In what ways does a believer's sin differ from an unbeliever

In what ways does a believer's sin differ from an unbeliever’s?

Sin always grieves God, no matter who commits it. However, when an unbeliever sins, a record is kept in heaven in view of the Great White Throne judgment. There, the books will be opened and all unrepentant sinners will be judged according to their works and punished with everlasting destruction in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:12,13)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:12,13). When a believer sins, it also grieves the Lord; however, the Lord Jesus endured the full punishment on the cross for the sins of every believer (Romans 8:1)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:1). If a believer's sin is intentional and persistent, the Father in love chastises His child for his restoration. A believer filled with sorrow, repentance, and confession values the provision God has made for us: "If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1, 2)." TARGET="_blank">1 John 2:1, 2). "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1:9).

A. Joyce
Other pages in this section

About this site

What is the difference between the parable of the talents and the pounds?

In Matthew 25," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25, the Lord says to the faithful servants, “Well done!” but in Luke 19," TARGET="_blank">Luke 19, only “Well!” There must be a difference intended. What is it?

The difference is only in the translation, for it is the same word in the Greek in either case—the commendatory adverb, “EU,” “Well !“ Perhaps, “It is well,” would do in both places. This question suggests another which is very interesting, but not so easily answered.

What is the difference between the two parables?

Nothing but the most superficial reading can fail to note that a wide difference exists. In Matthew 25," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 25, there are three servants; in Luke, ten. In Matthew the sums entrusted vary, five talents, two and one; in Luke each servant receives the same, one pound or mina. In Matthew the faithful servants gain proportionately to the talents received, the one who had received five doubles it, and so with the recipient of two. In Luke the sums gained vary from ten to one.

In the two Gospels, the unfaithful servant received different treatment; in Matthew he is cast into “outer darkness,” in other words, he is a lost soul; in Luke all reward is withheld and his pound taken from him and given to him that had gained ten.

There is a fourth and very important difference, which throw light on the interpretation of the parables; in Matthew there are only two classes—the faithful and unfaithful servants; in Luke there is a third and distinct class—the citizens who hated their Lord, and were dealt with in condign judgment at His coming. This indicates, I believe, the true key to the parables. In Matthew, the three servants include profession, in fact all men, as we might say—three divisions of humanity, the Jew, the Gentile, and the Church of God. They have all received some talent from God, for which they must give account to Him. A man does not escape responsibility by refusing it.

Each man, godly and ungodly alike, will be held responsible for his talents, his faculties of mind, education, privileges, opportunities; and while no one will be saved by these things, there will be a reward for having by grace used them for God. On the other hand, there will be judgment on those “who have not,” corresponding to the rebellious citizens of Luke. In the case of the ten servants, they all start with the same amount—a pound. What exactly this corresponds to is uncertain, perhaps the life which each one has to live and make the most of for God. They will be rewarded in proportion to their faithfulness. The unfaithful one is not consigned to the place of punishment, but he is so far deprived of the opportunity of future service, from which it seems evident that the Lord’s servants are qualifying in this world for their service in the next.

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

noah and the ark activities for children

Noah and the ark activities for children

3D model of Noah's Ark - Scale model 130:1 includes artwork of Noah, his wife and the animals.

Worksheet and Lesson Plan - Guided discussion on Noah's Ark and the flood.

The two activities will help a Sunday school teacher plan a lesson or guide him/her in a hands-on activity.

Go to the main Sunday school page for puzzles, lesson plans and other activities for Sunday school teachers.

Other pages in this section

About this site

What is the difference between fallen angels, demons, unclean spirits, and familiar spirits?

What is the difference between fallen angels, demons, unclean spirits, and familiar spirits?

This is a matter concerning which many seek to be wise beyond what is written, with results that are not profitable, either to themselves or to others. That Satan is a fallen angel, and a leader of other angels who fell with him, just as Michael is of unfallen angels, seems to be definitely proved by Revelation 12:7." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 12:7. That the sinning angels of 2 Peter 2:4" TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 1:6" TARGET="_blank">Jude 1:6 are a different company, whose fall took place at a different time, is a view held by some, but without sufficient proof. That Satan is identical With Beelzebub the prince of demons is implied in Matthew 12:24-28" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 12:24-28 and Mark 3:22-26," TARGET="_blank">Mark 3:22-26, where Christ uses the terms interchangeably; and if that be so, the demons are most probably of the number of those who fell with him. These demons are otherwise called “unclean spirits,” because of their character, as may be seen by comparing verses Mark 5:12" TARGET="_blank">Mark 5:12 and 13. As for “familiar spirit,” it is a term used in the Old Testament of demons who, by entering into diviners, enabled them to carry on their evil work. See 1 Samuel 28:7," TARGET="_blank">1 Samuel 28:7, etc.. The “spirit of divination” in the damsel of Acts 16:16" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16 is similar. W.R.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Did Hezekiah write some of the Psalms?

Is there any scriptural authority for the assertion that Hezekiah wrote some of the Psalms?

Though ecclesiastical commentators seem to be attracted by such theories, we do not know of any authority, scriptural or other, for above assertion, It is enough to read an article in some Bible Dictionary, on the authorship of the anonymous Psalms, to be aware how precarious are the theories advanced. Some psalms speaking of desolation and judgment may be made to fit in with Sennacherib’s invasion, as also with any other invasion.
I believe it is possible to assign authorship to a few of the anonymous Psalms, following Psalms by well-known authors, on internal evidence. Thus it seems clear that Psalm 43" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 43: , is by the author of Psalm 42" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 42: (the same phrase “Why art thou cast down, oh my soul?” occurring in both); Psa. 91, by the author of Psalm 90" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 90: and Psalm 104" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 104: , by that of Psalm 103" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 103: , but as a rule it is safer not to attempt to be wise above that which is written. We believe the Holy Spirit spake by David and the other psalmists: that is the chief point. However, to return to our question, I read the following in a well-known Bible Dictionary,* as a whole reliable: “Book II. (i.e., of Psalms) appears by the date of its latest (I) psalm, Psalm 46: , to have been compiled in the reign of King Hezekiah.” We turn with interest to see on what this statement rests, and we find NIL. The real reason comes out later in the same article as to why Hezekiah’s name is brought in. It comes, I believe, from a misreading of the closing words of Psalm 72" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 72: , “the prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.” But there are at least fifteen subsequent psalms, e.g., Nos. 86, 103, 110, 142, which are entitled “Psalms of David,” i.e., these must be by some descendant of David, so the theory runs, Hezekiah, Josiah, or Zerubbabel, in fact you may take your choice. Now, this will never do, because in the case of Psalm 142" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 142: —the place where David wrote it is indicated, and the Lord definitely ascribes to David the authorship of Psalm 110" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 110: , and as far as we know, though Hezekiah wrote a prayer, neither he, nor the others wrote psalms, and certainly not in a cave. The explanation is simple: the word, Kãlãh, translated “ended” in Psalm 72" TARGET="_blank">Psalm 72: means also fulfilled or consummated; e.g., Ezra 1:1;" TARGET="_blank">Ezra 1:1; Ezekiel 5:13;" TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 5:13; Daniel 11:36;" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 11:36; Daniel 12:7." TARGET="_blank">Daniel 12:7. The words then refer to the prophetic subject of the Psalm, the Millennial Reign of David’s “Greater Son.” In that hope David’s prayers reached their zenith. He could not sing of anything higher. That infinitely greater Kingdom—the mystery of God’s will—was unknown to Him, when “in the dispensation of the fulness of times (i.e., the eternal state and the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ) all things in heaven and earth shall be headed up in Christ” (Eph. i. io). David prayed many subsequent prayers, but he could never reach a higher level than in that psalm.

W.H.

Other pages in this section

About this site

At the transfiguration, did Moses and Elijah have physical bodies?

At the transfiguration, did Moses and Elijah have physical bodies?

In each of the gospel accounts of the transfiguration (Mat 17:1-8;" TARGET="_blank">Mat 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8;" TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:2-8; Luk 9:28-36)," TARGET="_blank">Luk 9:28-36), the Spirit of God uses the word "appeared," meaning "made visible" (TDNT. Kittel).

On that occasion, the disciples saw a preview of the glorified Christ (2Pe 1:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">2Pe 1:16-18). He was "transformed," a strong word suggesting an inward change (WEV Expository Dictionary). However, Moses and Elijah would not have had glorified bodies. Believers will receive such bodies at their resurrection, which is still future. Because Christ is the Firstfruit of resurrection (1Co 15:23;" TARGET="_blank">1Co 15:23; Acts 26:23)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:23), it seems unlikely that Moses and Elijah received a glorified body - even temporarily – before Christ rose from the dead. It seems equally unlikely that God created a special body for each of them at that time. While God is able to do that, each person’s body is unique to and solely identified with that person. God’s ways in providing a body for each person, then raising and changing that body at the resurrection (1Co 15:35-38)" TARGET="_blank">1Co 15:35-38) appear to rule out this possibility.

We have little Biblical evidence to use in answering this question. The best evidence is that by employing the verb "appeared," the Spirit indicates that Moses and Elijah did not have tangible bodies at the transfiguration. By divine power, they became visible to Peter, James, and John.

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

Is Israel ever going to be removed from it's land again?

Does the Bible teach that Israel will never again be removed from its land?

The promises to Abraham concerning the Land make it clear that it will be Israel's forever. The Scriptures show that this promise will be made good when Christ returns in glory and the Spirit is poured out on the nation (Luke 21:24;" TARGET="_blank">Luke 21:24; Matthew 24:31;" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:31; Isaiah 32:15-20;" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 32:15-20; Jeremiah 30:4-11; 31:31-37; 39:25-29;" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 30:4-11; 31:31-37; 39:25-29; Micah 4:4-7;" TARGET="_blank">Micah 4:4-7; Joel 3:20;" TARGET="_blank">Joel 3:20; Zechariah 8:3-8)." TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 8:3-8). The Land's being theirs eternally does not necessitate its being theirs permanently now. They have returned in unbelief. The recovery mentioned in Deuteronomy 30:1-6" TARGET="_blank">Deuteronomy 30:1-6 is dependent upon confession and restoration. The recovery of Isaiah 11:11" TARGET="_blank">Isaiah 11:11 is simultaneous with "that day," mentioned earlier in the chapter. Neither condition has been fulfilled in the current "regathering" of Israel to the land, therefore this may not be the prophesied regathering. A principle of prophecy is that God gives foretastes of a fulfillment before the actual fulfillment.

Israel must be in the land to fulfill the terms of Daniel's 70th week, but we have no Scriptural authority relating this to those currently there. Believers should not be shaken if Israel were driven into the sea, as the Arab nations have long threatened.

A. Higgins

Other pages in this section

About this site

Does Revelation describe the Roman Catholic Church?

Does Revelation 17:5" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 17:5 describe the Roman Catholic Church?

The history of Babylon with its religious implications goes back to Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-10;" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 10:8-10; Genesis 11:1-9)." TARGET="_blank">Genesis 11:1-9). Old Testament references to Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14)," TARGET="_blank">Ezekiel 8:14), the queen of heaven (Jeremiah 7:18;" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 7:18; Jeremiah 44:17-19, 25)" TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 44:17-19, 25) and Baal point to the abominations of Babylon’s confusion. Zechariah 5:5-11" TARGET="_blank">Zechariah 5:5-11 sees a woman who embodies all wickedness and whose house is built in Shinar (Babylon, see Gen 10:10)." TARGET="_blank">Gen 10:10). The influence of "the mother of harlots and abominations" preceded Christendom. Her influence is obvious in the greatest institution in Christendom with its use of the title "Pontifex Maximus," with the worship of the mother and child, and with the proliferation of idols for "worship." When, however, Babylon is seen in her most complete manifestation, why ignore her pre-Christian roots and limit her to an "institution of Christendom"? She has corrupted all forms of false worship and will likely embrace them all in her "greatest hour." Although she will unite all worship that rivals the true God, she will be eclipsed by the "abomination that makes desolate" (see Daniel 9:27;" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 24:15), a man claiming worship as God (2 Thessalonians 2:4)." TARGET="_blank">2 Thessalonians 2:4).

D. Oliver
Other pages in this section

About this site

What is exorcism? Can a believer cast out demons?

Exorcism is the practice of expelling a demon from a person who is controlled, or possessed by the demon. Several examples of exorcism are mentioned in the Bible – all in the New Testament during the period of Christ’s ministry and the following years with the disciples.

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Examples of exorcism

Some of the examples include people who were casting out demons (Mark 9:38)," TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38), Jesus commands to the 70 evangelists (Matthew 10)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10), the false accusation that Jesus was empowered by Beelzebul to be able to cast out demons (Luke 11:15-19)" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19) and Paul’s ability to cast the demon out of a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18).

Mark 9:38-40" TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:38-40 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us." (39) But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. (40) For the one who is not against us is for us.

Matthew 10:8" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Luke 11:15-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:15-19 But some of them said, "He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons," (16) while others, to test him, kept seeking from him a sign from heaven. (17) But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. (18) And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. (19) And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

Acts 16:16-18" TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:16-18 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. (17) She followed Paul and us, crying out, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." (18) And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.

Why show this power?

In order to demonstrate Christ’s power over the Prince of Darkness, he cast out demons. For example he says in Luke 11:21" TARGET="_blank">Luke 11:21 -22 “when one stronger than he (Satan) attack him and overcomes him…” He also gave this power to authenticate the 12 disciples in the eyes of the people. He says in Luke 10:17" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17 “I have given you authority”

Luke 10:17-20" TARGET="_blank">Luke 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" (18) And he said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (19) Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. (20) Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

Christ’s ultimate triumph over Satan was accomplished at the cross. From the very beginning of time, God had given a curious prophecy regarding the power of Christ over Satan. This verse is known as the protevangelium, meaning "The First Gospel."

Genesis 3:15" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 3:15 I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."

The “offspring” or “seed” of the woman is Christ the Messiah or the Promised One. The offspring of Satan is the group of his agents – fallen angels. The bruising of Christ’s heel refers to his wounding at the cross. The bruised head – or crushed head – is the ultimate triumph over Satan’s power. His “power” resides in the manipulation of the laws of sin and death against humanity. Bruising Satan’s head is a mortal wound, while bruising the heel is a painful, but less serious wound. Satan is defeated when Christ gives us eternal life.

The instructions to the church in the epistles tell us that Satan is a defeated foe. However, we are not encouraged nor commanded to cast out demons. Instead we are to put on armor to stand against Satan.

Ephesians 6:11" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

We should resist the devil and his work of provoking jealousy and covetousness by submitting ourselves to God. The devil is using our own fleshly desires and selfishness against us. His tools are found within our own being. By denying him access to our selfishness, we can defeat him.

James 4:6-7" TARGET="_blank">James 4:6-7 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (7) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ephesians 4:25-27" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 4:25-27 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. (26) Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, (27) and give no opportunity to the devil.

We should be aware of him, and strengthen our own faith in response to his attacks.

1 Peter 5:8-9" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (9) Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

A new weapon in Christian victory over sin

The lack of instructions for expelling him from possessed people is a noticeable contrast to the activities of Christ and the disciples during His earthly ministry. The new weapon that we are given in our spiritual battles is the Holy Spirit. With Him residing in every believer we have a way of resisting the devil and new power to submit to God. The focus of our spiritual conflict is on the battle between fleshly desires and the Holy Spirit.

A new weapon in victory for the lost ones

An unconverted person, living in spiritual darkness and tormented by the ways of the devil, can be freed by the power of the gospel. A drug addict, alcoholic or a person in involved in cults is clearly being manipulated and driven by Satan. The Christian’s response and duty is not to try to drive away demons, but to set him at liberty through faith in Christ.

Remember the words of the Lord at the start of his ministry? As he begin his ministry he demonstrated his power over Satan. He finished his work by redeeming us through his death on the cross.

Luke 4:18-19" TARGET="_blank">Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, (19) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Paul announces his mission statement as opening the eyes of those in darkness, not through exorcism, but instead through the power of the forgiveness of sins in the gospel.

Acts 26:18," TARGET="_blank">Acts 26:18, 22-23 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (22) Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: (23) That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

Conclusion

The Christian should resist the devil, but not by scolding him, or "binding" him, or by exorcism. Instead, the weapons we have been given are our ability to resist in the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and by the liberating power of salvation through the proclamation of the gospel to the lost ones.

Shad Sluiter

Other pages in this section

About this site

Who did Cain take for a wife?

Be the first to give an answer to this question. Write an answer in the comment section below. Please provide your name and if you have a website or blog, be sure to include the URL in your answer. You may optionally include an email address. Answers will be reviewed.

Other pages in this section

About this site

Main Menu