It is possible to read 2 Kings 5 and conclude that Elisha performed a mighty miracle for Naaman by giving him instructions for curing his leprosy.  Some may read the passage and conclude that Naaman healed himself; of course by being obedient to Elisha's instructions.  Others may read the passage and conclude that there is healing power in any water flowing in the Jordan River.

Naaman was healed and cured by the mighty power of the living God, whose Prophet Elisha acted as God's representative.  Arguably, as with the friends of the paralyzed man who tore the roof off the house and lowered him down to Jesus, we could conclude that the faith the Hebrew little maid had in her God is what produced God's miracle.

Few believe that Naaman healed himself.

2 Kings 5

5 Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper.  ² And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife.  ³ And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.  ⁴ And one went in, and told his lord, saying, Thus and thus said the maid that is of the land of Israel.

⁵ And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of raiment.  ⁶ And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of his leprosy.  ⁷ And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

⁸ And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had rent his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Wherefore hast thou rent thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.

⁹ So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.  ¹⁰ And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

¹¹ But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and strike his hand over the place, and recover the leper.

¹² Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So he turned and went away in a rage.  ¹³ And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, if the prophet had bid thee do some great thing, wouldest thou not have done it? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

¹⁴ Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God: and his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.

¹⁵ And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him: and he said, Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, I pray thee, take a blessing of thy servant.  ¹⁶ But he said, As the Lord liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.

Naaman did not heal/cure himself from leprosy! 

God did, through a young maid and a Prophet.

Everyone,

The posts on this site were copied and pasted from a dormant BlogSpot.  They were not arrayed in chronological order and I apologize for that.  The impetus for this site was created when a fellow Protestant wrote a lengthy paper and submitted it to his Pastor and had his notions validated.  His paper emphasized a laundry-list of passages (many referring to the Sermon on the Mount and entry into the Kingdom of Heaven passages) which he interpreted to be absolute requirements of everyone seeking to enter Heaven.  He asked three brothers to test what he had written and my very first Biblical citation was the thief on the cross; no Baptism, no Habitat for Humanity work, no soup kitchen volunteering... as we read the account- Jesus did it all!  That example prodded the Spirit to remind me of the many contrasting examples found in this blog.

As this 2nd effort - Isaacsredemption2@blogspot.com - is launched, I promise to ruminate on the Scriptures and post additional references of God's (yes, along with Jesus and the Spirit of Holiness) great and exclusive works.

Dryjordan

Sunday, June 19, 2005

Isaac's Redemption

In Genesis 22:2-13, Isaac trusts his father, carrys the wood for his own sacrifice after riding to the site on an ass and is almost sacrificed by his earthly father on an altar he helps to prepare.

Isaac is spared by the provision of an Angel and the placement of a substitute, a ram, for the sacrifice. Genesis records how Isaac's life was extended that day.

Isaac did not save himself.

Isaac took no actions or steps to provide for himself, except loving and trusting his father. In considering this "free gift," with no participant involvement, future posts will examine other groups and individuals - in the Old and New Testaments - who likewise did not save themselves. Collectively, they present a Biblical theme that God saves those he chooses to redeem. Hence the site, Isaac's Redemption.

In subsequent posts, consideration will be given to the amount of effort the first-borns contributed to their redemption at the first Passover in Egypt as well as how much effort the "Thief on the Cross" contributed to his redemption during that brief encounter he had with Christ.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is nodifference: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation throughfaith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Redemption of the Firstborn

It would be foolish to assume that all of the firstborn who were spared during the Passover were infants. Certainly, some of the very men who applied the blood to the doorposts and lintels were themselves adult firstborns. Reviewing the passages below where we are told that there were approximately six hundred thousand men, plus children and women, it becomes clear that a large quantity of Isrealites were spared from the overflight of the death angel. God knows how many. Considering just the firstborn children and infants; the Passover instructions were performed by someone else. They had no hand in God's sparing them.

Each had no hand in saving himself.

Redemption is from God.

Exodus12:11 And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover. Exodus 12:12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

Exodus 12:37 And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle. Exodus 12:39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, for it was not leavened; because they were thrust out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither had they prepared for themselves any victual. Exodus 12:40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. Exodus12:41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, even the selfsame day it came to pass, that all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt. Exodus 12:42 It is a night to be much observed unto the LORD for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night of theLORD to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations.

Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Eight were chosen of God and God spared the eight he chose.

In Genesis 6:8-18, God extends Grace to Noah, his sons and their wives and He selects them for His regeneration of the earth, after the flood.

The eight did not select God. God selected and redeemed the eight.

Thursday, June 23, 2005

God Redeemed Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:21

Adam and Eve seperated themselves from God in Genesis 3. When He called, they attempted to hide their nakedness with leaves. Their efforts were totally insufficient. In Genesis 3:11, after shedding the blood of an innocent animal, God redeems and restores them and covers their nakedness with the skin of the slain animal(s).

Adam and Eve did not redeem themselves. God redeemed Adam and Eve.

Friday, June 24, 2005

By the end of Exodus, we know that the rest that God promised to everyone in the tribe who was faithful - reaching the Promised Land of Canaan - would be denied to Moses. We are given the reason God denied Moses' entry and we have it confirmed again at Deuteronomy 34:4-6.

Moses' mortal life ended and he was buried at a location unknown to man.

Yet, at Matthew 17:3, we are presented with the disciple's witnessing of Jesus with Moses and Elias. What can a dead man do to redeem himself?

The mercy, foregiveness and redemption received by Moses, after his burial, was from God.

Saturday, June 25, 2005

Isaac's redemption and substitution took just a matter of minutes and was provided by God.

At the first Passover, the quantity God provided for was substantial, but His redemption from the overflight of the death angel was only extended to firstborns - and only for an evening.

At Leviticus 23, God sets forth a means by which the entire tribe (that participates) can receive atonement for an interval of one year. Through the ceremonial action of one, and the shed blood of an innocent animal, and the substitution of a scapegoat, the entire tribe can be redeemed for one year.

While expanding the quantity of eligibles and the duration of His provision, God has foreshadowed a redemption that will be available to mankind....forever.

Sunday, June 26, 2005

At John 11, we read that Lazarus died, was wrapped and laid in his grave for four days. Jesus, through the Power of God, expressed by His words, raised Lazarus up. Lazurus was brought back to life and restored to his family through no action or effort of his own.

Lazarus was redeemed by the Love of Christ and the Power of God!

Hebrews 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Hebrews 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Hebrews 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Monday, June 27, 2005

In Jonah 2, we read how a disobedient Jonah - in the belly of the fish, deep at the bottom of the sea - has no human power over the fish. Jonah 2:10 reports that God spoke to the fish and then the fish delivered Jonah upon dry ground. In the final verses, in case Jonah does not fully appreciate the Power of God, God demonstrates that He can redeem Nineveh any way He chooses. In the process, God redeems Jonah too!

Jonah did not redeem himself. God redeemed Nineveh and Jonah.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

At 2 Chronicles, Judah and King Jehoshaphat found themselves encircled and outnumbered. Jehoshaphat gathered the people and sent up a prayer that reminded God that they were trusting God to be faithful to His promises and to them. The enemy probably reckoned Judah for dead. But, in another one of those "single-evening" God activities, Judah was spared; saved; redeemed.

Jehoshaphat's prayer reminded God. God redeemed Judah.

2 Chronicles 20:23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another. 2 Chronicles 20:24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped. 2 Chronicles 20:25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much. 2 Chronicles 20:26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Berachah; for there they blessed the LORD: therefore the name of the same place was called, The valley of Berachah, unto this day. 2 Chronicles 20:27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for the LORD had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

Friday, July 01, 2005

Daniel finds himself in the Lions' Den and he doesn't lift a finger to extract himself. The King ordered that Daniel be brought up and out of the Den, however, Daniel attributed his redemption to his God.

God protected and preserved Daniel and God Saved Daniel.

Daniel 6:19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. Daniel 6:20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? Daniel 6:21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. Daniel 6:22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Monday, July 04, 2005

At least three times, in the Bible, men chosen by God find themselves trapped inside walled cities with enemies pursuing them. In Joshua, the men are the spies, sent by Joshua to spy out Jerico. They do not save themselves after Rahab hides them on the rooftop. It is Rahab, from Christ's lineage, who lowers them through a window, to safety.

The spies did not save themselves. God's provision of Rahab saved them.

Joshua 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Joshua 2:12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that ye will also show kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token: Joshua 2:13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death. Joshua 2:14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the LORD hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. Joshua 2:15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window:for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. Joshua 2:16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way. Joshua 2:17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.

Tuesday, July 05, 2005

1 Samuel records the many times that David needed saving. In one instance, like the spies referenced in Joshua, he found himself trapped. Like those spies, he was saved by the hands of a woman who lowered him through a window...a window that many believe was Christ, who continues to be the only way out of the trap that everyone finds themselves within.

David was saved by the hands of another. Through Michal, God saved David, God redeemed David.

1 Samuel19:10 And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night. 1 Samuel19:11 Saul also sent messengers unto David's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning: and Michal David's wife told him, saying, If thou save not thy life to night, to morrow thou shalt be slain. 1 Samuel19:12 So Michal let David down through a window: and he went, and fled, and escaped.

Wednesday, July 06, 2005

Paul twice describes how the hands of others were used to rescue him when he was also trapped. Like the spies and David, Paul was provided for by passing through a window and he had no hand in saving himself.

God Redeemed the spies, David and Paul. Paul did not redeem himself.

Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: Acts 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

2 Corinthians 11:32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 2 Corinthians 11:33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.

Thursday, July 07, 2005

The Book of Ruth presents a story from Christ's lineage that focuses upon the plight of two widows. There plight is such that they need to be "brought out" of their condition. Much like the way God heard the cries of the tribe and brought them out of Egypt, referenced in the passage below.

God redeemed Naomi and Ruth through His grace and mercy. They did not redeem themselves.

Deuteronomy 24:18 But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the LORD thy God redeemed thee thence: therefore I command thee to do this thing. Deuteronomy 24:19 When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thyfield, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands. Deuteronomy 24:20 When thou beatest thine olive tree, thou shalt not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. Deuteronomy 24:21 When thou gatherest the grapes of thy vineyard, thou shalt not glean it afterward: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow. Deuteronomy 24:22 And thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I command thee to do this thing.

Saturday, July 09, 2005

Imagine being a citizen of Nineveh...oblivious to the drama that has gone on between Jonah and God. According to John 3:17-18, you have been condemned already, yet God desires to save you. What did you do to deserve such unmerited grace?

Despite our unworthiness, God makes creative ways to redeem and save those He selects!

Jonah 4:8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. Jonah 4:9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. Jonah 4:10 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night: Jonah 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than six score thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Sunday, July 10, 2005

Can you imagine having friends who love you so much that, if you were paralyzed, they would carry you to and tear off the roof of a home and lower you to be healed by the Master? Do you have friends or family who also have a form of paralysis? Might they need a touch from the Master?

The man suffering from palsy did not heal himself and he could not forgive his own sins. Jesus heals. Jesus saves.

Mark 2:2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. Mark 2:3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. Mark 2:4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

The old hymn pleads, "Revive us again," and we consider reinvigoration, not the restoration of our souls. In this passage, Elijah prays for the restoration of the lad's soul and God revives the boy.

It is only God's Power that revives and restores.

1 Kings 17:17 And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. 1 Kings 17:18 And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? 1 Kings 17:19 And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode,and laid him upon his own bed. 1 Kings 17:20 And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? 1 Kings 17:21 And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. 1 Kings 17:22 And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Justice. American Justice. We read an account of the crimes committed by Barabbas, yet he is released. We read how Christ is "just" and He is condemned. Grace is the opposite of what we deserve (Rev. Nick Harris).

Barabbas was spared when Jesus replaced him. Only His righteousness can replace our sin.

Matthew 27:21 The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Matthew 27:22 Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. Matthew 27:23 And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Matthew 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Matthew 27:26 Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

Thursday, July 14, 2005

In our mortal strength, we sometimes believe that we can provide for ourselves and, in times of crises, save ourselves. After emerging from a shootout as a Detective in 1990, I believed that my prowess had saved me. Some action I had taken, I thought, was what provided for me.

Only the Power of the Living God Saves.

Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Friday, July 15, 2005

How great a Love, that God would provide a mediator for us...someone to plead our cause before the Holy Judge.

Without Him, we have no one to plead our cause.

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 1 Timothy 2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005

The men on Jonah's ship feared that they would perish. So too did the Disciples who were accompanied by the very lover of their souls. After experiencing what they had, with Christ, why would they ask such a question?

Christ is the Master of every storm; He will calm the storms we experience.

Mark 4:37 And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. Mark 4:38 And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? Mark 4:39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Mark 4:40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?

Thursday, July 21, 2005

Oh the list of things we can, and cannot, do. Restrictions, can'ts, don'ts...on and on....yet Christ says that "All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men:...."

Do you have faith and believe in Him? Does He dwell within and rule your life?

Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. Matthew 12:32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Friday, July 22, 2005

The death of a loved one can throw us into a maelstrom of doubt. We do not know which way to turn; who to be angry with; what to do.

As Ruth found herself in such a condition, she did not respond to doubt. She chose Naomi and Her God. That God produced a kinsman redeemer for both women.

Ruth 1:13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. Ruth 1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. Ruth 1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. Ruth 1:16 And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Ruth 1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

Sunday, July 24, 2005

For the year beginning around May, 2004, I was forced to assess my Bible and faith foundations. I forced myself to examine the works perspective that suggests that good works are a contributory element of salvation. The themes of these postings are that Jesus did it all. I found that the embodiment of my Biblical observations for this theme begin with God's redemption of Adam and Eve (their efforts - fig leaves - were rejected) and also with God's redemption of Isaac.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Thessalonians 5:10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.

Monday, July 25, 2005

Clearly, the mighty works of Moses were not sufficient to gain him entry into the Promised Rest or the Promised Land that God foreswore. Yet, at the Transfiguration, the Disciples see Moses with Abraham and Jesus. (Matthew 17:3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.)

Somehow Moses' works, that did not gain him entry into the Promised Land, and the Thief - who is only reported as offering faith without any works - find themselves in Paradise with Jesus. Something other than "works" has gotten these two men into Paradise.

Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Deuteronomy 34:4 And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. Deuteronomy 34:5 So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD.

Deuteronomy 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, Deuteronomy 34:11 In all the signs and the wonders, which the LORD sent him to do in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all his land, Deuteronomy 34:12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

On the road to Damascus, Jesus spoke to Saul and challenged him about "kicking against the pricks" (or ox goads). Then Jesus led Saul into a direction and a place that Jesus selected.

Exactly how much does one have in determining one's salvation?

Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) Romans 9:12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. Romans 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. Romans 9:14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. Romans 9:15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Monday, August 01, 2005

Being grieved by the affliction of Joseph. As descendents of the family of Joseph, Jews knew his story. Reckoned for dead by his father, sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned by the Egyption ruler. Never lashing out, always the suffering servant as a shadow of Christ - The suffering servant! Who are these Jews addressed by Amos? They live luxurious lives having no memory of the price Joseph paid for their ultimate freedom from bondage. Why don't they consider the suffering that one man, Joseph, endured for their freedom?

Amos' message should remind us of the afflictions of our suffering servant, Jesus.

Amos 6:3 Ye that put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near; Amos 6:4 That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; Amos 6:5 That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of music, like David; Amos 6:6 That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.

riday, August 05, 2005

Perhaps everyone, at different stages of their lives, is so oblivious to other and better ways that they do not know how to abandon their current status and deposit themselves in a much better place. Some may even suggest that it is impossible for one to extract themselves, once trapped, and render themselves free of their trappings. So it was that the Demon Possessed man found himself in the proximity of the Pure and Holy one, and the demons inside the man recognized Jesus.

Whether possessed, or self-enslaved, have we found ourselves in the proximity of the Pure and Holy Jesus? Can anyone free himself from a captivity they may never acknowledge? Jesus is the only deliverer of men.

Mark 5:2 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Mark 5:3 Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Mark 5:4 Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. Mark 5:5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. Mark 5:6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, Mark 5:7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. Mark 5:8 For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

As Christians, do we see parallels between the young David and a surrounded Israel in the 21st Century? Do we see both of them needing more powerful protectors from the Giants who would like to crush them? Is the request made in David's Psalm heard by God, today, as Israel's prayer?

Does the God who stood behind David stand behind Israel?

Psalms 35:1 Plead my cause, O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. Psalms 35:2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. Psalms 35:3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Psalms 35:4 Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Psalms 35:5 Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase them.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Postponement. The ability to forego something we would like to have or attain while accepting that we must endure, in order to receive the thing we want. Many believe that the ability to accept postponement is a landmark on the road to maturity. The concept is the anti-thesis of instant gratification. Dying before receiving the promise and comprehending that the promised City awaits us, if we enter and finish the race.

A promised City awaits. Enter and finish the race!

Hebrews 11:12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. Hebrews 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. Hebrews 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. Hebrews 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

The senses confirm the tangible world. Faith does not live there and it exists outside of the senses. It may be a sense presaging the new birth. Saul observed the light before he was blinded, he heard Jesus question him, but he believed because of reasons having nothing to do with the senses.

For non-believers; may the scales fall away and may you believe without seeing!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. Hebrews 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Monday, August 29, 2005

We know that Abraham's encounter with the High Priest inaugurated the Lord's Supper, pre-figuring Christ's Last Supper.

Genesis 14:18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.

But Joseph's instructions have us seeing the empty cup being placed in the sack with the corn, or grain - not yet bread.

Oh, the pictures of better things to come that we are given in the Book of Genesis!

Genesis 44:1 And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, Fill the men's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man's money in his sack's mouth. Genesis 44:2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.

Thursday, September 08, 2005

The contrast between solid rock and shifting sand is found in Bible and Hymnal. The irony found in the analogy linking Christ and things spiritual to the "rock," and things transient and worldly, tangible, to "shifting sand" is not lost with the events of this week. So is the impulse to return to Egypt after one has been freed from its bondage.

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Matthew 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Luke 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

It is interesting to follow the theme God uses, beginning at Genesis and ending at Revelation, that ultimately demonstrates how He can use dead wood to bring about new life. He even has Aaron's Rod, a dead piece of wood, bud and bear almonds in Exodus as a shadow of the resurrection Life He would produce from the dead wood we know as the Cross. Praise God for dead wood!

Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.

Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: Genesis 3:23 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Revelation 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

This Post is the initial post, establishing the basis for this blog.

Isaac's Redemption

In Genesis 22:2-13, Isaac trusts his father, carrys the wood for his own sacrifice after riding to the site on an ass and is almost sacrificed by his earthly father on an altar he helps to prepare.
Isaac is spared by the provision of an Angel and the placement of a substitute, a ram, for the sacrifice. Genesis records how Isaac's life was extended that day.

Isaac did not save himself.

Isaac took no actions or steps to provide for himself, except loving and trusting his father. In considering this "free gift," with no participant involvement, future posts will examine other groups and individuals - in the Old and New Testaments - who likewise did not save themselves. Collectively, they present a Biblical theme that God saves those he chooses to redeem. Hence the site, Isaac's Redemption.

In subsequent posts, consideration will be given to the amount of effort the first-borns contributed to their redemption at the first Passover in Egypt as well as how much effort the "Thief on the Cross" contributed to his redemption during that brief encounter he had with Christ.

Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is nodifference: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Romans 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation throughfaith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness:that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Monday, September 26, 2005

John 3:1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Confessing Christ publically and openly involves risk, something Nicodemus would not do until he met Jesus at the Cross.

John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. John 19:40 Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. John 19:41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. John 19:42 There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.

Monday, October 10, 2005

The Natural man or woman is not inclined to tithe. Like Cain, the natural man is apt to believe that everything he has produced; is his. In this sense, the Natural Man needs to be reborn or – born of the Spirit – in order to become like Cain’s brother, Abel and give ungrudgingly.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Previously, my Pastor has stated that he may be “born again” several times each day as he repeats the cycle of being convicted of his sin, repenting, confessing and obtaining forgiveness. Suggesting that the idea of Conversion being a pivotal event in the life of a Christian is not pivotal and has little significance.

Yesterday, my Pastor compared tithing to salvation, stating that it provides a form of healing (which he said may be one of the meanings of Salvation). He indicated that the decision followed by the action of tithing is a singular transition point in the life of a Christian, suggesting that Conversion is pivotal and positive.

Romans6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Friday, November 11, 2005

At What Price

Some of the typological “purchases” made in the Bible have to do with extraordinary “purchases” of women.

At Genesis 3, God redeems (purchases) Eve with the shed blood of an animal.

At Ruth, Boaz redeems his kinsman by paying a cost and meeting certain conditions.

At Hosea, Gomer is purchased from the auction blocks and restored to her former status.

At Calvary, Christ purchases His church/bride, redeeming her.

The cost? In part, his shed blood!

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

I observed some Christian friends who have esteemed themselves highly. I searched myself and reminded myself how my life is a vapor and I recalled the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; vanity. I remained with the self-review and I remembered the manner in which God reminded Jonah of his importance and Jonas esteem for the people of the City of Ninevah.

Job 38:33 Knowest thou the ordinances of heaven? canst thou set the dominion thereof in the earth?

Jonah 4:4 Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry? Jonah 4:5 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east sideof the city, and there made him a booth, and sat under it in theshadow, till he might see what would become of the city. Jonah 4:6 And the LORD God prepared a gourd, and made it to comeup over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver himfrom his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd. Jonah 4:7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the nextday, and it smote the gourd that it withered. Jonah 4:8 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that Godprepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah,that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live. Jonah 4:9 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry forthe gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death. Jonah 4:10 Then said the LORD, Thou hast had pity on the gourd, forthe which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came upin a night, and perished in a night: Jonah 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, whereinare more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern betweentheir right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?

Monday, December 26, 2005

Jesus addresses two issues in four verses of the Gospel of John that address the universal condition of mankind while also addressing the relative darkness of the world. It is against this backdrop that we can appreciate His brilliant radiance.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

The first issue, Original Sin, is still debated amongst adults and some - perhaps relying too strongly on John 3:16 - have forgotten what Jesus says in John 3:17-18. Why would 21st Century Mankind need a Savior if it had not already been condemned?

On his deathbed, at 38 or 39 years of age, Henry Thoreau was asked by his aunt whether he had made his peace, with God. In typical fashion, Thoreau answered, "I did not know that I had made an enemy of Him."

We cannot square Thoreau's view of things with Christ's comments from John. Thoreau suggests that one must first trespass consciously before there is an actual trespass. His perspective is shared by several men in a Bible study we attend - even after spending 15 months reading Genesis. While Jesus describes how that failure to believe in Him results in the condemnation, these men adopt Thoreau's view - that one needs to knowingly trespass or offend before one would need to "make his peace with God."

In Christ's other example, contrasting darkness to His light, I have an image of a world that is preponderantly dark. In this image, the spark of light that is present in one Christian as they leave their hut or home is the equivilent of one candle-power. We know from reading Revelation that Christ's brilliance is so great that no gaseous sun will be needed after Christ returns, however, He has not returned - so the extremely dark world is the environment into which each Christian enters each day. To me, the contrast and overwhelming disproportionate numbers warring in the current spiritual battle on earth are obvious.

Some of the men from the Bible study, along with Henry Thoreau, may envision a well illuminated world having very little darkness and needing very few Christian candle-power. I accept the description of a very dark world that is presented by Christ.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

This site was created when a Bible study brother presented a Biblical view suggesting that one’s salvation/redemption is not passive. Nearly every passage recording what one must do, was cited. The perspective was presented as a mathematical proof; one that sought refutation. Old and New Testament passages, supporting the “passive” or “God’s elect” view were presented. Isaac’s Redemption and the Thief on the Cross were presented as two examples of redeemed individuals who only demonstrated faith, while finding themselves in a limited way.

Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Isaac didn’t arrange for a ram to be found, caught in a thicket. The thief on the cross didn’t arrange things so that, on the day of his crucifixion, he would be hanging next to Christ. God justifies.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

At four year intervals, people around the world watch as men and women compete in the Marathon at the Olympics. Great attention is given to the winners - who, of course, have finished that race. Somehow, their accomplishment is complete in less than 3 hours. In America, people also give large amounts of attention to the Marine Corps Marathon and the Boston Marathon. Somehow, finishing a 3 hour accomplishment, backed by thousands of hours of training, is regarded highly by many people.

A portion of the importance of the accomplishment lies in the history of the victory at Marathon and a messenger's 26+ mile run that is linked to the first Olympics, in Greece, sponsored by Pericles.

Three or four hundred years later, Saul of Tarsus had his name changed after an encounter with Jesus along the road to Damascus. Subsequently, he wrote as Paul about the spiritual need to believe in the Ressurrected Jesus by Faith, to enter the Spiritual Race and he encouraged his readers to finish the "race."

Paul never advocated dropping out.

He never advocated "coasting" through one's mortal life.

While the Thief on the Cross entered "the race" at the last few steps, Jesus indicates that the Thief crossed the finish line. Other believers have entered the Spiritual Race for hundreds and thousands of days, depending upon the hour they first believed. In this sense, the Hellenistic laurels that come to a single winner of a three hour footrace are dwarfed by the quantity of runners who have entered the Spiritual Race...and many of those "runners" can all claim the prize.

In this age, winners receive a gold medal after placing first at a modern Olympic Marathon. Twenty-three hundred years ago, the winner received a wreath of laurel leaves.

For more than 2,000 years, the Spiritual Prize awaits every believer who enters the Spiritual Race and finishes it. Praise God for Paul!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Prior to the giving of the law to the Levite, Moses, two men served as High Priests for the purpose of intervening for others in accordance with God's purposes.

Melchizedek provided Communion to Abraham and Abraham played an important role in the redemption of his son, Isaac.

Neither man was a descendant of the tribe of Levi, since Levi would descend from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Paul uses reference to these early Priests to illustrate that God does not only draw His agents from the lone tribe of Levi and He emphasizes this with Jesus, who is from the tribe of Judah.

In the first Passover, God instructed every male head of household to perform the intervening act of providing for the first born by slaying the lamb, spreading the blood, roasting the lamb and disposing of it before sunrise as a redemptive act for every firstborn in that household.

How does that apply to you and me?

Can we say that we have no Priestly responsibilities? Or does the Great Commission empower us and place the responsibility to intervene for others upon our shoulders?

Nick Harris, a retired Methodist Preacher once stated, "Dads, it's not pastor's responsibility to bring the Lamb to your children. It's not mom's responsibility. It's your responsibility, dad."

On the original Passover, firstborns were spared. They didn't spare themselves. Those firstborns were spared because of the obedience of God's agents who took actions prescribed by God.

Acting in behalf of others, in faith, we can be priests leading to the redemption of others.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Of Course Mortal Man Will Seek for Chinks in the Armor-clad Bible. How else can a man displace God's Word with his own?

There is a very real paradox when one's ordained Pastor says or writes that he is reading a book that sets forth the notion that the Bible (66 Book, Protestant Bible) is a flawed document because it was written by "flawed" men.

The major reason for the paradox is that ordained pastors are presumed to be Bible exhorters; not Bible critics, certainly not Bible-flaw seekers.

As a Gideon, I had to publically proclaim Protestant Bible inerrancy.

But I have taken the note which was sent to me by my open-minded pastor and I have considered its ramifications. Unfortunately, they lead to a false loop containing circuitous reasoning.

Accepting the premise, for the sake of a discussion, if something touched by man is always "flawed" because of the very "flawed" nature of man; then to whom do seekers turn in order to find the truth, the way and the life? By lowering the stautus of the Protestant Bible, do ordained pastors find elevation? Should we stop reading the Bible and start reading the book my pastor is reading...or just sit down at the pastors feet so he can translate the essence of the book for our digestion?

If the ways and vagaries of man are changing and the Bible is regarded as "fixed" or closed; why would a pastor challenge anyone to consider concepts from a 21st century "flawed-man" written book that challenges the premises of the Bible?

I can only conclude that a dynamic exists that may be the reverse of a wise statement issued by John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin:

John3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, Iam not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. John3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: butthe friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him,rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this myjoy therefore is fulfilled. John3:30 He must increase, but I ®must¯ decrease. John3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he thatis of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: hethat cometh from heaven is above all. John3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that hetestifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. John3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set tohis seal that God is true.

I can only conclude that any man's efforts to diminish the Bible is an effort, by "man," to self-increase.

We should subordinate ourselves to the Bible.

Labels: The Bible...or the opinions of men?