When Jesus referred to what is commonly called tongues the context was separation, Matt 13:14. In Isaiah 28:11 (The first biblical mention of Tongues) the Priest’s had been rebellious (unbelieving) and had rejected and forgotten the knowledge God had offered them. God had allowed the devil to steal some of their knowledge of the kingdom (Matt 13:11-12, Hosea 4:6).
They were sliding backwards in their relationship with God. As a result the enemy captured them. In effect, God separated believers from unbelievers (1 Cor 14:22). In the case of Isaiah 28 the unbelieving Priests were separated from Isaiah.
It should be noted that this is a gift of speaking, not hearing. The ability to spiritually hear (understand) comes into play in Matt 16:17.
Jesus is our example and in order to understand the phenomenon called tongues we have to first see what He did and said about the topic.
This study will begin with Mark 16:17 where Jesus said that in His name this sign (tongues), among other signs would follow those who believe. Jesus Himself endorsed this phenomenon, and as with any sign it is meant to communicate or confirm something to others.
Speaking generally this is to signify or prove that God is involved in this event, as if to say God has put His signature on it.
In Acts 2:3 we see that tongues of fire came and rested on each of those present. The phrase tongues of fire is translated in some versions cloven tongues of fire, which is more accurate.
The literal wording is that “languages of fire were distributed” to them, distributed being number 1266 in the Greek dictionary of the New Testament contained in the Strong’s concordance to the Bible and languages being number 1100.
Seen through spiritual eyes, this is a New Testament fulfillment of an Old Testament shadow of things to come.
In Second Chronicles 7:1 we see the fire of God consuming the sacrifices and the Glory of the Lord filling the House of God in response to Solomon’s prayer. Romans 12:1 tells us that Christians should present their bodies as living sacrifices. 1 Corinthians 6:19 states that Christians are the Temple of God.
In concert then we see the fire of God descending upon the Temple. As is the case with the burning bush in Exodus 3:2, the living sacrifice is not consumed. In this case the living sacrifice speaks forth the language of fire becoming a witness (sign) and a bearer of the fire.
When they spoke languages of fire the discussions themselves were a sign to others that these people were Jesus witnesses, Acts 1:8.
God is described as a Consuming fire Deut 4:24, and there is a biblical correlation between fire and the purifying of metal. It is logical then that this new form of communication will purify Man’s heart.
The next event referred to is in Acts 2:5-11. Devout (God fearing, 2126 Strong’s) Jews in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven heard about this event and came to see what it was all about.
Jews by definition were from Israel and a non-Israelite could become a Jew through circumcision of the flesh, Ex 12:48. From Acts 2:5 then we see that converts to Judaism were in the group in Jerusalem.
The group of Jewish believers and converts was amazed because they each heard the Galileans speaking about the mysteries of God (1 Cor 14:2) in their native languages.
The native language of the Jews in the group was Hebrew and the native languages of the Jewish converts are mentioned in Acts 2:9-11.
The power from God to be Jesus witnesses included the ability to speak of the mysteries of God, 1 Cor 14:2.
It was apparent to the Jews and converts that the Galileans (including uncircumcised followers of Jesus) had received the ability to discuss the mysteries of God.
Until Pentecost only those circumcised in the flesh could partake of the covenant with God.
Why would hearing the Galilaean followers of Jesus declare the wonders of God be a sign from God to the Jews and converts to Judaism?
One reason that seems to be logical is that God wanted the hearers (circumcised Jews) to know He had accepted those speaking (both circumcised and uncircumcised people from Galilee).
God had given these Galileans the knowledge necessary to understand and speak about the same spiritual mysteries that the God Fearing Jews understood.
They were enabled to speak this way by God; therefore they were to be treated as brethren by the circumcision group.
For an example of this refer to Acts 10:47 where Peter recognized the outpouring because of the language spoken.
In the above mentioned case and in Acts 2:11 it was not the language spoken that served as the sign but the content of the discussions that indicated to the hearers that God had given this “knowledge” (Lk 8:10) to these individuals.
It is important to remember that circumcision was a Jewish requirement and also a requirement for converts.
Now the Jews were hearing people being moved upon by God and they had not undergone physical circumcision. What was God trying to tell them? He was telling them for one thing, that the reality had come and the shadow was no longer a requirement. The shadow being physical circumcision and the reality being circumcision of the heart.
The painful ordeal called circumcision that had been required in order to have a covenant relationship with God was now being replaced, i.e. a change in the law (Heb 7:12).
Those who had allowed this to be done to them were understandably upset that others were given the same gift without having to go through the physical pain.
The thing they did not realize at the time was that the removal of the fleshly desires from the heart is much more painful than the temporary physical pain caused by circumcision, Ex 12:48-49.
To understand better a knowledge of the times will be helpful. In Isaiah 9:1 Galilee is referred to as Galilee of the nations (or Gentiles). They were considered to be aliens and separated from God up until this time.
Another fact to remember in discussing this is found in Matt 4:25 where we are told that great multitudes followed Jesus, and some of His followers were non-Jewish people, Matt 15:25 and Acts 2:9-11.
Galilee was a melting pot of nationalities and languages; it was not one place but a circle of cities or a district.
The fact that the God-fearing Jews and converts heard the Galileans in their native languages should be not considered the focus of the explanation of this event. This is not a gift of hearing but a gift of the ability to speak concerning the mysteries of God.
The Jews and converts to Judaism heard the Galileans speak in their native languages simply because some of the Galilaean speakers were from the nations from which the Jewish converts were native.
The focus of the event was that Gentiles could now participate in the covenant. This can be seen in Peter’s explanation mentioned in Acts 2:14-21 and in Joel 2:28-32.
In Acts 2:6-11 the Jewish believers and converts were commenting on the fact that they heard the Galileans speaking of the “wonderful works of God”.
This was familiar to them because they understood the same “truths” when they entered into their covenant with God.
To assume or read into this event the unscriptural theory of ecstatic utterances is to unduly mystify the topic when a scriptural alternative is available.
This is actually referring to spiritual understanding being communicated, in the speaker’s own language.
Which is indicating to the hearers that spiritual understanding had been given to the speakers by God (refer to Mt 16:17).
The entire doctrine which can more accurately be called a tradition, of ecstatic utterances was based on a misunderstanding of Acts 2:6 and 7 and 1 Cor 14:2.
Peter was not only explaining this to the Gentiles but also telling His Jewish brethren that this was a fulfillment of prophesy.
So if the God-fearing Jews and converts heard the Galileans speaking the covenant language then they must conclude that God was pouring His Spirit out on all flesh.
This was in response to circumcision of the heart. Regardless of whether or not the person was circumcised in the flesh.
Below is a description of the languages spoken, we know that languages of fire-
1. declare the works of God
2. are a sign to the hearers
3. the recipients of this gift of languages of fire are given it so that they can be Jesus witnesses
4. God-Fearing people understood the things being said
5. Languages of fire speak of the mysteries of God
To briefly look at the topic from another standpoint, consider what Jesus said to John the Baptist when He was being baptized. In Matt 3:15 He tells John to baptize Him because it was right.
Since Jesus would command people to be baptized He allowed Himself to be baptized. He did not need to be baptized but to serve as our example He submitted to it.
This is mentioned because some people think that even though Jesus was our example He did not speak in tongues because He was the Christ and did not have to. This conclusion is clearly unscriptural.
In 1 Jn 2:6 Jesus is said to be our example. The point being, that if Jesus was baptized in order to do what is right and serve as our example He also must have spoken in tongues as an example to His followers.
Nowhere in the Bible is it mentioned that Jesus spoke in the ecstatic utterances, which are referred to as tongues in some sections of the Body of Christ. Regardless of the misunderstanding some people in the Body of Christ have concerning Tongues, as our “example” Jesus unquestionably spoke in Tongues.
Those who think differently do not understand how the Bible describes speaking in Tongues. These people have invented their own form of Godliness and call it speaking in Tongues.
The Bible says that if a person abides in Christ he must walk as He walked, and Jesus said that those who follow Him would speak this way. Also in the case of the Apostle Paul we are told that He spoke in these languages of fire more than most, 1 Cor 14:18.
Just as in Jesus case, the Apostle Paul is never seen in scripture to speak in ecstatic utterances.
Regarding ecstatic utterance there is no record of Jesus or the Apostle Paul actually demonstrating this, but as both examples and teachers there are many demonstrations of their relating the deep mysteries of God.
Referring to the five aspects of languages of fire it can be seen that these two Individuals most certainly communicated this way.
1. Both declared the works of God
2. Their speech was a sign to others
3. Paul was certainly a witness to Jesus
4. God fearing people understood both of them, and rebellious people had trouble accepting the things they said.
5. Both Jesus and Paul spoke of the mysteries of God more than others did, (we know for certain that people who speak in languages of fire relate mysteries 1 Cor 14:2).
Neither Jesus nor Paul were ever seen to speak in any language that was unintelligible to the hearers except when speaking to people who were rebellious toward God, refer to John 10:19. God does not allow rebellious people to understand with their heart, Mark 4:11.
When Jesus disciples asked Him why He spoke to rebellious people in parables in Matt 13:10-14 and Luke 8:10, He said that this “knowledge” had not been given to them.
Jesus here fulfilled Isaiah’s commission, Isaiah 6:9.
A similar type of speech is referred to by Paul in 1 Cor 2:13.
The Apostle Paul said in 1 Cor 14:21 that this language of fire is spoken of in the law, here refer to Isaiah 28:11. This statement of Paul’s links the Old and New Testament understandings of Tongues.
The words translated with stammering lips in Isaiah 28:11 can be translated - with a people (or person) of “strange language”. The word that was translated stammering is number 3934 in the Old Testament Hebrew dictionary contained in the Strong’s Concordance to the Bible.
This section of scripture (Isaiah 28:11) refers to God speaking to Priest’s that He had called to but who did not respond correctly to His call.
Because of this incorrect response (rebellion) God decided to speak to them through a person that they could not understand.
This is a fulfillment of what Jesus said in Matt 13:12. They no longer possessed the spiritual knowledge they once had, it had been stolen from them, Matt 13:1-12.
Isaiah and the drunken priests spoke the same earthly language but they did not speak the same spiritual language. The Priest’s could not understand the spiritual truths (mysteries) Isaiah was relating to them. They trusted in ‘Lies” as Isaiah 28:15 says, they thought they would be spared God’s judgement.
As a result of the incorrect response to the call of God the Priests did not understand the meaning of Isaiah’s message and the enemy (devil) captured them, (rebellious or hard-hearted people are allowed to backslide).
This message of Isaiah’s seemed to be foolishness to them 1 Cor 1:21 and 1 Cor 2:14.
The message in Tongues delivered to the Priest’s by Isaiah can be read in Isaiah 28:14-29.
1. This language of fire in this case would be a sign to those who did not respond correctly to God’s call and they would understand that they were foreigners to those speaking, 1 Cor 14:11.
If I (placing myself in the position of the drunken priests in Isaiah 28 to illustrate my point) see a person obviously as blessed by God as Isaiah was and yet I do not understand what He is talking about I am obviously a foreigner to Him.
This should serve to alert me to the fact that since He (Isaiah) is obviously blessed by God but I do not understand Him, that God has not given me the same knowledge that He has given to Isaiah (1 Cor 2:14).
Note that a person can (referring again to the example of the priests in Isaiah 28) be a priest and still be unbelieving.
The drunken Priests rejected and forgot the knowledge concerning the rest of God (Hosea 4:6 and Isaiah 28:12 and Heb 4:3), because of this they were captured by the enemy.
These rulers of Israel (Christianity) had the responsibility of teaching others, Isaiah 28:9.
However because of their unbelief they received from God only a little understanding here and a little there. How could these priests teach those maturing?
If a person does not understand a teaching about the mysteries of God (someone speaking in tongues) either they are an unbeliever Matt 13:14 or unlearned 1 Cor 14:16.
2. This language of fire would then burn up the chaff and purify or edify the believer, since the understanding of the mysteries of God can do nothing to the believer but make him or her stronger in The Holy Spirit.
So we have Peter and Joel describing the event in Acts chapter 2 and Jesus and Paul and Isaiah telling us why some understand and some do not. The following paragraphs address questions that can be raised in regard to Isaiah 28.
Were those speaking in tongues to the rebellious Priests in Isaiah 28:11 the invading armies of the Assyrians?
If this were the case then the Assyrians would be speaking to them regarding the mysteries of God, 1 Cor 14:2.
This could not have been the case because the Assyrians were unbelievers. The one speaking to the rebellious priests in Tongues was Isaiah the author and prophet, in fulfillment of His commission from God (Is 6:9-10).
The question of who is speaking in Isaiah 28:11 is important also because a person could wrongly conclude that the drunken priests are the people speaking to or teaching the Israelites with stammering lips.
Isaiah 28:12 shows us that it is God (the One directing the Priests into the rest of the Lord) who will speak through stammering lips (strange language) to the drunken priests (who would not listen).
In 1 Cor 14:21 the Apostle Paul also tells us that the one speaking in Isaiah 28:11 is the Lord. It is of course God speaking through Isaiah.
Another concern could be that the Apostles are seen as the only people who could speak in tongues. This is seen not to be true by referring to Acts 11:15-17.
Here it is seen that Peter refers to the Gentiles receiving the same gift that He did.
The Gentiles would then be candidates for speaking in tongues, just as those present and speaking in tongues on Pentecost were.
The people who oppose the doctrine of tongues generally accept the same basic definition of what “tongues are” as the charismatic denominations do.
It is almost universally accepted in Christian denominations that tongues are “ecstatic utterances”. The variations with regard to this doctrine are generally concerned with the use of the gift.
To regard tongues as “ecstatic utterances” has absolutely no scriptural support.
They feel that the actual act of speaking in tongues pertains to “ecstatic utterances” or “unintelligible melodic sounds spoken in rapid succession”, which is absolutely unscriptural.
By making these sounds those who practice this type of activity believe that they are communicating with God. One of the reasons for this misunderstanding is due to the mistranslation of 1 Cor 14:2, which is addressed in the next few paragraphs.
The rest of the study will address some of the possible difficulties with this explanation of the languages of fire, from a charismatic point of view.
Regarding the statement in 1 Cor 12:10 an examination of the Greek word reveals that interpretation can be translated explanation.
A person can speak of spiritual truths but since God is actually speaking not everyone can explain these truths.
By substituting the word explanation for the word interpretation a new understanding will become clear.
In 1 Cor 14:2 many translations state that a person speaking in an unknown tongue speaks to God not to man for no man understands Him.
The translation “to God” and “to man” can just as easily be translated “the God” and “the man”.
We are specifically told that God is speaking to man when He employs someone and speaks through them in mysteries.
This agrees with Isaiah 28:11 where it is indicated that God will speak, and not man.
This translation process is ventured into to prove the point.
The word translated “unto” is numbered 3588 in Strong’s concordance. This word is not translated in the above translation but is present in the original languages.
This is described as the definite “article” meaning - this- that- these- who- which- etc, and simply makes reference to the person.
So the word “unto” can accurately be translated as “the” and in this case is mistranslated as “unto”.
With this translation of the word numbered 3588 in Strong’s concordance the verse reads—
1 Cor 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not—the men—but—the God—for no man understandeth him: howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
This then is in agreement with Isaiah 28:11, and again as is the case in the Job study, a very small mistranslation has created an unscriptural method of thinking.
As far as the rest of the 1 Cor 14:2, we are told that no one understands - but upon consideration - this contradicts all the descriptions of languages of fire (tongues).
In several cases including the instance in Acts 2 we are told that God fearing people did understand, only those referred to as unbelievers and ungifted (unlearned) did not understand.
In view of this and looking at the Greek word that is translated “understands” (Strong’s 191) but which can literally be translated “hears”, the Apostle Paul is clearly making reference to Isaiah 28:11-12.
When speaking in 1 Cor 14:2, the phrase no one “understands” would actually read no one “hears”. In summary then we know that rebellious people don’t hear, listen or understand the word of God.
There is an interesting distinction in 1 Cor 14:24, both “unbeliever” (Strong’s 571) and those referred to as “ungifted” in 1 Cor 14:16 and again in 1 Cor 14:24 (Strong’s 2399) are identified as those who do not understand languages of fire.
In 1 Cor 14:2 these languages are said to relate the mysteries of God, it is clear from the previous discussion why unbelievers will not understand.
Also those who are new Christians or unfamiliar with the mysteries being related at the time will possibly have a hard time understanding as well.
All the more reason why the Apostle Paul would rather speak in terms that would be understood by all present in the Church at the time.
Languages of fire, so to speak, are meant to be a sign to rebellious people, indicating to them and to others around them that they are foreigners to the speakers (Christians) and not brethren.
Put another way they are strangers to the covenants of promise, Eph 2:12.
Either the Holy Spirit has not shown them the reality of the spiritual truths because they did not respond correctly to the call of God, or they are not yet mature enough to understand the speaker.
Looking at another possible problem in 1 Cor 14:14 where it is usually conveyed my spirit prays but my mind or understanding is unfruitful.
Consider that the mind being unfruitful is saying that the mind is not bearing fruit, in other words the mind of the person speaking did not produce this.
This again agrees with Isaiah 28:11 because this is produced by the Spirit of God who is speaking through man.
According to 1 Cor 14:14 if a person prays in a language their Spirit prays, this verse shows us that in biblical terminology speaking in the spirit and in tongues are the same thing.
In 1 Cor 12:3 speaking by the Spirit (Holy Ghost) is also mentioned, this reference tells us who is moving the person to speak.
By combining the two verses we can see a clearer picture of speaking by the spirit. The person speaking may be expressing what is in his or her spirit but the ideas being spoken about are originating with God.
These verses then agree with first Biblical mention of tongues in Isaiah 28:11.
In 1 Cor 14:15 if a person prays or praises (while inside {so to speak}) the Holy Spirit, then they can possibly be misunderstood or not understood at all by the unlearned.
The word used for unlearned is Strong’s 2399 “uninstructed” and is different from the word used for unbelievers which is Strong’s 571 “unbelieving”.
Our idea of music or singing is related to the type culture we live in. Singing in the Spirit (Singing about the wonders or mysteries of God) was done by the Israelites in psalms. Singing about the mysteries or wonders of God would equate to singing hymns in whatever culture a person is from.
The Apostle certainly wants to speak in or by the Spirit, but if the mysteries spoken of in the Spirit cause a person not to understand then He would rather speak with His mind.
To clarify what the Apostle means when He says He will pray and sing (Strong’s 5567, which means Praise) with His understanding or mind refer to the use of the term understanding in 1 Cor 14:19.
There it can be seen that the phrase speak words with His mind means to be speaking in order to be understood by the hearers to instruct them.
Refer to 1 Cor 8:13 and remember that Spiritual wisdom is referred to as meat in 1 Cor 3:2.
To be understood this “speaking in order to be understood” should be contrasted with the reason a person speaks in Tongues with regard to unbelievers.
As a sign to unbelievers, the gift of tongues is a tool to show the unbeliever that they are foreigners to the one speaking.
Paul could certainly speak in great detail concerning the mysteries of God. His “knowledge” of the mysteries is certainly above the heads and beyond the understanding of most.
He chose to be understood by the hearers rather than to try to force-feed them meat when they were not ready for it. He gauged his discourse in the Church to the maturity of those present.
Jesus also commented on this when He told His disciples in Jn 16:12-13 that He would not tell them certain things because they could not bear them.
He withheld spiritual wisdom so as not to injure believers with difficult sayings or teachings.
Jesus gives us an example of the proper use of Tongues in John 6:60-66. He uses the language of the fire of God at a time when both believers and unbelievers are present.
In keeping with separating believers from unbelievers Jesus in these verses used the mysteries spoken of to separate the wheat from the chaff.
This resulted in the unbelievers turning back from following Him. In effect purifying the Body of Christ, Mt 13:34.
For someone to speak in the Church words to hard for the believers present to understand is discouraged by the Apostle.
Paul preferred to speak to be understood by the hearers when speaking to believers, in order to instruct them.
Speaking with spiritual wisdom (mysteries) to separate believers from unbelievers is necessary at times (tongues -1 Cor 14:2).
Speaking with the mind concerning the mysteries of God, intending to be understood by the hearers is also necessary (prophesy -1 Cor 14:3).
Each is useful depending on whether believers or unbelievers are being addressed, and Paul said He would use both forms of communication, 1 Cor 14:18-19.
See 1 Cor 2:6 and 7 for an explanation of where Paul spoke hard sayings—among the mature.
Regarding the topic of intercessory prayer in Rm 8:26-27. Consider that in Philippians 2:13 we are told that God works in us to will and do.
This being the case and comparing these verses we can conclude that God speaks to our heart with reference to His will.
Searching our hearts then we will know what the mind of the Holy Spirit is (Philippians 2:5) and we can then make intercession for the saints according to God’s will.
1 Cor 14:6 explains that languages of fire may contain or consist of-
1. revelation
2. knowledge
3. prophecy
4. teaching
In reference to the use of prophecy (4395 Strongs) remember this word simply means speaking forth the words of God to comfort or build up and edify others, 1 Cor 14:3.
Speaking in Tongues is the God given ability to relate the mysteries of God to people in a way that believers will understand and unbelievers will not.
This explanation of the Gift of speaking with languages of Fire will possibly be met with some opposition.
Consider which explanation is easier to verify scripturally this one or those differing from it, and then decide as the Spirit of God leads you. This is only an opinion and as such is probably flawed in some way.
The understanding of mankind can never compete with that of God. The Book of Revelation says that adding to or taking from the words of this prophecy will result in penalties. I feel that this warning pertains to the whole of scripture and not just the Book of Revelation, 2 Tim 3:16 and Rev 22:18-19.
The rewards for obeying the Word of God and the penalties for disobeying the Word of God can be clearly seen in our lives by other people, Matt 12:33 and 1 Cor 11:19.
It is clear that there are many unscriptural doctrines that religious people adhere to. It is equally clear that this is one of the reasons that there are not more Christ-like people in the Body of Christ.
In recent years there has been much prayer in agreement with Jesus prayer to make the body of Christ One, certainly God is answering this prayer.
Consequently Jesus followers are - at this moment in answer to Jesus prayer - being united with the Father in the same manner that Jesus Himself is united to the Father, Jn 17:21.
We are coming into the unity of the knowledge of the Son of God, Eph 4:13.
We must recognize that this means that some of us will have to abandon our opinions especially the ones that can be summarized by the words “I think”. Opinions are fine but they must ultimately rest on the word of God.
The real question becomes, will we be able to minister God’s love to each other knowing that some have been right and some mistaken.
Jeremiah 5:14 Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of hosts, Because you have spoken this word, Behold, I am making My words in your mouth fire And this people wood, and it will consume them.
As a brief statement of Faith the following is included -
I believe in The Triune God - Salvation through Jesus Christ alone and that the Bible in its original langauges is the inspired Word of God.
The Scripture quotations are taken from these fine Bible translations -
"New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Or
"Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)
Copyright 2002 Brian Mickelsen
ISBN 0-9718476-0-6
This booklet or any portion of it may be freely reproduced in its unaltered form but not for resale purposes. It is available free on the Internet at the following address --
https://www.angelfire.com/ab7/brmicke
These articles were written to address three questions that I have wondered about for some time.
1st article. What is Speaking in Tongues?
2nd article. Why did Job suffer through his ordeal? -
3rd article. Are Christians supposed to keep the law?-
I have tried to answer these questions thoroughly, and to anticipate and answer some of the questions that may arise in relation to them.
There are certainly doctrinal errors within the text, I do not presume to have written without error.
The references to “Strong’s” refer to the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance to the Bible by James Strong. The Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) dictionaries contained within the concordance are invaluable.
The bulk of the material contained herein is not the conventional wisdom accepted by the Body of Christ. I truly hope that you will study the scriptural references provided before forming your opinion.
Sincerely — Brian
To understand the point of the book of Job a person must look at what has changed within Job’s heart, during the course of the book. In the beginning of the book God calls Job blameless. In Job 32:1 we see that Job considered Himself righteous.
It is very apparent throughout the book that Job thought He was pleasing God. In the midst of the affliction He still did not recognize what He was doing wrong, Job 6:24.
The first question that will be addressed is whether God calling Job blameless is the same thing as Job considering Himself righteous. It is significant that at the end of the book Job despises himself and repents, Job 42:6.
Since Job repented at the end of the book it becomes apparent that He discovered something within Himself during the course of the ordeal from which He needed to repent.
Since Job is the main character it is reasonable to assume that God wants us to see and gain understanding from the way he discovers and deals with his problem.
At first he denies that there is a problem, later in the book he recognizes and deals with his self-righteousness (Job 32:1-2).
In keeping with the character of a Godly person, when he recognizes his fault it does not take him long to repent.
In chapter 1 verse 1 Job is called blameless. Consider whether the Lord called him blameless because he approached God on God’s terms, or was he called blameless because he did not sin?
Not only is Job referred to in this way but also Zacharias and Elizabeth were in Lk 1:6. As was Paul in Philippians 3:6 and Noah in Gen 6:9.
Joseph is called just in Mt 1:19, John the Baptist was just in Mk 6:20. Simeon was just in Lk 2:25 and Cornelius was just in Acts 10:22.
Most of those who stand out or are greatly used by God and even change history are referred to in similar terms.
According to Job 1:5 Job knew about and sought forgiveness from God by practicing the sacrificial system. It is not a small thing to note that Job did this “continually”. This sacrifice was an exercise in faith i.e. doing things God’s way as opposed to man’s way which Cain tried in Gen 4:3-5.
According to some resources Job was approximately a contemporary of Abraham. In Rm 4:3 we see that Abraham was considered righteous on the basis of faith. This being the case with Abraham, Job must have been considered righteous on the basis of faith as well.
Job was not sinless, He simply made the prescribed sacrifice to God when he sinned and was forgiven. After doing this He could rightly be called blameless.
Referring to Job 1:8, the literal translation of the Strong’s Hebrew words coded 7760 (put) and 3820 (heart) can convey the simple idea of satan “desiring” Job. This seems to be more correct than translating the two Hebrew words as “have you considered”.
This wording does not convey the idea of God offering up Job to satan as an example of strength. Rather this rendering allows the reader to consider whether God was drawing attention to the fact that satan “desired” Job. Satan was operating in his role as tempter and accuser of the brethren when he desired Job, Matt 4:3 and Rev 12:10.
This is in keeping with the idea of satan seeking whom he MAY devour, or is allowed by God to devour (1 Pet 5:8). Consequently Job was given over to the tormentors, Matt 18:34.
This brings to mind Peter who satan also desired, and as in Job’s case this request of satan’s was not denied.
The Lord gives Peter instructions to carry out after he has been sifted by satan in Lk 22:31-32, they were “strengthen your brethren”.
This also fits nicely with the verse in Proverbs 16:7. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him --- satan being our chief enemy. In these cases the individuals mentioned were handed over evidently because their ways did not please the Lord.
Another problem that can be addressed is the one that arises in Job 2:3.
Most versions translate the Hebrew word coded 2600 in Strong’s concordance as “without cause”.
Suggesting that God allowed satan to do these things to Job for no reason other than to enter into a competition with satan.
Suggesting that the God of the universe who originally threw satan out of Heaven would have to prove His superiority. This explanation is not consistent with Gal 6:7 (reaping what a person sows), as well as the concept of justice itself.
We know that God is completely just, Deut 32:4.
This idea is stated in such direct terms that we can be sure the Holy Spirit does not want any misunderstanding about the fact that we will reap what we sow. Christian’s reap what Jesus sowed, just as Jesus reaped what we deserved.
When God judges us to have willfully stepped out of the narrow way (the way of the truth - Jesus is the way and the truth - Jn 14:6) we can expect God’s judgement, Heb 10:26-27.
We will reap the whirlwind (Hosea 8:7) during times of willful disobedience just as God spoke to Job out of the whirlwind in Job 38:1.
God speaks to us in this way if we do not cooperate with Him and take an active part in purifying our hearts.
There are to my knowledge only two places in the New Testament where God asserts in no uncertain terms that He is in charge, Gal 6:7 which is referenced above and Rm 9:21.
Romans 9:21 is the story of the potter having authority over the clay. This verse is sometimes used to make the point that God can be unfair if He wants to, a very unbiblical theory.
Job simply reaped what He had sown during a time of willful disobedience, as opposed to what a person reaps when they are keeping the covenant.
Job offered sacrifices to obtain forgiveness.
This tells us that he knew of and chose to take part in the covenant. We see that He also knew what was acceptable to God and what was not. He could therefore be described as a law unto Himself, Rm 2:14.
Since God judged Job (Job 40:8) we know that He had willfully sinned (Heb 10:26-27). Since He asks why God allowed this to be done to him it is apparent that Job had rejected and forgotten the knowledge of the truth relating to self-righteousness, Hosea 4:6.
If a person sin’s willfully after receiving a knowledge of the truth there is no longer a sacrifice for sin, Heb 10:26-27. Since this is a willful sin it is clear the person knows it is sinful and must have violated and possibly hardened their conscience in order to commit the sin.
We see that Job was not forgiven but experienced God’s judgement upon His willful sin. He was not forgiven until He repented, Job 42:6.
This I feel, is why Jesus requires us to confess our sins to be forgiven. We must know what the sin is and by confessing it we understand what we were doing wrong.
Since Job was judged and not forgiven – we know that He understood that self-righteousness was wrong and rejected and forgot the knowledge concerning this, Job 32:1 and Hosea 4:6.
The Apostle Paul tells us that He was forgiven in 1 Tim 1:13 because although he sinned He did it out of ignorance.
I find it very interesting that most Christians do not consider that being saved actually means that we are saved from God’s judgement upon sin, refer to Matt 3:7 and Rm 1:18 etc.
In this case Job was not saved from God’s judgement on sin.
Returning to Job 2:3, the Strong’s word 2600 can be translated “useless”. The Hebrew word 2600 is translated as “useless” in Pr 1:17 and also in Malachi 1:10.
If the word “useless” or “uselessly” is placed where “without cause” traditionally is it would seem that God is saying to satan, your affliction of Job did not cause Him to recognize and deal with his sinfulness.
This conclusion is reached because God could have stopped the situation if it was just, but God apparently had not achieved the desired result.
If the translation of this one small word is seen in this light then a whole new understanding of Job becomes clear.
If Job was afflicted by satan in vain (in vain – is one of the definitions of the Hebrew word 2600 in Strongs concordance), then the affliction had not accomplished the result God desired.
This is one reason God allowed satan to intensify the affliction.
Job had not become aware of the reason satan had been allowed to steal and destroy His possessions.
Job did not judge His own heart correctly (1 Cor 11:31) and did not feel the need to repent, (essentially calling evil good).
There was self-righteousness in His heart but He refused to repent of it. He had rejected and forgotten the knowledge necessary to avoid God’s judgement in this area, Hosea 4:6.
Hosea 4:6 tells us that an Israelite (Christian) is destroyed because of a lack of knowledge. The verse then goes on to indicate that these people rejected and forgot the knowledge necessary to avoid this destruction.
We know from this verse that Job had previously rejected and forgotten any thought that He was not righteous.
Remember Job was the greatest man in the east. This title must have been a reward from God for His previous behavior; he must have had great authority. It is clear that this was given to Job by God since no one can receive anything unless it is given to him from heaven, Jn 3:27.
I believe that this self-righteous attitude crept up on Job. As a Godly person he would not have been rewarded in life with the elevated position of the greatest man in the east if he were not doing things God’s way. We can see this through his continually entreating God by sacrifice.
This is evident also because he frequently refers to his previous good works. The pure intentions of a person wanting to please God can be seen.
Possibly he began to believe that He alone was responsible for His obvious success.
Before continuing I would like to draw attention to some things.
In the first correction in this study of Job we saw that Job was righteous by faith (faith that a sacrifice would cleanse Him before God, Gal 3:22) and not sinless. This would not effect the overall understanding of the book because with study a person could come to this conclusion.
The second correction deals with satan “putting his heart on Job” or desiring Him versus the translation “have you considered”. I feel this is just a difference in the grammar of the people to whom the particular translation of the Bible was addressed. The people alive when King James had the Bible translated understood the English language differently than we do today.
That leaves the unfortunate translation of the Hebrew word coded 2600 in Job 2:3 (without cause), as the chief reason so many people have misunderstood the lessons God wants to teach through this book.
Some misinformed people assume that the book is meant to illustrate that a person may be afflicted undeservedly to accomplish some unknown purpose of God. This is a completely unscriptural conclusion and those who feel this way are actually accusing God of being unjust.
There is an interesting progression in Job. After the first series of disasters Job 1:22 states that he did not sin or charge God foolishly.
The next time satan presented himself to God, God told satan that this series of afflictions was “useless” or “in vain”.
Satan would not have been allowed to continue vexing Job had He at that time searched his heart to find the problem, as is apparent at the end of the book (Job 42:6). God quickly put a stop to the affliction once Job recognized and dealt with the unscriptural condition of His heart.
Our loving Heavenly Father wants to free us from sin - and being just - He did not remove the affliction until Job recognized and dealt with the problem.
God had to alert Job to the fact that some of the behavior that He considered correct was actually wrong. Job did not recognize that He needed to repent, and things went from bad to worse.
In Job 2:10 it is written that in all the previous problems Job did not sin with his lips.
This event says nothing about his not blaming God, which is mentioned after the initial affliction. Later we see in Job 6:4 that he does blame God and then goes further by charging God with injustice, Job 19:6-7 and 27:2.
It is clear then that Job did not recognize His problem, and considered Himself to be right in His relationship with God.
An important understanding for Job was that He recognized that this was allowed by God, Job 6:4.
God is not to blame in the sense of causing this to happen. When we choose to partake of the covenant with God we are inviting Him to correct us if we are behaving in a sinful manner. It can be seen then that Job himself was to blame.
We see later that God forgives all the evil Job accused Him of during the affliction and once he recognizes the reason for the affliction and repents of it he is delivered and rewarded.
God did however chastise Job for His insolence during the affliction, this is evident when God asks Job where he was when God made the earth etc, (Job 38:4).
Job had been righteous as far as he was concerned. He was righteous in His own eyes and willfully sinning at the same time (Job 31:35-37). He had chosen to ignore and forget about the self-righteous condition of his heart and God allowed this series of afflictions to come upon him.
Job was the greatest man in the east (Job 1:3) and this certainly could have given rise to a prideful attitude, and pride goes before destruction (Pr 16:18).
Consider how many Job’s are afflicted today and never figure out why. They may be given a false sense of security by well meaning Christians.
Worse yet, they may be told that God is testing them or that this is just a part of life and therefore not associated with their relationship with the Lord.
As a result they consider their relationship with God intact in spite of evidence suggesting the absence of the blessings of God in their lives, Deut 28.
The Bible is the solid foundation upon which we base our lives. The Word of God states that God will keep us free from sickness, Deut 7:14-15.
This is however conditional upon keeping the covenant.
This is the major sticking point people have with this form of teaching. Unlike many areas of scripture this statement and those like it are not veiled or hard to understand.
The Apostle Paul refers to this as well in 1 Cor 11:29-30.
These statements regarding sin and sickness are completely straightforward and almost too direct at times. As much as we would like to escape this statement of God we cannot pick out certain scriptures and adhere to them and conveniently forget others.
As a result of the witness of Christians who deny these verses the world generally considers Christianity a self imposed set of rules with no earthly benefit, and possibly a fantasy.
The blessings of God are supposed to be apparent to others, thereby making Christianity attractive to them. Unfortunately many Christians are habitually sinning and are continually subject to correction. This type of Christianity is not attractive to unbelievers.
In Ex 14:4 it is interesting that God wanted the Egyptians to know that He was Lord, Ex 7:5, 9:16, 14:18 and Rm 9:17. All these verses indicate that God wants to be known by non-Israelites, why?
Why did God make a provision for non-Israelites to become Israelites?
He loves His enemies and wants them as His children, Ex 12:48-49.
It can be seen here that God made a way for non-covenant people to establish a covenant with Him in the Old Testament. This involved them being circumcised which was a shadow of circumcision of the heart, Deut 30:6 and Rm 2:28-29.
It is because of Christians who reject and forget the knowledge of the truth (Hosea 4:6), that God is blasphemed among the Gentiles (unbelievers) Rm 2:23-24.
Some Christians may esteem their own reputation to be of more value than they do God’s.
Therefore they do not acknowledge to the world that God disciplines covenant people because of disobedience, or worse they accuse God of injustice. This is why the world misunderstands the concepts of good and evil, Isaiah 26:9.
Isaiah 26:9 My soul yearns for thee in the night, my spirit within me earnestly seeks thee.
For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
God’s rewards or blessings are meant to identify those whom He approves of and His discipline is meant to identify those that are lacking, 1 Cor 11:19. We see in Deut 28:35 that the condition Job was suffering from was a curse due to disobedience (Job 2:7).
The “Fear of the Lord” is not simply a reverence or respect but a fear of the consequences of sin, Matt 10:28.
Job alludes to this fact in chapter 31 verse 23.
He could not do the evil and injustice mentioned in the preceding verses because calamity from God was a terror to him, see also Lk 12:5.
That God allowed Job to be afflicted because of sin is the alternative to the common theory about the book of Job, which inevitably makes God cruel. Job simply reaped what he sowed.
The reason most people won’t tolerate this conclusion is the same reason that Job did not consider it in the beginning.
He considered Himself righteous, meaning simply that he believed that he was doing what was right in God’s eyes. If a person considers this too harsh refer to James 4:6, Heb 10:28-29 and 1 Cor 11:29-30. Particularly to the point is Proverbs 21:2.
Some Christians will invent their own theories about suffering to escape this one, because here they will have to acknowledge their own sinfulness.
Although people sometimes will be quick to confess that they are sinners, to admit that their afflictions are a result of their sin or that of their ancestors (Ex 20:5) is much harder.
Keep in mind here that the sin’s of the Father are visited upon the children of those who “hate” God. However this rule does not apply to Christians (spiritual Israel) who love God, Jer 31:29-31.
These misinformed people will generally attempt to explain why bad things happen to good people.
Usually they will not consider or compare themselves to the biblical standard of goodness, which is God Himself (Lk 18:19).
As can be seen bad things do not happen to good people, so people who ask this question are not really as good as they think they are.
Good people do not suffer the discipline reserved for God’s children when they are disobedient.
A distinction must be made here between those things spelled out and prescribed as discipline brought on by disobedience and being persecuted for doing things in a righteous manner, as was the case with Jesus (1 Pet 3:17-18).
Discipline is meant to be a part of the covenant, and pertains to God’s children.
God does not correct the devil's children as He does His own, Rm 2:12 and 1 Cor 5:12-13.
Jesus had to give Himself over to death because satan had no claim on Him, Jn 14:30. He does have a claim on us however, unless we walk as Jesus did (1 Jn 2:6).
Until we are made into the image of Jesus we will be open for the correction of the Most High which is carried out by the devil. To understand this refer to the use of the word “destroy” in John 10:10 in combination with the use of same word in Isaiah 13:5.
To understand that the devil carries out the judgement of God refer also to the phrase “the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” in 1 Thess 5:2-4. Compare that verse with the phrase “the devil comes only to steal kill and destroy” in Jn10:10.
The Day of the Lord is seen here to be a time when God allows the devil to destroy and steal from those who remain in spiritual darkness, 1 Thess 5:4.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 - But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief;
This is similar to the phrase “Day of Christ” in the New Testament, 2 Thess 2-3. This is the progression in these verses, Rebellion-- Man of Sin revealed-- Day of Christ (judgement).
These times of judgement will vary, depending on whether or not the person understands the truth in any given area of their lives.
This process of correction is controlled completely by God, refer to 1 Cor 10:13.
I believe that there is a type of accountability process a person goes through before actual judgement is pronounced. This is evidenced by the processes illustrated in Matt 5:25-26 and Lk 12:57-59.
The way out of judgement for Job was repentance from self-righteousness, as we can see at the end of the book. What changed in Job’s heart during the course of the book was his concept of his own righteousness.
While saying this it should be noted that God is completely just in His judgement, Heb 12:10, Heb 2:2.
If a person sins after receiving the knowledge of the truth, (Heb 10:26-27) they can expect judgement. This verse should be understood in conjunction with the concept of God’s people being destroyed because they reject and forget knowledge from God, Hosea 4:6.
In Job 42:7 God is speaking and says that Eliphaz and his two friends did not speak correctly concerning God as Job had. I do not believe that God was stamping all of Jobs statements as true.
In Chapter 9 verse 23 Job says that God mocks the despair of the innocent.
This and other statements such as chapter 19 verses 6-7 and chapter 27 verse 2 where Job accuses God of injustice are absolutely wrong.
What the deeper meaning of God’s statement is in 42:7, I am not certain. Clearly some of Job’s statements are wrong. I will try to illustrate a possible reason for this statement further along in the study.
God said that Eliphaz and his two friends were wrong, referring to Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar, Job 2:11. God does not say that Elihu was wrong.
Job tells us in chapter 6 verse 4 that he understands that God’s arrows were in Him. This is significant. This is a good place to refer to the statement Job made in chapter 10 verse 2, where he asks God to show him why this was happening. In Job 7:16- 21 he also asks God why He will not pardon his transgressions. Job knew that this was caused by His iniquity. He had trouble understanding what the iniquity was however.
Prior to this event He had chosen to reject and forget the truth regarding His own self-righteousness.
Here is a turning point, which should have been resisted by Job. In Job 7:11 he makes a conscience decision to speak to God out of the bitterness of His heart.
Job is looking for the way out of the judgement but has not yet realized that it is his self-righteous attitude that moved God to deliver him to satan. As is seen by the outcome of the book, God was willing to and did let Job know what the problem was.
Job considered himself righteous (refer to Job 32:1).
The lesson Job learned when he was restored was that compared with God his righteousness is as a polluted garment (Is 64:6), and he abhorred himself and repented in Job 42:6.
By stating that he repented Job is telling us that he now understood that he was going in the wrong direction and had changed his direction.
Acknowledging that he had done something wrong goes without saying, if this were not the case what would he have repented from?
Only knowing we do wrong is different from correcting that wrong behavior.
Repenting means that you decide to do something differently even if you don’t possess the ability to overcome the problem at the time. The Lord will provide the ability if the person is sincere, Ps 10:17.
In speaking to Job one of the last things that God said to him is seen in Job 41:34, leviathan (a beast) is king over all the son’s that are “proud”.
With this one sentence God could be explaining why Job was given over to satan in the first place.
God did not say that Elihu was wrong or needed to request that Job offer a sacrifice on his behalf to obtain forgiveness from God, Job 42:7-8.
In Job 33:3 - 12, Elihu the forth man in the group tells us what he has against Job.
Also Elihu shows why Job’s three friends were not correct in chapter 32 verses 1-3, they condemned Job without finding a way to refute Him.
Job 40:2 says that the Lord called Job a faultfinder and says that he has been contending with the Almighty. This was not clear thinking on Job’s part.
In Job 40:8 God said to Job “will you really annul my judgement”? (This tells us that this was not a test or trial but “judgement”).
God speaking in Job 40:8 said to Job “will you condemn Me that you may be justified”?
In chapter 33 verse 13 we see that Elihu’s reason for being mad at Job is also one of God’s, as is seen in Job 40:2. As Elihu reproved Job in 35:16 God also reproved Him for the same thing in 38:2.
Again and significantly God and Elihu’s reasons for being mad at Job are the same in verses 32:2 and 40:8.
This must have to some degree encouraged Elihu and if he heard this, he must have felt good about his part in the discussion between the five of them.
Leaving this topic now, here are some of my other thoughts about this book.
It is a possibility that where God say’s that Job had spoken correctly of Him (Job 42:7), that God was not referring to all of the words that Job spoke.
Notice that God did not say that Job had spoken correctly until after Job recognized that previously He had been speaking without knowledge and had become repentant, Job 42:3-6 and Hosea 4:6.
Let God be true and every man a liar, Rm 3:3 and 4.
Christians sometimes have trouble admitting that the absence of God’s blessings indicates that God is disciplining them as a result of their disobedience.
Generally speaking this is because we judge ourselves by a standard other than the Bible.
For there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved may be made manifest among you. 1 Cor l1:19, Acts 2:22, 2 Cor 10:18.
There are many people who are teachers of spiritual Israel (Christianity) and do not know these things, Ezekiel 34:8-10.
Brethren let’s not condemn or misrepresent God to justify ourselves any longer.
Psalm 9:16--The Lord made Himself known, He has executed judgement.
When we are judged by the Lord, we are chastened so that we may not be condemned along with the world, 1 Cor 11:32.
It is very evident that if a person teaches this way he or she will encounter opposition.
Remember that the Pharisee’s and religious people incited the world to kill Jesus.
They killed all of the servant’s God sent them and finally the Son, and then the owner of the vineyard came back and punished them, Mt 21:34-41.
Jerusalem is the city that Jesus said killed prophet’s Mt 23:37.
Please remember that this is only an opinion and as such is probably flawed in some way.
Consider the verses in Lamentations 3:33-40 and Psalm 4:4. Search your heart to know if you are in the way.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Ps 119:71.
It is fitting to end this study by remembering the inevitable awe experienced by a person when they realize the Loving Kindness of God that is revealed in the book of Job. God being full of mercy and longsuffering led Job to a realization of the problem. He patiently waited while enduring abuse and hostility from the very person He was lovingly correcting.
Mediation is not necessary unless the two parties involved disagree with one another, Gal 3:19.
This is our relationship with God before we come to Christ Jesus.
The law was added because Israel was so sinful, Gal 3:19.
It was added until faith was revealed in them, Gal 3:23.
The true Israel is the Body of Christ, Rm 2:28-29 and Gal 6:16.
It was added to lead them to make a sacrifice to obtain forgiveness for sins. Under the New Covenant Jesus is that sacrifice.
The law was added to restrain or guard God’s sinful people, and lead them to faith, Gal 3:23-24. Under the New Covenant Christ’s Law performs the same function, 1 Cor 9:21.
The law leads a person to recognize the fact that lawlessness is sin (1 Jn 3:4) and when they sin they need to act on their faith by appealing to God through the required sacrifice to be forgiven.
Keep in mind here that whatever does not proceed from faith is sin (Rm 14:23), and sin is lawlessness (1 Jn 3:4).
We see that the law is not for lawful people but for lawbreakers (1 Tim 1:8-9) because a sinful (lawless) person is not exhibiting faith and is subject to the laws correction, Gal 3:24. They can only be forgiven by submitting to the law.
They must comply with the law through a sacrifice to be forgiven.
Jesus was born under the law, Gal 4:4.
Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17), and He did.
He is our example and we are to do things the way He did if we want to call ourselves Christians, 1 Jn 2:6.
If Jesus fulfilled the law then we are to do the same.
There are differences however between the law Jesus fulfilled (Law of Moses) and the law we are to fulfill (Law of Christ), 1 Cor 9:21 and Heb 7:12.
Jesus commandment is to love one another, Jn 13:34. The Apostle Paul told us to fulfill the law of Christ by bearing the burdens of others (Gal 6:2), essentially to love others as we love ourselves, Matt 22:39.
The law under the Old Covenant made nothing perfect, Heb 7:19 and Heb 10:4. Under the New Covenant the law will be put in our minds and written on out hearts, Heb 8:10.
One of the changes to the law has to do with the sacrifice required to obtain forgiveness. The Old Covenant stipulated a sacrifice in order for a sinner to be forgiven, Heb 9:22. The New Covenant mediated by Jesus (Heb 9:15) involved Jesus blood being shed, and now we confess the sin to Him (the Perfect sacrifice) to receive forgiveness, 1 Jn 1:9.
The law has changed, however it has not been abolished, Heb 7:12 and Matt 5:17.
Hebrews 10:8 When he said above, "You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings" (these are offered according to the law), 9. Then he added, "See, I have come to do your will." He abolishes the first in order to establish the second
The system of animal sacrifice has been abolished.
It should be clarified that the law is not of faith, Gal 3:12. Faith is the only conduit through which we receive the grace of God, Eph 2:8. The law leads a person to Christ where they can be justified by faith. The law was instituted because of sin Gal 3:19, and is the tutor that is essential to lead a sinful person to Christ.
To my knowledge conformity to the law is the only method mentioned in the Bible which will lead sinful people to Christ, Gal 3:24.
Since this is the Biblical method to lead people to Christ it is unfortunate that the doctrine of the law has been obscured by traditional beliefs.
To eliminate possible disputes with reference to the idea of the Law leading to Christ in Gal 3:24 consider that the Greek word (Strong’s 1519) translated “bring unto” etc, literally means “into” and not “until”.
This means that to translate the verse – the law was instituted “until Christ” is incorrect. The correct wording is “the law leads into Christ”.
In John 6:44-45 we are told that no one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws them. The Biblical method used by the Father to draw a person to Jesus is seen in Gal 3:24. Through complying with the law a person is led to Christ.
It can be seen in Gal 3:10-12 (which refers to Gen 15:6) that even under the Old Covenant a person was considered a “lawbreaker” if they refused to have faith in God.
Again the significance of the phrase “whatever is not of faith is sin” can be seen, Rm 14:23.
The law was added because of transgressions Gal 3:19, which tends to fit our situation since all men have sinned and fallen short (Rm 3:23).
The law and prophets are fulfilled when we love God and our neighbor, Matt 22:37-40 and Rm 13:10.
This means that if we love God and our neighbor whether or not we understand the types and shadows in the Bible, we fulfill the law.
As an example of the law being fulfilled when we love refer to Rm 2:26. The circumcision so often argued about by the Jews and Gentiles is a shadow of "keeping the law", or circumcision of the heart (Deut 30:6).
Circumcision of the flesh (removal of the flesh) was one of the "works or deeds of the law" (Rm 3:20) required of a person under the Old Covenant in order for them to be in right standing before God. A person cannot be justified before God through these type works, Rm 3:28 and Gal 2:15-16.
So the person loving God and removing the fleshly tendencies (sinful nature) from the heart is keeping the Biblical commandment (shadow) of circumcision.
This is also one example of Jesus breaking down the middle wall of partition (Eph 2:14-15) between the Jews and the Gentiles.
It is clear from these verses and the following study on tongues, that the Old Covenant will no longer divide the two groups.
Circumcision of the flesh was one example of how the law divided Israel and the Gentile nations.
A person could not be made just before God by performing the works the law prescribed under the old covenant. These “works” are referred to as “shadows of what is to come” in Col 2:16-17.
Equally true is the fact that we cannot be justified by adhering to the realities of the law - meaning that we cannot be made just before God by loving, even though this fulfills the law, Matt 22:36-39.
The function of the law is to lead us to God’s prescribed sacrifice for sin (Christ in the New Covenant) where we can be justified before God.
We are only justified before God if we have faith that our reliance upon the sacrifice will avert God’s judgement upon sin.
If a person refuses to place their faith in God’s prescribed sacrifice as the Pharisee’s refused to place their faith in Jesus (Rm 9:30-33, Matt 5:20 and Jn 7:48) their sins will not be forgiven.
This can be seen in Gal 3:23. A Christian should adhere to the law and also recognize that the law can only lead a person to a situation where faith may be exercised.
When a person recognizes that they have sinned they must decide whether or not they will exercise faith in God’s prescribed sacrifice and appeal to God through that sacrifice in order to be forgiven.
This means that when a person appeals to God for the forgiveness of their sins in the manner God prescribes they will be forgiven.
As an example refer to Job, one of the reasons that He sacrificed to God was because He had faith that a sacrifice would move God to forgive sins.
In Gen 4:3-5 Cain also appealed to God, however He was not accepted because He did not do so in the prescribed manner.
In Rm 2:12 there are two types of people mentioned, those "in" the law and those who are "apart from" the law.
Those apart from the law of God will perish and those “in or under the law” will be judged according to the law.
The word "under" infers subjection to something. Jesus subjected Himself to the requirements of the law under the Old Covenant (He was “in” or “under the law”) and did not sin, Gal 4:4.
He completely cooperated with the grace of God which teaches a person not to sin (Titus 2:11-12) and saves them (Eph 2:5) from the wrath of God (Rm 1:18).
Luke 2:40 And the Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Jesus was in a class by Himself of course, as is the case in Rm 3:23 and 5:12 where “all men” are named as sinners, excepting Jesus.
He is the exception in the case of Gal 4:4 also. Being sinless He was not “under the law” in the same way sinful men were.
It can be seen then that Jesus is the only one to be “under” or subject to the law (as is seen in Matt 5:17) and in complete agreement with the Old Covenant, never having sinned. He never became a partaker of the discipline of the law.
This is the difference between Jesus being under the law and His followers being under the law.
When His followers are disobedient the law chastens them, Heb 10:26-27. Note that the disobedient person must know the truth before they are held responsible and judged by God, 1 Tim 1:13.
If a sinful man or woman wants to partake of the promises God made to Jesus (Gal 3:16), they must subject themselves to the law of God (they have to be under the law). People like this (all Christians) need training under the instruction of the tutor (law).
In our case the law (tutor) leads us to Christ by showing us our transgressions (Rm 7:7) and encouraging us to go to Jesus to be forgiven and receive the promised Holy Spirit, Gal 3:19, Acts 2:33 and Eph 1:13. We progress in Christianity in the following manner-
1. We are born again (express faith), God’s grace can now flow to us (Eph 2:8). Faith is the conduit through which we receive grace.
2. We try not to sin — If we sin we are at that time not expressing faith (Rm 14:23). If God judges us to be a person who understands the truth and the sin was done willfully we can expect judgement, Heb 10:26-27. In the case of willful sin confession must precede forgiveness, as is seen in Job’s case.
3. This judgement is meant to direct a Christian towards a desire to repent, not to condemn them, 1 Cor 11:32.
A person sinning is exhibiting unbelief (Rm 14:23), and as an act of faith (Gal 3:23) they should go to Jesus (the sacrifice) and confess their sinfulness (1 Jn 1:9) to obtain forgiveness.
4. We must comply with the law and demonstrate our faith in God’s prescribed sacrifice, which is Jesus under the New Covenant. God’s grace will then flow to us through the conduit of our faith.
We are under God’s grace at this point and can be taught to deny or overcome ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12. We again try to cooperate with God’s grace, and become more determined to deny and overcome ungodliness.
However, as was the case with Miriam in Numbers 12:14 the judgement resulting from the sin may linger for a time.
5. This process of moving "in" to sin and out of "Grace" continues and repeats itself over and over until we learn not to sin.
6. We are under the tutor (law) until a time appointed by the Father, this time is when God judges us to have faith, Gal 3:25 and Gal 4:2.
7. At this time (when we cooperate with grace and stop sinning) we are termed "not to be children" anymore Gal 4:1-3. We are not under bondage to the elements of the world but are consistently denying and overcoming ungodliness and cooperating with God’s grace, Rm 6:14. We are at this time “not under law but under grace”.
God’s Spirit can lead us when we remain under grace (refrain from sinning), Gal 5:18.
8. One of the goals a Christian should have is to stop sinning – however we need to access the grace of God to comply with Jesus command to stop sinning in Jn 5:14 and 8:11.
A person is not saved from God’s wrath if they are not cooperating with grace. This is apparent since God’s wrath is directed against ungodliness (Rm 1:18) and grace teaches us to deny and overcome ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
If a Christian is not saved from Gods wrath but experiences it then God has determined that they have understood the truth and that they have rejected and forgotten the knowledge of that truth (Hosea 4:6) and decided to “willfully” sin, Heb 10:26-27.
They experience judgement and are openly rebellious.
They continue to practice the evil that brings God’s judgement and all the while ignore their own shortcomings.
The Christian’s failure to judge Him or Herself according to the standards of the Bible (1 Cor 11:31) has brought God’s judgement, Hosea 4:6. This is similar to Job’s experience.
Even if a Christian initially refuses to accept the truth concerning the sin in an area of their lives God will continue to try to get through to them, as can be seen in the book of Job. However it would have been much easier on Job if He had searched His heart for sin on a regular basis, Lamentations 3:40 and Ps 4:4.
When sin is found in a Christians heart their reaction to this should be “grief or sorrow” over the presence of that sin.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Paul commented on the “sorrow and grief” he experienced over his own sinful nature in Rm 7:12-25. Jesus can make us into a person who overcomes fleshly tendencies.
The law as the “tutor” leads the grieved person to the prescribed sacrifice so that they can be forgiven (Jesus is the sacrifice under the New Covenant). If they have faith in Jesus He forgives them and by cooperating with the grace of God the person is taught to say “NO” to the ungodly behavior in the future.
A Christian should repent quickly when they discover that they fall short in an area of their lives.
The wrath or judgement of God which comes against the Christian who sins is meant for correction not condemnation, 1 Cor 11:32.
A person is said to be under the tutor (law) until faith comes (Gal 3:23-25) and they reach the time appointed by the Father, Gal 4:2.
There are several verses that tell us when we are not under (subject to) the law.
Not being under the law in these cases implies a type of graduation from being under the law of God to being under the grace of God.
The people under grace no longer need a tutor (law) to teach them good from evil. They are consistently denying ungodliness.
These verses tell us that the people who are not under the law (tutor) are “under” grace, Rm 6:14.
Referring to Gal 5:18, those led by the Spirit are also not under the law. They are no longer under the tutor and have learned not to be in bondage to the elements of the world (Gal 4:3).
The so-called “appointed time ---- or the coming of faith” (Gal 4:2 and Gal 3:25), is understood to be the time when a person is faithful to God (Matt 25:23) and not sinning.
To move from being under the law to being consistently under grace a person must stop sinning.
A person cooperating with grace denies ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
Now to be clear – A “sinner” can partake of the grace of God by keeping the law, and appealing to God for forgiveness through the sacrifice. This act of faith allows grace to flow to them.
At that time the Christian is under grace and the grace of God is what teaches a person to deny and overcome ungodliness. If they sin in the future however they must then repeat this process.
The “time appointed by the Father” (Gal 4:2) appears to be a time when a person is free from sin and cooperating with grace.
This person is also being led by the Spirit of God not to be in bondage to the elementary things of the world, Gal 4:3. This seems to indicate the point at which spiritual childhood is exchanged for maturity.
When we sin we are not exhibiting faith and must then comply with the law and go to the sacrifice for sin (Jesus).
When we confess our sinfulness to Jesus we are forgiven. Because of this act of our faith in Jesus the grace of God can flow to us and teach us to deny and overcome ungodliness.
It can then be scripturally said that a Christian is not being saved from God’s judgement on sin while they are “willfully” sinning.
Since there is so much confusion about the terms used, the following paragraphs will try to address one of the common misunderstandings in this area.
As far as I know there are only two groups of people who are not “under the guidance of the law”.
One of the ways this idea of “not being under the law” can be used is to describe people who have never chosen to take part in the covenant, Rm 2:12. These people are referred to as being “apart” from the law; they are destined to perish.
The other way the phrase “not under the law” can be used is to describe those who have been directed to Jesus by the law, profess faith in Him and receive grace. They cooperate with grace and deny and overcome ungodliness, Titus 2:11-12.
These people who deny and overcome ungodliness are “under or in subjection to” the grace of God and are not under the law, Rm 6:14.
It should be noted that if the person “under grace” sins they remove themselves from the influences of Grace.
They are again under the supervision of the law, and need to be led back to faith in Christ Jesus.
Jeremiah 30:11 `For I am with you,' declares the Lord, `to save you; For I will destroy completely all the nations where I have scattered you, Only I will not destroy you completely. But I will chasten you justly, And will by no means leave you unpunished.'
