Most of the time when you ask people what they believe, they will willingly tell you. Then if you ask them why they believe that most of them cannot tell you. Sometimes they will give an answer such as,
“That’s what my daddy or mommy believed.”
“That’s what my pastor believes.”
“That’s what my spouse believes.”
You may receive many different answers except the one that you are seeking. It is not good enough for you to know what you believe, but it is also important that you know why you believe it. I do not stop there: I believe that it is also important to be able to tell others what you believe and why. Then and only then do you really know what you believe: you know what you believe, and you can tell others why you believe it.
The majority of people who call themselves “Christian” cannot tell you what they believe and why. I do not want any of you to be in that category.
I want you to know what you believe and to be able to tell why you believe it. To that end, these lessons are developed and put into a book form. We will be going into detail concerning these doctrines.
I am not a Baptist because my parents were. I am not a Baptist preacher because my dad and my grandfathers before me were. I am a Baptist because I believe that many Baptists believe what the scriptures teach. I am a preacher because the Lord called me to be one.
I believe the Bible and regardless of what denomination anyone is part, it is more important to believe the Bible than what a denomination teaches.
That is why it is important to know what you believe and why.
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The majority of people do not bother to find out what a denomination teaches because that is what they grew up in and all their families were in it as well. Most do not care to stand up for what they believe because they do not really know what they believe.
What we are going to consider is a Statement of Faith, a written list, with supporting Scripture, of what we believe.
Luke said this in Chapter 1, beginning with verse 1:
1 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a
declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2
Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were
eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3 It seemed good to me also,
having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to
write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 That thou mightest
know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
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Declaration #1
1.
We believe that love one for another as Jesus loves the believer manifests our discipleship, proves our love for God and symbolizes our authority as New Testament churches. Love is therefore the great commandment of the LORD Jesus Christ upon which all others are dependent.
We have several passages of Scripture that are offered as the proof-text for this statement. The first that we will consider is Matthew 22:35-40. Unless otherwise noted, all passages of Scripture will be from the King James Version.
35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question ,
tempting him, and saying, 36 Master, which is the great commandment
in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This
is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it,
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
These passages of Scripture lay the foundation for all the rest of the statements of faith. Without love, all else is but a sham. Jesus says that this is the greatest commandment of all other commandments: loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. You will notice that three things are mentioned with which we are to love (agapa) Him. Note the following definition: the word for heart is kardia.
the center and seat of spiritual life
1. the soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors 2. of the understanding, the faculty and seat of the intelligence 3. of the will and character
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4. of the soul so far as it is affected and stirred in a bad way or good, or of the soul as the seat of the sensibilities, affections, emotions, desires, appetites, passions
The word for soul is Psuche (psoo-khay'). Note the following definition for this word:
1. breath
a. the breath of life
1. the vital force which animates the body and shows itself in breathing 1a
b. of animals 1a
2. of men
a. life
b. that in which there is life
1. a living being, a living soul
3. the soul
a. the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.)
b. the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life
c. the soul as an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body)
The next word that Jesus used was the word “mind.” The transliterated word is dianoia (dee-an'-oy-ah). Note its definition: 1. the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring 2. understanding
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3. mind, i.e. spirit, way of thinking and feeling 4. thoughts, either good or bad
You will note that all of mankind is mentioned except for the physical. You should also note that all three of these are the parts of triune man that do not die, they are eternal. These are what really composes a person. The physical is just the means to house these three. That is why Jesus said this commandment is the first and greatest.
The second greatest commandment is for us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus uses the same word for love as He did to for us to love Him. Only because of the usage of the word in verse 39 is it inferior to the love that we are to love Him. In other words, we are to love God with a Godly love that will put Him first above all else while we are to love our neighbor just slightly less that we love God. We can only imagine what life would be like if all of God’s children would follow these commandments.
The importance of this is give in verse 40, that all other commandments hang on these two. So, we must draw this conclusion: if we cannot love God the way that we should, we will not be able to love our neighbor as we should, AND if this is true, then we will not be able to serve Him as we should. We must get this right if we are to please Him.
The next passage that is listed as a proof text for this Declaration of Faith is John 13:34, 35.
34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I
have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men
know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
The setting of these verses is on the night that Jesus observed a supper that was just for the apostles. This was the night that Jesus washed their feet, demonstrating how they should forgive others just as the Father forgives them. He reveals that it is Judas Iscariot that will betray Him but none of them seem to realize it except for John.
Immediately after Judas leaves, Jesus then gives the apostles the commandment mentioned in verse 34. He uses the same word for “love”
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that was used in the Matthew reference. He uses Himself as an example as to how we are to love our neighbor. Then He proceeds to inform them that how they love one another is how that the world will see they we are His disciples. Sadly, this is not demonstrated very well anymore.
The next verse to consider is found in John 15:12. This is my
commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
This is essentially a repeat of what He said earlier in the Book of John.
You will notice that Jesus does not give it as a request or a choice, He gives it as a commandment. This is emphatic. It is something that we are to do whether we like it or not.
The next reference is from I John 4:7-21.
7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that
loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth
not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward
us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we
might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but
that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No
man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in
us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in
him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. 14 And we
have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of
the world. 15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God
dwelleth in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the
love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love
dwelleth in God, and God in him. 17 Herein is our love made perfect,
that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so
are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth
out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect
in love. 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love
God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother
whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21
And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love
his brother also.
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The words used for “love” and “loveth” all come from the same family of words as agapa. In these passages we have a comparison of those with God’s love and those without God’s love. God’s love is completed in us (vs 12) and this is how that we know that He dwells within because of the Holy Spirit abiding in us. Because He dwells in us, we also dwell in Him.
The Greek word used for “dwell” is meno which means to abide or remain.
Consider this definition:
to remain, abide
in reference to place: to sojourn, tarry, not to depart, to continue to be present, to be held, kept, continually
in reference to time: to continue to be, not to perish, to last, endure of persons: to survive, live
in reference to state or condition: to remain as one, not to become another or different
Why are many so afraid these days? It is because that God’s love is not complete in them. Verse 17 illustrates to us that when our love is complete, we may have boldness in the day of judgment. Because our love is complete in God, we will not be afraid. Verse 18 relates to us that complete love casts out fear. Fear has torment and any child of God that is living in fear does not have God’s love completed in them.
John goes on to relate to us that if a person says that he/she loves God but does not love his/her brother, then he/she is a liar. Remember, the Rule of Interpretation reveals that John is writing to saved church members.
Therefore, this is a profoundly serious charge to be laid against a person.
The next proof text is from 1 John 5:1-3.
1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every
one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and
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keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his
commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Once again the word “love” is in the same family of words from agapa.
Again, John relates that anyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been saved. The word that is used for “believeth” is a strong word.
Consider this definition for it:
1. to think to be true, to be persuaded of, to credit, place confidence in
a. of the thing believed
1. to credit, have confidence
b. in a moral or religious reference
1. used in the NT of the conviction and trust to which a man is impelled by a certain inner and higher prerogative and law of soul
2. to trust in Jesus as able to aid either in obtaining or in doing something: saving faith
3. mere acknowledgment of some fact or event: intellectual faith
2. to entrust a thing to one, i.e. his fidelity
a. to be entrusted with a thing
Our final proof text comes from Revelation 2:4, 5.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy
first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and
repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and
will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Yet again the word for “love” is agapa. Jesus is telling the Church at Ephesus that they have lost the love that they once had for Him. He is simply telling them in verse 5 that if they do not repent and return to their love for Him, He will remove the candlestick. This means that they would cease to be a Scriptural New Testament Church. They might still exist, but they would no longer belong to Him. There are not many cases where 13
Jesus has threatened to remove the candlestick, but this is the most prominent.
Conclusion to Declaration #1
I believe that we can see from all these passages just how important our love for God really is. I believe that we can also see why all the other Declarations are based upon this first one. Without the proper love for God, the remainder do not matter.
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Declaration #2
2.
We believe in the infallible, verbal inspiration of the whole Bible and that the Bible is the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice.
Before we look at any proof texts for this deceleration, let us define some of the words in it. Without knowing what the words mean we cannot begin to understand what it is saying.
The first word is “infallible.” Simply put this word means that it is all without error. There are no mistakes to be found in the smallest way. There can be nothing against it, it is pure.
The next word to consider is “verbal.” This word simply means it is audible, to be able to be heard.
The word “inspiration” means literally God breathed. We will examine this word when we consider the second proof text.
Our first proof text is from Psalms 119:160.
Psalms 119:160 KJV 160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every
one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
This passage relates to us that God’s word has been true from the very beginning of time. His judgements are always right and forever.
The second proof text is in II Timothy 3:16, 17.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works.
When Paul wrote these words to Timothy, the New Testament was still being written. Therefore, of necessity the “all scripture” mentioned by 15
Paul meant the Old Testament. Some of the New Testament was already written but nothing had been compiled as yet. The word “inspiration”
means “God breathed.” The Holy Spirit so “superintended” the writing of the Bible that not one mistake was made yet each writer was able to use his own words and construction of sentences that was normal to him.
Let us look at some more words in these verses. The understanding of the word “profitable” is “advantageous” or beneficial. The word “doctrine”
carries with it the meaning “the instruction (the function or the information):--doctrine, learning, teaching.” The word “reproof” means
“proof, conviction:--evidence, reproof.” “Correction” is the next word to consider. It means “a straightening up again, i.e. (figuratively) rectification (reformation).” Then there is “instruction.” The definition is “tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction:--
chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.”
Verse 17 lets us know that the man (and the word is masculine) will be completely equipped to do what God would have him to do. The inference is that it is applicable to only a man. Then, what about the woman? Other passages indicate that she is to be taught by the man. To proceed further, the older women is to teach, instruct, the younger women concerning the things relating to being a woman, keeping a home, etc. The spiritual instruction is to come through the man. This man is to be surrendered to God. Thus, the “umbrella of protection” is complete. This “downline”
would be like this: God, Jesus, the man (husband), the woman (wife), and then the children. Anyone of these getting out from under the “umbrella of protection” brings reproof, etc., that is talked about in verse 16.
Conclusion to Declaration #2
Here is what you need to know concerning this Declaration: The whole Bible is inspired by God and is without mistake so that it is everything we need to live our lives for Him and is everything the church needs to be and to function as a true local, New Testament church.
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3.
We believe in the personal triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, equal in divine perfection.
Our proof-text for this Declaration is Matthew 28:19. Go ye therefore, and
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
This declaration is called the Doctrine of the Trinity. You will not find the word “Trinity” in the Bible anywhere, but the inference is there very strongly. The majority of people believe that there is a God, but so many do not really know Who God is, how He is, or even what He does. Let us take a look at we believe about God.
First, He is a real Person. John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and
the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we
beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of
grace and truth.
Secondly, He is a Triune Person. A former instructor of mine, Dr. William M. Brown, who was the President of the Eastern Baptist Institute and Seminary, Monroe, Ohio, gave this definition. (Bro. Brown has been gone for many years and the Seminary has been closed for many years.) He said: “We believe that there is One, and only One, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of the universe inexpressively glorious in holiness, and worth of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are separate and distinct persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.”
Let us look at God as the Father. John 6:38, 39, 38 For I came down from
heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And
this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath
given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last
day.
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Let us look at God as the Son. Matthew 3:16, 17. 16 And Jesus, when he
was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens
were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying,
This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Let us look at God as the Holy Spirit. John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they
that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The Spirit is the Executor of the Trinity. John 6:63. It is the spirit that
quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you,
they are spirit, and they are life.
Psalm 104:30. Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou
renewest the face of the earth.
Genesis 1:2. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was
upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of
the waters.
Thirdly, let us look at the characteristics of God. He is eternal, Psalm 90:2.
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the
earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
He is Immutable (unchangeable). Numbers 23:19. God is not a man, that
he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he
said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it
good?
He is Omniscient (All-knowing), Proverbs 15:3. The eyes of the LORD
are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
He is Omnipresent (All-present), Acts 17:27. That they should seek the
Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not
far from every one of us:
He is Just, Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all
his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right
is he.
He is All-wise, Matthew 6:8. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your
Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
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He is Merciful, II Peter 3:9. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,
as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing
that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Fourthly, He is invisible to the natural eye, Exodus 33:20. And he said,
Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.
Fifthly, He has power over all things, Jeremiah 18:7-9. 7 At what instant I
shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up,
and to pull down, and to destroy it; 8 If that nation, against whom I have
pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought
to do unto them. 9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation,
and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;
Sixth, The Bible is His inspired Word, II Timothy 3:16, 17. We have already covered these verses so I will not repeat it here.
Seventh, His presence and power are manifested to the entire human race in His creative work, Psalm 19:1-3. 1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of
David.) The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament
sheweth his handywork. 2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto
night sheweth knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language, where
their voice is not heard.
Romans 1:20. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the
world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made,
even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Eighth, we believe that all mankind must render account to Him, Romans 14:11, 12. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall
bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one
of us shall give account of himself to God.
Isaiah 45:21-23. 21 Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take
counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath
told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else
beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. 22 Look
unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and
there is none else. 23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my
mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee
shall bow, every tongue shall swear.
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We also must say that God is Love. We have also already addressed this in the first Declaration.
Now let us take a look at what we believe about Jesus the Son.
There are many ways to approach the subject concerning Jesus the Son and there is not room in this study to cover all of them. Therefore, I am going to approach it from the fact that Jesus is the Son of God.
We begin with these passages from Matthew 16:13-17. 13 When Jesus
came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying,
Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say
that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one
of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the
living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou,
Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but
my Father which is in heaven.
We will consider the passages of Scripture that prove that Jesus is the Son of God. In his conversation with Mary in revealing to her that she would bare the Savior, the angel revealed that that which would be born of her would be called the Son of God.
Luke 1:30-35: 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou
hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy
womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32 He shall
be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God
shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33 And he shall reign
over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no
end. 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know
not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy
Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of
thee shall be called the Son of God.
You will note that He is called the Son of the Highest in verse 32 and the Son of God in verse 35.
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In Matthew 1:22-25, the Scriptures reveal that He would be called Emmanuel. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was
spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be
with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name
Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24 Then Joseph
being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and
took unto him his wife: 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth
her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.
This is a fulfillment of the prophecy given by Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14. 14
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall
conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
God Himself declared that Jesus was the Son of God. He did this immediately after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Matthew 3:16, 17: 16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the
water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit
of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice
from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The Father informed John the Baptist that Jesus would be coming to him for baptism in John 1:32-34. 32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the
Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 33
And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same
said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and
remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
On the Mount of Transfiguration, as revealed in Matthew 17:5, God made the statement that Jesus was His Son. While he yet spake, behold, a bright
cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which
said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.
There were many others who pronounced Jesus to be the Son of God.
By the demoniacs of Gadara. Matthew 8:28-29 KJV 28 And when he was
come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him
two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so
that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out,
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saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou
come hither to torment us before the time?
By the Apostles. Matthew 14:22-33 KJV 22 And straightway Jesus
constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the
other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent
the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when
the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in
the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And
in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the
sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were
troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But
straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be
not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid
me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter
was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning
to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus
stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of
little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into
the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and
worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
By Martha. John 11:21-27; KJV 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord,
if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that
even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. 23 Jesus
saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I
know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus
said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me,
though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and
believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto
him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which
should come into the world.
By the man who was born blind. John 9:35-38 35 Jesus heard that they
had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost
thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he,
Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou
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hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said,
Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
By Peter. Matthew 16:16 KJV 16 And Simon Peter answered and said,
Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
There was a purpose for the Son of God to come to the earth. He came to be:
The Saviour. Luke 2:10-11 KJV 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear
not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to
all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,
which is Christ the Lord.
God Sent Us A Saviour
by Roy Lessin
If our greatest need had been information,
God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology,
God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money,
God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure,
God would have sent us an entertainer.
But, our greatest need was forgiveness,
So God sent us a Saviour.
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The Substitute for sinners. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 21 For he hath made
him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the
righteousness of God in him.
The Sacrifice. Ephesians 5:1-2 KJV 1 Be ye therefore followers of God,
as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and
hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweetsmelling savour.
Let us now consider the Holy Spirit. Understanding the position and the power of the Holy Spirit is an especially important teaching for us to fully grasp. There is a great need to know Who He is, why He is to be followed and how to submit to His power.
The identity of the Holy Spirit has never been in doubt in the Scriptures.
Many have tried to say that the Spirit is only a power. Others have spoken boldly and declared Him as only a manifestation of God. In reality He is all God, just as Jesus is all God. Jesus, in John 14:16, declared that He would send another Comforter of the same kind or just like Himself. Jesus is completely God in the flesh and is now in glory. If then He was to send another like Himself and that other Person is the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit must of necessity be fully God also. This fact enables us to fully realize that the leadership of the Holy Spirit is the direction of God.
To illustrate that the Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead, several passages of Scripture will be noted that show they are the same. These Scriptures will point out clearly that the Holy Spirit has the same attributes as God.
God is eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, the Alpha and Omega and has no beginning or end. This fact is noticeably clear in the Bible. The Holy Spirit in Hebrews 9:14 is called eternal. This classification sets Him equal with God, for God is eternal.
Hebrews 9:14: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through
the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your
conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
God is all-present in the universe and so is the Holy Spirit. Psalm 139:7-10: 7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy
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presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed
in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning, and
dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; 10 Even there shall thy hand lead
me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
God is all-powerful and so is the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18 relates to us that the Spirit is the energizing force behind the resurrection of Jesus.
1 Peter 3:18: For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the
unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but
quickened by the Spirit: The Greek word for “quickened” simply means
“make alive, give life, quicken.”
God has all-knowledge and I Corinthians 2:9-11 points clearly to the fact that the Spirit allows us to know God. The Spirit must have all-knowledge to have the ability to reveal it to the believer.
1 Corinthians 2:9-11: 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear
heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God
hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them
unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep
things of God. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the
spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no
man, but the Spirit of God.
Now that it has been established that God and the Holy Spirit exist on the same level and that They are equal, why is it so important for us to know this? How can we apply this to our personal lives? Let us look at the practical use of the Doctrine of the Holy Spirit.
The principle is set forth that the Holy Spirit has a definite work in the life of a believer. If we realize that the Holy Spirit is God, then His leadership must be followed. If the Holy Spirit is not God or does not possess the same attributes as God, then a believer should refuse to follow. However, the Bible leaves no room for doubt that God and the Holy Spirit are One and the Same.
1 John 5:7: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father,
the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
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Based on this fact, how do we know Who He is and how to follow Him?
Jesus said when He departed this earth that another One like Him would come. The Comforter came with the express purpose of helping all believers, most especially those of the New Testament Church.
The only Persons Who have access to the very presence of God are Christ and the Holy Spirit because of their sinlessness. Again, this shows that the Holy Spirit is God.
The practical use of this is the great comfort and knowledge that a believer is not approaching God on his own merit, but through the Spirit. This should enable us to use more faith and trust in life than personal merit.
Normally people tend to put God and the Holy Spirit into two separate beings. Because God the Father is unseen by the human eye and the Spirit is unseen, but felt by the emotions and our spirit, there is a desire to separate them. It is vital to the life of every child of God that a proper understanding exists. This comprehension allows the believer to enjoy the full benefits of a Spirit-filled life.
To illustrate the fact that this is true, let us look at Acts 5:1-4: 1 But a
certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and
brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3 But Peter said,
Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and
to keep back part of the price of the land? 4 Whiles it remained, was it
not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why
hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto
men, but unto God.
This is the negative view of what will happen when there is a failure to recognize the Holy Spirit as God. The early church had many who were making contributions of all they had and possessed. Barnabas had just done this and was lauded highly by the church. Then two people, a husband and wife, Ananias and Sapphira, decided they wish to contribute of all they own. This appears to be a commendable act; however, they motive is tainted with sin. These two decided to keep back part for themselves unbeknown to anyone else. Thinking that this would harm no one, they completed their evil deed. However, they failed to understand one thing, that God is Omnipresent, Omniscient and Omnipotent. Even 27
though God was not bodily present, His Spirit was there. Acts 5:3 says they lied to the Holy Spirit, and verse four says they lied to God. This fatal act cost them their lives.
One thing stands clear in these verses, that the Holy Spirit and God are One and the Same. The consequence was the same, and their failure to realize this made no difference.
The positive view of the fact that the holy Spirit and God are the same can be seen in the inspiration of the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 relates to us that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.
2 Timothy 3:16, 17: 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and
is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works.
2 Peter 1:21 relates to us that the prophets spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Is there confusion on the issue? The Bible does not indicate any. The harmony of the Bible shows that there is no difference between God and the Spirit.
2 Peter 1:21: For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man:
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
The same principle also applies to finding God’s will for our lives. The saved, Spirit-filled child of God who studies the Bible will not be lead astray from God, but rather into total harmony with Him.
With the Holy Spirit having all the attributes of God, we must not make the mistake of thinking He is another God. The complexity to trying to understand the Trinity may tend to cloud the clarity of this great truth. The Trinity is not three separate gods but rather One God Who in His infinite power can make Himself know as Father, Son, and Spirit. This must be accepted by faith alone. The faith that will allow us to accept this will also allow us to understand that the Holy Spirit is indeed God.
Conclusion for Declaration #3: Here is what you should take from this declaration: “We believe that there is One God Who is a Trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all equal.”
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4. We believe in the Bible Account of Creation (Gen. 1; 2).
This Declaration originally read as the “…Genesis Account…” of Creation. The only proof texts that are cited are from Genesis chapters 1
and 2. In my mind, this is not adequate. To me it should read as I have written it above. There are more Scriptures concerning the Creation than what is found just in Genesis. My understanding is that the thoughts behind this Declaration were to take a stand against the theory of evolution.
I just feel that the other Scriptures should have considered and listed as well.
Let us begin with Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the heaven
and the earth.
We believe that the material universe was created by God. In short, we do not believe in the theory of evolution. The theory of evolution was spawned by Satan himself to discredit God’s Word and to propagate falsehood. The Scriptures let us know that Satan is a liar and the father of it, of all lies. We believe that everything that was created was created by God.
The earth and the universe were created perfect.
Normally, the word “perfect” in the Scriptures, means “complete.” In this instance, the word “perfect” means exactly what we understand it to be. It means without any flaws, imperfections, impurities, or mistakes. This first verse in Genesis informs us that God created the heaven and the earth.
Isaiah 45:18: For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God
himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he
created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and
there is none else.
The Hebrew language indicates for this passage of Scripture that He created it not in chaos, or He did not create it in a chaotic condition.
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The earth and universe were created suddenly.
Isaiah 48:3: I have declared the former things from the beginning; and
they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did them
suddenly, and they came to pass.
This passage indicates the truth that God created the earth and universe suddenly by speaking them into existence.
Psalm 33:4-9: 4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works
are done in truth. 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is
full of the goodness of the LORD. 6 By the word of the LORD were the
heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7 He
gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the
depth in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the
inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9 For he spake, and it was
done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
These passages also reveal to us that God spoke His creation into existence.
Psalm 148:1-5: 1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the
heavens: praise him in the heights. 2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise
ye him, all his hosts. 3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye
stars of light. 4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be
above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he
commanded, and they were created.
These passages also reveal to us that God commanded the universe to be created.
How do we know these things are so? We know and believe by faith because Hebrews 11:3 tells us so.
Hebrews 11:3: Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed
by the word of God, so that things where are seen were not made of things
which do appear.
Who was the Creator?
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Genesis 1:1 states that God created. The Hebrew word for what is translated “God” in the King James is “Elohim” meaning “three strong ones.” God the Father planned it and God the Son did it.
We go to the New Testament account of the creation.
John 1:1-3: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made
that was made.
These passages leave no doubt that Jesus carried out the creation. The word “LORD” as used in the Old Testament passages we used indicate Jesus did it.
Conclusion for Declaration #4
We live in a time when Satan is trying his best to refute God’s Word. This is a fundamental, basic Bible truth and we need to stick with it.
What you need to take away from the Declaration is this: “We believe in the Bible Account of Creation.”
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Declaration #5
5. We believe that Satan is a fallen angel, the archenemy of God and man, the unholy god of this world, and that his destiny is the eternal lake of fire.
We have several proof texts for this declaration. The first one is from Isaiah 14:12-15.
Isaiah 14:12-15 KJV 12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son
of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst
weaken the nations! 13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend
into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also
upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14 I will
ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15
Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.
We find in verse 12, the angel Lucifer is named. He was called “the bright shining one.” Apparently, he was the most beautiful of all of God’s creation. As the angel in charge of the physical realm, he was to direct all glory of that realm to God. This he did not do. Therefore, he was cut out of the government of God. Jesus said He saw Satan, as lightening, fall from heaven. Lucifer wanted all the glory that was to go to God for himself.
While these passages were addressed to the King of Babylon, it was aimed at the power behind this king before his conversion, Satan.
Luke 10:18: And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from
heaven.
There is some thought that this will take place in the future, yet some will say it most likely took place as recorded in Isaiah 14:12. Those that teach the “gap theory” state that the Luke 10 event took place between verses 1
and 2 in Genesis 1. Luke 10 references Jesus as a Viewer of the incident.
I believe that there is not a way to say for certain when it happened.
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The setting of Luke 10 is where Jesus sent out the seventy and upon their return, they were filled with much joy because the demons were subject to them. This is when Jesus tells them that He had observed Satan fall upon the earth.
With his ouster for God’s government, Lucifer turned his full attention to the nations of the earth. Verse 13 begins to relate just why he was cast out.
He determined that he would place himself above and over all of God’s creation. He was going to exalt himself to be equal with God. He knew, since he was a created being himself, he could not be over God, he wanted to be equal with God. That way he could continue to receive all the glory of the physical universe for himself. He would not succeed and would eventually be brought down to hell. The word for “hell” in the Hebrew is the word “sheol,” the place of the departed spirits, the dead. This is why the Scriptures state that Jesus took away the keys of death and hell from him after He was crucified.
Just a thought: Jesus’ death was not only necessary to pay the sin debt for our salvation, but also that He could take away Satan’s usurped authority over death and hell (sheol).
Ezekiel 28:11-19 KJV 11 Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me,
saying, 12 Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus,
and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum,
full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 Thou hast been in Eden the
garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz,
and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the
emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets
and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created.
14 Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so:
thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down
in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 Thou wast perfect in thy ways from
the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16 By the
multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with
violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out
of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from
the midst of the stones of fire. 17 Thine heart was lifted up because of
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thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness:
I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may
behold thee. 18 Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of
thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth
a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to
ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. 19 All they
that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt
be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more.
These passages are probably the most telling concerning Lucifer. Even though this reference is addressed to the King of Tyre, the aim is toward the power behind the king, Satan. This reference bears out that Lucifer was the most beautiful of all of God’s creation. He was a resident in Eden, the garden of God. Yes, this is the same Eden where God placed Adam and Eve.
All the valuable stones that are mentioned seem to be part of his garments.
He was without sin, flawless, before he committed sin because of his beauty. I believe he set a precedent that has been in place ever since. It seems the most handsome men and the most beautiful women seem to lean toward evil things and ways. They are eager to show themselves off in any and every way. As the saying goes, “She is beautiful, and she knows it.”
Or, “He is very handsome, and he knows it.” They are immensely proud and act like it. This was the way of Lucifer, and it brought him down. He felt that he should have received all the adulation and glory that should be for God, because he was the most beautiful of God’s creation.
Another observation that must be made in these passages: God called him a covering cherub. We cannot say for sure that Satan was one of those cherubim that guarded God’s throne, but it does seem so. However, there was a cherub that was assigned to guard the entrance of the Garden of Eden and since Lucifer is mentioned as being in the garden of God in Eden, that may have been him. I tend to lean toward this explanation. Thus, when he rebelled against God, he already was in the Garden of Eden region, he turned his attention toward Adam and Eve.
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Matthew 25:41 KJV 41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand,
Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil
and his angels:
In this reference, we have the truth of what will happen to those who go into eternity without Jesus, but it also lets us know that the eternal lake of fire was not prepared originally for man, but for Satan and those angels who followed after him.
2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the
minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of
Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul established the fact that Satan has blinded the minds of those who have not been saved. This is why we see the mess that is seen in this world today. To those of us who are saved, we are appalled at the words and actions of those who are without Christ.
I believe that what we are seeing during this particular time are the results of what Paul told the church at Corinth. There is no other explanation.
They reject everything that is good and right and everyone that tries to do good and right.
Ephesians 6:10-17 KJV 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that
ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle
not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual
wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour
of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done
all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,
and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod
with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the
shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of
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the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the
Spirit, which is the word of God:
This reference gives us instructions on how to combat Satan and his forces.
Paul used the example of an armored soldier, presumably a Roman soldier.
He lists all the items that we are to have and why. Let us look at each item.
The first piece if the girdle of truth. When God was preparing His people for the exodus from Egypt, He instructed them to eat the Passover "with your loins girded", Exodus 12:13. Instructing His servants to be in readiness of His coming, the Saviour said, "Let your loins be girded about", Luke 12:35. Both of these references infer that the Jews were to be ready to travel, and the Lord’s servants should be ready to meet Him at any time.
The time frame in both of these was unknown, but they were to be ready to go even if they did not know the time. The importance of readiness is as vital to God’s children today as it was to Israel and their need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. In other words, we must always be ready to do battle with Satan and his forces.
The second piece was the breastplate of righteousness. We know the value of a breastplate as it shields the heart from the fierce blows of the enemy, 1 Corinthians 1:30.
I Corinthians 1:30: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
The believers’ hearts are built up with hiding the Word of God in it that they might not sin against God. In the believers’ standing before God, every believer is righteous, just as righteous as Jesus Himself because it is His righteousness that is imputed and His righteousness is applied to us, II Corinthians 5:21.
II Corinthians 5:21: For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no
sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The third item is the sandals of peace. A firm hold upon the gospel as shoes for our feet must be made as we go forth to declare the power of His saving grace, Ephesians 2:14; Romans 5:1.
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Ephesians 2:14: For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath
broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Romans 5:1: Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:
We need to be certain that we have the right message, otherwise we will be wearing a shoe which does not fit, and we will be rendered unfit, John 14:27.
John 14:27: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let
it be afraid.
The believer’s spiritual sandals protect his movement and ability to properly function as a soldier in the army of God.
The next item to consider is the shield of faith. Faith holds a vital place in the Christian experience, Hebrews 11:6.
Hebrews 11:6: But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that
cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.
The Lord Jesus is the Object of faith. Faith comes as we focus our attention upon Him and upon His Word "Faith cometh".
The helmet of salvation is the next item. It is that piece of equipment which protects the head and is most essential for the soldier. Jesus is our salvation and only as we cast ourselves upon Him in full dependence for daily deliverance will we be clad with the helmet, 1 Corinthians 15:2.
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I Corinthians 15:2: By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what
I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
An unprotected head is an easy target to strike and will render the most damage by one that desires to take the life or yield the soldier incapable of service. Even the softest blow to the head can cause great damage. It does not take much to ruin the testimony of a believer. If our testimony is ruined, we will not be an effective soldier for the Lord.
Lastly, there is the sword of the Spirit. All the other pieces of the armor are really for defense purposes. Only the Sword of the Spirit is for offense purposes. The Word of God (the Bible) is the Sword of the Spirit. It is not the fine scabbard (the case, cover) that counts; it is the Work itself.
Jeremiah 23:29: Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like
a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?
It is the means of the Word that sin is put to rout. Matthew chapter four gives us the account where Satan was tempting Jesus after His fasting for 40 days. If you read this chapter and also Luke chapter four, you will find that Jesus used God’s Word to defeat Satan at every turn. It is the means that we must us as well. How can we use the Word if we do not know the Word?
The last reference for this declaration is found in Revelation 20:10.
Revelation 20:10 KJV 10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into
the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are,
and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
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Praise the Lord!!, this is the final outcome of the struggle against Satan and his cohorts. When the finish line is crossed, Satan and his demons and those that sided with him are cast into the eternal lake of fire. As far as Satan is concerned, this is the end of the story. For us, as God’s children, it really is the beginning to which we have looked forward since our salvation.
Conclusion to Declaration #5: Here is what you need to take away from this Declaration: “Satan is a fallen angel, the enemy of God and man, the god of this world whose end is the eternal lake of fire.”
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Declaration #6
6. We believe in the virgin birth and the sinless humanity of Jesus Christ.
We have several verses that serve as proof texts for this declaration, but before we consider them, and others, I would like to consider some of the verses concerning the prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus. The very first verse that foretold the coming of Jesus is found in Genesis 3:15.
Genesis 3:15: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and
between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt
bruise his heel.
The setting of this passage is right after Adam and Eve’s sin and God passing sentence on them because of their disobedience and on the serpent because he had caused it to happen. Verse 15 is the final part of the sentence pronounced on the serpent. As we well know, the serpent was actually Satan himself. God promised that He would put hatred between Satan’s forces and His own. God refers to the birth of Jesus and the conflict that would always be in place between Him and Satan until Satan is finally put down. The bruising that is spoken of refers to the death of Jesus on the cross. Thus, in this passage we have the birth and also the crucifixion.
The next passage to consider is Isaiah 7:14.
Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a
virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
This verse is very plain and extremely hard to misunderstand. God Himself is telling Isaiah that a virgin would have a Son and His name would be called “Immanuel” which means “God with us.” Those who try to discount the virgin birth of Jesus point to this verse and say that it means a “maid,” “young woman,” etc. However, the usage of this word is given in this way: “There is no instance where it can be proved that this word designates a young woman who is not a virgin.” I believe that this pretty much sums up the situation with this verse and its usage. The English translation accurately gives the true meaning of the verse. We can safely 43
say that this passage tells us of not only His birth but also His Divinity.
This was written approximately 700 years before the birth of Jesus.
Micah 5:2: But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among
the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that
is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from
everlasting.
We know Jesus was born in Bethlehem and this Scripture tells us in advance the place Jesus would be born. This prophecy was written by Micah approximately 800 years before Christ was born. This verse is especially important because there is more than one Bethlehem in Israel.
This points to the correct Bethlehem, the one closest to Jerusalem.
One more verse I want to consider which does not necessarily refer to Jesus’ birth, but it does apply to Him as to a fulfillment of prophecy. That passage is found in Hosea 11:1.
Hosea 11:1: When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son
out of Egypt.
This prophecy was written by Hosea also approximately 800 years before Christ was born. This verse looks backward and forward. Remember the Israelites were slaves in Egypt when God brought them out. Also remember that Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with the baby Jesus to avoid the slaughter by Herod. This verse can apply to both of those situations.
However, it was referred to by Matthew in his writings (Matthew 2:14-15).
Matthew 2:14, 15: 14 When he arose, he took the young child and his
mother by night, and departed into Egypt: 15 And was there until the
death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord
by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.
With this being done, let us examine the verses that are the fulfillment of these prophecies. The first passage that we will consider is found in Matthew 1:18-20.
Matthew 1:18-20: 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise:
When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came
together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19 Then Joseph
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her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick
example, was minded to put her away privily. 20 But while he thought on
these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream,
saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy
wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew is saying, “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was this way.” Mary was engaged to Joseph. During this time of engagement, it was as if they were already married, only they were not together as yet. For her to be found pregnant before they were to have sexual relations, it was the same as an adulterous affair. They were to be true to each other, just as if they were already married. The penalty for adultery was death by stoning. If Joseph were to decide that he did not want Mary any longer because she was pregnant with a child not his own, he could have brought her before the elders and made her a public example. So, as he considered how he might divorce her privately, Gabriel appeared to him and instructed him to not be afraid of taking Mary as his wife because her conception was from the Holy Spirit.
There are other passages that refer to Jesus’ virgin birth, such as Luke’s account, but let us consider the second part of the declaration, the sinless humanity.
The first passage comes from II Corinthians 5:21.
II Corinthians 5:21: 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew
no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
The pronoun “he” refers to God the Father. The first “him” refers to Jesus.
This verse is emphatic that Jesus was without sin and became “sin” for us in order that we might be able to be righteous with God.
The last passage to consider is found in I Peter 2:22.
I Peter 2:22: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
The “Who” refers back to Jesus. It indicates that Jesus did not sin. Neither was there any craftiness or deceit found in His speaking.
Conclusion to Declaration #6
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There really is not a simpler way to state this declaration than as it is written. “We believe in the virgin birth and sinless humanity of Jesus.”
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Declaration #7
7. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ.
During the time of Jesus’ time on earth, there were many things that the Jews had against Him. Of His lineage, there was no question. One of the most contentious claims that He made was that He was the Son of God.
They objected His claim to be the Son of God. This they could not accept.
However, the Scriptures are noticeably clear concerning His deity. We have three passages of Scripture that will be considered on this declaration.
The first to consider is John 10:30: KJV 30 I and my Father are one.
The time is in the winter in Jerusalem. Jesus had just told the crowd that His sheep heard His voice and they followed Him. Jesus spoke of the good works that He had done for the Father. He then asked the Jews for which of the works were they trying to stone Him. Their reply was that they were not trying to stone for any of the good works that He had done but for blasphemy. That “blasphemy” was because Jesus said that He and the Father were One. As the “conversation” progressed, the mob were even more determined to stone Him. They tried to capture Him, but He escaped from them.
The next passage that we will consider is John 1:1: KJV 1 In the beginning
was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John is the only Bible writer that uses the word “Word” in describing Jesus.
Note that this is not the word that is used for writing, but “logos.” Let us note this explanation from www.godrules.net.
In John, denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world's life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man's salvation put on human nature 48
in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.
This term was familiar to the Jews and in their writings long before a Greek philosopher named Heraclitus used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe. This word was well suited to John's purpose in John 1.
The verse leaves no doubt about what its meaning is. Jesus was in the beginning of everything, He was with God, and He was God.
Then we drop down to verse 14 of the same chapter.
John 1:14 KJV 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us,
(and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,)
full of grace and truth.
John is clear in stating that Jesus was made flesh and came to live on this earth. There were many who had seen Him and had experienced His glory, as in the Mount of Transfiguration. His glory was of the Father. Only Deity would be able to have that.
The last verse we will consider is in 2 Corinthians 5:19.
2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling
the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and
hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
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Paul, in his second letter to the church at Corinth, talks about the reconciliation that we have through Jesus. This passage lets us know that our sins are not put to our account, but He has reconciled us to God. In verse 21, Paul writes that He, God, made Jesus to be sin for us in order that we might be made righteous before God.
Conclusion to Declaration #7: This declaration is already short and simple. We believe in the deity of Jesus Christ.
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Declaration #8
8. We believe the Holy Spirit is the divine Administrator for Jesus Christ in His churches.
We have several passages of Scripture that are used as the proof texts for this declaration. The first one to consider is Luke 24:49.
Luke 24:49 KJV 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon
you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power
from on high.
This is Jesus’ promise, from the Father, that the disciples would receive the ability to carry out the commission that He had just given them. They were to remain in Jerusalem until they received that power on the Day of Pentecost. They would then be able to work the commission.
John 14:16-17 KJV 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the
Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and
shall be in you.
In these verses, Jesus gives the promise that the Holy Spirit would come and would be with us for eternity. The world does not have Him because He dwells within us. Therefore, we will be able to know Him.
Acts 1:4 KJV 4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded
them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the
promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
Luke is basically repeating what he wrote in Luke 24:49.
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Acts 1:5 KJV 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be
baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
This again would be the promise that the disciples would receive the ability to carry out the Great Commission. They had all received the baptism of John, or at least most of them had, but this baptism would be different. The
“not many days hence” would be on the Day of Pentecost.
Acts 1:8 KJV 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is
come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,
and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the
earth.
This is essentially a repeat of the Great Commission with a breakdown of the parts of the earth being explained. That power they would receive on the Day of Pentecost and then they were to begin to carry it out. The commission was to be distributed in this manner: Jerusalem would be the local area of the disciples. Judaea would be their local region, or, to us, our State. Samaria would be the expanded region beyond, like our United States. The last, the utter most part of the earth, would be those lands to are foreign to us.
Acts 2:1-4 KJV 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they
were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound
from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues
like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled
with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave
them
utterance.
It should be noted that the disciples were all in one accord in one place.
There was no division among them. They received the ability to carry out the commission. This was the fulfillment of the promises made in the previous verses. They were able to speak in other languages as the Holy Spirit deemed fit.
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Conclusion to Declaration #8: Again, this declaration is short and simple. We believe the Holy Spirit is the divine Administrator for Jesus in His churches.
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Declaration #9
9. We believe that miraculous spiritual manifestation gifts were done away when the Bible was completed. Faith, Hope and Love are the vital abiding Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians chapters 12-14).
1 Corinthians 12 1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not
have you ignorant. 2Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto
these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3Wherefore I give you to
understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus
accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy
Ghost. 4Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there
are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6And there are
diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the
word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9To another faith by the same
Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10To another
the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of
spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation
of tongues: 11But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit,
dividing to every man severally as he will. 12For as the body is one, and
hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many,
are one body: so also is Christ. 13For by one Spirit are we all baptized
into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 14For the body is
not one member, but many. 15If the foot shall say, Because I am not the
hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16And if the
ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it
therefore not of the body? 17If the whole body were an eye, where were
the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? 18But
now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath
pleased him. 19And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20But now are they many members, yet but one body. 21And the eye
cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to
the feet, I have no need of you. 22Nay, much more those members of the
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body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23And those
members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these
we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more
abundant comeliness. 24For our comely parts have no need: but God
hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to
that part which lacked: 25That there should be no schism in the body;
but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26And
whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one
member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. 27Now ye are the
body of Christ, and members in particular. 28And God hath set some in
the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after
that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of
tongues. 29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all
workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with
tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet
shew I unto you a more excellent way.
I Corinthians 13 1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels,
and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling
cymbal. 2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all
mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could
remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3And though I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be
burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4Charity suffereth
long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not
puffed up, 5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not
easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth
in the truth; 7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things,
endureth all things. 8Charity never faileth: but whether there be
prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease;
whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9For we know in part,
and we prophesy in part. 10But when that which is perfect is come, then
that which is in part shall be done away. 11When I was a child, I spake
as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I
became a man, I put away childish things. 12For now we see through a
glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I
know even as also I am known. 13And now abideth faith, hope, charity,
these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
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I Corinthians 14 1Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but
rather that ye may prophesy. 2For he that speaketh in an unknown
tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth
him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3But he that
prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and
comfort. 4He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but
he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5I would that ye all spake with
tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth
than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church
may receive edifying. 6Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with
tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by
revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7And
even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they
give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or
harped? 8For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare
himself to the battle? 9So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words
easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall
speak into the air. 10There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the
world, and none of them is without signification. 11Therefore if I know
not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a
barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. 12Even
so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may
excel to the edifying of the church. 13Wherefore let him that speaketh in
an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14For if I pray in an
unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.
15What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the
understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the
understanding also. 16Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how
shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving
of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17For thou
verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18I thank my God,
I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19Yet in the church I had rather
speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach
others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.
20Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye
children, but in understanding be men. 21In the law it is written, With
men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet
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for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. 22Wherefore tongues
are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but
prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which
believe. 23If therefore the whole church be come together into one place,
and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned,
or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24But if all prophesy,
and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is
convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25And thus are the secrets of his
heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship
God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 26How is it then, brethren?
when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine,
hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be
done unto edifying. 27If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be
by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.
28But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and
let him speak to himself, and to God. 29Let the prophets speak two or
three, and let the other judge. 30If any thing be revealed to another that
sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31For ye may all prophesy one by
one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32And the spirits of
the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33For God is not the author of
confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34Let your
women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to
speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the
law. 35And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at
home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36What? came
the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? 37If any man
think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the
things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 38But if
any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39Wherefore, brethren, covet
to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40Let all things be
done decently and in order.
This declaration is a very lengthy one to examine. Rather than to “re-invent the wheel,” I am going to heavily use the late Dr. Albert Garner’s work, Bible Analysis or How to Understand the Bible, pages 82-95. Dr.
Garner explains all the particulars of this declaration in detail, while not actually quoting the declaration itself. To really understand this declaration, we must examine the gifts and the purpose of them.
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SPIRITUAL GIFTS.
God chose in both Old and New Testament days to
reveal His perfect will to man through men, by means of special spiritual gifts. This means of revelation continued by the divine power of the Holy Ghost until the Bible was completed.
II Peter 1:20, 21: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy
of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy
men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
II Timothy 3:16, 17: 16 All scripture is given by inspiration
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the
man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all
good works.
By means of visions, dreams, and audible voice God
communed with His people in Old Testament times. In New Testament times, from the days of John the Baptist until the Bible was completed, God gave special spiritual gifts to men, such gifts as had never been given before or since.
For instance, the gifts of: (1) tongues, (2) interpretation of tongues, (3) healing by laying on of hands, had never been given as means of advancing the work of the Lord in any previous age. These gifts were added to the Old Testament were ordained to remain as special spiritual gifts in the church until the Bible was completed. After the Bible was finished, the gifts from the Lord of (1) inspiration, (2) tongues, (3) interpretations of tongues, (4) healings, (5) miracles, (6) knowledge, (7) prophecy, etc., all ceased.
According to the Bible, only three (3) spiritual gifts are operative in the Lord’s churches today. They are: (1) faith, (2) hope, and (3) charity (love), I Corinthians 13:13.
I Corinthians 13:13: And now abideth faith, hope, charity,
these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
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Let the Bible student not be shocked too much by the truth that numerous things found in the New Testament were not written for him to practice today. Certain spiritual gifts, that functioned in the New Testament day were designed, ordained, for that period only, and are not to be practiced today. Then there were certain customs of Christian courtesy that were admonished upon the New Testament Christians of the first century that are not to be practiced or sought after by Christians now.
For instance, foot washing was a custom of greeting
and an expression of humility that was admonished upon the disciples of our Lord, but never did our Lord specifically command the practice of foot washing as a church ordinance or ceremony for public worship. The holy kiss was another custom of greeting in the New Testament day. Paul admonished the Roman brethren to salute each other with an holy kiss (sanctified kill), Romans 16:16.
Romans 16:16: Salute one another with an holy kiss. The
churches of Christ salute you.
But no one is to contend that there should be a sanctified kissing association in the churches or among the church members today. Perhaps participation in some of these customs of the day was one of the things about which Paul spoke when he stated that he because all things to all men, that he might by all means save some.
I Corinthians 9:22: To the weak became I as weak, that I
might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that
I might by all means save some.
Among the special spiritual gifts that were ordained to last only until the New Testament was completed were not only the gifts of inspiration, tongues, interpretation of tongues, healings, etc., but also the gift of miracles….
II.
A STUDY OF MIRACLES.
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A. What a Miracle Is Not.
The mere operation or demonstration of supernatural
power according to ordinary laws of nature is not a miracle.
1.
It takes supernatural power to keep the
planets, stars, sun, and moon in their fixed orbits, but this is not a miracle; nor does the Bible ever claim that the action of the sun, moon, and stars is a miracle. It takes supernatural power for these to function, but mere demonstration of supernatural power is not a miracle.
2.
It takes supernatural power to bring about a
physical birth, make bones to grow and organs to develop in the womb of her that is with child, but the growth and eventual birth of a conceived child is not a miracle, nor is it ever called a miracle.
3.
It takes supernatural power to make moisture
rise from the earth in the form of vapor, condense, and fall again in the several forms of rain, snow, sleet, and hail, but this is not a miracle, nor is it ever called a miracle.
4.
It takes supernatural power to make sap rise
in a plant, create plant food, manufacture chlorophyll, etc., but this is not a miracle.
5.
It takes supernatural power to save a soul
from hell. But even the salvation of a lost soul is not a miracle, nor is it ever called such in the Bible. Sometimes people refer to the Lord’s saving them or others as a miracle, but such is without any scriptural sanction. The new birth is not a miracle. What then is a miracle, in the light of the Bible’s teaching?
B.
What a Miracle Is.
A Bible miracle may be defined as the instantaneous
demonstration of supernatural power, overcoming or suspending natural law, for the accomplishment of a divine purpose.
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New Testament miracles were always performed by
the Lord and His disciples, with a specific purpose, to accomplish a divine end. The two primary purposes of New Testament miracles were stated to be: (1) to prove that Jesus was come from God, and (2) to prove that He had power to save and forgive sin. Miracles were therefore performed to convince unbelievers of the deity of the Son of God and that He had power to save from hell.
That the new birth is not a miracle is evident in two ways. First, the new birth is never mentioned as a miracle either by Jesus or any Bible writer. Second, the Bible states that the beginning of our Lord’s miracles was when He turned water into wine at Cana of Galilee. He had certainly saved people before this time, but He had not begun performing his earthly ministry of miracles before that time.
John 2:11: This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of
Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples
believed on him.
C.
The Purpose of New Testament Miracles.
It has been stated that the purpose of New Testament miracles was to prove, to convince men that Jesus was divine and could save, forgive sin.
Mark 2:10, 11: 10 But that ye may know that the Son of
man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the
sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy
bed, and go thy way into thine house.
These words were addressed to the sniping “goose-jabbering” critics of our Lord, the skeptical Pharisees and Sadducees.
At the tomb of Lazarus, our Lord performed a miracle in calling Lazarus forth. He did not do it just to make Mary and Martha happy, but for the sake of the unbelievers who were standing by. His prayer indicates this in John 11:42, which reads:
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John 11:42: And I knew that thou hearest me always: but
because of the people which stand by I said it, that they
may believe that thou hast sent me.
Why did our Lord perform this miracle? The answer is that men might believe God had sent Jesus. The primary purpose of miracles was never just to make the sick person well, or give life to the dead for himself and his eternal blessing alone.
Nicodemus, and the other members of the Sanhedrin which he represented, were convinced that Jesus was come from God because of the miracles that He performed to prove, demonstrate His divinity.
John 3:2: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto
him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from
God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest,
except God be with him.
Our Lord did promise that after He went away He would send the holy Ghost upon the church, by which means special spiritual gifts should come to the church, for the membership. But never did He indicate that such should continue in the church after the Bible had been completed or until the end of the Gentile age. Of this Mark 16:17, 18
reads.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name
shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new
tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any
deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands
on the sick, and they shall recover.
Never did our Lord just half-heal a cripple, or leave him with a limp. Never did our Lord turn one person away unhealed from any healing service of His ministry. Practically every miracle our Lord performed was done instantly, forthwith, or immediately at His command. His apostles’ miracles were the same kind. They were complete, perfect, without 64
fake or flaw. They did not send people away from service, tell them to come back and be healed next time, or that they would get better.
In the above passage Jesus promised that there should be five signs by which men could publicly, visibly see the power of His disciples in their miracle ministry for Him. These miracles were their credentials, to be used only until the Bible should be completed, as shall later be shown. The signs were:
1.
Men formerly possessed with devils (demons)
should be made sane; that is, lunatics, mentally unbalanced should be restored to soundness of mind. When our Lord’s disciples performed such miracles the signs of healing were so evident that men were convinced of the present power of the Jesus-God.
2.
Men of God who did not know other tongues
(languages) were to speak in new tongues (new languages) to them. This occurred on the day of Pentecost. It was a miraculous demonstration, a sign of our Lord’s presence. So this was a second sign by which the world was to recognize our Lord’s followers, even after His ascension into heaven.
3.
They were to take up serpents (vipers, poison snakes), and the sign that they were God’s servants was that they should not be hurt, even if bitten by such. Paul became one such testimony (Acts 28:3-6).
Acts 28:3-6: 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of
sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of
the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the
barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they
said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer,
whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance
suffereth not to live. 5 And he shook off the beast into the
fire, and felt no harm. 6 Howbeit they looked when he
should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but
after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come
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to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a
god.
4.
If any of them should drink any deadly (poisonous)
thing it should not hurt them. The sign was that people (unbelievers) could watch them if they drank any deadly thing, it would not hurt them! The sign was to be they should be hurt! In the light of the whole New Testament, does this mean that any believer in Christ, up until today, may, or was intended to do these things, and have the same signs that new Testament believers did? Certainly not.
5.
They were to lay hands on the sick. The sign was
that the sick were to recover. The kind of recovery that came was immediately, straightway recovery, not the gradual “get-better” kind by fake healers, so-called miracles workers.
Hebrews 2:4: God also bearing them witness, both with
signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of
the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
It is to be remembered that the purpose of miracles was to confirm the word spoken by Jesus and His disciples.
Mark 16:20: And they went forth, and preached every
where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the
word with signs following. Amen.
He confirmed the word with miracles and special gifts given to His disciples, “with signs following.” The signs were, crippled people made whole, blind walked about with eyesight restored, the once deaf heard again, the dead were raised.
D.
Miracles Were Not Performed for Special Benefit of Believers, but Unbelievers.
Miracles were not ordained for the benefit of believers.
Believers did not need a miracle to convince them of the deity of Christ or that He had power to save. They were 66
already saved and experimentally knew Him to be the Son of God. Thus, the purpose of miracles was to convince, or to prove to the unsaved that Jesus was the Son of God. They did not then have the finished Bible with which to prove that He was the one of whom the Old Testament spoke.
1.
Paul was a believer, and did not need a miracle to prove to him that Jesus was real. Subsequently, God did not miraculously remove the thorn in Paul’s flesh (whatever the thorn was).
II Corinthians 12:8, 9: 8 For this thing I besought the Lord
thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me,
My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made
perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather
glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest
upon me.
2.
Trophimus was left at Miletum sick by the Apostle
Pau, who healed others. Why did he not heal Trophimus?