Christ taught out of the Scriptures–Luke 24:27

It would be a good idea for us to do what Jesus did: teach directly out of the Scriptures.

When Jesus taught out of the Scriptures, He quoted from them. He knew His Bible, and made use of it.

From the very start of His ministry, Jesus answered the temptations the Devil presented by quoting from Scripture.

Mat 4:3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Again, the Devil tried another approach to tempt Jesus:

Mat 4:5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

The Devil tried his hand against Jesus yet again:

Mat 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Mat 4:9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

Did you notice, each time Jesus answered Satan’s temptation with “it is written.” Jesus quoted directly from Scripture, appealing to Deuteronomy 8:3, Deuteronomy 6:16, Deuteronomy 6:13. Notice that Satan knows the Bible too, and Satan quoted the Bible to challenge Jesus, quoting from Psalm 91:11. In answer to Satan’s Biblical challenge, Jesus answered, “It is written again,” quoting Deuteronomy 6:16 in answer to Satan’s mistaken use of Psalm 91:11.

Satan did not heed the rule of correct Bible interpretation that forbids using one Scripture in a manner that contradicts clear truth taught in other Scripture that has a bearing upon the subject.

Jesus proved Satan wrong by quoting Scripture that contradicted the use Satan was attempting to make of Psalm 91:11.

Satan is not the only one who violates Rule 6 of the 23 Rules of Interpretation I have posted in the October, 2010 Archives on this site.

Here is Rule 6:

6. Interpret a particular passage in harmony with ALL other passages which may have a bearing upon the subject.

This is exceedingly important. You cannot cherry-pick your evidence. All relevant evidence must be taken into account to come up with the correct interpretation. Groups like the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the Roman Catholics, Calvinists, Seventh Day Adventists, the Church of Christ, and many others flagrantly violate this rule and come up with very mistaken interpretations of the Bible.

To successfully find ALL the relevant passages about a subject, you MUST do Real Bible Study and make full and careful use of such tools as an exhaustive concordance to the Bible (Strong’s Concordance is a good choice) and a source of full and complete cross references to every verse in the Bible (such as The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, or Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible). If you haven’t made full use of these resources don’t kid yourself into supposing you have properly considered ALL the passages pertaining to the subject, issue, or doctrine you are considering.

Considering how many individuals, churches, denominations, and especially false cults violate or disregard Rule 6, Satan either has plenty of company, or lots of helpers in his mission to distort, hide, and suppress the truth of the Bible.

Another equally important Rule of Interpretation is Rule 7:

7. Be sure to include all relevant passages upon a theme before determining the interpretation of any particular passage.

This principle is violated by every denomination or religious group. Jehovah’s Witnesses think they understand such Bible terms as “soul,” “spirit,” “hell,” and other terms more accurately than others do. Their problem is that they have failed to make a full induction of all the evidence before arriving at their conclusions about the meaning and use of these terms in the Bible. I have presented a full induction of all the evidence on these issues in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible starting at the notes at Genesis 2:7.

Seventh-day Adventists are as mistaken on the issues of “soul” and “spirit” and such matters as conscious existence after death as the Jehovah’s Witnesses are. They are fully mistaken in their understanding of the Fourth Commandment regarding the Sabbath, and the issue of Law in contrast to Grace as taught in the New Testament Epistles. Virtually all their arguments fail because they violate Rule 7. Their system of belief cannot accept, nor can it account for the fact that there has been a Divinely instituted change since Calvary. This change has been expounded in detail by the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:1-12). Our Lord Jesus Christ in person revealed His Gospel to the Apostle Paul directly (Galatians 1:12). Paul declares he was not taught the Gospel by men (Galatians 1:12). Those who teach Another Gospel, which is not the Gospel, are, according to the Book of Galatians, under a Divine curse (Galatians 1:8, 9). Critical truths pertaining to just what the true Gospel is are revealed in connection with Paul’s teaching regarding what are called “mystery doctrines.” On this theme, follow the cross references I have furnished at Romans 16:25 for the key words the mystery on page 1301 of Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible, or the note on this subject which I placed in The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, at Romans 16:25, on page 1322.

Rom 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

From The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge:

25. to him. Ro 14:4. Ac 20:32. Ep 3:20, 21. 1 Th *3:13. 2 Th *2:16, 17. *3:3. He **7:25. 1 P 5:10. Ju *24, *25. of power. FS108B1, Ro +4:21. stablish. 1 P +*5:10. according. Ro 2:16. my gospel. Ro *2:16. 2 C 4:3. Ga 1:11, 12. 2:2. 2 Th 2:14. 2 T *2:8. and the preaching. Ac 9:20. 1 C *1:23. 2:2. 2 C *4:5. according to. Mk 4:11. 1 C 2:1, 7. +4:1. 15:51. Ep *1:9. *3:3, 4, 9. 5:32. 6:19. 2 Th 2:7. 1 T 3:9, 16. Re 1:20. 10:7. 17:5, 7. the revelation. 1 C *2:7. Ep *1:9. Col *1:26, 27. the mystery. The New Testament mystery doctrines (see T. Ernest Wilson, Mystery Doctrines of the New Testament, pp. 10-12) make an interesting study, and may be listed as follows (1) the faith, 1 T 3:9. (2) the church, Ro 16:25. (3) the gospel, Ep 6:19. (4) Jew and Gentile in one body, Ep ch. 3. (5) the bride, Ep 5:32. Re ch. 19, 20. (6) seven stars and seven churches, Re 1:20. (7) of godliness, 1 T 3:16. (8) kingdom of heaven, Mt 13:11. (9) Israel’s blindness, Ro 11:25. (10) rapture of the church, 1 C 15:51. (11) His will, Ep 1:9. (12) of God, Re 10:7. (13) the indwelling Christ, Col 1:24-29. (14) the Godhead of Christ, Col 2:2, 9. (15) of iniquity, 2 Th 2:7. (16) Babylon, Re 17:5. Is 2:1-4. 9:6, 7. Jn 17:20-24. 1 C 2:7. 10:32, 33. 15:53-57. Ep 1:9. 2:7, 8. 3:1-12. 6:19. Col 1:27. 2:2. 4:3. 1 Th 3:12, 13. 1 T 3:16. which was. 1 C 2:7. kept secret. Ps 78:2. Da 2:22. Am 3:7. Mt +*13:17, 25. Lk 10:23, 24. Ep 3:3-5, 9, 11. 1 P 1:10-12, 20. world. Gr. aionios, Mt +18:8. lit. times of the ages. 2 T 1:9. T 1:2.

According to this statement in Romans 16:25, mystery doctrines are those teachings newly revealed in the New Testament, some through Paul, teachings totally unknown before this new revelation was given. The fact that there are stated to be such new teachings is proof enough that there has been a change in God’s manner of dealing under Grace compared to how He dealt under Law.

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16 Responses to Christ taught out of the Scriptures–Luke 24:27

  1. ken sagely says:

    jerry excellent post! this is very help ful to me in my bible studies. i am excited about looking up the scriptures you posted. there are so many bible teachers,pastors who need this information in there teaching. thank you

  2. A. Way says:

    Malachi 3:6 KJV For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

    Hebrews 13:8 AKJV Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

    Christ did teach from the OT. Ken – take this as an answer to your last post on the previous post. What did the OT teach? That God’s way of dealing with the sin problem was in some way fault? NO!

    Psalms 19:7-11 AKJV The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (v8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (v9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (v10) More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (v11) Moreover by them is your servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

    What is the goal of Salvation? Not an adjustment of of legal standing, but the restoration of the image of God in man. Continuing in Psalms 19:

    Psalms 19:12-14 AKJV Who can understand his errors? cleanse you me from secret faults. (v13) Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. (v14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

    Who does the cleaning? God! Salvation has always been by faith.

    Read the 119th Psalm! Psalms 119:1 AKJV Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. The plan of salvation does not do away with the law of God, which is perfect (Psalms 19:7), but it establishes the law in us, restores the image of God.

    Paul’s gospel was the message of salvation that had been entrusted to him, Romans 2:16 KJV In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Paul is not saying that his Gospel is the standard of judgment, but that what he is preaching is that the one who lived and died to save us, is also our judge, 2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;…”

    What is the mystery? The Greek work translated mystery, is “mustērion”, meaning “a hidden think”, “a secret”, and is related to “mustēs”, meaning “one initiated”. The verb is, “to initiate”. Pagan mustērion, usually in the plural, mustēria, was used for secrets or secret doctrines, to be made know only to those who had been specially initiated, via their secret rites and celebrations.

    In the New Testament, mustērion refers to something that God is wills to make known! Make know to those willing to receive His revelation. He does not want to keep it secret. Mystery to the Christian, is not something that could not be understood. Revelation 1:20, the mystery of the 7 stars, is a symbol not yet explained, but the explanation is about to be given. Mystery in the book of Revelation is something God is willing to make know to those who will hear.

    Paul considered it his mission to make know the mystery, “which was kept secret since the world began”. See also 1 Corinthians 2:7 and Ephesians 3:3-4 below. God’s eternal purpose to redeem man is Christianity, (Romans 16:25; 1 Corinthians 2:7-10; Ephesians 1:9; Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 1:26; Colossians 2:2; 1 Timothy 3:9). The incarnation of Chris is a mystery, 1 Timothy 3:16. The union of Christ and His church in type as a marriage, Ephesians 5:32. The transformation of the saints as the second coming, 1 Corinthians 15:51, a single event, not a 2-stage event. The opposition of Antichrist, 2 Thessalonians 2:7. And the admission of the Gentiles into the kingdom of Christ, Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 3:1-6; and Colossians 1:26-27. The mystery is the plan of redemption was laid down right at the beginning of the world, and that salvation has always been by grace, by faith in God. It has not changed. Is was the same in the OT as in the NT. But in the NT, it is now better understood, Hebrews 1:1-2 AKJV God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, (v2) Has in these last days spoken to us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

    So much for mystery, continuing at looking at the writings of the OT, which Christ used as the basis of His teaching, look more at Psalms 119.

    Psalms 119:6 AKJV Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect to all your commandments.

    Psalms 119:9 AKJV Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to your word.

    The word, is in the OT.

    Psalms 119:10 AKJV With my whole heart have I sought you: O let me not wander from your commandments.

    All the commandments.

    Psalms 119:11 AKJV Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

    Christ know the OT. The OT was the scripture the Christ taught out of, indeed!

    Psalms 119:18 AKJV Open you my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.

    The written work speaks of God, His ways, His character.

    Psalms 119:21-24 AKJV You have rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from your commandments. (v22) Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept your testimonies. (v23) Princes also did sit and speak against me: but your servant did meditate in your statutes. (v24) Your testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

    We are saved by grace

    Psalms 119:29 AKJV Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me your law graciously.

    Who does the saving? God! He removes the lying ways. When God restores the image of God into man, we will keep His commandments.

    Psalms 119:32 AKJV I will run the way of your commandments, when you shall enlarge my heart.

    Salvation is the restoration of man. The removal by God of the impurities of sin. Man can not do it himself. Only God can. And when God does this, He establishes the law with in us. He writes His law on our heart and minds. (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:10)

    Psalms 119:33-41 AKJV Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I shall keep it to the end. (v34) Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; yes, I shall observe it with my whole heart. (v35) Make me to go in the path of your commandments; for therein do I delight. (v36) Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to covetousness. (v37) <b?Turn away my eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken you me in your way. (v38) Establish your word to your servant, who is devoted to your fear. (v39) Turn away my reproach which I fear: for your judgments are good. (v40) Behold, I have longed after your precepts: quicken me in your righteousness. (v41) Let your mercies come also to me, O LORD, even your salvation, according to your word.

    Psalms 119:43-44 AKJV And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in your judgments. (v44) So shall I keep your law continually for ever and ever.

    God’s word, the writings of the OT, are a hope to us, and Jesus taught from these writings.

    Psalms 119:47-49 AKJV And I will delight myself in your commandments, which I have loved. (v48) My hands also will I lift up to your commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in your statutes. (v49) Remember the word to your servant, on which you have caused me to hope.

    Psalms 119:72-73 AKJV The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver. (v73) Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.

    Psalms 119:81 AKJV My soul faints for your salvation: but I hope in your word.

    Again, it is God has does the transformation: Psalms 119:88 AKJV Quicken me after your loving kindness; so shall I keep the testimony of your mouth.

    It is God that writes the law into us, via the mystery of His salvation, which is made known to us in the NT. Psalms 119:92-94 AKJV Unless your law had been my delights, I should then have perished in my affliction. (v93) I will never forget your precepts: for with them you have quickened me. (v94) I am yours, save me: for I have sought your precepts.

    We need to study His word every day: Psalms 119:97 AKJV O how I love your law! it is my meditation all the day. This was also shown in type by the mannah in the wilderness.

    Psalms 119:103 AKJV How sweet are your words to my taste! yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

    The OT has the light of truth to show the way: Psalms 119:105 AKJV Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.

    What would the world be like if we kept all the commandments? Psalms 119:127 AKJV Therefore I love your commandments above gold; yes, above fine gold.

    What is the TRUTH? Psalms 119:151 AKJV You are near, O LORD; and all your commandments are truth.

    A warning to the wicked, Psalms 119:155 AKJV Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not your statutes. Psalms 119:158 AKJV I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not your word.

    The law does not save, God saves. Do we then make null the law? God forbid! Psalms 119:165-166 AKJV (v165) Great peace have they which love your law: and nothing shall offend them. (v166) LORD, I have hoped for your salvation, and done your commandments. Psalms 119:174 AKJV I have longed for your salvation, O LORD; and your law is my delight. Psalms 119:176 AKJV I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant; for I do not forget your commandments.

    —- Additional scripture quoted:

    Psalms 119:1 KJV ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

    Psalms 19:7 KJV The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

    Romans 2:16 KJV In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

    1 Corinthians 2:7 KJV But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

    Revelation 1:20 KJV The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

    Ephesians 3:3-4 KJV How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

    Romans 16:25 KJV Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

    1 Corinthians 2:7-10 KJV 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 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.

    Ephesians 1:9 KJV Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

    Ephesians 6:19 KJV And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

    Colossians 1:26 KJV Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

    Colossians 2:2 KJV That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

    1 Timothy 3:9 KJV Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

    1 Timothy 3:16 KJV And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

    Ephesians 5:32 KJV This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

    1 Corinthians 15:51 KJV 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

    2 Thessalonians 2:7 KJV 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

    Romans 16:25-26 KJV Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

    Ephesians 3:1-6 KJV For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

    Colossians 1:26-27 KJV Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

    Hebrews 1:1-2 KJV God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

    Jeremiah 31:33 KJV But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

    Hebrews 8:10 KJV For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

  3. Jerry says:

    Dear A. Way,

    You have given a very good presentation of Scripture.

    But you may not be fully aware of the implications of the first verse you cite, Malachi 3:6,

    Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

    “Ye sons of Jacob” is a reference to natural Israel, the people to whom the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants are addressed.

    We know from careful study of the Scripture, following the cross references, that the reference to “Jacob” is an indication that the Abrahamic Covenant is being referenced, as it often is by the expression “Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

    Natural Israel is still very much in the plan of God, though they are currently in unbelief as a nation. This unbelief was predicted in their own Hebrew Scriptures.

    The sons of Jacob “have not been consumed” because God is faithful to His unconditional Covenants, despite the unfaithfulness of the Jewish people and nation.

    The Bible predicts a coming day, future to us at this time, when “all Israel shall be saved.”

    Mystery doctrines are not hidden, not mysterious, but brought to light in the Gospel of Christ, and have been newly revealed (because totally unknown before) in the New Testament, and most frequently through the Gospel revealed to Paul.

    True salvation was available in Old Testament times. God made known two options. Leviticus 18:5 promises that if anyone can perfectly keep the law, they will be granted life, namely eternal life, for doing so. But no one but our Lord Jesus Christ was ever able to perfectly keep the Law, so no one else has ever received life on that principle.

    Lev 18:5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.

    The other option in the Old Testament is stated in Habakkuk 2:4,

    Hab 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

    I believe Habakkuk under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit derived his statement from the truth stated in Scripture about Abraham, which also states this option based upon faith, NOT works:

    Gen 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
    Gen 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
    Gen 15:7 And he said unto him, I am the LORD that brought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give thee this land to inherit it.

    This, of course, is part of the Abrahamic Covenant. Abraham did not live to inherit the land promised to him solemnly by oath by God:

    Act 7:4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
    Act 7:5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

    You will carefully note that Stephen in his final sermon is making direct reference to the very passage of Scripture from Genesis 15 that I just cited above.

    Stephen carefully states that though Abraham has been given the promise, yet Abraham himself never personally received the benefit of that provision of the Abrahamic Covenant. Yet the promise was made to him, and for him.

    Since God always keeps His promises, it is most clear that Abraham must be resurrected from the dead and brought to his inheritance in the very land that God originally promised to him, so that the promise can be fulfilled literally to the very person to whom the promise was made.

    This is why Malachi emphatically states:

    Mal 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

    On another matter raised by Genesis 15:6, the “faith option” is utterly excluded from the “works option” of Leviticus 18:5.

    Paul fully develops this theme in Romans 4. I suggest you take the time to very carefully read and study Romans 4. It is most important, indeed.

  4. A. Way says:

    Jerry said: “But you may not be fully aware of the implications of the first verse you cite, Malachi 3:6”.

    Please read what is written: Galatians 3:26-29 AKJV For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (v27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (v28) There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (v29) And if you be Christ’s, then are you Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

    The “promise” of God to Abraham to justify both Jews and Gentiles on the basis of faith alone, without the “works” of “the law”.

    Galatians 3:8 KJV And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

    Galatians 3:14 KJV That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

    Galatians 3:16 KJV Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

    It is not by genetics that any are saved, only by faith in the grace of God. These verses completely contradict your theory of “natural” Israel.

    Oh – and on the immortality of the soul, the great original lie which was told to Eve in Eden, “Ye shall not surely die,” (Genesis 3:4) was the first sermon ever preached on the immortality of the soul. That sermon was crowned with success, and terrible results followed. Satan has brought minds to receive that sermon as truth, and ministers preach it, sing it, and pray it. Most professed Christians believe this lie, and it is the basis of spiritualism. A commentator on this topic wrote, “Ministers inspired of Satan can eloquently dress up this hideous monster, hide its deformity, and make it appear beautiful to many. But it comes so direct from his Satanic majesty, that he claims the right to control all who have to do with it, for they have ventured upon forbidden ground, and have forfeited the protection of their Maker. ”

    The sermon which Satan preached to Eve upon the immortality of the soul–“Ye shall not surely die”–has reiterated from the pulpit; and the people receive it as pure Bible truth. It is the foundation of spiritualism. The word of God nowhere teaches that the soul of man is immortal. Immortality is an attribute of God only. 1Timothy 6:16 : “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen.”

  5. Jerry says:

    Dear A. Way,

    Would you kindly please explain the following verse you reference:

    (v27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

    Thank you in advance.

  6. A. Way says:

    Put on Christ, that is, to have His character. That is the fruit of the spirit. You become changed. Salvation is healing, a restoration, born again. Same idea as in Romans 13:14.

  7. Jerry says:

    Dear A. Way,

    Your explanation seems plausible for the second half of the statement.

    What is meant by the first half, namely, “(v27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ”?

  8. A. Way says:

    Yes Jerry, I understand what you trying to so. . You are bating me to address another heresy. I’ll go with Anabaptist. For those really interested in the topic, I’d recommend starting with Biblical dictionary to understand terms.

  9. Jerry says:

    Dear A. Way,

    Your response falls far short of your usual acumen. I’m looking for a Biblical response, not an excursion into church history. Our beliefs ought not to be founded on church history, but on Bible truth.

    So far, therefore, we are left hanging.

    You expanded on the second half of a verse, but ignored and so far have refused to explicate the first half of the verse.

    But the second half of the verse must be understood in the light of its context, which clearly must include the first half!

    Once again, here is the verse you cited that is in question:

    (v27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

    Only those who “have been baptized into Christ” can be said to “have put on Christ.”

    But you cannot understand or properly apply the last half until you properly understand and apply the first half.

    Just what is meant by saying to “have been baptized into Christ”?

    I am awaiting your explanation of the first half.

  10. A. Way says:

    I agree with you. You can need to take scripture as a whole. I also will leave my prior response as it is.

    As far as church history, much can be learned by examining thought processes in the interpretation of scripture and doctrine. There is a lot that the redormers got right. Not all, most certainly. Hold fast to that which is good.

  11. Jerry says:

    Dear A. Way,

    Perhaps you won’t explain the requested verse because you have no information about it that applies to that half of the verse.

    Should this be the case, that would signal that your understanding of the rest of the passage is deficient, and likely incorrect.

    I believe this is so because the ideas represented in that first half of the verse are crucial to the interpretation of the whole verse, and critical to understanding the meaning and message of its larger context.

    But so far you prove my unexpressed point: Those who are mistaken about the doctrine of Scripture must confine themselves to very narrow limits. Get them off their major track, and they are lost in the woods with no clue of where they are or where they are going.

    That is the proper value of studying the Bible carefully by means of cross references. They encompass the whole of Scripture, and are not limited to the narrow scope of a denominational “track” which focuses narrowly on its own special “doctrinal distinctives” to the exclusion of much else in Scripture that would lead to a correction of the mistaken denominational emphasis.

    Thank you for proving my point, so far.

    Of course, there still remains the opportunity to redeem yourself.

  12. A. Way says:

    The plan of redemption has never changed. The way of salvation is the same in the OT as in the NT. I know it is hard you to understand how anyone could disagree with you. I find your arguments not to fit what scripture is saying. scripture is clear, only God is immortal. Man is mortal. To say we never die is a lie of Satan. Gen. 3:4. As fir hour thoughts on baptism, you have made you thoughts clear. You are clearly wrong. The plain word is easy to understand. I have chosen not to argue the point, because scripture is so plain. In fact, the major teachings that we differ on are so clear in scripture. You resort to the denominational card, yet what I have shown is from scripture.

  13. Jerry says:

    Dear A. Way,

    It may be you “choose” not to discuss the issue of baptism as it is taught in Scripture, and as it is brought out in the Scripture passage you brought up.

    But you state, “As for your thoughts on baptism, you have made your thoughts clear. You are clearly wrong.”

    I have not presented my thoughts about baptism on this site, as far as I recall. I may have made a very brief comment on it, stating that the New Testament, by the Rule of necessary inference (which is now my Rule 23 of Rules for Correct Bible Interpretation), does in fact teach that the apostles practiced the baptism of infants in the book of Acts.

    You almost immediately denied my rule of necessary inference.

    Your denial is as nonsensical as the denial I reported here of my graduate school professor at Wayne State University who denied altogether any possibility of having rules of interpretation that could legitimately apply to the teaching of literature, especially the teaching of poetry.

    I think I commented that sometimes the students are better informed than their professors, even on the very subject the professor is teaching the students!

    Now as for the subject of baptism, it is unlikely in the extreme that you either have or will ever live to have studied the subject from Scripture to the degree that I have. You can blame that on my dear friend Uncle Frank, who both encouraged my study (I was an active member of the Highland Park Baptist Church in Detroit–actually, Highland Park, a then very beautiful suburb completely surrounded by the city of Detroit–at the time) and furnished the means to make that study of this subject.

    Now, when you state that I am “clearly wrong,” it is just as clear to everyone reading here that you cannot legitimately make such a statement because I have not presented the information to you upon which you might properly attempt to pass judgment upon its correctness or falsity.

    And when you refuse to answer an argument, and refuse to even try to do so, you have lost the argument, for you give evidence thereby that you cannot answer it.

    But in its simplest form, off the top of my head, here is my argument:

    1. The subject of the mode of Christian baptism may be controversial, but there is a correct mode witnessed to in Scripture.

    2. The subject of the mode of Christian baptism is not a cardinal doctrine essential to salvation, so individuals can be genuine Christians even if they believe in and practice the wrong mode.

    3. By mode of baptism I have reference to how much water is involved in administering the rite of ritual water baptism. The options are sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.

    4. Anabaptists (I really did take the time today to consult a Bible dictionary on the subject), whose position you indicate you approve if I understand your comment above correctly, did not believe in infant baptism, but only believer’s baptism. The Anabaptists also preferred the mode we call immersion, since the Baptists are said to have developed from this group, as did others like the Mennonites.

    5. From a strictly linguistic and grammatical standpoint, only sprinkling or pouring are modes that are directly supported by the original language of Scripture.

    6. From a strictly lexical standpoint, with reference to the actual meaning of the words used in reference to baptism, all modes are allowable, but immersion of persons in water for any religious purpose whatsoever is not to be found anywhere in Scripture.

    7. There are many different kinds of baptism referred to in Scripture, but it is probably easiest to consider just two broad categories: (1) real baptism, which does not involve water and is never administered by human administrators; (2) ritual water baptism, which does involve the application of water to the person, and is accomplished by human administrators.

    With reference to the text of Scripture in question in our current discussion, from Galatians 3:27,

    Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

    the reference to those who “have been baptized into Christ” has nothing to do with water baptism, but the real baptism accomplished by the Holy Spirit for each believer when they are truly saved.

    Now that I have presented the bare outline essentials of the Biblical teaching regarding the subject of baptism, you are most welcome to answer my position and prove the truth of your claim that I am “clearly wrong.”

  14. A. Way says:

    My suspicions confirmed, thank you.

    It is interesting that in your brief comments on baptism, that you ignored the most important part, what does baptism mean! Understanding the meaning makes the ordinance of baptism perfectly clear.

    It is true, that baptism has a double meaning. The greatest commandment is to love the LORD thy God with all your heart, strength, and mind. We need to be totally “immersed” in the in God. A “half baked” effort will fail. It must be total and complete. We sacrifice self for Christ. We die to Christ, yet we live, but it is not I that lives, it is Christ that lives in me. Galatians 2:20

  15. Jerry says:

    Dear A. Way,

    I still don’t know what your suspicions might have been, but since I posted Scriptural truth out of the Bible itself, and at least as of yet you’ve made no objections to the seven points I posted, I take it you are in agreement so far. But if you are not in agreement, you are most welcome to offer corrections to my viewpoint and understanding of Scripture on this subject.

    You mention that I missed mentioning what you consider the most important point, namely, the meaning of baptism.

    I am happy to respond to this omission, again writing “off the top of my head.”

    8. The meaning of the Greek word underlying our English word baptism (the Greek word may be transliterated baptizo) is to be permanently brought within (or placed within, or subject to, or transformed by) the influence of the baptizing element so as to be completely changed in character.

    The word does not mean immersion. The word does not mean sprinkling. The word does not mean pouring. Immersion, sprinkling, and pouring are merely modes by which baptism may be accomplished physically. The Greek word baptizo and related words in Greek are non-modal words.

    The Greek word tells us what was done, but does not at all specify how it was done.

    Perhaps an example of a totally unrelated English word will make this concept clear. The word “kill” or “killed” in English is a non-modal word. If I were to report that a man was killed last night in the nearest town, and if that were all I stated, you would have no knowledge from my statement about how the death occurred, only that it did. You cannot tell if the man was stabbed to death, or shot, or hit by a car, strangled, drowned, or run over by a train, all possible modes that might have brought about the result.

    Since the Greek word for “baptize” is a non-modal word that tells us nothing about how it is done, we must rely on context to discover what mode was used or intended.

    In the Bible, there is not a single context which indicates that the mode of immersion is intended, for nowhere in Scripture are persons ever immersed in water for any religious purpose whatsoever.

    In Scripture, to address the doctrinal meaning of the word rather than just its lexical meaning, baptism symbolizes the washing away of our sins by the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16 with Revelation 1:5) that takes place when we place our faith in the finished work of Christ on the Cross for our sins and believe in and on Him as our Savior.

    Act 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

    Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

    Water baptism, by whatever mode, at whatever age, does not wash away sins. The blood of Christ washes away sin, upon our belief in Him, not the rite of water baptism. Water baptism does not bring about our salvation. Ritual water baptism does not save us. Belief in Christ does.

    The Scriptural mode of Christian baptism, as well as its symbolical meaning, is quite clearly stated in Hebrews 10:22,

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

  16. Jerry says:

    I notice that Mr. A. Way has grown very silent on the subject of baptism that I introduced from the Scripture he introduced. He said what I posted confirmed his suspicions. He earlier said I was all wrong on the subject. He seems to be very afraid of participating further in the discussion. We’ll see. Perhaps he has been very busy and just has not gotten to it yet. But in any case, he has been slow in offering any proof to the contrary to show how wrong I am.

    I suggest that it is impossible to prove me wrong on the subject. Uncle Frank prepared me well from Scripture.

    That is the very purpose of my originally entering into a deep study of the subject years ago. Those who think they belong to the one true church, like JWs, and probably Seventh-day Adventists, face a major contradiction with reality when they find what they have been taught and what they practice regarding mode of baptism is not actually supported by the Bible at all, but is pure tradition, the very thing they fault others for on other topics. That should wake them up, if they are a thinking person, to the fact that their chosen denomination can’t be the one true one if they are in error on a subject as plain as this.

    Of course, what mode one uses for baptism is not a major issue, but some make it so. Error on this matter is inconsequential. But I do severely fault those who favor immersion for their failure to receive other believers who disagree with them on this matter. This is a clear violation of Romans 15:7. The fact that immersionists will not listen to or accept any Bible evidence contrary to their own mistaken position practically makes them a false cult on that issue. Immersionists most mistakenly do make this a major issue.

    My wife knows her Bible well. She will not hear to baptism by immersion because she knows that is contrary to what the Bible teaches. That means if we attend a baptistic church (any church that practices immersion only that does not incude “Baptist” in its name), she will not be accepted, even though she was baptized as a believer, because she was sprinkled, not immersed. I was baptized as a believer by both modes. First by sprinkling in the Methodist church (which actually announced publically that they were open to either mode), where I attended the youth group. Shortly after that I was baptized by immersion at Highland Park Baptist, where immersion was required for church membership, and church membership was required to be a Sunday school teacher. I had been teaching Sunday school for some while when it was discovered I was not an actual member of the church, though I had attended there with my parents since I was an infant. Highland Park Baptist would not accept my baptism by sprinkling in the Methodist church the year before as valid. It did not bother me then, though it infuriated my parents, who did not approve of my baptism by immersion at all. Now, after considerable study of the subject thanks to Uncle Frank, I see my parents were correct on this subject.

    By the way, violating Romans 15:7 is a most serious matter, possibly subject to severe consequences eternally. If you haven’t noticed that connection, study carefully the cross references given in the Nelson’s Cross Reference Guide to the Bible again, and you will see the evidence starkly staring you in the face. I have posted that set of cross references elsewhere on this site. You can probably find the page if you “Google” Romans 15:7.

    Just checking Google, my material is very hard to find. I’ll change that right now by posting a new major article where Google and everyone else will be sure to find it.

    Forgive my rant, but it is a “hot button issue” for my family, because we have been severely affected to the point where we cannot attend church locally, for supposedly Bible believing churches will not receive us because we won’t agree to their mistaken view of exclusive immersion as the only correct mode of Christian baptism. All modes ought to be equally accepted by all churches as valid. If there should be any exclusion going on, those who believe in and practice immersion should be excluded from Christian fellowship because that practice is directly contrary to the actual teaching of the Bible! I have never encountered a church that practices sprinkling that would refuse membership to those who practice immersion, but I have surely encountered churches that practice immersion who will not accept those who were baptized as believers by sprinkling.

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