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pooma-bible · 5 days

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Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 02 – The Commandment of Love!

Rhema Word: 2 John 1:6 (NKJV) “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”

Let us pray. Our Gracious Loving Father, thank You for giving us an opportunity to meditate Your Word today along with Your children who have been called to live a holy life, Father. I commit everyone who are all meditating this message into Your mighty hand Father. Bless them and give them the oneness of Spirit and make their heart as a good land to receive each Word which is living and active Father. Thank You Holy Spirit for helping us to understand the in-depth treasure of Your Word and helping us to live a life as per Your Word Lord. We give all the Glory and Honour to You only Father. We pray in the mighty Name of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Introduction: To Whom Written:

To the chosen lady. Is the “chosen lady” and individual who was very dear to apostle John, or is she a church who is symbolically referred to as the “chosen lady”? Opinions vary. Either conclusion does not affect the message. However, when all the facts are considered, the evidence points heavily toward the chosen lady being a very precious lady who loved the Lord with all her heart. Remember: there were no church buildings in that day. The church met in the homes of faithful believers who has homes large enough to handle the crowd. There is a good possibility that the church met in this dear lady’s home.

Purpose of this Letter:

Apostle John’s purpose for writing the letter was twofold:

(i) To exhort the lady to love all believers no matter what they did. Apparently, she had taken a stand for Christ against false teachers, and some in the church were criticizing, back-biting, and turning against her. She needed to love them despite their rotten and ungodly behaviour.

(ii) To exhort the lady to continue to stand against false teachers and not to let them into her home. The church was probably meeting in her home; therefore, the importance of refusing hospitality to false teachers could not be overstressed.

Special Features of Epistle Second John:

(a) Second John is “A General Epistle”. That is, it is not written to a specific church. It is a highly personal letter written from the heart of a tender pastor who deeply loves this dear lady in the Lord.

(b) It is “An Epistle Governing Traveling Ministers such as Prophets, Teachers, Evangelists, and Missionaries”. After the apostles died off, a clash arose over the ministers of local churches and the traveling minsters. There were some false ministers who had begun to fill the pulpits of the local churches and others who had begun to travel about taking advantage of the Christians who were kind enough to provide them food and lodging during their ministry and stay. Because of this abuse, some within the churches arose and began to oppose all traveling ministers (Diotrephes of 3 John 1:9 is an example of this). John writes the chosen lady to warn her of false teachers. But on the other hand, he writes Gaius to encourage him to receive the true prophets (3 John). 3 John shows that the conflict had become so heated that Diotrephes was even trying to have church member expelled if they accepted the traveling minster.

We have been meditating Second John on the following three topics since last week:

Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 01 – Greeting: The Elect or Chosen Lady!

Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 02 – The Commandment of Love!

Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 03 – The Warning Against Deceivers and False Teachers!

This is a soft and tender exhortation to a Christian mother and her children. It is a beautiful exhortation, yet it is a strong challenge. The elect lady is taken by some to refer to a church and by others to refer to a particular lady in the local church. After looking at all the arguments for both positions, it seems far more natural to take the address as referring to a dear mother who loved the Lord with her whole heart. There is a possibility that she had written John about the problem of false teaching that had infiltrated the church. Remember: there were no church buildings in that day and time; therefore, believers met in the homes of committed members. There is a good possibility that the church met in the home of this dear lady. Whatever the case, apostle John was writing her as a dear friend and warning her against the false teaching. This first section deals solely with the lady and her children. She is the elect or chosen lady.

We have meditated the First topic last week. Let us try to meditate the Second topic “Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 02 – The Commandment of Love!” today, on the following with the help of our Holy Spirit:

Note the word “plead” (eroto). It means to urge, beg, and entreat. It has the idea of urgency and necessity. What John is now saying is urgent; it is an absolute necessity. What is it? Love – we must love one another. Love is not an option for believers: believers must love one another. Two things are said:

(01) Love is Not A New Commandment:

(02) Love Is A Behaviour:

(01) Love is Not A New Commandment:

The Bible says in 2 John 1:5 “And now I plead with you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but that which we have had from the beginning: that we love one another.”

Love is not a new commandment. It is the old commandment, the very same commandment that we had from the beginning. Note how John immediately brings up the subject of love. This tells us something: the dear friend of John was having problems with some people. Some people were mistreating her Lord and her. We know from the next passage that there were some false teachers who wanted to teach in her church or else they wanted to use her house for some purpose:

=> to visit her and talk to her about their beliefs;

=> to room and board in her house;

=> to use her house for a church or study group or church social function.

Apparently, she had refused to grant the request, and as a result, she was being criticized. Whatever the case was, she had actually refused to open her home to some false teachers or else John was instructing her not to welcome them. In either case, the dear lady was under attack by some in the church. She was being criticized; murmured against; talked about; hurt; mistreated and abused.

Now, note John’s exhortation to her: love them. “We must love one another. No matter what they say about you; no matter how they mistreat you; no matter how they hurt you – love them”.

The point is this: love is the very first commandment that man ever received from God, and it is the very first commandment that we ever received from Christ. It is even the first commandment that we receive when we become a believer. Love is the first commandment of the church itself:

=> God had said from the beginning that we are to love our neighbour. The Bible says in Leviticus 19:18 “You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself: I am the Lord.”

=> Our Lord Jesus Christ also proclaimed that love would be the distinctive mark of His followers, the very mark that would show tworld that a person was a true follower of His. He said in John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Now note another fact about this dear lady of God: she was being exhorted to love those who were mistreating her. She was NOT being told…

=> to love her friend but not her enemy;

=> to love the good but not the bad;

=> to love the righteous but not the sinner;

=> to love the acceptable but not the unacceptable;

=> to love the friendly but not the abusive;

=> to love the kind but not the criticizer.

This is totally new concept of love. Man has always felt that he was to love his friends. He has always felt free to take others, especially those who had mistreated him, and mistreat them; ignore them; criticize them; hate them; strike back at them; neglect them; be unkind to them and hurt them.

But apostle John says, “NO!”. He instructs this dear friend to love those who mistreated her. How? How can we possibly love those who mistreat us? There is only one way: we must love as God loves. We must possess the love of God within our hearts and lives.

(02) Love Is A Behaviour:

The Bible says in 2 John 1:6 “This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it.”

Love is a behaviour, a way of life, a walk: it is obeying God’s commandments. Note the phrase: “This is love”. Love is obedience, that is, the only way we can show that we love God is by doing what pleases Him. When we love someone, we want to do things that please him or her. We want their acceptance and approval; we want them to love us in return. Therefore, we are careful to do things that will please them and win their favour and love. The same is true with us and God. If we love God, we do those things that please Him. We keep His commandments. What is His commandment? “His command is” – the great commandment – the commandment that you have heard from the beginning: “that you walk in love”. How does a believer walk in love? He walks upon earth just like Jesus Christ walked: He loves everyone. He does the great acts of love, and the great acts of love are clearly spelled out by Scripture in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

This great passage gives the very behaviour that is to characterize the believer, the very way the believer is to live among others. This is what loving others means:

(i) Love is patient (makrothumei) with people. The word always refers to being patient with people, not with circumstances. (a) Love is patient a long, long time no matter the evil and injury done by a person and no matter the neglect or ignoring by a loved one; (b) Love is patient a long, long time without resentment, anger, or seeking revenge. Love controls itself in order to win the person and to help him to live, work, and serve as he should.

Apostle Paul says in Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 1:11; 2 Timothy 4:2 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” … “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy.” … “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”

(ii) Love is kind (chresteuetai): courteous, good, helpful, useful, giving, showing, and showering favours. Love does not resent evil; it does not revel in the hurt and neglect. Love reaches out in kindness: in helpfulness, in giving, and in showering favours upon the person who neglects or hurts oneself.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:10; Ephesians 4:32 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.” … “And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

(iii) Love does not envy (zeloi): is not jealous, does not have feelings against others because of what they have, such as gifts, position, friends, recognition, possessions, popularity, abilities. Love does not begrudge or attack or downplay the abilities and success of others. Love shares and joys and rejoices in the experience and good of others.

The Bible says in Galatians 5:26; Psalms 37:1; Proverbs 3:31; 14:30; 23:17 “Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” … “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.” … “Do not envy the oppressor and choose none of his ways.” … “A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones.” … “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day.”

(iv) Love does not boast (peopereuetai): is not boastful; does not brag nor seek recognition, honour, or applause from others. On the contrary, love seeks to vie: to recognize, to honour, to applaud the other person.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:3,10; Philippians 2:3 “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” … “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another.” … “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”

(v) Love is not proud (phusioutai): prideful, arrogant, conceited; does not think nor act as though oneself is better or above others. Love is modest and humble and recognizes and honours others.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 18:4; Luke 14:10; 22:26 “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” … “But when you are invited, go, and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’ Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you.” … “But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 5:5 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

(vi) Love is not rude (aschemonei): unbecomingly, rudely, indecently, unmannerly, disgracefully. Love does nothing to shame oneself. Love is orderly and controlled; and it behaves and treats all persons with respect, honouring and respecting who they are.

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:7 “That you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” … “For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you.”

(vii) Love is not self-seeking: is not selfish; does not insist upon its own rights. Love is not focussed upon who one is nor upon what one has done. Love seeks to serve, not have others serving oneself. Love is acknowledging others, not insisting that others acknowledge oneself; it is giving to others, not insisting that others give to oneself.

Apostle Paul says in Philippians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 10:24 “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” … “Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.”

(viii) Love is not easily angered (paroxunetai): not easily angered; not ready to take offense; not quick tempered; not “touchy”. It is not easily aroused to anger; does not become “exasperated”. Love controls the emotions, and never becomes angry without a cause (Romans 12:18).

Apostle Paul says in Colossians 3:8 “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.”

Apostle James says in James 1:19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

The Bible says in Psalms 37:8; Proverbs 16:32; 19:11; Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.” … “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” … “The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression.” …“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.”

(ix) Love keeps no record of wrongs (logizetai to kakon): love does not consider the wrong suffered; is not resentful; does not hold the evil done to oneself. Love suffers the evil done to it and forgets it.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 5:39 “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:15 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” … “See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 3:9 “Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.”

(x) Love does not delight in evil (adikia): Love does not delight in evil, that is, unrighteousness, evil, wrongdoing. Love does not take pleasure in the unrighteousness and sin of others; it does not feed upon sin and wrong, nor does it pass along the stories of sin and wrong. Man’s nature is too often fed the tragedy of evil, whether personal sin or natural disaster.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 7:3 “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 15:1; Galatians 6:1 “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” … “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

(xi) Love rejoices with the truth: rejoices when the truth is known and when it prevails; rejoices when others are recognized and promoted for who they are and for what they have contributed. Love rejoices when the truth is rooted and grounded in a person and among the people of the world. Note that love never covers nor hides the truth; love is courageous in that it faces the truth.

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:25; 6:14 “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,” for we are members of one another.” … “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness.”

The Bible also says in Zechariah 8:16; Malachi 2:6 “These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbour; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace.” … “The law of truth was in his mouth, and injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity and turned many away from iniquity.”

(xii) Love always protects: the word protects (stegei) means both to cover all things and to bear up under all things. Love does both: it stands up under the weight and onslaught of all things and it coves up the faults of others. It has no pleasure in exposing the wrong and weaknesses of others. Love bears up under any neglect, abuse, ridicule – anything that is thrown against it.

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:2-3; 6:9; Colossians 3:13 “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” … “And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.” … “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

(xiii) Love always trusts: is “completely trusting”; “always eager to believe the best”; is “ever ready to believe the best”. Love sees and understands the circumstances and accepts and forgives and believes the very best about a person.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 17:4 “And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13 “And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” … “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

(xiv) Love always hopes: It “never ceases to hope”; it expects the good to eventually triumph and to gain the victory; it refuses to accept failure; it always hopes for the best and for the ultimate triumph of the good – no matter how fallen or how tragic the fall or how difficult gaining the victory may seem.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:24; 15:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?” … “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” … “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 3:3 “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”

(xv) Love always perseveres: the word endures (huopmenei) is a military word meaning to stand against the attack of an enemy. Love actively fights and endures all attacks. Love is strong, full of fortitude and fight, and it struggles against any and every assault to buckle in to being unloving. Love conquers and triumphs – always – because it endures all things. No matter what attacks love, named or unnamed, it endures the attack and continues to love.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:22 “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” … “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

The Bible says in Jame 1:12; 5:11; Revelation 3:11 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” … “Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” … “Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.”

Lesson: The point is well made: the dear friend of John was to walk in love no matter how others treated her. She was to love even as God’s Son had loved when He was upon earth. So are we.

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we commit ourselves to love one another no matter what they say about us no matter how they mistreat us no matter how they hurt us?

Shall we thank our God for giving us the very first commandment which love one another?

Shall we commit ourselves to walk in love just like Jesus walked by being kind, without being jealous, boastful, proud, rude, selfish, angered, keeping the record of wrongs, delightful in evil?

Shall we commit ourselves to walk in love by rejoicing with the truth, trusting, protecting, hoping for victory besides enduring during trials?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for helping us to understand about “Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 02 – The Commandment of Love, today, Father. Please help us to commit ourselves to love one another no matter what they say about us no matter how they mistreat us no matter how they hurt us, Father. Father, we thank You for giving us the very first commandment which is love one another from the beginning. Please help us to commit ourselves to walk in love just like Your Son Jesus walked by being kind, without being jealous, boastful, proud, rude, selfish, angered, without keeping the record of wrongs and not delightful in evil, Father. Please help us to commit ourselves to walk in love by rejoicing with the truth, trusting, protecting, hoping for victory besides enduring the trials, Father. We thank You Father for filling us with Your joy, peace, and hope, for accepting us when we approach You through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ besides being merciful on us and loving us so much and predestined us to receive Your promise of glory through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. We give all praise, glory, and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

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pooma-bible · 12 days

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Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 01 – Greeting: The Elect or Chosen Lady!

Rhema Word: 2 John 1:3 (NKJV) “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”

Introduction: To Whom Written:

Purpose of this Letter:

Apostle John’s purpose for writing the letter was twofold:

Special Features of Epistle Second John:

We will be meditating Second John on the following three topics in next three weeks:

Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 01 – Greeting: The Elect or Chosen Lady!

Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 02 – The Commandment of Love!

Second John: DIVISION 03: Part 03 – The Warning Against Deceivers and False Teachers!

Let us try to meditate the First topic “Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 01 – Greeting: The Elect or Chosen Lady” today, on the following with the help of our Holy Spirit:

(01) She was Elect, Chosen By God:

(02) She was Loved in the Truth:

(03) She Lived in Truth And Love:

(04) She Had Children who walked in the Truth:

(01) She was Elect, Chosen By God:

The Bible says in 2 John 1:1 “The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth.”

She was elect. “Elect” means to be chosen by God. It means to be one of God’s holy and dearly loved followers. This is exactly what Paul said about believers: he said they were “God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved” (Colossians 3:12). This dear mother was chosen by God to be one of His elects, one of His holy and dearly loved followers.

(i) She was elected to be holy. The word “holy” (hagios) means separated or set apart. God had called this dear mother out of the world and away from the old life that it offered, the old life of sin and death. She was elected to be holy, to have nothing to do with the worldly pleasures and possessions of the world. She was to be separated and set apart unto God Himself and the new life He offers, the new life of righteousness and eternity.

(ii) She was chosen to be one of the dearly loved followers of God. God had called her to turn away from the old life….

=> that had been disobedient to God;

=> that had ignored and neglected God;

=> that had disbelieved God;

=> that had rebelled against and rejected God;

=> that had cursed God.

God had chosen her to be His elect, one of His dear followers. She was chosen to be holy and dearly loved before Him; to receive His love in Christ Jesus and to allow Him to shower His love upon her and her children. She was elected to follow God with all her heart and life; elected to live a holy life, a life as one of God’s dearly loved children.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Ephesians 5:11; Colossians 3:12; Titus 1:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” … “Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” … “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” … “Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.” … “Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 1:2 “Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

(02) She was Loved in the Truth:

The Bible says in 2 John 1:1-2 “The Elder, To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth, because of the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever.”

She was loved in the truth. Note two significant points:

(i) This tells us how we should love one another. We are to love just as John and all the early believers loved – “in the truth”. What does this mean?

=> It means that we are to love one another in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ said that He is the truth in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Jesus Christ is the truth, the very ideal of humanity, the Ideal and Perfect Man. All that a person should be, all that God wants a person to be – it is all wrapped up in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ embraces the ideal and perfect truth; He is the very embodiment of truth; He is the very life that a man should live.

=> But note: Jesus Christ also said that the Word of God is truth in John 17:17 “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.”

All that a person should be is also written out for man in the Word of God. God’s Word spells out the perfect and ideal man, just what God wants a person to be. The Word of God itself is the truth.

How are we to love one another? In the truth. We are to love one another in the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Word of God. This is significant, for it means that we are to love one another as Jesus Christ loved and as the Word of God instructs us. Note: this is a love that is entirely different from the love that is displayed in the world. The world’s love focuses upon infatuation and passion; feelings and sentimentality; personal pleasure and gratification; and loving those who love us.

But the love of Jesus Christ and of the Word of God is a different love. It is the love that gives sacrificially, that helps people even if they are unlovely and unattractive. It is the love that reaches out to people even when they do not deserve it. The love of Christ loves everyone no matter who they are or what they have done. The love that we are to have is the love of Christ, the love that knows this fact: Christ loved us and gave Himself for us even when we did not deserve it. It is the love that tells us this: we must do as He did, love a person regardless of who he is.

Lesson: This means a most wonderful thing. It means that no matter who we are, no matter what we have done, no matter how terrible we have been, we are loved by Christ. But in addition to Christ, it means that there are others, a multitude of people, who love us. All of God’s elect, all of His holy and beloved followers, love us. No matter how unloved we may feel, how lonely and empty, there is a multitude of people who love us just as Christ loves us.

=> The lonely and empty just need to get up and go to church and be around God’s holy and beloved people. And God’s dear people need to get out into the community more and more to reach the lonely and empty.

(ii) This tells us why we are to love one another. We are to love “because of the truth”, that is, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the Word of God. John and the early believers loved this dear lady “because of the truth”. That is, they loved her for the sake of Christ, because they loved Him, and they want to please Him. Jesus Christ had come to earth to show us that God loves us and to show us that we should love one another. Therefore, nothing pleases Christ any more than our loving one another. If we wish to please Him, we must love one another; we must love just like the Word of God says to love.

Note: the truth dwells in us and shall be with us forever. This is the indwelling presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, of His Holy Spirit within us. If we know Christ, really know Him, then He lives within our hearts. The truth dwells within us and shall be with us forever. Jesus Christ is within us to help us to love as He loved.

Lesson: This means a great thing to the lonely and empty, to all those who feel unloved. They can know this: genuine believers will love them. Genuine believers will embrace and care for them and to all they can to ease their hurt and pain. The lonely and empty just need to get up and go find a church of true believers.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 13:34-35; 15:12 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” … “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:9; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:12 “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” … “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” … “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.”

Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 1:22 “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 3:16 “By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

(03) She Lived in Truth And Love:

The Bible says in 2 John 1:3 “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”

She lived in truth and love with other believers. This is a declaration of fact not a prayer. John says that the grace, mercy, and peace of God and of Christ are with believers. There is no question about it; a true believer knows the grace, mercy, and peace of God and of Christ. The idea is this: believers know the fullness of God and of Christ in truth and love. God and Christ flood their hearts and lives with all the fullness of life – with grace mercy, and peace.

(i) Grace (charis) means the undeserved and unmerited favour and blessings of God; the depth and richness of the heart and mind of God; the kindness and love that dwells within the very nature of God, God’s grace covers all of life.

(a) Grace means the kindness and love that God freely gives to those who have acted against Him. It is the favour of God showered upon men who do not deserve His favour, men who are…:

=> “powerless” (Romans 5:6);

=> “ungodly” (Romans 5:6);

=> “sinners” (Romans 5:8);

=> “enemies” (Romans 5:10).

No other word so expresses the depth and richness of the heart and mind of God. This is the distinctive difference between God’s grace and man’s grace. Whereas man sometimes does favours for his friends and thereby can be said to be gracious. God has done a thing unheard of among men. His very own Son to die for His enemies (Romans 5:8-10).

=> God’s grace is not earned. It is something completely undeserved and unmerited as apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-5 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” … “But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

=> God’s grace is the free gift of God. God extends His grace out toward man. Apostle Paul says in Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 2:11-14 “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” … “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” … “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

=> God’s grace is the only way man can be saved. Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:15; 1 Corinthians 1:4; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Titus 3:6-7 “But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man’s offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.” … “I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus.” … “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” … “Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”

(b) Grace means all the favours and gifts of God. It means all the good and perfect gifts of God, all the good and beneficial things. He gives us and does for us, whether physical, material, or spiritual (James 1:17).

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 1:7; 2:7; Philippians 4:19; 1 Timothy 1:4 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” … “That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” … “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” … “Nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.”

(ii) Mercy means feelings of pity, compassion, affection, and kindness. It is a desire to succour; to tenderly draw unto oneself and to care for. Two things are essential in order to have mercy: seeing a need and being able to meet the need. God sees our need and feels for us (Ephesians 2:1-3). Therefore, He acts; He has mercy upon us ….:

=> God withholds His judgement;

=> God provides a way for us to be saved.

Mercy arises from a heart of love: God has mercy upon us because He loves us. His mercy has been demonstrated in two great ways:

=> God has withheld His judgement from us – withheld it even when we deserve it.

=> God has provided a way for us to be saved through the Lord Jesus Christ.

When Jesus Christ died, He died for our sins. He took our sins upon Himself and bore the judgement of sin for us. Therefore, if we trust Christ as our Saviour, God does not count sin against us. Instead, He counts the righteousness of Christ for us. We become acceptable to God through the righteousness of Christ. The great mercy of God is this:

=> God allowed Christ, His very own Son, to die for us. He actually allowed His own Son to bear the punishment of our sins for us.

=> God loves us so much that He will forgive our sins if we will only trust Christ.

The point is this: the true believer is a person upon whom God and Christ have poured out their mercy. It is not that believers are going to experience the mercy of God, they have already received the mercy of God.

That is why apostle Paul says in Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:4-5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” … “But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”

(iii) Peace means to be bound, joined, and woven together. It means to be assured, confident, and secure in the love and care of God. It means to have a sense, a consciousness, a knowledge that God will provide; guide; strengthen; sustain; deliver; encourage; save; gave life, real life both now and forever.

A person can experience true peace only as he comes to know Jesus Christ. Only Christ can bring peace to the human heart, the kind of peace that brings deliverance and assurance to the human soul.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 14:27; 16:33 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” … “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 5:1; 8:6; Galatians 5:22-23 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” … “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” … “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”

Note one other significant point: Jesus Christ is said to be the Son of the Father. This is a clear declaration that Jesus Christ is God, that He possesses the very nature of God the Father. Note also that grace, mercy, and peace come from Jesus Christ as well as from the Father. The Son is said to be equal with the Father.

(04) She Had Children who walked in the Truth:

The Bible says in 2 John 1:4 “I rejoiced greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, as we received commandment from the Father.”

She had children who walked in truth. Remember apostle John is some distance away from this dear friend of his, so far away that he is writing instead of visiting her. Note that some of her children had been in the city where John was, and John had seen them and noted that they were walking in Christ. In fact, John says they were a dynamic testimony of the truth. They were walking in Christ, walking just as we have been commanded to walk, walking just as the Word of God says we are to walk.

Lesson: Note several strong lessons for us.

(a) What a dynamic witness the mother had been to her children! She had reared them to know the Lord and to live in His Word.

(b) No matter where we are, at work or at play, we are to live for Christ. No matter where we travel, we should do as this dear mother’s children did; walk in Christ and maintain a dynamic testimony for Christ.

Our Lord Jesus Christ says in Luke 9:23 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:6; 2 Timothy 2:3-4 “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” … “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” … “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” … “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.”

Apostle 1 John 2:6; 15-16 “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” … “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we thank our God for electing us to be holy and be separated and set apart unto God Himself and the new life He offers, the new life of righteousness and eternity?

Shall we thank our God for choosing us to be His loved followers to turn away from the old life and to receive His love in Christ Jesus?

Shall we submit ourselves to love one another in truth, that is, in Jesus Christ and Word of God?

Shall we submit ourselves to love our neighbours regardless of who they are as our Lord Jesus Christ loved us and gave Himself for us even when we did not deserve it?

Shall we thank our God for counting the righteousness of His beloved Son Jesus Christ for us when we trust His Son?

Shall we thank our God for allowing His own beloved Son Jesus Christ to die for us and bear the punishment of our sins for us?

Shall we thank our God and His beloved Son Jesus Christ for pouring out their mercy upon us, for giving us peace that brings deliverance and assurance to our souls?

Shall we commit ourselves to walk in Christ and maintain a dynamic testimony for Christ no matter where we are?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for helping us to understand about “Second John: DIVISION 02: Part 01 – Greeting: The Elect or Chosen Lady, today, Father. We thank You Father for electing us to be holy and be separated and set apart unto You and the new life of righteousness and eternity, besides choosing us to be Your loved followers to turn away from the old life and to receive Your love in Your beloved Son, Father. Father, please help us to submit ourselves to love one another in truth, that is, in Jesus Christ and Word of God, to love our neighbours regardless of who they are as our Lord Jesus Christ loved us and gave Himself for us even when we did not deserve it, Father. We thank You Father for counting the righteousness of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ for us when we trust Your beloved Son, for allowing Your own beloved Son Jesus Christ to die for us and bear the punishment of our sins for us, Father. We thank You and Your beloved Son for pouring out Your mercy upon us, for giving us peace that brings deliverance and assurance to our souls, Father. Father, please help us to commit ourselves to walk in Your beloved Son Jesus Christ and maintain a dynamic testimony for Him no matter where we are, Father. We thank You Father for filling us with Your joy, peace, and hope, for accepting us when we approach You through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ besides being merciful on us and loving us so much and predestined us to receive Your promise of glory through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. We give all praise, glory, and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all.

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pooma-bible · 17 days

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CHARACTERISTICS OF BAD FRIENDSHIP

Praise the Lord servant of the Lord, according to the Bible, there are some friendships that can be bad.

Now that we understand the significance of godly friendships let’s explore the characteristics of a bad friend according to the Bible:

1- BETRAYAL. Proverbs 16:28 (NKJV) says, “A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends.” A bad friend may betray your trust and spread rumors or gossip about you behind your back.

2- GOSSIPING. Proverbs 11:13 (NKJV) warns, “A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.” A bad friend may enjoy spreading rumors and divulging private information about you or others.

3- ENVY AND JEALOUSY. Proverbs 27:4 (NKJV) says, “Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, but who is able to stand before envy?” A bad friend may become jealous or envious of your successes and accomplishments.

4- DISHONESTY. Proverbs 19:22 (NKJV) says, “What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar.” A bad friend may lie or deceive you to benefit themselves or avoid confrontation.

5- NEGATIVE INFLUENCE. 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV) warns, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.'” A bad friend may encourage you to engage in destructive behavior or make choices that go against your values.

6- GREED. Proverbs 15:27 (NKJV) says, “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.” A bad friend may prioritize their own financial gain or material possessions over your well-being.

7- SELF-CENTEREDNESS. Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV) instructs, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” A bad friend may prioritize their own needs and desires over yours and may not show concern for your well-being.

8- LACK OF OF EMPATHY. Proverbs 21:13 (NKJV) says, “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” A bad friend may lack empathy and disregard your feelings or struggles.

9- LACK OF OF ACCOUNTABILITY. Proverbs 27:6 (NKJV) says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” A bad friend may not hold you accountable for your actions and may not offer constructive criticism or guidance.

10- DISRESPECT. Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV) says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” A bad friend may disrespect you, belittle you, or disregard your boundaries and needs. Examples of Bad Friendships in the Bible. Throughout the Bible, there are examples of bad friendships and the consequences that come with them. Here are a few examples: Judas and Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). Job’s friends: Job’s friends accused him of sinning and brought him more grief than comfort (Job 2:11-13, 16-17). Samson and Delilah: Delilah used her relationship with Samson to betray him and give him over to his enemies (Judges 16:4-21). Amnon and Jonadab: Jonadab encouraged Amnon to rape his half-sister Tamar (2 Samuel 13:1-19). Absalom and Ahithophel: Ahithophel’s advice led to Absalom’s rebellion against his father, David, but it ultimately failed (2 Samuel 15-17).

• These examples show the destructive nature of bad friendships and the harm they can cause.

Having bad friends can have serious consequences on our lives, including:

1- SPIRITUAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can lead us away from God and cause us to compromise our values and beliefs. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV) says, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.”

When we surround ourselves with people who do not share our faith or values, we may be tempted to engage in sinful behavior or neglect our spiritual growth.

2- EMOTIONAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can cause emotional turmoil, such as feelings of betrayal, hurt, and rejection. Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV) says, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” When we invest time and energy into a friendship that turns out to be toxic, it can be difficult to recover emotionally.

3- MENTAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can negatively impact our mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Proverbs 22:24-25 (NKJV) says, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” When we spend time with people who are negative or have destructive behavior, it can take a toll on our mental well-being.

4- PHYSICAL CONSEQUENCES. Bad friendships can also have physical consequences, such as engaging in risky behavior or exposing ourselves to danger. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” When we associate with people who engage in risky or dangerous behavior, we may be putting ourselves in harm’s way.

• We can avoid bad friendships as christians by becoming iñtentional in our making of friends.

Seek and Pray for guidance from God as you choose your friends. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Trust in God to lead you to the right people and give you discernment to recognize bad friendships.

• We can Set Standards for Friendships. Set standards for the kind of friendships you want to cultivate. Proverbs 22:24 (NKJV) says, “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go.” Consider qualities like honesty, loyalty, kindness, and respect when evaluating potential friendships.

• Be Cautious in Choosing Friends.Take your time in getting to know people and building relationships. Proverbs 12:26 (NKJV) says, “The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray.” Avoid rushing into friendships and prioritize getting to know people slowly and intentionally.

• Be a Good Friend Yourself to others and model the kind of qualities you want to see in your friendships. Proverbs 17:17 (NKJV) says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Show love, kindness, and loyalty to your friends, and they will likely reciprocate.

• End Unhealthy Friendships. If you recognize that a friendship is unhealthy or toxic, be willing to end it. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” It can be difficult to let go of friendships, but it is important to prioritize your well-being and seek out godly friendships.

• In Conclusion, as Christians, we must be mindful of the company we keep and the impact that our friends can have on our lives. The Bible provides clear guidance on the characteristics of a bad friend and the importance of cultivating godly friendships.We must prioritize relationships that bring us closer to God and support our Spiritual growth. By examining the different qualities of a bad friend, we can identify warning signs and make intentional choices in our friendships. I pray to the Almighty God to help us get godly friends in Jesus Mighty name.

Pr Nebayosi Bizige - Christ For All Nations Ministries Nansana Uganda.

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pooma-bible · 18 days

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TORTURES AT THE CRUCIFIXION

தமிழில்

❄️ Information obtained through scientific research about the death of Jesus Christ

Let alone religion. Some believe that a man named Jesus lived 2,000 years ago in what is now Israel.

He was a disaffected Jew. He led his followers. His actions disturbed the Roman Empire.

So, he was finally tortured, crucified and killed on Easter Day. Capital punishment in this manner was common practice at the time.

After Jesus' death, his followers were responsible for spreading his teachings. After the death of Jesus, an era of mythology, religion, and theology began.

In this change, a great writer of the time, a forerunner of the Christian Church, had a part to play. He wrote many parts of the Bible. He is Paul of Tarsus (c. 5-67).

In the first century AD, about 20 years after the death of Jesus, De Tarsus wrote seven letters. They remain intact till date.

"We notice a change in the theme of these letters. He is not talking about the historical Jesus, but about the Jesus of faith," says history teacher and professor Andre Leonardo Cevitares.

"The historical Jesus knew that he would die a political death. Religion and politics were mixed in the leadership of the time," Sevidares adds.

"There is no way to divide Jesus' actions into political or simply religious. The boundaries are not clearly defined. This plays an important role in understanding Jesus both when he was alive and after his death," he says.

▪️LAST SUFFERINGS OF JESUS

Crucifixion was not a rare occurrence in those days.

"Crucifixion was a method of capital punishment administered by the Romans to slaves and all non-citizens of the Roman Empire from 217 BC," explains Gerardo Ferrara, a political scientist and historian specializing in the Middle East.

"It was a very cruel, humiliating form of torture. The punishment was not inflicted on Roman citizens. They were also flogged depending on the social background of those being punished," he said.

"Crucifixion was not a Roman invention, but it was widespread in the Roman Empire. The punishment was a common practice in the territories now known as Israel," Cevidares notes.

"About 40 years after Jesus' death, when Jerusalem was captured, thousands of Jews were crucified."

Crucifixion was not a Roman invention, but its practice was widespread in the Roman Empire, says researcher Andre Leonardo Cevitares.

The Gospels (the teachings of Christ) in the Bible describe Jesus' last hours of suffering. As mentioned in the Bible, he was transferred from one place to another with little reluctance by the authorities at that time.

Historian Sevidares says that this cannot be historically true. Because according to the stories Jesus was killed before the Jewish Passover (Jewish festival).

"The Easter holiday is a political holiday. The day marks the liberation journey from slavery in ancient Egypt," recalls the historian.

"So imagine: a city full of Jews, among many Jews, how could a Jew be crucified and made to walk around the city?

If that had happened, it would have been a call to revolt. Jesus was immediately captured and crucified," he says.

According to Cevitares, there is no historical evidence for the events between Jesus' arrest and crucifixion in the early hours of Thursday through Friday. It is only theological.

A few days earlier, on Palm Sunday, Jesus had entered Jerusalem. Because it was rare for Jesus to go into a big city, the authorities caught him that day.

▪️THE FOUR PILLARS: But why was it uncomfortable? Because he led a new kingdom. It is the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of the Father.

According to the four basic pillars, his speech was about a kingdom that was diametrically opposed to the Roman Empire. "He became Jesus Christ because of that idea," Sevidares says.

Righteousness is the first pillar of the kingdom as defended by Jesus.

Not just justice, but divine justice. "He referred to God as his heavenly Father," notes the historian.

"My kingdom is righteousness, but Caesar's is the kingdom of unrighteousness," Jesus says.

Jesus also proclaimed a kingdom of peace against the warlike government imposed by the Romans.

The second pillar is that everyone eats equally.

"The group with Jesus found his preaching interesting," says Sevidares.

Finally, Jesus spoke of a kingdom of equality with the participation of all. "Jesus' ministry was both male and female," notes the historian.

"The important thing is that politics, religion, economics, society were all part of the preaching of Jesus Christ. It was not clear where politics began, where religion ended, where social problems began. Everything was interconnected," he continues.

"Jesus dies for the sake of the kingdom of God. This is the Jesus movement. The next generation movement without Jesus represents his death as a sacrificial death. It takes on a serious religious dimension."

Roman officials working in the area were already monitoring Jesus' movements. They saw it as a perfect opportunity when he decided to enter Jerusalem.

"On Easter day, in a city full of Jews from different regions, they saw him creating a disturbance in the temple. Therefore, the authorities thought that he should be arrested and crucified immediately," says the historian.

"All evangelicals agree to place Jesus' death on a Friday, within the Easter holiday," comments Ferrara.

Italian priest and biblical archaeologist Giuseppe Ricciotti, author of Vita di Gesù Cristo, collected historical data and concluded that the execution most likely took place on April 7, the equivalent of 30 AD.

▪️Christ's speech is about the kingdom in stark contrast to the speech of the Roman Empire.

In ancient Rome there were three ways to execute a criminal. According to the historian, the bodies of those sentenced to death cannot be embalmed.

In general, those accused of crimes such as murder, parricide, crimes against the state, and rape were taken to the Roman amphitheater.

In the arena, these convicts were subjected to various tortures till death. After death, their remains were left for insects to eat. The second form of capital punishment is fire. In this, there is no trace of the dead.

Crucifixion was the punishment meted out to slaves who attempted to take the lives of their masters, to those who participated in rebellions, and to all non-Roman citizens like Jesus.

"While the crucified were still alive, the birds of prey would begin to eat them. Then, three or four days later, the animals would eat their rotting flesh from the cross," reports Cevitares.

Frederick Thomas Zukibe (1928–2013), a professor at Columbia University and former chief pathologist at the New York Medico-Legal Institute, conducted a series of experiments with many volunteers in the early 2000s to observe the effects of crucifixion on the human body.

The results of these tests were published in the book 'Crucifixion of Jesus: A Forensic Inquiry'.

For that study, wooden crosses 2.34 meters high and 2 meters long were used. Subjects were under 30 years of age. They were tied to the wooden cross and their body changes were monitored electronically. Their heart rate and blood pressure were measured by electrocardiogram.

They cannot rest their necks behind the cross. This resulted in severe pain in the neck, constant tingling in the knees and thighs.

During Jesus' time, different types of crosses were used in executions. Of these, T-shaped crosses and dagger-shaped crosses were prominent. There is no consensus among scholars as to what type of cross Jesus would have used. Ferrara believes that a sword-shaped cross may have been used.

▪️DETAILS OF PUNISHMENT ARE CONFIRMED BY HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS.

According to Dr. Zukibe, Jesus carried only the horizontal part of the cross on the way to the place of execution. He wrote that a steep cross would be carried outside the city at the place of crucifixion.

The horizontal part weighed about 22 kg. The horizontal, vertical portion of the cross was 80 to 90 kg. Can't carry it for long hikes. Jesus is about 8 km. Believed to have gone.

"The details of the punishment are confirmed by Roman customs and historical documents. The hands of those receiving this punishment were either tied to a cross or nailed," Ferrara explains.

"On the other hand, the feet are bound or nailed. The tortures are done with terrible suffering so that death happens very slowly. Crucifixion is carried out and suspended half a meter above the ground. The torture is done naked and for many hours or days. This causes pain, nausea and inability to breathe properly. Blood even to the feet. "Hands and legs get tired because it doesn't work," he says.

The consensus among researchers is that the nails were driven into the wrists rather than the palms. Due to this, due to the weight of the body, the arms are completely torn.

"Because of the structure of the arms and the lack of important bones, the flesh of the arms can tear due to excess weight," says Ferrara.

Dr. Zukibe says the nails were 12.5 centimeters long, suggesting that the nail was driven into Jesus' thumb, not in the center of his palm.

Already suspended on the cross, Jesus' feet were also nailed. Nailing causes excruciating and continuous pain as important nerves are affected.

"How long does it take for a person who is tortured like this to die? They die of muscle spasms. This causes their muscles to atrophy and they die of lack of air with great pain all over their bodies," said Cevitares.

Ferrara suggests that Jesus died of a heart attack from such torture.

Through his experiments, Zukibe analyzed the three most accepted theories about Jesus' death: asphyxiation, heart attack, and hemorrhagic shock.

His research concluded that Jesus suffered a heart attack due to hypovolemia. That is, his blood volume was significantly reduced due to his crucifixion and torture. Hence, he would have died of haemorrhage.

"[Crucifixion] is a death by physical violence. The time of death varies depending on the condition of the crucified person. If the torture he suffered before the crucifixion was more severe, he may have died shortly," says Sevitarez.

"Jesus' agony probably lasted only a few hours. He probably died in less than two hours from the profuse blood loss caused by the tortures before the crucifixion," Ferrara believes.

▪️CRUCIFIXION IS THE DEATH OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE

If a person condemned to death on the cross was considered "dirty" by the Romans, was not a Roman citizen, or was from a lower social class, the executioners subjected them to all kinds of attacks. For these, a specific whip called Azorak was used.

Ferrara believes that in the case of Jesus, spiked metal balls capable of tearing skin and ripping off pieces of flesh were used.

"He was a 'criminal' from the fringes of society, a man of nobly origins. Jesus was a Jew from a small eastern province of the Roman Empire," says Ferrara.

According to Dr. Zukibe's research, the model of the whip used to flog Jesus was made of three strips.

Such punishments usually received 39 lashes with the instrument; Being beaten with these made of lamb bone is like receiving 117 lashes.

The doctor explains that this can cause tremors, fainting, severe bleeding, damage to the liver and spleen, and accumulation of blood and fluid in the lungs.

On the way to the crucifixion, torture knew no bounds. They were beaten, ridiculed and subjected to extreme violence. Ironically, the Bible mentions that a crown of thorns was placed on Jesus' head.

Zukibe wanted to know which plant was used for the crown of thorns. After interviewing botanists and Middle Eastern scholars, he identified potential plant species that had large enough thorns. He obtained their seeds and grew and analyzed the plants himself.

He concluded that the plant used was what is now known as 'Christ's crown' (Euphorbia milii). According to the coroner, head injuries caused by the thorns of this plant can cause excruciating pain by reaching the nerves in the head rather than causing severe bleeding on the face and scalp.

▪️WAS A TOMB BUILT FOR JESUS?

Sevitarez claims that the crucifixion of Jesus, contrary to what the Bible says, took place far away from eyewitnesses. Because, he says, Jesus might have been crucified so as not to stir up rebellion among the people.

Also, unlike religiously told stories, neither Jesus' burial nor his remains were preserved.

"The crucified were not buried. They were still alive and crucified. Birds of prey knew they could not move. Their eyes, noses and cheeks were eaten by birds," he explains.

"Their body would hang on the cross for four or five days. The flesh would begin to rot and fall off. Dogs and other animals used the human remains for their feast," he said.

According to him, this thesis is that thousands of slaves were crucified at that time. There are no records of graves or bones being found.

"Historically, the crucified were not buried," he says. "But theologically, it is clear that Jesus had to be buried and then resurrected," he said.

சிலுவை மரணத்தில் ஏற்படும் சித்ரவதைகள்

❄️ இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் மரணம் குறித்து அறிவியல் ஆராய்ச்சிகள் மூலம் கிடைத்த தகவல்கள்

மதம் ஒருபுறம் இருக்கட்டும். 2,000 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு, இப்போது இஸ்ரேல் என்று அழைக்கப்படும் ஒரு பகுதியில் இயேசு என்ற மனிதர் வாழ்ந்தார் என்று சிலர் கருதுகின்றனர்.

அதிருப்தியடைந்த ஒரு யூதராக அவர் இருந்தார். தன்னை பின்தொடர்பவர்களை அவர் வழிநடத்தினார். அவரது நடவடிக்கைகள் ரோமானிய பேரரசை தொந்தரவு செய்தது.

எனவே, அவர் இறுதியாக ஈஸ்டர் தினத்தன்று சித்திரவதை செய்யப்பட்டு, சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டு கொல்லப்பட்டார். இத்தகைய வழியில் மரண தண்டனை வழங்குவது, அக்காலத்தில் நிலவிய பொதுவான நடைமுறை.

இயேசுவின் மரணத்திற்குப் பின்னர், அவரைப் பின்தொடர்பவர்கள் அவருடைய போதனைகளைப் பரப்ப��வதற்குப் பொறுப்பேற்றனர். இயேசு மரணத்திற்குப் பின், புராணம், மதம், இறையியலின் காலம் தொடங்கியது.

இந்த மாற்றத்தில், முக்கியமாக அக்காலத்தின் சிறந்த எழுத்தாளர், கிறிஸ்தவ திருச்சபையின் முன்னோடி ஒருவருக்குப் பங்குள்ளது. பைபிளின் பல பகுதிகளை அவர் எழுதியுள்ளார். அவர்தான் பால் ஆஃப் டார்சஸ் (c. 5-67).

கி.பி முதல் நூற்றாண்டில், இயேசு இறந்து சுமார் 20 ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பிறகு, டி டார்சஸ் ஏழு கடிதங்களை எழுதினார். அவை, இன்றுவரை அழியாமல் உள்ளன.

"இந்தக் கடிதங்களின் மையப் பொருளில் மாற்றம் இருப்பதை நாங்கள் கவனிக்கிறோம். அவர் வரலாற்று இயேசு குறித்துப் பேசாமல், விசுவாசத்தின் இயேசு குறித்துப் பேசுகிறார்" என்று வரலாற்று ஆசிரியரும் பேராசிரியருமான ஆண்ட்ரே லியோனார்டோ செவிடரேஸ் தெரிவிக்கிறார்.

"தனக்கு அரசியல் மரணம் ஏற்படும் என வரலாற்று இயேசு அறிந்திருக்கிறார். அக்காலத்திய தலைமைத்துவத்தில் மதமும் அரசியலும் கலந்தே இருந்திருக்கிறது," என்று செவிடரேஸ் மேலும் கூறுகிறார்.

"இயேசுவின் செயல்களை அரசியல் அல்லது வெறுமனே மதம் என்று பிரிக்க எந்த வழியும் இல்லை. அதற்கு எல்லைகள் தெளிவாக வரையறுக்கப்படவில்லை. இது இயேசு உயிருடன் இருக்கும்போதும் அவர் இறந்த பின்னரும் அவரைப் புரிந்துகொள்வதில் முக்கியப் பங்கு வகிக்கிறது,” என்கிறார் அவர்.

▪️இயேசுவின் கடைசி நேர துன்பங்கள்

சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டு மரண தண்டனை விதிப்பது அக்காலத்தில் அரிதான நிகழ்வு அல்ல.

"சிலுவையில் அறையப்படுவது கி.மு. 217 முதல் அடிமைகள் மற்றும் ரோமானிய பேரரசின் குடிமக்கள் அல்லாத அனைவருக்கும் ரோமானியர்களால் வழங்கப்பட்ட மரண தண்டனை முறை" என்று அரசியல் விஞ்ஞானியும் மத்திய கிழக்கில் நிபுணத்துவம் பெற்ற வரலாற்றாசிரியருமான ஜெரார்டோ ஃபெராரா விளக்குகிறார்.

"இது மிகவும் கொடூரமான, அவமானகரமான ஒரு சித்திரவதை. இந்த தண்டனை ரோமானிய குடிமக்களுக்கு விதிக்கப்படாது. தண்டனை விதிக்கப்படுபவர்களின் சமூக பின்னணியைப் பொறுத்து அவர்களுக்குக் கசையடியும் வழங்கப்பட்டது," ��ன்கிறார் அவர்.

"சிலுவையில் அறையப்படுவது ரோமானிய கண்டுபிடிப்பு அல்ல. ஆனால் அது ரோமானியப் பேரரசில் பரவலாக இருந்தது. இப்போது இஸ்ரேல் என்று அழைக்கப்படும் பிரதேசங்களில் இந்த தண்டனை வழக்கமான நடைமுறையாக இருந்தது," என்று செவிடரேஸ் குறிப்பிடுகிறார்.

"இயேசு இறந்த சுமார் 40 ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பிறகு, ஜெருசலேம் கைப்பற்றப்பட்டபோது, ஆயிரக்கணக்கான யூதர்கள் சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டனர்."

சிலுவையில் அறையப்படுவது ஒரு ரோமானிய கண்டுபிடிப்பு அல்ல, ஆனால் அதன் நடைமுறை ரோமானியப் பேரரசில் பரவலாக இருந்தது என்று ஆராய்ச்சியாளர் ஆண்ட்ரே லியோனார்டோ செவிடாரேஸ் கூறுகிறார்.

பைபிளில் உள்ள சுவிசேஷங்கள் (கிறிஸ்துவின் உபதேசங்கள்) இயேசுவின் கடைசி மணிநேர துன்பங்களை விவரிக்கின்றன. பைபிளில் குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளதன்படி, அவரை அந்த நேரத்தில் அதிகாரிகள் சிறிது தயக்கத்துடன் ஓரிடத்திலிருந்து மற்றொரு இடத்திற்கு மாற்றப்பட்டார்.

வரலாற்று ரீதியாக இது உண்மையாக இருக்க முடியாது என்று வரலாற்றாசிரியர் செவிடரேஸ் கூறுகிறார். ஏனென்றால், கதைகளின்படி யூதர்களின் பாஸ்காவுக்கு (யூத விழா) முன்பு இயேசு கொலை செய்யப்பட்டார்.

"ஈஸ்டர் விடுமுறை ஒரு அரசியல் விடுமுறையாகும். இந்நாள், பண்டைய எகிப்தின் அடிமை முறையிலிருந்து விடுதலையாகிய விடுதலைப் பயணத்தைக் குறிக்கிறது," என்று வரலாற்றாசிரியர் நினைவு கூர்ந்தார்.

"எனவே கற்பனை செய்து பாருங்கள்: யூதர்களால் நிரம்பி வழியும் ஒரு நகரம், பல யூதர்களுக்கு நடுவில், எப்படி ஒரு யூதரை சிலுவையில் அறைந்து நகரைச் சுற்றி வரச் செய்திருக்க முடியும்?

அப்படி நிகழ்ந்திருந்தால் அதுவொரு கிளர்ச்சிக்கான அழைப்பாக இருந்திருக்கும். இயேசு உடனடியாகப் பிடிக்கப்பட்டு சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டார்," என்று அவர் கூறுகிறார்.

செவிடரேஸை பொறுத்தவரை, வியாழன் முதல் வெள்ளி வரை அதிகாலையில் இயேசு கைது செய்யப்பட்டதற்கும், சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டதற்கும் இடையிலான நிகழ்வுகளுக்கு வரலாற்றுபூர்வ ஆதாரங்கள் இல்லை. அது இறையியல் சார்ந்தது மட்டுமே.

சில நாட்களுக்கு முன்பு, பனை ஞாயிறு அன்று, இயேசு ஜெருசலேமுக்குள் நுழைந்தார். பெரிய நகருக்குள் இயேசு செல்வது அரிதானது என்பதால், அன்றைய தினம் அதிகாரிகள் அவரைப் பிடித்தனர்.

▪️நான்கு தூண்கள்: ஆனால் அது ஏன் சங்கடமாக இருந்தது? ஏனென்றால் அவர் ஒரு புதிய ராஜ்ஜியத்தை வழிநடத்தினார். அது, பரலோக ராஜ்ஜியம் அல்லது தந்தையின் ராஜ்ஜியம்.

நான்கு அடிப்படைத் தூண்களின்படி, அவரது பேச்சு ரோமானியப் பேரரசுக்கு முற்றிலும் எதிரான ஒரு ராஜ்ஜியத்தை பற்றியது. "அந்த யோசனையின் காரணமாக அவர் இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவாக மாறினார்" என்று செவிடரேஸ் கூறுகிறார்.

இயேசுவால் பாதுகாக்கப்பட்ட ராஜ்ஜியத்தின் முதல் தூண் நீதி.

நீதி மட்டுமல்ல, தெய்வீக நீதி. "அவர் கடவுளைத் தனது பரலோகத் தந்தை என்று குறிப்பிட்டார்" என்று வரலாற்றாசிரியர் குறிப்பிடுகிறார்.

"என் ராஜ்ஜியத்தில் நீதி இருக்கிறது; சீசருடையது அநீதியின் ராஜ்ஜியம்’ என இயேசு கூறுகிறார்,” என்கிறார் அவர்.

ரோமானியர்களால் திணிக்கப்பட்ட போர்க்கால அரசாங்கத்திற்கு எதிராகவும் இயேசு சமாதான ராஜ்ஜியத்தை அறிவித்தார்.

இரண்டாவது தூண் அனைவரும் சமமாக உண்பது.

"இயேசுவுடன் இருந்த குழுவினர் அவருடைய பிரசங்கத்தை சுவாரஸ்யமானதாக உணர்ந்தனர்" என்கிறார் செவிடரேஸ்.

இறுதியாக, இயேசு அனைவரின் பங்கேற்புடன் சமத்துவ ராஜ்ஜியத்தை பற்றிப் பேசினார். "இயேசுவின் ஊழியம் ஆண்களுக்கும் பெண்களுக்கும் உரியது" என்று வரலாற்றாசிரியர் குறிப்பிடுகிறார்.

"முக்கியமான விஷயம் என்னவென்றால், அரசியல், மதம், பொருளாதாரம், சமூகம் என அனைத்தும் இயேசு கிறிஸ்து பிரசங்கத்தின் ஒரு பகுதியாக இருந்தது. அரசியல் எங்கு தொடங்கியது, மதம் எங்கு முடிந்தது, சமூக பிரச்னைகள் எங்கு தொடங்கின என்பது தெளிவாகத் தெரியவில்லை. எல்லாம் ஒன்றோடொன்று இணைக்கப்பட்டது," என்று அவர் தொடர்கிறார்.

"கடவுளின் ராஜ்ஜியத்தால் இயேசு இறக்கிறார். இது இயேசுவின் இயக்கம். இயேசு இல்லாத அடுத்த தலைமுறை இயக்கம், அவரது மரணத்தை ஒரு தியாக மரணம் எனக் குறிக்கிறது. இது ஒரு கடுமையான மத பரிமாணத்தைப் பெறுகிறது."

இப்பகுதியில் பணியாற்றிய ரோமானிய அதிகாரிகள் ஏற்கெனவே இயேசுவின் நகர்வுகளைக் கண்காணித்து வந்தனர். அவர் ஜெருசலேமுக்குள் நுழைய முடிவு செய்தபோது அவர்கள் அதைச் சரியான வாய்ப்பாகக் கருதினர்.

"பல்வேறு பகுதிகளைச் சேர்ந்த யூதர்கள் நிறைந்த நகரத்தில் ஈஸ்டர் தினத்தன்று, அவர் கோவிலில் குழப்பத்தை உருவாக்குவதை அவர்கள் கண்டார்கள். எனவே, அவரை விரைவில் கைது செய்து சிலுவையில் அறைய வேண்டும் என அதிகாரிகள் கருதினர்," என்று வரலாற்றாசிரியர் கூறுகிறார்.

"அனைத்து சுவிசேஷகர்களும் இயேசுவின் மரணத்தை வெள்ளிக்கிழமை, ஈஸ்டர் விடுமுறைக்குள் நிகழ்த்த ஒப்புக்கொள்கிறார்கள்" என்று ஃபெராரா கருத்து தெரிவிக்கிறார்.

விட்டா டி கேஸு கிரிஸ்டோ ( Vita di Gesù Cristo) எனும் புத்தகத்தின் ஆசிரியரும் இத்தாலிய பாதிரியாரும் விவிலிய தொல்பொருள் ஆராய்ச்சியாளருமான கிசுபே ரிசியோட்டி (Giuseppe Ricciotti), வரலாற்று தகவல்களைச் சேகரித்து, மரண தண்டனை பெரும்பாலும் ஏப்ரல் 7, கி.பி.30க்கு சமமான தேதியில் நடந்ததாக முடிவு செய்தார்.

▪️கிறிஸ்துவின் பேச்சு ரோமானிய பேரரசின் பேச்சுக்கு முற்றிலும் எதிரான ராஜ்ஜியத்தை பற்றியது.

பண்டைய ரோமில் ஒரு குற்றவாளியைத் தூக்கிலிட மூன்று வழிகள் இருந்தன. வரலாற்றாசிரியரின் கூற்றுப்படி, மரண தண்டனைக்கு ஆளானவர்களின் உடலைப் பதப்படுத்த முடியாது.

பொதுவாக, கொலை, தந்தையைக் கொலை செய்தல், அரசுக்கு எதிரான குற்றங்கள் மற்றும் பாலியல் வன்புணர்வு போன்ற குற்றங்களுக்காகக் குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்டவர்கள் ரோமானிய திறந்தவெளி அரங்குக்கு அழைத்துச் செல்லப்படுகின்றனர்.

அரங்கில், இந்தக் குற்றவாளிகள் மரணம் வரை பல்வேறு சித்ரவதைகளுக்கு ஆளாகினர். இறந்த பிறகு அவர்களின் உடல் எச்சங்கள் பூச்சிகள் திண்பதற்கு விடப்பட்டன. மரண தண்டனையின் இரண்டாவது வடிவம் நெருப்பு. இதில், இறந்தவர்களின் தடயமே இல்லாமல் ஆனது.

சிலுவையில் அறையப்படுவது, தங்கள் எஜமானர்களின் உயிரைக் கொல்ல முயன்ற அடிமைகளுக்கும், கிளர்ச்சிகளில் பங்கேற்றவர்களுக்கும், இயேசுவை போன்ற ரோமானிய குடிமக்கள் அல்லாத அனைவருக்கும் வழங்கப்படும் தண்டனையாக இருந்தது.

"சிலுவையில் அறையப்படுபவர்கள் உயிருடன் இருக்கும்போதே, அவர்களை வேட்டையாடும் பறவைகள் உண்ணத் தொடங்கும். அதன்பின், மூன்று அல்லது நான்கு நாட்களுக்குப் பிறகு, சிலுவையில் இருந்து அழுகி விழும் அவர்களின் சதைகளை விலங்குகள் உண்ணும்" என செவிடாரெஸ் தெரிவிக்கிறார்.

கொலம்பியா பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் பேராசிரியரும், நியூயார்க் மெடிகோ-லீகல் இன்ஸ்டிடியூட்டில் முன்னாள் தலைமை நோயியல் நிபுணருமான ஃபிரடெரிக் தாமஸ் ஜூகிபே (1928-2013), 2000களின் முற்பகுதியில் மனித உடலை சிலுவையில் அறைவதால் ஏற்படக்கூடிய விளைவுகளைக் கண்காணிக்க பல தன்னார்வலர்களைக் கொண்டு தொடர்ச்சியான சோதனைகளை நடத்தினார்.

இந்த சோதனைகளின் முடிவுகள் ‘க்ரூசஃபிக்‌ஷன் ஆஃப் ஜீசஸ்: எ ஃபாரன்சிக் என்கொயரி’ எனும் புத்தகத்தில் வெளியிடப்பட்டது.

அந்த ஆய்வுக்கு, 2.34 மீட்டர் உயரமும் 2 மீட்டர் நீளமும் கொண்ட மரச் சிலுவைகள் பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டன. ஆய்வுக்கு உட்படுத்தப்பட்டவர்கள் 30 வயதிற்கு உட்பட்டவர்கள். அவர்கள் அந்த மரச்சிலுவையில் கட்டப்பட்டு, அவர்களின் உடலில் நிகழும் மாற்றங்கள் மின்னணு முறையில் கண்காணிக்கப்பட்டன. எலக்ட்ரோ கார்டியோகிராம் மூலம் அவர்களின் இதயத்துடிப்பு மற்றும் ரத்த அழுத்தம் ஆகியவை அளவிடப்பட்டது.

அவர்கள் சிலுவைக்குப் பின்னே தங்கள் கழுத்தைச் சாய்த்துக்கொண்டு ஓய்வெடுக்க முடியாது. இதனால் கழுத்தில் கடுமையான வலி, முழங்கால், தொடைகளில் தொடர்ந்து கூச்ச உணர்வு ஏற்பட்டது.

இயேசுவின் காலத்தில், பல்வேறு வகையான சிலுவைகள் மரண தண்டனைகளில் பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டன. அதில், ’டி’ வடிவ (T) சிலுவைகளும் குத்துவாள் வடிவ சிலுவைகளும் முக்கியமானவையாக இருந்தன. இயேசுவுக்கு எந்த வகை சிலுவை பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டிருக்கும் என்பதில் ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்களிடையே ஒருமித்த கருத்து இல்லை. வாள் வடிவ சிலுவை பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டிருக்கலாம் என, ஃபெராரா நம்புகிறார்.

▪️தண்டனை விவரங்கள் வரலாற்று ஆவணங்களால் உறுதிப்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளன.

மரண தண்டனை நிறைவேற்றப்படும் இடத்திற்குச் செல்லும் வழியில் சிலுவையின் கிடைமட்டப் பகுதியை மட்டுமே இயேசு சுமந்து சென்றார் என, டாக்டர் ஜூகிபே தெரிவிக்கிறார். நகருக்கு வெளியே சிலுவையில் அறையப்படும் இடத்தில் செங்குத்தான சிலுவை சுமக்கப்படும் என்று அவர் எழுதினார்.

கிடைமட்ட பகுதி சுமார் 22 கிலோ எடையுள்ளதாக இருந்தது. சிலுவையின் கிடைமட்டம், செங்குத்து பகுதியைச் சேர்த்து 80 முதல் 90 கிலோ வரை இருந்தது. அதைச் சுமந்துகொண்டு நீண்ட நடைபயணத்தை மேற்கொள்ள முடியாது. இயேசு சுமார் 8 கி.மீ. சென்றதாக நம்பப்படுகிறது.

"தண்டனையின் விவரங்கள் ரோமானிய பழக்க வழக்கங்கள் மற்றும் வரலாற்று ஆவணங்கள் மூலம் உறுதிப்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளன. இந்த தண்டனையைப் பெறுபவர்களின் கைகள் சிலுவையில் கட்டப்பட்டிருக்கும் அல்லது ஆணியால் அறையப்பட்டிருக்கும்," என்று ஃபெராரா விளக்குகிறார்.

"மறுபுறம், பாதங்களும் கட்டப்பட்டும் அல்லது ஆணியால் அறையப்படும். மிக மெதுவாக மரணம் நிகழும் வகையில் பயங்கரமான துன்பங்களுடனும் சித்ரவதைகள் செய்யப்பட்டன. சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டு, நிலத்திலிருந்து அரை மீட்டர் உயரத்திற்கு நிறுத்தப்படுவர். நிர்வாணமாக்கப்பட்டுப் பல மணிநேம் அல்லது நாள்கணக்கில் சித்ரவதைகள் செய்யப்படும். இதனால், வலி, குமட்டல் மற்றும் சரியாக சுவாசிக்க இயலாமை போன்றவை ஏற்படும். ரத்தம் கால்களுக்குக்கூட செல்லாது என்பதால் கை, கால்கள் சோர்வடையும்," என்கிறார் அவர்.

ஆராய்ச்சியாளர்களிடையே உள்ள ஒருமித்த கருத்து என்னவென்றால், ஆணிகள் உள்ளங்கைகளில் அல்லாமல் மணிக்கட்டுகளில் அடிக்கப்பட்டன. இதனால், உடல் எடையின் காரணமாக, கைகள் முழுதும் கிழிந்துவிடும்.

"கைகளின் அமைப்பு மற்றும் முக்கியமான எலும்புகள் இல்லாததால், அதிக எடை காரணமாக கைகளின் சதை கிழிந்துவிடும்," என்று ஃபெராரா கூறுகிறார்.

ஆணிகள் 12.5 சென்டிமீட்டர் நீளம் கொண்டவை என்று கூறும் டாக்டர் ஜூகிபே, இயேசுவின் உள்ளங்கையின் மையத்தில் அல்லாமல், கட்டை விரலுக்குக் கீழேதான் ஆணி அடிக்கப்பட்டதாகக் கூறுகிறார்.

ஏற்கெனவே சிலுவையில் நிறுத்தி வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்த நிலையில், இயேசுவின் கால்களும் ஆணிகளால் அடிக்கப்பட்டன. ஆணி அடிக்கப்படுவதால், முக்கியமான நரம்புகள் பாதிக்கப்படுவதால், தாங்க முடியாத மற்றும் தொடர்ச்சியான வலி ஏற்படும்.

"இத்தகைய சித்ரவதைகள் செய்யப்படும் ஒரு நபர் இறக்க எவ்வளவு நேரம் ஆகும்? அவர்கள் தசைப்பிடிப்பு ஏற்பட்டு இறப்பர். இதனால் அவர்களின் தசைகள் சிதைந்து, உடல் முழுவதும் பெரும் வலியுடன் காற்று பற்றாக்குறையால் இறப்பர்," என்கிறார் செவிட்டரேஸ்.

இத்தகைய சித்ரவதைகளால் இயேசு மாரடைப்பு ஏற்பட்டதன் விளைவாக இறந்தார் என்று என்று ஃபெராரா கூறுகிறார்.

அவரது சோதனைகள் மூலம், ஜூகிபே இயேசுவின் மரணம் பற்றி மிகவும் ஏற்றுக்கொள்ளப்பட்ட மூன்று கருதுகோள்களைப் பகுப்பாய்வு செய்தார்: மூச்சுத்திணறல், மாரடைப்பு மற்றும் ரத்தப்போக்கு அதிர்ச்சி.

அவருடைய ஆய்வின் முடிவு என்னவென்றால், இயேசுவுக்கு ஹைபோவோலீமியா காரணமாக மாரடைப்பு ஏற்பட்டது. அதாவது, சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டு சித்திரவதைகள் செய்யப்பட்டதால் அவருக்கு ரத்தத்தின் அளவு கணிசமாகக் குறைந்தது. அதனால், ரத்தக்கசிவு ஏற்பட்டு அவர் இறந்திருப்பார்.

"[சிலுவை மரணம்] உடல் ரீதியான வன்முறையின் மரணம். சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்ட நபரின் உடல்நிலையைப் பொருத்து அவர் இறக்கும் நேரம் மாறுபடும். சிலுவையில் அறையப்படுவதற்கு முன்பு அவர் அனுபவித்த சித்திரவதை மிகவும் தீவிரமானதாக இருந்திருந்தால், சிறிது நேரத்திலேயே இறந்திருக்கலாம்," என்கிறார் செவிட்டரேஸ்.

"இயேசுவின் வேதனை சில மணிநேரங்களுக்கு நீடித்திருக்கலாம். சிலுவையில் அறையப்படுவதற்கு முன்பான கொடுமைகள் காரணமாக ஏற்பட்ட அபரிமிதமான ரத்த இழப்பால், ஒருவேளை இரண்டு மணிநேரத்திற்கும் குறைவான நேரத்திலேயே இறந்திருக்கலாம்," என்று ஃபெராரா நம்புகிறார்.

▪️"சிலுவை மரணம் என்பது உடல் வன்முறையின் மரணம்."

சிலுவையில் மரண தண்டனை விதிக்கப்பட்ட நபர் ரோமானியர்களால் "அழுக்கானவர்" என்றோ, ரோமானிய குடிமகன் அல்லாதவராகவோ, சமூக அடுக்கில் பின்தங்கிய நிலையில் இருந்து வருகிறார் என்றாலோ, மரண தண்டனையை நிறைவேற்றுபவர்கள் அந்நபர்களை அனைத்து வகையான தாக்குதல்களுக்கும் உள்ளாக்கியதாகக் கருதப்படுகிறது. இவற்றுக்கு, அசோராக் எனப்படும் ஒரு குறிப்பிட்ட சவுக்கு பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டது.

இயேசுவை பொறுத்த வரையில், தோலைக் கிழித்து, சதைத் துண்டுகளைக் கிழிக்கும் திறன்கொண்ட முள் முனையுடைய உலோகப் பந்துகள் பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டதாக ஃபெராரா நம்புகிறார்.

"அவர் சமூகத்தின் விளிம்புநிலையில் இருந்து வந்த 'குற்றவாளி', உன்னதமற்ற தோற்றம் கொண்டவர். இயேசு ரோமானிய பேரரசின் ஒரு சிறிய கிழக்கு மாகாணத்தைச் சேர்ந்த யூதர்" என்று ஃபெராரா கூறுகிறார்.

டாக்டர் ஜூகிபே மேற்கொண்ட ஆராய்ச்சியின்படி, இயேசுவை சாட்டையால் அடிக்கப் பயன்படுத்தப்பட்ட சாட்டையின் மாதிரி மூன்று கீற்றுகளால் செய்யப்பட்டது.

இதுபோன்ற தண்டனை பெற்றவர்கள் அக்கருவியால் 39 அடிகளைப் பெறுவது வழக்கம்; ஆட்டுக்குட்டி எலும்பால் செய்யப்பட்ட இவற்றால் அடிக்கப்பட��ம்போது 117 கசையடிகளைப் பெறுவது போன்று இருக்கும்.

நடுக்கம், மயக்கம், கடுமையான ரத்தப்போக்கு, கல்லீரல் மற்றும் மண்ணீரல் சேதம், நுரையீரலில் ரத்தம் மற்றும் திரவங்கள் குவிதல் போன்றவை இதனால் ஏற்படும் என மருத்துவர் விளக்குகிறார்.

சிலுவையில் அறையப்படும் இடத்திற்குச் செல்லும் வழியில், சித்திரவதைக்கு வரம்புகள் இல்லை. அவர்கள் தாக்கப்பட்டனர், கேலி செய்யப்பட்டனர், தீவிர வன்முறையால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டனர். கேலியாக, இயேசுவின் தலையில் முள் கிரீடம் வைக்கப்பட்டதாக பைபிளில் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

முள்கிரீடத்திற்கு எந்தச் செடி பயன்படுத்தப்பட்டது என்பதை ஜூகிபே அறிய விரும்பினார். தாவரவியலாளர்கள் மற்றும் மத்திய கிழக்கு அறிஞர்களை நேர்காணல் செய்த பிறகு, போதுமான பெரிய முள்ளைக் கொண்டிருக்கும் சாத்தியமான தாவர இனங்களைக் கண்டறிந்தார். அவற்றின் விதைகளைப் பெற்று தானே அந்தத் தாவரங்களை வளர்த்து பகுப்பாய்வு செய்தார்.

இப்போது ‘கிறிஸ்துவின் கிரீடம்’ (Euphorbia milii) என்று அழைக்கப்படும் தாவரம்தான் பயன்படுத்தப்படுவதாக அவர் முடிவுக்கு வந்தார். மரண விசாரணை அதிகாரியின் கூற்றுப்படி, இந்தச் செடியின் முட்களால் தலையில் ஏற்படும் காயங்கள், முகம் மற்றும் உச்சந்தலையில் கடுமையான ரத்தப்போக்கு ஏற்படுவதைவிட, தலையில் உள்ள நரம்புகளை அடைந்து தாங்க முடியாத வலியை ஏற்படுத்தும்.

▪️இயேசுவுக்கு கல்லறை அமைக்கப்பட்டதா?

இயேசு சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டது, பைபிள் சொல்வதற்கு மாறாக, நேரில் கண்ட சாட்சிகளிடமிருந்து வெகு தொலைவில் நிகழ்ந்தது என்று செவிட்டரேஸ் கூறுகிறார். ஏனென்றால் மக்கள் மத்தியில் கிளர்ச்சியைத் தூண்டாதபடி இயேசு சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டிருக்கலாம் என்கிறார் அவர்.

மேலும், மதரீதியாகக் கூறப்படும் கதைகளைப் போல் அல்லாமல், இயேசு அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டதோ அவருடைய உடலின் எச்சங்களோ பாதுகாக்கப்படவில்லை.

"சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டவர்கள் புதைக்கப்படவில்லை. அவர்கள் உயிருடன் இருந்தாலும் சிலுவையிலேயே அறையப்பட்டிருந்தார்கள். அவர்களால் அசைய முடியாது என்பதை வேட்டையாடும் பறவைகள் அறிந்திருந்தன. அவர்களின் கண்கள், மூக்கு மற்றும் கன்னங்களை அப்பறவைகள் சாப்பிட்டன," என்று அவர் விளக்குகிறார்.

"அவர்களின் உடல் சிலுவையிலேயே நான்கு அல்லது ஐந்து நாட்கள், தொங்கிக் கொண்டிருக்கும். சதை அழுக ஆரம்பித்துக் கீழே விழும். நாய்களும் மற்ற விலங்குகளும் தங்கள் விருந்துக்கு அந்த மனித எச்சங்களைப் பயன்படுத்திக் கொண்டன," என்று அவர் கூறினார்.

அவரைப் பொறுத்தவரை, இந்த ஆய்வறிக்கை என்னவென்றால், அந்த நேரத்தில் ஆயிரக்கணக்கான அடிமைகள் சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டனர் . கல்லறைகள் அல்லது எலும்புகள் கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்டதற்கான பதிவுகள் எதுவும் இல்லை.

"வரலாற்றுரீதியாக, சிலுவையில் அறையப்பட்டவர்கள் புதைக்கப்படவில்லை," என்று அவர் கூறுகிறார். "ஆனால் இறையியல் ரீதியாக, இயேசு அடக்கம் செய்யப்பட்டு, பின்னர் உயிர்த்தெழுப்பப்பட வேண்டியிருந்தது தெளிவாகிறது," என்றார்.

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pooma-bible · 19 days

Text

Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 04: Living Free of Sin!

Rhema Word: I John 5:18 (NKJV) “ We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”

Introduction: To Whom Written:

To the church at large. Note there is no greeting farewell, or personal references that could reveal the recipients. This means a most wonderful thing: each local church can look upon First John as though the letter has been personally written to it. Tradition says that all three epistles were written from Ephesus where John pastored during the latter years of his life.

Purpose of this Letter:

Apostle John wrote to defend the faith and to strengthen the church against false teachers and heretical doctrine. John confronted the first stages of the same heretical teachings that Paul often confronted – the beginning stages of Gnosticism.

Special Features of Epistle First John:

(a) First John is “A General Epistle”. That is, it is not written to a specific church, but rather it is written to all Christian believers. It is “An Epistle Written From a Father to His Children.” It is written from the heart of a pastor who feels the tenderness of a father for his children.

(b) It is “An Epistle Combating False Teachers and Doctrinal Error”.

(c) It is “An Epistle of Christian Certainty or Assurance”. The phrase “we know” is used seventeen times to give assurance to the believer. The epistle assures the believer time and again that God has sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, into the world to save man (the incarnation). In addition, John assures the believer of eternal life. In contrast, the Gospel of John was written to stir faith “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God…” (John 20:31).

(d) It is “An Epistle of Tests”. It was written to give the believer test after test by which he could prove whether he knows God. The tests also strengthen the believer’s faith and love for God.

(e) It is “A Personal and a Spiritual Epistle”. It is not written so much from a doctrinal point of view, although it is filled with doctrinal teaching. Its emphasis is personal righteousness, purity, love, and a knowledge and loyalty to Jesus Christ, the Son of God Himself.

(f) It is “An Epistle that Stresses Love” (1 John 2:7-11; 3:1-3; 3:11-17; 23; 4:7-21).

(g) It is “An Epistle that Stresses that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Anointed One of God” (1 John 1:7; 2:1,22; 3:8; 4:9-10, 14-15; 5:1,5,9-13,18,20).

(h) It is “An Epistle that Stresses that Jesus Christ Did Come As a Man” (1 John 1:1-3,5,8; 4:2-3. 9-10, 14; 5:6,8,20).

(i) It is “An Epistle that Stresses that Jesus Christ is the Saviour: He Did Die for Man’s Sins” (1 John 1:7; 2:1-2; 3:5,8,16; 4:9-10, 14).

(j) It is “An Epistle that Stresses the Spirit Living Within the Believer” (1 John 2:20, 27; 3:24; 4:13, 15-16; 5:12).

(k) It is “An Epistle that Stresses the Need for Separation From the World” (1 John 2:15-17; 3:1,3,13, 4:3-5; 5:4, 19).

(l) It is “An Epistle that Stresses Righteousness and Obedience to God’s Commandments” (I John 2:3-8, 29; 3:3-15, 22-24; 4:20-21; 5:2-4, 17-19, 21).

We have been meditating First John on the following five topics since last few weeks:

First John: DIVISION 01: The Great Testimony of John: The Son of God Has Come to Earth:

First John: DIVISION 02: The Three Misconceptions of Man:

First John: DIVISION 03: The Proof That One Really Knows God: Seven Tests:

First John: DIVISION 04: The Proof That One Really Loves God: Six Tests:

First John: DIVISION 05: The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Four Tests:

We have meditated the First four Divisions and the first three parts of fifth Division so far in last twenty weeks. We have been meditating the last Division “First John: Division 05: The Proof That One Really Believes in God” since last three weeks.

Believing God: Practically every person claims that he believes in God. Few people claim to be atheistic or agnostic. Most people claim to believe in God and claim to have some idea in their minds about what God is like. But note this: people’s beliefs and ideas differ. Quickly think across the world at the different beliefs and ideas of God, the beliefs and ideas of the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Jews, the Hindus, the Christians and so on. In reality, there are just about as many ideas about God as there are people upon earth, for every person has his own mind, and within his mind his own idea of God. This fact brings about a critical question: Who is right? Whose belief and idea of God is correct? On thing is sure: if God really exists, then it is of utmost importance that we be correct in what we believe and think about Him. For someday we shall all stand before Him and give an account to Him.

How can we tell if we believe in God, if our beliefs and concepts of God are accurate? How can we tell if we really believe in “the only living and true God?” This is the discussion of this last chapter of First John. There are following four tests that will show us:

First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 01: Being Born Again!

First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 02: Believing the Witness About Christ: That He is the Son of God (Part 01)!

First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 03: Believing the Witness About Christ: That He is the Son of God (Part 02)!

First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 04: Living Free of Sin!

Do we really believe in God? There are four tests that will clearly show us. This is the fourth and final test. Are we living free of sin or not? If we live in sin, it is clear proof we do not believe in God. But if we live in righteousness, live a life that is free of sin, then this is clear proof that we do believe in God. The person who wants to be acceptable to God must live a life of righteousness. He must live for God. No person should ever think that he can live a life of sin and be acceptable to God. The test of whether or not we believe God is the test of sin: Are we living in sin or not? This passage discusses the great subject of how to live free of sin.

Let us try to meditate the Fourth Test on First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 04: Living Free of Sin! with the help of our Holy Spirit today, on the following:

(1) By Praying For a Sinning Brother:

(2) By Keeping Oneself from Sin:

(3) By Knowing That One is Born of God and That the World is Under the Power of satan:

(4) By Receiving The Spiritual Understanding That is Given by Christ:

(5) By Keeping Oneself From Idols:

(1) By Praying For a Sinning Brother:

The Bible says in 1 John 5:16 “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.”

How do we live free of sin? First, by praying for sinning bothers. If we are praying for believers who are living in sin, then we are concerned about sin, about living righteous lives. Scripture is clear: we are to pray for sinning brothers. But note: there is one time when we are not to pray for a sinning brother. When? When he has committed a “sin that leads to death”.

Sin – Believer’s Judgement: This is one of those passages where there are almost as many different interpretations as there are words in the passage. The one thing that is clear is this: this passage is a severe warning. It is a warning so severe that one must walk ever so righteously; one must trust the Lord Jesus Christ to grant the power to overcome sin.

There are several passages of Scripture that issue a severe warning and speak of the sinful behaviour of believers…

(a) Sinful behaviour that causes loss of all reward by fire – a loss so great one is stripped as much as a burned-out building. It is the loss of all except the bare salvation of oneself. Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

(b) Sinful behaviour that destroys the flesh [sinful nature] so that the Spirit may be saved. Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 5:5 “Deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

(c) Sinful behaviour that can cause a person to become disqualified. Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

(d) Sinful behaviour that causes death for a believer as apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30 “For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this reason, many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.”

(e) Sinful behaviour that merits no escape as Bible says in Hebrews 2:1-3; 12:25 “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.” … “See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.”

(f) Sinful behaviour that prohibits a person from ever repenting again as we see in Hebrews 6:4 “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit.”

(g) Sinful behaviour that causes a person to miss God’s rest as we see in Hebrews 4:1 “Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.”

(h) Sinful behaviour that prohibits any future sacrifice for sins and merits terrible punishment as Bible says in Hebrews 10:26 “For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”

(i) Sinful behaviour that entangles a person in the corruption of the world after he has come to the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 2:20 “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.”

(j) Sinful behaviour that leads to death as apostle John says in 1 John 5:16 “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.”

There are basically two positions on the “sin that leads to death” that need to be looked at and studied:

(i) The first position sees the sin that leads to death as being spiritual and eternal death. Some who hold this position believe that it can be committed only by a person who make a false profession; others think that it can be committed by genuine believers. Note three facts:

(a) First, note the word brother. The word brother means either true believers or professing believers who commit the sin that leads to death. The person who commits the sin that leads to death is a church member.

(b) Second, note that the words life and death must correspond. If it is spiritual and eternal life that God gives to a person, then the sin that leads to death has to be referring to spiritual and eternal death.

Note, if the life that God gives is spiritual and eternal life, then the sin that leads to death must correspond; it must mean the opposite, that is, spiritual and eternal death. Note, what the full verse 1 John 5:16 “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.”

(c) Third, does this mean that a believer can commit sin to the point that he is doomed to spiritual and eternal death? If so, what do we do with passages of Scripture where God assures Christ that He will never lose a single brother who genuinely believes in Him. Passages and promises such as these…

=> God will allow no genuine believer to be snatched out of His hand. Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 10:28-29 “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.”

=> God has predestined believers to the image of Christ so that Christ will have many brothers. Apostle Paul says in Romans 8:29 “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

=> God will perform the work of salvation and growth until the day of Jesus Christ. Apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

=> God shields the believer by His power. The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:12; Jude 1:24-25 “Who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” … “For this reason, I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” … “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Saviour, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion, and power, Both now and forever. Amen.”

Lesson: Whatever our position, we must always remember this: the answer to sin is repentance and confession. As long as a person is still alive, he can repent and confess his sin and God will forgive him and restore him into the fellowship of His dear Son. As long as we are living, there is still hope; there is assurance of forgiveness and cleansing if we will only repent and confess.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 13:3 “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 1:7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

The Bible says in Acts 3:19; 8.22; Isaiah 55:7 “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” … “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.” … “Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.”

(2) By Keeping Oneself from Sin:

The Bible says in 1 John 5:17-18 “All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.”

How do we live free of sin? By keeping ourselves from sin. Two things are essential in order to live free of sin.

(i) We must know that all wrongdoings are sin. Too many people think too lightly of some sins. They rank sins, feeling that some sins are not so bad and are more acceptable to God. They feel that some sins are small, others are big; some sins are white, others are black; some sins are more permissible, others are less permissible; some sins are more acceptable, others are less acceptable.

But note what Scripture says: “all wrongdoing is sin”. There is not a single act of wrongdoing that is not sin. There is only one sin that is ranked as a sin that leads to death. As seen above, that sin is either apostasy, denying that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, or else obstinate and persistent sin that just refuses to repent. This is ultimate sin, the unpardonable sin. But God does not list this sin to say that we can commit all the other sins and get away with them. He tells us about the sin that leads to death in order to warn us that we can sin too much. We can turn away from Christ too often, so often that we become engulfed and encrusted with sin – so hardened that we cannot break away. We doom ourselves if we continue to sin. All wrongdoing is sin; no matter how small and white or how permissible and acceptable we may think the act of wrongdoing is, it is sin to God. And if we persist in it, we are moving toward becoming so engulfed and encrusted in it that we border on the sin that leads to death.

The point is this: the way we live free of sin is to know that all wrongdoing is sin. There is not an act of wrongdoing that is not sin. No matter what we think, no matter how we may rank sin, there is no rank of sin with God. Sin is sin; wrongdoing is wrongdoing. We must repent and forsake all sin – know that all wrongdoing is sin – if we are to live from of sin.

Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:18; 6:13; 14:23 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” … “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” … “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”

The Bible says in James 4:17; 2 Peter 2:13; 1 John 3:4 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” … “And will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you.” … “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”

(ii) We must be born of God and put ourselves under the keeping power of God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible says in 1 John 5:18 (AMP) “We know [with confidence] that anyone born of God does not habitually sin; but He (Jesus) who was born of God [carefully] keeps and protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.”

Every person has sinned and is guilty of sin. We have all ignored God, neglected God, disbelieved God, disobeyed God, rebelled against God, and rejected God. Therefore, we are unacceptable to God. We are alienated and separated from God. We cannot live in God’s presence. God is perfect and no imperfect person can live in His presence.

But this is the glorious gospel: God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to save man. Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself and bore the guilt and judgement for them. Our sins are taken off from us, removed from us. When we really believe in Jesus Christ, God counts the death of Christ for us. He counts our sins as having been paid by Christ. He counts us as being free of sin; He counts us as righteous. Therefore, we are acceptable to Him. But remember it is all through Christ.

Now note this: when this happens, when we truly believe in Christ and we become free of sin, God does a most wonderful thing for us:

=> He recreates our spirit, causes us to be born again. The Bible says in John 3:3,5; 1 Peter 1:23 “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” … “Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” … “Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.”

=> He makes us into a new creation. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

=> He recreates us into a new person, a new self. The Bible says in Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10 “And that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” … “And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

In the words of this verse, we are born of God (v.18). This is the way we keep ourselves from sin: being born of God. By being born of God, all of our past sins are removed from us. We are not guilty of a single sin because of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself, we are freed of sin. We stand acceptable to God.

But note: What about the sins we commit now and the sins we have committed since we first believed in Christ? How can we live free of them? Again, by the keeping power of God’s Son. If we genuinely confess our sins, if we are sincere, if we struggle and struggle against sin, if we keep coming to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, then the blood of Jesus Christ continues to cleanse us from sin. Jesus Christ is eternal; He is the Ideal and Perfect Man, the Ideal Man who made the perfect sacrifice for sins. Therefore, His perfect sacrifice stands for and covers sin forever and ever.

The point is the most striking and wonderful news in all the world: we can be free of sin through Jesus Christ. All we have to do is cast ourselves upon Him continually. When we do this, He purifies us from sin continually (1 John 1:9).

The word “keep” (tereo) means to keep a watchful eye over. Jesus Christ keeps His eye upon those who truly trust Him. He knows who they are, for they are…

=> always coming to Him;

=> always walking with Him;

=> always fellowshipping and communing with Him;

=> always praying, praising, and confessing their shortcomings and sins.

Note that the wicked one does not touch the genuine believer. This does not mean that the believer never sins. The word “harm” (hapto) means to lay hold of, grasp, and grip. The idea is that satan cannot touch the believer to harm him. The genuine believer is under the keeping power of Jesus Christ; his sins are covered under the blood of Jesus Christ.

The Bible says in Acts 2:38; Hebrews 9:22; Revelation 1:5 “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” … “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” … “And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood.”

Apostle Paul says in Ephesians 1:7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 1:7,9 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” … “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

(3) By Knowing That One is Born of God and That the World is Under the Power of satan:

The Bible says in 1 John 5:19 “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.”

How do we live free of sin? By knowing that we are born of God and that the whole world is under the power of the evil one. What does this mean? How is the world under the power of satan?

=> It means that satan has brought corruption and deterioration to the world. The world is passing away. The world is corruptible and deteriorating and will eventually be destroyed. Therefore, do not become attached to the world; be attached to God and to heaven. Do not love the world so much that you desire to stay here more than you desire to be with God and in heaven.

=> It means that satan has affected the governments and societies of the world. He has corrupted the hearts and minds, laws, and rules of man. No government and no set of laws are perfect in governing the nations and societies of the earth. Therefore, believers must respect and be loyal to the good, but reject and stand against the bad. Believers must not love any organization more than they love God, not to the point that they are more attached to the systems of man’s organizations than they are to God and heaven.

=> It means that satan has injected and infected the world with sin and with lust, evil, pride, and rebellion against God. The world is full of sinful people, people who are evil and full of lust and pride; it is full of people who are in rebellion against God. Do not love this sinful system of the world.

The world is not as God created it, neither the earth and heaven nor the people in them. They have all been corrupted in their very nature: they are aging, deteriorating, and passing away. And man, himself has rebelled against God, become disobedient and unbelieving. He curses and rejects God with ever so many breaths, and he lives a selfish life, doing what he wants and seeking the pleasures and passions of the world. The end result is death and doom, utter destruction for both himself and his world.

The point is this: How does the believer live free of sin? How does he conquer and live victoriously over sin? By knowing that the world is in opposition to God, that it lies under the power of the wicked one. When the believer knows this, then he knows that he must not touch the world. He must separate himself from the worldliness of the world and live for God, for he is born of God.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Ephesians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” … “Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.” … “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” … “But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.”

Apostle John says in 1 John 2:15-16 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

(4) By Receiving The Spiritual Understanding That is Given by Christ:

The Bible says in 1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

How do we live free of sin? By receiving the spiritual understanding that is given by Christ. Note: the understanding being spoken about is the spiritual understanding that is given by Christ and by Christ alone. Understanding other areas of life will not deliver us from sin. Deliverance from sin is not found in understanding emotion; behaviour; psychology; medicine; sociology; education; philosophy; or religion.

All of these are important and have their place in society, but there is only one understanding that can deliver us from sin: the spiritual understanding that Jesus Christ gives. The human mind has to be enlightened to understand who Christ is. Our minds have to be quickened to receive Christ as our Saviour from sin, quickened by Christ Himself.

Jesus Christ gives us spiritual understanding so that we can know three things:

(i) Jesus Christ gives us the knowledge of God, to know that God is true: that God does exist; that God is behind all things; that God is the Maker and Creator of all things – both heaven and earth and all that is therein.

(ii) Jesus Christ gives us the knowledge that we are in God and in His son, the Lord Jesus Christ; that we have been born of God; that God has placed us in Him and in His Son; that we live, move, and have our being in God and in Christ; that we are secure forever and ever in God and His dear Son because we are in the very divine nature of God Himself.

(iii) Jesus Christ gives us the knowledge that we know the true God who lives eternally; that we are in Him; that we have eternal life; that we will never die but will live with God forever and ever.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in John 7:16-17; 8:31-32; 17:3 “Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.” … “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” … “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”

The Bible says in Jeremiah 9:24; Hosea 6:3 “But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.” … “Let us know, Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord. His going forth is established as the morning; He will come to us like the rain, Like the latter and former rain to the earth.”

(5) By Keeping Oneself From Idols:

The Bible says in 1 John 5:21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.”

How do we live free of sin? By keeping ourselves from idols. This exhortation closes the Epistle of First John. Note the tenderness with which John speaks: he calls the believers “dear children”. He is the aged and faithful minister who has served God for decade after decade. He has served God by reaching people for Christ and by building up the believers of the Lord’s church. He loves every believer, loves them ever so dearly. He counts them as his dear children in the faith.

Note another fact as well: this exhortation is directed to believers. It is believers who must guard and keep themselves from idols. What does John mean?

An idol is anything that takes first place in a person’s life, anything that a person puts before God. An idol is anything that consumes man’s focus and concentration, that consumes his energy and efforts more than God. A person can make an idol out of anything in this world; a person can take anything and worship it before God; he can allow it to consume his mind and thoughts and life, namely, houses; lands; job; position; wives; children; cars; boats; sports; money; comfort; television; food; power; possessions; pleasures; and recreation.

The Amplified Version says in 1 John 5:21 “Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].”

Our Lord Jesus Christ said in Luke 12:15 “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

Apostle Paul says in Romans 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 5:22 “Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” … “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.” … “Therefore, put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” … “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.”

The Bible says in James 1:27; Jude 1:21; Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 11:16; Isaiah 42:8 “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” … “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” … “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.” … “Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them.” … “I am the Lord, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images.”

Let us introspect ourselves.

Shall we thank our God for making it clear that if we live a life that is free of sin which itself is the proof that we believe in God?

Shall we commit ourselves for praying for brothers who are living in sin which shows our concern about sin, enabling us to live free of sin?

Shall we thank our God for His grace to give eternal life to the believers who are living in sin when we pray for them?

Shall we thank our God for His assurances that He will not allow any genuine believer to be snatched out of His hand, that He has predestined believers to the image of Christ so that Christ will have many brothers besides He will perform the work of salvation and growth until the day of His beloved Son Jesus Christ?

Shall we keep ourselves from all the wrongdoings which are sin by repenting and forsaking all sin?

Shall we thank our God for sending His beloved Son Jesus Christ into the world to take our sins upon Himself and bore the guilt and judgement for them?

Shall we thank our God for counting our sins as having been paid by Christ and counting us as righteous when we really believe in His beloved Son Jesus Christ?

Shall we thank our God for recreating our spirit causing us to be born again, makes us into a new creation, new person, new self when we truly believe in Christ?

Shall we cast ourselves upon Jesus Christ continually by always coming to Him; walking with Him; fellowshipping and communing with Him besides praying, praising, and confessing our shortcomings and sins?

Shall we commit ourselves to get separated from the worldliness of the world and live for God as we are born of God?

Shall we commit ourselves to guard and keep ourselves from idols which consumes our energy and efforts more than God?

Let us Pray: Our Heavenly Gracious Father, we thank You for helping us to understand about “First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 04: Living Free of Sin, today, Father. We thank You Father for making it clear that if we live a life that is free of sin which itself is the proof that we believe in You Father. Please help us to commit ourselves for praying for brothers who are living in sin which shows our concern about sin, enabling us to live free of sin, Father. We thank You Father for Your grace to give eternal life to the believers who are living in sin when we pray for them, for Your assurances that You will not allow any genuine believer to be snatched out of Your hand, that You have predestined believers to the image of Christ so that Christ will have many brothers besides You will perform the work of salvation and growth until the day of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. Please help us to keep ourselves from all the wrongdoings which are sin by repenting and forsaking all sin we commit Father. We thank You Father for sending Your beloved Son Jesus Christ into the world to take our sins upon Himself and bore the guilt and judgement for them, for counting our sins as having been paid by Your beloved Son Jesus Christ and counting us as righteous when we really believe in Your Son, Father. We thank You Father for recreating our spirit causing us to be born again, makes us into a new creation, new person, new self when we truly believe in Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. Please help us to cast ourselves upon Jesus Christ continually by always coming to Him; walking with Him; fellowshipping and communing with Him besides praying, praising and confessing our shortcomings and sins, help us to commit ourselves to get separated from the worldliness of the world and live for You as we are born of You, help us to commit ourselves to guard and keep ourselves from idols which consumes our energy and efforts more than You Father. We thank You Father for filling us with Your joy, peace, and hope, for accepting us when we approach You through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ besides being merciful on us and loving us so much and predestined us to receive Your promise of glory through Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, Father. We give all praise, glory, and honour to Your Holy Name. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

God bless you all

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pooma-bible · 25 days

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Greetings in the matchless Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

First John: DIVISION 05 - The Proof That One Really Believes in God: Test 03: Believing the Witness About Christ: That He is the Son of God (Part 02)!

Rhema Word: I John 5:11-12 (NKJV) “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”