GOODNEWS LETTER
Number 353 January 5, 2011
IF
"IF" is used all the time. And, God's Word has a lot of Scriptures that use the word, too. While, we go to other sources, it takes a bit more savvy to get the message that Jesus taught. For an example, my Webster's New World Dictionary, College Edition defines the word "IF" as a 'condition' I'ts their first choice. Then,'concession or 'introducing 'direct questions' are given. Webster also says that "IF" is used to 'introduce an exclamation expressing a wish, surprise or annoyance' (1957 Edition, pg 722).
I'm sure the Bible has all these ideas within its pages. But, the meaning of 'conditions' is what I want to observe. And, I'm not alone, here. Most students of the word place the majority of their interpretation upon the "conditions" that the Bible mentions. Our favorites teachings that we try to support are: baptism, church membership and works. if Jesus can be cited, then those verses become our favorites.
If fact, the "first" place we go is to seek out the 'contidional passages' to support our doctrine, don't we? We do; that is, if we aren't Calvinistic. Again, there is no shortage of Biblical passages that support our doctrines, either. And, we should go there! As Missionary Baptists, we certainly believe in baptism, church membership and works if we are to serve God correctly. The Bible is full of these teachings, too. Now, if we can only decipher the truth!
To begin with, the verses spoken by Satan were not conditions; for he knew that Jesus was the Son of God. He knew this way back there. The devil just wanted the Lord to submit to his challenges. But, the answers Jesus gave were from Scripture, only. That's what we must do when we are CHALLEGED by Satan or his messengers. Just use verses.
Now, listen to Jesus. "If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee...if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off" (Mt 5:29-30). Like the devil's tactics, we must have discernment to catch the meaning of "cutting off" and"plucking out." It isn't a matter of "IF," for we all sin. But clearly, if we were to actually 'cut and pluck,' the first place we would have to start is the heart. While, I am sure that most don't receive the importance from these words, let me paraphrase what the Lord is saying.
Matthew 5:29-30: 'Commitment of sin is so replusive to My holiness and so against the reason I came to earth, that those who follow Me must get the meaning of My doctrine. DO NOT COMMIT FLESHLY SIN. If you have a choice of sinning or cutting off the member that desires to sin, CUT IT OFF, PLUCK IT OUT AND CAST THEM FROM YOU.'
But, Jesus is taking the physical act to it's intended meaning of the act in our hearts. Even, if we were to cut off and pluck out, sin still lives our fleshly life. However, it must not dominate us. That's what Jesus is teaching, I think. And, His teaching on sin is the reason that I repent. I do sin. In every precept of the Law, I sin and miss it's mark. Yet, I take the teaching of Jesus soberly and spiritually. I fight, and shall fight, the temptations of the flesh, daily. "If" my understanding is correct, then I can keep my eye and hands; while, all the time, seeking His will within me; knowing that I shall ever miss the mark as a man but, by God's grace, be accepted.
Further, the will of Jesus is much more than being saved from hell (either, gehenna or hades). His will is the Kingdom of God that shall come to earth at His Second Coming. Briefly, hear what the Lord taught on this doctrine. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things (food, clothing) shall be added to you," Matthew 6:33.
Jesus went on the say: "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And, then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that do iniquity," Matthew 7:22-23.
Since Jesus used the words of "In that day," reveals that the lost will still be in hell. It's the day of His Second Coming. But, those whom He did not know are disobedient ones. They tried to do it their way and never understood that they missed the mark.
Finally (where can we stop?), the words of Jesus are positive when it comes to His Father's kingdom doctrine. His care is constant. "If ye then be not able to do that thing (add stature) which is least, why take ye thought for the rest(food & clothing)?" (Lk 12::26).
Throughout the church epistles, Paul informs us what Jesus did on our behalf. "Made peace" (by blood of the cross) and, "Reconciled all things to Himself;" even us, "that were sometimes alienated and enemies in you mind by wicked works...in the body of His flesh through death to present us holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight,"Colossians 1:20-22.
Then, Paul adds the title word of our GoodNewsletter, "'IF' ye continue in the faith gounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard..." Verse 23. The message of "the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints," (Col 1:26) sure sounds conditional to me.