"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." [Matt 7:21]
In my previous post, I commented on how the fact that not all will be saved seems to be a recurring theme in the teaching's of Christ. In Matt 7:21-23 He elaborates more on that idea.
According to Jesus, there will be some on the day of Judgement who believe they know Christ and are expecting to be saved. They will see their Lord standing before the seat of judgement and run to him as the prodigal son returning home, but instead of being greeted with open arms as they expect, the Lord will answer "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" Why? Didn't they prophesy, cast out demons, and do many wonders, all in the name of Christ? What more does He want?!
Christ will later reference Hosea 6:6: "I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." His point was that even though the Old Law required animal sacrifices and burnt offerings, one could not simply buy his way into heaven with those things. One cannot simply follow the motions and be saved.
So how then does one enter heaven? Christ tells us in the same passage: "...but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." Doing the will of God means more than just going through the motions. It's more than just attending prayer meetings and knocking on doors. As James puts it [James 2:14-26], we must have both faith and works, not just one or the other. If our works are done with a lack of faith, they profit us nothing. If our faith is lacking works, it profits us nothing.
As in all things, let Christ be our example. Imitate Christ, both His love for God and His love for others, and you will understand the will of the Father.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Narrow vs. Broad Way
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." [Matt 7:13-14]
In my study of the book of Matthew, one thing in particular keeps jumping out at me; a common theme in many of Christ's teachings. Not all will be saved. My guess is Jesus brought this up over and over because the Jews at the time had grown complacent in their faith and thought they had a golden ticket to get into heaven because they were decedents of Abraham [Matt 3:7-12]. They relied more on their traditions and the acts of worship than on honoring God. They needed to be reminded that nobody can be grandfathered into heaven.
He presents two options: the broad way that leads to destruction, or the narrow way that leads to salvation. Many, He tells us, will enter by the broad gate that leads to destruction, either by choice or out of ignorance [Matt 7:21]. Its way is broad, and easy to follow. It is the tempting path, the one that looks comfortable, the one that we see many friends and family on. But we do not desire its destination.
Instead, we need to choose the narrow gate that leads to life and salvation. The text describes it as difficult, not because Christ's burden is heavy [Matt 11:30], but because it can be difficult going against the norm, against our friends and family who would lead us astray.
The KJV uses the word "strait" instead of difficult, meaning the same thing. This is the origin of the expression "stay on the straight and narrow," although the word has been altered to "straight" instead of "strait". It means do what's right, act with moral integrity, stay on the path that leads to life.
This passage reminds me of Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken in which he chooses to take the path less traveled and it made all the difference.
In my study of the book of Matthew, one thing in particular keeps jumping out at me; a common theme in many of Christ's teachings. Not all will be saved. My guess is Jesus brought this up over and over because the Jews at the time had grown complacent in their faith and thought they had a golden ticket to get into heaven because they were decedents of Abraham [Matt 3:7-12]. They relied more on their traditions and the acts of worship than on honoring God. They needed to be reminded that nobody can be grandfathered into heaven.
He presents two options: the broad way that leads to destruction, or the narrow way that leads to salvation. Many, He tells us, will enter by the broad gate that leads to destruction, either by choice or out of ignorance [Matt 7:21]. Its way is broad, and easy to follow. It is the tempting path, the one that looks comfortable, the one that we see many friends and family on. But we do not desire its destination.
Instead, we need to choose the narrow gate that leads to life and salvation. The text describes it as difficult, not because Christ's burden is heavy [Matt 11:30], but because it can be difficult going against the norm, against our friends and family who would lead us astray.
The KJV uses the word "strait" instead of difficult, meaning the same thing. This is the origin of the expression "stay on the straight and narrow," although the word has been altered to "straight" instead of "strait". It means do what's right, act with moral integrity, stay on the path that leads to life.
This passage reminds me of Robert Frost's poem The Road Not Taken in which he chooses to take the path less traveled and it made all the difference.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Golden Rule
"Therefore, whatever you want me to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." [Matt 7:12]
"The Golden Rule" is one of those teachings of Christ that is so practical and, as I like to put it, "no duh" that it's amazing men have a hard time following it. The basic principle is to treat others the same way you want to be treated. Do you want to be respected? Honored for your hard work? Given a cup of cold water when you're thirsty? Then do likewise. Do you want to be mocked? Lied to? Cheated? Then don't do likewise.
It always drives me crazy in movies and books and some big bad thug or gangster who makes a living off of stealing from and killing people gets outraged when someone steals from him or kills someone close to him. I always think, "Fool! Don't you do the same to others every day? Why should it offend you when the same is done to you??"
Following the Golden Rule can take some effort, especially if you're not used to it. It requires placing the best interest of others before our own, and in many cases we're not used to that. It also requires having integrity and doing the right thing, even if nobody would find out. Right and wrong is not determined by how much trouble we get into or how much praise we receive for our actions, it's determined by the action itself.
In marriage, it means rubbing your spouses shoulders because she's had a long day, even though you did too. In the office, it means encouraging a coworker who's falling behind and offering to help out, even if he annoys you. On the athletic field, it means playing by the rules and having a fair game, even if cheating would help you win.
Act with kindness, humility, and integrity at all times, and following the Golden Rule will become second nature.
"The Golden Rule" is one of those teachings of Christ that is so practical and, as I like to put it, "no duh" that it's amazing men have a hard time following it. The basic principle is to treat others the same way you want to be treated. Do you want to be respected? Honored for your hard work? Given a cup of cold water when you're thirsty? Then do likewise. Do you want to be mocked? Lied to? Cheated? Then don't do likewise.
It always drives me crazy in movies and books and some big bad thug or gangster who makes a living off of stealing from and killing people gets outraged when someone steals from him or kills someone close to him. I always think, "Fool! Don't you do the same to others every day? Why should it offend you when the same is done to you??"
Following the Golden Rule can take some effort, especially if you're not used to it. It requires placing the best interest of others before our own, and in many cases we're not used to that. It also requires having integrity and doing the right thing, even if nobody would find out. Right and wrong is not determined by how much trouble we get into or how much praise we receive for our actions, it's determined by the action itself.
In marriage, it means rubbing your spouses shoulders because she's had a long day, even though you did too. In the office, it means encouraging a coworker who's falling behind and offering to help out, even if he annoys you. On the athletic field, it means playing by the rules and having a fair game, even if cheating would help you win.
Act with kindness, humility, and integrity at all times, and following the Golden Rule will become second nature.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Seek and Ye Shall Find
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." [Matt 7:7]
God's providence is somewhat of a mystery in that the Scriptures never really explain how it works, simply that it does. God loves us [I John 4:7-8] and wants good things for us [Matt 7:11], but there is an expectation that we seek God out for these blessings. Yes, it is true that the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike [Matt 5:45], but that doesn't mean that we should just go about our daily lives expecting the blessings of God to rain down upon us simply because He wants us to be happy.
I have a good job, a secure income, and somewhat of a cushy lifestyle. I've had the benefit of never really having to worry where my next meal is coming from or how I'll make the house payment next week. But despite all of that, I try to never forget that it is God who has blessed me so richly in life, and I give Him thanks daily for all He has given me. Further more, I continue to ask Him to bless me according to His will, because I have faith in Matt 7:7 that by asking of God, I and my family will be blessed with all that we need.
One final thought on this matter. We must remember that God is not Santa Clause. When Jesus said "Ask, and it will be given to you," He did not mean deliver to God a wish list of everything you want and He'll make it happen. Taken in the context of Matt 6:25-7:12, Jesus is talking about our necessities. God will give us those things we need, not necessarily those things we want. One reason for this is because what we want isn't always what's best for us and could lead us astray. For example, having more money could cause us to covet and stop depending on God, so that may not be what we need.
Pray often, and in your prayers remember to seek God's blessings, for He is simply waiting to be asked so that He may give in abundance.
God's providence is somewhat of a mystery in that the Scriptures never really explain how it works, simply that it does. God loves us [I John 4:7-8] and wants good things for us [Matt 7:11], but there is an expectation that we seek God out for these blessings. Yes, it is true that the rain falls on the just and the unjust alike [Matt 5:45], but that doesn't mean that we should just go about our daily lives expecting the blessings of God to rain down upon us simply because He wants us to be happy.
I have a good job, a secure income, and somewhat of a cushy lifestyle. I've had the benefit of never really having to worry where my next meal is coming from or how I'll make the house payment next week. But despite all of that, I try to never forget that it is God who has blessed me so richly in life, and I give Him thanks daily for all He has given me. Further more, I continue to ask Him to bless me according to His will, because I have faith in Matt 7:7 that by asking of God, I and my family will be blessed with all that we need.
One final thought on this matter. We must remember that God is not Santa Clause. When Jesus said "Ask, and it will be given to you," He did not mean deliver to God a wish list of everything you want and He'll make it happen. Taken in the context of Matt 6:25-7:12, Jesus is talking about our necessities. God will give us those things we need, not necessarily those things we want. One reason for this is because what we want isn't always what's best for us and could lead us astray. For example, having more money could cause us to covet and stop depending on God, so that may not be what we need.
Pray often, and in your prayers remember to seek God's blessings, for He is simply waiting to be asked so that He may give in abundance.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Judge Not
"Judge not, that you be not judged." [Matt 7:1]
If there's one passage from the Bible that unbelievers know, it's Matt 7:1 about judging, and usually just the first two words. They usually bring it up during conversations about moral and immoral behavior because it's easier to tell others to stop judging you than it is to give a defense for your actions. But do they have a point? Is it wrong for a Christian to confront others about sin in their lives?
The English word "judge" used in Matt 7:1 means to "form an opinion or conclusion about." The word can also be translated "condemn". It means to sit in the judgement seat and reach a conclusion about someone else. There is only one who has that authority to judge, and that is Christ [John 5:22].
However, John 7:24 tells us "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgement." In other words, there is a right way to judge, according the Christ. So how do we make the distinction?
They way that I interpret Matt 7:1 is "Do not be judgmental." That is, do not say "he's a bad person and deserves to go to hell" because of the sin in his life. After all, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God [Rom 3:23]. This is why in the same context Christ warns against pointing out the spec in your brother's eye while you have a plank sticking out of your own.
However, it is okay to express concern for another's soul. The Bible makes a clear distinction between sin and righteousness. Some things are just clearly wrong, like adultery, fornication, lewdness, hatred, jealousy, murder, etc. [Gal 5:19-21], and it is not judgmental to warn others about the dangers of these sins. Nor is it judgmental to confront someone and say "what you did the other day was wrong." You are simply stating a truth and trying to help that person get right with God.
Let your judgement be righteous and out of concern for another's soul, not simply to win a debate or feel better than someone else.
If there's one passage from the Bible that unbelievers know, it's Matt 7:1 about judging, and usually just the first two words. They usually bring it up during conversations about moral and immoral behavior because it's easier to tell others to stop judging you than it is to give a defense for your actions. But do they have a point? Is it wrong for a Christian to confront others about sin in their lives?
The English word "judge" used in Matt 7:1 means to "form an opinion or conclusion about." The word can also be translated "condemn". It means to sit in the judgement seat and reach a conclusion about someone else. There is only one who has that authority to judge, and that is Christ [John 5:22].
However, John 7:24 tells us "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgement." In other words, there is a right way to judge, according the Christ. So how do we make the distinction?
They way that I interpret Matt 7:1 is "Do not be judgmental." That is, do not say "he's a bad person and deserves to go to hell" because of the sin in his life. After all, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God [Rom 3:23]. This is why in the same context Christ warns against pointing out the spec in your brother's eye while you have a plank sticking out of your own.
However, it is okay to express concern for another's soul. The Bible makes a clear distinction between sin and righteousness. Some things are just clearly wrong, like adultery, fornication, lewdness, hatred, jealousy, murder, etc. [Gal 5:19-21], and it is not judgmental to warn others about the dangers of these sins. Nor is it judgmental to confront someone and say "what you did the other day was wrong." You are simply stating a truth and trying to help that person get right with God.
Let your judgement be righteous and out of concern for another's soul, not simply to win a debate or feel better than someone else.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Fasting
“But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” [Matt 6:17-18]
Fasting is something we read about a lot in the Bible but don’t see in practice much nowadays. Or, if people are fasting, they are obeying Matt 6:17-18 very well! What is fasting, and when and why should we do it?
Even though fasting is mentioned a lot in scripture, we’re never really given much detail about it. In general, fasting is intentionally abstaining from food and sometimes drink for some period of time. In spiritual applications, this is typically to focus that time on God instead of ourselves. In fact, in scripture fasting is often accompanied by praying [Luke 2:37, Acts 10:30, Acts 14:23, I Cor 7:5, ...], suggesting that those who practiced it prayed instead of eating rather than just going without eating.
So why fast? Why not just pray more? Different people will fast for different reasons, and there’s no right or wrong reason to do it. Personally, I have found that fasting helps me with self control. Many sins can be attributed to a lack of self control, and at least for Americans hunger is something we are not accustomed to controlling. When I fast, it reminds me that I’m in control of my own body and actions and not influenced by every emotion or craving that comes over me.
Just like there are different ways to pray (praying before you eat, publicly lead prayers in worship, praying for guidance and support, …), there are different ways to fast. If you’ve never tried it before, I suggest starting by just forgoing a single meal, maybe lunch or dinner, and instead spend that time reading God’s word and praying. Fasting is supposed to be sacrificial, so pick a time that you are truly giving up eating, and not a time when it’s convenient (“Well, this meeting is going to go through lunch today, so I’ll just fast...”). You can also go a full day without eating, or go several days, only eating small meals at night. The point is, ignore your body’s cravings and instead focus on God, and you’ll be surprised by the benefits you may gain.
Friday, June 7, 2013
Pray in Private?
"But you, when you pray, go into your room and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." [Matt 6:6]
I once heard a non-believer argue on the radio that Christians shouldn't hold public prayer meetings because "your Jesus" (as he put it) said not to pray in public. Was he right? If all you read is Matthew 6:6, then it certainly sounds that way, but as always, context is crucial.
In Matthew 6:1-18, Christ is warning against doing good things in public for the purpose of being seen by others. The Pharisees were notorious for doing this because they loved the praise of men. When they fasted, for example, they would walk around looking pitiful so that others would recognize that they were fasting and think they were doing something great.
This does not mean that you cannot do charitable deeds or pray in such a way that others might see you doing it, it just means that shouldn't be your motivation. Volunteer at the soup kitchen to feed others, not to be seen feeding others.
In fact, in the previous chapter, Christ said "You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." [Matt 5:14-16]. Reconciling these two passages it becomes clear that we are not to do good deeds for the purpose of being seen by others as the Pharisees did, but rather to glorify God. We are even encouraged to do them in such a way that others might see us so that God may be glorified, as long as it is God being glorified and not ourselves.
I once heard a non-believer argue on the radio that Christians shouldn't hold public prayer meetings because "your Jesus" (as he put it) said not to pray in public. Was he right? If all you read is Matthew 6:6, then it certainly sounds that way, but as always, context is crucial.
In Matthew 6:1-18, Christ is warning against doing good things in public for the purpose of being seen by others. The Pharisees were notorious for doing this because they loved the praise of men. When they fasted, for example, they would walk around looking pitiful so that others would recognize that they were fasting and think they were doing something great.
This does not mean that you cannot do charitable deeds or pray in such a way that others might see you doing it, it just means that shouldn't be your motivation. Volunteer at the soup kitchen to feed others, not to be seen feeding others.
In fact, in the previous chapter, Christ said "You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." [Matt 5:14-16]. Reconciling these two passages it becomes clear that we are not to do good deeds for the purpose of being seen by others as the Pharisees did, but rather to glorify God. We are even encouraged to do them in such a way that others might see us so that God may be glorified, as long as it is God being glorified and not ourselves.
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