Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

-
Image
  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is i...

How closely does God control the universe, especially moral creatures?

-

universe slide

After creating the universe, God did not leave His creation to run its own course. The Lord, who is sovereign, continues to be actively involved in the universe, even in the affairs of men. As seen in many passages, the Lord declares His ownership of the earth and all that is contained in it (e.g. Deuteronomy 10:14; Psalm 89:11; 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26).

Furthermore, in Scripture we see God asserting His rightful ownership of all humanity (Ezekiel 18:4); Israel (Leviticus 20:26; Ezekiel 16:8; Isaiah 43:1); and the church (John 17:6, 9; 1 Corinthians 3:23; 2 Corinthians 10:7; Galatians 5:24). Man, whom God created to become His image bearers, was also given the ability to choose. Hence, man is accountable for his decisions.

One example of this is Nebuchadnezzar. He was warned beforehand by Daniel that if he does not acknowledge the sovereign God, there will be consequences. Unfortunately, his pride went to his head and he lived like an animal for seven years (Daniel 4:31-33). The angel said to Nebuchadnezzar that his punishment will last only for a certain period and until he recognizes that God is sovereign and is in control in the affairs of mankind (4:32). God then graciously restored to him his kingdom after he acknowledged God (4:34-37).

Moreover, Scripture tells us that God directs man’s ways (e.g. Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9; 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23-25). It is when we trust in the Lord and acknowledge Him that our steps will be blessed (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 

 

Popular posts from this blog

From Theocracy to Monarchy, a study of 1 Samuel

-
Image
Today’s Message in a Nutshell–“From Theocracy to Monarchy”, a study of 1 Samuel The book of 1 Samuel takes us from the birth of Samuel, the last and greatest judge of Israel, to the anointing of Israel’s most beloved king, David. We find in this book a transition from “theocracy to monarchy” as God’s people chose to be “like all the nations” by demanding that a human king rule over them (1 Samuel 8:5), an outright rejection of the King of kings who had led them from Egypt to the Promised Land. Sadly, a number of believers today follow the error of God’s people in Samuel’s time. We reject God’s rule over us.  Rather than following God’s way, we instead embrace the ways of the world. The Scriptures, therefore, remind us to not love this world (1 John 2:15-17) or be conformed to it (Romans 12:1-2).  Rather, we should “set our affections on things above” (See Colossians 3). We also find in 1 Samuel repeated portraits of individuals who had a good beginning but a sad ending.  Eli...
Read more

Do we have to believe that Jesus is God incarnate vs. a prophet or wise teacher? What difference does it make?

-
Image
Although in Scripture we find passages describing Jesus as a Prophet (e.g. Mark 6:3-5; Luke 24:19; John 6:14) and a Teacher (e.g. Matthew 17:24; Mark 4:38; Luke 10:25; John 1:28; 8:4) believing that Jesus is God incarnate is imperative. Why? Because the essence of the gospel is that God became man and lived among humanity. Jesus Christ is the Immanuel—“God with us” (Matthew 1:22-23; John 1:14). He is the only God-Man, making him the unequivocal Savior of the world. That Jesus is God incarnate is a truth that most men and women find hard to accept. They refuse to believe that they are not able to save themselves from the righteous wrath of God (Romans 1:18-32) and it is wholly through Jesus Christ that one can be saved (John 14:6; Romans 10:9-13; Acts 16:31). 
Read more

Jesus: The Believer’s Inheritance

-
Image
  It is fascinating to observe when people talk about inheritance, ones mind would immediately cater properties, wills, houses, jewelries, and other material things. All of which are centered on material temporal things.   In 1 Peter 1:4 , although The Apostle Peter used the term “inheritance” once in his letter, Apostle Paul on the other hand, mentioned this term in his letters several times. ( Eph_1:14 , Eph_1:18 , Eph_5:5 , Col_3:24 ,) But what is so significant about this particular emphasis of Peter? After all, he made a brief description of the inheritance (verse 4-5) a believer will obtain now that he is part of God’s family.   The term “inheritance” is not something new among Jewish ears. Going back to the OT, when God divided the promised land among the 12 tribes of Israel, every tribe received a portion of the land as their inheritance, except for the tribe of Levi…”the priestly tribe”. They were the only tribe that didn’t get one. God’s reason for doing so is i...
Read more