Category Archive Uncategorized

  • Home   /  
  • Archive by category "Uncategorized"
    • ( Page28 )

How Should Our Righteousness Exceed That of the Pharisees?

Matthew 5:20 (ESV)

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

What Did Jesus Mean by This?

This statement by Jesus is part of His famous Sermon on the Mount, where He lays out the values and standards of the Kingdom of Heaven. At first glance, it seems shocking. The scribes and Pharisees were considered the most devout and religiously upright in Jewish society. They were strict law-keepers, experts in the Scriptures, and seemingly moral men. So how can our righteousness exceed theirs?

The Problem with Pharisaic Righteousness

The righteousness of the Pharisees was external, performative, and self-righteous. They focused on outward obedience while neglecting the internal condition of the heart. Jesus repeatedly condemned this superficial righteousness.

Matthew 23:27–28 (ESV)

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Their righteousness was built on legalism — trying to earn favor with God through human effort and strict adherence to the law. However, Scripture makes it clear that no one can be justified before God by works of the law:

Galatians 2:16 (ESV)

Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ…

 

Romans 3:20 (ESV)

For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness That God Requires

The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees is not more rules, rituals, or religious acts — it is a deeper, inward, and spiritual righteousness that comes from faith in Jesus Christ and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

This righteousness is:

Imputed Righteousness – the righteousness of Christ credited to us through faith.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) –

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Regenerating Righteousness – the internal transformation that changes the heart and produces obedience born from love, not duty.

Ezekiel 36:26–27 (ESV)

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you… I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.

Sanctifying Righteousness – the process by which believers grow in holiness and Christlikeness.

Philippians 1:11 (ESV)

…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

How Do We Receive This Righteousness?

By grace through faith. It is not something we earn, but something we receive through trusting in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (ESV)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

When we believe in Jesus, His righteousness is credited to us, and our sins are forgiven. This is what theologians call justification — a legal declaration by God that we are righteous in His sight.

The Result of True Righteousness

True righteousness leads to a transformed life. It produces spiritual fruit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more — through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22–23).

Unlike the Pharisees who obeyed to appear righteous before men, true righteousness results in a life lived for the glory of God, from a heart that has been changed.

Romans 6:18 (ESV)

And, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

A Warning and an Invitation

If you’re relying on your own good works, moral behavior, or religious activity to be right with God, the Bible says you’re still lost. Salvation cannot be earned — it is only received by trusting in Christ.

Romans 10:3–4 (ESV)

For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Come to Christ. Trust not in yourself, but in His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection. Receive the righteousness that God freely offers — and let His grace transform your life from the inside out.

Titus 2:11–12 (ESV)   

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.

Conclusion

The righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees is not about doing more — it’s about becoming new. It is the righteousness that comes by faith, through grace, and is lived out by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Matthew 5:6 (ESV)

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?” (Isaiah 40:12, NIV)

Isaiah 40:12

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens?” (Isaiah 40:12, NIV)

The verse continues:

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” (Isaiah 40:12, NIV)

Question:

What does Isaiah 40:12 mean when it says, “measured the waters in the hollow of his hand” and “marked off the heavens with the breadth of his hand”?

Theological Explanation:

In Isaiah chapter 40, God is addressing the people of Israel during a time of exile and discouragement. He reminds them of His unparalleled sovereignty and power over all creation. The imagery used in verse 12 is poetic and deeply profound, emphasizing God’s infinite greatness compared to human limitation.

1. Measuring the Waters in the Hollow of His Hand:

The “waters” here symbolize the vast seas and oceans. No human being can physically hold or measure the seas in the palm of their hand. This image illustrates God’s omnipotence — He is not constrained by space or physical limitations (Psalm 95:4-5). God’s control over the waters also reflects His role as Creator and Sustainer, as seen in Job 38:8-11 where God controls the boundaries of the sea.

2. Marking off the Heavens with the Breadth of His Hand:

The “breadth of his hand” refers to a handspan, the distance from the thumb to the middle finger when stretched out — a small measurement by human standards. Yet God has “measured” or “marked off” the heavens, the vast expanse of the sky and universe (cf. Jeremiah 10:12). This speaks to God’s omniscience and His sovereignty over the cosmos. It reminds us that the infinite universe is as accessible to God as a small space measured by a handspan.

3. Holding the Dust of the Earth in a Basket:

The “dust of the earth” represents all creation’s smallest, most insignificant particles. To hold it “in a basket” (a small container) is to highlight God’s ability to hold the entirety of creation — both large and small — in His hand (Psalm 103:14). Humans can only grasp a tiny portion; God holds it all with ease.

4. Weighing the Mountains and Hills:

Mountains are often symbols of strength, permanence, and grandeur. The idea of weighing mountains “on scales” or “a balance” suggests measuring what is immeasurable by human standards. God’s power dwarfs even these immense natural features. This imagery connects to God’s justice and authority, weighing all things according to His perfect wisdom (Proverbs 16:11).

Broader Context:

In Isaiah 40, God is comforting His people with the assurance of His power and faithfulness. The chapter opens with a call to “comfort my people” (Isaiah 40:1), reassuring them that God has not forgotten His covenant. Verses 11-14 emphasize God’s care for His people, comparing Him to a shepherd who tends his flock, gathers lambs gently, and leads the sheep.

This imagery foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-16), who tenderly cares for His followers and willingly lays down His life for them. Jesus embodies the power and love described in Isaiah 40, showing that God’s infinite power is coupled with intimate care for His people.

Application:

The passage invites us to trust in God’s mighty power, which is beyond human comprehension, especially during difficult times. Just as God controls the seas, heavens, and mountains, He is fully capable of caring for His people, guiding and restoring them.

Moreover, Isaiah 40 leads us to the critical question: Have you experienced the forgiveness and salvation offered through Jesus Christ? God’s power is not only demonstrated in creation but supremely in redemption. If you have not yet accepted Christ’s forgiveness, this is an invitation to do so today.

Invitation:

If you want to receive salvation and be forgiven, you can pray a simple prayer of repentance and faith:

“Lord Jesus, I admit I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me and come into my life as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”

For more guidance on how to pray this and grow in faith, you can find resources here >> GUIDANCE FOR A PRAYER OF REPENTANCE

Closing Blessing:

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you, and may you always find comfort in His mighty hand.

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

What Does 1 Corinthians 4:7 Mean?

Question:

I would like to understand the meaning of 1 Corinthians 4:7.

For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? 

1 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)

Answer:

When reading 1 Corinthians from the beginning, it becomes clear that Paul is addressing serious divisions within the church at Corinth. These divisions arose largely because of factionalism—some believers were aligning themselves with different leaders such as Paul, Apollos, or Cephas (Peter), causing strife and pride within the community (1 Corinthians 1:12-13). The root problem was a misunderstanding of the nature of the church and the source of spiritual gifts.

Paul’s correction is grounded in the truth that the church belongs to Christ alone, not to any human leader or teacher. He emphasizes that every believer’s role in the body of Christ is a divine calling and gift. As Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV):

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

In verse 4:7, Paul challenges the Corinthians’ arrogance by asking, “What do you have that you did not receive?” This rhetorical question highlights that all spiritual gifts, talents, and ministries are received from God by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Nothing belongs to us inherently; everything is a gift.

Paul’s further question, “If you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” exposes the folly of boasting. Boasting suggests self-sufficiency, as if the gifts were earned by human effort rather than graciously given by God. This contradicts the biblical teaching that salvation and ministry are acts of God’s grace (Romans 11:6).

Theologically, this passage underscores the doctrine of grace and spiritual humility. It reminds believers that every good thing, including spiritual authority and gifting, comes from God and is meant for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13). Human pride in ministry roles or gifts fractures the unity that God intends for His church (John 17:21).

Paul’s analogy of planting and watering points to the cooperative but dependent nature of ministry:

Some preach the gospel (plant),

Others nurture the faith of believers (water),

But it is God alone who causes spiritual growth and fruitfulness.

Therefore, the glory belongs solely to God.

This teaching is not only historically relevant to Corinth but remains crucial for the church today. Many believers still struggle with spiritual pride and competition over ministries or church leadership. Such attitudes betray immaturity and a worldly mindset (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

Paul’s exhortation is a call to humility, unity, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, who distributes gifts as He wills (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Every believer, regardless of their role, is part of the one body of Christ, connected to the vine, Jesus Himself (John 15:1-5).

If a Christian finds themselves embroiled in ministry rivalries, it is a sign to examine their heart and seek spiritual growth in humility and love.

May the Lord guide us in recognizing that all we have and are comes from Him, and may we serve together for His glory.

 

 

 

 

 

Print this post

“Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9)

What does this mean?

In James 5:9, the apostle gives a sobering reminder to believers:

“Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” (ESV)

This verse is part of a broader section (James 5:7–11) that encourages believers to be patient in the midst of suffering and injustice. James draws attention to two important truths:

  1. God sees everything, even our heart attitudes.

  2. Judgment is near, and Christ will return to execute justice.

Why should we not grumble?

Complaining or grumbling (Greek: stenazō – to sigh or groan inwardly) against one another reveals a lack of patience and trust in God’s timing. It often stems from bitterness, frustration, or a desire to take justice into our own hands.

James warns that such attitudes open us up to God’s judgment. He reminds us that Jesus, the righteous Judge (2 Timothy 4:8), is not distant or indifferent—He is at the door, ready to respond. This echoes the Old Testament idea that God is both just and near to His people (Psalm 34:18; Nahum 1:7).

When we complain unjustly or fail to show grace, we forget the grace we’ve received. Jesus Himself warned:

“For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:2, NKJV)

What does it mean that the Judge is “at the door”?

This phrase points to the imminent return of Christ, and also to His present nearness. In Jewish tradition, the image of someone “at the door” meant that a decision was about to be made or something was about to happen (cf. Revelation 3:20).

Jesus is both present with us in our suffering (Matthew 28:20) and coming soon to set all things right (Revelation 22:12).

This means:

  • He is aware of the injustices we face.

  • He will judge justly, either in this life or in the final judgment (Romans 12:19).

  • He calls us to respond with patience, not retaliation.

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, NKJV)

A call to gentleness and patience

In Philippians 4:5, Paul gives a similar encouragement:

“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.” (NKJV)

God’s nearness should shape how we speak and act, especially in difficult moments. Knowing that Jesus is watching, we’re called to walk in patience, humility, and self-control, relying on the Holy Spirit to help us.

Practical conclusion

As believers, before we speak words of complaint or judgment toward others, we must remember that Jesus is present and listening. He knows our pain, but He also expects us to trust Him to act justly. Let us not be quick to speak, but instead grow in endurance, grace, and trust.

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19, NKJV)

A personal reflection

Have you surrendered your life to Jesus? Have you received His forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit?

“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.” (Acts 2:38, NKJV)

If you haven’t yet:

  • Repent of your sins.

  • Believe in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

  • Be baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus (as modeled in the early church).

  • Receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers you to live a godly, patient life until Christ returns.

May the Lord bless you and give you the strength to wait patiently, trust deeply, and live faithfully—knowing that the Judge is near.

 

Print this post

WHICH JESUS ARE YOU WALKING WITH?

The One Who Appears Faded — or the One Clothed in Radiant Glory?

Jesus reveals Himself to people in proportion to how they walk with Him. Some experience Him in the splendor of His majesty, while others only know Him in a distant or ordinary way. You might wonder, How can that be, if He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8)?

The answer lies not in who Jesus is, but in how we relate to Him.

Jesus, the Hidden Glory

Throughout most of His earthly ministry, Jesus did not stand out in physical appearance. Isaiah prophesied this about the Messiah:

He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.

 Isaiah 53:2b, ESV

He humbled Himself, taking on the likeness of man (Philippians 2:6–8), and for the majority of His life, He appeared just like any other person. When Judas Iscariot betrayed Him, he had to identify Jesus with a kiss — proving that Jesus didn’t stand out among His disciples (Matthew 26:48–49). Even those around Him often failed to perceive who He truly was (John 1:10–11).

The Mount of Transfiguration — A Glimpse of Glory

However, something extraordinary happened on the mountain. Let’s read from:

Mark 9:2–8 (ESV):

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.

And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.

And Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.’

For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.

And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, ‘This is my beloved Son; listen to him.’

And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.

This event is called the Transfiguration — a moment where Jesus’ divine nature, normally veiled by His humanity, was revealed in radiant glory. The presence of Moses and Elijah symbolized the Law and the Prophets bearing witness to Christ as the fulfillment of both (Luke 24:27). The Father’s voice declared His Son’s divine identity and authority.

The Key Was Prayer

Why did this revelation happen? According to Luke 9:28–29 (ESV), it occurred during prayer:

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.

And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.

It was in the place of prayer that Jesus’ hidden glory was made visible to His closest disciples. The implication is powerful: those who go deeper in prayer encounter a deeper revelation of Christ.

Do You Know the Glorious Christ — or Just the Familiar One?

Many believers settle for a surface-level relationship with Jesus — knowing Him only as a historical figure or moral teacher, not as the glorified Son of God reigning in power. But Jesus desires to reveal Himself in His fullness.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

James 4:8a, ESV

If you are spiritually lazy or prayerless, your view of Jesus will be dim and distorted. You may know His name, but not His power (2 Timothy 3:5). You won’t fully experience the joy of salvation, the power of deliverance, or the intimacy of His presence.

Let Jesus Shine Like the Sun in Your Life

Let Christ be more than a shadowy figure in your life. Let Him shine like the sun in full strength (Revelation 1:16). Make room for Him. He is not only your Savior but also the Light of the World (John 8:12), and He wants to illuminate every part of your life.

For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV

Make Prayer Your Way Up the Mountain

Just like Peter, James, and John went up the mountain to pray, we too must rise above spiritual complacency. Prioritize prayer. Seek Jesus daily. Attend prayer meetings. Wake up in the night to intercede. Carve out sacred moments to encounter Him.

Pray without ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Jeremiah 33:3, ESV

If Jesus Doesn’t Lead Your Life Through Prayer — Someone Else Will

There is no neutral ground in the spiritual realm. If Christ is not Lord over your daily decisions, your emotions, and your future — the enemy will gladly step in to influence them.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8, ESV

Let Jesus take His rightful place as Lord in your life — not just in word, but in practice.

Shalom. May you walk with the Jesus who shines in glory — not the one who appears faded by your

 

 

 

Print this post

What’s the Difference Between Calvary and Golgotha?

Question: Where does the word Calvary appear in the Bible, and how is it different from Golgotha?

Answer: In the Swahili Bible, the word Calvary does not appear. Instead, we find the word Golgotha, especially in John 19:17 (NIV):

“Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).”

John 19:18 (NIV) continues:

“There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.”

What Does Golgotha Mean?

Golgotha is an Aramaic word that means “skull”. The Gospel writers refer to this place as “the place of the skull”, possibly because the hill had the shape of a human skull or was associated with death and execution.

The term appears in three Gospels:

Matthew 27:33 (NIV): “They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’).”

 

Mark 15:22 (NIV): “They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’).”

 

John 19:17 (NIV): (as quoted above)

So, What Is Calvary?

Calvary is simply the Latin translation of Golgotha. It comes from the Latin word Calvaria, which also means “skull.” The word Calvary appears only once in some English Bible translations, such as the King James Version (KJV) in Luke 23:33:

“And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him…”
(Luke 23:33, KJV)

In modern translations like the NIV, the word used is “the place called the Skull”:

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there…”
(Luke 23:33, NIV)

Theological Significance

The place where Jesus was crucified—whether referred to as Golgotha or Calvary—is central to the Christian faith. It is here that:

  •   Jesus bore the sins of the world (Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:24).

  • God’s justice and mercy met in the crucifixion of His Son (Romans 3:25-26)

  • The New Covenant was sealed by the blood of Christ (Hebrews 9:15-22).

The “Place of the Skull” may symbolize death, but for believers, it also represents victory over death through the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ. What was once a site of execution became the place of eternal hope.

Summary

  • Golgotha is the Aramaic name meaning “Place of the Skull.”

  • Calvary is the Latin translation of the same word (Calvaria).

  • They refer to the same location—the hill outside Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified.

  • The difference is simply linguistic, not theological.

Whether you say Golgotha or Calvary, both point to the same powerful truth: Jesus died for our sins and rose again to bring us life.

May the Lord bless you as you reflect on the meaning of the Cross.

 

Print this post

What is the meaning of proverbs 6:30–31 “People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy his appetite when he is hungry”?

Imagine this: a man has not eaten for three days. Starving and desperate, he sees a nearby shop left unattended and, driven by hunger, sneaks in and grabs a loaf of bread to eat. Later, the shop owner returns, notices the theft, and begins to track him down. Eventually, he finds the man hiding, in a terrible state, eating the bread.

Print this post

Fleeing the Defilements of the World

2 Peter 2:20 says:

“If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.”

This verse teaches us an essential truth about the Christian life: knowing Jesus Christ isn’t just intellectual knowledge; it requires a transformed life that turns away from the sins of the world. Salvation means being set apart from worldly corruption (sanctification), not merely a one-time event. If a believer falls back into sin and becomes enslaved again, their spiritual condition deteriorates beyond their initial state before salvation. This reflects the biblical principle of apostasy—a serious warning against turning back to sin after experiencing God’s grace (Hebrews 6:4-6).

What are the defilements of the world?

These are sinful practices such as drunkenness, sexual immorality, theft, witchcraft, greed, abortion, homosexuality, and other behaviors contrary to God’s holy standard (Galatians 5:19-21).

The danger of falling back

If a believer is caught again in these sins and fails to break free, the damage is worse than before. It’s like a sickness that worsens if untreated. For example, someone who once struggled with addiction but regained control may find the addiction stronger after relapse (Romans 6:12-14). This shows how the power of sin can increase when we give it repeated access.

Philippians 2:12 reminds us:

“Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

This means salvation is not just a past event but an ongoing process of obedience and dependence on God.

Jesus’ warning example

Jesus described a man possessed by an evil spirit who, when freed, did not fill his life with God’s presence. The spirit returned with seven more evil spirits, and the man’s condition became worse than before (Mathew 12:43-45) A vacant soul that rejects God after deliverance becomes even more vulnerable to evil.

What to do if you fall back?

Repent immediately! The window of grace is still open, but it will close if you remain trapped. The Bible calls us to resist the devil and draw near to God (James 4:7-8). If you’ve returned to sins like drunkenness, sexual immorality, greed, or impurity, flee those temptations quickly.

Jesus calls us to a holy life—“Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). This means living in obedience and constant repentance.

Salvation is a precious gift given once (Hebrews 9:27-28). We must take it seriously, living in reverence and fear of God. When we repent and commit to following Christ fully, God will have mercy and restore us (1 John 1:9).

May the Lord bless you as you run from the defilements of this world and live fully for Him!

Print this post

Understanding Romans 14:7–8 – Living and Dying for the Lord

Romans 14:7–8 (NIV):”For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

Context and Meaning:

These verses come from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, specifically in a section (Romans 14) that addresses how Christians should handle disagreements over non-essential matters like food, holy days, and personal convictions. The key principle Paul is emphasizing is that each believer is accountable to God, not to fellow humans, for how they live out their faith.

Theological Insight:

Divine Ownership and Sovereignty:
Paul teaches that our lives are not independent or self-determined in the ultimate sense. We belong to God. As our Creator and Redeemer, God has rightful authority over our lives and our deaths

1 Corinthians 6:19–20: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”).

This applies to every person, but especially to those who are in Christ.

Purposeful Living and Dying:
The believer’s life is lived in service to the Lord, and even death is seen not as a separation from God, but as part of His divine plan. Whether in life or death, the Christian’s identity and purpose remain centered in God. This echoes

Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Communal Responsibility and Grace:
The phrase “none of us lives for ourselves alone” also implies we are part of a spiritual family. Our actions affect others in the body of Christ. Paul encourages humility and grace in dealing with differences, knowing that judgment belongs to God, not to fellow believers (see

Romans 14:4: “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?”).

Christ as Lord of All:
Paul’s underlying point is about the Lordship of Christ.In

Romans 14:9, he continues:“For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.”

Jesus’ death and resurrection affirm His authority over every aspect of our existence—present and eternal.

Practical Application:

  • Don’t live your life thinking you are completely independent. Every breath you take is under God’s watch and purpose.
  • In disagreements with other believers, remember that each person is living before God, not for your approval.
  • View your life as a stewardship—a responsibility to reflect God’s will and glory in everything you do.
  • Trust that your life and even your death are in God’s hands, and nothing escapes His knowledge or purpose.

Summary:

Romans 14:7–8 (NIV) teaches that our lives are not our own—we live and die under the Lordship of Christ. We are accountable to God, and everything we do should be in service to Him. This truth calls for humility, trust, and a deep sense of purpose in both life and death.

May the Lord guide you as you seek to live for Him.

 

Print this post

What Does It Mean to “Crucify the Son of God All Over Again”? (Hebrews 6:4–6)

Bible Passage (Hebrews 6:4–6, NIV)

“It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,
who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age
and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.”

Explanation

This passage in Hebrews is one of the most sobering warnings in the New Testament. It is directed at a very specific group of people—those who have had deep spiritual experiences and yet willfully choose to turn away from Christ. Let’s unpack what the writer means.

Who Are These People?

According to verses 4–5, these individuals:

  1. “Have once been enlightened” – They have received the truth of the gospel and had their spiritual eyes opened.

  2. “Tasted the heavenly gift” – They’ve experienced salvation or the blessings that come with it.

  3. “Shared in the Holy Spirit” – They’ve experienced the work and presence of the Holy Spirit firsthand.

  4. “Tasted the goodness of the Word of God” – They’ve understood and enjoyed God’s Word.

  5. “Tasted the powers of the coming age” – They’ve witnessed or experienced miraculous signs and the supernatural power of the Kingdom of God.

This is not describing new or immature believers, but people who have fully participated in the Christian life and had real experiences with God.

What Happens When They Fall Away?

The Greek term used here for “fall away” (parapiptō) implies a deliberate, conscious turning away from Christ. This isn’t a momentary lapse, ignorance, or a season of doubt—it’s a willful rejection of Jesus after knowing Him intimately.

The writer says it is impossible (not difficult, but impossible) to bring such people back to repentance because they are crucifying Christ all over again.

What Does It Mean to “Crucify the Son of God All Over Again”?

To “crucify Christ again” does not mean Christ is literally crucified again. Instead, it’s a metaphorical expression describing what such a person is doing in spirit. By willfully rejecting Jesus after fully knowing Him, it’s as if they are siding with the very people who nailed Him to the cross—declaring by their actions that Jesus deserves death and shame once more.

This is an act of deep betrayal—much like Judas Iscariot, who walked closely with Jesus but chose to betray Him. The phrase “subjecting him to public disgrace” means they are shaming Christ openly, treating His sacrifice as worthless, and showing contempt for His work on the cross.

Theological Reflection

This passage challenges some theological assumptions:

  • Perseverance of the Saints (Eternal Security): Some traditions (like Reformed theology) interpret this as a hypothetical warning—not describing real believers, but warning professing Christians who were never truly saved.

  • Free Will and Apostasy: Other traditions (like Wesleyan or Arminian) believe this describes genuine believers who can fall away from salvation by a deliberate choice.

What’s clear, regardless of theological stance, is that this is a serious warning against taking God’s grace lightly. Those who truly experience Christ are called to persevere in faith and not treat the cross with contempt.

Illustration to Understand the Emotion Behind the Text

Imagine a husband who forgives his wife after she commits adultery. He takes her back, gives her grace, and restores the relationship. But then, later on, she commits adultery again—intentionally, knowingly, with full understanding of the pain she caused before.

The emotional pain and betrayal are deeper the second time. It’s not just a mistake; it’s a rejection of love and grace. In the same way, when someone experiences the depth of Christ’s love and then chooses to walk away, it’s like inflicting the wounds of the cross all over again.

Final Thoughts

Hebrews 6:4–6 is a call to mature faithfulness. It urges us not to be casual with the gift of salvation. If you’ve truly known the goodness of God, walk in reverence, gratitude, and endurance.

As Paul writes elsewhere:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
(Philippians 2:12–13, NIV)

Print this post

Search

Migawanyo