Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

Talus Zane Harris was born at 4:00 AM on December 21, 2006. He
weighed 8 lbs and 2 ounces and was 20 3/4″ long. His parents, Robb and
Laura Harris, and brother Caymus live in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Our new booklet, “Human Suffering, Why… and How Much Longer?,”
has been printed and shipped from England to Canada and the USA. It
should arrive in the USA by the middle of next week. We plan to send it
to our U.S. subscribers with the January member letter. The booklet has
been posted on our Website.

Our new member letter for December, which was written by the ministry, has been posted on the Website.

Norbert
Link’s video-recorded sermons, “Ezra and Nehemiah, Part 2,” and “Flee Idolatry,” have been
posted on Google Video. The audio versions of both sermons have
been posted, as usual, on our Website.

Does God work out His Master Plan for Man according to a pre-determined time table?

Perhaps no other single event captures the focus of religionists
more than that of the return of Jesus Christ. From the first generation
of the Church of God until now, people have been utterly convinced that
Christ would return in their own lifetime. That has led some into
bitter disappointment and even an absolute abandonment and rejection of
their faith!

In spite of what people concoct in their own
imaginations, is God actually working out His plan according to a
pre-determined time line?

Let’s see what God reveals in His
written Word, and in doing so, let the Bible teach us a true
understanding and a balanced perspective on this important question.

Scientists
have examined the make-up of this universe, and in their quests, they
have gained remarkable insight about the physical creation of God. One
extraordinary discovery is the approximate age of the universe—about 14
billion years!

With that perspective in mind, consider that the
Bible introduces God’s creation of mankind, and this event is but a
tiny moment in time from the galactic standpoint.

In this
beginning period for the creation that God accomplished that is
associated with man, we find that the earth, the solar system and the
heavens were already in existence! That record is found in Genesis 1,
verses 1 and 2. What follows is the account of God re-establishing life
on the planet (Compare Genesis 1:3-31; 2:1-25).

The earth, as
most scientists will attest, is unique! No other planet in our own
solar system, or any thus far discovered in distant regions is
compatible to life, as we know it. God even states that the earth holds
a special purpose in His creation: “For thus says the LORD, Who created
the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has
established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be
INHABITED…” (Isaiah 45:18).

We find in the first two chapters
of Genesis that God made the earth habitable in a period of six days.
Consider, as well, that the geologic record reveals previous creations
that far pre-date that of man. The fossil record shows physical
creations of a very different nature and purpose; although, there were
similarities in terms of the earth’s environment as well as the
biological aspects of the plant and animal life.

We know very
little about what God did in these earlier times, but we know that
these records found in the earth represent another age of God’s
creative work. Speaking of Jesus Christ, John reveals this staggering
truth: “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was
made that was made” (John 1:3).

In the very beginning of
creation, Jesus Christ was there, and it has been His role, as the
Son—the Word of God—to bring about God’s purpose. Just how
comprehensive this creative work is can be understood in something
stated by Paul in regard to God’s elect, who live “in hope of eternal
life which God, who cannot lie, promised BEFORE TIME BEGAN” (Titus 1:2;
Also, compare 2 Timothy 1:8-10).

This brings us to a very
significant fact—God has His plan in place for the salvation of
mankind, and it was established before the creation of the universe!

The
Bible reveals that God created life anew on the earth. Six days God
created, and on the seventh day, He rested. Along with the account as
found in Genesis 1 and 2, this creative work of God stands as a
reminder for us in the commandments of God:

“‘Remember the
Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your
work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it
you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your
male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your
stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the
heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the
seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed
it’” (Exodus 20:8-11).

The Hebrew word for “made” is “asah”—a
root word meaning “to do” or “make,” but a word with broad application
in the Bible (Strong’s #6213). “Asah” can also mean “bring forth” and
“prepare,” among other definitions. From the perspective we gain in the
first two chapters of Genesis, we learn that God did not create the
universe at the same time of man’s creation. The Hebrew word used in
Genesis 1:1 for “created” is “bara,” [Strong’s #1254), a different word
than used in Exodus 20, where it is said that God “made the heavens and
the earth…”. Rather, He PREPARED the earth and created new life on
it—accomplishing all of this during a period of six days!

Even
in our own solar system, we see that the moon and planets have suffered
a long history of devastation. However, this was not their state in the
beginning of creation—our booklets, “Angels, Demons And The Spirit World” and “The Theory of Evolution–a Fairy Tale for Adults”—explain in more detail HOW the earth BECAME “without form and void” as mentioned in Genesis 1, verse 2.

The
day, defined by the rotation of the earth, consists of darkness and
light. In Genesis 1:5, we find that God specifically created and named
this delineation of time: “God called the light day, and the darkness
He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one
day” (NASB). This more literal translation points to the defining
relationship of the sun’s light and the relative position of the earth
to mark out the measurement of a day—both the dark and light periods.

The
week, consisting of seven days, is a designated measure of time that
God has established. In leading Israel out of Egypt, God again revealed
the Sabbath Day to His people (Compare Exodus 16). In addition, God
also showed Israel how to observe months and years (Compare Exodus
12:2). What God revealed was WHEN the year was to begin. It is evident
that calendars were kept based on months and years—all then being
determined by the rotation of earth, moon and sun along with various
celestial observations. However, God specifically re-established the
correct way to measure time for His nation.

In dealing with
Israel, God also revealed feasts of the Lord—holy convocations. In
Leviticus 23, these feast days are presented. Importantly, God also
revealed that they were to be observed at specific times throughout the
year: “‘These are the feasts of the LORD, holy convocations which you
shall proclaim AT THEIR APPOINTED TIMES’” (Leviticus 23:4).

When
understood properly, these feast days are an outline of God’s plan for
mankind. They picture key events that fulfill what God has planned and
is bringing to pass. Oftentimes, a particular feast will have a type of
fulfillment that is preparatory to an even greater occurrence. A case
in point is the Passover that took place when Israel was still in
Egypt, and the Passover that Jesus Christ fulfilled by His sacrificial
death on behalf of all of mankind. Christians participate in the annual
Passover celebration in memory of His death.

By this and many
other examples, then, we see that God DOES HAVE HIS PLAN–which is
being carried out according to pre-determined and appointed times and
seasons. God is accomplishing His Will over the vast expanse of
time—His purpose has remained unchanged since the beginning.

When
Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had a troubling dream, God revealed
both the dream and its meaning through the prophet Daniel. In this
instance, God let Nebuchadnezzar “see” into the future—here is how
Daniel introduced this revelation: “‘But there is a God in heaven who
reveals secrets, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will
be in the LATTER DAYS…’” (Daniel 2:28).

Besides the detailed
prophecies already fulfilled in God’s plan, the Bible also foretells
many events that will happen in the future. Of particular focus is that
period of time surrounding the return of Jesus Christ to this
earth—called “day of the LORD” and similar terms (For a detailed study
of this topic, please refer to our Q&A in Update #269, November 24, 2006).

Earlier
in the Biblical record, another powerful national leader, a Pharaoh in
Egypt, had a dream he did not understand. In this case, God showed
Joseph—who then explained the true meaning: “‘And the dream was
repeated to Pharaoh twice because the thing is established by God, and
God will shortly BRING IT TO PASS’” (Genesis 41:32).

Once again,
we see a clear example of God working out His plan–according to an
allotted time (compare verses 29-30, announcing that seven years of
great plenty and seven years of famine would arise).

We are
challenged to consider the record already written to understand that
God fulfills His Will. Carefully note what God states:

“‘…For I
am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,
Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things
that are not yet done, Saying, My counsel shall stand, And I will do
all My pleasure… Indeed I have spoken it; I WILL ALSO BRING IT TO
PASS. I have purposed it; I WILL ALSO DO IT’” (Isaiah 46:9-11).

However,
we must understand that God does not reveal everything beforehand! He
reserves certain aspects of His actions in order to assure the
completion of His plan. Jesus spoke of the time of His return: “‘But of
that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My
Father ONLY’” (Matthew 24:36).

Peter understood that God is
revealing things in a progressive way and that even the prophets, as
well as angels, did not always understand what they prophesied: “To
them [the prophets of old] it was revealed that, not to themselves, but
to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to
you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy
Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into” (1
Peter 1:12).

A very striking example of this is found in the Book
of Daniel: “Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, ‘My
lord, what shall be the end of these things?’ And he said, ‘Go your
way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of
the end’” (Daniel 12:8-9. Compare, also, Jeremiah 23:20; 30:24;
Habakkuk 2:3; and Revelation 10:4-7).

With these statements in mind, what, then, can we know about God’s plan?

The
answer is that we can understand much, and if we are faithfully obeying
God, we will not be caught by surprise! Let’s now examine some very
import keys that God has given to us so that we can comprehend what God
IS revealing.

Is there really any evidence for a 6,000-year plan?
Here is an important Scripture for us to consider in this regard: “But,
beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as
a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8). This
verse provides a basis for believing that God is working out certain
parts of His plan in the context of 6,000 years.

Another part of
the puzzle is addressed in the period of time in which Jesus will rule
on the earth—a time lasting for 1,000 years (Compare Revelation
20:4-6). This millennial reign is compared to a Sabbath for the people
of God: “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest…”
(Hebrews 4:1). This verse is speaking of a future fulfillment. The
comparison becomes even more firmly established by this statement in
verse 4: “For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in
this way: ‘And God rested on the seventh day from all His works.’”

Additionally,
we find in the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles another
fulfillment, in type, of the “rest” that God will bring (Compare
Leviticus 23:33-44).

Consider this additional fact concerning the
length of time that has transpired leading up to the time of Jesus
Christ’s birth: “So all the generations from Abraham to David are
fourteen generations, from David until the captivity in Babylon are
fourteen generations, and from the captivity in Babylon until the
Christ are fourteen generations” (Matthew 1:17).

Before Abraham
and before the Flood, the Bible records life spans of certain
individuals, and from these, a general idea of the number of years of
that period can be derived. However, even with this information,
experts vary when it comes to exact numbers. We are cautioned to not
overly focus on things of this nature—here is Paul’s warning to Timothy
in this regard: “As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in
Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor
give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes
rather than godly edification which is in faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-4).

In
the account in Daniel, God reveals a long period of time that was to
begin with the reign of Nebuchadnezzar and end with the return of Jesus
Christ (Compare Daniel 2:37-45).

For those who accept the
Biblical record, it is apparent that we are now living in what can
generally be understood as the period of time that is now about 6,000
years since God first created Adam and Eve. The most poignant
conclusion for us is that we are now living in the generation that will
witness the establishment of God’s Kingdom on the earth.

But a word of caution is in order! To quote from our booklet, “Are You Predestined to Be Saved?”:

“The
Bible, as well as Hebrew tradition, convey the concept that God has
allotted to man about 6,000 years to govern himself, followed by 1,000
years of Godly rule here on earth, under Jesus Christ. Since God
created man on the sixth day, followed by the weekly Sabbath, He has
allotted 6,000 years of self-rule to mankind, followed by God’s
Millennial Sabbath rule of 1,000 years of peace and tranquillity
(compare Hebrews 4:4, 9, and 11).

“Some have pointed to 2 Peter
3:8, claiming that God allotted man exactly 6,000 years to rule this
earth, and that after exactly 6,000 years, Christ will return. However,
that is not what 2 Peter 3:8 conveys. The Scripture reads: ‘… with
the Lord one day is AS a thousand years, and a thousand years AS one
day.’

“This Scripture does not provide us with a fixed date. The
Greek word for ‘as’ is ‘hos,’ and it can also be translated as ‘about.’
(Compare Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible, under ‘about.’)
In fact, the Authorized Version translates this word 14 times as
‘about.’ For instance, the word ‘hos’ is correctly translated as
‘about’ in passages such as Mark 8:9; Luke 2:37; 8:42; and John 1:39.

“Strong’s
points out, under #5613, that the Greek word ‘hos’ is ‘… very
variously used, as follows: about, … (according) as (it had been, it
were)… even as (like)…’

“From this we can know that 2 Peter
3:8 conveys the principle that in the eyes of God one day is ABOUT
1,000 years—not necessarily exactly so.”

Although Jesus plainly
taught that we would not know the exact day of His return, He,
nonetheless, did reveal that we could know the generational time frame:

“‘Now
learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already
become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So
you also, when you see all these things, know that it is NEAR—AT THE
DOORS! Assuredly, I say to you, THIS GENERATION will by no means pass
away till all these things take place’” (Matthew 24:32-34).

Jesus also tells His followers to WATCH and be READY (Compare Matthew 24:42-44; 25:10, 13; Revelation 16:15).

>From
the very beginning of mankind’s creation, God has taken the actual six
days in which He re-established the earth and life upon it and He has
shown that man was also to work for six days (Compare Exodus 20:9). He
has also revealed the seventh day as a Holy time—the Sabbath—a type of
the 1,000-year reign of Christ and His saints in the Kingdom of God.
This clear type and antitype for the Sabbath find their counterpart in
the weekly labor of man and the period of man’s self-rule under Satan’s
influence.

We may conclude that there is strong evidence to
support the fact that God is working out a set time for His great
master plan. In addition, it appears that man will have his portion of
the week to fulfill—a period of about 6,000 years.

Finally,
consider this assurance from God—an absolute promise when it comes to
understanding what God is doing: “Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

Lead Writers: Dave Harris and Norbert Link

"No" Is Not Negative

by

Sometimes, when we come before God in the right manner–petitioning
Him fervently, obediently, faithfully, humbly and persistently–the
answer that we will receive will be, “No.”

God has said “No” to
many before us and will continue to do so for those that may come after
us. But “No” shouldn’t be viewed in a negative way.

Often we are
unaware of how our request can and will impact our future and the plan
of God, and we won’t understand why we got the response that we did.
Perhaps, there will be a time in the future when we learn why things
didn’t work out the way we thought they should have. But for the time
being, we need to realize that God is completely and totally in charge
of our life, and we can take solace and comfort in the fact that the
right things are going to happen at the right time.

We need to
view a seemingly negative answer in a positive way. God knows what is
best for us. What He does, He does in love and for our own good. We
need to have faith in this! When God says, “No,” it is for our growth
and character. Innately, our hearts are deceitful and there is a way
that seems right to us, but isn’t (Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 14:12). We
need to trust God implicitly.

Instead of becoming upset, we need
to look at going in a different direction; knock on other doors; move
on with our life; and don’t become stuck in a quagmire of uncertainty.
We ought to pray: “Teach me your ways, show me your path,” and then
take any course corrections in stride.

God DOES hear the
righteous (Psalm 34:15, 17). We need to keep in mind that in the end,
God wants us to become immortal members in His Kingdom. He will do what
it takes to make sure that we are successful. It is not necessary to
live a life of luxury, but it is of paramount importance to build
character purified by fire.

We should take every opportunity to
glimpse into the mind of God and see what He wants for us. When we
pray, we need to ask for the strength and wherewithal to accept, learn
and move on when God says, “No.”

Psalm 15 Expounded

On December 23, 2006, Bill Grams will give the sermon titled, “Psalm 15 Expounded.”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

A new StandingWatch program
was recorded last Friday and placed on our Websites, as well as on
Google Video. The program is titled “How To Solve Iraq’s Problems.” Set
forth below is a brief summary of the program:

This week, the
long-awaited Baker-Hamilton report was released, giving recommendations
as to how to solve the disaster in Iraq. Tony Blair and George Bush
gave a joint press conference on the 65th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
During the conference, both world leaders took different approaches in
the matter of Iraq. While Tony Blair supported the report’s suggestion
to involve Iran and Syria unconditionally in peace talks, President
Bush insisted that certain conditions had to be met first by both
countries. In addition, Germany has shown a strong interest in playing
a central role in bringing Washington to the table with Damascus and
Tehran, while Israel is becoming increasingly nervous about a perceived
shift in America’s foreign policy. What do all these developments mean?

A
new member letter was written by the ministry and will be distributed
shortly. The letter reflects on Mr. Pope’s death and the Work which is
ahead of us, discussing new opportunities and projects in the making.

American Idle

by Laura Harris

According to a recent report published by
Nielsen Media Research, the average American home has more television
sets than people.  Furthermore, the average person watches 4
hours, 35 minutes of television per day.  So what are people
watching?  Several of the top rated television shows for the past
month include:

— Grey’s Anatomy

— Desperate Housewives

— CSI (Crime Scene Investigation)

— Criminal Minds

Like
many television shows, these programs glamorize murder, adultery,
fornication, greed, lying and deception. I am guilty of eagerly
watching several of these shows (or similar programs) on a regular
basis.  But I’ve recently begun to ask myself: How are these shows
shaping my thoughts? Does God want me to spend my time on an activity
that contradicts the Christian values I’m trying to live by?

My
husband and I recently got rid of our cable box in anticipation of
changing to a new cable service. Because of our busy schedules, a day
of not calling a new service provider turned into a week, and a week
turned into a month. We have been without cable service for more than
two months, which has significantly decreased our television intake.
Although unintentional, this newfound freedom has allowed me time for
more productive and rewarding activities such as spending more time
with family, reading and studying. It has made me realize how much of
my valuable time has been wasted on TV
viewing.        

Leisure
activities, including TV watching, are fine in moderation; however, we
should choose activities that will enhance our overall life. As
ambassadors for Christ, our actions should reflect our beliefs–not
embrace or condone sinful behavior. As they say on “Who Wants to be a
Millionaire?”: “And that’s my final answer!”

Hebrews 9:27 states that "it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." But aren’t there several instances in the Bible where some were resurrected to life and died again? They did not enter into judgment after they died the first time–did they?

Indeed there are numerous examples of resurrections, both in the Old
and the New Testament! For instance, 2 Kings 13:21 relates the record
of a dead person who “revived and stood on his feet,” when the bones of
Elisha touched him. There was no magic associated with Elisha’s bones
but it was a demonstration of God’s power and His approval of
Elisha–showing that he died as a servant of God, even though he died
from a sickness (verse 14). Also, John 11:38-44 records the story of
the resurrection of Lazarus who had been dead for several days. We also
read, in Luke 8:49-56, that Christ brought a dead girl back to life. In
the case of the young girl, we read that Christ commanded the parents
“that she be given something to eat” (verse 55) — proving that this
was a resurrection to physical life, as immortal beings have no need to
eat physical food. And after Jesus had died and was resurrected to
immortality, “the graves were opened and many bodies of the saints who
had fallen asleep were raised” (Matthew 27:52; compare verse 53).
However, all of these were resurrections to temporary physical
lives–not to eternal, immortal life. A Question & Answer about
Matthew 27:52 has previously been covered in Update #152, dated July
16, 2004.

In addition, those who are alive at Christ’s return
will not suffer death in the way that we understand it today, but will
be changed instantly from physical existence to Spirit beings (compare
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

Why, then, do we read that it is
appointed to all men to die once, and after that the judgment? The
physical resurrections which we have discussed herein were not followed
by judgment; rather, their resurrection to judgment in the resurrection
will still occur.

The King James Commentary has this to say
about Hebrews 9:27: “’As it is appointed unto men once to die.’ The
relation of verse 27 to its context is often dismissed in order to
stress the certainty of man’s future judgment. It is axiomatic that man
dies once. Exceptions do exist (then cited)… But no exceptions
concerning God’s judgment can be cited. There is no reincarnation…
Yet the full significance of verse 27 cannot be seen apart from verse
28. As it is appointed unto men once to die… So Christ was once
offered to bear the sins of many (cf. Isa 53:12). The
author is clearly presenting a comparison. As it is with man, so it was
with Christ. As man can only die once, so the man Christ could only die
once as a sacrifice. His relation to humanity would be marred if he
would have to die more than once. Similarly, a second comparison seems
evident. Beyond death there exists another reality. For man it is the
reality of appearing for judgment; for Christ it is the certainty of
appearing with deliverance from condemnation unto them that look for
him.”

Taking into account the above examples of those who were
resurrected back to life, how is Hebrews 9:27 to be rightly understood?
The key words are “but after this the judgment,” showing that judgment
is not something that will be avoided by anyone. Those who were raised
from the dead lived a little longer as physical human beings for
specific purposes such as showing the power of God and the healing
power of the Messiah.

The Broadman Bible Commentary states of Hebrews 9:27:

“Our
High Priest, who has entered into the heavenly tabernacle, will come
again for his own. He wants his people to be ready for his coming.
Christ’s people are to live under the awareness that they must one day
give an accounting to God. After death there is the reality of
judgment. For those who are ready, the Judge is also the Saviour. The
early church never forgot that, beyond death, every man has a
rendezvous with God. For the enemies of God, this thought is full of
terror. For the friends of God, it is full of hope for his appearance
will mean salvation.”

We must all die once, or at least, undergo
a change equivalent to death (at Christ’s second coming) and then the
judgment. Those who were raised back to life, albeit temporarily, had
not been (finally) judged when they initially died, and they lived on
for a number of years before dying again. And having died they, like
everyone else, will face the judgment in due course. Notice that
Hebrews 9:27 does not say that man dies once, and that he will then
immediately be judged afterwards. Rather, the Scripture allows for much
time to pass before the judgment. It also allows for a temporary
resurrection back to physical life, which is just–so to speak–a
continuation of their physical life span. But ultimately, they will
die, and then there will be the judgment waiting for them, in due time.
It is also true, of course, that the judgment has already begun today
for the house of God–that is, for converted Christians (1 Peter 4:17).
But even they will still have to appear before the judgment seat of
Christ at the time of their resurrection or change to immortal life to
give account (Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). This aspect of
God’s plan is more fully discussed in our free booklet, “The Gospel of
the Kingdom of God.”

After we die, we will be raised back to
life. Those in the first resurrection will be immortal Spirit
beings–they will not have to face the possibility of death, but they
have “passed from death into life” (compare John 5:24). But they still
will appear before the judgment seat of Christ (compare, too, 1 John
4:17). Those in the second resurrection will be physical human
beings–they will be going through a judgment period before they are
ultimately judged worthy to receive eternal life or eternal death
(compare Revelation 20:5-6, 11-12). And those in the third resurrection
will be physical beings who have their judgment of eternal death
pronounced to them at that time–they will be thrown into the lake of
fire to be destroyed and burnt up (Revelation 20:13-15). So we see that
in each case, men will “die once, but after this the judgment,” as
Hebrews 9:27 says.

Lead Writers: Brian Gale and Norbert Link

Flee Idolatry!

On December 16, 2006, Norbert Link will give the sermon, titled, “Flee Idolatry!”

The services can be heard at www.cognetservices.org at 12:30 pm Pacific Time (which is 2:30 pm Central Time). Just click on Connect to Live Stream.

Preaching the Gospel and Feeding the Flock

Our new booklet on Suffering was sent to the printer in England.

A
new StandingWatch program was recorded and placed on the Web, titled,
“The Pope in Turkey.” Set forth is a brief summary of the program:

Pope
Benedict XVI’s visit in Turkey was full of surprises. In his attempt to
diminish or eradicate the damage caused by his speech earlier this
year, stating that Mohammed had brought the sword to the world, he made
some unique statements in favor of Turkey and Islam. The Pope also met
with the leader of the Orthodox Church in an attempt to bring about
reconciliation between these two influential religious entities. It is
the Pope’s declared goal to lead an ecumenical movement involving all
Christian churches and even non-Christian religions. Should you embrace
and support such a movement?

How can you really prove what the Bible teaches?

(Español: ¿Cómo se puede demostrar realmente lo que enseña la Biblia?)

The original writings of the Bible are, in fact, God’s infallible Word. However, in the face of such myriads of beliefs—all claiming the Bible as their source, most people dismiss the real authority of the Book that God has inspired.

Both Catholics and Protestants use the Bible as the basis for what they believe and teach. Various translations and versions of the Bible are available, and these differing accounts do reflect the bias of those organizations and individuals who have authored them.

However, the Bible transcends both language and translation issues. For example, consider the record found in Acts 2, where the disciples on the Day of Pentecost were led by God’s Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. In particular, note what occurred for those who heard this message:

“Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, ‘Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we HEAR, EACH IN OUR OWN LANGUAGE IN WHICH WE WERE BORN? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamhylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs–WE HEAR THEM SPEAKING IN OUR OWN TONGUES THE WONDERFUL WORKS OF GOD'” (Acts 2:7-11).

God, who caused different languages to arise (Compare Genesis 11:1-9), has also made it possible to understand His truth in the language of our birth! In addition, Jesus has commissioned His Church to preach the Gospel all over the earth (Compare Matthew 24:14). The Word of God has been translated and published in written form throughout the earth in our time!

Aside from those who flatly reject the Bible as myth, many people claiming to practice Christianity dismiss the Old Testament (as well as some books of the New Testament, such as the Book of Revelation)—all part of the enduring Word of God (Compare Isaiah 40:8). In fact, many who embrace Jesus as their Savior have never read the prophetic Scriptures about His first appearance, and they are likewise unaware of the dramatic prophecies concerning His return that are recorded throughout the Bible.

Add to this the fact that people READ INTO the Bible what they want to believe. A very striking example of this is found in the observance of the Sabbath. Some choose to follow the line of thinking originated by the Catholic Church that the Sabbath has been changed from the seventh day to the first. They quote Scriptures to justify this position and reject the commandment of God; the example of Jesus Christ; and, the practice of the Church of God as documented in the New Testament. (For a more detailed account of this, please read our booklet: “God’s Commanded Holy Days.”)

How then can we know what is true and what is false?

THE BIBLE PROVES ITSELF! Human interpretation is not the final authority when it comes to the Word of God. But that is exactly how those, who selectively pick and choose what they want to believe, view the Bible. It is also the position taken by so many who simply reject the Bible.

Jesus Christ made an utterly profound statement in answer to Pilate’s questioning: “Pilate therefore said to Him, ‘Are You a king then?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice’” (John 18:37).

Jesus Christ bore witness of the Word of God and that included the Holy Scriptures—the Old Testament. The prophecies of His birth, death and resurrection proved to be true!

Truth—as opposed to falsehood and deception—was the focus of what Jesus taught. He made this statement to the Jews of His day—many of whom were the religious leaders of the nation: “‘And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free’” (John 8:32).

Jesus very poignantly stated that the religious practices of the Jews did not stand in the truth—that they were no longer following the Word of God:

“‘Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe Me. Which of you convicts Me of sin? And if I tell the truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears God’s words; therefore you do not hear, because you are not of God’” (John 8:43-47).

In another encounter, some of the scribes and Pharisees challenged Jesus: “‘Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread’” (Matthew 15:2).

The response by Jesus went straight to the heart of why these religious leaders were not teaching the truth: “He answered and said to them, ‘Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?’” (Matthew 15:3). Jesus adds this powerful indictment: “‘Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men”’” (Matthew 15:7-9).

In Matthew 23, Jesus very specifically reveals the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees—the ones who were the religious leaders and who claimed to derive their authority and practices from the Word of God. In verse 3, Jesus pinpoints the problem: “‘…they say, and do not do.’”

Because they were unwilling to obey what God commanded, these people did not understand what was true in God’s Word. Caring more for what people thought of them, they lost their fear of God.

Christ reveals to us an important key for the proper understanding of the Word of God. He says in John 7:17: “‘If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.'” Christ adds in John 13:17: “‘And if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.'”

Proving what is true in the Bible must begin with a reverence for God: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments” (Psalm 111:10). Psalm 119, verse 100, adds: “I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts.”

In a discussion with His disciples, Jesus asked what the public said about who He was. He then asked that question of them, and Peter answered: “’…You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’” (Matthew 16:16). In Christ’s response, we find this stunning statement: “’…Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father, who is heaven’” (Matthew 16:17).

Jesus speaks of knowledge that is REVEALED! This transcends knowledge that one might gain in reading any other book! To really understand the Bible, which is, by its own claim, the Word of God, understanding must come from God Himself. Paul taught this same truth to the Church:

“And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written:

“‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’

“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the
Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:4-14).

Following His resurrection, Jesus continued to teach His disciples the true meaning of God’s Word. Luke records an account in which Jesus explained prophecies from the Old Testament to two of His disciples that even they had not understood:

“And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus appeared to these two men for the very purpose of revealing understanding to them. This account continues: “Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, ‘Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He OPENED THE SCRIPTURES TO US?’” (Luke 24:30-32).

After this occurrence, Jesus met with several more of His disciples. In preparation for the work He gave His followers to accomplish, Jesus provided this vital element: “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45).

These disciples had undoubtedly read the Scriptures. At that time, Judaism was the vibrant religion of the nation. Synagogues existed throughout the region, and the Temple served as the focus of Jewish life. Yet even with this rich background, the true understanding of the Messiah had to be revealed!

Another account of revelation is found in the story of Philip being sent to preach to a faithful man from Ethiopia. Reading from Isaiah, this man was at a loss to understand the meaning: “So the eunuch answered Philip and said, ‘I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?’ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him” (Acts 8:34-35).

Paul understood that the Church of God had been given a special understanding and responsibility to preach the truth of God’s Word: “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:14-15).

Preaching is a grave responsibility, and it is not something that should be done by those who just decide, on their own, to preach— to represent God and to explain His Word: “And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5:4). James offers this caution: “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment” (James 3:1).

Here is what God says as an absolute prerequisite for not only preaching but for understanding His truth: “’…But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, And WHO TREMBLES AT MY WORD’” (Isaiah 66:2).

An example of this kind of attitude is found in the record of individuals in Berea who had the Gospel preached to them by Paul and Silas: “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and SEARCHED THE SCRIPTURES daily to find out whether these things were so”(Acts 17:11). The fruits of this approach were that many believed the Gospel! (Compare Acts 17:12).

By this example left for us, we understand that we must check up in our own Bible whether what is preached is true or not. A lie cannot be proven; however, people can be deceived. Paul warns us of those who would lie—of those people who would even falsely claim their authority from the Word of God:

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transform himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

The Bible also reveals a way for us to NOT be deceived but to prove what is only true: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them”(Isaiah 8:20).

Jesus prayed for His followers, and He asked God to set them apart: “’Sanctify them by Your truth. YOUR WORD IS TRUTH’”(John 17:17). Paul reminded Timothy to stay anchored to God’s Word:

“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. ALL SCRIPTURE IS GIVEN BY INSPIRATION OF GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:14-16).

However, there are those who set themselves apart FROM the Truth, and this kind of approach was to become prevalent just before the return of Jesus Christ to the earth: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in LATTER TIMES some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

Note this further warning from Paul to Timothy:

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:2-4).

Jesus answered His disciples when they asked about the time of the end, and He began His answer with this somber warning: “‘…Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name saying, “I am theChrist,” and will deceive many’” (Matthew 24:4-5); Also: “‘For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect’” (Verse 24).

Only the truth is contained in God’s Word (Compare Titus 1:2), even though the Bible may report about lies of Satan, demons or people. But the Holy Scriptures make it also clear, of course, that we are not to follow those lies. Only the truth to be embraced by us can be proven from the Bible! Nonetheless, God has clearly revealed that liars would arise and claim that what they teach is true. That has happened and it continues to happen, but we must use God’s Word as the true measure.

Here is a vital key for each of us to use to prove what is true in the Bible: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Lead Writer: Dave Harris

©2024 Church of the Eternal God