Victory in Afflictions

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JOB

By Ezekiel Kimosop

The Bible says in Job 42:12-13, "Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. He also had seven sons and three daughters" (NKJV)

QUESTION TO PONDER

What do we learn from this Scripture passage?

Back in Job 1-2, we are introduced to the gruesome afflictions of Job, a faithful servant of God. He lost all his children and his wealth. Worse even, his body was afflicted with leprosy, forcing him to withdraw into isolation for the period of illness. 

Job's family and friends offered no solace to him...His wife asked him to curse God and die (Job 2:9) and his closest friends accused him of sinning against God (Job 4).

The Bible reveals that God permitted this suffering upon Job for His divine glory. In the end, God restored the life of Job and blessed him immensely. His wealth was doubled and he was blessed with a new set of children. He lived on to 140 years, seeing four generations of his family.

Prosperity teachers would happily pick out this latter part of Job's life to teach about divine restoration and material blessings but would ignore or hardly teach about the former part that describes his afflictions!

Reason? They deny Christian suffering, a doctrine that is plainly taught in both sections of the Bible and even by Christ Himself! 

We learn from Job's story that God permits trials and afflictions upon his covenant people as part of our spiritual fortification. This truth is affirmed in the New Testament Scripture. James 1:2-4 says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

If one could summarize the story of Job in one statement, it would perhaps read thus:

No matter what God's children go through in this world, God has His divine purposes to fulfill in us. He will never abandon us nor forsake us. Christian suffering is evidence that we belong to God and that He is preparing us for the life to come.

Our eternal hope in Christ Jesus is far greater compared with the suffering and afflictions that we may undergo in this present world.

God has laid up for us eternal treasure in heaven which awaits us.

1 Peter 4:12-13 says "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy."

When Jesus is revealed, we shall be ushered into the fullness of His eternal glory.

Keep it Christ!

Shalom

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020

Is it Biblical to Celebrate St Valentine's Day?

IS IT BIBLICAL TO CELEBRATE ST VALENTINE'S DAY?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

I have received a number of inquiries from my Christian friends seeking my theological opinion on whether it is appropriate for Christians to celebrate St Valentine's day.

This question is perhaps better rephrased: Should Christians celebrate St Valentine's Day? Does Scripture expressly or impliedly accommodate this practice?

I will begin with a disclaimer at the outset that this article is not a theological treatise on the day dedicated to Saint Valentino and neither is it a critique on its historical validity. I will therefore not delve in the historicity of the tradition which is ostensibly believed to fall into the patristic period of the early church. This article is informed by my theological reflection on the popular tradition based on my discernment of Scripture. I am aware that debates on the validity of this tradition have rocked Christian circles for centuries and that global Christianity is divided over it. The personal convictions of a believer on such controversial issues should primarily be anchored on their discernment of Scripture.

I am also aware of claims by some that St Valentine's Day was originally a godly Christian celebration done in honor of Saint Valentino of Rome, who was revered as a holy priest under the Roman Catholic tradition. He was reportedly martyred on 14th February 269 AD.  It is also important to appreciate that there are conflicting stories surrounding the origin of this tradition. Some say that the priest fell in love with the jailer's daughter while in prison awaiting his execution and that he wrote a note to her expressing his undying love for her.

I would also wish to outline a second disclaimer. Not every church tradition or practice is necessarily commanded in Scripture. Some popular Christian traditions have been developed by Christian societies through the centuries. What is of paramount significance is that these traditions and practices should be consistent with the holistic revelation of Scripture and should not openly or covertly violate its fundamental truths. Where a tradition or practice is veiled in obscurity or controversy and cannot be satisfactorily reconciled with the moral principles of the word of God, my view is that such tradition or practice should be discarded by a Bible centered Christian community. 

I am further aware that some popular traditions can be quite divisive depending on the cultural implications of  their practice in a given society. For instance, some cultural practices that may be embraced or accommodated by Western Christianity may be considered repulsive in African Christianity and vice versa. Some American Christians celebrate Halloween, a tradition that some would consider to be closely linked to pagan rituals. Similarly, many African Christians mix culture and religion during Christian celebrations such as weddings and burials. 

I will attempt to explore the question on the Biblical legitimacy or validity of St Valentine's day on the basis of my discernment of the teaching of Scripture. My view is that every Christian doctrine or practice should be governed by the principles of the word of God. It should stand or fall on the scale of Biblical revelation and authority. This is the trajectory that this article will take. 

Was St Valentine a Christian martyr who stood on the same canonical and ecclesial threshold as say Stephen the martyr or Apostle James who defended the gospel with their blood? (Acts 7:54-60; 12:1-4). Romans Catholics would perhaps readily respond to this question in the affirmative. Roman Catholics celebrate several saints under their tradition and dedicate calendar events in their honor. Unfortunately, several traditions and practices associated with the Roman Catholic Church do not appear to find the support of Scripture, in my opinion. They appear to be founded on extra-biblical sources. If Scripture prescribed the celebration of Christian martyrs, then St Stephen's, St James' or St Paul's calendar celebrations would be a welcome opportunity for Christian societies to commemorate. Sadly, Scripture is silent on the celebration of saints! Suffice it to state that Christ should be at the center of every celebration or worship in a Christian community. 

BIBLICAL FOUNDATION 

Scripture is replete with exhortations on moral Christian conduct. It warns the followers of Jesus Christ against imitating the world or joining them in their revelry and abominations. 3 John 1:11 says "Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God." When we imitate the world, we allow their practices to shape or influence our religious worldview. (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16). Scripture also exhorts believers to flee from any appearance of evil and to avoid any circumstances that may bring their Christian witness into question (Titus 2:7-8). Joseph fled from the advances of Potiphar's amorous wife under godly fear. He later paid for his moral convictions through a jail term in an Egyptian dungeon (Genesis 39:7-9). 

Elsewhere in Scripture, we learn that Daniel resolved in his heart never to defile himself with the food served at the king's table (Daniel 1:8). He too suffered for his moral convictions on a number of occasions as he served in the royal courts of Persia. Neither of these heroes of faith have a day dedicated to their honor in Scripture.

My view is that our Christian ethics and practices should be governed by religious convictions that are primarily founded on the revelation and authority of Scripture rather than historical traditions. I am persuaded that any patristic or medieval Christian tradition that does not stand on a faithful interpretation of Scripture should be discarded.  

I am therefore convinced at the outset that St Valentine's Day celebration is not contemplated in Scripture. It is decidedly not a Christian calendar celebration and no Christian community is obligated to observe it. Besides, I am unable to identify a similar celebration in any New Testament Christian community. My view is that no passage of Scripture teaches or implies that the church should set aside a lovers day for the believers. Our love for one another in the context of Christian marriage [if that is truly the object of the celebration] cannot be reduced to a calendar event!

Some have argued that the love theme in the Book of Song of Solomon is a classic authority for St Valentine day celebration. I am not persuaded by this notion. I am convinced that Christ is the Lover who is metaphorically depicted in the Song of Solomon and that the woman symbolizes the Church, His bride. Believers are singly and collectively the bride of Christ, having been betrothed to Him under a covenant relationship of love and commitment even as we eagerly await His soon coming to take us to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).  We should therefore watch lest our garments are stained by this passing evil world (Rev. 16:15). The marriage supper of the Lamb mentioned in Rev. 19:1-10 is the final ritual that will commemorate our eternal union with Christ. It will be celebrated in heaven at a time appointed by God.

Meanwhile, our Christian marriage relationships should be governed by the moral exhortations conveyed in several passages of Scripture on covenant faithfulness (cf. Genesis 2:24; Malachi 2:16; 1 Peter 3:7). I therefore find no Biblical basis for considering the celebration of St Valentine's Day as a legitimate Christian calendar event. This is not to suggest that a Christian couple cannot celebrate their marriage or have an evening outing meant to spice up their marriage! This should however happen outside the context or influence of any pagan religious tradition or practice and is definitely not restricted to February 14th! 

I once attended a Sunday church service in a leading Evangelical church in Nairobi a few years ago. During the service, I noticed that most ladies were in red! It had not occurred to me that this strange scene was on purpose! It soon dawned on me that that Sunday happened to be February 14! There was a celebration mood in the air, so to speak!

When the senior pastor, who also happens to be the Bishop of the church, took to the pulpit, he proclaimed that St Valentine's Day was an important Christian celebration! He went on to commend all the ladies who were dressed in red and declared that every believer is entitled to have their own Valentine during the occasion (sic!). He did not elaborate further.

A large number of youth in the congregation were heartily cheering on as the clergyman spoke. Sadly, the minister did not point out a single Scripture passage in defense of the celebration. The rest of the church service was intermittently interrupted by St Valentine ululations and cheers. 

When did St Valentine celebration become an important Christian calendar event and who proclaimed this celebration for the church? 

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Now back to our question.

Should Christians celebrate St Valentine's Day? Does Scripture expressly or impliedly accommodate this practice? I have already submitted my response to this question in the negative. I am aware that some Christians will disagree with my views on this popular celebration.

I have supplied Scripture evidence in support of my convictions on this popular global celebration. Let me conclude by reiterating that St Valentine's Day does not appear in Scripture as a Christian calendar celebration. Its celebration is therefore not binding upon any Christian community. To my knowledge, there are only two celebrations or sacraments that the Bible commands the church to observe: the Lord's Table or Holy Communion (Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Cor.11:23-34) and Baptism of believers (Matthew 28:19-20).

Secondly, my view is that Christian participation in such celebrations does not advance the gospel. Given its erotic and sensual appeal, I have not found a convincing reason for teaching and upholding this celebration among believers! There is simply no express or implied command in Scripture that legitimizes the celebration in a Christian community. If St Valentine's Day can be celebrated in a Christian congregation or community, then Halloween and other pagan rituals that are popular in Western societies should be accommodated as well!

Vivian Bricker identifies three flaws that St Valentine celebration portends for the Christian community, namely, the  controversy behind its pagan roots; its impracticability for single Christians and its susceptibility as an avenue for open temptation. [1] [2].

If we must have a Christian tradition for celebrating love among Christian couples, then this should be distinct and independent of pagan calendar celebrations and should be founded on the express teaching of Scripture. I do not condemn those who are persuaded that St Valentine's celebration is a valid Christian tradition. They are entitled to their views. I am aware that some Christian communities accommodate the celebration and even encourage believers to honor the practice within their congregational gatherings. However, given its global hedonistic and erotic rituals and indulgences, I am persuaded that the worldly activities associated with this celebration convey the marks of Christian apostasy. They are not consistent with the moral principles of Scripture. The Bible warns in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16: "Do not be unequally with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols?..." 

Here are some of the findings on St Valentine celebration that were identified in a research study in America:[3]

144 million greeting cards were sent every year.

Americans spent $20.7 billion dollars in 2019 on Valentin's Day.

3 in 10 people do not celebrate this holiday in America.

$2.1 billion dollars was spent on Valentine's Day in 2010.

3% of pet owners give gifts to their animals on Valentine Day.

I wish to recommend that before celebrating any ritual or social event, a Christian community needs to prayerfully respond to the following questions:

1) Does the celebration, event or ritual glorify God?

2) Is the celebration taught or implied in Scripture?

3) Does its practice advance God's purposes for the church?

4) Does it promote our Christian witness?

5) Does the celebration conform to our uniqueness as God's holy people who have been set apart for Christ?  (cf. 1 Peter 2:9).

If the answers to the above questions are in the negative, my view is that a Christian community should flatly reject the celebration even if it has a popular appeal in our contemporary world. The truth is that Christians are not of this world. We should daily yearn for the city whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:14-16). 

Here's wisdom....The Bible proclaims in Revelation 18:4-5 "....“Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues. For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities."

Let him who has ears to hear listen and discern the admonitions and convictions of the Holy Spirit.



Shalom

References 

[1] https://www.christianity.com/wiki/holidays/can-christians-enjoy-valentines-day.html

[2] https://becomingchristians.com/2016/01/27/10-simple-but-powerful-reasons-christians-should-not-celebrate-valentines-day/

[3] https://justdisciple.com/should-christians-celebrate-valentines-day/




© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020

Laying Up Treasures in Heaven

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

By Ezekiel Kimosop

The Bible says in Matthew 6:19-21:

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

(Matthew 6:19-21, NKJV)

QUESTION TO PONDER:

Does this passage teach that earthly investments and riches are ungodly?

Not at all! Here's why...

Some Bible teachers have used this passage to promote frugality and a vow of poverty. By so doing, they take the Scripture completely out of its passage context.

Jesus is here speaking about getting our priorities right. He is not condemning earthly riches. Instead, He is exhorting us to covenant faithfulness.

The above passage is one among a series of moral exhortations that Jesus gave in Matthew 6 which include the discreetness on doing charity (6:1-4), and in prayer (6:5-8). Jesus then gave the model prayer often referred to as the Lord's Prayer (6:9-15). His teaching on discreetness in fasting follows (6:16-18).

This then brings us to our passage of context (6:19-21).

We should also consider the exhortation in 6:24 touching on serving God and Mammon.

Let's now conclude.

Here is the moral...If we focus on earthly possessions to the exclusion of the life to come, then we are losing out on our future with God.

Our earthly investments are indeed important because they sustain our lives and those of others who depend on us. They also provide resources for advancing the gospel. They are therefore indispensable.

Our life to come is however much more precious and of greater value compared to the one we currently have under the sun. We ought to give it special attention and care even as we pursue our earthly fortunes.

Jesus said that where your treasure is, your heart will also be (Matthew 6:21). The rich fool placed his heart in the pleasures of this world to the exclusion of God (Luke 12:13-21). He lost out with God.

Our divine heritage in Christ is eternally secure, and nothing we do in the kingdom of God will be lost. It is all kept to our account in God's divine records and we shall be rewarded by our heavenly Father when we appear before Him (cf. Hebrews 6:10-12).


Where is your heart today?


© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020

Can a Christian Attain Perfection on Earth?

CAN A CHRISTIAN ATTAIN A PERFECT OR SINLESS LIFE ON EARTH?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

I received an article from a dear brother in Christ this morning which appears to suggest that believers can be totally free from sin and live in perfect purity on earth.

This teaching is obviously not consistent with the foundational truths of Scripture. We learn from the Bible that no believer is ever perfect or sinless and here is why....

It is true that we are justified by God in Christ through His shed blood and that the curse of the sin of Adam is no longer binding upon us who are in Christ (Romans 8:1-2).

However, the truth is that we are not free from the presence and influence of sin in this evil world and neither can we live perfect sinless lives in the flesh.

Only Christ and He alone, [not even His mother], lived a sinless life (2 Cor. 5:21).

1 John 1:8-10 is clear that if we claim to be without sin, we lie and the truth is not in us. What this Scripture implies is that to claim spiritual perfection is to materially misrepresent the truths of the word of God.

Sin is to be confessed continually whenever we come into the presence of God. We should never ever imagine that there is nothing to confess!

We therefore need to balance our theology in line with the revelation of God's word so that we do not misrepresent it's divine truths.

Yes we who love Jesus have been justified by God, and declared righteous in Christ but can we live a sinless life on earth and with our earthly nature with us? Of course not!

We are never free of sin in the sense of perfect purity but we have received the atonement by Christ's blood for our sin in Adam and this blood is continually available tocleanse us from sin whenever we plead the blood (cf. Jeremiah 17:9; Hebrews 4:11-16).

The only basis for pleading the blood of Jesus is for the cleansing of sin and restoring the human soul to God. It is not meant anything else beside that sacred purpose.

The blood of Jesus is not meant to cleanse motor vehicles, roads or houses or even sanctify food! It is too sacred for such sacrilege!

Romans 6:23 declares that ALL have sinned [by Adam] and FALL short [Greek tense: present continuous] of the glory of God.

We cannot therefore claim to be perfect or devoid of sinful predisposition even with our honest intentions while we dwell in this evil world. It does not matter how diligently we walk before God! We are fallible.

We however continually grow in moral sanctification as we walk with the Lord. We are daily conformed more and more to the image and likeness of Christ as we grow in obedience and in the knowledge of Christ.

The perfection of our moral sanctification will only be attained when we appear in the glorious presence of the Risen Christ (Romans 8:28-30).

We should therefore continually access the holy throne of God by faith through the high priesthood of Jesus Christ and find relief by His atoning power and obtain grace to bear.

In this way, we are constantly cleansed from sin and preserved by God for the day of Christ. 


Shalom



This article was borrowed from LISTENING AND DOING BIBLICAL FORUM where it first appeared on 26th May 2018. It was revised on 12th February 2020.




© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020

What Does it Mean to Confess our Sins to One Another?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO CONFESS OUR SINS TO ONE ANOTHER?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

James 5:16 says "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

Who is addressed in this Scripture?

My view is that the writer is speaking to all Christian communities in all ages.

Forgiveness is central to our Christian faith and practice in that the works of the cross could not have been accomplished without God's forgiveness to us who were lost in sinful disobedience (Romans 5:8).

The scripture of James 5:16 is part of the wider passage ofJames 5:13-20 which carries a number of exhortations and spiritual principles touching on Christian living.

They range from thanksgiving to communal care for the suffering and the sick among God's people (vv. 13-14) to the restoration of the erring (vv. 19-20).

One of the critical issues that the writer gives prominence is the prayer of faith (vv. 15-18). This is exemplified here, complete with a powerful illustration from the life and ministry of Elijah the prophet who demonstrated great faith in God in his day by shutting and opening the heavens through his great faith in God.

The final verses of James 5:19-20 touch on the significance of spiritual restoration of believers who err in the faith. The church is obligated to restore those who err in their midst in order to rescue them from heresy (cf.1 Timothy 1:19-20 and 2 Timothy 2:16-18).

Now back to James 5:16. James exhorts us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we may be healed.

The following questions are instructive here.

First, what nature of sins are contemplated by James in this scripture?

Secondly, are all sins to be confessed to one another in this manner? In other words, is it a template rule to confess all manner of transgressions to another?

Roman Catholics have a confession box system where the priest receives confessions from the faithful and purportedly makes absolutions for the transgessions on their behalf. This is an issue for a separate discussion.

Finally what nature of healing is contemplated here as a consequence of our confession? Is it spiritual or physical healing or both?

Someone may quickly conclude that sicknesses have to do with unconfessed sins. That is possibly true.

I must admit that I disagree with the doctrine of generational curses which is popular among sections of the charismatic movement.

My view is that those who are in Christ have been fully restored and cleansed from any past stains and nothing can follow them from their past.

Yes, unconfessed sin affects not only our spiritual relationships with those who were the object of our disobedience but will ultimately ruin our fellowship with God if left unchecked. 

I believe that the writer had in mind our interpersonal offenses that often ruin our Christian fellowship and hinder our Christian witness.

My view is that sins that touch on our interpersonal relationships should be confessed to those we have offended so that we may obtain their forgiveness. Scripture also commands us to forgive those who offend us (Matthew 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26).

My view is that there are sins that should be confessed to God alone. For instance, if I am aware that I have disobeyed God on a particular issue that was under my charge, or by some act of disobedience that does not touch on another party, I should approach the Lord and seek forgiveness for it and make amends with Him.

If our conscience still condemns us then we will require further spiritual counseling on the issue.

Some sins are however complex and their effects will not easily go away because they carry some consequences that may follow us. They may require the counsel and prayer from a pastor or mature believer in order to strengthen the offender.

For instance sexual sins not only affect those involved but also break their fellowship with God in a deep way. This weakens their moral standing.

Those affected will require spiritual counseling in order to break the guilt and avoid circumstances that may reintroduce the temptation.

Even where such sins are confessed, the believer should be subjected to spiritual discipline and restoration in line with the teaching of Scripture (1 Corinthians 5).

There is some legitimacy for public condemnation of moral sin. It is intended to serve as warning to others that God's moral standards for believers outlined in several passages of Scripture must be maintained (cf.1 Timothy 5:20).

There is however power in confession when it comes from a broken and a contrite heart.

In Psalm 51:10-17 David confessed his sins to God from a broken heart. He was squarely responsible for abusing his royal authority in snatching Bathsheba from her lawful husband and arranging for her husband's [Uriah's] murder. David acknowledged that his sin was primarily against God even though he had offended other parties in the process.

Notice that David was initially trying to cover up his sin until God sent Nathan the prophet to rebuke him (2 Samuel 12:1-24). David finally expressed deep remorse for his transgressions and God graciously forgave him.

We learn from David's experience that God will never withhold His forgiveness from a penitent heart that breaks in His presence.

Some have associated the text of James 5:16 to conflicts in marriage relationships and argue that the couple should confess their sins to one another.

Domestic conflicts will undoubtedly strain the marriage if left unchecked. Where a conflict cannot be conclusively resolved by the couple then it is best to refer it to pastoral counseling.

The principles drawn from this scripture [and by extension, the entire passage] are of universal application. They can be applied to any Christian relationship experience.

We need the wisdom of God in handling situations of spiritual conflict so that we do not destroy the body of Christ by either neglecting legitimate spiritual correction or banishing believers into oblivion without spiritual restoration.

Those who err in our midst should on their part demonstrate the fruit of repentance through remorse and brokenness of heart before God and before the congregation of God's people, as appropriate.

In this way we shall all experience harmony and unity in the Spirit and will serve God without any condemnation in our hearts (1 John 3:20).


Shalom



© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020

What is the Day of the Lord?

WHAT IS THE DAY OF THE LORD DESCRIBED IN 1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11? IS IT SYNONYMOUS WITH THE COMING OF CHRIST?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

PASSAGE ANALYSIS

In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Paul describes some signs associated with the Day of the Lord. Some of the key features mentioned can be summarized below:

1) Many will be caught by surprise on that day since they least expected it (5:2).

2) It will come at a time of general peace (5:3). The Middle East conflict will probably have ceased and military sophistication may be at its highest so that people are assured of their safety. This is a pointer to the Middle East peace agreement having been successfully negotiated and signed. This peace will be deceptive (cf Daniel 9:25-27).

3) There will be destruction upon the wicked (5:3).  None shall escape God's judgement.

4) Believers will discern the season in which this day would come (5:4). Those who are walking in the Spirit will not be caught by surprise.

5) Believers shall be spared from God's judgement. Those who are in Christ shall not face the destruction and judgment (5:9).

Will this event coincide with the coming of Christ or is it a separate day altogether?

Let us explore this further.

If we go back to 1 Thessalonians 4, we learn that Paul had already addressed the rapture of the church in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. He was answering one of the questions raised by the Thessalonians concerning the destiny of those who sleep in Christ (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15). This was a reference to believers who died before the coming of Christ.

It is instructive that the New Testament Church hoped to witness the return of Jesus in their lifetime. This expectation was largely influenced by the widespread persecution of believers by the Roman authorities (cf. Acts 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16).

Considering the message of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, was Paul repeating himself in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 or was he speaking of a day that was separate from the coming of Christ described earlier?

Before attempting an answer, I must caution that Biblical prophecy is a complex area of study and it is impossible to draw a firm conclusion using one interpretative analysis even with the best of theological tools. There is always a residual mystery that falls into the province of divine resolution. I will not therefore claim to have the conclusive answer to the above question. This is merely my theological opinion which is one among many.

THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Let us consider the following three theoratical scenarios that would hopefully provide a theological framework for our further analysis of the question.

SCENARIO 1: THE COMING OF CHRIST (THE RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH).

The assumption here is that the Day of the Lord is the same day or event as the coming of Christ to take away the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

If this scenario is contemplated, then the assumption is that the passage of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 picks up from where 4:13-18 left though on a different note.

Paul is either amplifying something he left out in his previous teaching or he is concluding his thoughts at this point.

We have already establish that Paul had addressed the question concerning the future of those who have fallen asleep in Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. These are also refered to as the dead in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

It is perhaps safe to assume that the concluding passage of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 now emphasizes on the security of the believer in Christ. This assurance was perhaps what Paul sought to underscore as he concluded his letter.

The Apostle warns believers to remain spiritually alert and discern the times lest they be overtaken by the coming event. Scripture is here admonishing us about the importance of our preparedness for the coming of Christ which will catch the evil world by surprise.

This hypothesis is consistent with the teaching of Scripture.

SCENARIO 2: THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST AND THE MILLENNIUM REIGN

If we assume that Day of the Lord relates to the second coming of Christ, then Paul is introducing a new issue altogether.

Did Paul contemplate the second coming of Christ in this passage? Why would the apostle warn believers to be alert over a period that is outside the church calendar?

Was he addressing the circumstances that Jewish people would face on the second coming? If he did, then the church should not be concerned about it because they would have been taken away by this time.

Why?

Evangelical Bible scholars agree that Zechariah 14 describes the second coming of Christ to earth with His saints to reign for 1000 years. This will be a terrible day for the enemies of God's people who will be mercilessly destroyed (cf. Rev. 20:1-6).

My view is that the second coming of Christ is a different event from His first coming to take His Church. The second coming, in my view, coincides with the commencement of the millennium reign of Christ described in Zechariah 14 and Revelation 19-20. Some scholars find no distinction between the two events, saying that both shall occur at the same time. I respectfully disagree with their view.

My view is that the second coming of Christ shall occur after the marriage supper of the Lamb described in Rev 19.

SCENARIO 3: THE WRATH OF GOD - THE FINAL JUDGEMENT

The final theory assumes that the Day of the Lord is synonymous with the Judgment Day described in Rev 20:7-15. The final judgement comes after the millennium reign of Christ which is described in Rev. 20:4-6.

Under this scenario, we shall be inclined to hold that the wrath mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 is synonymous with God's judgement which is reserved for the wicked and the disobedient.

Is this a plausible conclusion from the study of the passage above?

Scripture affirms in the same passage that the wrath of God cannot catch believers by surprise (1 Thessalonians 5:4) and that believers will be spared.

Elsewhere in the New Testament Scripture, the Bible proclaims that believers have been sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30).

Theologically speaking, there is a powerful correlation between theory No 1 and No 3 above. Those who miss out on the rapture of the Church will not escape God's wrath unless they are martyred for their faith in Christ during the great tribulation period. These are the tribulation saints.
Revelation13:15 teaches that those who refuse to worship the image of the beast shall be killed. If their refusal is motivated by their desire to submit to Christ, then they shall be spared the final judgement which is reserved for Satan and his followers (Rev. 20:11-15).

CONCLUSION

My view is that the wrath mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:9 refers to God's holy wrath in Adam which only the blood of Christ could atone (cf. Romans 5:12-16, 6:23).

The sinners who reject Christ have no shield from this consuming wrath. They will face God's fury and indignation in a scale that is unprecedented in Biblical history.

Here's why...

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 says "For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him."

This scripture undoubtedly refers to our eternal security in Christ which is exclusively purchased by the atonement in Christ. This is implicit in 1 Thessalonians 5:10.

My concluding view is that the Day of the Lord described in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 relates to God's judgment of sinners upon the coming of Christ to take away His church.

This will be the culmination of a series of judgements right from the great tribulation through to the final judgment before the great white throne in Revelation 20:11-15.

There is evidence from the passage of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 that believers will still be on earth by the time of the Day of the Lord and this is the reason that Scripture gives an exhortation to Christian faithfulness and hope (1 Thessalonians 5:4-10).

After the rapture of the church, the wicked shall be left on earth and they shall face all the judgements reserved by God without any mercy.

These series of judgments shall include:

1) The Judgments under Seven Seals (Rev. 6-8).

2) The Judgments under the Seven Trumpets (Rev. 8-11).

3) The Grapes of Wrath (Rev. 14:17-20).

4) The Seven Bowls of the Wrath of God (Rev. 16).

5) The Final Judgment (Rev 20:7-15)

Any person outside Christ is therefore a candidate for this cataclysmic wrath because they will be left out of God's grace when Christ shall appear. They will receive the full force of God's wrath with no possibility of mercy because God's window of grace will have been shut forever.

This is similar to happened to the wicked in the day of Noah when the door of the ark was shut by God and they were all destroyed by the flood (Genesis 7:16).

The only way to escape the dreadful judgements under the wrath of God is to run to Christ and hide under His redeeming blood. Christ is the ark, the secure fortress and the Redeemer. He is the Alpha and Omega; the One who was and is and is to come. He is the hope of glory. Besides Him there is no salvation.


Are you secure from the wrath of God?





© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020

Understanding Biblical Offices And the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL OFFICES AND GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Ezekiel Kimosop

PREAMBLE

I have taken time to read through most of this article by Bishop Tony Owens Titled "Mis-Title To Be Entitled I"

While I agree with the author that coveting titles is ungodly, there are controversial assertions that he makes which take the focus of the author into deeper waters.

I will briefly address these aspects below.

I do not believe that the concept of fivefold ministry is consistent with the post New Testament Church period. My view is that this popular concept has been overstated and misapplied by sections of the Charismatics/Pentecostals beyond what is contemplated in the Bible.

Here is my response that captures my theological opinion on the article. I must caution here that I have not done a comprehensive response to every detail or assertion in the article. I have simply sieved what I consider to be sufficient for my response.

RESPONSE

Here is my itemized response:

1) The office of Apostle ceased with the New Testament Church period. I have already argued this position under a number of articles posted on this forum.

My view is that the New Testament apostles have already laid the doctrinal foundation for the Church through their inspired writings that are contained in the Bible and which, in my view, are sufficient for us.

We do not therefore require any further apostolic inspiration or works in our age or in those to come. This is the position held by conservative Evangelical tradition and which I hereby affirm.

2) I further hold that the office of Prophet did not exist in the New Testament Church, and neither was it revived by the Holy Spirit. This office was not instituted under the regulations of 1 Timothy 3:1-13. The Bible does not contain a single record of an independent prophetic ministry in the New Testament Scripture.

There is therefore no independent prophetic unction outside the plenary gathering of the Church congregation. However the gift of prophecy is exercised by a pastor and a Bible teacher when they speak the mind of God through their admonitions in the teaching of the word of God.

3) Following the close of the apostolic period in the First Century, the Biblical offices of the church consist of the following

A) Bishop/Pastor/Elder

B) Teacher

C) Evangelist

D) Deacon

(cf. 1 Timothy 3:1-13; 5:17; Titus 1:6-7).

4) There is no new revelation besides what is written in the two canons of the 66 Book Bible. We hold that Scripture is inerrant, authoritative and final and that it conclusively and exclusively conveys the mind of God to the Church.

When a Bible teacher claims that the Holy Spirit gave him a revelation, this claim must be handled with great care. The revelation must be consistent with the express or implied teaching of Scripture. The men of Berea exercised this noble duty by verifying what Paul and his associates taught against the teachings in the Septuagint (the Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament Scripture) (Acts 17:10-12).

(cf.1 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 John 4:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Any revelation that manifestly contradicts the word of God is decidedly false.

5) The gifts of the Holy Spirit are liberally granted by the Holy Spirit for God's purposes. They are specifically intended for the building and edification of the Body of Christ and not for personal benefit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). .

Since the Church is God's physical kingdom agent on earth, the Holy Spirit grants her the discernment by which she can distinguish between the various gifts of the Spirit and their bearers within the Assembly.

A congregation can therefore identify and tell these gifts among its believers. We don't require a special revelation to tell between a Pastor and an Evangelist!

These are distinct gifts.

The Evangelist is an outdoors minister of the gospel who proclaims the Gospel to the lost and leads them to Christ. The Pastor is an indoors minister who shepherds and guides his flock in the truths of the word of God.

However, a congregational pastor can and often doubles up as a Bible teacher. It is impossible to effectively shepherd a Christian congregation without the gift of teaching.

This is the more reason why theological training is indispensable for an effective congregational pastor and Bible teacher.

Scripture handled by a novice in a Christian congregation can be compared to an aircraft being navigated by an air hostess rather than a trained pilot.


Shalom




© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020


Sources: By the Holy Spirit through Bishop Tony Owens.

 www.tonyowensministries.com
House Of David Five Fold and Ministries Network Inc. and Tony Owens Ministries Inc.             1(407) 703-4559

What Does It Mean To Walk In The Newness of Life?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO WALK IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

Romans 6:4 says "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

What does it mean to walk in the newness of life?

The reason that Jesus went to the cross was to atone for our sins and to break the yoke of sinful condemnation that kept us bound in perpetual slavery.

When Jesus died and was buried, He put to an end the power of sin and wiped out its power of condemnation for every soul that comes to Christ.

When Jesus rose from the dead, His resurrection power ushered in a new life for the redeemed in Christ. This is the reason that Scripture speaks of our walking in the newness of life.

This life is evidence of the transformation that Christ wrought in us when He, through the finished works of the cross, translated us from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13); from death to life (1 John 3:14); from desolation to hope; from slavery to freedom in Christ; from alienation to fellowship with God (Ephesians 2:13); from condemnation to justification (Romans 8:1-2).

This newness of life comes with powerful implications for our Christian living as children of God who have been sanctified and set apart for God. We are to daily live for Christ and the keep our garments from stain for we are a holy people who belong to God (1 Peter 2:9).

Scripture says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV).

We are to faithfully walk with Christ who first loved us and died for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8). He purchased us with His sinless blood (Acts 20:28; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

A child of God is a member of God's divine household in which Christ is the Head and the firstfruit of those who have fallen asleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). We should daily live under God's divine principles, guided by His Spirit and by His eternal word.

There is therefore only one event that we ought to eagerly yearn for. This is the coming of Christ which will occur when He appears to snatch His Church from this wicked world and preserve her in His divine presence forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

Are you walking in the newness of life in Christ?


Shalom



© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020

Who Is Your Mentor?

WHO IS YOUR MENTOR?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

Joshua was a gallant leader who led the conquest of Canaan and was careful to obey the voice of God all his life. He secured the land and kept the people focused on God during his long leadership. He judged right; punished the wicked and upheld justice.

Perhaps a significant event in Joshua’s life is the covenant renewal that he led the children of Israel to affirm (Joshua 8).

The death of Joshua and Eleazar is recorded in Joshua 24:29-33 and this passage concludes the book of Joshua. It also confirms that the book of Joshua was compiled after his death.

The greatest tribute to Joshua is recorded in Joshua 24:31 (KJV) which says “And Israel served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua, and which had known all the works of the LORD, that he had done for Israel.”

Joshua began well and finished well, thanks to the mentorship of Moses and the elders and the empowerment of God.

The Book of Judges reveals that Israel went into moral decay immediately Joshua's generation passed on.

Who is your mentor?



© Ezekiel Kimosop 2020