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Lost originals. Multiple copies. Thousands of variations. Can we trust the Bible?

21 Oct

Two commonly raised objections to the Bible are: 1) No one really knows what the Bible says because the original manuscripts are lost; and 2) The Bible has been copied so many times, with so many variations, there’s no way to know what was originally scripted.

It is true that the “autographs,” or original manuscripts, written on a variety of degradable surfaces from parchment to papyrus, no longer exist. But the fact that so many copies exist — dating back in some cases to within a generation of their authorship — is powerful evidence for the trustworthiness of scripture. In fact, no other book from the ancient world has more, earlier, or better copied manuscripts than the Bible.

Read. Listen. Learn more.

 
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Posted by on October 21, 2011 in Uncategorized

 

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Revelation 4-5: Download the free study

06 Oct

If you’re a follower of this blog, you know that we’ve been slowly working our way through the Book of Revelation (and with great fear and trembling, especially since this is such a challenging piece of Scripture). We still have a long way to go. You can read the posts to date by clicking here.

Whether you’re a preterist, who sees the events of Revelation as fulfilled in the first centuries of the Christian era, a historicist, who views the events of Revelation as unfolding throughout the course of history, a futurist, who sees most of Revelation as yet unfulfilled, or an idealist, who sees Revelation setting forth timeless truths concerning the battle between good and evil, there are important truths the Lord reveals to all of us in this book, and we would do well to approach Revelation with caution — and with great anticipation, knowing God will fulfill all His promises to us. We also should be comforted by the fact that Revelation is the only book in Scripture specifically promising a blessing to those who hear its prophecies and keep them.

With that in mind, and to make it easier to keep our notes together,we have captured a number of blog posts into single Adobe files (pdfs) that you may download, print and share. Click on the link below to capture notes on chapters 4-5. If you missed the link to notes on chapters 1-3, a link is provided as well.

Download the pdf: Revelation 4-5

Download Introduction to Revelation and chapters 1-3

 
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Posted by on October 6, 2011 in Revelation

 

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Three reasons to believe in God

18 Sep

When it comes to discussions about the existence of God, everyone comes to the table with a bias. Parents that have lost an infant child may question whether a God who allows such tragedies is good, if He exists at all. Evolutionary scientists may reject the notion of God because He does not meet the demands for purely naturalistic explanations.  A disillusioned student of history may see the amount of evil done in the name of the Christian God and conclude that He is either a fiction or a monster. And those ungrounded in scripture may graciously — but naively — determine that everyone worships the same god, and that all religious paths ultimately lead to him (or her, or it, or them).

Christian pollster George Barna recently released a study that showed the “unchurched” in America – those who have not attended church in the last six months except for events such as weddings and funerals — have risen from 24 percent in 1991 to 37 percent of the population today. “America is headed for 310 million people with 310 million religions,” he said.

And then, what right do we, as Christians, have to claim the God of the Bible is the only true God? There are many arguments for the existence of God: the moral argument, the cosmological (first-cause) argument, the teleological (or design) argument, and the ontological (or reason) argument, to name a few. But the apostle Paul gives us three reasons to believe in God that leave every person “without excuse” (see Rom. 1:18-20). In fact, Paul would argue that everyone should believe in the God of scripture because He has revealed Himself in three ways: 1) conscience, 2) creation, and 3) Christ.

Click on the links below to read more:

Conscience, creation and Christ

Arguments for the existence of God

 
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Posted by on September 18, 2011 in Uncategorized

 

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Reflections on 9/11 – Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

06 Sep

Are Yahweh (the God of the Bible) and Allah (the deity of Islam) the same? Are the differences between them inconsequential  — so small, in fact, that they negate any grounds for debate?

As we approach the 10th anniversary of 9/11, many, in the spirit of tolerance, will conclude that we all worship the same God. The only differences are in styles of worship, sacred scriptures, doctrines and traditions.

Former President George W. Bush said as much in a 2007 interview with Al Aribaya Television: “Well, first of all, I believe in an almighty God, and I believe that all the world, whether they be Muslim, Christian, or any other religion, prays to the same God. That’s what I believe.”

The Qur’an seems to support the former president’s view:

Do not argue with the people of the scripture (Jews, Christians, and Muslims) except in the nicest possible manner-unless they transgress-and say, “We believe in what was revealed to us and in what was revealed to you, and our god and your god is one and the same; to Him we are submitters.” (29:46).

The words of Rodney King echo in our ears: “Can’t we all just get along?”

It’s personal

But insisting that Christians and Muslims worship the same God dishonors both religions and disrespects the people who hold dearly to their teachings. In other words, both Christians and Muslims should respond with a resounding “no” to any suggestion that the God of the Bible and the God of the Qur’an are the same.

But let’s make the issue more personal. Every person can know the difference between Yahweh and Allah by asking three personal questions:

1. Does God know me?

Allah. The Qur’an teaches that Allah is the transcendent creator, all-powerful and all-knowing. He knows who you are; in fact, he has fatalistically determined your thoughts, words and deeds – good and evil – and even your eternal destiny, which is why Muslims so often say, “If Allah wills it.” So, Allah does indeed know you.

But Allah is not truly personal, knowable, or approachable. The Qur’an depicts him more judgmental than gracious. He exists as a singular unity who has no “partners.” In fact, to call Jesus the Son of God is to commit the unpardonable sin, or shirk. Of the 99 names for God in the Qur’an, Father is not one of them. In Islam, it is considered blasphemous to “presume” that one can know God or claim any sort of close, personal fellowship with Allah. He reveals his will, not himself.

Yahweh, the God of the Bible, also is depicted as the transcendent Creator. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present. He knows us; but more than that, He is knowable and approachable to us. He created us in His image – with personality, thought, and will – for the purpose of enjoying an everlasting, unbreakable, intimate relationship with Him. He exists as a Trinity in eternal relationship as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

In fact, God is so knowable, He came in the flesh as Jesus of Nazareth. Consider just a few of the abundant evidences in scripture:

  • John 1:1-3, 14 – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created….The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
  • John 15:14-15 – You are My friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you slaves anymore, because a slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.
  • John 17:3 — This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent-Jesus Christ.

Does God know me? Allah and Yahweh are depicted as supreme beings who know everything and everyone. But … only the God of the Bible is truly personal and knowable.

2. Does God love me?

Allah.The Qur’an teaches that Allah loves those he chooses to love and hates those he chooses to hate. “Allah loves not those that do wrong,” says the Qur’an (Surah 3:140), neither does he love “him who is treacherous, sinful” (Surah 4:107). “Those who reject faith and do wrong – Allah will not forgive them nor guide them to any way – Except the way of Hell, to dwell therein for ever. And this to Allah is easy (4:168-169).

Other types of people Allah hates:

  • Transgressors (2:190).
  • Ungrateful and wicked creatures (2:276).
  • Those who reject faith (3:32; 30:45).
  • Those who do wrong (3:57, 140; 42:40).
  • The arrogant, the vainglorious (4:36; 16:23; 31:18; 57:23).
  • Those given to excess (5:87).
  • Wasters (6:141; 7:31).
  • Treacherous (8:58).
  • Ungrateful (22:38).

Yahweh, the God of the Bible, on the other hand, loves all people (John 3:16). He proved His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). John writes, “Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Even though God hates sin, He loves the sinner and takes no pleasure in punishing him (Eze. 18:23).

Does God love me? Only the God of the Bible loves all people.

3. Did God die for me?

The Qur’an teaches that Allah did not, would not, and will not die for you, nor would he send anyone to die for you. In fact, the Qur’an insists that Jesus did not die on the cross, but was taken up into heaven, and Judas, or someone who looked like Jesus, was crucified in His place.

Further, the Qur’an teaches that there is no need for God to provide a sacrifice for sin because ignorance of Islam, not sin, is man’s problem. (The possible exceptions are apostasy from Islam and refusal to convert to Islam.) Staying away from major sins (whatever those are) will automatically result in one’s “small” sins being overlooked by Allah (4:31).

Yahweh, the God of the Bible, on the other hand, loves us so much He sent His Son to die for us. This was determined in eternity past, before you and I were ever born and before any of mankind had fallen into sin; Jesus is declared to be the Lamb of God slain from the foundation of the world (Rev. 13:8). Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21).

But even more than dying for us, God the Son rose from the dead, conquering sin and death, and He offers us forgiveness of sins and eternal life by His grace through faith in Him.

Did God die for me? Only the God of the Bible sent His Son to die for sinners, securing eternal life for those who trust in Him.

So, are Allah and Yahweh just two different names for the same God?

No. Allah is distant and unknowable; Yahweh is close and personal. Allah does not love every person; Yahweh does. Allah did not, would not, and will not die for you, nor would he ever send anyone to do so; but the God of the Bible loves you so much He sent His one and only Son to die for you. And He stands ready to grant you everlasting life if you will receive Him by faith.

 
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Posted by on September 6, 2011 in Uncategorized

 

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A white horse and its rider (Rev. 6:1-2)

25 Jul

Previously – The first seal (Rev. 6:1-2) 

The scripture

Rev. 6:1 –Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2I looked, and there was a white horse. The horseman on it had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he went out as a victor to conquer (HCSB).

Pat Marvenko Smith

Now that Jesus has received the scroll – possibly the title deed to the earth – He opens the first seal. When He does, one of the four living creatures speaks with a thunderous voice, “Come!” (or, possibly, “Come and see!” or “Go!”).

But to whom is he speaking? John already is nearby and sees what takes place. If the command is to go, where is John to go? The living creature doesn’t say.

Some commentators argue that the living creature is calling on the Lamb to come; we see throughout the New Testament a strong desire for Jesus to step into the clouds of heaven and return to earth. Interpreters who hold this view see Jesus as the rider on the white horse.

Others believe the command to “come” or “go” is directed at the riders on their respective horses. This view seems consistent with the text and does not require Jesus to be the rider on the white horse. In any case, the living creature’s thunderous voice lets everyone know something significant is about to happen.

One other note about the living creature: Some scholars believe the living creatures speak in order – the first, like a lion, for example (see Rev. 4:7). The creature’s bold proclamation is like a lion’s roar and ushers in a succession of great revivals beginning in Jerusalem and spreading throughout the world. But this framework is hard to match to all four horses and their riders. It may be better to understand that the living creatures share in the responsibility to pronounce the stunning events to follow; the order of their speaking is not made clear to us and therefore is not of great significance.

Now, John sees a white horse, the first of four horses in this chapter. Again, the ESV Study Bible aids our understanding: “The horses’ colors generally reflect those of the horses in Zech. 1:8–10 and 6:1–8, symbolizing emissaries sent by God to patrol the earth. Only by the Lamb’s permission and under his direction can the forces symbolized by these horses and their riders inflict death through sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts. The seal, trumpet, and bowl judgments all have a format of four (judgments on the earth) plus three (cosmic judgments).”

Who is the rider?

But who is the rider on the white horse? We already have mentioned that some commentators think this rider represents Christ, the sword-wielding “Word of God” who rides a white horse in 19:11–16. However, this rider is armed with a bow, which is significant to first-century readers. The Parthians, a frequent enemy on the Roman Empire’s eastern border, are outstanding bowmen, so it’s more likely that this rider symbolizes the quest of neighboring political and military powers to expand their empires, leading to war (red horse), famine (black horse), and epidemic disease (pale horse).

Still others – predominantly futurists – think this rider on the white horse represents the Antichrist.

So how should we see the appearance of the white horse and its powerful rider? First-century Christians certainly could have seen this as an indication of political and military battles that ultimately lead to the fall of Rome and the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, thus fulfilling Christ’s promise to deal harshly with those who persecute His followers. But political and military conquests have been the norm throughout human history, not just the early days of the church. Even more, the New Testament warns us that the world will become more evil in the days preceding the return of Christ – unprecedented days of persecution and wickedness. The futurist says we have not yet seen these days. Which view is correct? Or are they both right?

Perhaps a better question is: What does God’s Word say to me today? The truths of Revelation remain the same today as they were 2,000 years ago. We know that evil will run rampant throughout the church age; that Christians will be persecuted; that antichrists will oppose the Lamb and seek to take His place (see 1 John 2:18-19); and that one day the Lamb of God will appear as the Lion of the tribe of Judah to make things right. Let’s keep that perspective as we explore a variety of views about the order of events unfolding in Revelation.

Next – A bow and a crown (Rev. 6:1-2)

 
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Posted by on July 25, 2011 in End Times

 

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Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?

20 Jul

Are Yahweh (the God of the Bible) and Allah (the deity of Islam) the same? Are the differences between them inconsequential  — so small, in fact, that they negate any grounds for debate? In the spirit of tolerance, political correctness, ignorance or even fear, many  have concluded that we all worship the same God. The only differences are in styles of worship, sacred scriptures, doctrines and traditions. Former President George W. Bush said as much in a 2007 interview with Al Aribaya Television. The words of Rodney King echo in our ears: “Can’t we all just get along?”

But insisting that Christians and Muslims worship the same God dishonors both religions and disrespects the people who hold dearly to their teachings. In other words, both Christians and Muslims would respond with a resounding “no” to any suggestion that the God of the Bible and the God of the Koran are the same.

But let’s make the issue more personal, as I did in this article, which continues to be the most-read post in this blog. Basically, the issue may be boiled down to three personal questions:

  1. Does God know me?
  2. Does God love me?
  3. Did God die for me?

Read the full story here.

 
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Posted by on July 20, 2011 in Uncategorized

 

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The first seal (Rev. 6:1-2)

15 Jul

Previously – Blessing, honor, glory and dominion (Rev. 5:13-14)

The scripture

Rev. 6:1 – Then I saw the Lamb open one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2I looked, and there was a white horse. The horseman on it had a bow; a crown was given to him, and he went out as a victor to conquer (HCSB).

The opening of the first seal prompts the widest divergence of interpreters’ viewpoints of Revelation thus far. The preterist, historicist, futurist, and idealist now follow their own paths that will not meet again until the final chapters of this apocalyptic text:

  • Preterists see the seal, bowl and trumpet judgments as fulfilled in the first centuries of the church age, either at the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D. or at both the fall of Jerusalem and later at the fall of Rome in the fifth century.
  • Historicists view these events as unfolding throughout the course of history, generally equating the papal system of Reformation times with the Apostle John’s vision of the Antichrist.
  • Futurists argue that the events of Revelation are largely unfulfilled, especially chapters 4-22. More specifically, many see the opening of the first seal as the beginning of a seven-year tribulation period, to be followed by the return of Christ.
  • Idealists see these chapters setting forth timeless truths concerning the battle between good and evil – a battle that continues throughout the church age.
  • Meanwhile, a fifth group of interpreters, the eclectics, gleans the strengths of the other four views while avoiding their pitfalls.

While this study avoids championing any of these views to the exclusion of the others, or getting bogged down in interpretive squabbles, it does attempt to draw out of the text clear truths that speak to first-century readers as well as to us today. With that in mind, let’s proceed cautiously as we join John in witnessing the opening of the first seal.

The ESV Study Bible sets the stage: “As the vision of the Son of Man introduced edicts to seven churches (chs. 2–3), so the vision of the Lamb’s receiving the scroll (4:1–5:14) introduces a series of seven visions as the scroll’s seals are broken. These visions introduce instruments employed by the Lamb to bring his enemies to justice (seals 1–4), the rationale for his righteous wrath (seals 5 and 7), and the climax of judgment at history’s end (seal 6).”

As Jesus opens the first seal, it’s important to understand what is meant by the word “seal.” In this context, a seal likely is a piece of wax or clay that has been stamped with a ring or other metal object bearing the insignia of the owner. It identifies the one who has authorized what’s been written, and the seal may be broken only by the designated authority. Just as the Father is the Creator and sovereign Lord of the universe, the Lamb is worthy to take possession of the earth and exercise both judgment and reward because of His slaughter on our behalf (see Rev. 5:6, 9, 12). Likely, each seal, as it is broken, allows a portion of the scroll to be opened, until all seven seals are removed and the full message is revealed. Seals of a larger kind are placed on entrances to prevent the unauthorized from entering. There is, for example, a seal on the lion’s den into which Daniel is thrown (Dan. 6:17), and a seal over the sepulcher into which Jesus is laid following His crucifixion (Matt. 27:66). Neither of these seals is successful in fulfilling their purpose. But the breaking of the seals in Revelation 6 is in perfect accordance with the divine will and good pleasure of Almighty God.

Next – A white horse and his rider (Rev. 6:1-2)

 
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Posted by on July 15, 2011 in End Times

 

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Ten reasons we suffer

10 Jul

Horatio G. Spafford was a prominent attorney in Chicago in the 1800s and a friend of evangelist Dwight L. Moody. While Spafford was both respected and comfortable, he was not free from severe hardship. First, he lost his four-year-old son to scarlet fever. Then his real estate investments along Lake Michigan literally went up in flames in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Not long after that, his four daughters drowned in a shipwreck, and his wife Anna survived the ordeal only because the ship’s debris buoyed her as she floated, unconscious, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Crossing the sea to join his bereaved wife, Spafford was called to the captain’s deck as the ship sailed past the foamy deep where his daughters were lost. The captain informed him that the waters there were three miles deep. Returning to his cabin, Spafford penned these words to the now-famous hymn:

When peace like a river attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

It is well, it is well with my soul

Why did such tragedy befall this godly man? Spafford may have wondered why, but ultimately he rested in the sovereignty of God.

Everyone can better appreciate God’s sovereignty, even in the darkest nights, by observing 10 reasons we suffer, according to scripture. These reasons are briefly highlighted here.

Reason 1. We suffer because we sin. All of us are sinners (Rom. 3:10, 23). Unbelievers live lifestyles of independence from God, while believers experience moments, or seasons, of independence. Spiritual discipline is designed to target sin in a believer’s life, and that discipline may be severe, including death (1 Cor. 11:29-32).

Reason 2. We suffer because others sin. Spouses and children suffer at the hands of an abusive parent. Citizens suffer at the hands of corrupt leaders. Rarely does our sin remain confined to ourselves. King David numbered his troops, and 70,000 people suffered the consequences. Jesus suffered through no fault of His own but gave His life for our sins.

Reason 3. We suffer because we live in a sinful and fallen world. Accidents happen. Natural disasters take the lives of millions each year. The apostle Paul writes that the whole world is groaning beneath the weight of sin (Rom. 8:22).

Reason 4. We suffer because God allows us to make real choices. The sovereignty of God and the ability of people to make meaningful choices are two Biblical truths. We are not robots; we actually can and do make choices for which God holds us accountable. Sometimes these choices result in suffering — for us or others. Randy Alcorn writes, “If God disarmed every shooter and prevented every drunk driver from crashing, this would not be a real world in which people make consequential choices … In such a world, people would die without a sense of need, only to find themselves in Hell.”

Reason 5. We suffer to make us long for eternity. This world is not our home; we are strangers here. Our citizenship is in heaven.  The writer of Hebrews records, “These [heroes of the faith] all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed the they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth (11:13).” When we suffer, it helps prevent us from clinging to this world, which is passing away.

Reason 6. We suffer to keep us from something worse. Pain and suffering lead us to focus on the cause, and to fix it before it gets worse. A fever sends us to the doctor, where our illness is diagnosed and the remedy prescribed. On a grander scale, suffering tells us there is something wrong with us, and with the world, and often leads us to the all-important search for Christ. Darkness, pain, suffering, loneliness, abandonment — all help us grasp the reality of life, now and eternally, without Christ.

Reason 7. We suffer to share in the suffering of Christ, and thus to be more like Him. Christian martyrs, and those persecuted for their faith, share in what Paul calls “the fellowship of His suffering” (Phil. 3:10). When we suffer, it also enables us to comfort others, who suffer. Paul also writes, “seeing that we suffer with Him … we may also be glorified with Him” (Rom. 8:17b). Finally, the apostle says, “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:17).

Reason 8. We suffer to honor God. Jesus tells us to take heart when we are persecuted for His sake (Matt. 5:10-11). And He warns us the world will hate us because it hated Him first. In Hebrews 11, some heroes of the faith are blessed with wealth and success, while others are tortured or killed. God doesn’t divide these heroes into categories according to their circumstances; He honors them together for their faithfulness. If Christians had easier lives it would make the gospel more attractive for the wrong reasons; God would become a means to an end rather than the end of all things Himself.

Reason 9. We suffer to grow spiritually. Jesus, who was perfect in His humanity, nevertheless “learned” obedience through suffering. Paul writes that he has “learned” in whatsoever state he is, to be content (Phil. 4:11). And Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is designed to keep him from boasting (2 Cor. 12).

Reason 10. We suffer to better anticipate the glories of heaven and the world to come. In Rev. 21:4 we read, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will exist no longer; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.” Paul writes, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18).

There are many reasons we suffer, and sometimes it’s difficult to know the exact cause of our suffering. Job, it appears, never knew about God’s wager with Satan. But hold on to these truths:

  • God is sovereign over our suffering.
  • He is present with us in our suffering.
  • He is working in us through our suffering.
  • If He wants us to know the reason, He’ll tell us (or His word will).
  • God works through evil and suffering to produce good, ultimately thwarting the worst that Satan, demons and wicked people can throw at us.
  • A day is coming when suffering will be a “former thing” — a distant memory that leads us to rejoice in the comfort of living eternally in His presence.

Randy Alcorn writes, “Our fates do not rest with people who file lawsuits against us, or with unjust politicians, lawyers, teachers, coaches, military officers, or employers. They can do their worst against us — and God is fully capable of turning it around and using it for our best (no matter how much it hurts in the meantime).”

(These are notes from a message delivered July 10, 2011, at Mapledale Baptist Church, Sheboygan, Wis.)

 
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Posted by on July 10, 2011 in Suffering

 

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Blessing, honor, glory and dominion: Rev. 5:13-14

05 Jul

Previously – I heard every creature: Rev. 5:13-14

The scripture

Rev. 5:13 – I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! 14The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped (HCSB).

The four-fold doxology of all creatures borrows from the previous proclamation of the church and the angels – with one exception: the “dominion” of the One seated on the throne, and of the Lamb, is added to blessing, honor and glory. The Greek word translated “dominion” is kratos, which refers to might or mighty deed. It differs from other Greek words rendered “dominion,” such as kyriotes, used elsewhere in the New Testament and meaning lordship, and exousia, which in Acts 18, referring to the believers’ transfer from the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of God, emphasizes freedom of choice.

So why do the creatures focus on God’s might rather than His lordship or sovereignty over human choices? Perhaps it is because all creatures necessarily display the mighty acts of God in their very beings, while His lordship requires acknowledgement, and entrance into the kingdom of God requires choice.

While God rules over all creation, He delegates authority to people. This is not an afterthought but an integral part of God’s divine design for mankind. In Gen. 1:26 God says, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the animals, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” David declares in Ps. 8:6, “You made him (man) lord over the works of Your hands; You put everything under his feet.”

But when Adam falls, he forfeits his dominion over the earth and concedes it to Satan. As a result, all of creation falls with Adam. The ground is cursed, and Adam must eat from it by means of painful labor (Gen. 3:17). Even more, the whole creation groans with “labor pains” beneath the weight of sin (Rom. 8:22). Still, there is hope in the Lamb. The apostle Paul writes joyously, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility – not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it – in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children” (Rom. 8:18-21).

Why do all creatures exalt the Lord’s dominion? Because their Creator is also their Redeemer. While the Lamb purchases man’s freedom from sin by His blood, He also sets the entire created order on a sure path to complete recovery from the corruption sin has caused. At Calvary, Jesus is consumed as a sin offering, but for the joy of what it will accomplish He endures the cross and despises its shame and today sits at the right hand of the Father (Heb. 12:2).

One day He will purge this world of sin, as Peter writes: “But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that [day] the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, [it is clear] what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be on fire and be dissolved, and the elements will melt with the heat. But based on His promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell” (2 Peter 3:10-13).

Warren Wiersbe comments, “All of heaven’s praise came because the Lamb took the scroll from the Father’s hand. God’s great eternal plan would now be fulfilled and creation would be set free from the bondage of sin and death. One day the Lamb will break the seals and put in motion events that will eventually lead to His coming to earth and the establishment of His kingdom” (The Bible Exposition Commentary, Re 5:1).

This breathtaking chapter ends with the four living creatures saying, “Amen.” The word is a transliteration of a Hebrew word signifying that something is certain, valid, truthful, or faithful. It often is used at the end of biblical songs, hymns, and prayers. The song of the elders, the proclamation of the church and the angels, and the doxology of every creature – their words of praise ring true and will be repeated throughout eternity. Where do such lofty words naturally lead? Take note of the elders, who, upon hearing the word “Amen,” fall down and worship.

Next: The first seal (Rev. 6:1-2)

 
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Posted by on July 5, 2011 in End Times

 

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I heard every creature (Rev. 5:13-14)

29 Jun

Previously: The Lamb is worthy (Rev. 5:12)

The scripture

Rev. 5:13 – I heard every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them say: Blessing and honor and glory and dominion to the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! 14The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped (HCSB).

We have seen the 24 elders (who likely represent redeemed humanity) sing a new song about the worthiness of the slaughtered Lamb, and we have listened to the crescendo of the countless angels joining the elders and living creatures proclaim the Lamb’s worthiness to receive seven-fold tribute. Now, all of creation – “every creature in heaven, on earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them” – joins in a chorus of praise to the Father and the Son. But really, every creature?

Every creature

John records hearing “every creature” offer a four-fold doxology – blessing, honor, glory and dominion – to God the Father and the Lamb. We know that one day “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow – of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth – and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10-11). Generally, we conclude from this passage that all humans one day will acknowledge Jesus as Creator, Savior and Lord – even those who have gone to their graves rejecting Him and bound for eternity in hell. There seems to be no reason to include animals in this activity since they do not sin, have eternal spirits or need a Savior. Some animals don’t even have knees, let alone reasoning capabilities or voices. So, does every creature really have a stake in honoring the Lamb?

In a sense, yes. If it’s possible for the heavens to declare the glory of God, and for the sky to proclaim the work of His hands (Ps. 19:1), then the animal kingdom can demonstrate the Creator’s power and goodness in myriad ways. The humming bird can generate a vibrant baritone with its wings; the humpback whale, an awe-inspiring spin as it emerges from the ocean depths; the hawk, a piercing cry as it hovers in the updrafts. In ways we have yet to discover, the creatures of the earth, sky and sea pay fitting homage to God, who is “the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them” (Ps. 146:6). As David wrote in Ps. 145:21, “My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing praise His holy name forever and ever.” And as the Psalmist implores in Ps. 150:6, “Let everything that breathes praise the Lord.”

We can identify the creatures in heaven because John sees them: redeemed people, angels, and living creatures (perhaps cherubim and/or seraphim). And we may conclude that the creatures “on earth” include those that fly, while the creatures on the sea include those in fresh and salty waters. But who are the creatures “under the earth?” Likely, this is a reference to departed spirits in Hades: unbelievers of all time awaiting resurrection and final judgment, and perhaps Old Testament saints, although scholars disagree as to whether believers under the Old Covenant were taken to heaven after Jesus’ resurrection. In any case, there is united and universal agreement that the Father and His Son are worthy to receive blessing, honor, glory and dominion.

Matthew Henry comments: “The whole creation fares the better for Christ. By him all things consist; and all the creatures, had they sense and language, would adore that great Redeemer who delivers the creature from that bondage under which it groans, through the corruption of men, and the just curse denounced by the great God upon the fall” (Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume, Re 5:6–14).

Next: Blessing, honor, glory and dominion

 
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Posted by on June 29, 2011 in End Times

 

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