Deuteronomy 29
Reminder to keep the covenantverses 1-9
These are the words of the covenant – which the LORD commanded
Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab
besides the covenant which HE made with them in Horeb
And Moses called to all Israel and said to them
You have seen all that the LORD did before your eyes in the land of
Egypt to Pharaoh – and to all his servants and to all his land
The great temptations which your eyes have seen – the signs
those great miracle – yet the LORD has NOT GIVEN you
a heart to perceive – and eyes to see – and ears to hear
to this day
And I have led you forty years in the wilderness
your clothes are not waxen old on you
your shoe is not waxen old on your foot
You have not eaten bread – neither have you drunk wine of strong drink
that you might KNOW that I am the LORD your God
And when you came to this place Sihon the king of Heshbon
Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle
and we smote them and we took their land
and gave it for an inheritance to
Reubenites – Gadites
and to half tribe of Manasseh
Keep therefore the words of this covenant – and do them
that you may PROSPER in all that you do
Covenant made with future generationsverses 10-13
You stand this day all of you before the LORD your God
your captains of your tribes – your elders – your officers
with all the men of Israel – your little ones – your wives
your stranger that is in your camp
from the hewer of your wood to the
drawer of thy water
That you should enter into covenant with the LORD your God
and into an oath
which the LORD your God make with you this day
that HE may establish you today for a people to HIMSELF
that HE may be to you a God
as HE has said to you
as HE has sworn unto your fathers
Abraham – Isaac – Jacob
Warning against worshiping false godsverses 14-24
Neither with you ONLY do I make this covenant and this oath
BUT with him that stand here with us this day
before the LORD our God
and also with him that is NOT HERE with us this day
(FOR you know how we have dwelt in the land of Egypt
and how we came through the nations which you passed by
and you have seen their abominations – and their idols
wood – stone – silver
gold which were among them)
LEST there should be among you man – woman – family – tribe
whose heart turns away this day from the LORD our God
to go and serve the gods of these nations
LEST there should be among you a root that bears gall and wormwood
and it come to pass – when he hears the words of this curse
that he bless himself in his heart
saying
I shall have peace – though I walk in the IMAGINATION of mine heart
to add DRUNKENNESS to thirst
The LORD will not spare him
BUT then the ANGER of the LORD and HIS jealousy
shall smoke against that man
and all the curses that are written in
this book shall lie on him
and the LORD shall BLOT out his name
from under heaven
And the LORD shall SEPARATE him to evil out of all the tribes of Israel
according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this
book of the law – so that the generation to come of
your children that shall rise up after you
and the stranger that shall come from a far land – shall say
when they see the PLAGUES of that land
and the SICKNESSES which the LORD
has laid upon it
and that the whole land thereof is brimstone – salt – burning
that it is not sown – nor bearing – nor any grass grows therein
like the overthrow of Sodom – Gomorrah – Admah
Zeboim – which the LORD overthrew
in HIS anger – and in HIS wrath
Even all nations shall say
Wherefore has the LORD done this to this land?
What mean the heat of this great anger?
Judgment because of false worshipverses 25-28
THEN men shall say
BECAUSE they have forsaken the covenant of the
LORD God of their fathers – which HE made with them
when HE brought them forth out of the land of Egypt
for they went and served other gods
and worshiped them – gods whom they knew not
and whom HE had not given to them
AND the anger of the LORD was kindled against this land
to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book
and the LORD rooted them out of their land in
anger – wrath – great indignation
and cast them into another land
as it is this day
Accountability to revealed truthverse 29
The SECRET things belong to the LORD our God
BUT those things which are REVEALED belong to us
and to our children for ever
that we may do all the words of this law
COMMENTARY:
DAILY SPIRITUAL BREAKFAST: Young Believers
: 3 The great temptations which your eyes have seen, the signs, and those great miracles (4531 “temptations” [maccah] means trial, test, proving, calamity, or enticing to failure)
DEVOTION: The children of Israel had witnessed the work of the LORD for forty years. They had witnessed the work of the LORD in the land of Egypt. They had witnessed the work of the LORD in the wilderness. Now they were about to witness the work of the LORD in the Promised Land.
HE brings up the past to help them understand the present and look to the future with hope. They have seen things with their eyes but still didn’t understand what the LORD was trying to teach them.
They had seen the signs in the land of Egypt but didn’t understand HIS deliverance from the armies of Egypt. They had seen HIS power throughout their travels but it was not sinking into their heads and hearts all the LORD was able to do for them.
We tend to be just like the children of Israel. The LORD is working in our life and in our hearts but we do not understand all the blessings HE has given us in the past. Nor do we understand all the blessings we are experiencing in the present. And we don’t seem to understand that HE can help us in the future if we are willing to trust HIM.
The LORD has a desire for us to hearts that perceive how much HE is doing in our life to make us more like HIS Son Jesus Christ. The LORD wants to give us eyes to see HIS work around us that others don’t see. HE wants to give us ears to hear but we seem to block all the truth HE is trying to get into our head.
CHALLENGE: Allow the LORD to show you what HE is doing in your life and praise HIM for it.
DAILY SPIRITUAL LUNCH: Transitional Believers
: 6 You have not eaten bread, neither have you drank wine or strong drink: that you might know that I am the LORD your God. (3045 “know” [yada] means knowledge, perceive, notice, hear of, to reveal, observe, or realize)
DEVOTION: One of the lessons the children of Israel needed to learn is that all their food and drink is provided by the LORD. They were going into a wilderness where it was going to be hard for them to find their own food or drink. HE wanted them to be dependent on HIM. HE wanted them to know they could depend on HIM.
However, what HE provided didn’t please them most of the time. They always wanted more or something better. They were not satisfied with HIS provisions. This was a sin.
We need to be satisfied with what the LORD provides for us. We can pray for HIM to provide other things if it is according to HIS will but we should not be like the children of Israel who were discontent and showed it to the LORD on many occasions.
The LORD judged them for their discontent. If HE provides we need to be happy for HIS provision and be thankful to HIM. HE wants us to be a thankful people for all that HE provides for us.
Our responsibility is to recognize that HE is sovereign over our lives and HE knows what is best for us at any given time in our life. It is not easy but that is what HE expects of us.
HE is our Father. We are HIS children. Any father would want his children to appreciate all he does for them if he is genuinely trying to provide the best he can for his family. We should be thankful for our human father but much more thankful for our heavenly Father and HIS provision for us.
CHALLENGE: Those who are unthankful for their human father will have a hard time being thankful to their heavenly Father.
: 20 The LORD will not spare him, but then the anger of the LORD and HIS jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie on him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. (7068 “jealousy” [qun’ah] means zeal, an appropriate desire for what a person has a right to, envy, ardent, passion, or indignation)
DEVOTION: There are people who hear the truth regarding what the LORD expects of them if they want HIS blessings and yet they go out and do the exact opposite. These people don’t really believe that the LORD will do what HE says HE will do.
It seems that they think that God is a liar or someone who doesn’t care what anyone does even if HE says HE is going to judge them. Their thinking process is all bad. They are not considering who God is and what HE can do.
Today we have many people who think that they can say that they are Christians but they also think that they don’t have to answer to God because HE is such a forgiving God. HE would never send them to Hell because they are not genuine followers of HIS commands.
This thinking is wrong. HE states throughout the Bible that HE is going to judge those who are disobedient even if they go to church every Sunday. Even if they give some of their money to help the poor. Even if they do some good deeds in their lifetime. HE is still going to judge them according to HIS standard of obedience.
Are we some of the people that think the way the children of Israel thought in the Old Testament? Do we think that God will just forgive everyone except the real bad sinners and let the rest go?
Our thinking needs to be Biblical thinking and that means that we have to take God at HIS word and try to do what HE thinks is right with the help of the Holy Spirit. We need to look at HIM rather than ourselves or other people who claim to be believers.
If we look at ourselves we realize that we have a tendency toward sin each day and only by HIS grace we have the power to resist evil and do good. Our goal each day should be to please HIM in everything we do.
CHALLENGE: Are we fooling ourselves into thinking that God is not going to judge us for our actions because we said a prayer and then lived as we pleased?
DAILY SPIRITUAL SUPPER: Mature Believers
: 23 And that the whole land thereof is brimstone, and salt, and burning, that it is not sown, nor bears, nor any grass grows therein, like the overthrow of Sodom, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, which the LORD overthrew in HIS anger, and in HIS wrath (4114 overthrow” [mahpekah] means destruction, that completely destroys something, demolishing, ruin, or an overthrow implying a change of state)
DEVOTION: The LORD is warning the children of Israel that HE will judge them if they are disobedient to HIM. HE wants them to take HIS warnings seriously. HE here gives an example of HIS power to destroy a nation who will not honor HIM.
The nation HE destroyed was made up of five cities that were living in sin. Lot, the nephew of Abraham, was living in the city of Sodom. The two angels entered the city to confirm what the LORD knew what was happening in the city and to have Lot exit the city before HE destroyed it and the other cities that were practicing the sin of men loving men more than men loving women and marrying them.
The men of the city came to the door of Lot and wanted the two angels for sexual purposes. The angels took Lot and his wife and two daughters out of the city. Lot asked the LORD to spare one city for him to flee to and HE did. The other four cities that were involved in gross sin were destroyed.
This was to show that the LORD can judge when the sin is great. HE is warning that HE will do the same thing to HIS people if they start practicing gross sin against HIM.
They are warned not to follow the example of the nations around them by worshiping false gods. We have the same warning given to us, so that, we are not guilty of worshiping any of the false gods of our age.
The LORD wants us to place HIM first in our life. This means that we are trying with the help of the Holy Spirit to live a godly life that is pleasing in HIS sight.
CHALLENGE: Does this describe the life you lived this last week?
: 29 The SECRET things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. (5641 “secret” [cathar] means to hide, be absent, keep close, conceal, or cover)
DEVOTION: Moses has shared with the people of Israel all that the LORD had revealed to him. He has given them both the blessings and the curses of the LORD. They are without excuse when it comes to areas that the LORD has covered with the instructions with Moses.
He informs them that they have not be given a heart to perceive or eyes to see or ears to hear until now. Now they have these things. Now they are going to be held accountable to the LORD.
Moses is leaving them and giving them over to Joshua for leadership. He has completed his task. He has completed all that the LORD wanted him to do with the children of Israel.
He tells them that there are some things that they will never understand because the LORD has chosen not to reveal to them some things. Jesus tells the disciples that HE has not given them all they need to know but that the Holy Spirit will give them further instruction.
The LORD wants HIS people to know what HE is thinking. HE revealed many things to Israel through Moses. The whole forty years the LORD was instructing Israel. Now they are about to enter the Promised Land and HE is still instructing them. We have just read two chapters full of blessings and cursing.
Nothing is hidden from them regarding what they are supposed to do in the Promised Land. The warnings it gives that if any individual or family or tribe disobeys these commands, they will be dealt with by the LORD.
If the nation of Israel as a whole disobeys the commands, the LORD will deal with them.
There are some things that God knows we are not ready to receive of HIM and so HE does not tell us more than we can handle. This was true of Israel as well. HE knows everything. HE knows the beginning from the end. HE is timeless. We dwell in time.
However, there are things that HE does want us to know and they are revealed in HIS word. Those things we should know and UNDERSTAND. We should be teaching our children all that the LORD has revealed to us. Are we busy training our children in the LORD? Are we busy training ourselves in the Word of the LORD? Let us get busy!!!
It will take a lifetime to learn part of the Word of God. We should never give up. We should learn more each year.
CHALLENGE: Each time we read the Bible there is new teaching that we are now ready for that we were not ready for last year. Grow in the LORD!!!
DISCIPLINES OF THE FAITH:
BODY
Chastity (Purity in living)
Fasting (Time alone with LORD without eating or drinking)
Sacrifice (Giving up something we want to serve the LORD)
Submission (Willing to listen to others and LORD)
Solitude (Going to a quiet place without anyone)
SOUL
Fellowship (Gathering together around the Word of God)
Frugality (wise use of resources)
Journalizing (Writing down what you have learned from the LORD)
Written in this bookverses 20, 21, 27
Study and Meditation (Thinking through your study in the Word)
Secrecy (Doing your good deeds without others knowing but God)
SPIRIT
Celebration (Gathering around a special occasion to worship LORD)
Confession (Tell the LORD we are sorry for our sins on a daily basis)
Prayer (Conversation with God on a personal level)
Silence (Letting the LORD deal with some problems and needs)
Worship (Time to praise the LORD alone or in a group)
DOCTRINES OF THE FAITH:
Scripture (66 inerrant books of the Bible)
Covenantverses 1, 12, 14, 25
Oathverses 12, 14
Book of the lawverses 20, 21, 27
Curses of the Covenantverse 21
Written in this bookverse 27
Revealed things belong to believersverse 29
Words of the Lawverse 29
God the Father (First person of the Godhead)
LORD (Jehovah)verses 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20-25, 27-29
God (Elohim)verses 6, 10, 12, 13, 15, 18, 25, 29
LORD your Godverses 6, 10
I am the LORD your Godverse 6
LORD thy Godverse 12
LORD our God verses 15, 18, 29
Curses written in bookverse 19
Anger of the LORDverses 20, 23, 24, 27, 28
Jealousyverse 20
LORD blot out nameverse 20
Plagues and sicknesses of LORDverse 22
LORD God of their fathersverse 25
Wrath of the LORDverse 28
Great indignationverse 28
Secret thingsverse 29
God the Son (Second person of the Godhead – God/man, Messiah)
God the Holy Spirit (Third person of the Godhead – our comforter)
Trinity (Three persons of the Godhead who are co-equal = ONE God)
Angels (Created before the foundation of the world – Good and Evil)
Man (Created on the sixth twenty-four hour period of creation)
Land of Moabverse 1
Horebverse 1
Land of Egyptverses 2, 16, 25
Pharaohverse 2
Sihon – king of Heshbonverse 7
Og – the king of Bashanverse 7
Stranger in the campverses 11, 22
Abrahamverse 13
Isaacverse 13
Jacobverse 13
Nationsverses 16, 24
Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboimverse 23
Sin (Missing the mark set by God on man and angels)
Great temptationsverse 3
Abominations to worship false godsverses 17, 26
Idolsverse 17
Heart turned away from the LORDverse 18
Serve gods of the nationsverses 18, 26
Root that bears gall and wormwoodverse 18
Walk in imagination of heartverse 19
Drunkennessverse 19
Evilverse 21
Result of sin: plagues and sicknessesverse 22
Forsaken the covenantverse 25
Salvation (Provided by Christ’s death on the cross for our sins)
Covenantverses 1, 9, 12, 14, 19, 25
Signsverse 3
Miraclesverse 3
Keep & do the Words of covenantverse 9
Prosperverse 9
Oathverses 12, 14
Revealed truthverse 29
Israel (Old Testament people of God)
Mosesverse 1
Led forty years
Children of Israelverse 1
Israelverse 2
Heart to perceiveverse 4
Eyes to seeverse 4
Ears to hearverse 4
Clothes not waxen oldverse 5
Shoe no waxen oldverse 5
Battles won against Sihon and Ogverse 7
Reubenitesverse 8
Gaditesverse 8
Half tribe of Manassehverse 8
Captainsverse 10
Eldersverse 10
Officersverse 10
Men of Israelverse 10
Establish Israel with Godverse 13
Words of curseverses 19, 20
LORD blot out nameverse 20
Tribes of Israelverse 21
Cursesverse 21
Church (New Testament people of God)
Last Things (Future Events)
Revealed things belong to children foreververse 29
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QUOTES regarding passage
This does not mean that because Israel was disobedient, she could not understand the meaning of the miraculous elements of her history. “To this day” suggests that Israel had not yet understood these saving events. Her disobedience and rebellion originated from a mindset that could not fully understand the implications of God’s saving works. Thus, apart from divine enlightening, people always remain insensitive to God’s work (cf. Paul’s use of this text in Rom. 11:8). (Deere, J. S. (1985). Deuteronomy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 314). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.)
The Lord had not yet given the people an understanding heart, because the people had not yet asked for it, simply because the need of it was not felt (cf. Deut. 4:26). (Keil, C. F., & Delitzsch, F. (1996). Commentary on the Old Testament (Vol. 1, p. 972). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson.)
The next two chapters have their own introduction, and are often referred to as Moses’ third address. However, it is not completely separate from the preceding long address (which began at 4:44). Indeed, as the opening words of the book (1:1–5) looked forward to Moses’ preaching of the covenant, so now this new beginning (29:1) looks back upon it. As in 5:2–3, the covenant at Horeb is seen as being effective now in the lives of the next generation; here indeed, the preaching of Moses is actually seen as a further covenant, additional to that made at Horeb, though dependent upon it. In this way, Deuteronomy not only recalls the covenant, but is itself a document of covenant-renewal. No generation can ever take the covenant with the Lord for granted, but must always make it its own, by a fresh commitment.
The preaching in ch. 29 echoes themes already familiar from other parts of the book. First (2–8), Moses recalls all the Lord’s care for the people in bringing them to the land. The verses contain a brief summary of the record of the journey to the edge of the land found in chs. 1–3. The extraordinary power of God shown on the journey out of Egypt is remembered in vs 5–6 (cf. 26:8), and vs 7–8 refer to the taking of the land east of the Jordan, more fully recorded in 2:26–3:28. (McConville, J. G. (1994). Deuteronomy. In D. A. Carson, R. T. France, J. A. Motyer, & G. J. Wenham (Eds.), New Bible commentary: 21st century edition (4th ed., pp. 225–226). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press.)
The word “covenant” is used seven times in this chapter; in fact, this chapter is the Book of Deuteronomy in miniature. Moses reviewed the past (vv. 1–8), called the people to obey God’s Law (vv. 9–15), and warned them what would happen if they disobeyed (vv. 16–29). As we read and study Moses’ farewell address, we may get weary of these repeated themes, but they are the essence of God’s covenant with His people. While the priests and Levites had a copy of the Law of Moses and could refer to it (17:18; 28:58; 29:20, 27; 31:26), the common people had to depend on their memories, and therefore repetition was important. “For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe” (Phil. 3:1, nkjv). Too often God’s people forget what they ought to remember and remember what they ought to forget!
The covenant declared in Deuteronomy wasn’t different from the covenant given at Mount Sinai. Rather, it was an explanation and application of that covenant to the new generation and their new situation in the Promised Land. If what Moses taught in Deuteronomy had been a separate covenant, he would have offered blood sacrifices to seal the covenant as he did at Sinai (Ex. 24:3–8; Heb. 9:18–22). Many of the people who accepted the covenant at Sinai had perished in the wilderness, but there was still a “nation of Israel” that was accountable to the Lord to obey that covenant (Deut. 4–5). Future generations in Great Britain were both benefited and obligated when King John signed the Magna Charta in 1215, and so were future generations of Americans when the Constitution of the United States went into effect in 1789. Future generations of Jews were bound by the covenant made by their ancestors at Sinai, and that covenant wasn’t annulled until Christ died on the cross (Col. 2:11–14).
Reviewing the past (vv. 1–8). Moses never seemed to tire of reminding the people of the grace and mercy of God bestowed on the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God judged the land of Egypt and delivered Israel from bondage (vv. 2–3), cared for the people in their wilderness journey (vv. 5–6), and gave them victory over the nations east of the Jordan (vv. 7–8). Because of all God did for them, Israel was now on the verge of entering the Promised Land and claiming their inheritance. During their long journey, God kept their shoes and clothing from wearing out, and gave them manna to eat and water to drink. A nomadic people wouldn’t be able to harvest grapes for wine or grain for bread. (Wiersbe, W. W. (1999). Be equipped (pp. 171–172). Colorado Springs, CO: Chariot Victor Pub.)
Ver. 3. Divine methods of human training. Elements of education in human life. Temptations, trials to teach dependence and strengthen faith. Signs which discover law and reveal God’s presence. Miracles, indicative of supernatural power to control events and impress the heart. But insight is required to receive and practice the lesson. Be “men who understand the times.” (Wolfendale, J. (1892). Deuteronomy (p. 349). New York; London; Toronto: Funk & Wagnalls Company.)
The people lacked an understanding of the Lord and His purposes for them. Jehovah longed to give them a heart to perceive, eyes to see and ears to hear, but they rendered themselves unfit to receive these things through their continual unbelief and disobedience. (MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 226). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.)
Ver. 3. The great temptations which thine eyes have seen, &c.] Or trials, the ten plagues which tried the Egyptians, whether they would let Israel go; and tried the Israelites, whether they would believe in the Lord, and trust in his almighty power to deliver them: the signs and those great miracles; as the said plagues were such as were beyond the power of nature to produce, and which only Omnipotence could really effect. (Gill, J. (1810). An Exposition of the Old Testament (Vol. 2, p. 131). London: Mathews and Leigh)
FROM MY READING:
(Remember the only author that I totally agree with is the HOLY SPIRIT in the inerrant WORD OF GOD called THE BIBLE! All other I try to gleam what I can to help me grow in the LORD!!)
The basis of most discontent is comparison. We could be happy with our cars if the neighbors didn’t have better ones. We would be satisfied with our houses if they were as nice as everyone else’s. Yet, were we to have our present possessions in Africa, we would be considered rich. Once our basic needs are met, the issue is not “how are we,” but rather, “how are we compared to how everyone else is.” When the foundation of the new temple is laid, the new generation rejoices at the work of God; but the older generation laments that the new temple is not as impressive as the old one. We should be content with what God has chosen to give us and not make comparisons. He is rich who rejoices in his portion. (Quiet Walk, July 2 by Walk Thru the Bible)
2 Peter 2
Beware of false teachers whose lives deny their faith and who will be judged by God.
INSIGHT
False teachers are viewed gravely in the Scriptures. Perhaps the most scathing rebukes and most unthinkable punishments are articulated against these “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Why are they dealt with so harshly? Because while refusing salvation themselves, they also keep others from it. It is like a drowning man who not only refuses to accept a lifesaver, but also insists on drowning someone else with him. We must take great care to accurately teach the truth and shun those who do not. (Quiet Walk)
Dennis’ life was transformed after someone gave him a New Testament. Reading it captivated him, and it became his constant companion. Within six months, two life-changing events occurred in his life. He placed his faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of his sins, and he was diagnosed with a brain tumor after experiencing severe headaches. Because of the unbearable pain, he became bedridden and unable to work. One painful, sleepless night he found himself crying out to God. Sleep finally came at 4:30 a.m.
Bodily pain can cause us to cry out to God, but other excruciating life circumstances also compel us to run to Him. Centuries before Dennis’ night of wrestling, a desperate Jacob faced off with God (Genesis 32:24-32). For Jacob, it was unfinished family business. He had wronged his brother Esau (ch. 27), and he feared that payback was imminent. In seeking God’s help in this difficult situation, Jacob encountered God face-to-face (32:30) and emerged from it a changed man.
And so did Dennis. After pleading with God in prayer, Dennis was able to stand up after being bedridden, and the doctor’s examination showed no signs of the tumor. Although God doesn’t always choose to miraculously heal us, we’re confident that He hears our prayers and will give us what we need for our situation. In our desperation we offer sincere prayers to God and leave the results to Him!
(By Arthur Jackson, Our Daily Bread)
JESUS THE GOD-MAN
This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. been prevalent during these past centuries. The whole trouble during the last hundred years or so about the person of Christ has been nothing, in a sense, but a recapitulation of that ancient heresy; it puts a wedge between the man Jesus and the eternal Christ. And here John is concerned to assert the mighty fact that the baby in the manger is the God-Man. “Jesus Christ,” and not Jesus only. The Incarnation is a reality, and the One who died upon the cross was not only the man Jesus—it was the God-Man who died. And I believe that John mentions this testimony and witness of water and the blood in order to establish the unity and the oneness of the person; not two persons, but one person with two natures.
A Thought to Ponder: The baby in the manger is the God-Man.
(From Life in God, pp. 74-75, by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
How to Keep from Falling
“For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?” (Psalm 56:13)
Once a person receives Christ as Savior, he must begin, then continue, in the Christian life. There will be many temptations along the way, however, as well as many pressures to recant, many sorrows, many difficulties. How is the “babe” in Christ to keep from stumbling and falling?
The answer, of course, is that we are kept by the same grace that saved us in the first place! The Lord Jesus died to save us from eternal death in hell; surely we can “be saved by his life” from falling while living (Romans 5:10). Our beautiful text verse anticipates this great New Testament truth. If the Lord can deliver my soul from death, surely He can keep my feet from falling! Other wonderful verses in the Psalms give the same assurance. For example: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
It is important, of course, that each person professing faith in Christ be sure that his faith is real, founded on the true Jesus Christ as Creator, Redeemer, and Lord, not a sentimental faith in “another Jesus,…or another gospel” (2 Corinthians 11:4). As Peter urges: “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).
And then, in the last words of the New Testament before the book of Revelation, we are directed again to Christ. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen” (Jude 1:24- 25). What a blessed assurance is this!
(HMM, The Institute for Creation Research)
Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. IT IS KNOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT AND ALMOST RIGHT.
C.H. SPURGEON (Thanks Vince)
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