Choosing the Right Bible is important for your Christian growth
Hebrews 4:12 refers to the Bible, God's word, as being sharper than any two-edged sword.
Today I want to begin a short blog series for the Christian who is desiring a guide for choosing a Bible. Years ago I had worked for a Bible Bookstore and was amazed at the wide variety of study Bible's and Bible translations that were available. Now as a Pastor, I am asked on occasion which is the best Bible version, and how can you determine which one is best for you. Choosing a Bible is a major part of growing in the Christian faith, since Christian growth and stability cannot be done without the scriptures. (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-17)
3 general types of Bibles
We can note the way in which Bibles are translated from the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) and how readable they are in the English. Three general categories are helpful in classifying Bible Translations and Versions:
a. Literal Translations (word for word faithful to the Original Languages, good for Bible Study)
This first grouping views faithfulness to the style and wording of the Original text as a priority. Preachers, Bible Teachers and those who study the Bible regularly prize these versions for helping them get as close to the original Hebrew and Greek as much as possible. The top four translations in this category tend to be the King James Version (KJV); the New King James Version (NKJV); the New American Standard Bible (NASB) and the English Standard Version (ESV).
b. Readable Translations (Good for regular Bible reading, devotions)
This second type of Bible translation aims more at being readable than corresponding to every word to the original Hebrew or Greek. Thus if I were using this approach to Bible translation, I may take a sentence in the original that is say, 10 words along, and summarize it into 6 or 7 words to emphasize the overall meaning. For everyday Bible reading or devotional reading, Bibles such as the New International Version (NIV) and the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) are the best examples of this category.
c. Paraphrases (Good for getting a summary or commentary on a verse)
This last category refers to those versions which function more like a commentary than a translation. If the literal versions focus on the author's wording, and the second category aims more at the reader, then this final group emphasizes the interpretation given by the actual translator. Bibles such as The Living Bible (TLB), Today's English Version (TEV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) are the best examples of those Bibles that are more on the paraphrase side. Reading these alongside the first two categories can be sometimes helpful in gaining a clearer understanding of the text.
The Best Version is the One that Will help you grow in Christ
Ideally having a literal translation, a readable translation and a paraphrase is the best way to ensure you have all the bases covered in your growing in the scriptures. Each type will get you to study the Bible, read the Bible and have a clearer understanding. Sometimes reading a familiar passage like Psalm 23 or John 3 in each version helps in the choosing process. Another rule of thumb to follow when choosing a translation is to find out what version your church uses in their services. That helps in your overall Christian growth with the body of Christ. Then finally, if you desire to memorize Bible verses, using one of the more literal versions is the best approach, since the emphasis is on the translation corresponding to the original wording.
With those categories defined, we can begin to look closer at determining how to choose a Bible. Tomorrow we will look at various features found in today's Bibles as a means in helping you choose your sword.
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Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Heaven coming down into the heart
John 3:3 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
We have been exploring Heaven and its major themes in these past several blogs. We have witnessed the Bible repeatedly telling us that Heaven is God centered, that its glory is Jesus Christ and that it is a real place or destination for the Christian who passes on out of this world.
Heaven's reality though is not just confined to only the future. As true as the above paragraph is, the foretaste of Heaven begins to be experienced by the Christian not at physical death, but at the moment of their salvation.
Some fifty conversations are recorded in the Gospel records betweeen Jesus and various individuals. Out of all of them, the one with Nicodemas in John 3 is the longest and perhaps the most important one. It is in the text above we find reference to the "New Birth" or "Being born again".
The New Birth means being born from above
When Jesus says to Nicodemas that in order to enter into the Kingdom of God (or to experience salvation, in our modern day terms), he needs to be born again. That phrase "born again" could be also translated from the Greek (the New Testament's original language) with the phrase "born from above".
The New Birth entails Heaven coming down into the human heart
As one begins to explore other scriptures concerning the New birth, it is immediately seen that salvation is described as a foretaste of Heaven's joy coming down into the human heart. Remember how we saw in our previous studies on Heaven that John saw what will be the Heavenly Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven to earth in Revelation 21? As we look at Galatians 4:26, we discover that when the child of God begins salvation, its source is from God's grace coming from above. Paul writes - "But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother."
The New Birth is received by faith alone
So when God in Heaven above is affecting a person by His grace to see the awfulness of their sin and the awesomeness of Christ, it truly is an event whereby Heaven is coming in contact with the human heart. No human being can work this by their own effort, nor can any amount of right living lead to the "birth-from-above-experience". The Bible makes it clear that:
1. Heaven coming down into the human heart is an act of God's grace (John 1:13; James 1:18)
2. The New Birth must include God's word, which alone can convert the heart (Psalm 19:6; 1 Peter 1:23)
3. The Holy Spirit is required to convict the person to truly believe on Jesus Christ (John 16:8-11)
4. The only sufficient way to receive the birth from above is by faith alone (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
The New Birth makes me a citizen of Heaven
The New Birth, being "born from above", makes me a citizen of Heaven. We read for instance in Philippians 3:20 - "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ". As a person is drawn by saving grace to the Savior, God births in them the desire to seek Christ. They come by faith, and are declared by God to indeed be a permanent citizen of Heaven. Hebrews 12:22 describes the Christian's salvation in this way - "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels."
Thus the Christian is somebody who though living in this world, has the reality of Heaven operating in their heart. Only by God's grace through faith can such a reality take place.
We have been exploring Heaven and its major themes in these past several blogs. We have witnessed the Bible repeatedly telling us that Heaven is God centered, that its glory is Jesus Christ and that it is a real place or destination for the Christian who passes on out of this world.
Heaven's reality though is not just confined to only the future. As true as the above paragraph is, the foretaste of Heaven begins to be experienced by the Christian not at physical death, but at the moment of their salvation.
Some fifty conversations are recorded in the Gospel records betweeen Jesus and various individuals. Out of all of them, the one with Nicodemas in John 3 is the longest and perhaps the most important one. It is in the text above we find reference to the "New Birth" or "Being born again".
The New Birth means being born from above
When Jesus says to Nicodemas that in order to enter into the Kingdom of God (or to experience salvation, in our modern day terms), he needs to be born again. That phrase "born again" could be also translated from the Greek (the New Testament's original language) with the phrase "born from above".
The New Birth entails Heaven coming down into the human heart
As one begins to explore other scriptures concerning the New birth, it is immediately seen that salvation is described as a foretaste of Heaven's joy coming down into the human heart. Remember how we saw in our previous studies on Heaven that John saw what will be the Heavenly Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven to earth in Revelation 21? As we look at Galatians 4:26, we discover that when the child of God begins salvation, its source is from God's grace coming from above. Paul writes - "But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother."
The New Birth is received by faith alone
So when God in Heaven above is affecting a person by His grace to see the awfulness of their sin and the awesomeness of Christ, it truly is an event whereby Heaven is coming in contact with the human heart. No human being can work this by their own effort, nor can any amount of right living lead to the "birth-from-above-experience". The Bible makes it clear that:
1. Heaven coming down into the human heart is an act of God's grace (John 1:13; James 1:18)
2. The New Birth must include God's word, which alone can convert the heart (Psalm 19:6; 1 Peter 1:23)
3. The Holy Spirit is required to convict the person to truly believe on Jesus Christ (John 16:8-11)
4. The only sufficient way to receive the birth from above is by faith alone (John 1:12; Ephesians 2:8-9)
The New Birth makes me a citizen of Heaven
The New Birth, being "born from above", makes me a citizen of Heaven. We read for instance in Philippians 3:20 - "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ". As a person is drawn by saving grace to the Savior, God births in them the desire to seek Christ. They come by faith, and are declared by God to indeed be a permanent citizen of Heaven. Hebrews 12:22 describes the Christian's salvation in this way - "But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels."
Thus the Christian is somebody who though living in this world, has the reality of Heaven operating in their heart. Only by God's grace through faith can such a reality take place.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
The Great Heavenly City
Revelation 21:1-2 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
If you have ever lived or driven near a large city, the one thing that catches the eye is the city skyline. For a period of time my family and I had lived near Tulsa, and I can recall driving into that city for the person I was working for at the time. Often I would be driving in the morning hours and witness the sun coming up, shining brightly upon the glass and steel of those skyscrapers. When that took place, it was as if this glass and steel buildings transformed into vertical columns of light.
I have seen quite a few cities in my relative short time - Huston, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Jacksonville Florida. All of those cities are different. However I guarantee you none of them compare to the city being described here by the Apostle John. Today I want us to consider what the Bible has to say about this Heavenly city.
1. It is being Built by Jesus. In John 14:1-3 Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them. Now what is amazing to me is that it only took the Lord six literal days to make Heaven and earth (Genesis 1). Yet He has been working, building this city for His saints for over 2,000 years. What a place that must be.
2. It bids us to hope in God. Throughout the Bible, we discover that God at various times gave His people glimpses of this city to come. Abraham for instance had glimpses of this city. Though He lived over 2,000 years before Jesus came, he nonetheless journeyed, looking for this city that God revealed to him. Hebrews 11:10 tells us - "10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." The greatness of the city bids us to understand that the one who designs it, builds it and communicates it is greater than the city itself.
3. Its a big city. When you go down the verse here in Revelation 21, you discover some facts about the New Heavenly Jerusalem. First, it's height is the same as it's width and length - 1400 miles or so in each direction. The city would be large enough to cover nearly all of North America and its height would reach out into the vacuum of space. Most Bible scholars picture the city having several levels. Its streets are pure gold, and its gates are one solid pearl. Its features points us back to the scriptures, and its glory comes from the one who is building it - Jesus Christ.
4. Only Believers in Jesus Christ will occupy the city. Revelation 21:27 notes - "and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life." Notice the identity of the Heavenly city's occupants - "whose names are written in the lambs book of life". The book of life contains the names of those whom, convicted and called by the Grace of God, believe and are saved. Jesus reminds us in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one can come to the Father accept by Him.
Dear reader, may these scriptures move you and I to crave after the Builder of this city - Jesus Christ. May we pine after Him who is building this city for those who, drawn by grace and faith believing treasure Him above all things.
If you have ever lived or driven near a large city, the one thing that catches the eye is the city skyline. For a period of time my family and I had lived near Tulsa, and I can recall driving into that city for the person I was working for at the time. Often I would be driving in the morning hours and witness the sun coming up, shining brightly upon the glass and steel of those skyscrapers. When that took place, it was as if this glass and steel buildings transformed into vertical columns of light.
I have seen quite a few cities in my relative short time - Huston, Pittsburg, Philadelphia, Jacksonville Florida. All of those cities are different. However I guarantee you none of them compare to the city being described here by the Apostle John. Today I want us to consider what the Bible has to say about this Heavenly city.
1. It is being Built by Jesus. In John 14:1-3 Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them. Now what is amazing to me is that it only took the Lord six literal days to make Heaven and earth (Genesis 1). Yet He has been working, building this city for His saints for over 2,000 years. What a place that must be.
2. It bids us to hope in God. Throughout the Bible, we discover that God at various times gave His people glimpses of this city to come. Abraham for instance had glimpses of this city. Though He lived over 2,000 years before Jesus came, he nonetheless journeyed, looking for this city that God revealed to him. Hebrews 11:10 tells us - "10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." The greatness of the city bids us to understand that the one who designs it, builds it and communicates it is greater than the city itself.
3. Its a big city. When you go down the verse here in Revelation 21, you discover some facts about the New Heavenly Jerusalem. First, it's height is the same as it's width and length - 1400 miles or so in each direction. The city would be large enough to cover nearly all of North America and its height would reach out into the vacuum of space. Most Bible scholars picture the city having several levels. Its streets are pure gold, and its gates are one solid pearl. Its features points us back to the scriptures, and its glory comes from the one who is building it - Jesus Christ.
4. Only Believers in Jesus Christ will occupy the city. Revelation 21:27 notes - "and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life." Notice the identity of the Heavenly city's occupants - "whose names are written in the lambs book of life". The book of life contains the names of those whom, convicted and called by the Grace of God, believe and are saved. Jesus reminds us in John 14:6 that He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one can come to the Father accept by Him.
Dear reader, may these scriptures move you and I to crave after the Builder of this city - Jesus Christ. May we pine after Him who is building this city for those who, drawn by grace and faith believing treasure Him above all things.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
What Christians do in Heaven
Revelation 4:10-11 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
As we saw in yesterday's blog, the twenty four elders, gathered at the throne of God, represent believers of all ages, as well as being quite literally 24 literal saints of God - 12 apostles and the twelve heads of the tribes of Israel from the Old Testament. With this understanding we can begin to understand a little bit as to what Christians can expect to do when they are in the presence of God in Heaven. Along with other passages in the New Testament, we can get a pretty good picture of what Christians can expect concerning their future destination.
1. Definite Home WIth the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 states: Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
2. Delightful welcome in Heaven. Heaven as the Christian's destination is revealed by God to encourage Christians to live for the Lord while here in this world. Consider the promise of a delightful welcome in 2 Peter 1:10-11 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
3. Definite Joy over seeing Christ. The saints of God in Heaven will do what these saints are described doing in Revelation 4:9-10 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
4. Definite recognition of other believers. So what will it be like when we are in the presence of the Lord with other saints stretched across the ages? Scripture indicates we will recognize one another not only by sight, but intuitively. Peter for instance stated that when He saw Jesus on the Mount of transfiguration in Matthew 17:3-4, that he saw "Moses and Elijah". Now how did he know? He had no picture of them, and they had lived hundreds of years before he came on the scene. Clearly when believers are in the direct presence of the Lord, the Holy Spirit who unites them all together in Christ will enable them to recognize each other instantly.
As we saw in yesterday's blog, the twenty four elders, gathered at the throne of God, represent believers of all ages, as well as being quite literally 24 literal saints of God - 12 apostles and the twelve heads of the tribes of Israel from the Old Testament. With this understanding we can begin to understand a little bit as to what Christians can expect to do when they are in the presence of God in Heaven. Along with other passages in the New Testament, we can get a pretty good picture of what Christians can expect concerning their future destination.
1. Definite Home WIth the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 states: Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight— 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.
2. Delightful welcome in Heaven. Heaven as the Christian's destination is revealed by God to encourage Christians to live for the Lord while here in this world. Consider the promise of a delightful welcome in 2 Peter 1:10-11 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
3. Definite Joy over seeing Christ. The saints of God in Heaven will do what these saints are described doing in Revelation 4:9-10 And when the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, to Him who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
4. Definite recognition of other believers. So what will it be like when we are in the presence of the Lord with other saints stretched across the ages? Scripture indicates we will recognize one another not only by sight, but intuitively. Peter for instance stated that when He saw Jesus on the Mount of transfiguration in Matthew 17:3-4, that he saw "Moses and Elijah". Now how did he know? He had no picture of them, and they had lived hundreds of years before he came on the scene. Clearly when believers are in the direct presence of the Lord, the Holy Spirit who unites them all together in Christ will enable them to recognize each other instantly.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Saints of God around God's throne
Revelation 4:4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones; and upon the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white garments, and golden crowns on their heads.
As we continue our tour of Heaven, we once again are observing the activity around the throne of God. One of the marks of God's way of revealing truth in scripture is through what is termed "progressive revelation". Simply put, God will reveal a truth or concept in general, and then bring that truth into sharper focus as one proceeds into the scriptures. In today's blog we want to understand this important truth of God's people and their place in the Heavenly reality described by the Apostle John here in Revelation.
How to begin identifying God's people around his Throne
The people in the above passage are given a title - the 24 elders. Much ink has been spilt over who or what they represent in this chapter. A combination of two views has helped me understand the place and role these 24 elders serve in the decidedly God-centered reality of Heaven. Today we will attempt to identify them, since they provide the basis for understanding the role and activities of God's saints in Heaven - both now and into eternity.
God's people will serve Him around the throne
Unlike the popular ideas we have today of people floating on clouds in Heaven, doing absolutely nothing, the Bible portrays Heaven as a place of activity and excitement. Identifying who the 24 elders are in Revelation 4 helps us to understand what believers can look forward to in Heaven.
As a Jewish writer, the Apostle John would had been very familiar with the writings of the Old Testament. 1 Chronicles 27 records the number of priests that served in the temple - the place of worship of the God of the Bible - during the reign of King David. In that chapter, we discover that 24 sets of one thousand priests took their turn, performing their duties in the temple. Many commentators through the history of the church have made the connection between that historical event and to what John is referring to here. Christians in 1 Peter 2 are described as a "royal priesthood" and a "kingdom of priests". So without a doubt, it would appear that these 24 elders provide a picture of the saints of God gathered around the throne.
The saints of God retain their individual, as well as corporate identies
But there is also a second view point which I believe also is valid enough in helping identify these 24 elders. Many have taught that twelve of them are in reference to the twelve sons of Jacob - who were the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. The remaining twelve might very well be the twelve apostles of Christ in the New Testament. Scripture certainly confirms this idea. Jesus discusses about the time when many will come and share at a table of a feast along with Abraham in the coming Kingdom. Certainly the scripture throughout pictures the saints of God seated at a table with the Messiah in the coming age. Thus what we have are 24 literal men who also represent what the saints of all ages will be doing around the throne.
Having identified who the 24 elders most likely are, we will aim in tomorrow's blog to look a little more closely at what God's people can expect to be doing as they enjoy the glory of their God and King both before them and shining through them.
As we continue our tour of Heaven, we once again are observing the activity around the throne of God. One of the marks of God's way of revealing truth in scripture is through what is termed "progressive revelation". Simply put, God will reveal a truth or concept in general, and then bring that truth into sharper focus as one proceeds into the scriptures. In today's blog we want to understand this important truth of God's people and their place in the Heavenly reality described by the Apostle John here in Revelation.
How to begin identifying God's people around his Throne
The people in the above passage are given a title - the 24 elders. Much ink has been spilt over who or what they represent in this chapter. A combination of two views has helped me understand the place and role these 24 elders serve in the decidedly God-centered reality of Heaven. Today we will attempt to identify them, since they provide the basis for understanding the role and activities of God's saints in Heaven - both now and into eternity.
God's people will serve Him around the throne
Unlike the popular ideas we have today of people floating on clouds in Heaven, doing absolutely nothing, the Bible portrays Heaven as a place of activity and excitement. Identifying who the 24 elders are in Revelation 4 helps us to understand what believers can look forward to in Heaven.
As a Jewish writer, the Apostle John would had been very familiar with the writings of the Old Testament. 1 Chronicles 27 records the number of priests that served in the temple - the place of worship of the God of the Bible - during the reign of King David. In that chapter, we discover that 24 sets of one thousand priests took their turn, performing their duties in the temple. Many commentators through the history of the church have made the connection between that historical event and to what John is referring to here. Christians in 1 Peter 2 are described as a "royal priesthood" and a "kingdom of priests". So without a doubt, it would appear that these 24 elders provide a picture of the saints of God gathered around the throne.
The saints of God retain their individual, as well as corporate identies
But there is also a second view point which I believe also is valid enough in helping identify these 24 elders. Many have taught that twelve of them are in reference to the twelve sons of Jacob - who were the heads of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. The remaining twelve might very well be the twelve apostles of Christ in the New Testament. Scripture certainly confirms this idea. Jesus discusses about the time when many will come and share at a table of a feast along with Abraham in the coming Kingdom. Certainly the scripture throughout pictures the saints of God seated at a table with the Messiah in the coming age. Thus what we have are 24 literal men who also represent what the saints of all ages will be doing around the throne.
Having identified who the 24 elders most likely are, we will aim in tomorrow's blog to look a little more closely at what God's people can expect to be doing as they enjoy the glory of their God and King both before them and shining through them.
Monday, October 3, 2011
The Heavenly Throneroom
Revelation 4:3 1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things.” 2 Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne was standing in heaven, and One sitting on the throne.3 And He who was sitting was like a jasper stone and a sardius in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald in appearance.
As we continue our tour of Heaven in Revelation, we are brought to the throneroom where the God of Glory Himself is revealed. As John is taken by the Spirit of God into this incredible place, the four underlined phrases in the text tells us four things about God's Eternal presence in Heaven. As we have already said in previous blogs, Heaven is undoubtedly God-centered. This vision of John, stretching for two chapters, confirms just how God-centered of a place that Heaven is and will be. Please note the four Eternal truths of God's character revealed in these first four verses:
1. Unendingly Holy. The very first thing that John experiences in reference to the Heavenly throneroom is the sound of a trumpet. The sound of a trumpet in the Bible is associated with God's revelation of Himself on top of Mount Sinai in Exodus 19, when He revealed the Law of God to Moses and Israel. At the end of Hebrews 12 we read of that scene - that the mountain quaked, and shaked at the sound of the loud trumpet-call of God's voice. The sights and sound was so terrifying that the Israelites, gathered around the base of Mount Sinai, begged Moses to speak to them, rather than God. No doubt, God is unendingly Holy - whether he reveal Himself on earth or in Heaven.
2. Unquestionably Sovereign. God is not only Holy, but Sovereign. To be Sovereign simply means that God is in comprehensive control of all places at all times. Again we are reminded of previous visions and revelations of God in scripture. Isaiah, the prophet, saw God seated upon a throne. Ezekiel, another prophet of Israel, saw God seated upon the throne with shining wheels. Daniel, the prophet throne into a lions' den, sees God as the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7, seated upon His throne. No matter what time we look at in redemptive history in the Bible, God is on His throne. As Psalm 47:8 records - "God reigneth over the Heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of His holiness."
3. Undeniably Precious. John sees in this vision a set of precious stones in the description of God's glory recorded in this chapter. The use of rpecious stones in the Bible points to the goodness, the eternal value of God. He is the Good God, worthy of our worship. 1 Peter 2:7 reminds us that this Lord, Jesus Christ, is precious to those who believe. The presence of these stones hearken back as well to the precious stones worn by the High Priest as he represented the nation of Israel before the Holy presence of God. God is so good as to provide for us Representation. He has done so in the Person of the Eternal High Priest - Jesus Christ - who incidently is called the chief, precious cornerstone . (please compare 1 Peter 2:7)
4. Unfathomably Faithful. The final detail we will focus on today is the rainbow situated around the throne. Why a rainbow? If you will recall what God revealed to Noah back in Genesis 9:12-16 - He revealed to Noah a Rainbow. That Rainbow was a sign that God would never destroy the world with a flood of watery wrath. Likewise all who by grace through faith trust in Christ as Savior, Lord and Treasure, have the promise that when they approach the throne - the blood of Christ shed for them will protect them from the coming firey wrath of God on this world. (please compare 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 2 Peter 3) He not only is faithful to our future, but also our present, for God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
As we continue our tour of Heaven in Revelation, we are brought to the throneroom where the God of Glory Himself is revealed. As John is taken by the Spirit of God into this incredible place, the four underlined phrases in the text tells us four things about God's Eternal presence in Heaven. As we have already said in previous blogs, Heaven is undoubtedly God-centered. This vision of John, stretching for two chapters, confirms just how God-centered of a place that Heaven is and will be. Please note the four Eternal truths of God's character revealed in these first four verses:
1. Unendingly Holy. The very first thing that John experiences in reference to the Heavenly throneroom is the sound of a trumpet. The sound of a trumpet in the Bible is associated with God's revelation of Himself on top of Mount Sinai in Exodus 19, when He revealed the Law of God to Moses and Israel. At the end of Hebrews 12 we read of that scene - that the mountain quaked, and shaked at the sound of the loud trumpet-call of God's voice. The sights and sound was so terrifying that the Israelites, gathered around the base of Mount Sinai, begged Moses to speak to them, rather than God. No doubt, God is unendingly Holy - whether he reveal Himself on earth or in Heaven.
2. Unquestionably Sovereign. God is not only Holy, but Sovereign. To be Sovereign simply means that God is in comprehensive control of all places at all times. Again we are reminded of previous visions and revelations of God in scripture. Isaiah, the prophet, saw God seated upon a throne. Ezekiel, another prophet of Israel, saw God seated upon the throne with shining wheels. Daniel, the prophet throne into a lions' den, sees God as the Ancient of Days in Daniel 7, seated upon His throne. No matter what time we look at in redemptive history in the Bible, God is on His throne. As Psalm 47:8 records - "God reigneth over the Heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of His holiness."
3. Undeniably Precious. John sees in this vision a set of precious stones in the description of God's glory recorded in this chapter. The use of rpecious stones in the Bible points to the goodness, the eternal value of God. He is the Good God, worthy of our worship. 1 Peter 2:7 reminds us that this Lord, Jesus Christ, is precious to those who believe. The presence of these stones hearken back as well to the precious stones worn by the High Priest as he represented the nation of Israel before the Holy presence of God. God is so good as to provide for us Representation. He has done so in the Person of the Eternal High Priest - Jesus Christ - who incidently is called the chief, precious cornerstone . (please compare 1 Peter 2:7)
4. Unfathomably Faithful. The final detail we will focus on today is the rainbow situated around the throne. Why a rainbow? If you will recall what God revealed to Noah back in Genesis 9:12-16 - He revealed to Noah a Rainbow. That Rainbow was a sign that God would never destroy the world with a flood of watery wrath. Likewise all who by grace through faith trust in Christ as Savior, Lord and Treasure, have the promise that when they approach the throne - the blood of Christ shed for them will protect them from the coming firey wrath of God on this world. (please compare 1 Thessalonians 1:10 and 2 Peter 3) He not only is faithful to our future, but also our present, for God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Jesus Christ, Heaven's Chief Beauty
Revelation 1:1a 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ....
As we continue to explore what Heaven is like in the book of Revelation, our line of vision is still arrested by the Person of Jesus Christ. This is why I find it so remarkable that in the Bible, we find Heaven to be so God centered, and that its glory is Jesus Christ. We witnessed yesterday the twin truths of Christ's full humanity and undiminished Deity. As He exists and occupies the portals of glory, Christ is excercising three offices on behalf of the believer. In Revelation 1:5-7 we find a description of these three offices:
1. Christ is our Prophet
Revelation 1:5a states - "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead..." A Prophet in the Bible functions to represent and explain God to the people. Christ is described in this passage, as well as others, of His capacity and office as Prophet. Hebrews 1:1-3 describes Him as the "radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of His being". That same text also explains how "in former times God spoke to us in many ways but in these last days He is speaking to us through Jesus Christ." Now Christ never communicates anything apart of scripture - which testifies about Him (please compare John 5:39). As God, Jesus Christ alone is qualified to reveal God in His fulness. As man, He enables all true believers to know God and to interract with Him - since He Himself is God.
2. Christ our King
Revelation 1:5b continues - "and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood . . ." Now Christ is referred to as King - Ruler of the Kings of the Earth. John here is demonstrating the authority and Majesty of Christ. Stretching back into the Old Testament, Isaiah for instance in Isaiah 6 saw a vision of the True King, seated upon His throne. Who was that King which He saw? According to John 12:41 it was none other than Jesus Christ. The John who wrote those words is now writing here, giving us a full length description of the King of Kings.
3. Christ our Priest
Revelation 1:6 says - "and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." This third office, that of our Priest, is also used to identify the saints. Because Christ is our Chief Priest - our High Priest - all who are connected to Him by faith constitute a royal priesthood. That simply means that the Christian has the right to represent people to God in prayer, since Christ most perfectly, and completely does that for Christians. Just as a prophet represents God to the people, the priest represents the people to God - Christ our Highpriest, and Christians as "a kingdom of priests" serving un Him.
Thus we have witnessed Jesus Christ as God and man, as well as Prophet, Priest and King. May your heart today desire to see Jesus Christ, and be with Him.
As we continue to explore what Heaven is like in the book of Revelation, our line of vision is still arrested by the Person of Jesus Christ. This is why I find it so remarkable that in the Bible, we find Heaven to be so God centered, and that its glory is Jesus Christ. We witnessed yesterday the twin truths of Christ's full humanity and undiminished Deity. As He exists and occupies the portals of glory, Christ is excercising three offices on behalf of the believer. In Revelation 1:5-7 we find a description of these three offices:
1. Christ is our Prophet
Revelation 1:5a states - "and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead..." A Prophet in the Bible functions to represent and explain God to the people. Christ is described in this passage, as well as others, of His capacity and office as Prophet. Hebrews 1:1-3 describes Him as the "radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of His being". That same text also explains how "in former times God spoke to us in many ways but in these last days He is speaking to us through Jesus Christ." Now Christ never communicates anything apart of scripture - which testifies about Him (please compare John 5:39). As God, Jesus Christ alone is qualified to reveal God in His fulness. As man, He enables all true believers to know God and to interract with Him - since He Himself is God.
2. Christ our King
Revelation 1:5b continues - "and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood . . ." Now Christ is referred to as King - Ruler of the Kings of the Earth. John here is demonstrating the authority and Majesty of Christ. Stretching back into the Old Testament, Isaiah for instance in Isaiah 6 saw a vision of the True King, seated upon His throne. Who was that King which He saw? According to John 12:41 it was none other than Jesus Christ. The John who wrote those words is now writing here, giving us a full length description of the King of Kings.
3. Christ our Priest
Revelation 1:6 says - "and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen." This third office, that of our Priest, is also used to identify the saints. Because Christ is our Chief Priest - our High Priest - all who are connected to Him by faith constitute a royal priesthood. That simply means that the Christian has the right to represent people to God in prayer, since Christ most perfectly, and completely does that for Christians. Just as a prophet represents God to the people, the priest represents the people to God - Christ our Highpriest, and Christians as "a kingdom of priests" serving un Him.
Thus we have witnessed Jesus Christ as God and man, as well as Prophet, Priest and King. May your heart today desire to see Jesus Christ, and be with Him.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Jesus Christ, the Darling of Heaven
Revelation 1:2 "who testified to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw."
Who is Jesus Christ in Revelation?
We began yesterday with an overview of the five major chapters in Revelation that describe Heaven. Today we begin by noting the Darling of Heaven, Jesus Christ. In the Bible some 200 names are used to describe Jesus Christ. Amazingly, 40 such names are found here in one chapter, Revelation 1! As we consider the 40 titles used by John in Revelation 1, five major themes emerge to describe the Darling of Heaven. The first two themes speak to the dual nature of Jesus Christ as God and man, and the final three themes speak to the main offices He occupies as he reigns at the Right Hand of God the Father. Today we will note the themes of Christ's humanity and Deity in Revelation 1, with a focus on His three main offices tomorrow.
1. Jesus Christ's humanity in Revelation 1
When we begin at verse one, we discover that first name, "Jesus". Clearly we are dealing with a revelation of a man, for in Matthew 1:21 that was to be his name given at His birth. As you go down the chapter, we discover in verse 5 that for all true believers, their sins are washed in His blood. When Jesus returns in Revelation 1:7, those who look upon Him will notice His nail pierced hands and feet.
Clearly through the rest of the chapter, Jesus is someone you can see (Revelation 1:11), He has a hand (1:16), He was once dead, but now is alive (1:18). Undeniably this Jesus is fully man, occupying and residing in Heaven. However.....
2. Jesus Christ's Undiminished Deity in Revelation 1
This same Jesus, who is so much man, is unquestionably fully and completely God. He states for instance in Revelation 1:8 that He is "Alpha and Omega". He is the origin of all things (Alpha) and He is the end of all things (Omega). He is the Creator and Completor. In that same verse He is called "The Almighty", a title given exclusively to the Lord in the Old Testament.
In the remainder of the chapter, Christ is described as the "Son of Man", a title of Deity that is connected to Daniel 7. There we see "The Son of Man" equated with the "Ancient of Days", clearly a reference to the Deity and power of God.
No doubt about it, this Jesus Christ is so much man as if he were not God, and yet He is so much God as if he were not man. When I behold his nail prints and wounded side, I see a man, a perfect man, my repesentative, in a glorified, resurrected body. When I look into His eyes, I see uncreated flame, unending depths. I see His glory, the glory of which He has shared with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit from Eternity. Indeed, He is the Darling of Heaven, Jesus Christ - God and man!
Who is Jesus Christ in Revelation?
We began yesterday with an overview of the five major chapters in Revelation that describe Heaven. Today we begin by noting the Darling of Heaven, Jesus Christ. In the Bible some 200 names are used to describe Jesus Christ. Amazingly, 40 such names are found here in one chapter, Revelation 1! As we consider the 40 titles used by John in Revelation 1, five major themes emerge to describe the Darling of Heaven. The first two themes speak to the dual nature of Jesus Christ as God and man, and the final three themes speak to the main offices He occupies as he reigns at the Right Hand of God the Father. Today we will note the themes of Christ's humanity and Deity in Revelation 1, with a focus on His three main offices tomorrow.
1. Jesus Christ's humanity in Revelation 1
When we begin at verse one, we discover that first name, "Jesus". Clearly we are dealing with a revelation of a man, for in Matthew 1:21 that was to be his name given at His birth. As you go down the chapter, we discover in verse 5 that for all true believers, their sins are washed in His blood. When Jesus returns in Revelation 1:7, those who look upon Him will notice His nail pierced hands and feet.
Clearly through the rest of the chapter, Jesus is someone you can see (Revelation 1:11), He has a hand (1:16), He was once dead, but now is alive (1:18). Undeniably this Jesus is fully man, occupying and residing in Heaven. However.....
2. Jesus Christ's Undiminished Deity in Revelation 1
This same Jesus, who is so much man, is unquestionably fully and completely God. He states for instance in Revelation 1:8 that He is "Alpha and Omega". He is the origin of all things (Alpha) and He is the end of all things (Omega). He is the Creator and Completor. In that same verse He is called "The Almighty", a title given exclusively to the Lord in the Old Testament.
In the remainder of the chapter, Christ is described as the "Son of Man", a title of Deity that is connected to Daniel 7. There we see "The Son of Man" equated with the "Ancient of Days", clearly a reference to the Deity and power of God.
No doubt about it, this Jesus Christ is so much man as if he were not God, and yet He is so much God as if he were not man. When I behold his nail prints and wounded side, I see a man, a perfect man, my repesentative, in a glorified, resurrected body. When I look into His eyes, I see uncreated flame, unending depths. I see His glory, the glory of which He has shared with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit from Eternity. Indeed, He is the Darling of Heaven, Jesus Christ - God and man!
Friday, September 30, 2011
A personal Tour of Heaven
Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John
Heaven's Featured Attraction
Out of all the books in the Bible, none gives us a more detailed picture of the reality of heaven than the book of Revelation. Only the Bible can give you accurate, true descriptions of this place. As wonderful as it is, and as true as it is that it is the destination of those who have by grace alone through faith alone trusted in Christ alone, the place is not the focus. If anything, the Person of Christ occupies the central theme of Heaven. Jesus Christ is indeed the darling of Heaven.
With that said, I would like to take the next several blogs to explore Heaven, and understand how the Bible communicates the glory of God through the visions of John in Revelation. My prayer is that you, dear believer, will find encouragement and hope as we look together at these exquisite chapters of God's word. If you are reading this blog, and have never experienced salvation through Jesus Christ, my prayer would be that the Holy Spirit would so move in your heart to receive and embrace Heaven's treasure - Christ Jesus.
How Revelation Communicates the Reality of Heaven
Five chapters in Revelation deal with the subject and reality of Heaven. In giving a broad sweeping glance of Revelation 1, 4, 5, 7, 21 and 22, we can note the following observations about Heaven:
1. Heaven is God centered. Revelation 1 alone mentions some 40 names or descriptions of Jesus Christ. In Revelation 4 and 5 we find the throne of God, and the Lamb, dominating the scene. Revelation 7 depicts God being surrounded by His saints, and the angels, praising Him for salvation. Then in Revelation 21 and 22 we see the new Heavens and the New earth, centralized around the uncreated glory of God.
2. Heaven's Glory is Jesus Christ. In Revelation 21:23 we discover that the glory of God is the light of the Heavenly reality to come, and that Christ is described as the lamp.
3. Heaven's pleasure is God's people enjoying their God. In Revelation 4 and 5 we see the 24 elders, representative of the Saints of all ages, casting their crowns at the Savior's feet. Throughout Revelation we find the saints of God singing songs of praise, doxologies, to the glory of God. Heaven is far from boring. It is unendingly joyful. For the people of God, beholding one another, behold the glory of God in and through and among them.
4. Heaven is a real place. Heaven is not an ethereal dreamscape, floating on clouds. It is a real place, being built by Jesus Himself (John 14:1-6). The New Heavenly Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21-22, is enormous. As it comes out of Heaven, its boundaries would be large enough to cover almost all of North America, however its height, 1500 miles, would extend out into space. There is enough square footage in the New Jerusalem to hold literally billions of people. And that's just the city, not counting what will be the New earth!
Tomorrow we will continue with our tour of Heaven. May the Lord bless you dear reader this day.
Heaven's Featured Attraction
Out of all the books in the Bible, none gives us a more detailed picture of the reality of heaven than the book of Revelation. Only the Bible can give you accurate, true descriptions of this place. As wonderful as it is, and as true as it is that it is the destination of those who have by grace alone through faith alone trusted in Christ alone, the place is not the focus. If anything, the Person of Christ occupies the central theme of Heaven. Jesus Christ is indeed the darling of Heaven.
With that said, I would like to take the next several blogs to explore Heaven, and understand how the Bible communicates the glory of God through the visions of John in Revelation. My prayer is that you, dear believer, will find encouragement and hope as we look together at these exquisite chapters of God's word. If you are reading this blog, and have never experienced salvation through Jesus Christ, my prayer would be that the Holy Spirit would so move in your heart to receive and embrace Heaven's treasure - Christ Jesus.
How Revelation Communicates the Reality of Heaven
Five chapters in Revelation deal with the subject and reality of Heaven. In giving a broad sweeping glance of Revelation 1, 4, 5, 7, 21 and 22, we can note the following observations about Heaven:
1. Heaven is God centered. Revelation 1 alone mentions some 40 names or descriptions of Jesus Christ. In Revelation 4 and 5 we find the throne of God, and the Lamb, dominating the scene. Revelation 7 depicts God being surrounded by His saints, and the angels, praising Him for salvation. Then in Revelation 21 and 22 we see the new Heavens and the New earth, centralized around the uncreated glory of God.
2. Heaven's Glory is Jesus Christ. In Revelation 21:23 we discover that the glory of God is the light of the Heavenly reality to come, and that Christ is described as the lamp.
3. Heaven's pleasure is God's people enjoying their God. In Revelation 4 and 5 we see the 24 elders, representative of the Saints of all ages, casting their crowns at the Savior's feet. Throughout Revelation we find the saints of God singing songs of praise, doxologies, to the glory of God. Heaven is far from boring. It is unendingly joyful. For the people of God, beholding one another, behold the glory of God in and through and among them.
4. Heaven is a real place. Heaven is not an ethereal dreamscape, floating on clouds. It is a real place, being built by Jesus Himself (John 14:1-6). The New Heavenly Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21-22, is enormous. As it comes out of Heaven, its boundaries would be large enough to cover almost all of North America, however its height, 1500 miles, would extend out into space. There is enough square footage in the New Jerusalem to hold literally billions of people. And that's just the city, not counting what will be the New earth!
Tomorrow we will continue with our tour of Heaven. May the Lord bless you dear reader this day.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
When Christians will defy gravity
Acts 1:9 - And when he (Jesus) had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 - Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
What is the "rapture"
We saw in the last blog the truth of resurrection. The resurrection of believers at the end of the age occupies one of the eight "definites" outlined in part one of this particular blog series on eschatology. As we consider the Lord's return, another doctrine surfaces that has connection to the resurrection of believers - namely the believer's catching away by Christ or what is called "The Rapture". The word "rapture" comes from a Latin term "rapturo", which in turn is a translation of the Greek word from the original language of 1 Thessalonians 4:17 - "to be caught up".
The reality of the rapture
Almost no one disputes the reality of the rapture or "catching away" of Christians at Christ's return. With His return will come the total and unmingled wrath of God on this world. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 reminds us that Christians do not have to worry about enduring God's wrath. Clearly the rapture, much like our physical resurrection, has direct connection to the Lord ascending into Heaven in Acts 1:9. No doubt the miraculous ascent of Christ will be repeated corporately in the life of every Christian. If a Christian has already went to be with the Lord, upon Christ's return, that saint will be resurrected in a new body and then raptured, followed immediately by the living saints' bodies being transformed and raptured. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 gives us the fullest treatment of this mass miracle. Other passages too give hints to the details surrounding this event in passages such as Matthew 24; 1 Thessalonians 5; 2 Thessalonians 2 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-57.
The question about the rapture's timing and occurence
As we can include this doctrine in the definite doctrine of the believer's resurrection, we do have one area of which there is no consensus - namely the rapture's timing. If you will recall, we gave three categories of doctrine: definites, positions and opinions. In regards to the timing of the rapture, we would have to state that a number of opinions exist as to when it will occur.
Pre-trib, Mid-trib or post-trib?
Three major opinions exist as to when the rapture will occur. Many Bible teachers point to a period of time in which God's wrath will be unleashed upon planet earth that is called "The Great Tribulation". From texts such as Daniel 9:23-27, we come to realize that this period will last 7 years. Questions of course center around whether or not the church will be raptured "before", "mid-way" or "towards the end" of this period. The opinions are respectively referred to as "Pre-trib", "mid-trib" and "post-tribulationalism".
If space permitted, we could appeal to many texts to rally support for each of these opinions. Being that the Lord has purposely inserted a "mystery" element into the chronology of prophetic events, piecing together the sequence of events on Bible prophecy can prove challenging. The reader is encouraged to look at passages such as Matthew chs 13 and 24-25; Daniel 9:23-27; Jeremiah 30; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and ch 5; 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 3,6,7,14 for further study. I will let the reader determine from the scriptures where they fall on this issue.
Some further observations about the tribulation
The one thing all three opinions have in common is that all who engage in such a discussion are Pre-millennialists. A-millennialists and Post-Millennialists tend to view the tribulation period as either having occured at the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 A.D or as a general reference to the "tribulation" all Christians suffer for Christ through the church's history. Views such as these are called "Preterism" (which is a word meaning past) and use such texts such as Matthew 24 in an attempt to rally biblical support. Though some respectable Bible teachers hold to these views, this author is not a preterist (believing that the tribulation occured in the past). As always, our reasons for holding truth lies not in who holds them, but whether or not the Bible teaches such things.
So why does the rapture matter?
1 Peter 3:15 states - "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". The point of any definite doctrine, position or opinion on prophetic matters is to give reasons to the world why Christianity alone possesses hope for the here and hereafter. Every Christian should have a good enough understanding of what they believe to help unbelievers see the hope of Christ. This includes where one stands on the rapture.
Whether or not I believe the next big event is the rapture, the revelation of the anti-Christ or some major war does have immediate bearing on how I will live. Being able to grapple with questions about the problem of evil and suffering, tsunamis and starving children are examples as to why it is our responsibility to live out our theology and have a living theology.
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