Where is your faith?

The topic I want to delve into is Faith, but in all actuality it could be considered as just a continuation of my previous blogs on Salvation.

Once Saved, Always Saved
and
A Misconception about Salvation

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
(Luke 8:25)

Notice something interesting about the question Jesus asks his disciples. Doesn't the question give the perception that we are the keeper of our faith. I love when Jesus gives us little nuggets like this. But if you are not attentive, it is easy to pass over some amazing truths in God's Word. I would like to consider this question of Jesus to be an invitation for us to take a journey of exploration into the many facets of Faith

1. Faith comes from God.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:17)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
(Galatians 5:22)

Before we go any further let us establish a truth spoken directly from Jesus.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(John 3:6)

In Galatians we learn that Faith is a fruit of the Spirit. Since Faith is spiritual, then Faith and the Flesh are from different worlds. Therefore we must allow the Word of God to reveal how the many facets of Faith can become an intimate part of our lives.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
(John 6:63)

Also, since Faith comes from God, then no matter how strong our beliefs are in God, we have no power to create faith by our believing. Believing God's Word may lead us to Faith, but it does not create it. Some people feel that if they believe hard enough they will have great Faith, but this just leads to discouragement.

2. Faith is Required

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6)

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
(Romans 14:23)

It is strange that so many Christians believe that they can please God by their actions and their deeds but neglect the main ingredient for pleasing God.

3. Faith has Substance

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1)

Let's consider this. If Faith has substance then it must be tangible.

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
(Hebrews 10:23)

5. Faith is our Shield

Where faith is lacking, there will be no defense against the enemies of our soul.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
(Ephesians 6:16)

4. Faith has Volume

We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;
(2 Thessalonians 1:3)

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
(Romans 12:6)

Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
(Matthew 16:8)

When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
(Matthew 8:10)

The bible says that it only takes a small portion of Faith to move mountains, so what is the benefit of increased faith? I believe it would help if take a look at the following scripture.

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
(Matthew 21:21)

Faith and doubt don't mix, so one will always have to give place to the other. Faith must increase until it fills us to the brim, and then and only then will there be no room for doubt. Only Faith without doubt will bring us to the power of God.

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
(Acts 6:8)

6. The Power of God works through Faith

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Peter 1:5)

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
(1 Corinthians 2:5)

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
(2 Thessalonians 1:11)

By the Words of scripture we should overwhelmingly agree that God uses Faith to reveal His power to us, for us, and by us.

7. Faith is linked to Salvation

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Peter 1:5)

Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
(1 Peter 1:9)

It is dangerous to overlook the significant role Faith plays in regards to our salvation. The plain Truth is that it is impossible to be saved without Faith.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(Ephesians 2:8)

8. Faith can be lost by neglect.

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
(Colossians 1:23)

For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
(Colossians 2:5)

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
(1 Timothy 4:1)

Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
(1 Timothy 5:12)

Remember the question Jesus asked; "Where is your faith? Doesn't this question and the previous 4 scriptures give the perception that we are the keeper of our faith.

So many Christians get so entangled in the argument of whether or not someone can lose their salvation. Shouldn't we be more concerned with what binds us to that salvation.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
(2 Corinthians 13:5)

The diligence that God's seems to expect from us in regard's to Faith, might shed some light on the following scripture.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
(Philippians 2:12)

If Faith has lost it's significance among many who profess to be Christians, then in the light of Romans 14:23 shared earlier it might make it easier to understand the following scripture.

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
(Matthew 7:22-23)

If it is impossible to please God without Faith and it is impossible to be saved without Faith where does that leave us if we have no Faith?

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?
(Luke 18:8)

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.

Women Teaching Men

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
(1 Timothy 2:9-15)

These particular verses would probably turn all women libbers against Paul. These are also verses that have even cause some denominational churches to be very legalistic in regards to a woman's position in the church and go as far as totally forbidding women to wear makeup or jewelry. If we approach any verse in the bible without considering the whole counsel of scripture it is very easy to get off track.

Modest Apparel

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:7)

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
(1 Timothy 2:9)

Here is where we start having problems. If you approach scripture as a book of dos and don'ts you miss the main benefit of scripture.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Hebrews 4:12)

Scripture helps us weigh the status of our heart. In the previous scripture, Paul is telling women to avoid having a heart that is willing to use their attire to be seductive or sensually alluring; not whether you should wear jewelry or not. Also, a prideful heart can somtimes be revealed in the selectiveness of how we dress. Consider this if you refuse to wear anything that is not name brand. The next scripture helps us understand this is matter of the heart.

But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
(1 Timothy 2:10)

Suffer Not a Woman to Teach

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
(1 Timothy 2:11-12)

This portion of scripture definitely brings up a lot of controversy. Unfortunately, a legalistic point of view ends up sending most people totally off track. First off let me state that I don't believe this has anything to do with a woman being a teacher or a preacher.

I believe it is referring to a man and a wife. You will notice that is says "man" not "men". Have you ever heard the saying, "She wears the pants in the family." I believe that this has to do with avoiding a spiritually imbalanced marriage. If a woman tries to fill the spiritual position of a husband then she might as well forget about hoping her husband ever will.

A man is supposed to be the spiritual head, but that doesn't mean he is the boss. A true spiritual head is nothing more than a keeper of that which belongs to God. God is the boss. God compares marriage to Christ's relationship with His Church. A man should always be willing to lay his life down for his wife.

A wife's position is not the lesser position, but she should never feel responsible to taking up the slack of her husband or feel that she should mold him into what she feels he should be. She will have much more influence over the outcome of her marriage if she focuses on learning of her blessed position in Christ rather than her position in her marriage.

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
(Mark 10:43-45)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
(Isaiah 55:8-9)

It might be helpful to some women if they consider that God always knows what he is doing, even if their husband don't. By the way, a key ingredient to a balance marriage is that both spouses are Christians.

Adam was not deceived

For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
(1 Timothy 2:13-15)

These verses have such great spiritual truth, but it is easy miss it because there are men who would use this scripture to belittle their spouse. There are even some men that might go as far as believing this scripture supports the saying that "Women should be barefoot and pregnant." I totally disagree, of course.

Again, these verses are emphasizing the importance of respecting the spiritual authority that God has designed, but if we can keep it from ruffling our feathers, it might just lead us to some amazing truths. The comparison between Adam and Eve in this scripture also helps us understand a significant spiritual difference between a man and a women and probably deserves its own separate blog. Just as a teaser, consider that fact that Christ had to be born of the seed of a woman not the seed of a man.

She shall be saved in childbearing

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.
(1 Timothy 2:15)

At first glance, this scripture might appear to connect salvation with childbearing. It might even lead some to believe that a woman's lot in life is just to make babies. Hopefully, I can help bring this scripture into a better light (The light of God's Word, that is).

Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
(Genesis 3:16)

I actually believe that this scripture is a promise to women, that if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety, that they can escape the curse that was placed on Eve in regards to conception. Basically, childbirth doesn't have to be a major pain.

A humble heart will enjoy being filled with the truths found in God's word, but a haughty soul will choke on them.

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.

Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Why did God take my baby?
Why did God take my daddy?
If God is all powerful, then why doesn’t He do something about the evil in the world?
If God is a loving God, then why does He allow the innocent to suffer?

The lists of valid complaints could go on and on. This is a difficult topic for most people and it is probably one of the most common excuses for rejecting God.

I believe for most people, this will always be a problem until they come to a realization of the irony of the question. If there is any good in this world, it can always be traced to the influence of God. Yet we who believe we have any measure of fairness and justice in our hearts, which origin can only have come from God find ourselves in an arrogant position of judging God. This doesn’t necessarily answer the question, but I would hope it would bring us to a more humble perspective.

It is difficult to find an answer to a question if you are predisposed to reject every answer that you are unable to understand. Understanding cannot come without an open mind and you cannot know the Truth without an open heart.

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
(Matthew 19:17)

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
(Romans 5:12)

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:10)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
(James 1:17)

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
(1 Peter 5:8)

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
(2 Peter 3:9)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
(John 3:16-19)

A harden heart will always be unable to accept the Truth but yet it shakes its hands in anger against a God it refuses to know. We might be surprised to find out what we blame God for is also what God holds us accountable for. You might even consider why God would teach us to pray the following prayer?

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
(Matthew 6:10)

The problem with getting a satisfactory answer to this question is that there is a misdirection of blame. I am not saying the the innocent are to blame for the evil that befalls them, but we may want to consider why the devil needs to seek whom he may devour.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!
(Luke 13:34)

The voice of Wisdom in Proverbs 8:36 makes a bold statement. I would actually recommend reading the whole chapter.

But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
(Proverbs 8:36)


I do not consider myself to know everything, but I do love to consider knowing Him who knows everything.

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.

A Misconception about Salvation

I feel compelled to continue with the topic of salvation, but this time I will try to present you with what I consider to be a common misconception about salvation. I believe that most divisions of what the bible teaches are because of unreconciled perspectives. This in turn usually creates misconceptions and misunderstandings. It is like arguing over what a penny looks like but not realizing one is describing the head’s side of the coin while the other is describing the tail’s side of the coin.

The main part of the misconception is that being saved only has one side to it. When we believe and receive the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ we are saved both present and future. That is we are saved present by Faith and Future by God's fulfillment. Let's use the penny again to help us understand this.

Salvation = Penny
Saved Present = Tale's Side
Saved Future = Head's Side

We can touch the penny and partake of the value of the penny, but we are unable to lose the penny since the penny has not fully left His hand yet.

The misconception of Salvation is in our perspective of Salvation. We tend to evaluate scripture from our limited perspective, but if we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us God's perspective, then we may find there is much more to be seen. Let us get some perspective from God's word.

First off, let us see how scripture contrasts the Head’s and Tale's side of Salvation.

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
(Romans 8:19-24)

Notice that it says we are saved by hope. Now let us compare this statement in scripture with another.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
(Ephesians 2:8)

If you reconcile the statements in both scriptures you hopefully will see an amazing truth. Faith is God’s tool for us to partake of what has yet to happen. Grace is God’s open door that Faith uses to lay hold of God’s promise. Hope is intangible by itself because it is reaching for the future. Let us look at another scripture that ties it all together.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
(Hebrews 11:1)

One of the amazing signatures of God is in how scripture intertwines the Truth throughout the whole bible. I would hope to emphasize that our journey in salvation should never be taken lightly because salvation has not yet fully left God’s hand. The security of our salvation is in His faithfulness, not ours, but it would be a dangerous thing to come to end of our journey to find out we have lost our faith. Salvation is always available to the faith of the living, but is it available at the end of the journey without faith?

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
(Matthew 25:1-12)

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.

Once Saved, Always Saved

If I were to make a list of doctrines that divide the body of Christ; Once Saved, Always Saved would probably be in the top 10. Whenever I see different views about what scripture reveals to us, it always stirs me to meditate on how to reconcile the truth of God’s Word because I believe that God never contradicts Himself.

The debate on this topic always ends up appearing to me as an argument that an apple is not an orange and misses the possibility that both the apple and the orange can both be a part of God’s fruit basket. There are many scriptures that are used to both to support and to refute this doctrine. This has persuaded me to answer the following questions for myself.

Can I lose my salvation?

I believe the answer is no, but not for the same reason as the those that believe in the doctrine of "Once Saved Always Saved. This has been of the hardest truth to convince myself of for reasons that are more experiential than scriptural. First off I had to get past the concept that feeling saved is evidence of being saved. Then I had to find a way to reconcile scripture on both sides of the question. The following is how I believe God helped me do this.

I cannot lose my salvation because of sin, but sin can harden my heart to reject or neglect God’s gift of salvation. It is strange that the simplicity of this statement allowed both points of view to make sense to me. Salvation is not of works, but that doesn’t mean it is not a choice. Salvation leads to desire the things of God, it doesn’t force us. Sinning cannot negate God’s salvation in Christ, but it can lead us to desire it less and less. I love how this simple truth reconciles scripture for both sides.

Consider it like this. Remember when the Israelites were in Egypt and the angel of death was killing all of the first born. The only thing that saved the Israelite’s first born was the lamb’s blood on the post of their house. As long as the first born remained in the house he was safe, but if the first born chose to leave the house because he didn’t believe the blood was all that could save him then the angel of death would of killed him too. He would have died outside of Salvation's reach. Salvation cannot be lost, but it can be neglected or rejected.

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; (Hebrews 2:3)

Beware of remaining in a sin even though God continues to press your heart to repent, because that can end up being a choice in and of itself. I believe only God can determine when we cross the line of choice because he weighs our hearts, but if God starts to disciplines us as children, we should not take it lightly. God's salvation doesn't negate God's Holiness. On the contrary, it persuades us enter in.

But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
(Mark 11:26)

But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
(Matthew 10:33)

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Revelation 2:5)

So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16)

Did the prodigal son lose his salvation? Luke 15:11-32

No, I believe his salvation was kept by the Father who was waiting for him, if he chose to return. Before sin could slay him and forever separate him from the Father, the prodigal son came to his senses and returned back to the Father. It was the choice of the prodigal son to separate himself from the Father. It wasn't the son's sin that kept him from his Father, but it was sin that persuaded him to choose the path that separated him.

It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
(Luke 15:32)

But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
(Jonah 2:9)

There also seems to be sins that will harden your heart and lead you to death quicker than others, though I wouldn’t recommend any sin, because God judges the heart. Ananias and Sapphira died just for lying to the Holy Spirit. (Acts 5:1-10) You might consider it a bit harsh, but I don't believe that they died just because they lied as much as they died because they hardened their heart against the Holy Spirit and then came into His Holy presence haughtily clinging to sin. The wages of sin is death. If you want to receive those wages quickly, try entering the Presence of a Holy God without the blood of Christ as a covering for your sin.

If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
(1 John 5:16)

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
(1 Peter 4:17)

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
(1 Corinthians 3:15)

Another tension question is: Was Judas ever saved?

Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein. (John 12:4-6)

Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
(Luke 22:3)

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
(Romans 6:16)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
(John 1:12)

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
(John 8:44)

I would like to approach this with the full understanding that only God truly knows what was in Judas’s heart at all times, but let’s consider an answer that fits into both sides of the salvation debate. If Judas believed in Jesus at the beginning then he embraced salvation for a while, but sin began hardening his heart and thereby ended up becoming the son of perdition.

You see, sin leads you to lies, while obedience to God will lead you to the Truth. If believing God gives us the power to become children of God then it is seems that if we believe the lies of the devil you will be given the opportunity to have the Devil as your Father.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
(Philippians 2:12-15)

Sin in and of itself may not be able to cause me to lose my salvation, but it can have a deadly affect on my heart.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
(Proverbs 4:23)

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Romans 10:10)

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.

Avoiding a Misunderstanding with God

It is so easy to get lost in debates about different belief systems, but I believe we all should approach the bible with a mentality that no doctrine should be able to stand until it has passed though the scrutiny of all scripture. We get into trouble most of the time, because we tend to want to use scripture that molds around what we believe instead of letting scripture be what molds are beliefs. We rarely question a doctrine that sounds logical and has scripture that seems to support its claims, but I believe Christians should approach all doctrine with the same attitude as the Bereans who where commended in the book of Acts.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
(Acts 17:11)

That applies to my own beliefs as well as those presented to me by others. I would like to think that everything I believe is derived from the full council of God; unfortunately, I am plagued by the same limitation as everyone else. It is called ignorance. No matter how much we think we understand about God and His ways; God always has more he wants to reveal of Himself to us.

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 3:10-14)

For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
(1 Corinthians 13:9)

We should never disregard the possibility that the part we have come to believe is actually in error. The best way to avoid a misunderstanding with God is to always be open to allow the bible to interpret itself.

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.

Misconceptions about Hell

The topic of Hell leaves a lot of room for speculation, but the Bible has enough information to answer the most important questions. In my quest to learn about this dreaded place of pain and hopelessness, I've come across some interesting misconceptions about hell. They aren't very far from the truth, but a misconception is a misconception.

1. Is hell an eternal destination?
Common answer is yes. The Bible's answer is No.

2. Hell was created for the Devil and his angels and not for Man.
Common census is that this statement is true. Bible seems to disagree.

3. Is the devil in charge of hell?
This is probably the hardest question to answer from the bible, but most Christians would say no. The main problem I have with that answer is that it is mostly derived from the previous misconceptions. I would be split between a yes and no answer based on what the bible has influenced me to believe.

Let's tackle the first misconception.

1. Is hell an eternal destination?

This one is an easy one to miss because people mix up Hell and the Lake of fire and don't realize that these are two different places. The lake of fire is the eternal destination for the lost. As a matter of fact, hell will be cast into the lake of fire in the end. Hell is just a holding place, for those who have rejected God's invitation to hang-out with Him and that are waiting for final judgment. There are several places in scripture that can validate this, but the follow scripture pretty much does it one swoop.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
(Revelation 20:13-15)

2. Hell was created for the devil and his angels and not for Man.

I believe the bible shows this to be a misconception. Besides, it seems have the same problem as the first misconception. This one is not as strait forward as the previous one, but I will show the scriptures that lead me to believe otherwise. The following verse is where this statement comes from, but I believe it is speaking about the lake of fire and not hell.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
(Matthew 25:41)

Since this seems to be speaking about the final judgment, I would say that the term "everlasting fire" is referring to the lake of fire. The Lake of Fire is what God has prepared for the devil and his angels not hell. So the question arises, who was hell created for? I believe that hell was created for man because of Adam's sin. There are several places in scripture that give this impression, but the following scripture is the one I picked to share because it states that hell enlarges itself to accommodate more people.

Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.
(Isaiah 5:14)

3. Is the Devil in charge of hell?

The bible doesn't give a direct answer to this question that I know of, but I will share some of the scriptures that lead me to believe that the answer is both yes and no. First the devil is given the title "Prince of this World" more than once in the bible.

Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
(John 14:30)

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
(Matthew 16:18)

Even though the devil has been given a lease on this world because of Adam's sin, you will notice throughout scripture that he is limited by what that position permits him to do on this earth. I believe it is the same with hell. Since scripture gives the location of hell as being located in the center of the earth, I believe it falls under the devil's jurisdiction. Yet, I also believe the devil is limited in hell the same way he is limited on earth and enjoys tormenting the souls in hell only based on how much they gave in to sin here on earth. Remember, hell is just a holding place for the lost.

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
(Matthew 12:40)

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
(1 Peter 3:18-19)

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
(Philippians 2:10)

I believe that even though the devil has power and authority, it is was not originally given to him. I it was originally given to Adam, so the devil's authority is a stolen authority. But his time is coming to an end as you can perceive from the previous verse. Like I said before, these scriptures don't necessarily say that the devil is in charge of hell, but it may help to satisfy our curiosity. For most of us, if we want a more definite answer from God, we may have to wait until we leave this world.

Clay in the Hands of the Potter.