For not the hearers of the law are justified with God but the doers of the law shall be justified. Romans 2:13 Doers – This is a nearly impossible verse for Augustine and Luther (and those who follow their lead). It’s impossible because Paul unequivocally says that those who do the commandments of God are…
And it shall come to pass, if you carefully listen to my commandments which I command you today, . . . Deuteronomy 11:13 Carefully Listen To – Rabbi Joshua ben Karha said, “Why does the section, Hear, O Israel (Deut 6:4-9) precede the [section] and it shall come to pass if ye shall harken [diligently…
Baruch Levine emphasizes one of the most important characteristics of the Hebrew view of law when he says: . . . the laws of the Torah did not permit Israelites to expiate intentional or premeditated offenses by means of sacrifice. There was no vicarious, ritual remedy – substitution of one’s property or wealth – for…
Today I received an passionate request to explain why my teaching about law and grace was causing such terrible consequences for a particular person. Accompanying this request was an article by Dan Corner titled “Deadly Galatianism Reintroduced.” With an English construction like that, I just had to take a look. Unfortunately, Mr. Corner’s misunderstanding of…
Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 Therefore – Why do we need a high priest? So we can feel better? So we can be forgiven when we fall? Yes, of course, but…
The grace of our Lord Yeshua HaMashiach with all of you. Amen. Philippians 4:23 Grace – Charis is one of the most important words in the Ketuvim Netzarim (New Testament). It is by grace (charis) alone that we are saved. God’s charis is our strength and shield as we await the return of His Son….
For whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, that through patience and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 Whatever – First word emphasis. Once again we see Paul rearrange the vocabulary in order to highlight a thought. Here the first word is “whatever” (hosa), a word that we…
Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God. Acts 6:11 NASB Against Moses – If you read Luke’s account of the works of the apostles (commonly called Acts), you will find a very curious thing. Over and over the apostles claim to observe the…
Think about what is really guaranteed in life. What is one hundred percent certain? The answer is a pretty short list. The joke used to be dying and paying taxes. I’m not so sure about the paying taxes part, but dying, that’s certain. Not one of us will escape this guarantee. What else comes to…
“You know, it’s really disappointing.” Yes, I knew exactly what he meant. He was commenting on the fact that a few days earlier the house that he thought finally sold, through what seemed like a direct intervention of God’s grace, suddenly fell apart. The deal was off. No explanation, just disappointment. “If God knew that…
