God Blog

Approaching God One Thought At A Time

Physical maturity is bound to time. Spiritual maturity is bound to obedience.
- John Bevere

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Biblical Meat vs. Milk

Few imagine the importance Scripture places on learning to safely chew and digest spiritual meat. Fewer still even know what Biblical "solid food" is. The Spirit of God, as the true Author of the New Testament's Book of Hebrews, minces no words in explaining the importance of growing in spiritual sensitivity.

As every parent knows, a child's first bites of solid food often makes them gag and choke. But in the end young people learns the value and pleasure of eating a choice cut of meat. Imagining a middle aged adult or senior citizen still stuck on milk and it's easy to see why God is displeased with Christians refusing to
wean themselves from the breast.


But meat is for people who are grown up. It is for people who have trained their minds to know the difference between what is good and what is bad.


- Hebrews 5:14 WE


In the fifth and sixth chapter of the Bible's Book of Hebrews the author stresses the vital difference between our handling of spiritual "milk" and "meat" in developing maturity and understanding. Interestingly, while greatly emphasizing the importance learning to chew the meat of scripture, the writer never directly identifies what "meat" is. He does however explain what it is not:

  • “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding." Hebrews 6:1-3
Ask almost any a conservative, evangelical and/or charismatic minister what the "meat of the Word of God" is and you'll get a variation of the above description. One myself, I was intrigued and troubled that what my colleagues and I considered meat the Spirit of God considered milk. It seemed needlessly frustrating that given the author's imperative to become meat eaters he fails to identify what "solid food" is. Using the rules of Biblical interpretation, particularly that of context, reveals an interesting conundrum. The Spirit was using a riddle or test to reinforce the point. The "meat" of this passage in Hebrew is sandwiched between the author discussing typology. In fact, just before beginning a tirade against the immaturity of even those called to teachers among God's people, the Author pinpoints the source of His frustration:

  • "While he lived on earth, anticipating death, Jesus cried out in pain and wept in sorrow as he offered up priestly prayers to God. Because he honored God, God answered him. Though he was God's Son, he learned trusting-obedience by what he suffered, just as we do. Then, having arrived at the full stature of his maturity and having been announced by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who believingly obey him. "I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you've picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one—baby's milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God's ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong." Hebrews 5:7-14 The Message
This passage is revealing in number of ways. Notice the insight we are given into the personal prayer life of Jesus. Then we're told that through his obedience to the point of suffering Christ became our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. At this point the Spirit declares He has much more to say on this point but that God's people are dull of hearing, still novices in handling the deeper meanings of Scripture.

In the next chapter the Book of Hebrews explains what meat is not, then
threatens the very salvation of those who turn away from following Christ. His warning delivered, both human and Divine author's turn their attention back to the subject of Melchizedek and in doing so uncover that the "meat" of Scripture is typology!

An interesting example of the intersection of conflict theology and typology is the tragic story of Naaman, Elisha and his servant Gehazi. During a time of war with Syria, a letter from their king requested the king of Israel arrange for a high ranking officer of the Syrian army named Naaman be healed by of leprosy. "Thirty thousand pieces of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of fine clothes" were sent along as incentive.

Israel's king was beside himself with frustration. Hearing this, Elisha volunteered to fulfill the strange request. After some back and forth, Naaman was wonderfully healed, "
his flesh became firm and healthy like that of a child." Exuberant, Naaman happily offered payment. Elisha strongly refused, "By the living Lord, whom I serve, I swear that I will not accept a gift." When Elisha refused a second time, the Syrian commander began his return journey home.

Having time to think, Gehazi decided it was foolish to refuse Naaman's generous offer:

  • "He had gone only a short distance, when Elisha's servant Gehazi said to himself, "My master has let Naaman get away without paying a thing! He should have accepted what that Syrian offered him. By the living Lord I will run after him and get something from him." So he set off after Naaman. When Naaman saw a man running after him, he got down from his chariot to meet him, and asked, “Is something wrong?" "No," Gehazi answered. "But my master sent me to tell you that just now two members of the group of prophets in the hill country of Ephraim arrived, and he would like you to give them three thousand pieces of silver and two changes of fine clothes." "Please take six thousand pieces of silver," Naaman replied. He insisted on it, tied up the silver in two bags, gave them and two changes of fine clothes to two of his servants, and sent them on ahead of Gehazi. When they reached the hill where Elisha lived, Gehazi took the two bags and carried them into the house. Then he sent Naaman's servants back." 2 Kings 5:19-24 GNT
Afterward, Elisha questioned Gehazi:

  • "He went back into the house, and Elisha asked him, "Where have you been?" "Oh, nowhere, sir," he answered. But Elisha said, "Wasn't I there in spirit when the man got out of his chariot to meet you? This is no time to accept money and clothes, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, or servants! And now Naaman's disease will come upon you, and you and your descendants will have it forever!" When Gehazi left, he had the disease—his skin was as white as snow." 2 Kings 5:25-27 GNT
Quantum Christianity suggests Scripture's strange stories and passages should not quickly be overlooked. In fact, when handled with care, several nuggets of costly truth appear.

Elisha is clearly a type of Christ for a variety of reasons. He received
twice the spiritual power of Elijah, who called fire out of heaven three times. Elijah was also a type of John the Baptist, and the forerunner of Jesus. The Bible records only Elisha and Jesus healing leprosy. Elisha was famously compassionate. As when subsequently striking the Syrian army blind. Then, rather than destroying the enemy, Elisha healed and fed them before setting them free.

With Elisha a type Christ, his servant Gehazi would stand in as the Church. And notice the extreme difference between Elisha's handling of the enemy general Naaman and his servant's worldliness. Naaman had repeatedly offered
thirty thousand pieces of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of fine clothes. Gehazi's requested three thousand pieces of silver and two changes of fine clothes, less than a tithe of the original gift Elisha had flatly refused. Angry at his servant's disobedinece, without warning Elisha literally strikes Gehazi, and his descendants forever, with Naaman's very same disease!

Why? According to Elisha, civilian affairs have no place in a time of war, "
This is no time to accept money and clothes, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, or servants!" A frequent refrain through Scripture, echoed by the Paul, the apostle of grace, in his second letter to Timothy. And by extension, all Christians everywhere:

  • "So, my son, throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!—to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others. When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did. A soldier on duty doesn’t get caught up in making deals at the marketplace. He concentrates on carrying out orders." 2 Timothy 2:1-5 MSG

Such passages are offensive to
modern Christianity. Yet, they are in perfect keeping with conflict theology. Worldliness in anathema in wartime. While wildly unpopular, Jesus reserved many of His harshest words in judgment of His Church. And its leaders in particularly. For example, Christ's dire warning against wordily spiritual leadership in His Olivet Discourse of last day events, "The master will cut him in pieces and make him share the fate of the hypocrites. There he will cry and gnash his teeth."

Little wonder such passages are routinely avoided or doctrinally explained away.

In regards to typology or unpopular theology, how best do we handle Scripture's more challenging subject matter? Regarding spiritual truth, the Bible presents a
quantum paradox:

  • "God, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business. It’s up to us and our children to attend to all the terms in this Revelation." Deuteronomy 29:29 MSG 

  • " Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It’s way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out." Romans 11:33 MSG
On the one hand, "the revealed things are our business." On the other, God's wisdom is "way over our heads. We’ll never figure it out." How then shall we proceed? In a word, "Prayerfully." And another word, "Honestly."

For our purpose, concepts such as Biblical forensics and Scriptural archeology provide excellent metaphors. As with their physical world counterparts, these spiritual disciplines produce amazing results when done well. Thankfully we have 
Scripture and its ultimate Author to guide us. Charles Spurgeon, once considered by many the Prince of Preachers, was asked how he defended the Bible so well.  He replied, "like a lion in a cage, I just let it out." The same could be said about Biblical interpretation, recognizing that Scripture is designed to be the best interpreter of itself.


Important Typology

Having established the Spirit's directive to learn how carefully chew on Biblical typology as the meat of scripture, some examples are in order. The following are a few widely accepted examples:

  • Moses and Joseph as types of Christ

  • The Passover as the Lord's Supper

  • Manna as the Body (Bread) of Christ

  • Crossing the Red Sea as Baptism

  • Scripture as light

  • John the Baptist as Elijah

  • Christ as Word of God made flesh

  • Christ as the Lamb of God

  • Christ as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah

  • Christ as the Second Adam

  • Word of God as water

  • Word of God as bread of life

  • Baptism as death and resurrection

  • Born again as salvation

  • The Kingdom as treasure and a pearl of great price

  • The Kingdom as a wedding feast

  • Church as salt and light

  • Gospel as fishing net

  • Evangelists as fishermen


  • Christ as the final High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

  • The Spirit as a dove


  • The Spirit as oil and wine


  • Angels as stars

  • White robes as righteousness

  • New Jerusalem as Bride of Christ

Beyond the well known examples of typologies there may be vital lessons layered within the events and teachings of Scripture. Unique and interesting passages may reveal a wealth of wisdom if handled properly. A great New Testament example is the first miracle of Jesus:

  • "On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Now there were six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. And he said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!” This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him." John 2:1-11

Observations on Christ's First Miracle

Beyond the obvious importance of the first miracle of Jesus,
this passage is filled with curious and perhaps important dialogue including the following points:

1. Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me?: Politely, Jesus seems to put Mary in her place while declining her implicit request to perform His debut miracle.

2. My hour has not yet come: Christ explains it is not yet the time for Him to publicly begin demonstrating the Kingdom of God. He would later tell His disciples that the "times and seasons" where at the discretion of the Father.

3. Whatever He says to you, do it: Mary seems to skillfully press, rather than withdrawal, her request. Howbeit in perfect submission.

4. Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast: Given the lofty reason for His initial "no" Christ's acquiescence in stunning.

5. “Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!: While it might be expected that the water turned to wine by the first miracle of Christ would be superior in every regard, the meaning embedded may be surprising.

It may be that hidden within the Wedding Feast of Cana, as occasioned by the first miracle of Christ are two crucial messages for His Church. The first is a perfect example of "wresting with God." Even more importantly, the second may be an overview of the entire Church age!

Jesus Himself likens the Kingdom of God to a wedding feast. Additionally, the concept of the Bride of Christ is well developed in the New Testament. Seen in this way, the birth and ministry of Jesus were a kind of betrothal with the
supreme price He paid for our atonement a kind of dowry.

From this point of view, the wedding feast has lasted two millennia with the official ceremony and consummation soon to take place at Christ's return, followed by a glorious one thousand year honeymoon!


Terrible and Wonderful Prophesy

Like Mary, many have noted the wine, or power and presence of the Spirit, seems to have run out. So much so that were the Book of Acts being written today in might well be called the Book of Words. In the passage, the large pots filled with ceremonial water may be a metaphor for the religious duties of Christianity, or perhaps even the word of God.

Christ's refusal to change the timing for His first miracle may also have an end time parallel. Sadly, the discipline of prayer is in decline and dedicated intercessors are in even shorter supply. Of these, a small percentage are aware of the promised "Latter Rain" outpouring of the Spirit. Yet few understand the prophesied time line for this last great revival. Best explained in the Old Testament Book of Joel, the very passage Peter chose as his text when the Spirit was given at Pentecost, the final fulfillment will be during the Tribulation Period.

From Joel 2:1-27 goes to great lengths describing this time of maximum suffering:

  • "Blow the ram's horn trumpet in Zion! Trumpet the alarm on my holy mountain! Shake the country up! God's Judgment's on its way—the Day's almost here! A black day! A Doomsday! Clouds with no silver lining! Like dawn light moving over the mountains, a huge army is coming. There's never been anything like it and never will be again. Wildfire burns everything before this army and fire licks up everything in its wake. Before it arrives, the country is like the Garden of Eden. When it leaves, it is Death Valley. Nothing escapes unscathed. The locust army seems all horses—galloping horses, an army of horses. It sounds like thunder leaping on mountain ridges, Or like the roar of wildfire through grass and brush, Or like an invincible army shouting for blood, ready to fight, straining at the bit. At the sight of this army, the people panic, faces white with terror. The invaders charge. They climb barricades. Nothing stops them. Each soldier does what he's told, so disciplined, so determined. They don't get in each other's way. Each one knows his job and does it. Undaunted and fearless, unswerving, unstoppable. They storm the city, swarm its defenses, Loot the houses, breaking down doors, smashing windows. They arrive like an earthquake, sweep through like a tornado. Sun and moon turn out their lights, stars black out. God himself bellows in thunder as he commands his forces. Look at the size of that army! And the strength of those who obey him! God's Judgment Day—great and terrible. Who can possibly survive this?" Joel 2:1-11 MSG

In just these few verses we are told to blow the trumpet and alarm the God's people to His coming judgment. Like in the parable of the Ten Virgins, the church is apparently asleep at their post and must be warned that "Doomsday" is fast approaching. Taken literally, the huge army, the likes of which has never been or will be again must be the 200,000,000 Asian calvary described in the Book of Revelation. The Apostle John warns they will kill over a third of humanity! No wonder Joel directs:

  • "Change your life, not just your clothes. Come back to God, your God. And here's why: God is kind and merciful. He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot, This most patient God, extravagant in love, always ready to cancel catastrophe. Who knows? Maybe he'll do it now, maybe he'll turn around and show pity. Maybe, when all's said and done, there'll be blessings full and robust for your God! Blow the ram's horn trumpet in Zion! Declare a day of repentance, a holy fast day. Call a public meeting. Get everyone there. Consecrate the congregation. Make sure the elders come, but bring in the children, too, even the nursing babies, Even men and women on their honeymoon— interrupt them and get them there. Between Sanctuary entrance and altar, let the priests, God's servants, weep tears of repentance. Let them intercede: "Have mercy, God, on your people! Don't abandon your heritage to contempt. Don't let the pagans take over and rule them and sneer, 'And so where is this God of theirs?'" Joel 2:12-17 MSG
Here we are told only revival on an unprecedented scale may stop the slaughter. Notice it must be all inclusive. The question is how many will repent deeply enough to avert tragedy? The answer, as well as the time line for the final great outpouring of the Spirit to which 1st Century Pentecost was but a prelude, may be found in the first two words of Joel 2:28:

  • "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls." Joel 2:28-32

"And Afterword..." Sadly, as has so often been the case, it appears even God's people refuse to see calamity coming until it's arrived. Like Samson, even the Lord's anointed may be so deceived that only after a misspent life ending in captivity will the repent the error of their ways.


History Repeats Itself

The wise Bible student will recognize that this verse has already been partially fulfilled, not once but twice. First, when God so severely judged His people at the time of the Exile that it drew a Book of laments from Jeremiah and Habakkuk's complaint. The second was during Pentecost recorded in the Book of Acts. Yet, as terrible as the Exile was, killing a third of Israel, taking a third captive and scattering a third to the wind there were no signs in the heaven. The same can be said about Pentecost. Wonderfully important, in some ways it marked the birth of the Christianity and the Age of the Church. Even so, once again there was no fulfillment of Joel's prediction that there would be "blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

It's been said that history is cyclical. Like a hawk circling ever wider and higher, each fulfillment of prophecy is greater in scope. Clearly this passage refers to the
Great Tribulation of last days, and in so doing pinpoints the time for this sorely needed repentance and revival. Also, once again, scripture would seem to indicate a Pre-Wrath rather than a Pre-Tribulation Rapture. For a clear and concise handling of these teachings click here.

This being said, the Wedding Feast of Cana offers one last important lesson. Mary changed God's time table! She, like the Samaritan mother who later would also refused to take no for an answer, found a way through perfect submission to wrestle a blessing from the Lord! Both are New Testament examples of Joel's encouragement that wise intercession by Prophetic Christians may change the mind of God. In fact, one may well hope that's the very reason God put stories like these in the Bible. The question is, will we take them to heart?


10 Virgins 1 Terrible Parable

The most frightening passage in all of Scripture demonstrates this very principle. In His terrible parable of the Ten Virgins, Jesus warns that as many as half the genuinely saved and sanctified may forever perish for simply the lack of extra oil:

  • “God’s kingdom is like ten young virgins who took oil lamps and went out to greet the bridegroom. Five were silly and five were smart. The silly virgins took lamps, but no extra oil. The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps. The bridegroom didn’t show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep. “In the middle of the night someone yelled out, ‘He’s here! The bride-groom’s here! Go out and greet him!’  “The ten virgins got up and got their lamps ready. The silly virgins said to the smart ones, ‘Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.’  “They answered, ‘There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.’ “They did, but while they were out buying oil, the bridegroom arrived. When everyone who was there to greet him had gone into the wedding feast, the door was locked. “Much later, the other virgins, the silly ones, showed up and knocked on the door, saying, ‘Master, we’re here. Let us in.”  “He answered, ‘Do I know you? I don’t think I know you.’ “So stay alert. You have no idea when he might arrive.” Matthew 25:1-12 The Message

Notice all ten are virgins. Never once does the Bible identify a sinner as a virgin, although sadly Scripture often refers to God’s people as adulterers. Particularly those who allow the sacrificing of their children’s blood. Even in the New Testament. All ten believe in the Bridegroom, (Jesus). All ten have oil burning lamps (the shinning light of the Holy Spirit’s testimony). All ten go out to greet the bridegroom (exhibit holiness and sanctification). All ten fell asleep. Each is awakened at midnight to the Bridegroom’s approach. All ten arise and trim their lamps. Here, the one difference becomes apparent. Only the smart or wise virgins cared enough to have purchased extra or enough oil. Once again Scripture warns that waiting until the need presents itself is too little too late.

In regards to the failing lamps, Strongs’ Greek concordance renders the phrase (λαμπάδες ἡμῶν
σβέννυνται) translated lamps are “gone” or “going” out, suggesting the five foolish had run out of oil as they slept, or upon waking their lamps were flickering. Jesus warns that in this heartbreaking case, good wasn’t good enough to merit eternal life.

The need to
buy extra oil in this passage is eerily reminiscent of a glorified Jesus’ warning against the all to common condition of spiritual lukewarmness. Consider again Christ rebuke of lukewarm Laodicea, the last of Revelation’s seven churches, of whom Churchianity seems a modern refection:

  • “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!” Revelation 3:18-19 The Message - Emphasis QC’s

Given Christ’s complaint against Laodicea also includes threatening to spit them out of His mouth, this passage is admittedly harsh. Even for Jesus. Still we would all agree it’s best to know what’s on the final exam. In their case and ours, cluelessness abounds. By modern comparison, all Ten Virgins are picture perfect, outside of sleeping on the job when the Bridegroom seems delayed. A circumstance that eventually revealed the five foolish had failed to acquire enough oil.

Both passages are meaningful for all, throughout every circumstance of life. Even so, Laodicea’s placement as the seventh or last church is noteworthy. It’s reasonable to assume this is a fitting description of many believers in the last church age, just prior to and/or during the rest of the Book of Revelation’s
Great Tribulation period. The same might be said for the parable of the Ten Virgins, given its placement in Christ’s Olivet Discourse of end time events.

In any case, since Jesus warns the lack of oil is a deal breaker, even among
“virgins” with otherwise identical track records, understanding its symbolism and manner of procurement is vital. Oil is often used in Scripture, both literally and figuratively. From the anointing of priests and kings, to the fellowship and power of the Spirit.

Given the dialogue between the foolish virgins and their wiser counterparts, it may be a resource better purchased than shared. Some have even speculated the refusal by the wise to give of their own, lest they themselves not have enough, suggests Christ may be referencing scarce commodities during a prolonged period of hardship. Perhaps in keeping with Revelation’s account of Jesus breaking the first four of seven seals, and thus unleashing the infamous Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

While somewhat of a mystery, what is obvious is the need for extra oil. Over and above what may have seemed perviously sufficient. Just one more example of how costly, rather than cheep
grace, wins the day.

It’s self evident that both the foolish virgins and Laodicea were invested in the Kingdom of God. But like so many,
only up to a point. Likewise Christians often fail to appreciate the subtle, and not so subtle, spiritual demands of the times in which we live. Modern Christianity is filled with believers from every walk of life. Many give of their time, energy and money. Yet, taken as a whole, we’ve largely opted for the ease of peace and comfort over and against the more strenuous demands of Biblical health and vitality. Assuring ourselves that all is well, we continue doing whatever we feel like. Regardless of the spiritual risk. Yet according to Scripture, all is far from well. Spiritual and characterological apathy and anemia, all but endemic in modern Christianity, are telltale signs of worsening spiritual abnormality and disease.
 
Educated guesses are important tools in any research. 
Quantum Christianity loves a good guess as long as it’s identified as such.  QC’s disclaimer is the only thing we know for sure is that God exists.  All other assertions by mankind rest on evidence not proof.  This being said, borrowing from the book Animal Farm, while all “guesses” are created equal, some are more equal than others.
 
Should time and/or the end of it show we are living in the “last days” and the parable of the 10 Virgins be descriptive of our generation, a few guesses might be made: :

1. The sinful lifestyles, entitlement issues and riches of the Western and 1st World Nation church reveal we have “fallen from grace” in numerous ways.

2. The quality and quantity of our sins, such as abortion, are previously unseen in human history.

3. Jesus and all Biblical authors agree that God will not have relationship with His people living in such gross sin.  He will not hear their prayers nor accept their worship, gifts or acts of service.

4. These same writers warn if full and complete repentance and restitution is not made, “God is not mocked.  What we sow we shall reap” and if we “sow the wind we shall reap the whirlwind.”
  

Jesus’ Repeated Warnings

  • “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21

  • “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:46

  • “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, I do not know you, where you are from,’ then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’  But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’ There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out." Luke 13:24
  
 
Given these and the myriad of Biblical warnings to the church or people of God, we will not be able to claim ignorance.  Here the following is of note:

1. Jesus uses the same phrase, “Lord, Lord” in all 3 passages.

2. Clearly mental assent or believing in the Lordship of Christ is not enough.

3. Doing the will of Jesus’ “Father in heaven” is identified as the condition for salvation.

4. Charismatic wonders, such as casting out demons and prophesy, is not proof of salvation.  Jesus does dispute their miraculous claims, saying only He did not know them and they practiced “lawlessness.”

5. In the house on the sand analogy, both saved and lost built houses and suffered the storm, but only they that dug deep and laid their foundation on the rock we saved.  This suggests extra effort (oil) is vital.  Also, in this scenario, there may have been no discernible difference between the houses since foundations are rarely visible.

6. Hearing and not obeying God’s commands can result in damnation.

7. Jesus commands us to “Strive” and “enter the narrow gate” while there is time.

8. Many who call Him “Lord, Lord” will be rejected, sent away weeping and gnashing their teeth, because of their iniquities.
 
While the loss of a single soul for eternity defies description, the loss of billions is even more problematic.  With 34% of the world claiming Christian affiliation, including 1 billion Catholics and 1 billion Protestants, some might suggest one or more of the
many sects of Christianity with their differing versions of Christ are bound to be eternally lost.
 
Close examination of this and many other scriptures dealing with salvation suggest otherwise.  Here, as with Jesus’ other handling of the subject including the
Rich Young Ruler and Rich Man and Lazarus, the Sheep and the Goats and The Good Samaritan, it is not doctrine but practice that is stressed. In fact, not once in these 3 passages or the 3 just mentioned, is mental assent or Biblical knowledge mentioned except as a warning. 
 
Here, as throughout all Scripture, what we do is far more telling and vital than what we say, think or feel.
 
This being the case, it is far more likely the Western and
1st World Nation half of the Church fits the bill as the foolish virgins.  Combining our list of sins with the privileges we enjoy, we are likely 1,000 times more culpable than previous generations or our poor and/or persecuted 3rd World brothers. Those facing hardships daily are forced to “dig deep” and test their faith.  They are far more likely to fulfill Christ’s’ command to take up their cross.  Their faith, coming at much cost, is likely held more dearly.  
 
Entitlement, Lucifer’s original sin, has little chance to metastasize throughout their part of the body of Christ.  Though poor, they fear God enough to keep His commands.  They don’t abort half their children while divorcing nearly half their spouses.  Adversity forces them to cherish and study God’s word while we surf 100’s of cable channels, attend theaters and amusements (literally meaning “not to think”) and feast on food from all over the globe.
 
Many of these may not be sinful in and of themselves.  Still, few intelligent arguments can be made that we’ve been bought off with “blessings.” Churchianity seems to lack the wisdom or foresight to study to show ourselves approved and more importantly to obey
all that God commands
 
Should some or all the above conclusions prove true, the ramifications would be extensive.  Many tell tale signs, similar to those now plaguing the Western World, would be evident.  It’s been said that God reveals what He would heal. The scripture contains
Prophetic Advice addressing our current dilemma.  It suggest several steps, including the 2 Chronicles 7:14 formula for repentance and calling the Sacred Assembly.  While these can be done on an individual bases with some success, only large scale corporate repentance can stay the hand of God’s judgment, here and in eternity.
 
While the time to act and act decisively is now, having so insulted the Spirit of Grace, we must do so carefully.  We must follow the Biblical imperatives for
approaching God acceptably or suffer the fates of those who’s actions are based more in presumption than living faith.
 
QC is designed to open dialogue for this very purpose.  While some see such discussion as divisive, Christ explicitly warns that ignorance, far from bliss, may be the dividing force of as much as half the church. And that with out remedy for eternity.




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