Under His Wings

But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.  Genesis 6:8 NASB Found favor – Now this is important, so pay close attention.  We have examined the Hebrew word hesed, discovering that it isn’t accurately portrayed by the single idea of “lovingkindness” or “mercy.”  That’s because hesed presupposes obligation established by mutual relationship.  Hesed,…

Judaisms and Christianities

“Therefore whatever you want others to do for you, do so for them; for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  Matthew 7:12  NASB The Law and the Prophets –  Jacob Neusner, one of today’s experts in Judaism, makes the following observation: “What marks Judaism apart from the other monotheist religions?  Judaism recognizes no other…

Law and Grace Disguised

But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer.  Genesis 39:21  NASB Gave him favor – Did you know that the Old Testament also contains language about Law and Grace?  We often think that this issue began with Paul.  We think it…

Paul of Tarsus, P.A.

Do we then nullify the Law through faith?  May it never be!  On the contrary, we establish the Law.  Romans 3:31  NASB Nullify/Establish – What in the world is Paul talking about?  Isn’t faith independent of the Law?  Doesn’t the Law simply lead us to faith?  Don’t all those rules and regulations merely point out…

Scared to Death (2)

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with all that is hidden, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.  Ecclesiastes 12:14  Jay Green Judgment – “The strength of the yetzer ha’ra is precisely in convincing us that we do not need these words of instruction because we are above believing in such…

An Exegetical Review of Hebrews 8:13

An Exegetical Review of Hebrews 8:13   Hebrews 8:13 is often cited by Christians as positive proof that the Mosaic laws have been abolished.  Wayne Jackson’s remarks are a typical Christian view: “The vast majority of the Jewish community had rejected the Messiah and his New Covenant arrangement. Hence, they continued to rely upon the…

Law And Order

So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. Romans 7:12 Good – What is good?  Well, there’s the good news.  What’s good about that?  It’s the announcement that we can have peace with God.  That’s pretty good.  In the scheme of things, peace with God counts a lot. …

The Punisher

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; . . .” Jonah 1:2 Cry Out Against It – Jonah knew the heart of God.  That’s why he ran in the opposite direction.  Jonah knew the power of God’s word.  That’s why he refused to preach the message.  But if you thought…

Implications, Implications

because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the Law of God, for it is not even able to do so; Romans 8:7 Does Not Subject Itself – The expression is strong in Greek: ouk hupotassetai.  The negative (ouk) is the unconditional kind.  It is…

Order-Takers

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…