Category: Inspiration

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 2

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Titus 1:2-4 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But had in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Thirty limitations of God are noted in Scripture (continues): He cannot forgive one unconfessed sin (Luke 13:1-5; 1Jn. 1:9). He cannot keep one saved who lives in sin (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot automatically cancel the death penalty when people sin and incur that penalty (Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 16:1-27-23; 8:1-13). He cannot do away with free moral agency and moral responsibility (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot make one a slave to Himself so that he can never go back into sin if he chooses (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; 1Jn. 1:7). He cannot guarantee that every saved man will continue in Christ (John 15:1-8; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19-20; 9:27; Gal. 1:6-8; 5:4; Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot make any man a son of God in the same sense Jesus is (John 1:18; 3:16; Rom. 8:14-16). He cannot look upon the sins of the saved as being unreal, or deal with them on a different basis from those of the unsaved (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8). He cannot cancel any reaping for what is sown (Rom. 8:12-13; Gal. 6:7-8). He cannot force a man to serve Him against his own will (John 3:16; 7:17; 8:34; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; 1Jn. 1:7; Rev. 22:17). He cannot recognize any man as His child or His servant who serves sin and the devil (Matt. 6:24; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; Gal. 5:19-21; 1Jn. 3:8-10). He cannot keep the saved from sin if he chooses to go back into sin (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; 1Cor. 3:16-17; 6:9-10, 6:19-20; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20; 1Jn. 2:1-2; Ezek. 33:12-20). He cannot keep one from incurring the death penalty should he go back into sin (Ex. 32:32-33; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 6:16-23; 8:12-13; 1Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Jas. 5:19-20). He cannot be lenient with any who sin or encourage anarchy in moral government (Gen. 2:17; Ezek. 18:4; 33:12-20; Rom. 1:18-31; 5:12-21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Gal. 5:19-21; 6:7-8; Jas. 5:19-20).

To be continued…

In Hope of Eternal Life – Part 1

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Titus 1:2-4 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But had in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

‘Hope of eternal life’ – Unforfeitable eternal life is now a hope. Hope that is seen is not hope (Rom. 8:24-25). How can it be a hope and a present possession, as stated in John 3:16, 36; 5:24; 10:28-29? Why do we yet hope for it if we have it, as stated in Titus 1:2; 3:7 and 1Timothy 1:1? The simple truth is that it is now given to everyone who is in Christ on condition of remaining in Him (1Jn. 5:11-12; John 15:1-8; Gal. 1:6-8; 4:19; 5:4; etc.).

‘Cannot lie’ – Three things God cannot do: Lie (Tit. 1:2). Deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). Be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13).

Thirty limitations of God are noted in Scripture: He cannot break His own laws (Ps. 119:89). He cannot lie (Heb. 6:17-19). He cannot deny Himself (2Tim. 2:13). He cannot have respect of persons (Rom. 2:11; Jas. 2:9-10). He cannot save one soul apart from grace and faith in Christ (Rom. 3:26; John 3:16). He cannot be unrighteous (Rom. 9:14). He cannot bless men apart from faith (Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). He cannot curse men when they meet His terms (1Jn. 1:9). He cannot do away with or change His own eternal plan (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:11). He cannot save rebels who persist in rebellion, refusing to meet His terms (Pro. 1:22-33; 29:1; Matt. 18:3; John 3:3, 5). He cannot be tempted with evil (Jas. 1:13-15). He cannot tolerate hypocrisy (Isa. 1:13). He cannot spare Himself or Christ in the redemption of the human race from eternal hell (Matt. 27:42). He cannot turn down one soul that comes to Him according to His terms (John 6:37). He cannot judge the righteous with the wicked (Gen. 19:22; Rev. 20:5-6, 11-15). He cannot fail to answer prayer when unwavering faith is exercised (Matt. 17:20; 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16; 16:23-26; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8).

To be continued…

According to the Faith – Part 2

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Titus 1:1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness

‘According to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness.’Two things that constitute apostleship: The faith of God’s elect [Greek, pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, and pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Acknowledging [Greek, epignosis] full knowledge, of the truth which is after godliness (Col. 2:2; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; Phm. 1:6). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature and the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

‘God’s elect’ – The Christians who have taken the place of Jews as the elect of God during the time of their being cut off (Matt. 21:43; 23:37-39; Romans 9-11). Four Elects of God noted in Scripture: Christ (Isa. 42:1; 1Pet. 2:6). All Christians (Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; Tit. 1:1; John 15:16; Eph. 1:4; 2:10; 2Thess. 2:13; 2Jn. 1:1, 13). Israel (Isa. 45:4; 65:9, 22; Matt. 24:21-31; Mark 13:22, 27; 1Pet. 1:2). Angels (1Tim. 5:21).

Anyone chosen of God at any time, Jew or Gentile, is the elect of God (Rom. 9:11; Rom. 11:5, 7, 28; 1Thess. 1:4; 1Pet. 5:13; 2Pet. 1:10). Note that ‘chosen’ doesn’t mean ‘saved’ as in the examples of many Israelites that failed God and rejected Christ as do most Christians through all the ages, and even the angels fell such as Lucifer and one-third of God’s angels. All men are called to become God’s elect or chosen ones and can be if they will choose God and live in obedience to His Word (Matt. 11:28-30; 20:16; John 1:12; 3:16-20; 6:37; Eph. 1:4; 2Thess. 2:13; Jas. 2:5; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 17:14; 22:17).

The Lord Jesus Christ Part 2

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2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ All Christians must believe and understand the following (continues): That man is justified by faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, resulting in a supernatural regeneration from above (Matt. 1:21; 18:3; John 3:1-8, 3:16; Rom. 5:1; 2Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 1:14, 20; Tit. 3:5; 1Pet. 1:18-23). He is not justified by works or self-effort and the natural development from within.

That man, animals, and plant life have degenerated and are under a curse. Man chooses to continue in sin, sickness, and the sufferings of the earth. Only through redemption in Christ will the whole creation be restored to original perfection and goodness (Gen. 3:1-24; 6:5-22; Rom. 5:12-21; 8:17-24; 1Cor. 15:24-28; 2Pet. 3:7-13; Rev. 21:1 – 22:5). No single species has evolved from a lower to a higher plane of life.

That all people who accept Christ and conform to God’s plan for man will be saved and resurrected from the dead to immortality to help God administer the affairs of the universe forever (John 3:16; 5:28-29; Rom. 8:17-24; 1Cor. 6:2; 15:1-54; 2Tim. 2:12; Rev. 1:6; 2:26-27; 5:10; 11:15; 22:4-5).

That all people who reject Christ and do not conform to God’s plan will pay the eternal death penalty for sin, being resurrected to immortality and punished eternally in the lake of fire (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16-20; 5:28-29; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8; 22:15).

That the Bible IS the Word of God, not that it merely CONTAINS the Word of God (2Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:12; 2Pet. 1:16-21).

Any denial of God or His plan for man in Scripture makes Him a liar and damns the soul. If some through ignorance of the Bible think they can believe in any form of false religion and the Bible at the same time, they are highly deceived by satan, the deceiver of the world (2Cor. 4:3-4; 11:14-15; Rev. 12:9). One cannot know the statements of both the Bible and other false religions and believe both, nor can he be neutral. He must take a stand either for God and the Bible or for his false beliefs and guesses.

The Lord Jesus Christ Part 1

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2Timothy 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

‘The Lord Jesus Christ’ All Christians must believe and understand the following: That Jesus Christ is the Son of God in a sense that no other man is – the only begotten of the Father – not a son of God in the sense that all human beings are (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:18; 3:16; Php. 2:5-11; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-3, 8; Rev. 1:8-11).

That the birth of Christ was supernatural, not natural as that of all other men. He was born of a virgin and by the Holy Spirit, without a human father (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-14; 3:16-18; 1Tim. 3:16; Heb. 1:1-3).

That the death of Christ was expiatory, not exemplary. He died for all human beings. His blood is the only atonement for sin and by His stripes, we are healed (Isa. 53:1-12; Matt. 1:21; 8:17; 26:28; John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Rom. 8:3; 1Cor. 1:18-24; 5:7; Heb. 1:3; 2:9-18; 9:11-28; 10:5-29; 1Pet. 2:24; 1Jn. 2:1-2; Rev. 1:5; 5:8-10).

That Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead, not spiritually. He is alive forevermore in His earthly, resurrected flesh-and-bone body and represents people before God as their High Priest and Saviour (Luke 24:39; John 10:17-18; Acts 1:3, 11; 2:22-34; 4:10-12; Rom. 1:4; 8:11; 1Cor. 15:1-58; 1Thess. 4:13-16; Php. 3:20-21; Rev. 1:18; Zech. 13:6).

That Jesus Christ ascended into glory bodily and will come again in like manner to rule the world eternally, putting down all rebellion and restoring man’s dominion and God’s kingdom as before the fall (Luke 24:50-52; Acts 1:11; 1Cor. 15:24-28; 2Thess. 1:7-10; Jude 1:14; Rev. 19:11-21; Zech. 14:1-21).

To be continued…

Greetings

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2Timothy 4:19-21 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greets thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 

‘Aquila’ – He is always mentioned with Priscilla (Acts 18:2; Rom. 16:3; 1Cor. 16:19).

‘Onesiphorus’ He was one Asian who had not forsaken Paul. He had entertained Paul in Ephesus and sought him out when he visited Rome (1:16-18; 4:19).

‘Erastus’ – He was chamberlain (treasurer) at Corinth (Acts 19:22; Rom. 16:23).

‘Trophimus’ – Another companion of Paul (Acts 20:4; 21:29).

‘Sick’ [Greek: astheneo] weak, not necessarily diseased; to be weak or feeble in any sense. It is used 15 times for weak faith (Rom. 4:19; 14:1, 2, 21; 1Cor. 8:9-12); weak law (Rom. 8:3); weak (poor) people (Acts 20:35); weak in boldness and power (2Cor. 11:21, 29; 12:10; 13:3, 4, 9).

It is used 17 times for physical sickness and 3 times for physical breakdowns because of overwork (Php. 2:26-27; 2Tim. 4:20). Thus, to conclude that the cases of Epaphroditus (Php. 2:26-27) and Trophimus (2Tim. 4:20) prove that Paul and the apostles had lost their power to heal, or that it was only occasionally that they had such power is concluding too much. Paul did have the power to do special miracles (Acts 19:11-12). He had the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ (Rom. 15:18-19, 29). He even had the power to impart gifts to others (Acts 19:1-7; Rom. 1:11; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Gifts are not given so that bodies may be abused by overwork. They are not to enable man to work beyond what is sensible and best for the body.

‘Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia.’ The four names in this verse are found only here.

All Men Forsook Me

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2Timothy 4:16-18 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

‘At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.’ This refers to Paul’s first apology or defence of the gospel either at some place where Alexander opposed the gospel (4:15) or to his first defence before Nero when he could not find any man to plead his cause.

‘Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear.’ When no man stood with Paul, the Lord did. He delivered Paul from this particular trouble and blessed his ministry among the Gentiles.

‘Mouth of the lion’ – This could mean that Paul claimed his right as a Roman citizen not to meet death by lions in the amphitheatre, or it could be figurative of deliverance from some great danger. Such an expression was proverbial, denoting deliverance from imminent danger.

‘And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom.’ This is the 7th and last New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:18) and is fulfilled.

Greatly Withstood Our Words

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2Timothy 4:11-15 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he has greatly withstood our words. 

‘Luke is with me’ – This was Luke, the evangelist and writer of the Gospel of Luke and Acts.

‘Mark’ – This was John Mark, nephew of Barnabas, who, after having failed to continue with Paul as a young man, was now a steady and faithful worker (Acts 12:12).

‘Tychicus’ – One of the trusted companions of Paul (Eph. 6:21; Col. 4:7; Tit. 3:12).

‘Cloke’ [Greek: phelones] is used only here and means either a travelling cloak for protection against weather or, as others translate it, a travelling bag.

‘Books’ – What kind of books is not known.

‘Parchments’ – These were perhaps either the Jewish Scriptures or a copy of the Septuagint.

‘Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil.’ Another man who thrust away and made shipwreck of his faith (1Tim. 1:19-20) and who became an enemy of the gospel (4:14-15; Acts 19:33).

‘The Lord reward him according to his works.’ The Lord will reward him (Gal. 6:7-8).

‘For he has greatly withstood our words.’ This suggests that this man went about opposing the gospel and he was also known as the thorn in Paul’s flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet him (2Cor. 12:7). 

Do Thy Diligence

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2Timothy 4:9-10 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas had forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 

‘Do they diligence to come shortly unto me.’ It appears that he wanted to see Timothy before he died and to have him present at his death, so he could know how a Christian should die for the faith. He was also short of companions (4:10-13).

‘Demas had forsaken me, having loved this present world.’ Demas was once a minister and a fellow-labourer with Paul (Col. 4:14; Phm. 1:24). He had by this time grown cold in his experience with Christ and had gone back into the world again. Here it is clear to what extent he was backslidden. He loved this present world. According to 1John 2:15-17, anyone who loves the world does not have the love of God in him. If the love of God is not in him, he cannot possibly be saved (John 13:35; 14:15, 23; 15:9-12; 1Cor. 16:22). Is it conceivable that God will take people to heaven who do not love Him? If this man did love God at one time, which is clear from Philemon 1:24, then how did he become separated from the love of God (Rom_8:35-39)? Was God responsible for him loving this present world and forsaking Paul? If not, who was it? This proves free moral agency after conversion. If we have the power of free choice, then we alone can choose to backslide and fail God. We thus choose our own destiny after salvation as we do before salvation. Not one scripture ever suggests that God forces any man to serve Him.

‘Present world’ [Greek: aion] age. Present age (Tit. 2:11-12).

‘Crescens’ – Not mentioned elsewhere. He and Titus both had left Paul to carry on work for Christ. They are not here condemned as backsliders as is Demas.

‘Titus’ like Timothy, was a convert and fellow worker of Paul (Tit. 1:4; 2Cor. 2:13; 7:6-14; 8:23; 12:17-18; Gal. 2:1-3). He was given charge of Cretian congregations (Tit. 1:5).

I have Kept the Faith

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2Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.’ Fivefold testimony of Paul: I am ready to be offered or poured out as a libation to God and a sacrifice offering for souls (4:6). My departure is at hand – the sentence of death has already been passed. I have fought a good and honourable fight – wrestled a good wrestling and am champion (4:7). I have finished my course – run the race and have outstripped all my competitors and gained the prize. I have kept the faith – followed every rule of the race and have won the prize lawfully.

‘Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.’ This is the 6th New Testament prophecy in 2 Timothy (4:8) and it is unfulfilled. This is the prize for Paul’s efforts of 2Timothy 4:6-7. The crown is laid up for all who prove true but possess none until the time of reward. It is in view, not in possession.

‘At that day’ In the day when Christ comes to receive saints unto Himself at the time of the rapture (1Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2Cor. 1:14; Php. 1:6, 10; 2:16). May we all be ready when He appears, living according to the examples of Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) and one or two others who paid the price of persecution to make Christ known amongst others and not advancing their own interests or names.