As one year quickly draws to a close, it is customary for us to look back at the changes that have taken place in our lives and look ahead to changes that may be coming in the future. While our lives are filled with change, it is important for us to remember that there are some things that never change. In this brief article, I want us to be reminded of a few of these.
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After Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, Pharaoh gave permission and provided the necessary resources to move Jacob and the rest of the family to Egypt (Genesis 45:16-23). When they arrived, Joseph introduced his father to Pharaoh.
“Then Joseph brought his father Jacob and presented him to Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. Pharaoh said to Jacob, ‘How many years have you lived?’ So Jacob said to Pharaoh, ‘The years of my sojourning are one hundred and thirty; few and unpleasant have been the years of my life, nor have they attained the years that my fathers lived during the days of their sojourning.’ And Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from his presence” (Genesis 47:7-10).
The fact that only one statement from Pharaoh to Jacob is recorded – the question about the patriarch’s age – is significant. Pharaoh looked upon the elder Jacob as one to be admired for his longevity. Besides this, Pharaoh would have already known that he was blessed by the number of sons that he had. Pharaoh’s initial response indicated that he believed that Jacob’s life was one that most would desire.
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Thought from today’s Bible reading from Revelation 12-18.
“And I heard a voice from heaven, saying, ‘Write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!”‘ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘so that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them’” (Revelation 14:13).
When a faithful child of God passes from this life, the above verse is often used to provide comfort for the grieving family and friends. But it is important to understand why these individuals are blessed.
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Thought from today’s Bible reading from Philippians 1-4.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose” (Philippians 1:21-22).
Paul was confident in his hope of a home in heaven. This confidence was not based upon the belief that since he had been saved at one time, he would always be saved. Though many believe this today (“once saved, always saved”), Paul did not. He knew that if he quit serving the Lord, he would forfeit his salvation (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Paul’s hope was based upon the Lord’s promise to the faithful. Later, toward the end of his life, he would tell Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul could expect to receive his reward because he had fought, finished, and kept the faith.
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This phrase is commonly used as a call to do those things we often put off but might later regret leaving undone. It usually involves taking risks, acting unconventionally or impulsively, or fulfilling one’s desires. The activities involved could be good or bad – or might not fit into either category. It is all about using time while we have it so that we do not later regret wasting it.
The statement itself is true. The Hebrew writer expressed it this way: “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Understanding the fact that we only live once, there are some Biblical admonitions to be made.
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Thought from today’s Bible reading from 2 Kings 20-21.
“In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.”‘ Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, ‘Remember now, O Lord, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your sight.’ And Hezekiah wept bitterly” (2 Kings 20:1-3).
If you continue reading in this chapter, you will see God answering Hezekiah’s prayer and granting him an additional fifteen years of life (v. 5-6). But before we get to God’s response, there are a few lessons from this passage that we need to learn.
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Thought from today’s Bible reading from Isaiah 18-22.
Judgment was coming against the people of God. Yet instead of this warning being met with careful self-examination and repentance, the people ignored it and acted as if nothing was wrong and nothing would happen.
“Therefore in that day the Lord God of hosts called you to weeping, to wailing, to shaving the head and to wearing sackcloth. Instead, there is gaiety and gladness, killing of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: ‘Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we may die.’ But the Lord of hosts revealed Himself to me, ‘Surely this iniquity shall not be forgiven you until you die,’ says the Lord God of hosts” (Isaiah 22:12-14).
Interestingly, these people recognized the brevity and uncertainty of life. They knew that though they were here today, they could be gone tomorrow. Yet their response to this reality was feasting and revelry as if there was no more to look forward to past this life.
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What does “propitiation” mean? How is “justification” connected to salvation? What does “sanctification” look like in our day-to-day lives? The Bible uses some powerful words to describe God’s plan to save mankind. However, these words are not always easy to understand, especially when they are not part of our everyday vocabulary. This book explores key Bible terms that unlock the message of the gospel.
Big Words in the Bible examines five important words – Propitiation, Reconciliation, Sanctification, Justification, and Resurrection – using plain language to see how the Scriptures describe these concepts and how the apostle Paul employs them in his letter to the Romans. This book also contains an appendix with eleven additional articles to explore these topics further.
Whether you are new to the Bible and want to grow in your understanding or want a simple way to explain these core gospel doctrines to others, this book will be helpful. With a focus on the Scriptures, Big Words in the Bible helps break down these fundamental topics to shed light on the life-changing message of the gospel and the salvation found in it.
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