Was Judas a Devil According to John 6:70?
Question:
Why did Jesus say that Judas Iscariot was a “devil” in John 6:70? If Jesus knew this, why did He choose Judas as one of His twelve disciples?
Answer:
Let’s begin by examining the Scripture in question:
John 6:70-71 (ESV)
“Jesus answered them, ‘Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.’ He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray Him.”
At first glance, this might seem puzzling. Why would Jesus knowingly choose someone He called “a devil”? Does this mean Judas was Satan incarnate? Theologically and biblically, the answer is no. Let’s explore why.
1.Understanding “Devil”
When Jesus called Judas “a devil,” He was not saying Judas was literally Satan. The Greek word used here is diabolos, which can mean accuser, slanderer, or someone under satanic influence. Jesus was speaking figuratively, describing the spiritual nature and moral character of Judas at that time.
This use of metaphor is consistent with how Jesus spoke of others. For example, He once referred to Herod Antipas as a “fox.”
Luke 13:31-32 (ESV)
“At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ And He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.'”
Here, Jesus didn’t mean Herod was literally an animal, but rather that he was cunning and deceitful attributes associated with a fox.
2. The Nature of Judas’s Heart and Influence of Satan
Judas was not Satan, but he allowed Satanic influence to take root in his life. This is seen clearly in the Gospel of Luke:
Luke 22:3-4 (ESV)
“Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the Twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray Him to them.”
This passage affirms that Judas’s betrayal was not merely a human decision but was influenced if not possessed by a demonic force. Judas gave room in his heart to Satan, which culminated in his infamous betrayal.
3. Peter Also Rebuked as “Satan”
This principle is further demonstrated when Jesus rebuked Peter not because Peter was Satan, but because Peter was, at that moment, expressing thoughts aligned with Satan’s agenda:
Matthew 16:22–23 (ESV)
“And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, ‘Far be it from You, Lord! This shall never happen to You.’ But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are a hindrance to Me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.'”
Jesus wasn’t condemning Peter as Satan incarnate but was rebuking the satanic mindset one that opposes God’s redemptive plan.
4. Why Did Jesus Choose Judas?
Why would Jesus choose someone He knew would betray Him?
The answer lies in divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of Scripture. Judas’s betrayal was foreknown and foretold as part of God’s redemptive plan.
John 13:18 (ESV)
“I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate My bread has lifted his heel against Me.’”
Psalm 41:9 (ESV)
“Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.”
Jesus’ choice of Judas wasn’t an accident. It was in full accordance with prophetic Scripture. God used even the betrayal of Jesus for His ultimate purpose our salvation.
5.Watchfulness Against the Spirit of Betrayal
Judas’s story is a sobering reminder that proximity to Jesus (being among the twelve) is not the same as being spiritually aligned with Him. Satan can exploit weaknesses in anyone who opens the door, whether through greed, ambition, or doubt.
Paul also warns believers of this in the New Testament:
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (ESV)
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.”
Therefore, believers are called to continually examine their hearts:
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
And we are reminded to walk daily in self denial and submission to Christ:
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV)
“Then Jesus told His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.'”
- Judas was not the devil incarnate, but a man who allowed the devil to influence him.
- Jesus used the term “devil” symbolically to describe Judas’s spiritual condition.
- Judas’s betrayal fulfilled prophecy and served a divine purpose in the plan of salvation.
- The same satanic influence can affect anyone not vigilant in faith.
- True discipleship means aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will through daily surrender.
May the Lord give us grace to remain faithful and spiritually discerning, so that we walk not in the spirit of betrayal, but in the spirit of truth and devotion to Christ.
What Is a Curse According to the Bible?
The word “curse” carries two primary meanings:
1. Loss of God’s Favor or Divine Rejection
The first and most foundational meaning of a curse is the loss of God’s favor or approval. This spiritual curse entered humanity through the original sin of Adam’s rebellion (Genesis 3), when mankind disobeyed God’s direct command. This event introduced sin and death into the human race (Romans 5:12), and with it, separation from God the ultimate curse.
This fallen nature persists in all humanity (Romans 3:23), meaning every person is born spiritually separated from God, under His judgment and curse. Theologians refer to this as original sin, the inherited condition of spiritual death and alienation from God.
Illustration: Like a cockroach, which we instinctively reject because of its nature, humans born into the world possess a sinful nature that naturally rebels against God.
2. A Spoken Pronouncement of Harm or Judgment
The second meaning refers to a spoken word or pronouncement whether by God or human beings that intends to bring harm, judgment, or to block blessings.
This includes:
- Divine curses: Judgments God pronounces on disobedience.
- Human curses: Words spoken by righteous or wicked people that have spiritual consequences.
The First Type of Curse: Spiritual Death and Separation
This curse is fundamental and universal. It results in humanity’s separation from God, making every person subject to sin, death, and condemnation (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23).
God’s justice demands that sin be punished (Deuteronomy 27:26), which means humanity’s only hope is redemption through Jesus Christ.
Redemption from the Curse
God’s plan for restoration is the second birth, or being “born again” (John 3:3-7), which removes this first curse. When a person trusts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they receive forgiveness and are adopted into God’s family, becoming heirs of blessing rather than curse.
The atonement of Christ on the cross is central here. Jesus took upon Himself the curse we deserved, dying in our place.
Galatians 3:13–14 (NIV):
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The “curse of the law” refers to the condemnation brought by failure to perfectly obey the Mosaic Law. Christ’s death satisfied God’s justice, breaking the power of sin and the curse over those who believe.
The Second Type of Curse: Divine or Human Pronouncements
a) Curses Pronounced by God
God may declare curses on individuals, families, or nations as consequences of sin and rebellion. These curses can manifest as hardships, defeat, or loss in this life but do not remove salvation for true believers.
Example:
- The covenant curses on Israel for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).
- The curse on the ground and serpent after the fall (Genesis 3:14-19).
- Cain’s punishment as a restless wanderer (Genesis 4:12).
God’s curses serve as corrective or judicial measures and can affect physical life, prosperity, or social standing.
Hebrews 6:4-8 (NIV):
This passage warns about apostasy falling away after knowing the truth which leads to judgment. It uses agricultural imagery to describe how a land that produces only thorns is near to being cursed.
b) Curses Pronounced by Humans
Humans also have spiritual authority to bless or curse (James 3:9-10). This authority is granted especially to God’s people.
i) Curses from the Righteous
God’s people can pronounce curses as a form of spiritual judgment (Genesis 9:25; 1 Timothy 2:14). Jesus taught that what is bound or loosed on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven (Matthew 18:18), showing the spiritual authority believers hold.
However, believers are called to bless rather than curse (1 Peter 3:9). Speaking curses lightly can be dangerous because words have power (Proverbs 18:21).
ii) Curses from the Wicked
Wicked people, including witches and sorcerers, also pronounce curses. Their power, however, is limited and ultimately nullified by God’s protection over believers.
Example:
Balaam was hired to curse Israel but was compelled by God’s power to bless instead (Numbers 23:8-24).
Believers who live under Christ’s protection need not fear curses from evil people because of the spiritual covering they have in Christ.
- The first curse is spiritual death due to sin, removed only by Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the new birth.
- The second curse involves spoken judgment by God or humans and can bring difficulties in this life but does not affect the believer’s eternal salvation.
- Obedience to God’s commands invites blessings, while disobedience can bring curses.
- Believers are called to be people of blessing, using their spiritual authority wisely.
May the Lord bless and keep you, shielding you from all curses and filling you with His abundant blessings in Jesus Christ!
HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE FAITH WITHIN YOU?
“May the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be praised forever!”
Welcome to this short but powerful Bible teaching.
Have you ever asked yourself: What is faith compared to? And how can faith grow within us? These questions are central to the Christian walk, and Scripture offers clear answers.
Let’s explore them together.
Faith Compared to a Mustard Seed
Jesus often used parables and imagery to explain spiritual truths. One of the most well-known illustrations of faith is found in:
Luke 17:6 (NIV) “He replied, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and planted in the sea,” and it will obey you.’”
Here, Jesus compares faith to a mustard seed remarkably small, yet capable of extraordinary results.
Many focus on the seed’s tiny size, interpreting this to mean that even the smallest faith can achieve great things. While that’s true, there’s a deeper principle here: Jesus wasn’t just highlighting the seed’s size, but its potential for growth and transformation.
The Mustard Seed’s Growth: A Picture of Spiritual Development
Let’s go deeper with another passage:
Mark 4:30–32 (ESV)
“And he said, ‘With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it?
It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth,
yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches,
so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.’”
This parable shows us that the mustard seed, though small, must be planted, nurtured, and allowed to grow. In time, it becomes a strong tree that provides refuge and sustenance just like mature faith provides spiritual strength and impact.
Faith Must Be Active and Alive
Faith is not static; it must be nurtured and acted upon. This is why the apostle James writes:
James 2:17 (NIV) “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9), but we have the responsibility to respond, to walk by faith, and to allow that faith to shape our lives and decisions (2 Corinthians 5:7).
How Does Faith Grow? Through Spiritual Disciplines
You might ask: “So, how do I water and nourish this mustard seed of faith?”
The answer is clear in the words of Jesus:
Matthew 17:20–21 (NKJV)
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed,
you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’”
This passage shows us a foundational principle: Prayer and fasting are essential to developing strong, mountain-moving faith. These are not merely rituals they are spiritual disciplines that align our hearts with God’s will, build intimacy with Him, and sharpen our spiritual sensitivity.
Faith as a Dynamic Process
In Reformed theology, faith is understood as both initial (saving faith) and progressive (sanctifying faith). The initial faith comes at conversion by grace alone, but growth in faith is part of sanctification a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ (Romans 8:29).
Just as a seed must be planted in good soil, exposed to sunlight, and watered consistently to grow, our faith grows through daily communion with God through His Word, prayer, worship, fasting, and obedience.
Practical Application: Walking in Faith
Those who diligently pray and fast don’t merely maintain their faith they strengthen it. Their faith becomes like a deep-rooted tree, unshaken by storms.
Psalm 1:2-3 (NIV)
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do prospers.”
When you consistently cultivate your faith, you will begin to experience divine favor, authority in prayer, peace in trials, and victory in spiritual battles.
An Invitation to Grow
Do you desire to grow your faith? Start with these two commitments:
- Don’t neglect prayer make it a daily priority.
- Don’t run from fasting use it as a tool to seek God deeply.
If you’d like weekly prayer guides or to join us in scheduled fasts, feel free to contact us. We’d be happy to walk with you on your spiritual journey.
May the Lord richly bless you and strengthen your faith.
Maranatha! (The Lord is coming!)
BREAKING THE COVENANT WITH DEATH
What Is a Covenant with Death?
In biblical terms, a covenant is a binding agreement between two parties. Just as a legal contract outlines the responsibilities and consequences between two individuals, a spiritual covenant functions similarly. Astonishingly, the Bible teaches that human beings can enter into a covenant with death and even form an agreement with Sheol (the grave or the realm of the dead).
Isaiah 28:18 (ESV)
“Then your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overwhelming scourge passes through, you will be beaten down by it.”
This verse reveals that a spiritual contract can exist between a person and death a condition in which death gains authority over someone’s life. Unless this covenant is broken, death both physical and spiritual remains imminent.
How Does Someone Enter into a Covenant with Death?
It’s a common misconception that people enter covenants with death through witchcraft, evil dreams, or curses. While those may be symptoms or influences, the Bible clearly teaches the root cause: sin.
Romans 6:23 (ESV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Notice Paul doesn’t say “the consequence” but “the wages” of sin is death. Sin is portrayed as a job, and death is the paycheck. When someone sins, they are effectively entering into a working agreement with death they are earning death.
James 1:15 (ESV)
“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Thus, sin is the legal basis by which Satan (the accuser) claims a soul under the authority of death. This aligns with the idea that death is not merely a biological event but a spiritual consequence and separation from God.
Examples of Covenant with Death Through Sin
According to Scripture, acts like idolatry, sexual immorality, theft, and hatred are not just moral failures they are spiritual contracts. When people persist in such sins, they establish a relationship with death.
Galatians 5:19–21 (ESV)
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger… I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Those who continue in such practices are under judgment and, ultimately, destined for what Scripture calls the second death eternal separation from God.
Revelation 21:8 (ESV)
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
How Can the Covenant with Death Be Broken?
Some believe that rituals, anointing oils, prophetic prayers, or the laying on of hands are sufficient to break spiritual covenants. While such practices may have a place within the broader life of the church, they do not have the power to cancel sin only the gospel does.
The Bible is clear: the only way to annul a covenant with death is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, followed by baptism.
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
“And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
Repentance means a turning away from sin a total surrender of the will to God. Baptism is the public declaration and spiritual act of dying to the old life and rising anew in Christ.
Romans 6:4 (ESV)
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
When one repents and is baptized, they are no longer under the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2), but under the grace of God. The covenant with death is broken, and a new covenant is established with life eternal life in Christ.
A Warning and a Call
Even if hands are laid on you, even if you attend church regularly, even if you pray often if you have not truly repented and turned away from sin, the covenant with death still stands.
Hebrews 10:26–27 (ESV)
“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment…”
This is not to instill fear, but urgency. You can break free today.
Isaiah 55:6–7 (ESV)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way… and he will have compassion… for he will abundantly pardon.”
Choose Life
If you’re living in sin idolatry, lust, greed, deception you’re in covenant with death. But the good news is this: Jesus Christ came to destroy the power of death and offer eternal life.
John 5:24 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
Repent. Be baptized. Walk in newness of life.
Let the covenant of death be annulled and the covenant of grace begin today.
Maranatha! (Come, Lord Jesus!)
What Is a Novena, and Is It Biblical?
Answer:
The word Novena originates from the Latin word novem, which means “nine.” In various Christian traditions particularly the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches a Novena refers to a structured form of devotion involving prayer over a period of nine consecutive days, often to request a particular favor or to express gratitude.
These prayers may be directed to God, but in many cases, particularly within Catholic practice, they include petitions to saints or to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and frequently involve the Rosary. However, the practice of praying the Rosary or addressing prayers to saints is not supported by the Bible.
Is the Practice of a Novena in the Bible?
The most commonly cited biblical inspiration for the Novena is found in the period between Jesus’ ascension and the Day of Pentecost. After Jesus ascended to heaven, the disciples, along with others including Mary, gathered in an upper room and devoted themselves to prayer.
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”
Acts 1:14, NKJV
Jesus ascended 40 days after His resurrection (Acts 1:3), and the Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, which was 50 days after Passover (Leviticus 23:15–16). This leaves a 10-day gap during which the disciples prayed together often interpreted by some as the first “Novena.” However, this was never presented in Scripture as a prescriptive model for future prayer practices.
Important distinction: Nowhere in the Bible are believers commanded to pray for nine consecutive days to receive blessings or spiritual gifts. The actions of the early church in Acts 1–2 were descriptive, not prescriptive. They describe what happened, but they do not instruct us to repeat the pattern as a spiritual formula.
Are Repetitive or Scheduled Prayers Encouraged in Scripture?
Jesus Himself cautioned against repetitive prayers done out of ritual or superstition:
“And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.”
Matthew 6:7, NKJV
Prayer, according to Jesus, should be sincere, direct, and addressed to the Father (Matthew 6:6). The Bible teaches us to pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to make our requests known to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6), but it does not prescribe specific durations or formats like a nine-day cycle.
The Problem with Praying to Saints or Mary
One of the major theological issues with many Novenas, especially in Catholic practice, is that they involve prayers directed to saints or to Mary. This contradicts the biblical teaching that there is only one mediator between God and humanity:
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:5, NKJV
The Bible does not support communication with the dead or the idea that saints can intercede on our behalf. In fact, attempting to speak with the dead is explicitly forbidden:
“There shall not be found among you anyone who…calls up the dead.”
Deuteronomy 18:10–11, NKJV
While Mary was undoubtedly blessed and honored (Luke 1:28), she, like all believers, prayed to God not to others and she is never presented in Scripture as someone who receives or mediates prayers.
Are All Novenas Wrong?
Not necessarily. If someone chooses to commit to a nine-day period of focused prayer praying directly to God, without invoking saints or engaging in unbiblical rituals such a practice is not sinful. It may even be spiritually beneficial, much like personal fasting or dedicated prayer retreats.
However, this must be:
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Voluntary (not mandatory),
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Biblically grounded, and
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Free from idolatrous or superstitious elements.
Paul reminds us in Colossians 2:8 (NKJV):
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
So while structured prayer itself is not wrong, it must not replace or distort the truth of the gospel and our direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Should Christians Pray Novenas?
The Bible does not command or endorse the practice of Novenas. Structured prayer over nine days is not inherently sinful, but when it involves:
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Mandatory ritualism,
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Prayers to saints or Mary, or
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Superstitious expectations,
it falls into serious theological error. At best, Novenas are extra-biblical traditions. At worst, they can become acts of idolatry, which Scripture strongly condemns (Exodus 20:3–5; Romans 1:25).
Final encouragement:
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16, NKJV
God invites us to pray directly to Him through Jesus Christ. That is our biblical foundation. Let’s not substitute man-made systems for what Scripture clearly teaches.
May the Lord help us to worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
What Does the Bible Say About Deception? (2 Peter 2:14)
Deception is the act of lying, cheating, or using dishonest shortcuts to achieve one’s goals. Biblically, it is condemned as a sin because it violates God’s nature of truth and righteousness.
Biblical Definitions and Examples of Deception
The Bible repeatedly warns against deception, describing it as a tool of the wicked and a manifestation of a sinful heart:
Genesis 31:20 (ESV): “Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him that he was fleeing.”
Here, deception is shown as a human tactic used to escape an unfavorable situation. Though Jacob was God’s chosen, this act reveals human frailty and moral complexity.
Proverbs 12:5 (ESV): “The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.”
Deception is contrasted with righteousness, highlighting how deceit originates from a corrupt heart opposed to God’s justice.
Romans 1:28-29 (ESV):
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They are filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness.”
Paul describes deception as one of many symptoms of humanity’s fallen state when rejecting God’s truth.
2 Peter 2:14 (ESV):
“With eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin, enticing unstable souls, they have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children!”
Peter identifies deception as a deliberate, ongoing sin that harms vulnerable believers, driven by selfish desires.
2 Peter 2:18 (ESV):
“They entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from error.”
False teachers use deceitful words and fleshly desires to lure back those who have just escaped false teachings.
Practical Examples of Deception
- A husband who secretly indulges in immoral behavior but lies to his wife about his whereabouts is practicing deception.
- A businessperson who cheats customers by under weighing products or overcharging is guilty of dishonest gain.
- A religious leader who falsely claims divine instructions to extort money from believers deceives God’s people and undermines the gospel.
Deception is fundamentally rooted in rebellion against God’s truth. Satan, described by Jesus as “the father of lies” (John 8:44, ESV), first used deception to bring sin into the world by misleading Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Satan’s lies distort reality and seek to separate humanity from God.
Because God is truth (John 14:6), deception is not just a minor offense but a spiritual weapon of darkness. It thrives on envy and the refusal to see others prosper, which fractures community and faith.
However, the Bible calls believers to live in the light of God’s love and truth. When filled with God’s love (1 Corinthians 13), deceptive behavior dies, and we bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel.
Encouragement
Let us seek God’s love and truth daily, rejecting the ways of deception and embracing a life marked by honesty, integrity, and faithfulness.
God bless you.
Shalom.
How will those who died before Jesus be saved?
Question: How will the people who died before Jesus came that is, those under the Old Covenant be saved? We know from Scripture that salvation comes only through the blood of Jesus Christ. So how could those who lived before Christ’s sacrificial death be saved when His blood had not yet been shed?
Answer: It is indeed true that salvation is obtained only through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 9:22). However, the relationship between the Old and New Covenants clarifies how those before Christ were made righteous.
1. The New Covenant fulfills, not abolishes, the Old Covenant.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 5:17 (NIV):
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”
This means the Old Covenant was not invalid or false, but incomplete it pointed forward to the coming Messiah and the ultimate sacrifice He would offer.
2. An analogy of changing systems:
Consider an institution that originally admitted students through paper applications. Later, it switches to an electronic system for admissions. Students admitted by the old system remain valid alumni, but new students must use the updated process. The old system becomes obsolete but does not nullify past valid admissions.
Similarly, the Old Covenant was God’s initial way to relate to His people, but it had limitations, especially in dealing with sin (Hebrews 10:1–4). The sacrifices under the Old Covenant bulls, goats, and lambs could not permanently remove sin, as Hebrews 10:4 (ESV) states:
“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”
3. The New Covenant introduces the perfect sacrifice:
When Jesus died and shed His blood, He inaugurated a New Covenant, fulfilling the promises made in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Luke 22:20). This New Covenant offers complete forgiveness and direct access to God, which the Old Covenant could only foreshadow.
Hebrews 8:13 (NIV) explains:
“By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear.”
The word “obsolete” (Greek: palaios) means “old” or “worn out,” indicating that the Old Covenant’s system was temporary and would pass away when the New Covenant arrived.
4. Salvation of the Old Testament saints:
Those who lived under the Old Covenant Moses, Elijah, Abraham, David, Daniel, and others were declared righteous by faith in God’s promises, anticipating the coming Messiah (Hebrews 11). They were justified by trusting in God’s provision, not by their own works or sacrifices.
The writer of Hebrews makes it clear that they were part of God’s covenant people and considered holy, even though they did not see Christ in His earthly ministry or receive baptism (Hebrews 11:4–40). Their faith was credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3).
5. After Christ’s sacrifice:
Once Jesus’ blood was shed, the New Covenant became the only valid means of salvation. Those born afterward must enter through this covenant, embracing faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Anyone who tries to rely on the Old Covenant’s laws or sacrifices for salvation today is missing the essential truth of the gospel and cannot be saved (Galatians 3:10–14).
6. Practical implications:
It’s vital for believers today to understand the New Covenant’s principles. While we can learn from Old Testament heroes like David his faith and humility we cannot follow all their cultural or legal practices (such as polygamy or revenge). Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:15; 12:24), clearly taught a higher standard:
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Marriage is between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4–6).
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Divorce and remarriage without cause is adultery (Matthew 19:9).
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Believers must not seek personal revenge (Matthew 5:38–39).
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Salvation is only through Jesus’ blood (Hebrews 9:22).
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The Old Covenant was a foreshadowing, fulfilled by Jesus (Matthew 5:17; Hebrews 8:13).
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Old Testament saints were saved by faith in God’s promises (Hebrews 11).
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After Christ, only the New Covenant offers true salvation.
May God bless you richly.
Maranatha!
Is Mountain Prayer Necessary for a Christian?
Question: As believers under the New Covenant, is it necessary for us to set aside times to pray on mountains? Does God hear prayers more on the mountain than in other places? Please help me understand!
Answer:
There is no biblical mandate requiring Christians to pray specifically on a mountain or in any designated physical location. Jesus made it clear in John 4:21-24 (ESV) that worship would no longer be limited to physical places such as Mount Gerizim or Jerusalem. He said:
“Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father… But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” John 4:21, 23
This passage highlights the transition from the Old Covenant, which emphasized physical spaces for worship (e.g., temples, altars, and mountains), to the New Covenant, which emphasizes a spiritual connection with God through Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (see Hebrews 8:6-13).
However, while physical location is not a requirement, there are biblical patterns and spiritual principles that show the significance of retreating to quiet, undistracted places for deeper prayer and mountains often served that purpose.
The Example of Jesus
Jesus frequently withdrew to mountains to pray. These moments were not about geography but about solitude, focus, and intimacy with the Father.
1. Matthew 14:23 (NIV)
“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.”
2. Luke 6:12 (ESV)
“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.”
3. Mark 6:46 (NIV)
“After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.”
4. Luke 9:28 (ESV)
“Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.”
(This is the context of the Transfiguration, where the disciples witnessed Christ’s divine glory.)
In each case, the mountain was a place of retreat, where Jesus could be away from the crowds and distractions. Theologically, these moments underscore His dependence on the Father and the value of solitude in spiritual practice.
Why the Mountain?
Mountains in Scripture often symbolize closeness to God and divine encounter:
- Moses met God on Mount Sinai and received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19–20).
- Elijah heard God’s still small voice on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:11-12).
- Jesus was transfigured on a mountain, revealing His divine nature (Matthew 17:1–8).
While God’s presence is not confined to a mountain, these elevated places served as symbols of ascending spiritually, stepping away from the earthly, and seeking divine presence without interruption.
In practical terms today, mountains or quiet elevated places can provide solitude, silence, and stillness conditions that help us tune in to the Spirit and concentrate in prayer. Psalm 46:10 reminds us:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
A Modern Analogy
Think of how mobile phone towers are built on high ground. Why? To reduce signal interference and improve connectivity. In a similar way, removing ourselves from everyday distractions whether by going up a literal mountain or just finding a quiet room can “clear the signal” and help us commune more intimately with God.
We must remember that God is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7–10), and He hears us wherever we are on a mountain, in a car, or at our bedside. Paul affirms in 1 Timothy 2:8 (NIV):
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”
This means every place is suitable for prayer. Yet, intentional retreat is biblically wise. Even Jesus, who was sinless and full of the Spirit, often sought quiet places to pray. If He needed this kind of focused communion, how much more do we?
Should Christians Pray on Mountains?
It’s not a requirement, but it can be immensely beneficial.
- If your environment is full of noise, distractions, or spiritual dryness, consider changing your setting.
- If you have access to quiet natural spaces, like a mountain or forest, take advantage of it.
- If not, create a space of solitude in your home, church, or even your car.
Mountain prayer is not about elevation in geography, but elevation in intention a deliberate step toward deeper intimacy with God.
God bless you as you seek Him. May you encounter His presence more deeply wherever you pray.
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
(Revelation 22:20)
Why Did Jesus Commit His Spirit into the Father’s Hands? (Luke 23:46)
Let’s begin by reading from the context surrounding Jesus’ final words on the cross:
Luke 23:44–46 (NIV)
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,
45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.
46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
These final words of Jesus, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit,” are deeply meaningful. They were not spoken casually, but intentionally rich with theological significance, rooted in both His mission and His divine identity.
1. Why Did Jesus Say These Words?
A. Fulfillment of Scripture
Jesus was quoting Psalm 31:5, a well known verse among devout Jews:
“Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” (Psalm 31:5, NIV)
By quoting this Psalm, Jesus was:
- Affirming His trust in the Father, even in death.
- Fulfilling prophecy, identifying Himself with the righteous sufferer described in the Psalms.
- Demonstrating intentional surrender, not being killed by force but willingly laying down His life.
As Jesus had said earlier:
“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.” (John 10:17–18, NIV)
B. Spiritual Reality Before the Resurrection
Before Jesus’ death and resurrection, the state of the dead even the righteous was not as secure as it is now. The Old Testament describes a place called Sheol (Hebrew) or Hades (Greek), the abode of the dead. It was often depicted as a shadowy, waiting place (see Ecclesiastes 9:10; Job 10:21–22).
In 1 Samuel 28, we see that the prophet Samuel though righteous could be summoned from the dead by a medium:
“The woman said, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said.” (1 Samuel 28:11, NIV)
“Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’” (1 Samuel 28:15, NIV)
This shows that even saints like Samuel were in a place that could be disturbed before Christ’s victory over death.
Thus, Jesus entrusted His spirit to the Father to secure its safe passage through death and to fulfill His mission of descending to the realm of the dead (1 Peter 3:18–19) and setting captives free.
2. What Happened After Jesus Died?
A. He Gained Authority Over Death and Hades
After His resurrection, Jesus declared:
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:18, NIV)
In biblical symbolism, keys represent authority. Christ now holds sovereign power over the realm of the dead authority that Satan once exploited to torment or claim souls.
B. He Led the Righteous Captives to Paradise
After His resurrection, Christ didn’t just leave things as they were He transformed the experience of death for believers:
“When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.”
“What does ‘he ascended’ mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions?” (Ephesians 4:8–9, NIV)
The idea here is that Jesus descended to “Hades”, not to suffer, but to proclaim victory and liberate the righteous who had died before the cross (see also 1 Peter 3:19; 4:6).
3. What Does This Mean for Us Today?
A. We No Longer Need to Fear Death
Because Jesus conquered death, believers today are no longer held in bondage by the fear of it:
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death that is, the devil and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14–15, NIV)
B. Our Souls Are Now Secure in Christ
Today, when a believer dies, their soul is immediately with Christ in Paradise:
“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43, NIV)
Paul also affirms this confidence:
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NIV)
C. We Must Entrust Our Lives to Christ Now
While Jesus entrusted His spirit to the Father at the moment of death, we are called to entrust our whole lives to Him while we are still living.
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1, NIV)
“Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8, NIV)
Christ Has Secured Our Souls
Because Jesus entrusted His spirit to the Father, conquered death, and now holds the keys of death and Hades, we who believe in Him no longer need to fear what comes after death. The souls of the righteous are now kept safe in Christ, awaiting the resurrection and eternal glory.
So, while we may not need to repeat Jesus’ final words verbatim at death, we should live every day in the reality of their meaning entrusting our lives and eternity into God’s hands.
Maranatha Come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20)
Understanding 1 Corinthians 14:20
“Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature adults.”
1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV)
QUESTION:
Praise the Lord! I would like to understand the meaning of this verse in 1 Corinthians 14:20.
ANSWER:
This verse, written by the Apostle Paul, encourages believers to grow spiritually in their understanding and discernment. Let’s unpack it carefully.
Paul contrasts two attitudes: being like children in thinking versus being like infants concerning evil. This paradox highlights an important spiritual principle.
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Being “children” in our thinking refers to immaturity in understanding God’s ways, wisdom, and spiritual matters. In this passage, Paul urges believers not to remain spiritually naive or immature. Children naturally have limited knowledge and understanding; they are easily confused and influenced. Paul wants the Corinthian church and us to mature in spiritual wisdom, discernment, and comprehension of God’s truth. This means we should seek deeper knowledge of Scripture and grow in godly insight (Hebrews 5:12-14).
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Being like infants in regard to evil means to be innocent or inexperienced with evil to avoid and reject it entirely, just as babies are shielded from complex, harmful realities. This innocence involves refusing to engage with sin or be corrupted by it. The idea is not ignorance but purposeful innocence: we should not become worldly or cynical about evil but rather be pure and untainted by it (see also Matthew 18:3; Psalm 119:9).
This is echoed in another Pauline passage:
“I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.”
Romans 16:19b
(NIV)
Here, Paul calls for wisdom in doing good and innocence regarding evil a healthy balance of maturity and purity.
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Spiritual Maturity: Paul’s instruction reminds us that Christian growth involves gaining solid understanding of God’s Word and living by it, not remaining childish in faith or easily swayed by false teachings (1 Corinthians 14:20, 13:11).
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Innocence toward evil: God desires His people to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-16). This means rejecting sinful patterns and influences while remaining wise and mature in faith.
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Discernment: We are called to discern what to accept and what to reject. Not every cultural trend, idea, or behavior benefits our spiritual walk. For example, being unaware or uninterested in worldly distractions (such as secular music promoting ungodly values or harmful habits like gambling) can protect our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:8).
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Life in God’s Word: Maturity grows through deep engagement with Scripture. The Word of God is our foundation and guide for spiritual growth and discernment (Psalm 119:105).
Not knowing every detail about the world or cultural trends is not sinful, and it won’t hinder your spiritual growth. Instead, filter what you expose yourself to reject what harms you (be “infants” toward evil), and grow in understanding and faith through God’s Word (be “mature” in your thinking).
God bless you richly as you grow in wisdom and innocence!
