The Universal Significance of God's Law

     God’s laws and commands are the universal and immutable standard of conduct, or benchmark, for all mankind and all nations; past, present, and future.  With that in mind, progressivism is an invalid ideology according to the Bible.

     Therefore, any nation’s judicial system should be based on adherence to God’s laws.

     It will be seen that man’s natural inclinations are in many instances contrary to God’s standard.  Nonetheless, conscience should alert one to the presence of God.

     “…for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law…are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness…”  Romans 2:14-15

     Paul admitted there were aspects of God’s law that were previously unknown to him, i.e. not revealed through conscience.

     “…I would not have known sin except through the law.  For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, ‘You shall not covet.’”  Romans 7:7b

     God, in His transparency, provided His law to alert all mankind to His required standard of holiness.

     “…for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”  Romans 3:20b

     But no man was able to obey God’s law in full.

     “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”  Romans 3:23

     Later in his letter to the Galatians, Paul confirmed man’s inability to abide by the whole law.

     “…knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ…for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”  Galatians 2:16

     This verse reiterates the basic truth that no man can completely obey the law; therefore, the vicarious death of the sinless Christ is the only way to be justified, or found guiltless in the eyes of God.

     God’s law and standard applied to the individual common man.

     “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water…the ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.”  Psalm 1:2-5

     And remember God’s instructions also applied to the nation’s king.

     “Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law…and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren…”  Deuteronomy 17:18-20a

     The king was to have a copy of the law and to study it day and night.  Knowing the law would cause the king to fear (respect and honor) the LORD his God. 

     Furthermore, by studying, understanding, and observing the law would prevent the king from becoming proud. 

     And the word ‘all’ is part of the instruction.  There was not to be a picking and choosing of which parts of the law applied to any given situation.

     Remember Paul said everything that happened to Israel was to serve as examples for the present age of the church.

     How is America doing today with the three branches of government, i.e. administrative, legislative, and judicial?

     Are all executive orders, legislative actions, and judicial decisions in line with God’s standard of righteousness and justice?

     And even more serious, are there any executive orders, legislative actions, and judicial decisions that actually contradict God’s standard? 

     Or worse yet, are there any actions that actually protect those who consciously break God’s laws?

     We could begin with Roe v. Wade and go on indefinitely.

     Such laws and traditions imposed by the Pharisees had the affect of nullifying God’s word.

     “…making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down.  And many such things you do.”  Mark 7:13

     It appears that most politicians are simply ignorant of the reality that they are compromising God’s laws to gain voter support, and are equally blind to the fact those same laws are the immutable word of God.    

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com

God revealed His standard of righteousness to Israel

     The Bible has clearly stated that Israel was and is God’s chosen nation.  As such He revealed to Israel His statutes and rules of conduct for a nation.  Speaking through Moses:

     “Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you…be careful to observe them; for this your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’  For what great nation is there that has God so near…?”  Deuteronomy 4:1a, 6-7a

     Later the Psalmist confirmed Israel’s preeminence among the nations.

     “He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel.  He has not dealt thus with any nation…”  Psalm 147:19-20a

     Israel was to obey their God and by doing so all other nations would witness their blessings for obedience.  Therefore, it was presumed other nations would in turn emulate Israel’s relationship with God and be likewise blessed.

     As God delivered His statutes and judgments to Israel, He made it clear that He would also be their judge.

     “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you; I am God, your God!   For God Himself is Judge.”  Psalm 50:6b-7

     God’s statutes and standard of righteousness have not and will not change.  The law was given to Moses in 1445 BC and that standard of conduct has prevailed throughout history.  The final book of the Old Testament confirms the applicability of the law given to the Israelites via Moses.

     “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.”  Malachi 4:4

     Now fast forward to the New Testament.  Jesus made reference to the Law of Moses and its applicability to the Kingdom age.

     “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”  Matthew 5:17-18

     The Apostle Paul confirmed that being the recipient of God’s statutes was a distinct advantage for the Israelites.

     “What advantage then has the Jew…Much in every way!  Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.”  Romans 3:1a, 2a

     Paul later described his Israelite brethren thusly:

     “…who are Israelites to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law…”  Romans 9:4

     But as history unfolded, Israel disobeyed God’s statutes and reserved His wrath for herself.  In fact the future tribulation is firstly for God to deal with Israel.

     “The word that came to Jeremiah… ‘Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble…’”  Jeremiah 30:1a, 7

     Summary points:

·        Israel was/is to be the model for all other nations

·        God delivered His standard of righteousness and justice to Israel

·        Israel failed miserably by disobeying God’s laws

·        God will judge Israel for their disobedience

     Due to Israel’s blatant disregard for God’s laws, have they lost their favored status because of their disobedience?

     “For the LORD will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance…”  Psalm 94:4

     “I say then have they stumbled that they should fall?  Certainly not!”  Romans 11:11

     God will be glorified in Israel after the great tribulation.

     That’s great for Israel, but, how does all this pertain to America and the current generation?

     The Apostle Paul addressed that very question.

     “Now all these things happened to them (Israel) as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.”  1 Corinthians 10:11

     The Bible is very clear that all nations should look to God’s dealing with Israel to learn of His statutes and the consequences of disobedience.

     How serious do we as a nation take God’s word?  Does America regard the tiny nation of Israel as God’s chosen?

     The recent concessions to Iran (Persia) should provide answers to those questions.

Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com

    

    

    

    

    

America's future is based on Israel's past

     There is no question that America is a great and powerful nation.  Most politicians and national leaders refer to America as the most exceptional nation in the free world.  Actually, isn’t the term ‘free world’ oxymoronic? 

     The next several columns will address the issue of America as a nation based on Scripture.  Each reader will be able to assess for themselves the place and future of America in the big picture based on Biblical teachings.

    The concept of ‘nations’ was first mentioned in the Bible in the early chapters of Genesis with reference to the sons of Noah.

     “These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood.”  Genesis 10:32

     The Hebrew for ‘nations’ is goy which originally meant ‘people’ with similar identity factors such as political, ethnical, or territorial.   The word was also used later to describe heathen or gentile.

     Two chapters later in Genesis the word nation was used to describe a particular family who would be the instrument by which God would offer redemption to all the families of the earth.

     “Now the LORD had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.  I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great… I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’”  Genesis 12:1-3

     As stated previously in this column, the remainder of the Bible is based on the fulfillment of that promise made to Abram (Abraham).

     Abraham’s physical descendants would be the beginning of national Israel, and his spiritual descendants would be the Church.  Both national Israel and the Church would subsequently be redeemed by Abraham’s descendant Jesus Christ.

     But let’s confine the present discussion to national Israel and the other nations.  We’ll list several Scripture passages of chronological history that confirm that Israel was/is God’s chosen nation which would serve as the model for all other nations.

     God’s immutable favor towards Israel should cause all people and nations to reevaluate their foreign policy towards that small nation.

     Of particular significance is America’s making treaties with nations that vow to destroy God’s chosen people/nation.

     “For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”  Deuteronomy 7:6

     The above message was given to the Israelites just prior to entering the land of Canaan.  The passage is straight forward and requires no further explanation.  The Hebrew for ‘people’ is synonymous with ‘nation’ as previously stated. 

     Approximately 450 years later the prophet Nathan revealed to David God’s promises concerning David, his descendants, and the future of Israel.

     “Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said… ‘And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people – to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds…For You have made Your people Israel Your very own people forever…’” 1 Chronicles 17:16a, 21-22

     David acknowledged that there was no other nation on earth like Israel that God had redeemed from Egypt.  God’s purpose was to make Himself known by the things He did and would do for Israel.  Israel was, is, and will be God’s chosen nation forever.

     All nations, are you listening?

     The prophet Isaiah continued the theme of Israel’s treasured status with her God.

   

    

 “Yet hear me now, O Jacob My servant, and Israel whom I have chosen…‘I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God…for the LORD has redeemed Jacob, and glorified Himself in Israel.’”  Isaiah 44:1, 6, 23 

     Significant points confirmed in the above passage:

·        Israel was/is God’s chosen nation

·        There was/is nothing before or after God

·        God was/is/will be glorified in Israel

     To be continued. 

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com

    

    

    

    

    

For Sale: Body Parts (Conclusion)

     The abomination of shedding innocent blood, especially the life of a child, was addressed last week.  The current issue; however, is the shedding of blood of an unborn child.  Is there a difference?

     And once again, the Bible is not silent on the issue.

     There is a great illustration in the Bible addressing the issue.  The illustration features Abraham’s son Isaac and Isaac’s wife Rebekah.  Isaac was frustrated that he and his wife were childless.  Isaac pleaded for Rebekah to conceive and God responded.

     “Now Isaac pleaded with the LORD for his wife, because she was barren; and the LORD granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived.”  Genesis 25:21

     Not only was Rebekah with child, she was carrying twins.  She was having complications with her pregnancy and she inquired to the LORD as to why.

     “But the children struggled together within her; and she said, ‘If all is well, why am I like this?’   So she went to inquire of the LORD.”  Genesis 25:22

     The Hebrew for ‘children’ in the present context is exactly the same word used when the Israelites offered their children to Baal.  It means a young one, or a youth.

     God then explained to Rebekah that she was carrying the progenitors of two distinct nations.  In other words, God had a plan for each of the twins before they were born.  And God’s plan was totally contrary to the law regarding birth rights.

     “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger.”  Genesis 25:23

     Of course, the boys were Jacob and Esau.

     This example was so significant that Paul wrote of it two thousand years later.

     “…when Rebecca…had conceived by…our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, ‘The older shall serve the younger.’  As it is written, ‘Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.’”  Romans 9:10-13

     Paul confirmed that those in the womb are children just as those who are born and live outside of the womb. There is no difference in the eyes and mind of God.

     God has a purpose for His chosen which has been established long before the birth of His children.  Therefore, His purpose doesn’t depend on the actions of the children; it is preordained.

     Is then the ‘age of accountability’ a Scriptural teaching or a church tradition?

    

     Consider further the numerous times in the Bible when a person is called by name and their purpose revealed even centuries before their physical birth.

     Perhaps King David said it best as he tried to express the majesty and sovereignty of God.

     “My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret…Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them.”  Psalm 139:15-16

     David confirms that God’s purpose for His chosen was set in ages past and their days determined and outlined before they were even formed in their mother’s womb.  Their days are already numbered and recorded in the Book of Life.

     Roe v. Wade has legally allowed the murder of approximately 57 million children. 

     Such a law brings to mind the words of Jesus to the Pharisees.

     “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? ...Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.”  Matthew 15:3, 6

     The current issue of murdering unborn children and harvesting their body parts for profit is clearly addressed in Scripture. 

     Does the early commandment given to Noah still apply?  Everyone can decide for themselves.

     “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man.”  Genesis 9:6

     And remember, a child is a child whether running across the room into your protective arms or resting in peace within his/her mother’s protective womb awaiting birth.

Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com