What Is The Interpretation of Tongues Gift Mentioned In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11?
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 states: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills."
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 states: "There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills."
Please see our Question and Answer section on "What Is Speaking In Tongues?", "Are Tongues Estatic Utterances As Some Denominations Claim?", and "What Is The "Tongues" Gift of 1 Corinthians 12:4-11?" to answer what the "tongues" gift is since it is related to the "interpretation of tongues" gift.
This miraculous gift was a gift that was used by an apostle (2 Corinthians 12:12). It was also imparted to other 1st century Christians by the laying on of the apostles' hands (Acts 8:14-18; 19:1-7; 2 Timothy 1:6) to help mature the infant church (Ephesians 4:7-16) since the early church did not have the complete, written New Testament disseminated among all the congregations (as we have it today).
Since the church was so young and immature at that time (1 Corinthians 13:8-13) and the gospel needed rapidly to be spread, then these miraculous gifts would have helped break down the communication barrier between nations. The early Christians did not have to give years of study to learning these new languages either to speak or to interpret the message was being spoken in a different language in order for the audience who may have known a different language was in need of an inspired interpreter to understand the message (1 Corinthians 14:26-28).
Today, we no longer have the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit available to us because miracles were given in the early church for the purpose of confirming the word of God (Mark 16:17-20). We have the fully confirmed and revealed written word of God that is sufficient for us today (2 Peter 1:3; Jude 1:3). In order to spread the gospel today in other foreign countries, we must study the native language of that country and be able to interpret for others who may not know that native language in order to effectively communicate to the audience.
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How Do We Contend for the Faith?
Jude writes an inspired epistle in which his original purpose was to write about the common salvation that he and the Christian audience shared together. Yet he had a more pressing concern to write about contending for the faith (Jude 1:3). But how exactly do Christians contend for the faith?
Jude writes an inspired epistle in which his original purpose was to write about the common salvation that he and the Christian audience shared together. Yet he had a more pressing concern to write about contending for the faith (Jude 1:3). But how exactly do Christians contend for the faith?
Throughout Jude's epistle, Jude focuses upon the false teachers that have infiltrated congregations of the Lord's church. He speaks of the judgment that they will receive if they do not repent of their wayward teachings. It is not until close to the end of Jude’s letter that he gives attention to actually telling us how to contend for the faith. He gives it in the form of some specific commands in Jude 1:20-23 listed below:
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith,
Praying in the Holy Spirit,
Keep yourselves in the love of God,
Looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
And on some have compassion, making a distinction;
But others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire,
Hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
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Are There Christians Found In All Denominations?
Most likely there are unfaithful Christians throughout the various denominations. They had once obeyed the gospel of Christ (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; 17:30; Romans 6:3,4; 10:9,10; 1 Thessalonians 2:13), and worshipped with the one true church – the church of Christ (Matthew 16:18; John 4:23-24; Acts 2:47) but unfortunately they have since left the one true church built by Jesus (Ephesians 1:22,23; 4:4; 5:23). They have departed from the faith and the true body of Christ and have joined themselves to man-made denominations/divisions/departures, adhering to man-made traditions and other false doctrines (Matthew 15:8,9; Romans 16:17; 2 John 1:9). Salvation is only found in Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:10; Acts 4:12; John 14:6) and Jesus is the Savior of His church, the one body of Christ (Ephesians 5:23; 1:22,23; 4:4). When children of God abandon assembling with their fellow saints, they cut themselves off from the spiritual circulation of the true body where the blood of Christ is able to keep cleansing them from their sins (Hebrews 10:24-31; 1 John 1:7-9). Let us fulfill the law of Christ by seeking to restore these fallen brethren back to the Lord and the cleansing blood found only on the one, true body of Christ (Galatians 6:1-2).
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What Does It Mean For An Elder To Hold Fast To The Word of God?
One of the qualifications that must be found in a mature Christian man before being appointed to the eldership is that he must hold fast to the word of God (Titus 1:9-11).
One of the qualifications that must be found in a mature Christian man before being appointed to the eldership is that he must hold fast to the word of God (Titus 1:9-11).
“Holding fast” comes from the Greek word antecho. BDAG (a Greek Dictionary) defines this word as: “1. to have a strong attachment to someone or someth., cling to, hold fast to, be devoted to.” This word is also found in Matthew 6:24. It states: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal (antecho) to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” In this context, it is being used of a man's heart who is devoted to money as his main fulfillment and satisfaction rather than serving God.
In the context of Titus 1:9, the heart of an elder is to diligently be attached and LOYAL to the word of God. How are elders to be loyal to the word of God? There are several ways that an elder's heart can become more attached to the word of God.
L – Learning
How is it possible for an elder to become more diligently attached and loyal to the word of God? He needs to be a diligent student of the word of God (2 Timothy 2:15). He needs to manifest the attitude of Ezra in Ezra 7:10, preparing his heart with all diligence to receive what the Bible teaches on a certain subject. Even though he will never fully master the Bible, he needs to constantly stay in the word because there will be difficult situations that arise within the congregation and will require prudence, wisdom, and discretion which comes from a life-long study of the word of God. The following are some ways in which an elder can better prepare himself in studying the word of God?
Have a church library containing good, solid materials that will be checked out by the individual elders (as well as other members) so they can constantly stay in the word. These libraries ought to contain various lectureship book series, videos, and books on Christian apologetics.
Rely on your own personal study and not just the preacher or member(s). Every member and especially the elders need to become more diligent in studying God's word! (1 Peter 2:1-3)
Take advantage of the various internet resources such as the The Gospel of Christ (www.thegospelofchrist.com), the Christian Courier (www.christiancourier.com), Apologetics Press (www.apologeticspress.org), and many others. Elders need to be constantly updated as to what is happening in the world and in the Lord's church. In the book of Revelation, some of the churches in Asia Minor were warned about the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Revelation 2:6,15). There have arisen many false doctrines that have divided some congregations because the elders were not aware of what was happening before it was too late (such as covenant eschatology).
An elder ought to have the desire to be learning because otherwise, he will stay in ignorance and ignorance of God's word is not bliss (Acts 17:30)! An elder is to rather “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).
O - Obedience
An elder's heart ought to be attached to the word of God because he wants to obey the Lord Jesus who is King over all creation (Matthew 28:18). Elders (as well as all true Christians) were “called out” of spiritual darkness (1 Peter 2:9,10) because they were convicted by the clear evidence that teaches Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:30-31) and they rendered obedience to the plan of salvation (Acts 2:37,38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). The elders’ ultimate desire is to submit to Jesus reign (Matthew 6:33). Elders’ must know that in order to help expand the kingdom of God and its glory, then they must know what the King requires of them and the flock. Elders will be obedient in learning what the word of God teaches so that they can teach others faithfully (2 Timothy 2:2).
Y - Youth
Many elderships need to get back to teaching our young people Christian apologetics so that they can see for themselves the firm foundation on which Christianity has stood for centuries. Reason: many of our youth are leaving the true church (hence leaving the Lord, Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 10:24-31). Many elderships need to also get back to teaching and training our young men concerning the role of an elder. They must be taught what is required and how serious the role is. We need to prepare their hearts to have the desire for it so that they can be a blessing to future generations (Ecclesiastes 12:1; 2 Timothy 3:14,15). A young Christian man who grows up learning and applying the Bible to his life will be better equipped to take on the role of becoming an elder in the Lord's church.
A - Action
In order to be loyal to God’s word, elders need to put their faith into action. A true and active faith is a living faith (James 2:14-26). An eldership will show themselves to be loyal when the tough times come. This is where their faith will be tested (1 Peter 1:6-7). If there are sinful situations that arise within the congregation, will they be the type of leaders who will be loyal and uphold the word of God? Or will they stand aside and allow sin to persist in its detrimental way? Will they allow a precious soul to continually persist in sin? Or will they have the courage to stand in the gap?
L -Love
One of the great cardinal virtues in the Christian system is love. Love is doing what is best for the individual. If an elder is to be loyal to the word of God, he must show love in all that he does. If sinful situations arise and persist within a congregation, an eldership will do what needs to be done because they love the word of God above all else, which teaches them to love their neighbors as themselves (Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 16:13,14).
It has been the case that the elders of a local congregation will use pragmatic, haphazard ways to achieve the goal of church growth (following the popular idea that “the end justifies the means”): (a) they allow married couples who are in adulterous unions to place membership [Matthew 5:31,32; 19:9], (b) they refuse to take any action in the process of disciplining a church member who is known to be involved in a public sin (who refuses to repent) in the congregation lest that member leave the congregation (1 Corinthians 5:1-13), (c) they allow any kind of man-made innovation (such as mechanical instruments of music [Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16], handclapping [Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16], female preachers [1 Timothy 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; 14:34,35] to be introduced into the worship and life of the church in order to “enhance” the experience of the members, and/or (d) they will order the preacher to refrain from preaching on certain subjects of morality (such as gambling, “social” drinking of alcoholic beverages) lest it cause offense to some of the members and visitors. These real-life illustrations are symptoms of the disease that is hurting the body of Christ. The disease is that these elders refuse to hold to the word of God.
Conclusion
If you desire to partake in the work of an elder someday, then you must have a heart of loyalty that will be given to the word of God and it alone. You cannot allow any other obstacle to get in the way and compete for your heart. The word of God must stand above all else and to it alone the heart must render. May the hearts of all elders everywhere have the desire to follow only the word of God.
WORKS CITED
Bauer, Walter. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. Ed. Frederick W. Danker. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
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What Is Legalism?
There are people throughout history who have always had a desire to be free from the laws of a higher authority. They want to be free to do whatever they want to do. Those who are promoting self-indulgence and freedom from restrictions are guilty of destroying the moral fabric of the United States and other nations. Faithful Christians who are attempting to follow what the Bible teaches are called "legalistic." Are they really? What is legalism exactly?
There are people throughout history who have always had a desire to be free from the laws of a higher authority. They want to be free to do whatever they want to do. Those who are promoting self-indulgence and freedom from restrictions are guilty of destroying the moral fabric of the United States and other nations. Faithful Christians who are attempting to follow what the Bible teaches are called "legalistic." Are they really? What is legalism exactly?
This term is not found in the Bible, yet the concept is there. Is "legalism" to be equated with too much concern for obedience? Absolutely not.
Legalism is not keeping God's commandments. If legalism is keeping God's commandments, then Jesus was the perfect legalist because He always kept the Father's commandments (John 6:36; 8:29). Practicing righteousness according to Psalm 119:172 means to keep the Lord's commandments (1 John 3:7).
Legalism is not teaching others that they must keep God's commandments. If legalism was that, then the apostles and prophets were guilty of being legalists because they commanded others to keep God's commandments (1 Corinthians 14:34; in fact, anyone who preaches God's word would be considered legalistic under this false definition, 2 Timothy 4:2).
Legalism, according to the Scriptures, is a system of arrogant binding in which one depends on his/her ability to keep the law rather than depending upon God. Legalism is not merely law-keeping, but pride and arrogance in one's accomplishments either under the established law (depending on the law that he is under, which is now the law of Christ - Galatians 6:2) or the law(s) he/she has created. It is a prideful and haughty attitude. This type of mindset leads people to think they deserve eternal life. They think they deserve praise from God. Some of the Pharisees were legalists and felt that God owed them special praise.
In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus gave the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Ask yourself these questions and keep in mind that the Pharisee and the tax collector were living under the old covenant, not the new covenant:
"Is there anything wrong with giving tithes?" No.
"Is there anything wrong with fasting?" No.
"Is it wrong to teach to others that they should tithe or fast?" No.
What then was the problem? The problem was man's haughty and prideful attitude. He proudly imagined that God owed him salvation because of his dependence upon his own accomplishments.
In the Bible, we are instructed by Jesus to keep every single commandment that God gave, but we are also instructed to keep a humble attitude and remember that we are undeserving of God's grace (Luke 17:7-10). Furthermore, we are commanded not to bind laws where God has not bound (Matthew 23:4; Revelation 22:18).
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Was Jesus Forsaken By The Father While He Was On The Cross?
In Matthew 27:38-54, Mark 15:25-39, and Luke 23:32-46, there was a crowd watching and listening to the statements Jesus was speaking while on the cross. When Jesus says, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?", the audience mistakenly believes He is crying out for Elijah. The text does not indicate that Jesus was praying to His Father. Instead, it says He cried out in a loud voice. There is some important background information that we need to study in order to answer this question.
- Jesus said He would not be forsaken by His Father (John 8:28-29). In John 8:21-30: Jesus is only a few days away from His impending death, yet He is going to teach the Jews about His death and what is going to happen. Jesus says "the One who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone because I always do what pleases Him." Jesus says that the Father is with Him and has not left Him alone. This statement is an important piece to our understanding of the question. The phrase rendered, "is with me" is in the present tense, indicating continued action. It is a statement that means He will never be separated from God. The idea is that the One who sent Jesus is the One who will continue to be with Him.
- Jesus said He was not alone and that the Father was with Him (John 16:32). Here Jesus begins to speak about the upcoming events that will happen to His own disciples. Notice John 16:25-33. He says the hour is coming when the disciples were going to scatter, leaving Jesus alone. That is exactly what happened in the garden of Gethsemane. But Jesus says that, though the disciples were about to leave him, He would not be alone. "The Father is with Me" is in the present tense, which means continuous action. Jesus is saying that not only is the Father with Him right now but will continue to be with Him even when all the disciples scatter and leave Him.
- Jesus was quoting from Psalm 22 while He was on the cross. It is generally recognized that what Jesus was saying on the cross is a quote from Psalm 22. This psalm is referring to a difficult time in David's life, possibly when he was running for his life from Saul or some other tribulation in his life. This psalm is a prophecy of Jesus' crucifixion. There are some great details where this prophecy was being fulfilled at the crucifixion of Jesus, such as (a) the despising and mockery of Jesus (Psalm 22:6; Matthew 27:42,43), (b) the piercing of Jesus' hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; Matthew 27:31), and (c) Jesus' statement on the cross being considered (Psalm 22:18; Matthew 27:35).
- It appeared that Jesus was forsaken but, in fact, He was not. Read Psalm 22:19-31. David says that despite the despair through which he was enduring, he felt that death was near. God had not really forsaken him at all. Notice verse 19 where David says, "but you, O Lord, be not far off." Notice verse 24, "for He has not despised nor disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; He has not hidden His face from him but has listened to his cry for help." Notice how the psalm has changed its tone. The first 18 verses are a cry out to God and David makes the statement asking "Why have you forsaken me?" But as David goes through the psalm he says that God has not forsaken him. It appeared that God had forsaken him because of all the things that were going on. But then he says that God was really right there the whole time. It appeared that God had left him, it appeared that God had despised the afflicted one, but God had not hidden His face from him.
- It helps us to understand Deuteronomy 21:22,23 and Galatians 3:10-13. Many of the Jews most likely did not believe Jesus was the Messiah because their own Scriptures taught that if a man hanged on a tree, then he was accursed of God. Notice that it says: "If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree." But Jesus never committed a sin (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15). He was not deserving of physical death, yet in order to fulfill the predetermined plan of God, He had to die in order to bring about the remission of sins (Acts 2:22-24). Jesus was shown to be cursed, in the sense, that He was crucified (that is, hanged on a tree).
The Jews and Romans are watching Jesus hanging on the cross. When He made this statement, they were listening. They were mocking and insulting him. Jesus quotes Psalm 22 to show the fulfillment of the prophecy that David made. We have seen that Jesus said that the Father would not forsake Him. Jesus had never been alone. So what is Jesus doing? When Jesus cried out these words from Psalm 22, He wanted everyone to hear Him and to remind them of the psalm of David and how that this Messianic prophecy was being fulfilled before their own eyes. The lesson of Psalm 22: It may look like God has left Jesus because of all the evil that is transpiring, but God is still with Him. It appeared that Jesus was forsaken, but as the psalm points out, God had not hidden His face and did not despise the afflicted One.
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How Are People Baptized By One Spirit Into One Body?
1 Corinthians 12:13 states: "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit."
The immersion mentioned here is an immersion that results in people being placed into the body of Christ. The body of Christ is the church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). Which immersion results in people being placed into the body of Christ - the immersion in the Holy Spirit or water immersion?
1 Corinthians 12:13 states: "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body; whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit."
The immersion mentioned here is an immersion that results in people being placed into the body of Christ. The body of Christ is the church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). Which immersion results in people being placed into the body of Christ - the immersion in the Holy Spirit or water immersion?
1. The immersion in the Holy Spirit was administered by Jesus Himself. It was never administered by any other (Mark 1:8). Water immersion is administered by men (Acts 8:36-39; 10:47,48) and is designated to place people into fellowship with God (Matthew 28:19).
2. The immersion in the Holy Spirit was a promise (Mark 1:8; Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:4-5), not a command. People receive promises. People obey commands. Water immersion is a command to be obeyed (Acts 2:38; 10:47,48) whereas the immersion in the Holy Spirit is a promise to be received (Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:4,5).
3. The immersion in the Holy Spirit was not for the purpose of saving people from their sins because it was promised to a certain group of men (the apostles) who were already saved from their sins. [NOTE: Please consult our question: "Does Immersion In The Holy Spirit Save People From Their Sins?"]. It was for the purpose of guiding these men into all the truth, allowing them to perform a variety of miracles that confirmed the message that they preached was truly from God (Mark 16:20; Hebrews 2:4). It also equipped other new Christians in the first century by the laying on of the apostles' hands in giving them miraculous power for confirmation of the true message (Acts 2:38; 8:14-16; 19:1-7). Water immersion saves people from their sins because we come into contact with the cleansing blood of Christ through faith in the working of God (Colossians 2:11,12; Revelation 1:5; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Peter 3:21).
4. Water immersion is an immersion that is for everyone who believes and wants to be saved (Mark 16:15,16) whereas the immersion in the Holy Spirit was for a select few (Acts 1:4,5; 2:1-4; John 14-16). But the baptism mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:13 is something that all Christians have experienced - "by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body." This immersion in 1 Corinthians 12:13 fits water immersion rather than immersion in the Holy Spirit.
6. What happened to the about 3,000 souls who obeyed the commands to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? They were added to the church (Acts 2:41,47), which is the body of Christ (Colossians 1:18, 13).
7. The preposition "by" is used in the sense of an instrument. It was by the agency of the Holy Spirit that people were added to the one body - the church. Since the Holy Spirit revealed "the faith" (the revealed system of truth) to the apostles and prophets on how one could be saved from their sins, then it can be clearly seen "by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body."
Holy Spirit -----------> The Faith ----------------------> Baptized Into The Body of Christ
(1 Corinthians 12:13) (Galatians 3:26-29) (Acts 2:41,47; Colossians 1:18)
8. The conclusion that we learn from 1 Corinthians 12:13 is through the agency of the Holy Spirit revealing God's word (via through the inspired writers of the New Testament) people are immersed into water and hence into the one true church, the church of Christ.
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Can A Congregation Help Orphans Collectively Or Only Individually?
Yes, a congregation can help orphans collectively as well as individually.
Some make the claim that Christians as individuals can help orphans, but the church as a whole cannot. Such a position is binding where God has not bound. The church or individual Christians helping needy orphans is a matter of opinion or expediency and NOT a matter of faith worthy of disfellowship.
Yes, a congregation can help orphans collectively as well as individually.
Some make the claim that Christians as individuals can help orphans, but the church as a whole cannot. Such a position is binding where God has not bound. The church or individual Christians helping needy orphans is a matter of opinion or expediency and NOT a matter of faith worthy of disfellowship.
James 1:26,27 says that pure religion is (1) to show compassion by visiting/taking care of the needy orphans and widows and (2) non-contamination - by keeping yourself unspotted from the world.
The false "pattern" that these brethren have failed to establish is that all religious duties which are singular grammatical constructions and which utilize the singular form of speech are religious duties which refer exclusively to the individual. James 1:27 states a religious duty in the singular number - "oneself". Therefore, according to their false position, James 1:27 states a religious duty that applies exclusively to the individual. They then go further by stating that all religious duties which refer exclusively to the individual are religious duties from which the church is excluded. James 1:27 states a religious duty which applies exclusively to the individual. Therefore, according to their false position, James 1:27 refers to a religious duty from which the church is excluded.
This is a wrong view for several reasons.
First, there is the use of the term "brethren" in James. It is found 15 times throughout the epistle (James 1:2,16,19; 2:1,5,14; 3:1,10,12; 4:11; 5:7,9,10,12,19). James is writing to the twelve tribes scattered abroad, representing spiritual Israel, the church (Galatians 6:16). He is writing his letter to congregations, not just to individual Christians.
Second, James is distributing the duties mentioned in his epistle expressed in the singular that are at the same time connected to a command in the plural - duties that may be exercised by either the church and/or the individual Christians.
For example, in James 1:19-25 notice where I have placed an (s) for singular and a (pl) for plural:
James 1:19-2:4 states: "So then, my beloved brethren (pl), let every man be (s) swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man (s) does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, lay aside (pl) all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls (pl). But be doers (pl) of the word, and nothearers (pl) only, deceiving yourselves (pl). For if anyone is a hearer (s) of the word and not a doer, he (s) is like a man (s) observing his natural face in a mirror; for he (s) observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he (s) was. But he (s) who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer (s) but a doer (s) of the work, thisone (s) will be blessed in what he (s) does. If anyone among you (pl) thinks he (s) is religious, and does not bridle his (s) tongue but deceives his own (s) heart, this one's (s) religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself (s) unspotted from the world. My brethren (pl), do not hold (pl) the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly (pl) a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention (pl) to the one wearing the fine clothes and say (pl) to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say (pl) to the poor man, "You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you (pl) not shown partiality among yourselves (pl), and become judges with evil thoughts?"
The chapter divisions in our Bibles were made by human beings as an aid to more easily locate Scriptures. In light of the fact that there were no chapter divisions between James 1 and James 2when James was written, it becomes more evident that James is writing about duties that are expressed in the singular which are at the same time connected to a command in the plural; thus authorizing duties to be fulfilled by both the church and/or individuals. This is why it is the case that a congregation can help orphans collectively as well as individually.
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Why Is Divorce For Unscriptural Reasons Forbidden By God?
As we continue to see a more “progressive” (more accurately “digressive”) society that is against the values and ethics of the Scriptures, we continue to see a society that promotes and propagates that which God opposes, such as unscriptural divorces (Matthew 19:6). There are many people who celebrate divorces as if it is a good thing. Below are some scriptural reasons why should we have an attitude that is against divorce.
As we continue to see a more “progressive” (more accurately “digressive”) society that is against the values and ethics of the Scriptures, we continue to see a society that promotes and propagates that which God opposes, such as unscriptural divorces (Matthew 19:6). There are many people who celebrate divorces as if it is a good thing. Below are some scriptural reasons why should we have an attitude that is against divorce.
God is the Designer and Creator of marriage. He knows how to design the marital relationship to be perfect in all its fullness and splendor. He has certain laws that govern the marital relationship that must be followed even today (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 5:31,32; 19:1-13; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18; Romans 7:1-4; 1 Corinthians 7; Ephesians 5:22-33).
The husband and wife made a life-long commitment to one another when they stated their vows before God that they would stay faithfully married until physical death (Ecclesiastes 5:2-6; 1 Corinthians 7:39,40; Romans 7:1-4; Matthew 5:37). A vow is permanent and binding. When a couple divorces, they are treating those vows as if they are nothing. People need to be taught about the importance of vows and the binding nature of the marital relationship. They need to be taught about commitment, keeping their word, and the ultimate consequence of lying (Revelation 21:8).
Jesus condemns unscriptural divorces because many times it will lead to one or more spouses marrying another person, resulting in an adulterous union (Matthew 5:32; 19:9).
Divorces many times lead to lust and fornication as one does not exercise the fruit of the Spirit known as self-control and seeks sexual fulfillment in a relationship God does not join or approve (Matthew 5:31,32; 19:9; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
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Will God Judge Those Who Have Never Heard The Gospel?
First, all accountable people have sinned against God (Romans 3:23). Sin is the PROBLEM that separates all accountable persons from God and will lead to a person's soul and body dwelling in hell forever - if not remedied (Matthew 10:28; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8).
What one usually means when asking this is as follows: "Will God condemn accountable persons to hell who have never had the opportunity to hear the gospel message?"
First, all accountable people have sinned against God (Romans 3:23). Sin is the PROBLEM that separates all accountable persons from God and will lead to a person's soul and body dwelling in hell forever - if not remedied (Matthew 10:28; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23; Revelation 21:8).
Second, the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ is the only remedy or SOLUTION to the sin problem (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 1:7)
Third, obeying the gospel is the only PLAN of salvation that puts one into the blood of Jesus and solves the sin problem of the accountable person. The New Testament is clear that one who does not obey the gospel is eternally condemned to hell (John 3:5; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:13-17; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; etc.).
To teach that one can be saved from their sins and live eternally in heaven without the blood of Jesus and without the gospel (that is, hearing and obeying the gospel) is to teach another gospel (that is, another plan of salvation - which the Scriptures do not teach). Study Acts 15:7; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Galatians 1:6-10. Whether an accountable person hears the gospel or not does not negate the fact that such a person is a sinner who needs the Savior and must obey the gospel.
If this were the case, the church's mission to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:18-20) would actually become a mission of condemnation because, by preaching the gospel to every accountable creature, we would be changing these "ignorant, innocent" souls from a "safe" condition to a "condemned" condition merely by educating them on the gospel message. For the sake of their souls' salvation, it would be better to leave them "ignorant" and "safe." Ignorance does not save a soul from eternal condemnation (Acts 17:30; Romans 1:18-32).
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Is It Necessary To Place Membership With A Congregation Once You Have Been Baptized Into The One True Church?
As Christians seek out a congregation with which to work and worship (and thus commit to be under the oversight of the local leadership, Acts 20:28; this is commonly called "placing membership"), they need to be cautious and wise, making sure the church and its leadership are sound in the faith (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
As Christians seek out a congregation with which to work and worship (and thus commit to be under the oversight of the local leadership, Acts 20:28; this is commonly called "placing membership"), they need to be cautious and wise, making sure the church and its leadership are sound in the faith (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Several passages indicate that Christians must commit to the work and worship of a local congregation:
- Christians are commanded not to forsake assembling with the local church (Hebrews 10:25,26). Among other things, they are to partake of the Lord's Supper on the first day of the week as they gather with their fellow members in one place (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:18, 20, 33, 34; 14:26; etc.). Exceptions, no doubt, would be if one is unable to attend his/her local church due to legitimate sickness, traveling (visiting another sound church) or being commissioned by the church to travel to other churches for evangelistic purposes (Acts 13:1-3; 14:21-22).
- Christians need to recognize that elders (also called the shepherds or pastors) of a local congregation (flock) will have to give an account to God on the day of judgment on the way they handled themselves in guiding the flock (Hebrews 13:17). How can they guide the flock unless they know who is in the flock? Since qualified men are commanded to oversee their flock; then it follows that the flock are commanded to be overseen and held accountable, including working and worshipping with their local flock/church. They also need to question new members so that no false doctrine is introduced into their midst that would tear up the flock (err on the side of caution, Acts 9:25-31). There are certain obligations on the part of both the elders and the congregation in order for the church to function correctly. Please consult the questions "What Are The Duties of The Elders Toward Its Members?" and "What Are The Duties of Members Toward Its Elders?" for further information.
- Each Christian needs to do its part in edifying the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:9-16). How can Christians edify the body over time unless they choose to place membership in that local body? There are certain duties and obligations laid upon Christians that would need to be fulfilled by placing membership with a local body. A Christian would want to place membership so that he/she can do his/her share in the edification of the body of Christ by stirring up love and good works among the brethren. They can help with evangelism (Matthew 28:18-20), teaching, (2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3-5) and benevolence (James 1:26,27).
- Paul (Saul) is a good example of a sinner who became a Christian and immediately was trying to join himself to the disciples in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-30). The disciples there were hesitant because they knew about his persecutions and murders and was rightly skeptical of whether or not he was a true convert or a schemer. Saul did not waste any time desiring to be with the family of God in his local area (1 John 3:1). He was part of several congregations throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. It says in verse 31: "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied."
- With all the "church hopping", immorality and divisiveness tearing so many local churches up, it would be wise for congregations to reinstate "letters of recommendation" from other sound churches or faithful Christians before they fully accept the membership of another (2 Corinthians 3:1). If someone says, "You shouldn't judge Christians" all you have to do is have them read 1 Corinthians 5:12.
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Will There Ever Be Miracles Again?
It may come as a surprise, but the answer to this question is “Yes”!
Some of the miracles to come:
It may come as a surprise, but the answer to this question is “Yes”!
Some of the miracles to come:
(1) Jesus will enter this time-space universe (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
(2) Jesus will raise the physical bodies of the wicked and the righteous from the dead (John 5:28,29)
(3) The universe will be destroyed by fire (2 Peter 3:10-13)
(4) God will create a new heavens and new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:10-13).
There are some miracles that God will perform in the future. We must recognize though that the miraculous gifts that were given to the early church have now ceased because they were given to confirm and reveal the word of God (Mark 16:17-20; Hebrews 2:1-4). Presently we live in a miracle-free period of time (1 Corinthians 13:8). Then comes Jesus. Maranatha (Aramaic for “O Lord, come!” in 1 Corinthians 16:22).
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Is it Wrong to Judge Sin?
There is a prevalent idea in American culture that it is wrong for people to judge other people [which is a hypocritical idea in and of itself because such people are judging that you should not judge]. Usually, the verse that is used to support this false idea is Matthew 7:1, which is usually twisted totally out of its context (2 Peter 3:16).
There is a prevalent idea in American culture that it is wrong for people to judge other people [which is a hypocritical idea in and of itself because such people are judging that you should not judge]. Usually, the verse that is used to support this false idea is Matthew 7:1, which is usually twisted totally out of its context (2 Peter 3:16).
It is not a sin to judge and expose other people's immoral behavior, except when it is the case that you are committing the same sinful behavior that you are exposing, which is hypocritical. That is what Matthew 7:1-5 is condemning - hypocritical judgment. Please also see Romans 2:1-29 when the Jews were guilty of the same sins that the Gentiles were committing. There are plenty of times in the Scriptures where people exposed and judged other people's behavior as immoral and it was the right thing to do. By the way, it is the law of Christ to judge one another righteously (John 7:24; Galatians 6:1-2).
Consider the following:
- John the Immerser judged and exposed Herod Antipas and Herodias as a married couple who were living in adultery (Mark 6:14-29).
- Paul judged Felix as a person who needed self-control and righteousness (Acts 24:24,25) [Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 20.7.2 records the adultery of Felix].
- Jesus judged and exposed the Pharisees and scribes as hypocrites in Matthew 23:1-36.
- Paul the Apostle judged and exposed a Christian brother who was living in fornication with his stepmother (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
- Paul gave some clear instructions in Ephesians 5:11-14: "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. Therefore He says: ‘Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.'" [Question: How are we to judge between the "light" and the "darkness" if we cannot judge?]
- 2 John 1:9-11: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."
- Jesus goes on to state in Matthew 7:6: "Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." [Question: How can this commandment be obeyed unless you could differentiate who are dogs and pigs?]
- Jesus states in Matthew 7:15-20: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them." [Question: How can you tell apart who are the true prophets and the false prophets unless you judge?]
It must be shown that there is a wrong type of judging and there is a right type of judging as found in John 7:24: "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment."
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Is A “Bishop” The Same Work As An “Elder”?
The answer to this question is “Yes”.
This question arises from a Bible study that was conducted with two young Latter-Day Saint (hereafter, LDS) missionaries who were given the title “elder”. Each LDS congregation has one bishop. They also have missionaries who are called elders and serve under the bishop of each of their congregations. The LDS denomination seeks to be like the true church that is found in the Bible, yet their pattern of church organization is very different from the church organization found in the Bible.
The answer to this question is “Yes”.
This question arises from a Bible study that was conducted with two young Latter-Day Saint (hereafter, LDS) missionaries who were given the title “elder”. Each LDS congregation has one bishop. They also have missionaries who are called elders and serve under the bishop of each of their congregations. The LDS denomination seeks to be like the true church that is found in the Bible, yet their pattern of church organization is very different from the church organization found in the Bible.
In the study we had together, I pointed out that each congregation of the one body of Christ found in the Bible appointed qualified elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5-9).
Notice that this one congregation at Philippi had more than one bishop. The LDS “elder” I studied with stated that this was written to more than one congregation, but with a good and honest heart, one will see that there was a plurality of bishops at this one congregation (Philippians 1:1).
In Titus 1:5-9, before a Christian man can be appointed to the eldership, he must be the husband of one wife and have faithful children. “Elders” in the LDS denomination are not married and do not have children. Furthermore, they are still novices in their own faith since they do not have the experience and wisdom to lead others.
In Acts 20, Luke states that Paul wanted to meet the elders of the church of Ephesus at Miletus (Acts 20:17). As he is talking with them, he states: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Notice, they are known as pastors because they are to take care of the flock. They are also called overseers, which is the same word that can be translated as bishops in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Philippians 1:1.
In 1 Peter 5:1-4, Peter exhorts those who are elders to take the oversight, which is the duty of a bishop. This strengthens the case that the function of bishops, pastors, elders, and stewards are referring to the same work.
In 1 Timothy 5:17-20, it is strange indeed that Christians are to be careful in accusing an elder; but according to LDS theology, a bishop is higher up than an elder. If such were the case, why did Paul not say bishop instead of an elder? LDS theology is wrong and the Bible is right!
[NOTE: Please read through our question for more information: “Who Are the Bishops of Philippians 1:1?”]
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What Does The Breaking of The Bread Mean In Acts 2:42 and 20:7?
It has been assumed that all references to "breaking bread" (Luke 24:35, Acts 2:42, Acts 2:46, Acts 20:7, and 1 Corinthians 10:16) in the New Testament are referring to a common meal and never refer to the Lord's Supper. As a result, it is denied that the "breaking of the bread" in Acts 2:42 and "to break bread" in Acts 20:7, refer to the Lord's Supper.
In Luke 24:13-35 (after His resurrection), Jesus sat with some of His disciples, took bread and broke it (Luke 24:30). They later told the apostles how Jesus had been made known to them in breaking of bread (Luke 24:35). This was obviously a common meal because the church had not yet been established (see Matthew 26:29; Acts 2) - the time when the Lord would be the host of His table.
In Acts 2:42 we read, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." This verse summarizes the practice of the brethren after the establishment of the church. Notice the spiritual nature of every item: doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3), fellowship (1 John 1:3-7), breaking bread (Acts 20:7), and prayers (Acts 12:5). The Greek uses the definite article "the," making the phrase to read, "the breaking of the bread." It does not refer to just any bread, but to a specific bread, a special bread. This verse is obviously a reference to the Lord's Supper.
Acts 2:46 describes the conduct of Christians in Jerusalem in the early days of the church. They continued "daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." "Daily" indicates the frequency of their meeting together. Grammatically, it does not modify "breaking bread." Notice also there is nothing in the phrase "breaking bread from house to house" that indicates a church worship assembly (which is where the Lord's Supper is to be observed; see 1 Corinthians 11:20-30; Acts 20:7). Breaking bread is explained in this text as eating meat (food, nourishment). It is translated "food" in Acts 24:17 and James 2:15. Acts 2:46 obviously refers to a common meal.
Acts 20:7 states, "And upon the first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread ...." This was a church assembly on the first day of the week when Christ's disciples came together to worship. Their purpose for assembling together was to break bread. In 1 Corinthians 11:20, the Corinthian church was assembling together for the purpose of the Lord's Supper, even though they had abused it. This is most likely a reference to the Lord's Supper since it is in a worship context. Their assembly was not just what they decided to do in their local situation. They were following the decrees (Acts 16:4) and apostolic traditions (2 Thessalonians 3:6). This is a divine example regarding worship on the first day of the week in observing the Lord's Supper.
First Corinthians 10:16 states, "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" Notice how this verse connects the communion, the breaking of bread and the Lord's table (1 Corinthians 10:21) together as one.
The very fact that Jesus took bread, broke it, and instituted the Lord's Supper is a clear and undeniable fact (Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19). When studying the five verses which mention "breaking bread," how could anyone deny that breaking bread is not only used to refer to eating a common meal (Luke 24:35; Acts 2:46) but also to partaking of the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:16)?
The phrase "breaking bread" is a figure of speech called a synecdoche where a "part stands for the whole." In other words, the phrase "breaking bread" includes both the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine. It is simply a reference to the "Lord's Supper" (1 Corinthians 11:20), the "Lord's table" (1 Corinthians 10:21), the "communion" (1 Corinthians 10:16), and "to break bread" (Acts 20:7).
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How Is It Possible To Partake of the Lord's Supper In An Unworthy Manner?
1 Corinthians 11:26-34 states: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason, many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come."
1 Corinthians 11:26-34 states: "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Therefore, my brethren, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment. And the rest I will set in order when I come."
With some Christians there is the mistaken notion that partaking of the Lord's Supper in an "unworthy manner" is referring to the individual (adjective) instead of the way in which the Lord's Supper is to be observed (adverb). They would say that they are unworthy to partake of the Lord's Supper because of their haunted, sinful past. Every Christian who realizes the amazing grace of God would consider himself/herself unworthy of God's gift of salvation because we do not deserve it (Ephesians 2:8-9); but that is not the meaning of this verse.
"Unworthy manner" is an adverb, referring to the manner that the Lord's Supper was being observed by the Christian. A Christian partakes of the Supper in an unworthy manner when a he/she does not meditate and discern the Lord's physical body which was sacrificed on the cross for us. If Christians do not give of their time, devotion, and gratitude for the Lord's sacrifice in saving them from an eternal hell, then they are "eating and drinking judgment to himself." Christians needs to examine themselves carefully on how they are partaking the Lord's Supper so that they do not spiritually become weak and sleepy, and spiritually die (Isaiah 59:1,2). Paul states: "But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world." The word "chastened" here is the same word used in 2 Timothy 3:16 where all Scripture is for our "instruction in righteousness." God is wanting His people to be transformed and become a better people. Partaking of the Lord's Supper worthily, focused on the significance of the Savior's death, betters ourselves for Christ.
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Does The Resurrection of Jesus Save Us And Not Water Baptism?
1 Peter 3:18-21 states: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him."
1 Peter 3:18-21 states: "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him."
Some denominations argue it is the resurrection of Jesus that saves us - not water baptism. This is partially false for two reasons:
- 1 Peter 3:21 plainly states, "There is also an antitype which now saves us-baptism." How does it save us? This is the way God chooses to save the sinner when he/she believes Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24), repent of his/her past sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30), confesses the name of Jesus before others (Romans 10:9,10), and is immersed, thus coming in contact with the blood of Jesus, which is the cleansing agent that washes away sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Revelation 1:5; Romans 6:3,4).
- 1 Peter 3:21 further states that water baptism saves, but is "not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus." When sinners are water baptized, they are not doing it to simply remove dirt from their physical bodies but are appealing for a clear conscience through the cleansing blood of Jesus. Furthermore, water baptism would be useless if it had not been for the resurrection of Jesus. If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, He would not have been able to serve as our High Priest and the sacrificial Lamb for our sins (Hebrews 8-10). Jesus' resurrection was victory over physical AND spiritual death. And it is in water baptism where the sinner dies, is buried and becomes a new creation in Christ as he is resurrected from his baptism (Romans 6:3-11).
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Is It Ever Too Late For The Non-Christian To Respond To The Invitation of Jesus?
Jesus Christ desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Only two events would cause the non-Christian's response to be too late:
Jesus Christ desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4). Only two events would cause the non-Christian's response to be too late:
The first event: Death - if the non-Christian died, having never responded to the gospel (2 Timothy 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). We do not know the day when we will die (Hebrews 9:27). It would be a grave mistake to spurn the invitation of Jesus like Felix did (Acts 24:24,25). Would you respond to the gracious invitation of Jesus in obeying the gospel now before it is too late? (Matthew 11:28-30; Revelation 14:13; 2 Corinthians 6:2)
The second event: Jesus returns - and the non-Christian has never obeyed the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). In 2 Peter 3:1-9, Peter wrote about skeptics who doubted the second coming of Jesus Christ since everything continued to remain constant throughout the centuries. Peter reminds them of the cataclysmic event that changed the earth forever - the global flood. Noah, who was a "preacher of righteousness" (2 Peter 2:5), was preaching to the wicked generation of his day. He warned that they needed to repent because their cup of iniquity was overflowing and God's justice would have to meet the penalty of their sin. God would send the flood waters as a judgment from Himself that He does not tolerate sin. During that one hundred and twenty years while the ark was being prepared, 2 Peter 3:9 reveals: "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Jesus compared the global flood to His second coming (Matthew 24:38,39). People knew that the second coming of Jesus would certainly come, but exactly when - we do not know (Matthew 24:36, 37). That is why it is so important that you obey the gospel today (2 Corinthians 6:2); for your soul and eventually your body (Romans 8:23) can only be redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7) or else you will be punished forever in hell, having never enjoyed the eternal blessings of the cleansing blood of Jesus (Matthew 10:28; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5).
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Does Laud Mean To Clap?
Does Romans 15:11 teach that the New Testament church is authorized to clap as a form of acceptable worship to God? Does the word "laud" in this verse mean "to applaud or clap"? Merriam-Webster's English dictionary defines "laud" as "praise or acclaim", but gives a possible synonym as "applaud." Just as is the case for defining the action of "baptism", so also is the case for defining the action of "laud": we must first consult the context of the Scriptures (not uninspired, English dictionaries) for God's meaning of a word and secondly the original languages of the Bible, especially the Koine ("common") Greek - realizing we will be judged only by the New Testament in the last day (Matthew 28:18; John 12:48; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11).
Does Romans 15:11 teach that the New Testament church is authorized to clap as a form of acceptable worship to God? Does the word "laud" in this verse mean "to applaud or clap"? Merriam-Webster's English dictionary defines "laud" as "praise or acclaim", but gives a possible synonym as "applaud." Just as is the case for defining the action of "baptism", so also is the case for defining the action of "laud": we must first consult the context of the Scriptures (not uninspired, English dictionaries) for God's meaning of a word and secondly the original languages of the Bible, especially the Koine ("common") Greek - realizing we will be judged only by the New Testament in the last day (Matthew 28:18; John 12:48; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11).
In the historical context of the Roman letter, Paul is explaining how the Jewish brethren and Gentile brethren ought to accept one another since they are in one body (Ephesians 4:4). Paul states in Romans 15:7-11: "Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: ‘For this reason I [Jesus] will confess to You [God] among the Gentiles, and sing to Your name. ' And again he says: ‘Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people! ' And again: ‘Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles! Laud Him, all you peoples!'"
Let us make the following three observations to determine what "laud" means:
- Romans 15:11 is an Old Testament quotation from Psalm 117:1. It is constructed in what is known as Hebrew parallelism. A person can honestly see - even from an English translation of the Scriptures - that "laud" is used synonymously with "praise" not "clap":
(a) Praise (b) the LORD, (c) all you Gentiles!
(a) Laud (b) Him, (c) all you peoples!
- In the Greek New Testament the word for "laud" (epaineo) means "to praise or commend" (Luke 16:8; 1 Corinthians 11:2, 17, 22). The Old Testament Hebrew word (shabah) means "to praise or commend" (Psalm 117:1). Nowhere in the Hebrew or Greek Testaments can "clap" be a substitute for "laud" (in studying this Greek word using Strong's concordance, Strong's mentions the word "applaud" in error - that's in spite of the fact that it defines "laud" as "commend, laud, praise"- none of the mainstream Greek dictionaries support Strong's error)
- The English word "laud" (from the Latin, laudare) means "to praise" and the English word "applaud" (from the Latin, applaudere) means "to clap." These two actions are not the same.
In fact, the Hebrew word shabah is used in Psalm 63:3, which reads, "Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall ‘ shabah ' (praise) you."
Lips do not clap, and neither can we if we want to be pleasing to God in our worship (John 4:24).
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Do God's Instructions on the Roles of Men and Women Apply to Christians Only?
The answer is no. They apply to both Christians and non-Christians. For example, one of the reasons Paul gives for a female not to teach or have authority over the man is because "Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression" (1 Timothy 2:12-14). The roles of male and female have been a universal law applying to believers as well as non-believers ever since the Garden of Eden (as have murder, deceiving, disobeying God, etc.). This is true also under the New Testament as is indicated by these passages: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; 14:34,35; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
The answer is no. They apply to both Christians and non-Christians. For example, one of the reasons Paul gives for a female not to teach or have authority over the man is because "Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression" (1 Timothy 2:12-14). The roles of male and female have been a universal law applying to believers as well as non-believers ever since the Garden of Eden (as have murder, deceiving, disobeying God, etc.). This is true also under the New Testament as is indicated by these passages: 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; 14:34,35; 1 Timothy 2:8-15; 1 Peter 3:1-7.
It appears that brethren who have tried to argue that God's laws pertaining to divorce and remarriage do not apply to the non-Christian have influenced other brethren to apply the same false teaching to the God-given roles of male and female. Assuming our God-given roles is a matter of faith - a salvation issue (1 Timothy 2:15) and is part of the sound doctrine of Christ that we must NOT transgress (Titus 2:1-5; 2 John 1:9).
Not only is this doctrine false, but it defies common sense. For instance, if non-Christians are not held accountable by God's teaching on roles, then it would not be sinful for a denominational female preacher to serve in the spiritual position of authority over men because she is not a member of the non-denominational church that Jesus established in Acts 2 and neither are the men who are allowing her to be in this forbidden position. Furthermore, it would not be sinful for non-Christian women to refuse to be in submission to their non-Christian husbands. Finally, it would not be sinful for non-Christian women to be serving in the authoritative position of a Bible class teacher over non-Christian men.
Let it again be emphasized that the establishment of the roles of men and women are rooted in the creation account (Genesis 1 & 2; 1 Corinthians 11:2-16; 14:34,35; 1 Timothy 2:8-15).
Though believers, Adam and Eve were not Christians.
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This material is copyrighted by The Gospel of Christ and its authors. This information is free to use in its entirety without further consent, however, modifications should not be made without contacting mail@thegospelofchrist.com for permission. Any and all images contained herein are believed to be free for all distribution and content.