The Great Whore's Execution

“The Great Whore's Execution” 

REVELATION 17:14-18

THEME: In highly metaphorical language the filthy religious prostitute and her judgment by the Lord Jesus are described. Be assured that God hears the prayers of his persecuted, justice is a divine priority, and martyrs will eventually be vindicated. 

INTRODUCTION: 

John describes the Lamb’s phased and progressive victory over "the beast" and his kingdom. Here the religious system is destroyed; then later the political and economic systems fall also (Rev 18). Afterwards, the Lord Jesus returns to earth; condemns Satan, "the beast" and the false prophet (Rev 19:19-20); and then establishes His kingdom.

Likewise, every age has featured a "Babylon," a rebellious political and economic system that has sought to control people’s minds and destinies. Just as the contrast to the "whore" is the pure bride, so the contrast to "Babylon" is the City of God, the New Jerusalem, the eternal home prepared for the Lamb’s wife (Rev 21:9). Each generation of believers must keep itself pure from the pollution of both the "whore" and "Babylon."

In these two chapters, John prophesies two divine judgments. In Revelation 17 and 18 John revisits that destruction and deals in detail with the fall of Babylon.

MESSAGE:

III. The Great Whore Executed (Rev. 17:14-18)

 The scarlet woman is both a religious system and a city (Rev. 17:18) which will “ride the beast” for a while. However, in the days when John’s prophecy will be fulfilled, an amazing thing will happen: "the harlot" will be made desolate by the very system that carried her!

A.  HER EXCLUSION BY ANTI-CHRIST (Rev. 17:16) 

    1. Finally, when the worship of the Beast is set in place (Rev. 13:4, 14, 15).

    2.  The coalition of kings “these will hate the whore” will resist her choke-hold on their freedom and finances and react with vengeance.

    3.  These kings will destroy the woman but will themselves be destroyed by the Lamb (Rev. 17:14-18). 

QUOTE: “It is important to note that "the beast" carries "the harlot" Satan (and Antichrist) will use the apostate religious system to accomplish his own ends (i.e., attain world power); but then he will do away with "the harlot" and establish his own religious system. And all of this will be the fulfillment of God's Word (Rev 17:17).

Since "the beast" sets up his image in the temple about the middle of the Tribulation, we can assume that "the harlot" and "the beast" work together during those first three-and-a half years. This is corroborated by the fact that the ten kings assist him in desolating "the harlot" (Rev 17:16). These are the same ten kings associated with "the beast" when he sets up the "United States of Europe" during the first half of the Tribulation.”  —W. W. Wiersbe

B.  HER ELIMINATION BY THE BEAST (Rev. 17:16)

Their antagonism to Christ will drive these 10 kings to war against Him but they will be soundly defeated (v. 14) by the Lamb—the Lord of lords and King of kings (1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 19:16). They will meet their demise in this battle.

    1.  After using the false religious system to unify the world kingdoms and gain control of all, the Antichrist—with the help of his 10 sub-rulers—will turn against the system, plunder and destroy it, and seize all power and worship for himself.

QUOTE: “Throughout history, political systems have "used" religious bodies to further their political causes. At the same time, church history reveals that religious groups have used politics to achieve their purposes. The marriage of church and state is not a happy one, and has often spawned children that have created serious problems. When dictators are friendly with religion, it is usually a sign that they want to make use of religion's influence and then destroy it. The church of Jesus Christ has been most influential in the world when it has maintained a separated position.

Compare the description of "the harlot's" desolation with that of the death of Jezebel (2 Kings 9:30-37).”     —W. W. Wiersbe

    2.  The vivid picture of evil that the angel showed John -- Beast, kings, Whore -- also displays the destructive nature of selfishness. Past and future kings give their authority and power to the Beast with greedy desire for even greater power. The whore depends (sits on) the Beast. The Beast, the kings, and the whore are allies until the Beast and kings turn on the whore and betray, humiliate, sacrifice, and consume her. Faced with doom, they turn on each other.

    3. Evil proves to be vicious and destructive. It hates everything good that God has made. Evil people may profess values such as loyalty and unity, but in the end, they will destroy their allies to preserve themselves.

    4. Compromises and alliances with evil, to accomplish a "greater good," also prove to be deceptions. Satan uses an effective tactic. He tried it with Jesus himself (Matt 4:1-11) by tempting him to use his power to make a "shortcut" to a good goal. The temptations were real. Jesus could have gained the whole world in a moment, but he would have also abandoned God's plan. Christians face the same kinds of temptations today.

     5.  But "good ends" accomplished by evil means serve Satan, not Christ. Only what we do for Christ and by his power will last.

C.  HER EXECUTION BY GOD.   (Rev. 17:14-15, 17)

 United, they will gather to make war with the Lamb, seeking to prevent Him from setting up His universal messianic kingdom (Rev. 19:19). Armageddon decides their awful fate.

    1.  The Place is Armageddon.

        A.  The kingdom of Antichrist will “make war.”

        B.  A reference to the battle of Armageddon (Rev. 16:14–16).

        C.  This is where the Lamb will utterly destroy the 10 kings (Rev. 19:17–21).

    2.  The Person is Christ, Jesus the Lord.

“The Lamb,” “Lord of lords and King of kings.” A title for God (Rev. 19:16; 1 Tim. 6:15; Deut. 10:17; Ps. 136:3) that emphasizes His sovereignty over all other rulers to whom He has delegated authority.  The Lamb will overcome and be victorious! 

    3. The People with Him are the Saints of Heaven. (Rev. 17:14)

 The King of kings will bring his chosen ones with him. We will be with Christ then, but we are also with him now. The battle will be won against Satan then, but with Christ in us, we can win the battles against Satan every day.

        A.  If we accept compromise and defeat, we surrender to Satan.

        B.  But if we trust Christ, claim his victory, and live by his power, we can defeat Satan. 

    4.  The Successes of the ‘Whore’ Once Multiplied Globally. (Rev. 17:15)

Rev. 17:1 stated that the woman “sitteth upon many waters.” These “waters” are now interpreted as “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.” This indicates that there will be one ecumenical world religious system, embracing all nations and languages.

5. They Will Be Carrying Out God’s Purpose to Condemn Evil (Rev. 17:17).

Gen. 50:20. This is part of God’s sovereign purpose to bring evil leaders into judgment; He has placed it into their hearts to accomplish His purpose by cooperating with the beast to give him their power to rule.

QUOTE: “What do we mean by this expression "the sovereignty of God"? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the godhood of God. To say that God is sovereign is to declare that God is God. He is the Most High, doing according to his will, so that none can stay his hand, defeat his counsels, or thwart his purpose.”  —  Arthur W. Pink 

CONCLUSION: 

Finally, note that those who trust the Lord are not influenced by "the whore" or defeated by the kings (Rev 17:14). Once again, John points out that the true believers are the "overcomers.”

Satan's counterfeit religion is subtle, requiring spiritual discernment to recognize. It was Paul's great concern that the local churches he founded not be seduced away from their sincere devotion to Christ (2 Cor 11:14).

In every age, there is the tremendous pressure to conform to "popular religion" and to abandon the fundamentals of the faith. In these last days, we all need to heed the admonitions in 1 Tim 4 and 2 Tim 3 and remain true to our Lord.

If we merely relegate the previous ideas as futuristic or place them geographically in Europe but fail to recognize the source and magnitude of these compromises, then we have missed the entire message the Lord sought to convey to us down through the ages of the Christian Faith. The religious system is a “whore,” who compromises with political systems around the world to serve Satan’s will of securing devotion to himself alone. A whore is not a wife, and she aggressively enters ‘situationships’ with various countries of the world to gain their power and impact in exchange for her control, constraint, and manipulation. These countries are motivated by greed, exploitation, wealth, affluence, power, and control! They will go to extremes to secure or maintain their strength over the masses of humanity. The “whore” will compromise, fornicate, and alley idolatry to keep and maintain her position of influence. She parades herself as useful, enduring, influential, powerful, worthy, and desirable. She can only offer carnal, worldly, temporal, and elevated enticements afforded by the various countries she already influences. Those political systems get what they want with such ‘payments,’ and manipulation is at the heart of the relationship for them. Any religious system presuming to interact with the ‘whore’ and these ‘kingdoms’ must allow the ‘system’ to control their voices and allegiances…not their beliefs or convictions. That religious component cannot say certain things, must toe the line, must stay in their pre-relegated place, and may give mere half-hearted allegiance to Jesus Christ. If certain issues surface occasionally from religious adherents, they are explained away or deem inconsequential by official sanctions, executive procedures, administrative jargon, and approved policies or laws rooted in governmental allegiance! Thus, the political system supports the great whore’s worship and loyalty to the antichrist, Satan. Many ‘Christian movements’ have been seduced into this type of compromise with governments to continue to enjoy certain political benefits, advantages, perks, and bonuses. Most of us are aware of the ‘unholy marriage of the Church and State!’ However, Jesus Christ calls us to worship God alone without any compromise of our beliefs or convictions that are rooted in the Scriptures. The freedom to which Christ calls us may actually look like bondage in the ‘eyes’ of the sophisticated organizations who punishes anyone for their complete loyalty to Jesus Christ. Beloved, it matters now who you pledge your allegiance to. Antichrist or Jesus Christ…Satan or God. There is no room for compromise.

Another Gospel...Really!?

2 Cor. 11:2-4; Gal. 1:3-9

THEME: Beware of the many false notions and beliefs associated with the genuine Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Have you ever heard someone say, “There are many ways to Heaven”? I can recall a debate on the Oprah Winfrey Show years ago where she advocated for “many paths to God” instead of through Jesus Christ alone. This version of political correctness acknowledges that we live in a very pluralistic society and confuses respect for freedom of religion with legitimacy of all faiths. While we all enjoy the right to believe what we want equally, all belief systems are not equal, valid, or even advisable. They all do not produce the same results.

The struggle is nothing new, people have disagreed since Cain and Abel about the tenants of genuine faith and practices (Gen. 4). There have always been those ‘peace-loving’ (but misguided) people also who tried to harmonize belief systems for the sake of “peace.” The results have been a proliferation of false notions about God, Faith, Christianity, Jesus, the Bible, and on the list goes into the future. Yes, one outcome in the first century was the emergence of other gospels….

LESSON: 

THERE ARE SEVERAL MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE GOSPEL

2 Cor. 11:2-4, For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. [3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

  

“Another Gospel” refers to false gospels of multiplied variations. There are many erroneous teachings today as to what the Gospel is. Humanity, religionists, and the Devil have tried to pervert the true message of the grace of God. The real Gospel of Jesus Christ is always distinguished by the fact that God saves sinners based on Christ’s work—divine performance. The formula is Faith + Christ’s Work = Salvation. Universally, false gospels always offer salvation because of our works and devotion—human performance. The formula is basically Faith + Human Works = Salvation. Genuine Christianity is the only faith in the entire world that proclaims the work of God on our behalf as the solution for our guilt, shame, and sin! All other world religions preach “another Jesus,” “another spirit,” and “another gospel.” The name of the savior will vary, the ‘holy book’ will vary, and the messages will vary, but it is still one false gospel! Please carefully note how this occurs in two extremely popular, but dangerous belief systems—false gospels….

THERE IS THE FALSE GOSPEL OF BAPTISM

There are those who teach that a person must be baptized before they can be saved or to become a Christian.  The Bible clearly teaches that we are not saved by any amount of human works at all.

    1.  Infant Baptism is a Common Practice Related to This False Gospel.

Infant baptism is the sprinkling or immersion of infants for imparting to them spiritual blessing of some sort. Though the exact purpose of it differs from group to group, almost always it implies that the child thereby receives salvation in some sense.

Infant Baptism is not taught in the N.T. "For some, infant baptism is a doctrine by implication. It is implied that in five households in the N.T. that were visited by salvation, there must surely have been young children. These were the households of Cornelius in Ac. 10, Lydia in Ac. 16, the Philippian jailer in Ac. 16, Crispus in Ac. 18, and Stephanas in 1 Co. 1:16" (The Church of God: A Symposium). This is pure conjecture, not biblical evidence or support!

    2.  What Are We to Do for Our Children?

Since babies are not to be baptized to be saved then what is a loving parent to do?

         a. Christians Can Rejoice That Their Children Are Sanctified by the Parents' Relationship with Christ (1 Co. 7:14).

1 Cor. 7:14   For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

               (1) The Presence of a True Believer in a Non-Christian Home Has a Sanctifying Influence.  To sanctify “holy” simply means to set apart.  Here it does not mean that the unsaved child is automatically saved simply because the wife/mother is, neither does it mean that he is automatically made holy.  Rather it means that he is set apart in a position of external privilege.  He is fortunate to have a Christian mother who prays for him. The child is privileged to live in a home where the parents are indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God.  In this sense the children are holy.  Her life is a testimony and influence for God in the home.  He receives a Christian influence that could result in a true conversion.      

               (2)  Though We Might Not Know Everything This Involves, We Do Know That....

                      (i) The Passage Is Not Speaking of Sanctification by a Baptismal Ritual. Nothing is said here or in any other N.T. passage regarding the necessity of baptizing infants before they can partake of this family sanctification.

                     (ii) Children are Eternally Safe If They Die in Early Childhood. The case of the death of David's son illustrates this. After the child's death, David said he would one day go to be with him (2 Sa. 12:22-23). This shows David's assurance that the baby was safe with God. If this were true for the children of O.T. saints, surely it is true for the N.T. believer.

2 Samuel 12:22-23, And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live? [23] But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Certainly, King David was a saved man, who is in Heaven today with his child who went to Heaven before him!

                      (iii) At a Certain Point in the Child's Life He Becomes Personally Responsible Before God for His Relationship with Jesus Christ. The Bible does not say at what age or point this occurs, but Jesus encouraged children to come to Him (Lk. 18:16), and Timothy was taught the Scriptures as a child with the goal that he would come to salvation (2 Ti. 3:15).

Mark 10:13-16, And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. [14] But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. [15] Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. [16] And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. (Jesus received little children, blessed little children, placed his hands on them and held them in his arms, but he never baptized a single one of them!)

The Lord also made it very clear that little Children where already a part of the Kingdom of God and that they were safe until the age of accountability.

         b. The Parents Must Dedicate Themselves to Train the Child in the Way of Christ. It is not really the dedication of infants that is essential; it is the dedication of parents. Parents are wasting their time if they go through a public ceremony of dedicating their child to God but fail thereafter to discipline and instruct him in the right way. Let us do both! Let us offer our newborn children to God and plead His best blessing upon their lives and let us carefully train them for His holy service.

Ephes. 6:4, And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

    3.  Scripture Declares That We Are Not Saved by Any Good Works.

Titus 3:5, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;  

Being Baptized is a good work which is only proper for the true believer.  (Eph. 2:8-10)

    4.  Salvation is Strictly by Faith in Jesus Christ and What He Accomplished, the Gospel.

Romans 3:21-28 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; [22] Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: [23] For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [24] Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: [25] Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; [26] To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. [27] Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. [28] Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

    5.  What Does Mark 16:16 Mean?

Mark 16:16, He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The omission of baptized with the latter clause of this verse show clearly that Jesus does not make baptism essential to salvation.  

This verse has the same since as the following statement; “He who boards the bus and sit down will arrive at the down town shopping mall.”  It really doesn’t matter at all if they sit down on the bus, they will still arrive at the Mall if they board the bus.  A person who believes on Christ but does not get baptized will still go to heaven.  This verse does not teach at all that baptism saves it actually is a very strong argument for the need to believe on Christ to be saved.

ILLUSTRATION: The Thief Who Died on the Cross Beside the Lord Jesus Was Saved by Faith Without Baptism.   Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. [43] And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Jesus, Himself assured this dying thief that he was saved and would go and spend forever with Him in paradise.  Jesus made it clear that faith in Him alone was enough to receive the benefit of His Death, Burial and Resurrection.  This thief was not baptized but he certainly got saved! 

   

      6.  Baptism Is ONLY for Those Who Have Trusted Jesus Christ As Their Savior.

Acts 8:34-38, And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

THERE IS THE FALSE GOSPEL OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

There are those that claim that you must join their church and take the sacraments to be saved.  They claim that salvation can only be obtained through their church.  As a result, many feel that since they belong to a certain church or denomination that they will be saved and certainly go to Heaven because they belong to a specific church.  Often when I ask them, “Are you 100% sure that if you died right now you would go to Heaven?” they will respond by saying, “Well I’m a Baptist” or “I was raised a Catholic” or “I belong to the Methodist Church”.  In other words, their confidence concerning how to go to Heaven and forgiveness of sins rests in the belief that they belong to a certain church. 

Their response reveals that their hope of Forgiveness, and Salvation from Sin is wrapped up in the fact that they belong to a church, lodge, or fraternity.  All of these are false ideas and must be rejected as legitimate hope of salvation.

      1.  The Scriptures Declare That Jesus Christ is the Only Mediator (Middleman or Liaison) Between God and Humanity.

1 Tim 2:5, For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

          a.  Mediator Means Intercessor; Middle Man; One That Interposes Between Parties at Variance for the Purpose of Reconciling Them.

          b.  The Lord Jesus Christ is the Sole Mediator Between God and Men.

Hebrews 8:6, But now hath he [Jesus Christ] obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he [Jesus Christ] is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 9:15, And for this cause he [Jesus Christ] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 12:24, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Bible commentator Albert Barnes says,  

Christ constantly presents the merits of his death as a reason why we should be saved. He does in heaven whatever is necessary to obtain for us grace and strength; secures the aid which we need against our foes; and is the pledge or security for us that the law shall be honoured, and the justice and truth of God maintained, though we are saved. It is reasonable to presume that this is somehow by the presentation of the merits of his great sacrifice, and that is the ground on which all this grace is obtained. As that is infinite, we need not fear that it will ever be exhausted.

This automatically excludes any church or religious group who claim to have a monopoly on salvation and entrance into Heaven. Jesus, the God-man, is the only one who can save not a church.

      2.  There is No Salvation in Any Other.  Jesus Christ is the ONLY WAY to Heaven.

There is no such thing as many ways to Heaven.  There is no such thing as the Hindu way, Confucius way, Baptist way, Methodist way, or Catholic way to Heaven. All approaches to God are NOT acceptable. All roads and religions do not lead to God! Inventing our own conditions and prerequisites for salvation is not possible with God! We must come to Him on His terms.  

            a.  We Must Come to God, His Way and on His Terms! 

Acts 4:12, Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.      (ALSO EPH. 2:8-10)

John 3:36, He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

John 14:6, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Beloved, Jesus is the ONLY WAY to God, forgiveness of sins, a home in Heaven, and a new life! It is through FAITH in Jesus that we receive eternal life by grace.

            b.  Salvation Is in the Person Jesus Christ and Not in an Institution!  No church, lodge, or religious group can save a person. Only Jesus Christ can Save us from our sin and promise us Heaven when we believe on Him and Him Alone. Salvation is for anyone and everyone who will believe on Christ.  If a Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Mason, Eastern Star, or Pagan will Trust Jesus Christ and Him alone for eternal life, He will save them.

John 6:35, And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:37, All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Bible Salvation is in the Person Jesus Christ and His Accomplishments; Nothing nor No One else! This is God’s Good News, we are not saved by our merits and accomplishments but by those of Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION:

THOSE WHO PERVERT THE GOSPEL ARE CURSED OF GOD

Galatians 1:3-9, Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, [4] Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: [5] To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    [6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

ANY OTHER GOSPEL MUST BE REJECTED AS A LIE, AND THE GOSPEL OF GOD MUST BE EMBRACE THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST AND HIS FINISH WORK.

Because Christ is Alive, God Has a Basis for Saving and Justifying the Believer; We are Just as Righteous as The Risen Christ is!

Romans 8:33-35, Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. [34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

 When a sinner trust Christ as their Lord and Savior, he is accepting the credit of being alive and in Heaven because he is identifying with Christ’s Resurrection.  For the sinner who believes on Christ, there remains no more obligations to sin and death.  He is freed from such obligations so that he can serve his Lord with his new life.   (See Rom 6:4-13).

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an essential element of the gospel of the Grace of God, without it we have no hope or means of going to Heaven, Forgiveness of Sin, a Relationship with God, and Peace for all Eternity.  But now is Christ risen from the dead! This is the Gospel, the Good News of Christ who died in the place of sinners and the One who was buried to put away our sin.  Finally, the One who lives today in the power of and eternal life.  He can offer life to all that will believe on Him. 

Live by Faith

Live By Faith Though we are accustom to living by sight, we are instructed by our Lord to live by faith instead (James 2:14-26). The fact is more can be grasped, experienced, and accomplished by faith than by any other means. You see, when we live by faith in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we embrace a Reality and Relationship that is absolutely without parallel in the entire universe. This opens the way to wonderful realizations for the child of God immersed in fellowship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Truly, what is more exciting than being hooked up with the Creator Himself! Since this relationship is with God, we need not fear living by faith. He is totally trustworthy (Heb. 6:16-20)! Faith encompasses the means of entering a relationship with God, how we grow to genuine maturity in Christ, and how we deal with the challenges of living out the plan of God for our lives. Before going any further, it is helpful to focus briefly on what faith is. Faith is trusting God and His Word. This excludes a certain feeling things will work out or mere optimism. Faith always has a biblical basis; it is never whimsical or merely imagined. God has spoken in His Word and we can believe Him. Faith must have God and His Word as its object. Faith is only as good as the object it is trusting in. If we are trust in the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, then we are focus on the only truly deserving object of faith. While people may believe in anything or anyone they choose, faith in any other object besides God in Christ is essentially a waste. Faith is placing confidence in an honest God who revealed Himself in history, the Scriptures, through Jesus Christ, and creation (Heb. 1:1, 2). He is the correct object of faith because of His faithful character. He can be trusted in every scenario. All that He has communicated to us can be taken to heart and believed with every fiber of our being. Faith also involves acting on what God said; it is characterized by obedience. The test of genuine faith is activities and efforts that evidence that faith. Faith without works is actually dead, illegitimate, and disingenuous (James 2:14-26). Real faith manifests itself in a lifestyle of cooperating and obeying God’s commands. Dr. Wiersbe brilliantly summarizes faith saying, Faith is a key doctrine in the Christian life. The sinner is saved by faith (Eph 2:8 9), and the believer must walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6); and whatever we do apart from faith is sin (Rom 14:23). Someone has said that faith is not "believing in spite of evidence, but obeying in spite of consequence." When you read Hebrews 11, you meet men and women who acted on God's Word, no matter what price they had to pay. Faith is not some kind of nebulous feeling that we work up; faith is confidence that God's Word is true, and conviction that acting on that Word will bring His blessing. We are challenged repeatedly in the Scriptures to live by faith as Believers in Christ Jesus, our Lord (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). God expects every Believer to function in relationship with Him, the World, and the unseen realities on a basis of full confidence in Him and His Word (Heb. 11 & 12). Always remember, faith is at the very foundation of a genuine relationship with God (John 3:16; 1 John 5:1-5). We must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sin. Christ died in our place taking responsibility for our sins, was buried and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15: 1-5; 2 Cor. 5:17-21). Our trust in His work initiates a faith-relationship with the Most High God. Trusting Jesus Christ is paramount (John 1:10-14). Since our Christian journey begins with believing God, we can only grow and flourish on the same principle of faith in God (Heb. 6). Thus, faith is mandatory for authentic Christian maturation and development in the energy of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3). So, we are converted through faith and we must continue in faith. Living for the Lord in the power of our old fallen nature is utterly impossible, though many Believers attempt this form of hypocrisy (Rom. 7). Authentic spiritual formation transpires under the influence of the Holy Spirit producing Christ-likeness in the yielded Believer. It is imperative that we conscientiously trust the Spirit of grace to produce Christ in us and project Christ through us. It is the Spirit who makes Believers spiritual (Gal. 5:22-26). Finally, faith is the strategy we employ to handle all the challenges we will encounter while living for the glory of God (Heb. 11 & 12). So far we have observed that we are saved, and sanctified as we believe God. Now, we note that we can be strengthened by faith as well. To endure the challenges, persecutions, and hardness that often accompany discipleship will require a steadfast confidence in God. If we are to appropriate the grace, power, wisdom, and divine provisions into our personal experience, we must exercise faith in God's promises (2 Pet. 1:3, 4) There you have it; by faith we are saved, sanctified, and strengthened. Again, faith is foundational to our relationship with God, and it is required for living and growing as a genuine believer. We also observed how faith is our strategy for handling all the challenges that accompany living for God in a wicked world. So, how shall we live now that we are saved? Let us live by faith. Really "life" begins when we do so.

Jesus Christ Claimed to be God

Really, who is Jesus of Nazareth? Did he actually claim to be God or is this idea merely an over embellished ancient church tradition? Did Jesus struggle with his identity, or was he transparently clear about himself? While some skeptics feverishly grapple with these questions, the biblical evidence reveals Jesus Christ indisputably claiming to be God through his words, actions, and reception of worship.

First and foremost, Jesus made more than a few irrefutable claims to be God. In fact, such claims thrusted him into the antagonisms of the Jewish leaders and religious authorities. For example, Christ said he had authority to forgive sins (Matt. 9:6), and that he shared the very unique and exclusive glory of God (John 17:5). He also unabashedly claimed “God was his Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18; 10:30 KJV). When placed under oath by the high priest during his trials, Jesus spontaneously divulged his identity as the Messiah and Son of the Most High God (Matt. 26:62-66). Then he clairvoyantly predicted his crucifixion and resurrection with brilliant accuracy! Without exception Christ was communicating what he knew to be true of himself in all these instances. One may argue with the legitimacy of Christ’s claims to be God, but it is undeniable he indeed portrayed himself as God.

In addition, Jesus’ verbal claims were amiably strengthened by his astounding miraculous deeds. It is imminently consistent for God to behave uniquely; he alone is adept in distinguishing exploits and prerogatives commensurate with divinity. For instance, Jesus habitually healed the sick, routinely gave or restored sight to the blind, completely cleansed lepers (Matthew 4:23-25), authoritatively exorcised demons, roundly controlled natural forces, and casually strolled on the tempestuous Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:22-33). Though this is quite an impressive resume, it is but a sample of his numerous supernatural and well-documented wonders. Together they explicitly shout his deity. While it is true several human prophets of God performed miraculous deeds, none of them even remotely approached the magnitude, authority, and frequency with which Christ wielded divine power.  

Furthermore, Jesus not only claimed to be God and behaved like God, but he freely received the worship of his disciples; consider two examples. First, they worshipped him after he walked to them on the squally Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:33). On this occasion they openly confessed Jesus as the unique Son of God. Secondly, they worshipped him openly after his glorious resurrection (Matthew 28:9, 17; Luke 24:52). Recall how skeptical Thomas confessed the resurrected Jesus as, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:26-31 KJV). This doubter was overwhelmed with the solid evidence presented to him. These worshipping disciples were not impulsive strangers all too eager to worship whoever made a claim to be God. Nor were they marked by too little insight to know what they were doing. No, these perceptive Jewish men were daily privy to Jesus’ incredible life, and they astutely analyzed him over the course of three years (1John 1:1-4). For two millennia people have adopted their conclusions regarding Christ’s natures and person. Today believers stand in solidarity with them; the man Jesus Christ is also God and worthy of unharnessed passionate  worship!

Transparently, the Bible tells us Jesus Christ incontestably claimed to be God through what he said, what he did, and the worship he received. The preponderance of evidence drives us to a twofold recourse: we must not only believe this truth, but also worship Jesus Christ as God. To be absolutely honest in our assessment of the biblical record, we must bow our heads in worship of His Majesty. Listen to and believe the Christ exalting declaration of heaven, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:12 KJV). Join the heavenly throng and worship Christ Jesus declaring, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:13 KJV). Follow the lead of the twenty-four elders who “fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:14 KJV). Bow down in reverence before this Jesus Christ, the supreme Lord of glory, for He is imminently worthy of the most profound adoration of all creation. Just as he accepted the worship of believers down through the centuries, he still receives genuine worship today.