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Topic: How Deadly Is Legalism
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becauseHElives
Advanced Member
Member # 87
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Amen WildB ![[Cross]](graemlins/cross.gif) ![[Bible]](graemlins/bible.gif) ![[Prayer]](graemlins/prayer.gif)
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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WildB
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Member # 2917
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quote:
Originally posted by becauseHElives:
How Deadly Is Legalism?
Just as deadly as Easy Believism!
The Law is a good thing , not a bad thing....
Psalm 118
1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
2Blessed are they who search his testimonies: that seek him with their whole heart.
3For they that work iniquity, have not walked in his ways.
4Thou hast commanded thy commandments to be kept most diligently.
5O! that my ways may be directed to keep thy justifications.
6Then shall I not be confounded, when I shall look into all thy commandments.
7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned the judgments of thy justice.
8I will keep thy justifications: O! do not thou utterly forsake me. BETH
9By what doth a young man correct his way? by observing thy words.
10With my whole heart have I sought after thee: let me not stray from thy commandments.
11Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.
12Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications.
13With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth.
14I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies, as in all riches.
15I will meditate on thy commandments: and I will consider thy ways.
16I will think of thy justifications: I will not forget thy words. GIMEL
17Give bountifully to thy servant, enliven me: and I shall keep thy words.
18Open thou my eyes: and I will consider the wondrous things of thy law.
19I am a sojourner on the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20My soul hath coveted to long for thy justifications, at all times.
21Thou hast rebuked the proud: they are cursed who decline from thy commandments.
22Remove from reproach and contempt: because I have sought after thy testimonies.
23For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications.
24For thy testimonies are my meditation: and thy justifications my counsel. DALETH
25My soul hath cleaved to the pavement: quicken thou me according to thy word.
26I have declared my ways, and thou hast heard me: tech me thy justifications.
27Make me to understand the way of thy justifications: and I shall be exercised in thy wondrous works.
28My soul hath slumbered through heaviness: strengthen thou me in thy words.
29Remove from me the way of iniquity: and out of thy law have mercy on me.
30I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments I have not forgotten.
31I have stuck to thy testimonies, O Lord: put me not to shame.
32I have run the way of thy commandments, when thou didst enlarge my heart. HE
33Set before me for a law the way of thy justifications, O Lord: and I will always seek after it.
34Give me understanding, and I will search thy law ; and I will keep it with my whole heart.
35Lead me into the path of thy commandments; for this same I have desired.
36Incline my heart into thy testimonies and not to covetousness.
37Turn away my eyes that they may not behold vanity: quicken me in thy way.
38Establish thy word to thy servant, in thy fear.
39Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended: for thy judgments are delightful.
40Behold I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy justice. VAU
41Let thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: thy salvation according to thy word.
42So shall I answer them that reproach me in any thing; that I have trusted in thy words.
43And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: for in thy words have I hoped exceedingly.
44So shall I always keep thy law, for ever and ever.
45And I walked at large: because I have sought after thy commandments.
46And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings: and I was not ashamed.
47I meditated also on thy commandments, which I loved.
48And I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved: and I was exercised in thy justifications. ZAIN
49Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope.
50This hath comforted me in my humiliation: because thy word hath enlivened me.
51The proud did iniquitously altogether: but I declined not from thy law.
52I remembered, O Lord, thy judgments of old: and I was comforted.
53A fainting hath taken hold of me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54Thy justifications were the subject of my song, in the place of my pilgrimage.
55In the night I have remembered thy name, O Lord: and have kept thy law.
56This happened to me: because I sought after thy justifications. HETH
57O Lord, my portion, I have said, I would keep the law.
58I entreated thy face with all my heart: have mercy on me according to thy word.
59I have thought on my ways: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60I am ready, and am not troubled: that I may keep thy commandments.
61The cords of the wicked have encompassed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
62I rose at midnight to give praise to thee; for the judgments of thy justification.
63I am a partaker with all them that fear thee, and that keep thy commandments.
64The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy justifications. TETH
65Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word.
66Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; for I have believed thy commandments.
67Before I was humbled I offended; therefore have I kept thy word.
68Thou art good; and in thy goodness teach me thy justifications.
69The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me: but I will seek thy commandments with my whole heart.
70Their heart is curdled like milk: but I have meditated on thy law.
71It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy justifications.
72The law of thy mouth is good to me, above thousands of gold and silver. JOD
73Thy hands have made me and formed me: give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments.
74They that fear thee shall see me, and shall be glad: because I have greatly hoped in thy words.
75I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are equity: and in thy truth thou hast humbled me.
76O! let thy mercy be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for thy law is my meditation.
78Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in thy commandments.
79Let them that fear thee turn to me" and they that know thy testimonies.
80Let my heart be undefiled in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded. CAPH
81My soul hath fainted after thy salvation: and in thy word I have very much hoped.
82My eyes have failed for thy word, saying: When wilt thou comfort me?
83For I am become like a bottle in the frost: I have not forgotten thy justifications.
84How many are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85The wicked have told me fables: but not as thy law.
86All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me.
87They had almost made an end of me upon earth: but I have not forsaken thy commandments.
88Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: and I shall keep the testimonies of thy mouth. LAMED
89For ever, O Lord, thy word standeth firm in heaven.
90Thy truth unto all generations: thou hast founded the earth, and it continueth.
91By thy ordinance the day goeth on: for all things serve thee.
92Unless thy law had been my meditation, I had then perhaps perished in my abjection.
93Thy justifications I will never forget: for by them thou hast given me life.
94I am thine, save thou me: for I have sought thy justifications.
95The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood thy testimonies.
96I have seen an end to all persecution: thy commandment is exceeding broad. MEM
97O how have I loved thy law, O Lord! it is my meditation all the day.
98Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than my enemies: for it is ever with me.
99I have understood more than all my teachers: because thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I have had understanding above ancients: because I have sought thy commandments.
101I have restrained my feet from every evil way: that I may keep thy words.
102I have not declined from thy judgments, because thou hast set me a law.
103How sweet are thy words to my palate! more than honey to my mouth.
104By thy commandments I have had understanding: therefore have I hated every way of iniquity. NUN
105Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.
106I have sworn and am determined to keep the judgments of thy justice.
107I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly: quicken thou me according to thy word.
108The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, O Lord: and teach me thy judgments.
109My soul is continually in my hands: and I have not forgotten thy law.
110Sinners have laid a snare for me: but I have not erred from thy precepts.
111I have purchased thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever: because they are a joy to my heart.
112I have inclined my heart to do thy justifications for ever, for the reward. SAMECH
113I have hated the unjust: and have loved thy law.
114Thou art my helper and my protector: and in thy word I have greatly hoped.
115Depart from me, ye malignant: and I will search the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me according to thy word, and I shall live: and let me not be confounded in my expectation.
117Help me, and I shall be saved: and I will meditate always on thy justifications.
118Thou hast despised all them that fall off from thy judgments; for their thought is unjust.
119I have accounted all the sinners of the earth prevaricators: therefore have I loved thy testimonies.
120Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear: for I am afraid of thy judgments. AIN
121I have done judgment and justice: give me not up to them that slander me.
122Uphold thy servant unto good: let not the proud calumniate me.
123My eyes have fainted after thy salvation: and for the word of thy justice.
124Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy: and teach me thy justifications.
125I am thy servant: give me understanding that I may know thy testimonies.
126It is time, O Lord, to do: they have dissipated thy law.
127Therefore have I loved thy commandments above gold and the topaz.
128Therefore was I directed to all thy commandments: I have hated all wicked ways. PHE
129Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul hath sought them.
130The declaration of thy words giveth light: and giveth understanding to little ones.
131I opened my mouth and panted: because I longed for thy commandments.
132Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love thy name.
133Direct my steps according to thy word: and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134Redeem me from the calumnies of men: that I may keep thy commandments.
135Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy justifications.
136My eyes have sent forth springs of water: because they have not kept thy law. SADE
137Thou art just, O Lord: and thy judgment is right.
138Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: and thy truth exceedingly.
139My zeal hath made me pine away: because my enemies forgot thy words.
140Thy word is exceedingly refined: and thy servant hath loved it.
141I am very young and despised; but I forgot not thy justifications.
142Thy justice is justice for ever: and thy law is the truth.
143Trouble and anguish have found me: thy commandments are my meditation.
144Thy testimonies are justice for ever: give me understanding, and I shall live. COPH
145I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord: I will seek thy justifications.
146I cried unto thee, save me: that I may keep thy commandments.
147I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: because in thy words I very much hoped.
148My eyes to thee have prevented the morning: that I might meditate on thy words.
149Hear thou my voice, O Lord, according to thy mercy: and quicken me according to thy mercy.
150They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity; but they are gone far off from the law.
151Thou art near, O Lord: and all thy ways are truth.
152I have known from the beginning concerning thy testimonies: that thou hast founded them for ever. RES
153See my humiliation and deliver me: for I have not forgotten the law.
154Judge my judgment and redeem me: quicken thou me for thy word's sake.
155Salvation is far from sinners; because they have not sought thy justifications.
156Many, O Lord, are thy mercies: quicken me according to thy judgment.
157Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; but I have not declined from thy testimonies.
158I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; because they kept not thy word.
159Behold I have loved thy commandments, O Lord; quicken me thou in thy mercy.
160The beginning of thy words is truth: all the judgments of thy justice are for ever. SIN
161Princes have persecuted me without cause: and my heart hath been in awe of thy words.
162I will rejoice at thy words, as one that hath found great spoil.
163I have hated and abhorred iniquity; but I have loved thy law.
164Seven times a day I have given praise to thee, for the judgments of thy justice.
165Much peace have they that love thy law, and to them there is no stumbling block
166I looked to thy salvation, O Lord: and I loved thy commandments.
167My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and hath loved them exceedingly.
168I have kept thy commandments and thy testimonies: because all my ways are in thy sight. TAU
169Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in thy sight: give me understanding according to thy word.
170Let my request come in before thee; deliver thou me according to thy word.
171My lips shall utter a hymn, when thou shalt teach me thy justifications.
172My tongue shall pronounce thy word: because all thy commandments are justice.
173Let thy hand be with me to save me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my meditation.
175My soul shall live and shall praise thee: and thy judgments shall help me.
176I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: seek thy servant, because I have not forgotten thy commandments.
Pss.119
1. [4] Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
2. [15] I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
3. [27] Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
4. [40] Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.
5. [45] And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
6. [56] This I had, because I kept thy precepts.
7. [63] I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
8. [69] The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.
9. [78] Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.
10. [87] They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.
11. [93] I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.
12. [94] I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.
13. [100] I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
14. [104] Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
15. [110] The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.
16. [128] Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.
17. [134] Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
18. [141] I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
19. [159] Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
20. [168] I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.
21. [173] Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
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That is all.....
Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004
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Carol Swenson
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The Law of Yahweh (Jehovah)
Reading: Exodus 20
1. Introduction
Hebrew - Elohim = an object of worship
English - God = the Creator and ruler of the universe. A superhuman being regarded and worshipped as having power over nature and human affairs.
Elohim is not God's name. It is the Hebrew word for an object of worship. Our heavenly Father's name is Yahweh (Jehovah).
The first two of the ten commandments as recorded in Exodus 20 read as follows:
1: And God spake all these words, saying,
2: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3: Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
5: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Let us briefly consider these two divine commandments.
2. Objects of Worship
People worship many things over the centuries. Some still physically bow down to hand-made images and idols, just as our pagan ancestors did in days gone by. Others pay mental homage to manmade objects of worship (religious and erotic images, paintings, carved statues of the saints and a multitude of objects and ideologies). Others worship themselves: their appearance, their abilities and their position in society. False gods abound in every land and they fall into several categories. We will briefly consider two this morning, each at its basic and higher level.
The Work of Men's Hands
Basic: The physical idols of wood, metal or stone which pagans worship.
Higher: Modern inventions such as technical gadgetry, innovation, screen images, robot-controlled machines, sophisticated modes of transport and military hardware.
The Heavenly Host
Basic: The literal stars and planets in the heavens: and their supposed influence on human life.
Higher: The Spirit beings (angelic host), human philosophy in its endless attempt to cure man's ills. The worship of all these objects and concepts are strictly forbidden in scripture.
3. The Work of Men's Hands
No one will dispute the fact that mankind has made amazing advances in the past few decades. ... even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. This enormous advance in human understanding and knowledge, and the unprecedented increase in world travel was predicted long ago in the Bible (Daniel 12:4). Yes, in virtually every department of human endeavour new and exciting inventions appear every year. But be warned against worshipping human ingenuity. In the prophecy of Isaiah 44:9-20 we read of the dangers of worshipping "the work of our own hands." It also tells of the dangers of putting our trust in the products and philosophies of mankind. To be sure the passage - at its basic level - is referring to metal, stone or wooden idols; but its higher modern counterparts are included. These are the technological inventions and philosophical products of the human mind! In other words:
All our motor cars, aeroplanes or sophisticated robot-controlled equipment.
All our computers (mainframes, minis and micros).
All our inventions, and there are literally thousands of them.
And all human ideologies, isms and systems.
In themselves all of these are as incapable of saving the human race from impending destruction as were the wooden, stone or metal images our ignorant ancestors worshipped centuries ago.
In short, worshipping human ingenuity is in the long run a futile waste of time!
Isaiah 2:6-8 ... Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.
4. The Heavenly Host
The ancients literally worshipped the sun, moon and stars. Many thought the sun was God Almighty, the moon his wife and all the stars were their children. Ancient Israel repeatedly ignored divine warnings concerning sun worship and went ahead and sinned grievously.
Deuteronomy 17:2 If there be found among you, within any of thy gates which the LORD thy God giveth thee, man or woman, that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the LORD thy God, in transgressing his covenant,
3: And hath gone and served other gods, and worshipped them, either the sun, or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded;
4: And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, and enquired diligently, and, behold, it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought in Israel:
5: Then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman, which have committed that wicked thing, unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die.
2 Kings 17:29 Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.
30: And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima,
31: And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.
32: So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.
33: They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.
34: Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;
35: With whom the LORD had made a covenant, and charged them saying, Ye shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:
36: But the LORD, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and a stretched out arm, him shall ye fear, and him shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacrifice.
37: And the statutes, and the ordinances, and the law, and the commandment, which he wrote for you, ye shall observe to do for evermore; and ye shall not fear other gods.
38: And the covenant that I have made with you ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear other gods.
39: But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
40: Howbeit they did not hearken, but they did after their former manner.
41: So these nations feared the LORD, and served their graven images, both their children, and their children's children: as did their fathers, so do they unto this day.
Ezekiel 8:15 Then said he unto me, Hast thou seen this, O son of man? turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations than these.
16: And he brought me into the inner court of the LORD's house, and, behold, at the door of the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about five and twenty men, with their backs toward the temple of the LORD, and their faces toward the east; and they worshipped the sun toward the east.
HOROSCOPES
Of course 20th century man no longer believes that the sun is a person: but multiplied millions still believe that the sun, moon and stars influence their lives. Daily they study their horoscopes in the popular press. You may be sure that the reading of a horoscope is forbidden by the command: "Thou shalt have no other Gods but me."
Reading a horoscope is the modern manifestation of an ancient superstition that the stars influence one's life. The practice is forbidden in the Scriptures.
Deut:4:19: And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.
5. The Philosophies of Man
The worshipping of physical manmade objects was one of the earliest errors the human race made. But by far the greater error is the one modern man is making: he thinks he knows better than God: that he can, by the sheer process of innovation, experimentation and human brain power figure out a more effective way to live than that which Yahweh has detailed in His Word. The dictionary defines 'philosophy' in this way:
Philosophy:
The search by logical reasoning for understanding of the basic truths and principles of the universe, of life and morals, and of human perception and understanding of these.
A system of ideas concerning a particular subject for the conduct of life.
Philosophy is big business these days and thousands earn their living teaching it. As mankind's troubles grow, so does the apparent list of available solutions. New philosophical ideologies, isms and concepts are constantly spawned. People publish them, study them and practice them with zeal: only to discover decades later that they don't work; that they were an expensive, pointless and dangerous waste of time.
Where did these ideas concerning human behaviour originate? And are they really new? Strange as it may seem, there are very few - if any - original moral ideas for living appearing on the scene these days. What we are witnessing are old ideas dressed up in new clothes. The ancients taught philosophy thousands of years ago. The subject is not new. The fact is, what is currently called the 'new morality' is really the newly packaged 'old immorality.' It has been around since time began. Many of the so-called 'new' guidelines for life were spawned thousands of years ago in the minds of the ancients - men and angels! Go to any country, examine any civilization and you will be able to trace philosophical ideas about life which go back thousands of years. The most popular and destructive all have this in common: they directly clash with the commandments of the Almighty God: and the more they contradict His law, the more catastrophic are their results. Down through the ages Satan has challenged every commandment Yahweh has given. Satan vainly imagines that he has a better way, an easier way, a more enjoyable way to live: one that will benefit the whole human race. Millions fall victim to his deception every day. Why is Satan so active? What is his goal? What is it that drives him to deceive mankind? The scriptures give us the stunning answers.
Satan's aim is to rule the universe, to dethrone God; to make Yahweh serve him!
Satan wants to govern, not just the minds of men, but the minds of the entire heavenly host.
6. Satan Wants to be Worshiped
Satan was created a mighty arch-angel, a 'covering cherub' to stand in Yahweh's presence. He is a being of amazing beauty, wisdom and power. But, as he went about his duties, pride entered his heart and he coveted the very throne of his Creator. The following prophecy tells of Satan's ambitions and his end.
Ezekiel 28:11-19 "Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Thou sealest up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God; every precious stone was thy covering, the sardius, topaz, and the diamond, the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper, the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle, and gold: the workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created. Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffick; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee, and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth in the sight of all them that behold thee. All they that know thee among the people shall be astonished at thee: thou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more."
7. The Pride of Fallen Angels
Alas! the sin of Satan (pride and the desire to be worshipped) spread through the angelic host like a cancer. Millions of angels joined Satan in his rebellion against the Almighty. The Bible tells us that one third of the heavenly host joined Satan in his bid to overthrow God.
Revelation 12:3-9 "And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven ... And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him."
This rebellious host of evil angels is still around. They are the brains behind most - if not all - the vain ideologies the human race has implemented in the centuries past. They are the false gods we are commanded not to worship. They are the demons and evil spirits behind every bogus religion that has plagued mankind since the creation. Writing of these evil beings the apostle Paul warns:
Ephesians 6:10-12 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Sad to say, idolatry is an international sin. Like the ancient city of Athens the whole world is now given over to idolatry. All nations are currently worshiping human products and human ideologies. Yahweh's laws are seldom considered. Moral standards have plummeted. Sin is rampant and society is paying the price. Rebellion has spread from the angelic host to the human heart. Comparatively few want to obey Yahweh and His law. Listed below are a few more texts concerning idolatry. Beware how you live: because failure to take warning will prove catastrophic!
1 Samuel 15:23 "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."
Acts 17:16 "Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry."
1 Corinthians 10:14 "Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."
Colossians 3:5-9 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds."
1 Corinthians 6:9 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,"
1 Corinthians 10:7 "Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."
Revelation 9:20 "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:"
Revelation 21:8 "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Revelation 22:15 "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."
Sin is rampant these days. The commandments of the Most High are broken with impunity. They are treated with disdain; even by leading Christian churchmen. Millions worship the gods of their own choosing and the work of their own hands: illicit sex, money, food and drink and a host of forbidden things too numerous to mention. The Almighty is not unaware of what man is doing. He takes full account of every thought, word and deed. His day of reckoning is fast approaching. Never forget that fact! What about You?
How do you fare when you measure yourself against the passages of scripture you've just read? Are you blatantly sinning, disdainfully supposing that you are safe from the reach of these ancient scriptures? Or is your conscience telling you that you need to repent: and that in several areas you need to ask forgiveness of the Almighty?
At best [we] can only inform you of your danger. We can bring to your notice what the Almighty has said in His Word. But only His Spirit can convict you of sin. Bear in mind that the Saviour is anxious to save you from all your sins - however small or great they may be. No one is beyond redemption; especially those who know deep within themselves that all is not right in their lives. Salvation is possible for all souls through Jesus Christ. And salvation is free! That is the beauty of the Gospel. It is good news that salvation is free! The Almighty is offering you free pardon from all sin. He also offers you life eternal in the Kingdom of Heaven. You cannot afford to ignore His offer. No one on the face of this earth can afford to reject that offer.
8. Summary
The first and second of the ten commandments forbid the worship of other gods and all forms of idolatry.
But sad to say millions sin daily by worshipping a host of false gods.
They worship: idols, images, human inventions, human ideologies, evil angels, the creature rather than the Creator, the stars and other heavenly bodies, food, drink, drugs, sexual pleasure, power, money, social status, fame etc.
All these are the 'gods of this world' and worshipping them is sin.
Satan, an arch-angel of great intelligence, beauty and power, is the author of sin. He leads a rebellion against the Most High and a third of the angelic host joined him in his stand against God. Billions of human beings are also currently in revolt against God. Satan's aim is to sit on the very throne of the Almighty and be worshiped as God! But Satan's days are numbered. The Bible tells us that he is soon to be exposed and judged. His time is short and Satan knows it.
The Bible also teaches that those who engage in the sins of false worship and idolatry will not go unpunished. They will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Indeed, they will experience the wrath of the Almighty God and forfeit eternal life. That is certain!
This sermon is a warning message to all who hear and read it - to give up sin and accept salvation through Jesus Christ (Yeshua the Messiah). Salvation is free. All you need to do is accept it. Do this today, before it is eternally too late.
IDOLATRY is making anything other than God absolute. In legalistic religion, the individual is absorbed into the system and loses identity and self esteem. Legalism is the mortal enemy of healthy self esteem. Peace with God is a gift and not a work of law. Romans 10:4: "Christ is the end (or "goal" Gk. Telos) of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."
Read Romans 5:1-10; Galatians 2:16, 20-21; Galatians 5:1, 13-15; Ephesians 2:8-9 for the triumph of love and grace over law.
Legalism denies the love and power of God in Jesus in the Gospels. Legalism has certain distinct features in the Bible and today:
Legalism is self centered. "Look what I have done."
Luke 18:9-14.
Legalism emphasizes the externals and becomes preoccupied with trivia.
Matthew 23:5-6, 24-25.
Legalism makes things other than God absolute.
Mark 7:5-9.
Legalism obscures a clear view of God.
Matthew 23:13, 15.
Legalism is insensitive to human need.
Mark 3:1-2; Luke 10:25-37
Legalism ignores individuality.
Matthew 23:4; 11:28-30.
Legalism develops into a religion of experts.
Matthew 15:3-6; 23:3; 18:1-4.
Legalism creates judgment and divisions.
Mark 11:15-18; Luke 20:19-20.
Legalism always needs more interpretation.
Matthew 23:16-23.
Legalism denies your freedom to make your own decisions based on your personal experience with God.
Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-7.
The awesome destructive power of judgmental legalism in religion should not be underestimated. Legalistic religion undermines self esteem. The individual can never measure up to the absolute legal standards of "holy living" or "perfection" demanded by the legalists.
Jesus came to liberate people from hopeless bondage to legalistic judgmental abusive religion. "Since you are free in Christ, do not be bound again by a religious yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1). No matter how legalism is disguised, it is the enemy of Christ and of your self respect and peace in Christ. Grow in Christ, and you grow in self esteem and freedom.
The word "religion" originally means "to bind" or "to limit" and refers to ideas and beliefs that bind and control people. The New Testament idea of salvation, however, was expressed in Greek words that mean "liberation" and "freedom."
The Greek words for "save" and "savior" in the New Testament (sozo & soter) mean "to set free, liberate, rescue" or to be a "liberator" or "one who sets people free." In the time of Christ, the words were used for teachers, who liberated students from ignorance, doctors, who liberated people from sickness, or leaders, who liberated people from an enemy. The name "Jesus" is the Greek form of the Hebrew name "Joshua," which means "deliverer" or "liberator."
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becauseHElives
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quote:
I was wondering, what is the opposite of Easy Believism?
the opposite of Easy Believism is the difference between Heaven and Hell, Life and Death,
if you do not have a New Nature, a changed heart, a heart that loves the Law of Yahweh you have been deceived by Satan
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Eden
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becauseHElives wrote quote:
How Deadly Is Legalism?
Just as deadly as Easy Believism!
I was wondering, what is the opposite of Easy Believism?
Hard Believism?
Romans 5:8
But God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
1 Corinthians 15:3
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
love, Eden
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Carol Swenson
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How Deadly Is Legalism?
Just as deadly as Easy Believism!
AMEN becauseHElives! ![[thumbsup2]](graemlins/thumbsup2.gif)
Quoted from OP:
quote:
The Christian is still obligated to obey God, even though we know our obedience in no sense provides grounds for our justification. That is precisely why our obedience should be motivated primarily by gratitude and love for the Lord. We are free from the threat of eternal condemnation (Rom. 8:1). We are free from the law of sin and death (v. 2), and empowered by God's grace both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). We have every reason to obey joyfully—and no true Christian will ever think of obedience as something optional.
But something in human nature makes us want to go to extremes, a weakness from which Christians are not wholly free. “Since we are saved by grace,” some argue, “we are free to live as we please,” which is the extreme of license.
“But we cannot ignore God’s Law,” others argue. “We are saved by grace, to be sure; but we must live under Law if we are to please God.” This is the extreme expression of legalism.
Paul answered the first group in Romans 6; the second group he answered in Romans 7.
This is the same Paul who wrote Romans 14
You will note that Romans 14 begins with this admonition. Paul was addressing those who were “strong in the faith,” that is, those who understood their spiritual liberty in Christ and were not enslaved to diets or holy days.
The “weak in faith” were immature believers who felt obligated to obey legalistic rules concerning what they ate and when they worshiped. Many people have the idea that the Christians who follow strict rules are the most mature, but this is not necessarily the case. In Romans, the weak Christians were those who clung to the Law and did not enjoy their freedom in the Lord.
The weak Christians were judging and condemning the strong Christians, and the strong Christians were despising the weak Christians.
“Welcome one another!” was Paul’s first admonition.
At the Christian BBS, we do discuss different beliefs. Isn't that why we're here? To glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, each in his own way, as we are led by the Holy Spirit?
If we stopped with the first admonition, it might give the impression that Christians were to leave each other alone and let the weak remain weak. But this second admonition in Romans 15 explains things further. The emphasis is on “brother.” It is the principle of brotherly love. If we love each other, we will seek to edify each other, build each other up in the faith.
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Found in Him
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<< Romans 14 >>
New International Version
The Weak and the Strong
1Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. 2One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. 4Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. 8If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
9For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11It is written:
“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.’”a
12So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.
13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 14As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no foodb is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.
22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
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~To Him That is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy...to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.~ Jude 24
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becauseHElives
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How Deadly Is Legalism?
Just as deadly as Easy Believism!
The Law is a good thing , not a bad thing....
Psalm 118
1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
2Blessed are they who search his testimonies: that seek him with their whole heart.
3For they that work iniquity, have not walked in his ways.
4Thou hast commanded thy commandments to be kept most diligently.
5O! that my ways may be directed to keep thy justifications.
6Then shall I not be confounded, when I shall look into all thy commandments.
7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned the judgments of thy justice.
8I will keep thy justifications: O! do not thou utterly forsake me. BETH
9By what doth a young man correct his way? by observing thy words.
10With my whole heart have I sought after thee: let me not stray from thy commandments.
11Thy words have I hidden in my heart, that I may not sin against thee.
12Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy justifications.
13With my lips I have pronounced all the judgments of thy mouth.
14I have been delighted in the way of thy testimonies, as in all riches.
15I will meditate on thy commandments: and I will consider thy ways.
16I will think of thy justifications: I will not forget thy words. GIMEL
17Give bountifully to thy servant, enliven me: and I shall keep thy words.
18Open thou my eyes: and I will consider the wondrous things of thy law.
19I am a sojourner on the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.
20My soul hath coveted to long for thy justifications, at all times.
21Thou hast rebuked the proud: they are cursed who decline from thy commandments.
22Remove from reproach and contempt: because I have sought after thy testimonies.
23For princes sat, and spoke against me: but thy servant was employed in thy justifications.
24For thy testimonies are my meditation: and thy justifications my counsel. DALETH
25My soul hath cleaved to the pavement: quicken thou me according to thy word.
26I have declared my ways, and thou hast heard me: tech me thy justifications.
27Make me to understand the way of thy justifications: and I shall be exercised in thy wondrous works.
28My soul hath slumbered through heaviness: strengthen thou me in thy words.
29Remove from me the way of iniquity: and out of thy law have mercy on me.
30I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments I have not forgotten.
31I have stuck to thy testimonies, O Lord: put me not to shame.
32I have run the way of thy commandments, when thou didst enlarge my heart. HE
33Set before me for a law the way of thy justifications, O Lord: and I will always seek after it.
34Give me understanding, and I will search thy law ; and I will keep it with my whole heart.
35Lead me into the path of thy commandments; for this same I have desired.
36Incline my heart into thy testimonies and not to covetousness.
37Turn away my eyes that they may not behold vanity: quicken me in thy way.
38Establish thy word to thy servant, in thy fear.
39Turn away my reproach, which I have apprehended: for thy judgments are delightful.
40Behold I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy justice. VAU
41Let thy mercy also come upon me, O Lord: thy salvation according to thy word.
42So shall I answer them that reproach me in any thing; that I have trusted in thy words.
43And take not thou the word of truth utterly out of my mouth: for in thy words have I hoped exceedingly.
44So shall I always keep thy law, for ever and ever.
45And I walked at large: because I have sought after thy commandments.
46And I spoke of thy testimonies before kings: and I was not ashamed.
47I meditated also on thy commandments, which I loved.
48And I lifted up my hands to thy commandments, which I loved: and I was exercised in thy justifications. ZAIN
49Be thou mindful of thy word to thy servant, in which thou hast given me hope.
50This hath comforted me in my humiliation: because thy word hath enlivened me.
51The proud did iniquitously altogether: but I declined not from thy law.
52I remembered, O Lord, thy judgments of old: and I was comforted.
53A fainting hath taken hold of me, because of the wicked that forsake thy law.
54Thy justifications were the subject of my song, in the place of my pilgrimage.
55In the night I have remembered thy name, O Lord: and have kept thy law.
56This happened to me: because I sought after thy justifications. HETH
57O Lord, my portion, I have said, I would keep the law.
58I entreated thy face with all my heart: have mercy on me according to thy word.
59I have thought on my ways: and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
60I am ready, and am not troubled: that I may keep thy commandments.
61The cords of the wicked have encompassed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
62I rose at midnight to give praise to thee; for the judgments of thy justification.
63I am a partaker with all them that fear thee, and that keep thy commandments.
64The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy justifications. TETH
65Thou hast done well with thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word.
66Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; for I have believed thy commandments.
67Before I was humbled I offended; therefore have I kept thy word.
68Thou art good; and in thy goodness teach me thy justifications.
69The iniquity of the proud hath been multiplied over me: but I will seek thy commandments with my whole heart.
70Their heart is curdled like milk: but I have meditated on thy law.
71It is good for me that thou hast humbled me, that I may learn thy justifications.
72The law of thy mouth is good to me, above thousands of gold and silver. JOD
73Thy hands have made me and formed me: give me understanding, and I will learn thy commandments.
74They that fear thee shall see me, and shall be glad: because I have greatly hoped in thy words.
75I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are equity: and in thy truth thou hast humbled me.
76O! let thy mercy be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.
77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for thy law is my meditation.
78Let the proud be ashamed, because they have done unjustly towards me: but I will be employed in thy commandments.
79Let them that fear thee turn to me" and they that know thy testimonies.
80Let my heart be undefiled in thy justifications, that I may not be confounded. CAPH
81My soul hath fainted after thy salvation: and in thy word I have very much hoped.
82My eyes have failed for thy word, saying: When wilt thou comfort me?
83For I am become like a bottle in the frost: I have not forgotten thy justifications.
84How many are the days of thy servant: when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85The wicked have told me fables: but not as thy law.
86All thy statutes are truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me.
87They had almost made an end of me upon earth: but I have not forsaken thy commandments.
88Quicken thou me according to thy mercy: and I shall keep the testimonies of thy mouth. LAMED
89For ever, O Lord, thy word standeth firm in heaven.
90Thy truth unto all generations: thou hast founded the earth, and it continueth.
91By thy ordinance the day goeth on: for all things serve thee.
92Unless thy law had been my meditation, I had then perhaps perished in my abjection.
93Thy justifications I will never forget: for by them thou hast given me life.
94I am thine, save thou me: for I have sought thy justifications.
95The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood thy testimonies.
96I have seen an end to all persecution: thy commandment is exceeding broad. MEM
97O how have I loved thy law, O Lord! it is my meditation all the day.
98Through thy commandment, thou hast made me wiser than my enemies: for it is ever with me.
99I have understood more than all my teachers: because thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I have had understanding above ancients: because I have sought thy commandments.
101I have restrained my feet from every evil way: that I may keep thy words.
102I have not declined from thy judgments, because thou hast set me a law.
103How sweet are thy words to my palate! more than honey to my mouth.
104By thy commandments I have had understanding: therefore have I hated every way of iniquity. NUN
105Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my paths.
106I have sworn and am determined to keep the judgments of thy justice.
107I have been humbled, O Lord, exceedingly: quicken thou me according to thy word.
108The free offerings of my mouth make acceptable, O Lord: and teach me thy judgments.
109My soul is continually in my hands: and I have not forgotten thy law.
110Sinners have laid a snare for me: but I have not erred from thy precepts.
111I have purchased thy testimonies for an inheritance for ever: because they are a joy to my heart.
112I have inclined my heart to do thy justifications for ever, for the reward. SAMECH
113I have hated the unjust: and have loved thy law.
114Thou art my helper and my protector: and in thy word I have greatly hoped.
115Depart from me, ye malignant: and I will search the commandments of my God.
116Uphold me according to thy word, and I shall live: and let me not be confounded in my expectation.
117Help me, and I shall be saved: and I will meditate always on thy justifications.
118Thou hast despised all them that fall off from thy judgments; for their thought is unjust.
119I have accounted all the sinners of the earth prevaricators: therefore have I loved thy testimonies.
120Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear: for I am afraid of thy judgments. AIN
121I have done judgment and justice: give me not up to them that slander me.
122Uphold thy servant unto good: let not the proud calumniate me.
123My eyes have fainted after thy salvation: and for the word of thy justice.
124Deal with thy servant according to thy mercy: and teach me thy justifications.
125I am thy servant: give me understanding that I may know thy testimonies.
126It is time, O Lord, to do: they have dissipated thy law.
127Therefore have I loved thy commandments above gold and the topaz.
128Therefore was I directed to all thy commandments: I have hated all wicked ways. PHE
129Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore my soul hath sought them.
130The declaration of thy words giveth light: and giveth understanding to little ones.
131I opened my mouth and panted: because I longed for thy commandments.
132Look thou upon me, and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love thy name.
133Direct my steps according to thy word: and let no iniquity have dominion over me.
134Redeem me from the calumnies of men: that I may keep thy commandments.
135Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: and teach me thy justifications.
136My eyes have sent forth springs of water: because they have not kept thy law. SADE
137Thou art just, O Lord: and thy judgment is right.
138Thou hast commanded justice thy testimonies: and thy truth exceedingly.
139My zeal hath made me pine away: because my enemies forgot thy words.
140Thy word is exceedingly refined: and thy servant hath loved it.
141I am very young and despised; but I forgot not thy justifications.
142Thy justice is justice for ever: and thy law is the truth.
143Trouble and anguish have found me: thy commandments are my meditation.
144Thy testimonies are justice for ever: give me understanding, and I shall live. COPH
145I cried with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord: I will seek thy justifications.
146I cried unto thee, save me: that I may keep thy commandments.
147I prevented the dawning of the day, and cried: because in thy words I very much hoped.
148My eyes to thee have prevented the morning: that I might meditate on thy words.
149Hear thou my voice, O Lord, according to thy mercy: and quicken me according to thy mercy.
150They that persecute me have drawn nigh to iniquity; but they are gone far off from the law.
151Thou art near, O Lord: and all thy ways are truth.
152I have known from the beginning concerning thy testimonies: that thou hast founded them for ever. RES
153See my humiliation and deliver me: for I have not forgotten the law.
154Judge my judgment and redeem me: quicken thou me for thy word's sake.
155Salvation is far from sinners; because they have not sought thy justifications.
156Many, O Lord, are thy mercies: quicken me according to thy judgment.
157Many are they that persecute me, and afflict me; but I have not declined from thy testimonies.
158I beheld the transgressors, and I pined away; because they kept not thy word.
159Behold I have loved thy commandments, O Lord; quicken me thou in thy mercy.
160The beginning of thy words is truth: all the judgments of thy justice are for ever. SIN
161Princes have persecuted me without cause: and my heart hath been in awe of thy words.
162I will rejoice at thy words, as one that hath found great spoil.
163I have hated and abhorred iniquity; but I have loved thy law.
164Seven times a day I have given praise to thee, for the judgments of thy justice.
165Much peace have they that love thy law, and to them there is no stumbling block
166I looked to thy salvation, O Lord: and I loved thy commandments.
167My soul hath kept thy testimonies: and hath loved them exceedingly.
168I have kept thy commandments and thy testimonies: because all my ways are in thy sight. TAU
169Let my supplication, O Lord, come near in thy sight: give me understanding according to thy word.
170Let my request come in before thee; deliver thou me according to thy word.
171My lips shall utter a hymn, when thou shalt teach me thy justifications.
172My tongue shall pronounce thy word: because all thy commandments are justice.
173Let thy hand be with me to save me; for I have chosen thy precepts.
174I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my meditation.
175My soul shall live and shall praise thee: and thy judgments shall help me.
176I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost: seek thy servant, because I have not forgotten thy commandments.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Carol Swenson
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Glory Be To God On High
Glory be to God on high,
God Whose glory fills the skies;
Peace on earth to man forgiv'n,
Man, the well beloved of Heav'n.
Sovereign Father, heavenly King,
Thee we now presume to sing;
Glad, Thine attributes confess,
Glorious all, and numberless.
Hail, by all Thy works adored!
Hail, the everlasting Lord!
Thee with thankful hearts we prove
God of power, and God of love.
Christ our Lord and God we own,
Christ, the Father's only Son,
Lamb of God for sinners slain,
Savior of offending man.
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Hear, the world's atonement, Thou!
Jesus, in Thy Name we pray,
Take, O take our sins away!
Powerful Advocate with God,
Justify us by Thy blood;
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Hear, the world's atonement, Thou!
Hear, for Thou, O Christ, alone
Art with God the Father One,
One the Holy Ghost with Thee,
One supreme, eternal Three
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Found in Him
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What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
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~To Him That is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy...to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.~ Jude 24
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Carol Swenson
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Works Righteousness (Phil. 3:1-6)
The exhortation (vv. 1-3).
Paul has warned the believers at Philippi before, but now he warns them again. “Look out for dogs! Look out for the workers of evil! Look out for the mutilation!” To whom is he referring in this triple warning? The answer takes us back into the early history of the church.
From the very beginning, the Gospel came “to the Jew first” (see Acts 3:26; Rom. 1:16), so that the first seven chapters of Acts deal only with Jewish believers or with Gentiles who were Jewish proselytes (Acts 2:10). In Acts 8:5-25, the message went to the Samaritans, but this did not cause too much of an upheaval since the Samaritans were at least partly Jewish. But when Peter went to the Gentiles in Acts 10, this created an uproar. Peter was called on the carpet to explain his activities (Acts 11). After all, the Gentiles in Acts 10 had become Christians without first becoming Jews, and this was a whole new thing for the church. Peter explained that it was God who had directed him to preach to the Gentiles, and the matter seemed to be settled.
But it was not settled for long. Paul was sent out by the Holy Spirit to minister especially to the Gentiles (Acts 13:1-3; 22:21). Peter had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles in Acts 10, and Paul followed his example on his first missionary journey (see Acts 14:26-28). It did not take long for the strict Jewish believers to oppose Paul’s ministry and come to Antioch teaching that it was necessary for the Gentiles to submit to Jewish rules before they could be saved (Acts 15:1). This disagreement led to the Conference at Jerusalem that is described in Acts 15. The result of the conference was an approval of Paul’s ministry and a victory for the Gospel of the grace of God. Gentiles did not have to become Jewish proselytes in order to become Christians!
But the dissenters were not content. Having failed in their opposition to Paul at Antioch and Jerusalem, they followed him wherever he went and tried to steal his converts and his churches. Bible students call this group of false teachers who try to mix Law and grace “Judaizers.” The Epistle to the Galatians was written primarily to combat this false teaching. It is this group of “Judaizers” that Paul is referring to in Philippians 3:1-2. He uses three terms to describe them.
“Dogs.” The orthodox Jew would call the Gentile a “dog,” but here Paul calls orthodox Jews “dogs”! Paul is not just using names; he is comparing these false teachers to the dirty scavengers so contemptible to decent people. Like those dogs, these Judaizers snapped at Paul’s heels and followed him from place to place “barking” their false doctrines. They were troublemakers and carriers of dangerous infection.
“Evil workers.” These men taught that the sinner was saved by faith plus good works, especially the works of the Law. But Paul states that their “good works” are really evil works because they are performed by the flesh (old nature) and not the Spirit, and they glorify the workers and not Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-10 and Titus 3:3-7 make it clear that nobody can be saved by doing good works, even religious works. A Christian’s good works are the result of his faith, not the basis for his salvation.
“The mutilation.” Here Paul uses a pun on the word “circumcision.” The word translated “circumcision” literally means “a mutilation.” The Judaizers taught that circumcision was essential to salvation (Acts 15:1; Gal. 6:12-18); but Paul states that circumcision of itself is only a mutilation! The true Christian has experienced a spiritual circumcision in Christ (Col. 2:11), and does not need any fleshly operations. Circumcision, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, tithing, or any other religious practice cannot save a person from his sins. Only faith in Jesus Christ can do that.
In contrast to the false Christians, Paul describes the true Christians, the “true circumcision” (see Rom. 2:25-29 for a parallel).
He worships God in the Spirit. He does not depend on his own good works which are only of the flesh (see John 4:19-24).
He boasts in Jesus Christ. People who depend on religion are usually boasting about what they have done. The true Christian has nothing of which to boast (Eph. 2:8-10). His boast is only in Christ! In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus gives a parable that describes these two opposite attitudes.
He has no confidence in the flesh. The popular religious philosophy of today is, “The Lord helps those who help themselves.” It was also popular in Paul’s day, and it is just as wrong today as it was then. (By “the flesh” Paul means “the old nature” that we received at birth.) The Bible has nothing good to say about “flesh,” and yet most people today depend entirely on what they themselves can do to please God. Flesh only corrupts God’s way on earth (Gen. 6:12). It profits nothing as far as spiritual life is concerned (John 6:63). It has nothing good in it (Rom. 7:18) . No wonder we should put no confidence in the flesh!
A lady was arguing with her pastor about this matter of faith and works. “I think that getting to heaven is like rowing a boat,” she said. “One oar is faith, and the other is works. If you use both, you get there. If you use only one, you go around in circles.”
“There is only one thing wrong with your illustration,” replied the pastor. “Nobody is going to heaven in a rowboat!”
There is only one “good work” that takes the sinner to heaven: the finished work of Christ on the cross (John 17:1-4; 19:30; Heb. 10:11-14).
The example (vv. 4-6).
Paul was not speaking from an ivory tower; he personally knew the futility of trying to attain salvation by means of good works. As a young student, he had sat at the feet of Gamaliel, the great rabbi (Acts 22:3). His career as a Jewish religious leader was a promising one (Gal. 1:13-14); and yet Paul gave it all up—to become a hated member of the “Christian sect” and a preacher of the Gospel! Actually, the Judaizers were compromising in order to avoid persecution (Gal. 6:12-13), while Paul was being true to Christ’s message of grace and as a result was suffering persecution.
(Wiersbe)
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yahsway
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In Phil 3
Paul was saying, as a result of all these things, he was in regard to the righteousness demanded by legalism, blameless, which is far more than the Judaizers were but far less than Z'kharyah and Elisheva were (Luke 1:6)
Paul was following all the rules as he had learned them, yet his Heart was full of Pride, which excluded Trust, since trust requires Humility, the opposite of pride.
But trust is the primary requirement of the Torah and this Paul lacked. Therefore he was by no means blameless in regard to the rightousness demanded by the Torah as it truly is, only in regard to the righteousness demanded by the System which results when the Torah is Perverted into legalism.
Paul did not mean that all the deeds which he had did as a non-Messianic Jew were contemptuous, but that his pride in them he now regards as contemptous.
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Carol Swenson
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 How Deadly Is Legalism?
The legalism Paul condemned as "another gospel" is a brand of legalism that seeks to ground our justification in personal obedience rather than the imputed righteousness of Christ. How deadly is such legalism? The apostle Paul suggested it was precisely what caused the majority of Israel to reject Christ: "They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Rom. 10:3). Turning aside from the perfect righteousness of Christ (which would have been imputed to them by faith), they opted instead for an imperfect righteousness of their own. They mistakenly assumed, like most people today, that the best they could do would be good enough for God.
Here is the good news of the gospel: for everyone who believes, Christ's blood counts as payment for all our sins, and His fulfillment of the law counts as all the merit we need. Romans 10:4 therefore says, "Christ is the end [Gk., telos, "the thing aimed at"] of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." Christ is the fulfillment of everything the law intended. In Christ, the ultimate goal of the law—a perfect righteousness—is made available to every believer. His righteousness is imputed to us by faith, and that is why God accepts us in Christ and for Christ's sake.
To the apostle Paul himself, this truth had deeply personal implications. He had labored his whole life as a legalistic Pharisee trying to establish his own righteousness by the law. He described his efforts in Philippians 3:4-8:
If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ . . .
What was so important to Paul about dumping all his own righteousness? Why did he count a whole lifetime of good works as mere rubbish? Because he knew it was flawed. And he knew that in Christ he would be the recipient of a perfect righteousness. Notice verse 9: ". . . and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith."
Any righteousness other than the imputed righteousness of Christ is mere legalism. It is incapable of saving anyone . More than that, it is an affront to God—as if we were to offer him soiled rags and expect Him to applaud us for doing so. That kind of legalism is spiritually fatal.
How Is Christian Obedience Different from Legalism?
It has become fashionable in some circles to pin the label of legalism on any teaching that stresses obedience to Christ. At the beginning of this chapter I quoted someone who stated that "the whole difference between legalism and true Christianity" is sewn up in the issue of whether we view obedience as a duty.
Biblically, there is no basis for such thinking. The Christian is still obligated to obey God, even though we know our obedience in no sense provides grounds for our justification. That is precisely why our obedience should be motivated primarily by gratitude and love for the Lord. We are free from the threat of eternal condemnation (Rom. 8:1). We are free from the law of sin and death (v. 2), and empowered by God's grace both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Phil. 2:13). We have every reason to obey joyfully—and no true Christian will ever think of obedience as something optional.
We are not under law, but under grace. Far from being a manifesto for antinomianism or an authorization for licentious behavior, that important truth teaches us that both our justification and our obedience must properly be grounded in Christ and what He has done for us, rather than in ourselves and what we do for God.
The doctrine of justification by faith therefore provides the highest, purest incentive for Christian obedience. As Paul wrote to the Romans, the mercies God displays in our justification provide all the reason we need to yield ourselves to Him as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1). Freed from the penalty of the law—loosed from the threat of condemnation for our disobedience—we are thus empowered by grace to surrender to God in a way we were powerless to do as unbelievers. And that is why the Christian life is continually portrayed in Scripture as a life of obedience.
(John MacArthur)
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