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Miscellaneous
To see PlanOfSalvation video
For your - FREE gift
(over 80 to choose from)
Click on desired title
Origin of Elephants and Jackasses
I.Q. Test
Bananas
Keep This on the Fridge
What Old Glory Means to Me
A World Without Slang is Chaos
No More Ink
The Benefits of Keeping the Mosaic Law
(This will SHOCK you!)
The history of Liberals Vs. Conservatives
Why does the "elephant" symbolize the Republican?
Why the "jackass" symbolizes the Democrat?
Civilized history began some 6,000 years ago, where people existed in small communities, known as nomadic hunters. During the summer they hunted animals that lived on the plains or mountains. In the winter, the civilizations survived by fishing for sea life, lobsters and Penguins that migrated south (hence the term "snow birds").
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Whoever invented the wheel was the first to come up with the phrase ("Necessity is the mother of invention"). Contrary to popular opinion THIS was the most important phrase ever conceived, NOT "Find a need and fill it" (by Henry Ford). "Necessity" was the motivating force behind the invention of the wheel, for the wheel is what brought people to transporting beer. You see, the wheel was invented to get man to the beer.
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These were the two most important inventions of the first industrial revolution, who-knows-how-many years ago, and ushered in what we know today as "modern civilization".
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Once beer was invented, it was immediately evident that two distinct groups would evolve out of this civilization - the Liberals and Conservatives. Beer required grain, which (because of our "necessity") motivated a new industry, namely, agriculture. Civilizations surrounded the farm communities where the source of their "food" was (beer), and became known as villages
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Many of the villagers realized that, to survive, they would have to track wildlife to BBQ at night while drinking their beer. This is what was known as the "Conservative movement". Others in the village who were weaker, less skilled and lazy came to survive by helping themselves to the free BBQ food and liberally loading it up on their "wheels" - hence the term "Liberal free loaders". To keep track of how much free BBQ and beer they would roll off with, the society devised a "coupon" system, which we know today as "Food Stamps". U.S.D.A. stood for "Unlimited Subsidized Distribution of Annhauser-Busch". Liberals had a culture of their own. They often had freeloaded so much BBQ food they couldn't eat it all, so began domesticating cats and dogs, and invented the concept of "Democratic voting" to decide on how to dispose of all the excess BBQ meat that they freeloaded.
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Eventually, the democrats got tired of the same flavor of beer, so began to import beer from other civilizations, especially the one they regarded the "core" group in the center of the agricultural society - hence the term "Coors".
Most social workers, personal injury attorneys, journalists, dreamers in Hollywood & group therapists are liberals.
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The "conservative" Republicans are big-game hunters, (including Elephants - from which we get the "Elephant" G.O.P. symbol - Grizzlies, Ostriches, Penguins). They also became rodeo cowboys, lumberjacks, construction workers, firemen, medical doctors, police officers, corporate executives, soldiers, athletes & generally anyone who worked productively outside the government. They own companies and hire other conservatives who want to work for a living, and used to fire those that were lazy until terms came along like "equal opportunity employment", which were invented by "government".
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Liberals like to "govern" the producers and decide what to do with the production and excess BBQ they "freeloaded". They are very good at administration and management, but often their decisions have embarrassing consequences, such as giving away National Parks, strategic waterways and subsidizing those that later become worst enemies - hence the word "Jackass".
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So now you know the "Rest of the story". Believe me, you haven't heard anything yet. Request chapter two for a real education on American history.
(c)2006 David Film.
I.Q. Test,
Can you solve the following?
For answers, visit guestbook at the bottom of the home page.
1. 26 L of the A
2. 7 D of the W
3. 1001 A N
4. 12 S of the Z
5. 54 C in a D (with J)
6. 9 P in the S S
7. 88 P K
8. 13 S on the A F
9. 32 D at which W F
10. 18 H on a G C
11. 90 D in a R A
12. 200 D for P G in M
13. 8 S on a S S
14. 3 B M (S H T R)
15. 4 Q in a G
16. 24 H in a D
17. 1 W on a U
18. 5 D in a Z C
19. 57 H V
20. 11 P on a F T
21. 1000 W that a P is W
22. 29 D in F in a L Y
23. 64 S on a C
24. 40 D & N of the G F
25. 76 T in the B P
26. 7 W of the A W
27. 101 D
28. 20,000 L U T S
29. 1 H on a U
30. 9 J on the S C
Bananas Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS:
Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia :
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine," eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
Did You Know That? Drinking two glasses of Gatorade can relieve headache pain almost immediately -- without the unpleasant side effects caused by traditional "pain relievers."
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Did you know that Colgate toothpaste makes an excellent salve for burns.
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Before you head to the drugstore for a high-priced inhaler filled with mysterious chemicals, try chewing on a couple of curiously strong Altoids peppermints. They'll clear up your stuffed nose.
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Achy muscles from a bout of the flu? Mix 1 Tablespoon of HORSERADISH in 1 cup of OLIVE OIL. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes, then apply it as a massage oil, for instant relief fo r aching muscles.
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Sore throat? Just mix 1/4 cup of vinegar with 1/4 cup of honey and take 1 tablespoon six times a day. The vinegar kills the bacteria.
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Cure urinary tract infections with Alka-Seltzer .. Just dissolve two tablets in a glass of water and drink it at the onset of the symptoms. Alka-Seltzer begins eliminating urinary tract infections almost instantly -- even though the product was n! ever been advertised for this use.
(Note: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine is not the same..and contains aspirin, which can cause stomach bleeding if you have ulcers. )
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Honey remedy for skin blemishes... Cover the blemish with a dab of honey and place a Band-Aid over it. Honey kills the bacteria, keeps the skin sterile, and speeds healing. Works overnight.
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Listerine therapy for toenail fungus... Get rid of unsightly toenail fungus by soaking your toes in Listerine mouthwash. The powerful antiseptic leaves your toenails looking healthy again.
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Easy eyeglass protection... To prevent the screws in eyeglasses from loosening, apply a small drop of Maybelline Crystal Clear nail polish to the threads of the screws before tightening them.
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Coca-Cola cure for rust... Forget those expens ive rust removers. Just saturate an abrasive sponge with Coca Cola and scrub the rust stain. The phosphoric acid in the coke is what gets the job done.
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Cleaning liquid that doubles as bug killer>... If menacing bees, wasps, hornets, or yellow jackets get in your home and you can't find the insecticide, try a spray of Formula 409. Insects drop to the ground instantly.
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Smart splinter remover...just pour a drop of Elmer's Glue-All over the splinter, let dry, and peel the dried glue off the skin. The splinter sticks to the dried glue.
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Hunt's tomato paste boil cure....cover the boil with Hunt's tomato paste as a compress. The acids from the tomatoes soothe the pain and bring the boil to a head.
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Balm for broken blisters...To disinfect a broken blister, dab on a few drops of Listerine ... a powerful antiseptic.
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Heinz vinegar to heal bruises... Soak a cotton ball in white vinegar and apply it to the bruise for 1 hour. The vinegar reduces the blueness and speeds up the healing process.
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Kills fleas instantly. Dawn dish washing liquid does the trick. Add a few drops to your dog's bath and shampoo the animal thoroughly. Rinse well to avoid skin irritations. Goodbye fleas.
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Rainy day cure for dog odor... Next time your dog comes ! in from the rain, simply wipe down the animal with Bounce or any dryer sheet, instantly making your dog smell springtime fresh.
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Eliminate ear mites... All it takes is a few drops of Wesson corn oil in your cat's ear. Massage it in, then clean with a cotton ball. Repeat daily for 3 days. The oil soothes the cat's skin, smothers the mites, and accelerates healing.
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Quaker Oats for fast pain relief....It's not for breakfast anymore!
Mix 2 cups of Quaker Oats and 1 cup of water in a bowl and warm in the microwave for 1 minute, cool slightly, and apply the mixture to your hands for soothing relief from arthritis pain.
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What "Old Glory" Means to Me
By Anna Film (13)
As I walk past the flying bright and
radiant colors of Old Glory, I stop and raise my head. As I gaze into the dark, rich, red stripes, I am reminded of the bloodshed from wars that America has fought...
My imagination grows deeper and deeper with every second through this unusual daydream. Soon, I picture a war torn flag flying through the air. As the visual comes into focus, I faintly see past the dirt and grime pasted on the cloth. In the distance, I can hardly understand the orders given by soldiers who are fighting to keep America alive.
For just one second, I come out of this daydream as my eyes glare at the white, silky, smooth cloth on the flag. I start to understand how pure their hearts must have been to risk their own lives for America. The unique daydream continues with sight of the dark blue silk hidden beneath the stars. I feel a sense of peace and comfort as I stare into the clear open sky.
I finally see the reality of the daydream - that it is not at all just a dream. It is what Old Glory means to me.
(First place winner in essay contest – Oklahoma Public School)
The cat got your tongue?-Don't rain on my parade-It's raining cats and dogs-Don't burst my bubble-You're a dead duck-People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones-Chip off the old block-I'm on pins and needles-I'm walking on thin ice-I'm walking on eggshells-I have to break the ice-It's dead as a door nail-You're between a rock and a hard place-It's right on the tip of my tongue-You're pulling my leg-Quick as a wink-As fast as lightning, clear as mud, clear as crystal, clear as a bell, clean as a whistle, dark as a pocket-He's a dead ringer-Like a bump on a log-Europe is "overcross"-Australia is "down under"-As light as a feather-Your brain is fried-Give 'em an inch and they take a mile-Leave him in the dust-It's blowing my brains out-I got burned out-Don't blow it-It's pushing me off the edge-Straight from the horses' mouth-As slow as molasses-I'm all pooped out-Don't look a gift horse in the mouth-Don't judge a book by it's cover-A picture is worth a thousand words-Put your money where your mouth is - Actions speak louder than words-You eat like a hog-Face the music-Over the hill-As skinny as a string bean, tighter than a drum-Don't throw the baby out with the bath water-Drop you like a hot rock-I wouldn't touch you with a ten foot pole-Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing-Don't let the cat out of the bag-It doesn't cut it-Chewing the fat-Running into a brick wall-Went over like a lead balloon-Scared stupid-As mad as a hornet, busy as a bee-Looking for a needle in a haystack-As dumb as a bag of rocks-It's a piece of cake-It's easy as pie-It's flat as a pancake-A hot potato-Great balls of fire-Read my lips-Didn't know diddly squat-Don't leave me hanging-It's a riot-Beauty is as beauty does-Stupid is as stupid does-I'm all keyed up-Slip of a lip will sink a ship-It's loose as a goose, free as a bird-Shoot from the hip-Let him have it with both barrels-Give it a shot-Give it your best shot-Go fly a kite-Take a long walk off a short pier-You took the words right out of my mouth-You have good taste-No sweat-It's in ship shape-He kicked the bucket, croaked-Don't let the cows out of the barn-Closed the barn door after the horses got out-Raising Cain-Outta sight-If the shoe fits, wear it-Go to bat-Having a bad hair day-Woke up on the wrong side of the bed-Reading between the lines-We're in the same boat-Join the club-More fun than a barrel of monkeys-In a tight spot-Between a rock and a hard place-Jumping the gun-Best thing since clean underwear-Drunk as a skunk-Like a fish out of water-Don't cry over spilled milk-All hyped up-Stop horsing around-Stop monkeying around-Dropped my false teeth-Wrap it up-Them apples-Pull yourself together-Sweep you off your feet-They're a handful-I'm in hot water-Weak link-A chain is a strong as it's weakest link-Barking up the wrong tree-As the crow flies-Make a beeline-Make a mountain out of a molehill-Put that in your pipe and smoke it-Pin a rose on your nose-Don't count your chickens before they hatch-Not in my ball bark-In your dreams-Stitch in time saves nine-Ballpark figure-Way out in left field-Sick as a dog-By the skin of his teeth-Time flies-Stinks to high heaven-Once in a new moon-‘Til hell freezes over-When the cows come home-When pigs fly-I don't trust you as far as I can throw you-Dry up-Below the belt-Get your ducks in a row-Like an elephant on your chest-A broken record-Odd ball-Odd couple-Home free-When the anvil drops-Waiting for the other shoe to drop-Shoo-in-Zig zag-Not too hot-In the clink-In the slammer-Wing it-Running a quart low-Toys in the attic-Bats in the Belfry-Lost your marbles-Mr. Goody Twoshoes-Too big for his britches-Cool it-Knock it off-Once in a blue moon-Know how push your button-Beating around the bush-Butterfingers-Split your gut-Saved by the bell-Eyes glued....-On the edge of your seat-Follow your nose-Stop to smell the roses-It's now or never-Take it or leave it-Woke up on the wrong side of the bed-Woke up on the wrong side of the bed-Thinking outside the box-New kid on the block-Reading between the lined-Not on my watch. ©2004 Anna Film (13)
No More Ink!
1-Do you have an Epson or Canon printer?
2-Have you tried to refill the ink cartridge with ink?
3-Does your Epson or Canon printer software still say you are out of ink? If your model appears below:
T0321, T0322, T0323, T0324,
T0331, T0332, T0333, T0334, T0334, T0336
T0341, T0342, T0343, T0344, T0345, T0346, T0347, T0348
T0422, T0423, T0424
T0431, T0441, T0442, T0443, T0444, T0481, T0482, T0483, T0484, T0485, T0486
T0540, T0541, T0542, T0543, T0544, T0545, T0546, T0547, T0548, T0549
T007, T008, T009, T009201, T019201, T020201
T013, T014, T015201, T016201
T017, T018, T026, T029
T036120, T037020, T040120......
Visit the guestbook at the bottom of the home page.
You are able to purchase ink resetters which will reset the computer chip in your Epson ink cartridge. Refill black or color cartridges unlimited number of times. Request details by clicking "Email Us" on left.
4-Make your own ink!
Are you spending outrageous prices on ink cartridges or ink refill kits?
Upon purchasing ink refill kits, included in the kit is a bottle of cleaning solution. Upon contaminating this with a few drops of red ink, I inadvertently filled my red ink cartridge with CLEANING SOLUTION, and was able to PRINT RED INK with it!
From experience in the printing trade, I had worked with oil base and water base ink. Printer ink cartridges are WATER BASE. I discovered that I can refill my ink cartridges with FOOD COLORING from any grocery or Dollar store, and am having wonderful success printing with it! Simply fill your RED, YELLOW or BLUE with food coloring. To make black ink use standard Ink Pad Refill ink from any office supply store or stationary aisle in any department store.
Depending on the type of printer you have, some are easier to refill than others.
On Lexmark cartridges, you can remove the top with a heavy duty box cutter.
On HP printers simply poke holes through the label on top. On some HP models, the hole closest toward the front is yellow, two holes on the left are for red and two holes on the right are for blue. Other HP models have the red in front and the yellow on the left. Specify your cartridge number.
On all printers, red almost always runs out first. After refilling, allow it to sit about 30 minutes for your "ink" to settle toward the bottom of the cartridge.
A retailer informed me that if your ink cartridge develops problems with leaking, you can thicken it with corn starch (no kidding!).
Since food coloring are basic colors, rather than Cyan, Magenta, etc. It is not recommended to use for printing out photos that require exact hues, unless you have software to adjust for color balance.
Another fact you might be glad to know:
When you print pages in black, you will discover with some printers that it prints black using combinations of colors from the color ink cartridge, unless you go into the software (under "setup") and specifically tell the printer to "print all colors in black". Otherwise, it will continue to use up all your color ink, whether you print in color or not.
By Raymond Keable
Today, according to God’s Word, what benefits are derived from the preaching, teaching and keeping of the LAW?
1. It makes you accursed. Gal.1:8,9
2. It pleases men...not God. Gal: 1:10:
3. It destroy's the testimony of the “faith of Christ” Gal.1:23 (Gal.2:16; 3:22,23; Col.2:10,13).
4. It brings people into bondage and takes away their freedom. Gal. 2:4,5:1
5. It does not teach the “truth of the Gospel” (Acts 20:24). Gal. 2:5
6. It carries you away with “dissimulation” (deceit, hypocrisy, speak or act falsely). Gal. 2:13
7. It does not make you walk uprightly. Gal. 2: 14
8. You make yourself and the Lord Jesus Christ “ministers of sin.” Gal. 2:17
9. You become a transgressor. Gal. 2:18
10. You frustrates the grace of God (to set aside, disesteem, reject). Gal. 2:21
11. You become foolish and bewitched. (witchcraft) Gal. 3:1
12. You are under a curse, because you cannot/ do not keep all the law (James 2:10). Gal. 3:10
13. You are not justified. Gal. 3:11
14. It is not of faith. Gal. 3:12
15. It has absolutely nothing to do with the promise of eternal life! Gal. 3:17,18
16. It cannot give you righteousness. Gal. 3:21
17. It keeps you as a child and does not allow you to grow (1Cor. 1:13). Gal. 3:24; 4:1-3
18. You return to the weak and beggarly elements. Gal. 4:9
19. Paul becomes your enemy. Gal. 4:16
20. You do not understand the law yourself (Rom.2:17-25; 1Tim.1:4-10). Gal. 4:20,21
21. You persecute the righteous. Gal. 4:29
22. Jesus Christ means nothing to you because you are fallen from grace! Gal. 5:4
23. You are not obeying the “present truth”(2Peter 1:12). Gal 5:7
24. You fulfill the “lusts of the flesh.” Gal. 5:13,16
25. You are not “led of the Spirit.” Gal. 5:16
26. You (mistakenly) have a high opinion of yourself. Gal. 6:.3,4
27. You are deceived and teach deception. Gal. 6:7
28. You mock God (to ridicule, treat with scorn and contempt). Gal. 6:7
29. You sow “to the flesh” and will “reap corruption.” Gal. 6:8
30. Law keepers are show off's, always desiring to “make a fair show in the flesh.” Gal. 6:12
31. Law keepers are not partakers of the “persecutions” of the preaching of the cross. Gal. 6:12
32. Law keepers do not keep the law themselves but rather glory in another’s flesh. Gal. 6:13
33. Law keepers want you to be just like them. Gal. 6:13
34. Law keepers cause you nothing but “trouble.” Gal. 6:17
Law keepers, these are your dividends! A dividend is a profit made from an investment. You “reap” what you “sow.” I chose 34 points from one small book in the Bible, a book that has just 6 short chapters, to point out what God thinks about those who think that the keeping of the law will give them the righteousness needed for salvation. Symbolically, scripture defines the keeping of the law as the “work of your hands” (Deut.31:29), which is further defined by the Apostle Paul in Phil.3:9 as “mine own righteousness.” Scripturally, it is associated with idol worship: Hosea 14:3: “Asshur (the second son of Shem and his descendants and the country occupied by them...Assyria and region) will not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say anymore to the WORK OF OUR HANDS, Ye are our gods...” and Acts 7:41: “And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the WORK OF THEIR OWN HANDS.”
Let me give you another scriptural example about this subject. The word “peer” means: an equal, one of the same rank; a companion; fellow; associate. It’s similar to the word “counterpart:” the part that answers to another, as the two papers of a contract; a copy; a duplicate. Also, the part which fits another. As a law keeper, 1Tim.1:9,10 describes your peers...your counterparts. You are identified with these kind of people!
1. Unrighteous: unjust, wicked, treacherous.
2. Lawless: not subject to law, unrestrained by law, destitute of Mozaic law (isn’t this interesting that this is said to those who supposedly keep the law?).
3. Disobedient: insubordinate, unsubjected, cannot be subjected to control.
4. Ungodly: irreverance toward the Supreme Being...manifesting contempt.
5. Sinners: pre-eminently sinful, especially wicked.
6. Unholy: impious, wicked. Another definition is: not ceremonially purified...with a reference given to Lev.10:9,10 which is a verse telling Aaron and his sons not to drink wine or strong drink before they entered the tabernacle of the congregation...with the understanding that would make a difference between the holy and unholy and the clean and unclean. The problem with this is that Heb.7:19 says: “For the law made nothing perfect...”
7. Profane: ungodly, wicked, heathenish.
8. Murderers of fathers: those who commit patricide.
9. Murderers of mothers: those who commit matricide.
10. Manslayers: murderer.
11. Whoremongers: male prostitute.
12. Them that defile themselves with mankind: sodomite, homosexual (Rom.1:26,27).
13. Menstealers: a slave dealer.
14. Liars: a falsifier (Prov.17:4; John 8:44).
15. Perjured persons: a false swearer (Acts 17:5 describes this as “lewd fellows of the baser sort.” (Lewd: hurtful, evil, morally worthless, corrupt).
16. Contrary to sound doctrine: opposite, adverse, to oppose, withstand.
Do I still have your attention? I sure hope so. This information is important with regard to your eternal destination...heaven or hell. The phrase “sound doctrine” ( 1Tim.1:10) is a reference to Christians whose doctrine is not defective and is free from any mixture of error. Rom.3:28 says: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith WITHOUT THE DEEDS OF THE LAW.” This is plain speaking! Three well established religions: Catholicism, Judaism, and Islam are all law oriented, works based religions. According to God’s word, this is not the way to salvation. Rom.4:5 says: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” This mixing of doctrinal truth with error happened in Paul’s day and it happens now. Some things never change. If this were not true, why are there more than 30,000 different denominations listed as Christian, the vast majority works based?
The word “characterize” means: the personal combination of qualities in a person or place that makes them different from others. For example it would be very out of character (not typical) for a law keeper to trust in the sufficiency of the cross. Remember, the law “personified” speaks to your own works and your own righteousness, “the work of your hands.”
Regarding the doctrinal correctness of the teaching and the keeping of the law today, please read 1Tim. 1:3-8. The Lord pulls no punches with regard to His thoughts on this. This is how God characterizes you. This small list is just one of many. He says that:
1. You teach “other doctrine” (other than what God wants...Gal.1:6-9).
2. You “give heed to fables.” A fable is fiction, not truth. In other words, you speak falsely! Titus 1:14 defines it as “Jewish fables.” This is an obvious reference to mixing law with grace.
3. You are primarily self focused. Why? Because you are more concerned with genealogies (ancestral pedigrees or your own important deeds) than you are with sound doctrine.
4. You do not Godly edify. What this means is that your teaching instructs people in an ungodly manner. Is this what you want?
5. You are “uncharitable.” This means that you lack the disposition of heart which inclines us to think favorably toward other people, to do them good. Will this be your legacy?
6. Your heart is not pure. Self explanatory. Scripture calls it an “evil heart.”
7. You have a bad conscience. Scripture, in describing our conscience, uses words like: good,weak, defiled, seared. It is a reference to our morality. According to this passage, if you teach that salvation comes by keeping the law, which is your category...weak, defiled, or seared? (Answer: all of the above).
8. Your faith is “feigned” (imagined, devised, invented, assumed...not according to God).
9. You have “swerved” from the truth (to miss the mark, deviate from the truth, err).
10. You do not understand what you say.
11. You do not understand what you affirm (you cannot be confident in what you believe).
12. You become a “VAIN JANGLER.”
The whole Bible speaks of the inadequacies of the law regarding our justification (to be made righteous). The word “vain jangling” in 1Tim.1:6 means an empty babbler. Mostly, the words “vain”and “vanity” in the new testament are defined with words like: empty; worthless, having no substance, value, or importance...speaking of moral depravity. In the Old Testament, there is more than one Hebrew word for “vain” and “vanity.” But, the ones I am interested in are defined with words like: empty, worthless, untruth, a sham, without cause, deceit, lying, unsatisfactory, transitory...essentially the same as the new testament.
Now read Jonah 2:8: “They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.” The word “observe” means to hedge about, guard, protect, attend to. The word “vanities” comes from another Hebrew word that means to “lead astray” (in a moral sense). Taken out of context, Jonah 2:8 is a great verse that describes what the teaching and keeping of the law does for a person today: you are a liar, you guard and protect untruth, and you “forsake your own mercy.”
When we come to Paul’s epistles, we find out that it is the grace of God that saves us and not the keeping of the law. Titus 3:5 calls this grace mercy: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us...” This completely eliminates any of our own works. So, by the keeping and teaching of the law today, you lead people into immorality, you forsake your own salvation and deprive those you teach of the same. If I were a law keeper and teacher, I sure would not want to have that weight around my neck when I opened my eyes in hell. How about you?
Still not convinced that the “work of our hands,” the keeping of the law, cannot get us the righteousness we need? This scriptural truth goes all the way back to Genesis 4, where Abel brought the right sacrifice to the Lord, “the firstlings of his flock.” The Lord had respect for Abel’s sacrifice, but not for Cain’s. Why? Cain brought the Lord the wrong sacrifice, “the fruit of the ground.” This was from his own labor, the “work of his hands,” from a cursed earth and from a spiritually fallen, cursed body. This truth about the law started in Gen.2:17 when the Lord commanded Adam that he could eat of any tree in the garden except for “...the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” With a completed Bible, we can now understand the meaning of this command. God will not accept man’s good or man’s evil. The evil is immediately understandable. But what about the good? Man’s good is his own righteousness...his own wisdom...his own works...the “work of his hands,” the keeping of the law!
So, way back in Genesis 4, a precedent was set long before the law was actually given. Cain transgressed (violated) the Lord’s command. Gal.3:19 says: “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions...” Forgiveness requires blood, Abel’s sacrifice of the lamb (symbolic of the Lamb of God, the blood of Christ). Lev.17:11: “...for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” Is there any wonder as to why Moses, shortly before his death, told the 2nd wilderness generation of Israel that the book of the law would be used as a “witness against thee” and that “ye will utterly corrupt yourselves... because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger THROUGH THE WORK OF YOUR HANDS” (Deut. 31:26, 29). The keeping of the law is “operation Cain” resurrected!
If you are still paying attention, please compare the next two passages:
1-Deut 6:25: “And it shall be OUR righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.”
with
2-Phil. 3:8,9: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS, WHICH IS OF THE LAW, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
There is definitely a vital and sacred connection between the O.T. and the N.T. The word “our” in Deut. 6:25 means: pertaining or belonging to us; as our country; our rights; our people. “Ours,” which is primarily the possessive case of “our,” is never used as an adjective, but as a substitute for the adjective and noun to which it belongs. The nation of Israel is the subject (noun) in this verse.
Simply stated, the Old Testament teaches that law keepers make their own righteousness. This is how the law is portrayed in the Old Testament. This denies or diminishes the faith of Christ. “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Christ” (Gal.2:16). Does scripture ever teach that Israel was ever able to fulfill all the requirements of the law as they promised they would? No! Does scripture ever claim that the keeping of the law will get you the desired justification needed for salvation? No!
In Exodus 20, forty years before the Deuteronomy time period, the children of Israel broke at least three of the ten commandments before Moses came down from the mountain. You might say that the ten commandments had not yet been given. My response would be to ask you some questions:
1. Are you trying to tell me that the Jews back then could not discern between right and wrong?
2. Are you trying to tell me that they did not know any better than to worship the 2 golden calves?
3. Why did Israel have to wander for 40 years until that generation died out?
4. Would the Lord have caused that to happen if they were ignorant of what they did? (Rom.2:14,15)
5. Why did the nation of Israel make the verbal contract with Jehovah God to begin with? (Exodus19:5-8) Rom. 3:4:“...let God be true, but every man a liar...”
6. Why couldn’t Israel get it right the first time. The word Deuteronomy means the 2nd giving of the law.
7. Why did the Lord have to restate and reaffirm the contract He made with Israel to subsequent generations? (Deut. 11:27; 28:1; Josh.24:24; 1Sam.15:22; Isa.1:19; Jer. 7:23; 11:4-7)
8. Over 800 years after the Deuteronomy time period, why did God divorce Israel? Jer.3:8:“And I saw, when for all the causes thereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.” Malachi. 2:11: “Judah...hath married the daughter of a strange god.”
9. Do you think there is a remote possibility that God Almighty was trying to teach them something important (Rom.3:19,20; Col.2:14?)
10. Why is the O.T. and N.T. filled with verses that talk about the unfaithfulness of Israel and how they continually broke the contract they made with God?
11. Why does the N.T. start talking about the fact that the law absolutely cannot give you what you want and desire?” Read what Jesus said to Israel’s leaders in John 7:19: “Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me?”
12. Why would you think that your religion or your denomination or your wisdom could somehow surpass the wisdom of God’s Word? (Prov.14:12)
Let’s take a walk through the O.T., the written history of Israel, to see exactly how faithful they were to the Lord and the law He gave to them. Below are quotes from 32 of the 39 O.T. books. I would exhort all to also study the context.
Ex. 32:8: “They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.” Lev. 26:41: “...if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept the of punishment of their iniquity.”
Num. 32:14: “And behold, ye are risen up in your father’s stead, an increase of sinful men, to augment yet the fierce anger of the Lord toward Israel.”
Deut. 9:6: “Understand therefore, that the Lord thy God giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked people.”
Joshua 7:11: “Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I have commanded them...”
Judges 2:11: “And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim.”
1 Sam. 10:19: “And ye have this day rejected your God, who himself saved you out of all your adversities...”
2Sam. 21:1: “Then there was famine in the days of David three years, year after year, and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, It is Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.”
1Kings 11:6: “And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.”
2Kings 22:13: “...for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us.”
1Chron. 21:1: “And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.”
2Chron. 28:25: “And in every several city of Judah he (Ahaz) made high places to burn incense unto other gods, and provoked to anger the LORD God of his fathers.”
Ezra 13:18: “Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? Yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.”
Neh. 9:26: “Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.”
Psalms 78:37: “For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.”
Prov. 30:12: “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.”
Song of Solomon 7:12: “Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grapes appear...” Isa. 5:1-7 describes Israel as the Lord’s vineyard. The Lord says Israel brought forth “wild grapes” (defined as poison berries, a worthless, stinking thing).
Eccl. 20:7: “For there is not a just man upon the earth, that doeth good and sinneth not.”Isaiah 1:4: “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.”
Jer. 32:30: “For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have only done evil before me from their youth: for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the WORK OF THEIR HANDS, saith the Lord.”
Lam. 5:16: “The crown is fallen from our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned.”
Ezek. 16:59: “For thus saith the Lord God; I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant.”Dan. 9:11: “Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.”
Hosea 10:13: “Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of mighty men.”
Amos 5:26: “But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made for yourselves.”
Micah 1:5: “For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem?”
Nahum 2:2: “For the Lord hath turned away the excellency of Jacob, as the excellency of Israel: for the emptiers have emptied them out, and marred their vine branches.”
Habakkuk 2:4: “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by faith”
Zephaniah 3:1,2: “Woe to her that is filthy and polluted, to the oppressing city! She obeyed not the voice; she received not correction; she trusted not in the Lord; she drew not near to her God.” Haggai 2:14: “Then answered Haggai, and said, so is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord; and so is every WORK OF THEIR HANDS; and that which they offer there is unclean.”
Zech. 7:12: “Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 2:8: “But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law: ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.”
Read 2 Kings 17:6-18, a passage that describes the moral condition of the ten northern tribes before their Assyrian captivity and before the Lord divorced them (Jer.3:8). The #12 is the number for Israel in the Bible. Below are 24 characteristics from this short passage about these tribes...a double dose. Read what God lists as some of their “moral attributes.”
1. Verse 7: Israel sinned against the Lord and feared other gods.
2. Verse 8: Israel walked in the statutes of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out.
3. Verse 9: The children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the Lord. (Heb.4:12)
4. Verse 10: The children of Israel set up images and groves in every high hill (idol worship).
5. Verse 11: The children burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen.
6. Verse 11: The children wrought wicked things to provoke the Lord.
7. Verse 12: The children of Israel served idols after the Lord told them not to do this thing.
8. Verse 13: Through their prophets and seers, the Lord testified against Israel and told them to turn from their evil ways.
9. Verse 14: Israel would not hear.
10. Verse 14: Israel hardened their necks as did their fathers.
11. Verse 14: Israel and their fathers did not believe in the Lord their God.
12. Verse 15: Israel rejected His statutes.
13. Verse 15: Israel rejected the Lord’s covenant He made with their fathers.
14. Verse 15: Israel rejected His testimonies which He testified against them.
15. Verse 15: Israel followed vanity (emptiness...something transitory and unsatisfactory).
16. Verse 15: Israel became vain.
17. Verse 15: Israel followed the heathen that were round about them.
18. Verse 16: Israel left all the commandments of the Lord.
19. Verse 16: Israel made molten images, even two calves.
20. Verse 16: Israel worshiped all the host of heaven. This verse would indicate that they made more images other than the two calves. The 2nd commandment, Ex.20:4 says: “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is isn the water under the earth.”
21. Verse16: Israel served Baal (a Phoenician deity).
22. Verse 17: Israel caused their sons and daughters to pass through the fire. This is sacrificing their children by burning them up in the fire (2Chron. 28:3; Psa.106:37,38). Lev. 18:21 says: “And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire of Moloch...” (the chief deity of the Ammonites).
23. Verse 17: Israel used divination and enchantments...directly opposed to the Lord’s commandment (Deut 18:10-12).
24. Verse 17: Israel “...sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.”
Did you notice that most of these 24 points are not a reference to physical, fleshly sins? Rather, they are a reference to spiritual sins, sins of the heart and mind!
Jeremiah was a prophet sent by God who prophesied mostly to the 2 tribes of southern Israel (Benjamin and Judah) shortly before and after their fall to Babylon. He was the last of the 12 pre-exile prophets who lived to witness this tragic event and wrote his Lamentations as a sad memorial to this time. Read these four verses.
Jer.1:16: “And I will utter my judgments against them as touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshipped the WORKS OF THEIR OWN HANDS.”
Jer. 5:31: “The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; AND MY PEOPLE LOVE TO HAVE IT SO...”
Jer.8:9: “The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?”
Jer.11:10: “They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.”
Now, carefully read Jeremiah 23 which talks about false pastors, prophets, and priests of the whole house of Israel. Jer.23:16 is a good O.T. summary of the history of Israel: “Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.”
Compare Jer.23 with Acts 7:52: “Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted: and they have slain them which before showed the coming of the Holy One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.” This verse just echoes O.T. teaching about Israel and their ability to keep their promise. They believed the false prophets and persecuted the true ones sent by the Lord. Remember, Moses, the revered law giver, was one of these prophets!
Ezekiel was another major prophet to the whole house of Israel. Ezekiel (and Daniel) were taken about 11 years before the final sacking of Jerusalem. This was at the time when Zedekiah began his miserable, pathetic reign of 11 years (Jerusalem’s last king). Chapters 1-24 in Ezekiel cover the first 9 years. He began prophesying in the 5th year of his captivity. This means that he ministered 6 years before Israel fell. This is why in the 1st twenty four chapters of the book, there is so much about the coming judgment of Jerusalem.
I think the best way to convey what Ezekiel prophesied is to use a phrase found only in his writings: “untempered morter.” He uses this phrase 5 times. The word “untempered” means: not duly mixed; not durable or standing; not enduring. When you temper something, like steel, it is hardened, made stronger. The reason Israel was “untempered” was because of their false prophets and teachers. Ezek. 13:10,15 sum it up: “Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter. Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, the wall is no more, neither they that daubed it.”
There is a shocking passage in Ezek.16:27 which states that “...the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way.” The word “lewd” means: given to the unlawful indulgence of lust; addicted to fornication or adultery; dissolute (loose in morals and behavior). The behavior of the Israelites was so shameful that they caused the Philistines to blush! The Philistines were Gentiles, just one of the “heathen” countries separated from the true Lord. Imagine, the “heathen” acting better than the Jews. This is what the verses teach!
In 2 Chronicles 36, the last chapter of the Jewish Bible, the last three kings of Jerusalem are mentioned. All three kings “did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD.” This chapter shows that the chief priests “transgressed very much, polluted the house of the LORD, mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and misused His prophets.” Would this indicate that anything had changed with regard to the behavior of the Jews? As mentioned previously, Malachi, the last book in our O.T., shows the same consistent pattern of behavior.
and Ezekiel 36-48?
Jer.31:31-34 and Ezek.36:24-28 teach that in a future day, Israel will be able to keep the law perfectly. This will be through the enablement of the “new covenant.” Jer.31:31 says: “Behold the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah.” This passage is repeated in Heb.8:8. When the nation goes through its final 7 year purging (Dan.9; Rev.), God will empower those Jews who died in faith and those who lived without getting the mark of the beast. The new covenant is the Lord’s doing. He will write His laws into their “inward parts” and cause them to keep the law. The new covenant enables future Israel. Ezek.37-48 speaks of that kingdom time period. Many Christians today think that we are under the new covenant and possibly in that time period, but scripture does not teach this. Saved people today are not the house of Israel...physically or spiritually. Anybody “in Christ” today has been made a “new creature” (2Cor.5:17), not a spiritual Jew. There is no such thing in scripture.
What good did the law ever do Israel? Self justification through the “work of their hands,” the keeping of the 613 laws, did it ever get them the righteousness needed for salvation? Or, does the Old Testament consistently teach something else?
Now, ask yourself if you still think that the preaching, teaching, and keeping of the law will get you the justification and righteousness needed to get to heaven.
What about Matthew 23?
This entire chapter is a scathing rebuke of Israel’s priests and their religion...the law (Acts 26:5). Below is a list of just 12 descriptive phrases used by the Lord:
1. They “bind heavy burdens...but...will not move one of their fingers.”
2. “...all their works they do for to be seen of men...”
3. They “...love the uppermost seats at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues.”
4. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! (repeated 7 times by the Lord).
5. When they make one proselyte, they make him “twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.”
6. “Woe unto you, ye blind guides...”
7. “Ye fools and blind...”
8. They have “...omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith...”
9. They are full of “extortion and excess.”
10. They are “like unto a whited sepulchres...but within are full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.”
11. They are “full of hypocrisy and iniquity.”
12. Jesus likens this generation of priests to: “serpents...generation of vipers...”
Earlier in Matthew, in speaking about the scribes and Pharisees of Israel, Jesus says: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” Did you catch this? The ones keeping and teaching the law are FALLEN & BLIND!
Still not convinced? There is a very revealing verse in John 15:24 where Jesus once again tells Israel’s leaders that they did not learn what was taught by their prophets in the O.T. “If I had not done among them works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father.” This verse illustrates something more than just the miracles the Lord performed. How do I know this? Because some of the O.T. prophets were enabled to do miracles at crucial times in Israel’s history. So, it couldn’t be the miracles the Lord performed. This verse teaches that Jesus Christ completely fulfilled the requirements of the law. How? By living a sinless life (Heb. 4:15). No other person in history has been able to do this.
In Acts 15, there was dissension and disputation among the Jews regarding the “conversion of the Gentiles” (Acts15:3). Should they be taught to keep the law? Read how Peter responded in Acts 15:10: “Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear.”
say about the law?
Paul, an apostle and prophet of the Lord, penned about half of the N.T...13 of the 27 N.T. books. The reason he was chosen by God was to go to all nations with a specific gospel message: “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested....” (Rom.3:21). This verse does not imply that righteousness could “previously” have been gotten by the keeping of the law. Rather, it is a concluding verse. It concludes what the Lord had been trying to teach mankind and Israel throughout history. We cannot save ourselves! Paul begins his description of the law in Rom.2:17. As Jesus did, he also pulls no punches in his description of his law-keeping countrymen.
Let’s take a look at Rom.2:17-26 with some O.T. cross references:
Verse 17: “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? None evil can come upon you” (Micah 3:11).
Verse 18: “He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any other nation...” (Psa.147:19,20).
Verse 19,20: “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him” (Prov.26:12).
Verse 21: “Her princes...they have put no difference between the holy and profane...Her princes in the midst thereof are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed innocent blood, and to destroy souls, and to get dishonest gain” (Ezek.22:27).
Verse 22: “Behold, ye trust in lying words, that cannot profit. Will ye steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense unto Baal, and walk after other gods whom ye knew not” (Jer.7:8,9)?
Verse 23: “How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; The wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken: lo,they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them (Jer. 8:8,9).
Verse 24: “Now therefore, what have I here, saith the LORD, that my people is taken away for nought? They that rule over them make them to howl, saith the LORD; and my name continually every day is blasphemed” (Isa.52:5).
Verse 25: “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will punish them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised...and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart” (Jer.9:25,26).
Verse 26: “Also the sons of a stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him...Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer...” (Isa.56:6,7).
Passages like this teach us that we can literally believe what Paul said in Acts 13:39: “And by him (Jesus Christ) all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.”
teach about the law?
The Hebrew epistles speak to the nation of Israel in a future time period...scripturally called “the ages to come” (Eph.2:7). The present day church, the body of Christ, will not be on the earth during this time of prophesied wrath.
It is not necessary to quote a lot of verses at this point. Why? Because up to this point in the Bible, the instruction about the law has been consistent: the law will not make you righteous! Even the Apostle John, who wrote three of the Hebrew epistles, showed this distinction in the first chapter of his gospel: “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17). Clearly, something better than the law came, in the person of Jesus Christ and subsequently in the person of Paul and the ministry and gospel committed to him (Acts 20:24; Rom.16:25; 1Cor.9:17; Eph.3:2; etc.).
Two passages in the Hebrew epistles should suffice. Heb.7:11,19: “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?” and Heb.10:11,12: “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.”
who completed our canon of scripture (Col.1:25)
Knowing that the law is not one of the “covenants of promise” (Eph.2:12; Rom.9:4), Paul told us exactly why the law was given to Israel: “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions...” (Gal.3:19). Knowing that the law cannot make one righteous, Paul told us exactly what the law was “supposed” to do: “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall be no flesh justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Rom.3:20).
Israel is blind to the truth of what Moses said shortly before his death. Law keepers are blind to the fact that the law cannot purchase the righteousness required by the Lord for salvation. Why do you think the Lord had Paul write 2Cor. 3:15,16? “But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.” Jesus Christ Himself paid the price for us. “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men” (1Cor.7:23). A law keeper is a “servant of men.” Gal.1:10 said it earlier: “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.”
At this point, some of you might be thinking of three verses: Rom.3:31; Rom.7:12; and 1Tim.1:8. The answers to your questions are simple. We “establish the law” (Rom.3:31), because the law did its job. It convicted us of our sin and sin nature and to the fact that we needed a Saviour. The “law is holy” (Rom.7:12), because it came from the Lord. Leave it to mankind to mess things up. “...the law is good, if a man use it lawfully” (1Tim.1:8), but only one man in history was able to use it lawfully...the God - man...Jesus Christ (John 15:24).
Some of the Lord’s instructions for us today are found in Rom.14:19: “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and the things wherewith one may edify another” but Rom.4:15 says: “Because the law worketh wrath...” By adhering to the law as a system of righteousness, how would you be able to fulfill Rom.14:19?
There is not one verse in the Bible which teaches that the keeping the law, with all of its rules, regulations, and ordinances will get you the justification needed for salvation. Our Holy Book points to the Lord Jesus Christ, who by his willing sacrifice and for the benefit of mankind, nailed the law (and its consequences) to the cross. In describing what the finished work of the cross accomplished, Col.2:14 states: “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”
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