The General Epistle of James is the “Proverbs” of the New Testament. It is a commentary on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and incorporates many ideas and phrases from the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). The theme of a Christian “working faith” is the focus of James, and it is the focus of this Bible Study.
The author of this epistle is only identified as “James” and there are four men with that name in the New Testament.
“And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,” (Mark 3:18 AV)
“There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;” (Mark 15:40 AV)
1. James, the son of Alphaeus is one of the four candidates that might have written JAMES, however, it is unlikely. He is referred to as the “less”, which indicates that another James was known “more” for his stature of dignity. James, the son of Alphaeus, was insignificant in early church history.
“And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.” (Luke 6:16 AV)
2. Another candidate for authorship is James, the brother of Judas who was the apostle that was surnamed Lebbaeus or Thaddaeus and probably wrote the Epistle of Jude. This James is virtually unknown, and also very insignificant in early church history.
“1 ¶ Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)” (Acts 12:1-3 AV)
3. James, the brother of John, was martyred at the very early date of A.D. 44, when King Herod killed him to bring evil to bear on the church established on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Although this James is better known, he did not have prominence in the early church because of his early death, and it is unlikely that he is the author of the book of JAMES.
“18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.” (Galatians 1:18-19 AV)
4. James, the half brother of Christ, is considered by most Christians to be the author of the book of JAMES, because he possesses all of the qualities of the author.
5. He was the one and only James in the New Testament that was referred to by his name alone, and was obviously well known to the scattered believers.
“9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. 11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,” (Galatians 2:9-15 AV)
6. James, Cephas (Peter) and John had the stature of “pillars” to Paul, and gave the appearance of being able to stand in the presence of any body or any force, and the ability to maintain and sustain the Word and Works of Jesus Christ.
7. This confident authority, that James and the others displayed, was so apparent to Paul and Barnabas that they were able to recognize each other as fellow brothers and workers in Christ. This knowledge of each others authority and honor were represented and acknowledged in their handshake of right hands.
8. James, and the other men of God with Him, had the ability to perceive the grace of the LORD GOD that is given to His people. To be able to perceive requires that the LORD GOD has first given the Christian the ability to see and understand. To have the knowledge of grace requires the Christian to know the loving kindness of the LORD GOD and the gift of divine influence to the heart of the faithful believers.
9. Because of their equal authority and knowledge of the things of Jesus Christ, they decided to divide their ministry into two groups. Paul and Barnabas would go among the heathen people and James, Cephas (Peter) and John would go among the people of circumcision to teach of the foundation of Jesus Christ.
10. Thus, Paul and Barnabas focused their ministry on teaching the common Gentiles who did not know the LORD GOD, and practiced the worship of false pagan gods as a matter of tradition and belief.
11. James, Peter and John focused their ministry on teaching the things of Jesus Christ to the Jewish Tribes of Israel, who knew of the LORD GOD, and worshipped Him exclusively.
12. The men not only shared equal authority and knowledge in the things of Jesus Christ, they also had a common desire to focus on the poor people within their designated ministries, to feed them the living Word of Jesus Christ and his salvation.
So the five men established their ministries in the manner they had divided among themselves. James, Peter and John would go to the Jewish People and bring them the good news that Jesus Christ was the Messiah they had been promised by their LORD God through the great Prophets of old. Paul and Barnabas would go to the Gentile people, and teach them the doctrines of repentance from dead works, faith toward God, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment, all based on the Foundation of Jesus Christ.
Each of these powerful men of the LORD God committed to each other to confess and proclaim the name of Jesus Christ and spread His message to all who were given the ability to hear in faith. Each man knew each other to be upright, focused, committed, knowledgeable and powerful, and each man trusted that each would do the Works that the LORD God willed them to do.
Then Peter, the one who Jesus Christ chose to establish His foundation into a church, made a very bad mistake. His mistake was so terrible, that the five men’s ministries were placed in jeopardy. This mistake of Peter’s and the five men’s recovery from it, gives credence to the belief that it was James, the brother of Jesus Christ, who was the author of The Epistle of James, as he places a tremendous spiritual focus on the expectations of the LORD God in the working faith of a Christian, and the precautions needed to be taken to go out into the world to accomplish His Works in faith.
Footnotes:
less – 3398. mikrov mikros mik-ros’; including the comparative mikroterov mikroteros mik-rot’-er-os; apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity):— least, less, little, small. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
John 14:22 – “Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?”
Cephas – 2786. Khfav Kephas kay-fas’; of Aramaic origin [compare 03710]; the Rock; Cephas (i.e. Kepha), a surname of Peter:— Cephas. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
pillar – 2476. isthmi histemi his’-tay-mee; a prolonged form of a primary staw stao stah’-o (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively):— abide, appoint, bring, continue, covenant, establish, hold up, lay, present, set (up), stanch, stand (by, forth, still, up) (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
right hand -1188. dexiov dexios dex-ee-os’; from 1209; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):— right (hand, side). 1) the right, the right hand 2)) metaph. 2a) a place of honor or authority. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
grace – 5485. cariv charis khar’-ece; from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):— acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy). (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
Heathen – 1484. eynov ethnos eth’-nos; probably from 1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan):— Gentile, heathen, nation, people. (Strong’s Greek Lexicon)
Genesis 17:7-11 – “7 ¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. 9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.” (Genesis 17:7-11 AV)
Matthew 16:18 – “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18 AV)
Worksheet for Lesson 1
1. What type of document is JAMES classified as? (Title) A. Gospel B. Book C. Epistle D. All of the above
2. What “Old Testament” book is James sometimes compared to? (Intro notes) A. Psalms B. Proverbs C. Daniel D. Exodus
3. What does the Epistle of JAMES discuss? (Intro notes) A. The teachings of Jesus Christ B. The laws of the LORD GOD C. The crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ D. The prophesies concerning the Day of Judgment
4. Where do many of the ideas and phrases contained in JAMES originate from? (Intro notes) A. The Song of Solomon B. The hypocrite speech spoken to the Pharisees by Jesus Christ C. The Sermon on the Mount spoken by Jesus Christ to his disciples D. Paul’s many epistles contained within the Word of God
5. What themes are present in the Epistle of JAMES? (Intro notes) A. Faith B. Works C. Salvation D. Judgment E. A & B F. C & D G. All of the above
6. How is the author of JAMES identified? (Intro) A. James B. James, the son of Alphaeus C. James, the brother of Judas D. James, the brother of John E. James, the brother of Jesus
7. How many candidates are eligible to be the author of JAMES? A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four
8. Why is it unlikely that James, the son of Alphaeus authored the Epistle of JAMES? Mark 3:19; 15:40 (1) (May be more than one answer) A. He is referred to as the “Less” B. He was known for his stature of dignity C. He was insignificant in early church history D. He is virtually unknown. E. He was martyred at an early time in church history F. He was well known G. He was prominent in church affairs H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the struggles he faced K. He was the brother if Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone
9. Why is it unlikely that James, the brother of Judas, authored the Epistle of JAMES? Luke 6:16 (2) (May be more than one answer) A. He is referred to as the “Less” B. He was known for his stature of dignity C. He was insignificant in early church history D. He is virtually unknown. E. He was martyred at an early time in church history F. He was well known G. He was prominent in church affairs H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the struggles he faced K. He was the brother of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone
10. Why is it unlikely that James, the brother of John, authored the Epistle of JAMES? Acts 12:1-3 (3) (May be more than one answer) A. He is referred to as the “Less” B. He was known for his stature of dignity C. He was insignificant in early church history D. He is virtually unknown. E. He was martyred at an early time in church history F. He was well known G. He was prominent in church affairs H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the struggles he faced K. He was the brother of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone
11. Why is it likely that James, the half brother of Jesus Christ, authored the Epistle of JAMES? Acts 12:1-3 (3) (May be more than one answer) A. He is referred to as the “Less” B. He was known for his stature of dignity C. He was insignificant in early church history D. He is virtually unknown. E. He was martyred at an early time in church history F. He was well known G. He was prominent in church affairs H. He possesses all of the qualities of the author of JAMES I. The writings in JAMES are consistent with the spiritual struggles he faced K. He was the brother of Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus L. He was the one and only James referred by his name alone
12. Who had the stature of a “pillar” to Paul? Galatians 2:9-15 (6) (May be more than one answer) A. James B. Peter C. John D. Barnabas
13. (Essay) What characteristics does a “pillar” represent in a Christian? Galatians 2:9-15 (6)
14. What is the other name that Peter is known by in the Word of God? Galatians 2:9-15 (6) A. Paul B. Cephas C. Pope D. Jude
15. Who was with Paul when they met the three workers of Christ? Galatians 2:9-15 (6) A. Barnabas B. Barabbas C. Barney D. Barbie
16. What did Paul think about this confident authority that James and the others displayed to him? Galatians 2:9-15 (7) (May be more than one answer) A. It caused him some concern that his brothers in Christ were acting superior to him B. It caused him some worry that they were trying to take over his ministry territory C. It gave him the ability to recognize his fellow brothers and workers in Christ D. It allowed him to know that they were superior in ranking, and in authority over him
17. How did the five Christian workers greet each other? Galatians 2:9-15 (7) A. With kisses and hugs B. With the handshake of right hands C. With the drawing of fishes with their feet in the sand D. All of the above
18. What were the men able to recognize about each other when they met? Galatians 2:9-15 (7-8) (May be more than one answer) A. Human frailty B. Sins of their nature C. Authority and honor in Christ’s Kingdom D. Leader of churches and religious institutions E. Had the ability to perceive and understand things spiritual
19. What word best describes the ability for a Christian to see and gain understanding? Galatians 2:9-15 (8 ) A. Knowledge B. Wisdom C. Perception D. All of the above
20. What must a Christian have to obtain the “knowledge” of the LORD GOD’s Grace? Gal 2:9-15 (8 ) (May be more than one answer) A. The LORD GOD must first give the Christian the ability to see and understand B. The Christian must know the loving kindness of the LORD GOD C. The Christian must be able recognize the gift of the LORD GOD’s Grace D. All of the above
21. What is the definition of the LORD GOD’s Grace? Galatians 2:9-15 (Footnote) A. The salvation and redemption of a sinner B. The forgiveness of sins through a contrite heart C. The cleansing and rebirth of a sinner into the Kingdom of God D. An undeserved gift of the LORD GOD to a person that places divine influence upon his heart
22. (Let’s Talk) Why is it important for each of us to strive to walk as “pillars” among our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
What characteristics of a Worker for Christ do you possess that contributes to this appearance?
Is the appearance of a stature of a pillar “self-made” through the self improvement efforts of a Christian, or is it a position given by the LORD GOD or fellow Christians?
How much study and knowledge of the Word of God is necessary to be a “pillar” among your faithful congregation of believers?
How important is it that a Christian “pillar” maintains that appearance when he goes into the world?
How does a Christian “pillar” avoid the accusations of “holier than thou” and hypocrite?
How does the Christian “pillar” avoid the temptations of the world?
How does the Christian pillar avoid becoming a lover of self and boastful in nature?
Where is the line between a pillar and a braggart in the community of Christians and in the community of non-believers?
23. What did the five men discuss in their meeting? Galatians 2:9-15 (9) A. The sins of the world B. The anger and violence that they were facing among the heathen population C. The problems with the Pharisees and the Jewish leaders D. The division of their ministry
24. Who was the partner of Paul in his ministry? Galatians 2:9-15 (9) A. Barnabas B. James C. Peter D. John
25. What ministry did Paul accept at the division between the men? Galatians 2:9-15 (9) A. Ministry of Gentiles B. Ministry of the Jewish Tribes of Israel C. Ministry of the Christian Churches D. All of the above
26. What ministry did James, Peter and John assume? Galatians 2:9-15 (9) A. Ministry of Gentiles B. Ministry of the Jewish Tribes of Israel C. Ministry of the Christian Churches D. All of the above
27. What is another term used to describe the people that James, Peter and John would teach? Gal 2:9-15 (9) A. People of grace B. People of the Roman Catholic Church C. People of circumcision D. People of Peter’s Church
28. What specific doctrine were all five men teaching? Galatians 2:9-15 (9) A. The Foundation of Jesus Christ B. The Doctrine of Christ’s Church C. The Doctrine of Man D. The Doctrine of Law and Obedience to the LORD GOD
29. What is a common term that is associated with Gentiles? Galatians 2:9-15 (10) (May be more than one answer) A. Heathen B. Common C. Worldly D. Relatives of Christians E. Relatives of Jews F. All of the above
30. What type of tradition and belief did the Gentiles hold? Galatians 2:9-15 (10) A. None B. Worship of false pagan gods C. Worship of the LORD GOD exclusively through the obeying of His Laws D. Sunday morning church, Wednesday night Bible Studies
31. What type of tradition and belief did the Jewish Tribes of Israel practice? Galatians 2:9-15 (11)
A. None B. Worship of false pagan gods C. Worship of the LORD GOD exclusively through the obeying of His Laws D. The Catholic Faith of Roman oppressors
32. What focus did all five men hold in common concerning their ministries? Galatians 2:9-15 (12)
A. Feeding the poor people the Living Word of Jesus Christ B. Feeding the rich people the Living Word of Jesus Christ C. Feeding the religious people the Living Word of Jesus Christ D. Feed the leaders of the people the Living Word of Jesus Christ
33. Why are we studying Galatians to learn about James? Galatians 2:9-15 (12) (May be more than one answer) A. The Teacher got the wrong chapter B. A serious mistake that Peter made during this time, might well have contributed to development of the Epistle written by James C. The Epistle of James places a tremendous spiritual focus on the expectations of the LORD GOD in the working faith of a Christian, and the precautions needed to be taken to go out into the world, things these five men should have considered before assuming their works in faith D. The Epistle of Galatians comes right before James in our Bibles
Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:12‐34, KJV)
Introduction
There is only one mention of “baptism for the dead,” written in a letter by Paul to the Corinthians as an elucidation of his point concerning resurrection of believers (1 Corinthians 15:12‐34). Though every word in Scripture is intentional to express God’s Truth, with a singular use no less valuable than all other words, interpretation of its exact meaning is difficult when comparative uses are not available. This singular idea has been used throughout the history of Christianity by creating debates and establishing odd doctrines that operate outside the salvation of Jesus Christ as revealed through His Gospel.
Vicarious baptism was a practice by the Marcionites. The followers of Cerinthus also participated in the baptism of the dead. However, it is the Latter‐Day Saints (LDS) (Mormon) implementation and declaration of one part of their tripartite mission statement to “proclaim the gospel, perfect the Saints, and redeem the dead,”1 that continues to be newsworthy in these modern times. Their belief that no one can enter the “celestial” heaven without baptism motivates their representational baptismal dunking as one of the most important temple works that can be accomplished by Mormon adherents.2 Religious autonomy seems radically challenged in these unauthorized procurator baptisms that lead to other faiths embraced in life by devout believers being removed posthumously by heavy‐handed substitution with this practice. These actions have led to the Mormon/Jewish controversy that is focused upon “the wrongful posthumous baptism of Jewish dead continues, despite repeated denials by the disingenuous Mormon leadership.”3
Jewish leaders call the zealous baptism of unrelated Jews “arrogant and disrespectful to the dead, especially the Holocaust victims”4 as Mormon believers practice proxy baptism in their temple work so the non‐Mormon dead can be granted entrance into the celestial heaven according to their doctrine.
A deep biblical study of baptism application with regards to the dead can only go so far to reveal God’s Truth since there is only one direct reference in Scripture (1 Corinthians 15:29). However, when the sacrament of Baptism and Salvation through Christ is applied with strict adherence to biblical development, then the idea of baptism for the dead can be illuminated and understood theologically and ultimately prevent odd, zealous applications of misguided activity that refutes the Gospel of Christ.
Jewish and Early Christianity Baptismal Practices and Beliefs The attention‐seeking, first century Jewish philosophical sect of Pharisees placed great emphasis on public showing of their faith and accentuated the ceremonial rites which included baptism.5 This emphasis upon public‐viewed baptisms was not shared by early Christians at first; but by the second century some Christian leaders wrongly declared baptism necessary for salvation.6
The Essenes were an austere Jewish philosophical sect with adherence to strong discipline that allowed them to exceed the virtues of the Sadducee and Pharisee sects by “cultivating a peculiar sanctity” according to Josephus.7 Though they did not practice rituals or ceremonies, and considered “external rites to be without value in spiritual development,”8 the entry into the sect required an observation period and probation to confirm temperance for one year before the use of the “purer kind of holy water.”9
One of the sectarian manuscripts written for the Qumranian Essene sect was found with the Dead Sea Scrolls discoveries, The Sectarian Manual of Discipline (DSD), which revealed the Essenes custom of holy living that required a repentance of sin, rejection of evil, confession of faith and works of righteousness in step with the works of God always.10 But, there was no indication of actual baptism or a rite of purification following the year of probation.11
While a causal inference link with the New Testament idea of “baptism” and the Essene use of “holy water” is sometimes connected as proof of transitioning Jewish belief with Christian practice, there is absolutely no evidence to support this supposition.
It was John the Baptist’s works recorded in the New Testament that began a transitioning of “baptism with water” with the promise of the baptism of “Holy Ghost and fire” to come (Luke 3:16). Some scholars suggest that John’s baptism was derived from the baptism of proselytes among the Jews, while others claim the development of baptism to have first originated with the Essenes and brought forward by John from a shared experience with the sect as a child.12 There is no proof for this idea, though, many Christian scholars explore the concept of the Qumran prototype of John’s baptism often.13 14 John the Baptist is not mentioned in any of the “820 fragmentary or complete manuscripts found in the eleven Qumran caves” according to author Joseph A. Fitzmyer.15
Since there is no perfect evidence for or against John the Baptist’s involvement with the Qumranian Essenes, the circumstantial likeness should probably be ignored. One thing is certain, however; in both the sect of Essenes and John the Baptist’s teachings, partaking of the most holy water or water baptism required a repentance of sin and a rejection of evil to purify themselves to one day meet the LORD God. While the Jewish Essenes prepared for the coming of the LORD God in the future, John the Baptist understood that his cousin as God’s only begotten Son, the Messiah Jesus Christ, would soon lead believers toward faith in the LORD God and righteousness to complete His works. Whether the Essenes actually did baptism with their Holy Water to initiate recruits into their community, or John the Baptist’s water baptism originated solely from the will of the LORD God to prepare the path of the coming Lord Jesus Christ, it is most certain that the dedicated believers were NOT baptized WITHOUT regard of their repentance and rejection of evil. Thus, it is highly unlikely that the baptism of actual dead people would be accepted by the Essenes or John the Baptist as a valid salvation tool, since the dead are unable to actively repent when life has ended.
Baptism of Water for Repentance
John baptized his followers in the wilderness with water. He was he first to do this sort of baptism based upon its form of full immersion in water and significance declaring the cleansing of a repentant sinner through the forgiveness of God.16 It was the “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4). This water baptism did NOT give forever forgiveness or assistance by God for the penitent’s future sins; once baptized the repenting sinners were required to seek to live a holy life. John’s water baptism DID require a confession of sins (Mark 1:5) because without an acknowledgement of sin, there was no proof for repentance. If the penitent failed to experience the true repentance of a regretful sinner, then the water baptism would have no purpose or effect as did the earlier cases of the flawed sacrifices rejected by God in His Tabernacle. It is important to note that it is God’s Grace that forgives; it is not the baptismal waters that offers salvation. John’s repentance baptism with the full immersion in water symbolizes a death and renewal aspect that will develop foundationally when Christ dies and is Resurrected and the Holy Spirit Baptism is made known to Christ’s followers. The Baptism of John before the Apostolic era required the ceremony to be preceded by complete repentance (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; Acts 19:4).
The Practice of the Unknown Rite of Baptism for the Dead in Early Christianity
The exact meaning of 1 Corinthians 15:29 has always been elusive to many early and modern‐day Christian scholars confusing modern‐day Catholic traditions and Protestant anti‐sacramentalists, and forcing them to avoid analyzing the obscure ritual ompletely.17 Those modern‐day scholars that bravely jump into the confusing midst of specific interpretation have concluded that either they are deceased Christians, those connected with the Corinthian Christians, or the living Corinthian Christians themselves.18 Regardless, the dead baptized in attention to Paul’s obscure teaching becomes applicable to some beings; correct interpretative analysis requires a critical scholarly look at the possible meaning based upon the known factors of this unattested ritual.
The problems with interpretation of 1 Corinthians 15:29 with confidence of capturing original writer’s meaning are numerous; some problematic areas include:
1. Unique Reference
One of the common interpretations of 1 Corinthians 15:29 is the act of vicarious Baptism that was first proposed by Ambrosiaster as a valid exegesis for this specific reference. He explains that Paul had convinced the Corinthians of the coming resurrection, and they thought those that had died before baptism would be destined to miss the rising of the dead or be condemned.
German Benedictine monk Bishop Haymo of Halberstadt, concurred with Ambrosiaster in restating “There were some Corinthians who did not believe in the Resurrection; others believed that those who died after being baptized would rise again, but that those who died without Baptism would either not rise at all or rise only to be damned.”19
Accordingly, Ambrosiaster comments that Paul’s question concerning people baptized in death illustrates to the listeners the witness of their perseverance in faith. Ambrosiaster clarifies that it was not the action of non‐orthodox vicarious baptism that Paul approves, but rather, the acts that declare faith in the future resurrection that bears witness to the LORD God’s Truth. 20 Some modern‐day interpreters continue to represent Ambrosiaster’s belief concerning the representation of vicarious Baptism in 1 Corinthians 15:29.
Some modern‐day theologians, such as Dr. D. A. Carson, point out that “there is no good evidence for vicarious baptism anywhere in the New Testament or among the earliest apostolic fathers.”21 The unique reference does not link to any confirming Scripture. If God was implementing such an extreme practice that went against the salvation through Jesus Christ while a person was alive and could make that acceptance as Savior after death, then He would certainly have included many different references to help His people navigate that odd doctrine.
The one‐reference alone gives evidence that it is not doctrine‐changing, but rather, some other type of declaration by Paul that is offered for consideration by the reader.
2. Original Greek and how it has been defined
Theologians also debate the interpretation of the original Greek word tous baptizomenous22 with some claiming that the vicarious baptizers at Corinth were the “very ones denying the doctrine of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12).”23 They then extend this argument by pointing out that the Apostle Paul brings attention to those that both denied the Resurrection yet vicariously baptized for the dead to be resurrected as a contradiction of nonsensical belief. Accordingly, Bishop Haymo of Halberstadt. concludes that “there were some Corinthians who did not believe in the Resurrection; others believed that those who died after being baptized would rise again, but that those who died without Baptism would either not rise at all or rise only to be damned.”24
3. Catechumens baptized on the graves of the dead 25
It just might be that the vicariously baptized tradition was began for dear children that had died in infancy before they could be officially baptized. The sorrow of the parents, with the possibilities of never seeing their offspring again, certainly could have been a motivating factor in baptizing their dead bodies through another living.
4. Baptized on behalf of the dead
The festival held amongst Romans for the celebration of “the great expiation” or “lustration” was an early heretical practice to give happiness and good welfare to the dead.26 However, Tertullian stresses in his footnotes that it did not include any notions of “indefinite immortality” or the “recovery of the body.”27
5. Sought baptism only when death was imminent
A folk custom growing from the early days of Christianity to present‐day, involves believers in Christ who plan to accept Him and His Eternal Salvation only close to death before receiving the Baptism of Christ, allowing them to live their lives free of guilt from their sinful natures. Traditionally, death‐bed confessions of faith have frequently been heard; so much so that legal surety of confessions on the deathbed are counted as strong evidence of truth and guilt by most universal court systems. Sometimes the procrastinating confessors will time it just right, and confess Christ before death and receive His Baptism. Often, it doesn’t work out. The procrastinators die, or are mentally inhibited in such a way that baptism right before death never happens.
Early Heretical Greek Practices of Lustration
The Greek practice of baptizing the dead with living people confirmed their confidence that the guilty could separate themselves from the guilt of their crimes through the purification
process.28 Tertullian’s comments compare the Greek practices to those that developed in Rome as similar in nature. “The newly dead would be asked whether he would receive baptism, and he making no answer, the other replied in his stead, and so they baptized the living for the dead” according to Exell.29
Early Heretical Roman Practices of Lustration
The Great Lustration took place during the month of February in Rome. This month was chosen for the cleansing of the dead by heretics paying heed to the name of the month februa. Ovid described the meaning of februa as displaying significant typological meaning for purification as he lists several different proofs of common usage for that specific word. Februa was the name used for instruments of purification, woolen cloths, and swept‐out houses. Toasted spelt and slat was given to officer to cleanse, and boughs, pure trees, wreathes given to priests for the same reason, both called by the name februa. Anything used to cleanse bodies went by the name of Februa in the early times. According to Ovid, “The month is called (February) after these things, because the Luperci purify the whole ground with strips of hide which are their instruments of cleansing, or because the season is pure when once peace‐offerings have been made at the graves and the days devoted to the dead are past. It was believed that every sin and every cause of ill could be wiped out by lustration rites and purgation.”30
It can be surmised that the heretical Roman practices of lustration, where a live person is washed for an unclean dead person upon the false god altar, was accomplished when both were naked. This is based upon the summation of the preference of the gods for the heretics to be without clothing during ceremonies toward their worship.31
Lustratio was first defined as a “purification by ablution in water.”32 Rome did not just conduct lustrations for the atonement for sins; the rites also bestowed blessings by the false gods upon the hopeful participants. It was this type of washing most sought amongst Romans.33 The purification of worshippers by the Roman Catholic Church, through the sprinkling of water or smoke through an instrument of februa, has been traditionally developed within the holy rites of the church partially copying this earlier lustratio practice of cleansing.34
It was not just the Greeks and Romans; when Jews died in the state of ceremonial uncleanness that required purification, one of the friends of the dead would be washed and perform ablution on his behalf, with the deceased being declared clean posthumously. Even the Patristic Church tried to partially copy this odd theological performance by “placing Eucharistic elements in the mouths or hands of the dead.”35
Latter‐Day Saints Redemption of the Dead 36
Surprisingly, proxy baptism is not mentioned in the Book of Mormon.37 Latter Day Saints Prophet Joseph Smith created the ordinances of baptism for the dead (1840), eternal marriage (1841) and eternal proxy marriage (1842) to realize his promise to believers for the establishment of a celestial “kinship‐based covenant system.”38 After Smith’s death, the LDS doctrines encouraged men to choose an apostle as a substitute parent and establish a worthy lineage for him and his family.39 The exact purpose for Smith’s ordinance of “adoption sealings”, is that it would “join entire sealed families in an expanding web of eternally procreative relationships in heaven and eternal glory”40 and thus metaphorically become the “family of God.”41 Smith “implied that the dead are under the same requirements as the living regarding the ordinances of salvation, including baptism and even marriage.”42 After the church relocated to Nauvoo, Illinois, Smith declared that followers “could now act for their friends who had departed this life, and that the plan of salvation was calculated to save all who were willing to obey the requirements of God.”43 Between 1840‐1844, 11,506 dead were baptized by proxy through Smith’s followers in the Mississippi river and later in the new temple. 44
Posthumous baptisms are now performed in over 150 LDS temples throughout the world. Members, usually the young believers, are escorted to a “decorative baptismal font resting on statutes of 12 oxen” where the member, representing a deceased relative, receives baptism through full‐immersion in water.45 The specific dead, that are confined to “spirit prison,” are informed of the proxy baptism and given the choice to accept the salvation graciously performed through baptism by their relatives46. Upon acceptance of proxy baptism, the lost are saved, and go immediately to heaven and receive exaltation according to the flawed doctrine of the LDS church followers.47
The LDS church committed to the removal of the names of Holocaust victims and Jews from the list of those to be posthumously baptized, unless they were direct ancestors of current church members or written permission was obtained from living members of deceased’s family.48 Yet, in 2007, Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal was included on the
International Genealogical Index and scheduled to be posthumously baptized until the Simon Wiesenthal Center intervened and requested the removal of the name.49 The LDS church removed his name from their list and implemented checks and balances that to assure that only Mormon relatives for the proxy baptisms be included in their database. They appeared to regret the inclusion of Wiesenthal’s name, but stressed that proxy baptisms were important because “God wants all his children home again, in families and in glory.”50
It is important to note that the LDS Mormon belief in the baptism for the dead is challenged by the Reorganized Church (RLDS). They argue that baptism for the dead policy of the LDS Church is honoring a practice of paganism recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:29, rather than a misinterpreted Christian behavior. Further, RLDS apostle Russell F. Ralston debates the need for baptism at all, referencing the unbaptized thief on the cross assured of a Heavenly home as Christ promised. Ralston points out that the misinterpretation of the baptism for the dead by the LDS Church places more focus on human saviors than it does in the Divine Savior. The 1970 RLDS World Conference declared the ecumenical Christianity position a “historical” noteworthy to be considered only as an appendix. The RLDS temple in Independence has no plans to construct a baptismal font in the temple basement, and the flawed idea of baptism of the dead is thought only important for church historical theological consideration.
Scriptural Teachings about the Different Things of Salvation and Baptism
There is a great deal of confusion concerning Salvation and Baptism in Christian beliefs. It is imperative Christians have a solid understanding that faith brings salvation with eternal life and baptism brings eternal life quicker. The doctrinal teachings of Jesus Christ must be known before a full understanding of how fundamentally the practice of vicarious baptism of the dead goes against the Gospel of Christ delivered to us in Scripture.
Salvation brings Deliverance (Romans 3:23)
Human souls are not condemned because they do greater sin than others. They are not judged eternally damned for failure to receive the Baptism of Jesus Christ. They are condemned because of their sinful states. All unsaved do bad actions because their hearts, their cores, their complete beings have sin that originated from Adam’s transgression against the Will of God. Some unsaved do really terrible sins, and some unsaved have no outward sign of the terrible condition of sin. Some have good upbringings with diligent, moral guardians that train their children to subdue their sinful natures, and some do not. That does not mean that some are greater sinners than others. All living human beings have the sinful nature inside them (Romans 3:23).
Some may well be able to subdue those basic instincts, while others are controlled by the same sinful natures to do grievous harm to others. Both the noble and the derelict have the same natures inside them. If an unsaved person does not sin, self‐control may be present, but the sinful nature still exists. The actions of the unsaved may well differ in degree, but not in guilt or cause.
Unsaved sinners must understand that they have sinful natures, and are unable to save themselves if they are to receive the salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ. All human beings begin life with the sinful nature, and fall short of the glory of God. The LORD God is not present in the sinful realm. Sin is offensive to God. It doesn’t matter how much good people do in the world, if their works are done while they harbor their sinful natures, the greatest of works in humanity, religion, science, art, medicine, education and government are made null by the presence of sin (James 2:26). Those who come from families of “good stock,” those who are well educated and able to advance the human condition to rightful laces, those who do good daily and give all they have to others, and those who struggle daily to live an honest life, are all short of the glory of God, when they still have the original nature of sin.
Salvation brings Deliverance from Sinful Nature (Romans 6:23)
Sinners must die, no matter what they do in this lifetime. The wages that come to the guilty is death. Until death is brought to sinful natures, they remain inside the unsaved, leading them toward their promised destiny of separation from God.
It takes more than the death of the sinful natures to give the unsaved hope, however.
Unsaved people that die and are placed in their graves, are dead unsaved people with no chance for salvation through Christ’s sacrifice. Eventually, the unsaved people will be resurrected to face
the Judgment of Jesus Christ to answer for the things they did with their sinful natures, but until then, the unsaved lay dead in their graves.
Salvation brings Deliverance from Eternal Death (Ephesians 2:1‐3)
The LORD God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord, to ONLY those who seek deliverance from their sinful natures while they are yet alive. The unsaved people with their sinful natures walk according to the course of the world. The “course of the world” encapsulates all of the degrading, grotesque, ugly things that have developed and become perilously established within our world today. They include, but are not limited to, those very things spoken of in 2 Timothy 3:1‐7…
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Salvation brings Deliverance from the Ways of the World
Sexual perversion, the sacrifice of our children, the dirty habits of obscene self‐love and self‐focus are the ways of the world; these are just of a few of the carnal things of sinful nature that entrap the unsaved in these times. The unsaved who are entrapped by their sinful natures, are led by the prince of the power of air who is known by the names Lucifer, Satan, and the Devil. Human beings can be saved from the ways of the world and the sins it nourishes through salvation given by Christ. Unless sinners receive release from original sin, they are destined to enjoy the ungodly things of the world without guilt while removing themselves farther away from God’s presence.
Salvation brings Deliverance from the Wrath of the LORD God
People holding onto their unsaved and sinful natures are children of LORD God’s wrath. In the Last Days, the wrath of God will come upon the earth to judge and punish the unsaved that have taken the mark of the beast (Revelation 16:1, 2).
Salvation brings Deliverance from Lack of Faith and Belief
Salvation can only be received through faith. Faith is the gift of God, through his wonderful and undeserved Grace (Ephesians 2:8, 9). The Unsaved cannot give faith to themselves. If they could, they would boast of their godly ability. Only the LORD God gives those
He Wills the faith to turn toward Him, reject their own sinful natures, and reach toward the righteous and holy nature of God, through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Salvation brings favorable Judgment for Living Works of the LORD God
The unsaved dead will one day stand before the Judgment Seat of the Lord Jesus Christ and be judged according to their works (Revelation 20:11‐15). Those works done by the unsaved are nullified and void. They are vanity. Works are not measured living and righteous when done while the workers had the natures of sin.
If the Unsaved maintained their status in their lifetime to their death, then they have no living works that can be measured. (Revelation 14:13) Those with dead works, those who chose to go to their grave with their sinful nature and reject the Grace of the Lord God and the salvation through Jesus Christ, will be judged guilty and sentenced to eternal damnation and be cast into the lake of fire.
Through the belief and acceptance of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and His Resurrection from the dead, the unsaved can receive salvation and become “saved”. Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior is the only way salvation can come to anyone, free them from their sinful nature, and make them whole (Acts 4:10‐12).
Salvation comes to Believers through the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ
Salvation is a two‐step process. The first step is one of belief, and the second step is one of action. If the Unsaved believe, but do nothing, they remain unsaved. If the Unsaved do not believe, but go through the action of a repentant sinner, they too remain unsaved.
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9‐10 KJV)
PERSONAL STEPS TO SALVATION
1. Know that you are a sinner, and cannot save yourself.
2. Confess the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior
3. Believe that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient to atone for your sins.
4. Be confident that Jesus Christ physically rose from the dead.
Salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ
Galatians 2:20 KJV
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 KJV)
The confessor of Jesus Christ as Savior is crucified with him. A Believer is joined to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ through faith. When Christ is confessed and accepted as a Believer’s Savior, Christ
shares both His crucifixion and Resurrection. This makes the Believer eligible to receive the Baptism of Jesus Christ. However, it is vitally important to note that this Baptism does NOT bring
salvation to the soul; it is only faith in Christ as Savior, developed during a physical lifetime, that offers eternal salvation.
The dead are not given an opportunity to develop faith in Christ after their demise.
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS CHRIST
Romans 6:1‐18 KJV
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the
likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the
servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:1‐18 KJV)
Followers of Christ are crucified with his Crucifixion by their faith, and that faith alone, gives promised salvation. (Galatians 2:20)
The Baptism of Jesus Christ allows them to immediately ascend to Heaven upon their physical death. This is called the “First Resurrection.” (Revelation 20:4–5)
If people die without the Baptism of Jesus Christ, but were believers in faith that Christ is their Savior, then they will be resurrected on the great Judgment Day into the Resurrection of Life. (John 5:28–29) Even they only experience one death. Sadly, they cannot go to Heaven immediately because they did not experience death through baptism. They must sleep in their graves in their first death. However, when Christ resurrects them from the grave, faithful believers will ascend to Heaven and join those faithful Baptized Christian that have gathered around His throne.
If people die without the Baptism of Jesus Christ, and did NOT believe in Christ’s salvation, they are resurrected from their grave on the great Judgment Day into the Resurrection of damnation. (John 5:28–29) They, as well as death and Hell, will be cast into the lake of fire. This is called the “second death.” (Revelation 20:11–15)
Those Unbelievers who reject Christ’s salvation in their lifetime, sleep in their graves until Christ raises them to His Judgment Seat to finalize His verdict. (Revelation 20:11–15)
All of the benefits of Salvation are given to a Faithful Believer the moment he accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. (Romans 10:9‐10)
But there is one more step a believer must fulfill to see Heaven immediately upon physical death.
A faithful Christian must also be baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, and be buried with Him also. Faith allows Believers to share His Crucifixion, and their Baptism allows them to experience His Burial and His Resurrection. This death releases the hold of original sin and the devil.
Those experiencing the death of Jesus Christ and His burial through the experience of Baptism, will not die a second death. When Baptized Christians experience physical death, they immediately ascend to Heaven. Those baptized with the Baptism of Jesus Christ go to their ONLY grave within the baptismal waters. When they rise up from their baptismal water graves, they resurrect into the NEW LIFE, with a NEW BIRTH. Baptized Believer’s souls will never go to the grave again! (1 Corinthians 15:54‐57)
CRUCIFIED ONCE, BURIED ONCE AND RESURRECTED ONCE!
Revelation 20:13
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no
more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” (Revelation 21:1‐7 av)
Heaven is a temporary dwelling place, until His chosen Time, when a new Heaven and a New Earth will be established according to His Will.
The unbaptized Believers, who were faithful in the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, but failed to complete the process of going to the grave in Baptism, will go to an earthly grave to sleep for a period (Daniel 12:1‐4).
The Unbaptized but Saved Believers will be resurrected from their graves, in His time, and given Eternal Life through His Grace of Salvation (Revelation 20:13).
Through their belief and confession of Jesus Christ, the UNBAPTIZED, BUT SAVED BELIEVERS will go on to Eternal Life after their resurrection from their graves and their soul journey to Heaven.
Through their belief and confession of Jesus Christ, the BAPTIZED, SAVED BELIEVERS will go to Heaven for a while, and then on to Eternal Life on the New Earth, where all Believers will begin a
new and blessed life under the rule of their King Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The Baptism of Christ causes death to come one time to a Believer, and Resurrect in Christ’s example, granting eternal life when rising out of the baptismal waters. Those that are already dead are NOT going to be made alive again through the rising out of the Baptismal waters in the likeness of the Resurrection of Christ. They will merely be WET DEAD people, asleep in death until resurrected by Christ on Judgment Day.
The most valid interpretation to Paul’s reference in 1 Corinthians is the understanding that the grace the LORD God gives followers of Christ must come through faith, and faith can only come through a personal response of a living person. Faith cannot be assumed by another in proxy. Baptism of the dead is spoken about by Paul as a persuasive logical argument against the vicarious event conducted by a people who were not upholding the true teachings of Christ. The perspective of Paul attacks and counterattacks this odd belief that subverts the LORD God’s promise of grace, and the Lord Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from the dead.
Footnotes
1 Grant Underwood, “Baptism for the Dead: Comparing Rlds and Lds Perspectives,” Dialogue 23, no. 2 (1990): 99.
2 Donald A. Carson, “Did Paul Baptize for the Dead,” Christianity Today 42, no. 9 (1998): 63.
5 Julius R. Mantey, “Baptism in the Dead Sea Manual of Discipline,” Review & Expositor 51, no. 4 (1954): 526.
6 Ibid.
7 Josephus, The Jewish War: Books 1‐7, ed. Jeffrey Henderson et al., trans. H. St. J. Thackeray, vol. 1, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA; London; New York: Harvard University Press; William
Heinemann Ltd; G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1927‐1928 ), 369.
8 Mantey, 522.
9 Josephus, 1, 375‐77. Entry into their meetings of community was not granted even after the partaking of the holy water, with candidates requiring a further examination of their temperance. This restriction does not verify it as a baptism for purification and is too scant in its description by Josephus to grasp the meaning of the use of holy waters with its different degrees of sufficiency.
10 Mantey, 523.
11 Ibid.
12 Joseph A. Fitzmyer, The Dead Sea Scrolls and Christian Origins, Studies in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge U.K.: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2000), 13‐21.
13 John C. Hutchison, “Was John the Baptist an Essene from Qumran?,” Bibliotheca sacra 159, no. 634 (2002): 191.
14 Donald A. Hagner, Word Biblical Commentary: Matthew 1‐13, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2002), 46.
15 Fitzmyer, 18.
16 Robert A. Guelich, Mark 1‐8:26, vol. 34A, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 1989), 17‐18.
17 Nicholas Taylor, “Baptism for the Dead (1 Cor 15:29)?,” Neotestamentica 36, no. 1‐2 (2002): 111.
18 Ibid., 112.
19 Bernard M. Foschini, “‘Those Who Are Baptized for the Dead’: 1 Cor 15:29,” The Catholic Biblical Quarterly 13, no. 3 (1951): 46.
20 Ambrosiaster, Commentaries on Romans and 1‐2 Corinthians, trans. Ancient Christian Texts Gerald L. Bray (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2009), 196.
23 Foschini, 47 footnotes: Baronius, Annales Eccl. Ad annum 75 (Romae, 1588), Vol. 1, p. 478. Weiss, O.c., p. 363. Reuss, Les Epitres Pauliniennes, (Paris 1878), p. 263.
24 Bishop Haymo of Halberstadt, “Patrologia Latina (the Latin Patrology),” ed. Migne (1841‐1845), 117598.
25 1 Corinthians: New Testament, vol. IXa, Reformation Commentary on Scripture (IVP Academic, 2017), 377‐79.
26 Tertullian, “Against Marcion,” in The Writings of the Fathers Down to A. D. 325: Ante‐Nicene Fathers, ed. James Donaldson Alexander Roberts, A. Cleveland Coxe (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson
36 This one of many reports about difficult interpretations of Scripture details seemingly extreme interpretations by legitimate religious domains. Though many might suspect a bias toward traditional Christian churches, that is not the case. I envision fairly documenting the most extreme reactions to faulty interpretation by all belief groups that are the best in example for each report. Unless the reader can understand the extreme adaptations that suspected mistaken interpretation can yield, these different
reports would be uninformative. It seems that the LDS have the extreme modern‐day belief concerning Baptism of the Dead. The next report on one of the difficult Scriptures for interpretation will report on another denomination that wins my attention for possible extreme adaptation.
37 Carson, 63.
38 Rex Eugene Cooper, Promises Made to the Fathers: Mormon Covenant Organization (Salt Lake
City: University of Utah Press, 1980), 108 (Term created by Cooper).
39 Glen M. Leonard, Nauvoo: A Place of Peace, a People of Promise (Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret
Book Co./Brigham Young University Press, 2002), 264 (Practice ceased in 1894).
40 Ibid., 264.
41 Gordan Irving, “The Law of Adoption: One Phase of the Development of the Mormon Concept
of Salvation, 1830‐1900,” BYU Studies 14, no. Spring (1974): 294.
42 Simon Baker, Statement, Journal History, Archives, Historical Department (Salt Lake City, UT:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints, 1840).
43 M. Guy Bishop, What Has Become of Our Fathers? Baptism for the Dead at Nauvoo, Dialogue:
A Journal of Mormon Thought (1990), 85‐97.
44 Gary James Bergera, “The Earliest Eternal Sealings for Civilly Married Couples Living and
Dead,” Dialogue 35, no. 3 (2002): 44.
45 The Associated Press, “Mormons Perform Baptisms on Holocaust Victims,” The Associated
48 “Mormons Agree to No Lds Proxy Baptism of Simon Wiesenthal,” The Christian Century 124,
no. 2 (2007): 14.
49 Ibid.
50 “Mormons Perform Baptisms on Holocaust Victims,”Ibid.
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Underwood, Grant. “Baptism for the Dead: Comparing Rlds and Lds Perspectives.” Dialogue 23, no. 2 (Sum 1990): 99
About the Author
Kathy L. McFarland is a Becker Bible Studies teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians, and an academic independent scholar. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University and the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School. She is Founder and President of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc., the curriculum developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy, and a teaching faculty member. She also performs duties as Ordination evaluator, and is an endorser for Chaplains at Becker Bible Ministries, Inc.
Kathy’s favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
To help you understand this lesson, we are going to give you big clues of how the lesson will progress. That piece of knowledge should then begin your journey to understanding God’s Truth about the Doctrine of Baptism that the Lord has revealed to us through His Word.
There are exactly three places that are the starting point for eternal life that a saved Christian can leave from:
1. The Physical Grave – Faithful Christians in the salvation of Jesus Christ, but that die without the Baptism of Christ, lie in their physical graves for awhile until Christ raises them up from their sleep in those graves at the beginning of End Times, and given eternal bodies as they are received in Heaven.
2. The Baptismal Grave – Christians that have repented of their sin, accepted Christ as their Savior, and have faith in His Resurrection can have the opportunity to release the hold of original sin in the Baptismal Grave and Resurrect into eternal life as they arise from the Baptismal Waters. Christians that have received the Baptism of Christ will not lie in their physical graves; upon their physical death, their unneeded bodies will decay in the grave, while their soul will be released and guided to Heaven and clothed with a new eternal body.
3. The Rapture – Alive Christians, at the time of Christ’s return, will rise up and meet him with their physical bodies. They will be given eternal bodies sometime after that inside the Heavenly Gates.
Romans 6:1–11 (KJV 1900) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:1–2 (KJV 1900) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
1. The Grace of the LORD God forgives sin for followers of Jesus Christ. However, Baptized Believers become DEAD to sin. Original sin can no longer dwell within the Baptized.
2. The Baptism of Jesus Christ causes death to come to a Believer, thereby releasing the hold of original sin upon the body.
Romans 6:3 (KJV 1900) 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
1 Corinthians 15:54–57 (KJV 1900) 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Original sin corrupts every human being born
4. Only death, through grave or Baptism, can release original sin’s hold upon a body
Romans 6:3–5 (KJV 1900) 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
5. When a person has been called forward to the LORD God, his ears are opened. Those that can hear must be told the things of Christ before Baptism can happen.
6. It is important that the Pastor ensure the new Christian has full understanding of Christ and what it means to be a Christian and the realities of Baptism.
7. The Pastor prepares the Baptismal pool by ensuring a prayerful, sacred place and a blessed, running-water-filled container. It is best that the pool be deep enough for dunking the full body.
8. The repentant sinner is called to the Baptismal Pool. The Pastor instructs the sinner to kneel in the pool, as the nose and mouth are covered to prevent choking.
9. The Pastor stands and supports sinner’s shoulders. The sinner is laid in the Baptismal water, and words explaining the actual death to the sinner as the baptismal grave envelops.
10. The Pastor then raises the redeemed Baptized from the waters in the memory of Christ’s Resurrection “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
11. When the Baptized go under the Baptismal waters, their death is brought upon the body. Original sin releases. When they rise up from the Baptismal Grave, they are brand-new people that will never have original sin attached to them again unawares. When they physically die, they will NOT ever have to be in the grave; their souls will go immediately to Heaven.
Romans 6:6–9 (KJV 1900) 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
12. When the resurrected Baptized rise from the Baptismal Grave SIN HAS NO MORE DOMINION!
13. The powerful, sacred spiritual rite of Baptism is also effective in establishing a deep spiritual connection to the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as preparing for Holy Spirit Baptism.
14. Sometimes, Believers are not certain they received an effective and correct Baptism in Christ. This confusion often comes from past doctrinal practices of different churches.
15. The Pastor of the Baptism can know with surety if the Baptism of Redemption through Christ has taken place by witnessing the Holy Spirit’s presence within the Christian.
16. There is NO Holy Spirit Baptism that inserts God into a Believer, unless the Baptism of Christ has been fully accomplished in the manner prescribed by Holy Scripture.
17. Pastors should never baptize an already Baptized Christian. However, if the Believer has not received the Holy Spirit, it is acceptable to rebaptize to ensure the assumption of the grave.
18. There is also confusion about Baptisms because some Church doctrines allow for childhood baptism. Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. support the doctrinal position of NO Baptism of Redemption until the child has reached the age of accountability (Twelve-years-old or with special exceptions), based upon the Scripture account of Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter (Mark 5:21-43). (A special study of Mark 5:21- 43 will follow your study of Baptism).
Romans 6:10–14 (KJV 1900) 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
19. It is critically important that Pastors of Baptism ensure the Baptism of seekers understand the principles associated with the Baptism of Redemption.
20. All saved Christians are promised eternal life through the acceptance of Christ as Savior and confidence in His Resurrection.
21. Death comes to all people because of original sin. But the LORD God’s provision is that those that live to Him will only experience one death.
22. Baptized Christians one death takes place in the Baptismal Grave. Unbaptized Christians must sleep in their graves for awhile until Christ comes and raises them up to join Him in Heaven.
23. ONE DEATH ONLY! Eternal life always for those that are saved through their faith in Jesus Christ.
24. Original sins are cast off with death. But BEWARE! Your lusts and mortality will have ample opportunity to sin in your lifetime. You must not let further sin to have dominion over you.
25. The Baptism of Redemption through Christ is one of the most amazing graces promised by the LORD God to the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The institution of this most Holy Baptismal rite equips faithful Christians to receive the Holy Ghost Baptism and to remove and prevent further sins from having control over their lives.
Romans 6:15–20 (KJV 1900) 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
26. Servants of sin keep sinning. The Baptized followers of Christ are freed from sin and can become righteous. But righteous can become servants to sin by yielding to uncleanness and iniquity.
27. When the Believer declares faith in Christ the hope is for salvation. Faith = Salvation and eternal life.
28. When the Believer is saved the hope is in Baptism for the release of original sin. Baptism = Release from original sin
29. When the Believer goes under the Baptismal waters, the hope is for Resurrection into eternal life from that point on, without the need for the grave.
Baptismal waters = death; Rising out of Baptismal waters = Resurrection and entrance into eternal life without the grave.
30. When the Believer resurrects out of the Baptismal waters, the hope is for the Holy Spirit. Resurrection out of Baptismal waters = Eligibility to receive Baptism of Holy Spirit.
31. When the Believer receives the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the hope is to remain sin free and accomplish enduring works of God. Holy Spirit = Sin free and enduring works of the LORD God that will bring glory to Him.
32. Believers Resurrected in the Baptism of Christ can walk with Him in the newness of life, sin free. They will have eternal life. They become eligible to receive the Holy Spirit and once that Spirit is within the Believer, great works of God will become manifest.
33. But first, the Christian journey begins with faith in Christ, the most important grace of the LORD God given and the only one needed for salvation and eternal life.
John 3:1–8 (KJV 1900) There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
34. “Born Again” is the condition when a believer dies in the Baptism of Christ then is Resurrected into the new life in Christ. Believers must be born of water and the Holy Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.
35. The Baptism of Christ makes Believers flesh clean. The Holy Spirit Baptism makes the soul clean.
36. The LORD God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit Baptism as reward to those that follow Christ through His Baptism with Him.
Eight Requirements for the Baptism of Christ (John 3:1-8)
1. Be called forward to Christ by the LORD God and receive a desire to know Him 2. Hear the Word of God 3. Be repentant of sin 4. Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for your sins and was Resurrected, with all your heart 5. Confess outwardly that you know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God 6. Be baptized by water (signifying your death) in the name of Jesus Christ 7. Come out of the water (signifying your resurrection) in the name of the LORD God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. 8. Receive the gift of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost
Conclusion The Baptism of Christ causes death to come one time to a Believer, and Resurrect in Christ’s example, granting eternal life from that point on when rising out of the baptismal waters. Baptized Christians do not sleep in their graves! Unbaptized Christians sleep in their graves until they are Resurrected by the Lord Jesus Christ; they then assume their eternal lives.
The grace the LORD God gives followers of Christ that must come through faith, and faith can only come through a personal response of a living person. Faith cannot be assumed by another in proxy. Simply stated, the connection between Christ and Believers is completed through Baptism and allows the relationship between the Lord and His Followers to be steady and sure. It only takes faith in the Lord to receive salvation; but once faith is realized and repentance is at hand, Believers are eligible to receive the Baptism of Redemption through Christ, to establish that intimate relationship between them as original sin’s grasp upon Believer’s is extinguished.
Matthew 5:27–28 (KJV 1900) 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
This lecture is on a very important part of the Standards of Jesus Christ. Unlike the LORD God’s first children, His Chosen people that are part of Judaism, who are only required to obey His commandments literally, Christ’s standards are more detailed and deeper. Not only does Christ require adherence to the Commandments of the LORD God, He also requires diligence of the heart. He uses the example of lust in the heart that is just as sinful as doing the deed. Those that follow Jesus Christ accept His Standards and strive mightily to meet each of His requirements to be His people.
But here is the problem. Satan is quite aware that Christ’s baptism frees His Followers of original sin. The likelihood of Baptized Believers breaking the Commandments of God literally are slim. However, Satan knows that if He can corrupt the heart, that Christ will count that in His Standards as disobedience to God, and the devil becomes successful in his efforts.
Lust in the heart is the worst possible conflict every Christian must fight against. It is critical that you understand this condition fully and are armed with smart rules of engagement that give you the ability to keep Satan away from your heart. But this is important: Unless you take serious control over what enters your heart, you are susceptible as a Christian to having it contaminated with unrighteous and evil things. So not only are you tasked with obeying Christ’s Standards, you also must guard against Satan disrupting that obedience by corrupting your heart. Let’s get to work and see what Scripture has to offer us concerning the spiritual condition of lust that contaminates the heart.
(Special Note: During this lecture, please examine each Scripture carefully, and look at my Statements of Fact (SOF). See how concise I write my SOF’s and capture the full Truth of God. From this point on, please note the SOF’s into your learning, so your SOF’s can be powerful in your own personal study of the Word of God.)
1 John 2:15–17 (KJV 1900) 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
2. Christians should not love the things that are in the world.
3. If anyone loves the world, then the love of the LORD God Father is not within them.
4. There are three things that are not of the Father LORD God, but of the world: a. Lust of the flesh 1a. Lust of the flesh wars against the soul. (1 Peter 2:11)
2a. The works of the flesh are adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like. (Galatians 5:18-21)
b. Lust of the eyes c. Pride of life
5. If a Christian has any of these conditions, they are not of the Father.
6. When this world ends and passes away, so will to the lusts within it.
7. Those who do not have the lust are doing the will of the LORD God and they will live forever.
8. The Greek word for Lust means the deep desire or longing for something; coveting is another word for lust.
Galatians 5:16–17 (KJV 1900) 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
9. Walk in the Holy Spirit, and you will not have the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16-18)
10. The flesh lusts against the Holy Spirit; and the Holy Spirit is against the flesh.
Lusts of the Heart
Mark 4:18–19 (KJV 1900) 18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, 19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
11. Christ says the following ENTER INTO a person, choke the Word of God, and become unfruitful according to His Parable, “Sower of Seeds.” (Note it does not originate from the person but enters into!) a. Cares of this world b. Deceitfulness of riches c. Lusts of other things
12. Also note that the way Mark 4:18-19 is worded (“lusts of other things”), both the cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches are lusts also.
Mark 7:20–23 (KJV 1900) 20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
13. HOWEVER!!! That which COMES OUT of people, defiles them.
14. Those things that COME OUT of people’s HEARTS are: a. Evil thoughts b. Adulteries c. Fornications d. Murders e. Thefts f. Covetousness g. Wickedness h. Deceit i. Lasciviousness j. Evil eye k. Blasphemy l. Pride m. Foolishness
Teachings of Kathy L McFarland: Are you understanding what Scripture tells us about the difference between those things that come from outside our bodies and enter into us, and those that develop inside our bodies in our hearts?
Cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and lust for “other things” enters into us and develops into all sorts of terrible lust inside our heart. Those lusts of the heart are the things that cause us to sin and be in disobedience to the Lord. Those lusts in the heart are interrelated to our development of all sins known to mankind.
It is not just about adultery. Look at SOF #14. All those things can develop in our hearts. Where do those things come from? Look at SOF #11. They come from outside the person’s body. The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and lustfulness of other things go into the body, and drastically affect the heart of the Believer.
When the believer has absorbed these things from the world, the heart becomes corrupted, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly. Once that corruption happens, thoughts come to the Believer from the heart that are NOT righteous or pure. The corrupted heart becomes part of the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, and it becomes more and more difficult to be guided by Him.
Do I need to tell you that Satan desires to get into your heart and control you from the inside? He doesn’t dare come close to your heart, because he knows that the Holy Spirit dwells within. So, Satan has figured out a way to squeeze into your heart that doesn’t require his presence. He doesn’t want to be clobbered! So, he injects the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and other lustful things into the presence of the Christian, and if the Christian does not shield, corruption starts seeping in.
At this point, the heart begins doing sins of the flesh (SOF #4 (2a)). Soon the fallen Christian walks away from the Lord and embraces the things of this wicked world. The End.
(Hint: Say NO! to fancy clothes, seeking wealth, manipulating people to be successful in the world, worldly tricks and treats, connections to powerful entities in the world, titles to gain peoples respect, worldly sexual pleasures and practices, etc. Quit seeking fame, fortune, and fantastic opportunities!
Stay humble and focused upon the Word of God, reject the world and all its riches, and keep your attention upon the Holy Spirit’s guidance always!)
May the Lord help keep us from our foolishness! Amen.
115. (True or False) If you follow all the Standards of Christ recorded in the New Testament, you will be following God’s law perfectly. (Introduction) a. True b. False
116. (True or False) Christians follow God’s law specifically. (Introduction)
a. True b. False
117. (True or False) Christians follow the Standards of Christ which reflect the Laws of the LORD God plus more! (Introduction)
a. True b. False
118. (True or False) Christian leaders should teach the Standards of Christ to all Christians under their authority. (Introduction)
a. True b. False
119. (True or False) Young Christians should be taught the Standards of Christ at every opportunity. (Introduction)
a. True b. False
120. (True or False) The Holy Spirit flows through each Christian so they can follow the Standards of Christ. (Introduction)
a. True b. False
121. (True or False) Mature Christians should focus upon the standards of Christ rather than the Laws of the LORD God. (Introduction)
a. True b. False
122. (Fill in the blank) Followers of Jesus Christ are the __________________ of the earth. (Matthew 5:13)
a. Righteous b. Sacrificed c. Persecuted d. Salt
123. What is the Greek meaning for the word “earth” in this one instance of Matthew 5:13?
a. Grounded people b. Secular people of devout faith c. People of belief d. Inhabitants of the earth
124. (True or False) Followers of Jesus Christ are the “salt of mankind.” (Matthew 5:13)
a. True b. False
125. (Fill in the blank) If the salt loses its savour, it is good for _______________. (Matthew 5:13)
a. Seasoning b. Flavor c. Nothing d. Other things
126. (True or False) Followers of Jesus Christ must maintain their saltiness amongst mankind. (Matthew 5:13)
a. True b. False
127. (Fill in the blank) Once salt has lost its savour, it cannot be made _____________ again. (Matthew 5:13)
a. Real b. Christian c. Forgiving d. Salty
128. (True or False) When salt loses its flavor, it has no value and is useless. (Matthew 5:13)
a. True b. False
129. (Fill in the blank) If Christians lose the flavor of Christ, their witness has no value and is __________. (Typology)
a. Useless b. Cultish c. Evil d. All the above
130. (Fill in the blank) The “flavor” of Christ is how a Christian ______________ Him. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)
a. Emulates b. Serves c. Follows d. All the above
131. (True or False) If you keep the Standards of Christ, you will have His savory salt. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)
a. True b. False
132. (True or False) Christian witness without Christ is useless to mankind and is fit for a dunghill. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)
a. True b. False
133. (Fill in the blank) Mankind will cast out all _________________ witness. (Matthew 5:13 and teachings) a. Christ b. Worthless c. Emotional d. Angel
134. How should a mature Christian understand the words “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” that are spoken by Christ? (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)
a. A deeper message is contained within His literal words b. There is a hidden message that only mature Christians will understand c. Mature Christians are alerted to the typological meaning of the discourse. d. All the above
135. Why must Christians maintain the flavor of the Lord Jesus Christ’s standards with regards to fellowship? (Matthew 5:13 and teachings)
a. They will get along better b. They will have peace with one another c. They will have great Christian fellowship d. All the above
136. (Fill in the blank) Christians are the light of the ______________. (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. Faith b. Worship of God c. World d. None of the above
137. What type of illumination do the worldly live within? (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. Darkness b. Lightness c. Shadows d. Colors
138. (Fill in the blank) Jesus uses the example of a _____________________ that is upon a hill that cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. City b. Tree c. Church d. Cross
139. (True or False) Christian Light is always seen when darkness surrounds the viewer. (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. True b. False
140. (True or False) The city upon a hill shines with light and cannot be invisible. (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. True b. False
141. (True or False) Christ’s standards support Christians purposely going underground, hiding in homes, caves, wildernesses, and distant monasteries, to avoid persecution, poverty, illness, nuclear war, famine, End Times, the Apocalypse, persecution, war, or the downfall of governments. (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. True b. False
142. (True or False) People do not light a candle, then hide it inside a container where the light cannot be seen. (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. True b. False
143. Why do men light a candle and put it in a candlestick holder? (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. To avoid a fire b. To subdue the light of the candle c. To shine the light of the candle d. None of the above
144. What does a brightly shining candle inside a candlestick holder give light to? (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. All in the world b. All in the house c. All in the Heavens d. All in the church
145. Why does Christ want you to let your light shine? (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. So mankind can see your good works b. So mankind can glorify your Father in Heaven c. So Christ can be seen d. All the above
146. (True or False) Do NOT hide your light of Christ! (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. True b. False
147. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ did NOT come to destroy the law of the LORD God. (Matthew 5:17-20)
a. True b. False
148. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ came to fulfill the law of the LORD God. (Matthew 5:14-16)
a. True b. False
149. What does the Greek word for “destroy” mean as found in Matthew 5:17?
a. Fully accomplish b. Make it happen c. Abolish and make invalid d. All the above
150. What does the Greek word for “fulfill” mean as found in Matthew 5:17?
a. Abolish b. Make invalid c. Fully accomplish and make it happen d. All the above
151. (True or False) The Commandments, Statutes, and Ordinances of the LORD God were given to the Jewish people as a BEGINNING of forming relationship with humans. (Matthew 5:17-20)
a. True b. False
152. (True or False) The Law of the LORD God was absolute and unforgiving. Either you obeyed all the law, or you were in disobedience to Him. (Matthew 5:17-20)
a. True b. False
153. (True or False) When the Lord Jesus Christ came, He taught the meaning of the Laws given by the LORD God as recorded in the Old Testament. (Matthew 5:17-20)
a. True b. False
154. What Scripture connects the Laws of the Old Testament with the teachings of Jesus Christ?
a. Matthew 5:27-28 b. Matthew 4:3 c. Matthew 6:10-11 d. None of the above
155. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ taught the meaning of those laws of the Old Testament given by the LORD God to mankind. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
156. (True or False) The LORD Jesus Christ teaches that it is in the heart, not the actions, that sin takes place first. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
157. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ teaching about the guilt of the heart as the breaking of the Law of the LORD God gives a more stringent standard of behavior. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
158. (True or False) If Christians do not follow the taught Standards of Christ, they still are able to walk the way of Christ. (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. True b. False
159. What happens if you break the least of the commandments that the Lord Jesus Christ has taught you? (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. You are forgiven automatically b. Your position in the Kingdom of Heaven will be lowered c. You will lose your salvation d. You will be punished severely
160. Where do saved Christians go after the rest time is over in Heaven? (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. They die. b. They live eternally in Heaven c. They go to the Old Earth d. They go to the New Earth
161. What is being at rest in Heaven like on this earth? (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. Sleeping b. Dying c. Working d. Sabbath
162. What happens if you TEACH the standards of Christ wrongly to others? (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. You are forgiven automatically b. Your position in the Kingdom of Heaven will be lowered c. You will lose your salvation d. You will be punished severely
163. (True or False) Teaching the commandments of the LORD God with the standards of the Lord WRONGLY will cause you lose your salvation. (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. True b. False
164. 163. (True or False) Teaching the commandments of the LORD God with the standards of the Lord WRONGLY will cause you lose your advanced position in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. True b. False
165. What were the associations of the Scribes and Pharisees that Jesus spoke about? (Matthew 5:19-20)
a. They acted more righteous than any other Chosen people of the LORD God b. They will have no advanced position in the Kingdom of Heaven c. They are in the same category as Christians who teach the things of the Lord wrong d. All the above
166. Where do we find the Commandment of the LORD God, “Thou shalt not kill?” (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. Exodus 20:13 b. Matthew 1:1 c. Ezekiel 5:15 d. Psalm 4:20
167. What does Old Testament say that you will be in danger of from the LORD God if you should kill? (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. Death b. Expulsion c. Purgatory d. Judgment
168. How does Christ’s standards teach the law of killing? (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. If you purposely plan it, it is murder b. If it is an accidental death, it is still murder c. If you kill in anger, it is murder d. If you are angry with your brother without a cause, you are in danger of judgment for killing
169. (True or False) No longer just accountable to the LORD God for the law of not killing another, followers of Christ were placed into Christ’s standard of not losing temper with a brother without cause. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
170. (True or False) Jesus Christ says that anyone that says to his brother, “Raca” will be in killed by the Sanhedrin. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
171. What is the semitic term of “Raca” written in Matthew 5:21-22?
a. Honored prophet b. Jewish leader c. Christian fellowship d. Fool
172. Who does Christ warn will be in danger of judgement from, for calling someone “Raca?” (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. The LORD God b. The Holy Spirit c. The Lord Jesus Christ d. Sanhedrin
173. Who were the Sanhedrin? (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. Government body of Gentiles b. Government body of Christians c. Government body of Seculars d. Government body of Jews
174. (True or False) The Sanhedrin was a group of priests and religious teachers who met to decide legal matters that had religious, political, and social ramifications during the 1st century. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
175. (True or False) Jesus taught the crescendo of “killing” which went from braking of one of the LORD God’s Ten Commandments, to culturally calling a Jew a “Raca,” to outright calling a brother “a fool.” (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
176. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ equals the act of “killing” and the act of “calling a brother a fool” as violations of God’s law that could place in danger of Hell. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
177. (True or False) It is very apparent through Christ’s teachings of standards that “anger” is the root of killing, which can exact the same judgment, as the actual act. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
178. (True or False) Christ’s standards do not task the inner attitude of the heart when considering violations of God’s Laws. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
179. (True or False) If your heart is angry at your brother, it could lead to killing; thus, the standard of behavior is if you are angry, fix it before it becomes something worse. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. True b. False
180. (Fill in the blank) Christ’s standard concerning anger is based upon ____________. (Matthew 5:21-22)
a. All b. With cause c. Without cause d. Exploding, violent, and out-of-control
181. (True or False) It is a narrower road we walk with Christ, not a wider one that the Jews walk upon. (Matthew 5:21-22 and Teachings)
a. True b. False
182. (Fill in the blank) Christ teaches that _________________ with the neighbor you have offended is more important that offering a gift to the LORD God. (Matthew 5:23-26)
a. Reconciliation b. Separation c. Arguing d. Negotiating
183. When should you offer your gift to the LORD God? (Matthew 5:23-26)
a. After anger has calmed b. After reconciliation with your neighbor c. After reconciliation with the LORD God d. After reconciliation with the Church
184. What happens if your neighbor has a grudge against you and you don’t make peace quickly? (Matthew 5:23-26)
a. The adversary will get angrier b. You will be delivered to a judge c. You will be delivered to an officer d. You will be sent to prison e. All the above
185. What also is stopped if an escalation of anger disrupts the gifts given to the LORD God? (Matthew 5:23-26)
a. Prevent salvation b. Prevent favorable reputation c. Prevent the Christian from doing Christ’s intended works d. Prevent spiritual growth
186. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ says to agree with angry neighbors quickly and make reconciliation, lest the neighbor’s anger gets out of control and makes you pay for the consequences to the “uttermost farthing.” (Matthew 5:23-26)
a. True b. False
187. (Fill in the blank) “Uttermost farthing” means the ________________ before you are set free from the punishments of an escalating neighbor’s anger. (Matthew 5:23-26)
a. Must pay the smallest coin b. Biggest punishments c. Longest punishments d. None of the above
188. (True or False) If Christians let anger replace goodwill with their neighbors, even if it is just their anger without reason, it can STOP the works of the Lord. (Matthew 5:23-26)
a. True b. False
189. (True or False) “Thou shalt not commit adultery is in the Old Testament law and part of the Ten Commandments. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
190. (True or False) Physical adultery is the act where a married person has sexual intercourse with an unmarried person. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
191. (True or False) Both the married person and the unmarried person are committing the sin of adultery if they have sexual intercourse. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
192. (True or False) The promises made during the marriage ceremony before God are considered a breakable oath by Him. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
193. (True or False) The LORD God sends His blessings to spiritual marriage through the commitment of the two people to declare Him their LORD God. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
194. (True or False) The Lord Jesus Christ’s standard is that if you even “lust” about sex with a married partner that is not your spouse, you are in disobedience to Him. (Matthew 5:27-28)
a. True b. False
195. (True or False) EVERY Law that the LORD God gave in the Old Testament has a companion “HEART CONDITION” also. (Matthew 5:27-28 and teachings)
Kathy L. McFarland is a Becker Bible Studies teacher and author of Guided Bible Studies for Hungry Christians. She has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Religious Studies from Liberty University and the Master of Divinity (Professional Ministries Track) degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary & Graduate School. She is Founder and President of Becker Bible Ministries, Inc., the curriculum developer for Becker Professional Theology Academy, and a teaching faculty member. She also performs duties as Chaplain, and is an endorser for Chaplains at Becker Bible Ministries, Inc.
Kathy’s favorite studies to teach include the connections between Old Testament exegesis, Christian apologetics, and Bible typology and mysteries.
While Facebook friends argue back and forth about things like the different laws the Jews serve and how Christians may or may not have to follow them, it becomes confusing, doesn’t it? Old Testament following Christians have a difficult road to walk. Why make your Christian journey so tough? The Lord Jesus Christ took His time to teach the Disciples and all of us through His Word that capture His Sermon on the Mount. We have already studied the Beatitudes, which surprisingly are written for all of us Christians, and the things we are going through in this world. Now, let’s examine some of the standards of behavior that Christ wants His followers to emulate.
Every standard you are learning in this course and in the next course, Standards (Part 2) are the things of behavior you should be emulating to look like and walk like Christ. Every standard that we are studying is our rules of behavior as Christians. My hopes are that you are teaching young Christians these standards every day. Your Lord Jesus Christ expects Christian leaders to be displaying these standards of behavior in their own walk with Him and teaching them to those that are learning to be a Christian.
Now here is a very deep mystery that hardly any Christians realize completely. If you follow all the standards recorded in the New Testament, you will be following God’s law perfectly! We do not follow the law specifically. We follow the ways of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ teaches us His standards, God’s standards, and His disciples pick up establishing and teaching standards where He left off when He left this earth. The Holy Spirit flows through each Christian so they can follow the standards of Christ. So instead of focusing on the law, let us focus upon the standards of Christ, and try to meet each of them. We don’t have time or the spirit to follow Old Testament law. Christ’s standards reflect God’s law in a different light, one that ultimately loves others as themselves. Let us begin again! Don’t forget to copy the database at the end of this course; it makes a handy reference when you are preaching, teaching, counseling, or admonishing about good and bad Christian behavior standards.
Matthew 5:13 (KJV 1900) 13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Savour – 3701 μωραίνομαι (mōrainomai), μωραίνω (mōrainō): vb.; ≡ Str 3471; TDNT 4.832—1. LN 32.56 (dep.) become foolish (Ro 1:22+); 2. LN 79.44 (dep.) lose taste, lose saltiness, turn into inert substance (Mt 5:13; Lk 14:34+); 3. LN 32.59 cause to become nonsense (1Co 1:20+)
1. Followers of Jesus Christ are the “salt of the earth.”
2. The Greek word for earth in this one instance of Matthew 5:13 is speaking of the “inhabitants of the earth.” Followers of Jesus Christ are the “salt of mankind.”
3. If the salt loses its savour (taste, flavor) and become inert, it is good for NOTHING. If a Christian loses their savour of salt, they become fools.
4. Followers of Jesus Christ must maintain their saltiness amongst mankind.
Luke 14:34–35 (KJV 1900) 34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Fit – 2310 εὔθετος (euthetos), ον (on): adj.; ≡ Str 2111—1. LN 66.3 suitable, fit, usable (Lk 9:62; Heb 6:7+); 2. LN 65.32 useful, of value (Lk 14:35+)
5. Salt is good; but if it has lost its savour, it’s not good.
6. Salt, once it has lost its savour, cannot be made salty again.
7. When salt loses its flavor, it has no value and is useless.
8. If Christians lose the flavor of Christ, their witness has no value and is useless. (Typology)
9. A Christian’s witness of Christ that has lost the flavor of Christ, has absolutely no value and is useless! The flavor of Christ is how a Christian emulates HIM! If you keep His standards, you have His savory salt.
10. Christian witness is of no use to anyone, in the land or in the dung hill.
11. Men will cast out all worthless and useless stuff.
12. When we see the words “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,” we know that the Lord Jesus Christ is speaking deeper with a hidden message that only mature Christians can understand. Thus, we are alerted to the typological meaning of the discourse.
Mark 9:50 (KJV 1900) 50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
13. Christians must maintain the salt, the flavor (the standards of conduct) of the Lord Jesus Christ, if they are to have peace with one another. Amen.
Matthew 5:14–16 (KJV 1900) 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Light – 5890 φῶς (phōs), φωτός (phōtos), τό (to): n.neu.; ≡ DBLHebr 240; Str 5457; TDNT 9.310—1. LN 14.36 light, in contrast with darkness (2Co 4:6); 2. LN 2.5 bonfire, firelight (Mk 14:54); 3. LN 6.102 torch (Ac 16:29); 4. LN 28.64 ἐν τῷ φωτί (en tō phōti), in public (Mt 10:27); 5. LN 11.14 people of God (Lk 16:8; Jn 12:36; Eph 5:8; 1Th 5:5+)
Hidden – 3221 κρύπτω (kryptō): vb.; ≡ Str 2928; TDNT 3.957—1. LN 21.12 keep safe, protect, hide (Mt 13:44; 25:18;l Lk 13:21 v.r. BAGD), for another interp, see next; 2. LN 24.29 made invisible, cause to be invisible (Mt 13:44; Col 3:3), for another interp, see prior; 3. LN 24.30 hide, for the purpose of safekeeping (Col 3:3), for another interp, see above; 4. LN 28.79 keep secret, cause something to not be known (Mt 11:25)
Candle – 3394 λύχνος (lychnos), ου (ou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ DBLHebr 5944; Str 3088; TDNT 4.324—LN 6.104 lamp, a small vessel holding olive oil and a wick, used for lighting the dark (Mk 4:21; Lk 11:33; 12:35; 15:8; Jn 5:35; 2Pe 1:19; Rev 18:23; 21:23; 22:5)
Bushel – 3654 μόδιος (modios), ίου (iou), ὁ (ho): n.masc.; ≡ Str 3426—LN 6.151 container, a large bowl that holds about eight dry U.S. quarts (Mt 5:15; Mk 4:21; Lk 11:33+)
Standard of Being the Light of the World
14. Followers of Christ are the light of the world.
15. Look at that Greek word for “light.” φωτός (phōtos) is the Greek word that reminds us of “photographs,” right? What do photographs do? They take a picture of the actual image. If the surroundings are dark, no image can be seen. But, if that photograph is taken in light, the image of the actual person can be seen perfectly.
16. The world lives in darkness. Christians are the light. Light is always seen when darkness surrounds the viewer.
17. Jesus uses the example of a city that is upon a hill cannot be hidden. Once again, those bright lights atop a hill that light the city, the vibrant sounds of people within the city leave no doubt that it exists, and it is there on that hill.
18. The city cannot be kept secret from the world. It shines with the light and cannot be invisible.
19. Christian history records many times about Christians going underground, or into distant monasteries, often for the sake to avoid persecution, poverty, and illness. In today’s world, threat of nuclear war, famine, End Times, the Apocalypse, persecution, war, and the falling of government and nations has caused many, many Christians to seek refuge away from the world. They hide in holes they have dug in the ground, trees that conceal their presence, caves that darken their presence, and fortresses made to hide the Christians when trouble comes. These types of concealment are against the standards of Christ.
20. Men do not light a candle, then hide it inside a container where the light cannot be seen.
21. When men light a candle, they put it in a candlestick holder, where it can shine brightly and give light to all in the house.
22. Jesus says let your light shine! Let that light shine amongst all people so they can see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven! Do NOT hide your light of Christ!
Matthew 5:17–20 (KJV 1900) 17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Law – 1938 ἐννόμως (ennomōs): adv.; ≡ Str 1722 + 3551—subject to the law, or in possession of the law (Ro 2:12 v.r. BAGD); not in LN Destroy – 2907 καταλύω (kataluō): vb.; ≡ Str 2647; TDNT 4.338—1. LN 20.54 tear down, destroy completely (Lk 21:6; Lk 23:2 v.r. NA26); 2. LN 20.55 destroy the works or efforts of another (Ro 14:20); 3. LN 13.100 put an end to (Ac 5:38); 4. LN 76.23 make invalid, abolish something in force (Mt 5:17); 5. LN 34.61 be a guest, be hospitably lodged (Lk 9:12; 19:7+)
23. The Lord Jesus Christ did not come to destroy the law of the LORD God. He came to fulfill it.
24. Destroy means to “abolish” and “make invalid.” Fulfill means to “accomplish it fully” and to “make it happen.
Teachings by Kathy L McFarland That is why I said it was confusing to me why Facebook friends argue among themselves whether to follow the Old Testament laws. It is of no importance to focus on the singular laws without the teaching of God placed upon them. That would be going backwards in our developed Christian faith.
The Commandments, statutes and ordinance of the LORD God given to the Jewish people were the beginning of forming a relationship with humans. There were no teachings, per se, given to them. The law was absolute and unforgiving. Either you obeyed all the laws (often confused by the Pharisees and the rabbis) and adhered to all the LORD God’s rules, or you were in disobedience to Him.
When the Lord Jesus Christ came, he taught the meaning of those laws of the Old Testament given by the LORD God to mankind. No longer a black/white, obey/disobey stringent representation of the laws, they became open to the teachings of Christ. Remember this teaching:
Matthew 5:27–28 (KJV 1900) 27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: 28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
We learn from Jesus that the Law said don’t commit adultery; but He added a new teaching, that adultery was more than just an affair with a married person. The Lord taught that with His coming to earth, He will teach the real meaning of the law, not just the absolutes. The real meaning of the law that the LORD God made was if you look lustfully upon a woman, you commit adultery with your heart! The standards have changed! Before it was the absolute law; now it became the fulfilled law with a need to fully understand not only the rule but also the reason, ways, and the consequences of breaking that law.
Christians that don’t understand that they should focus on Christ’s teachings, rather than on the Old Testament laws, never reach the higher standards that the Lord Jesus Christ has set for His followers. And if a Christian does not reach those standards, then that Christian is not walking the way of Christ. Period.
Footnotes:
James Swanson, Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains: Greek (New Testament) (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997).
64. What do you emulate if you are following One as Lord? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. His Ways b. His Will c. His Teachings d. All the above
65. What does following the teachings of Christ with regards to the Standards He performs and the Standards He expects us to fulfill lead to? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. Salvation b. Ordination c. Restoration d. Righteousness
66. (Fill in the blank) The _________________ the Scripture information becomes, the more easily relatable to another Scripture it is. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. Bigger b. Smaller c. Typological d. Parable-like
67. How do Becker students narrow down the meaning of Scripture? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. Using Statements of Fact (SOF) b. Using Statements of Data (SOD) c. Connecting the smaller bits of information to form concise meaning d. All the above
68. (Match) Connect the Beatitude types with rewards: (Matthew 5:1-12)
1. Poor in Spirit 2. Those that Mourn 3. Meek 4. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness 5. Merciful 6. Pure in heart 7. Peacemakers 8. Persecuted for righteousness’ sake 9. When men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake
a. Obtain mercy b. Shall be called the children of God c. Kingdom of Heaven d. Kingdom of Heaven e. Comforted f. Inherit the earth g. Be filled h. See God i. Great is your award in Heaven
69. What are the “Blessed” portions of the Sermon on the Mount called? (Matthew 5:1-12)
a. Sermons b. Parables c. Beatitudes d. Typology
70. What is the spirit spoken about as in “the poor in spirit?” (Matthew 5:3)
a. Holy Spirit b. Soul c. Ghost d. All the above
71. What is a really good word that describes the meaning of the word “poor” in spirit? (Matthew 5:3) a. Humble b. Without riches c. Without morals d. Without hope
72. What does “voluntary humility” mean? (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. Purposeful and intentional humbleness b. Unintentional, unplanned humbleness c. Innocent reaction to modest circumstances d. None of the above
73. If a Christian has “voluntary humility” what will it lead to? (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. Virtue b. Righteousness c. Take your reward away from you d. Loss of salvation
74. (True or False) “Voluntary humility” is a good standard to strive for. (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
75. (True or False) “Voluntary humility” means that you purposefully make yourself appear humble. (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
76. (True or False) If a pretend Christian shows “voluntary humbleness” it is equal to wrongly worshipping the angels. (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
77. (True or False) To be pleasing to the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ, you must display an honest INVOLUNTARY humility. (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
78. (True or False) The opposite of “voluntary humility” is “involuntary humility.” (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
79. (True or False) Voluntary humbleness shows wisdom in worship and humility. (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
80. (True or False) Voluntary humbleness neglects the body and does not satisfy the flesh. (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
81. (True or False) It IS GOOD to have involuntary humbleness. (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. True b. False
82. The poor in spirit are the __________________ humble. (Matthew 5:3; Colossians 2:18-23)
a. Voluntary b. Involuntary
83. What is involuntary humbleness like? (Colossians 2:18-23)
a. Every cell in the Christian’s body worships and fears the LORD God. b. They don’t just appear humble; their entire being is in awe of the greatness of the LORD God. c. They WILL inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. d. All the above.
84. Who is the comforter that is sent to comfort mourning Christians? (John 14:15-18)
a. LORD God b. Lord Jesus Christ c. Holy Spirit d. All the above
85. What happens if the Christian refuses to accept the comfort given by the Comforter? (John 14:15-18)
a. They will be crippled with sorrow b. They will not receive relief from their pain c. Their grief will be unresolved d. All the above
86. Choose the most correct sentences concerning meekness. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. Jesus was so meek that He had no emotional intensity ever. b. Christians should be so meek that they are never noticed. c. The current earth does not belong to Christians; their meekness here will NOT be their meekness on the New Earth d. Meekness means that Followers of Christ must be gentle to spread the Gospel to all corners of the world
87. When Jesus says that the meek “shall inherit the earth,” which earth is He talking about? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. Heaven b. Hell c. Old Earth d. New Earth e. New Heaven
88. How should Christians behave on this Old Earth? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. Meek, gentle, mild. b. Forceful, opiniated, political c. Angelic, holier than others, and inspired d. Religious, preaching, praising in public
89. (True or False) If you carry and posture with guns, knives, machetes aggressively, concealed or otherwise, you are not being meek. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. True b. False
90. How is meekness shown in the clothing types that Christians choose? (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. Women can show bosoms and wear tight clothes if everything is covered b. Men can wear tight pants that shows bulges but no actual skin c. Men and women should buy the best and most expensive looking clothes, and take many pictures and poses, to show the benefits of belonging to the Kingdom of God. d. Both men and women should dress conservatively, with all parts of the body (including the face of women) covered. e. A good rule is if clothing or lack of it draws attention, it is wrong for the Christian, and does not show meekness.
91. (True or False) Believers dancing with holiness in praise of the LORD God during worship can be meek if done inside the church setting. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. True b. False
92. (True or False) If a church opens its doors to invite the world within, and dances for entertainment’s sake with their dance moves emulating sex to possibly attract men or women, then it is justified for witness of Christ and is meek. (Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. True b. False
93. What should Christians do if the Lord chooses them for specific works that requires them to gain the attention of the world? (Kathy L McFarland teachings and personal thought)
a. Whatever the sanctioned works are, the Lord will provide you with the tools and equipment necessary b. The works that require notice of the world can not always be conducted meekly (although Mother Teresa did a pretty good job at that part). c. If the works must be exposed to worldly attention, it is for the notice of the works, not the notice of the Christians doing them. d. All the above
94. What does the Greek word for “hunger” mean in Matthew 5:6?
a. Starving b. Without food c. Desire strongly d. None of the above
95. What does the Greek word for “thirst” mean in Matthew 5:6?
a. Dehydrated b. Dry c. Desire Strongly for a spiritual need that God can satisfy d. None of the above
96. (True or False) Christ says that those that desire his teachings strongly, that have spiritual needs that cause a searching of God’s Word, will NOT be blessed. (Matthew 5:6)
a. True b. False
97. (True or False) “Those that show compassion on the lowly” is the Greek meaning of “merciful.” (Matthew 5:6)
a. True b. False
98. What is the attribute of mercy and faithfulness of a High Priest make? (Hebrews 2:17-18)
a. Reconciliation for the sins of the people b. Forgiveness for the sins of the people c. Acceptance for the past sins of the people d. None of the above
99. (True or False) Christ will give mercy to us if He sees Christians giving mercy to those lower than them. (Hebrews 2:17-18)
a. True b. False
100. What is the Standard of Christ concerning mercy that is contained within the Lord’s Prayer? (Matthew 6:9-15)
a. Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name b. Thy kingdom come. They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven c. Give us this day our daily bread d. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. e. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. f. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. g. Amen.
101. (Fill in the blank) Before forgiveness can be offered, ________________must be bestowed. (Matthew 6:9-15)
a. Rewards b. Mercy c. Reconciliation d. An Amen
102. (True or False) Pure in heart means to be clean, ritually clear of responsibility, and innocent. (Matthew 5:8)
a. True b. False
103. (True or False) To be “ritually clear of responsibility” means that Christians no longer must sacrifice a lamb for their sins. (Matthew 5:8)
a. True b. False
104. (True or False) Christ’s blood washes His Followers completely, once and for all. (Matthew 5:8)
a. True b. False
105. When there are differences between Christians, what should they NOT do. Mark all that apply. (Matthew 5:9)
a. Reconcile b. Make war c. Gossip d. Make trouble e. Fight f. Be hypocritical g. Riot h. Make peace
106. (True or False) Christians must sometimes fight to force their belief and Christ’s standards upon anyone. (Matthew 5:9)
a. True b. False
107. (True or False) If the LORD God is not directing the fight and sharing His mighty power with you to be victorious, then you must be at peace with everyone in your life. (Matthew 5:9)
a. True b. False
108. (True or False) Christians ARE ALWAYS persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 5:9)
a. True b. False
109. (True or False) We have learned from our study of the Beatitudes that it is about all CHRISTIANS!
a. True b. False
110. (True or False) Christians will inherit all things listed in the Beatitudes, because to be Christian means to always do these teachings.
a. True b. False
111. (True or False) No instruction of these Standards of Christ in the Beatitudes requires specialized training. If you are a Christian, you do them.
a. True b. False
112. (True or False) The Beatitude blessings are exactly what Christians carry with them as a direct result of following the Teachings of Christ.
a. True b. False
113. (True or False) The Beatitudes are like “reasonable rewards” that come to all Christians. (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
a. True b. False
114. (True or False) The rest of the Sermon on the Mount records Jesus Christ preparing His Disciples with the new Standards that do not come automatically to Christians.
The standards of the Lord Jesus Christ are our main focus of behavior on this earth and afterwards for eternity! If the Lord Jesus Christ is the one we follow, if He is our Lord, then we are to emulate His ways, will, and teachings. That is how we prove to Him that we love Him and respect Him and follow Him, regardless of the persecution that comes. Following the teachings of Christ with regards to the standards He performs, and the standards He expects of us, will lead to righteousness in our beings. And that is what we want!
Let us examine His teachings on the sermon atop the mountain to His disciples, and use our technique, statement of facts (SOF). Remember, the smaller the information becomes, the more easily relatable to other Scripture it is. That is why we do Statements of Fact (SOF) and Statements of Data (SOD) to ensure we bring God’s Word to easily understood bits and helps us connect later.
Matthew 5:1–12 (KJV 1900) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Statement of Facts
1. The poor in spirit will be blessed by Christ and rewarded the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3)
2. The spirit is the inner part of a person that is called the soul. Poor means “humble.”
A Small Study on Humble 3. Let’s study a bit of Scripture that tells Christians how to be humble so we can understand deeply:
Colossians 2:18–23 (KJV 1900) 18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Voluntary humility (humbleness) as spoken in Colossians 2:18 is NOT a good standard.
a. Voluntary humility means that you purposely make yourself appear humble.
b. Colossians 2:18 says that a man can beguile you of the reward due you if you have voluntary humility.
c. “Beguile” means to disqualify a reward.
d. If a pretend Christian shows “voluntary humbleness,” it is equal to worshipping the angels, and vainly puffed up in fleshly concerns. It is definitely NOT good!
To be pleasing to the LORD God and Lord Jesus Christ, you must display an honest INVOLUNTARY humility.
a. We know this because it is the exact opposite of voluntary humility.
b. Involuntary humbleness shows wisdom in worship and humility.
c. Involuntary humbleness neglects the body and does not satisfy the flesh.
d. It IS GOOD to have involuntary humbleness!
Now back to our Sermon on the Mount study (Here is the verse one more time):
Matthew 5:1–3 (KJV 1900) And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4. The inheritors of the rewards given by Christ are blessed by them when they are INVOLUNTARILY HUMBLE! Every cell in their body worships and fears the LORD God; they cannot just appear humble; in truth, they are humble because of the greatness of their Lord and their God.
5. So, the first standard we have is Christians should know the LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ so intimately that they are truthfully, involuntarily humbled, as they worship God. It is those filled with involuntary humility that will inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Amen?
Matthew 5:4 (KJV 1900)
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
6. Those that grieve will be comforted by the Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, after Jesus ascends to Heaven.
John 14:15–18 (KJV 1900) 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
7. If a Christian is saddened, accepting the comfort of the Holy Spirit is the standard that Christ sets to enable the mourning Christian to resolve their grief.
8. To not accept the comfort of the Holy Spirit will likely cripple the Christian with sorrow.
9. Accepting the Holy Spirit comfort restores the Christian with blessing.
Matthew 5:5 (KJV 1900) 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
10. The meek will be blessed by inheriting the earth.
Teachings of Kathy L McFarland
Now let’s reason this together. Throughout the New Testament teachings of Jesus Christ, He tells us over and over that this earth does not belong to us as Christians. He wants us to separate from the world, right? And we know that there will one day be a New Heaven and a New Earth. Reasoning this through is clearly speaking of the New Earth. The meek will be blessed by inheriting the earth.
So, when does the Lord want meekness? Right now, as we inhabit this sinful old earth. It’s not about being angelic and holy towards the earth people today. Secular people are aggressive and loud and political and opinionated and violent. Christians should be apart from this world. Not boisterous and having their views known throughout the world. Meek. Gentle. Mild.
I taught you that I will never be famous and lead hundreds of thousands of people. How do I know? Because meekness will never get me fame. I stay as gentle and mild as I can, so I don’t lose the opportunity to teach those that God wants me to teach. Now, I am a strong Christian with the Power God dwelling within me and quite capable of defending myself, my family, and my Lord. But if I use that power and strength to gain the world’s attention, my days of teaching the Word of God to the Christians God has chosen is over. That is how I know I will NOT be famous on this earth.
And by the way, if you carry guns, knives, machetes aggressively, concealed or otherwise, you are not being meek. You are arming yourself to be powerful and overcome others. Yes, sometimes you must war, or defend your country, or your loved ones, and that is acceptable for righteousness’s sake. But posturing and attention-seeking with a weapon assumes you want power over others, and that is not being meek. You run the risk of losing your inheritance of the New Earth if you become too powerful on this one.
Another problem with meekness that Christians have is their dress. If women are showing their bosoms, and wearing tight clothes, that is not meek; it is attention-seeking. If men wear tight pants and buy expensive clothing to take pictures to show their wealth or good looks, that is attention-seeking also. If believers dance with holiness for the LORD God in worship inside a church setting, that can be meek, because it is done inside the church walls. But if that church opens its doors to invite the world within, and dance for entertainment’s sake with their dance moves emulating sex to possibly attract men or women, then that is attention-seeking.
I am meek as I do my job, I am promised by the Lord to inherit the New Earth. I will not have to be meek on the New Earth. I will live my life with my loved ones and do the ministry that the Lord directs with my full righteousness and personality. But today, I am meek, and do not gain the world’s attention. I will be blessed on the New Earth because I am going to inherit it. Does this make sense?
If the Lord has chosen a Christian for a specific work that requires him or her to gain the attention of the world, then whatever the Christian is equipped with should be used. There are times when the Lord does not want meekness to be defined with large works. However, in most cases, staying meek is the behavior that should be emulated in this world that does not belong to us.
One last thing. I was required to go out into the world to find YOU! He led me to do that. I couldn’t be meek and find you also. I was given direction by the Lord to enter the worldly Facebook and find the people God had chosen to bring closer to Him. That’s the way He wants it to work and that is the standards He has given us!
Matthew 5:6 (KJV 1900) 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
11. Christ says that those that desire his teachings strongly, that have spiritual needs that cause a frantic searching for answers or a deep desire to know God, will be blessed.
12. This beatitude is for you my dear students! He saw that you were hungry and thirsty for the real Word of God and righteousness, and He provided your teacher and my staff, and your local director to help bring that teaching to you! You are blessed! You are being FILLED with new understanding and new learning of the Word of God which leads to righteousness.
13. Note how both the Greek words for hunger and thirst mean to “desire strongly.” This desire speaks of the spiritual needs that God can satisfy in Christians. Praise be to God!
Matthew 5:7 (KJV 1900) 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
14. Those that show compassion on the lowly, shall receive compassion from the Lord. It is what Christians do.
Hebrews 2:17–18 (KJV 1900) 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
15. The Lord Jesus Christ knows how to be merciful in all things pertaining to the LORD God.
16. It is the attribute of mercy and faithfulness of a high priest that makes reconciliation for the sins of the people.
17. Jesus will give mercy to us if He sees us giving mercy to those lower than us.
18. And let us not forget the most famous standards of mercy for the LORD God in the Lord’s Prayer!
Matthew 6:9–15 (KJV 1900) 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
19. Before forgiveness can be offered, mercy must be bestowed. The LORD God and the Lord Jesus Christ are watching to see that Christ’s followers are compassionate, even when they don’t have to be! That is the basis for which their mercy is applied to each of us, and the extent that forgiveness of debts is given.
Matthew 5:8 (KJV 1900) 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
20. Another standard of Christ is to be “pure in heart.”
21. He declares them that have purity of heart as blessed because “they shall see God.”
22. Pure in heart means to be clean, ritually clear of responsibility, and innocent.
23. It is easy for baptized Christians to be clean and innocent of sin, because they are washed in the blood of the lamb, our Lord Jesus Christ.
24. But, consider the “ritually clear of responsibility.” That means that Christians no longer must sacrifice a lamb for their sins. Once they are clean, they are clean forever. Christ’s blood washes them completely, once and for all.
25. Christians that have pure heart, and they would not be Christians if they did not, WILL SEE GOD!
Matthew 5:9 (KJV 1900) 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
26. Christians make peace and reconcile differences when possible. They are never war-mongers, gossipers, trouble-makers, fighters, hypocrites or worldly rioters.
27. Children of the LORD God do not fight to force their belief or standards upon anyone on their own. If the LORD God is not directing the fight and sharing His mighty power with you to be victorious, then you must be at peace with everyone in your life.
28. Christians may have to separate from those of the world that seek to create harm through fighting if peace cannot be obtained. Jesus teaches us the rules of confrontation later in His Word which we will study soon.
Matthew 5:10–12 (KJV 1900) 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
29. Christians ARE ALWAYS persecuted for righteousness’ sake!
30. If you find a Christian in this world that has not been persecuted, then you have NOT found a Christian. It is a fact of life for Christians in this fallen, sinful world.
31. Jesus promises blessings to come to those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
32. Those persecuted get to dwell in the Kingdom of Heaven.
33. Even simple persecution, like when men revile you and say all manner of evil against you falsely because Jesus is in your life; that type of persecution also brings blessings.
34. When even simple persecution comes to you, Rejoice! And be exceedingly glad! You will receive great reward in Heaven.
35. The Prophets of old were persecuted, and you will be persecuted also. This is the reality of following Christ.
Teachings of Kathy L McFarland
Check these Beatitudes out as a group! They all are about being a CHRISTIAN, a follower of Jesus Christ! So many times, Christian leaders teach the Beatitudes as very individual specific blessings for certain people that have hardships in life. But it is not that at all!
Jesus begins his teachings by talking of all the blessings EVERY Christian has by following Him! Thanks be to God! We are all the poor in spirit, mournful, and meek. All Christians hunger and thirst after righteousness, are merciful, and stay pure in heart. Christians are peacemakers. They experience persecution for righteousness’ sake! Do you understand?
The Beatitudes are the blessings that come to Christians and explain exactly the basic standards of following Jesus Christ. Every Christian reading the beatitudes is experiencing the conditions that bring the blessings forward!
No instruction of these standards of basic Christian blessings are needed. They come to the Christians as they accept their Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and are baptized with His Holy Spirit. These blessings are what Christians carry with them as a direct result of following the teachings of Christ.
Do you remember our study of Romans 12:1–3 (KJV 1900) in the first lesson of this course? It speaks about the reasonable service that all Christians do without expectation of rewards. Well, the Beatitudes are like “reasonable rewards” that come to all Christians. If you follow Christ, these rewards will come to you, always. These standards of following Christ are built into every Christian.
But wait! There is more! The Lord Jesus Christ is preparing to tell His Disciples on the mountaintop of new standards of His that His followers should do that do not come automatically to all Christians. That is in our next study, the Standards of the Lord Jesus Christ, Part 2!
1. What are the standards of Christian Faith? (Teachings) A. Rules of behavior B. Gives Christians the guidelines to emulate Christ C. Helps develop righteous behavior D. All the above
2. Who assists Baptized Christians in walking according to the standards of Scripture? (Teachings)
A. LORD God B. Lord Jesus Christ C. Holy Spirit D. Believers in Christ
3. What type of path should Christians walk to assure their behavior is according to Christ’s expectations? (Teachings, Matthew 7:14)
A. Narrow B. Wide C. Long D. Short
4. (Fill in the blank) ____________________ is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things __________ ____________ (Hebrews 11:1).
A. Faith, seen B. Faith, NOT seen C. Forgiveness, seen D. Forgiveness, NOT seen
5. (Fill in the blank) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were _______________ of them, and ________________ them, and ____________ that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13).
A. Amazed, awed, respectful B. Overcome, burdened, yoked C. Persuaded, embraced, confessed D. None of the above
6. What is remembrance of something that has already happened? (Teachings)
A. Old Testament B. Faith C. History D. All the above
7. What is a Christian’s faith? (Hebrews 11:1)
A. Hope that the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass B. Certainty that the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass C. Blindness of what the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass D. Proof of what the LORD God said in His Word will all come to pass
8. (True or False) Either the Word of God is evidence of things we cannot see as it reflects God’s full Truth, or it is error that gives victory to the devil. (Hebrews 11:1)
A. True B. False
9. (True or False) Hebrews 11:13 gives Christians the full standard of faith.
A. True B. False
10. (Fill in the blank) Christians must be _________________ to the promises of the LORD God, _____________________ them, and __________________ them. (Hebrews 11:13)
A. Persuaded, embrace, confess B. Memorized, symbolized, and historicized C. Attached, memorized, learn D. None of the above
11. What does the Greek word σκολιός (skolios) “untoward” mean that is found in Acts 2:40?
A. Unscrupulous B. Corrupt C. Morally crooked D. All the above
12. What does the LORD God promise that called Christians can do about their sins? (Acts 2:38-40)
A. They can forget them B. They can sacrifice worship for them C. They can repent of them D. They can be re-baptized
13. What does the LORD God promise that can happen to called Christians after repentance? (Acts 2:38-40)
A. Baptism B. Confirmation C. Communion D. Restoration
14. What extra help comes to comfort and guide called, Baptized Christians? (Acts 2:38-40)
A. Church chosen specifically for them B. Kind Christian teachers that help them become mature C. Money flowing as manna from God Himself D. The Holy Spirit
15. What ability does the LORD God’s promise to give called, Baptized Christians with the troubles of the worldly generation that are immoral, corrupt, and crooked surround them? (Acts 2:38-40)
A. Power to overlook B. Ability to separate your presence from the world C. To cause your enemies to die D. To let you dance in their presence
16. What is the LORD God’s promise concerning works saved Christians do in His name? (Hebrews 6:9-12)
A. There are no promises about works B. He will NOT forget your works and labors of love that you do in His name C. Only those directed by the Bishop can be counted as official works for the LORD God D. Works outside of church are vanity
17. What are the LORD God’s promises to righteously keep for those with faith and patience? (Hebrews 6:9-12)
A. Full assurance B. Diligence C. Hope D. All the above
18. (Fill in the blank) You are the ______________ of the living God. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
A. Temple B. Ark C. Tabernacle D. All the above
19. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will ________________ in you. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
A. Supervise B. Remove you C. Dwell D. Dance
20. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will _________________in you. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
A. Run B. Walk C. Dance D. Sing
21. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will be your ________________. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
A. Savior B. Spirit C. God D. Friend
22. (Fill in the blank) You shall be part of the LORD God’s _________________. (2 Corinthians 6:16)
A. Club B. Army C. Clique D. People
23. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will receive you if you separate yourself from the _____________________. (2 Corinthians 6:17)
A. Cults B. Unclean things of the world C. All things of the world D. All people of the world
24. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God will be a __________________. (2 Corinthians 6:17)
A. Father B. Friend C. Buddy D. Lucky Lottery Guru
25. (Fill in the blank) You will be a part of the LORD God’s _____________and ____________. (2 Corinthians 6:18)
A. Little Gods, Lords B. Sons, Daughters C. Angels, Saints D. Kings, Queens
26. (Fill in the blank) The LORD God PROMISES to give the Lord Jesus Christ power to _________________. (Luke 5:24)
A. Destroy the Earth B. Save all people from Hell C. Forgive sins on Earth D. All the above
27. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to all the __________________________ to receive forgiveness and cleansing. (1 John 1:7-10)
A. Allowance for people who are good B. Allowance for people who are repentant C. Allowance for people who promise to obey if they receive from Him D. Allowance for the Blood of Jesus Christ
28. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to accept those that _________________ and _______________. (1 John 1:7)
A. Walk in the Light, fellowship with other Christians B. Tithe to the Church, perform dances on the stage to draw more people in C. Do good and give money to the poor D. All the above
29. (Fill in the Blank) The LORD God promises to allow ______________ to cleanse His Followers from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
A. Christ B. Repentance C. Spiritual Restoration D. Good works
30. What doctrine becomes part of all other doctrines that help contribute to Christians becoming righteous? (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. Justification B. Salvation C. Works D. Faith
31. (True or False) The Lord Jesus is NOT the LORD God. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. True B. False
32. (True or False) When we have faith, we are saying that we believe all the promises that the LORD God has made to us in the Word of God.
A. True B. False
33. (True or False) The Trinity members are the LORD God, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. True B. False
34. (True or False) The Trinity is equal in nature, distinct in Person, and submissive in duties. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. True B. False
35. (Match) The Trinity is equal in _____ (1) ______, distinct in _______ (2) _____, and submissive in _______ (3) ____________. (Romans 4:21-5:2; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
37. (Match) If you uphold the three standards of faith to be _______ (1)_________ of the LORD God’s promises, _______(2)______ them, and _______(3)______ them after seeing them from afar off.
A. Embraced B. Persuaded C. Confessed
38. When a Christian has full faith, what will they feel like on the earth? (May be more than one answer)
A. Pilgrims B. Thorns C. Strangers D. All the above
39. What Christ’s Parable in Matthew 13:22 talks about separating from the World?
A. Parable of the Sower B. Parable of the Talents C. Parable of the Hidden Pearl D. Parable of the Prodigal Son
40. How does the world trick the Believers according to Matthew 13:22? (May be more than one answer)
A. Brings the cares of the world to their hearts B. Tricks them with the deceitfulness of riches C. Bribes them to live both spiritual and physical lives D. Challenges them to be good people in the world and outside the church
41. What could result if the whole world of riches is gained? (Matthew 16:26) (Think this one out)
A. Loss of soul B. Loss of salvation opportunity C. Loss of Heaven and the New Earth D. All the above
42. (Small Essay) Describe how it is poor people that so often succumb to the riches of the world. (Matthew 16:26 and Kathy L McFarland teachings)
43. (Small Essay) Why do people that have the riches of the world NOT have a need for God? (Mark 10:23-25, Kathy L McFarland teachings)
44. (Small Essay) Why does the world hate followers of Jesus Christ? (John 15:17-19)
45. What does the mercy of the LORD God ALLOW you to do?
A. Be a living sacrifice B. Give yourself fully C. Yield to His control D. All the above
46. What are the six standards listed in Romans 12:1-3 used for by the LORD God and Christians?
A. To measure how much reward to give to the Believer B. To measure how much punishment to give to the Believer C. To measure how much faith to give to the Believer D. To measure how much glory to give to the Believer
47. What are the first three standards called in Romans 12:1-3?
A. Reasonable Service B. Exceptional Service C. Faithful Service D. None of the above
48. Who measures the six standards of living sacrifice of a Christian to determine how much faith to give? (Romans 12:1-3)
A. The LORD God B. The Lord Jesus Christ C. The Holy Spirit D. All the above
49. (True or False) Giving the LORD God full control over your being is part of the living sacrifice and will produce holiness in you. (Romans 12:1-3)
A. True B. False
50. (True or False) Reasonable Service means that a reward or notice will be given by God for holiness for doing His will. (Romans 12:1-3)
A. True B. False
51. (True or False) Reasonable Service means the LORD God does NOT necessarily expect Believers to seek His will deeply to live as He wants, rather than follow their own heart. (Romans 12:1-3)
A. True B. False
52. (True or False) It is acceptable for a Believer to take credit for holiness since it is based on his living sacrifice to the LORD God. (Romans 12:1-3)
A. True B. False
53. What three measures fall under the Reasonable Service standard that receives rewards from God? (Romans 12:1-3)
A. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice B. A measure of how holy a Believer develops C. A measure of how acceptable a Believer is to the LORD God D. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a Believer exists E. A measure of how much a Believer transforms through renewal of mind F. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God
54. What three standards of faith DO NOT fall under the Reasonable Service standard, that will be rewarded by the LORD God with additional faith? (Romans 12:1-3)
A. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice B. A measure of how holy a Believer develops C. A measure of how acceptable a Believer is to the LORD God D. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a Believer exists E. A measure of how much a Believer transforms through renewal of mind F. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God
55. (True or False) When a Believer is given higher-level faith, then confidence can be assured the Believer has the adequate amount of spirituality to handle the faith award or increase perfectly! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. True B. False
56. (True or False) It should be the goal of the Church, Christian leaders, Pastors, Counselors, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, and Mentors to help develop the six-steps of standards of faith to prepare Believers to receive the granting of more faith from the LORD God. (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. True B. False
57. (True or False) Being a Living Sacrifice is NOT your faith! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. True B. False
58. (True or False) Being a Living Sacrifice is NOT your works! (Romans 12:1-3; Kathy L McFarland teachings)
A. True B. False
59. (Fill in the Blank) So then faith cometh by _________________, and _______________ by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
A. Hearing; hearing B. Good works; good works C. Holiness; holiness D. Holy Spirit; Holy Spirit
60. (True or False) It is the human sense of feeling that faith is delivered by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17)
A. True B. False
61. (True or False) A Believer must hear the Word of God to develop the six standards of faith and spiritual growth. (Romans 10:17)
A. True B. False
62. (True or False) Scripture is the Word of God. (John 1:1-3)
A. True B. False
63. (True or False) If an unbeliever is unable to hear and understand God’s Word, then that is a person that DOES NOT have faith given by the LORD God. (Romans 10:17)
Hebrews 11:13 (KJV 1900) 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
8. If you uphold the three standards of faith to be persuaded of the LORD God’s promises, embraced them, and confessed them, then you will feel like “strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
Think about that for a moment. Throughout the teachings of Christ, we are told that we must separate ourselves from the world, right? “The Parable of the Sower” says…
Matthew 13:22 (KJV 1900) 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
9. The world tricks most with the “deceitfulness of riches.” Even if the Word of God is heard, it is choked by the care of the world. When the Word of God is choked, the hearer of the Word becomes unfruitful. If the Christian is unfruitful, then no works are done to glorify the LORD God. Fruitful, living works can never be accomplished based upon the riches of the world.
Matthew 16:26 (KJV 1900) 26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
10. If the whole world of riches is gained, it will cost the loss of your soul. Poor people who struggle to live day-by-day in poor countries that are filled with corruption and political ignorance, watch as their portion of simple living expectations are stolen from them. It is those that worry about feeding and clothing their family members that so easily succumb to seeking the riches of the world. The unfairness of others having resources when your family is starving creates a culture of seeking after the riches from the world.
Mark 10:23–25 (KJV 1900) 23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
11. People that have the riches of the world, do NOT have a need for God. Their souls can be lost.
Many of the countries in the continent of Africa and South America, and many of the southern states in the USA have a road of poverty that far-exceeds the imagination of the rich. The devil sows his thorns amongst the people who seek the Word of God and strangle the message of God from reaching their understanding. It is the common attack by Satan toward the poor to keep them from serving their Lord Jesus Christ and creating works through Him and the Holy Spirit to glorify the LORD God in Heaven.
John 15:17–19 (KJV 1900) 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. 18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
The world hates followers of Jesus Christ. The world hates Christ. If you walk the way of the world, you will have riches, but you will lose your soul. The standard of faith requires you to love fellow Christians and support them in their walk with Christ. The standard of faith requires you to reject the world and all its riches. The standard of faith requires you to understand that Christ chose you OUT OF THE WORLD, so you are hated, and no longer a part of the world.
Romans 12:1–3 (KJV 1900) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
12. The LORD God’s mercy allows you to be a living sacrifice, giving yourself fully and yielding to His control.
13. The Reasonable Service of a Believer that gives control fully to God must become holy.
14. Reasonable Service means a reward or notice will not be given by God for holiness for doing His will.
15. Reasonable Service expectations of God require Believers to seek His will deeply and live as He wants.
16. It is the LORD God that deals to each man a measure of faith!
17. It is unworthy for a holy believer of God to take credit for holiness that comes from God alone.
18. There are six standards measured by the LORD God to determine how much faith a person is to receive.
a. A measure of their giving themselves to the LORD God as a living sacrifice
b. A measure of how holy a Believer develops
c. A measure of how acceptable a believer is to the LORD God
d. A measure of how non-conforming to this world a believer exists
e. A measure of how much a believer transforms through renewal of mind
f. A measure to be able to prove what is good, acceptable, perfect will of the LORD God
19. Consider these six standards. There are just three measurements that the LORD God considers Reasonable Service.
a. The first is the measure of living sacrifice b. The second is the amount of holiness that is achieved by the Believer c. The third is the degree to which the Believer is acceptable by the LORD God.
20. There are NO rewards for achievement given by the LORD God or by the Lord Jesus Christ for the three standards of Reasonable Service.
21. There are three measurements for faith that DO NOT fall under the Reasonable Service standard.
a. Be non-conforming to this world b. Be able to transform yourself by the renewing of your mind c. Be able to prove what is the good, acceptable, perfect will of God
Teaching by Kathy L McFarland: The six measurements that the LORD God uses to determine the amount of faith given to a person directly develops a Christian’s standards of faith for spiritual growth. When a person is given higher level faith, then confidence can be assured the believer has the adequate amount of spirituality to handle the faith award or increase perfectly.
This important concept contrasts those who receive just a little faith. It should be the goal of the Church, Christian leaders, Pastors, Counselors, Teachers, Chaplains, Parents, and Mentors to help develop the six-steps of standards of faith to prepare Believers to receive the granting of more faith from the LORD God.
Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS your spirituality. It is the amount of yourself that is given to the LORD God by your choice.
When you are a “Living Sacrifice,” your spirituality is measured, and faith given to you by the LORD God. What you do as a “Living Sacrifice” is spiritual works directed by the LORD God.
Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your faith!
Being a “Living Sacrifice” IS NOT your works!
Romans 10:17 (KJV 1900) 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
22. It is the human sense of hearing that faith is delivered by the LORD God.
23. A Believer must hear the WORD OF GOD to develop the six standards of faith and spiritual growth.
24. Scripture is the WORD OF GOD. (John 1:1-3)
25. If an unbeliever is unable to hear and understand God’s Word, then that is a person that does not have faith given by the LORD God.
