Musing - What Should it Mean When We Claim to be “Saved”?

 Hebraic Musing - What Should it Mean When We Claim to be “Saved”?

When do we claim to have been “Saved”?  Traditionally, when we answer the altar call or have that memorable moment when we profess our faith in Jesus as our Lord.  When do we receive our Salvation?  “Salvation” is defined as the state of being saved or protected from harm or a dire situation.  In religion and theology, salvation generally refers to the deliverance of the soul from consequences of sin.  But does that happen while we are living in this world?  Or does it happen after life in this world?

So we are actually Saved only after we die and are accepted into God’s eternal presence; at that time our name will be found in the “Book of Life” so we will not have to face the “White Throne Judgement.”  Meanwhile, we have received a promise of salvation through repentance and faith.  This means turning away from sinful ways (repentance)  and turning to Jesus Christ (as our Lord) in faith.  Jesus then forgives our sins and sets us on a path to life with Him.  “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:1-2 NIV  

What happens when we accept Jesus as our Lord?  At that moment we receive the Holy Spirit’s guidance so we are no longer trapped in sin.  “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you....” Acts 1:8   You experience peace, hope, and/or joy when you know the H.S. has spoken to your heart and mind that something is true.  “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” Romans 8:9 NIV    “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance....”  Ephesians 1:13-14 NIV  We are deemed Justified, Righteous and Sanctified...

What does it mean to be Justified?   God moves a willing person from the state of sin to the state of grace; or as some say - “Just as if it never happened.”

A Righteous person is deemed “right in the eyes of God.”  We can only be righteous before God through faith in Christ Jesus.  So, good deeds do not make us righteous, therefore many who expect entrance to heaven will be told by Jesus - “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:23 NIV

When we accept the Lordship of Jesus we are Sanctified.  By definition, we are set apart for the use intended by our Creator.  We are made Holy, something that can only be done by God.  The process of Sanctification comes about by (1) rigorous study of the God’s Word, (2) serious & regular prayer and (3) growth in obedience to God.  Sanctification assumes continuous growth in our relationship with God, guided by the Holy Spirit.

In Summary:  What is the process that begins in us the moment we “accept Jesus as our Lord”?  It seems that we have a promise of Salvation; and we receive the gifts & fruit of the Holy Spirit to draw us ever closer to the Lord; while we appreciate that we’ve been Justified and deemed Righteous by Almighty God; then we enjoy being Sanctified by following and enjoying the Holy Spirit’s guidance for our ongoing life; while we are relying on a promise with confirmation from the Holy Spirit!

Sing this familiar hymn with the above definition(s) in mind:   ♫ Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!  Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God. Born of his Spirit, washed in His blood. ♫

Points to Ponder

Considering the casual way in which the word “Saved” is used by professing Christians,
is it safe to simply say, “Once Saved, Always Saved”?

Regarding your relationship with Jesus, are you a “Professor” or a “Possessor”?
(How many claim to be “Christians” but are only “Professors”?)

We would be “Damned fools” to pass up the “Joy of our salvation”!

♫ This is my story; this is my song.  Praising my Savior all the day long. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                                 October 25, 2022

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”    Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Note – Inspired by Earnest Archer’s persistent questioning.  Thank you for helping us understand the word “Salvation.”

Musing – What does it mean to “Put on the whole Armor of God”?

 Hebraic Musing – What does it mean to “Put on the whole Armor of God”?

I have never had to put on a piece or suit of armor in my life; but putting on armor and relying on an Armor-Bearer was a realistic part of life and warfare in Bible times.  What did Paul mean when he challenged us with this command, or advice?  “Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11  The pieces of armor are heavy; both physically and Spiritually!  Therefore, we need an “Armor-Bearer” like those described in the Bible.  What was the role of the Armor-Bearer”?

Assistance to carry the Armor.  Goliath needed an Armor-bearer, his armor described in 1 Sam 17:4-7 - bronze helmet, bronze coat of scale armor (125 Lbs.), bronze (leggings), bronze javelin, spear like a weaver's rod with an iron point (15 lbs.).  It’s heavy work and one needs help.  BTW - You cannot put on your own armor!

Encouragement and support – In 1 Sam 14:1-23 we see that Jonathan had a devoted young armor-bearer.  “One day Jonathan … said to the young man who bore his armor, ‘Come, let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side, ... ‘Do all that is in your heart,’ his armor-bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart & soul.’"  Note the unquestioning obedience and loyalty! 

Succession Training – A classic example was Elisha trained by Elijah starting in 1 Kings 19:16-20.  Elisha was  anointed to succeed as prophet.  “So Elijah found Elisha plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak (tallit?) around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah.”  What comes after the anointing?  Commitment!  In 2 Kings 2:4  Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha; the LORD has sent me to Jericho."  And he replied, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you."  

The Reward - Elisha was rewarded in 2 Kings 2:9 “When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?’ ‘Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,’ Elisha replied.”  

Prayer Support - We read in Exod.33:11 “Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”  I wonder what Joshua was doing in that tent?   Why was Moses successful?

Help Carry the Burden - The LORD said to Moses: "Bring me 70 of Israel's elders/leaders. Have them… stand there with you; They will help you carry the burden of the people.” Num.11:16-17  Leaders need Armor-Bearers!     

Seven Musts for an Armor-Bearer*

1   Must provide strength for his leader.  Must possess endless strength to withstand harsh treatment.

2.  Must have a deep-down sense of respect, acceptance and tolerance of his leader’s way of doing things.
      1 Peter 5:5-7 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.”

3.  Must instinctively understand his leader’s thoughts.  Like finishing sentences or Bible quotes

4.  Must walk in agreement with and submission to his leader.  Some will say “Oh, but I always submit myself to God!”  But do they willingly submit to God’s delegated authority, His shepherd here on earth?

5.  Must make the advancement of his leader as his most important goal.  And be discipling/developing future Armor Bearers/leaders like Moses/Joshua and  Elijah/Elisha and Jesus/Peter, your pastor/you, etc.  

6.  Must support his leader.  And must follow orders, immediately and correctly.

7.  Must have a disposition that will gain victories for his leader.  And be on board with his Leader’s vision.  Remember Jonathan’s armor-bearer’s response?  "Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul."

Points to ponder

For whom do you serve as an “Armor-Bearer”? 
AND     Who do you count on to Bear your Armor?

Do all leaders need Armor-Bearers?    Are you a leader?

I need help both in putting on my Armor; and in fighting the many Battles.  I can’t do it alone!

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                 October 18, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

*   Many examples of armor-bearers are from Terry Nance’s “God’s Armor Bearer.”
Note –   All scripture references are from NIV or NKJV.

Musing – What Happened Before “In the beginning”?

 Hebraic Musing – What Happened Before “In the beginning”?

Before the beginning there was a real war.  And WE ARE STILL IN IT!  And it is a matter of life or death!  Both God and Satan have a plan for us; which one are we going to serve?  So let’s understand the war and the enemy in order to be victorious.  To do so, we need to look way back through the Bible times and even look at events before “In the beginning” because that’s where the Battle of the Ages began.  Here’s some background:

Jesus told us how old He was.  “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.” John 17:5 NKJV*   And that was echoed in John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”  Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate Christ of whom we are told He is “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” Hebrews7:1   Jesus himself said “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End...” Rev.22:13

The LORD reminded Job of His works even before “Creation.”  “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:4-7

Did “the Fall” begin with Lucifer?  A limited number of Angels were created by God to have fellowship in Heaven; but angels were not given the ability to reproduce.  Lucifer was an angel created by God and his musical skills and leadership elevated him to a popular role in the Heavens.  Then what happened?

God created man and He gave man the ability to reproduce, to “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over ... every living thing that moves on the earth.” Gen.1:28

Why did God create Man?  Is there a parallel in the familiar story of Geppetto who made a puppet, Pinocchio?  But he was not satisfied with a cute obedient puppet; he really wanted a real “Boy” who could think, and most important, could make a choice to love him.  Why did God create you and me?

Lucifer was jealous of man’s ability to reproduce?  Isaiah 14:12 starts a detailed description of God’s charge against Lucifer.  “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...” and more!  Maybe Lucifer’s rebellion the “Original Sin”?!?!

And we first read of the Battle in Genesis 2&3.  The LORD God created an idyllic world for His creation; everything was “Good” (declared 11 times).  Then in chapter 3 we hear of a cunning and evil creature planting doubt while talking to Eve (& Adam).  Satan starts by questioning God’s Word.  “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”  And then Eve answers and adds “nor shall you touch it, lest you die.”  And the deception continues with Adam, to whom God had previously given the instructions, and he’s presumably listening and not exercising his role!  You know the rest of Chapter 3.

SUMMARY – Satan is jealous because we are over him and will be judging him in the final judgement.

Points to ponder

How important is man’s ability to reproduce?  What does God want?

How many Christian churches are questioning, modifying and/or adding to God’s Word?

God and Satan both have a plan for us.  Who are we going to serve?

Does this make us more serious about talking to “Others” about their Salvation?

Warning – Understanding the “Battle of the Ages” will change your priorities.

Like it or not, you are in a life or death battle for your eternal soul.

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                 October 11, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Notes -  Inspired by and excerpted from week 1 of Pastor Tom Hatley’s “Battle of the Ages”, a 14 week series.
*   All scripture references are from NKJV

Musing – How is the Gospel of Jesus Counter to Our World’s Culture?

Hebraic Musing – How is the Gospel of Jesus Counter to Our World’s Culture?

Maybe the Gospel is also in opposition to our own nature!?!?  Last week we touched on the differing cultural lifestyles in the world in which the Good Lord operates.  What culture or lifestyle is our own nature?  What does Jesus and His Word say about the opposing forces of our human nature that we deal with daily?

Innocence vs. Guilt seems to be the Greek or our American Western culture.  We are like pharisees and claim our innocence but Jesus had this to say – “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” John 9:41 NIV   And, “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8

Fear vs. Power is another set of opposing forces we see in mankind.  Our human nature is often fearful but seeking power, but the Bible calls us to “Fear the Lord” 36 times!  “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Independence vs. Dependence is an issue stated in our “Declaration of Independence”; but Paul tells us we are to be dependent.  “It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.” Romans 9:16  And “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength.” Jeremiah 17:5

Leader vs. Follower roles are choices.  Most “everyone wants to be a leader!”  But what does Mark 8:34-35 say?  “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”  And Luke 14:11, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Live vs. Die seems to be an obvious choice for us, but which is important according to the Bible?  Let’s continue reading Mark 8:35, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.”  And here’s Paul’s perspective on how to live.  “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.”  Rom.14:8

Greatest vs. Least stirs our competitive human nature!  But what did Jesus say to his disciples who were competing for recognition?  “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35

Mature “wisdom” vs. Child-like innocence/openness was dealt with when Jesus chastised the disciples who were pushing children away.  “Let the little children come to Me, ...  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.”  Mark 10:13-15  And, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes.” Luke 10:21  

First vs. Last is another manifestation of our competitive human spirit.  We strive to accumulate riches here on earth, but Jesus warns us, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:31

Great vs. Servant is also a part of our human spirit.  Our society degrades serving and servants and servers in restaurants!  Our nature wants to be served.  “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-46  

Light vs Dark    “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?  For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.” Mark 4:21-22  Does Jesus want us to be a light to the world and let the “Truth” be known?

SUMMARY – “What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.” Luke 16:15b

Points to ponder

How often do we hide our faith?      What is unique about child-like faith?

In how many ways might we be called to give our lives for others?

How do we learn to choose to be like Jesus, instead of choosing to follow our own nature?

W.W.J.D. (What would Jesus do?)

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                        October 4, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com

Note – All Scripture references are from either the NKJV or NIV