jesus shed His blood "on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness," (1 Peter 2:24). Because of His sacrificial death, "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins," (Ephesians 1:7). This is Jesus' power as a slain sacrifice.

And it gets Better,

Because Jesus is NOT Dead!

Jesus is God (John 10:30-33), and so He cannot die forever. Yet, He came to earth "to give His life as a ransom for many," (Mark 10:45). If He gives up His life, then He has "authority to take it up again," (John 10:18). So Jesus died, and then rose again (Mark 16:6).

God's sacrificial law was fulfilled through Jesus' death. Even though He rose again, Jesus' resurrection does not undo His death, in that He was never afflicted or it never happened (John 20:27). If His death were undone in this way, then God's people would still be under the sacrificial law. As long as the sacrificial law is not being fulfilled, it remains and awaits another sacrifice. Jesus could not simply unwrite this law (Matthew 5:18), however, He found a loophole, which is this: The law does not specify that the sacrifice must stay dead. This is why on the night of the Passover Jesus tells His followers He gives them His body (Luke 22:19) to be a sacrifice, and Jesus also gives them His blood for a "new covenant," (Luke 22:20). There cannot be a new covenant, without the fulfillment of the old one. In light of this, Jesus died and fulfilled the old sacrificial law, and then He rose from death as a living sacrifice; perpetually fulfilling both laws (Romans 8:2). By Jesus' one sacrifice "He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy," "and where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary," (Hebrews 10:14,18).

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those
who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ
Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set
you free from the law of sin and death,"
(Romans 8:1-2).

Jesus is the lamb of God (Revelation 5:6), and He has taken away the sins of the world (John 3:16). See, Jesus was dead, and now He is alive (Isaiah 53:11). Anyone who wants to be free from sin, must hear Him say, "Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other," (Isaiah 45:22). Yes, the same God who made the sacrificial law has fulfilled it, and He is alive!

Worthy is the, Lamb who was slain

Holy, Holy, is He

Sing a new song, to Him who sits on

Heaven's mercy seat

Holy, Holy, Holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Who was, and is, and is to come

With all creation I sing

Praise to the King of Kings

You are my everything

And I will adore You

- Jennie Lee Riddle

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• The Passion of the Christ (Inspired by)
• GotQuestions: Passover
• Open Bible Info: Sacrificial Lamb
• GotQuestions: Animal Sacrifices
• Jeremy Camp: This Man
• Jennie Lee Riddle/Don Moen: Revelation Song
• MacArthur Study Bible (Background Research)

Proverbs 2:6 (Words of Wisdom)

 

Proverbs 2:6

For the Lord gives wisdom;

    from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

As human beings, we have a lot of wise words we say to each other; words that have been carried down from speakers of the past. Often times we use these old phrases without knowing their origins or their original context. It may be surprising, but most of the well known words of wisdom you and I have often said or heard from others are actually from the Bible. More so than just common phrases that originated in movies or songs, these phrases came from the mouth of God. The reason these old wise words of wisdom still ring true is because they were written to always be true. Take a look at just how many well known wise words and phrases have not been born in a human's mind but in the Lord's:

A Leopard can't change its Spots (Jeremiah 13:23)

Truthfully, these wise words are not an English proverb but are actually prophecy from God. In the book of Jeremiah God spoke to His children, "Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil," (Jeremiah 13:23). It's sobering knowledge that this phrase about people being set in their ways and resistant to change is about how we all are prone to sin and commit evil. The only one who can change us is God Himself.

The Writing is on the Wall (Daniel 5:5-6)

In Daniel chapter 5 there is a wicked king who defiles God's instruments of worship. The hand of God appears before the king and writes an inscription on his wall. The king has Daniel interpret, and Daniel says that the inscription reads the wicked king has been weighed, measured and found wanting (there's another common phrase). God wrote that the wicked king's days had been numbered (one more bonus phrase). If anyone present wanted to doubt that the wicked king would indeed be removed by God's hand, they'd have to avoid looking at God's latest redecoration of the king's palace. The writing was on the wall, and the truth was clear to all who needed to know.

Pride goes before a Fall (Proverbs 16:18)

It's possible some of you thought this phrase came from Shakespeare, but it's actually from more than a thousand years before his time. It is God who said to the writer of this proverb, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall," (Proverbs 16:18). Many of us likely know bedtime stories about people who wanted to put themselves above others only to have their lives come crashing down. That's how it also is in the Bible with anyone who ever wanted to put themselves, their ideals or their nation above God. You can bet that's how it still works today, because God never stopped opposing the proud, while showing favor to the humble and oppressed (Proverbs 3:34).

Go the Extra Mile (Matthew 5:41)

Maybe your schools or your boss have told you this to encourage you to do more than is expected, but it is Jesus Christ who coined this famous phrase in His most famous sermon. Interestingly, though, this phrase was not originally spoken to encourage academic or professional excellence. Jesus spoke to His audience, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’But I tell you, do not resist an evil person," (Matthew 5:38-39). Jesus then said, "If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles," (Matthew 5:41). Notice Jesus says the one going a mile was forced to do so. It is evil that has compelled this person to force another to walk a mile against their will, but God says that His children are not to resist this evil. Instead, to put evil to shame we are to not only suffer willingly but be willing to suffer even more, just as Jesus did for us.

Better Late than Never (Matthew 20:1-16)

Not just for keeping deadlines, these words of wisdom are above all for your spiritual well being. The principle of this matter comes straight from Jesus. He told a story about a man who needed work done in his field, so he hired some men. As the day progressed, he realized he didn't have enough men to get the job done, so throughout the day all the way into the evening he continued to hire men to work for him. At the end of the day the man who owned the field paid all of the workers the exact same amount, no matter when they started. When it comes to following God, it's better to start late than never at all.

A House Divided against itself cannot Stand (Mark 3:25)

Raie your hand, if you thought it was Abraham Lincoln who said this. It makes sense why you might have believed that, as it's his name that constantly follows this quote on billboards, museum walls and in textbooks. Well, honest Abe was no fool on this phrase's origins, as he studied God's Word from his youth and throughout his life. This phrase in particular shows up in three of the gospels, where the Pharisees accuse Jesus of having powers from satan. Jesus responds, "If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come," (Mark 3:24-26). It was very wise for Lincoln to remind the citizens of the United States of this wisdom from God, as any well written human speech will eventually fade "but the word of our God endures forever," (Isaiah 40:6-8).

Fight the Good Fight (1 Timothy 6:12)

Many political movements and activist groups like to say that their cause is noble and they rally up their followers to keep fighting their good fight. It was Jesus who said only He and His ways are good (Mark 10:18), so there is really only one true good fight. It's the one Paul urges his servant Timothy to fight. He writes to Timothy to flee from the causes and desires of the world, and to instead "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called," (1 Timothy 6:11-12). We, as believers, have been called to fight this same fight for the sake of eternal life. We fight against the lofty opinions and ideas of the world, and "we demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ," (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Sure is interesting to see that all these familiar words of wisdom are from God Himself, and there are plenty more like them. There are also plenty of well known words of wisdom that are not from God and are ultimately not wise words at all. It can be hard to tell whether what someone is saying truly is wise or foolish, which is why a Christian's primary source for wisdom should be God's Word. It is written, "the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding," so everything spoken from God is trustworthy, useful and wise (Proverbs 2:6).

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Open Bible Info: Wisdom
• Wide Open Country: Common Phrases in the Bible
• Lifeway Research: Common Phrases in the Bible

2 Corinthians 5:21 (Jesus Became Sin)

2 Corinthians 5:21

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Jesus suffered and died for sins, and the way He died was how He paid for them. He was set apart "before the creation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20) to die "according to God's eternal purpose that He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord," (Ephesians 3:11). This means the way Jesus died was not incidental but was designed. Consider that if Jesus was on earth today, was wrongly convicted, incarcerated, and then given the death penalty, that death would not have been enough to pay for sins. Modern death penalty methods do not cover the scope of pain Jesus needed to bear.

The prophet Isaiah remarks that Jesus being speared and whipped was how He would heal people from their sins, for "He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed," (Isaiah 53:5). Take note how Isaiah describes Jesus' death as a personal matter, in the way he uses the pronouns "our," "us," and "we." Jesus died in our place (Romans 3:25), so the way Jesus paid for sins shows how people should have paid. "God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21), so Jesus' suffering and death illustrates the true punishment all sinners deserve. With this in mind, let us see what it took for Jesus to redeem sinners and make them righteous.

He became sin, who knew no sin

That we might become His righteousness

He humbled himself and carried the cross

Love so amazing, love so amazing

Jesus Messiah, name above all names

Blessed redeemer, Emmanuel

The rescue for sinners, the ransom from Heaven

Jesus Messiah, Lord of all

- Chris Tomlin

Jesus was caught and exposed (Mark 14:46)

On the night when Jesus would suffer for sin, He was arrested by a large crowd (Matthew 26:47,50). Jesus was caught the same way every sinner will be caught. No one should deceive themselves, for "you may be sure that your sin will find you out," (Numbers 32:23). Someone may think they can hide their sins, but Jesus says, "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known," (Luke 12:2). Even though Jesus was in the dark, the crowd who came for Him brought torches (John 18:3). Jesus was exposed and brought into the light the same way all sin will be (Luke 12:3, Ephesians 5:11).

Jesus did not defend Himself (Matthew 27:12)

Jesus was put on trial for His crimes, and while He was tried He did not defend Himself. Instead of pleading His case, Jesus "did not open His mouth; He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth," (Isaiah 53:7). This is how sinful people should respond, when God puts them on trial. God will "judge the world in righteousness," (Psalms 96:13) and everyone He judges will be "without excuse," (Romans 1:20). Every sinner has broken God's law (1 John 3:4), and "whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God," (Romans 3:19).

Jesus could not be bought back (Matthew 27:3-4)

One of Jesus' disciples, named Judas, betrayed Jesus. Judas' reward for betraying Him was 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15). After Jesus was found guilty, Judas "was seized with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders," but the priests would not take Judas' money back (Matthew 27:3-4). Sin, too, cannot be bought back from God, for the Lord "accepts no bribes," (Deuteronomy 10:17). Greed can lead to sin (1 Timothy 6:10), and the money someone gains in their sin is not enough to buy them out of their sin.

Jesus was beaten and wounded (John 19:1-3)

While Jesus was in custody, He was beaten by those who guarded Him (Luke 22:63). Indeed, the same way Jesus was physically wounded, the Bible says sinners should be beaten. In God's law it reads, "If the guilty person deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make them lie down and have them flogged in his presence with the number of lashes the crime deserves," (Deuteronomy 25:2). Out of God's love, He has ordered that any sin deserving of physical punishment should receive the wounds due (Proverbs 13:24). Adam's sin resulted in the earth and humans being pricked by "thorns and thistles," (Genesis 3:18) and Jesus had these thorns pressed into His head (Mark 15:17). Those who do what is wicked should be physically harmed for their sins, and "the understanding of this message will bring sheer terror," (Isaiah 28:18-19).

"The Son of Man did not come to be
served, but to serve, and to give
His life as a ransom for many,"
(Matthew 20:28).

Jesus was nailed down (Luke 23:33)

Jesus's death was by crucifixion, so He was nailed down and pierced through His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16). He was locked in place and unable to escape. This is the fate of unrepentant sinners (Matthew 25:41). Even the angels who rebel against God will be put in chains and locked away for judgment (2 Peter 2:4). Jesus says that sinners will be nailed down by God, so "see to it that you do not refuse Him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused Him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from Him who warns us from heaven?" (Hebrews 12:25).

Jesus was mocked and shamed (Mark 15:30-31)

While Jesus was crucified, the crowd there mocked Him. God, too, mocks and laughs at sin, for "the One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them," (Psalm 2:4). The prophet Elijah mocked those who dared to oppose God, and Elijah's actions were honored by the Lord (1 Kings 18:27,38). Sin is shameful, and someone who sins is like a person found naked and afraid (Genesis 3:7,10). Just as Jesus was naked and shamed by those who crucified Him (Matthew 27:35), so too is sin shameful. Those who sin should "come back to their senses as they ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame," (1 Corinthians 15:34).

Jesus died (John 19:30)

On that cross, for everyone to see, Jesus died. It is assured that "the wages of sin is death," (Romans 6:23). Those who die in their sin "will go away to eternal punishment," (Matthew 25:46). "They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever," (Revelation 20:10). The suffering Jesus experienced on the cross will be their suffering. Just as Jesus thirsted while He died ( John 19:28), those in hell will go without even a drop of water (Luke 16:24). On the other side of eternity, those who have put their trust in God will be given relief, but "He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might," (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9).

Jesus died and He was buried (Mark 15:46-47), and
everyone who dies in their sin goes down to
"the realm of the dead," (Psalm 9:17). His death
cries out to sinners, "Unless you repent,
you too will all perish," (Luke 13:3).

Jesus suffered for sins the way that everyone deserves to suffer. When someone looks at the cross, they should see the punishment they deserve. They should think of themselves as the murderer who goes free at Jesus' expense (Luke 23:18-19). They should not act like the criminal who insulted Jesus and said, "Save yourself and us!" (Luke 23:39). Instead, everyone should act as the other criminal who said, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But He has done nothing wrong," (Luke 23:41). Jesus never sinned, and after He was punished, He cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). Therefore, Jesus suffered and died as a criminal, so you would not have to.

The punishment for sin has been paid in full, and now everyone who Believes in Jesus will not have to experience any punishment for their sin. This is assured, "otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself," (Hebrews 9:26). He suffered and died once "to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit," (1 Peter 3:18). Because Jesus paid for sins, "whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them," (John 3:36). Jesus suffered the full scope of God's wrath on the cross, in order to bring lost sinners back to Him, just as it is written in 1 Peter chapter 2 from verses 23 to 25:

When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted himself to Him who judges justly. “He himself bore our sins” in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by His wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Wretched: The Cross is not the Electric Chair
• Chris Tomlin: Jesus Messiah
• Knowing Jesus: Bible Verses by Topic

What is the Gospel?

"Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me and for the gospel will save it," (Mark 8:35). These are Jesus' words to anyone who wants to follow Him. If anyone wants to call themselves a Christian (literally meaning a lowly imitator of Jesus Christ), then they must be willing to lose their life for the gospel (Matthew 16:24). In order for someone to save their soul, a treasure greater than even the whole world (Mark 8:36), they must give their life for God and the gospel.

Anyone who wants to live a soul keeping life for the gospel will need to know what God's Word says. While it is true that a lot of the Bible can be difficult to understand, Christians are expected to study it and learn from it (2 Timothy 2:15). The apostle Peter once wrote that Paul's letters (Romans, Ephesians, Philipians, etc.) were written "with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction," (2 Peter 3:15-16). Yes, the Bible can be hard to understand, but to distort God's Word (to terribly misunderstand it, or to willfully twist it to one's own desires) will bring destruction. There's no exception to this. Jesus says, "If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His Father’s glory with the holy angels," (Mark 8:38). Anyone who disregards God's Word will be disregarded by Him. If you want to save your soul, you need to know what the Bible says about the gospel.

The Word of God gives a clear answer to what the gospel is, however the world has its own thoughts on the matter. The world speaks in such a confusing way (Genesis 11:7), and can twist God's words into their own thoughts. The world then presents their confusing distortion of God's Word as if it were truly what God says (Jeremiah 14:14). The world's thoughts are lower than God's thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). The world's gospels are no gospel at all (Galatians 1:6-7). Because of this, it is necessary to address and dismantle some of the world's lies before the truth can take its rightful place (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The gospel is NOT just another piece of Christianity:

• Many people think the gospel makes up one piece of a Christian's life, but it's only one piece like all others. If that were the case, then Christians would not have to be too concerned with the gospel, as long as they understood other key teachings in God's Word. 
• Directly contrasting this mindset, the apostle Paul wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed," (Romans 1:16-17). From these words it is clear that the gospel is "the" power of God (not just "a" power or one aspect of God's power) and that it is only through the gospel that God's saving righteousness is revealed. Since only the righteous can live a Christian life (Habakkuk 2:4) and have God's power towards them (Ephesians 1:19), then everyone who wants to follow God and share in His power must keep the gospel of first importance.
• The gospel is the single most crucial aspect of Christianity. Its significance far outweighs that of any other part of a Christian's life.

The gospel is NOT a lifestyle:

• There are Christians who believe the gospel is a way of life. Some have read that God sent His apostles to "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons," (Matthew 10:7-8) and then believed that doing all of this is the gospel. If that were the case, then someone could save their soul by how they live their life.
• This is contradicted by Paul's words to Timothy, when he wrote, "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers," (1 Timothy 4:16). Paul does not mean that Timothy can be saved by listening to his own life. It is only "the living God, who is the Savior of all people," (1 Timothy 4:10) and apart from God no one's life has any worth (John 15:5). Therefore, it is the doctrines Timothy is teaching that will save both himself and his hearers. It is from the teachings in God's Word that someone can hear what can save their soul (1 Timothy 4:13).
• The gospel is something Christians teach and believe, and it is not something Christians do. While God's followers are called to live a certain way (James 2:14-16), a Christian's life has no power to save them or others.

The gospel is NOT a waste of time:

• Plenty of people think there are better things to do than teach the gospel. Some assert that God wants us "to loose the chains of injustice," by sharing food and providing the poor with shelter, (Isaiah 58: 6-7) and then claim that these things are more useful than the gospel. If that were the case, then there would be no earthly reward in the gospel.
• Opposing this belief, Jesus says, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for Me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life," (Mark 10:29-30). Those who live for the gospel will face persecutions, but they will also be given a hundred times more than anything they could have gained by not preaching the gospel (rewards not only in heaven but also on earth). This is why Paul preached the gospel all the time, even when he was in chains. When Agrippa, a Roman statesman, heard one of Paul's preachings, Agrippa said, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?" (Acts 26:28). Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29).
• Everyone, whether they know it or not, is longing for all of God's followers to be saved (Romans 8:22). So, it is good to speed up this waiting (2 Peter 3:12) through the preaching of the gospel that people may believe and become another one of God's followers (John 1:12).

The gospel is NOT separate from God:

• A few Christians claim the gospel does not have to be directly linked to God. They suggest that the goodness of the gospel can be shared without having to mention God or His words. If that were the case, then the gospel could be received outside of Christ and the Bible.
• In combating this view, Paul calls himself "a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God," (Romans 1:1). Paul states his calling is not just to be a servant for any gospel but "the gospel of God". The Bible and its author are inextricably connected (Hebrews 6:17). It is impossible to preach the gospel without God (Philippians 4:13). To do so would be the same as binding an oath with God based on what comes from Him but not based on God Himself (Matthew 23:19-20). Jesus says, "anyone who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and by the one who sits on it," (Matthew 23:22). 
• If someone is going to share the gospel that comes from heaven, then they must equally offer the God who provides the gospel. Someone who neglects God also neglects what can truly save souls.

The gospel is NOT true for you but not for me:

• Some Christians hear the gospel and claim it is not something all people have to believe. They think that the gospel offers something good for them personally, but it's not necessary for everyone to accept it. If that were the case, then the gospel would either contain something everyone already has within them or something anyone can find elsewhere.
• Standing before these claims are Jesus' words, "I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved" (John 10:9). There are those who try to save themselves by not going through the gospel, but Jesus says, "anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber," (John 10:1). Thieves and robbers will not save their souls (1 Corinthians 6:10). No one who rejects God and His Word will be able to escape destruction (Matthew 7:26-27).
• The gospel is for everyone always (Luke 2:10). Only those who believe the gospel of Jesus Christ will save their souls.

What is the gospel?

Paul answers this question in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 from verses 1 to 11:

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all He appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

If you want to save your soul you must believe the gospel: That Christ died for everyone's sins (Matthew 26:26-28) and He rose to life again; not metaphorically but in the physical flesh (John 20:26-29). If you want to believe the truth that is not in vain, then you must put your trust in what the Bible says (Proverbs 3:5-6). If you want to live for the gospel, you must preach it of first importance in accordance with God's calling to all who follow Him (1 Corinthians 9:16-18). If you want to receive rewards on earth and in heaven, then you must always be prepared to share the gospel with others so that they too may believe it and save their soul (1 Peter 3:15). If you want to live for God, then you cannot wait any longer to begin sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15).

Do you want to be a true Christian? You must know, believe and share the gospel.

Source

• The Bible (New International Version)

Special Thanks to

• American Gospel: Christ Crucified
• Biblegateway
• Desiring God
• Got Questions
• Justin Peters Ministries
• Ligonier Ministries
• The MacArthur Study Bible
• Newsboys
• WWUTT
• Wretched

Should You be Scared of Hell?

When something truly scares you, it's hard ignoring it. Whether it's a creepy movie you regret watching, a terrifying reality you learned on the news, or an awful circumstance coming for your life, what scares you stays with you. It gives you nightmares. It shadows you, during the day. It affects you, despite your resistance. What scares us, has a certain power over us. Power should never fall into the wrong hands. So, should anything scare us? Should hell?

Some Christians who want to make people afraid of hell have been described as "scaring people into heaven." This is a tactic John Piper describes as "motivating by fear or a desire to escape hell" to send people "into the arms of Jesus." If a Christian makes hell appear scary with their goal to send people to Jesus, then that tactic will only work if Jesus agrees that hell is scary. If people get scared into Jesus' arms by hell, and then He says to them, "There's no reason for you to fear hell," then the people would understandably leave Jesus, because the power that sent them to Him was shown to be no power at all. If, however, Jesus does say to these people when they come to Him, "Yes, hell is something that should terrify you," then those people are likely to never let Him go.

Jesus says hell is "eternal punishment," (Matthew 25:46), and "eternal fire" for the cursed (Matthew 25:41) "where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth," (Matthew 13:50). Jesus quotes the Old Testament and affirms what the prophet Isaiah wrote about hell (Mark 9:48) stating, hell is a place full of "the dead bodies of those who rebelled against Me; the worms that eat them will not die, the fire that burns them will not be quenched," (Isaiah 66:24). This place of infinite torment was created for the devil and the fallen angels who serve him (Matthew 25:41). It was not made for humans to suffer there, but all people who do not believe what Jesus says about hell will be sent there. It is written, "the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur." (Revelation 21:8). Unbelievers who do not change their mind about the truth of hell are in danger of burning forever.

If you do not believe in Jesus Christ, then you
have chosen to reject God and live in your sin, and
as all sin leads to death and punishment (Romans 6:23),
a future in hell is waiting for you.

Jesus' description of hell shows it as something terrible and horrific, and He further states hell is a place to which He will send people. Jesus says He will one day say to disobedient unbelievers "Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire," (Matthew 25:41). Jesus says He holds the keys of death and hell, so He is the one who sends people to hell and ensures they stay there (Revelation 1:18). Those in hell are not kept away from God, but rather will never escape Him. They are sent into the presence of the Holy Lamb Jesus' righteous wrath. It is written of those in hell in Revelation chapter 14 from verses 10 to 11:

They, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise for ever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.

Despite popular opinion, the devil is not the king of hell,
but will one day be a prisoner in there just like every
unbeliever in that fiery pit (Revelation 20:2-3).

Everyone who does not believe in Jesus Christ is in danger of the fires of hell. For it is written, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned [to eternal punishment], but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son," (John 3:18). If you are an unbeliever, then you should trust Jesus when He says, "be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell," (Matthew 10:28). Indeed the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Be afraid of this creepy nightmare; this terrifying reality; this awful circumstance coming for you. Only then, unbeliever, will you begin to become truly wise.

After someone fears God, they will never be truly afraid of anything ever again. Those who believe in Christ Jesus are safe from the fires of hell. Jesus says of His followers who have run into His arms, "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of My hand," (John 10:28). Those who believe in Christ Jesus are His children (John 1:12), and children of God do not have a spirit of fear. God gives all of His children a spirit of "power, love and self-discipline," (2 Timothy 1:7). Knowing this, believer, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified," because "God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you," (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Surrender yourself to God and acknowledge Him
as the Lord of all, for "Everyone who calls on the
name of the Lord will be saved," (Romans 10:13).

Even if everything that can possibly scare a believer becomes a reality in this life, it will not follow them to their next. The Children of God are blessed and have a place in "the kingdom prepared for [them] since the creation of the world," (Matthew 25:34). This is the kingdom of heaven, and in that kingdom "the former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind," (Isaiah 65:17). In the perfect heaven God creates "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain," (Revelation 21:4). This promise should give believers comfort. No matter what frightens them in this life they will spend eternity with God in the presence of His love. 

Those who believe in Jesus Christ will "taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him," (Psalm 34:8). Those who do not believe in Jesus Christ will one day never eat anything good again; not even a drop of water (Luke 16:24). Does that scare you?

"Those here without the Lord, how do you cope? ...
When the toast is burned, and all the milk has turned,
and Captain Crunch is waving farewell.
When the big One finds you, may this song remind you that
they don't serve breakfast in hell!"
- Newsboys

Source

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Open Bible Info: Hell
• John Piper: Scared into Heaven
• Got Questions: Worm will not Die
• Newsboys: Breakfast

What Does it Mean to Speak in Jesus' Name?

Christians have a culture separate from the rest of the world; a culture with its own norms, words and phrases. For a Christian, Sunday isn't just the next day in the weekend, but is the Lord's day, (Mark 16:9, Revelation 1:10). "Sacrifice" is not something to avoid, but is a joy to be embraced for all of life (Romans 12:1). Being "Spirit filled" has nothing to do with filling up on liquor (Ephesians 5:18), but is about having a body where the Holy Spirit dwells (1 Corinthians 6:19). Another cultural Christian phrase is to "speak the name of Jesus," or speak "in Jesus' name." These two phrases have become popular, especially through the release of two contemporary songs, one in 2021 and the other in 2022. Within cultures, phrases can take on multiple meanings, but in Christian cultures most phrases have finite meanings that can be found in the unchanging (Matthew 5:18) and always applicable (2 Timothy 3:16-17) Word of the God, the Bible. So, what does the Bible say about speaking the name of Jesus; speaking in Jesus' name?

The concept of speaking in Jesus' name appears several times throughout the New Testament, but it appears most prominently in the book of Acts. This book relays the history of the early Church and the actions taken by the Apostles, those who had been called by Christ in person to preach the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:7-8, Galatians 1:1). One of the first things the Apostles did on the day the Church was created (Acts 2:1-4), was preach to a large crowd saying, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," (Acts 2:38). This is the first time the Apostles and the Church used the phrase "in Jesus' name," but it would not be the last. The Apostle Peter said the promise of forgiveness through Jesus' name is a promise "for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call," (Acts 2:39). Even to this day, and then far beyond it, the Lord continues to save everyone who calls on Him in His name (Romans 10:13). Only Jesus' name alone can save people from their sins.

Jesus, the Name above every other name

Jesus, the only One who could ever save

Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe

We live for You, we live for You

- Pat Barrett

The Apostles preached (Acts 5:40) healed the sick (Acts 3:16)

and casts out demons (Acts 16:18) in Jesus' name.

In this context speaking "in Jesus' name" has the power to bring people to repentance, lead them to baptism and offer them forgiveness for their sins. So, from where does this power in Jesus' name come?

The power behind these words is not in the words themselves. If someone were to say that something will happen, and then they follow their statement with the phrase, "in Jesus' name," the saying of those words does not give their decree any extra power. The words "in Jesus' name" themselves cannot be used to incant anything into being. In the Bible the act of using words in an incantation in order to have power or control over something is referred to as casting a spell. People who cast spells are known as sorcerers. God told His chosen people there should be no one among them "who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead," (Deuteronomy 18:10-11). God does not want His followers to be chanters of spells. There is no particular alignment of words a person can use that will add any extra "umph" to their own decrees.

Because there's no special power in words themselves, Christians should not worry about what they say when they make a request to God. Jesus says to His followers, "When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him," (Matthew 6:7-8). Even more than this, Paul says to believers, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes," and He does this "for God’s people in accordance with the will of God," (Romans 8:26-27). This is why all who believe in Jesus' name can boldly enter His presence (Hebrews 4:16), knowing that nothing they say or misspeak will keep them from being blameless in God's sight (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

When believers pray, it doesn't matter that much what they
say, as much as it matters to whom they pray, because
Christians make their requests to the God who
can speak things into being (Romans 4:17).

Even though there is no power in the words "in Jesus' name" there is power behind Jesus' name, and that power comes from the authority Jesus has, as the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16). Kings have the power to proclaim orders. Everything a King commands must be done by their subjects or else there will be consequences. When Pharaoh ordered the slave masters to take away the straw that the Isrealites needed to make bricks, it was done and those who could not make bricks suffered (Exodus 5:6-14). When king Darius' administrators tricked him into creating a law that would harm those who worshiped God, they told the king, "issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered,” (Daniel 6:8). When king Xerxes asked one of his subjects to make a decree for him, he gave his subject his signet ring and told him, "no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked," (Esther 8:8). Throughout Scripture, everything a king commanded in his name and sealed with his approval was expected to be followed, and if it was not obeyed then there were consequences. In the same way kings seal their commands by their name, so too does God seal His commands by His name.

God is a king, and whatever He wants to happen will happen, for "He does whatever pleases Him," (Psalm 115:3), and "no purpose of [His] can be thwarted," (Job 42:2). God's commands and His words cannot be altered (Matthew 5:18). Those who do not obey God suffer consequences (Revelation 21:8). So, when Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me," naturally, as a King, He follows this proclamation with this command to His subjects, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you," (Matthew 28:18-20). When believers baptize others in order to make disciples, they do this in the authority of Jesus' name. It is by Jesus' authority that believers have been commanded, and are able, to baptize others. In this sense, saying the phrase "in Jesus' name," is similar to saying, "By the order of the King."

The Apostles were able to perform miracles in Jesus' name,
because they were given God's seal of approval (Acts 2:3), but
those who had not been given God's "signet ring" were unable
to do the same miracles the Apostles did (Acts 19:13-16).

Saying that something will happen in Jesus' name does not mean a Christian is applying their own seal of approval, but means that Jesus has already applied His seal of divine approval. Asking God for something in His name is to ask for something in accordance with His will. It would be similar to if someone said, "Such and such will happen, because the king commanded it, so by the order of the king this will happen." Those who believe in God have this confidence, "if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us," (1 John 5:14). When we, as believers, follow God's will and obey His commands we glorify His mighty name (Matthew 5:16, John 12:27-28). This is why Jesus says to His disciples, "I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it," (John 14:13-14). Doing anything in God's name will always be powerful, because God and His Word are forever powerful.

The power in Jesus' name was demonstrated on earth, when Paul performed miracles among the people in Ephesus. Those who heard what Paul had done according to God's will "were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed [their sins]. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly," (Acts 19:17-19). The same thing that happened then can happen today, because there is no limited sorcerery behind speaking the name of "Jesus." There is power in following the will of God and obeying His authority as King. Everything that God has decreed, let it be done in Jesus' name!

There is power

In the name of Jesus

There is power

Power in His name

One name, one name can save

One name, breaks every chain

One name, always

One name, Jesus

- Lincoln Brewster

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Pat Barrett: Build My Life
• Open Bible Info: Ask in God's Name
• Got Questions: In Jesus' Name
• Lincoln Brewster: There is Power

Should a Christian be a Perfectionist?

A Perfectionist is a person who refuses to accept any standard short of perfection. They are someone who simply demands perfection of themselves.

If you attended school and became furious with yourself when you didn't get a 100% on a test, you might be a perfectionist. If you socialize and you won't say anything until you've checked what you're going to say for errors, you might be a perfectionist. If you create things for others and you won't present these things to anyone until you are absolutely sure that your creations have no problems, you might be a perfectionist. Being a perfectionist is not just an identity but a lifestyle.

When it comes to being a perfectionist a Christian...should DISMISS this notion outright. (Truthfully it makes me want to laugh.)

I used to be a perfectionist, and I would beat myself up over the grades I got in school; tormenting myself for not getting at least a 90% on an exam or project. I messed myself up, and worse is I convinced myself that the frustration I had was Christian. I'd tell myself, "Since God is perfect, shouldn't I also strive to perfect like He is?" Now, it is true that we as believers are "to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age" (Titus 2:12). We are supposed to strive to live godly and righteous lives, but we're not supposed to make the extra leap of foolishness there to then tell ourselves that we have to be perfect people. That extrapolation is anti-Biblical.

The Bible says we fool ourselves to think that we can be perfect. John writes that "if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). We can't be sinless perfect people, let alone even truly good people. Jesus Himself says, "No one is good-except God alone" (Mark 10:18). Even the prophet Isaiah remarks that "all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away" (Isaiah 64:6). We as Christians cannot get an A+ or even a "Good Job!" sticker on any of our spiritual tests, and that can frustrate us. We might even cry out to God to take away our imperfections, but He'll likely tell us "No" the same way He told Paul. Paul asked God three times to take away his imperfections and God told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness" to which Paul then humbly responded, "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Eventhough we are not perfect, the good news is God's grace is sufficient for us, and He will use our imperfections for His glory.

Where can we see God's sufficient grace in action admist our imperfections? It's in our daily prayer time. Picture this: you're in a small group or it's your turn to pray for the meal. If you're like me, I wager you might start to worry about whether you'll say the right words or not when it's your turn to pray. I think us Christians tend to suffer from this stigma that we have to get our words in prayer time just right, or else God won't listen to us, or our company might doubt our Christianhood. We need to not worry about what we say during prayer, because we have someone in our corner making even our most botched up prayers into something truly beautiful. Scriptures says, "The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27). We don't have to worry about getting all our words perfect, because, God intercedes on our behalf when we are talking to Him. He even interceds for us when we are talking with others. For the servants of the LORD, God says, "I have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand" (Isaiah 51:16). We don't have to worry about being perfect. God is perfect for us and that should make us thankful. When we see our weakness rightly, it should make us want to get up and praise God saying, as Paul said, "I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10).

So I am thankful that I'm incapable

Of doin' any good on my own

I say that I'm so thankful that I'm incapable

Of doin' any good on my own

- Caedmon's Call

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Dictionary.com: Perfectionist
• Caedmon's Call: Thankful