“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.For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”
Jesus’ statement here is foundational for understanding how the Old Testament (the Law and the Prophets) relates to His mission. He is affirming that He did not come to cancel the teachings of the Old Testament, but to bring them to their intended fulfillment—to complete what they pointed forward to.
1. He Fulfilled the Law MorallyJesus fulfilled the moral law (example the Ten Commandments) by living a sinless, obedient life. He was the only one who ever kept the Law perfectly.Hebrews 4:15
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
When He deepened commands like “Do not murder” and “Do not commit adultery” in Matthew 5:21–30, He wasn’t replacing the Law but showing its true spiritual intent—that God desires purity of heart, not just outward compliance.
2. He Fulfilled the Law CeremoniallyJesus fulfilled the ceremonial aspects of the Law (like sacrifices, festivals, temple rituals) by becoming the true sacrifice and High Priest.Hebrews 10:1
“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities…”
Colossians 2:16–17
“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.”
Everything in the sacrificial system pointed forward to Jesus. The lambs, the offerings, the priesthood—all of it was fulfilled in Him.
3. He Fulfilled the Law PropheticallyMany Old Testament laws and prophetic writings anticipated the Messiah. Jesus is the one to whom they all pointed.Luke 24:44
Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.’”
From the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15 to the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 53, Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophetic expectation.
4. He Enables Us to Fulfill the Law Through the SpiritWhile believers are not under the Old Testament Law as a system of salvation (Romans 6:14), the righteous requirements of the Law are fulfilled in us as we live by the Spirit.Romans 8:3–4
“For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son… he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Through Christ, we are empowered to live out the heart of God’s law—not out of obligation, but out of transformed hearts.
In Summary
Jesus did not abolish the Law; He fulfilled it:
By living it out perfectly (moral fulfillment)
By being the reality behind its symbols (ceremonial fulfillment)
By accomplishing what the prophets foretold (prophetic fulfillment)
And by making it possible for us to live in alignment with God’s will through the Holy Spirit.
The Law was never the way to salvation, but it pointed to the One who is. In Christ, we find both the end and the goal of the Law in Romans 10:4
“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”
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ANSWER: No, it is not biblically permissible to baptize young children. Baptism in Christian theology is a sacrament that follows genuine repentance and faith. In the Bible, repentance involves a personal decision to turn away from sin and dedicate one’s life to God. This is clearly outlined in
Acts 2:38, where Peter says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
Notice the order: repentance first, followed by baptism.
In
Mark 1:15, Jesus also preached, “The time has come, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.”
Again, repentance and faith precede baptism. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as described in
Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Thus, baptism is a conscious act that follows personal faith and repentance, and this cannot be applied to infants or young children who are not yet capable of making such decisions.
Why aren’t infants baptized? The primary reason is that infants do not have the ability to make a conscious decision to repent of their sins or to place faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that individuals must recognize their need for salvation and choose to follow Christ for baptism to be meaningful. In
Romans 10:9, it is stated, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Infants are not able to declare their faith or make this confession.
The Bible also speaks about the necessity of personal responsibility in salvation, as seen in
Acts 17:30, which says, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.”
Children, being unaware of their sin or the gospel, cannot meet this requirement.
Instead of baptizing infants, we see in
Mark 10:16 that Jesus blessed children, saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
This shows that while children are precious in God’s sight, they are not yet at an age to make personal decisions about repentance and faith.
Baptism and Personal Decision: To baptize an infant is similar to baptizing someone who has not personally repented and confessed faith in Christ. True baptism, as shown in
Acts 8:36-37, is linked to an individual’s personal confession of faith. When Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch says, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And Philip replies, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
Baptism without personal faith and repentance is not consistent with the biblical model.
In summary, baptism is a deeply personal step that follows an individual’s decision to repent and believe in Jesus Christ. Infants, who are not yet capable of making this decision, cannot be biblically baptized. Instead, they can be prayed for and blessed, just as Jesus did with the children in Mark 10:16.
Shalom.
Is the true Sabbath on Saturday or Sunday? Are Christians required to observe a specific day of worship? What does the Bible really say?
The word “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word Shabbat, meaning “rest” or “cease.” In the Old Testament, the Sabbath was the seventh day of the week (Saturday), set apart as a holy day of rest and worship for the people of Israel (see Exodus 20:8–11).
However, the Sabbath command was a shadow—a symbolic pointer to something greater that would come through Christ.
Colossians 2:16–17 (NKJV) “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”
Jesus fulfilled the law, including the Sabbath law (see Matthew 5:17). In Him, we find our ultimate spiritual rest—freedom from sin, legalism, and striving for salvation through works.
Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls.”
Hebrews 4:9–10 (NIV) “There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.”
True Sabbath for the believer is not merely resting one day a week—it is resting in the finished work of Christ.
In the New Covenant, worship is no longer tied to a specific day or place. Worship is now a matter of spirit and truth—daily, heartfelt devotion to God.
John 4:23–24 (NIV) “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth…”
The Apostle Paul warned against elevating special days or seasons as requirements for righteousness.
Galatians 4:9–11 (ESV) “…How can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles… You observe days and months and seasons and years! I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.”
While Saturday was the Sabbath under the Law, the early Christians began meeting on Sunday, the first day of the week, in remembrance of Christ’s resurrection (see Mark 16:9). It became known as “the Lord’s Day”.
Acts 20:7 (NIV) “On the first day of the week we came together to break bread…”
1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income…”
This shift shows that the day itself was not the focus—what mattered was gathering in the name of Jesus.
Every day belongs to the Lord. Christians are not bound to the Old Covenant Sabbath laws.
Romans 14:5–6 (NIV) “One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord…”
The point is this: worship must come from the heart, not from the calendar.
Yes, regular fellowship is important. While we are free in Christ, we are encouraged not to neglect meeting together with other believers.
Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV) “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Whether that gathering happens on Saturday, Sunday, or another day, it is the spirit and purpose of the gathering that matters most.
So, when is the “real” Sabbath?
What matters most is that we worship God sincerely, not which day we do it.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
You are not more righteous for worshiping on Saturday, nor are you wrong for worshiping on Sunday. Let your worship be constant, your faith be rooted in Christ, and your rest be found in His finished work.
May the Lord bless you as you walk in His freedom and truth.
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1. Jezebel’s Background
Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, king of the Sidonians (1 Kings 16:31, NIV). The Sidonians, located in what is now modern-day Lebanon, were known for their idolatry and devotion to Baal, a Canaanite storm and fertility god. Ethbaal himself was not only a king but also a priest of Baal, which explains Jezebel’s strong religious convictions and her later influence over Israel’s spiritual decline.
“He not only considered it trivial to commit the sins of Jeroboam son of Nebat, but he also married Jezebel daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and began to serve Baal and worship him.” – 1 Kings 16:31 (NIV)
2. Jezebel’s Marriage to Ahab
When she married King Ahab of Israel, Jezebel brought her pagan religious practices with her, leading Ahab into Baal worship. Under her influence, temples and altars for Baal were built in Israel (1 Kings 16:32-33). This was a direct violation of the First Commandment, which forbids the worship of other gods (Exodus 20:3-5).
3. Persecution of God’s Prophets
Jezebel wasn’t content with simply introducing Baal worship—she sought to eliminate the worship of Yahweh altogether. She ordered the execution of many of the Lord’s prophets (1 Kings 18:4), while promoting hundreds of prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18:19). This led to a spiritual crisis in Israel, culminating in the dramatic confrontation between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:20-40).
“While Jezebel was killing off the Lord’s prophets, Obadiah had taken a hundred prophets and hidden them in two caves, fifty in each, and had supplied them with food and water.” – 1 Kings 18:4 (NIV)
4. Jezebel’s Character and Sorcery
Jezebel is also associated with witchcraft and immorality. Her influence extended beyond politics into the realm of spiritual corruption. In 2 Kings 9:22, Jehu confronts King Joram and accuses Jezebel of idolatry and witchcraft:
“When Joram saw Jehu he asked, ‘Have you come in peace, Jehu?’ ‘How can there be peace,’ Jehu replied, ‘as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?’” – 2 Kings 9:22 (NIV)
She even manipulated legal systems to have Naboth unjustly executed so Ahab could seize his vineyard (1 Kings 21), showing a ruthless and manipulative character.
5. Jezebel in the New Testament
In the Book of Revelation, Jezebel is used as a symbol of a corrupting influence within the church. Jesus, speaking to the church in Thyatira, rebukes them for tolerating a false prophetess likened to Jezebel:
“Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.” – Revelation 2:20 (NIV)
This shows that Jezebel became an archetype of spiritual adultery, manipulation, and false teaching.
6. Jezebel’s Death and Divine Judgment
Jezebel’s death came as prophesied by the prophet Elijah. She was thrown from a window by her own servants at the command of Jehu, trampled by horses, and eaten by dogs—fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy (1 Kings 21:23-24; 2 Kings 9:30-37).
“They went out to bury her, but they found nothing except her skull, her feet and her hands. They went back and told Jehu, who said, ‘This is the word of the Lord that he spoke through his servant Elijah the Tishbite: On the plot of ground at Jezreel dogs will devour Jezebel’s flesh.’” – 2 Kings 9:35-36 (NIV)
7. Jezebel’s Legacy
Jezebel’s daughter, Athaliah, followed her mother’s footsteps in wickedness. She usurped the throne of Judah, murdered members of the royal family, and promoted Baal worship (2 Kings 11:1-3). Jezebel’s legacy was one of spiritual corruption, violence, and rebellion against God, making her one of the most infamous women in biblical history.
Understanding His Origin, Nature, and Role in the Biblical Narrative
The name “Satan” means accuser or adversary. In Scripture, he is described as the one who accuses God’s people before Him day and night (Revelation 12:10, NKJV). His mission is to oppose God’s work and lead humanity away from truth and righteousness.
Before his rebellion, Satan was known as Lucifer, which means “morning star” or “light-bringer”.
“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!”— Isaiah 14:12 (NKJV)
Lucifer was created as a glorious angelic being, a cherub with great beauty, wisdom, and authority in heaven. He held a high rank among angels and served in the very presence of God.
“You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; You were on the holy mountain of God; You walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.”— Ezekiel 28:14–15 (NKJV)
These passages are often seen as dual references: while they address earthly kings (Babylon and Tyre), many theologians understand them as symbolic descriptions of Satan’s original state and fall.
Lucifer’s heart became proud because of his beauty and wisdom. He desired to exalt himself above God and sought to be worshiped.
“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God… I will be like the Most High.’”— Isaiah 14:13–14 (NKJV)
Through his deception, Lucifer led a rebellion, drawing a third of the angels in heaven to join him.
“His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth.”— Revelation 12:4a (NKJV)
This resulted in a spiritual war in heaven.
“And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan… he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”— Revelation 12:7–9 (NKJV)
After being cast out of heaven, Satan’s activity shifted to earth. He became the deceiver of the world and the tempter of mankind. The spiritual war that began in heaven continues here on earth.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”— 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
While Satan was defeated in heaven, he still influences the world until the final judgment. This ongoing battle is not just cosmic; it involves every believer. Our spiritual struggle is described clearly in the New Testament:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers… against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”— Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
Satan’s end is certain. Scripture assures us that he will ultimately be judged and cast into the lake of fire for eternity.
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”— Revelation 20:10 (NKJV)
Conclusion:
Satan was once a glorious angel named Lucifer, but pride led to his fall. He now stands as the adversary of God and humanity. However, believers have victory through Jesus Christ, and the Bible assures us that Satan’s time is limited. The war may still be ongoing, but the outcome has already been written—God will triumph.
To determine whether betting is a sin, we must first understand God’s will. You cannot identify what displeases God unless you first know what pleases Him.
When God created human beings and all living creatures—including animals—He placed within us something called conscience. This conscience acts as an internal guide, helping us distinguish between right and wrong. It exists in all living beings (both humans and animals) and carries God’s moral laws within it.
Even without God directly speaking to us about what is right or wrong, our conscience has the ability to recognize when something is not right.
For example, a lion may hunt and kill an antelope, but that same lion will never eat its own cub. Why? Because the conscience within it tells the lion that such an action is wrong. The lion has not been given a written law from God, yet it follows an internal moral law.
Similarly, you will never see a male dog mating with another male dog. Why? Because the conscience inside animals naturally guides them away from such behavior, even though they have physical urges.
Humans are the same way. We also have an inbuilt conscience that carries God’s moral laws. A person may have no knowledge of the Bible or any religious teachings, yet they will still recognize that certain actions—such as killing, mistreating children, or stealing—are wrong.
The conscience does not require written laws to distinguish right from wrong. That is why even animals, despite their instincts, still follow certain moral boundaries.
For example:
A person instinctively knows that abortion is wrong because they understand deep inside that it is taking a life.
A person who takes drugs knows that they are harming themselves.
Someone who engages in masturbation or pornography feels guilt deep inside, even though they may not find a specific Bible verse explicitly calling it a sin.
A person involved in gambling or betting often feels hesitant before starting, sensing that something is not right.
Betting is a form of gambling, which is legalized in many countries but remains morally questionable.
Most people who start betting feel an inner resistance at first. They experience unease, hesitation, and doubt about whether the practice is right. They may even ask others if it is acceptable. These signs should not be ignored. They indicate that their conscience is warning them against something harmful.
Once a person silences that inner voice and proceeds with betting, they eventually lose that initial discomfort and start seeing gambling as “normal.” However, this is a dangerous deception.
Many global betting companies operate under hidden, sinister agendas. These organizations, often run by secret societies such as Freemasons and other occult groups, use gambling profits to:
Fund LGBTQ+ campaigns to promote sexual immorality.
Support abortion rights and the killing of unborn children.
Finance terrorism and criminal activities to create global instability.
Satan uses betting and gambling as a tool to trap people into financial ruin while enriching his kingdom. The Bible warns against the love of money and the desire for quick riches, as these are common tricks the devil uses to lure people into destruction.
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Betting makes people obsessed with easy money, and this leads them into spiritual bondage. Many gamblers find themselves:
Addicted to gambling, always returning even after multiple losses.
Struggling financially due to money lost in bets.
Controlled by unseen spiritual forces that keep them in financial and moral ruin.
God does not want His people to seek quick, easy money through gambling. Instead, He teaches that wealth should be earned gradually, through honest work.
“Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”
The Biblical principle is to work diligently and build wealth over time. Any method that promises instant riches, such as gambling or betting, is a trap of the devil.
The answer is NO. Betting is a deceptive scheme designed to enslave people financially and spiritually. It is controlled by satanic forces that use gambling profits to promote evil. Even if the Bible does not explicitly mention betting, the conscience within us warns that it is not right.
If you are involved in betting, the Bible calls you to repent and turn away from it. Instead of seeking quick money, trust in God’s provision and follow His principles for financial success.
“Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”
God bless you!
After the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt and entered the Promised Land, God commanded them to observe seven major feasts, called the “Feasts of the Lord,” which were to be celebrated throughout all generations. These feasts, described in Leviticus 23, hold deep prophetic meaning, especially for those who follow the New Covenant. Here is a clear explanation of each of the seven feasts and their significance, both for the Israelites and for us today.
Passover, celebrated on the 14th of Nisan (usually March or April), marks the night when the Israelites were spared from the final plague in Egypt. They slaughtered a lamb, applied its blood to their doorframes, and ate it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, dressed and ready to leave. This event commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery.
For Christians, Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for our salvation. At the Last Supper, Jesus revealed He was the fulfillment of this feast as He broke the bread and shared the wine, symbolizing His body and blood. Just as the Israelites were saved from death through the lamb’s blood, Christians believe they are saved from eternal death through the sacrifice of Jesus.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins the day after Passover, lasting for seven days (from the 15th of Nisan). During this time, the Israelites were to remove all leaven (yeast) from their homes and eat unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and the need to be free from sin.
For Christians, the unleavened bread represents Jesus as the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Just as the Israelites ate unleavened bread during their exodus from Egypt, Christians are called to live holy lives, free from sin (symbolized by leaven), following the teachings of Jesus.
This feast occurs on the Sunday following Passover, the day after the Sabbath, and is a celebration of the first harvest of the season. The Israelites were commanded to bring the first sheaf of grain to the priest as an offering to God, recognizing Him as the source of their provision.
For Christians, the Feast of Firstfruits is directly linked to the resurrection of Jesus, which happened on this very day (Matthew 28:1-10). Jesus is called the “Firstfruits” of those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:20). His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all believers, and just as the first portion of the harvest was offered to God, Christ’s resurrection represents the promise that believers, too, will rise again.
Shavuot, or Pentecost, occurs 50 days after Firstfruits, marking the end of the grain harvest. It also commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. For Christians, Pentecost is significant because it marks the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, empowering them to spread the Gospel (Acts 2). This was the beginning of the New Covenant, where God’s Spirit would dwell in believers.
Shavuot also symbolizes the harvest of souls. As the Israelites celebrated the completion of the grain harvest, Christians recognize this feast as a reminder of the harvest of souls and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith.
The Feast of Trumpets, celebrated on the 1st of Tishrei (usually September), marks the beginning of the Jewish civil year. It is a time of repentance and reflection, heralded by the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn), calling the people to prepare for the upcoming High Holy Days, particularly Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
For Christians, the Feast of Trumpets points to the future event when Christ will return. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 speaks of a trumpet being sounded when Christ descends from heaven, and the faithful will be caught up to meet Him. This feast symbolizes the coming of Christ’s return, where God will gather His people in the final days.
Yom Kippur, observed on the 10th of Tishrei, is the holiest day in Judaism. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, during which the high priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of the people to seek God’s forgiveness.
For Christians, Yom Kippur points to the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who, as the High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-12). While the Israelites once sought forgiveness through the blood of animals, Christ’s sacrifice brought full and final forgiveness. Yom Kippur also foreshadows a time when Israel will recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and national reconciliation with God will occur.
Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, begins on the 15th of Tishrei and lasts for seven days. During this feast, the Israelites lived in temporary shelters (sukkahs) to remember their time of wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. It was a time of joy, celebrating God’s provision and protection.
For Christians, Sukkot points to the future millennial reign of Christ on earth, when He will dwell among His people in a time of peace and justice (Revelation 21:3, Zechariah 14:16-17). The feast symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, where He will permanently dwell with His people, and His kingdom will be established on earth.
For Christians, these seven feasts are not just historical events but prophetic symbols of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Each feast corresponds to a key event in Christ’s life: His sacrifice (Passover), His resurrection (Firstfruits), the giving of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), His second coming (Trumpets), the atonement for sins (Yom Kippur), and His millennial reign (Tabernacles).
These feasts remind believers of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ. They also serve as a call to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The Feast of Trumpets, in particular, signifies that Christ’s return is imminent, and all believers will be gathered to Him when the trumpet sounds.
In conclusion, the seven Jewish feasts are a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive plan, which has been fulfilled in Christ and will be fully realized when He returns. As believers, these feasts encourage us to understand and embrace God’s promises, living faithfully as we await the return of our Savior.
As we approach the end of the year, it is a particularly significant time to pause, reflect, and give thanks to God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon us. The greatest reason to thank God is for the gift of life He has sustained in us throughout the entire year.
During the course of this year, we have passed through many seasons and trials, yet we are still alive. The sun rises and sets each day, we have not experienced earthquakes, nor waged war, God has preserved us from many calamities, shielded us from illness, and even when we fell sick, He healed us. Can we honestly say this is because of our own righteousness?
It is not because of our religious devotion, our abundance of food, our self-care, our good conduct, our righteousness, our personal holiness, our zeal to seek God, our good deeds, fasting, prayer, church attendance, or charitable giving. None of these things move our Heavenly Father to grant us blessings, life, or daily provision. Not one.
So the question arises: if it is not because of these things that we are finishing the year safely, then why? If it is not because of our holiness, efforts, or works, why do we receive such grace?
The answer is simple: it is because of the righteousness of one person, because of the holiness, diligence, obedience, and prayers of one person—and that person is the Lord Jesus Christ, who was pleasing to the Heavenly Father.
The Heavenly Father was not pleased with the thousands on earth; He found no one righteous. All had sinned and fallen short of His glory.
Psalm 14:2-3:
“The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. All have turned away, all have become corrupt; no one does good, not even one.”
Do you see? If there is no one righteous on earth, who could possibly receive blessings from God based on their own merit? None. We all deserve eternal judgment. That is why someone had to come from heaven who is righteous, to be able to receive blessings from God—because no one on earth is truly wise or righteous.
And that person is Jesus Christ alone. He alone lived a sinless life from birth to death. He alone was counted righteous by the Father:
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
Not “these are my beloved sons,” but this One—and through His righteousness, all blessings flow to us.
Matthew 21:5-9:
“Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest!’”
Therefore, only one is truly blessed—Jesus Christ alone, who was not destined to die in sin or perish eternally. Our Lord Jesus redeemed us, who were imperfect, before the Heavenly Father, and granted us access to the blessings He had already received from the Father. Though we did not deserve blessing, life, or the illumination of God’s favor, we now receive them through Christ.
Even as we conclude this year and continue to live, we must not boast in our works, for it is not by our own deeds that we are preserved, but because of the works of Jesus Christ, which pleased the Father. This is not due to our diligence, nor our moral efforts, but by the mercy of Jesus Christ upon us.
We are not the blessed ones—Jesus Christ alone is blessed. We are invited to partake in His blessings. That is why we must know Him, worship Him, and humbly say, “Lord, thank You.”
Thank Him for every moment of the year, from beginning to end. Even if you are sick, give thanks. Even if your desires were not fulfilled this year, be thankful that you are still alive.
Thank Him for keeping you in faith, for preserving you from the attacks of the devil, and for granting you life to seek Him through prayer, fasting, and devotion. Without Him, we would all belong to the fire of hell.
Give thanks in every area of your life, and ask for greater grace in the coming year to draw closer to Him, know Him more deeply, and experience His power. He will grant you greater grace to overcome the world and its temptations, for “the world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). Christ will return, “like a thief in the night” (Revelation 3:3). One day, this world will end, just as one year passes by. Let us pray for God’s grace to remain steadfast until that day.
The Lord bless you abundantly!
When we read the Bible, we do not find any command instructing us to celebrate the birthday or death of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no religious obligation for all believers to observe such a day. This raises a question: if Scripture does not command it, why should we designate a specific day to celebrate the birth or death of our Savior?
The answer is simple. Consider our everyday life: how often do you attend birthday parties? How often have you celebrated your own birthday, or that of others? Clearly, whether you celebrate your birthday or not, it does not prevent someone from expressing gratitude to God or enjoying life with family and friends.
Similarly, Christianity does not command the celebration of any festival—neither Easter, Pentecost, Jesus’ birthday, baptism, nor any other event. Yet, many people observe certain days as meaningful. Some wish to honor the birth of the King of the world 2,000 years ago; others celebrate the death of Jesus on the cross, who brought them salvation, or their baptism—their “second birth.” Some celebrate days when God answered their prayers.
The problem arises when people assume December 25 as Jesus’ birthday, though the Bible gives no indication of this, and historically, the date was linked to Roman pagan festivals. However, biblical clues suggest Jesus was not born on December 25.
If we look at the Gospel of Luke, we read that the angel Gabriel appeared to the priest Zechariah while he was serving in the priestly division of Abijah (Luke 1:5–9):
“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. His wife, Elizabeth, was also a descendant of Aaron. Both were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments blamelessly. But they were childless, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were well along in years. While Zechariah was serving as priest before God, his division’s turn came to burn incense.”
The division of Abijah was the eighth out of twenty-four. Priestly service rotated weekly, and the Jewish year began in April. This suggests Zechariah’s temple service and Elizabeth’s conception likely occurred around the sixth or seventh month of the Jewish calendar. Six months later, Gabriel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26). This calculation implies Jesus’ conception possibly occurred in December or January, pointing to a September or October birth.
While other indicators exist, these calculations suggest December 25 was not the historical date. Does this mean celebrating it is sinful? Not at all. The Bible does not mandate a particular date. Therefore, those who celebrate the day out of love for Jesus and to glorify God commit no sin, whether in April, August, September, October, or December. The key is that the day is observed with devotion and holiness.
Sin occurs when a day intended for honoring God is misused for drunkenness, idolatry, or other immoral activities (1 Corinthians 10:31). That would be a direct offense against God and more serious than other transgressions.
Dear brothers and sisters, during this season: if you choose to celebrate these days for Jesus, do so in holiness. Keep it sacred, reflecting on the past year with gratitude, and begin the new year with wisdom and devotion (Psalm 90:12; Colossians 3:17).
May God bless you!
Matthew 24:24
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
The false prophets of the Old Testament serve as a shadow of the false prophets who would arise in the New Testament era. Many of the tactics they used then are still visible today.
False prophets could mislead new believers and, at times, even unsettle mature believers. An example is Hananiah during the time of King Zedekiah. When God declared that Jerusalem would be destroyed and the people exiled to Babylon, Hananiah boldly told the king, the priests, and the people that God had promised all the confiscated items would be returned in two years. Yet Scripture makes clear that God had not sent him. Humanity often favors messages that sound good, even if they are false.
Similarly, Jeremiah experienced opposition when he proclaimed Jerusalem’s impending destruction. The king and people, not wanting to hear a message they deemed unpleasant, ordered him bound. (Jeremiah 28)
During King Ahab’s reign, there were 400 prophets who always gave favorable prophecies. But when God’s judgment was to fall upon Ahab, a prophet named Micaiah stood faithfully and spoke truth before God. God revealed, “Ahab will die in battle,” yet Ahab chose to listen to the false prophets promising him success—and, as foretold, he perished. (2 Chronicles 18:1–34)
These examples reflect the reality that even today, there are true prophets chosen by God. Likewise, the Old Testament also records groups of false prophets whose primary role was to mislead believers. (1 Kings 13)
1 Kings 13:1–32 (Summary)A man of God was sent from Judah to Bethel. He condemned the altar and proclaimed God’s word: “A descendant of David will be born, and the priests at the altar will be burned.” A miraculous sign accompanied his prophecy—the altar split and ashes scattered.
King Jeroboam invited him to eat, but God had commanded that he neither eat nor drink there and should return by a different route.
An older prophet persuaded him to disobey God’s command, leading him to eat and drink. On the way home, he was killed by a lion.
This account illustrates that even a faithful servant of God, standing firmly in faith, can be misled by false prophets who only speak words that please the listeners.
Jeremiah 14:14
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them or command them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, and deceitful things from their own hearts.’”
We see clearly that we should not believe every voice promising only success and blessings. False prophets often conceal God’s call for justice, repentance, and warning. The pleasures of the world may seem attractive, but God’s truth is immutable. (Matthew 24:24; Hebrews 12:14)
If we hear prophecies promising only temporary happiness or success, we must exercise discernment. God’s Word is unchanging, no matter how appealing worldly promises may appear. We must remain steadfast in our calling and election rather than being swayed by deceptive voices.
May God bless you and grant you wisdom to stand firm in these last days.