LAW (3) – JESUS UPHOLDS THE LAW (1)

Law (3) – Jesus upholds the law (1)
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There is a proverb that says “Nothing hurts like the truth.” Yes, this proverb is not found in the Bible. But people generally don’t like to hear the truth. Frankly, biblical truth hurt me too. Nonetheless, a half-truth is even worse.

OBJECTIVE
The objective of this series of the study of the law is to establish how Jesus upholds or fulfills the law. The intention is to find out if there is any law governing believers under the new covenant. This is part five of the study of law. The rest of the past postings can be found at:-
Part 1: Melchizedek, Grace, Truth, and Law
Part 2: Law is being canceled
Part 3: Law (1) – Justification by faith
Part 4: Law (2) – Jesus upholds the Law (Circumcision)

So far those past studies have established that Jesus did not abolish nor come out with a new law. The true meaning of “Jesus fulfills the law or upholds the law” is that Jesus BRINGS BACK THE ORIGINAL TRUTH of God’s word. In another word, Jesus restores the original meaning of God’s truth. He did not abolish the law.

WAS A WICKED THOUGHT VIOLATE GOD’S LAW IN OLD COVENANT?
Just to highlight the “Sermon on the Mount” covers the whole chapters from Matthew 5 to 7.

Before we discuss further how Jesus brings back the original truth based on the “Sermon on the Mount”, let us examine is an evil thought sinful under the old covenant. Let’s look at what the scriptures say below:-

(Jeremiah 4:14)
14 Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts? (NIV)

(Deuteronomy 15:9)
9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. (NIV)

(Psalm 139:23-24)
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)

(Proverbs 15:26-28)
26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but gracious words are pure in his sight.
27 The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.
28 The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. (NIV)

(Isaiah 55:7)
7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. (NIV)

SERMON ON THE MOUNT
Obviously, an evil thought is a sin, even under the old covenant. Not only that King David lamented in Psalm 139, asking God to search and examine his heart.

Is that aligned with Jesus’s teaching, under the new covenant? Let’s check what Jesus says in the sermon on the mount, Matthew 5:21-22 below,

(Matthew 5:21-22)
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister, will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (NIV)

(Matthew 5:29-30)
29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be THROWN INTO HELL.
30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to GO INTO HELL. (NIV)

Indeed, based on “Sermon on the Mount”:
– If anyone angry with his brother, that is already considered as murder (Matthrew 5:21-22)
– Certainly, a thought is a sin as what Jesus says: “If your right-hand causes you to sin, cut it off. If your eye causes you to sin, plunk it off” (Mathew 5:27-30).

That means, Jesus’ teaching on “Sermon on the Mount” is aligned with the Old Covenant teaching.

Of course, modern teaching is protesting by saying has anyone done that?
Has anyone gouged out their eyes or cut any of their body in churches now?

They continue saying Jesus doesn’t mean that. Jesus only raises the law to the pristine standard that it makes mankind to the end of themselves.

What modern teaching is saying is that men can not keep the law faithfully.
But we just read that a bad thought is a sin in both Testaments.

Besides, Jesus does not say that it shall happen/ take place in this current earth. Thus, it cannot say no one gouge out one eye or cut any part of the body in the church now.

Jesus is referring to the future stage i.e. at the Judgment Seat. Believers don’t go to hell now with a sin or sins, anyway.

In addition, modern teaching also expresses have anyone “Love your enemy as yourself” as what Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:43-48. However, the same verse appears in the Old Testament as well, in Leviticus 19:18 which reads:-
“18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” (Leviticus 19:18, NIV)

In a nutshell, modern teaching’s approach is to put Jesus on every page. Have to see Jesus fulfilled it all on every page of the bible. It is all about Christ, nothing about self they say. More details can be found in “SEE JESUS: (1 CORINTHIANS 10)”

Nonetheless, if we will continue reading the sermon on the mount, Jesus also teaches “Do not worry” (Matthew 6:25-34). The same modern teaching approach on this topic is that Christians’ worries choke up God’s blessings.

I thought they are saying that we have to put Jesus on every page. If that is the case, we should also paraphrase by saying: “Yes, we worry, but Jesus won’t worry in heaven. Our identity is in Christ.

Furthermore, modern teaching is having another famous teaching that says: “As Jesus is so am I in this world.” That means Jesus doesn’t worry in heaven, “so am I in this world“, should be their preaching then saying “the worry of believers, choke up God’s blessings.”.

With all these, the conclusion is that Jesus really means what He is saying in the Sermon on the mount. It is not what modern teaching is saying that:
– Jesus raises the law to the pristine standard that makes mankind to the end of themselves.

In another word, believers need not read the bible through the lens of grace, as advocated by modern teaching.

As a matter of fact, many of the new testimony teachings are aligned with Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Such as:-

(1 John 3:15)
15 Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him (NIV)

(Colossians 3:5-6)
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. (NIV)

Indisputably, both the Books of First John 3 and Colossians 3 do not tell believers that there is no more law in the new covenant. Apart from that, both authors do not suggest believers to insert Jesus on every page of the bible (i.e. see Jesus in every page) to draw out the meaning of His word, as modern teaching suggests.

The problem for the Pharisees and teachers of the law was that through years, they had waterdowned God’s truth of His commandments. They only emphasized on physical sins, and physical circumcision then hearts circumcision and sinful thought.

SUMMARY
In summary, let’s go back to the opening statement; on the true meaning of Jesus fulfilling or bringing back the original meaning of God’s law by looking at verses in “Sermon on the Mount” in the GNT translation in Matthew 5:17-20

17 “Do not think that I have come to do away with the Law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets. I have not come to do away with them, but to MAKE THEIR TEACHINGS COME TRUE.”

18 “Remember that as long as heaven and earth last, not the least point nor the smallest detail of the Law will be DONE AWAY with—NOT UNTIL THE END OF ALL THINGS.”

19 “So then, whoever disobeys even the least important of the commandments AND TEACHES OTHERS to do the same, WILL BE LEAST IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. On the other hand, WHOEVER OBEYS THE LAW and teaches others to do the same, WILL BE GREAT in the Kingdom of heaven.”

20 I tell you, then, that you will be able to enter the Kingdom of heaven only if you are more faithful than the teachers of the Law and the Pharisees in doing what God requires. (GNT)

Clearly, Jesus does not abolish God’s law. Jesus fulfilled it by going back to the true meaning or original intention of God’s law.

Last but not least, it is good to re-read and emphasize verses 17-20 again. Especially in verses 19-20. The highlight is, those who preach:

– no law,
– not to follow the law,

would have problems in the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:19).

And, verse 20 is saying, should a believer’s righteousness be just like teachers of the law and like those Pharisees would have a problem entering into His Kingdom.

Of course, there is a teaching that says, the “Sermon on the Mount” is given before Jesus was crucified on the cross. Thus, it is not for new covenant believers. Since no one is called “Christian”, then.

If that is the case, whatever miracles, healing, Jesus turning water into wine, Jesus walking on water and etc are not supposed to preach in churches then. Those incidents also took place before Jesus was crucified on the cross. Amenbible

READ:
WILL THE WRATH OF GOD AND HIS PUNISHMENT FALL ON CHRISTIANS?
BALAAM
RIGHTLY DIVIDE HIS WORD (1)
ARISE, SHINE

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As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc

THE BOOKS OF THE GOSPELS
Nevertheless, based on past studies, prove that fruits, good works, and conduct of believers are paramount for full salvation. Do revisit these studies, if needed:-
– END TIMES:- THE BOOK OF LIFE OPENS
– JESUS IS MY FRIEND – PART 1

There again, if we go back to both Matthew and Mark’s accounts, the gospel is a call for non-believers to turn away from their sins by confessing them and be baptized subsequently. The scripture continues by telling us “AND GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.”

Putting Mark 1 and Matthew 3 into perspective, it is never the case for non-believers to declare all their sins are being forgiven at the salvation call prior to admitting and confessing their sins first.

And, baptism is not just symbolism or mere public declaration as Christ’s followers alone. It has to turn away from its sins first.

Besides, Jesus was commanding His disciples to baptize those who want to give their lives to Jesus in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Perhaps, this is the only commanding verse in the entire bible where three Names (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) appear at the same time. It shows the seriousness and importance of baptism. That suggests baptism is not just symbolic. It is renouncing sinful living.

Please do not read that verse by saying believers are protected by the trinity God. Because they have to abandon their sins first. And the next verse, in Matthew 28:20, is saying, “AND TEACH THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.” This is another commanding verse for the obedience of God’s people after they have received baptism. It is not a protection verse.

Should we take the Great Commandment from Mark’s account, it states clearly that:
– Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16, GNT)
– It is a “AND” condition for believing and baptism in order to be saved.

The scripture reference as below:-

Matthew 28:19-20, GNT
19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: BAPTIZE THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, GNT)

Mark 16:15-18, GNT
15 He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues;
18 if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.” (Mark 16:15-18, GNT)

Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 | amenbible.com

BE BAPTIZED
Let’s look at another verse to confirm Mark’s teaching below:-

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT
‬‬4 And when they came together, he gave them this order: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised.
5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ | amenbible.com

Obviously, some scholars are saying Mark 16 was added in verses. They are saying the original manuscript comes without those verses. Nevertheless, these verses are in line with Acts 1:8 which says the power of the Holy Spirit will manifest until “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

And we saw many spiritual powers and breakthroughs happen in the book of Acts. Unless we believe that “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH” is already over if not, the spiritual power will continue to manifest.

That is not in line with cessationism theology that says all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over. Besides, our next and future generations do need those manifestations to believe and witness Him too. Spiritual powers and wonders had not ended in the first century and are not going to end in our generation. Rather, it has to be till “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

On one extreme, people are saying that God/ Jesus never comes to prosper believers. Prosperity is a bad word, to some denominations.

Nevertheless, apostle John did pray for Gaius to be prospered in 3 John 1:2 [Recap: 3 JOHN (PROSPER IN ALL THINGS)]

Besides, God did prosper Abraham, Isaac, King David, and King Solomon in the Old Testament.

On top of that, in Deuteronomy, Moses reminded God’s people that He was the one who gave power for them to become rich. We are serving the same God, regardless of the old or New Testament. Those blessings and prosperity are not just spiritual, but tangible ones.

SEEK YE FIRST
Of course, on the other extreme, it is wrong to camp on prosperity and guarantee all believers to be wealthy and healthy universally.

At least we don’t see monetary prosperity for all first-century apostles. Indeed, the apostle Paul was living by tents-making to earn his living (Acts 18:3).

There again, there are many verses talking about how God provides for His people. One of the famous scriptures is known as “Seek Ye first.”

Matthew 6:33, GNT
33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with WHAT HE REQUIRES OF YOU, and he will provide you with all these other things.

Matthew 6:33, NIV
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33, AMPC
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Matthew 6:33 | amenbible.com

Modern teaching likes to camp the above verse on Christ’s righteousness. It is not about believers’ righteousness, they said. According to their teaching should the believers behold His glory, His imputed righteousness, God will give them all things.

On the other hand, some interpret Matthew 6:33 as spiritual blessings, got nothing to do with bodily, earthly blessings.

But the context is talking about the physical beauty of those flowers and the earthly edible food for those birds.

Furthermore, it is saying “Do not worry about what you eat, or wear.” It is not about spiritual beauty and spiritual food. Jesus did not talk about spiritual beauty and food. Rather, Jesus was referring to physical wellness and not future spiritual glory.

In addition, the context is not referring to God shall provide for the “Need and not the want” of the believers. The author was comparing and contrasting to a super wealthy King Soloman, who was living not just in need but a luxurious life. The fact is, rich or poor, God is their provider.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MATTHEW 6:33
From “CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE”, shows that the resurrected Jesus was concerned about the continuity of His earthly evangelism and mission. Jesus was beseeching His people to continue in the propagation of God’s kingdom. Personally, I believe this is the meaning of “Seek first His kingdom.”

And based on GNT and AMPC, the second part of the context talk about His requirements for the believers. It is not about His imputed righteousness. It is about believers’ right doing. [Further reading about the word righteousness can be found here]

SLIGHT UNBELIEVING IS NOT BELIEVING. SLIGHT TWISTED TRUTH IS NOT THE TRUTH
In summary, scripture does not contradict itself. Should believe need to paraphrase, alter the bible’s original context, interpret every verse with the lens of grace, and see Jesus fulfilled or supplied in every verse, that is not believing. THAT IS SELECTIVELY BELIEVED.

And should we need to interpret verses by saying cessation; all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over, that is not inclined with God’s word. That is not just doubt, but strips Church’s power and reduces it to be like any earthly social community; without godly, spiritual powers. That is partial believing and constitutes unbelieving.

CONCLUSION
May the Lord help me/us in believing Him and His word absolutely, simply like a child/ Children.

By upholding and endorsing paraphrasing or cessation theologies, it will bring ruin to God’s words, and strip His spiritual powers and His truth. Let God be God. He is having personal assignments, plans, and purposes for each and every one. He is holding on to every believer’s destination.

Certainly, God is the One who blesses and prospers all His people. Nevertheless, Jesus’ primary first earthly mission was to point the way for believers to seek God’s kingdom, live a godly life, and bear witness to His kingdom with His spiritual powers till the ends to come.

Yes, the bible does mention of “Gospel of Grace.’ It means by grace people are giving the gospel. It doesn’t mean Jesus came to pour out His financial blessings for nothing. Jesus also said, “Come follow me; take up your cross, etc.”

Jesus’ primary role is not here to bless and bless; supply and supply His people for nothing. His spiritual powers are manifesting with a purpose.

In conclusion, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. The gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of:
– GOOD NEWS
– Gospel of Grace
that can be covered. Truly, the gospel is covering the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind. Believers have to embrace His heart to seek God’s kingdom in witnessing His glory.

Again, Eve might not know that she could be fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief deviating from His word. Nevertheless, her story is written to forewarn believers from adopting her step.

Believe absolutely. And not selectively or partially. Amenbible.
Read:-
RIGHTLY DIVIDE HIS WORD (1)
BALAAM
AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD

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November 29, 2022

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Abolish the law, amenbible, grace supplies, Jesus upholds the law, Matthew 5:17-20, Sermon on the Mount, The law demands

CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE

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There is a beautiful story on miraculous catches of fish in John 21:2-11.

BACKGROUND IN JOHN CHAPTER 20
Perhaps, it is good to look at the background of the story a chapter prior to the miraculous catches of fish; in chapter 20, before drawing a conclusion. Because of space, I shall not attach any verse from John 20. Individuals are encouraged to read their own bible in John chapter 20. A short outline of the story of John 20 unveils below:

– Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb. But she found that the tomb’s entrance was open. She ran to inform Jesus’ disciples (Peter and John) in John 20:1-2.

– The disciples went to the tomb. And the bible records verses 8 to 10 as below:-

(John 20:8-10, GNT)
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.
(9 They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.)
10 Then the disciples went back home.

John 20:8-10, GNT | Amenbible

– Ironically, those disciples believed Jesus wasn’t in the tomb. In other words, it was an emptied tomb.

– Let me repeat again that yes, they believed the tomb was emptied. But after believing that it was an empty tomb, they chose to go home (John 20:8-10). Their hearts weren’t warmed by the fact that Jesus was being resurrected.

– Apparently, after being with Jesus for 3 ½ years, they did not know His way of teaching. They had not understood from Jesus’ sharing that He must rise from death.

– Indeed, Mary Magdalene returned with those disciples a second time. But she remained there and wept outside the tomb even when the disciples went back to their home.

– Obviously, from John 20:13 to 16, Magdalene couldn’t recognize the resurrected Lord who appeared to her.

– Jesus revealed Himself and wanted Mary Magdalene to inform His disciples that: ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (John 20:17, NIV). Magdalene took heed of Jesus’ instruction in verse 18, by informing His disciples. This time around, she told them not only that the tomb was emptied, but that she had seen the resurrected Jesus physically.

– The following verses on John 20:19 to 29 tell us that Jesus went and appeared twice to His disciples. However, Thomas wasn’t with them in the first round then. On His second visit, Jesus allowed Thomas to put his finger into His wounded hands and told Thomas: “Stop your doubting, and believe!” In a matter of fact, He was clearing Thomas’ doubt.

– Without a doubt, the above demonstrated that the resurrected Jesus:-
1) was very much concerned about His disciples and the continuity of His earthly mission work.
2) wasn’t recognized by Magdalene and His disciples. That means the resurrected Jesus could be totally different bodily.

– Based on John 21:14, the miraculous catch of fish was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
13 So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish.
14 This, then, was the THIRD TIME Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

With that, we should have completed the short exposition in John 20.

Just to highlight that there are numerous sermons saying that the resurrected Jesus came to declare peace not just to Jesus’ earthly disciples but it includes new covenant believers.

Thus, believers should have all the peace needed in life no matter whatsoever circumstances they are undergoing, they said. Furthermore, they are saying should you are receiving the right gospel, it shall be living troubleless, carefree lives.

However, let’s look at Luke’s account, below:-

(Luke 24:36-46, GNT)
36 While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, “PEACE BE WITH YOU.”
37 They were TERRIFIED, thinking that they were SEEING A GHOST.
38 But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, FOR A GHOST DOESN’T HAVE FLESH AND BONES, as you can see I have.”
40 He said this and showed them his hands and his feet.
41 They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of cooked fish,
43 which HE TOOK AND ATE IN THEIR PRESENCE.
44 Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later,

Luke 24:36-46, GNT | Amenbible

Prominently, Luke’s account tells us that Jesus was there to claim His dismayed disciples that He was not a ghost by saying “Peace be with you” and by eating with those disciples.” A ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones”, said Jesus. In any case, a ghost can’t eat. The idea of eating with the disciples was to demonstrate that He wasn’t a ghost

Jesus did not tell the believers peace from all the troubled, tribulations, and the unwanted world, as what the modern-day teaching like to claim. He said “Peace be with you” to claim the terrified disciples that He wasn’t a ghost.

From there, the story of miracle catches of fish unfolding in chapter 21 as below:

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬
2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael (the one from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus were all together.
3 Simon Peter said to the others, “I am going fishing.”
“We will come with you,” they told him. So they went out in a boat, but all that night they did not catch a thing.
4 “As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered.
6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the RIGHT SIDE of the boat, and you will catch some.” So they threw the net out and COULD NOT PULL IT BACK in, because they had caught so many fish.
7 The DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken his clothes off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples came to shore in the boat, pulling the net full of fish. They were not very far from land, about a hundred yards away.
9 When they stepped ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it and some bread.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE in all; even though there were so many, STILL THE NET DID NOT TEAR.”

John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

Indeed, this is not just a lovely but a marvelous, candid story. Jesus appeared to them a third to reinstate His identity and strengthen their faith. As a matter of fact, after appearing to them a second time, they had yet to revive their vision and mission of spreading His gospel. They setback to their old habit as fishermen rather than their call as fishers of men (Mark 1:17).

RECEIVE GOD’S WORD WITH REVELATION
Nevertheless, I am very puzzled by some of the modern-day teachings. Among those, there is a teaching saying that believers need to “Receive God’s word with revelation (Let’s give a short name as RGWR)”.

The meaning of “RGWR ” is not the same as “Rhema Word”. It is not the same as God giving Spiritual revelation with certain insight, inspiration, vision, and dreams for upcoming events ahead either.

Rather, the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” is focusing on certain words or verses in the bible to draw their meaning.

For instance, in ‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭11, the “RGWR” is citing 4 Revelation Words as below:-

1) Right Side
The “Right Side” is deemed as the key to the miraculous catch of fish (Verse 6). To RGWR, the right side speaks for God’s favor, honor, etc, they say.
2) Empowerment
The appearance of Jesus empowered Peter to pull the net on the seashore (verse 11) that few strong guys couldn’t drag in the fishing net from the sea (Verse 6)
3) 153
Not only that, the other Revelation Word for RGWR is “153 fishes”, in verse 11. To them, in Greek/ Hebrew, “153” represents:
# victory,
# I am God,
# I the God,
# wisdom, etc
4) The disciple whom Jesus loved
The next Revelation Word for RGWR is “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (verse 7).
It is a form of self-boosting and self-declaring the love of Jesus. Based on this verse, many teachings and believers are self-declaring that they are “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED” among the Christian community.

MY PERSONAL FINDINGS AND SUMMARY
In the light of seeking His truth, my personal study on this RGWR is as follows:-

(1) RIGHT-SIDE
Truly, there are quite many verses talking about the “Right Hand” in the bible. Some of the verses of “Right Hand” speak for God’s favour and honour”. But John 21 is talking about “Right SIDE”, not “Right HAND”.

And there aren’t any connecting elements on the “Right Side” as God’s favour or honor in the bible.

However, there is a similar or parallel event in the miraculous catches of fish in Luke 5: 1-6. The context in Luke 5:4-6 as follows:

(Luke 5:4-6, NIV)
4 When He (Jesus) had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “PUT OUT INTO DEEP WATER, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. “

Luke 5:4-6, NIV | Amenbible

Should we compare and contrast both scriptures in John 21 and Luke 5, we would find out that there are commonalities and differences between these two events, as below:

There isn’t any mention of the “right side” in Luke’s story.
In Luke 5, those people were not Jesus’s followers yet.
Whereas, John 21, was about the downcast of Jesus’ earthly disciples after Jesus was crucified on the cross.
There were miraculous catches of fish in both stories.
In Luke 5, Jesus told the pre-disciples to “put out into deep water and let down the nets” (Verse 4).
Whilst in John 21 verse 6, Jesus told His disciples “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”
With two different instructions given by Jesus, both stories resulted in miracle catches of fish.
And in Luke 5, there wasn’t recorded the exact number of fish caught.

(2) 153
Neither do I comprehend Greek nor Hebrew. Thus, I can’t really explain the meaning of 153. However, I am skeptical about those explanations of the figurative of 153 as victorious, I am God, I the God or wisdom, etc. The Bible doesn’t show another 153 for further study and comparison.

Nevertheless, in Genesis 14:14, it is recorded that Abram rescued his nephew with 318 trained men. I don’t hear any consistent explanation of the meaning of 318 from those same group of bible teachers who teach 153. Thus, no comment.

On the other hand, it seems that Jewish should be the ones demonstrating higher proficiency in the Hebrew language. But most of them have not come to know Jesus as their personal savior.

Since Jewish can master the Hebrew language greater than any non-Jewish but have not come to know the Lord, is the bible originally written in Hebrew that important?

Furthermore, those bible teachers who come up with the explanation of 153 might not be able to communicate and command the Hebrew language in day-to-day conversation. Can they really teach the Hebrew language correctly?

Besides, many scholars are saying that there are differences between modern Hebrew and ancient (Biblical) Hebrew. It is just like modern English versus ancient English. There were drastic differences between the two in terms of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling.

Hence, I can only say that the bible is very precise in small detail. Even the exact number of 153 fish being caught and 318 trained men are being recorded.

(3) THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED
Should we continue the story in John 21:15-19, we would notice that Jesus appeared to Peter first after the miraculous catch of 153 fishes. Importantly, Jesus did not appear to the “disciple whom Jesus loved” first. And Jesus appointed Peter as the chief of those disciples. Not John.

The point here is, we can self-declare or proclaim “I am the disciple whom Jesus loved”. But Jesus did not appoint John as the chief. Three times, Jesus did not entrust His sheep/ lamb to “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED”. In life, usually, we entrust important tasks to our closest friend, especially as the will’s executor or an administrator.

And the resurrected Jesus could be so different bodily that all His disciples and Mary Magdalene can’t recognize Him. That includes “The disciple whom Jesus loved.”

When Peter knew it was Jesus, he was the first to react and jump into the sea and not John… “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That speaks for his heart for Jesus rather than John.

(4) EMPOWERMENT

Physics would suggest that it is easier to drag a fishing net on the seashore than in the sea that is subject to gravity force and sea tiding. It is not the appearance of Jesus that empowered Peter with physical strength per se.

CONCLUSION
Personally, I believe it is not the “Right Side” or left side that is paramount in life. The most important thing in life is to hear the instruction from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They know where the fishes are in the river and ocean.

The Holy Spirit might be revealing and asking individuals to move into the “Right side” or “launch their vessel into the deeper ocean.” Similarly, the Holy Spirit might want individuals to switch careers, change ministry, or relocate to another country. Pure obedience to His instructions is the key to success. I pray that I would take heed and be attentive to His calling.

In conclusion, personally, I believe the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” teaching alters the meaning of John 20 and 21. At least, it does not portray these two chapters of scripture rightly.

I would describe John 20 and 21 as Jesus’ appearance to those eye-witnessed disciples:-
– to reinstate His identity,
– strengthen the disciples’ faith,
– focus on His written word and
– urging them to continue spreading His gospel on the earth.

Those disciples were with Jesus physically for 3 ½ years, but they weren’t recognized His way from the bible. Much more can happen to new covenant believers. We can be very familiar with the stories but without knowing the Savior’s heart. I pray that may the Lord unveils my and our eyes to Him from the written word.

Last but not least, it is good to check the biblical meaning by reading the bible, chapter by chapter; verse by verse on the whole portion of the entire message rather than trying to draw His truth with just a few so-called Revelation Words.

Jesus always spent time in His earthly ministry alone with God the Father was an example for believers. Private devotion to Jesus and the Holy Spirit is paramount as a Christian. Hear Him daily.

We all want the presence of the Lord to help us, prosper us, and guide us. But altering the biblical meaning by replacing it with a few so-called Revelation Words might be diluting His truth. Amenbible

LAW (2) – JESUS UPHOLDS THE LAW (CIRCUMCISION)

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LAW (2) – JESUS UPHOLDS THE LAW (CIRCUMCISION)

This is part four of the study of the law.
Part 1: Melchizedek, Grace, Truth and Law
Part 2: Law is being canceled
Part 3: Law (1) – Justification by faith

(A) OLD ISRAELITES WERE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH EVEN UNDER LAW (OLD COVENANT)
In part 3, the conclusion is that God doesn’t change His method in whichever time frame. From before the law was given, to the old covenant and the new, God justifies men through faith. It is never through the works of the law.

Based on Paul’s teaching on “Circumcision”, modern teaching strongly sermonize that should anyone like to go back and preach on law, they ought to be alienated from Christ. And they have been telling Christians that they are falling from grace. Yes, these verses are found in Galatians 5:2-6 read as below:-

(NIV) 2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:2-6)

The theme of modern teaching is saying:
– under the new covenant, there is no law;
– not to obey nor follow God’s law.

Besides, this modern teaching is using Galatians 1:6-9, telling Christians that should they go back to the law (Old Covenant), they are under a double curse. Very scary, is it?

(B) CIRCUMCISION OF HEARTS EVEN UNDER OLD COVENANT
Let’s examine the true meaning of circumcision under the old covenant in Deuteronomy 10:16/ 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4/ 9:25-26, and Leviticus 26:40-42.

Deuteronomy 10:16
16 CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEARTS, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. (NIV)

(Deuteronomy 30:6)
6 The LORD your God will CIRCUMCISE YOUR HEARTS and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (NIV)

(Jeremiah 4:4)
4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your HEARTS, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. (NIV)

(Jeremiah 9:25-26)
25 “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh—
26 Egypt, Judah, Edom, Ammon, Moab and all who live in the wilderness in distant places. For all these nations are really uncircumcised, and even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart.” (NIV)

(Leviticus 26:40-42)
40 “‘But if they will CONFESS THEIR SINS and the sins of their ancestors—their unfaithfulness and their hostility toward me,
41 which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their UNCIRCUMCISED HEARTS are humbled and they pay for their sin,
42 I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. (NIV)

The above 5 portions of scripture show that circumcision is not just physical, even under the old covenant. In another word, God does not change His instruction from the old to the new covenant for the call of circumcision. Leviticus 26:40-42 establishes the point that confession is the way out from sin. Please revisit “Part 3: Law (1) – Justification by faith’, for more detail, if necessary.

(C) EXAMPLES OF TIMOTHY AND TITUS
Before we jump to a conclusion, there is a parallel calling on circumcision in Acts 16:1-3.

Paul told Timothy to be circumcised physically in Acts 16:1-3. I thought Paul preaches strongly against circumcision in Galatians 2? Isn’t he even pronounced a double curse that modern teaching loves to imitate?

Why is Paul so controversial? Why does Paul fight so hard against circumcision but on the other hand, advised Timothy to be circumcised?

Other than that, Paul fought strongly disallowing Titus to circumcise before the Jerusalem leaders (Galatians 3:1-5)

Wow! Is Paul being a double standard?

No, Paul is not being controversial or a double standard. The context in Acts 16:1-3 tells us that Timothy’s mother was Jewish and a believer but his father was Greek. Whilst, Titus was a Greek. A Jewish circumcises physically in accordance with Jewish law. But a non-Jewish Christian needs not be circumcised. Should a Christian obey physical circumcision, he ought to follow the whole Jewish law or custom. This is what Galatians 5:2-6 is talking about.

(D) WHAT ABOUT THE BOOK OF ROMANS CHAPTER 2?
Paul explains the true meaning of the theme of circumcision in Romans 2:17-29. From Romans 2:17-27, Paul rebukes Jewish that they are brought up as people who knew the law and boasted about their relationship with God, yet, they do not know the way of God. They teach others not to violate the requirement of the law, but they themselves break God’s law. And Paul continues by quoting Isaiah 52:5 in reiterating his reprimand of those Jewish that God’s name is being blasphemed by their substandard lifestyle in Romans 2:24.

Of course, people like to twist the truth in Romans 2:17-25 by saying no one is able to observe the law faithfully.

Nevertheless, let’s continue to read Romans 2:25-29, and see if modern teaching extracts and paraphrases the doctrine correctly.

Romans 2:25-29
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.
26 So then, If Those Who Are Not Circumcised Keep The Law’s Requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?
27 THE ONE WHO IS NOT CIRCUMCISED PHYSICALLY AND YET OBEYS THE LAW WILL CONDEMN YOU WHO, EVEN THOUGH YOU HAVE THE WRITTEN CODE AND CIRCUMCISION, ARE A LAWBREAKER.
28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; AND CIRCUMCISION IS CIRCUMCISION OF THE HEART, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God. (NIV).

Maybe it is good to refer to one more translation of Romans 2:29, to draw the true meaning. Let’s look at the NTL of the same verse below.

(NTL) 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people. (Romans 2:29, NTL)

Next, how about Romans 2:12-16 which read:-

(Romans 2:12-16)
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
13 For it is NOT those who HEAR the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who OBEY the law who will be declared righteous.
14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.
15 They show that the requirements of the LAW ARE WRITTEN ON THEIR HEARTS, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)
16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.(Romans 2:12-16, NIV)

The cryptic reference should be in Romans 2:13. It states clearly that:
– “It is not those who hear the law who are righteous.
– But it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”

(E) DID PAUL CONTRADICT TO JAMES?
As a matter of fact, Paul does not contradict James 1:22-25, as those modern teaching suggested. Both Romans 2:13 and James 1:22-25 are saying that:
– it is not the hearers of the law
– but obeying or doers of the law who are blessed.

This is opposed, to modern teaching and at least one more denomination that is saying that the Book of James is not written for Gentile believers. No, Paul’s teaching is aligned with St James’. Unless they are saying that there is one gospel for gentiles and another for Jewish believers. But no such thing. There is only one gospel.

Of course, modern teaching likes to argue that no one is declared righteous in Romans 3. Well, it is good to refer back to “LAW (1) – JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH”. In a nutshell, there is a difference between:
– Works of law and,
– faith in law in Romans 3 and 4.

In the context of verses 14-16, it talks about “Gentiles” without law. That “Gentiles” should be referring to “Gentile Christians:
– Because verse 15 is saying “The law is written on their hearts.” Both Jeremiah 31:33 and Hebrews 10:16 is saying that the law is being written on believers’ hearts, under the new covenant.
– And we all know that the Old Covenant was written on the stones, not in the Old Isrealites’ hearts.

Moreover, verse 14 is saying “Gentiles do the requirement of the law.” If it is referring to non-Gentile Christians:
– And those non-Gentile Christians (Pre-believers) know how to obey and do God’s law, Jesus needs not come to this planet earth then.
– Both Jewish and Gentile Christians should be ashamed of themselves if non-Christians know how to obey His law but not them.

What Romans 2:12-16 is saying is that if Gentile Christians do not have Jewish law; which is Mosics Law, but are able to carry out the requirement of the law is known as heart circumcision. In addition, Paul does not say that those who are in Christ, or under the new covenant (under Grace); shall automatically know as heart circumcision, as what modern teaching is suggesting.

(F) CONCLUSION

Ironically, Paul is saying:
– “DO THE REQUIREMENT” of law are called righteousness.
– No, Paul is not talking about “Imputing Righteousness” as suggesting by modern teaching repeatedly.
– The word “Righteousness” can be “Right Standing” or “Right Doing” with God. It might be good to read “Righteousness Part 1“ again.

Thus, it is not true for modern teaching to say:
– No one can do the requirement of God’s law.
– No law under New Covenant

Of course, through the years, if an untrue message is being preached, and shared repeatedly, the truth can be distorted. It is like boiling a pot with a lukewarm fire, slowly and surely, the untrue becomes the truth.

In reality, either in the old or new covenant, God justifies His people not just physically. Rather He justifies believers according to their hearts in both Testaments. And Jesus came to uphold God’s original commandments. Amenbible

READ:
Righteousness Part 1
BELIEVE AND THE GOSPEL

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As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc