Don’t Be Foolish

As I mentioned in the previous post, we live in a day when many people think right and wrong is determined by one’s own choices or public opinion rather than being an absolute standard.  In II Timothy 4:3-4 Paul warned about the current attitude of many people.  “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”  He said they would ignore the facts, choosing leaders and teachers who tell them what they are doing is okay and that they are right regardless of the facts. 

Proverbs 12:15 tells us, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…”, and they don’t to hear anything that implies they might be wrong.  Their only interest is in understanding their feeling better, as Proverbs 18:2 tells us.  “A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”  Psychology is so popular today because it helps people understand their feelings without having to feel responsible or having to answer to God for what they do. 

Romans 1:21-23 tells us the problem starts with the attitude toward God.  “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”  By denying God’s creation through the theory of evolution or by convincing people that he is no more than a more powerful human or some kind of animal they are able to justify ignoring his standards and authority.  That they ignore his authority or power does not reduce it, but only shows them to be fools who refuse to accept reality. 

The ignorance is by choice, and they will not consider any other opinion.  Proverbs 29:9 tells us, “If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.”  Proverbs 26:4-5 advises, “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.  Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”  If you give in and go along with him, you become just like him, but if you try to correct him he ignores the facts, convinced he is smarter than you.   

At that point, the only thing that can be done is to allow him to learn the hard way.  He will not appreciate your efforts, and is unlikely to come for advice in the future.  Proverbs 15:12 warns, “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” Even disastrous results may not convince the fool to change his mind.  Proverbs 17:10 tells us, “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.”  He would lose everything including his own life and soul than to admit he was wrong.  Proverbs 15:32 tells us, “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”

If we are Christians, we can avoid being such fools by following God’s principles.  Ephesians 5:14-16 tells us, “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

There Is An Absolute Standard

What Einstein proved was that while reality appeared differently in different situations, it actually remained the same.  In a car wreck it may appear to the occupants of one car that the other car is crashing into them while to a person on the sidewalk it is obvious that both cars are moving toward each other.  It makes no difference whether one is on the side walk or in one of the cars, the impact between the cars is still the same.  The total force involved can be calculated by multiplying the total mass of the two cars by the square of the total speed they are traveling at.   Although a nuclear explosion separated the protons, neutrons and electrons, the total mass involved remains the same, and since they travel at the speed of light, Einstein was able to use the standard calculation for force to determine the force resulting from a nuclear explosion, as well as calculating the force needed to make the explosion happen.  It was only possible because, although the situations appeared wildly different, the basic principles did not change. 

Unfortunately, the reporters who interviewed Einstein misunderstood and believed that he had in fact proved that the rules changed as the conditions changed.  Einstein spent the last several years of his life trying to convince the academic world that they were misinterpreting his findings.  Academics, like other people, do not like to admit they made a mistake.  As a result, many people today think the rules change relative to the circumstances.

The scriptures teach us that God established certain principles that are always true.   Understanding those principles, we can confidently act with assurance as to the outcome of our actions, whether we are building a house, cooking a meal or relating to another person.  Without it we would never know what would happen when we did something.    God’s law lays out specific guidelines for getting along in this world and pleasing God. 

Though God is loving and forgiving being, there are certain things he cannot stand.   Proverbs 6:16-19 tell us, “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.”  These are things God hates regardless of our circumstances or our religion. 

The first thing he hates is an arrogant or proud attitude.  James 4:6 warns, “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”  Proverbs 15:25 says, “The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.”  Pride brings us into direct conflict with God. 

The second thing he hates is a lying tongue.  Revelation 21:8 warns, “…all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”  Sadly, lying is just accepted as part of doing business by many people today.  Thirdly, God hates murder, commanding that the murderer be executed in Genesis 9:6.   “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” 

He hates people who dream up evil things, even if they never do them.  How many authors and play writers have been arrested because they wrote a book imagining what it would be like to commit a crime, than went out and committed it?   How many others have red such books or heard some speaker and been encouraged to go out and commit crimes and sexual perversions?  How often do we hear about someone losing a career or reputation, or even being imprisoned because of false accusations?  How often do people deliberately stir up conflicts between members of a family, a church, a community, or a nation?

If we love God, we ought to avoid things he says are wrong, simply because we love him.  John 14:23-24 tells us, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”  If we don’t care enough to try to do what he said, we don’t really love him.   His standards are absolute and do not change. 

How To Be Happy

A common misconception here in America is that6 things or people can make us happy.  As a result, people spend their lives trying to get the newest thing or find someone to make them happy.  They are dissatisfied and discontent with everything about their lives, and tend to blame other people.  As we saw earlier, the problem is that they have not learned to appreciate what they have. 

When they left Egypt, the children of Israel complained constantly when things were not instantly the way they wanted them, even after years of seeing God supply miraculously.  They were constantly looking back to the things they had in Egypt, such as cucumbers and onions and fish, while ignoring the fact that as slaves, they had been abused and even killed without reason.  Eventually, God told them that none of those who had complained would live to go into the land and for forty years they wandered in the wilderness, until all those who complained were dead.  They would never have been satisfied if they had gotten to go into the land, so God didn’t allow them to go.  As Luke 9:62 tells us, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” 

Happiness and contentment come from our inner attitudes, not from outside influences.  The Israelites attitude, caused them to be unsatisfied with what God had provided, but it also prevented them from receiving what he wanted to give them.  In the same way, discontent and dissatisfaction with our lives here can prevent us from enjoying what we have at the moment, as well as preventing us from ever getting the rewards we could have had.  For example, a resentful attitude may prevent one being promoted at work, or cause conflict in a marriage.   

In Philippians 4, Paul gives some very clear guidelines as to how to have a happy and contented life.  Philippians 4:4-6 lay out the basic principles.  “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.   Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” 

Literally, Paul says to enjoy the Lord’s blessings always, instead of complaining when something doesn’t go just as you think it should.  Remember that the Lord is coming back and live in a way that you would not be embarrassed if he came and today, so that you don’t have to live with a guilty conscience.  Instead of worrying about things, pray and let God know your concerns, thanking him for what he is doing and trusting him to do what is best for us.  If we will make the effort, Philippians 4:7 promises, “ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

If we stay focused on the problems and things we don’t have, we will never be satisfied, and it will be impossible to rejoice fully.  Philippians 4:8-9 tells us the kind of things we need to focus on in order to have the best life possible.  “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”  When we make the effort, God will give us his peace.  If we are focused on the problems we will never be happy, or have peace.

Learn To Be Content

America is seriously divided today, with some who still refuse to acknowledge Trump as president.  Some are entirely focused on issues such as abortion, LGBT rights, environmental concerns, immigration, terrorism, or the economy.  More people are going through counseling for psychological problems and using more anti-depressant drugs than ever before and there are all kinds of support groups to help people deal with their problems.   Things seem worse than at any time since the Civil War. 

Why?

 Most of us have homes with multiple rooms, running water, electricity, and central heating, things which only the very rich had a hundred years ago.   Food is readily available and transportation is fast and easy.  There are hundreds of charitable efforts to feed the hungry, provide safe housing for homeless and medical help for those who are struggling.    Many homeless people live as well or better than the average person lived a hundred years ago, yet very few are satisfied or feel very hopeful.  The problem is rarely a lack of things we need.  Some of the most contented people on earth have very little of the things we think are essential for happiness. 

The problem is that we have not learned to appreciate what we have been given.   Every commercial and advertisement is designed to make us dissatisfied with what we have.   For centuries, there were no telephones, yet today phone is considered essential, even for little children, and usually they are not content with a simple flip phone.   Instead of preparing food ourselves we want to go out to eat and eat a gourmet meal.   People spend thousands of dollars on makeup and plastic surgery because they are not satisfied with the way they look. 

In the Garden of Eden, Satan deliberately set out to make Eve dissatisfied with what was available to eat, telling her that if she would eat the forbidden fruit it would greatly increase her intelligence, making her like God.  Our present day advertising and political systems are still trying to make us dissatisfied with what we have in an effort to gain control and benefit themselves.  It is satanically inspired, yet sadly, in many case, the church has adopted the same attitude.  In many cases, the fact that people have a higher standard of living is considered proof of God’s blessings, and people are encouraged to constantly be striving for something better, often overlooking God’s teaching in the attempt yo attain those things. 

In I Timothy 6:3-5, Paul warned that we need to avoid such teachers.  “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”  They focus on these things because they know nothing about God or his plans for us. 

I Timothy 6:6-8 makes the point that learning to focus on the things of God destroys that dissatisfaction.  “But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”  As Christians we ought to learn to appreciate what God has provided instead of constantly wanting something else. 

I Timothy 6:10 warns of the danger of a dissatisfied attitude.  “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  The craving for more material things leads people into all kinds of sin, and ultimately to unhappiness and more dissatisfaction. 

As Christians we should focus on developing a proper, godly attitude in various areas, as I Timothy 6:11 tells us.  “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”  For the Christian, material blessings should be a byproduct of his faith, rather than the goal.  When they become our goal, we are trying to get them instead of serving God. 

Controlled by Fear

According to what I read, more people are killed by dear than by any other wild animal in the United States.  People know bears, mountain lions, wolves, and other predators are dangerous, and avoid getting too close to them.  Antlerless deer do not appear threatening, and people assume they are safe.  As long as the deer do not feel threatened, they may allow a person to get very close, perhaps even to pet them.  If something frightens them however they go into panic mode, striking out blindly at anything close with their hooves, and may kill the person petting them in a misguided effort to protect themselves.

Unfortunately, many people react in a similar way to fear of anger, lashing out either verbally or physically at those who are perceived as a possible threat.  Under the influence of powerful emotions, they lose the power to think logically, as those who have seen people in panic can attest.  If nothing is done to help them deal with the fear they felt, they respond even more violently the next time something similar happens.  Throughout history. Evil people have played on people’s fears to gain control of them, whether it was Hitler stirring up hatred for the Jews by accusing them of destroying the German economy, or the KKK stirring up hatred of blacks by accusing them of stealing jobs and attacking white people, or Black Lives Matter accusing police of murdering blacks, or liberal activists accusing Trump of trying to take away women’s rights.  Fear and anger are infectious, and people’s fears feed on those of others, inevitably leading to riots and physical violence, and attempts to explain their concerns are often incoherent and incomprehensible. 

This fear comes from Satan, not from God.  II Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  When we are not controlled by fear of anger, we are able to think logically and make reasonable and effective decisions, free of bias and hatred and being considerate of other group’s concerns.  Our fears no longer control us if we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us, as Romans 8:15 tells us.  “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”

Because he is our father we do not have to fear what others may do.  In Matthew 10:28-31, Jesus said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.  But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”  If God cares about how many hairs are on your head or about every little sparrow that is killed, he surely will notice if a person is hurt.  Knowing that, Hebrews 13:5-6 tells us, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.”  We don’t have to worry about anything that may happen to us.  As President Kennedy is quoted as saying, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

When we really get to know and love God personally, our fears disappear.  I John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”  The Holy Spirit frees us fro that bondage to fear as II Corinthians 3:17 tells us, “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 

People who give into their fears and go along with the crowd usually end up doing things they regret, often spending time in prison for the things they have done.  Revelation 21:8 warns, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” 

Focus On God’s Word

Sometimes it is shocking to watch our political system.  We see deliberate lying and efforts to slander some people with no supporting evidence, while others are shielded from accusations despite abundant evidence of their guilt.  Election officials deliberately try to change the outcome of elections by disqualifying some citizen’s votes while encouraging non-citizens to vote.  Political figures and various celebrities disparage those who question their ideas, and encourage actual physical attacks on them.  It is not hard to understand prevalence of bullying in our schools when our political figures and celebrities set such an example.  It reminds us of what II Timothy 3:13 warns.  “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”  While the politicians and celebrities are busy attacking each other, drug usage, gang violence and hate crimes are spiraling out of control. 

Unfortunately, these problems are not limited to the secular world, because the church has begun to adopt the world’s philosophies.  In I Timothy 4:1-3, Paul warned that this would happen.  1ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” 

Some of the changes have been very insidious.  For example, in 1970, Jay Adams published the book, Competent to Counsel as a warning to the church that the growing acceptance of psychology in churches was turning people away from the truth of the gospel.  Today nearly every “Christian” group has psychological counselors to address various problems, and the pastors have been taught to incorporate psychological principles in their teaching and preaching. 

There are several problems in the church as a result, but the most important is the difference in dealing with guilt.  Psychology holds that guilt is terrible thing.   They make a great deal of effort to convince people that the guilt they feel is false guilt.  They insist that most of the things people feel guilty about are natural and people are unable to keep from doing them.  The things that have happened to the person cause his behavior, so that it is not the person’s fault.   The guilt is a result of society’s views rather than any inherent right or wrong. 

This is in exact contradiction to the scriptures.  The Bible teaches that mankind have a conscience, an innate sense of right and wrong.  Just as constant exposure of the body to certain poisons can result in developing a tolerance for them, or even a dependence on them, constant exposure to things that are wrong can produce a tolerance for things that are evil, and even a certain dependence on them, destroying that sense of guilt from doing wrong.  They have no incentive to change their behavior. 

Because the conscience can become desensitized, the law was to provide a more stable measure of right and wrong so people could be aware of their guilt. As Romans 3:19 explains.  “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”  Guilt is not the problem, it is only a symptom telling us a problem exists and that something needs to be done.  The psychological approach is much like giving a person who has an infected injury to their leg an opiate pain drug rather than cleaning and bandaging the injury.  It covers up the pain, but does nothing to resolve the problem and the person may die from the infection.  Instead of covering up the guilt, I John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  By accepting responsibility for the sin, we can have the guilt removed so that we no longer need the pain pill to cover it up. 

Unfortunately, the modern church has adopted many such doctrines in place of what the scriptures teach.   Sometimes they contradict the scriptures, as in this case.  Other times they are disguised as stricter interpretations of the scriptures, such as forbidding eating certain foods or avoiding marriage.   We are instructed to stay focused on the word of God rather than other ideas.  II Timothy 4:1-5 commands, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.  But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”  Even though the time will come when people do not want to hear the truth, we are to continue teach it.  We must not try to adapt the gospel to our society, but fulfill the ministry god has given us.  We need to realize obeying God will not make us popular with the world. 

No One Can Fool God

Many people view God as a tyrant who is just looking for someone to mess up so he can destroy them.  They see his law as excessive and overly restrictive.   Others believe that God may have set the world in motion, but that he doesn’t pay much attention to what is going on here.  Because some appear to get by with evil, they think God either doesn’t care very much or is easily fooled.  Both views are contrary to what the scriptures say. 

Contrary to popular opinion, humans are not naturally good.  They naturally do things that are harmful to themselves, as well as to others, whether it involves using drugs or alcohol, or killing each other.  God’s law was given to make us aware of the consequences of such behavior.   Because God loves all mankind, he sent his son to meet the penalty for sin and free us from its consequences.   John 3:16-18 tells us, “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.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  Refusal to accept responsibility for our sin or to believe he has made atonement for it leaves us to pay the penalty ourselves for the sins we have already committed. 

Although some appear to have gotten by with their sin, God is aware of it.  II Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”  God is simply giving them an opportunity to make things right before he collects their debt, because he loves them and doesn’t want them to have to pay it themselves.   I John 1:9 tells us that if we are willing to accept responsibility for our sins and ask for his forgiveness, he will absolve us of guilt.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

Because he is willing to forgive, some try to fool him, apologizing and asking forgiveness even though they have no intention of changing their behavior.  Galatians 6:7-8 warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”  God is not fooled by their fake apologies and false professions of faith.  They will still be held accountable for their sin.  While God already knows peoples intentions, we do not, but their actions and attitudes reveal whether they were sincere or not, as Matthew 7:20 tells us.  “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”  They may fool us for a while, but ultimately, I Timothy 5:24-25 tells us the truth will come out.  “Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.  Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.”

Freedom To Serve God

In our discussion of the relationship between the Christian and the Law, it is crucial to understand why the Law was given.  I Timothy 1:8-10 explains, “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” 

Contrary to popular belief, people are not innately good.  Some of them commit murder, or lie, or steal or do other things that harm other people.  Without some kind of standard, they are free to do anything they please without concern.  The law was given to limit their behavior and protect those around them.  Its effect on those who try to do what is right is minimal.  Unfortunately, there are time when even the most careful citizen ends up violating the law due to unexpected circumstances.  In such cases, keeping the law becomes a problem. 

It is not possible to give a law which covers every possible situation, and as a result, even God’s law becomes a burden.    Galatians 3:10 states, “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”  Every violation of the law required a penalty.  The sacrifices could not take away the sin, as Hebrews 10:1-4 tells us.  “For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.  But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.”  All the sacrifices could do was postpone judgment for another year   

Fortunately Christ has freed us from that burden, by making full payment for our sin on the Cross.  We can depend on him and his sacrifice, rather than trying to constantly make up for our mistakes.  Galatians 3:11-14 tells us, “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.  And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

As a result of that Faith in Christ, II Corinthians 5:17-19 tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”  We receive a new spirit or attitude, focusing on doing what pleases God, rather than what we can get by with, and no longer have to worry about getting caught doing wrong.  We are free to serve God rather than worrying about the Law.

The standards of the Law only become a problem when we revert to the flesh and stop living or walking with a godly spirit or attitude.   It is important to understand that one’s attitude demonstrates the spirit a person has.   If we start struggling with God’s laws or principles, it is an indication we need to renew our relationship with God and allow the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives.   

God’s Standards are Reasonable

Many times, people resent God’s standards, feeling like they keep them from doing what other people do.   They do not realize that the same standards that kept them from receiving eternal life also help keep them in a place where they can experience God’s blessings.  Once again, the Old Testament Law provides us a valuable example. 

In Exodus 15:26 God told Moses, “… If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.” 

In Leviticus 11, God gave some specific instructions as to what animals the Jews were permitted to eat and what was forbidden.  While it seems quite restrictive to us, there were definite health reasons for following this standard.  For example, pigs are susceptible to many of the same diseases humans are, and avoiding them would reduce the danger of exposure.  Predators and scavengers were likely to be exposed to harmful diseases and microbes that herbivores were unlikely to come in contacts with.  Similar things were true of different types of fish and sea animals.   Even today people are advised to avoid certain types of fish and shell fish because of diseases that have been found in them.  Obeyinbg those laws would go a long way in preventing certain illnesses. 

The laws governing sexual behavior served a similar purpose.  For example, nearly all of the sexually transmitted diseases originated from sexual intercourse with different animals.  Incestuous relationships greatly increase the danger of genetic abnormalities by increasing the likelihood that both parents may have the same genetic mutation.  Promiscuity and homosexuality often cause emotional problems as well as exposing people to various sexually transmitted diseases.  While it is not a homosexual disease, seventy five percent of all new AIDS cases in the U.S. are still found among homosexuals, while promiscuity accounts for nearly all the other types of STD’s. 

Laws governing the treatment of molds, and different infectious diseases using disinfectants or quarantining those who were infected and avoiding contact with potential sources of infection served to prevent the spread of other diseases, as did keeping rodents and insects out of the homes.  Laws about treatment of other people, and personal property kept the society healthy by preventing unnecessary conflicts and minimizing fear, limiting people’s ability to interfere in one’s life.  Because some people deliberately ignore the rights of others, penalties were established to discourage and deter them. 

People tend to rebel against God’s standards because, like Eve, they have fallen for Satan’s lie that God is just trying to keep them from enjoying their life to the fullest.    If they understand God’s love, some will turn and begin to obey his commands.  Others reject God’s authority, insisting on doing things their own way.   Romans 1:28-32 describes their state.  “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”

God has allowed them to go their own way for a while so that they can learn the physical, emotional, and societal effects of their behavior.   In their heart, they know that what they are doing is wrong, but in their rebellion they not only do those things themselves, but encourage others to do so as well.  They will eventually face God’s judgment for their actions.   The situation is complicated when people try to substitute their own standards for what God has set. 

Do It God’s Way

Leviticus 8 and 9 describe in great detail the consecration of Aaron and his sons mentioned in Exodus 40:12-15.  When they finished making the sacrifices, Leviticus 9:24 tells us, “And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” 

In Leviticus 1-6, God gave detailed instructions about how the different sacrifices were to be made.  Leviticus 6:12-13 made a point that the fire was never to be allowed to go out.  “And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace offerings.  The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.”

Every morning and evening the priests were to burn incense on the altar of incense, according to Exodus 30:7-9.  “And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.  And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.  Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon.”  Nothing but the incense God had prescribed was to be offered on that altar.   In Leviticus 16:12, God describes how incense was to be offered on the day of atonement.   “And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil.”

Apparently, Nadab and Abihu found I a hassle to try to catch coals from the fire on the brazen altar that God had started, so they took coals from another fire to burn the incense, assuming that it wouldn’t make any difference.  Leviticus 10:1-2 describes what happened.  “And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.  And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.”

Moses explained that they had died because they had failed to sanctify God, in Leviticus 10:3.  “Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.”  Although the fire they used appeared the same as what God had started, it was the product of man’s efforts and cheapened God’s glory.   It is the same reason Moses and Aaron were not allowed to enter Canaan after all their years of serving God.  In Numbers 20:10-11, Moses had disobeyed God striking the rock to get water rather than just speaking to it as God said, leaving the impression it was his power rather than God’s.  As a result, Numbers 20:12 tells us, “And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” 

By doing it their own way rather than following God’s instructions, they had taken his glory, and in both instances lost blessings they would have otherwise had, even though the initial results appeared the same on the surface.  Sadly, I suspect that many today are doing the same thing, doing things in their own power and to attain their own goals.  While the results appear the same superficially, the glory goes to the person rather than to God, and they will miss many of the rewards they could have had in heaven.  John 3:6 tells us, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”  Emotional, psychological, or other motivational techniques can never produce spiritual results.   God’s way is still the best even though others may seem easier or faster. 

Ignorance Does Not Excuse Wrongdoing

Various groups have insisted that we should not teach people God’s law so that they cannot be blamed when they do wrong, because they do not know any better.  Leviticus 5:14-17 addresses this issue.  “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add the fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him.  And if a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD; though he wist it not, yet is he guilty, and shall bear his iniquity.”

Whether a person realizes it or not, he has done wrong, and he is responsible for the results of his actions.    If he makes amends for his actions, and offers a sacrifice, the wrong will be forgiven, because he didn’t realize what he was doing.   Leviticus 5:18-19 describes the sacrifice that was to be offered.  “And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance wherein he erred and wist it not, and it shall be forgiven him.  It is a trespass offering: he hath certainly trespassed against the LORD.”

Leviticus 6:1-5 describes how amends were to be made.  “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, If a soul sin, and commit a trespass against the LORD, and lie unto his neighbour in that which was delivered him to keep, or in fellowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or hath deceived his neighbour; Or have found that which was lost, and lieth concerning it, and sweareth falsely; in any of all these that a man doeth, sinning therein: Then it shall be, because he hath sinned, and is guilty, that he shall restore that which he took violently away, or the thing which he hath deceitfully gotten, or that which was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing which he found, Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering.”  The people who were injured by his actions were to be recompensed for what had been taken or destroyed, and in general, an additional twenty percent for the loss of its use and time spent recovering or replacing it.  There were special cases where twenty percent might not cover the person’s expenses.   

He was also to bring a trespass offering to God, so that God would forgive him, according to Leviticus 6:6-7.  “And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with thy estimation, for a trespass offering, unto the priest: And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the LORD: and it shall be forgiven him for any thing of all that he hath done in trespassing therein.”  In addition to hurting the other person, they had violated God’s law, and they had to pay the penalty for breaking it. 

Christ has paid all our penalties for breaking God’s law, and will forgive us when we ask, but we still need to make amends to the people we have hurt. 

Salvation Requires Personal Action

I John 2:2 tells us, Jesus “…is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”  He has literally paid in full for the sins of the entire world.  Hebrews 10:12-14 tells us, “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”  As a result, some believe that all are saved.  Unfortunately, that is not true. 

As a promotion, a store may offer a free item to anyone who comes in on a certain day, but the offer is only for those who come personally on that day and ask for the gift.   They will not save the gift for those who do not bother to get it.  God’s forgiveness is much the same.  While it is offered to anyone who wants it, unless the person makes the effort to receive it, it will not be given him. 

In the Old Testament, the priest constantly offered animals as sacrifices for sin.  The person offering the sacrifice was required to place their hand on the sacrifice‘s head, identifying it as being for their sin, as described in Leviticus 1:1-4.  “And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock.   If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.  And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him.” 

 The person had to personally identify the sacrifice as being for him for it o be accepted as an atonement for his sin.  This principle applied to every person, as is demonstrated by the various repetitions in Leviticus 3 and 4.  It didn’t matter whether the person was one of the rulers, a priest, or one of the common people, nor did it matter whether he was rich or poor, it was essential that he personally identified the sacrifice as being for his sin, acknowledging that he had sinned and needed forgiveness.  The priest could not do that for the person.

Although Christ died on the cross just once to pay for the sins of the entire world, each person has to personally identify his sacrifice as being for their sin.  I John 1:8-10 tells us, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”  If we take responsibility for our sin God will forgive us, but if we refuse to accept responsibility, we imply God lied about us being sinners, and we will not receive his forgiveness.   

Romans 10:9-14 tells exactly what we need to do in order to be saved.  “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  Anyone who recognizes they are a sinner and cannot save themselves, and believes that Christ died for their sin and was raised again by God’s power can be saved by simply telling God they believe in him and want to be saved.  Anyone who asks for that forgiveness and salvation will be saved, regardless of their race or background, but they have to do it themselves, while they are still alive. 

Various groups have taught that other people could act on a dead person’s behalf.   In Matthew 16:19, Jesus said, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”  He has told us how to get into heaven, and those who get saved on earth will be saved in heaven while those who do not will be imprisoned in hell.  He repeated that statement in Matthew 18:18.  No religious ceremony or church can change where a person is going after they die. 

God’s Fence

God directed Israel to build the Tabernacle in Exodus as a place of worship.  Many elements of the design portray or illustrate different aspects of serving God.  They were designed that way deliberately to help people more easily understand what God wants, using physical objects to illustrate spiritual truths. 

As one approached the Tabernacle, one of the first things they would notice was a seven and a half foot tall linen fence surrounding it, preventing people from coming in except through the gate on the eastern side.  Revelation 19:8 tells us, “… the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”  In Matthew 5:20, Jesus  said, “…except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”  That fence of white linen represents the minimum standard of righteousness God has set for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven.  As we saw in the previous post, the Old Testament Law described that standard.    The white linen fence represents the Law,, shutting out and condemning anyone who does not meet that standard. 

On the eastern side of the area enclosed by the fence was a large gate representing Jesus Christ.  Even those who had met the specifications of the law had to go through that gate to get in.  Romans 3:20 Tells us the same is true today.  “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”   In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  While different religions say there are many ways to God, the scriptures tell us the only way is through Jesus Christ.  

 Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”  Salvation is a gift from God, and cannot be earned by our own efforts.  In fact, Isaiah 64:6 warns, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”  Even the best we can do is not suitable for God.  In fact, as Ephesians 2:10 tells us, our ability to do satisfactory work is the result of Christ saving us. 

Because Christ’s death frees us to be saved without keeping the law, many believe we can be saved without concern for God’s standards.  I Corinthians 6:9:10 tells us, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.”  The Old Testament Law forbade these things. And Paul is quite specific that people who live these life styles will not be in the kingdom of God. 

People do not go to hell because they do these things, but they do them because they are not saved.    I Corinthians 6:11 continues, “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”  While that may have been who we were in the past, we are no longer that person.  II Corinthians 5:17-18 explains, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.”  The standard does not change, God changes the people.  If they are continuing to do these things, it implies Christ has not changed them and thus that they are not saved.   The primary reason I Corinthians 5 says we are to put such out of the church is in hopes of getting them to make sure of their salvation.     

Interestingly, the same fence that shuts others out keeps the ones who belong in, protecting them from danger.  The fence prevents them from going too far. 

The Christian and Biblical Law

One frequently misunderstood aspect for many Christians today is that of the Christian’s relationship to the Old Testament Law.  Some want to insist we have to follow the Old Testament Law exactly.  Like the Pharisees, they are concerned with keeping even the tiniest detail.  If they are correct, their concern is justified, according to Galatians 3:10.  “For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.”  Many people want to focus on some of the law while ignoring other parts.  James 2:10-11 makes it very clear that this is unacceptable.  “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.  For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.”

For sinful human beings, keeping the law completely becomes an unbearable burden.  Despite their best efforts, they constantly mess up.  Fortunately, as Christians, we no longer under that burden.  Romans 8:2 tells us, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.”  When we receive Christ as savior, he places his spirit in us, and as Galatians 5:18 tells us, “But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.” 

Knowing this, some have taken the position that the law is irrelevant in our day. In Matthew 5:17-20, Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.  Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” 

As long as this earth remains, the law will be in effect, and violations will be punished.  Only those who have been saved have been freed form punishment, and that only because as Romans 3:24-26 tells us, we are “… justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

Galatians 3:19-25 explains the Christian’s relationship to the Law.  “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.  Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.  Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.  But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.  But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.  Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.  But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.”

When one graduates from school, he is no longer under the authority of the teachers, but the things they have taught do not change because he graduated. Two plus two still equals four, whether you are in kindergarten, or have a doctorate.   The law taught what was right, and getting saved does not change the standard.  It provides a guideline for how we should live, even though we will not get an “F” if we make a mistake.        

The Value Of Human Life

God’s standard is so completely different than man’s.  In Genesis 9:5-6 we looked at his standard for murder, “And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man.  Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.”   As we saw, murder is an indirect attack on God since man was created in his image.  During the forty years in the wilderness, God repeatedly emphasized that murderers were to be executed.  God directed Moses to refresh the people’s memory as to how killing a person was to be dealt with, shortly before his death, in Numbers 35. 

It is relatively easy to kill a person, and can happen accidentally.  God made special provision for such cases, in Numbers 35:9-15.  “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come over Jordan into the land of Canaan; Then ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you; that the slayer may flee thither, which killeth any person at unawares.  And they shall be unto you cities for refuge from the avenger; that the manslayer die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgment.  And of these cities which ye shall give six cities shall ye have for refuge.  Ye shall give three cities on this side Jordan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge.  These six cities shall be a refuge, both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for the sojourner among them: that every one that killeth any person unawares may flee thither.”

Israel had no police force.  If a person accidentally killed someone, there were six cities set aside, three on each side of Jordan, that a person could flee to for protection.  He would be tried and if it turned out he was innocent, he would be allowed to stay.  If found guilty, he was to be executed.  Numbers 35:16-21 gives the guidelines for determining if it was murder.  “And if he smite him with an instrument of iron, so that he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.  And if he smite him with throwing a stone, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.  Or if he smite him with an hand weapon of wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.  The revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he shall slay him.  But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die; Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that he die: he that smote him shall surely be put to death; for he is a murderer: the revenger of blood shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him.”

If a person used what would normally be considered a weapon, whether club, knife, spear, or some kind of projectile, it indicated he was willing to kill the person, and thus was to be considered murder.  Similarly, if there was a history of hatred between them or a deliberate effort to catch him by surprise.  The designated person was to execute him, whether he went to the city of refuge for trial or not. 

If, on the other hand, there is no history of them being enemies and no evidence of intent, then the people were to allow him to live safely in the city of refuge, according to Numbers 35:22-25.  “But if he thrust him suddenly without enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without laying of wait, Or with any stone, wherewith a man may die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him, that he die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his harm: Then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the revenger of blood according to these judgments: And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge, whither he was fled: and he shall abide in it unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with the holy oil.”

Though it was accidental manslaughter, the sentence was essentially a life sentence, although it would end with the death of the high priest, it was up to the person to stay within the boundaries of the city of refuge if he wanted protection.  Numbers 35:26-29.  “But if the slayer shall at any time come without the border of the city of his refuge, whither he was fled; And the revenger of blood find him without the borders of the city of his refuge, and the revenger of blood kill the slayer; he shall not be guilty of blood: Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.”  If he left the city of refuge, before the death of the high priest, he could be killed without reprisal. 

These were mandatory sentences, according to Numbers 35:29-33.  “So these things shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.  Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die.  Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.  And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest.”  No plea deals were allowed when someone was killed.  There was no way of restoring the victim’s life and making things right for him.  What a difference from the case where a man who committed murder is suing to be released after six years on the grounds that it is cruel and unusual punishment since the victim is dead and cannot be hurt any more.   

In our world, human life in general is not held as particularly valuable.  Abortion, murder, euthanasia, political killings, and genocide are considered acceptable in different cases.  To God, human life is sacrosanct, and indiscriminate killing makes a land unfit for use, according to Numbers 35:33-34.  “So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it.  Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, wherein I dwell: for I the LORD dwell among the children of Israel.” 

God warned that allowing murder to go unpunished would bring God’s judgment on the people in  Deuteronomy 19:10-13.  “That innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance, and so blood be upon thee.  But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of these cities: Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die.  Thine eye shall not pity him, but thou shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with thee.”

Leviticus 18:24-25 warns of the consequences of ignoring murder and other sins.  “Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:  And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants.”  History is replete with stories of nations which have lost their land because they ignored God’s standards.  Throughout history, God has used a nation to destroy another nation that refused to follow his principles of right and wrong. 

Balaam’s Sin Results in Many Deaths.

Balak was determined to cause Israel to be cursed.  He got to thinking about what Balaam had said, in Numbers 23:21-23.  “He(God) hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them.  God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.  Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!”

Over the years, the people who had deliberately disobeyed God had died in various plagues, and of old age.  Because there was no longer any deliberate sin(iniquity) among them, God was blessing them and no curses or magic spells would work against them.    If Balak could get them to sin, perhaps God would curse them.   In Revelation 2:14, Jesus said Balaam “…taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.”  God had told Balaam not to go, but because as II Peter 2:15 says, he “…loved the wages of unrighteousness,” he went anyway, and made the prophecy in Numbers 23:18-23. 

Israel was camped in the plains of Moab, near Shittim.  Balak encouraged his people to get involved with  the Israelites.  Numbers 25:1-3 tells us. “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.  And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.  And Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor: and the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel.”  Sexual immorality led to getting involved with the Moabite religion. And God was angered, because they had violated their agreement with him. 

God ordered that the leaders who had been involved be executed, and sent a plague that killed another twenty four thousand people, in numbers 24:4-9.  “And the LORD said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the LORD against the sun, that the fierce anger of the LORD may be turned away from Israel.  And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baalpeor.

And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.  And when Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from among the congregation, and took a javelin in his hand; And he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.  And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.”

The woman Phineas killed was a Midianite princess.  Her death led to war with the Midianites in the area.  In Numbers 25:15-18 God commanded Israel to fight the Midianites because of their involvement in leading Israel into sin.  “And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.  And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Vex the Midianites, and smite them: For they vex you with their wiles, wherewith they have beguiled you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain in the day of the plague for Peor's sake.”

Moses sent twelve thousand men to destroy the Midianite communities that had been involved, in Numbers 31:1-8, because they had caused the deaths of twenty four thousand people.    “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people.

And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the LORD of Midian.  Of every tribe a thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall ye send to the war.  So there were delivered out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.  And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand of every tribe, them and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments, and the trumpets to blow in his hand.  And they warred against the Midianites, as the LORD commanded Moses; and they slew all the males.  And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; namely, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword.”

Balaam was killed right along with the Midianites.  Numbers 31:16 explains why.  “Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.”  Revelation 2:14-16 warns Christians that God will fight against those who, like Balaam, begin to teach people to do wrong to gain wealth and prestige.  “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.  So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.  Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”   As Matthew 6:24 Nd Luke 16:13 tell us, “…Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”