Bible E-Course 22a - How God Reveals Himself

Does God reveal Himself in the Bible? How do we understand the Bible? How was the Bible composed? Studying God’s revelation of Himself in the Bible is called bibliology.

22a. How God Reveals Himself

God reveals Himself to humans in various ways, generally in His creation and specially in other ways. One of those special forms of self-disclosure is the Bible. Let’s first look at general revelation.

1. General Revelation

Does all creation broadcast abundant and compelling evidence for God’s existence?

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (Psalm 19:1-4 NIV)

Do people suppress the truth of God’s existence? Do highly educated, very intelligent people bury the ubiquitous evidence for God under a cloud of excuses?

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:18-20 NASB)

Are the basics of God’s law universally instinctive throughout human cultures?

Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right. (Romans 2:14-15 NLT)

Does God still lovingly provide even for those who ignore the obvious natural witnesses of His existence and instead worship things made by mankind?

… God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. (Acts 14:15-17 NKJV)

How much information about God can we discover without extra revelation?

2. Special Revelation

Does God provide us with special revelation beyond what we can observe with our eyes or that human culture can discover naturally? To whom do the scriptures point?

You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. (John 5:39-40 NIV)

Must God condescend to and accommodate our limited human abilities? Does God reveal His will in special ways?

Dreams

Has God revealed Himself in dreams?

But God came to Abimelek in a dream one night and said to him, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman." (Genesis 20:3 NIV)

Visions

Has God revealed Himself in visions, something seen in an ecstatic state?

Some time later, the LORD spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, "Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great." (Genesis 15:1 NLT)

Theophanies

Has God used a theophany, a visible manifestation of Himself?

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him… I am the commander of the army of the Lord… Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. (Joshua 5:13-15 ESV)

Divine Speech

Has God revealed Himself in voice only?

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, “Who is this that darkens counsel By words without knowledge? (Job 38:1-2 NASB)

Special Acts

Has God revealed Himself in special acts?

And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses. (Exodus 14:31 KJV)

Jesus Christ

Is God revealed in Jesus?

No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. (John 1:18 NKJV)

The Bible

Is the Bible a written form of special revelation? Is all of it inspired, even the parts that some people avoid?

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)

The Bible is a collection of documents from about forty witnesses, written down over perhaps 1500 years. What special claim is made about its source?

for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. (2 Peter 1:21 NKJV)

Was the Bible given by inspiration of God as its writers were moved by the Holy Spirit? Is it right then, to call all scripture God breathed? You decide!

Bible E-Course 21b - Solution to Sin

What’s the origin and solution to sin? Sin actually began in the angelic realm. Who deceived Eve?

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:3 KJV)

How was sin transferred to humanity?

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” (Romans 5:12 NLT)

Inherited

Did Adam’s original sin create an environment in which everybody suffers and dies?

“For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:12-21 NLT)

How early does sin affect us?

“For I was born a sinner—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5 NLT)

When Christians Sin

Christians have had a life-changing repentance or “metanoia” experience in regard to sin. Do Christians still sin even though they don’t want to?

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.” (Romans 7:15-20 NKJV)

The difference is that a Christian’s sin is covered.

“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.” (Romans 4:7-8 NIV)

Must we forgive others?

“Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others.” (Matthew 6:12 CEV)

Must Christians even forgive the sins of fellow Christians?

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32 KJV)

Is it sinless perfection, or faith that makes us right with God?

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” (Romans 5:1 NLT)

Must we confess our sins?

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)

God’s Solution

What are the consequences for those who reject God’s offer of forgiveness of sin?

“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons… And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:41, 46 NLT)

What is the answer?

“Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn’t by obeying the Law of Moses. God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ…” (Romans 3:21-26 CEV)

What does God do with forgiven sins?

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1 NKJV cf. Romans 4:7)

“You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.” (Psalm 85:2 NIV)

What is involved in God’s forgiveness?

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28 NIV)

Is perfect doctrine required, which no church has, or something else?

“To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43 ESV)

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7 NIV)

Does Jesus’ name have any bearing on this?

“I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.” (1 John 2:12 NIV)

Though we repented, turned from sinfulness to God, we still sin. As we do, we need ongoing repentance and faith in the sacrifice of Jesus. Those who refuse to repent and believe, have made a choice with terrible consequences. Repentant, we chose faith in Jesus, and God covers our sins with love and forgiveness, granting us eternal life. Which option do you choose? You decide!

Matthew 24 Be Ready

Is our job to predict when Jesus will return or to be ready? Let’s discuss this in Matthew 24:36-44.

End of an Era

But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. (Matthew 24:36)

If Jesus is God the Son and coequal with the Father, how does He not know the day or hour? The Athanasian Creed says that Christ is "equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead; and inferior to the Father, as touching his manhood.” Jesus the man is speaking here.

When is the end of this age? Jesus predicted the fall of Jerusalem and the Gospel preached in the whole world. No one knows the day or the hour of His return, a purposefully vague prophecy. We keep watch, because we don’t know on what day our Lord will come.

Like Noah’s Day

But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. (Matthew 24:37-39)

Jesus confirms the Noah flood narrative. Does science prove it wrong? Are we sure? If the flood is a myth, how were transcontinental sedimentary rock layers formed? How were the Grand Canyon layers formed without any evidence of erosion between layers? How are whale and possum fossils found mixed together?

Jesus includes a picture of normal life before Noah’s flood. We can become deluded that we don’t need to keep vigilant watch in prayerful preparation for his return. It appears that in apocalyptic times there may also be periods of normalcy. During those times watching will be even more imperative.

Left Behind

Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. (Matthew 24:40-41)

The “left behind” theories have difficulties with this passage. Jesus compares those “taken away” with evil people swept away in Noah’s flood. The natural reading of this passage is the opposite of the “left behind” theories. Jesus gave us enough to encourage hope, and enough left out to stimulate faith.

Watch

Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. (Matthew 24:42)

A mandate in the passage is to watch. A watchman must be vigilant. In Matthew 26:41 we are to watch and pray not to give into temptation. Jesus encourages us to be ready at all times, because he is coming at an hour when we do not think he will.

Shepherds watch flocks to protect them. Jesus warns us to remain clothed (Revelation 16:15), to watch and pray that we do not fall into temptation (Mark 14:38). Unlike the five foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) a good watch is always ready, on guard lest the enemy tempt them.

Jesus Like a Burglar

But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:43-44)

Jesus is like a burglar in only one way, his coming is unexpected. The only way to deal with burglars is to be ready, watching. Are we ready for Jesus? Most people will be uninterested in Jesus and unaware of the approach of his coming. Jesus challenges us to stay alert, be vigilant, ready for his coming.

Rather than becoming deluded by consumerism and materialism, let’s live out the kingdom of God here and now. We cannot know when Christ will return but He will and we must keep watch. We need to watch and pray so that when he comes we will be ready.

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Luke 23 Giving & Forgiving

Two great laws would solve many of humanity’s problems. In His hour of greatest trial, Jesus exemplified giving and forgiving. Let’s look at these two great legacies in Luke 23:33-43.

Forgiveness

Luke 23:33-34 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.”

While giving His life for all, Jesus says something remarkable, “Father forgive them.” Do we forgive others only after an apology or repentance? Jesus teaches us a new level of forgiveness, before repentance, because of a deed done in ignorance.

Sneered, Mocked, Blasphemed

Luke 23:35-39 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.” 38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

Human leaders, in and out of the church will disappoint us. We do not know what we are doing. We say of the suffering Jesus, “Let him save himself.” Human governments are devouring beasts.

The Manner of a King

World leaders are usually oriented towards taking instead of giving. Jesus is the opposite, a giver. What will a king, symbolic of all worldly leadership, do?

“He will take your sons … take your daughters … take the best… take a tenth… take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys… take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants [or slaves].” (1 Samuel 8:10-17)

Only the worst tax systems take assets as well as profit. And that’s just highlighting the word “take.” Read the same passage highlighting the word “his.” Obviously, world leaders tend to be selfish, not giving. Luke’s Gospel describes Christ’s government, giving and forgiving. He gave his life and forgave our sins.

Remember Me

At the cross, many failed: Romans, Jews, and even the Disciples. One criminal did better than they all. He spoke out in faith.

Luke 23:40-43 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

That day, the thief on the cross would be received into Paradise, the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). He was received there without baptism, communion, church rites, or good works, only the work of faith exhibited in his prayer.

Paradise literally means a garden, symbolic of the garden of Eden and heavenly joy. He was probably surprised that he would be in Paradise that very day. That is the sense that all ancient manuscripts give and contradicts the theory of our souls being asleep until the resurrection.

We are the Romans, Jews, and even the Disciples who sneered, mocked, blasphemed and failed Jesus. We are the thief on the cross. He knew his guilt, but in faith prayed, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom”? Unlike the thief, we have lives yet to live. Let’s live to give and forgive? You decide!

New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Bible E-Course 21a - What is Sin?

What is sin? How did sin originate? Did we inherit sin? What happens when Christians sin? Does God have a solution to sin?

Our English word sin is a translation of many different words. The original meanings have much to teach us.

Missing the Mark

A common Greek word for sin ἁμαρτία (hamartia) means to miss the mark. Thus the study of sin is called hamartiology. How did sin enter the world?

“When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam's sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.” (Romans 5:12 NLT)

One Hebrew word חָטָא (chata) also means to miss the mark or miss the way, like missing the bull’s eye on a target or taking the wrong road. We miss an ideal life because of bad decisions. Like a healthy fear of heights can prevent us falling, a healthy fear of God will keep us from going the wrong way.

“Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.’ " (Exodus 20:20 NASB)

Abject Moral Evil

Another Hebrew word רַע (ra) is much more serious, meaning evil, wicked or ruin.

“But Er was a wicked man in the LORD's sight, so the LORD took his life.” (Genesis 38:7 NLT)

Some human actions are just plain evil, like murder and theft. That is not judgmentalism, but a simple fact of life. Some things are just plain wrong. Another Greek word πονηρός (poneros) also refers to the more serious side of sin, moral evil.

“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12 NIV)

Morality keeps a society civilized. When moral evil prevails, anarchy results and offers little to no individual protection.

Going Astray

Another Hebrew word translated as sin שָׁגָה (shag’ah) means going astray. Can we go astray by ignorance?

“But if you sin unintentionally, and do not observe all these commandments that the LORD has spoken to Moses…” (Numbers 15:22 ESV)

Lawlessness

Another Greek word describing sin is ἀνομία (anomia), meaning lawlessness. Do Christians believe in anarchy?

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:4 NIV)

All free societies must balance the twin sides of “freedom to” and “freedom from”. Freedom to do what we want must be balanced by everyone’s need to be free from harm. Can we be saved and continue to sin?

“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” (Romans 6:15 KJV)

Who sets us free?

“So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.” (Galatians 5:1 NLT)

Sinners

Why do some Christians say they are no longer sinners while others say they are? The word sinner has two meanings, depending on context. It can mean those still devoted to sin who are 1) pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked. In this sense, we are either categorized as saint or sinner.

“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Peter 4:18 NIV)

The word sinner can also mean 2) not free from sin. In this sense, all of us are sinners. Notice that Paul, even after conversion, says I am, not was, a sinner.

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV)

Sin covers a spectrum of wrongs from merely missing the mark to abject moral evil. It was chosen by Adam and Eve. It is inherited from a sinful environment. Only Jesus can set us free. Be set free and stay free. You decide!