1. Last week I taught Gal 3:23 and when time expired we were reviewing several summary points.

Transcription

1 Galatians Lesson o15 1. Last week I taught Gal 3:23 and when time expired we were reviewing several summary points. 2. Before we return to our study you might want to use the provisions of 1Jo 1:9 by silently naming your sin to God as the Holy Spirit may show. 3. Let s see how Gal 3:21-23 looks by way of an expanded translation. Expanded Translation Gal 3:21 Is therefore the law against the promises of God? Why heck no of course not. For if a law had been given which was able to impart eternal life and perfect righteousness it would have been the Mosaic Law; Gal 3:22 but the Scriptures have concluded that all mankind is under the indictment and curse of sin, in order that the promise on the ground of faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Gal 3:23 But before the coming of the Messiah and our privilege of believing on the historical Christ, we were kept under lock and key until the arrival of the historical Christ. 4. Let s return to our Gal 3:23 summary points. Summary Points: 1. The principle of redemption is found in Jo 8:33-36 "we are forever released from the slave market of sin. Joh 8:33 They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Joh 8:35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 2. Redemption is the basis for the strategic victory in the Angelic Conflict. Col 2:13-15, Heb 2:9 and Heb 2:14-18 Col 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, Col 2:14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. Col 2:15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 1

2 Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. Heb 2:14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil. Heb 2:15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. Heb 2:16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. Heb 2:17 For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Heb 2:18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. 3. Christ paid the ransom for sin on the cross with His spiritual death. Gal 3:13 Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 4. Redemption is a doctrine which a believer can apply in times of pressure and/or catastrophe. Job 19:24 For I know that my redeemer (GAAL) liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: 5. Redemption results in the biblical doctrine of adoption. Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Rom 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Rom 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; 2

3 Rom 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 6. Redemption provides the basis for the believer s eternal inheritance. Heb 9:14 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. 7. The ransom money is the blood of Christ used to depict the spiritual death of Christ on the cross. Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace Eph 1:8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. 1Pe 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 1Pe 1:19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 8. Redemption provides the basis for justification. Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 9. Christ was qualified as the perfect sacrifice and redemptive payment because of His virgin birth and impeccable life. 10. Redemption is the work of Christ toward sin and its results: It frees us from the law. Gal 3:13 It frees us from the power of sin. Eph 1:7 It is the basis for justification. Rom 3:24 It is the basis for sanctification. Eph 4:

4 It is the basis for our inheritance. He 9:14 It is the basis for the strategic victory in the Angelic Conflict. Col 2:14, Heb 2:9-18 It is the basis for the calling of the royal family of God. Rom 8: Let s again see how our entire verse looks by way of an expanded translation. Expanded Translation Gal 3:23 But before the coming of the Messiah and our privilege of believing on the historical Christ, we were kept under lock and key until the arrival of the historical Christ and history revealed the fulfillment of our ultimate victory. 12. Before continuing I want to review the Doctrine of the Divine Decrees. The Doctrine of the Divine Decrees 1. The divine decrees represent the sum total of God's plan designed in eternity past. 2. The plan centers on the person of Jesus Christ. Eph 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Eph 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 2.1 God in His Omniscience has seen all of our thoughts, actions, choices, deeds, and then determined a perfect plan for our lives. Because He has seen the time line and our choices He has developed a unique plan for each believer. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 1Th 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 3. Entrance into the plan is based on the principle of grace whereby the sovereignty of God and the free will of man meet at the cross. 4

5 3.1 The work is accomplished by God, while man gains and enjoys the benefits apart from his own merit or ability. Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 4. God's plan was designed in eternity past, so as to include all events and actions related to their causes and conditions as a part of an indivisible system, every link being a part of the integrity of the whole. 4.1 There's a whole plan for the believer's life (his destiny). 4.2 One failure or one success never changes the plan; God is greater than our failures or successes. 5. Without interfering with human volition in any way, God has designed a plan so perfect that it includes cause and effect, directive, provision, preservation and function for all believers. 5.1 God knew every cause and effect in our lives and made provision in eternity past. 6. Under His plan, God has decreed to do some things directly, and some through agencies such as Israel and the Church, and some through individuals. 5

6 7. The divine decrees constitute one great, all comprehensive plan - perfect, eternal, unchangeable and without loss of integrity. 8. The plan of God is consistent with human freedom and God does not limit or coerce human freedom. 8.1 God permits human volition to function; for example He permits man to choose to sin but this does not make Him the author of sin. 8.2 In His sovereignty He chose to provide a solution for sin. 9. God has seen the beginning and the end and in His sovereign will He provided a perfect divine decree for you and for me. 10. Since we are part of His divine decrees we can find comfort in knowing that God after knowing all the facts about us, predetermined and implemented a perfect plan for time and eternity This is especially comforting when we realize it was all done in eternity past. Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Rom 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 11. Now let s see what we can learn from Gal 3:24. KJV-New Sentence Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. NIV Gal 3:24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. WHEREFORE THE LAW 1. Hoste Ho Nomos is better translated So you see the Mosaic Law 6

7 2. Hoste is an adverb followed by the monadic noun Nomos declined as a nominative singular. WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER 1. Ginomai Paidagogos Ego is better translated became in the past with the result He is now our guardian responsible for our well-being and education 2. Ginomai is a verb parsed as a 3 rd person singular, perfect active indicative followed by the noun Paidagogos declined as a nominative singular. 3. Ginomai appears more than 700 times in the New Testament where it is translated become, became, come into existence, create, created, to be born, came to pass or was. 1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. 1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 1Ti 2:14 Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 3.1 In 1Ti 2:14 Ginomai is in the perfect tense to signify that the disobedience of Eve, though a single act, had a lasting effect on the entire human race. The source of her disobedience was deception, but none the less it was sin. The active voice of Ginomai tells us, that though the reason for her disobedience was from an act of deception, she did produce the action of the verb. Eve used her volition, she chose to be deceived. 7

8 4. Paidagogos appears three times in Scripture. 1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 1Co 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors (NIV guardians) in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster (NIV was put in charge ) to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (NIV supervision). 5. The word translated schoolmaster is the important word here. The noun is Paidagogos. The word Paidagogos could even be translated "a teacher." Such a translation would be acceptable so long as one remembers the context and what type of slave we have here: a slave responsible for the training of a child. 5.1 It has been written that Aristotle was responsible for the education of Alexander the Great, the son of Philip of Macedonia. He took him to school and later discussed what he had learned. 6. It is true the English word pedagogue comes from the Greek Paidagogos, and that it refers to a schoolmaster. But the Greek word did not have that meaning. The word designated a slave employed in Greek and Roman families had charge over a boy in the years from about The Paidagogos did more than teach; he made sure the youngster understood what was taught. 6.1 He often disciplined the student. This was made evident in the childhood of King James I, who often suffered corporal punishment when he failed to learn. 6.2 The Paidagogos watched over the student s outward behavior, and took charge over him whenever he went from home, as for instance, to school. This slave was entrusted with the moral supervision of the child. His duties were therefore quite distinct from those of a present day schoolmaster. 7. Furthermore, the metaphor of a Paidagogos seems to have grown out of the word kept (Phroureo) of verse 23, which means "to guard." Thus the word refers to a guardian of a child in his minority rather than to a teacher or schoolmaster. 8. By describing the law as a Paidagogos, Paul emphasizes both the inferiority of the law and its temporary character. The law was therefore the guardian of Israel, keeping watch over those committed to its care, accompanying them with its commands and prohibitions, keeping them in a condition of dependence and restraint, and continually revealing to them sin as a transgression. 8

9 TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, 1. Eis Cristos is better translated to bring us to Christ 2. Eis is the preposition followed by the proper noun Christos declined as an accusative singular. THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH 1. Hina Dikaioo is better translated in order that we might be made righteous 2. Hina is an explanatory particle followed by the verb Dikaioo parsed as a 1 st person plural, aorist passive subjunctive. 3. Dikaioo means to be just, right, righteous or, as a substantive participle, describing a person without prejudice or partiality." It is used variously in the New Testament. The noun form is Dikaios. Let me give you several points about Dikaios. The judgment of God, 2Th 1:4-6 2Th 1:4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 2Th 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the "righteous" judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 2Th 1:6 Seeing it is a "righteous" thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; God s judgments, Rev 19:2 Rev 19:2 For true and "righteous" are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. God s character as Judge, 2Ti 4:8 2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (Dikaiosune), which the Lord, the "righteous" judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 4. 2Ti 4:8 mentions the crown of righteousness. Let me give you a review of what the Bible teaches about the judgment seat of Christ and the crowns associated with the judgment seat. 9

10 Introduction 1. At the judgment seat of Christ, or the Bema (as it is called in the Greek), crowns will be awarded. 1.1 The Bema was a place where a king, judge or procurator might sit to adjudicate a matter or reward an outstanding athlete or military hero. It is from the Bema that the judge would issue punishments or rewards. 1.2 It was at the Bema, during the Isthmus Games, that a winning contestant received his special reward called a Stephanos It is to this analogy the New Testament speaks when it describes Church Age believers appearing before the judgment seat of Christ. Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 1.3 The word Bema appears several places in the New Testament Jesus was brought before Pilate s Bema. Mat 27:19 When he was set down on the "judgment seat", his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. Joh 19:13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the "judgment seat" in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha Herod Agrippa made his final speech from a Bema. Acts 12:21. Acts 12:21 And upon a set day Herod Agrippa, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his "throne", and made an oration unto them Gallio, the governor of Achaia, judged Paul from a Bema. Acts 18:16 And he drave them from the "judgment seat." Paul was brought before a Bema (the judgment seat of Festus) on his way to Rome. 10

11 Acts 25:6 And when Festus had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the "judgment seat" commanded Paul to be brought... Acts 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's "judgment seat", where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest... Definition and Concept 1. Let s look at crowns as they relate to the judgment seat of Christ. The judgment is for believers of the Church Age. It takes place just after the Rapture. The judgment seat is called the Bema. 2. Paul describes the events taking place at the Bema, where crowns are awarded, in 1Co 3: Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 11

12 1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 3. The word for crown in the New Testament is Stephanos. The Stephanos in ancient Rome was a wreath given to both athletes and military heroes who had distinguished themselves. 3.1 With it went a large monetary stipend, a parade honoring the recipient (much like a ticker-tape parade for the team winning the World Series), a significant land grant such as 1000 acres on the Brazos between Waco and Bryan and a lifetime exemption from taxation for self and family Your right pastor-teacher will be with you at the Bema, for it is his evaluation too. Phi 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 1Th 2:20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy. 4. The word Stephanos appears in Scripture to describe: Jesus' crown of thorns Mat 27:29 And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! something of value 1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. Phi 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and "crown", that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 1Th 2:19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the "crown" in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 2Ti 4:8 Now there is in store for me the "crown" of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 12

13 Jam 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the "crown" of life that God has promised to those who love him. Rev 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you (church at Smyrna A.D.), and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the "crown" of life. 1Pe 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the "crown" of glory that will never fade away. Rev 3:11 I am coming soon to you, the church at Philadelphia - the church just before the rapture). Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your "crown". the church resident in heaven--casting their crowns before the throne of God Rev 4:4 Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. Rev 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: power given the Antichrist Rev 6:2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a "crown" was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. demon warriors Rev 9:6 During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. Rev 9:7 The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. Rev 9:8 Their hair was like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth. Israel divided into twelve tribes Rev 12:1 And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a "crown" of twelve stars: the royalty of Jesus just before He returns 13

14 Rev 14:14 I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man with a "crown" of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 5. In addition to the crowns awarded for divine good, there are special crowns awarded to believers of the Church Age. a crown of righteousness 2Ti 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2Ti 4:8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 5.1 Col. R. B. Thieme says of this crown, "It would seem to be available to those who have acquired enough doctrine to appreciate and anticipate the Rapture and the blessed events following. 5.2 The crown of righteousness is mentioned only once in Scripture where Paul speaks of his acquiring it because he anticipates his death at the hand of Nero. a crown of life Rev 2:10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. 5.3 The crown of life is available to all believers who not only reach maturity but are able to hold that level even amid significant pressures. 5.4 There are those who see this crown as available only to believers of the Tribulation. This, however, flies in the face of the fact that in every age believers are deluged with pressure and testing from old Satan under the permissive will of God. 5.5 Its appropriateness for believers in all ages would seem to be strengthened by the fact that James mentions the crown of life. Jam 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. a crown of glory 14

15 5.6 The crown of glory is available only to the pastor-teacher who is faithful to the task of studying and teaching, both when it is convenient and when it is not convenient. 1Pe 5:2 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 1Pe 5:3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1Pe 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 6. Fittingly, in our new natures we are seen in heaven casting our crowns at the feet of Christ. Rev 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: Rev 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." 7. Now let s close out our verse with an exegesis of the phrase by faith. BY FAITH 1. Ek Pistis is well translated by faith 2. Ek is a preposition followed by the noun Pistis declined as genitive singular. 3. We have studied Pistis and Pisteuo on more than one occassion, therefore, I want to review the subject of faith as a fruit of the Spirit. 4. All the merit of faith to be effective must be in an object with the inherent power to produce be it Old Testament faith or New Testament faith. 4.1 Faith therefore is often misunderstood for you see the mere act of having faith is useless if there is no object capable of producing. Jam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Acts 4: 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 15

16 4.2 Faith in doctrine as we have seen is our method for temporal sanctification, i.e., spiritual growth in time, and the faith in doctrine should be more real than reality. 2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed Faith itself, says the Scripture, comes from doctrine, the mind of Christ. Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Phi 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 4.4 Faith in the sense of a relaxed mental attitude is one of the fruits of the Spirit of God. Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 4.5 Faith is enhanced when we are tested and proved. 1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 4.6 Faith in Christ is the means for overcoming the world. It is avoiding condemnation and the means of obtaining salvation. It then is the source of avoiding the bad and gaining the good. 1Jo 5:5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? Several passages in the book of Revelation make this clear. Keep in mind "who is he that overcometh... he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God. 16

17 Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son A quick point or two about the importance of doctrine in this faith process. If Peter were a lawyer, he might call 2Pe 1:3-8 his best summation. Expanded Translation 2Pe 1:3 For you see God s divine power has provided everything that pertains to your life in time. Your spiritual life is a product of the doctrine you have in your soul. God called you for the solitary purpose of glorifying Him, 2Pe 1:4 to facilitate our progress in the Christian life, God has provided in Scripture many great and precious promises; by the inculcation of these marvelous promises, you can become a partaker of a divine nature, having escaped the control and domination of your old sin natures. 2Pe 1:5 And for this reason you must assemble a special cast of characters: add to your faith in Christ a consistent intake of knowledge and moral excellence and to this excellence you must add motivation and a positive attitude even in the most difficult of circumstances demonstrating a courage to continue learning, 2Pe 1:6 and to your knowledge add that special self-control which comes from organized thinking and to self-control add a stubborn persistence to learn even when many distractions attack and to this persistence apply what you have learned for living the Christian life and realizing your divine destiny, 2Pe 1:7 and to the persistent application of resident doctrine add a love for God, love of family, love of friends and a right mental attitude for even your enemies as you live your unique spiritual life; 2Pe 1:8 if we continue metabolizing Bible doctrine we will escape the corruption that is in the world sharing God s divine nature. 4.7 Conclusion 17

18 4.7.1 The scientific ways of thinking are "quite naturally" rationalism and empiricism. Often however the scientist finds himself in "mystic" or "spiritual realms" where it is impossible "to be scientific." This understandably creates a dilemma to many. The dilemma has been resolved for many by studying Pastor Merritt s Doctrine of the Authenticity of the Bible. Please go to westbankbible.com and click on Pastor Merritt s study books. 5. Now for an expanded translation of our verse. Expanded Translation Gal 3:24 Accordingly, the law became our guardian until the coming of the historical Christ, in order that we might be justified because of faith alone in Christ alone. 6. Now let s see what we can learn from Gal 3:25. KJV-Sentence continues Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. NIV Gal 3:25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law. 18

19 19