A Common Question:“Paul’s letters were written a long time ago to specific churches like Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, and to individuals like Timothy and Titus. Why should we treat them as if they’re meant for us? How can they still be God’s Word for today?”
To answer that, let’s look at a true historical example.
In 1939, Albert Einstein, a brilliant physicist, wrote a private letter to U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In it, he warned that Nazi Germany might be developing nuclear weapons. Einstein included the scientific principle (formula) behind building such a weapon. This letter led to the formation of the U.S. atomic program and ultimately to the creation of the atomic bomb, which was tested in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
But what’s fascinating is that the impact of Einstein’s letter didn’t end with the U.S. president. Eventually, parts of it were leaked. Countries like Russia, India, Pakistan, and France later used the same nuclear principles to build their own bombs—even decades later.
Why? Because truth doesn’t expire. A powerful discovery is useful not only to the person it was first given to, but to all who understand and apply it. Even today, Einstein’s formula influences nuclear science worldwide.
In the same way, Paul’s letters (also called epistles) may have been addressed to churches and individuals in the first century—but their truths are eternal and Spirit-breathed. What Paul wrote was not just cultural advice or personal opinion. It was divinely inspired teaching meant to instruct, rebuke, correct, and train God’s people across all generations.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”— 2 Timothy 3:16, ESV
Though Paul was writing to specific churches (like Corinth, Ephesus, etc.), the Holy Spirit knew that those words would be needed by future believers—including us today.
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”— Romans 15:4, ESV
In fact, the New Testament epistles are God’s blueprint for the Church—on how to live holy lives, understand salvation, walk in the Spirit, love one another, and withstand false teaching.
The early churches battled spiritual deception, immorality, division, legalism, and persecution. Sound familiar? We face the same battles today—often worse.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness…”— Ephesians 6:12, ESV
That’s why we need the same “spiritual weapons” the apostles gave to the early Church. We fight with the truth of God’s Word, not human strength.
Paul’s letters provide spiritual formulas—like Einstein’s formulas—to build up believers and defeat the enemy. But if we dismiss them as outdated or irrelevant, we’re like a nation refusing to defend itself with proven military knowledge. The enemy will overpower us.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”— 2 Corinthians 10:4, ESV
And here’s the deeper issue: Have you truly received Jesus? Or are you just “religious”?
Many people read Scripture, go to church, or talk about God, but their hearts are still far from Him. They’re lukewarm—half-hearted, spiritually asleep.
Jesus warned:
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth.”— Revelation 3:15–16, ESV
This is serious. We’re living in the last days. The trumpet could sound at any moment. Eternity is near. All earthly things will fade—but only those rooted in the Word of God will stand.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”— Matthew 24:35, ESV
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”— Isaiah 40:8, ESV
Paul’s letters still matter today because:
They are God’s Word, not man’s opinion.
They are Spirit-inspired for all generations.
They contain spiritual blueprints for victory, maturity, and holiness.
They speak directly to the struggles of our time—perhaps more now than ever before.
So, have you genuinely given your life to Jesus—or are you just living a “church life” without true transformation?
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”— Matthew 16:24, ESV
Repent. Turn from lukewarm Christianity. Embrace the cross. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. And take God’s Word seriously—not as a relic of the past, but as the living voice of God speaking right now.
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”— Hebrews 3:15, ESV
May the Lord bless you, fill you with truth, and equip you for victory through His Word.
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Proverbs 1:20–21 (ESV) states:
“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks.”
This passage vividly portrays wisdom as a person who openly calls out to all people, inviting them to hear and receive her counsel. Theologically, wisdom in the Bible is far more than human knowledge or intellectual skill. It is a divine attribute—God’s own ability to discern, judge, and govern rightly on earth.
Creation by Wisdom: Proverbs 8:22–31 (NASB) reveals that wisdom was present with God before creation and was actively involved in the formation of the heavens and the earth:“The LORD possessed me at the beginning of His way, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, from the earliest times of the earth… When He established the heavens, I was there…”
Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom: In 1 Kings 3:9–12, Solomon humbly asked God for wisdom to govern His people well, and God granted him unparalleled wisdom. This shows that divine wisdom is a gift from God, not merely a human achievement.
Daniel’s Wisdom: Daniel 1:17 describes how God gave Daniel knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom, and in Daniel 2:20–23, Daniel acknowledges God as the source of all wisdom and revelation.
The Bible also personifies wisdom as a person, and this person is ultimately Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV) declares,“But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”This shows that Christ embodies the fullness of divine wisdom.
Colossians 2:3 (NASB) affirms,“In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”Christ is the inexhaustible source of true wisdom, surpassing all earthly understanding.
To receive divine wisdom, one must encounter Jesus Christ personally. To “see” wisdom means to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, as Romans 10:9 (ESV) explains:“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Following Jesus by walking in His ways is the path of living out divine wisdom in daily life.
Proverbs 1:20–21 describes wisdom’s voice being raised in public spaces—markets, city gates, and busy streets. Theologically, this corresponds to the preaching of the Gospel, which is God’s wisdom revealed to humanity and proclaimed openly to all.
Jesus commands His followers to preach the Gospel everywhere (Mark 16:15), and the church fulfills this by sharing the message in public spaces—on streets, marketplaces, gatherings, and through modern media.
The wisdom of God is available everywhere and at all times. The real issue is not the absence of wisdom but the rejection of it by many. Proverbs 1:24–28 warns of the consequences of ignoring wisdom’s call.
Anyone who believes in Christ opens the door to true understanding and eternal life, unlocking God’s mysteries and transforming their life.
May God bless you richly as you seek His wisdom and walk in His truth.
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Answer: Exegesis and eisegesis are two Greek terms that describe opposing methods of interpreting Scripture. Understanding the difference between them is essential for sound theology and faithful biblical teaching.
The term exegesis comes from the Greek word exēgeomai, meaning “to lead out.” In biblical interpretation, it refers to drawing out the original meaning intended by the author, using context, grammar, historical background, and literary analysis. It’s a disciplined, objective method that allows Scripture to speak on its own terms.
Theological foundation: Exegesis reflects the principle of Sola Scriptura that Scripture is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16–17, ESV).
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16, ESV)
Hermeneutical tools used in exegesis include:
Historical context (Who was the author? To whom was it written? What was the setting?)
Literary context (What genre is the text? How does the passage fit within the surrounding text?)
Original languages (Greek/Hebrew meaning and grammar)
Covenantal framework (Understanding where a text fits in redemptive history)
From the Greek eis (“into”) and hēgeomai (“to lead”), eisegesis means “to read into the text.” This approach imposes one’s own ideas, experiences, or cultural assumptions onto the Scripture. It can result in misinterpretation or distortion, even when done with sincere intentions.
Theological risk: Eisegesis contradicts the biblical command to rightly handle the Word of Truth.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved… rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15, ESV)
This approach can produce personalized interpretations disconnected from the author’s intent, often leading to doctrinal error or spiritual confusion.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28, ESV)
Exegetical meaning: In the context of first-century Judaism, Jesus was addressing the heavy burden of legalism imposed by the Pharisees (see Matt. 23:4). The “rest” He offers is spiritual rest freedom from the oppressive weight of trying to earn righteousness through works. Ultimately, it points to salvation by grace through faith in Him (cf. Hebrews 4:9–10).
Eisegetical misuse: Some may interpret “burdens” as modern troubles like stress, debt, or family problems while that may feel applicable, it misses the text’s original meaning. The personal application is valid only after the core message is understood.
Cross-reference: “For we who have believed enter that rest…” (Heb. 4:3a, ESV) “Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, ESV)
God can, at times, use a verse to speak personally or prophetically to someone—but we must never elevate subjective impressions above biblical truth. Scripture must first be allowed to interpret itself.
“Knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20, ESV)
Claiming the “Mark of the Beast” in Revelation 13 refers to COVID-19 or a modern vaccine. Revelation must be interpreted using symbolic apocalyptic language, rooted in first-century context and not modern fear.
Imitating Jesus’ miracles (e.g., using spit and mud in John 9:6–7) as a normative practice. That miracle was a unique act of divine authority, not a prescribed method for healing. The New Testament model for ministry is to operate under Christ’s name and authority:
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…” (Col. 3:17, ESV)
To be faithful interpreters of God’s Word:
This is the only way to rightly divide the Word of truth, teach others faithfully, and remain anchored in biblical doctrine.
“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2, ESV)
May the Lord bless you.
Question: In Matthew 17:4, how were Peter and his companions able to know that those men were Moses and Elijah?
Answer:
Let us begin by carefully reading the passage in Matthew 17:1-4 (ESV):
1 “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.4 And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’”
Notably, the Scripture does not record Moses and Elijah explicitly identifying themselves. This implies that Peter and the others recognized them through another means—a supernatural revelation given by the Holy Spirit.
The key theological insight here is the role of divine revelation (Greek: ἀποκάλυψις – apokalypsis), which is knowledge imparted by God to His people that cannot be attained by natural reasoning alone.
Revelation by the Holy Spirit:Just as Peter was able to declare Jesus as the Christ because the Father revealed it to him through the Spirit (Matthew 16:15-17, ESV):
15 “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’16 Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’17 And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’”
Here, Jesus clarifies that spiritual truth about His identity comes only by God’s revelation, not human insight.
Recognition through the Word of God:Peter and the others would have been familiar with Moses and Elijah through their study of the Torah and the Prophets, foundational Scripture for any devout Jew. Moses represented the Law, Elijah the Prophets. Their appearance at the Transfiguration symbolized the fulfillment of the Law and Prophets in Christ (Luke 16:16; Matthew 5:17).
Prayer and the Presence of God:The Transfiguration took place on a mountain, a biblical setting for divine encounters (Exodus 19:20; Psalm 2:6). It is fitting that God would reveal Himself there in a spectacular way to confirm Jesus’ messianic identity to His closest disciples.
Role of the Holy Spirit in Revelation:The Holy Spirit empowers believers to perceive spiritual realities (1 Corinthians 2:10-14). Without the Spirit, the disciples would not have understood the significance of what they saw.
Peter’s spiritual sensitivity is further illustrated in Acts 10:17-21 (ESV), when the Spirit instructs him regarding Cornelius’s men:
17 “Now while Peter was inwardly perplexed as to what the vision that he had seen might mean,18 behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon’s house and were standing before the gate.19 And the Spirit told Peter to go with them without making any distinction.20 These six brothers also accompanied him, and they entered the man’s house.21 And Peter declared, ‘I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your coming?’”
This shows how the Spirit gave Peter understanding and boldness to embrace God’s new revelation, just as at the Transfiguration He enabled recognition of Moses and Elijah.
Presence in Prayer: When we position ourselves in God’s presence, especially through prayer and meditation on Scripture, we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit’s revelation (Psalm 25:14; John 14:26).
Study of Scripture: Knowledge of God’s Word is foundational for spiritual discernment. The Spirit does not contradict the Word but illuminates its truth (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Assurance in Christ: Just as Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah by revelation, believers today can be assured of salvation and hope in Christ by the Spirit’s witness (Romans 8:16).
Are you abiding in Christ, growing in the knowledge of Scripture, and open to the Spirit’s guidance? The same Spirit who revealed the glory of Moses and Elijah to Peter desires to reveal Christ to you personally.
“Maranatha!” — Come, Lord Jesus!
Why did God choose the death on the cross as the only way to redeem us? Was there really no other option for victory? Amen.
Answer: God, being all-powerful (omnipotent), certainly could have chosen any method for our redemption (Jeremiah 32:17). But the reason why death became the necessary means is rooted in the nature of sin and God’s justice.
Before Adam sinned, God warned him:
“But you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.” (Genesis 2:17).
This was God’s clear declaration that sin results in death — spiritual separation from God and ultimately physical death. The word “surely die” (Hebrew: muwth tamuth) emphasizes the certainty of death as a consequence of disobedience.
The Apostle Paul explains:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).
This means sin’s penalty must be paid in death — a just and holy God cannot ignore sin without punishing it. Therefore, for humanity to be reconciled to God, that penalty had to be paid.
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, took upon Himself the punishment we deserved. As Paul writes:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…” (Galatians 3:13).
In other words, Jesus stood in our place, bearing the full cost of sin, which is death.
It’s like a binding contract: if one party breaks the terms, they owe a penalty. Humanity broke God’s holy law, and the penalty was death (James 2:10). Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly and accepted the penalty on our behalf.
By His death on the cross, Jesus satisfied God’s justice and demonstrated God’s love (Romans 5:8). His resurrection proves victory over sin and death, opening the way for us to have eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:17–22).
So, Jesus’ death wasn’t just a tragic event, but the divine plan of salvation, because there was no alternative way to remove the debt of sin except through His sacrifice.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
If you haven’t yet, now is the time, because the door of mercy won’t remain open forever (Revelation 3:20).
“Come, Lord Jesus!”
📖 The Story at a Glance
In Luke 8:31–32, we read:
“And they begged Him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside, and they begged Him to let them enter these. So He gave them permission.”
The same story is echoed in Matthew 8:29, where the demons cried out:
“What have You to do with us, O Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
These verses record a strange event where Jesus allowed demons to leave a man and enter a herd of pigs. The pigs then rushed into a lake and drowned.
This raises an important question: Why did Jesus listen to the demons at all? Why not just cast them out or destroy them directly?
Let’s look at this theologically and practically.
If Jesus had simply cast out the demons without any visible effect, people might have doubted the miracle. They might’ve said, “Maybe he just had a mental illness,” or “Maybe he calmed down after seeing Jesus.”
But by allowing the demons to enter the pigs—who immediately ran into the lake and drowned—it provided undeniable, physical evidence that something real and destructive had left the man.
This act served as a visible confirmation of what had occurred spiritually.
Jesus knew people needed to understand that evil is not just metaphorical—it’s real, active, and dangerous. In John 10:10, Jesus says: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
Jesus knew people needed to understand that evil is not just metaphorical—it’s real, active, and dangerous. In John 10:10, Jesus says:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
The destruction of the pigs was a dramatic symbol of the true nature of demonic forces—they seek to destroy whatever they possess.
In Matthew 8:29, the demons ask, “Have You come here to torment us before the time?” This shows they were aware of their future judgment.
According to Revelation 20:10, the final destination of Satan and his demons is the lake of fire: “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur… and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
According to Revelation 20:10, the final destination of Satan and his demons is the lake of fire:
“And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur… and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
The demons knew this was coming, but not yet. Jesus, in His divine wisdom, respected the prophetic timeline. He didn’t rush judgment because the fullness of God’s plan—centered in His death and resurrection—was still unfolding.
Even though the demons begged, they did not command Jesus—He permitted them. This reveals Christ’s absolute authority.
Colossians 2:15 says: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Colossians 2:15 says:
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Even before the cross, Jesus was showing glimpses of that final triumph. His ability to command demons, and their submission to Him, shows us who holds the true power.
Jesus’ authority over demons wasn’t just for that one day. It was also a model for us. In Luke 10:19, Jesus tells His followers:
“I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
We don’t engage demons in conversation or negotiation. We cast them out in Jesus’ name. The demons in the story surrendered to Jesus before He even spoke—because of the power in Him. That same power now works through believers.
Jesus allowed the demons to enter the pigs to show the reality of evil, the power of God, and the order in God’s redemptive plan. This was not about mercy to demons, but about a teaching moment for people—and for us today.
So:
James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
May the Lord strengthen your faith, sharpen your discernment, and empower you to walk in boldness.
God bless you.
(Mark 4:35–36)
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.
This brief but powerful verse paints a vivid picture of the humanity and mission-driven life of Jesus Christ. After a long day of teaching crowds, Jesus doesn’t pause for refreshment or comfort—He simply continues to the next mission destination, just as He was.
This phrase—“just as He was”—points to Jesus’ genuine humanity. He experienced fatigue, hunger, and emotional strain. This aligns with the doctrine of the Incarnation (John 1:14), which teaches that the Son of God became fully human while remaining fully divine.
We see this again in John 4, during His encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well:
“Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.” (John 4:6)
Jesus was weary from travel—just as any of us would be. Yet when the woman arrived, He did not prioritize His physical need for rest or food. Instead, He immediately turned to the deeper spiritual need before Him. When His disciples returned with food, His response was profound:
“I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” (John 4:32)
This illustrates a key theological truth: the obedience of Christ (Philippians 2:6–8). Jesus consistently placed the Father’s mission above His own needs, revealing a divine purpose that surpassed human limitations.
In Mark 4, Jesus doesn’t ask for a break before setting out. His decision to cross over to the other side of the lake at night shows the urgency of God’s mission. His movements were not dictated by comfort or routine, but by divine direction (John 5:19).
That the disciples took Him “just as He was” reminds us that ministry isn’t always neat or convenient. The gospel advances not through human perfection but through faith and obedience.
Jesus was so physically exhausted that He fell asleep in the boat—even as a storm raged around Him:
“Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.” (Mark 4:38)
This again affirms the real physical toll His ministry took and His trust in the Father’s care.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The same readiness and urgency He had then, He still has now.
As believers, we often think we need to be fully prepared before God can use us—prepared with long fasts, perfect prayers, biblical knowledge, or ministry training. While those things have value (2 Timothy 2:15), they are not prerequisites for God to act. What He asks for is our availability and obedience.
God often works through our weakness, not our strength (2 Corinthians 12:9). He calls us to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Just as the disciples took Jesus into the boat as He was, we are called to receive and follow Him as we are, trusting that He will work through us.
When Jesus sent out the Twelve, He didn’t give them wealth or resources. He gave them Himself and His authority:
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.” (Matthew 10:9–10)
The theological principle here is missional dependence—total reliance on God’s provision and presence, not on material preparation.
Even today, Jesus is not asking for elaborate setups or perfection. He’s simply saying, “Take Me just as I am—and go.” He is ready to walk with you into your family, your workplace, your church, your mission field—wherever He leads.
The story of Jesus being taken “just as He was” is not just a historical detail—it’s a discipleship principle. Are we willing to follow Christ with that same urgency and trust? Are we ready to serve without needing every condition to be perfect?
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Let’s stop waiting. Let’s stop hesitating. Let’s take Jesus—just as He is—and follow Him into whatever He has called us to do.
May the Lord give us hearts that are ready and willing to serve Him in every season and situation. God bless you.
Question: What does God’s Word mean when it says, “a person shall bear their own sin or guilt”?
Answer: Let’s examine the Scriptures closely.
Leviticus 5:17 states:
“If a person sins, doing any one of the things that by the Lord’s commandments ought not to be done, though he did not know it, he is still guilty and shall bear his iniquity.”
This passage highlights the principle of individual moral responsibility—each person is accountable before God for their own sins, whether willful or ignorant. Theologically, this aligns with the doctrine of personal accountability (Ezekiel 18:20,: “The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father…”).
Similarly, Leviticus 24:15-16 says:
“Whoever curses God shall bear his sin. Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall be put to death.”
Here we see the seriousness of sin against God’s holiness, where the sinner alone bears the guilt.
The Old Testament law operated under the principle of lex talionis (“law of retaliation”), expressed in passages such as Exodus 21:23-25:
“But if there is harm, then you shall pay life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot…”
This principle was meant to limit excessive punishment and ensure justice was proportional, not vengeful. It demonstrated God’s justice and holiness in maintaining order (Deuteronomy 19:21).
Leviticus 24:17-20 reiterates this principle:
“Whoever kills a human being shall be put to death. Whoever kills an animal shall make it good, life for life. If anyone injures his neighbor, as he has done it shall be done to him: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth…”
In certain cases, such as blasphemy or idolatry, those who executed God’s judgment were not punished. For example, the blasphemer was stoned (Leviticus 24:14-16), but those who carried out the sentence did not bear guilt for murder.
This reflects the theological distinction between divine justice and human vengeance. The punishment was ordained by God, so the sinner alone bore responsibility for the sin and its consequences. This is the sense in which “the one who died bears their own sin” — the sin and guilt do not transfer to the executioners.
If someone killed an innocent person, the killers bore the guilt of murder and were to be punished (Numbers 35:30: “Whoever kills a person shall be put to death…”). This is referred to as “bearing the blood” of another (Genesis 9:5-6), emphasizing the sacredness of human life as made in God’s image (Imago Dei).
In the New Testament, the principle of personal accountability remains (Romans 14:12: “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”), but the approach to justice changes radically.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:38-39:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
This reveals the kingdom ethic of forgiveness and grace, replacing strict retribution.
Paul reiterates in Romans 12:19:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’”
Thus, the New Testament forbids personal vengeance, emphasizing God’s justice and mercy.
May the Lord help us live responsibly and humbly before Him, trusting His justice and mercy.
In biblical, it’s important to distinguish between a law (Hebrew: torah or mishpat) and a principle or ordinance (Hebrew: chuqqah or piqqudim). Though related, they are not the same.
A law is a direct, binding command from God—a moral or ceremonial obligation that must be followed.
A principle (or ordinance) refers to the detailed instructions or regulations that guide how the law is to be carried out.
This distinction helps us understand how God communicates both what He wants from us and how to fulfill it.
In Exodus 12, God commands the Israelites to observe the Passover—this is the law. But alongside the law, He gives very specific principles about how it should be observed.
“This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you… On the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb…” (Exodus 12:2–3)
The law is: “You shall keep the Passover.” The principles include:
These details are not additional laws—they are regulations that guide the proper keeping of the one law.
“You shall observe this rite as a statute for you and for your sons forever.” (Exodus 12:24)
“You shall have one statute, both for the sojourner and for the native, for him who does any of these things.” (Numbers 9:14)
This verse affirms that both the law and its principles applied to everyone—Israelite and foreigner alike. Obedience to God’s commands required attention not just to what was commanded, but how it was to be practiced.
In the New Testament, believers are no longer under the Mosaic Law (Galatians 3:24–25), but under the Law of Christ, which is summarized in love.
“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:14)
However, even love has principles—practical expressions that define what true, godly love looks like.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude…” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5)
These are principles of love—guidelines that show how to obey the law of Christ in daily life. Love is not left undefined; Scripture teaches us how to love.
God often reveals His will progressively—through both laws and the principles that support them.
“And the word of the Lord will be to them: precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little…” (Isaiah 28:13)
This verse reflects the pedagogical method of Scripture—God teaches us step by step, helping us build understanding over time.
Understanding the difference between law and principle deepens our walk with God. The law gives the command; the principles guide the application. From the Old Testament to the New, God has always desired not just external obedience, but thoughtful, informed, and wholehearted devotion.
Let us therefore study both the commandments of Christ and the principles that teach us how to live them out daily.
Come, Lord Jesus! – Revelation 22:20
Understanding the difference between holiness and glory is vital in grasping the nature of God and His work in our lives. Though these words are often used together, they are not the same. Let’s explore what each means and how they relate to each other from a biblical and theological perspective.
Holiness refers to moral purity, separation from sin, and dedication to God. The Hebrew word for holy (qadosh) means “set apart.” In the New Testament, the Greek term hagios carries a similar meaning.
To be holy means to be pure, undefiled, and separated for God’s purposes. This applies both to physical things (like the temple or sacrifices) and to people who follow God.
“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” — 1 Peter 1:14–15
A holy person is someone who has been cleansed by the blood of Jesus and chooses to live in obedience to God, rejecting sin.
Glory (Hebrew: kabod; Greek: doxa) refers to the visible or manifest beauty, brilliance, or greatness of God. It is the radiance that results from His nature and holiness. In simple terms, glory is what shines out from holiness—the visible or tangible expression of God’s perfection.
To illustrate: when gold is purified, it shines. That shine is its glory. Similarly, God’s holiness results in an overwhelming radiance—His glory.
“And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother… and he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” — Matthew 17:1–2
Here, Jesus’ inner holiness was revealed outwardly as glory—a visible, radiant light.
We must understand this principle: Holiness comes first, and glory flows from it. You cannot have true glory without holiness. When someone is holy—cleansed from sin, walking in the Spirit, and separated for God—the glory of God becomes evident in their life, even if it’s not visible in a physical sense.
Jesus, being perfectly holy, revealed the glory of God in everything He did. Likewise, believers who pursue holiness reflect God’s glory in their lives.
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” — 2 Corinthians 3:18
God’s glory is inseparable from His holiness. In Isaiah’s vision, the seraphim declare God’s holiness repeatedly—and then say the earth is full of His glory:
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” — Isaiah 6:3
Here, the holiness of God is the foundation of His overwhelming glory. Even the angels hide their faces from His radiant presence (Isaiah 6:2), showing that His glory is awe-inspiring and powerful.
Absolutely. Through the sanctifying work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, believers are called to live holy lives—and in doing so, they reflect the glory of God in a dark world.
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” — 1 Peter 2:9
And in the Old Testament:
“As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.” — Psalm 16:3
Holiness is not just possible—it is expected of all who belong to Christ. And through that holiness, God’s light (His glory) shines through us to the world.
Holiness is about being clean, pure, and set apart for God. Glory is the radiance that flows from that holiness. Without holiness, there can be no true glory. But if we walk in holiness, God’s glory will shine in us and through us.
Let us, therefore, pursue holiness—not just for personal piety, but that the glory of God might be revealed in our lives.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” — Hebrews 12:14
May the Lord help us live holy lives that reflect His glory.