Category Archives: Theology

September 5, 2021 · 10:00

The Rapture

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (1Corinthians 15:51-52)

We hear a lot about the Rapture lately, but a lot of confusion exists about what the Rapture is and when it is supposed to take place. Some critics deny the Rapture claiming, that the word “rapture” is not in the Bible. However, the word “Bible” is not in the Bible, nor is the word “Trinity,” yet no Christian would deny these terms. To be clear, while the English word “Rapture” cannot be found in the Bible, its Greek root is. “To the church in Thessalonica, [Paul] wrote: ‘For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [i.e., “go before”] them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17, emphasis mine). The Greek word translated ‘caught up’ is harpazō, which means ‘to seize, carry off by force’ or ‘to snatch out or away.’ That word is further translated into Latin as rapturo [rapiemur] from which we get our word ‘rapture.’”[1]

Paul also describes the purpose of the Rapture to the Corinthians when he says, “that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Corinthians 15:50). Our corrupt and sinful bodies cannot enter into heaven; therefore, they must be changed into incorruptible, sinless bodies. “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep [i.e., “die”], but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:51-53, emphasis mine).

Jesus promised the Rapture. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3). About 60 years after His ascension, Jesus dictated seven letters to John, the last living of His apostles. The sixth letter was addressed to the Church of Philadelphia to whom Jesus said, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” (Revelation 3:10). Many scholars see the seven churches (real churches existing in John’s time) as representative of the characteristics of the Church throughout different epochs in church history. The Philadelphian Church represents the “evangelical” church that sprang up around the end of the 18th century and will continue to the Rapture. The Rapture will fulfill Jesus’ promise to keep them “from the hour of temptation – i.e., trial, testing, tribulation – that is to come upon all the earth”

So, the concept of the Rapture finds solid support in Scripture although some will still try to explain it away.

Some still conflate the Rapture with the Second coming. These are two separate events. The Rapture takes place before the seven-year Tribulation;[2] the Second Coming is when Jesus returns to establish His Kingdom on earth[3] at the end of the Tribulation. At the Rapture, the Church is taken to meet Jesus in the air;[4] at the Second Coming, Jesus will set His feet on Planet Earth.[5]

Many signs accompany the Second Coming: wars, rumors of wars, pestilences, famines, earthquakes, etc.[6] Perhaps the greatest sign of all is the miraculous revival of the nation of Israel as predicted by the Old Testament prophets, but particularly by Ezekiel in his vision of the valley of dry bones.[7] This prophecy came true on May 14, 1948 when Jews from all over the world returned to the land promised to them by God to became a nation once again.

However, there are no signs for the Rapture. About the Rapture, Jesus said. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Matthew 24:36). However, as His Second Coming approaches we observe those signs rapidly increasing in frequency and intensity. America is rapidly vanishing from the scene as a superpower. That means that Israel is losing her strongest ally, and she will be left to face her enemies alone. Again, the Prophet Ezekiel predicts an invasion of Israel from a confederation of nations on her northern border.[8] Already, those armies are staging in Syria – Russia, Turkey, Iran and their allies. With the USA out of the way, nothing will stop them from falling into God’s trap. Ezekiel foretells that Israel, left alone, will be defenseless against the invasion; however, God will intervene in such a way that no one, especially Israel, will doubt the power of God.

The Gog of Magog war described above will probably take place after the Rapture, but because we see the stage already being set, we can infer that the Rapture is not too far off. Consider the weakened condition of the USA. Then think about millions of American Christians suddenly vanishing. The majority of Christians are solid citizens who work and pay taxes contributing to the national economy. Think of the impact to the economy when these millions are suddenly gone! Many Christians serve in the military and in police forces. What happens when they disappear? What about healthcare workers, nurses, doctors, medical technicians? With the plandemic already stressing hospital staffing, what happens when many more of these are gone? There are also many solid Christians in positions of leadership at different levels of government. Imagine what will happen when all these people are taken out in the Rapture! Our already weak America will be in total chaos and capable of only making a weak protest, “Art thou come to take a spoil? hast thou gathered thy company to take a prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?” (Ezekiel 38:13).

We are very near that point now. For many years now I come to this time of year with a heightened sense of expectation. Monday evening, September 6 begins Rosh HaShanah,[9] the Feast of Trumpets.[10] Jesus fulfilled the first four “Feasts of the Lord” – Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, and Pentecost – at His First Coming. The last three fall feasts have not been fulfilled. The next one is the Feast of Trumpets; therefore, I believe (and I could be wrong) that the Rapture will take place at Rosh HaShanah. At that feast, trumpets were blown calling all the congregation of Israel to assemble. So, it is a “calling in” or a “gathering” of the congregation. Earlier I cited 1 Thessalonians 4:16, where “the trump of God” will sound, and we shall be gathered to Him in the air. The Feast of Trumpets is also known as the feast where “no man knows the day or the hour.” That is because it is based on the first sighting of the new moon; therefore, it is observed over two days because it is not known exactly when the new moon will appear. For those reasons, it makes sense to me that the Rapture can take place during the Feast of Trumpets.

Given the sudden and rapid decline of the USA, the general turmoil around the world, the rise of globalists seeking to rebuild the Tower of Babel (metaphorically speaking), and the increase in end-times signs, I feel this week (Monday evening to Wednesday evening) would be a good time for the Rapture to take place. I am not making any predictions; I am only saying that it seems like a good time for it, in my opinion.

How about you reader? If Jesus were to call His children home, would you be ready? If you are not sure, please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Other Articles On This Topic: 

End-Times 101

End-Times 102

Coming Soon!

Not Expecting to Die

When I Disappear

Notes:

[1]  “End-Times 101 – https://erniecarrasco.com/2018/06/10/end-times-101/

[2]  Revelation 6-19

[3]  Revelation 19

[4]  1 Thessalonians 4:17

[5]  Zechariah 14:4; Revelation 19:11-21

[6]  Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21

[7]  Ezekiel 37:1-14

[8]  Ezekiel 38-39

[9]  “Rosh HaShanah” – https://erniecarrasco.com/2016/10/03/rosh-hashanah/

[10]  “Trumpets” – https://erniecarrasco.com/2020/09/20/trumpets/

2 Comments

Filed under Apologetics, Christianity, Current Events, End Times, Eschatology, Feasts of the Lord, Heaven, Rapture, Religion, Resurrection, Salvation, Second Coming of Christ, Theology

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

August 29, 2021 · 10:00

Who Cares About You?

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

With all the COVID shutdowns, mask mandates, and constant browbeating about taking experimental and unproven injections, it seems that many have become convinced that the government propaganda is really intended for our wellbeing. After all, realizing that the lockdowns caused great financial burdens on families throughout the nation, our government stepped in and sent money to almost every family. I even received a check even though I did not need it. Then when job losses lingered, our government provided generous unemployment checks to all those affected by the lockdowns they imposed. So generous were the unemployment benefits, that when things started to open up, and businesses needed workers, few were willing to go back to work because the unemployment checks were better the money they could earn working.

What a wonderful caring government we have that wants to take care of its people! It matters not at all that the government has no money to just give away. The government has no means by which to produce wealth. It only has what money it takes from taxpayers, and here in America, the number of taxpayers continues to decline while freeloaders increase. What the government cannot collect from taxpayers, it just arbitrarily and indiscriminately prints to make up the difference. But, the people do not care, as long as they have they have beer money and some left over for groceries. Why, they do not even have to pay their rent because big brother will take care of that too.

So, if big brother says to take a shot because it is for your own good, they are more than happy to get in line for their turn. However, these who believe their government values their wellbeing, are blissfully ignorant of a human flaw that makes those in positions of power avaricious of greater power. One way they achieve greater power is to appease the masses by providing carefree sustenance and a sense of equity among all. “You will own nothing, and you’ll be happy.”[1]

But do not be fooled. The government does not care about you. The government wants to control you, and you are happily going along with it. You wear your mask when told to and even when not told to, just make sure no one gets offended. You line up and take your jab as every good comrade, I mean citizen, should. What you do not know is that the mask is useless against the Coronavirus, or any virus for that matter.[2] In fact, Dr. Fauci said that at the very start of the plandemic. Another bit of information kept from you are the number bad outcomes from the injections – miscarriages in pregnant women, neurological problems which are irreversible, blood clotting, heart problems and even death.[3] These facts are recorded and made public by the CDC, but your government cares so much about you that it does not want to worry you. Just take the jab and trust your government.

This last week provided us with a perfect example of how much our government cares about its people. In a sudden, though not unexpected, move, our President decided to pull all of our troops out of Afghanistan. I do not know of many who believe we should have been there as long as we have been. Russia spent many years in that place and accomplished nothing. So, why did we think we could do better? Once we got Osama Bin Laden, we should have pulled out in an orderly manner, of course. However, there are those that profit from war and they “support” politicians that support them. “Oh! The tangled webs we weave!” Our government makes a big to-do about our fallen and wounded heroes, but if it really cared about them, it would not keep sending them off to fight senseless wars. And what about the wounded families at home? They get a folded flag and a litany of pointless platitudes. Our people honor their heroes more than the government does. Many non-profit organizations provide for the needs of our fallen and wounded warriors, while our government cares more for illegal border crossers (potential Democrat voters) than for our own service men and women.

So suddenly, and without warning our troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan without first removing our civilians that are in that country, or those Afghanis that assisted our troops. They have been left to their own resources to get themselves to the extraction point through a gauntlet of Taliban rebels.

I will reserve further comment about this bone-headed operation.  It really churns my innards. One can find no greater proof than this that your government cares nothing for its people. Britain, France, Germany, and others went right in and rescued their people, but not the “superpower” with the greatest military in the world.

You know what? Your government does not care about you. Who cares about you? God does, and the sooner you get a grip on that great truth, the happier you will be. God loves you so much, that He took on human flesh, lived a sinless life, and gave His life to cover your sins. And if you will place your faith and trust in Him, He has secured a place for you in His presence for eternity. Your government has not done that for you! If you do not know Him, please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  https://off-guardian.org/2020/11/12/own-nothing-and-be-happy-the-great-resets-vision-of-the-future/

[2]  There is more than sufficient documentation on this matter that the reader can find with a little effort.

[3]  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html

Comments Off on Who Cares About You?

Filed under Christianity, Current Events, Gospel, Politics, Random Musings, Salvation, Theology

Tagged as , , , , ,

August 15, 2021 · 10:00

Where Can You Hide?

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Last Sunday morning, one of the members of our Sunday school class came down with the Wuhan Bug, this in spite of the fact that she had received the so called vaccination. Once diagnosed, she promptly informed the class and the church of her infection and of the possibility that she may have unwittingly exposed others. The church immediately contacted all class members and requested that we all self-quarantine for the next ten days. I will not say that our class is “old,” but most members are over 60. Also, a good majority are deathly afraid of the bug and were first in line to get the “jab.” Regardless, fear persists and the church suspended our in-person Bible study and requested that we not attend the live worship services until after our quarantine time.

We also have an “aging” congregation where close to 50% (perhaps more) of our members are over the age of 60. A good percentage of those fear getting the bug. Our church “shut down” in the spring of 2020 when the two-week national shut down expanded to 30 days, then two months then six months and on. It is just now returning to “normal,” However, fear persists especially now that the “India” variant of the Wuhan Bug arrived on our shores. This variant is less deadly, but more contagious and the current “vaccine”[1] falls short in its efficacy against the new variant. And, oh by the way, other variants are coming.

So, are we to continue to live in fear? What can you do? Where can you hide? I do not know about you, but I refuse to live in fear. As a Christian, God instructs us to put our trust in Him for ALL of those things which are out of our control. “Fear not!” says God’s Word. We hear “Fear not!” from the pulpit. We sing hymns of faith encouraging us to “Fear not!” Our choir sings an anthem that proclaims, “I go to the rock of my salvation. I go to the stone that the builders rejected. I go to the mountain and the mountain stands by me! When the earth around me is sinking sand, upon the Solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter, when I need a friend, I go to the Rock.”[2]

What good is God’s Word? What good is all that preaching? Of what value are all those “songs of faith” if they have no impact on our lives once we leave the cloistered walls of our churches? They are meaningless activities designed to momentarily distract us from the scary world outside. Christian, if your faith is real, then there is no place for fear in your life. “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble” (James 2:19). If you truly believe, then act like it!

I refuse to live in fear, and it saddens me when the Church acquiesces to the fear mongering over this “pandemic.” I am not ignorant nor in denial of what the Wuhan Bug can do, but I refuse to let fear of the remote possibility of catching the Coronavirus dictate how I carry on my life. There are practical things one can do for this threat as well as for any other pathogen. God has blessed me with excellent health all of my life, and I have a well-functioning immune system – thank God! I am 71 years old (in the “high-risk” age group). I maintain a relatively active lifestyle (I do not sit around watching TV all day). I eat a healthy diet and take vitamins. Along with my regular multi-vitamins, I take extra Vitamin C, D, and Zinc to help boost my immune system. I have not, nor will I take the COVID “vaccine.” The main reason for refusing the “vaccine” is that all of them have been developed from cell lines of aborted fetuses.[3] As Christians, we claim to be “pro-life.” So, if we truly stand by that, why in the world would we inject something into our bodies developed from the sacrificed lives of the unborn! That one reason is sufficient for me to reject the jab. The other reason is noted below (Note 1).

For those at higher risk than I, common sense dictates extra precautions. Avoid crowded situations. Maintain a reasonable social distance. Wash your hands often. Take extra Vitamins C and D and Zinc. The efficacy of a mask for stopping the virus is highly questionable. The virus is very tiny, and it can easily penetrate the pores of almost any mask. Someone compared it to trying to stop a mosquito with a chain-link fence.[4] That said, a mask signals to others that you are, or at least “feel,” vulnerable, so they should not be offended if you do not shake hands or hug. Personally, I would still not take the jab. The government (NIH and CDC) is in cahoots with “big pharma” and “big tech” to suppress any negative reports on the jab. Reports of bad outcomes and even death resulting from the jab do not make it to regular media outlets. Take sensible precautions, but trust God. If you have not yet learned this in your life, the government DOES NOT care about you or your well being. The government is not God.

Christians should not live in fear. Fear demonstrates a lack of faith in God. It really does! Not only that but it is a poor witness to a lost world. If Christians are just as fearful as the “lost,” why should they put their trust in God? Christian, your life belongs to God, and your life is in His hands. You will not die until He is ready to call you home. You will not die a moment sooner or a minute later than the time He has determined for you. Furthermore, you do not get to choose the method by which you will go home – car wreck, a stray bullet, a heart attack, cancer, any one of a number of diseases, pneumonia from the flu, COVID, or He may choose to take you in your sleep. Then, when you open your eyes again, you will be in His presence. So why live your life in fear? Where can you hide from the unknown?

The “sweet psalmist of Israel” put it this way. “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee” (Psalm 139:7-12). Where can you hide? There is no place to hide except to hide in Him.

I refuse to live my life in fear. I hope you will join me in living a fearless life in Christ.

Reader, if you do not know the Savior in whom I have placed my life, please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  I put “vaccine” within quotation marks because the “jab” is not a vaccine in the traditional sense. In reality, it is “gene therapy” created in the laboratory by “scientists” who have a very incomplete knowledge of the human genome and how it works.

[2]  “I Go to the Rock” performed by Whitney Houston – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpP1oaNWtKA

[3]  The reader can verify this claim by going to the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture these “vaccines.” Even though one will have to dig, they do not hide this information; however, they do not broadcast the fact openly.

[4]  Speaking of masks, you need to watch this video posted by a fellow blogger: https://grandmageri422.me/2021/08/14/this-will-shock-you-tiny-worms-found-embedded-in-blue-masks-from-china-children-and-others-are-breathing-in-these-parasites/

1 Comment

Filed under Christianity, Current Events, Pro-life, Random Musings, Theology

Tagged as , , , , ,

August 8, 2021 · 10:00

Plugged Ears

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 11:15)

Lately I find myself at a loss for subject matter about which to write. I want to make my articles encouraging and uplifting, but as I look at what is going on around me, in our nation, and in the world, I find very little that is positive. Our government lacks leadership. Those in positions of power seem to be following the dictates of some unseen puppet master. Ultimately, that puppet master is Satan, but that is another topic altogether. Our world fares no better. Economies are failing all over the world placing the whole world at the brink of war. The powers that be continue to increase control over the populous through fear tactics over the supposed pandemic that threatens to kill us all. Pressure to take “the jab” comes from all directions so that, at least in the USA, the government can feign innocence in pushing an unconstitutional mandate. Soon we will not be able to travel, work, buy, or sell without proof that we have been jabbed. No, the jab is not the “mark of the beast,” but it is a good conditioning method to train a compliant society.

All of this may sound depressing to some, but I am actually encouraged. These “signs” indicate that the return of Christ is very near. Jesus foretold all of these things in his Olivet Discourse.[1] Of course, Jesus prophesied of the events that would take place during the Tribulation period seven years before[2] His Second Coming. Before that happens, those who are part of the “true Church,” His Bride, will be raptured out of this world to meet Him in the air.[3]

Some imagine that the Tribulation will begin as soon as Jesus takes His Church out of the world. Then all the Tribulation judgments will begin and escalate rapidly. However, I do not hold that opinion. I believe that the signs will begin slowly, and then steadily increase in frequency and intensity. Jesus described His Second Coming (at the end of the Tribulation) as “A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world” (John 16:21). “All these are the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh … So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” (Luke 21:28; 31).

All the things of which Jesus spoke cannot take place in an instant. Things have to progress (or regress depending on your perspective) slowly. Economies must fail. Desperation must increase. Distrust in leaders must diminish. Governments must maneuver to gain advantage and power. Wars and rumors of wars will increase. Currently, the USA is under threat from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Israel is surrounded by hostile nations. Iran, Turkey and Russia along with their allies are staging their armies in Syria and Lebanon to threaten Israel’s northern border.

The situation seems rather grim. I have heard several prophecy teachers offer this illustration: “When you see the Christmas decorations going up in all the stores, you know Thanksgiving is near.” In the same way, as we see all of the signs for His Second Coming intensify in number and frequency, we can be sure that the Rapture of the Church is very close.

For the believer, that should be cause for joy, hope, and anticipation! At least, that is how I feel about it. So, imagine my surprise when I recently shared a link to one of Jan Markell’s pod casts[4] and a “sister” asked me to remove her from my mailing list because she did not want to hear anything “political.” It occurred to me that some of our brothers and sisters in Christ want to plug their ears and not hear about what is going on in our world. They want to live their lives as “normal” without anything to disrupt the status quo. Ignorance is bliss, the saying goes. Jesus described these days as the days of Noah and the days of Lot[5] when people carried out their lives as normal without a care in the world of the impending doom. When judgment came, they were caught by surprise. In context, Jesus referred to the time of Tribulation, but the same principle can be applied to the time before the Rapture.

Many “blissful” Christians will be caught by surprise when Jesus snatches them out of this world. That is not so bad you may think. However, think of all those left behind who did not hear the Gospel because Jesus’ servants were carrying on their lives as if nothing were happening. Jesus described such servants in two separate parables.[6] In both examples, one servant did nothing with the charge left to him by his Master, and when the Master returned demanding an accounting, the unfaithful servant was chastised and demoted. So, how will these blissful Christians react when Jesus asks for a reckoning? “Lord! I didn’t know you were coming so soon!”

That is what will happen when you go around with plugged ears refusing to hear what is going on around you and what the Bible has to say about it. At least a third of the Bible, I am told, deals with end-times prophecy. It stands to reason that God put that much prophecy in the Bible to prepare us for the things to come. We cannot prepare for the coming days if we go around with plugged ears. The Bible commends the children of Issachar for their situational awareness. “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment” (1 Chronicles 12:32, emphasis mine). We should follow their example. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15)

Reader, perhaps you do not have plugged ears, you are very aware of the decaying condition of the world around you, and you wonder what in the world is going on. I have many articles on the topic of last days under “Categories” that may help answer some of your questions. However, it will all be moot if you do not know the Savior. I encourage you to please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21

[2]  Daniel 9:27

[3]  1 Corinthians 15:51-53; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

[4]  “Who’s Behind the Shadow Government” Jan Markell with guest Bill Koenig, posted July 29, 2021 on Rumble: https://rumble.com/vkhgxr-whos-behind-the-shadow-government-bill-koenig.html

[5]  Luke 17:26-30

[6]  Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27

2 Comments

Filed under Apologetics, Bible, Christianity, Current Events, End Times, Eschatology, Evangelism, Gospel, Rapture, Religion, Salvation, Second Coming of Christ, Theology

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

August 1, 2021 · 10:00

Like As We

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

Our starting verse assures us that in Christ, we (who belong to Him) have a high priest – an advocate, an intercessor, or a “go-between” – that can relate to “the feeling of our infirmities,” i.e., our weaknesses or frailties both physical and emotional. He understands because He “… made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). He knows our struggles because He experienced our struggles Himself.

We may find ourselves on trial some day in a court of law for some alleged infraction of the law. In our defense, a lawyer – an advocate – will plead our case, but that lawyer goes only by what evidence we can offer. He cannot plead our case from personal experience. Jesus can.

Satan, our prosecutor/accuser, started his practice from the very beginning of creation. He not only brings the accusation, but he initiates the offense to begin with. His first victim was Eve in the Garden of Eden[1] and his tactics have not changed from the beginning. He introduces doubt in God’s Word – “Yea, hath God said?” Then he asserts that God’s Word is a lie – “Ye shall not surely die!” Next he accuses God of withholding something good and implies that he can offer something better – “God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”

Of course, Satan cannot take all of the blame. God gave humans free will to choose whether to obey or disobey and a nature capable of enjoying all the pleasures God created for us to enjoy. John the Beloved warned, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). The Greek word translated “world” – kosmos – has a broad range of meanings. However, in this context, John is referring to “the whole circle of earthly goods, endowments riches, advantages, pleasures, etc, which although hollow and frail and fleeting, stir desire, seduce from God and are obstacles to the cause of Christ.”[2]

John sums up “the world” three ways. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:16, emphasis mine). Eve demonstrated all three of these frailties. “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food [lust of the flesh], and that it was pleasant to the eyes [lust of the flesh], and a tree to be desired to make one wise [pride of life], she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (Genesis 3:6). We are no different today. Satan employs the same tactics and we still have the same weaknesses.

The Gospels of Matthew and Luke both record Satan’s attempt to cause Jesus to sin.[3] At the beginning of His ministry, John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Jesus went into the wilderness, and for forty days and nights he fasted in preparation for His ministry. At the end of the forty days, he was physically exhausted, malnourished, and hungry. He was at His weakest point both physically and emotionally.

Satan assessed his victim’s weakened condition and availed himself of a prime opportunity to attack. Knowing with whom he was dealing, Satan dispensed with his usual tactics. He knew that he could not cause doubt in God’s Word. He was facing the Word Himself.[4] He could not slander the Word of God because he was in the presence of the Truth.[5] He could not tempt Him with “ye shall be as gods”[6] because he was in the company of God. Rather, Satan attacked Jesus’ human nature through human weaknesses. “And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread” (Luke 4:3). Here, the lust of the flesh, was especially challenging to a starving man. Who could fault Him for succumbing to that temptation? Yet Jesus answered Satan’s challenge with the Word of God. “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” (Luke 4:4, emphasis mine).

Failing at his first attempt, Satan tried again. “And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time [the lust of the eyes]. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine” (Luke 4:5-7). Again, Jesus responded with Scripture. “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Luke 4:8).

Satan knows Scripture too, and he knows how to twist it to suit his purpose. “And he brought [Jesus] to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee: And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone [the pride of life]” (Luke 4:9-11, emphasis mine). The final fail – Jesus sent Satan packing with His final Word making clear to Satan with whom he was dealing. “And Jesus answering said unto him, It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (Luke 4:12, emphasis mine). Satan knew he met his match, so, “he departed from him for a season” (Luke 4:13, emphasis mine). Satan is a highly intelligent being, but he is stupid. Knowing full well that he is out matched by God, he still thinks he can somehow pull off a win.

We continue to struggle with our frailties, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Jesus faced those challenges also, just as we do, “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Because we, who belong to Him, have His Holy Spirit in us, we can conquer our temptations the same way Jesus did, by standing on the Word of God. However, the Holy Spirit in us can only use the amount of ammunition that we provide, so it is vitally important that we maintain a well-stocked arsenal of God’s Word by reading and studying it daily. And when we fail, and we do fail, we can be sure that “we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are” (Hebrews 4:15) that intercedes on our behalf.

Reader, if you do not have this assurance, please read my page on “Securing Eternal Life.”

Notes:

[1]  Genesis 3:1-5

[2] Joseph Henry Thayer, D.D., The New Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, (Hendrickson Publishing, Peabody, MA, 1981), Strong’s Number G2889, p.357.

[3]  Matthew 4:1-11:  Luke 4:1-13

[4]  John 1:1

[5]  John 14:6

[6]  Genesis 3:5

Comments Off on Like As We

Filed under Apologetics, Bible, Christianity, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Salvation, Satan, Theology

Tagged as , , , , , ,