COULD THIS BE WHY YOU’RE LOST?

Understanding the Power of God and the Scriptures

“Jesus replied, ‘Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?’”
— Mark 12:24

Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the Word of God today.

1. The Encounter with the Sadducees

In Mark 12:18–27, the Sadducees—who denied the resurrection—present Jesus with a hypothetical story about a woman who had been married to seven brothers (following the Levirate law in Deuteronomy 25:5–10). Their intent was to mock the concept of resurrection.

Their question: “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be?” was not genuine; it was rooted in their disbelief. They assumed that eternal life must mirror earthly life, especially in terms of marriage and relationships.

But Jesus responded with divine clarity:

“Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?”
— Mark 12:24

He revealed the core issue: their ignorance of Scripture and underestimation of God’s power. These two errors still mislead many today.

2. Not Knowing the Power of God – Limiting God to Human Logic

The Sadducees believed that life beyond death would operate under earthly constraints. But Jesus corrected them by explaining that in the resurrection, people will be like angels—not marrying or being given in marriage (Mark 12:25).

This highlights an essential theological truth:
Glorification – At the resurrection, believers will be transformed.

Philippians 3:21:

“…who, by the power that 8 understand the Scriptures they claimed to uphold.

He quoted Exodus 3:6, reminding them of God’s words to Moses:

“I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
— Mark 12:26

Jesus pointed out that God spoke in the present tense—“I am,” not “I was.” This implies that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were still alive in God’s presence. In other words, God is not the God of the dead, but of the living (Mark 12:27).

This highlights a vital biblical doctrine:
The Intermediate State – The souls of the righteous live on with God even before the final resurrection (cf. Luke 16:22, Philippians 1:23).

Even today, many churches and religious groups mislead people because they don’t accurately teach or study Scripture:

Worshiping idols, while Exodus 20:4–5 forbids it.
Claiming the Sabbath is the “seal of God,” while Ephesians 4:30 teaches that the Holy Spirit is God’s seal on believers.
Using relics or saints as intermediaries, despite 1 Timothy 2:5 clearly stating, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”

4. The Consequence of Ignorance – A Life Misled

When people don’t know the Scriptures or God’s power, they either follow false doctrines or give up on spiritual life entirely. Some even claim no one can live a holy life in this world.

But Scripture says otherwise:

Hebrews 12:14

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

And:

John 1:12

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

God not only calls us to holiness, but gives us the power to walk in it through His Spirit.

Avoiding the Error

Jesus was clear: ignorance of Scripture and God’s power leads to spiritual ruin. But the opposite is also true—knowing God’s Word and trusting in His power brings clarity, strength, and eternal life.

2 Timothy 2:15