Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 25, 2022

“You shall be holy men to Me”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:25-31.

“If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest.  If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you are to return it to him before the sun sets, for that is his only covering;  it is his cloak for his body.  What else shall he sleep in?  And it shall come about that when he cries out to Me, I will hear him, for I am gracious.

“You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

“You shall not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage.  The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me.  You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep.  It shall be with its mother seven days;  on the eighth day you shall give it to Me.

“You shall be holy men to Me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh torn to pieces in the field;  you shall throw it to the dogs.”  Exodus 22:25-31.

——————–

We naturally like simplicity and freedom.  Even “just” the Ten Commandments may seem too many and too much law.  And so, these various ordinances that are in the book of Exodus may seem too many and too much law.

Likewise, the people who were listening to Jesus may have felt religious and righteous about obeying the Ten Commandments, and then Jesus spoils their smug attitude by teaching them that obeying Ten Commandments could not be done just superficially.  Here are just three examples of what Jesus said.  

“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’  But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court;  and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court;  and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.”   Matthew 5:21-22.  

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’;  but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  Matthew 5:27-28. 

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  Matthew 5:48.

The conclusion of today’s Scripture, “You shall be holy men to Me”, is like the conclusion of Matthew chapter 5, “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” 

But, there is hope!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  …”  Ephesians 1:3-4. 

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31. 

“For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:14.

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:2-3.

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely;  and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”  1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.”  Jude 1:24-25.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 23, 2022

“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:16-24.

“If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife.  If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the dowry for virgins.

“You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

“Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death.

“He who sacrifices to any god, other than to the LORD alone, shall be utterly destroyed.

“You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.  You shall not afflict any widow or orphan.  If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry;  and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.”  Exodus 22:16-24.

—————–

Justice recognizes and protects the rights of others, including the rights of those who are less able to protect themselves like virgins, strangers, widows, orphans, and the poor.

“3 Vindicate the weak and fatherless;
Do justice to the afflicted and destitute.
4 Rescue the weak and needy;
Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4.

“If a man finds a girl who is a virgin, who is not engaged, and seizes her and lies with her and they are discovered, then the man who lay with her shall give to the girl’s father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall become his wife because he has violated her; he cannot divorce her all his days.” Deuteronomy 22:28-29.

“When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 24:19.

“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
The wicked does not understand such concern.” Proverbs 29:7.

But, there is hope!

“I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted
And justice for the poor.” Psalm 140:12.

“7 Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free.

8 The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
The LORD raises up those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous;
9 The LORD protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow,
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
10 The LORD will reign forever,
Your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the LORD!” Psalm 146:7-10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 22, 2022

“he shall make full restitution” – “In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:1-14.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2022&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.

…

If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.

…

“If a fire breaks out and spreads to thorn bushes, so that stacked grain or the standing grain or the field itself is consumed, he who started the fire shall surely make restitution.

…

“If a man gives his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep for him, and it dies or is hurt or is driven away while no one is looking, an oath before the LORD shall be made by the two of them that he has not laid hands on his neighbor’s property;  and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution.  But if it is actually stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner.  If it is all torn to pieces, let him bring it as evidence;  he shall not make restitution for what has been torn to pieces.

“If a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies while its owner is not with it, he shall make full restitution.  If its owner is with it, he shall not make restitution;  if it is hired, it came for its hire.”  Exodus 22:1, 4, 6, and 10-14.

————-

Restitution is another pillar of justice, particularly for property damage.

We also see the application of another pillar of justice which is proportionate punishment according to the severity of the crime or offense.  For property damage, the more severe the offense, the more restitution is required.  

But, there is hope!

So to speak, restitution appeases the anger of the victim against the offender so that the victim will forgive the offender and not try to take personal vengeance and try to injure or even kill the offender.

“Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.”  And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.  For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”  Luke 19:8-9.

Restitution also leads us to consider and appreciate redemption which is similar.  Like restitution, Christ’s redemption through His blood appeased the anger of God against offenders and God forgave the offenders.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”.  Ephesians 1:7.    

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 21, 2022

“To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.” – “He leads the humble in justice” – “The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 21:26-36.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+21&version=NASB1995

I quote only verses 28-29 and 33-34.

“If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall surely be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten;  but the owner of the ox shall go unpunished.  If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death. 

…

“If a man opens a pit, or digs a pit and does not cover it over, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit shall make restitution;  he shall give money to its owner, and the dead animal shall become his.”  Exodus 21:28-29 and 33-34.  

—————–

“To do righteousness and justice
Is desired by the LORD more than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3.

Through His Word, God is teaching people what is justice.  The situations that we encounter in the world are so numerous that Scripture cannot cover each specific situation.  But, if we diligently read and meditate on God’s Word, then we will know general justice principles and can apply them to help us do justice in every specific situation.

“He leads the humble in justice,
And He teaches the humble His way.” Psalm 21:9.

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction,
To discern the sayings of understanding,
3 To receive instruction in wise behavior,
Righteousness, justice and equity;
4 To give prudence to the naive,
To the youth knowledge and discretion,
5 A wise man will hear and increase in learning,
And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,” Proverbs 1:1-5.

Today’s Scripture about the ox teaches us general lessons about justice.     

Justice teaches us that there is greater liability for personal injuries or death than liability for property damages.  

This certainly should make sense, but do we take it to heart and drive much more carefully when we are driving near pedestrians than when we are driving near other cars where we may “only” scratch or dent their car?

Justice also teaches us that there is greater liability where we knew, or should have known, that our activities present danger to other persons and we could have easily prevented it.  

Consider the sharp distinction where a man’s ox gored a man or a woman to death but he did not know that his ox was dangerous to others (punishment was just death to the ox) compared to where he was warned and did know that his ox was dangerous to others but did not properly confine it as he could have easily have done and prevented death or injuries to other (punishment was death to the owner of the ox).     

But, there is hope!

“The exercise of justice is joy for the righteous,
But is terror to the workers of iniquity.” Proverbs 21:15.

“30 The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
And his tongue speaks justice.
31 The law of his God is in his heart;
His steps do not slip.” Psalm 37:30-31.

“How blessed are those whose way is blameless,
Who walk in the law of the LORD.
2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies,
Who seek Him with all their heart.
3 They also do no unrighteousness;
They walk in His ways.
4 You have ordained Your precepts,
That we should keep them diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be established
To keep Your statutes!” Psalm 119:1-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 20, 2022

“eye for eye, tooth for tooth” – “justice” – “I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 21:12-25.  Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+21&version=NASB1995

I quote only the following verses.

“He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death.  But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee.  If, however, a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor, so as to kill him craftily, you are to take him even from My altar, that he may die.

…

“If men have a quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but remains in bed, if he gets up and walks around outside on his staff, then he who struck him shall go unpunished;  he shall only pay for his loss of time, and shall take care of him until he is completely healed.

…

But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”  Exodus 21:12-14 and 18-19 and 23-25.

—————

First, as an introduction, throughout Scripture, we see God’s primary concern about justice.  To better understand that general point, consider that many seem to take more pride in being “tough on crime” than doing justice.  

But, what about God?

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Lovingkindness and truth go before You.” Psalm 89:14.

“He loves righteousness and justice;
The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the LORD.” Psalm 33:5.

“Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches;  but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth;  for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.”  Jeremiah 9:23-24.

Second, one of the pillars of justice is proportionate punishment according to the severity of the crime.  This is best emphasized by the quote “eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.”  To better understand this point, consider that many seem to seek less distinction between crimes and more maximum punishment. 

“If a man takes the life of any human being, he shall surely be put to death.  The one who takes the life of an animal shall make it good, life for life.  If a man injures his neighbor, just as he has done, so it shall be done to him:  fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth;  just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him.”  Leviticus 24:17-20.

Third, consider that many seem to use “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” as justification to take the law into one’s own hands rather than as a call for justice and proportionate punishment according to the severity of the crime.  Enforcement of punishment of crimes is reserved for the police and other law enforcement.

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.  Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God;  and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil.  Do you want to have no fear of authority?  Do what is good and you will have praise from the same;  for it is a minister of God to you for good.  But if you do what is evil, be afraid;  for it does not bear the sword for nothing;  for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.”  Romans 13:1-5.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 19, 2022

“Render to all what is due them: … custom to whom custom” – “Respect what is right in the sight of all men.” – “do justice, … love kindness, … walk humbly with your God”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 21:7-11.

“If a man sells his daughter as a female slave, she is not to go free as the male slaves do.  If she is displeasing in the eyes of her master who designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed.  He does not have authority to sell her to a foreign people because of his unfairness to her.  If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her according to the custom of daughters.  If he takes to himself another woman, he may not reduce her food, her clothing, or her conjugal rights.  If he will not do these three things for her, then she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money.”  Exodus 21:7-11.

————–

Let us not quickly dismiss today’s Scripture, only thinking superficially that in our society, today, there is specifically no slavery.  Rather, let us meditate generally on today’s Scripture references to “unfairness” and “custom” as highlighted in bold italic font and let us meditate generally on how there can be ways to avoid or remedy “unfairness” and ways to deal “according to the custom”.  

Other Scriptures also encourage us to so generally meditate on these things.

“Render to all what is due them:  tax to whom tax is due;  custom to whom custom;  fear to whom fear;  honor to whom honor.”  Romans 13:7.

“…  Respect what is right in the sight of all men.  If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”  Romans 12:17-18. 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Finally, consider that we appreciate the very popular concluding Scripture below even though there may be questions as to specifically how to accomplish these goals.  What specifically do we do in order to “do justice”?  What specifically do we do in order to “love kindness”?  What specifically do we do in order to “to walk humbly” with our God? Let us be diligent to study God’s Word and pray and trust God to guide us how to best specifically apply Scripture and respond to every situation.  

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 18, 2022

“Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” – “He was pierced through for our transgressions” – “He always lives to make intercession for them.” – “we are members of His body.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 21:1-6.

“Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them:

“If you buy a Hebrew slave, he shall serve for six years;  but on the seventh he shall go out as a free man without payment.  If he comes alone, he shall go out alone;  if he is the husband of a wife, then his wife shall go out with him.  If his master gives him a wife, and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall belong to her master, and he shall go out alone.  But if the slave plainly says, ‘I love my master, my wife and my children;  I will not go out as a free man,’ then his master shall bring him to God, then he shall bring him to the door or the doorpost.  And his master shall pierce his ear with an awl;  and he shall serve him permanently.”  Exodus 21:1-6.

—————–

The slave could go out as a free man.  But, he loved his wife and his children so much, even his master, that he chose slavery for the rest of his life so he could be with them.

What a demonstration of love!  

What a husband!  But, ultimately, we are reminded of Christ!

Like the slave, Christ could have escaped.   

“Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”  Matthew 26:53.

But, as the following Scripture states, Christ chose to give Himself up for the church, His bride, and be joined to her.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing;  but that she would be holy and blameless.  So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies.  He who loves his own wife loves himself;  for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.  FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND MOTHER AND SHALL BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.  This mystery is great;  but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.”  Ephesians 5:25-32.

And, what is the significance of the the piercing by the awl?

The piercing by the awl is a symbol of the piercing by another sharp instrument.  At the cross, Christ was pierced by a sword.  John 19:34-37.    

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

In conclusion, as the slave would be with his wife, his children, and his master permanently, Christ is with His bride, the church, permanently.  We are members of His body.  

“For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.”  Ephesians 5:23.

“Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”  Hebrews 7:25.

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;”  Colossians 2:9-10.

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 8:38-39.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 16, 2022

“but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:22-26.

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.  You shall not make other gods besides Me;  gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.  You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.  If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it.  And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.’”  Exodus 20:22-26.

————–

Today’s Scripture leads us to meditate on God’s Word.  “You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.”  Verse 22.

Today’s Scripture also leads us to meditate that God does not want, He forbids, our creations to add to worship.  “You shall not make other gods besides Me;  gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.”  Verse 23.  God does not even want, He forbids, our cutting out or editing what He provides for worship.  “If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it.”  Verse 25.

God brings us to Himself through His Word by His work.  God does not even want, He forbids, any sense of pride that we go up to worship by our own steps.  “And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.”  Verse 26.

In summary, God wants the simplicity of devotion to His Word.  The Reformation had Five Solas, one of which was “Scripture alone”.  

“and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;  so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:15-17.

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12.

“Is not My word like fire?” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer which shatters a rock?”  Jeremiah 23:29.

“So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11.

“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11.

“like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation,”  1 Peter 2:2. 

“But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”  Matthew 4:4.

“2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1:2-3.

“Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have words of eternal life.  We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”  John 6:68-69.

“but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God;  and that believing you may have life in His name.”  John 20:21.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 15, 2022

“But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!”

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:18-21.

“All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking;  and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance.  Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen;  but let not God speak to us, or we will die.”  Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid;  for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.”  So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.”  Exodus 20:18-21.

—————-

“But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell;  yes, I tell you, fear Him!”  Luke 12:5. 

“It is the LORD of hosts whom you should regard as holy.
And He shall be your fear,
And He shall be your dread.” Isaiah 8:13.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7.

“4 Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the LORD.” Psalm 4:4-5.

Who fears the LORD more?

Other doctrine which believes that God loves everybody, Christ died for everybody, and that the individual controls his own destiny and salvation by either his own works or at least his own will?

Or, Reformed Doctrine which knows the LORD of Scripture Whose “sovereignty rules over all” (Psalm 103:19), including salvation?  

“For He says to Moses, “I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.”  Romans 9:15-16. 

“So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault?  For who resists His will?”  On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God?  The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it?  Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?  What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction?”  Romans 9:18-22. 

This is “Unconditional Election”, the “U” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called Canons of Dordt.

“7 “I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD:
He said to Me, ‘You are My Son (Jesus Christ),
Today I have begotten You.
8 ‘Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance,
And the very ends of the earth as Your possession.
9 ‘You shall break them with a rod of iron,
You shall shatter them like earthenware.’”

10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:7-12.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | September 14, 2022

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ”

“Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.  For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.  But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. 

“For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did:  sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”  Romans 7:3-4.

“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.  Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba!  Father!”  Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son;  and if a son, then an heir through God.”  Galatians 4:4-7.

“Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.  But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.  For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:24-26.

“For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;  for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.”  Romans 4:14-15.

“For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”  Romans 6:14.

“For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor.  For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God.  I have been crucified with Christ;  and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;  and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.  I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”  Galatians 2:18-21.

“For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.”  Hebrews 7:19.

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  …  By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.  …  For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.”  Hebrews 10:1 and 10 and 14.

“And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us;  for after saying,

“THIS IS THE COVENANT THAT I WILL MAKE WITH THEM
AFTER THOSE DAYS, SAYS THE LORD:
I WILL PUT MY LAWS UPON THEIR HEART,
AND ON THEIR MIND I WILL WRITE THEM,”

He then says,

17 “AND THEIR SINS AND THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS
I WILL REMEMBER NO MORE.”

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.” Hebrews 10:15-18.

“For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.  For the Law was given through Moses;  grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.”  John 1:16-17.

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free;  therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”  

“You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law;  you have fallen from grace.  For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.”  Galatians 5:4-5.

“But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

Therefore having such a hope, we use great boldness in our speech, and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:7-18.

“For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:14-24.

“But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.” 1 Timothy 1:8-11.

“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,” 2 Peter 2:9.

“Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God; because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:19-20.

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