Bible E-Course 10c - Superior Economic Laws

Let’s examine what’s behind some superior economic laws found in Leviticus.

Right Legal Basis

The right basis of law must include one of Jesus’ two Great Commandments.

“... you must love your neighbor as yourself …” (Leviticus 19:18 CEB)

Opposite to love of neighbor is greed. It plagues our world. Selfish societies self-destruct and the result is unstable economies and market crashes. Venice is a case study. Once an affluent, open market, greed destroyed its economy.

The wealthy claim that too many people are dependent upon the government for help, when it is they who have often been dependent upon the government for unfair tax breaks and government bailouts. Just like in Venice, today’s greed is destroying the economic system and the very freedom that gave the rich their wealth. The answer lies in Jesus’ command to love thy neighbor. Righteous capitalism uses as a business model the love of God and neighbor.

This law of love is expounded throughout the books of Moses with practical examples. Sadly, the law is held in low esteem by some Christians, because they don’t understand what God taught us through Paul.

“So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.” (Romans 7:12 ESV)

If the law was so good, why did God need a new covenant? What was the trouble? Paul explains using himself as an example.

“So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.” (Romans 7:14 NLT)

The law was perfect, but we are not. Where was the fault with the first covenant?

“For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people …” (Hebrews 8:7-8 NIV)

Yet, the law is so much better at loving our neighbor in practice than any legislation anywhere in today’s world. The basis was equal distribution and private ownership of the land, without the extremes of capitalist monopolies or communist communes. The sabbatical year and Jubilee were an economic reset every seven and fifty years to perpetuate equality of private ownership.

Sabbatical Year

Leviticus teaches us about the seventh year, the Sabbatical year.

“... during the seventh year the land must have a Sabbath year of complete rest… But you may eat whatever the land produces on its own during its Sabbath…” (Leviticus 25:1-7 NLT)

Would God provide enough food for that seventh year?

“I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years.” (Leviticus 25:21 ESV)

In a crop rotation system such as the three field system of the Middle Ages, one field was laid fallow on a rotating basis. This gave no year of rest for the landowner, but created continual work. In the sabbatical year, there would be extra time for family, repair projects and most importantly, rededication to God’s word (Deuteronomy 31:10-11).

Jubilee Year

Leviticus 25 also teaches us about the Jubilee Year. Like the seventh year, it too was a year of release. Agricultural land leased out was released back to its owners. Slaves to debt were released from their liabilities. This is greater freedom than exists anywhere in today’s world.

“So you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim a release throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you, and each of you shall return to his own property, and each of you shall return to his family.” (Leviticus 25:10 NASB)

This is a market correction from outside the market, stopping corporate land grabbers and monopolies from cheating future generations out of their land, and strengthening private ownership of small farms.

“You must not cheat each other but fear your God because I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 25:17 CEB)

This is a picture of our eternity, when all wrongs are made right and we are freed from the oppression of greed.

Wealthy western democracies believe in the theory of a free market, but in practice cannot have completely free markets for two reasons. 1) An unregulated market would be a Wild West experience with no protections, and 2) too many laws exist to protect the big players from true free-market competition from small businesses. Large corporations often lobby for laws which are in reality a protection racket for them and only hurt small businesses. The equal distribution of land among the tribes of Israel ensured a level playing field, true equality of opportunity.

In the Jubilee, if a family had become poor due to ill health, foolishness, war or calamity, the family farm was able to be restored.

“... It will be returned in the Jubilee, and they can then go back to their property.” (Leviticus 25:28 NIV)

The greatness of a nation is not measured by military might, or national wealth, but by how it treats its poor. The Jubilee guarantees some of the justice that Isaiah described.

“...loose the bonds of wickedness… undo the heavy burdens… let the oppressed go free… break every yoke… share your bread with the hungry… bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him… Then your light shall break forth like the morning…” (Isaiah 58:6-8 NKJV).

Albino Barrera wrote that, “ancestral land served the practical value of enabling every household to maintain its freedom and independence by providing for itself.”

The Jubilee proclaimed liberty in returning to the family inheritance, freedom from debt slavery, and a rest from farming every seventh year. This is not redistribution of land in any socialist or communist sense. It was already distributed fairly into private hands across Israel. Land could be leased up to fifty years and people could sell their labor in debt slavery as indentured servants, but debts were all reset to zero in the Jubilee.

The Jubilee is not the equivalent of modern discussions regarding income equality. It would be more accurate to call it asset equality or equality of opportunity. Income would depend on a number of factors such as work ethic, health, ability, peace, freedom from crime and so on. Jubilee symbolizes setting free from the bondage of sin and practical love of neighbor.

The Catholic Encyclopedia also gives several advantages of the Jubilee Year, such as preventing the few accumulating and hurting the rest; nobody need be born poor, since everyone had hereditary land; preventing the rich bullying the poor; an end of debt slavery; fresh opportunities to begin life again; preventing the scourge of class bigotry, and preserving society.

A greedy world would not want such a perfect law today. Most of the powerful would simply refuse this love of neighbor in practice, and so no similar law will likely be legislated until Jesus returns. Yet, the Jubilee would bless any nation with justice, freedom and economic fairness. It pictures our wonderful eternal inheritance, an estate that nobody will ever take away from us.

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2 HCSB)

God metaphorically prophesies private ownership for eternity.

“Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken.” (Micah 4:4 NIV)

What is the real difference between the greedy western CEO and the communist party plutocrat? Is there really a difference between working for a state run commune versus a private corporate farm? Indeed the powerful have deceived us into thinking that the enemy of our economic freedoms has been elsewhere. But the enemy is greed and it is everywhere.

Can you imagine how wonderful heaven’s rest from this crazy world will be? It will be like a Jubilee, release from a world of oppression. Based upon love of neighbor, the kingdom of heaven will include a fair distribution of eternal assets. In the meantime, how can we show true love to our neighbor now? You decide!

Bible E-Course 10b - Worship Calendars

Do principles from the Old Testament worship calendar help us celebrate great Christian events?

Worship Calendar

Leviticus 23 summarized Israel’s annual worship calendar, including the weekly Sabbath and annual sabbaths. Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread commemorated the Exodus, and foreshadowed the Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world. 50 days later, Pentecost foreshadowed the law written in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. The blowing of Trumpets pictured judgment, and a special assembly which foreshadowed the Second Coming of Christ. The Day of Atonement was a fast day for the covering of sins and reconciliation with God. In the New Testament our sins are not just covered but completely removed. The Feast of Tabernacles reminded Israel of 40 years of wandering, foreshadowed the final harvest of souls and pictured Jesus who tabernacled with us in the flesh.

Calendar Choices

The law was like a schoolmaster or guardian who tutored us.

“Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” (Galatians 3:24-25 KJV)

Now that we are no longer under a tutor, we are free to take the principles learned to celebrate significant events of Christ’s ministry on earth. However, we do not have any authority to either mandate or ban such worship days. That would contradict the authority of the Apostle Paul.

“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it…” (Romans 14:5-6 NKJV)

While the Nicene Creed is a wonderful summary of essential biblical doctrines, Nicea was also responsible for one of Christian history’s great failures. It contradicted Paul by demanding that all Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord on Roman dates. They showed utter contempt for Christians in Asia Minor and Jerusalem who wished to remember the cross on the date of the Jewish Passover.

“So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Romans 14:10 NLT)

This Roman response to Quartodecimanism was a great stumbling block, and completely contrary to God’s inspired words through Paul.

“Therefore let’s not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling.” (Romans 14:13 WEB)

Judaizing and Romanizing

Even Peter was guilty at first of judaizing, an attempt by Jewish converts to enforce the letter of the law in the church.

“But when I saw they were not really obeying the truth that is in the good news, I corrected Peter in front of everyone and said: Peter, you are a Jew, but you live like a Gentile. So how can you force Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14 CEV).

Judaizing made things such as circumcision, Levitical sabbaths and dietary requirements prerequisites for salvation. One could argue that Romanizing did the exact same thing from a Gentile point of view, making Roman Christian traditions prerequisites to salvation. Neither prejudice represents true Christianity.

Easter and Passover

Easter is Passover in most languages. Early Christians continued celebrating the 14th day of the first Hebrew month. But Passover could occur on any day of the week. Some wanted a Maundy Thursday through Resurrection Sunday observance every year. Rather than obeying Paul’s call for grace, the “Quartodeciman Controversy” ensued, causing division.

The grace of Romans 14 allowed a variety of observances. This includes our current Easter calendar, without judging those who prefer the Jewish dates. Sabbatarians observe the weekly Sabbath, and some observe the annual feasts, and they are free in Christ to do so. Mandating either is contrary to the grace of Paul’s instructions in Romans 14.

Christians emphasize something only vaguely hinted at in Old Testament worship days, the Resurrection of our Lord. That is perhaps the most important observance in any Christian calendar, and is remembered not only on Easter Sunday, but every Sunday.

Pentecost

Jewish Pentecost is 50 days from the Sunday during Passover, where the barest hint of resurrection is in waving a sheaf of first fruits.

“... you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it…” (Leviticus 23:10-12 ESV)

That Sunday hinted at resurrection Sunday.

“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20 HCSB)

Fifty days after that Sunday was Pentecost, where bread of the firstfruits was also waved.

“And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the Lord ...” (Leviticus 23:20 KJV)

Pentecost is also called the Feast of Weeks, and a day of firstfruits.

“Also on the day of the first fruits, when you present a new grain offering to the Lord in your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy assembly ...” (Numbers 28:26 NASB)

If wave-sheaf Sunday hints at Jesus, then the firstfruits of Pentecost picture the church.

“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23 NIV).

Tabernacles and Christmas

The northern Spring festivals commemorated Christ’s first coming and northern Autumn festivals prepared for His Second Coming.

“Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation [assembly].” (Leviticus 23:24 NKJV)

The ram’s horn announced an alarm or a celebration (Numbers 10:9). Trumpets announce Jesus’ return.

“And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of a trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world—from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven.” (Matthew 24:31 NLT)

This is the resurrection of the dead in Christ.

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (I Thessalonians 4:16 ESV)

The Day of Atonement pictures reconciliation through the cross and resurrection.

“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement [reconciliation].” (Romans 5:11 KJV)

The Feast of Tabernacles pictures our earthly abode as a temporary dwelling and our hope of a permanent abode with God.

“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 HCSB)

The human body is a temporary tent or tabernacle.

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1 KJV)

Christmas remembers when Christ, as God with us, began to tabernacle or tent with humanity. Some Christians celebrate great events and heroes of our faith every week of the year, while others only celebrate three major seasons and still others avoid Christmas and Easter altogether. Romans 14 gives us permission to choose. The most important thing is that we do worship God and not judge between our various traditions or preferences.

“... Don't let them say you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival.” (Colossians 2:16 CEV)

Whether you observe a formal calendar or worship God in some other way, do you choose to worship God every day? You decide!

Bible E-Course 10a - Worship Offerings

What principles can Christians learn about worship from the book of Leviticus? Are there spiritual applications of the physical rituals in this first worship book?

Burnt Offering

God spoke to Moses in Leviticus 1 about the burnt offering. The fire pictures the Holy Spirit cleansing us from sin. It was to be an unblemished male offering, because it pictured Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God. Is there something more important than burnt offerings for Christians?

“And to love Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself, is far more important than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:33 HCSB)

Did God really enjoy burnt offerings?

“In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.” (Hebrews 10:6 KJV)

Yet, they were a foretaste of the greatest sacrifice of all.

“For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10 NLT)

Grain Offering

The grain offering in Leviticus 2 was of fine flour, the best. Olive oil pictures the Holy Spirit. Salt was a symbol of the covenant.

“Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings...” (Leviticus 2:13 NIV)

In the New Testament, salt pictures something different.

“You are the salt of the earth...” (Matthew 5:13 NKJV)

Frankincense for incense, pictures prayer. Most of the grain offering was food for the priests. In the same way those who preach the Gospel should eat from it.

“Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14 NASB).

Peace Offering

The peace offering from Leviticus 3 pictures fellowship with God. It also reminds us of communion where we have fellowship with the Lord and offer each other peace.

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:9 NIV)

In the peace offering, we give to God and our guests. Leviticus 7 shows how the peace offering may also be a thanksgiving offering, and a fellowship meal, including bread, a forerunner to communion.

“He is to present as his offering cakes of leavened bread with his thanksgiving sacrifice of fellowship.” (Leviticus 7:13 HCSB)

Jesus gave thanks at meals and at the establishment of communion. This is where the word Eucharist comes from. For this reason, some very appropriately call communion the Great Thanksgiving.

“And he took bread, and gave thanks [Greek: eucharisteó], and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19 KJV)

This gives us a principle of prayer, a sacrifice of thankful praise.

“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV)

Sin Offering

In Leviticus 4, the sin offering is for unintentional sins or sins of ignorance. An innocent young animal without blemish is offered. Christians offer the sacrifice of forgiveness, and pray.

“... forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.” (Matthew 6:12 NLT)

On the cross Jesus set a remarkable example of forgiveness before repentance.

“... ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.’ ...” (Luke 23:34 WEB)

 
Guilt Offering

Leviticus 5 describes the guilt, trespass or reparation offering. It involved restitution, and a twenty percent fine above that. Sometimes we must do more and fix what we have broken. This is the true intent of penance and indulgences, not the scam run by Tetzel which led to the Protestant Reformation. Zacchaeus was someone willing to make reparations.

“... Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, ‘I will give half of my property to the poor. And I will now pay back four times as much to everyone I have ever cheated.’ ” (Luke 19:8 CEV)

One Sacrifice

Hebrews 10 teaches us that the sacrifices were not permanent, but pointed to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The law was limited, providing only a temporary solution to sin. Offerings had to be repeated, as more of a continual reminder of sin than a permanent solution.

“But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:3-4 ESV)

As a reminder of sin, the sacrifices were not God’s ultimate solution. God took no real pleasure in them. Why? Does He who created animals love them more than we ever could? Were the sacrifices a continual reminder to God of what His Son would willingly suffer for us?

“... ‘You did not want animal sacrifices or sin offerings or burnt offerings or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them’ ...” (Hebrews 10:8 NLT)

Gone is the need for various continuous offerings.

“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:14 KJV)

The new covenant involves a single perfect sacrifice.

“ ‘This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,’ then He adds, ‘Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.’ Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” (Hebrews 10:16-18 NKJV)

Our new High Priest has no need for animal sacrifices.

“He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day like the other high priests, first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people. He did this once for all when he offered himself.” (Hebrews 7:27 CEB).

We follow Jesus by dying to self and living selflessly, lives of self-sacrifice.

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1 ESV)

Jesus is our burnt offering, a total offering for us. He is our grain offering, the Bread of Life, our fellowship in communion. He is our peace offering, the Prince of Peace, making peace between God and us. He is our sin offering, permanently erasing our sins. He is our guilt offering, permanently erasing our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Are you grateful to the One who gave His life that you may live forever? Will you live as He wishes, a life of selfless sacrifice to others? You decide!

Bible E-Course 9 - Hell

What does the Bible teach about hell?

Jesus on Hell

Jesus spoke more about hell than anyone else in the Bible. What did He say unrighteous anger and verbal abuse deserve?

“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with their brother or sister will be in danger of judgment. If they say to their brother or sister, ‘You idiot,’ they will be in danger of being condemned by the governing council. And if they say, ‘You fool,’ they will be in danger of fiery hell.” (Matthew 5:22 CEB)

Are lustful looks the way to hell?

“If your right eye causes you to sin, poke it out and throw it away. It is better to lose one part of your body, than for your whole body to end up in hell.” (Matthew 5:29 CEV)

Who is able to destroy both body and soul?

“And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 ESV)

Will the weeds of the kingdom be burned?

“...At harvest time I’ll tell the reapers: Gather the weeds first and tie them in bundles to burn them… cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:30, 42 KJV)

Who will perform this sad task?

“So it will be at the end of the age: the angels will come forth and remove the wicked from among the righteous, and they will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:49-50 NASB)

What is Jesus’ warning to religious leaders?

“You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” (Matthew 23:33 NIV)

Is there a description of hell that doesn’t involve fire?

“And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 25:30 NKJV)

Is the fire temporary or eternal?

“... Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.” (Matthew 25:41 NLT)

Is there torment in hell?

“While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side.” (Luke 16:23 CEB)

Apostles on Hell

What did some of the Apostles say about hell?

“But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Romans 2:5 ESV)

Is hell also a separation from God?

“They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power.” (2 Thessalonians 1:9 NLT)

Lake of Fire

Hell is pictured by fire, darkness and separation from God. Is it also described as a lake of fire?

“... The beast and the false prophet were thrown alive into a lake of burning sulfur.” (Revelation 19:20 CEV)

How long is their torment?

“... they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10 ESV)

What about those not found in the book?

“And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15 HCSB)

What kinds of unrepentant sins lead to hell?

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8 KJV)

There are three Greek words used for hell.

Hades

Hades means the abode of the dead. It can symbolize either the grave or hell. The rich man was obviously in hell.

“And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms.” (Luke 16:23 NASB)

The church will obviously survive the grave.

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18 NIV)

Gehenna

Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom, was once used for child sacrifice. It symbolizes hell. What should we do hyperbolically?

“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire” (Mark 9:43 WEB)

Tartaroo

The Greek word tartaroó (ταρταρόω) pictures a place for the wicked dead, the lowest pit of hell.

“God didn’t spare the angels when they sinned but cast them into the lowest level of the underworld and committed them to chains of darkness, keeping them there until the judgment.” (2 Peter 2:4 CEB)

Every day we are choosing our eternity. If we choose separation from God, He will honor that for all eternity. If we choose closeness to God, He will help us overcome and bless us with a fabulous eternity. You decide!

Bible E-Course 8C - Eternal Life

The word heaven can bring to mind different pictures in people’s minds, because it is shrouded in mystery. Yet, the Bible also speaks of eternity or eternal life frequently.

“This is eternal life: to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent.” (John 17:3 CEB)

True Dichotomy

Some dilemmas are what we call a false dichotomy because there are other alternatives. But in eternity there exists a true dichotomy. There are only two destinations and they are mutually exclusive.

“And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46 ESV)

What is that righteousness?

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe…” (Romans 3:21-22 ESV)

What is the result of that faith?

“Then everyone who has faith in the Son of Man will have eternal life.” (John 3:15 CEV)

At the Lord’s Supper, Jesus said that the bread is His body and the wine is His blood. Is partaking of communion important for eternal life?

“Anyone who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:54 HCSB)

Who has the message of eternal life?

“Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68 KJV)

A Paradox

There is a paradox about this mortal life and eternal life.

“The one who loves his life loses it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.” (John 12:25 NASB)

Who has the authority to grant eternal life?

“After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: ‘Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.’ ” (John 17:1-3 NIV)

Are some appointed or ordained to eternal life?

“Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed [ordained] to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48 NKJV)

Do we have our part to play or are we just passive?

“to those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life” (Romans 2:7 WEB)

Must we fight and grab hold of eternal life?

“Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened.” (1 Timothy 6:12 CEV)

A Gift and a Promise

Is eternal life a gift?

“The wages that sin pays are death, but God’s gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 CEB)

Is eternal life a promise?

“And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.” (1 John 2:25 ESV)

Can we know that we have eternal life?

“I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13 HCSB)

Will you grab hold of this gift of eternal life and persevere? Will you rest in the promises of the One who has the authority to grant us eternal life? You decide!

Bible E-Course 8B - Heaven's Eternity

Let’s briefly explore some prophecies of heaven. Though heaven may be timeless, the Bible speaks of heaven’s eternity in human terms.

At Hand

The first thing we may notice is that heaven is at hand. What does that mean?

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2 CEV)

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ ” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)

This can be better translated as “the reign of heaven draws near.” It’s not yet the fullness of the kingdom in the return of Christ, but the reign of Christ in the hearts and lives of the saints.

Written

The most important thing in life is where we are headed for eternity. Is your name written in heaven?

“But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven.” (Luke 10:20 NLT)

When

When is the kingdom of heaven?

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 ESV)

The kingdom or reign of God has come (Matthew 12:28; Luke 10:9-11; 11:20) and will come (Matthew 6:10; 25:34; Luke 22:18). It is both now and future. How? Some submit to heaven’s reign now. The fullness of the kingdom will come when Jesus returns. Where is our reward?

“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matthew 5:12 KJV)

Resurrection

There is a resurrection to life and a resurrection to judgment.

“Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28-29 HCSB)

When will the dead in Christ rise?

“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 ESV)

Intermediate State

Where will our spirits be between the death and resurrection of the body at Christ’s return? This is called the intermediate state. Perhaps Steven the martyr gives us a clue in his dying words.

“They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!’ ” (Acts 7:59 NASB)

Jesus at that time was in heaven. So, where was Stephen’s spirit to be received? Obviously, into heaven. Are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob dead or living?

“But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” (Luke 20:37-38 NKJV)

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are spoken of as alive, not dead. A vision reveals Moses and Elijah.

“who, appearing in glory, were speaking of His departure, which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:31 NASB)

Was this a vision of present reality or the future? Notice that they talked of a then future event, not a past event seen from the future. What does heaven include?

“You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect.” (Hebrews 12:23 NLT)

The account of a named beggar, Lazarus and an anonymous rich man indicates two conscious human spirits after death. Too late, the rich man regrets his selfish life in hell and the destitute beggar is carried by angels to Abraham’s side. This is eternity’s Great Reversal.

“One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades, he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off, with Lazarus at his side.” (Luke 16:22-23 HCSB)

After death, the faithful look forward to being in God’s presence.

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” (Psalm 16:11 NLT)

The souls of deceased martyrs are pictured as being in heaven, conscious and asking God a question.

“And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:9-10 KJV)

Paul also spoke confidently of being absent from the body and present with the Lord.

“So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NKJV)

Marriage

Jesus will marry the church.

“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her… He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault… This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.” (Ephesians 5:25-32 NLT)

This is symbolic as there is no marriage in heaven, not in the human sense.

“At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.” (Matthew 22:30 NIV)

Any theory of angels marrying women in the Old Testament is likewise debunked by this verse. However, there is a symbolic marriage of the Lamb.

“Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7 NKJV)

Revelation divulges that the Bride of Christ has become a city, New Jerusalem.

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, full of the seven last plagues, came and spoke with me, saying, ‘Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.’ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:9-10 NASB)

New Heavens

Arguments over the intermediate state become moot, when we realize that it is only a forerunner to all eternity, where heaven and earth come together. A great and joyful new status quo as God lives with humanity.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:1-3 CEB)

Is this a new heaven or a renewed heaven? The original Greek seems to mean “new, which as recently made is superior to what it succeeds.”

Is your name written in heaven? Does heaven rule your life? Do you look forward to being in God’s presence forever? You decide!

Bible E-Course 8A - Contemporary Heaven

What does heaven look like now?

Paradise

A first glimpse of heaven was the garden. The word Paradise means a garden or park reminiscent of the garden of Eden. What did Jesus tell the thief on the cross?

“Jesus replied, ‘I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise.’ ” (Luke 23:43 CEB)

Paul described an experience in Paradise as being in the third heaven. The three heavens are: the atmosphere (Genesis 1:26, 28; 2:20; 7:3, 23; 1 Kings 14:11; Psalm 8:8; Hosea 2:18), outer space (Genesis 15:5; 22:17; Exodus 32:13; Psalm 8:3; Matthew 24:29) and the heaven of heavens (Genesis 28:12; Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27).

“I know about one of Christ's followers who was taken up into the third heaven … he was taken up into paradise, where he heard things too wonderful to tell.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4 CEV)

A prophecy promises Paradise to those who are overcomers in a church prophetically pictured as Ephesus, perhaps any church that has similarly lost its first love.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers [overcomes] I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7 ESV)

The tree of life will be in the New Jerusalem which will either literally or symbolically descend out of heaven to the New Earth, when God will dwell with men.

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month...” (Revelation 22:1-2 HCSB)

Voice from Heaven

God sometimes speaks from heaven.

“But the Lord’s messenger called out to Abraham from heaven, ‘Abraham? Abraham?’ Abraham said, ‘I’m here.’ ” (Genesis 22:11 CEB)

“He let you hear His voice from heaven to instruct you…” (Deuteronomy 4:36 HCSB)

“The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice.” (2 Samuel 22:14 ESV)

“Then You came down on Mount Sinai, And spoke with them from heaven; You gave them just ordinances and true laws, Good statutes and commandments.” (Nehemiah 9:13 NASB)

“and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’ ” (Matthew 3:17 ESV)

Seeing From Heaven

God sees from heaven.

“Look down from thy holy habitation, from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the land which thou hast given us, as thou swarest unto our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and honey.” (Deuteronomy 26:15 KJV)

“God looks down from heaven on the children of men, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.” (Psalm 53:2 WEB)

“The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.” (Psalm 33:13 KJV)

“... and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4 NASB)

Hearing from Heaven

God hears from heaven.

“then hear from heaven where you live, and forgive. Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.” (2 Chronicles 6:30 NLT)

“Then the priests, the Levites, arose and blessed the people, and their voice was heard; and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, to heaven.” (2 Chronicles 30:27 NKJV)

Glimpses of Heaven

What’s in heaven? There is a throne in heaven.

“At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it.” (Revelation 4:2 NIV)

God’s throne is in heaven.

“Micaiah continued, ‘Therefore hear the word of the Lord: I saw the Lord sitting on his throne with all the multitudes of heaven standing around him on his right and on his left.’ ” (1 Kings 22:19 NIV)

Jesus is in heaven.

“But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55-56 KJV)

There is a temple in heaven.

“After these things I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.” (Revelation 15:5 NKJV)

Is God restricted to heaven?

“But will God really live on earth? Why, even the highest heavens cannot contain you. How much less this Temple I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27 NLT)

“But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can’t contain you; how much less this house which I have built!” (2 Chronicles 6:18 WEB)

“Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:24 ESV)

Queen of Heaven?

The Bible describes a so-called queen of heaven as a counterfeit, a pagan goddess.

“The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead dough to make sacrificial cakes for the queen of heaven. And to offend me all the more, they pour out drink offerings to foreign gods.” (Jeremiah 7:18 CEB)

“We have promised to worship the goddess Astarte, the Queen of Heaven, and that is exactly what we are going to do. We will burn incense and offer sacrifices of wine to her, just as we, our ancestors, our kings, and our leaders did when we lived in Jerusalem and the other towns of Judah. We had plenty of food back then. We were well off, and nothing bad ever happened to us.” (Jeremiah 44:17 CEV)

This was indeed a tainted title.

Treasure in Heaven

Treasures on earth will all fade, but we have a deposit of treasures in heaven that will last for all eternity.

“But collect for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20 HCSB)

“Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matthew 19:21 KJV)

“Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts that do not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor does a moth destroy.” (Luke 12:33 NASB)

Are we humble enough to allow the Bible to differentiate between myth and mystery? Are we satisfied that God has so far left many of our questions about heaven unanswered? You decide!

Bible E-Course 7C - Confirmation

Infant baptism is neither mandated nor forbidden in the New Testament but has forerunners in the Old Testament. In adult baptism, water and laying on of hands occur as one ceremony. Infant baptism often separates the use of water and laying on of hands by many years. The author of Hebrews teaches us that baptism and laying on of hands are separate foundational doctrines.

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” (Hebrews 6:1-2 NLT)

Why Confirmation

Why confirmation? Those baptized as infants confirm their faith at an age of accountability, the church confirms its love in laying on hands and prayer, and God confirms His love by sending the Holy Spirit. Of course, the last part is not something that we control. God gives the Holy Spirit at a time of His choosing.

Why confession? The believer confesses their personal repentance and faith.

“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32 KJV cf. Luke 12:8; Romans 10:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:12)

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” (1 John 4:15 ESV)

Laying on of Hands

When is the laying on of hands? In an adult baptism it usually occurs during a prayer concluding the baptism. In at least one case the apostles prayed and laid their hands on people long after their baptism, and they received the Holy Spirit.

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:14-17 NIV)

Why the laying on of hands? It is for receiving or being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is also used to bless (Leviticus 9:22; Psalm 139:5; Matthew 19:15), set apart for sacrifice (Leviticus 4:24), request healing (Matthew 9:18; Mark 5:23; 6:5; Acts 28:8; James 5:14-15) and confer authority (Numbers 11:16–25; Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6).

“So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ ” (Acts 9:17 NASB)

Though God can give the Holy Spirit at any time in His wisdom, church leaders pray expectantly as they lay on their hands.

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.” (Acts 19:5-6 WEB)

Timing

Is the order of events always repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit? On at least one occasion, God gave the Holy Spirit before baptism.

“While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. They heard them speaking in other languages and praising God. Peter asked, ‘These people have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. Surely no one can stop them from being baptized with water, can they?’ He directed that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited Peter to stay for several days.” (Acts 10:44-48 CEB)

Infant baptism puts baptism before repentance. Therefore repentance must take place before confirmation and the laying on of hands.

Seal of the Spirit

God’s part of confirmation includes the “Seal of the Spirit,” whereby He seals us with the Holy Spirit of promise.

“and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.” (2 Corinthians 1:22 NLT)

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13 NKJV)

“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30 ESV)

As we have seen, there is no biblical mandate regarding the age or mode of baptism. However, one thing is mandated.

“... baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19 NASB)

Were you baptized as an infant but never repented and confirmed your faith? Have you repented and do you believe in Jesus but have never been baptized? Why not talk to a church leader? You decide!

Bible E-Course 7B - The Mode of Baptism

Eisegesis is a bad way to read the Bible. It means to read into the text things that are actually not there at all. One common example is reading that Jesus came up out of the water after being immersed. The text simply does not say that at all.

“So Jesus was baptized. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove.” (Matthew 3:16 CEV cf. Mark 1:10; Acts 8:38-39)

This could refer to Jesus coming up a river bank from ankle deep water. Is this deliberately vague?

Definition

The word baptize literally means to submerge, immerse, or dip. The Greek word can also be used to describe washing dishes.

“When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.” (Mark 7:4 NIV)

Baptism described figuratively the passage of Israel through the cloud and sea dry.

“In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses.” (1 Corinthians 10:2 NLT).

Baptism described metaphorically the sufferings of Christ.

“But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!” (Luke 12:50 NKJV)

Blood, water and oil were often sprinkled or poured out in ceremonial washings, giving a much broader picture than immersion alone, or even water alone.

“And I said to him, “Sir, you are the one who knows.” Then he said to me, “These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.” (Revelation 7:14 NLT)

Blind adherence to a few immersion-only proof-texts ignores many scriptures that reveal spiritual depth.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 WEB)

Sprinkling

Sprinkling for spiritual cleansing was common in the Old Testament.

“If the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkled ashes of cows made spiritually contaminated people holy and clean, how much more will the blood of Jesus wash our consciences clean from dead works in order to serve the living God?...” (Hebrews 9:13-14 CEB)

Priests were also sprinkled with oil and blood for their consecration.

“Finally, Moses sprinkled the priestly clothes of Aaron and his sons with some of the oil for ordination and with some of the blood from the altar…” (Leviticus 8:30 CEV)

Water was also sprinkled.

“This is what you must do to them for their purification: Sprinkle them with the purification water…” (Numbers 8:7 HCSB)

The coming of the Holy Spirit is pictured as a baptism and a sprinkling and a washing.

“I will sprinkle you with clean water, and you will be clean and acceptable to me. I will wash away everything that makes you unclean...” (Ezekiel 36:25-27 CEV)

Sprinkling is very much part of the symbolism of washing in baptism.

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22 KJV)

Washing

Antecedents to New Testament baptism were the many washings with water.

“You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and wash them with water.” (Exodus 29:4 ESV)

What mode of cleansing was used?

“Thus you shall do to them to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of purification upon them...” (Numbers 8:7 ESV)

So, an antecedent to baptism was the priestly washing for ordination.

“Present Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the meeting tent and wash them with water.” (Exodus 29:4 CEB)

Interestingly, John the Baptist was the son of a High Priest. Could it be that Jesus’ baptism was also symbolic of another purpose, ordination? After all, He is now our High Priest.

What about fire? A baptism of fire seems to occur two ways: the tongues of fire on Pentecost and the fires of judgment.

“The Lord will wash away the filth of the women of Zion; he will cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of fire.” (Isaiah 4:4 NIV)

The implications of baptism are much broader than the use of water alone. The Holy Spirit is involved.

“Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God's Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God… ” (1 Corinthians 6:11 CEV)

God’s word is involved.

“Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word.” (Ephesians 5:25a-26 HCSB)

More than being immersed alone, we are also sprinkled and washed.

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22 KJV)

Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a washing of regeneration and renewal.

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5 NASB).

Pouring

Fools will reign and the poor will be oppressed until when?

“Until the Spirit is poured out upon us from on high, And the wilderness becomes a fertile field, And the fertile field is considered as a forest.” (Isaiah 32:15 NASB)

Is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit also called baptism?

“John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5 NLT)

If the Holy Spirit is poured out, are different modes of baptism relevant?

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” (Isaiah 44:3 NIV)

How did the baptism of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost look outwardly?

“Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.” (Acts 2:3 WEB)

This is not a picture of an immersion in fire, but something else. It is the origin of a bishop’s miter hat, picturing the Holy Spirit landing on the head like a tongue of fire. It is also the origin of what some churches do, to baptize by pouring water on the head, fulfilling Joel’s prophecy of an outpouring. We can’t retrofit a literal immersion into this scene. We must be humble and allow the Bible to plainly contradict our pet doctrines.

“ ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy… Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.” Acts 2:17-18, 33 NLT cf. Joel 2:28-29)

Pictures of Christian baptism are found in the washing, sprinkling, and pouring, of fire, blood, water and oil.

“since they relate only to food, drink, and various washings, … For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? … Moses … sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which God commanded you.’ And in the same way he sprinkled both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry with the blood.” (Hebrews 9:10-21 NASB).

The word baptism literally means immersion. But in the Bible, it is used in many non-literal ways, like fire coming down, washing, suffering and even walking on dry land through the sea. We are sprinkled clean, the Holy Spirit is poured out, and we are immersed into a new way of life. Neither Jesus nor the Apostles commanded any particular mode or age of baptism. Jesus did command using the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

If you have never experienced it, will you have a change of heart and mind, believe the good news of God’s reign and be baptized? You decide!