Understanding the salvation of our God in Christ does wonders to envelope us in His love, to forge sonship in our heart as “we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:24-26
ALL of grace? Yes in provision and yet what about appropriation?
Well, it was God’s grace that, 1. sent His only begotten Son to die for us “while we were yet sinners,” (Romans 5:6-8), and 2. it is God’s initiating grace that finds us in our sin to draw us to Himself (John 12:32; 1 John 4:9-10, 19). Yet, God doesn’t just dole out His blessings of salvation to just anyone. He has placed conditions on appropriating it, something the lawless heart utterly despises to hear – that God has placed personal responsibility on him. These rebels refuse to submit to the LORD truly and therefore migrate to the grace-perverting wolves Jude warns us specifically of (Jude 4). Consider:
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” Isaiah 1:18-20
“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: 20 That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20
No man merits God’s mercy. The guilty sinner can only receive it as a gift freely given by a loving God who allowed His only begotten Son to be crucified to save/rescue us (Romans 6:23; 4:4-5; Titus 3:5-7).
Jesus is 100% the One who saves us.
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. … We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:9-10, 19
Jesus requires that we meet HIS stated conditions – repentance, saving faith which always produces good works.
“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21
Jesus saves us, not our faith and obedience which simply appropriate His salvation. Saving faith and obedience to Him are always found in each of those who are His. Repentance and faith are the conditions – to the end of ones life on earth (Acts 20:21; Revelation 2:26).
Jesus alone can save. No one saves themself. Jesus “by himself purged our sins.” (Hebrews 1:3) Yes God requires your repentance and faith and yet it’s still Christ that saves you.
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
GOD DOES NOT LOOK AT THINGS LIKE MAN DOES. Have YOU ever sinned? Yes. We ALL have (Rom 3). Self-righteousness is damnable – Matt 21:31
“Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Matthew 21:31
“That dying thief, he could not work, his hands were nailed. He could not walk, his feet were nailed. He could not get baptized. He could not take communion. He could not join the church. But praise God he could look. That is how he was saved. He looked. Who did he look to? He looked to Jesus. That is the way you are saved!” Ian Paisely
BY teaching what God’s Word teaches about justification, no one here is hinting that living lawlessly is of God – Romans 6:1-2.
WHY would anyone draw such a conclusion? It’s something not made whole in them.
This message is specifically concerning the monumental biblical topic of justification. That in no way negates the biblical doctrine of sanctification. YET, there is no SANCTIFICATION until after there is divine JUSTIFICATION.
“The fact is that a person can lose their salvation while living a completely moral life, moral by the world’s definition, trying as hard as they can to keep God’s rules thru human effort. We are not talking here about carousers, prostitutes, thieves, drunks, child molesters, murderers, liars, etc. We are talking about so called “godly” people going to church every Sunday, supporting their family, praying every day, doing good deeds, tithing. The authority for this fact is Gal 5:4 and others. Read that verse. These so called moral people can still be enemies of the cross.”
ONLY Messiah kept the law perfectly….. no other man ever did…. only MESSIAH can save, not law…. “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
Breaking just 1 commandment makes us guilty of breaking the whole law – James 2:10.
Fake Jews?
It has been wisely stated that “If you’re flirting with Moses, you’re cheating on Jesus.”
Have you memorized John 1:17 ?
“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” John 1:17
The Holy Spirit through Paul tells us who the true and false Jews are – “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: 29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.” Romans 2:28-29
The law makes no one righteous but only convicts and reveals just how sinful we are and how much we need Christ – not more attempted law-keeping! (Romans 3:28; 7; Galatians 2:16; 3:24)
The righteousness demanded by the law was not fulfilled under the law other than by Christ himself – who then took it away when He nailed it to the cross! (Colossians 2:14-19)
“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4
We faith it through with God, from start to finish (Acts 16:31; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:1). We earn nothing. Jesus uniquely earned our place with God when He paid the price for our sins and on His merit alone we are justified. We are “justified by his blood.” – “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5:9)
Perhaps something in us wants to feel like we ourselves are meriting or helping in the LORD saving us. This is part of the fallen nature which must be denied, crucified. Scripture states:
“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18
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Apostasy
Beware of the Manipulating Monsters: Spiritual Identity Theft [podcast]

Instead of fostering a deeper love for CHRIST in their hearers, local churches have diverted that loyalty, the faith of their hearers to themselves (1 Corinthians 29-2:5). This is “the spirit of antichrist” at work (1 John 2:18; 4:1-3). Anti in “antichrist” means “in place of” and the vast majority of local churches seek to replace Christ with themselves – to intercept the heart affections of their audience from loving Jesus Christ supremely – to rob Him of His glory for their own self-serving agenda! Beware! This was Paul’s warning of Colossians 1-2. Christ alone is the Supreme Creator, Sustainer, Reconciler, Redeemer, and Savior! Pour prayerfully over Colossians 1 and 2 this week beloved of God.
“…do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10
You cannot and won’t please everyone and such should not be your goal. Please God beloved and in NON-essentials, make your own decisions – void of the undue, unwarranted interference of others! (Read Romans 14.) Some people are operating in witchcraft and don’t realize it. They haven’t repented and learned how to mind their own business. And, so many live under the witchcraft of pleasing family and friends and the whims of others. If that’s you, you are not yet free but you can be. Seek the LORD in special prayer. Repent afresh and ask God to strip off every trace of witchcraft and control over your life. Ask Him to establish your life in His love and truth and all fear shall be vanquished from your life! See 1 John 4:16-18.
Note: Anything that is not specifically named as a sin in the Bible, is a NON-essential and that means that God gives YOU the liberty to conduct yourself as you see fit. Read and get to know Romans 14. | Learning to Mind Our Own Business
Those who insidiously seek to position themselves, to maneuver things to manipulate you, are fully arrogant and that’s why they believe THEY know better than God and you concerning your life, your decisions, your ministry, your direction, etc.. Beware. These are the very enemies of Christ. Like snakes in the grass, people like this are insidiously operating in witchcraft and as sure for hell as if they were already there (Galatians 5:19-21). Beware.
Untold scores of men, all of which had a calling from God, have allowed wicked manipulators to derail, destroy, and waste their lives. Beware.
Beware of those with an agenda….. an agenda that is not God’s agenda/will. With Jesus our LORD, the true disciple declares to God – “NOT my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42). All of the unsaved are under the control of Satan, the enemy of all souls.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:” Ephesians 2:1-2
Most if not all of us have realized that there are lots of manipulators around us who vie for the control of our lives, who attempt to push their agenda, their personal will on us. Solidifying our identity in Christ, becoming increasingly rooted and grounded in Him, is essential to be kept from such witchcraft. The aim, the stated will of God, is to root and ground every one of His saints ever more deeply into Christ. Pour prayerfully, meticulously over Colossians 1 and 2 beloved, and ask the LORD to root your heart and life deeper into Christ in whom alone you are “complete.” Ask the Father that your constitution, your innermost identity would be Christ and Christ alone! (Read Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 1 Corinthians 2:2, etc.)
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14
If your life is not all about CHRIST, you are in trouble. Stop. Re-turn afresh to the LORD. Declare JESUS CHRIST as the LORD, Savior, Master, First Love of your life in this world! Do it with force! Memorize Galatians 6:14.
Satan is behind every attempt to derail God’s people from walking in His perfect will. Spiritual warfare. In light of the desire to get God’s Word into the hearts of the people, Paul requests prayer to be “delivered from unreasonable and wicked men.”
“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3
Escaping the Witchcraft, the Manipulation
ANY person participating in the work of Satan is a child of the devil. Satan’s work is “to steal, to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). Any questions? Any activity, operation, or plan to steal the freedom or money or anything from another, is the work of Satan himself. So is to killing or destroying people or property unjustly.
May the LORD continue to increase His discernment in us – in order to see the enemy working through people from afar. Once we’ve allowed them in, they are within striking distance, right? Yes. See Matthew 7:6.
“And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.” Ecclesiastes 7:26
Did you see that? Did you see in Ecclesiastes 7:26 how those who obey God will escape the seduction and the clutches of manipulating people?
A careful reading, study, and meditation upon the words of this verse above, will yield important truths concerning spiritual warfare and overcoming through Christ.
“Witchcraft” is a soul damning sin – which means that any person operating in this sin is outside of Christ and as sure for hell as if they were already there (Galatians 5:19-21). Eternal security/once saved always saved is a lie from hell.
Any person who seeks to usurp authority over another person (his will and decisions, etc.) is operating by his own agenda and not the LORD’s. Such a person is rebellious and self-willed and therefore seeks to exert their witchcraft over the lives, the decisions, the will of others.
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” 2 Timothy 2:24-26
Remember how manipulating Delilah was as she sought to manipulate and derail Samson? Read Judges 16.
There are many examples of manipulation in the Word of God, beginning in the Garden of Eden.
In the Scripture below, notice the interaction with Paul and the false prophet, Elymas. All interference of the Gospel is from Satan. Below is but one example. This man sought to exercise control over Paul and the deputy and how the LORD judged him:
Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus
Act 13:4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
Act 13:5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
Act 13:6 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
Act 13:7 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
Act 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
Act 13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Act 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
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Abiding
“If any man speak, let him Speak as the Oracles of God” [podcast]

The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Amos of the day we now live in.
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:” Amos 8:11
“Amos 8:11: A famine in the land – The most grievous of all famines, a famine of the words of Jehovah; a time in which no prophet should appear, no spiritual counsellor, no faithful reprover, none any longer who would point out the way of salvation, or would assure them of the mercy of God on their repentance and return to him. This is the severest of God’s judgments on this side the worm that never dieth, and the fire that is never quenched.” Adam Clarke
Today, we have an epidemic of people in ministry, doing ministry, who’ve never been personally grounded in God’s Word. In many cases, they have followed the convoluted teachings of others, of mere men. Sad yet so true. On social media we see arrogant novices spreading a poisonous mixture, a diatribe of half-truths and heresies (1 Timothy 3:6). Beware and be not one of them. Get soundly grounded in God’s Word for yourself. Begin immediately studying God’s Word for yourself, which is a divine mandate (2 Timothy 2:15). That’s exactly what Paul told Timothy to do and exactly what God tells you to do here in 2 Timothy 2:15.
Deceivers don’t teach you the Bible itself. No, instead they build their brand, their “ministry” on extracting a few verses in order to use to tickle the ears of their prey. These people are charlatans and have no business teaching the body of Christ. Run.
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11
“If any man speak, let him – In his whole conversation, public and private. Speak as the oracles of God – Let all his words be according to this pattern, both as to matter and manner, more especially in public. By this mark we may always know who are, so far, the true or false prophets. The oracles of God teach that men should repent, believe, obey. He that treats of faith and leaves out repentance, or does not enjoin practical holiness to believers, does not speak as the oracles of God: he does not preach Christ, let him think as highly of himself as he will.” John Wesley
“In order to explain or enforce God’s word, and edify his neighbor, let him do it as those did to whom the living oracles were committed: they spoke as they were inspired by the Holy Ghost. … should speak as or according to the oracles already delivered, grounding all their exhortations and doctrines on some portion of that revelation already given. This command is sent to every man upon earth in holy orders … Their teaching should be what the oracles of God, the Holy Scriptures, teach and authenticate.” Adam Clarke
“That he may give more precision to his counsel, the Apostle proceeds to speak of gifts under two heads into which they are naturally divided. First come those which St. Paul (Rom_12:6-8) ranges under the head of prophecy, embracing therein teaching and exhortation likewise: “If any man speaketh, speaking as it were “oracles of God.” The first Christian preachers must have gained their knowledge of the life and teaching of Jesus by listening to the narratives of the Twelve, and must have gone forth to give their teaching orally. The training of those who were appointed to minister in the various places whither the apostolic missions penetrated must have been of the same kind. In those first years there was work to be done which would seem more important than the writing of a Gospel history. When such preachers published to the congregations what they had learnt of the Master’s lessons, their sermons would be orally given, and though conveying the same instruction, would be liable to constant modifications of words. It was from such oral teaching that the variations found in the Gospel narratives probably had their origin. The preachers gave the spirit, and as nearly as possible the text, of what they had been taught. Perhaps by memoranda or otherwise, they would refresh their knowledge of the apostolic words, so as to adhere as much as might be to what they had first received. The word logia-oracles-which the Apostle here employs, seems intended to remind such preachers and teachers that they now, as the Jews of old, had received “living oracles,” (Act_7:38) words by which spiritual life was conveyed, to deliver to the Church. Those of them who were Jews would call to mind how God’s prophets had constantly prefaced their message with “Thus saith the Lord” or concluded it with the Divine accrediting, “I am the Lord”; and that the Christian prophet must bear in mind that he is only an ambassador, and must abide by his commission, if he would speak with authority, that as a steward he must ever think of the account to be some day given of “the oracles of God” (Rom_3:2) with which he was entrusted, and must “handle aright the word of truth”. (2Ti_2:15) For all such is St. Peter’s admonition, “If any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God.” Expositor’s Bible Commentary
Ministry has become a performance – where people are performing, seeking to brand themselves, constantly creating endless media productions to increase their followers, their personal popularity…. it’s a fleshly show, a stage for carnality … Paul speaks of this in Philippians 3:18-21.
Have you ever pondered why there is little or no Scripture being used when listening to someone pretending to be speaking about the LORD? You should wonder (Matthew 7:16, 20; 1 John 4:1).
“Preach the word” is the divine mandate, command (2 Timothy 4:2).
Let us cease to pretend that we represent the LORD when everything we say isn’t coming straight out of His Word. Read that again please. He didn’t instruct us to entertain or to tell stories. He commanded us to preach HIS Word. King James Bible.
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (written Word) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11
Think God is calling you to serve? Good. If He has saved you, He has called you (Ephesians 2:8-10; 4:7). Get lost in His Word every day (Jeremiah 15:16). Read it (Revelation 1:3). Study it (2 Timothy 2:15). Memorize it (Proverbs 4:4). Meditate upon it day and night (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1). THAT’s your prep for ministry, not going to an antichrist seminary. Jesus inducted you into His school of the Holy Ghost and Word the moment He saved you.
Purged, Sanctified, Meet for the Master’s Use, Prepared unto Every Good Work
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21
The only way the disciple of Jesus can be “prepared unto every good work” of the Gospel, is via the Word of God, by way of a personal knowledge and understanding of the precepts of God and his personal use of that divine truth, wisdom.
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect (equipped, mature), throughly furnished (with God’s Word) unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:15-17
“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:14
Dear minister of Christ:
It is your duty and personal responsibility to study and learn and increasingly know and be filled full of the truth of God. And, this cannot and will not happen outside of diligently, daily study of God’s Word. Memorize 2 Timothy 2:15 and 3:15-17.
“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. 19 That thy trust may be in the LORD, I have made known to thee this day, even to thee. 20 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?” Proverbs 22:17-21
How shall a man be prepared to speak the oracles of God other than getting those precepts, those divine truths into his own heart and mind by diligently studying God’s Word?
“Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. 2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. 4 And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.” Ezekiel 3:1-4
How can God’s words possibly get into us unless we get into and stay into His Word?
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15
If you are a disciple of Christ, your goal should be to have Scripture memorized in order to be equipped to “give an answer to every” single person who you meet who has questions – saved and unsaved.
Every answer to man’s questions and problems are given to us in Holy Scripture. – “ALL things that pertain unto life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Are you learning them for your own life and the lives of others?
If Christ is truly sanctified (set apart as supreme, ultimate priority) in our hearts, we are diligently desiring, studying, learning, memorizing, and communicating His blessed Word. We are being armed for giving an answer from His Precepts to those He blesses us to speak with.
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11
If you dare speak for God – Let God speak for Himself by speaking, quoting His Word. This necessitates your personal duty to learn, to memorize His Word: “Let thine heart RETAIN my words” (Proverbs 4:4).
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Apostasy
When Bible Burning Backfires [podcast]

King Jehoiakim Judged
Let us ever be aware of the Bible truth of sowing and reaping.
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:7-8
Read Jeremiah 36 (KJB) perhaps several times. In this passage, note:
v. 28 – Denial changes nothing. Burning a scroll or the whole Bible negates not one iota of the divine authority invested therein nor your personal accountability to it. John 12:48; Rom 2:16; Revelation 20:11-15
v. 30-31 – King Jehoiakim burned God’s Word and denied God.
v. 32 – The Word of God stands forever (Psalms 89:34; 119:89; Mark 13:31). It cannot be erased, and anyone who tries to burn or erase it, will be erased, burned in the fires of hell by the one true God whom they defied.
Jeremiah 36 records and details a pivotal moment in the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah, where he is commanded by God to write down his prophecies, leading to a direct confrontation between the Word of God and the defiant King Jehoiakim. The chapter serves as a testament to the endurance of God’s Word despite human efforts to destroy it.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:19-21
Historical Background
- Timeframe: The events take place around 604-603 B.C., in the fourth and fifth years of King Jehoiakim of Judah.
- Political Climate: Babylon, under Nebuchadnezzar, had recently defeated Egypt at Carchemish (605 B.C.) and was asserting control over the region. Judah was in a precarious position, shifting loyalties between Babylon and Egypt, creating a state of high political tension.
- The King: Jehoiakim, son of the reform-minded King Josiah, was wicked and defiant, starkly contrasting his father’s humility.
- Jeremiah’s Status: Jeremiah was “shut up”—likely banned from the Temple grounds—after preaching for over 20 years.
Overview of Jeremiah 36
1. The Command to Write (vv. 1–3)
In the fourth year of Jehoiakim, God instructs Jeremiah to take a scroll and record all the prophecies, warnings, and calls to repentance he has spoken against Israel, Judah, and other nations since the days of King Josiah. The stated goal is that the people might hear of the impending judgment and repent, allowing God to forgive them.
2. Baruch Records and Reads the Scroll (vv. 4–10)
Jeremiah dictates the messages to Baruch, the son of Neriah, his scribe. Because Jeremiah cannot enter the Temple, he sends Baruch to read the scroll on a fast day, hoping for national repentance.
3. The Officials’ Reaction (vv. 11–19)
Baruch reads the scroll to the people. Micaiah, a concerned official, reports this to the royal cabinet, who summon Baruch to read it to them. Upon hearing the content, the officials (including Elnathan, Delaiah, and Gemariah) are frightened, recognizing the danger the message brings. They wisely advise Baruch and Jeremiah to hide.
4. Jehoiakim Burns the Scroll (vv. 20–26)
The officials inform the king, who sends Jehudi to fetch the scroll. As Jehudi reads it, Jehoiakim, in a state of defiance, cuts the scroll with a penknife and burns it section by section, despite pleas from some of his officials to stop. Neither the king nor his attendants showed fear.
5. The New Scroll and Judgment (vv. 27–32)
God instructs Jeremiah to rewrite the scroll and adds a specific, harsh judgment against Jehoiakim: his body will be left unburied, exposed to heat and frost, and none of his descendants will sit securely on David’s throne. Baruch writes a second scroll, which includes all the original words plus many more added prophecies of judgment.
Key Themes
- The Indestructibility of God’s Word: The king burns the first scroll, the Word of God is simply rewritten and expanded, highlighting that human opposition cannot destroy divine truth.
- Repentance vs. Defiance: The chapter contrasts the proper response to God’s word (fear and repentance) with Jehoiakim’s defiance.
- The Role of the Prophet and Scribe: Jeremiah is the messenger, and Baruch is the faithful scribe who records and reads the word at great personal risk.
- God’s Patience and Justice: God offers repentance through the scroll, but when that is rejected, judgment is inevitable.
In Jeremiah 36, the burning of the scroll by King Jehoiakim represents a pivotal moment of defiance against God’s word, where the king used a penknife to cut and destroy a prophetic scroll.
The Event (Jeremiah 36:22–24)
- The Setting: The scene takes place in the “winter house” in the ninth month, with a fire burning in a brazier (or firepot) before King Jehoiakim.
- The Action: As Jehudi read the scroll aloud (containing prophecies from Jeremiah), the king cut the scroll into pieces using a scribe’s knife (or penknife) and threw them into the fire.
- The Destruction: The king methodically cut and burned the scroll column by column (or section by section) until the entire scroll was consumed.
- The Response: The king and his servants did not show fear or tear their clothes in repentance, demonstrating complete indifference and hardening of heart.
Symbolism and Significance
- Rejection of Divine Authority: The burning of the scroll symbolized an attempt to silence God and reject His warnings of impending judgment.
- Contempt for the Message: Cutting the scroll, which was a parchment scroll of leather or papyrus, column by column, showed intense contempt for the message.
- The Futility of the Action: Despite the destruction of the physical scroll, God commanded Jeremiah to write a second scroll, indicating that divine truth cannot be destroyed.
- Judgment: The act led directly to further judgment from God against Jehoiakim.
Key Terms
- Penknife/Scribe’s Knife: A tool normally used by scribes for cutting or sharpening reed pens, misused by the king for destruction.
- Scroll (Roll): The parchment containing the prophecies.
- Brazier/Firepot: A metal pan used for burning coals to provide warmth.
Those who despise the Word of God will be destroyed:
“Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.” Proverbs 13:13
Those who do not receive and obey God’s Word will be counted “unworthy of everlasting life”:
“Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.” Acts 13:46
“Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.” Jeremiah 20:9
May God’s Word be fully received in our hearts and be that burning fire emanating from our very bones and pouring out to those around us daily.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
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