Is It True That We Should Not Oppress One Another?

        By: Anthony Joseph Hopkins

        Praise The Lord!! Praise The Lord Saints!!  How are you doing today?  Fine, I hope.  Happy New Year Jesus, and all of the Saints of the world.  Let me start things off by asking everyone a question.  Is it true that we should not oppress one another?  The answer to this question is yes.  The Lord will pray for you through all storms, trials, and tribulations.  What is the definition of the word oppress?

        The definition of the word oppress means to take advantage of: Or to gain an advantage over another financially, mentally, physically, or psychologically.  Another definition of the word oppress is keep (someone) in subservience and hardship, especially by the unjust exercise of authority. Causes (someone) to feel distressed, anxious, or uncomfortable. “He was oppressed by some secret worry”.  Oppression leads to depression and suppression.

Next, I want to say that oppression leads to jealousy and envy.  The word oppress means to gain an advantage, or an opportunity to do so.  The factors of being oppressed are as follows: For Example, one of the most important feelings of being oppressed is fear, trepidation, and apprehension that we have never been through before.  Another factor of being oppressed is a complete sense of embarrassment and shame.  It also leads to pain and sadness.  For Instance, I got taken advantage of by a 19 year old female that I met on Mocospace Websites.  I got scammed because I thought that the young lady was going to sell me some pictures of herself.  She advertised that she was selling 60 nude pictures for $15.00 dollars.  This same young lady is selling nude videos of herself for $20.00 dollars.

        Another Example is when I got scammed by a British National Female who wanted to marry me, but it was a scam.  This young lady scammed me for $1,550 dollars.  I got scammed yesterday January 3, 2020, while I was paying my bills online at the Dayton Metro Library.  Another thing is that I have downloaded 3 cash apps on my phone.  They are called Cashapp, PayPal, and another Cashapp.  I was downtown paying my bills online and suddenly, I received a phone call from my Bank stating that I have been scammed by a couple.  This is an unknown man and woman that I sent money to using Cashapps. 

        Further, one of the reasons why I have bought up this very important topic is simply because I got scammed for the first time in over two and a half years.  Yesterday, this young lady scammed me for only $30.00 dollars.  There are women who are selling themselves sexually on Mocospace, Facebook, and WhatsApp.  Therefore, this young lady lied to me and said that she did not get the money.  I am not at the liberty of mentioning her name because I do not want to accuse her without Just Cause.  Right now, I have a specific case because I am a victim of wire fraud.  Mocospace is a non- secure Social Networking Website.  Any person who use this website is using this website at their own risk.

        Moreover, anytime a woman who sells herself online for money is a harlot.  Anytime a female who sells her pictures and videos of herself being nude for personal financial gain is a prostitute.  This applies to men as well.  My main objective for being online is to spread the Gospel of Peace with everyone worldwide.  I am supposed to lead lost souls to Jesus Christ.  I have started a ministry to save people for themselves.  The internet is the devil’s playground because it consists of sexual images and lust.  These images are online, and these images are retained inside of the subconscious mind.  There are millions of people who have a platform to deceive many people.

        Also, I want to say that I got scammed out of $16,977 dollars by several people while online from March 8, 2008 to February 21, 2010.  I met these women on Black planet, Yahoo, and Hangout Websites. One of the reasons why I am not mentioning these individual’s names is because I got into trouble by my Bank again.  Currently, I am writing about my personal experiences because I do not want anyone else to get scammed like I did recently, and in the past.

        Finally, when it comes to the topic of being oppressed is a very sinking feeling.  Leviticus 19:11 says: You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to another.  I am the type of person who has been lonely and without companionship for the past 12 years now.  This is because I got scammed and hurt by people that I did not know.  From henceforth, I am going to serve the Lord!! My household and I are going to serve the Lord.  My money belongs to God.  I am having an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.  My mission from here on out; is to win people to Jesus Christ.  Even though I am hurting right now, but God is with me in Spirit and in Truth.  God Bless You All!!  May the Lord God be with your Spirit?  Thank You for reading my essay.

        In Conclusion, I want to say that not every woman is out there selling themselves sexually online.  Please let me set the record straight.  There are some very honest people out there who have common sense.  There are people who really want to do God’s Work!!  I am going to be very careful online for the rest of my entire life.  Before my mother died, she told me to my face that I should be married with children.  I am not able to have children because of an injury to my testes; that I have sustained while playing sports.  Please keep me in your prayers because I am mortally wounded because my lack of trust in women.  I have a desire to hear God’s Voice for the rest of my entire life.

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 8:36 ◄ What Does John 8:36 Mean? ► “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36(NASB) Verse Thoughts Freedom is the cry of every man and woman, every boy and every girl. And Jesus proclaimed, “if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” Only a few verses earlier we heard Jesus explain to His followers, and those that were challenging His Messianic claims, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” Those who know the Son know the TRUTH – for Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But how important to recognise that there is a huge chasm between knowing facts about the truth as a historical fact, or as some detailed information, and actually knowing the truth about the unique Person and saving Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a vast difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing the Person of Jesus – having a personal relationship with Him, as outlined in the God-breathed Scriptures. Many people in Christ’s day knew about Him. They knew his mother and siblings. They knew He was a carpenter in the little town of Nazareth. Some even knew the Messianic claims that He made and may have witnessed the many mighty miracles that He undertook, but they did not know Him as their Lord and Saviour. They did not know Him as the Word of Truth or trust that His shed blood would pay the price for their sin. The Scribes and Pharisees knew Christ’s movements, heard His teachings, questioned His authority, and were fully conversant with the good news that He presented to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. They even knew that He claimed to be the eternal Son of God from heaven Who could forgive sin. They knew He claimed to be the promised Messiah and King of Israel Who had come to set up His kingdom on earth.. but they did not mix the truth that they heard with faith in their heart. They knew about the truth but they were not set free by the truth because they did not believe the incarnate truth. It was the Philippian jailer who asked the question, “what shall I do to be saved…?” and the simple answer was, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” He was to believe on the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, the salvation of the soul, and life everlasting. Believing the truth would set this jailer free from slavery to sin and bondage to Satan. Believing the truth would set this man free from the curse of the Law and eternal condemnation. Believing the truth would transfer this man from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of Light and Life. The jailer was not set free by simply knowing about the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, but by knowing Him as Saviour. He was set free by BELIEVING on the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was knowing Christ as Saviour that would set this jailer free. He was saved and set free from eternal condemnation by grace through faith in the Son of God and His sacrificial offering at Calvary, “for if the Son sets a man free, that man is free indeed.” Jesus Himself explained to Nicodemus that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes on Him would not perish but have everlasting life. He was to be lifted up on the Cross and His lifeblood was to be shed for the sin of the world. It is not simply knowing about the historical facts of Christ’s crucifixion that sets people free… but believing on the redeeming truth that Christ died for our sins, according to the Scripture, that He was buried, and rose again, according to the Scripture. It is knowing the truth that frees a man from bondage to sin – and when one is set free from the curse of the Law and enslavement to sin, by grace through faith in Christ, one is truly free indeed. Every man is born dead in sin. Everyone lives in bondage to sin. Everyone is slaves of sin and is entrapped by sin. Every man is estranged from God and shackled by the heavy weight of sin. But there is one, and only one, way to be set free from slavery to sin, Satan, death, and the curse of the law – and that is to KNOW Christ personally – not simply to know historical facts about Him, but to know Him as one’s own personal Saviour… Who willingly died in our place to pay the price for our sin. And when we are set free from slavery to sin, Satan, death, and the curse of the law… by the redeeming blood of God’s only begotten Son… we know the Son as Saviour and the SON sets us free forever. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Son to be my Saviour and for setting me free from slavery to sin. Thank You that in Christ I am set free from the curse of the Law, and thank You that the punishment that I deserve for my sins was paid for me by the Lord Jesus Christ, so that by faith in Him I am truly set free. May I live my life to Your praise and glory. In Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: John 8:34 Next: John 8:44 ► Choose a Verse from John 8 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859 2 Timothy 4:7 Hebrews 2:15 James 4:1 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Follow us John 8:36 Further Study John 8:36 in the Parallel Bible John 8:36 in the Thematic Bible John 8:36 Cross References John 8:36 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 8:36 Sermons John 8:36 Prayers John 8:36 Images John 8:36 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Unshakable Divine Life Deuteronomy 12:9 1 Corinthians 15:55 Desert Riches Why Cannot I Follow Thee Now? Promise of Paradise (Easter Reflections – (4) He Leads Me Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2021] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×

Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! What Do Locusts Symbolize in the Bible? Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies Lucas Hagen | Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer Sunday, January 3, 2021 Share Tweet Save Locusts are commonly mentioned in Scripture, and due to their prevalence in ravaging the land of the Middle East, they served as a useful image for the metaphors and symbolism of many books of the Bible. However, locusts are not as common outside of the Middle East. For modern Western readers of the Bible who have never encountered swarms of locusts and their destruction, reading about locusts in Scripture may be confusing or simply unimportant. However, locusts are mentioned over thirty times in the Bible, and it is important to understand what they are and what they represent when used as a symbol.  What Are Locusts, and Where Do We See Them in Scripture?  Locusts are a flying insect that look similar to a grasshopper. They are notorious for flying in swarms of thousands, so dense in the sky that they can block sunlight. When a locust swarm descends upon a field of crops, it is expected that the damage will be so great as to entirely wipe out the crops. For the agrarian lifestyle of the people of ancient Israel, there were few things more devastating than a swarm of locusts descending on one’s field.  Locusts are mentioned in seventeen books of the Bible, over thirty instances in total. Their mentions are most prevalent in books such as Exodus, Psalms, Jeremiah, Joel, and famously in Revelation. Certainly the most well-known reference to locusts in Scripture is found in Exodus.  Locusts: The Eighth Plague of Egypt When the people of Israel were oppressed by the people of Egypt, the Lord used ten plagues to deliver His people out of oppression. The eighth plague that the Lord sent against Israel was the plague of locusts, following the plague of hail. Each of the plagues that God sent were deliberate. They each had a purpose, and the order in which they were sent was intentional as well.  Before the coming of this plague, the Lord announced to Moses that the coming plague is from the Lord. This is significant, because, as previously mentioned, swarms of locusts descending on fields were not unknown in this area. While they were certainly not common, it is something that happened every once in a great while. God’s declaration confirms that the coming swarms of locusts are no coincidence, but are a means of God’s judgment on Pharaoh and Egypt’s oppression of Israel.  The plague of the locusts came after the plague of hail and before the plague of darkness. This placement is intentional, as the locusts finished what was started with the hail, and preceded what was to come with the darkness.  The plague of hail is described as striking down the flax and barley crop, but not the wheat and emmer crop. The plague of locusts, on the other hand, completely devastated the land. It is written in Exodus, “Not a green thing remained, neither tree nor plant of the field, through all the land of Egypt” (Exodus 10:15b). In this way, the locusts finished the work that the hail had begun in stripping the people of Egypt of their food source.  The plague of locusts also brought a temporary darkness over the land, as Exodus says, “They covered the face of the whole land, so that the land was darkened” (Exodus 10:15a). This preceded the three days of darkness that God sent over Egypt in the ninth plague.  Locusts were a devastating sentence for the people of Egypt. Their damage was nothing short of brutal. For this reason, swarms of locusts are used as symbolism and imagery throughout the remainder of the Bible. While there are several such examples, the most well-known is found in the book of Revelation. Photo credit: Public Domain Image Locusts in Revelation John writes in Revelation as he sees his heavenly vision, “When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.  The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth” (Rev. 9:2-4, 7-8).  The army coming out of the Abyss is described as a swarm of locusts, but it is clear based on the physical description in these verses and the following verses that John is not describing literal locusts. Based on the anthropomorphic features John details, it is most likely that John is describing an army of demonic beings. This interpretation fits with the aim of said army, to harm those who are not protected by the seal of God.  If John is describing a demonic army, why use locusts as an image to symbolize what he was seeing? While it would certainly be challenging to describe heavenly scenes with earthly terminology, John’s reference to locusts was intentional.  Locusts were seen as brutal, merciless creatures that could arrive by the thousands and leave nothing but utter destruction in their wake. It is with this connotation in mind that John describes this demonic army as locusts. John uses the word to conjure certain feelings in his readers, feelings of fear and an understanding of how forceful this army appears to be. This army serves a king whose name in Hebrew is “Abaddon” which means “destroyer” (Rev. 9:11). This name for the king fits in with how John describes the army. Locusts were known as destroyers, and John used the image intentionally to symbolize what he saw in his vision.  Other References to Locusts in Scripture There are many other instances of locusts being mentioned in Scripture, sometimes literally and often in the form of simile. Here are some examples of locusts mentioned in the Bible: Judges 7:12 – “The Midianites, the Amalekites and all the other eastern peoples had settled in the valley, thick as locusts. Their camels could no more be counted than the sand on the seashore.” Jeremiah 46:23 – “’They will chop down her forest,’ declares the Lord, ‘dense though it be. They are more numerous than locusts, they cannot be counted.’” Jeremiah 51:14 – “The Lord Almighty has sworn by himself: I will surely fill you with troops, as with a swarm of locusts, and they will shout in triumph over you.” Nahum 3:16 – “You have increased the number of your merchants till they are more numerous than the stars in the sky, but like locusts they strip the land and then fly away.” Throughout the Bible, locusts are referenced for their habit of completely destroying the land and food supply of whichever tribe has become their victim. While there are some instances in the Bible in which literal locusts are described, they are often used in figurative language to describe merciless, senseless destruction, or a group of great numbers. While locusts are not common in many places in the world, it is important for all Christians to understand what they are and what they represent in order to have a complete understanding of the biblical text.  Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Luke Dray/Stringer Lucas Hagen is a freelance writer, recently graduated from Taylor University with majors in Biblical Literature and Youth Ministries. When he is not writing for Crosswalk, you can find him reading great books, playing guitar, competing in professional disc golf tournaments, and spending quality time with his lovely wife, Natalie, and their fluffy cat, Woodward. You can read more of his writing at habitsofholiness.com. Popular Articles What Do Locusts Symbolize in the Bible? 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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day 2 Timothy 2:22 ◄ What Does 2 Timothy 2:22 Mean? ► Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22(NASB) Verse Thoughts Though Timothy was younger in the faith than Paul, he had a spiritual maturity that equipped him for the pastoral work that was entrusted to him. However, the old apostle knew the wily ways of the devil who prowls around as a roaring lion seeking to shipwreck the faith of all God’s children, through the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. And so we discover Paul warning Timothy, his son in the faith, to separate himself from wicked men and to shun the many lusts of the flesh, the temptations of the eye, and passions of the heart, that are designed to separate us from fellowship with our heavenly Father and the many negative consequences that sin brings into the life of a Christian man or woman. “Now flee from youthful lusts,” was Paul’s serious warning to Timothy, “and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord, from a pure heart.” Timothy is urged to flee from every kind of temptation. Not only is he to resist the outward fleshly desires (the external seductions of the flesh), and the inner lusts of the heart (the inner bewitching desire for self-will, pride, power, fame, and fortune), but also the secret sin of unbelief, which so easily besets us and which translates into a lack of trust in our heavenly Father. Paul also encouraged Timothy – and us, to pursue the spiritual fruit of virtues – righteousness, faith, and love. “Flee from youthful lusts,” was his sombre warning, “and pursue righteousness, faith, and love,” is Paul’s earnest plea. The action to pursue righteousness, faith, and love, is a definite decision of the will which can only be achieved as one purposes in one’s own heart to turn away from every kind of fleshly pursuit and craving for self-recognition – and follow after righteousness, faith, and love. The pursuit of righteousness is characterised by the integrity, honesty, justice, and grace we extend to others – both to the saved and the unsaved. Faithfulness towards our Father and fidelity towards our fellow men, is reflected in a sincere and energetic confidence in the Lord and an unswerving trust in His Word – while the divine love of Christ is manifested through the words we speak and the actions we carry out. A deep love for God and consideration for the needs of others before ourselves, is the criterion that marks a person who is a man or woman after God’s own heart. Only those that eschew evil and seek after good are the ones that have an inner, supernatural peace that flows from God, and enjoy peace with those that call on the Lord with a pure heart. Only those that live as Christ lived and who choose to walk in spirit and truth, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can resist the evil and pursue the good. Let us live as God intended all His children to live when He created us in His own image. Let us earnestly pursue righteousness, faith, and love, and live in peace with those that call on the Lord with a pure heart – for the honour of His holy name, and for our own eternal benefit. My Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to carry out Your plans and purposes in my own life, and live my life as You intended, in fellowship with You and for Your greater honour and glory. Help me flee from all youthful lusts and pursue the spiritual fruit of righteousness, faith, and love. And I pray that my life may manifest Your perfect peace that passes understanding, so that by Your grace I may live in quietude of soul with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: 2 Timothy 2:19 Next: 2-Timothy 2:24 ► Choose a Verse from 2 Timothy 2 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526 1 John 5:4 Matthew 3:11 Ephesians 3:5 John 14:19 Follow us 2 Timothy 2:22 Further Study 2 Timothy 2:22 in the Parallel Bible 2 Timothy 2:22 in the Thematic Bible 2 Timothy 2:22 Cross References 2 Timothy 2:22 Treasury of Scripture Knowing 2 Timothy 2:22 Sermons 2 Timothy 2:22 Prayers 2 Timothy 2:22 Images 2 Timothy 2:22 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Resurrection Power Psalm 107:7 Luke 18:41 Relentless Purpose Clouds And Darkness The Precious Pardon (Easter Reflections – (3) Totally Consecrated to HIM Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2021] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Isaiah 40:3 ◄ What Does Isaiah 40:3 Mean? ► A voice is calling, “Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness; Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God. Isaiah 40:3(NASB) Verse Thoughts In one sense, all the Old Testament prophets were voices crying in the wilderness. Each one was a mouthpiece of God, who was calling out a message of repentance and hope in a desert place – in order to clear the way for the Lord and to straighten the highway for the God of Israel. For centuries, the united message of these faithful men was to call the nation of Israel to repent of their sins, to turn away from their apostate ways, to return to the Lord their God, and to prepare the way for the glorious arrival of their promised Messiah. As a nation, Israel was instructed to turn back to the Lord and renounce their wicked ways. For centuries, they were challenged to turn from their evil deeds and to give God their complete loyalty and obedience. The whole nation was called to repent of their sin and behold the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world… and they were to trust His Word and keep His commands. In the Church age, we recognise John the Baptist as that lone, prophetic voice, who fulfilled this prophecy of Isaiah. John, the son of Zechariah the priest, was that lone voice crying in the wilderness, urging his countrymen to repent of their sin and to, “prepare ye the way of the Lord.” John the Baptist was the person ordained by God to make His paths straight and declare the arrival of the King of Israel to a nation that needed to repent from centuries of idolatry and sin. At Christ’s First Coming, Israel had God’s promised Messiah-King in their midst, but they did not recognise Him and rejected Him. They conspired to have Him crucified on a Roman cross – which opened up opportunity for Gentiles to be saved and brought into the family of God. And so their Messiah-King ascended to the right hand of the Majesty on high and He remains seated there until He returns at His Second Coming, when Israel as a nation WILL accept Him as their God and King. We are also told that Elijah will be one of the prophets that fulfils this role, prophesied by Isaiah, at the time of Christ’s Second Coming, when He returns to save Israel in the clouds of glory with all His holy angels, to set up His Millennial Kingdom, and rule the world in righteousness and equity. Men of Israel at the time of Christ who believed the voice of John the Baptist and trusted in Jesus as their Lord, have already received the many benefits of trusting in their prophesied Messiah, for their sins are forgiven, eternal life is their portion, and each one is being conformed, day by day, in the beautiful image and likeness of the Saviour, in Whom they placed their trust. But all saved people, both Jew and Gentile, who have believed on the only begotten Son of God, have become part of the one new man in Christ… and all have been promised an eternal inheritance, which is kept for us in heaven. Men and women, both Jew and Gentile alike, who will place their trust in Christ as their Messiah during the coming ‘Time of Jacob’s Trouble’ – and survive to the end – will likewise be saved by grace through faith, and will enter Christ’s Millennial Kingdom in their physical bodies. In this 1000 year reign of Christ, the lamb will lie down with the wolf and the ravages of war and famine will be no more. Each one will sit under his own fig tree and eat grapes from his own laden vine… and Christ will sit on the throne of David and rule the nations with a rod of iron. Those who place their trust in Christ as their Messiah, during the coming ‘Time of Jacob’s Trouble’ – but are killed before the end – will likewise be saved by grace through faith, and will enter Christ’s Millennial Kingdom, in their risen, glorified bodies. Today, however, it is the Church through whom God is using to reconcile people to Himself – and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. Like the prophets of old and the angels who proclaimed the birth of Christ so many years ago, we too have the responsibility to be voices, crying out the message of salvation in a lost and dying world. We too have been commissioned to bring good news of great joy to the unsaved masses – to Jews and Gentiles alike, by declaring the gospel of grace to those who are dead in their sins… for there is only one name under heaven, whereby we must be saved… the lovely name of Jesus. May we take the role and responsibility that we have been awarded by our risen Saviour seriously. May we faithfully carry out the good work that God has prepared us to do and become a voice crying out in the wilderness, in a world of spiritually dead souls, who need a Saviour to save them from a lost eternity. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the many prophets who proclaimed the coming of the Saviour, and thank You that by grace through faith I have believed their testimony and become part of the one new man in Christ. Help me to be a voice calling out in this wilderness of sin, proclaiming God’s message of reconciliation to those that need a Saviour. Help me testify of the truth of God’s Word – that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection – and that by faith in His name, lost sinners may be forgiven of their sin and declared righteous – to the glory of God. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Isaiah 38:14 Next: Isaiah 40:5 ► Choose a Verse from Isaiah 40 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 1 Timothy 2:2 Acts 2:42 Isaiah 43:25 Romans 1:8 Follow us Isaiah 40:3 Further Study Isaiah 40:3 in the Parallel Bible Isaiah 40:3 in the Thematic Bible Isaiah 40:3 Cross References Isaiah 40:3 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Isaiah 40:3 Sermons Isaiah 40:3 Prayers Isaiah 40:3 Images Isaiah 40:3 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Operation New Creation Isaiah 42:10 Psalm 141:2 Life’s Purpose Will You Go Out Without Knowing? 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Ask Pastor Roger Barrier – Church Leadership   Toggle navigation What Does the Bible Say about Cremation? Dr. Roger Barrier Preach It, Teach It 2020 28 Jan Share My husband and I would like to be cremated after our deaths. Our families do not approve. Is there scripture that will back us in our decision? What does the Bible say about cremation? It may not give you the confirmation you need, but here is your answer about what the Bible tells us about cremation – as best as I can tell, there is no Bible passage that attempts to give guidelines regarding acceptable burial procedures. No matter which burial practices one follows, the results are always the same: “Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.” Job reiterated the final disposition of the body in Job 34:14-15: “If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.” The ancient Egyptians embalmed bodies to delay decay and to prepare for the afterlife. In first-century Israel, bodies were buried on the day of death! A 60-foot length of one-foot-wide cloth was wrapped around and around the deceased while all sorts of spices were sprinkled in the wrappings in order to reduce the stench of decay. The bodies were then placed in caves or stone sepulchers. In more recent times, it’s customary to embalm a body before burial in order to delay decay long enough for the family to mourn the deceased and to give time for out-of-town friends and relatives to arrive before the funeral. Burial procedures are rapidly changing in today’s culture. Many people are turning to cremation as the body disposition of choice. One of the primary drivers in this change is the astronomical cost of having a “traditional funeral.” The costs for embalming, buying a casket and purchasing a piece of ground to put the casket in is cost prohibitive for too many families. The only long-term difference between embalming and cremation is time. Cremation just speeds up the process. Biblical Perspective on Cremation You may do well to investigate why your family doesn’t approve of your cremation choice. Perhaps they consider cremation as not Biblical. However, as we have seen, cremation is never a Biblical issue. Here are some other concerns of Christians about cremation. 1. Perhaps they are worried that when Jesus returns at the Rapture and the bodies of long-dead Christians are resurrected and transformed into spiritual bodies — that you won’t have a body to resurrect. Frankly, since the first century, most (if not all) bodies are now dust anyway. Since God is big enough to produce a world-wide resurrection, He certainly can make a spiritual body from only a speck of dust — or less. 2. Perhaps your family wants you in a casket-filled grave so they can have a place for remembering you and your lives together. This desire is natural and normal. Recently, I’ve observed families foregoing the expensive caskets and burial plots by choosing cremation. They then purchase a small cemetery plot in which to bury the ashes. Others scatter the ashes over a prearranged place meaningful to the deceased. Some save a few ashes in a small locket as a token reminder of their loved one. Some ashes reside in burial urns over fireplace mantles. With all that being said, remember that your body is still your body. Discuss openly with your family that you want to dispose of your body in the way most comfortable to you. In your case, that is cremation. My mother just traded in her outdoor burial plot for an indoor mausoleum space. She decided that she was uncomfortable with the idea that she would be down in the ground with the “worms and maggots!” Then, she got to worrying that above ground a tornado could hit the mausoleum! She wanted to change back; but, she finally decided that worms were worse than tornadoes. If you are more comfortable with cremation then I recommend that you do so. Personally, I want my body cremated. I’ve picked out four golf courses where I want my family to spread my ashes. I think. Recently, our church erected a columbarium with small niches for burial urns of ashes. It’s on an outdoor wall of the new chapel. Recently, Julie and I exhumed our first daughter’s ashes from Evergreen Cemetery and placed them in an urn in the niche in the far-left top row of the columbarium. I’m thinking about changing my mind. I just might have my ashes placed in the niche with Jessie. After all, the chapel wall sounds like a great final resting place while we wait for the sounds of the resurrection trumpet. Jessie and I could even hold hands together on the way up! Psalm 103:15-17 is a Bible passage that gives us a great perspective on cremation — or on any other burial practice: As for man, his days are like grass, He flourishes like a flower of the field; The wind blows over it and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting The LORD’s love is with those who fear him, And his righteousness with their children’s children… Well, B, I hope this helps. Have a great talk with your family. Love, Roger Watch: Should Christian Families Bury or Creamate? Theologians Apply Scripture to Cremation  “Actually, the Scriptures do not say anything about required modes of burial for believers.  Standard practice among Old Testament and in the New Testament was burial.  Saul and Jonathan were cremated by the Israelites after their deaths, but this was not normal practice in Israel.  Their bodies were mutilated by the Philistines, thus the decision was made to cremate, then bury the ashes (1 Samuel 31:8-13). Achan, and his family, were cremated upon their execution for sinning against Israel, which again appears to be an exception to normal burial practices among the Israelites.” – John MacArthur, Grace to You “Although there is biblical evidence for burial instead of cremation, it is still a preference, and Christians should not condemn other Christians who have chosen cremation…Burial is thus equated to “sowing the seed of the body,” and “is the biblical picture of belief in the resurrection of the body.” Piper also says that cremation can be viewed as anti-biblical due to the Bible’s many references to hell and evil being associated with fire. “The use of fire to consume the human body on earth was seen as a sign of contempt. It was not a glorious treatment of the body but a contemptuous one,” Piper writes…Pastor John Piper: Christians Should Choose Burial Over Cremation  This article is part of our larger Spiritual Life resource meant to answer your questions about the Bible, God and the Christian faith. Visit our most popular questions on “What does the Bible say about…” questions answered by well known Christians and theologians to find more inspiration. Remember that as you read these articles, the Holy Spirit will give you understanding and discernment to make the right decision for your walk with Jesus Christ! If you know others struggling with these faith questions, please share and help others discover the truth on these controversial topics.  What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol? What Does the Bible Say About Gambling? What Does the Bible Say About Marriage? What Does the Bible Say About Suicide? What Does the Bible Say About Tithing? Editor’s Note: This Ask Roger article features insights from Roger’s daughter, Brie Barrier Wetherbee, a sought-after Bible teacher and conference speaker, author, analyst, and Christian theologian.  Pastor Roger Barrier’s “Ask Roger” column regularly appears at Preach It, Teach It. Every week at Crosswalk, Dr. Barrier puts nearly 40 years of experience in the pastorate to work answering questions of doctrine or practice for laypeople or giving advice on church leadership issues. Email him your questions at roger@preachitteachit.org. Share   Comments Recently On Ask Roger Signs of the End Times and Knowing When the End is Near The 1 Thing Everyone Needs to Make it through the New Year Editor’s Picks 20 Prayers to Keep God First in the New Year 10 Bible Reading Plans to Start This January Follow Crosswalk.com       Receive FREE Newsletters! Crosswalk Daily Update The Top 3 new features you need to know about at Crosswalk today. 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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 8:18 ◄ What Does John 8:18 Mean? ► “I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father who sent Me testifies about Me.” John 8:18(NASB) Picture courtesy of Good News Productions Int. and College Press Publishing Verse Thoughts Jesus had been introduced by John the Baptist as the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world. He had been identified as the promised Messiah Who spent His time going about doing good, performing many mighty signs and miracles, and healing all those that were sick in body and distressed in soul. Jesus was in His final year of ministry, having proclaimed Himself to be the true Bread from heaven, the Living Water for the thirsty soul, the Light of the world, and the Son of the Most High God. He made many other Messianic claims which caused the Pharisees and leaders of the Jews to express increasing hostility towards Him and increased their determination to discredit His name, by whatever means they could – no matter how destructive or untrue. It was in His final year of ministry, as Christ set His face as a flint towards Jerusalem and His prophesied death on the Cross of Calvary drew ever closer, that the enmity of the Scribes and Pharisees mounted in intensity – and a widening rift between true believers and those that hated Him began to develop. Jewish dissatisfaction with Christ’s claim – that He had come from heaven and had been sent from God the Father, turned into an open challenge that questioned Christ’s own testimony as being grossly biased and legally insufficient. Despite Christ being God in the flesh and incarnate truth, these legalists used the Jewish Law, given to Moses, in their attempt to ‘legitimately’ challenge Christ’s own personal testimony. They pointed out that the Law required Jesus to provide at least 2 witnesses to justify His claim – that He had come from His Father in heaven. There were, of course, many who testified to the truth of Christ’s authority and authenticity. The prophetic voices of holy men of God had proclaimed His coming throughout Old Testament Scriptures, wise men came from the east to worship Him, and Zechariah rejoiced that the Lord God of Israel had visited His people and provided redemption through Jesus Christ. John the Baptist had identified Him as the Lamb of God, many years before, when he was that voice, crying in the wilderness, “prepare ye the way of the Lord,” and Jesus’ ministry was authenticated by the very signs and wonders He performed throughout His earthly life. But Christ’s testimony was also confirmed at His own baptism, by God the Father Himself… when He spoke from heaven and said, “this is My beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased,” and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, also gave witness of Christ… when He came and rested upon Him on that special, baptismal day. But all His testimonies were refused by these proud people – for their eyes were blinded to the truth . The Jewish establishment of the day, did whatever they could to try to trip up the Lord Jesus and render His words as false or irrelevant. They even brought a woman, caught in adultery, and used her to trap Jesus to either 1) condemn a sinner who needs a Saviour by upholding the Law of Moses and stoning her with His own hand or 2) condoning her sin by forgiving her of her sin, which would have broken the Mosaic Law – which demanded stoning to death for the sin of adultery. The Jewish establishment thought they had trapped Jesus. They knew that whichever of the two answers He gave, could be used to invalidate His own testimony and render Him as a liar before man and a blasphemer of God! The lengths to which the Jewish establishment went, in order to condemn Christ’s testimony that He came from heaven from God, were unprecedented – but Christ’s inspired answer silenced their foolish opposition, “let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Jesus Christ is the way and the truth and the life. He is the eternal God and the sinners’ Saviour and no matter how the Scribes and Pharisees sought to discredit Him, His testimony was true. Christ’s testimony is still true today and His testimony will remain true forever. And so the Lord Jesus Christ was able to reply unflinchingly to the biased and foolish accusations of the Jewish establishment, “I am He Who testifies about Myself.. and the Father Who sent Me testifies about Me also.”   There was no greater witness to silence these proud and foolish Pharisees regarding Christ’s claims to Deity than the combined testimony of God the Son and God the Father. “I am He who testifies about Myself, and the Father Who sent Me testifies about Me.” Christ bore witness of His own sinless life and His claims to Deity – and His Father in heaven also bore witness that the Person and Work of Christ was of God. “This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.” How sad that those He came to save were the ones that rejected God’s gift of salvation. He came unto His own and His own received Him not. He came as the Jewish Messiah and they refused to accept His testimony. There are many proud and foolish people today that continue to seek to discredit the testimony of the eternal Son of God and the inspired Word of God. May we abide in Christ, trust His Word, and demonstrate ourselves to be true disciples of the Lord Jesus – for He has promised that we shall know the truth and the truth shall set us free. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your only begotten Son to be my Saviour and the Redeemer of the world. I pray that I may trust in the truth of Your Word which is recorded in the inspired Scriptures, so that whosoever believes on Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of sins will not perish but have everlasting life. Thank You in Jesus’ name, AMEN. Picture courtesy of Good News Productions Int. and College Press Publishing ◄ Previous: John 8:12 Next: John 8:19 ► Choose a Verse from John 8 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556575859 Galatians 5:25 Luke 5:8 Psalm 119:114 Luke 19:10 Follow us John 8:18 Further Study John 8:18 in the Parallel Bible John 8:18 in the Thematic Bible John 8:18 Cross References John 8:18 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 8:18 Sermons John 8:18 Prayers John 8:18 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Operation New Creation Isaiah 42:10 Psalm 141:2 Life’s Purpose Will You Go Out Without Knowing? Living Sacrifice (Easter Reflections – (2) The Garment of Grace Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2021] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

ADVERTISEMENT Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Hom Day 1 John 5:19 ◄ What Does 1 John 5:19 Mean? ► We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19(NASB) Verse Thoughts When Adam sinned, he lost his God-given authority over the earth. Man had been made in the image and likeness of God to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air. He was given the responsibility to rule over the whole earth and subdue it. Man was to be God’s representative on earth who would govern the world in righteousness. However, because of sin this privilege was forfeited, the earth was cursed, and the whole world started to be ruled by Satan – the fallen cherub who tempted Adam to sin against the Lord. This evil being is the devil and he is the author of all that is evil. This malevolent ruler is called ‘the god of this world’ and ‘the prince of the power of the air’. Today, the earth and all that is in it continues to lie in the power of this vicious fiend, who is the devil and Satan. He will continue his nefarious rule on earth until Christ, Who defeated this evil enemy at the Cross, returns in power and great glory to finally bring his despotic rule to a close – and return the world to its former beauty and loveliness. However, God in His grace purposed to redeem the lost race of man, forgive his sins, and return him into his former position of power and glory. Man, who was created in the image of God to rule the earth, is to be reinstated into this privileged position. But first, the high price for sin had to be paid, and only the sacrificial death of a perfect Man Who would willingly die to pay the price for the sin of the world, could meet the cost of sin. Only God is good enough to pay that enormous price for sin. And so, God in His grace sent His only begotten Son to be born into the human race, so that He could live and die as the one and only Perfect Man. He came to offer His own sinless life as the ransom price for the accumulated sin of the whole world – so that whosoever believes on Him, would be identified with Christ and reckoned as righteous. Those who believe would not perish, but be granted the life that was forfeited to Satan. However, those that do not believe would remain enslaved to the cruel god of this age and condemned by the God of gods. When we understand how man’s fall estranged humanity from God and placed everyone under the power of Satan, we understand that there are two distinct categories of people in the world today. There are those that are saved, by grace through faith in Christ, and there are those that remain dead in their sins and are facing a lost eternity… unless they trust in Christ for the forgiveness of sin and life everlasting. We who have been enlightened with the truth of the glorious gospel of grace, understand that we who have been saved by grace through faith in Christ, are ‘of God’. The new nature of a regenerate man or woman is inherently sinless, because the ‘seed’ of God is within us. The ‘life’ of Christ dwells within the new life we received at salvation – indeed John tells us that the new ‘nature’ we received when we were saved cannot sin. OH! we still have an old sin nature which tries to dominate our new life in Christ.. for the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit lusts against the old fleshly life… and as believers we are instructed to confess any sin that we carry out in our old, fallen, sinful nature. However, we are no longer slaves to sin, nor are we under the power of the evil one, like those that are unsaved and remain dead in their sins – for we are ‘of God’. As believers, we know that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one, but we also know that we are of God, and that in Christ we have the power to overcome sin and Satan, through Christ’s imputed power and His sufficient grace – as we die to our old sin nature and live our new life for Christ, through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. My Prayer Thank You, Heavenly Father, that in Christ we are distinct from the satanically controlled world system that is under the power of Satan, because we are part of the new creation in Christ and have received His perfect resurrected life within us. Keep me from succumbing to the fleshly desires of this fallen world system. Thank You that my eternal salvation and position in this world depends on my relationship with Jesus and that in Him I have been freed from the power of sin and Satan. I pray that many who have not yet trusted Christ for salvation will be saved by grace through coming to faith in Him – and use me I pray, to be a witness to the gospel of truth. In Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: 1 John 5:18 Next: 1-John 5:20 ► Choose a Verse from 1 John 5 123456789101112131415161718192021 2 Timothy 2:1 Luke 1:28 Ephesians 3:3 2 Timothy 3:15 Follow us 1 John 5:19 Further Study 1 John 5:19 in the Parallel Bible 1 John 5:19 in the Thematic Bible 1 John 5:19 Cross References 1 John 5:19 Treasury of Scripture Knowing 1 John 5:19 Sermons 1 John 5:19 Prayers 1 John 5:19 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Passion For Christ Ephesians 5:17 James 4:8 Blessed Lameness Deserter Or Disciple? Godly Child-Training The Much-More Grace of God Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Luke 2:11 ◄ What Does Luke 2:11 Mean? ► for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11(NASB) Verse Thoughts Despite the testimony of John the Baptist, which announced the arrival of Israel’s Messiah-King, and the many signs and wonders that Jesus performed during His earthly ministry, we read that the Lord Jesus was despised and rejected by the religious leaders of His day. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. I wonder why the religious leaders rejected His heavenly witness. In spite of His own gracious words, His miraculous works, and His supernatural testimony, the Son of God was falsely accused of blasphemy, unjustly condemned to die, and cruelly crucified on a Roman cross. Little did they know that this atrocity took place to carry out the will of God for the redemption of mankind. It happened so that God’s holy wrath against the sin of the world might be poured out on Christ in our stead – so that He could be the propitiation for our sin and God would be fully satisfied with His redemptive act. So, why did they hate Him so much? They were well aware that thirty years earlier in the little town of Bethlehem, a Saviour had been born to a Jewish virgin in an animal shelter, so that the words of Micah the prophet might be fulfilled. Many heard of the angelic message which was given to the shepherds, “TODAY in the city of David is born a Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord,” they were told. His name was to be Jesus, for He was to save His people from their sin. So why did they not recognise their long-awaited Messiah? This glorious message was given to a rag-tag band of simple shepherds by a heavenly angel. They were tending their flock on the Judean hillside, when they heard the amazing announcement, and saw a host of angels lighting up the night sky, uniting their voices in a wonderful celestial song of praise, “glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, to men of goodwill,” they sang. But why did the Jewish leaders appear ignorant of this supernatural event, which happened 30 years earlier? Wise men had travelled from the east to worship Him and had asked King Herod, “where is He that is born King of the Jews?”  Indeed, the religious leaders quickly supplied the correct answer from their holy Scriptures, “In Bethlehem of Judea,” they proudly announced, “for this is what has been written by the prophet, Micah: ‘and you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.'”  But why didn’t these knowledgeable Scribes and Pharisees join the wise men in their holy search and rejoice with them that Micah’s great prophecy had finally been fulfilled. Why did they not recognise that the day of their visitation had come? Why did these learned men dismiss the supernatural testimony of the shepherds who had hurried to Bethlehem to see this wonderful thing that had come to pass, which the Lord has made known to them… and why did they dismiss this serious inquiry of the wise old sages from the east who had travelled a great distance to witness the fulfilment of an ancient prophecy, from Israel’s own sacred Scripture? Why did they miss the supernatural birth of John the Baptist and his call for the nation to repent, “for the kingdom of God was near.” Isaiah had foretold that he was sent to prepare the way of the Lord. John’s father was Zechariah, the priest, who had been struck dumb in the Temple of the Lord, while carrying out his priestly duties. He remained unable to speak during his wife’s pregnancy, yet this old man prophesied of the soon arrival of the Messiah, at his son’s own miraculous birth, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,” Zechariah proclaimed, “for God has visited us and has accomplished redemption for His people, Israel. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the royal house of David His servant.”  Zechariah rejoiced that Old Testament prophecy was being fulfilled and prophesied of things to come. “God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies,” Zechariah prophesied excitedly, “and from the hand of all who hate us. He has shown us mercy toward our fathers, and remembered His holy covenant. God has kept the oath which He swore to Abraham our father – that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righteousness all our days…. The Messiah has come to give to His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God – and to guide our feet into the way of peace!” So WHY did these religious priests and Pharisees ignore the shepherd’s testimony, the inquiry of the wise men, the fulfilment of Micah’s prophecy, the proclamations of Zechariah, the songs of Simeon, the old priest, and Anna, the aged widow woman… both of whom rejoiced publicly and took the baby Jesus in their arms and blessed Him at His dedication service in the Temple of God? We don’t know the reason why these proud, pious, close-minded religious leaders, rejected their Messiah and crucified their Saviour… but we do know that each of us has been supplied with the same witness, from the Word of God, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and we all have the same choices to make – to believe in Him or to reject His offer of salvation. We can accept the truth of God’s Word and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved – OR we can reject the truth of God’s Word and refuse to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be lost. But once we are justified… we should strive to grow in grace and in a knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and to study the Scriptures daily, so that we do not make the same mistake as the religious leaders of Christ’s day. May we not miss the truth that is available to ALL who have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart that is ready to know the truth, so that we might be set free from the world, the flesh, and the devil – through faith in the efficacious blood of Jesus Christ our God and Saviour. My Prayer Heavenly Father, when I consider the many pointers that the religious leaders were given, it seems astonishing that they missed the truth of Christ’s coming. Keep me from missing the truths that are contained within Your Word through my own pride or biased opinions. Keep me low at the Cross, broken before You, and teachable in heart and soul. Thank You for the clarity of the gospel of grace and for the many biblical proofs and prophecies that point us to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Thank You for sending Jesus to be the Jewish Messiah and Saviour of the world, and that by faith in His Person and work, I have been forgiven of my sin and received eternal life, not only in this age but in the ages to come. Thank You in Jesus’ name. AMEN. ◄ Previous: Luke 2:10 Next: Luke 2:14 ► Choose a Verse from Luke 2 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152 Jeremiah 10:16 Colossians 1:27 Acts 2:1 Mark 1:1 Follow us Luke 2:11 Further Study Luke 2:11 in the Parallel Bible Luke 2:11 in the Thematic Bible Luke 2:11 Cross References Luke 2:11 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Luke 2:11 Sermons Luke 2:11 Prayers Luke 2:11 Images Luke 2:11 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Victorious Prayer Life Psalm 112:4 Isaiah 40:11 Touch Not! What To Concentrate On Bond of Unity A Duel Heritage Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Colossians 3:13 ◄ What Does Colossians 3:13 Mean? ► bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Colossians 3:13(NASB) Verse Thoughts Paul presents us with some important doctrinal issues on the superiority and pre-eminence of Christ and the sufficient strength He gives to each one of us, day by day. He encourages all who are in Christ to stand fast in this evil day. He warns us against the various, destructive philosophies of the world and describes the practical conduct that should be outwardly manifest in each one of our lives – from a heart that is walking in spirit and truth. He sets out the believer’s duty towards Christ Jesus, Who is the image of the invisible God and our eternal Saviour. He lists the praiseworthy behaviours that should be exhibited in the life of a godly man or a virtuous woman… for in Christ, we have sufficient strength to resist the multiplied deceptions of the world system. Paul also talks about putting off the old Adamic life, which is dead in sins and at enmity with God, and putting on the new life in Christ where we are covered in His own righteousness. And he exhorts us to set our affections on things that are above and not on things of the earth. As God’s children, we are to clothe ourselves in the many virtues of God’s holy, elect people – tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, and patient endurance. And in this verse we read the following important instructions, “Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference against another or some grievous complaint, we are to readily pardon each other; just as the Lord has freely forgiven us.” Our forbearance and forgiveness towards one another should reflect God’s gracious forbearance and generous forgiveness towards us – in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. God’s forbearance and forgiveness is full, free, and forever, and we should follow the pattern Christ set when He graciously forgave us. Forbearing with one another describes patiently enduring the faults and failings of others in a kind, gracious, and godly manner. It is putting up with the inevitable idiosyncrasies and fluctuating attitudes of our brothers and sisters, with a spirit of gentleness and grace – understanding and patient endurance. We are to forgive one another generously, unhesitatingly, and without holding a grudge, for unforgiveness can lead us into a range of ungodly responses like anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and other ungodly responses – all of which Paul warned against, earlier in this chapter. But the greatest of all incentives towards godly forgiveness of others is rooted in the truth that God forgave us freely and forever. He forgave our sin – past, present, and future, for Christ’s sake. He forgave each one of us of all our wrongdoing and we, in turn, are to follow His godly example. God has promised that He will remember our sins no more. God has promised that as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sin from us… and we, in turn, should reflect His grace by bearing with one another, forgiving each other, and demonstrating mercy towards anyone who has a complaint against us – just as the Lord forgave us, so we also should forgive. My Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You that I have been forgiven of all my sins and declared to be righteous, by faith in Your dearly beloved Son. I have not always been ready to forgive those that have hurt or injured me, but thank You for freely forgiving me of my sin unconditionally and forever. May I increasingly show forbearance and forgiveness towards my fellow man and readily pardon all who have hurt or harmed me. Develop in me a spirit of gentleness that shows the love of Christ to all with whom I come in contact, and may my life become a reflection of the beautiful love of Christ, Who died so that all who believe in Him might live. Praise Your holy name for all Your goodness and grace towards the children of men. In Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN. Picture courtesy of absfreepics ◄ Previous: Colossians 3:12 Next: Colossians 3:14 ► Choose a Verse from Colossians 3 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425 2 Corinthians 9:6 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Acts 1:8 Genesis 1:27 Follow us Colossians 3:13 Further Study Colossians 3:13 in the Parallel Bible Colossians 3:13 in the Thematic Bible Colossians 3:13 Cross References Colossians 3:13 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Colossians 3:13 Sermons Colossians 3:13 Prayers Colossians 3:13 Images Colossians 3:13 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Utter Dependence Upon Him Psalm 80:18 Ephesians 5:11 Be, To Do Redemption Creates The Need It Satisfies Picture Message From God Made Complete in Christ Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved ×