It’s pretty amazing, that among the many Christian denominations, evangelical churches and protestant organizations, everyone without exception claims to use the Bible as the basis for their faith and practice and yet there are thousands of different beliefs and interpretations abounding today, which may seem to emanate from the very same source. The Bible is referenced as the basis for good practices as well as bad. And doctrines that are diabolically opposed are said to come from the same scriptural source.
Passages of scripture are used in support of a wide-ranging list of practices, which run the entire gamut from eating and drinking anything, to believing that Christ died to set us free from the law, so that there is no restriction or self-denial now required by them who believe in Jesus. Thus, we have a toxic mix of liberal views, as well as stringent interpretations, which go from one extreme to the other, and any place in-between.
For instance, one prominent theologian from a well-known seminary in the United states, wrote not too long ago, that under the new covenant, the dietary restrictions given in the old testament forbidding the use of pork and other unclean foods, has been lifted, setting believers free to eat everything their hearts desire. What’s amazing is that several biblical texts were referenced in support of such a view. Let’s read:
1st Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of.
Taken at face value, these passages will make our health message a farce, for if we were to go with a cursory reading of the Bible alone, it seems to any logical thinking person that the scholar from that seminary has presented scriptural and conclusive evidence. And thus, the subscribers to that form of interpretation can now apparently safely ask God’s blessing on “Anything” from oysters to cockroaches and cannibals may also say grace before meals since anything means anything.
Again, the same Bible is used to justify the keeping of the Sabbath, as well as Sunday-keeping, with the references of support coming from the very same source. Thus, many Christians are referred to the Bible, both to obey, and to disobey God, depending on the scriptural passages used. As we study today, we will realize that the phenomena will only deepen unless the honest in heart can settle on the Biblical methods of interpretation.
As a matter of fact, the unity that is so much sought after by the ecumenical movement will of necessity have to exclude the remnant people of God, for two cannot walk together unless they be agreed and the unity which Christ spoke so much of, must never be purchased through compromise, for unity, in and of itself is often achieved through collaboration with good, as it can be with evil, therefore we ought to know the difference. Let’s read:
Romans 14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Then again, the same Bible is used in support of the Ten Commandments, and it is used in nullifying the same. On the one hand, a sincere seeker for truth may be led by pastors and televangelists to believe that God’s law was nailed to the cross, and as such, is no longer binding upon men. Others, at the other end of the spectrum point to the very same source as concrete evidence that the Ten commandments are still in force today. Let’s read:
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
1st Corinthians 16: Now, concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.
2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
Luke 4:16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Acts 13:42 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
The phenomena continue into the area of life after death, for some Christians point to the scriptures in support of the natural immortality of the soul, while others are adamant that all persons remain in their graves until the first or second resurrection. Thus, the Bible is often used to refute or sustain opposing doctrines, depending on which passages are used. It is now a common belief among so many Christians, that the body, and soul are to distinct entities that are separated at death. Let’s read:
2nd Corinthians 12:1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: more-over the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
Ecclesiastes 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets:
6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.
And we can go on and on and on, for depending on what we’re looking for, and according to our heart’s desire, there seems to be scriptural support in favor of it, or otherwise in refuting the same issue to the contrary. But one thing is certain, the problem of private interpretation is a nagging one, and if it isn’t addressed head on, it will wreak havoc on millions of unsuspecting Christians, as it has in ages past. Let’s read:
On ALCOHOL
Deuteronomy 14:26 And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household.
1st Chronicles 16:2 And when David had made an end of offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord.
3 And he dealt to every one of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine.
2nd Samuel 11:12 And David said to Uriah, Tarry here today also, and tomorrow I will let thee depart. So, Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow.
13 And when David had called him, he did eat and drink before him; and he made him drunk: and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord, but he went not down to his house.
By the way, modern science, and dietary research strongly suggest that the first interpretation that’s in favor of wine and other alcoholic beverages is the correct one, for several glasses of wine per week are now recommended as essential to health. Thus, it is increasingly difficult, and well-nigh impossible for Christians, or politicians to kick the habit, since they have scripture and science as back up. But, as have happened earlier on in our study, the Biblical pendulum swings once again in an entirely opposite direction. Let’s read:
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?
30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine.
31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red,
when it giveth his color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
Isaiah 5:11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!
12 And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts. but they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider the operation of his hands.
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink.
What many persons may not know, is that satan is a diligent student of the scripture and is much better acquainted with the correct interpretation than are many theologians, and scholars. Thus, he seeks to mask God’s will behind disconnected utterances, or to quote only those passages which on the surface, may seem to favor his designs, when, if the correct, Biblical methods were employed under the auspices of The Holy Ghost, an entirely different picture will emerge.
Therefore, for the purposes of this Bible study, we’ll take the most common “Private interpretation” that deals with the natural immortality of the soul; we’ll break it down, and analyze it using scripture, logic, and sheer common sense, so that the perfidy of the false doctrine may be exposed for what it is. Then we will examine the Biblical truth pertaining to the same matter, so that the honest in heart may draw reasonable conclusions.
The passages of scripture most commonly used in support of the natural immortality of the soul, is to be found in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, in which Lazarus is purportedly transported by the holy angels at death to heaven, whilst the rich man is taken to hell, where he receives his just dues. As we read, let’s consider the following passages, lest we fail of drawing right conclusions. Let’s read:
2nd Peter 1:19 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.
Isaiah 28:9 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
10 For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.
Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: more-over the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Parable | Definition of Parable by Merriam-Webster
Parable noun:
par·a·ble | \ˈper-ə-bəl, ˈpa-rə-\
Definition of parable: a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle.
According to Merriam/Webster, a parable is an allegorical story with a point, and thus, it should not be pressed to a strictly literal interpretation in all of its points, especially where some features seem to be logically, or reasonably suspect, and in some of the instances, to be insane. Thus, we will begin by breaking it down along strictly logical lines so that the incredible features may be sniffed out. Then we will break it down along scriptural lines so that the truth of the matter may shine forth radiantly.
I personally have been to the homes of some of the rich and famous, and in every instance, I have never ever seen any wealthy person, allowing a beggar to live at their doorstep, let alone a beggar with oozing sores, with dogs licking his wounds. The sight would be too revolting for residents and guests alike, and it’s highly unlikely, that a person in such a condition will ever have free access to rich neighborhood.
And across America, from the homes of Pit Bull and Dwayne Wade in Miami, from Snoop Dogg to the wealthy Warren Buffet, and from Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg, there is not a single instance in which a wealthy person will allow a beggar full of sores, with stray dogs licking his wounds, to be at their front gate continuously. No not one!
For instance, we were once invited to play music at the home of Julio Iglesias, in that wealthy part of Miami beach, where the rich and famous, including Oprah Winfrey, have residences. To begin with, we had to first get past the guard gate and Julio Iglesias had to be on the phone personally, to grant access, and we had to present verifiable I.Ds to the guard, before we could enter. It is highly improbable that a rich man would have a beggar full of sores at his front door.
Again, in the parable, the rich man is purportedly able to have a conversation with Abraham, which brings into question the sheer proximity of heaven to hell. Are the two so close, so that two persons may converse, especially since a normal person’s intelligible voice begins to fade around 180 m (590 ft 6.6 in). Now, if heaven and hell are just merely a few hundred feet apart, wouldn’t Abraham, and Lazarus also get burned?
Again, according to what Abraham says during the exchange, “between us and you there is a great gulf fixed”. Now if Abraham describes it as a great gulf, then how can the two be speaking, especially when one is being burnt to death? Is it true, reasonable, normal, or even logical, that a wicked person will be conversing casually with another whilst he is being burned? It makes no sense whatsoever, and thus, along strictly logical lines, the parable cannot be construed to be literal in every aspect.
Now, we will break it down along scriptural lines. There was another literal Lazarus, one who was a friend of Jesus, and who died because of some issue he was suffering with. And if there was any Lazarus who would be a prime candidate for transport to the pearly gates at death, it would be this one, for it is stated in the Bible that Jesus loved him. Jesus gets the bad news that his friend Lazarus has died, thus, after two days He sets out on the journey, to bring him back to life. Let’s read:
John 11:1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.
3 Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.
6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was.
14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already.
38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
Obviously, if the body and soul are separated at death, as the doctrine of natural immortality says, then Jesus would have called down Lazarus’s spirit from heaven to be rejoined to his dead body. But none of this took place, for everything pertaining to his resurrection took place on the earth. And Christ Himself also remained in the grave, until the order for resurrection was issued. Nothing, and no entity from heaven was called down to rejoin body and soul. Let’s read:
Matthew 27:57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:
58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father.
Now brethren, if Jesus did not ascend to heaven at death, neither could poor Lazarus in the parable, for Lazarus could never be greater, or more important than Jesus, and therefore, the doctrine of natural immortality is a big hoax, designed specifically by satan, to offer a false sense of security, and to deceive folks into believing there’s no judgement.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus was given by Christ to illustrate the spiritual truth, that there is a day of rewards coming, a day in which the evil and the good will receive their just dues and as such we ought to live with the consciousness, that what ever we sow, we are going to reap. Let us therefore live soberly, and righteously in this generation, for the judgment day is fast approaching, in which each individual will receive the results of their doings, whether it be good or evil.
We therefore end with two passages of scripture which portray these sobering truths. Let’s read:
2nd Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Revelation 20:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what The Spirit saith unto the churches.
God Bless