Yesterday, I watched a movie called "Heaven is real". It
told the story of a young child from Nebraska who almost died during
an operation and went to heaven. While he was there, he met Jesus and
relatives he never knew. Interestingly, an artist on the other side
of the world painted a picture of Jesus that the youngster recognized
instantly. And the best part- this movie was based on a true
story.
Today,
when I saw this picture, I was reminded of the movie. Obviously,
after reaching the top of this staircase, a person would enter
heaven. I have heard of many “near death” experiences, but not
one of them involves a staircase. So, how does a person enter heaven?
Well, the exact way one actually enters
heaven is ultimately between God and those who desire entrance into
God’s spiritual realm. The best we can know is what to do in this
life to prepare and leave the rest up to God. The Bible says...
Believe John
8:24; Acts 16:31; Hebrews 11:6
Repent Luke
13:3; Acts 2:38; 3:19, 17:30
Confess Matthew
10:32f.; Romans 10:9f.; Philippians 2:5-11
Be
Baptized Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5; 1
Peter 3:20f.
Be
faithful Revelation 2:10; Matthew
10:22; Matthew 24:13; Mark 13:13;
Examples
from the book of Acts...
Acts
2:1-47; 8:5-12; 8:26-40; 9:1-18 (see also 22:16); 10:1-48; 16:13-15;
16:25-30; 18:8; 19:1-7
Hopefully,
you will look up the above references and believe what is written. If
you don’t want to believe what the Bible says, then that is your
choice, but as with any choice there are consequences. Consider the
following…
John
12 ( World English
Bible )
47
If anyone listens to my
sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not
to judge the world, but to save the world.
48
He who rejects me, and doesn’t
receive my
sayings, has one who judges him. The word
that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day.
49
For I spoke not from myself,
but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should
say, and what I should speak.
50
I know that his commandment is
eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father
has said to me, so I speak.”
AND
Matthew
7 ( WEB )
13
“Enter in by the narrow
gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to
destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.
14
How narrow is the gate, and
restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.
15
“Beware of false prophets,
who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening
wolves.
16
By their fruits you will know
them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?
17
Even so, every good tree
produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.
18
A good tree can’t produce
evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.
19
Every tree that doesn’t grow
good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.
20
Therefore, by their fruits you
will know them.
21
Not everyone who says to me,
‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who
does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22
Many will tell me in that day,
‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast
out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’
23
Then I will tell them, ‘I
never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’
24
“Everyone therefore who
hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise
man, who built his house on a rock.
25
The rain came down, the floods
came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t
fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26
Everyone who hears these words
of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built
his house on the sand.
27
The rain came down, the floods
came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and
great was its fall.”
Heaven
is God’s domain and he makes the rules, so, do what the Scriptures
tell you to do and live.
The Lord's church can expect to confront many challenges...
Opposition by Satan was foretold in the parable of the tares - Mt
13:24-30,36-43
Attacks from within and without foretold by Paul - Ac 20:29-30
Apostasy was foretold, and began very early - 2Pe 2:1-3; Jude 4
Previously, we suggested that the local church will be at the front
of the confrontation...
As the church universal is a spiritual entity well preserved by
Jesus
But the church local is subject to many things that can threaten
its existence
How can the church local stand strong and firm in the service of
Christ?
I believe the key is respecting the proper authority...
How shall we determine what is right or wrong, good or evil?
What shall be our authority in matters of religion?
Is a particular doctrine or practice from heaven or from man?
- cf. Mt 21:23-25
[Using the proper authority in matters of religion, most challenges
confronting the church can be easily overcome. What is the proper
authority in religion? Let's first consider...]
WHAT MANY CHURCHES ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
THE OLD TESTAMENT...
From the beginning of the church, many have appealed to the OT
- e.g., Ac 15:1-5
Even if they do, is their doctrine consistent with God's
Word? - Deut 13:1-5
-- Since the 1st century A.D., all "prophets" have failed either
one or both tests!
MAJORITY RULE...
Many people and church councils decide doctrine or practice
based on majority rule
Yet Jesus warned of the danger of following the majority - Mt
7:13-14
If we had followed the majority...
In Noah's day, we would have perished in the flood
In Joshua's day, we would have perished in the wilderness
-- Following the majority is not a good guide for authority in
religion!
CONSCIENCE...
"Let your conscience be your guide" is the motto of many
But our conscience cannot always be reliable
Paul had served God with a good conscience throughout his
life - Ac 23:1
Even at a time when he was persecuting Christians! - cf. Ac
26:9-11
The conscience is like a clock, which works properly only if
set properly
-- Our conscience is not always a reliable guide in matters of
religion
HUMAN WISDOM...
Many feel that through their own wisdom they can determine
right and wrong
But God's thoughts and ways are not always our own - cf. Isa
55:8-9
In fact, God has chosen to save man in a manner specifically
designed to confound those who depend solely upon human wisdom
- cf. 1Co 1:18-29
For us to know God's will, it was necessary for Him to reveal
it to us - 1Co 2:9-12
This He has done through His Spirit-inspired apostles - Ep
3:1-3
Who in turn shared it with us through their writings - Ep 3:4-5
-- Human wisdom is often the exact opposite of God's wisdom!
FEELINGS...
This is often the standard of authority for many people and
churches
Who go by whatever 'feels right'
Who place stock in a religion 'better felt than told'
Who will follow societal trends that may seem good and right
Yet the Bible declares the danger of trusting in feelings
"There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is
the way of death." - Pr 14:12
"He who trusts in his own heart is a fool..." - Pr 28:26
"O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not
in man who walks to direct his own steps." - Jer 10:23
-- Such subjective feelings are from the heart of man, not the
mind of God!
[These seven "standards of authority in religion" are from men, not from
heaven, and are the main reason for much religious confusion and
division that exists today. Allow me to suggest...]
WHAT CHURCHES SHOULD ACCEPT AS AUTHORITY
THE WORDS OF JESUS CHRIST...
Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and on earth - Mt
28:18
He expects us to observe all things whatsoever He commanded
- Mt 28:19-20
He is the head of the church, which is to be subject to Him
- Ep 5:23-24
-- As the body of Christ, we must submit to our Head!
THE DOCTRINE OF THE APOSTLES...
To receive Christ, we must receive His apostles - Jn 13:20
“Search the Scriptures,
for in Them Ye Think
Ye Have Eternal Life,
and They Are They
Which Testify of Me”
Jesus.
Search the Scriptures every day,
Read them through and through.
Then if your desire is to be saved
You’ll know just what to do.
Do not take what others say
And think that they are right,
But read the Bible for yourself
And you will see the light.
For we are taught in Mark sixteen
The commands the Savior gave
To His Apostles long ago,
Whereby we must be saved.
So just take it as it stands.
Hear it, believe it and obey.
Do not listen to someone else
Lest you be led astray.
For there are many creeds of men,
Different churches of every kind,
But when we search God’s Holy Writ
The church of Christ is all we find.
We turn to Acts in chapter two
And there we see the Simple Way
That Peter taught three thousand souls
On that great Pentecostal day.
He told them how by wicked hands
They took and crucified the Lord.
They saw the great mistake they made
And believed the Holy Word.
So they cried out to the Apostles,
“Men and Brethren, what shall we do?”
“Repent and be baptized,” said Peter,
“And the Lord will pardon you.”
So they believed just what he said,
And confessed their faith that day,
And were baptized into the Lord,
Proceeding on the heavenly way.
So now we turn to Acts nineteen
Where some are found who couldn’t see
Just how to obey the Lord’s command
From sin to be made free.
So there we find old Brother Paul
Who preached to them God’s Holy Word.
And when they heard it they believed
And were baptized into the Lord.
So let us read some more in Acts,
In chapter eight, verse thirty-seven.
There we see what the Eunuch did
That he might get to heaven.
Now don’t get tired, but read some more,
In Acts twenty-two and verse sixteen
What Ananias told Saul of Tarsus.
There the way is plainly seen.
So while you’re passing through this life,
If someone comes and says to you:
“My desire is to be saved
But I don’t know just what to do.”
Just point him to what Peter says
In Acts two, verse thirty-eight,
And tell him to accept it now
Before it is too late.
Also let him read First Peter,
Chapter three, verse twenty-one.
Then he can straightway see
What it is that must be done.
Do not tell him he must wait
Until another day
And look for something he can’t get
In any other way,
For Jesus says, “I am the way,”
Because He rose from the grave,
He also says, “Come unto me,
And you, I will surely save.”
Thus my friend if you’re out of Christ,
You must surely get within
If you expect to reign with Him,
In a land that’s free from sin.
So now’s the time, the accepted time,
Accept it now and be wise.
Just believe his Holy Word,
Repent, confess, and be baptized.
Some preachers are so uninformed
That they cry out very bold
And tell lost wayward sinners
That baptism doesn’t save the soul.
So I point them to First Peter,
Chapter three, verse twenty-one,
“Baptism doth now also save”
Through God’s only begotton Son.
Then if that doesn’t convince them,
I refer them to John three, verse five,
That in order to enter the Kingdom,
They must surely be baptized.
This was said by the Master,
Spoken while on earth He trod,
Unless one of water and Spirit is born,
He cannot see the Kingdom of God.
And it is also plainly written
In Galatians three, verse twenty-seven,
That into Christ they were baptized,
And were on their way to heaven.
So if you’re in a lost condition
And desire a better way,
Just believe the Savior’s teaching,
And accept His Word today.
Lay aside all sin and folly,
Prepare yourself for paradise.
Do not deny what Jesus says:
“Repent, confess and be baptized.”
So search the Scriptures for yourself
And read them every day.
Do not listen to someone else
Or you might go astray.
Yours for the Bible,
CHARLES J. KINCAID
Etowah, Tennessee.
Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)
Questions have been raised by skeptics concerning the
Bible’s reliability based on the reports of the Gospel writers regarding
the interval of time that transpired between the crucifixion and the
resurrection of Jesus. As is always the case with such alleged
discrepancies, further study and honest exegesis dispels the allegation.
The Bible refers to this interval in four forms:
“on the third day” (Matthew 16:21; 17:23; Acts 10:40; 1 Corinthians 15:4)
“in three days” (Matthew 26:61; John 2:19)
“after three days” (Matthew 27:63; Mark 8:31)
“three days and three nights” (Matthew 12:40)
On the surface, these four representations certainly appear to be
inconsistent, if not contradictory. Indeed, to the English mind, these
four phrases convey four different meanings. However, upon further
investigation, we discover they are interchangeable expressions
in the New Testament. The evidence from antiquity and from the Bible is
decisive: “three days and three nights” in Oriental expression was an
idiomatic allusion to any portions of the period. This fact stands proven
and is undeniable based on at least three sources: (1) scholarly
historical analysis of ancient idiomatic language; (2) biblical usage
throughout the Old Testament; and (3) harmonization within the passion
texts themselves.
HISTORICAL USAGE
First, a vast array of scholarly sources verifies the use of this
idiom in antiquity. It constituted a loose form of speech to refer to
two days and a portion of a third. A.T. Robertson referred to this usage
as “the well-known custom of the Jews to count a part of a day as a
whole day of twenty-four hours.”1 Likewise, in his monumental volume Figures of Speech Used in the Bible, E.W. Bullinger explains that “the expression ‘three days and three nights’ is an idiom which covers any parts of three days and three nights.”2 The highly respected 17th-century
Hebraist John Lightfoot published a commentary on the New Testament,
incorporating his vast grasp of Hebrew and Aramaic usage, including the
Jewish Talmud and Mishna. In that commentary, he recounts the common
usage of the phrase “three days and three nights” among the Gemarists,
Babylonian Talmud, and Jerusalem Talmud, concluding: “So that according
to this idiom, that diminutive part of the third day, upon which Christ
arose, may be computed for the whole day, and the night following it.”3 The list of scholarly confirmation could be lengthened indefinitely.
BIBLICAL USAGE
Second, the Bible uses the same idiom throughout the Old Testament
and continues into the New. For example, in the account of Joseph’s
dealings with his brothers, Moses wrote: “So he put them all together in
prison three days. Then Joseph said to them the third day,
‘Do this and live, for I fear God…’” (Genesis 42:17-18). Joseph put his
brothers in prison for “three days” (vs. 17) and then released them
“the third day” (vs. 18). The two expressions were viewed as equivalent.
In his pursuit of the Amalekites, David and his men came upon an Egyptian in the field, whom they nourished with food and drink:
So when he had eaten, his strength came back to him; for he had eaten no bread nor drunk water for three days and three nights.
Then David said to him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you
from?” And he said, “I am a young man from Egypt, servant of an
Amalekite; and my master left me behind, because three days ago I fell sick” (1 Samuel 30:12-13).
The inspired writer states unequivocally that the Egyptian had taken
no nourishment for “three days and nights,” which the Egyptian, in his
explanation of his predicament, defined as “three days.”
On the occasion when Jeroboam returned from exile in Egypt and led
the Israelites in a rebellious confrontation of the rightful king
Rehoboam, we are informed:
Then Jeroboam and the whole assembly of Israel came and spoke to
Rehoboam, saying, “Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore,
lighten the burdensome service of your father, and his heavy yoke which
he put on us, and we will serve you.” So he said to them, “Depart for three days, then come back to me.” And the people departed (1 Kings 12:3-5).
Rehoboam then consulted with the elders of the nation, promptly
rejecting their advice, and then consulted with the young men of his own
generation who had grown up with him. Then the text reads: “So Jeroboam
and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had directed, saying, ‘Come back to me the third day’”
(1 Kings 12:12). Lest we fail to grasp the fact that “for three days”
and “the third day” are equivalent expressions, the inspired writer says
so explicitly by equating them and then adding “as the king had
directed.” The parallel account in 2 Chronicles completes the idiomatic
usage by reading: “So he said to them, ‘Come back to me after (ע֛וֹד) three days’” (10:5). This latter allusion is not to—as a westerner would think—the fourth day, but to a point in time “on” the third day (vs. 12—בַּיּ֣וֹם). Hence, “after three days” equals “the third day.”
Yet another instance is found in the book of Esther. Having been
elevated to a prominent position in the eyes of King Xerxes, Mordecai
urged his cousin Esther to use her influence to save the Jews throughout
the Persian Empire from annihilation by Haman. Here was her response:
“Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day.
My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which
is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” So Mordecai went his way
and did according to all that Esther commanded him. Now it happened on the third day
that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the
king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his
royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house
(Esther 4:16-5:1).
Esther did not change her mind regarding when she would approach the
king. Rather, she did exactly what she told Mordecai she would do.
Hence, “three days, night or day” is precisely the same timeframe as “on
the third day.”
We see the same idiom in the New Testament. One example is the
inspired account of the events leading up to the conversion of the first
Gentiles in Acts 10. Several temporal indicators illustrate the
principle:
“ninth hour of the day” (vs. 3)
“The next day” (“about the sixth hour”) (vs. 9)
“On the next day” (vs. 23)
“the following day” (vs. 24)
“Four days ago” (“the ninth hour”) (vs. 30)
If we count the amount of time that transpired between the appearance
of the angel to Cornelius (vs. 3) and the arrival of Peter at the house
of Cornelius (vs. 24), we find it to be exactly three days, i.e., three
24 hour periods. Yet in Jewish reckoning, the period included three
nights and parts of four days. Thus Peter described the interval as “four days” (vs. 30). See the chart below.
We are forced to conclude that the phrase “three days and three
nights” is not to be taken literally. It was used figuratively in
antiquity. Why take one expression out of the four that are used,
interpret it literally (i.e., 72 hours), and then give it precedence
over all the other passages? Jesus being in the grave one complete day
and night (24 hours) and parts of two nights (36 hours total) satisfies
both the literal and idiomatic expressions. The English reader must not
impose his own method of calculation upon an ancient, alternate method
of reckoning time.
Another instance of the same idiom in the New Testament is seen in Paul’s stay in Ephesus. The text reads:
And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months,
reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the
Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the
disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued
for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:8-10).
Paul states plainly that he remained in Ephesus for two years and
three months. Sometime later, in his rush to get to Jerusalem in time
for Pentecost, he came to the seacoast town of Miletus from whence he
sent word to the elders of the church in Ephesus to come meet with him.
Among the stirring remarks that he delivered to them on that occasion
were these words: “Therefore watch, and remember that for three years
I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts
20:31). Once again, it is apparent that the Semitic mind considered that
any portion of a day or year could be counted as a whole day or year.
JEWISH USAGE
Third, it is abundantly clear from the accounts of Christ’s death and
resurrection that this idiom was well recognized and utilized by the
Jews at the time. Specifically, the chief priests and Pharisees
confirmed use of the idiom when they sought an audience with the Roman
Procurator Pilate:
On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief
priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, “Sir, we
remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day,
lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the
people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be
worse than the first” (Matthew 27:62-64).
The Jewish leaders did not insist on the tomb of Jesus being secured
for three 24-hour days. To the western mind, the phrase “after three
days” indicates the need to maintain a guard until the fourth day
had come. But not to the oriental mind. The phrases “after three days”
and “until the third day” were, to them, equivalent expressions.
The evidence from both antiquity and the Bible is decisive: “Three days and three nights” was an idiom. This truth stands as a proven
fact of history. Bullinger was correct when he emphatically stated: “It
may seem absurd to Gentiles and to Westerns to use words in such a
manner, but that does not alter the fact.”4
ENDNOTES
1 A.T. Robertson (1922), A Harmony of the Gospels (New York: Harper and Row), p. 290.
3 John Lightfoot (1823), Horae Hebraicae et Talmudicae or Hebrew and Talmudical Exercitations upon the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark (London: J.F. Dove), 11:202.
Recently I saw a quote posted on facebook my by friend Mike
Richardson from Dr. Wayne Dyer. It’s been on my mind ever since I wrote
it down. It was simple. Succinct. But very profound.
“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.”
This axiom speaks to the issue of perspective. Point of view. And
one’s mental frame of reference. It has to do with our focus in life. It
reveals one’s attitude, whether positive or negative.
When we change our thinking, our feelings follow suit. Our approach
to the circumstances and challenges of life change. Our actions then
lead to a different result. However, two people can look at the same
thing. One sees a problem. The other sees an opportunity.
There’s a great Bible example in the narrative from 1 Samuel 17. It’s
the account of Israel’s on going conflict with the Philistines. This
time they are taunted by a giant named Goliath, who challenged any of
their men to a winner take all fight. Daily Goliath mocked Israel with
these words: “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that
we may fight together.”
The Bible describes Goliath as a mountain of a man. He was huge. He
was a warrior. He was a champion. And as a result, King Saul and the
armies of Israel “were dismayed and greatly afraid.”
But along comes young David. A mere lad. A shepherd boy. When he
learns the King will reward the man who defeats Goliath with riches,
exemption from taxes and the King’s daughter in marriage, David said:
“Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will
go and fight him.”
Saul tried to discourage David. He said, “You are only a boy, and
(Goliath) has been a fighting man from his youth.” Yet, David, through
the eye of faith, didn’t see it that way. He had killed both a lion and a
bear in protecting his father’s sheep. Then David confidently affirmed,
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the
bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
Every child knows the rest of the story and has sung the song Just a little boy David. “Five little stones he took.” But he only needed one. Goliath was felled with a single shot from David’s sling.
What a difference in perspective between Saul’s army and young David.
They saw a huge obstacle. They envisioned defeat. They felt afraid. And
they were paralyzed from acting.
David, on the other hand, looked at Goliath as an opportunity. He
focused on his faith in God’s protection. He quelled fears with courage.
And, don’t miss the fact that David was also motivated by the reward.
Three times in the text David asked what the King would do for the man
who killed Goliath. David didn’t look at the problem. David saw an
opportunity.
Someone once quipped that Israel looked at Goliath and saw someone so
big they couldn’t beat him. But David saw someone so big he couldn’t
miss him!
What Goliaths are tormenting you? What obstacles are you facing in
your life? What challenges are you dealing with? What cares are pressing
you down? What decisions are weighing heavily on your mind? What
burdens are you bearing?
Your success or failure in dealing with your circumstances will depend greatly on how you look at them.
What do you see?
Are you fearfully focused on Goliath? Or are you faithfully seeing the reward offered by the Lord?
