« But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong » (Hebrews 5:14). The expression « perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong », seems to allude to conscience. In another letter addressed to Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul gives a definition of the conscience which decides between right and wrong: « For whenever people of the nations that do not have law do by nature the things of the law, these people, although not having law, are a law to themselves. They are the very ones who demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts, while their conscience is bearing witness with them and, between their own thoughts, they are being accused or even excused » (Romans 2:14,15). The apostle Paul defines in this text, a conscience in the general sense, as a divine gift for all of humanity. This awareness needs to be nurtured more specifically within the framework of family with the biblical spirituality or the will of God (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
A matter of conscience
The person who sincerely desires to please God by applying biblical principles may find himself faced with situations that are not always easy to make the best decision. This is why it is appropriate to take Jesus Christ as a pattern and mentor, in order to know how to make the best decisions, especially when biblical principles collide. This is why, first, we will classify the laws and commandments of God into several categories to understand the scale of priorities in the decision to be made.
Jesus Christ showed that the commandments and the laws of God have a point of convergence, love for God and love for our neighbour: « On these two commandments the whole Law hangs, and the Prophets » ( Matthew 7:12 (the golden rule); 22:36-40). Jesus Christ spoke of this same point of convergence, with different words, but which are aspects of the timeless commandments of God, based on love: « You have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness » (Matthew 23:23). Therefore, for each complex decision to be made, when a timeless (or eternal) principle (commandment) and a circumstantial law collide, it is the principle (the timeless commandment) that will prevail (we will illustrate this point little further).
Let us talk about the difference between a timeless commandment (principle) and a circumstantial law. In Genesis it is written that God forbids eating of the fruit of a tree: « But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will certainly die » (Genesis 2:17). In this text there are two elements: the eternal commandment is obedience to God (not written). The circumstantial law is not to eat the fruit of the tree. Which of the two elements is superior? If the question may seem strange, it will allow us to always have in sight the most important aspects in the difficult decisions to be made because, in exceptional situations, a circumstantial law can collide with a timeless command. Of course, in this situation it is obedience to God that is most important, while the ban on this tree can only be temporary, since a tree is not eternal and moreover, at any time God could lift the ban.
There are timeless circumstantial laws (commandments) that cannot change (this time written). The best example are the ten commandments in Exodus chapter 20. Why are these « circumstantial » laws? When Adam was sinless, did he need these laws? Not at all, because he naturally did good, without any need to legislate (to write these laws) to guide him towards good conduct before God. It was the appearance of sin in the world that made these laws necessary (Romans 5:12). In Romans chapter 7, it is written that sin causes humans to act wrongly before God. Circumstantial laws act as indicators for doing right before God. However, when humanity will have no more sin, at the end of the thousand year reign of Christ, these laws, although permanent or eternal, will no longer need to be part of a written code (or to be made explicit) because humanity will apply it naturally. Regarding the Prophecy of Jeremiah, about the new covenant, it is written that the law will be written in the hearts (or minds) of humans (Jeremiah 31:31-33). We are currently experiencing the fulfillment of this situation throughout the Christian congregation (Luke 22:20).
Finally, there is the provisional circumstantial law, for example the Mosaic Law, under the aspect of the laws regarding the sacrifices in the biblical books from Exodus to Deuteronomy. The purpose of this law was to show the necessity of human sacrifice, to redeem all of the offspring of Adam: « So the Law became our guardian leading to Christ, so that we might be declared righteous through faith » (Galatians 3:24). These sets of laws having served their purpose, they came to an end (Romans 10:4).
Let us see how Jesus Christ made his decisions in ambiguous or complex situations. While Jesus Christ, is in the presence of a man who has a withered hand, he asks the following questions about the Sabbath: « After departing from that place, he went into their synagogue, and look! there was a man with a withered hand! So they asked him, “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?” so that they might accuse him. He said to them: “If you have one sheep and that sheep falls into a pit on the Sabbath, is there a man among you who will not grab hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do a fine thing on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man: “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored sound like the other hand » (Matthew 12:9-13). The Sabbath was the day when all work was absolutely forbidden. However, if an animal and a human were in distress, it made sense to rescue them, even on the Sabbath. In this case, it was the timeless principle of mercy that prevailed over this Sabbath commandment, as Jesus Christ reminded us in Matthew 23:23. Common sense helps to understand where the priorities are in the decisions to be made (2 Timothy 1:7).
Another biblical example where a law and a principle can exceptionally collide. In Joshua chapter 2 we can read that Joshua sent two spies to the city of Jericho. They hid in the house of Rahab. The soldiers knocked on her door to ask her if the spies were at her house: « The king of Jerʹi·cho was told: “Look! Israelite men have come in here tonight to spy out the land.” At that the king of Jerʹi·cho sent word to Raʹhab: “Bring out the men who came and are staying in your house, for they have come to spy out the entire land.” But the woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said: “Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they were from. And at dark when the city gate was about to be closed, the men went out. I do not know where the men went, but if you quickly chase after them, you will catch up with them.” (However, she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them among stalks of flax laid in rows on the roof.) » (Joshua 2:2-6). Rahab was faced with a dilemma, either to tell the truth and the two men would have perished, or not to report their presence and save their lives.
Going back to the three eternal principles of Matthew 23:23, mercy, justice and faithfulness, Rahab prioritized the eternal principle of the justice of God, to make this right decision: « In the same manner, was not Rahab the prostitute also declared righteous by works after she received the messengers hospitably and sent them out by another way? » (James 2:25).
Consider a last example where these three eternal principles were enforced over the Sabbath law. This passage will fully summarize what was previously written: « At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples got hungry and started to pluck heads of grain and to eat. At seeing this, the Pharisees said to him: “Look! Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath.” He said to them: “Have you not read what David did when he and the men with him were hungry? How he entered into the house of God and they ate the loaves of presentation, something that it was not lawful for him or those with him to eat, but for the priests only? Or have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbaths the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath and continue guiltless? But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. However, if you had understood what this means, ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless ones. For the Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath.” » (Matthew 12:1-8).
Now let us look at how to make a correct decision, based on biblical principles with a question as example: Can the Christian take drugs? One way to have a clear and precise answer is to ask the question what decision would Jesus Christ have made? It is interesting to note the decision that Jesus Christ made at the place of his execution: « They gave him wine mixed with gall to drink; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it » (Matthew 27:34). Jesus Christ wanted to have control of his mind until his death. The use of drugs acts on the mental state but also pollutes the human body. Here is what it is written: « Therefore, I appeal to you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason » (Romans 12:1). The service we render to God requires a self-control of our mental state by using our reason. Our body and our mind must be holy. Based on these two timeless biblical principles, holiness and the use of reason, allow us to know what decision to take.
Sometimes, on more complex questions, we can seek advice from Christians who have a long experience of applying biblical principles: « When there is no skillful direction, the people fall, But there is success through many advisers » (Proverbs 11:14). Of course, the adviser will bring out biblical principles with the aim that the person knows what he must do (and without necessarily « telling » him what he must do, but rather bringing him to « understand » what he must do based on the biblical principles involved). The goal of the adviser is to teach to find the biblical principles so that the person who reaches maturity can be autonomous in his ability to make decisions on complex situations, and no longer need, eventually, to constantly ask advice (Hebrews 5:14).
One last point, Jesus Christ showed that even if we are in our right, sometimes it is necessary to take into account the feelings of others, so as not to be a stumbling block for others. Here is the decision that Jesus Christ took in renouncing his right so as not to offend the person: « After they arrived in Ca·pernaum, the men collecting the two drachmas tax approached Peter and said: “Does your teacher not pay the two drachmas tax?” He said: “Yes.” However, when he entered the house, Jesus spoke to him first and said: “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive duties or head tax? From their sons or from the strangers?” When he said: “From the strangers,” Jesus said to him: “Really, then, the sons are tax-free. But that we do not cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a fishhook, and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a silver coin. Take that and give it to them for me and you”’ (Matthew 17:24-27) Jesus Christ made Peter reason that he did not have to pay this tax. However, he did not want to trip up these men who did not have all the information to understand why he should have been exempt from this tax.
Of course, in the context of Hebrews 5:14, the « perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong » or the conscience « exercised in distinguishing between good and evil », is the result of both a long life experience based on the application of biblical principles. He or she who has reached Christian maturity, on the basis of divine knowledge, discernment, insight and wisdom given by God, will demonstrate before God and men, that he has a well educated and well exercised conscience, to do the difference between good and evil, in ambiguous, intermediate and complex situations, a little like King Solomon and like Jesus Christ. In doing so, by his behavior full of divine wisdom, he will give glory to God: « You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when situated upon a mountain. People light a lamp and set it, not under the measuring basket, but upon the lampstand, and it shines upon all those in the house. Likewise let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens » (Matthew 5:14-16).
In Proverbs 2:7 there is the expression « practical wisdom » as the practice of « knowledge ». Indeed, Jesus Christ associated wisdom with the practice of biblical knowledge, in contrast with the foolish man who, having this knowledge, does not take it into account: « Therefore everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them will be likened to a discreet man, who built his house upon the rock-mass. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded upon the rock-mass. Furthermore, everyone hearing these sayings of mine and not doing them will be likened to a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and struck against that house and it caved in, and its collapse was great » (Matthew 7:24-27).
Nevertheless, given the general context of the Bible, one realizes that wisdom has a heavenly spiritual dimension that is not necessarily the result of the practice of an acquired knowledge, but rather a direct divine gift. Moreover, in Proverbs 2:6 it is written, « Jehovah himself gives wisdom » (Compare with Exodus 36:1-4 « Bezalel and Oholiab »). If indeed Jehovah’s wisdom flows from the biblical deposit of knowledge, by putting it into practice, there are situations that require this heavenly divine flash of wisdom. Let’s take two examples: Jesus Christ and king Salomon.
In a certain circumstance, king Solomon found himself in a human situation without solution, here is the biblical account: « At that time two prostitutes came in to the king and stood before him. The first woman said: “Please, my lord, this woman and I live in one house, and I gave birth while she was in the house. On the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. We were together, just the two of us; there was no one else with us in the house. During the night this woman’s son died, because she lay on him. So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while your slave girl was asleep and laid him in her arms, and she laid her dead son in my arms. When I got up in the morning to nurse my son, I saw that he was dead. So I examined him closely in the morning and saw that it was not my son whom I had given birth to.” But the other woman said: “No, my son is the living one, and your son is the dead one!” But the first woman was saying: “No, your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one.” That is how they argued before the king. Finally the king said: “This one says, ‘This is my son, the living one, and your son is the dead one!’ and that one says, ‘No, your son is the dead one, and my son is the living one!’” The king said: “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword to the king. The king then said: “Cut the living child in two, and give half to one woman and half to the other.” At once the woman whose son was the living one pleaded with the king, for her compassions were stirred toward her son. She said: “Please, my lord! You should give her the living child! By no means put him to death!” But the other woman was saying: “He will be neither mine nor yours! Let them cut him in two!” At that the king answered: “Give the living child to the first woman! By no means put him to death, for she is his mother.” So all Israel heard about the judgment that the king had handed down, and they were in awe of the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was with him to execute justice » (1 Kings 3:16-28).
This narrative and its conclusion, are the demonstration that the wisdom of God is not only the putting into practice of the biblical knowledge, but it has also a spiritual heavenly dimension, like a divine lightning, without knowing how, Jehovah God gives the miraculous solution, that no human on earth would have thought. This wisdom is not the result of a long career as a judge with a long history of judicial deliberations. Thanks to divine wisdom of God, the young king Solomon, in a flash, knew what decision to take to deliberate between these two women. This miraculous wisdom of this judicial decision, inspired by a completely heavenly wisdom, has plunged an entire nation of several millions of inhabitants into a reverential fear of this king. And we talk about it thousands of years later.
It is also interesting to note that when Jehovah gives a gift of wisdom to a human, as long as he remains faithful to Him, he does not take this gift from him, it is permanent. Thus, in this specific case, beyond the spectacular judicial decision of Solomon, God continued to give him this wisdom in abundance, in the continuation of his reign: « And God continued giving Solʹo·mon wisdom and understanding in very great measure and a broadness of heart, like the sand that is upon the seashore. And Solʹo·mon’s wisdom was vaster than the wisdom of all the Orientals and than all the wisdom of Egypt. And he was wiser than any other man, than Eʹthan the Ezʹra·hite and Heʹman and Calʹcol and Darʹda the sons of Maʹhol; and his fame came to be in all the nations all around. And he could speak three thousand proverbs, and his songs came to be a thousand and five. And he would speak about the trees, from the cedar that is in Lebʹa·non to the hyssop that is coming forth on the wall; and he would speak about the beasts and about the flying creatures and about the moving things and about the fishes. And they kept coming from all the peoples to hear Solʹo·mon’s wisdom, even from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom » (1 Kings 4:29-34). When Jehovah gives wisdom, he gives it abundantly and permanently.
Jesus Christ, on earth, had a power of wisdom directly divine and not always directly connected with the written deposit of the Bible, here is an example: « The scribes and the chief priests then sought to get their hands on him in that very hour, but they feared the people, for they realized that he told this illustration with them in mind. And after observing him closely, they sent men whom they had secretly hired to pretend that they were righteous in order to catch him in his speech, so as to turn him over to the government and to the authority of the governor. And they questioned him, saying: “Teacher, we know you speak and teach correctly and show no partiality, but you teach the way of God in line with truth: Is it lawful for us to pay head tax to Caesar or not?” But he detected their cunning and said to them: “Show me a de·narʹi·us. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They said: “Caesar’s.” He said to them: “By all means, then, pay back Caesar’s things to Caesar but God’s things to God.” Well, they were not able to trap him in his speech before the people, but amazed at his answer, they became silent » (Luke 20:19-26).
Christ’s answer came directly from the heavenly wisdom of which his Father had endowed him. There are many other examples that show that the wisdom of God is a gift that is not systematically in connection with the knowledge and the understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Moreover, in a certain circumstance Jesus Christ said to his disciples: « And when they are taking you to hand you over, do not be anxious beforehand about what to say; but whatever is given you in that hour, say this, for you are not the ones speaking, but the holy spirit is » (Mark 13:11). The active force of God, the Holy Spirit, was to be the energy of divine wisdom power for the disciples.
Therefore, if we want to acquire wisdom, we must ask for it by prayer and put into practice in our life, the Word of God the Bible: « But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, And he reads His law in an undertone day and night. He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, A tree that produces fruit in its season, The foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed » (Psalms 1:2,3).
Discernment or insight is a higher degree of understanding, which allows to understand more complex knowledge, in biblical spirituality. In Paul’s inspired letter to Hebrews, he refers in two forms of knowledge, the elementary teaching and the « solid (spiritual) food », which is a more complex knowledge. In the Greek text, there are two words that refer to these respectively two categories of knowledge. They are in the second letter of Peter, Gnosis and Epignosis: « May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you by an accurate knowledge (Epignosis) of God and of Jesus our Lord. (…) For this very reason, put forth all earnest effort to supply to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge (Gnosis), to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control endurance, to your endurance godly devotion » (2 Peter 1:2,5,6) .
In this translation of the Bible, the expression « accurate knowledge » seems to illustrate the precision of a more complex, more detailed biblical knowledge. It allows knowing when the Greek word « Gnosis » (Knowledge) and « Epignosis » (Accurate knowledge), appear in the Greek text by means of this translation of the Bible. Nevertheless, any knowledge, no matter how difficult of comprehension it requires, should be « exact » (at least for its holder). Therefore, it is interesting to examine the definition of these two words and then return to Paul’s inspired letter to Hebrews. The Greek word « Gnosis » is translated as knowledge in the general sense (in several fields) or science (Strong’s Concordance (G1108)). The Greek prefix « Epi » (before Gnosis) has the general meaning of elevation or direction (Strong’s Concordance (G1909)). Therefore, the Greek word « Epignosis » alludes to a « higher » knowledge, which requires a greater degree of intelligence, the discernment. The « directional » meaning of the prefix « Epi » indicates a more specialized, more detailed knowledge (Strong’s Concordance (G1922)). Therefore, the understanding is to the knowledge (Gnosis), what is the discernment or insight to the more complex knowledge (Epignosis).
However, when we read the dialogue between God and Job, Jehovah God asked him about different areas of knowledge of creation, sciences, which implies a general knowledge of these things. For example, Jehovah God, in the various rhetorical questions that He asked to Job, addressing the knowledge of various sciences: Job 38: The original arrangement of the earth to receive life, and its general functioning, the creation of atmosphere, wind, clouds, rain, lightning, glaciers, snow, boundary between sea and continents, rivers and river systems (channel for flooding), source of light , astronomy through the study of the constellations. In Job 39, 40 and 41, the animal kingdom is described.
When Jehovah God asked Job about these wide-ranging areas of knowledge of creation and science, it is assumed that Job had knowledge of them in part, of course, without having the full knowledge of Jehovah God. All this to say that probably the contemporaries of Abraham, Moses, Job and Easterners in general, they had great part of this knowledge to be able to live in these geographical places. Thus, in some respects, to have a polyvalent or a general knowledge (gnosis), can turn out to be more advantageous than more specialized knowledge (epignosis), without this general culture. The two aspects of knowledge, polyvalent knowledge or general culture (gnosis) and specialty (epignosis), must be associated with each other, both on the individual level, as of the general instruction of peoples (even if, obviously, the text of Job is written in the Hebrew language, which does not have the same word, in that case, the idea of »knowledge », must be contextualized, to have the precise meaning).
Returning to the letter to the Hebrews: « For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food » (Hebrews 5:12). The elementary things are quoted: « Therefore, now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works and faith in God, the teaching on baptisms and the laying on of the hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment. And this we will do, if God indeed permits » (Hebrews 6:1-3). And the « solid (spiritual) food » is in almost all the inspired letter to Hebrews (chapters 1-13). Although very interesting, this deep biblical teaching is not always easy to understand at first reading, even to the very point that the Apostle Peter himself wrote about Paul’s inspired letters: « Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you according to the wisdom given him, speaking about these things as he does in all his letters. However, some things in them are hard to understand, and these things the ignorant and unstable are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction » (2 Peter 3:15,16).
Despite the fact that it is not always easy to understand at first reading this sometimes very deep Bible teaching, all Christians who aspire to reach Christian maturity, especially Bible teachers, must make an effort to understand it, praying for God’s help (Matthew 11:25, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Hebrews 5: 11-14-6: 1-3). Returning to the letter to the Hebrews: « For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food » (Hebrews 5:12). The elementary things are quoted: « Therefore, now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works and faith in God, the teaching on baptisms and the laying on of the hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment. And this we will do, if God indeed permits » (Hebrews 6:1-3). And the « solid (spiritual) food » is in almost all the inspired letter to Hebrews (chapters 1-13).
Although very interesting, this deep biblical teaching is not always easy to understand at first reading, even to the very point that the Apostle Peter himself wrote about Paul’s inspired letters: « Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you according to the wisdom given him, speaking about these things as he does in all his letters. However, some things in them are hard to understand, and these things the ignorant and unstable are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction » (2 Peter 3:15,16). Despite the fact that it is not always easy to understand at first reading this sometimes very deep Bible teaching, all Christians who aspire to reach Christian maturity, especially Bible teachers, must make an effort to understand it, praying for God’s help (Matthew 11:25, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Hebrews 5: 11-14-6: 1-3).
It is important not to forget the purpose of the knowledge of God, in relation to intelligence and discernment, which is to seek to encourage our neighbor and our brother or sister in faith: « Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up » (1 Corinthians 8:1).
Fate or fatalism, Predestinarianism are not Bible teachings. We are not programmed to do good or bad, but according to the « free choice », we choose to do good or bad (Deuteronomy 30:15). This view of fate or fatalism is closely linked to the idea that many people have about the omniscience of God and his ability to know the future. We will see how God uses his omniscience and ability to know events ahead of time. We will see from the Bible, that God uses it in a selective and discretionary way or for a specific purpose, by several biblical examples.
God uses his omniscience in a discretionary and selective way
Did God know that Adam would sin? According to the context of Genesis 2 and 3, not at all. How God would have given a command that He would have known in advance that Adam would have disobeyed? This would have been contrary to His Love and everything had been done for this command not to be « burdensome » (1 John 4:8; 5:3). We will take two biblical examples that demonstrate that God uses his ability to know the future in a selective and discretionary way. But also, that He always use this ability for a specific purpose.
The first example is the one with Abraham. In Genesis 22:1-14, there is the very painful account for Abraham of God’s request to sacrifice his son Isaac. By asking Abraham to sacrifice his son, did He know in advance whether Abraham would be able to obey? Depending on the immediate context of the story, He did not know. While at the last moment God prevented Abraham from doing such an act, it is written this: “Do not harm the boy, and do not do anything at all to him, for now I do know that you are God-fearing because you have not withheld your son, your only one, from me” (Genesis 22:12). It is written « now I do know that you are God-fearing ». The sentence « now I do know », shows that God did not know whether Abraham would fully follow through on this request.
The second example concerns the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Shortly before the destruction of these two cities, Jehovah said this to Abraham: “Then Jehovah said: “The outcry against Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah is indeed great, and their sin is very heavy. 21 I will go down to see whether they are acting according to the outcry that has reached me. And if not, I can get to know it.”” (Genesis 18:20,21). The fact that God sent two angels to verify a scandalous situation, demonstrates once again that at first, He did not have all the evidence to make a decision, and in this case, He used his ability to know or to inform himself, by means of two angels.
If we read the different prophetic biblical books, we will find that God always uses his ability to know the future for a very specific purpose (Zechariah’s prophecy; Daniel’s prophecy). Let’s take a simple biblical example. While Rebecca was pregnant with twins, the problem was which of the two children would be the ancestor of the nation chosen by God. For that, God had to use his foreknowledge to designate which of the two unborn children would be worthy of such a privilege: « Re·bekʹah became pregnant. And the sons within her began to struggle with each other, so that she said: “If this is the way it is, why should I go on living?” So she inquired of Jehovah. And Jehovah said to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples will be separated from within you; and the one nation will be stronger than the other nation, and the older will serve the younger.”” (Genesis 25:21-26).
The eldest being Esau, ancestor of the nation of Edom, was effectively supplanted in his birthright by his younger brother Jacob, ancestor of the nation of Israel, for having sold him for a simple dish of lentils (Genesis 25:34). This demonstrated that Esau was a man devoid of spirituality, and that God used his foreknowledge to choose the best man, Jacob, to be the founder of his special nation, Israel (Hebrews 12:16,17). This does not mean that Jehovah God interfered in the free choice of Jacob and Esau, to influence them, one to be spiritual and the other fleshly. Jehovah God made a simple observation of each genetic makeup (even if it is not genetics that fully controls future behavior), and then in his foreknowledge, He made a projection in the future to know what kinds of men they were going to become: « Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; All its parts were written in your book Regarding the days when they were formed, Before any of them existed » (Psalms 139:16). Based on this foreknowledge, God made his choice (Romans 9:10-13).
To emphasize this very focused use of the foreknowledge of God, we can take a last example. After the death of the traitor Judas Iscariot, he had to be replaced by another apostle. Now the apostles had to choose between two men, Barsabbas Justus and Matthias. The apostles prayed that God would choose the man: « And they prayed and said: “You, O Jehovah, who know the hearts of all, designate which one of these two men you have chosen, to take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas deviated to go to his own place.” So they cast lots over them, and the lot fell upon Mat·thiʹas; and he was reckoned along with the eleven apostles » (Acts 1:24-26). “You, O Jehovah, who know the hearts of all”, shows that in some cases God uses his foreknowledge to make the best choice over the person, without interfering with the free will of the human being.
Before understanding God’s thinking on the subject of our personal protection, it is important to consider three important biblical points (1 Corinthians 2:16):
1 – Jesus Christ showed that the present life which ends in death has a provisional value for all humans. For example he compared the death of Lazarus to « sleep », which by definition is temporary (John 11:11). Further, Jesus Christ showed that what matters is to preserve our prospect of everlasting life rather than seeking to « survive » a trial at the cost of serious compromise: « Whoever finds his soul will lose it, and whoever loses his soul for my sake will find it » (Matthew 10:39). The word « soul », depending on the context, is to be taken in the meaning of life (Genesis 35:16-19). The apostle Paul, under inspiration, showed that « real life » is that centered on the hope of eternal life in paradise: « safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life » (1 Timothy 6:19).
When we read the book of Acts, we find that sometimes God allowed the test of the Christian to end until his death, in the case of the apostle James and the disciple Stephen (Acts 7: 54-60; 12: 2). In other cases, God decided to protect the disciple. For example, after the death of the apostle James, God decided to protect the apostle Peter from an identical death (Acts 12:6-11). Generally, in the biblical context, the protection or otherwise of a servant of God is often linked to his purpose. For example, while it was in the midst of a shipwreck, there was a collective divine protection from the apostle Paul and as well as all the people on the boat: « This night an angel of the God to whom I belong and to whom I render sacred service stood by me and said: ‘Have no fear, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and look! God has granted to you all those sailing with you’ » (Acts 27:23,24). The collective divine protection was part of a higher divine purpose, namely that Paul was to bear witness to kings (Acts 9:15,16).
2 – This question of divine protection must be placed in the context of the two challenges launched by Satan and particularly in the remarks he made regarding the integrity of Job: « Have you not put up a protective hedge around him and his house and everything he has? » (Job 1:10). To answer the question of integrity of Job and all of mankind, this challenge from the devil shows that God had to, in a relative way, remove his protection from Job, which could well apply as well all of humanity. Shortly before he died, Jesus Christ, citing Psalm 22:1, showed that God had taken away all protection from him, which resulted in his death as a sacrifice (John 3:16): « About the ninth hour, Jesus called out with a loud voice, saying: “Eʹli, Eʹli, laʹma sa·bach·thaʹni?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”” (Matthew 27:46). Nevertheless, concerning humanity as a whole, this withdrawal of divine protection remains relative, for just as God forbade the devil to directly kill Job, it is evident that the same is true of all of humanity as worldwide group (compare with Matthew 24:22).
3 – We have examined above, that suffering can be the result of « unforeseen times and events » which make that people can find themselves at the wrong time, in the wrong place (Ecclesiastes 9:11,12). Thus, in general, humans are not protected by God from the consequences of the choice that was originally made by Adam. Man ages, gets sick and dies (Romans 5:12). He can be the victim of accidents or natural disasters. The apostle Paul, inspired, wrote it well: « For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but through the one who subjected it, on the basis of hope » (Romans 8:20; the book of Ecclesiastes is a detailed description of the futility of the present life which inevitably leads to death: « »The greatest futility!” says the congregator, “The greatest futility! Everything is futile » » (Ecclesiastes 1:2)).
In addition, God does not protect humans from the consequences of their bad decisions: « Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap; because the one sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but the one sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit » (Galatians 6:7,8). As God has subjected mankind to futility for a long time, it allows us to understand that He has withdrawn His protection from the consequences of our sinful condition. Certainly, this perilous situation for all mankind will be temporary: « The creation itself will also be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God » (Romans 8:21). It is then that the whole of humanity, after the resolution of the devil’s challenge, will find the benevolent protection of God in the earthly paradise: « No disaster will befall you, And no plague will come near your tent. For he will give his angels a command concerning you, To guard you in all your ways. They will carry you on their hands, So that you may not strike your foot against a stone » (Psalms 91:10-12).
Does this mean that currently we are no longer individually protected by God? The protection that God gives us is that of our future, in terms of the hope of everlasting life, either by the survival of the great tribulation or by the resurrection, if we endure to the end (Matthew 24:13 ; John 5: 28,29; Acts 24:15; Revelation 7:9-17). In addition, Jesus Christ in his description of the sign of the last days (Matthew 24, 25, Mark 13 and Luke 21), and the book of Revelation (particularly in chapters 6:1-8 and 12:12), show that humanity would go through great misfortunes since 1914, which suggests that for a time God would not preserve it.
However, God has not left us without the possibility of protecting ourselves individually through the application of his benevolent guidance contained in the Bible, his Word. Broadly speaking, the application of biblical principles makes it possible to avoid unnecessary risks which could shorten our life in an absurd way: « My son, do not forget my teaching, And may your heart observe my commandments, Because they will add many days And years of life and peace to you » (Proverbs 3: 1,2). We saw above that fate does not exist. Therefore, the application of biblical principles, the guidance of God, will be comparable to looking carefully to the right and to the left before crossing the street, in order to preserve our life: « The shrewd person sees the danger and conceals himself, But the inexperienced keep right on going and suffer the consequences » (Proverbs 27:12).
The apostle Peter insisted on being vigilant in view of prayer: « But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers » (1 Peter 4:7). Prayer and meditation can have a protective effect on our spiritual and mental balance: « Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6,7; Genesis 24:63).
Some believe that they have been specially protected by God at a moment in their lives. Nothing in the Bible prevents to glimpse this exceptional possibility on the part of God, quite the contrary: « I will declare before you the name of *Jehovah; and I will favor the one whom I favor, and I will show mercy to the one to whom I show mercy » (Exodus 33:19). According the Bible someone can receive personal protection from God: « The angel of Jehovah camps all around those fearing Him, and he rescues them » (Psalms 34:7). However, divine protection is not automatic, and therefore nothing in the Bible indicates precisely how God currently decides whether or not to protect someone from a dangerous situation.
This experience remains in the order of the exclusive relationship between God and this person who would have been protected, it is not for us to judge: « Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand » (Romans 14:4).
* YHWH is the tetragrammaton, or four-letter for the Divine Name. In the New World Translation of the Bible, it appears with the vocalization commonly used for centuries as « Jehovah ». This vocalization is doubly inaccurate because it inserts the pronunciation J instead of I (i) or Y, and the V corresponding to W, which is pronounced « U » or « ou » (not V). The correct vocalization of the Tetragrammaton is YeHou(W)aH, Yehouah. The inaccurate vocalization « Jehovah » is retained in the Bible translation used, just as the inaccurate vocalization of « Jesus, » pronounced Yeshua or Yeshoua, because they are the most known to readers (click on the link to examine the study on the Divine Name in more detail: The Divine Name YHWH is pronounced as it is written).
The answer often gives the meaning of the question or what it implicitly suggests. Regarding identity of Yeouah (YHWH )(commonly vocalized as « Jehovah »), Moses asks what he must say to his Israelite brothers:
« But Moses said to the true God: “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your forefathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is his name?’ What should I say to them?” » (Exodus 3:13).
The question seems strange because it would suggest that the Israelites would have forgotten the proper Name of the God of their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), after 215 years in Egypt. But from the context of the book of Exodus, the Israelites feared and knew the name of Yeouah (YHWH ). For example, more than eighty years earlier, concerning the Hebrew midwives who refused to kill male newborns on the order of Pharaoh, the story adds that they feared Jehovah (Exodus 4:17). Moses himself knew Yeouah (YHWH ), the God of his ancestors (Hebrews 11:23-28). Therefore, the exact vocalisation was not a problem.
To understand, implicitly, the meaning of the two questions of Moses, it is necessary to examine the definition of the Hebrew word « shem » (שֵׁם), translated by « name »: « a primitive word [perhaps rather from H7760 through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare H8064]; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character:— base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report » (Strong’s Corcondance (H8034)). Given God’s response (from the biblical context), and the definition of « shem » (name), we understand that this is the name with its memorial of past actions that was to constitute his reputation:
« So God said to Moses: “I Will Become What I Choose to Become.” And he added: “This is what you are to say to the Israelites, ‘I Will Become has sent me to you.’” Then God said once more to Moses: “This is what you are to say to the Israelites, ‘Jehovah the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation » (Exodus 3:14,15).
The last part of God’s answer makes it possible to understand the implication of the question of Moses: « I am to be remembered from generation to generation ». The question « what is your name? » Should be understood in the following manner, « What is your « name », the « memorial » of its past actions connected to your name ». And his answer, « I Will Become What I Choose to Become » is to be put in perspective to the idea that the Israelites and probably Moses, had regarding the name of the gods: To each god his name, connected with his miraculous power. The « I Will Become What I Choose to Become », also implies, that Moses wanted to know what to say about the miraculous power attached to God’s Name.
Thus, when Yehouah (YHWH ) God speaks of his Name as a « Memorial », it means that the question of Moses concerning the Name was: What will I say to the Israelites concerning the power of your Name and the extraordinary actions attached to this Name (As Memorial of past actions)? The question of Moses, regarding the Divine Name is inscribed on the capacity of action of the True God, who resides in the power of his Name. Nevertheless, God’s response is very subtle: In Egypt, every god had a name attached to a very precise miraculous power of action. Thus, in his answer, « I Will Become What I Choose to Become », he does not want human intelligence to lock his Name only in one miraculous ability. In the account of Exodus 4:1-9, it is written that God did four miracles, showing his capacity for creation by turning the staff of Moses into a serpent, and making it become a staff. Also, by making the hand of Moses to have leprosy (destruction) and after, healing it (recreation). Through these two series of two miracles, God illustrated his all mightiness, and therefore only his extraordinary actions would reveal the memorial of his name. « I Will Become What I Choose to Become », it is the action undertaken by God that would give the spiritual meaning to his Name, of Who « He is ».
« And everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved »
(Joel 2: 32)
« At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name » (Malachi 3:16).
Our relationship with Yeouah (YHWH ) is spiritual (not magical): « However, there is a difference in size between the Hebrews and other peoples regarding the conception of the name of a divinity: In the peoples of antiquity, invoking the name of the God forces him to act, it is a magical conception of the name, whereas among the Hebrews the invocation of the name of God is only a supplication and not an incantation (1 Kings 8:33,34). For example, in his dialogue with Jesus, Satan quoted Psalm 91:11,12 in the sense of an obligation to God, the magical conception of prayer (analogous to the lamp of Aladdin). Jesus corrected this erroneous conception (Matthew 4: 6,7) » (« A History of the Divine Name « (page 57)).
The Bible shows that a magical conception of the Name is spiritually dangerous. Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus Christ had said that his Father had transferred to him all the authority in connection to his Name: « All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth » (Matthew 28:18). Therefore, all Christians who sought (and even now) the help of God, should do so in the name of Christ. However, what is applicable to the Divine Name, Yeouah (YHWH ), also applies to the Name of Christ, Jesus (Yehoshouah): do not use it magically, wanting to force God to act (by vocalising His Name magically). Here is what happened on one occasion, written in the book of Acts (Bible):
« But some of the Jews who traveled around casting out demons also tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had wicked spirits; they would say: “I solemnly charge you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Now there were seven sons of a Jewish chief priest named Sceʹva doing this. But in answer the wicked spirit said to them: “I know Jesus and I am acquainted with Paul; but who are you?” At that the man with the wicked spirit leaped on them, overpowered them one after the other, and prevailed against them, so that they fled naked and wounded out of that house. This became known to all, both the Jews and the Greeks who lived in Ephʹe·sus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus went on being magnified » (Acts 19:13-17). It is obvious that these Jews, who were doing the job of driving out demons, using the name of Jesus in a magical way, without having faith in him, were punished.
To invoke the name of Yeouah (YHWH ) means that we must love Him (Matthew 22: 37-40), to have faith in Him, and in His Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16,36; 17: 3; Hebrews 11: 6). To invoke the Name of Jehovah through His Son Jesus Christ will enable us to survive the great tribulation and obtain the everlasting life: « This means everlasting life, their coming to know you, the only true God, and the one whom you sent, Jesus Christ » (John 17:3, Revelation 7: 9-17).
The writer of this letter is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, he also has the name of Simon Peter (Matthew 4:18) and Jesus Christ gave him another name, Cephas (John 1:42). Among the twelve, he was one of the three closest apostles of Jesus Christ: Peter, James and John his brother. These three men saw the transfiguration of Christ (Mark 9:1-10). There is no problem of understanding in reading the two letters of Peter. Nevertheless, sometimes Peter uses expressions which are linked to the Mosaic Law and particularly the former priesthood system, which will be explained without necessarily going into details. The purpose of this meditation is to understand how the advice of these letters can guide us towards Christian maturity and makes it possible to expand the reflection and the understanding, regarding the teaching presented by the apostle Peter.
Chapter 1:
« Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the temporary residents scattered about in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, to those chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, with sanctification by the spirit, for the purpose of being obedient and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ: May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you » (verses 1 and 2).
The expression of « temporary residents » is a metaphor to designate the Christians with the heavenly hope of everlasting life. The names of the different geographic places seem to indicate the territories of the Christian ministry of the apostle Peter. They are nearby the Black Sea, in Asia Minor, the geographic places of the current Turkey. In addition, in the conclusion of his letter, he addressed the greetings of the congregation which is in Babylon, the current Iraq (1 Peter 5:13). In the letter to the Congregation of Galatia, written by the apostle Paul, we read that he met the apostle Peter in Antioch, in the south of the current Turkey (Galatians 2:11). All this information, to note that it is very unlikely that Peter went to Rome, according to the narrative of the Bible (New Testament) because he developed his Christian ministry in Asia Minor (the current Turkey), up to Babylon, the current Iraq. It was the apostle Paul (and not the apostle Peter) who preached in the west direction, to Rome, according to the narrative of the Acts of the Apostles.
The expression « sprinkled with the blood » of Jesus Christ on these Christians, temporary residents, is another metaphor linked to the priesthood installation. In the context of this letter, the future heavenly priesthood of theses Christians. The same symbolic image of the outer garment of King Jesus Christ, stained with blood, in the book of the Apocalypse, which is described in his function of High Priest, during the great tribulation: « and he is clothed with an outer garment stained with blood, and he is called by the name The Word of God » (Apocalypse 19:13; Exodus 29:21). Indeed, these Christians, who have the heavenly hope of everlasting life, will constitute a kingdom of priests in the heavens alongside the High Priest, Jesus Christ (Apocalypse 1:5.6; 5:9,10).
The Christian hope (heavenly or earthly) has a price, that of trials which refine the faith: « Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for according to his great mercy he gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance. It is reserved in the heavens for you, 5 who are being safeguarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last period of time. 6 Because of this you are greatly rejoicing, though for a short time, if it must be, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being tested by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him and are greatly rejoicing with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of your faith, your salvation » (verses 3-9).
Regarding the « new birth », Jesus Christ, during his conversation with Nicodemus, spoke about it: « In response Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him: “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter into the womb of his mother a second time and be born, can he?” Jesus answered: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born from water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. What has been born from the flesh is flesh, and what has been born from the spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed because I told you: You people must be born again. The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who has been born from the spirit » (John 3:3-8).
During the baptism of the Christian who has the heavenly hope, the symbolism of the death takes place, leading to a new birth (his future heavenly resurrection) (Matthew 28:19). At the moment of the baptism, when the human body of the Christian is completely immersed in the water, it symbolizes the death of his old condition, and also his future death of his physical body. When he emerges from the water, which in the circumstances acts as a symbolic matrix, there is a new birth by water and also, before or after baptism, by the spirit. Jesus Christ says that we must both be born from water and spirit to inherit the kingdom of Heavens (John 3:5). The new birth from the spirit is a divine phenomenon that escapes to human understanding. It is God who anoints with spirit the one who will be born for the future heavenly life (John 3:8). The apostle Paul described this new birth which will be made in a tangible way, during the death of the faithful Christian and then, of his heavenly resurrection: « It is sown a physical body; it is raised up a spiritual body » (1 Corinthians 15:44a).
Can this process be applied to all human beings who will live forever on earth? Yes, but in a different way. Instead of the expression of new birth, Jesus Christ used the expression « re-creation », which is in itself, like a new birth with a new physical body without sin: « Jesus said to them: “Truly I say to you, in the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel » » (Matthew 19:28). Still in the same letter from the apostle Paul, concerning the different forms of resurrections, in the second part of verse 44, it is written: « If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual one » (1 Corinthians 15: 44b). It is true in both directions: if there is a resurrection with a spiritual body, there will also be a resurrection with a physical body. The first will be born again from water and spirit (for life in heaven), and the other will be born again of water (symbolizing the immersion in death), and the rise of water by the resurrection with a re-creation of a new human body (for life on earth). We can even say that the future resurrected people will be borne by the effect of the Holy Spirit of God which will give them the life on earth (Acts 24:15).
Even the angels in the heavens have sought to understand the process that leads to everlasting salvation, by means the sacrifice of Christ: « Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the undeserved kindness meant for you made a diligent inquiry and a careful search. 11 They kept on investigating what particular time or what season the spirit within them was indicating concerning Christ as it testified beforehand about the sufferings meant for Christ and about the glory that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were ministering, not to themselves, but to you, regarding what has now been announced to you by those who declared the good news to you with holy spirit sent from heaven. Into these very things, angels are desiring to peer » (verses 10-12).
Each Christian must improve their behavior before God and his Son Jesus Christ, in order to have the fulfillment of his hope of everlasting life (heavenly or earthly): « So brace up your minds for activity; keep your senses completely; set your hope on the undeserved kindness that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, stop being molded by the desires you formerly had in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, become holy yourselves in all your conduct, 16 for it is written: “You must be holy, because I am holy.”
17 And if you are calling on the Father who judges impartially according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves with fear during the time of your temporary residence. 18 For you know that it was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were set free from your futile way of life handed down to you by your forefathers. 19 But it was with precious blood, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, that of Christ. 20 True, he was foreknown before the founding of the world, but he was made manifest at the end of the times for your sake. 21 Through him you are believers in God, the one who raised him up from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth with unhypocritical brotherly affection as the result, love one another intensely from the heart. 23 For you have been given a new birth, not by corruptible, but by incorruptible seed, through the word of the living and enduring God. 24 For “all flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like a blossom of the field; the grass withers, and the flower falls off, 25 but the saying of Jehovah endures forever.” And this “saying” is the good news that was declared to you » (verses 13-25).
Chapter 2:
Peter refers again to the kingdom of priests, this time in the form of a building, a spiritual house, made with living stones (Christians having the heavenly hope), with this chosen stone, rejected by the builders, who is Jesus Christ: « So rid yourselves of all badness and deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all backbiting. 2 As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk of the word, so that by means of it you may grow to salvation, 3 provided you have tasted that the Lord is kind.
4 As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but chosen, precious to God, 5 you yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For it says in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious foundation cornerstone, and no one exercising faith in it will ever be disappointed.”
7 It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers; but to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone” 8 and “a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were appointed. 9 But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies” of the One who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 For you were once not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not been shown mercy, but now you have received mercy » (verses 1-10).
The apostle Peter does not designate himself as the cornerstone on which the Christian Church is built, but clearly shows that it is indeed Jesus Christ: « You yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious foundation cornerstone, and no one exercising faith in it will ever be disappointed” » (1 Peter 2:5,6; Isaiah 28:16; Psalms 118:22: the chosen stone of the prophecy of Isaiah and the Psalms, mentioned by the apostle Peter, is Jesus Christ).
There is a series of recommendations to have good behavior in the situations of Christian life: « Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and temporary residents to keep abstaining from fleshly desires, which wage war against you. 12 Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, so that when they accuse you of being wrongdoers, they may be eyewitnesses of your fine works and, as a result, glorify God in the day of his inspection.
13 For the Lord’s sake subject yourselves to every human creation, whether to a king as being superior 14 or to governors as sent by him to punish wrongdoers but to praise those who do good. 15 For it is the will of God that by doing good you may silence the ignorant talk of unreasonable men. 16 Be as free people, using your freedom, not as a cover for doing wrong, but as slaves of God. 17 Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, honor the king.
18 Let servants be in subjection to their masters with all due fear, not only to the good and reasonable but also to those hard to please. 19 For it is agreeable when someone endures hardship and suffers unjustly because of conscience toward God. 20 For what merit is there if you are beaten for sinning and you endure it? But if you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God.
21 In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. 22 He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. 23 When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously. 24 He himself bore our sins in his own body on the stake, so that we might die to sins and live to righteousness. And “by his wounds you were healed.” 25 For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls » (verses 11-25).
These advices are particularly addressed to those who are suffering and enduring because of an unfair situation. This kind of suffering is pleasant in the eyes of God, because it makes the Christian who is enduring, someone better, like a refined gold by the fire of the tribulation: « For it is agreeable when someone endures hardship and suffers unjustly because of conscience toward God. For what merit is there if you are beaten for sinning and you endure it? But if you endure suffering because of doing good, this is an agreeable thing to God » (verses 19,20).
These sufferings because of injustice have been endured by Christ, which is the best pattern of endurance for those who suffer because of conscience toward God: « In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. He committed no sin, nor was deception found in his mouth. When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One who judges righteously » (verses 21-23).
Chapter 3:
The married women of the congregation must continue to have their inner beauty, made of Christian qualities which can allow, to win an unbeliever husband: « In the same way, you wives, be in subjection to your husbands, so that if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, 2 because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect. 3 Do not let your adornment be external—the braiding of hair and the wearing of gold ornaments or fine clothing— 4 but let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible adornment of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God. 5 For this is how the holy women of the past who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, subjecting themselves to their husbands, 6 just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you have become her children, provided you continue doing good and do not give in to fear » (verses 1-6).
Then, the apostle Peter addresses the husbands: « You husbands, in the same way, continue dwelling with them according to knowledge. Assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since they are also heirs with you of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered » (verse 7). We find the same advice in the letters of the Apostle Paul, towards the husbands, their wives and children (Ephesians 5:21-33; 6:1-4). The husbands must « continue dwelling with them according to knowledge ». Depending on the context, this « knowledge », does not seem to be a biblical knowledge or that could be read in a book, but rather discernment of what is femininity in the couple, which allows the husbands to understand the physical and emotional limits of their wives, and thus, to « assign them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one ». Obviously, this « knowledge » is just as important in the other direction, concerning women towards their husbands. This is how there will be a mutual understanding in the couple (and not only in one sense).
The disciples of Christ must manifest a brotherly love with affection: « Finally, all of you have unity of mind, fellow feeling, brotherly affection, tender compassion, and humility. 9 Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing, for you were called to this course, so that you might inherit a blessing. 10 For “whoever would love life and see good days must guard his tongue from bad and his lips from speaking deception. 11 Let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, and his ears listen to their supplication, but the face of Jehovah is against those doing bad things” » (verses 8-12).
Jesus Christ said about what would identify the real disciples: « I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves » (John 13:34,35). In some congregations, listeners sit down and receive the teaching, then they go home, by greeting in a superficial way those who meet in their path. In this situation, congregations are simple university campuses or classrooms where the professor gives his teaching, and then go home. In this case, where is the manifestation of sympathy and the brotherly affection? These two biblical texts clearly show that there must be a social life within a Christian congregation. It is made up of friendships, invitations to share a meal, reciprocal or not, of simple moments of happiness spent together on a walk or a picnic. Christian conviviality does not forget widows and orphans, divorced, separated and other people being in prolonged solitudes.
It is also important to remember the statement of the good Christian deeds of mercy, according to King Jesus Christ, during the future world judgment: « Then the King will say to those on his right: ‘Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world. For I became hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you received me hospitably; naked and you clothed me. I fell sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you visited me’ » (Matthew 25:31-46). We can see that in the list of these good Christian deeds, there is no good so-called « religious » action like listening biblical sermons, or going to preach and teach the good news. Obviously, we must also do these things, however, without missing the essentials, according to Jesus Christ: doing works of mercy. During this social life between the Christian brothers and sisters, it is important to « guard the tongue from bad and the lips from speaking deception » (verses 10 to 12; read also the letter of James 3:1-12 (Advices to « tame » the tongue)).
We must sanctify the Christ as Lord in our hearts, always ready to make a defense before any man: « Indeed, who will harm you if you become zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy. However, do not fear what they fear, nor be disturbed. 15 But sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect. 16 Maintain a good conscience, so that in whatever way you are spoken against, those who speak against you may be put to shame because of your good conduct as followers of Christ. 17 For it is better to suffer because you are doing good, if it is God’s will to allow it, than because you are doing evil. 18 For Christ died once for all time for sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, in order to lead you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. 19 And in this state he went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who had formerly been disobedient when God was patiently waiting in Noah’s day, while the ark was being constructed, in which a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water » (verses 13-20).
When Peter writes « if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are happy », how can we be happy when we suffer? Jesus Christ shows in his Sermon on the Mount that one can be happy in the perspective of the hope: « Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you » (Matthew 5:3-12). The Christian can be persecuted with false accusations and therefore, sometimes, he must appear before judicial authorities or speak before a representative of the police (a police officer, a judge, a tax official…). As written, the Christian must remain the master of his feelings and ensure to express himself with deep respect. In doing so, if he shows patience, it is very likely that the situation will turn against the false accusers, who will be ashamed of their bad behavior towards persecuted Christians. Obviously, when a Christian suffers because of an injustice, he must remember the pattern of Jesus Christ who also suffered because of injustice, until death (verses 18-20).
If the blood of Christ saves, Christian baptism, also saves: « Baptism, which corresponds to this, is also now saving you (not by the removing of the filth of the flesh, but by the request to God for a good conscience), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is at God’s right hand, for he went to heaven, and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him » (verses 21,22). By exercising faith in Jehovah God, the Father, in Jesus Christ, his Son, and in the Holy Spirit, they can be baptized and conform, their life according the biblical principles: « Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things » (Matthew 28:19,20). It should be noted in the commandment of Christ, after the baptism, the new disciple must be instructed to observe all the things taught by Jesus Christ. The particular training of the new Christian disciple will take some time after his baptism.
Chapter 4:
The disciple of Christ should no longer live for the desires of men, but for the will of God: « Since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition; because the person who has suffered in the flesh has desisted from sins, 2 so that he may live the remainder of his time in the flesh, no more for the desires of men, but for God’s will. 3 For the time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have done the will of the nations when you carried on in acts of brazen conduct, unbridled passions, overdrinking, wild parties, drinking bouts, and lawless idolatries. 4 They are puzzled that you do not continue running with them in the same decadent course of debauchery, so they speak abusively of you. 5 But these people will render an account to the one who is ready to judge those living and those dead. 6 In fact, this is why the good news was declared also to the dead, so that although they are judged in the flesh from the standpoint of men, they might live in harmony with the spirit from God’s standpoint » (verses 4-6).
The desires of men represent, depending on the context, the debauchery. However, it can also represent our bad tendencies to naturally do what is bad because of our sinful human condition. The apostle Paul alluded to this inner fight against bad trends: « I find, then, this law in my case: When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me. I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, but I see in my body another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my body. Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death? Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, then, with my mind I myself am a slave to God’s law, but with my flesh to sin’s law » (Romans 7:21-25). This change in behavior will inevitably attract the attention of the people around this Christian. It is possible that he is undergoing very strong pressure from the group in the form of insults and mockery: « They are puzzled that you do not continue running with them in the same decadent course of debauchery, so they speak abusively of you » (verse 4). Preaching to the dead means a proclamation of the good news to the whole of sinful humanity condemned by the death inherited from Adam (Matthew 8:22; Ephesians 2:1; Romans 5:12). This proclamation of the good news means that Christians are criticized or « judged in the flesh from the standpoint of men, they might live in harmony with the spirit from God’s standpoint » (verse 6).
The disciple of Christ must have a virtuous behavior and put his spiritual gifts in ministering their brothers and sisters in faith: « But the end of all things has drawn close. Therefore, be sound in mind, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. 8 Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness that is expressed in various ways. 11 If anyone speaks, let him do so as speaking pronouncements from God; if anyone ministers, let him do so as depending on the strength that God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. The glory and the might are his forever and ever. Amen » (verses 7-11).
Christians who have gifts granted by God, are administrators of them. These gifts are manifested in various ways (verse 10). The apostle Paul describes them more precisely: « Now there are different gifts, but there is the same spirit; and there are different ministries, and yet there is the same Lord; and there are different activities, and yet it is the same God who performs them all in everyone. But the manifestation of the spirit is given to each one for a beneficial purpose. For to one is given speech of wisdom through the spirit, to another speech of knowledge according to the same spirit, to another faith by the same spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one spirit, to yet another operations of powerful works, to another prophesying, to another discernment of inspired expressions, to another different tongues, and to another interpretation of tongues. But all these operations are performed by the very same spirit, distributing to each one respectively just as it wills » (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Those who have particular gifts in the congregation must act in modesty by using them « as depending on the strength that God supplies ».
Sometimes the disciple of Christ can be in a situation which seems « strange » to him, in the ‘fire » of a trial that he did not expect: « Beloved ones, do not be surprised about the fiery trials that you are experiencing, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 On the contrary, go on rejoicing over the extent to which you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, so that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy, because the spirit of glory, yes, the spirit of God, is resting upon you » (verses 12-14). These strange situations can be trials inside the congregation by the infiltration of spiritual wolves who are mismanaging the congregation (Matthew 7:15,16).
The sufferings of the disciple of Christ must not be the consequence of bad actions. The disciple of Christ must suffer as a Christian and not as a criminal: « However, let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or a wrongdoer or a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 But if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but let him keep on glorifying God while bearing this name. 17 For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God. Now if it starts first with us, what will the outcome be for those who are not obedient to the good news of God? 18 “And if the righteous man is being saved with difficulty, what will happen to the ungodly man and the sinner?” 19 So, then, let those who are suffering in harmony with the will of God keep on entrusting themselves to a faithful Creator while they are doing good » (verses 15-19).
Chapter 5:
The elders or the overseers of the Christian congregations must shepherd the flock of God: « Therefore, as a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of the Christ and a sharer of the glory that is to be revealed, I make this appeal to the elders among you: 2 Shepherd the flock of God under your care, serving as overseers, not under compulsion, but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly; 3 not lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfading crown of glory » (verses 1-4).
The elders of the Christian congregation are spiritual shepherds in ministering of the sheep which belong to God and to Christ. The Apostle Peter designates himself as elder. Before going up to heaven, Jesus Christ resurrected asked him to feed and shepherd the flock of God, the Christian congregation (John 21:15-17). Their spiritual pastoral work is to teach, as made by the apostle Peter, the disciple James and Jude, and the apostles John, and Paul. Their letters are examples of the kind of high quality of biblical teaching that each overseer must provide to the congregation. The spiritual pastoral work of the elder is also to create a brotherly relationship with the brothers and sisters of the congregation, making visits to encourage the sheep of God, under their care.
The apostle Paul, under inspiration, wrote the qualifications for the elders or the overseers of the Christian congregations: « This statement is trustworthy: If a man is reaching out to be an overseer, he is desirous of a fine work. The overseer should therefore be irreprehensible, a husband of one wife, moderate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach, not a drunkard, not violent, but reasonable, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, a man presiding over his own household in a fine manner, having his children in subjection with all seriousness (for if any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he care for the congregation of God?), not a newly converted man, for fear that he might get puffed up with pride and fall into the judgment passed on the Devil. Moreover, he should also have a fine testimony from outsiders so that he does not fall into reproach and a snare of the Devil” (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
« I left you in Crete so that you would correct the things that were defective and make appointments of elders in city after city, as I instructed you: if there is any man free from accusation, a husband of one wife, having believing children who are not accused of debauchery or rebelliousness. For as God’s steward, an overseer must be free from accusation, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not a drunkard, not violent, not greedy of dishonest gain, but hospitable, a lover of goodness, sound in mind, righteous, loyal, self-controlled, holding firmly to the faithful word as respects his art of teaching, so that he may be able both to encourage by the teaching that is wholesome and to reprove those who contradict » (Titus 1:5-9).
Here are also the qualifications for the ministerial servants, written by the apostle Paul, under inspiration: « Ministerial servants should likewise be serious, not double-tongued, not indulging in a lot of wine, not greedy of dishonest gain, holding the sacred secret of the faith with a clean conscience. Also, let these be tested as to fitness first; then let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation » (1 Timothy 3:8-10). The ministerial servants help the elders in their ministry in the Christian congregation.
There is a concrete example of how the ministerial servants can help the elders, in the narrative of the book of Acts: « Now in those days when the disciples were increasing, the Greek-speaking Jews began complaining against the Hebrew-speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. So the Twelve called the multitude of the disciples together and said: “It is not right for us to leave the word of God to distribute food to tables. So, brothers, select for yourselves seven reputable men from among you, full of spirit and wisdom, that we may appoint them over this necessary matter; but we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” What they said was pleasing to the whole multitude, and they selected Stephen, a man full of faith and holy spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They brought them to the apostles, and after praying, they laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:1-6). In this situation, the ministerial servants helped the apostles who were also elders or overseers, so that they could be more available for prayer and for the ministry of the word.
Among these seven men who had the function of ministerial servants, there are two well-known men, according to the narrative of Acts: Stephen and Philip (Acts chapters 6 and 7 (Stephen); Acts chapter 8 (Philippe known as an evangelist, like the apostle Paul)). Given their wisdom, it is likely that they were also elders or overseers at the time of their appointment to distribute food. That means an elder can occasionally have the function of a ministerial servant.
We must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God: « Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time, 7 while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. 9 But take your stand against him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by the entire association of your brothers in the world. 10 But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all undeserved kindness, who called you to his everlasting glory in union with Christ, will himself finish your training. He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 11 To him be the might forever. Amen.
12 Through Sil·vaʹnus, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written you in few words in order to encourage you and to give an earnest witness that this is the true undeserved kindness of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is in Babylon, a chosen one like you, sends you her greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. May all of you who are in union with Christ have peace » (verses 5-14).
The second letter of the apostle Peter
Chapter 1:
The first part of this chapter is an encouragement to cultivate Christian qualities to prevent us from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ: « Simon Peter, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have acquired a faith as precious as ours through the righteousness of our God and the Savior Jesus Christ:
2 May undeserved kindness and peace be increased to you by an accurate knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 for his divine power has granted us all the things that contribute to life and godly devotion through the accurate knowledge of the One who called us by his own glory and virtue. 4 Through these things he has granted us the precious and very grand promises, so that through these you may become sharers in divine nature, having escaped from the world’s corruption produced by wrong desire.
5 For this very reason, put forth all earnest effort to supply to your faith virtue, to your virtue knowledge, 6 to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control endurance, to your endurance godly devotion, 7 to your godly devotion brotherly affection, to your brotherly affection love. 8 For if these things exist in you and overflow, they will prevent you from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For anyone lacking these things is blind, shutting his eyes to the light, and has become forgetful of his cleansing from his sins of long ago. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and choosing sure for yourselves, for if you keep on doing these things, you will by no means ever fail. 11 In fact, in this way you will be richly granted entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ » (verses 1-11).
We must be well-established in the truth: « For this reason I intend always to remind you of these things, although you know them and are well-established in the truth that is present in you. 13 But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you with reminders, 14 knowing as I do that my tabernacle is soon to be removed, just as also our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves.
16 No, it was not by following artfully contrived false stories that we made known to you the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, but rather, we were eyewitnesses of his magnificence. 17 For he received from God the Father honor and glory when words such as these were conveyed to him by the magnificent glory: “This is my Son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved.” 18 Yes, these words we heard coming from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain.
19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a dark place (until day dawns and a daystar rises) in your hearts. 20 For you know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. 21 For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit » (verses 12-21).
In verses 13 and 14 it is written: « But I consider it right, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you with reminders, knowing as I do that my tabernacle is soon to be removed, just as also our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me ». The tabernacle mentioned by the apostle Peter is the metaphor referring to his human body. To be in the tabernacle means to live with the human body. The removed tabernacle means the death of it by ceasing to inhabit this body. This death will subsequently be followed by the heavenly resurrection with a spiritual body, no longer requiring inhabiting a human body (for those having the heavenly hope of everlasting life).
The tabernacle is a tent. Nevertheless, in the biblical context, it has a sense of a tent representing a temple (Exodus 39:32,40). The temple is built to worship God. This means that the human body has the sacred value of a temple, originally made to worship God, in recognition of the fact that he gave us the life (Apocalypse 4:11). The temple made with stones cannot be moved like a tent. However, the human body is a temple that can move, hence the expression of tabernacle. It shows how sacred are the human body and the life, in the eyes of God.
In verse 15 it is written: “I will always do my utmost so that after my departure, you may be able to recall these things for yourselves”. The apostle Peter wanted to give good training to the elders so that they could act in the same way as he did, by shepherding the flock of God. Especially since he knew that his death was approaching (verse 14). He was anxious to make them autonomous on a spiritual level, without the elders should have to depend on Peter, who was going to die.
In verses 17 and 18, it is written the narrative of the transfiguration of Jesus Christ, which apostle Peter witnessed, with the apostles John and James: « For he received from God the Father honor and glory when words such as these were conveyed to him by the magnificent glory: “This is my Son, my beloved, whom I myself have approved.” Yes, these words we heard coming from heaven while we were with him in the holy mountain”.
Here is the narrative of the transfiguration of Christ: « Six days later Jesus took Peter and James and his brother John along and led them up into a lofty mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them; his face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant as the light. And look! there appeared to them Moses and E·liʹjah conversing with him. Then Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, it is fine for us to be here. If you wish, I will erect three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, look! a bright cloud overshadowed them, and look! a voice out of the cloud said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved. Listen to him.” At hearing this, the disciples fell facedown and became very much afraid. Then Jesus came near, and touching them, he said: “Get up. Have no fear.” When they looked up, they saw no one but Jesus himself. As they were descending from the mountain, Jesus commanded them: “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of man is raised up from the dead” » (Matthew 17:1-9). In verse 19, the apostle Peter explains that the purpose of the transfiguration was to make more sure the prophetic word of God, the Heavenly Father, as a guarantee of the fulfillment of the biblical prophecies by means Jesus Christ, His Son.
20 and 21 show that the prophetic words of the Bible are inspired by God. They are a guarantee of truth: « For you know this first, that no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private interpretation. For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were moved by holy spirit”. The Bible is the scriptural deposit of the Holy Spirit, the active force of God.
Chapter 2:
The apostle Peter mentions the infiltration in the Christian congregation, of malicious individuals uttering slanderous words and with nasty behavior. For indication, this chapter, which will be quoted below, is very similar to the Letter of Jude, with the same theme and many same examples: « However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping.
4 Certainly God did not refrain from punishing the angels who sinned, but threw them into Tarʹta·rus, putting them in chains of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment. 5 And he did not refrain from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a flood upon a world of ungodly people. 6 And by reducing the cities of Sodʹom and Go·morʹrah to ashes, he condemned them, setting a pattern for ungodly people of things to come. 7 And he rescued righteous Lot, who was greatly distressed by the brazen conduct of the lawless people— 8 for day after day that righteous man was tormenting his righteous soul over the lawless deeds that he saw and heard while dwelling among them. 9 So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment, 10 especially those who seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority.
Daring and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak abusively of glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, out of respect for Jehovah. 12 But these men, like unreasoning animals that act on instinct and are born to be caught and destroyed, speak abusively about things of which they are ignorant. They will suffer destruction brought on by their own destructive course, 13 suffering harm as their reward for their own harmful course.
They consider it pleasurable to indulge in luxurious living, even in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes who revel in their deceptive teachings while feasting together with you. 14 Their eyes are full of adultery and are unable to desist from sin, and they entice unstable ones. They have a heart trained in greed. They are accursed children. 15 Abandoning the straight path, they have been led astray. They have followed the path of Baʹlaam the son of Beʹor, who loved the reward of wrongdoing, 16 but was reproved for his own violation of what was right. A voiceless beast of burden speaking with a human voice hindered the prophet’s mad course.
17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a violent storm, and the blackest darkness has been reserved for them. 18 They make high-sounding statements that are empty. By appealing to the desires of the flesh and with acts of brazen conduct, they entice people who have just escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for if anyone is overcome by someone, he is his slave. 20 Certainly if after escaping from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they get involved again with these very things and are overcome, their final state has become worse for them than the first. 21 It would have been better for them not to have accurately known the path of righteousness than after knowing it to turn away from the holy commandment they had received. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire” » (verses 1-22).
There is a same teaching point mentioned both by the apostle Peter and the disciple Jude which is written in verses 10b and 11: « Daring and self-willed, they are not afraid to speak abusively of glorious ones, whereas angels, although they are greater in strength and power, do not bring against them an accusation in abusive terms, out of respect for Jehovah ». Here is the similar idea taught by the disciple Jude: « Despite this, these men too are indulging in dreams, defiling the flesh, despising authority, and speaking abusively of glorious ones. But when Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you.” But these men are speaking abusively about all the things they really do not understand. And in all the things that they do understand by instinct like unreasoning animals, they go on corrupting themselves » (verses 8-10).
The substance of the teaching of these two examples given by the apostle Peter and the disciple Jude, is that if the archangel Michael and the angels did not dare to bring a judgment. It is advisable not to murmur against the members of the Christian congregation, particularly against the administrators of the Christian congregation, the elders or the overseers. Even if it could be justified (as it was the case against Satan the devil). If a Christian had to be the victim of an injustice (according to him (true or not)) and could not be resolved within the framework of a healthy communication, then it is advisable to rely on the justice of God and his Son Jesus Christ, who will be exercised for sure, but later. In the meantime, the wisest way is to endure evil, by keeping silence, being waiting for Jehovah God: « Good it is to wait in silence for the salvation of Jehovah » (lamentations 3:26). « But as for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me » (Micah 7:7; Isaiah 66:5). Those who would persist in these continual murmurs within the congregation, would manifest an earthly, animalistic and demonic wisdom (James 3:14-18). The apostle Peter describes them very harshly in verses 12-22.
Chapter 3:
The apostle Peter writes about the presence of ridiculers who would insist that things have not changed, and that there is no indication that Bible prophecies will be fulfilled. The entire chapter 3 and a detailed response to these ridiculers with specific examples, taken from the biblical history, regarding the fulfillment of biblical prophecies. The chapter 3 will also be cited below in its entirety: « Beloved ones, this is now the second letter I am writing you in which, as in my first one, I am stirring up your clear thinking faculties by way of a reminder, 2 that you should remember the sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles. 3 First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires 4 and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning.”
5 For they deliberately ignore this fact, that long ago there were heavens and an earth standing firmly out of water and in the midst of water by the word of God; 6 and that by those means the world of that time suffered destruction when it was flooded with water. 7 But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.
8 However, do not let this escape your notice, beloved ones, that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. 9 Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance. 10 But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.
11 Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, 12 as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah, through which the heavens will be destroyed in flames and the elements will melt in the intense heat! 13 But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.
14 Therefore, beloved ones, since you are awaiting these things, do your utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace. 15 Furthermore, consider the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you according to the wisdom given him, 16 speaking about these things as he does in all his letters. However, some things in them are hard to understand, and these things the ignorant and unstable are twisting, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17 You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard so that you may not be led astray with them by the error of the lawless people and fall from your own steadfastness. 18 No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen » (verses 1-18).
The presence of ridiculers, according to the apostle Peter, is within the Christian congregation. Depending on the context of this chapter 3, these individuals know the Bible, according to their remark on the verse 4. And Peter answers them with biblical examples.
Regarding Christian hope, it is written: « But there are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell » (verse 13). The new heavens represent the Kingdom of God, represented by King Jesus Christ and the 144000, the New Jerusalem which will descend from the heavens, to the earth. The new earth will be the new humanity, with the great crowd that came out of the great tribulation and the whole resurrected humanity: « And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. I also saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his people. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away” » (Apocalypse 7:9-17 (the great crowd); 21:1-4 (the kingdom of God and the whole humanity in the earthly paradise)).
The writer of these three letters is John, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. He is also the writer one of the Gospel which bears his name and as well as the book of Apocalypse or Revelation. It is pleasant to read these letters because there are not difficulties of understanding, and it is also very instructive to strengthen our faith in the hope of everlasting life, by means of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:16,36). Each important idea written by the Apostle John will be introduced by a simple comment. Afterwards, there may be a comment that will allow to see how we can expand the meditation and the understanding linked to the teaching of the apostle John.
The first letter of the apostle John
Chapter 1:
The introduction of the letter simply explains the purpose of bearing witness of fellowship with God and his Son Jesus Christ, in view of the hope of everlasting life by means the sacrifice of Christ: « That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have observed and our hands have felt, concerning the word of life, 2 (yes, the life was made manifest, and we have seen and are bearing witness and reporting to you the everlasting life that was with the Father and was made manifest to us), 3 that which we have seen and heard we are reporting also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. 5 This is the message that we heard from him and are announcing to you: God is light, and there is no darkness at all in him. 6 If we make the statement, “We are having fellowship with him,” and yet we go on walking in the darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 However, if we are walking in the light as he himself is in the light, we do have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin » (verses 1-7).
Some people say that they have no sin and therefore they do not need the atonement value of the blood of Jesus Christ to obtain the forgiveness of sins: « If we make the statement, “We have no sin,” we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we make the statement, “We have not sinned,” we are making him a liar, and his word is not in us » (verses 8-10).
Jesus Christ during his discussion with the teacher of the Law, Nicodemus, said that those who refuse to exercise faith in his sacrifice, would incur the anger of God, and therefore would not have the everlasting life: « For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life. (…) The one who exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him » (John 3:16,36).
It is possible that the people, who claimed to have no sin, thought that one can be righteous (with no sin) toward God, by a good conduct and thus obtain salvation, by deserved and without exercising faith in the sacrifice of Christ. Maybe some Jews of that time who did not exercise faith in Jesus and thought that salvation is only by means a good application of the Mosaic Law. Here is what the Apostle Paul wrote regarding this idea: « We who are Jews by birth, and not sinners from the nations, recognize that a man is declared righteous, not by works of law, but only through faith in Jesus Christ. So we have put our faith in Christ Jesus, so that we may be declared righteous by faith in Christ and not by works of law, for no one will be declared righteous by works of law » (Galatians 2:15,16).
In addition, the sinful condition does not only depend on the good or bad behavior toward God, but also, the fact that the sin is in the man, in his flesh, in his genes inherited from our common ancestor, Adam. In doing so, even if some people claim to have no sin because they would have good behavior toward God, that would not prevent them from undergoing the physical law of sin in them, in their flesh and in their genes, which leads them irretrievably to death: « That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned. (…) For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord » (Romans 5:12; 6:23). Therefore, to get out of this dark tunnel of sin that leads to the grave, there is no other choice than to recognize our sinful condition and to exercise faith in the sacrifice of Christ, to obtain the everlasting life (reasoning with the mind of practical wisdom).
Chapter 2:
We must exercise faith in the atonement value of the sacrifice of Christ, for the forgiveness of our sins, we must also observe the commandments of God: « My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. 2 And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s. 3 And by this we realize that we have come to know him, namely, if we continue observing his commandments. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know him,” and yet does not observe his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in this person. 5 But whoever does observe his word, in this person the love of God has truly been made perfect. By this we know that we are in union with him. 6 The one who says he remains in union with him is himself under obligation to go on walking just as that one walked. (…) I am writing you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for the sake of his name. 13 I am writing you, fathers, because you have come to know him who is from the beginning. I am writing you, young men, because you have conquered the wicked one. I write you, young children, because you have come to know the Father. 14 I write you, fathers, because you have come to know him who is from the beginning. I write you, young men, because you are strong and the word of God remains in you and you have conquered the wicked one » (verses 1-6,12-14).
The disciple James exposed the same idea, namely the faith, in this circumstance, the faith in Jesus Christ, goes through a behavior in accordance with the will of God. A faith without works or without this good behavior is dead: « You see that a man is to be declared righteous by works and not by faith alone. In the same manner, was not Rahab the prostitute also declared righteous by works after she received the messengers hospitably and sent them out by another way? Indeed, just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead » (James 2:24-26).
Christian love is incompatible with hatred: « Beloved ones, I am writing you, not a new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning. This old commandment is the word that you heard. 8 Again, I am writing you a new commandment, which is true in his case and in yours, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 9 The one who says that he is in the light and yet hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 The one who loves his brother remains in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. 11 But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and is walking in the darkness, and he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes » (verses 7-11).
The Christian should not love the world: « Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; 16 because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. 17 Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever » (verses 15-17).
Disciple James also made the same recommendation with the fact of not loving the world: « Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God » (James 4:4). The love for the world is a spiritual adultery, that is to say, the breaking of the promise of loyalty made to God and to Christ, during the Christian baptism (Matthew 28:19).
The apostle John announces the presence of the antichrist and gives the definition. He encourages to remain in union with Jesus Christ: « Young children, it is the last hour, and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared, from which fact we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us. But they went out so that it might be shown that not all are of our sort. 20 And you have an anointing from the holy one, and all of you have knowledge. 21 I write you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie originates with the truth. 22 Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Everyone who denies the Son does not have the Father either. But whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 24 As for you, what you have heard from the beginning must remain in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, you will also remain in union with the Son and in union with the Father. 25 Furthermore, this is what he himself promised us—the life everlasting. 26 I write you these things about those who are trying to mislead you. 27 And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but the anointing from him is teaching you about all things and is true and is no lie. Just as it has taught you, remain in union with him. 28 So now, little children, remain in union with him, so that when he is made manifest we may have freeness of speech and not shrink away from him in shame at his presence. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you also know that everyone who practices righteousness has been born from him » (verses 18-29).
We recall the very precise definition of the antichrist, according to what it is written in 1 John 2:22,23: « Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Everyone who denies the Son does not have the Father either. But whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also ».
Chapter 3:
« See what sort of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. That is why the world does not know us, because it has not come to know him. 2Beloved ones, we are now children of God, but it has not yet been made manifest what we will be. We do know that when he is made manifest we will be like him, because we will see him just as he is. 3And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as that one is pure » (verses 1-3).
Are you a Son of God? « For all who are led by God’s spirit are indeed God’s sons » (Romans 8:14). This question is only in the biblical context, and particularly of the letter to the Romans, the chapter 8. The answer will be based on the context of chapter 8, in order to know if, the status of « son of God » is only reserved for a category of Christians, for example, those who have the heavenly hope of being one of the 144000, or to all Christians, including those who are an earthly hope (Apocalypse 7:1-8 (144000); 7:9- 17 (the great crowd coming out of the great tribulation). In order for the reader to check by himself, the context reveals two important points:
1 – The apostle Paul does not speak at any time directly, of two categories of Christians, but rather of two categories of humans, those who live according to fleshly desires and those (the faithful Christians) who live by being led by the Holy Spirit.
2 – The apostle Paul does not evoke the hope of everlasting life, by directly making a difference between everlasting life in heaven and everlasting life in the future earthly paradise.
It should be recalled that in Romans 8, the apostle Paul wrote that the « sons of God » are who live led by spirit, and this is quite the case of the faithful Christians who have the earthly hope. In addition, if it is obvious that the expression of « joint heirs with Christ » has a restrictive meaning in Romans (8:12-17), applying only to the 144000, this expression can be applied currently to the faithful Christians who have the earthly hope, in the broad sense of Luke 23:43: « You will be with me in paradise ». The currently faithful Christians who have the earthly hope, will be, in a broad sense, « joint heirs with Christ », because they will be with Jesus Christ in paradise…
Finally, it is also good to remember how the Model Prayer begins: « Our Father in heaven » (Matthew 6:9)… If Jesus Christ asked his disciples to begin this prayer with the expression « Our Father », it is well proof that God will not wait a thousand years to consider, right away, that the faithful Christians who have the earthly hope, are their sons, the sons of God… « For all who are led by God’s spirit are indeed God’s sons »(Romans 8:14)…
Whoever practices sin, comes from the devil: « Everyone who practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 You know, too, that he was made manifest to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. 6 Everyone remaining in union with him does not practice sin; no one who practices sin has either seen him or come to know him. 7 Little children, let no one mislead you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as that one is righteous. 8 The one who practices sin originates with the Devil, because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, to break up the works of the Devil. 9 Everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin, for His seed remains in such one, and he cannot practice sin, for he has been born from God. 10 The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Whoever does not practice righteousness does not originate with God, nor does the one who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; 12 not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother. And for what reason did he slaughter him? Because his own works were wicked, but those of his brother were righteous » (verses 4-12).
The apostle John mentions the practice of sin, that is to say having a continuous and voluntary conduct in sin. In verses 7 and 8, he contrasts the man who practices justice as a way of life with the man who practices sin, as other and different way of life. Thus, the practice of sin is different from the fact of committing a single sin, resulting of a human weakness. The apostle Paul has shown, like the apostle John, that this kind of single sin, made by weakness can be forgiven on the basis of the atonement value of the sacrifice of Christ (Romans 7:21-25). John gives an example of practice of sin, a continuous feeling of hatred against his neighbor: « Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed over from death to life, because we love the brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has everlasting life remaining in him. 16 By this we have come to know love, because that one surrendered his life for us, and we are under obligation to surrender our lives for our brothers. 17 But whoever has the material possessions of this world and sees his brother in need and yet refuses to show him compassion, in what way does the love of God remain in him? 18 Little children, we should love, not in word or with the tongue, but in deed and truth » (verses 13-18).
As Jesus Christ said, sin by intention in the heart, or by the expression of bad feelings of hatred in the heart, is a serious sin, even if it is not materialized in actions (like a homicide or murder) (Matthew 5:28). John writes that someone who has hatred for his brother, is already a homicide and therefore he no longer fulfills the conditions required by God, to obtain everlasting life.
Jesus Christ forbade the hatred, the insult, and the murder: « you heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You must not murder; but whoever commits a murder will be accountable to the court of justice.’ However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; but whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Gehenna » (Matthew 5:21-22).
Jesus Christ showed how to avoid this extremity, by trying as much as possible to resolve the personality conflicts: « If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift » (Matthew 5:23,24).
Also in this same chapter, Jesus Christ said to love our enemies (Matthew 5:38-48). The verb « to love » in this context, is to be taken in the sense of a reasoned love, without necessarily being marked with affection towards our enemy. For example, when someone insults us or behaves badly towards us, the love based on Bible principles will prevent us from responding to insult with insult, or hatred with hatred. In this way, the vicious circle of hatred by hatred will be broken, by the virtuous circle requested by Jesus Christ: that is, to respond to the hatred of our enemy, by self-control, a love based on decorum, good manners , good education and common sense (Galatians 5: 22,23 « the fruit of the holy spirit »). Maybe this way of acting can encourage him to change his attitude towards us.
During his arrest which would lead him to death, Jesus Christ forbade the use of weapons, nor even to defend him or defend his cause: « Then Jesus said to him: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword » » (Matthew 26:52). The murder and the homicide are forbidden, for both personal reasons, and even out of religious or state patriotism. This statement of Christ is a reminder of what it is written in the prophecy of Isaiah: « And he will certainly render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore » (Isaiah 2:4).
No longer learning war obviously supposes not to practice both combat sports or martial arts, even those, tinged with religious propaganda which would consist in saying that it is only with « defensive » purpose. Transforming a human body into a « defensive weapon » can quickly become « an offensive weapon » which can injure and until to kill… Christians should not see violent sports performances or films extolling gratuitous violence. This is completely detestable in the eyes of Jehovah God: « Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, And anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates » (Psalms 11:5).
God is greater than our hearts and knows all things: « By this we will know that we originate with the truth, and we will assure our hearts before him 20 regarding whatever our hearts may condemn us in, because God is greater than our hearts and knows all things. 21 Beloved ones, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have freeness of speech toward God; 22 and whatever we ask we receive from him, because we are observing his commandments and doing what is pleasing in his eyes. 23 Indeed, this is his commandment: that we have faith in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he gave us a commandment. 24 Moreover, the one who observes his commandments remains in union with him, and he in union with such one. And by the spirit that he gave us, we know that he remains in union with us » (verses 19-24).
Sometimes our symbolic heart, which represents the source of our spiritual intuitions, can go wrong. He could condemn us with an excessive feeling of guilt, thinking, for example, that God has not forgiven us or that our sin is far too serious to be forgiven (Isaiah 1:18). Nevertheless, as the apostle John recalls, God is greater than our heart. Therefore, it is not because we have the bad intuition not to be forgiven, that God has not forgiven us. In a way, in this specific case, one could say that God is much more merciful than a heart which constantly feels guilty (read Psalms 51).
The narrative about King Manasseh, which has shed much blood, is the demonstration of how far Jehovah’s mercy can be applied to sincere repentance. In the biblical narrative, it is written about wickedness of King Manasseh: « Ma·nasʹseh also shed innocent blood in very great quantity until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to the other, besides his sin of causing Judah to sin by doing what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah » (2 Kings 21:16). Because of his bad deeds, God punished him: « Jehovah kept speaking to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So Jehovah brought against them the army chiefs of the king of As·syrʹi·a, and they captured Ma·nasʹseh with hooks and bound him with two copper fetters and took him to Babylon » (2 Chronicles 33: 10,11). However, for as incredible as it may be, this king ended up sincerely repenting of his evil deeds and obtaining Jehovah’s mercy: « In his distress, he begged Jehovah his God for favor and kept humbling himself greatly before the God of his forefathers. He kept praying to Him, and He was moved by his entreaty and heard his request for favor, and He restored him to Jerusalem to his kingship. Then Ma·nasʹseh came to know that Jehovah is the true God » (2 Chronicles 33:12,13). What is the reason for this biblical example?
Many men and women have made irreversible mistakes, such as killing many humans (in the context of conflict) or taking part in abortions, sometimes even late. Many of them think that it is impossible that God would forgive them. Add to this a deep feeling of remorse and indignity. Regarding Jehovah’s immense mercy, this is what it says: « »Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They will be made as white as snow; Though they are as red as crimson cloth, They will become like wool » » (Isaiah 1:18). This verse is especially addressed to those men and women who sincerely repent before God, asking for forgiveness: God forgives sincere repentance on the basis of the precious blood of Jesus Christ: « My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins, yet not for ours only but also for the whole world’s » (1 John 2:1,2). Moreover, Jehovah God will resurrect the millions of dead who were victims of the many genocides (John 5:28,29). What is irreversible for man, is not for God (Matthew 19:26 « to God all things are possible »).
It is possible that even if the mercy of God applies to sincere repentance, a feeling of remorse and indignity will continue to harass them. However, they must know that God is greater than hearts (1 John 3:19-22).
Chapter 4:
It is very important to test whether the teaching that we receive, as « inspired statement », is truly based on the Bible: « Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired statement, but test the inspired statements to see whether they originate with God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you know that the inspired statement is from God: Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. 3 But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world. 4 You originate with God, little children, and you have conquered them, because the one who is in union with you is greater than the one who is in union with the world. 5 They originate with the world; that is why they speak what originates with the world and the world listens to them. 6 We originate with God. Whoever comes to know God listens to us; whoever does not originate with God does not listen to us. By this we distinguish the inspired statement of truth from the inspired statement of error » (verses 1-6).
How to « test the inspired statement » to see whether it comes from God? We have a concrete example written in the book of Acts: « Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so » (Acts 17:11). The Bereans, while listening to the teaching of the apostle Paul, tested his « inspired statement », whether it was well based on the Bible.
In verses 2 and 3, John specifies his thought: « Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world ». Why does the apostle John insist so much regarding the faith in Jesus Christ? Because this is the central point of teaching, the central point of Christianity. By attacking this central part of this teaching that is both simple and very important, it can endanger the everlasting future of those who receive this false teaching which frankly denies the fact that Jesus is Christ.
However, it could be very difficult to detect this kind of false teaching. Let us take a concrete example in direct connection with the faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which leads to everlasting life. Let us talk about the celebration of the memory of the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus said to celebrate it once a year, on the date of the celebration of the former Jewish Passover, on the Nisan, 14, according to the Jewish calendar: « Keep doing this in remembrance of me » (Luke 22:19). This Christian ceremony must be celebrated in the same way as the Passover, that is between faithful Christians, in congregation or in family (Hebrews 10:1; Colossians 2:17; 1 Corinthians 11:33). After the celebration of Passover, Jesus Christ established the pattern of the future celebration of the memorial of his death (Luke 22:12-18). They are in these biblical quotes of the different Gospels: Matthew 26:17-35, Mark 14:12-31, Luke 22:7-38, John Chapter 13 to 17.
The apostle Paul also wrote this: « Christ our Passover lamb has been sacrificed » (1 Corinthians 5:7). The modalities of this Christian celebration which replace the Jewish Passover, are very simple. The Passover Lamb is replaced by what symbolically represents the body of Christ: his flesh is represented by an unfermented bread; his blood is represented by the cup. Just as the circumcised Jews ate the lamb of Passover, thus the Christian is invited, by Jesus Christ to participate in the unfermented bread and drink the cup: « So Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I will resurrect him on the last day; for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink” » (John 6:53-55).
Currently and on a global scale, a human « inspired statement » claims that the faithful Christians who have the hope of everlasting life on earth, have no right to take part in the unfermented bread and the cup, contradicting in head-on way, the clear and precise declarations of Christ (Revelation 21:3,4 (Earthly Hope of Everlasting Life); John 6:48-58 (the injunction of Christ to eat the unfermented bread and drink the cup, symbolizing his flesh and his blood)). This dogma of the prohibition to take the emblems has absolutely no biblical foundation and is head-on against the teaching of Christ to take part in the unfermented bread and the cup. Now, taking part in the unfermented bread and the cup is the only visible way that the Christian can demonstrate his faith in the sacrifice of Christ and in the hope of everlasting life (John 3:16,36). Therefore, you, faithful Christians, who test the inspired statement, as encourages the apostle John, during the next celebration of the memorial of the sacrifice of Christ, what will you do?
If we love God, we must also love our neighbor: « Beloved ones, let us continue loving one another, because love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born from God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love has not come to know God, because God is love. 9 By this the love of God was revealed in our case, that God sent his only-begotten Son into the world so that we might gain life through him. 10 The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins. 11 Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are also under obligation to love one another. 12 No one has seen God at any time. If we continue loving one another, God remains in us and his love is made perfect in us. 13 By this we know that we are remaining in union with him and he in union with us, because he has given his spirit to us. 14 In addition, we ourselves have seen and are bearing witness that the Father has sent his Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever acknowledges that Jesus is God’s Son, God remains in union with such one and he in union with God. 16 And we have come to know and believe the love that God has for us. (…) If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For the one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21 And we have this commandment from him, that whoever loves God must also love his brother » (verses 7-16a, 20,21).
John encourages us to love our neighbor in the way of God, that is to say by taking the first step: « The love is in this respect, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins. Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are also under obligation to love one another » (verses 10 and 11). It was God who loved us first, when in the beginning, we did not love him. Jesus Christ expressed the same idea, namely to take the first step, to love someone who does not love us, as God did with us, but in a different way: « For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? You must accordingly be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect » (Matthew 5:46-48). Thus, the manifestation of love, in the way of God, is sublimated by particularly in loving those who do not love us. Maybe, in their hearts, in return, it will born a brotherly love for us, as was the case for our love towards God and his Son Jesus Christ (John 3:16).
Love for God is devoid of all fear: « God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in union with God and God remains in union with him. 17 In this way love has been made perfect in us, so that we may have freeness of speech in the day of judgment, because just as that one is, so are we ourselves in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts fear out, because fear restrains us. Indeed, the one who is fearful has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love, because he first loved us » (verses 16b-19).
How is it that the apostle John writes to love God without fear, while in other parts of the Bible, it is written that we must fear God (Proverbs 2:5 « The fear of Jehovah »)? The fear of Jehovah God mentioned in Proverbs 2:5 is a feeling of deep respect and deference, a reverential fear. While the fear mentioned by the apostle John is incompatible with love for God because it is another kind of fear. It is a morbid fear, the fear of punishment which is completely incompatible with the love that we could naturally have towards someone who does not scare us and who comforts us.
Chapter 5:
The conquest that has conquered the world, our faith: « Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God, and everyone who loves the one who caused to be born loves him who has been born from that one. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and carry out his commandments. 3 For this is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome, 4 because everyone who has been born from God conquers the world. And this is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith. 5 Who can conquer the world? Is it not the one who has faith that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is the one who came by means of water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. And the spirit is bearing witness, because the spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three witness bearers: 8 the spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement » (verses 1-8).
The witness of God about his Son is greater: « If we accept the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. Because this is the witness God gives, the witness that he has given about his Son. 10 The person putting his faith in the Son of God has the witness within himself. The person not having faith in God has made him a liar, because he has not put his faith in the witness given by God concerning his Son. 11 And this is the witness, that God gave us everlasting life, and this life is in his Son. 12 The one who has the Son has this life; the one who does not have the Son of God does not have this life. 13 I write you these things so that you may know that you have life everlasting, you who put your faith in the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that no matter what we ask according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us concerning whatever we are asking, we know that we are to have the things we ask for, since we have asked them of him » (verses 9-15).
All unrighteousness is sin; and yet, there is a sin that does not incur death: « If anyone catches sight of his brother committing a sin that does not incur death, he will ask, and God will give life to him, yes, to those not committing sin that incurs death. There is a sin that does incur death. It is concerning that sin that I do not tell him to make request. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and yet there is a sin that does not incur death. 18 We know that everyone who has been born from God does not practice sin, but the one born from God watches him, and the wicked one cannot take hold of him. 19 We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. 20 But we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us insight so that we may gain the knowledge of the one who is true. And we are in union with the one who is true, by means of his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and life everlasting. 21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols » (verses 16-21).
As the apostle Paul wrote, the wages sin pays is death (Romans 6:23). Thus, according to the apostle John, there is a sin that does not incur death, allowing the forgiveness of God, on the basis of the atonement value of the sacrifice of Christ. The sin which incurs death, according to verse 18, is the practicing of sin, in this case, the sacrifice of Christ does not apply, it is not even useful to pray for those who are practicing it. The apostle Paul wrote a similar idea on the practice of voluntary sin, which cannot be forgiven and which, therefore, incurs death: « For as regards those who were once enlightened and who have tasted the heavenly free gift and who have become partakers of holy spirit 5 and who have tasted the fine word of God and powers of the coming system of things, 6 but have fallen away, it is impossible to revive them again to repentance, because they nail the Son of God to the stake again for themselves and expose him to public shame » (Hebrews 6:4-6).
The present system of things is under the domination of Satan the devil: « We know that we originate with God, but the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one » (verse 19).
The Christian should not practice idolatry: « Little children, guard yourselves from idols » (verse 21).
The second letter of the apostle John
This letter is addressed to a lady and her children (unless it is the metaphor of the Christian congregation (the Lady) with her children, the Christians who compose it):
“The older man to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I truly love, and not only I but also all those who have come to know the truth, 2because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever. 3There will be with us undeserved kindness, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, with truth and love.
4I rejoice very much because I have found some of your children walking in the truth, just as we received commandment from the Father. 5So now I request you, lady, that we love one another. (I am writing you, not a new commandment, but one that we had from the beginning.) 6And this is what love means, that we go on walking according to his commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should go on walking in it. 7For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.
8Look out for yourselves, so that you do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that you may obtain a full reward. 9Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. 11For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.
12Although I have many things to write to you, I do not want to do so with paper and ink, but I am hoping to come to you and to speak with you face-to-face, so that your joy may be in full measure.
13The children of your sister, the chosen one, send you their greetings” (verses 1-13).
This is a summary of the main theme of the first letter of John: « For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those not acknowledging Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist. Look out for yourselves, so that you do not lose the things we have worked to produce, but that you may obtain a full reward. Everyone who pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. The one who does remain in this teaching is the one who has both the Father and the Son » (verses 7-9).
The third letter of the apostle John
This letter also could be named, the letter to Gaius:
“The older man to Gaius, the beloved, whom I truly love.
2Beloved one, I pray that in all things you continue to prosper and enjoy good health, just as you are now prospering. 3For I rejoiced very much when brothers came and bore witness about the truth you hold, as you go on walking in the truth. 4No greater joy do I have than this: that I should hear that my children go on walking in the truth.
5Beloved one, you show your faithfulness in what you do for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6They have given a witness about your love before the congregation. Please send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7For it was in behalf of his name that they went out, not taking anything from the people of the nations. 8So we are under obligation to show hospitality to such ones, so that we may become fellow workers in the truth.
9I wrote something to the congregation, but Diotrephes, who likes to have the first place among them, does not accept anything from us with respect. 10That is why if I come, I will call attention to the works he is doing in spreading malicious talk about us. Not being content with this, he refuses to welcome the brothers with respect; and those who want to welcome them, he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation.
11Beloved one, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. The one who does good originates with God. The one who does bad has not seen God. 12Demetrius has been well-reported-on by them all and by the truth itself. In fact, we too are bearing witness about him, and you know that the witness we give is true.
13I had many things to write you, but I do not wish to go on writing you with pen and ink. 14However, I am hoping to see you soon, and we will speak face-to-face” (verses 1-14).
The apostle John mentions the presence in the Christian congregation, of a harmful individual. His name is Diotrephes, who behaves like a tyrannical wolf, mistreating the brothers and sisters of the Christian congregation. In the letter from the disciple Jude, it is explained how the infiltration of these malicious people takes place, and how to identify them (the letter of Jude).
In the introduction of his letter, Jude writes that he is the brother of James, so he is also a younger brother of Jesus: « Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ, but a brother of James, to the called ones who are loved by God the Father and preserved for Jesus Christ: 2May mercy and peace and love be increased to you » (verses 1 and 2 ; Matthew 13:55 « Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? »).
The purpose of the letter of Jude is to warn against the infiltration in the Christian congregation, of individuals with twisted behaviors perverting the spiritual purity required by God and his Son Jesus Christ: « Beloved ones, although I was making every effort to write you about the salvation we hold in common, I found it necessary to write you to urge you to put up a hard fight for the faith that was once for all time delivered to the holy ones. 4My reason is that certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago appointed to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ » (Verses 3,4).
The infiltration of these individuals pretending to be Christian was prophesied by Jesus Christ in the illustration of the seed of wheat sown by him, and weeds sown by Satan the devil (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43). This infiltration of bad individuals started very soon after the beginning of the Christian congregation. For example, the apostle Paul had already mentioned the presence of people who began to mistreat the herd, posing as superfine apostles (2 Corinthians Chapter 11). The apostles were a rampart against such malicious men, but as Jesus Christ said in the prophetic illustration, after their death, the infiltration of these individuals would be increasing, by the fact of Satan the devil, during several centuries: « I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves » (Acts 20:29,30).
Currently, in Christian congregations in the world, there are wheat sown by Jesus Christ, Christians who sincerely endeavor to make the will of God, with the mind of brotherly love: « I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves » (John 13:34,35). At the same times, there are obviously, in some Christian congregations, bad slaves, weeds, mentioned by Jesus Christ who beat with their tongue, their Christian fellow slaves, acting as oppressive wolves: « But if ever that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and he starts to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and he will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his place with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be » (Matthew 24:48-51).
Some of these malicious people « turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct », saying that God is so good, whatever we do, God will always forgive because he is love. The mention of « brazen conduct » alludes to the works of the flesh written in the letter of the apostle Paul: « Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom » (Galatians 5:19-21). Those who practice the works of the flesh will not get everlasting life (1 Corinthians 6:9,10).
The apostle Paul showed how these voluntary sinners betrayed Jesus Christ, who sacrificed his life on earth for the everlasting salvation of humankind: « For it is impossible as regards those who have once for all been enlightened, and who have tasted the heavenly free gift, and who have become partakers of holy spirit, and who have tasted the fine word of God and powers of the coming system of things, 6but who have fallen away, to revive them again to repentance, because they impale the Son of God afresh for themselves and expose him to public shame » (Hebrews 6:4-6).
« Although you are fully aware of all of this, I want to remind you that Jehovah, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those not showing faith. 6And the angels who did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place, he has reserved with eternal bonds in dense darkness for the judgment of the great day. 7In the same manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them also gave themselves over to gross sexual immorality and pursued unnatural fleshly desires; they are placed before us as a warning example by undergoing the judicial punishment of everlasting fire » (verses 5-7).
Jude reminds that it is not because Jehovah God delivered his people from Egypt that he never exempted them from making an accounting of their serious sins. For example, shortly after the people got out of Egypt when they were at the foot of Mount Sinai, they made a golden calf. So, God has severely punished those responsible for this serious sin of idolatry (Exodus chapter 32). Jude gives another example of rebellious behavior, regarding spiritual creatures. Angels in the heavens took the human form, without divine authorization. They went down to the earth to have sex with the daughters of men, which constituted an immoral and « unnatural fleshly desires » (Genesis 6:1-8). Regarding the narrative of the judgment and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it happened due to a shameful and revolting conduct of all of these inhabitants (Genesis chapter 19:1-29). The everlasting fire is the destruction by sulphur and fire of Sodom and Gomorrah, which is a definitive destruction of the inhabitants because of their bad behavior.
« Despite this, these men too are indulging in dreams, defiling the flesh, despising authority, and speaking abusively of glorious ones. But when Michael the archangel had a difference with the Devil and was disputing about Moses’ body, he did not dare to bring a judgment against him in abusive terms, but said: “May Jehovah rebuke you.” But these men are speaking abusively about all the things they really do not understand. And in all the things that they do understand by instinct like unreasoning animals, they go on corrupting themselves » (verses 8-10).
The archangel Michael is obviously the angel who was going to come to earth as Jesus Christ. Archangel means chief of angels. In Revelation 19:11-21, in the description of King Jesus Christ, in verse 14, it is written: « Also, the armies that were in heaven were following him on white horses, and they were clothed in white, clean, fine linen ». This text demonstrates that it is the King Jesus Christ who is the head of the heavenly armies, the archangel. In Matthew 25:31, Jesus Christ announces that shortly before the great tribulation, he will come to judge the nations: « When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne ». The expression « and all the angels with him », shows that he has all authority, as chief of the angels or archangel Michael. In 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, it is written that Jesus Christ will use an archangel’s voice to raise the dead: « Because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice and with God’s trumpet, and those who are dead in union with Christ will rise first » (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Therefore, there is no doubt that the leader of the angels, Michael, is King Jesus Christ.
The information given by Jude concerning the difference of the archangel Michael with Satan, is very strange because there is no data in the Holy Scriptures of such an event linked with the burial of the body of Moses. It is probably an information given by Jesus resurrected to Jude, when he was still on the earth. In 1 Corinthians 15:7, it is written that Jesus Christ resurrected appeared to his younger brother James. There is no reason to think that it did not appear also to Jude and as well as to his other brothers and sisters. The fact that Paul mentions only James is probably due to the fact that he was the best known among all the Christian congregations (in acts 15, it is written that James (brother of Jesus) presided over the Council of Jerusalem). It was probably during these times of the short presence of Jesus resurrected on earth, by conversing with Jude and James (and maybe with his other brothers and sisters), that Jesus Christ could have given this information.
The substance of the teaching of this example given by Jude, is that if the archangel Michael did not dare to bring a judgment against Satan, it is advisable not to murmur against the members of the Christian congregation, particularly against the administrators of the Christian congregation (despising authority, and speaking abusively of glorious ones). Even if it could be justified (as it was the case against Satan the devil). If a Christian had to be the victim of an injustice (according to him (true or not)) and could not be resolved within the framework of a healthy communication, then it is advisable to rely on the justice of God and his Son Jesus Christ, who will be exercised for sure, but later. In the meantime, the wisest way is to endure evil, by keeping silence, being waiting for Jehovah God: « Good it is to wait in silence for the salvation of Jehovah » (lamentations 3:26). « But as for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me » (Micah 7:7; Isaiah 66:5).
Those who would persist in these continual murmurs within the congregation, would manifest an earthly, animalistic and demonic wisdom: « These men too are indulging in dreams, defiling the flesh, despising authority, and speaking abusively of glorious ones » (verse 10). Disciple James, his brother, taught a similar idea in order to exhort to have a mind of peace within the congregation: « But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above; it is earthly, animalistic, demonic. For wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace » (James 3:14-18).
Jude gives three others examples of bad people in the biblical history, as a warning against those who are murmuring in the Christian congregation: « Too bad for them, for they have followed the path of Cain and have rushed into the erroneous course of Balaam for reward, and they have perished in the rebellious talk of Korah! 12 These are the rocks hidden below water at your love feasts while they feast with you, shepherds who feed themselves without fear; waterless clouds carried here and there by the wind; fruitless trees in late autumn, having died twice and having been uprooted; 13 wild waves of the sea that cast up the foam of their own shame; stars with no set course, for which the blackest darkness stands reserved forever. 14 Yes, the seventh one in line from Adam, Enoch, also prophesied about them when he said: “Look! Jehovah came with his holy myriads 15 to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him.” 16 These men are murmurers, complainers about their lot in life, following their own desires, and their mouths make grandiose boasts, while they are flattering others for their own benefit » (verses 11-16).
The first example of bad behavior is that of Cain. It is written in Genesis that Cain became jealous of his brother Abel. So, Jehovah God warned him not to continue in this murderous jealousy: « Then Jehovah said to Cain: “Why are you so angry and dejected? If you turn to doing good, will you not be restored to favor? But if you do not turn to doing good, sin is crouching at the door, and its craving is to dominate you; but will you get the mastery over it?” » (Genesis 4:6,7). However, Cain did not take into account the divine warning and murdered his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8).
The second example is the bad behavior of Balaam. The king of Moab, Balak, hired the prophet Balaam, to curse the people of God. While Balaam went to the king of Moab, Jehovah God warned him not to persist in this bad way. However, the words of Balaam were diverted by God, and became blessings for the people of Israel. But, Balaam gave a treacherous council to push the people of Israel to the fault, for to be punished by God: sending young and pretty Midianites women to young Israelites who fell, at the end, into sexual immorality. So, God punished the people of Israel (Numbers Chapters 22 to 25; 31:15; Apocalypse 2:14). At the end, Balaam has been punished by God by destruction (Numbers 31:8).
The third example is that of the rebellion fomented by Korah. He was a Levite who was part of the prestigious line of the Kohathites. Indeed, Moses and Aaron were grandchildren of Kohath, as well as Korah, who was, therefore, their first cousin. Korah was a prestigious man for the people and among the chieftains of Israel (see Exodus 6:18-24). Jehovah had granted the Kohathites the priesthood, but not for all, only for the house of Aaron (and not to that of Korah). He began to murmur and said that this divine designation of the priesthood given to Aaron was in fact a personal and biased decision of Moses to put his own brother in this prestigious position. This rebellion took serious proportions, because 250 chieftains of the people of Israel, joined Korah, against Moses and Aaron. However, God ended up destroying the rebels and confirming the appointment of Aaron and his house, as a permanent priestly line of the people of Israel (Numbers Chapters 16 and 17).
The disciple Jude gives these three examples of biblical history in order to illustrate that complaining in the congregation can bring fire and destruction from God in the future great tribulation. It is a serious act from the point of view of God and his Son Jesus Christ. Jude compares these individuals infiltrated in the Christian congregation to « rocks hidden below water at your love feasts while they feast with you, shepherds who feed themselves without fear » (verse 12). These people, who are murmuring, apparently have attractive personality, to the point to be invited for a meal. However, what characterizes them is that they do not love their brothers and sisters of the congregation, because they feed themselves (see Ezekiel chapter 34).
The prophet Enoch, is mentioned by Jude as fine example of courage. He was the great-grandfather of Noah (Genesis 5:21-28). This prophet prophesied the fulfillment of the judgments of Jehovah against the wicked generation of that time. He had the witnessing of God that he had his approval (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5). The fulfillment of the judgment of God, announced by Enoch and Noah, took place during the deluge (Genesis chapters 6 and 7). Jude quotes this example to illustrate the fact that the judgments of God will always be fulfilled against the wicked people, infiltrated in the Christian congregation.
In the conclusion of his letter, Jude writes that this infiltration situation of bad individuals in the Christian congregations, was prophesied by the apostles: « As for you, beloved ones, call to mind the sayings that have been previously spoken by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 how they used to say to you: “In the last time there will be ridiculers, following their own desires for ungodly things.” 19 These are the ones who cause divisions, animalistic men, not having spirituality. 20 But you, beloved ones, build yourselves up on your most holy faith, and pray with holy spirit, 21 in order to keep yourselves in God’s love, while you await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ with everlasting life in view. 22 Also, continue showing mercy to some who have doubts; 23 save them by snatching them out of the fire. But continue showing mercy to others, doing so with fear, while you hate even the garment that has been stained by the flesh. 24 Now to the one who is able to guard you from stumbling and to make you stand unblemished in the sight of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority for all past eternity and now and into all eternity. Amen » (verses 17-25).
There is the warning of the apostle Peter, in his second letter: « However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among you. These will quietly bring in destructive sects, and they will even disown the owner who bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves. Furthermore, many will follow their brazen conduct, and because of them the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. Also, they will greedily exploit you with counterfeit words. But their judgment, decided long ago, is not moving slowly, and their destruction is not sleeping. (…) First of all know this, that in the last days ridiculers will come with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying: “Where is this promised presence of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep in death, all things are continuing exactly as they were from creation’s beginning » (2 Peter Chapter 2 ; 3:3,4).
This separation between animalistic men, devoid of all spirituality and spiritual men (verse 19) has been described by the apostle Paul: « But a physical man does not accept the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. However, the spiritual man examines all things, but he himself is not examined by any man. For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, so that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ » (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).
Jude shows that the good cohesion in the Christian congregation requires encouragement, a mind of brotherly love and patience towards those who have a flickering faith. This encouragement, which build the Christian congregation, are based on prayer, a quality biblical teaching and the fact of testifying to brotherly love towards each other by acts of mercy (verses 20-25; John 13:34,35).
The disciple James is the younger brother of Jesus Christ, mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew: « Where did this man get this wisdom and these powerful works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? » (Matthew 13:54,55). Consequently, it is not to be confused with the apostle James, who is the brother of the apostle John (Matthew 10:2,3 (James the son of Zebedee and John his brother). In 1 Corinthians 15:7, it is written that Jesus Christ resurrected appeared to his younger brother James. It was probably from this apparition that he began to exercise faith in him, because it is written in the Gospel of John, that during the Ministry of Jesus Christ, his brothers did not exercise faith in him (John 7:5). A few years later, it was the disciple James who presided over the Council of Jerusalem to take a decision regarding the circumcision (Acts 15:12, it could not be the apostle James, because king Herod had killed him before this Council (acts 12:2)).
When we read the Letter of James, it is surprising to see the likeness of his way of teaching, with that of his older brother Jesus. He uses many illustrations as Jesus did. For indication, while reading meditation on the Letter of James, you can compare with the Sermon on the Mount pronounced by his brother Jesus in Matthew chapters 5 to 7. This letter is very easy to understand, that is why before each biblical quotes, there will be a simple introduction indicating the theme of the exhortation. When necessary, there will be a comment in order to specify the meaning of some expressions or comparisons.
Chapter 1:
« James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the 12 tribes that are scattered about: Greetings! » (verse 1). The twelve tribes seem to be the Israel of God, the spiritual Israel that represents the whole of the Christian Congregation (Galatians 6:16).
We must consider the trials allowed by God, as « testing quality of faith » in the ability to endure: « Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials, 3knowing as you do that this tested quality of your faith produces endurance. 4But let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects, not lacking in anything. (…) Happy is the man who keeps on enduring trial, because on becoming approved he will receive the crown of life, which Jehovah promised to those who continue loving Him. 13When under trial, let no one say: “I am being tried by God.” For with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone. 14But each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. 15Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn sin, when it has been carried out, brings forth death » (verses 2-4,12-15).
James explains that God is not the initiator of the trials because He does not create the problems in which his servants are. God only allows the trials. These problems or trials are the result of temptations. James gives the example of temptations aroused by bad thoughts. He explains the simple process that can lead to sin. Jesus Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, showed how fertilized desire, gives birth to sin in the heart regarding adultery: « But I say to you that everyone who keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart » (Matthew 5:28). Jesus Christ gives an example of bad desire in the heart which gives birth to sin without necessarily being an action. The two teachings are complementary because James writes that it is the fulfilled sin that leads to death, while Jesus Christ says that the bad intention in the heart, is a sin in itself. The apostle John has also shown that bad intentions fed in the heart constitute a serious sin, concerning hatred which could lead to murder: « Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has everlasting life remaining in him » (1 John 3:15).
We must ask with perseverance and faith, the wisdom of God: « So if any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching, and it will be given him. 6But let him keep asking in faith, not doubting at all, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about. 7In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah; 8he is an indecisive man, unsteady in all his ways. (…) Do not be misled, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, coming down from the Father of the celestial lights, who does not vary or change like the shifting shadows. 18It was his will to bring us forth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of firstfruits of his creatures » (verses 5-8,16-18).
The doubt is a lack of faith, which is considered, from the point of view of God, as a sin: « Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him » (Hebrews 11:6).
Regarding insistence in the requests made to God, Jesus illustrates it in the Sermon on the Mount: « Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you; 8for everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking, it will be opened. 9Indeed, which one of you, if his son asks for bread, will hand him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, he will not hand him a serpent, will he? 11Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him! » (Matthew 7:7-11).
When James writes that God « does not vary or change like the shifting shadows », that means when He gives to his servants, He is always at the zenith, when He makes gifts, He gives the best for his servant.
The firstfruits of his creatures could refer to Christians who would be heavenly heirs with Christ, according to the apostle Paul. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, he exclusively applies the expression « firstfruits » to Jesus Christ resuscitated and in Romans 8:23, he applies it to Christians heirs with Christ.
The poor man will be exalted, while the rich will be humiliated: « But let the lowly brother rejoice over his exaltation, 10and the rich one over his humiliation, because like a flower of the field he will pass away. 11For just as the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the plant, and its flower falls off and its outward beauty perishes, so too the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits » (verses 9-11).
The poor man will be exalted, while the rich will be humiliated: « But let the lowly brother rejoice over his exaltation, 10and the rich one over his humiliation, because like a flower of the field he will pass away. 11For just as the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the plant, and its flower falls off and its outward beauty perishes, so too the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits » (verses 9-11).
We must be careful with the use of the tongue: « Know this, my beloved brothers: Everyone must be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger, 20for man’s anger does not bring about God’s righteousness. 21Therefore, put away all filthiness and every trace of badness, and accept with mildness the implanting of the word that is able to save you. (…) If any man thinks he is a worshipper of God but does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he is deceiving his own heart, and his worship is futile. 27The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world » (verses 19-21,26,27, see also chapter 3).
We must put into practice the biblical teaching in our life: « However, become doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves with false reasoning. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. 24For he looks at himself, and he goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is. 25But the one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it has become, not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work; and he will be happy in what he does » (verses 22-25).
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Chapter 2:
We must not treat with partiality the rich and the poor: « My brothers, you are not holding to the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ while showing favoritism, are you? 2For if a man with gold rings on his fingers and in splendid clothing comes into your meeting, but a poor man in filthy clothing also enters, 3do you look with favor on the one wearing the splendid clothing and say, “You take this seat here in a fine place,” and do you say to the poor one, “You keep standing” or, “Take that seat there under my footstool”? 4If so, do you not have class distinctions among yourselves, and have you not become judges rendering wicked decisions? 5Listen, my beloved brothers. Did not God choose those who are poor from the world’s standpoint to be rich in faith and heirs of the Kingdom, which he promised to those who love him? 6But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you before law courts? 7Do they not blaspheme the fine name by which you were called? 8If, now, you carry out the royal law according to the scripture, “You must love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing quite well. 9But if you continue showing favoritism, you are committing sin, and you are convicted by the law as transgressors » (verses 1-9).
We must practice the whole Christian law and not forget to be merciful: « For if anyone obeys all the Law but makes a false step in one point, he has become an offender against all of it. 11For the one who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” If, now, you do not commit adultery but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of law. 12Keep on speaking and behaving in such a way as those do who are going to be judged by the law of a free people. 13For the one who does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment » (verses 10-13).
Regarding mercy, Jesus Christ says in the Sermon on the Mount, that it will be shown mercy to the merciful and God will forgive those who forgive their neighbor (Matthew 5:7 and 6:14,15).
The living faith is authenticated by Christian works, but a faith without works is dead: « Of what benefit is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but he does not have works? That faith cannot save him, can it? 15If a brother or a sister is lacking clothing and enough food for the day, 16yet one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but you do not give them what they need for their body, of what benefit is it? 17So, too, faith by itself, without works, is dead. 18Nevertheless, someone will say: “You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19You believe that there is one God, do you? You are doing quite well. And yet the demons believe and shudder. 20But do you care to know, O empty man, that faith without works is useless? 21Was not Abraham our father declared righteous by works after he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22You see that his faith was active along with his works and his faith was perfected by his works, 23and the scripture was fulfilled that says: “Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness,” and he came to be called Jehovah’s friend. 24You see that a man is to be declared righteous by works and not by faith alone. 25In the same manner, was not Rahab the prostitute also declared righteous by works after she received the messengers hospitably and sent them out by another way? 26Indeed, just as the body without spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead » (verses 14-26).
The works mentioned by the disciple James, according to the context, are works of mercy and not the works of the Mosaic Law (see verses 15,16,25).
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Chapter 3:
The advice of the disciple James on the use of the tongue: « Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment. 2For we all stumble many times. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle also his whole body. 3If we put bridles in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide also their whole body. 4Look also at ships: Although they are so big and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the man at the helm is inclined to go. 5So, too, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it makes great brags. See how small a fire it takes to set a great forest ablaze! 6The tongue is also a fire. The tongue represents a world of unrighteousness among our body members, for it defiles all the body and sets the whole course of life on fire, and it is set on fire by Gehenna. 7For every kind of wild animal and bird and reptile and sea creature is to be tamed and has been tamed by humans. 8But no human can tame the tongue. It is unruly and injurious, full of deadly poison. 9With it we praise Jehovah, the Father, and yet with it we curse men who have come into existence “in the likeness of God.” 10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, it is not right for things to happen this way. 11A spring does not cause the fresh water and the bitter water to bubble out of the same opening, does it? 12My brothers, a fig tree cannot produce olives, or a grapevine figs, can it? Neither can salt water produce fresh water » (verses 1-12).
The Gehenna is the symbol of death without resurrection, everlasting death. In verse 6, James shows that it is with the tongue that we can do the sins that can lead to the Gehenna, the everlasting death. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says the same: « However, I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; and whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Gehenna » (Matthew 5:22). And then, a little later, Jesus Christ says that a man can sin against the Holy Spirit with his mouth. The sin against the Holy Spirit is unforgivable, it is an everlasting sin: « For this reason I say to you, every sort of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. For example, whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in that to come. (…) I tell you that men will render an account on Judgment Day for every unprofitable saying that they speak; for by your words you will be declared righteous, and by your words you will be condemned » (Matthew 12:31,32,36,37).
Let us reject the earthly and animalistic wisdom, but let us practice the wisdom from above: « Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him by his fine conduct demonstrate works performed with a mildness that comes from wisdom. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. 15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above; it is earthly, animalistic, demonic. 16For wherever there are jealousy and contentiousness, there will also be disorder and every vile thing. 17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. 18Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace » (verses 13-18).
There is the same kind of contrasting description between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the spirit, written by the apostle Paul: « Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom. On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law » (Galatians 5:19-23).
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Chapter 4:
We must avoid having bad intentions: « What is the source of the wars and fights among you? Do they not originate from your fleshly desires that carry on a conflict within you? 2You desire, and yet you do not have. You go on murdering and coveting, and yet you are not able to obtain. You go on fighting and waging war. You do not have because of your not asking. 3When you do ask, you do not receive because you are asking for a wrong purpose, so that you may spend it on your fleshly desires » (verses 1-3).
We must avoid spiritual adultery, that is to say friendship with the world: « Adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is making himself an enemy of God. 5Or do you think that for no reason the scripture says: “The spirit that has taken up residence within us keeps enviously longing”? 6However, the undeserved kindness that He gives is greater. So it says: “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones » (verses 4-6).
Adultery represents the breaking of a promise of the permanent loyalty between a man and a woman, the two being married. Spiritual adultery is the breaking of a promise of the permanent loyalty made to God and Christ, with the Christian baptism (Matthew 28:19). Friendship with the world is defined more precisely by the apostle John: « Do not love either the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever » (1 John 2:15-17).
We must subject ourselves to God and oppose the devil: « Therefore, subject yourselves to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you. 8Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you indecisive ones. 9Give way to misery and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy into despair. 10Humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah, and he will exalt you » (Verses 7-10).
Who is Satan the devil?
Jesus Christ described the devil very concisely: “That one was a murderer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie » (John 8:44). Satan the devil is not the abstraction of evil, but a real spiritual person (Matthew 4:1-11). Likewise, the demons are also angels who have become rebels who have followed the example of the devil (Genesis 6:1-3, to compare with the letter of Jude verse 6: « And the angels who did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place, he has reserved with eternal bonds in dense darkness for the judgment of the great day »).
When it is written, « he did not stand fast in the truth », it shows that God created this angel without sin and without any trace of wickedness in his heart. This angel, at the beginning of his life had a « beautiful name » (Ecclesiastes 7:1a). However, « he did not stand fast » in his integrity, he cultivated pride in his heart, and over time he became « devil », which means slanderer, and Satan, opponent; his old beautiful name, his good reputation, has been replaced by one of the everlasting disgraces. In the prophecy of Ezekiel (chapter 28), against the proud king of Tyre, it is clearly alluded to the pride of the angel who became « devil » and « Satan »: « This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “You were the model of perfection, Full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eʹden, the garden of God. You were adorned with every precious stone —Ruby, topaz, and jasper; chrysʹo·lite, onyx, and jade; sapphire, turquoise, and emerald; And their settings and mountings were made of gold. They were prepared on the day you were created. I assigned you as the anointed covering cherub. You were on the holy mountain of God, and you walked about among fiery stones. You were faultless in your ways from the day you were created Until unrighteousness was found in you » (Ezekiel 28:12-15). Through his act of unrighteousness in Eden, he became a « liar » who caused the death of all of Adam’s offspring (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Currently, it is Satan the devil who rules the world: « Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out » (John 12:31; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:19) .
We must not judge our neighbor: « Stop speaking against one another, brothers. Whoever speaks against a brother or judges his brother speaks against law and judges law. Now if you judge law, you are not a doer of law but a judge. 12There is only one who is Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and to destroy. But you, who are you to be judging your neighbor? » (Verses 11,12).
There is the same exhortation in the Sermon on the Mount: « Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged, and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you. Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye but do not notice the rafter in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Allow me to remove the straw from your eye,’ when look! a rafter is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove the straw from your brother’s eye » (Matthew 7:1-5).
This exhortation not to judge is to be put in the context of the general human relationship and not in the normal framework of a court which requires the intervention of a judge to rule on the guilt or not of a person.
Jesus Christ says that the human who tends to systematically judge his neighbour, often forgets that he is in very exactly the same situation as the person he is judging: a sinner like all the other descendants of Adam: « For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Jesus Christ adds a second point showing that the person who is judging, puts himself in a very delicate situation from the point of view of the one who will exercise judgment, King Jesus Christ, especially shortly before the great tribulation: he will be judged in the same way how he judges others. So non-judgment, seen from this perspective, is a way of being careful. However, Jesus Christ said before, in his sermon, that we must be merciful and thus, it will be shown mercy to us. We must forgive, so God will forgive us our faults (Matthew 5:7; 6:14,15).
However, Jesus Christ goes much further concerning the person who tends to judge his neighbor, he says without hesitation, that he is a hypocrite. Indeed, he judges his neighbor by ignoring that he has faults, even much more serious; Jesus Christ says that the person judged has a straw in his eye while, by optical effect, the other, has a rafter in his eye. The expression used by Christ is completely in keeping with the person who regularly judges his neighbour: « Physician, cure yourself » (Luke 4:23).
We must avoid presumption and arrogance: « Come, now, you who say: “Today or tomorrow we will travel to this city and will spend a year there, and we will do business and make some profit,” 14whereas you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then disappears. 15Instead, you should say: “If Jehovah wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16But now you take pride in your arrogant boasting. All such boasting is wicked. 17Therefore, if someone knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him » (verses 13-17).
The comment of the disciple James on the fragility of human life, leads us to ask existential questions about its meaning. The biblical book of the Ecclesiastes is very exactly in the theme of the existential reflection of the meaning of life with some questions linked to death and hope. The Ecclesiastes puts them in two important perspectives: the description of the life which would be stripped of all spirituality, and on the other hand, which would be in a spiritual way of life.
The central theme is: « The greatest vanity!” the congregator has said, “the greatest vanity! Everything is vanity! » (Ecclesiastes 1:2). The theme of the absurdity of the current human condition is illustrated by many examples. The human condition that leads him inexorably to death, so what he will undertake, in the end, this will be useless.
There is not only this realistic but also dark observation, there is also the best solution, written in the last words in the chapter 12: « The conclusion of the matter, everything having been heard, is: Fear the [true] God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man. 14For the true God himself will bring every sort of work into the judgment in relation to every hidden thing, as to whether it is good or bad » (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14). If this book begins with a very dark aspect of existence, the counterpoint is the solution of the good relationship with God, that can get us out of this absurd cycle, of this existence, by granting us the everlasting life (John 316.36; 17:3). Throughout this observation of absurdity, there is an alternation between the spiritual darkness, our current human condition and the spiritual light, the fact that God can deliver us from this dead end.
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Chapter 5:
There will be a judgment of the rich men who oppress the poor and extort their employees: « Come, now, you rich men, weep and wail over the miseries that are coming upon you. 2Your riches have rotted, and your clothing has become moth-eaten. 3Your gold and silver have rusted away, and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh. What you have stored up will be like a fire in the last days. 4Look! The wages you have withheld from the workers who harvested your fields keep crying out, and the cries for help of the reapers have reached the ears of Jehovah of armies. 5You have lived in luxury and for self-gratification on the earth. You have fattened your hearts on the day of slaughter. 6You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one. Is he not opposing you? » (verses 1-6).
Jesus Christ says in the Sermon on the Mount that wealth has a temporary value, in a similar way: « Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also » (Matthew 6:19-21).
The apostle Paul writes that the money is not the problem, but the love of money: « But those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and harmful desires that plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains » (1 Timothy 6:9,10).
We must be patient in the Christian hope: « Be patient then, brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until the early rain and the late rain arrive. 8You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close » (verses 7,8).
In this text, the presence of Jesus Christ is linked with the fulfillment of Christian hope. In this case, just when Jesus Christ will come to judge humanity, shortly before the great tribulation: « When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left » (Matthew 25:31-33).
After describing dramatic events before the end of this system of things, at a time which should be most distressing and, we are living now, Jesus Christ told his disciples to « erect and lift their heads », because the fulfillment of their hope is drawing near: « But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near » (Luke 21:28).
How to find joy in the midst of personal trials? The apostle Paul wrote that we must follow the pattern of Jesus Christ: « So, then, because we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also throw off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Indeed, consider closely the one who has endured such hostile speech from sinners against their own interests, so that you may not get tired and give up » (Hebrews 12:1-3).
Jesus Christ drew the energy of his endurance in the trials, by the joy of the hope that was set before him. It is important to draw energy to fuel our endurance, through the « joy » of our hope of everlasting life set before us. As for our trials, Jesus Christ said that we must solve them day by day: « On this account I say to you: Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your bodies as to what you will wear. Does not life* mean more than food and the body than clothing? Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are? Who of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his life span? Also, why are you anxious about clothing? Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not toil, nor do they spin; but I tell you that not even Solʹo·mon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things » (Matthew 6:25-32). The principle is simple, we must use the present to solve our problems which arise as they come, trusting in God, to help us find a solution: « Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles » (Matthew 6:33,34). Applying this principle, will help us to better manage mental or emotional energy to deal with our daily problems. Jesus Christ advises against excessive, even morbid anticipation of the problems or trials, that could clutter our minds and take away all spiritual energy from us (Compare with Mark 4:18,19).
Coming back to the encouragement written at Hebrews 12:1-3, we need to use our mental capacity to project ourselves into the future through joy in hope, which is part of the fruitage of the Holy Spirit: « On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law » (Galatians 5:22,23). It is written in the Bible that Jehovah is a happy God, and the Christian is preaching the « good news of the happy God » (1 Timothy 1:11). While this system of things has never been so much in spiritual darkness, we must be a source of light by means of the good news that we share, but also by the joy of our hope that we want to radiate to others: « You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens » (Matthew 5:14-16). Let us make the joy of Jehovah our fortress: « Do not feel sad, for the joy of Jehovah is your stronghold” (Nehemiah 8:10).
We must endure the evil and be patient, like Job: « Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you do not get judged. Look! The Judge is standing before the doors. 10Brothers, take as a pattern of the suffering of evil and the exercising of patience the prophets who spoke in the name of Jehovah. 11Look! We consider happy those who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful » (verses 9-11).
After a very severely disciplined against the three Job accusers, Jehovah God delivered Job from his tribulation, created by Satan the devil:
“After Jehovah had spoken these words to Job, Jehovah said to Eliphaz the Temanite:
“My anger burns against you and your two companions, for you have not spoken the truth about me as my servant Job has. 8Now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job, and offer up a burnt sacrifice for yourselves. And my servant Job will pray for you. I will surely accept his request not to deal with you according to your foolishness, for you have not spoken the truth about me as my servant Job has.”
9So Elʹiphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what Jehovah had told them to do. And Jehovah accepted Job’s prayer.
10After Job had prayed for his companions, Jehovah removed Job’s tribulation and restored his prosperity. Jehovah gave him double what he had before. 11All his brothers and sisters and all his former friends came to him and ate a meal with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him over all the calamity that Jehovah had allowed to come upon him. Each of them gave him a piece of money and a gold ring.
12So Jehovah blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the beginning, and Job came to have 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 pairs of cattle, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13He also came to have seven more sons and three more daughters. 14He named the first daughter Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-happuch. 15No women in all the land were as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father gave them an inheritance along with their brothers.
16After this Job lived for 140 years, and he saw his children and his grandchildren—four generations. 17Finally Job died, after a long and satisfying life” (Job 42:7-17).
We must respect our word: « Above all, my brothers, stop swearing, either by heaven or by earth or by any other oath. But let your “Yes” mean yes and your “No,” no, so that you do not become liable to judgment » (verse 12).
Jesus Christ says exactly the same thing in the sermon on the Mount: « Again you heard that it was said to those of ancient times: ‘You must not swear without performing, but you must pay your vows to Jehovah.’ However, I say to you: Do not swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, since you cannot turn one hair white or black. Just let your word ‘Yes’ mean yes, your ‘No,’ no, for what goes beyond these is from the wicked one » (Matthew 5:33-37).
The blessings of the prayer of the righteous one and his teaching to bring back the sinner from his bad behavior: « Is there anyone suffering hardship among you? Let him carry on prayer. Is there anyone in good spirits? Let him sing psalms. 14Is there anyone sick among you? Let him call the elders of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him, applying oil to him in the name of Jehovah. 15And the prayer of faith will make the sick one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16Therefore, openly confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. A righteous man’s supplication has a powerful effect. 17E·liʹjah was a man with feelings like ours, and yet when he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the land produced fruit. 19My brothers, if anyone among you is led astray from the truth and another turns him back, 20know that whoever turns a sinner back from the error of his way will save him from death and will cover a multitude of sins » (verses 13-20).
