RELIGION & LEGALISM VS REVELATION - PART 1
RELIGION AND LEGALISM - THE COUNTERFEITS OF REVELATION
PART 1
INDEX
-THE BIRTH OF RELIGION
-THE TENENTS OF RELIGION
-THE DAWN OF REVELATION
-DAVID'S REVELATION OF GOD
-SOLOMON
-WHAT ABOUT THE HARSH JUDGMENTS OF GOD UNDER THE LAW? WHY THE DIFFERENCE?
-THE NEW TESTAMENT/COVENANT
-FALLING INTO LEGALISM AND RELIGION AFTER EXPERIENCING THE GRACE OF THE GOSPEL
-RELIGIOUS DEFENCES AGAINST TEMPTATION
-DOES THIS MEAN THAT WE CAN GO 'WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TRED'?-WHAT IF WE SIN AFTER TRUSTING IN HIS GRACE?
-CONCLUSION
“If
the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
“Stand
fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free, and be not
entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1
"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, 'Men and brothers, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles, by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as He did to us. And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they.'" Acts 15:7-11
THE BIRTH OF RELIGION
Since the entrance of sin, which brought about the separation of man from God, mankind has been guessing as to how we can reconnect with our Creator. We had, to some extent, developed the values of good and evil, and from the things created we have developed various concepts of what we think our Creator is like. But all along we have been, as it were groping in the dark, stumbling along trying to find our way back; nevertheless, generally the motives are right. Some years ago I read a book written by a missionary to the Lake Winnipeg region called, 'By Canoe and Dog Train' by Egerton R. Young, who worked among the Cree and Saulteau First Nations. On one first visit he was disgusted with the human like idols he saw, and reprimanded then for it. In response they simply answered to the effect, "Missionary, we do not know what the Creator is like. But we know that man is His highest creation, so we figure He must be something like us." He apparently had no reproof for that answer. You have to love the beauty of their rational. After all, we were created in His image and likeness, though God is a Spirit, and perfect. Genesis 1:26, John 4:24
There are a number of reasons for the quest, but the primary one is that the spirit that God placed within us is yearning for our Creator the Eternal Spirit, and He us. "Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, 'He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us?'" James 4:5 NAS
"And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, 'Men and brothers, you know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles, by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, which knows the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as He did to us. And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved even as they.'" Acts 15:7-11
THE BIRTH OF RELIGION
Since the entrance of sin, which brought about the separation of man from God, mankind has been guessing as to how we can reconnect with our Creator. We had, to some extent, developed the values of good and evil, and from the things created we have developed various concepts of what we think our Creator is like. But all along we have been, as it were groping in the dark, stumbling along trying to find our way back; nevertheless, generally the motives are right. Some years ago I read a book written by a missionary to the Lake Winnipeg region called, 'By Canoe and Dog Train' by Egerton R. Young, who worked among the Cree and Saulteau First Nations. On one first visit he was disgusted with the human like idols he saw, and reprimanded then for it. In response they simply answered to the effect, "Missionary, we do not know what the Creator is like. But we know that man is His highest creation, so we figure He must be something like us." He apparently had no reproof for that answer. You have to love the beauty of their rational. After all, we were created in His image and likeness, though God is a Spirit, and perfect. Genesis 1:26, John 4:24
There are a number of reasons for the quest, but the primary one is that the spirit that God placed within us is yearning for our Creator the Eternal Spirit, and He us. "Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, 'He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us?'" James 4:5 NAS
In this overly simplified explanation, man developed
conclusions that led to the birth of their religions. In each religion are their
explanations of who their god or gods are, what they expect of us, our duties
to please them, the ensuing consequences of disobedience, and the concepts of good and evil. Not in all cases,
but in many, including in certain forms of Christianity, especially during
the dark ages, assumptions and/or opportunities for gaining advantage were taken by those who manipulated these fears and ignorance to gain control over the vulnerable masses for their own end. This led to
cruelty, oppression, slavery, and brutality. This beautiful treasure of faith, which is
the call and right of every person, can be taken advantage of if people are kept in ignorance, or as Jesus said, "the blind leading the blind".
Even on a smaller scale, superstitions, fears of the unknown, and ignorant
assumptions, can lead a person or persons into doing unimaginable things.
At a personal level, one can engage in the voluntary submission of unreasonable and restrictive behaviors
which makes life unnecessarily hard, especially for the children. We have fantastic news though! God sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the express image of God the Father "...he that has seen Me, has seen the Father." John 14:9, and through Him gave us His Holy Spirit Who will guide us into all truth John 16:13, and left us His Word, the Bible - "...a Lamp unto our feet, and a Light unto our path." Psalm 119:105 So we need no longer grope around like people who cannot see or know.
THE TENETS OF RELIGION- There are basic activities that typically characterize most religions: worship, prayer, rituals, lifestyle and behavioral demands, rewards for doing right, and punishments for doing wrong. In many cases throughout the world and history, these can vary from moderate to harsh. As we look at the list of these activities, if any of them fall under the control and demands of human authorities that is where they can become cruel. King David contrasted human tendencies from God's character in this way, "...I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great, but do not let me fall into the hands of men." 2 Samuel 24:14 NIV
THE DAWN OF REVELATION - "And He said, 'Hear now My words: if there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all My house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold...'" Numbers 12:6-8.
"Philip said to Him (Jesus), 'Lord, show us the Father, and it suffices us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known Me, Philip? He that has seen Me has seen the Father (God): and how do you say then, 'Show us the Father?'" John 14:8-9
"Who (Jesus Christ, the Son of God), being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person..." Hebrews 1:2
God our Creator had no intention of leaving us in the dark with regards to Himself, His will, and our salvation. The issue with God that has stumbled many since the fall is that He has left Himself concealed to a certain extent in order to try the hearts of men; however, He selected the route of revelation by which He started with a man, then a nation, and then the arrival of His own Son, Jesus Christ the Lord Himself to establish what He was really looking for in us...
THE TENETS OF RELIGION- There are basic activities that typically characterize most religions: worship, prayer, rituals, lifestyle and behavioral demands, rewards for doing right, and punishments for doing wrong. In many cases throughout the world and history, these can vary from moderate to harsh. As we look at the list of these activities, if any of them fall under the control and demands of human authorities that is where they can become cruel. King David contrasted human tendencies from God's character in this way, "...I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for His mercy is great, but do not let me fall into the hands of men." 2 Samuel 24:14 NIV
THE DAWN OF REVELATION - "And He said, 'Hear now My words: if there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all My house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold...'" Numbers 12:6-8.
"Philip said to Him (Jesus), 'Lord, show us the Father, and it suffices us.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been so long time with you, and yet have you not known Me, Philip? He that has seen Me has seen the Father (God): and how do you say then, 'Show us the Father?'" John 14:8-9
"Who (Jesus Christ, the Son of God), being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person..." Hebrews 1:2
God our Creator had no intention of leaving us in the dark with regards to Himself, His will, and our salvation. The issue with God that has stumbled many since the fall is that He has left Himself concealed to a certain extent in order to try the hearts of men; however, He selected the route of revelation by which He started with a man, then a nation, and then the arrival of His own Son, Jesus Christ the Lord Himself to establish what He was really looking for in us...
MORE THAN A BELIEVER, MORE THAN A SERVANT, BUT A FRIEND
It began with Abraham, although faith has been alive all along, as it was in Noah. God revealed Himself to Abram (later Abraham), and called him to go to a land that He would show him, and He established a promise to Abraham that in Seed (Christ the Messiah) all the nations of the world would be blessed, "And in your Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you obeyed My voice." Genesis 22:18 One of the key revelations that God pointed out about His relationship with Abraham is that, although He is the Creator of all things, He can regard us as His friends. "... Abraham, MY friend." Isaiah 41:8, and he was known as the FRIEND of GOD. It was similar with Moses, "And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle , the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle and the Lord talked with Moses....And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Exodus 33:9,11
Later on, Jesus confirms this in those who obey Him. "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead I have called you friends..." John 15:15
Please notice here the beauty of the intimate and loving relationship that we can have with God? Do you think that rituals and rules will produce a close friendship with God anymore than it will between us and another human? True, there is an infinite difference between us and God, and a fear of God with a holy reverence are absolutely in order since we are created beings and mere flesh; however, from these Scriptures which are also history, it becomes apparent that God has created us for something more than a Master-servant or slave relationship. A life led by even the Law of Moses, which was ordained by God, could not fulfill God's design for us. It not only could not perfect us, but also condemned us because of our sinful nature. The Law was strictly meant to lead us to Christ our Savior through the knowledge of our sin and His judgments. Galatians 3:24.
DAVID'S REVELATION OF GOD
This man, David, a shepherd who became a king in Israel and in the Linage of Jesus Christ, was labeled by God Himself, "...a man after My own heart." Acts 13:22 (1 Samuel 13:14) In this passage of 1 Samuel, it says that the Lord had found a man after His own heart, meaning that He wanted a man who would not only obey Him, but could understand His heart. It always amazed me how David, while living under the Law of Moses would walk in the concept of grace, not only for himself, but also for the people of Israel. In fact, contrary to the Law, in his special forces, David had men who were not even Israelits by birth; an Ammonite, a Moabite, and even Uriah the Hittite.
Let us examine a little of this man's life. Initially we see him as a shepherd boy. The most outstanding aspect regarding this boy is not that he was able to kill a lion and a bear with his own hands, but it was his deep and intimate faith and LOVE for God. His exceptional relationship with God was masterfully penned by his beautiful Psalm, the 23rd Psalm "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD" Here David describes the Lord, not as a hard taskmaster, not as a cruel and demanding slave owner, nor as some cold and indifferent terrifying entity that is waiting to punish us every time we may step out of line, but a loving Shepherd who walked among, led, and followed His flock, and would give His life for His sheep. By the way, that Shepherd is Jesus. "I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees... I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of mine." John 10:11-14
Another characteristic of King David was the amazing liberty he demonstrated regarding his service to God while living under the Law of Moses. He did not seem to adhere too strictly to the rituals, but neither did he despise them. Rather he flowed ever so effortless with his relationship with God in them, or without them. He did, though, learn a lesson regarding the still standing law of Moses where the priest Uzzah was killed by God as he reached out to stabilize the Ark of the Covenant. Remember, the Presence of the Lord resided over the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant. Apparently Uzzah thought it would tip off the cart on which they were carrying it when the oxen stumbled while transporting it to Jerusalem under David's command. 2 Samuel 6:1-7 Consequently, David had to humble himself before God and make sure that it was carried by the priests in the prescribed way.
Still, he did not follow the pattern of the tent in the wilderness, but set up a tent in Jerusalem for the ark, even without the altar of sacrifice. Although not specifically mentioned, neither does it appear that the tent he set up for the Ark had a veil, as did the Tent set up by Moses in the Wilderness, or as did the Temple which was to follow. The Veil was to separate everyone from the presence of God, except the High Priest who would pass through the veil once a year after having offered strict sacrifices for himself and for the people.
Instead, David set up a tent for the Ark of the Covenant, and an entire ministry of priests to offer the sacrifice of constant praise and worship, something that was not prescribed by the Law of Moses. Furthermore, the presence of God was in this way more readily available to all who came to worship. Although it was not as it is for us in Christ Jesus where He dwells in us by His Holy Spirit; however, it is a type and shadow of the New Covenant which we have in Christ. David was a type of Christ, and it was actually Jesus Who has opened the way to the Holy of Holies into the Presence of God for all who come to God through Him (Jesus Christ) Hebrews 10:19-20.
There is another aspect that can be pointed out concerning David's heart and revelation about God regarding this. David understood that the Presence of God resided over the Ark of the Covenant. After the incident with Uzzah they left the Ark of the covenant for three months at the house of Obed-edom and the Lord blessed all his household 1 Samuel 6:11. David knew the importance of having the Presence of God with Him, and he wanted the Presence of God to be with him there in Jerusalem. He left the tent and all it trappings including even the altar at Gibeon. David was not as interested in the religious aspect of Israel, BUT HE WANTED THE GOD OF ISRAEL!!!
SOLOMON
When Solomon became king, although the Ark of the Covenant was already there in Jerusalem, he went to the high place (high places were actually forbidden by God) at Gibeon where the Tent of the Congregation was still standing, to seek the Lord. The Lord did not respond with contempt in any way, though, since He wonderfully met him there and promised him the wisdom he requested and even the wealth and long life that he did not request. The Lord was pleased because his priority was to request for the wisdom he needed to rule God's people. One can question why Solomon went to the Tent of Meeting and to the original altar while the Ark of the Covenant was already there at Jerusalem? Perhaps it was to offer all his sacrifices, which was a prerequisite of the Law. David's primary offerings were praise and worship as well as animal sacrifice. His praise and worship was improvised under the law, but not prescribed by the law. Solomon also continued and implemented his father's praise and worship in the Temple worship, but it seems that after all was said and done, David his father, had a more fervent intimate relationship with God than did his son Solomon. On the other hand, Solomon's burnt offerings were well beyond those of any king before or after. But David's praise and worship, which was what appeared to be his predominate offerings, were beyond the praise and worship of any other.
One observation about Solomon was his revelation of God that was not previously mentioned by any of the prophets including Moses and David (although they had alluded to it). This may have had something to do with his choice. The revelation of God that he had was the immeasurable grandeur of the Almighty. When dedicating the Temple after its completion, he said, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens (the universe) cannot contain You; how much less this house that I have built?" 1 Kings 8:27 The Lord Himself confirmed this saying, "'Am I only a God nearby,' declares the Lord, 'and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the Lord. 'Do not I fill heaven and earth?' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 23:23-24 NIV.
It seems that whenever God calls someone to do something for Him, naturally they also gain a corresponding revelation about Him. Realizing this, Solomon knew that God could and would just as well meet him there at the altar as he humbled himself by offering the sacrifices according to the law, as before the Ark of the Covenant. God knows our heart and mind.
Through the lives of both David and Solomon who reigned under the Law of Moses, we get a glimpse of the Covenant of Grace and the Presence of God that our Lord Jesus Christ was to make available for the whole world. They were not bound by restrictive laws, traditions, and rituals, in their pursuit of THE MOST HIGH GOD, and nor should we be.
WHAT ABOUT THE HARSH JUDGMENTS OF GOD UNDER THE LAW? WHY THE DIFFERENCE?
Upon reading the Old Testament, especially the Law of Moses with it's strict laws, complicated sacrifices, and severe penalties, some cannot reconcile how the God of the Law of Moses can be the same God as the God of David, let alone be the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul penned it like this, "Behold therefore, the goodness and the severity of God." Romans 11:22 In Moses the Lord describes Himself this way, "The Lord passed before him (Moses) and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, Merciful and Gracious, Longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children unto the third and to the forth generation.'" Exodus 34:6-7
My dear friends, we must try and understand that there is no contradiction here. God is not only a Good and Merciful God, but He is also Just and Righteousness, and therefore a God of judgment as well. Our sins and iniquities are far more serious, evil, and damaging than we not only are often unwilling to admit, but certainly realize, and God does not take them lightly. If we look at the suffering and death that Jesus went through on our behalf in payment for our sins, we might begin to understand. Because the Lord so often passes over our actions we, as I have mentioned many times, tend to think that we as well as our actions are not really all that bad, especially when we compare ourselves to others. On the other hand, we often typically feel the actions of others are definitely deserving God's sovereign wrath. Read Romans 1 & 2. Without the knowledge of the Laws of God, we are easily ignorant to the truth about ourselves, what our actions deserve, as well as we are oblivious to our need for the salvation that He has provided through His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
What then is being said? God may and can be a Hostile Adversary to us when we very well deserve it. "Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest." Ephesians 2:3
It began with Abraham, although faith has been alive all along, as it was in Noah. God revealed Himself to Abram (later Abraham), and called him to go to a land that He would show him, and He established a promise to Abraham that in Seed (Christ the Messiah) all the nations of the world would be blessed, "And in your Seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you obeyed My voice." Genesis 22:18 One of the key revelations that God pointed out about His relationship with Abraham is that, although He is the Creator of all things, He can regard us as His friends. "... Abraham, MY friend." Isaiah 41:8, and he was known as the FRIEND of GOD. It was similar with Moses, "And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle , the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle and the Lord talked with Moses....And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Exodus 33:9,11
Later on, Jesus confirms this in those who obey Him. "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead I have called you friends..." John 15:15
Please notice here the beauty of the intimate and loving relationship that we can have with God? Do you think that rituals and rules will produce a close friendship with God anymore than it will between us and another human? True, there is an infinite difference between us and God, and a fear of God with a holy reverence are absolutely in order since we are created beings and mere flesh; however, from these Scriptures which are also history, it becomes apparent that God has created us for something more than a Master-servant or slave relationship. A life led by even the Law of Moses, which was ordained by God, could not fulfill God's design for us. It not only could not perfect us, but also condemned us because of our sinful nature. The Law was strictly meant to lead us to Christ our Savior through the knowledge of our sin and His judgments. Galatians 3:24.
DAVID'S REVELATION OF GOD
This man, David, a shepherd who became a king in Israel and in the Linage of Jesus Christ, was labeled by God Himself, "...a man after My own heart." Acts 13:22 (1 Samuel 13:14) In this passage of 1 Samuel, it says that the Lord had found a man after His own heart, meaning that He wanted a man who would not only obey Him, but could understand His heart. It always amazed me how David, while living under the Law of Moses would walk in the concept of grace, not only for himself, but also for the people of Israel. In fact, contrary to the Law, in his special forces, David had men who were not even Israelits by birth; an Ammonite, a Moabite, and even Uriah the Hittite.
Let us examine a little of this man's life. Initially we see him as a shepherd boy. The most outstanding aspect regarding this boy is not that he was able to kill a lion and a bear with his own hands, but it was his deep and intimate faith and LOVE for God. His exceptional relationship with God was masterfully penned by his beautiful Psalm, the 23rd Psalm "THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD" Here David describes the Lord, not as a hard taskmaster, not as a cruel and demanding slave owner, nor as some cold and indifferent terrifying entity that is waiting to punish us every time we may step out of line, but a loving Shepherd who walked among, led, and followed His flock, and would give His life for His sheep. By the way, that Shepherd is Jesus. "I am the Good Shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees... I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of mine." John 10:11-14
Another characteristic of King David was the amazing liberty he demonstrated regarding his service to God while living under the Law of Moses. He did not seem to adhere too strictly to the rituals, but neither did he despise them. Rather he flowed ever so effortless with his relationship with God in them, or without them. He did, though, learn a lesson regarding the still standing law of Moses where the priest Uzzah was killed by God as he reached out to stabilize the Ark of the Covenant. Remember, the Presence of the Lord resided over the mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant. Apparently Uzzah thought it would tip off the cart on which they were carrying it when the oxen stumbled while transporting it to Jerusalem under David's command. 2 Samuel 6:1-7 Consequently, David had to humble himself before God and make sure that it was carried by the priests in the prescribed way.
Still, he did not follow the pattern of the tent in the wilderness, but set up a tent in Jerusalem for the ark, even without the altar of sacrifice. Although not specifically mentioned, neither does it appear that the tent he set up for the Ark had a veil, as did the Tent set up by Moses in the Wilderness, or as did the Temple which was to follow. The Veil was to separate everyone from the presence of God, except the High Priest who would pass through the veil once a year after having offered strict sacrifices for himself and for the people.
Instead, David set up a tent for the Ark of the Covenant, and an entire ministry of priests to offer the sacrifice of constant praise and worship, something that was not prescribed by the Law of Moses. Furthermore, the presence of God was in this way more readily available to all who came to worship. Although it was not as it is for us in Christ Jesus where He dwells in us by His Holy Spirit; however, it is a type and shadow of the New Covenant which we have in Christ. David was a type of Christ, and it was actually Jesus Who has opened the way to the Holy of Holies into the Presence of God for all who come to God through Him (Jesus Christ) Hebrews 10:19-20.
There is another aspect that can be pointed out concerning David's heart and revelation about God regarding this. David understood that the Presence of God resided over the Ark of the Covenant. After the incident with Uzzah they left the Ark of the covenant for three months at the house of Obed-edom and the Lord blessed all his household 1 Samuel 6:11. David knew the importance of having the Presence of God with Him, and he wanted the Presence of God to be with him there in Jerusalem. He left the tent and all it trappings including even the altar at Gibeon. David was not as interested in the religious aspect of Israel, BUT HE WANTED THE GOD OF ISRAEL!!!
SOLOMON
When Solomon became king, although the Ark of the Covenant was already there in Jerusalem, he went to the high place (high places were actually forbidden by God) at Gibeon where the Tent of the Congregation was still standing, to seek the Lord. The Lord did not respond with contempt in any way, though, since He wonderfully met him there and promised him the wisdom he requested and even the wealth and long life that he did not request. The Lord was pleased because his priority was to request for the wisdom he needed to rule God's people. One can question why Solomon went to the Tent of Meeting and to the original altar while the Ark of the Covenant was already there at Jerusalem? Perhaps it was to offer all his sacrifices, which was a prerequisite of the Law. David's primary offerings were praise and worship as well as animal sacrifice. His praise and worship was improvised under the law, but not prescribed by the law. Solomon also continued and implemented his father's praise and worship in the Temple worship, but it seems that after all was said and done, David his father, had a more fervent intimate relationship with God than did his son Solomon. On the other hand, Solomon's burnt offerings were well beyond those of any king before or after. But David's praise and worship, which was what appeared to be his predominate offerings, were beyond the praise and worship of any other.
One observation about Solomon was his revelation of God that was not previously mentioned by any of the prophets including Moses and David (although they had alluded to it). This may have had something to do with his choice. The revelation of God that he had was the immeasurable grandeur of the Almighty. When dedicating the Temple after its completion, he said, "But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens (the universe) cannot contain You; how much less this house that I have built?" 1 Kings 8:27 The Lord Himself confirmed this saying, "'Am I only a God nearby,' declares the Lord, 'and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?' declares the Lord. 'Do not I fill heaven and earth?' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 23:23-24 NIV.
It seems that whenever God calls someone to do something for Him, naturally they also gain a corresponding revelation about Him. Realizing this, Solomon knew that God could and would just as well meet him there at the altar as he humbled himself by offering the sacrifices according to the law, as before the Ark of the Covenant. God knows our heart and mind.
Through the lives of both David and Solomon who reigned under the Law of Moses, we get a glimpse of the Covenant of Grace and the Presence of God that our Lord Jesus Christ was to make available for the whole world. They were not bound by restrictive laws, traditions, and rituals, in their pursuit of THE MOST HIGH GOD, and nor should we be.
WHAT ABOUT THE HARSH JUDGMENTS OF GOD UNDER THE LAW? WHY THE DIFFERENCE?
Upon reading the Old Testament, especially the Law of Moses with it's strict laws, complicated sacrifices, and severe penalties, some cannot reconcile how the God of the Law of Moses can be the same God as the God of David, let alone be the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul penned it like this, "Behold therefore, the goodness and the severity of God." Romans 11:22 In Moses the Lord describes Himself this way, "The Lord passed before him (Moses) and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, Merciful and Gracious, Longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children unto the third and to the forth generation.'" Exodus 34:6-7
My dear friends, we must try and understand that there is no contradiction here. God is not only a Good and Merciful God, but He is also Just and Righteousness, and therefore a God of judgment as well. Our sins and iniquities are far more serious, evil, and damaging than we not only are often unwilling to admit, but certainly realize, and God does not take them lightly. If we look at the suffering and death that Jesus went through on our behalf in payment for our sins, we might begin to understand. Because the Lord so often passes over our actions we, as I have mentioned many times, tend to think that we as well as our actions are not really all that bad, especially when we compare ourselves to others. On the other hand, we often typically feel the actions of others are definitely deserving God's sovereign wrath. Read Romans 1 & 2. Without the knowledge of the Laws of God, we are easily ignorant to the truth about ourselves, what our actions deserve, as well as we are oblivious to our need for the salvation that He has provided through His Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
What then is being said? God may and can be a Hostile Adversary to us when we very well deserve it. "Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest." Ephesians 2:3
And while we are in an unrepentant and unconverted condition our religion will regard Him as such. Consequently our worship, service, and sacrifices, will be out of a desperate hope that we may find mercy, and possibly, even with enough good works, gain a little of His favor as with the Roman officer Cornelius (Acts 10), but never salvation outside of Christ. Compared to the forgiveness, cleansing, and grace He has provided in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, they are all but futile and far from the grace and the life that He has called us to. We then live in doubts, fear, and at best, a very marginal hope until we hear the Gospel and respond to it in sincere faith as Cornelius did.
THE NEW TESTAMENT/COVENANT!!! The Old Testament and the Law did not fully reveal God's plan and design for mankind, nor did it clearly reveal His Heart "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." JOHN 3:16. God our Creator, created us in His image and likeness, not to be slaves and servants to laws, rules, regulations, and harsh treatments, any more than to be slaves of sin. Rather, He created us to be like Him as His children, creative, loving, upright, and HOLY. Laws cannot produce that in us. Rules and regulations cannot form these in us. I am in no way advocating lawlessness nor anarchy, but rather the life that Jesus Christ has made available to us - the life of faith and love under the power and guidance of His Holy Spirit. Against these, there is no law Romans 13:10 Galatians 5:23. A person who genuinely loves Jesus Christ and is led by His Holy Spirit will not lie, steal, cheat, be greedy, be sexually immoral, kill, dishonor his or her parents. He or she will not be an idolater, blasphemer, drunkard, sorcerer, drug user, or engage any other sinful activity. This life He calls us to live comes only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It begins with responding to the Gospel - Jesus Christ the Son of God, died on a cross in payment for our sins, and three days later God raised Him up from the dead. If we believe, confess Him as our Lord, repent of our sins, our heart will be cleansed and He will make us a new person John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
The Ten Commandments and the Laws are our benchmark that points out our sin when we walk in disobedience, and our need for forgiveness. Yet none of us in ourselves can keep the laws without fault, nor ever, ever, be pure enough by our own good works for Christ to live in our hearts, regardless of all our efforts through the Law and /or by any other means. The sin had to be removed first, and that is only something Jesus could do. Now that Jesus has paid for our sins and fulfilled the law for us, He has become our righteousness or right standing before God the Father, and as we abide in Him the righteous standards of the law are fulfilled. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:6 And beyond that, we can daily walk in intimate fellowship with Him by faith because of His unearned grace.
FALLING INTO LEGALISM AND RELIGION AFTER EXPERIENCING THE GRACE OF THE GOSPEL "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?" Galatians 3:1-3
This reprimand by Paul was severe due to the urgency of the matter. After Christ had suffered and died in payment for our sins thus purifying us through His blood sacrifice and thereby enabling His Holy Spirit to actually live in us, need we turn back to depending on our good works and rituals to be right with God? That is a major affront to the Lord Who had already perfected us in the sight of the Father - "For by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified." Hebrews 10:14
How can you improve on perfect? True, when we see our faults and the tendencies of the flesh, we in earnest, put our heart and mind into conforming ourselves more perfectly into a Christ-like image. But in ourselves we cannot prevail. Only by faith and living our life through the power of the Holy Spirit can we accomplish this, or rather He accomplish it in us "For if you live after the flesh you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, you shall live." Romans 8:13
When we attempt to control our behavior by laws, rules, and regulations, we fall into a merry-go-round of success (by our standards) then failure, after which we typically get up and try again. In such a lifestyle, we become plagued with all the associated dispositions like; guilt, condemnation, shame, or self-righteousness and arrogance. Along with these, there are the related behaviors; legalistic, religious, judgmental, intolerance, hypocrisy... And if we lay the laws on others, we can either break their spirits, or turn them into "...twice the child of hell... " (Matthew 23:15) as we ourselves are, or cause then to just walk away. Some may develop a secret life of hidden sins since they cannot get the victory by our rules. Great idea, hey? This is why many children of believers backslide or fall away. (I know this from experience).
The Christian experience, meaning the walk with Jesus in this life, should not be a separate life from our day to day responsibilities, but rather it should flow almost effortlessly in whatever we do. We know we have burdened ourselves with man-made rules and regulations (our own or someone else's) if it becomes a heavy yoke while trying to manage the two realms (the natural and the spiritual). Many people will eventually give up in exasperation, and forsake even their faith in Jesus, just to be able to get out from under the heavy load.
RELIGIOUS DEFENSES AGAINST TEMPTATION
A popular religious practice is to bring strong disciplines and restrictions on ourselves and our fellow adherents in order to maintain control over our passions and temptations. And if our religion is influential enough, we can try and conform the world around us to bend to our restrictions in order to eliminate temptations and maintain control. What is more, if anyone oversteps these boundaries, they can, in some cases, face severe punishment. Another common occurrence for people who step out of a man-controlled environment is that they might easily fall into the lifestyle or behaviors from which they are hoping to escape. The laws and natural disciplines they were adhering to are mere smoke screens by which we attempt to prop up our moral standards. They never actually overcome the tendencies. We can only overcome by faith in the grace of God through His Holy Spirit. The problem is that the sinful tendencies are within us, especially if our heart is in agreement with it. The attempt, no matter how seemingly noble, to restrain our indulgences by exterior means is futile. The Scriptures addresses it in this manner, "Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch? These are all destined to perish with use because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have and appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence." Colossians 2:20-23 NIV
Dear friends, the Grace of God through the provision of the cross of Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit in us enables us to overcome all these things and to live a life free from all bondages, both sinful and religious. Jesus said that it is what comes out of our hearts that defile us. Mark 7:23, and that is where our sin must be defeated! We can try to run away from it all we want, but if it is within us, it will follow us wherever we go. When we experience His freedom after a genuine repentance, you will be amazed at the joy He provides in life, along with a newly liberated awareness of all the wonders of His beautiful creation. And that without being tainted by the human corruption that can be entangled therein.
DOES THAT MEAN WE CAN GO 'WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD'? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The Scriptures teach that we are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, nor are we to tempt the Lord. Ephesians 5:1-18, Matthew 4:6-7. What I am saying here is that life's demands may take us where we would not normally want to go. If we are walking in the Lord's will, His grace is more than sufficient to keep us. More of this topic will be discussed in PART 2
WHAT IF WE SIN WHILE TRUSTING IN HIS GRACE?
There is more fantastic news for us if we sin and miss the grace of God... "For there is no man that does not sin..." 1 Kings 8:46, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9, "For a just man falls seven times, and rises again..." Proverbs 24:16
CONCLUSION -
If you have found following Jesus burdensome, and have been hoping and guessing if you are following God the way you should, perhaps you have fallen into the snare of religion, laws, and human assumption. Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and my burden is light" Matthew 11:28-30
This topic will be continued in PART 2 which will include Identifying Legalism or Spiritual Carelessness in ourselves
THE NEW TESTAMENT/COVENANT!!! The Old Testament and the Law did not fully reveal God's plan and design for mankind, nor did it clearly reveal His Heart "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE." JOHN 3:16. God our Creator, created us in His image and likeness, not to be slaves and servants to laws, rules, regulations, and harsh treatments, any more than to be slaves of sin. Rather, He created us to be like Him as His children, creative, loving, upright, and HOLY. Laws cannot produce that in us. Rules and regulations cannot form these in us. I am in no way advocating lawlessness nor anarchy, but rather the life that Jesus Christ has made available to us - the life of faith and love under the power and guidance of His Holy Spirit. Against these, there is no law Romans 13:10 Galatians 5:23. A person who genuinely loves Jesus Christ and is led by His Holy Spirit will not lie, steal, cheat, be greedy, be sexually immoral, kill, dishonor his or her parents. He or she will not be an idolater, blasphemer, drunkard, sorcerer, drug user, or engage any other sinful activity. This life He calls us to live comes only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It begins with responding to the Gospel - Jesus Christ the Son of God, died on a cross in payment for our sins, and three days later God raised Him up from the dead. If we believe, confess Him as our Lord, repent of our sins, our heart will be cleansed and He will make us a new person John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
The Ten Commandments and the Laws are our benchmark that points out our sin when we walk in disobedience, and our need for forgiveness. Yet none of us in ourselves can keep the laws without fault, nor ever, ever, be pure enough by our own good works for Christ to live in our hearts, regardless of all our efforts through the Law and /or by any other means. The sin had to be removed first, and that is only something Jesus could do. Now that Jesus has paid for our sins and fulfilled the law for us, He has become our righteousness or right standing before God the Father, and as we abide in Him the righteous standards of the law are fulfilled. "That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:6 And beyond that, we can daily walk in intimate fellowship with Him by faith because of His unearned grace.
FALLING INTO LEGALISM AND RELIGION AFTER EXPERIENCING THE GRACE OF THE GOSPEL "O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?" Galatians 3:1-3
This reprimand by Paul was severe due to the urgency of the matter. After Christ had suffered and died in payment for our sins thus purifying us through His blood sacrifice and thereby enabling His Holy Spirit to actually live in us, need we turn back to depending on our good works and rituals to be right with God? That is a major affront to the Lord Who had already perfected us in the sight of the Father - "For by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified." Hebrews 10:14
How can you improve on perfect? True, when we see our faults and the tendencies of the flesh, we in earnest, put our heart and mind into conforming ourselves more perfectly into a Christ-like image. But in ourselves we cannot prevail. Only by faith and living our life through the power of the Holy Spirit can we accomplish this, or rather He accomplish it in us "For if you live after the flesh you shall die: but if you through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, you shall live." Romans 8:13
When we attempt to control our behavior by laws, rules, and regulations, we fall into a merry-go-round of success (by our standards) then failure, after which we typically get up and try again. In such a lifestyle, we become plagued with all the associated dispositions like; guilt, condemnation, shame, or self-righteousness and arrogance. Along with these, there are the related behaviors; legalistic, religious, judgmental, intolerance, hypocrisy... And if we lay the laws on others, we can either break their spirits, or turn them into "...twice the child of hell... " (Matthew 23:15) as we ourselves are, or cause then to just walk away. Some may develop a secret life of hidden sins since they cannot get the victory by our rules. Great idea, hey? This is why many children of believers backslide or fall away. (I know this from experience).
The Christian experience, meaning the walk with Jesus in this life, should not be a separate life from our day to day responsibilities, but rather it should flow almost effortlessly in whatever we do. We know we have burdened ourselves with man-made rules and regulations (our own or someone else's) if it becomes a heavy yoke while trying to manage the two realms (the natural and the spiritual). Many people will eventually give up in exasperation, and forsake even their faith in Jesus, just to be able to get out from under the heavy load.
RELIGIOUS DEFENSES AGAINST TEMPTATION
A popular religious practice is to bring strong disciplines and restrictions on ourselves and our fellow adherents in order to maintain control over our passions and temptations. And if our religion is influential enough, we can try and conform the world around us to bend to our restrictions in order to eliminate temptations and maintain control. What is more, if anyone oversteps these boundaries, they can, in some cases, face severe punishment. Another common occurrence for people who step out of a man-controlled environment is that they might easily fall into the lifestyle or behaviors from which they are hoping to escape. The laws and natural disciplines they were adhering to are mere smoke screens by which we attempt to prop up our moral standards. They never actually overcome the tendencies. We can only overcome by faith in the grace of God through His Holy Spirit. The problem is that the sinful tendencies are within us, especially if our heart is in agreement with it. The attempt, no matter how seemingly noble, to restrain our indulgences by exterior means is futile. The Scriptures addresses it in this manner, "Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch? These are all destined to perish with use because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have and appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence." Colossians 2:20-23 NIV
Dear friends, the Grace of God through the provision of the cross of Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit in us enables us to overcome all these things and to live a life free from all bondages, both sinful and religious. Jesus said that it is what comes out of our hearts that defile us. Mark 7:23, and that is where our sin must be defeated! We can try to run away from it all we want, but if it is within us, it will follow us wherever we go. When we experience His freedom after a genuine repentance, you will be amazed at the joy He provides in life, along with a newly liberated awareness of all the wonders of His beautiful creation. And that without being tainted by the human corruption that can be entangled therein.
DOES THAT MEAN WE CAN GO 'WHERE ANGELS FEAR TO TREAD'? ABSOLUTELY NOT! The Scriptures teach that we are to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, nor are we to tempt the Lord. Ephesians 5:1-18, Matthew 4:6-7. What I am saying here is that life's demands may take us where we would not normally want to go. If we are walking in the Lord's will, His grace is more than sufficient to keep us. More of this topic will be discussed in PART 2
WHAT IF WE SIN WHILE TRUSTING IN HIS GRACE?
There is more fantastic news for us if we sin and miss the grace of God... "For there is no man that does not sin..." 1 Kings 8:46, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9, "For a just man falls seven times, and rises again..." Proverbs 24:16
CONCLUSION -
If you have found following Jesus burdensome, and have been hoping and guessing if you are following God the way you should, perhaps you have fallen into the snare of religion, laws, and human assumption. Jesus said, "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and my burden is light" Matthew 11:28-30
This topic will be continued in PART 2 which will include Identifying Legalism or Spiritual Carelessness in ourselves
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