A Right View of God

How can we see God less as an angry and authoritarian God and more of a loving, compassionate God? 

(1) The Lord shows Himself as a loving, compassionate, merciful, and gracious God throughout the Bible:

Psalm 86:15 (KJV), “But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”

Psalm 103:13-14 (KJV), “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”

Romans 5:8 (KJV), “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

We could also talk about how God did not destroy Adam and Eve after their sin, but made them coats of skins, and promised a Saviour to come (Genesis 3:15);

About God’s having compassion upon His people who were enslaved for 400 years and sending them a deliverer (Exodus);

About God and His dealings with rebellious Israel in the book of Judges in sending leaders to help them;

About God’s compassion for the Ninevites in sending Jonah to call them to repentance.

About God commanding the Israelites to treat Gentiles fairly who wanted to be part of Israelite culture (e.g. Exodus 22:21).

About the books of Isaiah and Jeremiah where God proclaims judgement on Israel and the world for their sin, yet invites all to come unto Him;

About Jesus Christ, God’s own Son coming to die a cruel death on the Cross to save both Jew and Gentile. I mean, that right there, is the greatest act of love, mercy, and grace ever known.

(2) People tend to think of God as an angry God because He hates sin. The reality is that image is true. God is holy (Isaiah 6:3) and the Bible tells us:

God takes no pleasure in sin (Psalm 5:4).
God is angry at the wicked every day (Psalm 7:11).
We are unrighteous (Romans 3:10).
We are all sinners (Romans 3:23).
We are born sinners (Psalm 51:5).
We have gone our own way (Isaiah 53:6).

BUT the Bible also tells us that though He is angry at sin, He still holds out his hand to save (Isaiah 5:25).

He invites us to come and reason with Him (Isaiah 1:18).

He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, that all who believe on Him can be forgiven (John 3:16).

We all have this wonderful Abba Father relationship with God (Romans 8:15) waiting for us if we would only acknowledge our sin and turn to Christ.

(3) Perhaps people see God as authoritarian because they do not want to admit that He created everything, In the beginning, and has full authority over His creation. People don’t seem to like that God is on the throne and sovereign over the works of His hands (Isaiah 64:8).

Perhaps the bottom-line answer to your question is that people may not want to yield to God, admit their sins, and seek forgiveness, and or they fail to take the time to read the Bible or read it as a whole.

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Author: Jerry Smith

Revised from Quora answer Dec. 29, 2022.

How Should a Christian Woman Dress?

Paul's epistle to Timothy included guidance on how he (Timothy) was to manage the church at Ephesus, and by default, all New Testament churches. Part of that guidance included (1 Timothy 2:8-9): 

"...that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."

At the time, Ephesus was famous for the temple of the Roman God Diana (Greek: Artemis) who was worshipped as a mother goddess associated with fertility. In fact, the temple at Ephesus had priestesses engaged in prostitution as a form of worship. Needless to say, the women of the day who were Diana followers, were dressed in such a way as to honor their fertility god and draw attention to themselves, perhaps for sexual purposes. 

Faith Lesson 

Women desire to look nice—to be beautiful. It's a part of their make up. The evidence can be seen in much time and millions of dollars being spent on beauty products, on parlor treatments, on clothes, on surgeries, on procedures, and even on Photoshop software designed to make a woman look beautiful, if not feel beautiful. This is how God designed women and there's nothing wrong with that. As a matter of fact, men love it! 

He does however say where her focus should be: rather than focusing on her exterior, she is encouraged to focus on pointing people to her God.

Paul does not say that a woman shouldn't be concerned with her beauty. In fact, he tells women to adorn themselves. He does however say where her focus should be: rather than focusing on her exterior, she is encouraged to focus on pointing people to her God. Rather than drawing excessive attention to her outward appearance, a woman can dress herself in such a way as to honor her God. Paul said, rather than giving more attention to adorning themselves with exterior items, a Christian woman ought to adorn herself with good works. 

Reflection 

As a woman, what excites a man about you? Is it your appearance only or your inner woman as well? 

What are you focusing on with regard to your beauty that may or may not be out of focus with what Paul urges? 

How could you apply Proverbs 31:30 here? 

How could we apply Proverbs 11:22 here? 

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By Jerry Smith
Feature image: Photo by Alexander Mils on Unsplash

Why Do So Many People Leave Seminaries With Less Faith in the Bible?

I think many people start off believing what is written in the Bible. However, they mistakenly believe also that if they study in a seminary they will become deeper rooted in the Bible and Christianity. Sadly, often the opposite is true.

In seminaries and Bible colleges they are taught by professors who often correct the Bible and teach them from various Bible versions. The word of God becomes diluted and polluted with humanism, modern psychology, and naturalism. One of the first things attacked is that God did not really mean six days, and it degrades from there. 

This happens repeatedly for 2, 4, 6, or 8 years until they leave the seminary quoting authors instead of the Bible. By the time they graduate, they have received a lot of information but have missed the deeper things of God—through faith we understand (Hebrews 11:1–3). 

Often their faith has been so undermined that when they assume positions in churches they proliferate the same teachings to their congregations (Acts 10:28–31). The members believe these teachings because, hey, the teacher came from a seminary. 

The church has fallen into the trap that to understand the Bible, one must leave the church and attend a seminary. The teachings of seminary professors cannot be monitored by the church. The church member is now under the teaching of a professor instead of a pastor-teacher. 

But the Lord has ordained the church as the means for education of His people. He did not ordain sending people from the church to learn theology elsewhere. Christians are supposed to learn their theology from the local body (Acts 2:42, Ephesians 4:11–15). Here the pastor-teacher is supposed to protect the flock from false doctrine (Ephesians 4:14). 

Sometimes learning takes years of sitting under church teaching. But in our weakness as humans, especially humans in modern western culture, we seek shortcuts to what is supposed to take time and maturation (cf. 2 Peter 3:18). This is one of the concepts behind the term “elder,” in the Bible, and the idea behind a bishop not being a new convert (1 Timothy 3:6).

Some people reading this may agree that they learned some of the best lessons sitting under a God-fearing preacher who practiced Bible exposition in his messages. And I suppose there will be others who think they learned the most in Bible school.

But to answer the question more succinctly: People come out of seminaries with less faith then when they went in because we have failed to heed God's word. 

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By Jerry F. Smith

Image source: unsplash.com

As a Christian What Music Should I Sing?

We read in Psalm 113:3, "From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised." That is, we're to praise God all day long. And, when we have opportunities to praise Him, we should be proclaiming the glories of God in praise. So if we have time to sing, we have time to praise God in song. And that, from morning to evening.

In Psalm 147:1, the Lord declares,

Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

It's good to sing praises to God. If it's good, that means it pleases God.

In Heaven, Music Centers on God

In Revelation 5:9 we read:

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy ...

Revelation 15:3 tells us,

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

God used John to give us a glimpse of heaven. And what do we find there? Music and singing. What are the people singing about in heaven? They're praising God.

So if praising God in song is appropriate in heaven, it's certainly appropriate on earth from His people.

Why Not Praise God in Song?

Isaiah 12:5 reminds us,

Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.

Isn't God worthy of praise for all the great things He's done for us? Where did we get our health, our house, our strength to make money, our house, our blessings, and more?

So What Music Should Christians Be Singing?

It's clear from the Bible God-exalting, God-praising, God-glorifying songs are what we ought to be singing.

But Do the Songs We Sing Fit the Bill?

Have you ever really listened to some of the words in the songs people sing?

"Imagine there's no heaven ... "

"You're everything to me ..." in reference to a man or woman.

"Save me ..." in reference to another person.

"You're all my heart desires ..." talking about someone that is not God.

"I did it my way ..."

And on it could go.

God wants us to examine all things in light of His word. We're not to be duped into singing songs that exalt self, others, the world, or things in the world. These are a direct affront to what God has not only commanded, but what He deserves.

The Bible says,

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created (Revelation 4:11).

Surely there's something you can praise God for today. Why not listen and sing along with some God-glorifying songs?

Not just songs that sound religious, Christian, or spiritual, but songs that are actually sprinkled with the word of God, clear, and doctrinal:

"Praise Him, praise him, Jesus our blessed Redeemer ... "

"Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe ..."

"To God be the glory, great things he hath done ..."

"He's the Lily of the valley ..."

"All praise to Him who reigns above ... "

And there are so many more.

Boring You Say?

Why? As Christians, our spirits should be inclined to the things of God (Colossians 3:1).

Doesn't God tell us He's looking for people to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24)? Spirit, meaning born again; truth, meaning according to His word.

Where Does That Leave Us?

The Lord tells us repeatedly not to be ignorant:

Now I would not have you ignorant ... (Romans 1:3).

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant ... (Romans 11:25).

... I would not that ye should be ignorant ... (1 Corinthians 10:1).

... I would not have you ignorant (1 Corinthians 12:1).

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant ... (2 Corinthians 1:8).

... But I would not have you to be ignorant (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

But, beloved, be not ignorant ... (2 Peter 3:8). 

He also tells us to study so we won't be ashamed and to know what pleases Him (2 Timothy 2:15):

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Therefore, I can know that some songs are good, and some are evil. Using the word of God I can prove what pleases God.

Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord (Ephesians 5:10).

So when I get up in the morning and hear my neighbor's licentious pop music, I can know with certainty it's evil.

When I go to the store and hear godless music playing, I can know for sure it's evil.

When I hear people singing worldly, ungodly, songs, I need not have any doubts the act itself is evil. I am not judging (condemning) people, but I can judge (discern) their behaviors.

I don't have to wonder if this music or that music is okay, for Christians to listen to (an ever-popular debate for some to justify what they listen to and sing).

The Bottom Line Is That if It Doesn't Extol the Lord, It's Not Right

Does that mean I should condemn others for their choices of music? No.

Does it mean that I must demand others change their music? No.

Does it mean I should not fellowship with brethren who listen to worldly music? No.

What it does mean, is that I can know the music that pleases the Lord and what does not, and behave myself accordingly.

If you'd like to explore the subject of music further. We have a book that discusses the topic in more detail:

Click to View

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Written by Jerry Smith

Image source: Photo by David Beale on Unsplash

Does God Being Male Insult Women?

God refers to Himself as the Father; Jesus Christ, God in the flesh (John 1:1-3,14), who referred to Himself as the Son of God, came to earth in the form of a man, was crucified, rose again, and now sits on the right hand of the Father as the God-Man. It's fairly straightforward—God is male.

Though God has chosen to reveal Himself as Father and Son—both males, it doesn't mean men are more important than women (cf. Galatians 3:28). Females have played important roles in the Bible: Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary 1, Mary 2, Elizabeth, Lois, Lydia, and others were noteworthy women. And there's no record about them being unhappy with God's gender. 

There is no insult in God being male. The only insult is the one that people try to create.

The female was made from the male (Genesis 2:22), and God has given roles to each gender. They're both equal in creation but not in order (Genesis 1:27). God ordained males as heads (Ephesians 5:23). The only offense is to someone unwilling to accept God's declared order in creation.

Humans could have been anything God created, but He chose to make us male and female. When men and women have children, the family becomes a reflection of the eternal relationship within the Trinity. Apparently, God takes pleasure in proper familial relationships and is glorified in them.

Women can understand God the Father just fine and God the Son just fine. Female Christians in history did not seem to have a problem with that. Only now in American PC culture has God's gender become an issue.

One final note: Jesus Christ gave His life for His church (Ephesians 5:25)—a group comprised of both males and females. He refers to His church as His betrothed bride—a female (2 Corinthians 11:2), and their wedding ceremony will be in heaven during the Tribulation on earth (Revelation 19:7-9). That may make some men uncomfortable, but it's what God has declared—Christian men do not seem to have a problem with that. So, in the New Testament, God speaks to us as a Father, as a Son, and as a Husband to His bride. 

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By Jerry Smith
Feature image: Photo by Julie Johnson on Unsplash

Is Acts 1:8 A Command or Forthtelling?

Basing their actions on Matthew 28:19–20, many Christians and churches today are busy making disciples. While that may be implied from the passage, it doesn't say "make disciples" in the King James Bible. Jesus told the disciples to go, teach, baptize, and teach again.

Matthew 28:19–20

The idea conveyed here is to first be busy about the Father's business (go). Then tell people about God our Creator, our fallen condition, and about Jesus Christ—the Gospel (teach).

When someone has responded to the Gospel in saving faith, they're to be baptized (baptize). After a person is baptized, that brother or sister is to be built up in the faith (teaching them).

A person who has met the Savior will be ready to tell others about Christ. They'll witness to others about their personal encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Andrew is an example of this in John 1:40–42. Though his faith was not yet mature, he instinctively wanted to bring his brother, Peter, to see Jesus Christ.

Acts 1:8

Shortly before His ascension, Jesus told the disciples:

... ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

Eager Christians often see this as a second command to go and make disciples. But is that really what the Lord was saying here?

What did Jesus Say in Acts 1:8?

In Matthew, Jesus said, go. It was an imperative statement; an order that His disciples proceed forth and teach others the Gospel.

In Acts however, there's no imperative. There's only a declarative statement: "ye shall be witnesses." When examining the language of "shall be," the Greek word, esomai, we can see that it can mean, shall come to pass, but it is not an imperative statement.

The word witness comes from the Greek word, martus, a legal term that infers testifying in court (e.g. giving his testimony) or non-legal term for retelling a personal encounter (e.g. sharing his experience).

John bore witness about what he'd heard, seen, and touched during his experience with Jesus Christ (1 John 1:1–3). He declared Christ with the readers of 1 John.

Peter wrote similar words when he expressed his eye-witness account of what he'd seen and heard during his time with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:6).

Paul witnessed of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6–9 and 26:12–15).

Command or Forthtelling?

The words Jesus spoke in Acts 1:8 have often been interpreted as a command to witness to the uttermost part of the earth, but that is not what we see here.

It appears that the Lord was forthtelling and foretelling—telling the disciples what would come to pass: they shall be witnesses (i.e. the word of God for the present: forthtelling), and as witnesses, they would flow from where they were then, to the uttermost part of the earth (i.e. the future: foretelling).

Do we have it backwards?

As Christians, we may have it all wrong. Could it be that we place more importance on Matthew 28:19–20 than Acts 1:8? From what we read in Scripture, it appears Acts 1:8 is the foundation for Matthew 28:19–20.

Perhaps one reason some people dislike Christians, or perhaps many unbelievers reject God and His Son Jesus Christ is that for so long, Christians have been overbearing and failing to demonstrate Christlike attitudes and behaviors—failing to live the Christian life which we speak of.

Could it be that we haven't nurtured our own relationships with the Lord and haven't shown simple sincerity in our witness to others? Don't people look for sincerity from an evangelist?

But if you look at how the Lord conducted Himself, he wasn't overbearing and He absolutely exhibited righteousness. He walked and talked the Gospel. He shared His relationship with the Father, and now He asks believers to share our relationship with Him, with others—ye shall be my witnesses.

Be ready to answer.

Peter wrote to persecuted Christians that they were to be ready:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15).

Why were they to be ready to answer? Because as they lived their Christian lives before those who may have despised them, they'd draw some to them who would ask about their steadfast faith and continued good behavior (cf. 1 Peter 3:8–14).

These verses in 1 Peter 3 are not a mandate to debate unbelievers, but a command to be ready to answer questions about our real and living faith (cf. James 2:18).

In Revelation 2:4, the Lord rebuked the Church of Ephesus because they had lost their first love.

In John 17:3, the Lord, praying to the Father, spoke of knowing the Father and the Son as eternal life.

The Lord is interested in relationships.

Clearly, the Lord is interested in relationships with His people. He is referred to as our heavenly Father (e.g. Luke 11:2) and in an intimate way as Abba Father (e.g. Galatians 4:6). Believers are called sons (e.g. Romans 8:14) and that God deals with us as sons (Hebrews 12:7). He said to His people Israel that He walks among them and would be their God, and they His people (Leviticus 26:12, Deuteronomy 23:14).

Christians today are so caught up in making disciples that they neglect their relationships with the Lord (Revelation 2:4). Focus on ministry and soul-winning take the priority over fellowship, prayer, and personal times spent with the Lord.

God's word teaches us that . . .

We're to let our light shine that others may see it and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). What light do unbelievers see in us? It starts at home, then neighbors, then work, then branches out to the world (i.e. Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost parts of the earth).

We're to live peaceful lives (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14). How peaceful are our lives? Are we the rowdy ones on the block? Does our church make the most noise on Sundays? Are the soul-winners aggressive?

We're not to let evil be spoken of about us—nothing evil to say of us (Titus 2:8, 1 Peter 3:9,16; 2 Corinthians 8:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:15). How well do we fall into this description? What is our testimony to the world? 

We're to love God first (Matthew 22:37, Luke 10:27). Do unbelievers see the love we have for God? Not a touchy-feely love, but a love that seeks to follow God.

Do people see these things in our lives, do they see only Bible-thumpers, hear harsh words, and get gospel tracts shoved in their faces?

Do they hear the believer's testimony of what Jesus Christ has done for him or only mechanical Bible quotes?

Do people see genuine Christianity and want to know more about it? Before the Lord renewed me in the faith, I wanted to be a Christian because I could see there was something pure and good in them. Do others say that about us?

Soul-winning in Church?

These days, preachers and churches feel obligation to preach the Gospel in church services. But is that what we're supposed to be doing in church?

According to Ephesians 4 (4:11–15) and 1 Corinthians 14 (14:3–5,12,26) that's not what we're supposed to be doing. Believers are to be taught doctrine and God is to be praised in His church. If unsaved people come in, they'll see this and know that they're different, and as Paul says, will fall down and glorify God (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).

What were the early disciples doing when they were gathered?

They were . . .

- Continuing daily with one accord.
- Breaking bread from house to house.
- Enjoying fellowship.
- Praising God.
- Having favor with God and man (Acts 2:45–47).

And the result was . . . the Lord added to them such as would be saved (Acts 2:47).
 

Final Thoughts

There must be something different about Christians. People are drawn to the light and will ask about it. We should be using words of grace seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6)—no need to quote chapter and verse. We can just have speech sprinkled with the word of God.

In the end, there should be a balance between Matthew 28:19–20 (teaching) and Acts 1:8 (witnessing).

To know more about reviving your relationship with Jesus Christ or beginning one, purchase your copy of Where Is the Beauty That We May Desire Him: A Devotional on Isaiah 53 (e-book) on Google Books, Amazon Kindle, or paperback. Your purchases help keep this ministry going.
 
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Written by Jerry Smith
Image source: www.LumoProject.com on FreeBibleimages.org

What Does God Say About Same-Sex Marriage?

In today's American culture where gender is questioned and same-sex marriages are relatively accepted as a norm, seeds of doubt about marriage are being planted in Christian minds. Consequently, some Christians may be wondering if God really said that only a man and woman could get married. 

The serpent approached Eve in the Garden of Eden with a similar doubt-planting strategy (Genesis 3:1) saying: "Yea, hath God said," to get her to question if God really commanded Adam not to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

The Devil's strategy hasn't changed. As Paul said in 2 Corinthians 2:11, "we are not ignorant of his [the devil's] devices." 

The continual coverage of same-sex marriages in the media and even certain churches blessing them creates a need for answers to this question. 

In response to the doubt-engendering, same-sex marriage culture of today, Christians can look to the word of God for answers. The Bible is very clear on this matter: only men and women are to be married—becoming husband and wife. 

1. God Created Man and Woman

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:27). 

Only two genders were created by God. The question involves only two types of people: male and female. From this, everything else flows. 

2. God Ordained Marriage Between Males and Females

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh (Genesis 2:24). 

God commanded that the male be joined to his wife (the female). Traditionally, this means in marriage. The joining between man and woman as husband and wife goes as far back as the beginning with Adam and Eve. It's God's design for mankind. 

3. It Is Reinforced in the New Testament

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). 

In the New Testament, the joining of man and woman in marriage is further developed as being an image of Christ and the church, His bride. 

Christ wedding a male church is inconsistent with the clear and plain teaching of the Bible. Since we know Christ is male, He could not be female to marry another female (the church). The idea that same-sex marriages are approved by God just doesn't add up. 

Within the same chapter, the concepts of male and female, man and woman (Ephesians 5:28), and husband and wife (Ephesians 5:23), are quite clear in reference to marriage. 

Final Thoughts

There is no room for doubt. In the current trend of American culture, do not be deceived—God tells us that only men and women should be married. Anything else is in direct contradiction to the commands of God and flies in the face of the clear teaching of Scripture. 

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By Jerry Smith
Feature image source: James Bold on Unsplash
Man and woman no heads image source: Tom The Photographer on Unsplash

What Is the Difference Between the KJV and the NIV?

In a discussion of this topic, manuscript evidence only leads to endless debate (cf. 1 Timothy 1:4). But that's a smokescreen to keep believers from looking at the differences in doctrine between the two versions. 

Look at the differences and judge the doctrines for yourself: 

Proverbs 16:6 

(KJV) By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. 

(NIV) Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD a man avoids evil. 

"Mercy and truth" are external; "love and faithfulness" are things that we have or do. The NIV teaches that forgiveness is attained by working for it. I can use the NIV to cast doubt on salvation by grace. 

The KJV teaches that by something outside of ourselves we can find forgiveness—mercy and truth from the LORD. And that is what we understand to be true regarding salvation. The KJV supports the doctrine of salvation. 

Colossians 1:14 

(KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 

(NIV) ...in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

Redemption means salvation from sin and its penalty. The blood of Christ is missing for redemption in the NIV. The doctrine of Christ's atoning blood is detracted from. 

In the KJV, the blood is an essential element (cf. Ephesians 2:13, 1 Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 1:19, 1 John 1:7). 

Luke 2:33 

(KJV) And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 

(NIV) The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 

Joseph was Mary’s husband in the KJV but not the father of Jesus Christ. The deity of Jesus Christ cannot be attacked. 

The "child’s father" in the NIV supports the idea that Jesus Christ had a human father. The doctrine of the deity and sinless perfection of Christ can now be questioned. 

John 6:69 

(KJV) And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. 

(NIV) We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God. 

This was Peter's testimony of Jesus Christ the Anointed One, the Messiah. Where is Christ in the NIV? The doctrine of Christ loses efficacy in the NIV. 

Any religious man (such as the Pope) can be called the Holy One of God. I can use the NIV to cast doubt on the need for Christ to be saved. I could argue that the Bible says any holy person is the path to salvation. 

In the KJV, there is no doubt who Peter testified of. The doctrine of Christ is supported. 

Acts 16:31 

(KJV) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 

(NIV) They replied, Believe in the LORD Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household. 

Do we believe on Jesus or Jesus Christ to be saved (2 Corinthians 11:4)? There is a HUGE difference. 

The NIV leaves the door open to salvation by believing in a historical Jesus, a good man, a good teacher. The KJB elevates salvation to believing on Jesus the Christ. 

There is soooo much more… 

In the end, it isn't the endless debates about the genealogies of manuscripts but what these versions teach. Again, the so-called "manuscript evidence" and "original manuscripts" debates are simply distractions. One version teaches the fundamentals of the faith, the other removes them. 

As a Christian, which do you feel more comfortable with? 

Which one is safer? 

Which one makes more sense? 

Which supports basic Christian doctrines?

And keep in mind, there can be only ONE magnified (Psalm 138:2), inspired (2 Timothy 3:16), preserved (Psalm 12:6-7), settled (Psalm 119:89), truth (John 17:17). 

With the differences in wording and (often) meaning, they can't all fulfill these criteria. 

So, which version is it? It’s pretty clear. 

What do you think? You're invited to share your comments.

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Written by Jerry Smith

Feature Image Source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/skhoward 

Open KJB: https://www.istockphoto.com/photos/crucifixion

Why Do Christians Make Graven Images of Jesus?

If no graven image of God is to be made for worship, then why do Christians make images of Jesus?

Why do they do it when God is not worshipped by objects made by human hands (Acts 17:24–25)? Neither is God worshipped by things in nature (cf. Romans 1:21–23).

Perhaps a few reasons:

1. They are failing to READ the word of God.
2. They are failing to HEED the word of God.
3. They are failing to BELIEVE the word of God.

There may be other reasons, but these three, I think get to the core of it.

Whatever the reason may be, it is a fair question. Lord willing, more people would ask this question. The answers are in the Bible. That is why God says, “study to show thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15) so that we need not be “ashamed.”

The Bible says we are to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23–24) That means:

(1) Being born again (spirit) by saving faith in Jesus Christ (who died on the cross to pay for our sins and rose again); and

(2) In accordance with the word of God (truth).

These two points are where many, many people stray (Isaiah 53:6).

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Written by Jerry Smith (based on his original answer to a question on Quora).
Image source: Paul Zoetemeijer on Unsplash

Can Christians Get Tattoos?

A highly-debated topic among Christians is whether a Christian can get a tattoo or not. But the question should not be can Christians get tattoos, as if they were breaking the law (Leviticus 19:28)—Christians are not under a command forbidding tattoos. 

The Bible tells us that Christ has given us a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20); meaning, we are not under Old Testament civil or ceremonial laws. We are under grace (Romans 6:14). So, there is no black and white answer here because it falls under the liberty we have in Christ. 

So the question is no longer can, but should a Christian get a tattoo. Maybe better, why would a Christian get a tattoo? What is the message it sends to the world—the people we are supposed to be witnessing to? How does a tattoo promote the image of Christ to the world? 

Romans 14 

Romans 14 is a passage that many Christians will point to in a discussion of this nature. It's certainly a place to visit when Christians judge each other. 

But this isn't a discussion about judgement. This is a discussion about whether believers should get tattoos—a discussion about what we can learn about this subject from the Bible. 

Tattoos have traditionally been seen in a negative light. Only in modern times—when God has been progressively eliminated from the public—have tattoos become somewhat fashionable as body art and expression. 

Since there is no command against Christians getting tattoos, in light of Romans 14, it is between the individual believer and the Lord. 

What Can We Glean from the Bible About This Subject? 

Although some may argue that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)—and as such, we are to glorify God in our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:20)—the emphasis of this text is on avoiding fornication. It is not something that relates to tattoos, so it can be put off to the side. 

Nevertheless, the Bible calls Christians peculiar people (1 Peter 2:9). Back then, the word meant a purchased people—people who were bought by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). 

God's peculiar people are related to Holy God who commands: (1) be ye holy (1 Peter 1:5) in all manner of lifestyle (Titus 2:12), and (2) come out from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17). The idea is that Christians are a called out group of people separate from the world. 

We are also commanded to teach the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20) and be witnesses to others of Christ's saving power (Acts 1:8). And though all things may be lawful for us (1 Corinthians 6:12)—such as getting tattoos—Paul writes they are not always profitable. 

God's purpose for all of us is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). While this does not mean physical image, it does express the idea of conformity to the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5). 

So, we can agree that believers are meant to be more like Christ; to be peculiar people, not like the world. 

Christians getting tattoos does tend to normalize the behavior. Attitudes toward tattoos have changed because perhaps we as pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) are trying to be like the world (e.g. sports stars, actors, wrestlers, other cool people); thus, justifying our desires for tattoos. But, what message does the tattoo send? 

Christians Can Ask Themselves a Few Questions Before Getting Tattooed

1. Do tattoos give the appearance of sameness to the unsaved; showing less of a difference between unsaved and saved? 

2. Does having a tattoo bring us more into the image of Christ to the lost, or does it bring us more into the image of the world to the lost? 

3. Does having a tattoo add more to an image of holiness, or does it give more of an image of unholiness to the world? 

4. Do tattoos make us look more like today's world or does an absence of tattoos give us a more peculiar appearance? 

5. Does having a tattoo promote modesty? 

6. Is having a tattoo conforming a Christian more to the world system and worldly trends or more to a Christ-like appearance and testimony? 

7. Is getting a tattoo an attempt to be fashionable as the world sees it, or is it an attempt to please God? 

8. Does a tattoo honor God with our bodies? 

If after answering these questions you are not fully convinced to get a tattoo, you probably should not get one. 

Final Thoughts 

If a Christian is led to get a tattoo, it would seem odd based on what we can glean from the Bible regarding Christians being called out, separate people. However, if a brother or sister is convinced to get one, to his/her own Master he/she stands or falls. 

Is it something a church should be divided over? No. 

What are your thoughts? Let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Written by Jerry Smith

Feature image source: anete-lusina-146471-unsplash 

Female with tattoo on arm image source: annie-spratt-61562-unsplash

7 Reasons Why Christians Do Not Need to Use an Ancient Hebrew Sacred Name for God

These days, some Christians believe there is special power, privilege, or meaning in using what they believe to be a Hebrew sacred name of God.

However, Christians have NO need to use an ancient Hebrew sacred name for God. They are unnecessary, not commanded, and are misleading. The following seven points will help explain why: 

1. In Matthew 6:9, Jesus specifically taught believers HOW to pray. He taught us the name of the Person we are to pray to: Our Father..., not Yahweh. Why would we disregard the Lord's teaching about prayer?

2. Jesus' High Priestly prayer in John 17 was to the Father not Yahweh. Why didn't the only Begotten Son of God honor His Father with a special Hebrew name during such an intimate time in which He wanted others to hear? He didn't, so why should we?

3. Jesus cried out on the cross, "Eli, Eli ... my God, my God" in Aramaic (Matthew 27:46), why not Hebrew? Why not an ancient Hebrew sacred name at such an ultimate beyond-words experience? Perhaps because the Hebrew names were not important?

4. Jesus taught us the name of God we ought to be praying to, "our Father" (Matthew 6:9, John 17:1).

"Our Father which art in heaven"

5. Hebrew names for God are more titles than names as we think of them (e.g. Adonai—Lord and master; Elohim— almighty God, Jehovah—self-existent one etc.). They are references to God, the Creator, the Almighty, Lord God. 

But Jesus taught us a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20), which is that in Christ, God becomes our Father (cf. Galatians 4:6). Why go back to the old way of ancient Hebrew names when Jesus has given us a new way? 

6. The specific term Yahweh has conspicuous similarities to pagan sources. Do we really know what we are saying when we use these sacred names?

7. Where is the command in the New Testament for believers to use some kind of special Hebrew sacred name? We are taught to pray to the Father in Jesus' name (John 15:16).

Hope this helps some who struggle with the topic. Let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Ancient Hebrew manuscript image source: https://www.istockphoto.com/portfolio/benedek

Open Bible Image source: kelly-sikkema-275193-unsplash