Q & A with A Reader on Christian Giving

Q & A WITH A READER ON CHRISTIAN GIVING 

Q1 - Does the Tithing Command in Malachi 3 apply to New Testament Believers? 

MY ATTEMPT 

The Malachi context was a totally different scenario from the New Testament context. The Jews were legally obligated to tithe under Levitical laws (Leviticus 27:30-32). These laws are however not binding on New Testament believers. The church only borrows the moral on principle of tithing for godly giving since we believe this practise preceded the law. New Testament believers do not share in the curses contemplated in Malachi 3!

Q2. It has been argued that Abraham and Jacob were the first set of patriarchs to tithe. Is there evidence in Scripture that the two men consistently tithed? 

MY ATTEMPT 

The mention of tithing relating to Abraham and Jacob has been generally understood as a theological justification for the view that tithing preceded the law (Genesis 14:20, 28:20-22)

We believe the two patriarchs and several others not mentioned in Scripture faithfully and consistently gave to God a tithe of their increase. Scripture does not have to capture every detail to authenticate the validity of tithing as a godly practise. In any case, we are not given the details of all givers in the Torah texts. 

Secondly, the New Testament believers are not legally compelled to tithe or to give offerings. We give God freely out of our personal convictions in honour of Christ and to support His mission on earth. Tithing is one of the means for achieving that purpose. There is nothing ungodly in teaching about tithes provided that we teach the full counsel of God on Christian giving and Christian liberty. 

I am aware that some Evangelical and Pentecostal traditions will disagree with this statement because they do not permit Christian liberty in giving. Besides, some charismatic teachers manipulate their followers into giving beyond what is contemplated in Scripture.   

Thirdly, a believer is at liberty to give as he pleases. Some give 20% or more. Others prefer the traditional 10% tithing. Others give less. Some traditions insist that offerings are sufficient for Christian giving. If Christian giving is done in good faith and to the glory of God, well and good. 

Q. 3 - Some preachers have argued that the best way to teach a New Testament believer to give is by teaching about the love of God through Christ Jesus. If a Christian understood the magnitude of God's love and grace, they would withhold nothing from Him. Do you agree with this view?

MY ATTEMPT 

I concur with you on the significance of teaching about the love of God. However we also need to teach believers about Christian giving within the New Testament context. Believers should be taught the truths of God's word on a regular basis in order to build their convictions on the authority of God's word in guiding our practical Christian living. 

Q. 4 - Should Christians Tithe their Time to God? 

MY ATTEMPT: 

I have not come across any teaching of Scripture that compels believers to tithe their time to God. I believe sacrificing time to serve God is a godly practise for believers. However, we may not specifically align ministry time sacrifice to tithing. Believers are gifted differently with diverse skills talents and abilities and God expects us to apply these skills in a manner that advances His Kingdom. 

Some ministry commitments such as missionary work may require full time service from believers. Others ministry skills and talents are applied during the corporate gathering of the church in worship. Some skills are occasionally required. All these ministry skills are valuable to the kingdom of God. 

Each line of ministry calling and gifting should therefore be understood within its context. What is significant is that our Christian witness is a 24/7 calling. We should be prepared to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). We are ambassadors of Christ wherever God has placed us in this world (2 Corinthians 5:20). We should therefore put on Christ and glorify God in our walk of faith.

Q. 5. Is the First fruits giving binding on New Testament Believers? 

MY ATTEMPT 

The Levitical priesthood first fruit giving is not binding on New Testament believers. To my knowledge, no text or passage of New Testament Scriptures  teaches or implies that believers should submit to the demands of the Levitical priesthood ritual offerings. We can however give a thanksgiving offering to God from our increase or blessings that God extended to us . 

Some Christian traditions have retained some of the Levitical priesthood ritual regulations without any theological justification from the New Testament Scriptures. This does not imply that believers should blindly follow such teachings. 

Q. 6 - Should Believers Surrender their First Salary to God? 

There is no command from Scripture that compels New Testament believers to sacrifice their first salary or entire earnings to God. The illustration of the parable of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44 does not suggest that believers should give everything at their disposal. The widow sacrificed more than the rich men who gave out their abundance. 

The argument in favour of giving the entire pay to God as a special offering has been misapplied by some Bible teachers to cash in on unsuspecting Christians. My view is that the teaching on the giving of the first salary to God is a false teaching meant to defraud believers. 

How will this believer pay his rent and meet his family upkeep after surrendering his entire salary to the so called MOG? If the believer tithes out of that salary or gives an offering or thanksgiving from it, that should suffice. 

Q. 7 - Will a Believer miss Heaven if they don't give to God?

MY ATTEMPT 

Our relationship with God is founded on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Believers have received redemption from sinful condemnation. There is nothing to add to what Christ has accomplished for us in His atoning death. He purchased our souls through His shed blood and we received the guarantee of eternal life. 

Having said as much, I am persuaded that a mature believer would lovingly serve God with their resources, talents, and abilities including giving tithes and offerings. They will cheerfully give to God on a free will basis rather than by coercion or compulsion. 

Whereas no believer will be denied entry to heaven merely because they did not offer a tithe or offering to God, a true follower of Jesus Christ cannot withhold his resources from the gospel effort. It would therefore be unusual to find a believer in heaven who had no passion for God's kingdom. 

@ Ezekiel Kimosop 2026.

Is it Biblical to Describe Believers as Covenant People?

IS IT BIBLICAL TO DESCRIBE BELIEVERS AS COVENANT PEOPLE?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Someone addressed this question to me. He insisted that the title is inappropriate because, in his considered view, only Old Testament believers were under a covenant relationship with God. He also claimed that none of the New Testament writers assigned this title to believers. 

Here's my take.

My view is that one is at liberty to choose any name tags that they consider appropriate in describing believers provided that they align with Scripture. The writers of Scripture have not provided exhaustive descriptions for the Christian community. Reading through the New Testament Scriptures, one discovers that several imagery and metaphors and allegories are employed in describing believers on different occasions. Most of these metaphors are attributed to Apostle Paul, Apostle Peter, and Apostle John.

Scripture describes believers as Pilgrims (1 Peter 1:1), Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), Temple (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Peter 2:5), Flock/Sheep (John 10:1-18), Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32; Rev. 12:2); and Soldiers (2 Timothy 2:3-4). 

It is instructive that the writings of Scripture are aligned to two covenants which we refer to as the Old Testament and the New Testament, respectively. A covenant is a contractual relationship that contemplates two parties - the giver and the recipients. It conveys clear terms and conditions that mutually bind the parties in agreement.

The Old Testament was made between God and the Jewish people at Mt Sinai. God sought to draw the Jewish people to Himself in covenant obedience. Unfortunately, His people repeatedly violated their covenant terms and God was compelled to hand them over to the heathen nations. The Book of Judges describes the cyclic pattern of the apostasy of God's covenant people. 

There are several other covenants described in the Bible including God's covenants with Abraham, Jacob, and David. 

God is the author of the New Testament covenant which was sealed by Christ's shed blood at Calvary (Hebrews 9:15-28). This covenant is anchored on God's offer of redemption and eternal life for any sinner that freely signs up with Christ. Whosoever therefore repents of sin and turns to Christ is immediately admitted into God's family or household of faith and is therefore understood as a covenant believer in Christ Jesus in that context (John 1:12, 3:16-17; Romans 8:1-2; 1 Corinthians 5:17).

I am persuaded that the use of the title "covenant people" to refer to the church or the Christian community is consistent with the revelation and authority of Scripture.

A covenant believer is a person who has turned from sinful disobedience to Christ; from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. He is committed to walking with Christ in fellowship and submits to the revelation and authority of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

This covenant believer earnestly looks forward to Christ's soon coming.

Are you a covenant believer?

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Confidence in His Presence - Approaching God with Boldness - 1 John 5:13-15

CONFIDENCE IN HIS PRESENCE - APPROACHING GOD WITH BOLDNESS - 1 JOHN 5:13-15

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

1 John 5:13 says "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God." (NKJV). 

This text of Scripture affirms that believers are assured of eternal life in Christ Jesus even as they grow in the knowledge of Him. The writer takes pride in this truth as he encourages his recipients to stand firm in the faith. 

Our journey of faith in this world takes us through the mountains and valleys of life. The mountain season is a moment of celebration of God's faithfulness in the particular circumstances of context. The valley experience represents the trying moments of life when our faith is tried and tested by God (Psalm 34:19; James 1:2-4). This is the moment that messages of comfort and encouragement from Scripture are profound to the suffering believer. 

Job went through the valley experience in Job 1-2. The visit by his three friends did not help matters. They took him through a fault-finding contour rather than praying and comforting him! Thankfully, God came out for Job in the end. God has the final say. 

1 John 5:14-15 says "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." (NKJV).

This scripture assures us of God's immeasurable grace whenever we approach Him in prayer. It inspires our confidence in Christ. It also underscores God's divine discretion on our petitions. In the exercise of His divine discretion, God will answer us in accordance with His will. God truly hears His covenant people whenever they approach His divine presence in prayer. 

This assurance is significant because our relationship with God is founded on our covenant with Him through Christ. Whether are prayers are granted, modified, differed, or declined, we have peace in our hearts that God's purposes for us will be served.

How does the assurance of eternal life (1 John 5:13) relate to our confidence in prayer (1 John 5:14-15)?

Our assurance of eternal is the anchor and pillar of hope that stands out whenever we appear before the presence of God. We are conscious of our special relationship with God as His redeemed in Christ. We are members of God's household of faith, His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). 

We therefore have our solid standing before the presence of God as His covenant children (John 1:12); His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:19-20); His royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9); His precious saints that He has purchased through Christ's shed blood (John 1:29). He hears us when we pray and cherishes our special relationship with Him. We can therefore walk into His holy presence unannounced and petition Him in confidence because of the righteousness of Christ in us. We have put on Christ. 

This privileged standing in the presence of God should always lift our hearts as we call on our heavenly Father. If however there's any condemnation in our hearts, we ought to seeking forgiveness and reconciliation as we approach His presence so that our prayers are not hindered. 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Has the Battle of Armageddon Started?

HAS THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON STARTED? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

The current situation in the Middle East is deeply worrying. America and Israel expected a quick fix in sinking the Iranian autocratic regime but this has not happened so far. The war is now ballooning into a regional conflict pitting America and Israel against Iran. It has also sucked in American Middle East allies such as UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. 

Some European countries have distanced themselves from the war, fearing for huge military casualties and the economic costs involved. America and Israel have meanwhile been isolated on the battleground. Will Europe join their old ally later in this war?

Military experts reckon that the Iranian regime has built deep underground secret chambers and tunnels where thousands of missiles, drones, and cluster bombs have been hidden. It is also feared that the Iranian nuclear enrichment program could be going on in the secrecy of  these deep bunkers. 

Analysts believe this war may take decades to conclude unless peace negotiations are successfully undertaken at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of military personnel may sacrifice their lives on both sides.

Analysts also consider the growing influence and support of the Iranian regime by Russia and China as a worrying trend. These two powerful Iranian allies are believed to covertly offer military hardware and intelligence to Iran. China is understood as major commercial destination for Iranian oil. Russia is meanwhile benefiting from the war, thanks to the exponential rise in crude oil prices and the lifting of American sanctions against their oil trade. 

The Iranian backed militia groups such as the Yemeni Houthis, the Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas in Gaza are classified as an auxiliary axis for the Iranian regime. They all target Israel and its allies in the Middle East, thanks to Iranian funding.

Global crude oil prices are expected to skyrocket if the Straight of Hormuz remains blocked, keeping hundreds of crude oil vessels stuck in the high seas on either side. This will have catastrophic implications on the global economy and many vulnerable countries are likely to pile pressure on America to accept cease-fire negotiations. 

Will Donald Trump yield to his critics and back down? What happens if he suddenly pulls back claiming America's military objectives have been met? Will Israel survive the Iranian onslaught without American support in the Middle East? Will the Arab nations unite against Israel?

Some observers consider a ground invasion option as the new Vietnam war which mirrors the American experience in Vietnam in the 1970s during which tens of thousands of America military personnel were killed and others trapped in the deep Vietnamese jungles. This led to the coining of the American slogan: "can't win, can't get out". 

It is instructive that Americans are sharply divided over their involvement in the Iran war which is thousands of miles away from American territories.

Theologically speaking, some Bible scholars have speculated that the conflict might precipitate into the battle of Armageddon which will usher in the end times mentioned in Scripture (Revelation 16:12-16). These speculations are now at the centre of global theological discourse. 

Could this war herald the end times? Is it setting the pace for the unveiling of the Antichrist system taught in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12? Is the church staring at the final apocalypse contemplated in Scripture? 

We cannot precisely tell at this point what God has in store concerning the developments in the Middle East. God is sovereign over global human affairs and will assert His divine authority at His pleasure.

This conflict perhaps serves to remind us that this world is under a divine lease which will expire at God's appointed time when Christ returns to take His saints and later reign at Jerusalem for 1000 years (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Revelation 20:4-6). 

As God's covenant people, we should earnestly pray for God's intervention in bringing a lasting solution to the Middle East crisis. Let us also watch and pray so that we are not caught unawares when God's divine clock synchronises with human history. 

Luke 21:28 says "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (NKJV). 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What are The True Marks of a Child of God?

WHAT ARE THE MARKS OF A TRUE CHILD OF GOD?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

1 John 5:1 says "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him."

The true marks of a child of God are outlined in Scripture. A child of God is a person who has turned from sinful disobedience to Christ. They have been transformed from a sinful vessel. 2 Timothy 2:21 says "Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (NKJV). 

The child of God has been transformed by God so that the old sinful nature has been replaced by a new life of obedience and submission to God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

The believer has also been adopted into God's family of faith and therefore numbered among God's holy people.

John 1:12-13 says "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (NKJV). 

1 Peter 2:9 says "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (NKJV). 

This text of Scripture affirms that believers have been sanctified by God and set apart as a royal priesthood in God's kingdom. They minister before God and lead men to God. They should therefore glorify God by their manner of living. 

There is a clear demarcation between God's covenant people and the people of this sinful world. That distinction should always be maintained by God's children. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 says, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God..." (NKJV). 

God desires that as His children continue to grow in Christ, their discernment of their spiritual identity and destiny continues to manifest in their lives. 

A true child of God is therefore marked out by what Scripture teaches concerning them. They have put on Christ. 

This is not to suggest or imply that believers can attain sinless perfection on earth. They will fail God's divine standards from time to time because they live in a sinful world. However, by the leading of the Holy Spirit and the revelation of Scripture, believers can discern when they cross the red line and would readily repent of sin and turn to the Lord with sincere hearts. 

The people of this sinful world are described as "sons of disobedience" because they are trapped in sinful rebellion and have no capacity to submit to God until they repent of sin and turn to Christ. 

Ephesians 2:2 says, "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience." (NKJV)

Colossians 3:5-7 says "Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them." (NKJV). 

Finally, every child of God earnestly looks forward to the soon coming of Jesus Christ when they will be united in glory with Christ and with God forever (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). 

Keep it Christ. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Where Are the Dead in Christ?

WHERE ARE THE DEAD IN CHRIST? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop

This question lingered in the minds of the Thessalonian Christians who earnestly looked forward to Christ's coming in their generation. When they noticed that some believers in their midst had passed away, they were deeply worried about their divine destiny. The Thessalonians had not been adequately taught the foundational truths of the Christian faith at this point in time. Paul was compelled to respond to their questions and set the record straight. 

1 Thessalonians 4:13-16 says: "But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first." (NKJV). 

This passage of Scripture affirms that those who die in the Lord are not lost. They have simply exited this earthly life and their souls continue to live on in the presence of God until God's appointed time when the last trumpet shall sound. This is the reason that 1 Thessalonians 4:14 speaks of Christ coming with them. 

The bodies of those who have died in Christ shall however lie in their earthly graves awaiting the rapture. 

Scripture elsewhere teaches that to be absent from this world is to be present with Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 says"So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." (NKJV).

We learn from 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 that "...the body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." (NKJV). 

This Scripture underscores the distinction between the perishable earthly body and the spiritual body that the dead in Christ will adorn upon their resurrection. The earthly body is marked with dishonour, weakness, and familiarity. The resurrected body will be glorified and spiritual in nature. 

The precise nature of the spiritual or glorified body is incomprehensible to our finite minds but this reality will be made manifest upon the coming of Christ. There is a residual mystery of the heavenly life that God has concealed from us until Christ is revealed. 

As we yearn for the coming of Christ, we remain steadfast and confident that the souls of the dead in Christ are before the throne of God. Paul looked forward to this special union with God after his martyrdom for which he was prepared (2 Timothy 4:7-8). 

The Bible teaches that at the sounding of the last trumpet, the dead in Christ will rise first and those who will be alive at Christ's coming shall be transformed and will adorn heavenly bodies at the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52) and together they will meet the Lord in the air. They shall forever dwell in His divine presence as the redeemed of God in Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

How Does 2 Kings 6:16 Encourage Believers Facing Overwhelming odds?

HOW DOES 2 KINGS 6:16 ENCOURAGE BELIEVERS FACING OVERWHELMING ODDS? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

How does 2 Kings 6:16 encourage believers facing overwhelming odds?

2 Kings 6:16 He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them."

PASSAGE CONTEXT 

The passage of 2 Kings 6:8-23 records a strange incident during which God blinded the eyes of the Assyrians when they sought to capture prophet Elisha and possibly harm him. God miraculously intervened to protect His prophet from imminent capture. He blinded the eyes of the Assyrian army and Elijah's servant directed them to Samaria, far away from Elisha's location.

Elisha restrained his servants from destroying the Assyrians. Instead, he extended kindness to them by feeding them and sending them away. 

Elisha's prophetic statement recorded in v.16 is compelling. It reveals that God had surrounded Elisha with His heavenly host. There is no greater power than God's army. This was an assurance of God's protection for His servant. God did not permit the Assyrians to capture and possibly kill His servant. 

How does the statement in v.16 encourage believers facing overwhelming odds? 

MORAL LESSONS 

Here's the text: "So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” (NKJV). 

Elisha assured his fearful servant that God's heavenly host was at hand to preserve him against the Assyrians. Humanly speaking, this statement was incomprehensible! Elisha prayed that God may open the eyes of his servant so that he could affirm Elisha's prophecy. 

God graciously opened the servants eyes. In v. 17b, the writer says: "Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (NKJV). 

It took God's intervention to calm Elisha's servant. There are circumstances in our lives that God makes some interventions that reveal His presence with His people. God can use these unusual circumstances to calm our fears and to cause us to trust Him. He reveals His loving grace to us through the assurance of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 

John 14:15-18 says "If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you 

We may not physically see God's heavenly host surrounding us in our moments of distress. However, the assurance of His abiding presence is indelibly affirmed in Scripture. This should cause us to keep our eyes fixed on Him. Hebrews 11:1 says"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (NKJV)

Scripture assures us that God will never forsake His covenant people. In Deuteronomy 31:6, God assures Joshua of His abiding presence and help, saying, "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV). This assurance should encourage God's people facing overwhelming odds.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says: "And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” (NKJV). 

In the New Testament Scriptures, the writer of Hebrews 13:5 proclaims "For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NKJV). 

No matter what we go through in this passing evil world, we are assured of God's steadfast love and His abiding presence. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What Can We Learn from 1 John 3 on Love and Hate?

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM 1 JOHN 3 ON LOVE AND HATE?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

What are some things I can learn about love and hate here?

1 John 3:1-24

This passage of Scripture consolidates a number of topical outlines on moral Christian living. In vv. 1-3 the writer teaches that God's revelation of His love will be more manifestly revealed when we appear before Christ. The writer states in vv.2-3: "Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure." (NKJV). 

This text celebrates the bountifulness of God's glory when we appear before Him in heaven. 

In vv.4-9, the writer warns believers on habitual sinfulness. This passage should not be interpreted to teach or imply that believers can attain sinless perfection. Such a theological interpretation would contradict 2 Corinthians 5:21.

In vv.10-15, Scripture exhorts us to love one another. Sincere love among God's people invokes jealousy and hatred from the sinful world. Our love for one another is evidence of the divine transformation in our lives that has separated us from this passing evil world (2 Corinthians 5:17). It is instructive that the writer employs the word "love" four times in this passage, illustrating its significance in his exhortation. The word "hate" is twice mentioned. 

In vv.18-23, the word "love" is once again employed twice by John. The gist of this passage is an exhortation on having a good or clear conscience that is free from sinful condemnation. This is a defining pillar in our life of covenant obedience (vv. 21-23). 

In v.24, the writer concludes his exhortation by underscoring the significance of Christian obedience under the leading of the Holy Spirit. 

What do we learn from this passage on love and hate? 

We learn that we ought to love one another as God's covenant people. This love should be practically demonstrated in word and deed. Our love for God's people comes from God Himself. God extended His love to us in Christ and this love should ooze from us. This loving relationship will distinguish us from the world of sin and disobedience where jealousy and hate is a defining attribute. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

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This answer article was originally posted on ebible.com on 5^th March 2026.

What was the Psalmist's Problem in Psalm 42:3-4?

 

WHAT WAS THE PSALMIST’S PROBLEM IN PSALM 42:3-4?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

What was the psalmist's problem in Psalm 42:3-4?

Psalm 42:1-4 says "As the deer pants for the water brooks,

So pants my soul for You, O God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night,

While they continually say to me,

“Where is your God?”

4 When I remember these things,

I pour out my soul within me.

For I used to go with the multitude;

I went with them to the house of God,

With the voice of joy and praise,

With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast." (NKJV).

To appreciate the psalmist's predicament, the Bible reader should read through the entire psalm.

The psalmist exudes hope in v.5b, saying "... Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him

For the help of His countenance."

Was the psalmist possibly in exile at this point? The NKJV aptly titles the psalm "Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses." The psalmist was suffering some heavy distress whose details are not disclosed in Scripture. He was longing for an opportunity to appear before God in the temple. There is a hint in v.44 that the psalmist used to worship God in the gathering of His people. It appears that this experience was curtailed under unclear circumstances. The psalmist admits in v.9b that he was under the oppression of an undisclosed enemy. He had possibly been captured by enemy forces and detained or imprisoned.

The ridicule in v.11 provides a second hint. He was under a humiliating experience. The psalmist's enemies mock him all day long, saying "Where is your God?”. This could be an indication that he was under enemy captivity, far away from Israel. The mention of the territory in v.6 suggests that he was in a heathen location outside the territory of Israel:

"Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,

And from the heights of Hermon,

From the Hill Mizar."

While we may not fully understand the circumstances behind the experience of the writer at this point, Psalm 42 reveals that the psalmist as most likely a downcast covenant Jew who was possibly held by enemy captors outside the territory of Israel for an undefined period of time. His liberty was apparently curtailed and this could explain his distress. He longed for the communal temple worship which had previously shaped his religious life. 

The imagery employed by the psalmist in 

 Psalm 42:1-2 is compelling. His longing

 for an opportunity to appear before God

portrays the consuming depth of his 

covenant life with God. 

Some Bible scholars suppose that the writer may have been a victim of a Canaanite raid into territories of Israel. This raid could be similar to the Amalekite raid on David's camp at Ziglag in the Negev which is described in 1 Samuel 30. 

This psalm teaches us that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, our covenant relationship with God will be preserved and God's loving grace will be extended to us. God will never leave or forsake His covenant people. He preserved the children of Israel in Gentile territories, including Egypt, Babylon, and Persia.

We should therefore be encouraged that God is still with us in those difficult moments. We can commune with God and make petitions to Him and, more importantly, keep our hope on Him. At His appointed time, He will rescue us from our distress and affliction. 

Job suffered horrendous affliction under the Chaldeans. His devastation is recorded in Job 1:6-19. Job endured the painful affliction with compelling courage. Job 1:20-22 says:

"Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. ²¹ And he said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.2)
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

²² In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong." (NKJV). 

God came to Job's rescue in the end (Job 41-4. We serve a faithful God who stands with us even in the worst storms of life. You could be navigating difficult terrains in life, not sure about how things would come out in the end. Place your hope in God and wait upon Him. Psalm 121:7-8 says:

"The Lord shall preserve you from all evil;
He shall preserve your soul.
⁸ The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in
From this time forth, and even forevermore." (NKJV). 

Shalom

 

-----------------------------------

This article was originally posted on ebible.com on 13^th February 2026. It was revised and posted on Listening & Doing Biblical Forum on 4th March 2026. You can access this website through ezekielkimosop.blogspot.com. 

 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

How Did Jesus Become Sin in 2 Corinthians 5:21?

HOW DID JESUS BECOME SIN IN 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21?

By Ezekiel Kimosop

2 Corinthians 5:21 says: "For He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him [Christ]." (NKJV, emphasis mine).

A plain reading of the text may appear to suggest that Jesus was literally made a sinner at the cross. Nothing could be further from the truth! The writer of this text of Scripture employs metaphorical language to explain the essence and purpose of Jesus' atoning death on the cross of Calvary. This figurative language is intended to convey an overarching divine truth - that Jesus carried the weight and burden of our sin at the cross yet He was without sin. He was undeserving of the condemnation that He suffered to redeem us. Our sin in Adam could not be atoned by the blood of bulls and goats (Hebrews 10:4). Only the sinless blood of Jesus Christ could atone for our sin and our alienation from the holy and righteous God of Scripture. 

If Jesus was truly made sin, and hence became sinful even by a speck of it, He could not have satisfied God's divine purposes for the atonement. Only a sinless Lamb of God could qualify to be slain at Calvary.

Elsewhere in Scripture, we learn that Jesus voluntarily submitted Himself to the Father in order to come as God incarnate and redeem us (Philippians 2:1-10). When Scripture speaks of Jesus being made sin, it underscores the theological paradox in His redemption work. It was inconceivable that a member of the divinity could come down to take on the role that Jesus accepted as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This truth underscores the essence of the substitutionary atonement that Christ accomplished for us - dying in the place of condemned sinners to free them from God's divine wrath.  

In His incarnation, Jesus came to us as our kinsman Redeemer. He took on flesh and was in every essence human except for His divinity and His is sinlessness. This was a significant feature in His incarnate coming and atoning death. Scripture attests that there was no one in heaven, on earth, or under the earth who could have taken the place of Christ in redeeming humanity. This is the reason that Jesus is celebrated in heaven as the Christus Victor - the one by whom a decisive victory over Satan was resoundingly achieved to the glory of God. Jesus took our place on the cross and suffered the condemnation that was meant for us. He redeemed us from the bondage of sin to which our transgression in Adam consigned us.  Any sinner that looks to the cross in faith will receive his atonement for sin and will adorn the righteousness of God in Christ.  Isaiah 53:6, speaking of our disobedience and Christ's atonement, says: 

"All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned every one to his own way;

And the LORD has laid on Him the inequity of us all" (NKJV). 

Revelation 5:2-5 says "2 Then I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to loose its seals?” 3 And no one in heaven or on the earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll, or to look at it. 

4 So I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look at it. 5 But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (NKJV).

Revelation 5:9-10 celebrates Christ's triumphant mission at the cross, saying:

"And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,

And to open its seals;

For You were slain,

And have redeemed us to God by Your blood

Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;

And we shall reign on the earth.” (NKJV).

Jesus was therefore not literally made a sinner. He took on our burden of sin on the cross and by His death and resurrection, He defeated Satan and freed us from sinful depravity. Colossians 2:13-15 says of Christ's redemption: “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, ¹⁴ having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵ Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” (NKJV).

Keep it Christ!

 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What Does it Mean That He Who Abides in Him (Jesus) Does Not Sin - 1 John 3:6?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT HE WHO ABIDES IN HIM (JESUS) DOES NOT SIN - 1 JOHN 3:6? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop

1 John 2:28-29 says "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him." (NKJV). 

1 John 3:4-6 says "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him." (NKJV). 

John does not teach that believers are sinless or immune to sin. The two texts of Scripture are therefore not contradictory. 

Earlier in the same Epistle, John taught that believers are not immune to sin. 1 John 1:8-10 says “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (NKJV). 

The Greek verb for “confess” in v. 9 above is in the present tense, meaning that we should keep on confessing our sins. This is a continuing duty for the believer while under the sun. David Guzik rightly observes that this text refutes the misguided notion of a “once-for-all” forgiveness for sin at our conversion. 

Notice that God's forgiveness in this context is conditional and is tied to the offender's action. Our confession of sin is informed by the sanctity of our covenant relationship with God. Confession is therefore a natural response from the believer under the leading of the Holy Spirit (cf. John 14:26). 

Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:9-15 reveals that we are daily predisposed to sin. He teaches us to petition God to forgive us our trespasses even as we forgive those who trespass against us (v. 12). Jesus’s statement in Matthew 7:11 is instructive of our sinful nature. 

Jesus alone was without sin in His incarnation (2 Corinthians 5:21). He was fully God and fully Man at the same time. His divinity was therefore not extinguished by His humanity. No other person, not even Mary the mother of Jesus, was born sinless or led a sinless life on earth. 

Habitual sinfulness or a lifestyle of sin and disobedience is however condemned in Scripture by the same author. 1 John 3:9 says “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God” (NKJV). This Scripture text does not teach or imply that a born-again Christian dwells in sinless perfection or that they cannot commit sin. It has been theologically understood as a condemnation of habitual sinfulness. 

A life of perpetual sinfulness is incubated by a seared conscience which has been described as state of moral desensitization caused by repeatedly ignoring God's truth, resulting in a heart numb to sin, conviction, and guilt (1 Timothy 4:2). It grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). 

Notice the grim implication of the statement of Hebrews 10:26-27 which says: "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgement, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries" (NKJV).

My view is that 1 John 2:28-29 does not contradict 1 John 3:4-6. Instead, the two texts of Scripture compliment each other in outlining the nature of the believer's life Christ. We dwell in a sinful world and are predisposed to sin. The latter text condemns habitual sinfulness or a lifestyle of ingrained sinful disobedience. To practice righteousness is to walk in obedience to God's word and under the leading of the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26). 

John therefore never asserted that believers are without sin. Such an assertion would contradict 2 Corinthians 5:21. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026 

What Are The Things That Timothy Was Exhorted to Commit To Faithful Men?

WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT TIMOTHY WAS EXHORTED TO COMMIT TO FAITHFUL MEN?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

2 Timothy 2:1-2 says "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (NKJV). 

Which "things" does this Scripture contemplate in context? 

My view is that the answer to this question is found in the preceding passage of 2 Timothy 1:8-12. Paul exhorted Timothy not to shy away from proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ for which Paul had suffered and was now imprisoned. 

Notice Paul's unwavering convictions in v. 12 where he says "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (NKJV). 

2 Timothy 2:13-14 is an apostolic charge on Timothy. Paul exhorts Timothy saying:

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (NKJV). 

In the succeeding passage of 2 Timothy 2, which is our passage of context, Paul continues to encourage Timothy to stand firm for the gospel and to raise men who will teach the word of God in truth. He instructs: "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (NKJV). 

So what were these things? 

Adam Clarke observes that Paul's mention of "these things" could be in reference to some doctrines delivered to Timothy during his pastoral ordination. Matthew Henry adds that Paul's exhortation implied that Timothy must not deliver anything besides what he had received from Paul. He should not add or remove anything therefrom. The gospel should be bequeathed to faithful men in its pristine form in order to preserve the credibility of its doctrines. 

Some scholars believe Paul was making a direct reference to a specific set of doctrines that he had entrusted to Timothy rather than the whole of the evangelical doctrine. 

However, given the perpetuity contemplated in the text, it is difficult to rule out Paul's reference to the entire gospel truths that he had taught Timothy. In 2 Timothy 3:10, Paul affirms Timothy's mentorship saying: "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance" (NKJV). 

My view is that "these things" is a reference to the fundamental truths and doctrines of Scripture which lie at the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul proclaimed and wrote in his epistles. Paul was legitimately concerned that these truths may be compromised or misrepresented by people who had no knowledge of Christ or the theological foundation underlying the gospel ministry. 

This is perhaps most profoundly demonstrated in Acts 18:24-28 where a faithful Jewish Christian couple took Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew, and instructed him in the way of Christ. The couple had heard Apollos preach in the Ephesus synagogue and observed his doctrinal deficiency. 

We should bear in mind that during his last visit to Ephesus, Paul had warned the Ephesus church elders of coming apostasy (Acts 20:17-38). 

Notice further that Paul's epistle to the Ephesians lays considerable emphasis on doctrinal grounding of believers so that they are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting (Ephesians 4:12-16). 

In all church ages, God's word is preserved through faithful men who revere God's word and proclaim it in truth. These men should be trained and equipped with theological skills by which they can rightly expound the word of God with the diligence that it deserves (2 Timothy 2:15). 

This is the only way to preserve the sanctity of Scripture from the ferocious fangs of false teachers. 

Who are these false teachers?

False teachers are diverse. They are the wolves in sheepskin contemplated by Jesus in Matthew 7:15. They are the men who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). They are the false teachers mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. They are the men who will spread destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1-3). They are further described as teachers who "have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness." (2 Peter 2:15). 

It is against these evil men that Scripture exhorts us to earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). 

In contemporary Christianity, the revelation and authority of Scripture has come under heavy distortion by false teachers who purport to speak the mind of God. Millions of Christians are trapped under the manipulation and brainwashing of these self appointed prophets who twist Scripture for selfish benefit. 

The word of God should be proclaimed and defended by men and women who cherish the purity of its eternal truths and are prepared to stand out for the sanctity of Scripture. 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Why Did Jacob Switch the Blessings to Ephraim?

WHY DID JACOB SWITCH THE BLESSING TO EPHRAIM?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Genesis 48:10-19 recounts Jacob's blessing on Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, in Egypt. Hebrew tradition required that the right hand should be placed on the head of the first-born son, Manasseh. Jacob however chose to depart from this tradition. 

In what some have described as the crossed-blessing phenomenon, Jacob conferred the birthright blessing on Ephraim, the second son. Joseph's attempt at correcting the old man was legitimate given his poor eyesight (v.10). Joseph's action was however resisted by Jacob. 

This confirmed that Jacob had made a deliberate decision to change the blessings matrix, having convinced Joseph that the two sons would fall under Jacob's inheritance and any other sons born to Joseph would fall to Joseph (Genesis 48:5). Joseph's silence before his aged father is perhaps evidence that he submitted to his father's wisdom. 

Jacob's response in Genesis 48:19 affirms this fact. It reveals that Jacob had knowingly placed his hands on the two sons of Joseph! He knew that Joseph had set them before him in the traditional order but he nevertheless switched the hands. 

As to whether Jacob had deliberately schemed to withhold the birthright blessings from Manasseh, this is difficult to tell. The fact that the two sons had fallen into Jacob's personal heritage at this point is perhaps evidence that Jacob was entitled to act as he wished. Did he perhaps have any prior knowledge of the characters of the two boys at this point? This is difficult to tell. 

It is perhaps easy to relate Jacob's action to the scheming by his mother Rebecca to have him receive the birthright blessing meant for his elder brother Esau (Genesis 27). It is however difficult to tell what exactly motivated Jacob's decision in Joseph's context. Some have speculated that God had revealed to Jacob in a dream which between the two sons would be more prominent. Scripture is however silent on this question. 

The blessing recorded in Genesis 48:15-16 however reveals that Jacob proclaimed God's blessings on the two boys without distinction and preference. He prays to God saying: 

"Bless the lads;

Let my name be named upon them,

And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;

And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” (NKJV). 

Jacob's act of switching his hands on the two sons has however been understood by some as a tacit elevation for Ephraim in the pecking order rather than an open displeasure with Manasseh. 

The tribe of Ephraim has historically assumed greater prominence than the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua the son of Nun who led Israel into the Promised Land was from the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:20-29). Jeroboam I who became the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel was also an Ephraimite (1 Kings 11:26). 

@ Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What Do We Learn From Genesis 39 On Fighting Temptations?

WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM GENESIS 39 ON FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Genesis 39:11-18 describes Joseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife who sought to draw him into adultery. 

Joseph's compelling faithfulness as a steward in his master's house is recorded in Genesis 39:1-10. His master had full trust and confidence in him and had assigned his domestic affairs into Joseph's hands. 

Interestingly, Joseph's Egyptian master had also discerned that God was with Joseph. How did this stand? 

This is perhaps the most significant reflection on Joseph's life that his pagan master captured. It was the fruit of godly diligence that stood out for Joseph. This is what stands out a faithful believer from a corrupt world. 

The story is told of a customer who asked the counter salesperson if he was a Christian! The brief conversation that followed revealed that the salesman was a church elder. He had noticed that the customer had mistakenly overpaid for an item by a colossal sum of money. He quickly rushed and called her back from across the street to collect the money. Few people would perhaps have bothered to do what this honest man had done since there would be no paper-trail evidence for any counterclaim. The salesman confessed that his moral convictions would not permit him to defraud his customers. 

During his temptation by his Egyptian master's wife, Joseph demonstrated his moral integrity which was founded on his covenant faithfulness with God. He was a man driven by his moral convictions on godly prudence. He was not ready to compromise on his covenant relationship with God even where the exigencies of convenience stood out for him. 

Joseph's statement in Genesis 39:9 affirms his unwavering moral standing. His rhetorical question is equally unparalleled. He candidly responded to his master's wife, saying: "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (NKJV). 

Joseph was resolute that he would not fall for the woman's seduction. He was compelled to flee from his master's wife when she attempted to physically draw him into sexual sin. The woman later lied to her husband that Joseph had attempted to rape her! 

Joseph was eventually thrown into an Egyptian dungeon for a crime that he had never committed. God however stood with Joseph through his suffering and vindicated him in end. By God's grace, Joseph was finally released from prison. He rose to become the highest ranked officer in Pharaoh's court. 

MORAL LESSONS 

Joseph's encounter with his Egyptian master's wife teaches us a number of moral lessons on dealing with temptations in our Christian lives. 

First, we learn that a believer should stand by the convictions of God's word at all times. We should never give room to compromise. The Bible exhorts us to flee from every appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). 

Secondly, we learn that Satan is always seeking the downfall of God's covenant people. He can even use people close to us to tempt us into disobedience. We should therefore stay alert at all times so that we do not fall into the hands of Satan and his agents. 

Scripture proclaims in 1 Peter 5:8 that our adversary walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. This calls for diligence and fortitude among God's people in their daily walk of life. Scripture elsewhere exhorts us to resist the devil and he will flee from us.

Thirdly, we discover that no matter how many false accusations are filed against us, God will vindicate us in the end. Joseph suffered the humiliation of a life in the dungeon but his fellowship with the God of Israel was preserved. 

James 1:2-4 says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (NKJV). 

Fourthly, we learn that we should not seek vengeance against those who persecute us. There is no record in Scripture that Joseph carried any bitterness against his master. He could perhaps have used his high office to repay Potiphar in kind! He chose to endure it all to the glory of God. In Romans 12:9 God proclaims "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" (NKJV). Leave it to God!

Joseph later demonstrated compelling moral fortitude when he forgave his brothers who had sold him to an Ishmaelite slave Caravan for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:28). His brothers lived in guilt until their father Jacob passed away. They feared that Joseph would revenge against them and sought forgiveness from him. 

Despite the agony he had suffered in their hands, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers even when he could have been justified in repaying them for their evil. He was overcome by godly emotion and wept in their presence! His love for his brothers towered above any trace of pain or bitterness. 

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph answered his brothers saying "You meant it for evil; but God meant it for good." This statement reveals the wisdom of a man who had undergone affliction and learnt to submit to God in humility. 

Finally, we learn that God honors our faithfulness whenever we undergo afflictions in life. He will vindicate us at His appointed time. He restored great men of God such as Job, Joseph, and David who had endured harrowing afflictions. He rewards our diligence in His divine ways in this life and in the life to come. He will fulfill His divine purposes for our lives no matter what circumstances we go through in life. 

Keep it Christ!

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Do We Have Apostolic Continuity and Spiritual Gifts in the Church?

Q & A WITH A READER ON APOSTOLIC AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Q.

1. Is there a difference between apostolic gift and apostolic office?

EK 

The office of apostle was instituted by Jesus Christ and assigned to specific persons appointed by Him. I have not found any evidence in Scripture to suggest that a specific spiritual gift accompanies the appointment to apostolic office. However, the proclamation of the gospel is a continuing apostolic mandate for the church. 

My reading of Ephesians 4:11 reveals that the apostolic office is itself a divine gift to the church. God used it to lay the foundation on which the church has been built through the ages. Most of the New Testament Scriptures were written by the apostles. 

Q.

2. Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 mention the gifts for the equipping of the church

3. If apostle means "the sent", commissioned by Jesus. How could the 12 accomplish the assignment of the ends of the world (great commission). Doesn't this presuppose continuity? Work that is still going on

EK 

The Greek plural noun "apostoloi" means "the sent or those sent". This title has been assigned to missionaries and evangelists in its broader context. The twelve apostles were meant to constitute the ecclesial foundation of the New Testament church. 

Paul was later added by Jesus in person and assigned to the Gentile church.

Yes, the apostolic mission has been an active ministry throughout the church ages, thanks to the missionaries and evangelists that took the gospel across the world in succeeding periods. The New Testament apostles had teams of missionaries working with them too. 

This does not however imply that the apostles appointed by Jesus in person had perpetual successors through the church ages. Scripture rules out this possibility. Acts 1:21-22 says: 

"Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” (NKJV).

This text is explicit on the qualifications for the apostolic office being restricted to those who served with Christ and witnessed His resurrection. In Evangelical tradition, we recognize the authority of this Scripture as infallible. Accordingly therefore, we unequivocally hold that there can be no living apostle after the New Testament church period. 

Q.

4. Is the theological conclusion made directly stated in scripture? Cessationism argue that the canon is complete but that doesn't necessarily equate to the gifts themselves ending

EK 

This question has been addressed in my closing statement above. Yes, there cannot be apostolic continuity in the context of the primary apostolic office contemplated in Acts 1:21-22 and Ephesians 4:11-12.

Q.

5. If the prophecy ended, why did Paul deliberately explain and give instructions on how the church should handle prophecy? See 1 Cor 12-14. 

Will it be more balanced to look at this that there may be gifted sent ones and prophetic functions today that don't establish doctrine or add revelation beyond scripture? 

Paul's guidance of 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, 1 Cor 12:10, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:29 presupposes operations of these gifts and the call to be discerning. 

In 1 Corinthians 14:1 Paul encourages that we desire spiritual gifts especially prophesy. What did he mean?

EK 

I have extensively delved into these questions in the following articles whose links I shared with you:

1. Does God speak through Prophets Today?

2. Do we have Apostles in the Church Today? 

These articles appear on my website teaching blog LISTENING AND DOING BIBLICAL FORUM on ezekielkimosop@blogspot.com

My view is that some spiritual gifts were specific to the period coinciding with the Acts of the Apostles and have therefore ceased. These include the gift of prophecy and the gift of tongues. The gift of discernment is definitely active and so is the gift of teaching, evangelism, among others. Under Evangelical tradition, we believe that the gift of raising the dead was specifically assigned to Peter under the raising of Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43), and to Paul during the raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12). We believe that the two incidents were intended for the authentication of the gospel on the two occasions described in Scripture and that this gift ceased forthwith. It was never replicated in the New Testament church or during the patristic periods. 

We believe that the biblical Scriptures indelibly convey the mind of God to the church in all church ages since the canonization and that they are complete, prophetic, authoritative, and final. 

I hope this response is helpful. 

Thanks for the engagement. 

  

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Is the Atonement of Christ Unlimited?

IS THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST UNLIMITED?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

I am convinced that God's atonement in Christ is unlimited. By unlimited, I imply that it was not restricted to a given set or number of sinners. This is not to suggest that God intended to save all sinners unconditionally as claimed by proponents of the universalism doctrine. Scripture affirms that only those sinners who respond to God's saving grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be saved (John 3:16-17). The limited atonement doctrine advanced by deterministic soteriology groups holds that God predetermined that a specific number of sinners were appointed to eternal life. This doctrine is, in my considered view, theologically inconsistent with the revelation and authority of Scripture. It is neither discernible nor remotely implied in any text or passage of Scripture. 

The fact that some sinners will not believe the gospel does not imply that God's atonement is lacking in efficacy or that God's sovereignty is placed in theological obscurity. Scripture teaches that God has granted every sinner a free will choice in the same manner that He did Adam. In Genesis 2:16-17, God warned Adam about the consequences of disobedience. This implies that God permits men the exercise of free will decisions in their engagement with God. He does not robotically control men's consciences or wills. Scripture alone is the exclusive manual for understanding the mind of God. Human philosophical theories, however intellectually refined, cannot oust the authority of God's word. 

The doctrine of limited atonement, in my view, presupposes that God determined ahead of time that His redemption works in Christ Jesus shall be applied to only a limited number of sinners and to the exclusion of the rest that will be condemned eternal damnation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-15). 

This doctrine also implies that God created some people, a large number of them, in His own image and likeness simply to deny them His saving grace. It also implies that some sinners would earn His grace unconditionally. This violates several passages of Scripture including John 3:16-17; Romans 10:5-21 and 2 Peter 3:9. These texts and passages reveal God's intentions on reaching out to all sinners with His saving grace. 

In settling for the limited atonement doctrine, the following regrettable theological inconsistencies stands out, in my view:

First, the God of Scripture is portrayed as insincere and dishonest concerning His revelation in Christ Jesus and that He never after all intended to reach out to all sinners except a select few. Such a conclusion is theologically inconceivable (cf. Numbers 23:19). It impugns the character of the holy and righteous God of Scripture. 

Secondly, God is portrayed as unjust. Sinners who end up in hell had no real choices to make either in their obedience or the lack of it since their destiny had been sealed long before they were born! This also brings into question the validity of God's justice in the face of theological determinism.

Thirdly, God is revealed as an utterly discriminative God. He condemns some sinners arbitrarily without an objective basis even as He saves others without any rational basis, contrary to the revelation of Scripture in Jeremiah 17:9-10; Ezekiel 3:18-20; John 3:16-17; and 1 John 2:2. 

Fourthly, the implications for the limited atonement doctrine are far reaching and appear to exceed the confines of the authority, provisions and intentions of the Author of Scripture. It also presupposes that God's promise in John 3:16-17 and other relevant passages of Scripture should be understood in a different context, far from the Author's intentions. Some deterministic scholars have attempted to deny the plain reading of some texts of Scripture that contradict their doctrines. 

The Limited Atonement doctrine is therefore unbiblical, in my view. While it finds the support of deterministic philosophical groups, the doctrine is inadmissible in any Bible centered Christian community that holds the revelation of Scripture as sacred, authoritative, and final. 

I submit that God's atonement in Christ Jesus is unlimited and efficacious in all ages since Calvary and that no sinner is beyond its divine path. The atonement is sufficient to cover virtually every speck of sin in the world, past, present, and future. The only impediment that holds back this atonement is unbelief or rebellion against God. A sinner who hears the gospel proclaimed and ends up hell cannot look God in the eye and blame Him for his fate. God made the way for ALL sinners to receive His pardon in Christ. A sinner's rejection of God's grace is a sure ticket to eternal damnation unless they change their minds while the window of God's grace is still open. 

God never chose or condemned sinners outside Calvary. He chose the means of atonement by which those who would believe the gospel of Jesus Christ would be saved. No sinners were predestined for eternal damnation. 2 Peter 3:9 says God does not wish that any sinner should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

Have you received God's atonement in Christ Jesus?

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Will a Believer miss Heaven if they are Not Baptized?

WILL A BELIEVER MISS HEAVEN IF THEY ARE NOT BAPTIZED? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

*John 3:5 (KJV)* 

[5]Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

• Shed light on the above, in relation to the thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43; Matthew 27:38, 44; Mark 15:27, 32.).

• In other words, will a Believer miss Heaven due to lack of Baptism?

MY TAKE 

My view is that no text or passage of Scripture teaches or implies that a believer will miss heaven for lack of water baptism. Christian baptism is a biblical rite that attests to the believer's inner transformation in Christ. It is not the means to salvation. It is evidence of salvation. 

This is not to suggest or imply that water baptism is insignificant for believers. It is one of the two Christian rites commanded by Christ. It should therefore be observed in obedience to Christ.

The purpose of this article is to set the record straight on the question raised by a reader. 

John 3:5 says "Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (NKJV). 

This text of Scripture does not imply that water baptism is a prerequisite to salvation.. It is an allegorical reference to the ritual cleansing of sin and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Notice the clarification by Jesus in John 3:6-8. Spiritual rebirth is a divine gift from God that is accessible to any sinner who repents and turns to Christ (cf. John 3:16-17). 

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 says: "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God" (NKJV). 

The three rhetorical questions raised by Paul in this passage underscore the significance of the sanctification of the believer in Christ. This transformation implies that the believer is separated from the sinful world as he grows in faith. 

Notice the implication of the closing statement in v.16. The believer is indeed indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This is consistent with John 14:15-17 which says:

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you" (NKJV). 

No matter how young in faith, a believer is able to discern the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This discernment continues to grow as they walk with Christ. 

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

This text affirms the spiritual transformation in the believer's life in Christ. His worldview and inner life is consistently reformed by God through sanctification so that the believer is daily conformed to Christ. His new stature as a child of God is notably distinct from his former self (cf. Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27). 

Despite his life of evil, the thief on the cross expressed remorse. He was assured of eternal life on account of his faith in Christ. Why? Because he called on the Savior saying "...Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus' response in v. 43 is theologically understood as evidence of the thief's forgiveness of sin and his assurance of resurrection upon Christ's coming. He may have missed out on water baptism but he struck the right code - he submitted to Christ and this is all that counted for him.

The fact that the account on Jesus' crucifixion with the two thieves and his engagement with the thief on the cross appear in all the Synoptic Gospels is perhaps evidence of its significance in biblical soteriology. It affirms that salvation is exclusively anchored on God's grace rather than on any ritual or works. It is the gift of God in Christ Jesus. This gift was extended to the thief with a broken heart. His stubborn colleague lost out on God's grace. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 proclaims: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast." 

This text should debunk any mystery or doubt in the reader's mind. Salvation is by God's grace alone which is received through faith in Christ alone.

If water baptism is a cardinal prerequisite for salvation, Scripture should have expressly affirmed it. Scripture cannot speak from two sides of the mouth! 

Here's the conclusion to this matter - water baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation. Faith in Christ Jesus is. Water baptism is an outward ritual that illustrates the inner transformation of the believer. A believer should therefore submit to water baptism in obedience to Christ's command in Matthew 28:19-20. 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026