| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Previous FAQ |
English FAQ 03 |
Next FAQ |
Why Did Past Civilizations Fall?
How do I understand the commandment that describes God as a "jealous" God. I thought jealousy was a sin?
I have to believe that God's "jealousy" is nothing like our human form of jealousy. After all, God's Word says, "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful;" I Corinthians 13:4 RSV. The primary difference I can point to right off, is that our jealousy gets angry and may even attempt to prevent or interfere with misplaced affections or interest. God's "jealousy" does not get angry (only hurt) and does not interfere with our choices.
Does "The stranger within your gates…" in the 4th commandment include renters? Should I allow them to work on my property on Sabbath?
God is a God of love and He has given us these 10 rules to protect our relationship
with Him and with our neighbor. Love for God and Love for man are the principles at the
heart of this "Law of Liberty", God's "royal Law".
Many have understood the term "stranger that is within your gates" in the sense
that we find in the New American Standard Bible "your sojourner". In other words
many understand this to refer to someone that is visiting or staying in your home as a
guest. This helpful provision tells us that God does not approve of us asking others to
"work for us" as a way of getting around His commandment to rest and worship on
His Holy day. This commandment provides rest for us and all who freely choose to live as
guests in our home.
In the case above, your neighbor is not looking to you for spiritual counsel regarding
God's law, neither are they performing work at your request or on your behalf. Here we
must respect the rights of others and pray for opportunities to share the light God has
given as God opens doors. Colossians 4:2-6 provides excellent counsel as it tells us to
"devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word,
so that we may speak for the mystery of Christ, in order that we may make it clear in the
way we ought to speak."
Notice carefully vs 5 and 6 "Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward others, making the
most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace seasoned as it were with
salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person".
You are not required by God's Law to serve as a conscience for others, rather we are
called to show them God's love and by our example to demonstrate the joy and blessings
found in serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Is the God of the Old Testament the same God as the one in the New Testament?
Yes, as a matter of fact, we are not only talking about the God of the Old
Testament; but the God of the New Testament as well. Because, there is only *one* true
God:
"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and
tremble." James 2:19
Of course, it's not a contradiction that the One God is really three in one: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one." 1 John 5:7
Why don't we offer animal sacrifices today if the law is still in
effect?
In answer to your thoughtful question may I refer you to Hebrews, chapter 10. Look
particularily at verse 10, where it says that we are made holy by the "once for
all" sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Earlier in the chapter and in verses 11 & 12 the
author indicates that before Jesus, sinners had to continually offer sacrifices to receive
atonement, but those sacrifices were never actually adequate to forgive our sins, but the
one sacrifice offered by Jesus (himself) atones for all sin, and then in verse 18 the
author states "and where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice
for sin." In verse 19 the author then says that our right to enter the Most Holy is
by means of the blood of Jesus (thus we no longer need to present the blood of animals.)
You may also want to read Hebrews chapter 9.
In his book "Outrageous Grace" Dr. Nelson makes the statement on page 32
"For that very reason the Father values relationships more than rules." Are
these "rules" the 10 Commandments? Does this imply that we can break the
"rules" as long as we have a relationship?
It is a fact that God treasures relationships more than rules, even the 10
Commandments. And as you continue to attend the lectures, you will see this theme
developed further.
But as your question implies, there is something wrong with the "corollary" you
have offered: that rules don't count as long as there is a relationship. Let's watch and
see how Dr Nelson puts the rules in their correct perspective, within the relationship.
There are the two extremes. The one is in fact your question: as long as there is a
relationship, the rules don't count. The other is: that rules are more important than
relationships.
They are equally distorted views of God's plan.
When Dr Nelson was telling us about the Ten Commandments he did not mention
the third (The Lord's name in vain). Was this an error or is the 3rd command still valid?
Yes, I too noticed that the third commandment was inadvertently skipped. Looking at the text of this lecture, you will find
what Dr. Nelson was intending to say.
Is self-defense with a deadly result like the Ten Commandments murder?
For many Christians, the principle of self-defense does not
violate God's commandment against murder provided it is unavoidable. However, even in
self-defense the primary objective is to limit a threat of danger rather than cause anyone
to suffer harm or to be killed. In this world of sin it is unfortunate that people are
attacked and placed in positions where they must defend themselves.
An unfortunate trend is being emphasized today among some small citizen's militia groups
to view a number of lethal actions as some form of "defense". Nothing can be
done about the past - except to turn it over to God and embrace the forgiveness He freely
offers to all. Looking to the future the best plan is to trust in the Lord and seek to be
in His will.
We are all sinners in need of salvation and forgiveness. There is no requirement to come
to God as a sinless being (or mostly sinless being) and then receive the smallest portion
of salvation. Rather God's grace is abundant, let us confess our sins to Him and rejoice
in the "joy of salvation" He offers to all.
Top of the Page Ask Your Own Question Here
© 1998 NAD. Questions collected by Eric Brown. HTML by Darryl Hosford