UNANSWERED QUESTIONS IN THE BIBLE

There are several people in the Bible who heard the gospel, yet refused to acknowledge what was preached to them about Jesus. We never read in scripture as to whether these people EVER DID acknowledge what Peter stated of Jesus in Acts 2:36.  So we are left to wonder: did they ever accept Jesus as the Christ?  We want to examine some of these, and learn some valuable lessons for ourselves in the process.

#1—Felix – In Acts 24:24-27, we read, “But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.  At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.  But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.”

While Felix heard Paul repeatedly, the subsequent meetings were NOT as the initial meeting, for Felix’s reason for continuing to meet with Paul was in hope of receiving money from Paul.  A question left unanswered: Did Felix ever obey the gospel? I don’t know that scripture answers, do you?

But I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case from this ‘unknown’ on why NOT to obey the gospel. They have made their ‘case’ from an “unknown revelation”, in their preaching, and, in so doing, have convinced their audiences to reject the example of many in the Bible who DID acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Christ (I’ll come back to this point later in sermon and show this).

In making a case from an “unknown revelation”, these preachers have done something that is ALWAYS a sin in scripture.  They have acted on PRESUMPTION!

David stated in Psalm 19:13 ~ “Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.” (other passages: Exodus 21:14; Deut. 1:43; 17:12-13; 18:20, 22)

While it may be likely that Felix never did accept Christ, THE SCRIPTURES ARE SILENT ABOUT IT!

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#2—Those of Athens – In Acts 17:32-34, we read, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

Three responses: some began to sneer…others said, “we shall hear you again...some…believed”.

A question left unanswered: What of those who sneered and those who did as Felix, “sought to find a more convenient time”...DID THEY ever obey the gospel? Scripture is silent!  At best, we can say perhaps ‘yes’, but we can with equal certainty say perhaps ‘no’.  We cannot say with CERTAINTY, that they did. It is presumption to affirm either way with certainty.

Again, I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case by PRESUMPTION on how NOT to accept Jesus (but again, I’ll address this later).

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#3—King Agrippa – In Acts 26:28, we read, “Agrippa replied to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”

NOTE: I want to make a point from the language here, because it applies to the two previous examples: In all 3 of these examples the issue is the same: BECOMING A CHRISTIAN! (Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Christ is to become a follower of Christ ~ Christ-like)

#1 ~ Paul spoke to Felix “about faith in Christ Jesus”; about “righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come”. These matters pertained to Felix becoming a “CHRISTIAN”.

#2 ~ Those in Athens heard about “the resurrection of the dead”. In Acts 17:18 they heard of “Jesus and the resurrection”.  Specifically in Acts 17:30-31 they heard of their need to repent and of the Judgment Day.  “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”  All of these subjects are crucial to one’s decision in becoming a CHRISTIAN”.

So, Agrippa replies to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” A question is left unanswered: Did Agrippa ever become a Christian? I don’t know that scripture answers, do you?  I can presume, reasoning it is likely; perhaps...but does scripture reveal?

I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case from PRESUMPTION on how NOT to become a Christian.

Now, let me address what I mentioned a little earlier. I’ve mentioned “these “UNKNOWN REVELATIONS” and “PRESUMPTIONS”. Let me do so, by citing one more example. This example is of one who did NOT defer his opportunity.

The thief on the cross: In Luke 23:39-43, we read, “One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

The bible is clear as to where this thief will be in eternity; no dispute (to my knowledge) about the matter.  However, a similarity exists between THIS case, and the others.  There is an “UNKNOWN REVELATION”; a “PRESUMPTION” made in preaching from this example!  You are probably familiar with this “unknown revelation”.  It is that this thief was NOT BAPTIZED!  Preachers have been telling their audiences an answer that God did not reveal in the Bible about this thief. In their presumptions, they have caused people to do as Felix, the Athenians, and Agrippa did - - - delay their decision to become a Christian until a “convenient season”.

The ‘presumption’ associated with this thief is his baptism.  Was he baptized, at some time prior to being crucified? To my knowledge, the Bible does not reveal this. (For that matter, we don’t know as to whether or not the other thief was ever baptized.)

Yet, in talking with folks who reject baptism for the remission of sins, this thief is cited as to why THEY refuse baptism FOR remission!  Interestingly, it is not that they reject baptism entirely, for many of them were baptized, BUT FOR ANOTHER PURPOSE!

The ‘PRESUMPTOUS’ statement they heard from their preacher, “The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized”!  How do they know? Revelation or presumption?

I might just as well make the case with Felix, those in Athens, and Agrippa, that, at some later date, all became a Christian.  I could preach that none of them ever did.  BASED ON WHAT ~ DIVINE REVELATION or PRESUMPTION?

“The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized”!  How do they know? Revelation or presumption? 

Compare:

Baptism is not essential because the thief wasn’t baptized.

Baptism is not essential because Agrippa wasn’t baptized.

Baptism is not essential because some in Athens weren’t baptized.

Does the bible "say" on any of these? If not, are these preachers saying that the Bible's silence permits or prohibits baptism?

Remember also this: Agrippa said he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. Did Agrippa believe? (see v. 27) Is one saved at the point of faith? If so, was Agrippa a ‘saved’ person? [Remember his question…]

Now, for those who preach by making assumptions, here is their dilemma: Agrippa is a saved believer, who was almost persuaded to become a Christian, yet wasn’t ever baptized to show it.

I have just as strong a case from presumption, in saying that the thief WAS baptized.  My proof is the same as their proof ~ ASSUMPTION!  [Incidentally, could you imagine me preaching against repentance on this reasoning?]

While more examples could be cited, these examples are sufficient for us to draw accurate conclusions as it relates to becoming a Christian.

Do you see what ASSUMPTION & PRESUMPTION in preaching accomplishes?

Remember, also, in regard to some others in Athens; they believed; DIVINE REVELATION says so! Were those who believed, saved? If so, they were saved believers, yet never baptized to show it. That is the dilemma of preaching assumptions!

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POST-EASTER INTENTIONS

“…intending after Easter…”

The KJV contains the only mention of the word EASTER.  

Acts 12:1-4 — Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

The KJV translates the word ‘pascha’ as “Passover”, 28 times, and as “Easter”, one time. Obviously, the Jewish feast of the Passover, was meant. The feast of the Passover, extended from the 14^th to the 20^th day of the month Nisan. The phrase "after the Passover" meant after the whole festival was over.

The behavior of so many on “Easter” Sunday reflects as much as anything what the bible describes as “zeal without knowledge” (Rom. 10:1-3).

Not only is the increase in attendance on this one Sunday noticeable, we find such increase of attendance nothing more than ‘out-of-character’ behavior by those who, in general, will seldom (if ever) darken the doors of a church for another fifty-one weeks. From these ‘once-a-year’ attendees, we also find an attitude of “money-is-no-object” when it comes to the purchasing of new clothes for this lone visit/attendance, while ‘casual’ dress will suffice for the any of the other 51 weeks. While they will spare no expense on this one Sunday, any appeal to their ‘giving’ on the other 51 weeks, is like squeezing “blood out of a turnip”.

Another out-of-character behavior in regard to attendance on this “magical” day of Easter Sunday, is seen by the ‘on-time’ presence at the crack of dawn, when, if they attend any of the other 51 Sundays, [also at a later scheduled time], are habitually late.

Such behavior is similar to the “all-out” efforts to remember the “reason for the season” on December 25^th, and the many other pious outward signs that only cover-up inward whited sepulchres, when a mere 7 days later, the same people engage drunken revellings to ‘ring in’ a new year.

In our text, Herod had “post-Easter” intentions.  He had already had James the brother of John killed, and, seeing that it pleased the Jews, intended to do the same with Peter. Herod met with death later in this chapter, a fate with which he had intended for Peter (vss. 23-24).

What will your “post-Easter” intentions be next Sunday? Does the resurrection of Jesus from the dead have any real significance for your life? The significance of the resurrection of Christ is seen from 1 Cor. 15:17, “And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.”

It was meant to be more than a guilt trip to a local church once a year.

Col. 3:1-4 — “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

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HOW READEST THOU? THY SPEECH BETRAYETH THEE…

The word BODY has a variety of meanings in scripture. In Eph. 4:4, we find that there is ONE ‘body’. Obviously, this is not referring to a human body, for there are several of these. What is THIS ‘body’ in Eph. 4:4?

Oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11) reveal:

~ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. Rom. 12:4-5

~ For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. – 1 Cor. 10:17

~ For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. – 1 Cor. 12:12

~ And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. – Eph. 1:22-23

~ And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: - Eph. 2:16

~ That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: - Eph. 3:6

~ For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. – Eph. 5:23

~ And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. – Col. 1:18

WHAT WOULD YOU CONCLUDE FROM THESE PASSAGES ABOUT THE ‘BODY’?

WHAT DO THE ORACLES (WORDS) OF GOD DECLARE? (1 Peter 4:11)

HOW READEST THOU? DOES THY SPEECH BETRAYETH THEE?

People read God’s oracles, (the passages above), and then say:

“We went to body today…”

“We had body today…”

“We provide a body bus ministry…”

“After body, we had a meal…”

“Our body is really growing…”

“We had Sunday school, and then had body…”

“Are you going to body today?”

“Haven’t seen you in body for some time…”

What is the ‘body’ of Eph. 4:4? 

Why, just ask anyone who so uses the term ‘body’ as listed above, and they will reply: “the body is the people”!

How readest they? Their speech betrayeth them...!

What about you?

“If any man speak; let him speak as the oracles of God...” ~ 1 Peter 4:11

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WHO IS “GOING BEYOND”?

WHO IS “GOING BEYOND”?

1 Kings 18:17 — “And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, ART THOU HE THAT TROUBLETH ISRAEL? AND HE ANSWERED I HAVE NOT TROUBLED ISRAEL; BUT THOU AND THY HOUSE IN THAT YE HAVE FORSAKEN THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD, and thou hast followed Baalim.”

The situation from the Old Testament story, has occurred again and again. Every aspect of life in the nation of Israel was affected and finger pointing was prevalent in placing the blame.  Since the physical nation of Israel foreshadowed the spiritual nation of Israel, (the church); we find our lesson as it relates to religious division among brethren. What is it that can occur again and again, affecting and potentially destroying the unity and peace among brethren (Eph. 4:3)? GOD’S COMMANDMENTS CAN BE FORSAKEN, BEING REPLACED BY IDOLATROUS PRACTICES. GOD'S COMMANDS ARE FORSAKEN WHEN GOD'S AUTHORITY IS NO LONGER RESPECTED.

This article will focus upon the effects in a local church, when God’s commands/authority are forsaken concerning the work of the church. A congregation can be outwardly at peace, “speaking the same things” (1 Cor. 1:10) with regard to the spiritual nature of work of the church. Then, for whatever reason, a brother seeks to introduce a practice or to seek justification without an appeal to bible authority to “stimulate” his brethren to growth/work in the local church. Certainly, brethren need to be together, and passages such as Heb. 10:24 bear this out, “…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds…”.  But God has laid down principles (i.e., given commands;exercised His authority) as to HOW this stimulation is to be carried out.  Sadly, when these principles are disregarded, and a brother decides that such “stimulation” can be better served by building a “fellowship facility” (eating and recreation complex), he then urges his brethren to implement his idea (i.e., try it out). However, another brother, is moved to “prove all things” (1 Thess. 5:21). He understands that we can do nothing that is not in “the name of the Lord” (Col. 3:17). In other words, he recognizes the importance of having AUTHORITY for all that is done in religious practices. Discovering that the proposed “complex” is not authorized (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and compelled by Paul’s instruction to “not go beyond what has been written” (1 Cor. 4:7), he raises an objection to the proposal, based upon a lack of authority. As a consequence, the peace and unity of the church is shattered, and brethren who were formerly in “one accord” become adversaries. WHO GETS BLAMED? WHO WAS THE “TROUBLER” IN ISRAEL? Not the one who INTRODUCED the unauthorized practice; but the one who demanded a “thus saith the Lord” for proposed practice. We find that Elijah was accused and blamed falsely, as the “troubler of Israel” by Ahab.  Yet it was Ahab that had forsaken God’s commands and practiced idolatry. So likewise, the manner in which the brother sought to “stimulate” his brethren, with disregard for bible authority, caused the division, and he was the actual “troubler in Israel”.

THE REMEDY

Whenever the peace and unity has been disrupted by unauthorized practices, it must be dealt with in the manner in which the apostles dealt with the “Antioch question” in Acts 15. That is the only way that peace and harmony can be restored and kept within the church and the sin be “put away” (Deut. 13:5; 19:19). When certain brethren sought to bind (add) circumcision as a requirement for salvation, the apostles opposed the teaching as UNAUTHORIZED, saying “TO WHOM WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT” (v. 24).  They acted without apostolic authority.

Therein we find the problem AND the solution.  The problem occurs when we act without regard for God’s approval (i.e., authority), and the solution to the problem is to apply the principles of authority, to correct the error. We 
must have authority; that is the thing to ALWAYS remember.  Prove your authority from the Bible before anything else is done.   While you may be labeled as the “troubler in Israel”, you will have God’s approval, and that will be rewarded with eternal life in the world to come.  As the apostle Peter stated, “We must please God, rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

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"WHY SHOULD I PARDON YOU?"

"WHY SHOULD I PARDON YOU?"

Jeremiah records a most sobering question which God ask of the Israelites: “Why should I pardon you?

What answer would we give?

CONTEXT: We need to remember that the Israelites were not as Canaanites, or Babylonians. They were in a covenant relationship with God based upon the events at Mt. Sinai (Exodus 20: Deut. 5). They had sworn to 'keep' (obey) this Law. However, as Jeremiah 5 details, they had BROKEN their promise to 'keep' (obey) this Law. So, God puts forth the question, "WHY SHOULD I PARDON YOU?"

[On a side issue, another sobering matter for consideration is this: if, as is commonly preached today, that "once saved; always saved", or, "a child of God cannot so sin, as to be eternally lost" is a true situation, then God's question is a moot issue, for the Israelites COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE IN NEED OF PARDONING!]

Care needs to be taken so as NOT to apply these words to an alien sinner (i.e., one who has NEVER been in a covenant relationship with God thru Christ. These words apply to one who has chosen to become a disciple, by virtue of being "born anew" (John 3:3-5).

Can a child of God, so sin as to be in need of pardon? The answer is clear from Jeremiah. What about Judas (Acts 1:25), Simon the sorcerer (Acts 8:22), the apostle Peter (Gal. 2:11), Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5)?

For one who, after being "born again", breaks his word, he is in need of pardon. God's question applies to him, "WHY SHOULD I PARDON YOU"?

What shall your answer be?

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If you FAIL to PREPARE: PREPARE to FAIL!

The children of Israel spent 3 days, in PREPARATION to hear what God would say from Mt. Sinai ~ Exodus 19:10-11

David did not sin with his mouth because of preparation/purpose ~ Psalm 17:3

Isaiah advised that PREPARATION and PURPOSE be made before we worship ~ Isaiah 1:11

Daniel did not defile himself because he PURPOSED NOT TO ~ Daniel 1:8

Ezra was a skilled scribe because of his preparation to teach/explain the Law so that it could be understood ~ Ezra 7:6, 10; Nehemiah 8:8

Christians cannot 'cleave' (be faithful) without preparation/purpose ~ Acts 11:23

The apostle Paul was ready for his departure because he had prepared and purposed to serve Christ ~ 2 Timothy 3:10

You can do what Jesus said in John 7:17 with preparation and purpose.

Are you 'resolved' no longer to linger?

Indeed, if you FAIL to PREPARE: PREPARE to FAIL!

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DAVID WAS AN ISRAELITE

DAVID WAS AN ISRAELITE!

Psalm 32

1 How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! 2 How joyful is the man the Lord does not charge with sin and in whose spirit is no deceit! 3 When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength was drained as in the summer’s heat. Selah 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You took away the guilt of my sin. Selah 6 Therefore let everyone who is faithful pray to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach him. 7 You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah 8 I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel. 9 Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else it will not come near you. 10 Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him. 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

In verses 1 and 2, David describes the joy of forgiveness, how blessed it is.

In verses 3 and 4, he describes the misery of life, when he tried to hide (conceal) his sin.

In verse 5, he then speaks of the ‘change’ in how he dealt with his sin; no longer concealing it, he acknowledged and confessed the sins and the guilt was taken away.

In verse 6, he encourages all to follow this example of dealing with their sin…namely confess it and pray for God’s forgiveness…………..but why?

Because David was an Israelite!

What does that (i.e., David being an Israelite), have to do with how David dealt with his sin, and with his advice to others?

David, being an Israelite, was ALREADY in a covenant relationship with God. David was NOT an alien, he was an Israelite! So also today, those who are ALREADY in a covenant relationship with God, are to acknowledge their sin, repent, and pray for forgiveness.

But what of an alien? Could a non-Israelite do as David did, for his sin? Could a Canaanite, Assyrian, or Babylonian sinner, do as David did? No, for they had never been a part of the covenant made at Mt. Sinai. That covenant was with the nation of Israel thru the seed of Abraham, thru Isaac and Jacob ONLY. Notice:

Exodus 19:5 — “Now then, if YOU will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then YOU shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine…”.

NOTE: This generation died in the wilderness, because of their sins. Their children inherited the ‘promised’ land of Canaan, and Moses spoke these words to the 2^nd generation in Deut. 5:1-3, “And Moses called unto all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and observe to do them. Jehovah our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. Jehovah made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.”

Malachi 4:4 — “Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded HIM in Horeb for all ISRAEL.”

But HOW DID ONE BECOME AN ISRAELITE? How did one ENTER the covenant relationship?

One became an Israelite by a birth, underwent circumcision and was taught the Law of Moses; NOT by confession and prayer. Those instructions (confession & prayer), were for one already IN that covenant relationship! 

David WAS an Israelite; NOT an alien!

The prophet Jeremiah spoke of a new covenant God would make with man through His Son. This ‘house of Israel’ would be those who comprise the church, which Jesus built (Matt. 16:18).

Jer. 31:31-34 – “Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, NOT LIKE the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them,” declares the Lord. “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

We see the change in how one would enter into this NEW covenant from this language. Whereas, under the OLD covenant, one was BORN, then TAUGHT the Law, under the NEW covenant, you would be TAUGHT FIRST, THEN BORN. (John 6:43-45 – “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Do not grumble among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me’.”)

Today, how does an ALIEN enter into a covenant relationship with God today? By confession of sin and prayer? NO, rather by being BORN (John 3:3, 5, 7) “...unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God... unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God...Ye MUST be born again.”

AFTER one is in this new covenant relationship, he then can confess his sin, and be cleansed of his guilt, as David spoke of in this psalm.  But could an alien sinner, NOT YET in covenant relationship, do as one who IS in a covenant relationship with God for his sin? No more than a non-Israelite could do as David.

David continued in Psalm 32, showing this distinction between one IN covenant relationship with God as opposed to one NOT IN covenant relationship:

6 Therefore let EVERYONE WHO IS FAITHFUL PRAY to You at a time that You may be found. When great floodwaters come, they will not reach HIM. (THIS IS NOT TRUE OF AN UN-FAITHFUL PERSON)

7 You are my hiding place; You protect me from trouble. You surround me with joyful shouts of deliverance. Selah
(WHY SO? BECAUSE DAVID WAS AN ISRAELITE!)

What will God do for the FAITHFUL?                                                                                                                                                          8 I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.

But what of an UN-FAITHFUL PERSON?

9 Do not be like a horse or mule, without understanding, that must be controlled with bit and bridle or else IT (i.e., understanding) WILL NOT COME NEAR YOU.

10 Many pains come to the wicked, but the one who trusts in the Lord will have faithful love surrounding him.

11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

David WAS an Israelite! 

Today, a saved person is one who has undergone a circumcision of the heart, as Jeremiah foretold. He is an Israelite ‘inwardly’. 

Rom. 3:28-29 – For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh.

 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

All Jews in the book of Acts, beginning with the ‘about 3,000’ in chapter 2, were physical Israelites. They were under the OLD covenant, but not as yet Israelites ‘inwardly’. Now that the prophecy of Jeremiah had been fulfilled, they needed to become a Jew ‘inwardly’ to enter the NEW covenant.  Remember, they would be ‘taught’ how to do so (John 6:43-45). This teaching came when the gospel was preached. The terms of the NEW covenant were explained, i.e., the new birth.

However, as yet, these physical Jews/Israelites were ‘aliens’ to the NEW covenant. Did the apostle Peter tell them to confess their sins and pray? No, he told them to be ‘born anew’.  He told them to “Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Then “they that ‘gladly received’ Peter’s words WERE baptized” (v. 41).

If you desire to be saved today, as an alien, you must do as they did. THIS is how you enter into covenant relationship with God through Christ. He (Christ) is the mediator of the NEW covenant (1 Tim. 2:5 — “…there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” – cf. Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). 

After you are IN covenant relationship with God through this new birth, when sin is committed, you are to acknowledge (not conceal) your sin, and pray for forgiveness.

There is an example of an individual in Acts 8 who was an alien, (i.e., separated from God because of his sin); he then was ‘born anew’ (Acts 8:13 – “Simon himself believed; and after being baptized…”), thereby entering into covenant relationship with God, under the NEW covenant terms in the gospel. 

However, this same person, (now a Jew ‘INWARDLY’) committed sin again. But now, because he was a Jew ‘inwardly’, and IN covenant relationship, he was NOT told to be ‘born anew’, but to acknowledge his sin and pray for forgiveness.  Why so? BECAUSE HE WAS NOW AN ISRAELITE ‘INWARDLY’! 

Notice what was preached to him, regarding how to deal with his sin in Acts 8:18-22 –

18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,

19 saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

21 You have no part or portion in this matter, FOR YOUR HEART IS NOT RIGHT BEFORE GOD.

22 Therefore REPENT OF THIS WICKEDNESS OF YOURS, AND PRAY THE LORD THAT, IF POSSIBLE, THE INTENTION OF YOUR HEART MAY BE FORGIVEN YOU.

ALIEN, or ISRAELITE? Does it make a difference? David was an Israelite. His words in Psalm 32 did not apply to an alien.

Jesus told Nicodemus (a physical Jew/Israelite) that he MUST be born again (John 3). He told other physical Jews/Israelites that they must be taught how, in order for them to come to Him (John 6). They would be taught ‘how’, when the gospel was preached to them, as was done in Acts 2. 

Once one has entered into covenant relationship, he then has the right to call upon, and address God as his “HEAVENLY FATHER”. However, “God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.” (John 9:31).

This was the significance of David being an Israelite.

If you were told to confess your sin and pray for forgiveness, were you already IN a covenant relationship, or were you told to confess your sin and pray to ENTER that covenant relationship? Your salvation depends on it!

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