“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19)

God loves us and desires that none should perish, for he said: “Say to them: As I live, says the Lord Jehovah, I have no delight in the death of the wicked, except in the turning of the wicked from his way, and so to live. Turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11 MKJV) We see the same thing in the New Testament where we read: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 WEB)

Now, from what we read above, couldn’t we all agree that God wants us to repent and thus be saved? However, we know that the old covenant couldn’t make this happen. “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Therefore when He comes into the world, He says, ‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but You have prepared a body for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have had no pleasure. Then I said, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God’.” (Hebrews 10:4-7 MKJV, Psalm 40:7-8)

So, who is that one “who knew no sin” and was recorded “in the volume of the book”? Wasn’t it Jesus Christ who took upon himself the sins of the world? “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

• For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham. 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. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:9-18 KJV)

“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:40)

From what we can gather from that passage above, Jesus in a sense was saying: “For as Jonah was. …so shall the Son of man be.” Now, to see what it was like for Jesus in the heart of the earth, we need to see how it was for Jonah himself. “Then Jonah prayed unto Jehovah his God out of the fish's belly. And he said, I called by reason of mine affliction unto Jehovah, And he answered me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 ASV, KJV)

So, we can see that Jonah was experiencing “affliction” and quoted it as being in “the belly of hell.” And let’s remember that Jesus called Jonah a prophet, for we read: “But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet: for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:39-40 ASV). Therefore, we should be able to conclude that Jesus was suffering affliction in the heart of the earth.

Now, in Hebrew 5:7-10, we read that Jesus was pleading that his soul would not be left in hell. “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 5:7-10)

So, according to that passage above, Jesus was pleading that God would “save him from death.” Also, it says that he “was heard in that he feared.” Now, we know that this wasn’t concerning his physical death because he was crucified and put to death. Therefore, Jesus was asking that his soul would not be left in hell. For Peter said: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:23-24 NKJV) So again, Jesus was “loosed” (saved) from “the pains of death.” Now, what pains are there in death other than the fires of hell itself? Therefore, Jesus was released from the torments of hell after his three days and night there.

From the account of the rich man and Lazarus, we can see that hell is a place of torment. For we read concerning the rich man: “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23-24) Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s consider how much Jesus suffered for us. For he took upon himself the agony and torments that was do all of us, for “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ASV)

• I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ... He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. (Acts 2:25-27, 31- 32)

“Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43)

This passage above poses a few problems. For it appears as if Jesus was promising the repentant thief that they would be together in paradise that literal day. But we know that Jesus said he had to spend three days and nights in hell. So, how do we make sense of all this? Well, let’s first keep in mind that there were no commas in the original Greek manuscripts. Therefore, translators both of the past and the present placed these commas where they wanted to. So, concerning that passage above, the translators of the King James Bible chose to put the comma before the word “today.” Now, I do believe that these translators were gifted in what they did. And I believe the KJV bible is one of the best translations out there. However, being human like the rest of us, these translators were not immune to certain view and biases of their day. Therefore, it wouldn’t be uncommon for some of these views to show up in their work as well.

Now, I have to admit that there are many translations that follow the comma placement of the KJV bible. However, there are those few that have the comma after the word “today.” Thus, this same passage would read: “Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43 REV) This makes more sense, because we have Jesus NOT PROMISING the thief that they would be together that literal day, but at some time in the future. E. W. Bullinger, a commentator of the Companion Bible wrote: “say to you, today = ‘I say to thee today.’ Today; connect this with ‘I say’ to emphasize the solemnity of the occasion; not with “shalt thou be.” So, Mr. Bullinger admits that is should read: “Truly I say to you today.” So, in a sense, Jesus was telling the thief to take heed to what I’m about to say to you. And that would be the assurance that they will be together in the future.

So, even though a misplaced comma would normally be a minor thing, it can become a major one when it comes to such passages as above. So, it’s important that you have more than one translation within your library. This would especially be true when those red flags pop up in your head telling you that something doesn’t make sense. Therefore, it’s important that we rely on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate throughout the scriptures. So, let’s always seek God’s help, even when it comes to something as simple as a comma placement. 

Below are more translations that chose to place the comma after the word today:

• The Concordant Literal New Testament reads - “Verily, to you am I saying today, with me shall you be in paradise.”
• The Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible reads - “Verily I say unto thee this day: with me shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
• The Peshitta Aramaic English New Testament (by Andrew Gabriel Roth) reads - “Y’shua said to him, “Truly I say to you today: You will be with me in paradise”
• The Revised English Version reads - “And he said to him, ‘Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in the Paradise’.

Below are different passages found in the King James bible which uses the word “today” to help emphasize what’s being said:

• “I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess.” (Deuteronomy 30:18) Note: So, did they all perish that literal day? No, they didn’t.
• “Therefore I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of you all.” (Acts 20:26) Note: So, was Paul guilty of their blood before he mentioned this to them? No, of course he wasn’t.

So, wouldn’t these two other passages found in the KJV bible be a witness against the translator’s own comma error in Luke 23:43? You be the judge.

“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30 ASV)

According to that passage above, what was finished? Was our forgiveness and redemption totally completed at that moment? For we must remember that Jesus said “It is finished” before he died and rose from the dead. So, to get a better understanding of what Jesus meant, we need to consider a few other bible verses as well. The first is: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:25) The next is: “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. (1 Corinthians 15:15-18) So, according to apostle Paul, the death and resurrection of Jesus is crucial for our redemption.

Now, let’s examine another passage which may help us to understand what Jesus meant when he said, “It is finished.” For in John 17:3-4 we have Jesus praying to God the Father saying: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” So, we see that Jesus said, “: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” And we know from the context of that passage, Jesus came not only to reveal that he was our promised Messiah, but also to let us know who “the only true God” is, which we know is God the Father himself.

Therefore, “it is finished” is in reference to Jesus’ earthly ministry which he finally completed. However, our redemption was not completed until after our Lord’s death and resurrection as Paul the apostle said above.

“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:46 ESV)

Jesus knew that he must spend three days and nights in the heart of the earth (a place of torment). Therefore, Jesus was simply trusting his soul in the hands of God his Father. For we read: “I have set Jehovah always before Me; because He is at My right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore My heart is glad, and My glory rejoices; My flesh also shall rest in hope; For You will not leave My soul in hell; You will not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalms 16:8-10 MKJV) So, Jesus was trusting that God the Father would not leave his soul in hell nor allow his body to decay in the grave. For Jesus knew that he had to spend three days and nights of torment in the heart of the earth. However, he committed himself into the hands of God his Father. For Jesus knew that God wouldn’t leave him there. And according to scripture, God raise Jesus up and deliver him from the pains of death.

And it’s the same for us today. For we who are in Christ have but our trust in God that he will bring us into paradise. “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18) Yes, Jesus Christ shall return for us Christians who have put our faith and hope in him. This would be true whether we’re dead or alive. For if dead, we shall be in the company of the dead in Christ who shall be returning with him. And if we are alive, we shall be caught up with them in heaven. Either way it’s a win-win situation for us who have put our hope and faith in God’s mercy.

“And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou [wilt]. (Matthew 26:39)

Now, let’s not come to the false notion that Jesus (after his death) descended into an earthly paradise called “Abrahams Bosom.” (Luke 16:22) For there are those who believe that Jesus was hanging out with the departed saints (some who would been there for a few hundred years) for three days and nights. However, if that was true, why was Jesus so glad that his soul was not left there? (see Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27) Also, it says above that Jesus was praying earnestly, asking the God his Father “if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” So, wouldn’t this agonizing prayer be not only for the cross, but his three days and nights in hell as well?

So, where in the bible does it mention Paradise? Well, the first is: “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.” (Revelation 2:7) So, where is the “paradise of God?” “Then he showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:1-2 RSV)

Also, we have Paul the apostle’s own testimony saying, “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) So, according to the apostle Paul, there is a paradise that’s in the third heaven. Therefore, these scriptures are a witness showing that paradise is not in some make-believe underworld inside the earth. For the only thing that’s inside the earth is hell itself.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Okay, you may be asking: “where is Abraham and the rest of the departed Saints of God?” Well, let’s first notice that it says we’re surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses in that passage above. Also, it says in Hebrews 11:13 that those witnesses are they who have died in faith. So, according to God’s word, it sounds like they are quite alive and we’re surrounded by them as well, don’t you think? We can see this also to be true from the account of the rich man and Lazarus. For after the rich man died, he was aware of his surroundings, feeling the torments of hell. And while looking up, his eyes were opened to see the realm of the saints, where Lazarus was, being comforted in the arms of Abraham. Let’s also remember that Moses and Elisha appeared before Peter, James, and John when Jesus was transfigured before them. Also, Jesus himself said to the Sadducees: “But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:31-32)

So, even though a person’s body may be buried in the ground, their soul would still be alive. This is true whether one is up in the realm of the saints or being tormented in the flames of hell below. (Matthew 17:1-4) 

Now, you may be thinking, “didn’t the rich man in hell talk to Abraham afar off.” Well, even though this is true, that still doesn’t prove that there’s some chamber called “Abraham's Bosom” inside the earth. So, let’s first read that passage which declares this: “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:22-24) So, we must realize that the rich man has never seen Abraham before. So, how could he have recognized and even communicated with him in the distance among a huge mass of God’s saints? That would be like you sitting in a packed stadium recognizing and communicating with a well-known radio host on the other side of the field whom you never seen before.

So, on the contrary, wouldn’t this be a vision of some sort just as it was with Stephen who was looking up and seeing Jesus standing on the right hand of God? (Acts 7:55-56) So, that great gulf could have been simply the distance between hell inside the earth and the Saintly realm of the dead somewhere above it. Again, I encourage you to do some studying on your own my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. For we must beware of the doctrines and teaching of man that doesn’t line up with scripture itself. So, from all which was just read, we should be able to conclude that those who are dead are quite alive as well.

• But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55-56 ESV)

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” (Leviticus 17:11)

Now, we shouldn’t come to the wrong conclusion that our atonement for sin has nothing to do with the shed blood of Christ. For according to that passage above, it’s the blood that makes an atonement for our souls. Also in the New Testament, John the apostle said: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7) So, we see that the blood of Christ is a vital part of our atonement for sin. For without it, there would be no forgiveness possible.

Now that being said, we must also realize that all sacrifices had to be done according to procedure. For not only was the blood of the lamb to be shed and applied for the remission of sins, but the lamb also had to go through the fire. One was not to be done without the other. And if by chance a step was missed or neglected, would God even regard it? For God said: “And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.” (Exodus 12:7-8) Therefore, even though the blood of the lamb was the atonement for their sins, they still had to partake of its flesh which went through the flames of fire. So, in a similar way, even though the blood of Christ does atone for our sins, he still had to endure the flames of hell on our behalf as well.

During communion, don’t we receive both the bread and wine which represents the body and blood of Christ which was offered as a sacrifice for our sins. So, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was offered up as a sacrificial lamb. And we know that the sacrificial lamb was both slain and brought through the fire as well. So, in a sense, Jesus Christ truly became our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed on our behalf. For his blood was shed on the cross and he endure the flames of hell. Therefore, let’s thank God for his great mercy towards us sinners who are saved. Amen.

Below are a few scriptures pertaining to the blood of Christ:

• But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13)
• How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14)
• Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. (1 Peter 1:18-21)

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ASV)

As mentioned earlier, Luke chapter 16 shows us that hell is a temporary abode for all who have died in their sins. So, even though Christ’s blood was a vital part of our atonement for sins, he still had to suffer the wrath of God that was do for all sinners, which is hell itself. And let’s remember that God is not a respecter of persons. (Acts 10:34) So, because our Savior Jesus died a sinner’s death, he had to also suffer a sinner’s death: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Now, it’s true that we’re not all at the same level of faith. For there are some who have a limited knowledge and there are some who have a much deeper knowledge as well. However, both are saved by God’s grace poured out upon us. And let’s remember what Paul the apostle said to the Corinthian believers: “As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.” (Romans 14:1 ESV) So, if one only has the knowledge that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and then rose the third day for our redemption, this person still would be saved. For he, believing in the saving blood of Jesus Christ, would have eternal life even though he has a limited knowledge of the gospel. Therefore, it’s a daily learning process for us who are in Christ Jesus. For he said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)

So, knowing that the Holy Spirit lives in us and teaches us all things, lets dig deeper into God’s word to know all his truths. (2 Timothy 2:15) For it should be our desire to truly recognize and see everything that God did for us who are saved. Therefore, we must not only rely on others to teach us, but to rely on God’s Holy Spirit as well. For Jesus said: “take my yoke upon you and learn of me.” (Matthew 11:29) He also said: “It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard from the Father, and hath learned, cometh unto me.” (John 6:45 ASV) And let’s also remember what John the apostle said: “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:27)

Therefore, we must all: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

May God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to be able to read these verses for yourselves. For the one who penned this article doesn’t want anyone accuse him of scripture twisting)

• ASV = American Standard Version
• ESV = English Standard Version
• MKJV = Modern King James Version
• NKJV = New King James Version
• NLT = New Living Translation
• REV = Revised English Version
• RSV = Revised Standard Versi
• WEB = Webster Bible

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“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16-17)

Jesus being fully human, was filled and led by the Holy Spirit. We can see this first happening after his baptism by John the Baptist as quoted above and to the left. “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) And let’s take note to what Peter said: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.” (Acts 2:22) First, we see Peter saying that he was “a man approved of God,” and then by “miracles and wonders and signs,” and finally: “which God did by him.” Therefore, being flesh and blood just like us, Jesus was operating through the power of the Spirit. This would include his ability to do miracles, walk on water (which we know Peter did as recorded in Matthew 14:29), casting out demons, foreseeing events and all other supernatural works. These abilities were not only performed by the early disciples of Jesus, but they have been passed on to us his disciples today as well.

• The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18)

Now, we must realize that God the Father CAN NOT be tempted to do evil. For the bible says: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13) However, as we read above, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil to do evil. Therefore, this is proof that Jesus couldn’t be of the same nature as God the Father while being in the flesh. However, even though Jesus came in the flesh and was vulnerable to this world’s temptations, he was strong enough to put them off by the Holy Spirit that dwelt within him. And let’s thank God for that my brothers and sisters in Christ. For our salvation was at stake.

Below are more passages on this subject:

• Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. (Matthew 4:1)
• The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, (Luke 4:18)
• But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. (Luke 11:20)
• So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. (John 5:19 ESV)
• Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. (John 8:28)
• For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life eternal; the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak. (John 12:49-50 ASV)
• Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I say unto you I speak not from myself: but the Father abiding in me doeth his works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. (John 14:10-11 ASV)
• Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God unto you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as ye yourselves know; him, being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye by the hand of lawless men did crucify and slay: whom God raised up, having loosed the pangs of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. (Acts 2:22-24 ASV)

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)

Now, according to that passage above, we must always be walking after the Holy Spirit. For this is the only way we can put off all the sins of this world. For we know that this is God’s desire for us brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, don’t believe the lie that says we Christians can never stop sinning. I say this because scripture clearly says otherwise. For John first says: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.” (1 John 2:1) Then he goes on further saying: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (1 John 3:3-4 ESV)

Yes, we’re required to do our best by purify ourselves as “he is pure.” For John again clearly says: “You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” (1 John 3:5-9 ESV) So, that should stop all mouths that say we as Christians can’t stop sinning. For those who speak thus are weak in their faith and therefore making excuses to continue in their sins.

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” (1 John 2:1 ESV)

Now, that being said, we know that Jesus never sinned. However, we who are in Christ may at times end up committing a sin we didn't intend to do. And sense it wasn't one that "leads to death," we can rest assure that God hears our repentance. However, we should learn by our mistakes and do our best not to repeat that same sin again. (See Hebrews 6:4-8, 10:26-31 and 1 John 5:16-17 for info pertaining to the "sin that leads to death," which I believe is apostacy) Therefore, let’s be diligent to always walk after the Holy Spirit. “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:12-13 ESV) Yes, let’s put to death those wicked deeds of the flesh and be true followers of Jesus Christ. For he on every occasion was able to resist the temptation to sin. And sense Jesus is our “forerunner,” we should be following him in his footsteps as well.

• So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:17-20 ESV)

Below are some other passages in God’s word that we need to consider. For leaders in the church should make sure that all know the consequences for turning away from the truth after receiving it:

• For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned. (Hebrews 6:4-8 ESV)
• For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay." And again, "The Lord will judge his people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:26-31 ESV)
• If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death. (1 John 5:16-17 NKJV)

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)

So, where did John get his information concerning the Holy Spirit teaching you all things? Well, it was from Jesus himself, for we read: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV) Yes, brothers and sister in Christ. You do not need to rely on any pastor or teacher to tell you what the bible says. Yes, we do need leaders in the church to keep things in order and to make sure we’re not led astray. However, it’s the Holy Spirit in us who opens our understanding of God’s word whether it’s preached from the pulpit or we read it on our own.

Therefore, let’s: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Yes, fellow Christians. We need to read the bible for ourselves. For it’s God himself who opens up your understanding as said above.

• Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one. (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 ESV) 

God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen.

(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated below according to the version that was used.)

• ESV = English Standard Version
• NKJV = New King James Version
• ASV = American Standard Version

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“For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly: so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matthew 12:40 WEB)

Jesus in that passage above was letting his followers know that his time inside the earth wasn’t going to be pleasant. And in order for us to know what it was like for Jesus there, we need to see how it was for Jonah himself. “Then Jonah prayed unto Jehovah his God out of the fish's belly. And he said, I called by reason of mine affliction unto Jehovah, And he answered me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardst my voice.” (Jonah 2:1-2 ASV, WEB) So, we can see that Jonah was experiencing “affliction” and quoted it as being in “the belly of hell.” And let’s remember that Jesus called Jonah a prophet, for he said: “An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet” (Matthew 12:39 ASV).

So again, Jesus in a round-about-way was letting us know that he is going to suffer in hell. We can see this to be true in the book of Hebrews as well where it says: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:7-10) So, we read that Jesus was making a plea to God that he would “save him from death” and that he “was heard in that he feared.”

Now, it’s obvious that this passage above had nothing to do with Christ’s physical death. For we know that he was crucified and put to death. Therefore, Jesus was asking that his soul would be saved from the grips of hell during his death. For Peter said: “Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:23-24 NKJV) So again, Jesus was “loosed” (saved) from “the pains of death.” So what pains are there in death other than the fires of hell itself? So, after three days of torment, Jesus was release from the “pains of death.”

“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:23-24)

Now, from the account of the rich man and Lazarus above, we can clearly see that the rich man was is a place of torment while Abraham and Lazarus were not. And let’s also take note that while looking upward, the rich man saw Lazarus in the arms of Abraham in a far-off place. But wasn’t Abraham already dead for a few hundred years or more? And wouldn’t he be among a great company of the saints who have already passed away as well? So then, how did the rich man know that this was Abraham (whom he never seen before) way off in some distant place? For he did cry out to him for mercy. That would be like you sitting in a packed stadium and recognizing a famous radio host on the other side, whom you never seen nor heard speak before; And then being able to communicate to him as well? So, couldn’t this be some vision that the “rich man” saw while looking up toward heaven, just as it was for Stephen the martyr when he saw Jesus standing next to God? I do believe so. Therefore, both of these visions where supernatural events occurring for that moment in time.

Now, let’s consider what Jesus himself said: “I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. ... He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.” (Acts 2:25-27, 31- 32) So, if this was a place of paradise, why was our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ rejoicing and glad that his soul was not left there? For as already mentioned above, wasn’t Abraham and all the rest of the saints there, and that for a few hundred years or more?

Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ. There is no place called Abraham bosom inside the earth. For this is a bunch of nonsense that wasn’t held nor supported by Jesus nor his early disciples. Therefore, according to what we already read above, hell is a place of torment and nothing else. And we can see that our Savior Jesus Christ went there on our behalf. For he loved us and gave himself for use, taking upon himself all of our sins. This was the Fathers will, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) But now you may be asking, where is Abraham and all the saints of God? Well, what does the scripture have to say? “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1) So, it sounds more like we’re surrounded by them, don’t you think?

• Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:3-4)
• Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:12-13)

Other Scriptures to consider:

• Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (Matthew 26:38-39) Note: Yes, being beaten, whipped and then nailed to a cross was not pleasant. But, would this cause Jesus to go through all the stress he went through in Gethsemane?
• And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. (Luke 22:41-44) Note: As said above, this stress wouldn’t be about his earthly death he must go through, but concerning the three days and nights in hell which he must endure.

So, my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s consider how much Jesus suffered for us. For he took upon himself not only the agony of beatings, whippings and then being nailed to a cross. But our Jesus endured the torments of hell as well on our behalf. For “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and Jehovah hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ASV)

God bless you as you seek to do his well. Amen.

(Scriptures taken from the KJV bible unless noted otherwise. Any other versions used are listed below so that you the read can check them out for yourself.)

• WEB = Webster Bible
• ASV = American Standard Bible
• NKJV = New King James Version

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“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

Our gathering for communion should be a time to reflect on the price that has been paid for our sins. For we first read concerning the body of Jesus: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) So, we read that Jesus said: “this do in remembrance of me.” Next, we read: “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27-28)

Now, during communion, we may hear some Church leadership declare that we must first examine ourselves for any sin in our lives before partaking of the bread and wine. But is that what Jesus said? Well, let’s look again what he said above, for we read: “this do in remembrance of me.” So, why do they say that we must examine ourselves first? Are they not taking the words of the apostle Paul out of context? Yes of course, for Paul first said: “When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.” (1 Corinthians 11:20-21) So, we see that they were treating this as some common ordinary meal. However, down a few verses Paul makes it clear what this meal is to be all about, for he said: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, this meal is to be all about the life and death of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Therefore: “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27 ESV) Wow, that’s a stern warning for us who partake of the Lord’s supper. So, what is this “unworthy manner” that Paul is talking about in that passage above? Well, let’s continue reading to find out. For he goes on to say: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) Well, there you go. The unworthy manner IS NOT some unconfessed sin in our lives, but it’s not properly discerning the body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, one is “guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord,” and “drinketh damnation to himself” if they eat “not discerning the Lord’s body.” Therefore: “That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died.” (1 Corinthians 11:30 ESV) Wow, we can see how important it is to take this meal seriously.

Therefore, we must stop teaching this false doctrine of unconfessed sin. I say this because there may be some unconfessed sin that comes to mind during or even after we have partaken. And because of this false teaching, one could feel guilty and thus end up feeling even worse than before. For let’s face it, if we really had to examine ourselves to see if there is any unconfessed sin in our lives, we may never be able to partake of communion. So please, let’s keep things in context and not add unbiblical teachings that can stumble one another. God help us all, amen.

• Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. (John 6:54-58)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen

(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to know which version was used in order for you to go read it for yourselves. For I don’t want anyone thinking that I did some scripture twisting to make it read according to my liking or view.)

• ESV = English Standard Version

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“and Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16 REV)

It’s so easy to follow traditions that have been handed down over the years. However, when those traditions involve the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we should make sure it is based on truth. So, let’s examine Matthew’s account of the genealogy. First off, according to the majority of today’s teaching, there is a big problem. For there are supposed to be three sets of fourteen generations. However, if we add all the names mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy, we would see that it only has thirteen generations.

So, how can this be solved so that Matthew’s gospel would be true? Well, in the “Aramaic English New Testament,” Joseph is recorded as the “guardian” (or the “father”) of Mary instead of her husband. And in Luke’s account of the genealogy, Joseph would then be the literal son of Heli instead of his son-in-law as some proclaim. And the Aramaic translation is not alone in this. For the “Revised English Version” also shows that Joseph is the “father” of Mary in Matthew’s account as well. This would mean that Mary's father and husband both share the same names which wouldn’t be uncommon. For if we read through Luke’s genealogy account, there are others named “Joseph” throughout it as well.

Now, let’s remember that in the Greek, there is no distinct word for husband or for wife. It simply means a man or a woman. This would be true whether one is single or married. The only way to know how these words are being used is by the context of the passage itself. Therefore, one can be totally wrong by asserting that the passage in Matthew’s gospel is saying “Joseph the husband of Mary.” This would even be truer in light of the confusion surrounding the missing generation in Matthew’s account already covered above. But in the Aramaic language there is a distinct word for husband. And we see this word for husband being used in verse 19 but not in verse 16 of Matthew’s gospel. Therefore, the word used in verse 16 can mean a guardian or even father.

This all being said, Matthew’s account would be about Mary’s genealogy while Luke’s is about Joseph her husband. Therefore, I personally believe that these two translations (the Aramaic English New Testament, Revised English version as well as a few others) are declaring the truth. This would clearly solve the confusion surrounding these two genealogies. For there are one too many interpretations (which don’t make sense) that are trying to resolve the traditional account found in most of our bibles.

Below is Mathew 1:16 in the Aramaic English New Testament. Notice that Joseph is not referred to as the husband of Mary, but her “guardian” (or “father”) in the mentioned genealogy:

• Ya’akov fathered Yosip, the guardian of Maryam, from whom was born Y’shua, who is called the Mashiyach.

Below is the commentary section from the Aramaic English New Testament concerning what was mentioned above:

• The word gowra designates a protector-male or guardian; the context of this verse determines its specific meaning. Y’shua elsewhere says “which one of gowra, if he has a son…”; obviously “father” is intended. “Gowra” also applies to other forms of protector-male type relationships depending on the context, such as “husband”, “son”, and so forth. Ancient Aramaic Matthew ends at verse 17, not verse 25. The text not only establishes the subject, but shifts from “background history” into the present, from intro to body. This means that the Yosip in verse 16 (the guardian or ... father of Miriyam (Mary) is not the same Yosip as the husband of Miriyam in verse 19. There is no reason for Matthew to use two different words for the same individual, whereas gowra sometimes means “husband” but can also mean “father”. The other term baalah can only mean “husband”. On the other hand, there would most definitely be a reason to differentiate two men named Yosip, one being the adopted father, the other the husband of Miriyam. With this differentiation we now have three full sets of 14 generations, which satisfies the demands of verse 17.

Below is the Revised English Version of Matthew 1:16. Notice that it says, “Joseph the father of Mary” instead of the “husband” of Mary which we find in many bibles:

• and Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Below is the commentary section of the Revised English Version bible:

• “father.” The Greek is anēr (#435 ἀνήρ), and means “an adult human male.” Anēr is generally assumed to mean “husband” in this verse, but that cannot be the case. For one thing, the list of the three sets of 14 generations that go from Abraham to Christ (vv. 2-16), makes this impossible. If Joseph is the husband of Mary, there would only be 13 generations in the last list of “14 generations.” Also, the Aramaic text reads differently in this verse than it does in verse 19, and in verse 19 Joseph is unmistakably referred to as the “husband” of Mary. The difference in the vocabulary indicates a difference in the relationship. …The Gospel of Matthew contains the genealogy from David to Jesus via his mother Mary. In contrast, the Gospel of Luke contains the genealogy from David to Jesus via his adopted father, Joseph.

So, in closing I just want to remind you that there are so many false interpretations that have crept into our churches over the years. This would be true whether it’s the Catholic church, Protenant church, or all the others that are out there. Therefore, it’s our job as Christians: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Yes, test all thing and be like those Bereans, for: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11) So, the next time your local church teaches you something, go home and open up your own bible and test what was said. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open up your eyes to any false teachings. Therefore, be diligent to walk after the Spirit, and: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

May God bless you as you seek to do His will. Amen.

(Note: Bible text other than the King James Bible have been abbreviated according to the version that was used. This is for you the reader to know which version was used in order for you to go read it for yourselves. For the one who penned this article doesn’t want anyone thinking that he did some scripture twisting to make it read according to his liking or view)

• REV = Revised English Version

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