Faithful on Fridays Blog

No one writes or even thinks like the Apostle John. He’s light years away from my writing but I’m intrigued as I contemplate the flow of his gospel. Last week we saw that John separated the world into two groups: believers and unbelievers. People who receive and trust Jesus are reborn of God (John 1:9-13), however, what about the ones who don’t seem to care about salvation?

This is where the concept of the lower and upper story brings clarity. Lower story: Esau despised his birthright and sold it to Jacob.

In the words of the Scriptures, “I loved Jacob, but I rejected Esau. Romans 9:13 NLT

Esau represents the world of unbelievers, those who have no need or care for what Jesus has done for them. Upper story: God rejects those who love the darkness and hate the light (John 3:19); people who reject God’s offer of salvation cannot enjoy fellowship with Him, ever.

Numbers 21 describes a lower story: the people rejected God and Moses, consequently, God sent fiery serpents to punish them. Repentance brought a remedy; whoever looked at the bronze serpent was healed. Jesus gave us the upper story:

“And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”
John 3:14-15 NLT

Why did the apostle John alone record this teaching of Jesus? Possibly because John, being heavenly-minded, understood the separation in the world that will never change. There will always be Esaus who reject God and there will always be those who follow God’s instructions. This reminder led Jesus into His most famous few words recorded in the Bible:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NLT

Unfortunately, many people stop reading at verse 16 and miss Jesus’ point in discussing the world of believers and unbelievers. We enter life as sinners (Eph. 2:3), hopelessly lost, and look to God’s Son for salvation. Jesus told us that He wasn’t sent into the world to condemn us; we’re already condemned (vs. 18). He was sent to save us.

Here’s the the gospel truth:

“But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. ” John 3:21 NLT

Here’s our challenge; as a believer, are we doing what God wants? Do our works, behavior, or attitudes reflect Him? If God loved the world of believers so much that He sent His only Son to pay the price of our condemnation, shouldn’t we live as if we care? Shouldn’t our belief and trust in the Savior of the World be seen? Answer: Yes, you are not an Esau, you are dearly loved by God.

He descended into Hell- Part Three

In 1946 New York City hosted a ticker tape parade for our returning troops. It was a celebration of victory over Nazi Germany with a show of artillery and tanks. The 82nd Airborne Division was chosen to represent the 16 million who served. When Jesus’ physical body died on the cross there was also a parade yet His spiritual mission wasn’t completed.

Jesus’ victory parade would commence in the underworld, Sheol. The souls of the believers resided temporarily in Abraham’s Bosom (the place of bliss) and the souls of the rebellious remain permanently in Hades (the place of torment). We saw this illustrated in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16).

Part of His mission, as He hung on the cross, was to supernaturally be made sin itself (2 Cor. 2:21) so that we could be in right standing with God. It seemed as though His Father had abandoned Him yet He continued His assignment to ‘fulfill all things’.

Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) (Ephesians 4:8-10 ESV)

Who were included in this ‘host of captives’ that He led out of Sheol? I submit that it was Noah and family, Abraham and family, David and family, etc. (Heb. 11:32-39). This parade included Old Testament saints who obeyed God and put their faith in the coming Messiah. The presentation of Jesus’ blood to the Father was the final offering for sin. Our Mediator’s blood speaks of forgiveness but it also cries out for vengeance in Sheol.

This procession was evidence that Jesus was the final Victor over death. He not only carried the blood for the heavenly Mercy Seat but He had in His hand the canceled ledger of our sin. Those items would be presented to the heavenly Judge and our righteousness would be procured. During those three days Jesus proved to all: Satan, the demons, and the rebellious, that Sheol no longer had power over Him or His followers. Only the Messiah had the ultimate authority to set these saints free.

He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (Colossians 2:14, 15 NLT)

That public spectacle, the Victory Parade, undoubtedly included Jesus, our Representative and the freed captives. The 82nd Airborne, marching in perfect time, is a great video and beautifully illustrates the finished work of the cross. I believe Jesus’ descent into hell was part of that mission and all of creation was watching.

What’s your view of the world? Ever thought about your beliefs concerning the ‘big picture’? If you’re a believer it’s vital that you have a worldview because Jesus spoke often on the subject. As Christians our worldview should be shaped by scripture but it’s difficult to always define what is meant by world. For example:

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. John 1:9-10 ESV

John uses this auspicious word in several ways; let’s consider several. First of all, we know that God created the world, kosmos, and when He looked at everything He called it ‘very good’. World can mean God’s orderly creation that works in harmony with His will. John writes that Jesus was present at creation (John 1:1-5), the light in a dark world given for everyone, however, not everyone would receive Him.

Did you notice that world became strictly humanity? John narrowed his worldview to people: believers and unbelievers. As we continue reading we find these words:

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:11-13 ESV

John’s worldview needs to be ours. When we believe in Jesus we become part of His family and are spiritually reborn into this world. Our relationship with Him, based on His Word, becomes our worldview because we recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (1:29). Amazing, isn’t it?

Reflecting back to creation we see another aspect of the world. Satan. He confronted Jesus, tempting Him:

And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. Luke 4:5-6 ESV

Satan was given temporary authority, Jesus called him the ‘ruler of this world‘ several times (John 12:29, 14:30, 16:11), and declared his demise. It seems as if Jesus is tweaking our worldview to include not only believers and unbelievers but also the devil’s influence. That may be why there seems to be contradictions in scripture concerning God loving the world (John 3:16) but instructing us:

Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25 ESV

Let’s intentionally study Jesus’ worldview together and consider whether or not we are in alignment.

He Descended into Hell- Part Two

For me, this subject is a matter of authority. The Messiah volunteered to leave His throne in heaven and become like us so that we could become like Him (Ps. 8) with the same spiritual position. Consider these passages:

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her Offspring; He will bruise and tread your head underfoot, and you will lie in wait and bruise His heel. (Genesis 3:15 AMP)

This is the first mention of the coming Deliverer. The word ‘Offspring’ is referring to Christ therefore God tells the serpent (Satan) that His mission is to restore our authority. Let’s verify that truth from the Word of God.

Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth…You crushed the heads of Leviathan; you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness. (Psalm 74:12-14 ESV)

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. (1 Corinthians 15:25 ESV)

And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, (Ephesians 1:22 ESV)

“… putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. (Hebrews 2:8a ESV)

We established last week that Messiah descended into the lower parts of the earth, however, He did not stay there; resurrection was always in view. He was the first, the forerunner, to descend into hell and ascend into heaven.
Several words are translated ‘hell’ in the Bible. It can be confusing but stay with me.

Sheol is the Hebrew word (Old Testament) referring to the place where souls gathered (Is. 14:9a) before Christ; it’s the temporary place of the grave. Physical bodies die but souls had a choice of two places to remain, in this intermediate state, until Christ ransomed them. Sheol is often translated hell but specifically, it’s a place with several regions. Again, before Christ descended into the underworld to demonstrate His authority over sin, death, and the grave, people were there: waiting. There were only two choices within this realm: bliss or torment. We know the souls of believers who were waiting for Messiah were alive in one area, Abraham’s bosom (also called Paradise). Jesus said, “… I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ So he is the God of the living, not the dead.” (Matthew 22:32 NLT)

Sheol is translated Hades in the New Testament. Read the parable Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) and you’ll see that Sheol or Hades was a distinct place with souls of people who had made their choices: life or death, blessings or curses. Christ descended into this region, with heaven and earth watching (Dt. 30:19), to set His captives, believers, free to eventually rule and reign with Him. Authority restored.

The greatest drama of all time unfolds with an angel explaining to John the apostle, what will be taking place at the end of days; I like that, knowing the plan ahead of time. We are both servants, angels and saints, called by God to a unique role in this drama. There’s a striking mission of angels throughout the Book of Revelation, it begins and ends with the assignment of angels, seven of them, to the Church.

God had clearly spoken to the prophets of the end times, however, those words are yet unfulfilled. Isaiah’s new heaven and earth (66:22-23), Jeremiah’s King (33:14), Ezekiel’s Shepherd (34:23-24), Daniel’s Fifth Kingdom (7:13-18), Hosea’s Wife (3:5), Joel’s Day of the LORD (2:1-2), Amos’ rebuilt Tabernacle of David (9:11-15), I think you get the picture, are all waiting for that day. Angelic ministry will be prominent in the fulfillment of those ancient words yet neither the Son of Man nor the angels (Luke 9:26) returning in stunning glory, knows when that day will arrive (Matt. 24:36). Of one thing we are assured: victory, and the angels know it (Rev. 3:5).

John was privileged to accompany this angel as he revealed the heavenly Temple, the throne of God, and the amazing worship of all kinds of angels (ch. 4): cherubim, undoubtedly seraphim, and the living creatures. Their assignments ranged from worship and declaration (ch. 4-5), commanding the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (ch. 6), refraining the winds and sealing the saints (ch. 7), to releasing the fragrance of the prayers of the saints to God (ch. 8). Amidst all the angelic activity in this book, God reassures us that no word from Him will go unfulfilled and no prayer from us will go unanswered.

Angelic authority is clearly established as God handed the fifth angel the key to hell (ch. 9) and the archangel Michael, along with his company of angels, rise up in warfare against Satan and his demonic warriors (ch. 12). Remember, angels are fighting on our behalf at God’s direction because we are His family, His image bearers, and He will go to any extreme for us. After the angels release the judgments on those who will not repent we are given a reprieve as Jesus appears (19:11-16) accompanied by the armies of heaven, angelic and saints, to attend the marriage supper of the Lamb.

As it was in the Garden of Eden, so it will be when Christ returns (ch. 21-22): the dwelling place of God is with man. Kingdom living will be enjoyed with no tears, no death, no crying or pain, and angels longing to understand this intimate, bridal relationship between God and His Church.

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” Revelation 22:16 ESV

He descended into Hell- Part Two

If you were raised in a Christian church, Protestant or Catholic, then you are familiar with these next few words, the Apostle’s Creed, if not, then enjoy these ancient declarations of faith:

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
He descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic (or Christian) church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

These words are a beloved declaration of our belief system. Our Church Fathers from the fourth century developed this creed, the Apostles’ Creed, with simplicity, order, and reverence. It was originally written to refute Gnosticism which taught that salvation could be received by a secret or hidden knowledge. That heresy needed to be refuted and our Church Fathers developed this clear and concise statement of faith. Last week I wrote that we would be discussing the truth that Jesus visited the underworld after His crucifixion, “He descended into hell” from the creed. Let’s begin.

For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. (Matthew 12:40 NLT)

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were insisting that He prove His authority with a miracle. Jesus told them that the only evidence they would see was the sign of the prophet Jonah. As Jonah was swallowed up in a great fish, a type of hell, similarly the crucified Messiah would be swallowed up in death and hell. Why is that important to a Christian? Why would the Church Fathers include that phrase in our statement of faith? I believe Jesus wants His followers to continually remember His authority over sin, death, and hell. He physically descended into She’ol, the lower parts of the earth, to provide evidence that He was the living Conqueror. In three short days He proved He was Who He said He was.

Unlike Jonah, who disobeyed God, turned, and went in the opposite direction, Jesus willingly descended into hell to announce Satan’s judgment. I don’t know how it all went down but I do know that it’s important to a believer because it verifies His victory. Each year we celebrate His resurrection but we don’t typically spend too much time contemplating what happened in those three days that are crucial for us. Next week: a birds-eye view of those three divine days.

The New Testament begins with a great soap-opera. An engagement, an unplanned pregnancy, and a depressed young lover ready to end the relationship. That’s where we find the ministry of angels in the first chapter of Matthew. God chose to validate Mary’s pregnancy by the Holy Spirit to Joseph via an angel in a dream. Not only that, the angel announced the gospel to him: that child will save God’s people from their sins.

Luke writes that another angel announced the gospel, Messiah has arrived, to some shepherds and a great army of angels joined him in worship. Later, before Jesus even began His ministry, Satan appeared with temptations but Jesus stood strong and Mark tells us angels were sent to minister to Him.

Even today when one sinner turns in repentance there is joy released in the presence of the angels of God (Luke 15:10) because they represent believers to God (Matt. 18:10). Not only that, when that child of God is ready for his entrance into heaven, it’s angels who escort them (Luke 16:22)!

Angels were active at the end of Jesus’ ministry as well. When He was crying out to God on the Mount of Olives, His Father sent angels, again, to strengthen Him for the mission. At the empty tomb an earthquake allowed an angel entrance to descend from heaven and roll back the stone. It was that angel who spoke to the women at the tomb with a message for the disciples of His resurrection and instructions where to see Him again.

The ministry of angels didn’t end with the resurrection, it continued throughout the book of Acts with the formation of the early church. Philip, Cornelius, Peter, Paul, and John all had angelic encounters to direct, deliver, or instruct them on their assignment. John, whose book reveals the end of days, has three times the number of angelic appearances than any book of the Bible.

Is there a role for angels in the church today? Paul thought so. He admitted that he felt like he was on display, a spectacle to the world, as he suffered in ministry (1 Cor. 4:9) before angels and men. However, he helps us in the church to understand that ministry. In his instructions to Pastor Timothy regarding the correction of elders (1 Tim. 5:17-21) he cautions them that God, Christ Jesus, and the highest angels are observing. Judging is part of the church’s authority and we’d better get it right because we’ll be judging the world and the angels (1 Cor. 6:2-3) after Jesus’ return.

Lastly, the love we show within the church reflects the love we show outside the church. That’s the bottom line. When we join together in corporate worship, angels join us (Heb. 12:22-23), and when we show hospitality, love to others, we should keep in mind that it could be angels we’re entertaining (Heb. 13:1-2). Love one another, church, all of heaven is watching.

The True Meaning of Lent

Next week marks the beginning of Lent; we call it Ash Wednesday. Funny how Protestants (non-Catholics) are slowly re-learning the value of this season that has for so long been neglected. Irenaus, a first century Church Father, wrote of a time designated for self-examination, repentance, and reflection on the inner man: we call it Lent. I need this season because I want to remember who I was without Christ but also, who I am with Him and in Him.

The ashes of Ash Wednesday, are applied to the forehead as a reminder:

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19 ESV)

All through the Bible people mourned over their sin or the sin of their people in sackcloth (very rough material) and ashes. This type of repentance is sadly missing from today’s Western Christianity but I believe that God is restoring and reviving His Church with this truth as a springboard. Relationship with God begins with recognizing that He is the supreme authority over all creation: heaven, earth, and the underworld.

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? (Psalms 8:3-4 NLT)

What a humbling scripture. It causes me to reflect on His greatness and my smallness. It reminds me that life is all about Him: His love, His mercy, His grace. Lent gives me an opportunity to remember that I’m a sinner in need of a Savior. I was destined for hell but He chose to rescue me, I wasn’t able pay the required price for release from my sin nature but He was; He, alone, is able.

Each year as I reflect on the meaning of Lent I enter into a season of humility, yes, but also a time of anticipation that one day He will appear a second time and I’ll experience the second part of that Psalm.

Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority— (Psalms 8:5, 6 NLT)

For the next few weeks (Lent is 40 days) I want to delve a little deeper into the purpose of Christ on this earth but also under the earth. We must never forget, especially during Lent, that Jesus spent three days and three nights in the heart of the earth (Matt. 12:40) fulfilling His assignment and proving His authority. Let’s get prepared for the pinnacle day of Christianity: Resurrection Sunday. May this year’s celebration be one of revelation and thanksgiving as we remember all that He accomplished for our benefit.