Assuming Approval

Sometimes what Jehovah says and does comes across as harsh, unyielding. This can be readily illustrated in the case of Uzzah. For what seemed to be a good deed, namely preventing the Ark from toppling over, he was immediately executed by God. Some may have reasoned that dismissal from his Levitical appointment would have sufficed. Even King David was said to be angered against Jehovah for this punishment against Uzzah. The one principle the Bible reminds us is that God is ultimately righteous in everything he does. Nothing he does is unjust. This article helps us to understand that even more clearly. Collaborating that, is this article from gotquestions.com.

Perhaps this may also have been a case of wrong expectations that God would approve. Korah was a warning example of that type of thinking. He felt Moses was misusing the authority God had given him and stood up against Moses declaring ‘enough of you! The whole assembly of God is holy, not just you!’ Did Korah think he could do a better job? Even if that were so, he learned the hard way that when God has set up a means of handling a matter, revolting or even chafing at such is a direct rebellion against God’s decision. Moses wasn’t perfect. Perfection wasn’t a requirement. But Moses did closely listen and follow the directions God gave. (As a sideline, Moses didn’t feel superior. In fact, at one point he stated that he wished everyone had his power and authority.)

Another case of not following direction, which Jehovah viewed as blatant disregard, not for Moses, but for God himself, was the case of what happened when the 12 spies came back from their expedition. Except for Joshua and Caleb, the other 10 men all gave a bad report, which disheartened the nation, making them afraid to take possession of the land Jehovah promised them. (See Numbers chapters 13 & 14.) Once the people heard that their refusal to trust in God resulted in a condemnation of wandering for 40 years, they immediately changed their tune and, then once again in disobedience, refused to listen and tried to go up to war. Here are the devastating consequences.

Why do I cite these cases? Some have contended that “all religions (especially those claiming to be Christian) are approved by God.” With that claim, they find fault with me because I disagree. One of the key scriptures here is Matthew 7:21-23. The individuals mentioned there seemed shocked that they were rejected. What they did in “prophesying, expelling demons, and performing many powerful works,” all to Christ’s credit, are exactly what Jesus himself did. Yet he did not approve -- expressly because they did not do what they were directed to do. They didn't follow direction. 

I would hope that most would agree with me that today’s fake miracle workers, the insatiably money-hungry evangelists, and others who have little but selfish motives would absolutely fit in this category. But what of others who, just as supposedly sincere as the ones mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 7, likewise feel they are serving God. Indeed, no one, including me, is in any position to take God’s place as judge. He and his son, Jesus, are capable of reading the hearts that we mere humans cannot. I personally can only go on what I read and understand in the Bible. The Bible teaches there is only one God, Jehovah. The Bible teaches permanent destruction of wicked, not an eternal torment. There is more than ample evidence in scripture that Jesus is the Son of God, not God the Son, not God-in-flesh on earth, not half man, half God. I believe these things so wholeheartedly that I am convinced those who don’t, no matter how sincere they are, have deceived themselves; and like Uzzah, Korah, and those others who decide for themselves what and how much they will do for God, will suffer the consequences. 

Before anyone condemns me, I’d ask you -- Do you have such strong faith in your beliefs that you are thoroughly convinced of them and want to take strong issue with me? If so, then you are essentially doing the same thing I am doing -- being thoroughly convinced and sharing your beliefs with others. But unlike those that find fault with me and want to silence me, I respect that God gave us free will. I have no problem with people defending their beliefs in a respectful, calm manner. (Please note that I will not treat those who disagree with me with disrespect. Although I am completely, resolutely convinced I have found the one and only truth, I am not the judge of anyone.)

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Matthew 7:21, "Not Everyone Saying To Me"

I was recently asked, “Are you a believer?” I answered affirmatively and then asked what church the gentleman I was speaking with attends. He said something to the effect that all religions are just different paths leading to the same place, although his words were much more poetic and picturesque. I then asked what he thought of Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 7:21-23. I told him that, in essence, Jesus disagreed with what he just stated.

After reflecting on that conversation, I felt the scripture in Matthew 7 would be a good subject for my blog. So here it is, word for word: 21 "Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!"

When we consider that Jesus prophesied, expelled demons, performed miracles and other powerful works, it is really an eye-opening and sobering thought that he would actually reject and condemn others for doing it. Why was that? Jesus himself answers that question in verse 21. The only thing that would get his approval is that true Christians would be “doing the will of my Father.” Put another way, since doing the will of the Father does NOT necessarily include or feature prophesying, expelling demons and other amazing outward acts, what else did Jesus do that gave us an example of true Christian actions? 

The answer is Jesus’ public ministry. (Matthew 4:17,23;9:35; Luke 4:43,44; 8:1) He also taught his followers the art of public preaching as noted in these two instances recorded in Luke. Then, just before Jesus left the earthly scene, he gave them a grand commission to fulfill a worldwide preaching campaign before his return. The apostle Paul recognized the vital importance of this work--without it lives could be lost forever. (You may have noted in some of the scriptures linked in this paragraph that Jesus actually told his first followers to perform some miracles. Yet that was not to be the main feature of their ministry. Those miracles served to demonstrate who had God’s approval but their effect was short-lived. Even Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, eventually died again. So the bigger benefit of the preaching work is that it would have everlasting benefits.)

In short then, the will of God is that mankind come back into a good relationship with him and have the opportunity to live forever. But who today are doing that will? What united brotherhood can be found today preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom in 239 lands? There is only one that fits that description.

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Note: Some may feel that Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23 are referring to individuals who falsely claim to be Christian, not whole religions. While his words would definitely apply to individuals, they would also apply to religious organizations as well. While some TV evangelizers may fit into the "individuals" category, even these are usually backed by an organization. Although the Catholic church  is not alone in various moral issues, it comes to mind not only because of the abuse cases that have surfaced, but also because of its being involved in questionable financial practices. It also comes to mind because it claims to be capable of exorcisms (casting out demons). I cite this as just one example of how a whole organization is culpable before God for claiming to represent him and his son while being guilty of wrongdoing on so many fronts. Lumping together all those whom Jesus condemns in Matthew 7, Revelation 18 speaks of these false religions as a figurative prostitute who has made herself wealthy by involvement with the “kings of the earth” that is to say, worldwide governments.)