What Does Romans 9:15 Mean?

Ro 9:15 For He says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion."

God can do as He please. He is sovereign. If it pleased God to show mercy to non-Jews, He can do it. After all, God is the God of all men being their Creator, there is no other.

 Ro 3:29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,

The purpose of Paul in writing this verse is not to limit and confine God's mercy on certain people called the elect. No, he cited this verse to show that God can have mercy on all, whether Jew or Gentile.

Ro 10:12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

Ro 11:32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.

Far from limiting God's mercy, Paul, in fact, used the verse to show that God is sovereign with His mercy. And He has sovereignly decided to have mercy and compassion, not just on Jews, but also on Gentiles who trust in His Son for salvation.

The Jews thought that salvation belonged only to Jews, since they were descendants of Abraham, they were given the covenants of God and the Law etc.

Paul says: "No, God can have mercy on anyone, not just Jews. His mercy is not confined to the physical descendants of Abraham. His mercy is not earned by law-keeping. No, it is given to those who have faith in Christ."

This has nothing to do with unconditional election to salvation of a few at all.

Does Romans 9:13 Teach Unconditional Election?

Ro 9:13 As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."

First, Paul is not talking about unconditional election to salvation here. He was talking about earthly blessings and the superiority of Jacob over Esau because of the blessing he received from God.

Notice that Paul began with the words: "As it is written." He was saying something in verse 12 that he now supports in verse 13. What did he say in verse 12?

Ro 9:12 it was said to her, "The older shall serve the younger."

13 As it is written, "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated."

Jacob was loved by God in the sense that he received a superior blessing over Esau. The result of the blessing is that Jacob would be served by Esau.

You remember Esau forsook and sold his birthright. That birthright carried the blessing of the firstborn son, a superior blessing. Esau did not value spiritual things. He was a picture of an unbeliever. Jacob, on the other hand, valued spiritual things and so he sought the firstborn right blessing from Esau. Jacob was a picture of a believer.

Jacob was the one who received the blessing of the Promise Land. He received the blessing of becoming the line through whom the Messiah would come. On the other hand, Esau received the desert lands, a wasteland.

Mal 1:2 "I have loved you," says the LORD. "Yet you say, 'In what way have You loved us?' Was not Esau Jacob's brother?" Says the LORD. "Yet Jacob I have loved;

3 But Esau I have hated, And laid waste his mountains and his heritage For the jackals of the wilderness."

Esau and his descendants proved to be unbelievers generally. They persecuted Israel, their brother and they rejoiced upon the destruction of Israel.

God promised that whoever blesses Abraham and his descendants will be blessed, whoever curses Abraham and his descendants will be cursed. Edom in hating Jacob cursed himself.

Second, Jacob and Esau here represent the nations Israel and Edom. When God uttered these words, He did not utter it in eternity past, He did not say it during the lives of Jacob and Esau. On the contrary, He said it long after Jacob and Esau died.

Between Genesis and Malachi 1:2-3 are hundreds of years. The words: "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated" were uttered in Malachi to Israelites and not personally to Jacob and Esau when they were alive. Jacob and Esau never heard of this proclamation personally.

"Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated" is found in Malachi and not found in Genesis.  Many times in the Bible, Jacob means the nation Israel and Edom means the nation Edom.

If you read Genesis, Esau, the person, never served the person Jacob. Why? Because God meant the nation Edom, and not the person of Esau, to serve the nation Jacob or Israel.

"The older shall serve the younger" is a prophecy of what will happen to the nations that will come out of Jacob and Esau.

Ge 25:23 And the LORD said to her: "Two nations are in your womb, Two peoples shall be separated from your body; One people shall be stronger than the other, And the older shall serve the younger."

In the future, in the millennium, the nation of Edom would serve Israel. This verse is not talking about unconditional election at all.

Third, God does hate those who rebel against Him, but He loves them enough that He wants them to repent and be saved (see John 3:16).

Does John 15:16 Teach Unconditional Election?

Joh 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.

Unconditional election unto salvation is read into this verse and not read out of it for it is not there. The Lord Jesus was speaking to His apostles and what did He really say actually?

"I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain..."

He did not say that "I chose you to be saved." No! That is twisting and distorting the text! He was talking about fruit-bearing not salvation. This has nothing to do with salvation but all about His choice of them as apostles. All one has to do is to move nine chapters back and it becomes clear:

Joh 6:70 Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?"

71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.

Judas was one of the chosen ones. He was among the chosen twelve. And yet, was Judas saved? No. Judas was given the awesome privilege to tell others about Him and testify about Him. But he wasted it away, not being truly converted.

With all the privileges that the Lord chose him into, he should have truly repented and make good of the Lord's choice of him.

Israel is a chosen nation. But not all Israelites are saved. They were chosen and given the privilege to witness and tell the nations about the true living God. And yet, many of them neglected their privileged status and even became idolatrous.

Some people who are influenced by Calvin just go on reading this verse carelessly. They just parrot what their favorite Bible teachers say about the text instead of really reading the text in its face value.

What Does The Term "Son Of Man" Imply In Relation To The Lord Jesus?

The term implies three things:

First, it implies authority.

 Ps 8:4 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him?
5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,

Second, it refers to the humanity of the Lord Jesus. Surely a son of man is a human being. Ezekiel was called "son of man" by God referring to his humanity.

Third, it refers to His being the Messiah who will come in glory and power.

 Da 7:13 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him.

What Was The Denomination Of The Apostles?

What was the denomination of the apostles like Paul, Peter and John?

During their time, there were no denominations. They were faithful to the One-Body principle. There was only one body---the Church.

Local churches like Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus etc. were never denominations. They were simply the local manifestations of the One body---the Church. Every local church was the Universal Church in miniature manifested locally.

There is only one Microsoft Corporation in the world. However, it has many local branches worldwide.

I repented of denominationalism years ago. Denominationalism is, first of all, a heart attitude. It is the attitude that says: "You don't belong to our group since you did not sign up in our local church as a member. I only support and extend my hand of fellowship with those of our group. You need to be a member of our group to enjoy our group's privileges."

They require another type of membership other than what the Bible clearly states. The Bible says that "we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Ro 12:5

Every time someone says to another Christian: "You need to be a member of our local church." I would just love to point this verse to him saying: "If he is already a Christian then he is already a member in the eyes of God! Why don't you follow the principle in this verse?"

Actually, the only membership required in the New Testament is the membership of the One Body of Christ (the Universal Church) through faith in Christ. If Christ has accepted one as one of His, then it is the responsibility of other Christians to receive him or her into their local fellowship. If the Head has accepted him or her, who are we not to accept him or her?

Can you imagine the right hand requiring membership of other body parts unto itself? This is ridiculous. The fact that the other body parts are part of the body and recognized by the head should be enough for the right hand to accept them as they are and not require any other type of membership unto itself.

When it comes to local churches, the correct term and principle to go by is not local church membership but regular local church fellowship.

In our fellowship if someone says: "Brother, I want to be a member of your group." In reply, we would say:

"We are not the ones who accept members in the One Body of Christ. It is the Head who accepts members.  He accepts anyone who will put their trust in Him. We don't require anyone to sign a document to make him or her a member of our local church. If you have truly trusted in Christ, then according to Romans 12:5, you are already part of us in the eyes of God. Our responsibility is to merely RECOGNIZE those whom He has already accepted into His body. Can you tell us your testimony? If you have a saving testimony, then we welcome you into our FELLOWSHIP. Being in our fellowship, you are then required to be committed to it, use your gifts for its edification. If opportunity arises, use your gifts also for the edification of other local churches whoever and wherever they are. They are part of the One Body."

The man-made requirement to sign up for local membership has caused divisions practically in the ONE BODY of Christ. The One Body principle is something that we should uphold. We are to do nothing, say nothing and be nothing that would go against it.

We don't say: "We are Baptists Christians or Methodist Christians" or whatever. It is to give confusing signals to the world. It is to imply that Christians are divided into sects. We simply content ourselves in calling ourselves "Christians" like the first Christians in the New Testament.

If you are a new Christian, then know that the Holy Spirit has placed you spiritually into the Body of Christ as its member, "we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Ro 12:5

Then you ought to go and find yourself a group of local Christians, faithful to the Lord and His Word, and regularly fellowship with them.

It is just so sad that many local churches are stricken with a denominational mindset. They are practically dividing the One Body of Christ in principle and in deed so many times.

Even though I serve in their ministries faithfully, they still would not recognize me as one of them, even though I am already their fellow member in the eyes of God as stated in Romans 12:5. Apparently, the declaration of God in Romans 12:5 is not enough.

On the contrary, the so-called person who has signed in their membership roll is considered a member even though he practically does not participate in the ministries of their local church! The signing of a pen unto a paper as their own local church member is that essential, even though God does not require it!

Again remember, "membership" is in relation to the Universal Church, through faith in Christ. Regular local fellowship is in relation to the local church. The one occurs at salvation. The other should be an ongoing lifestyle for a Christian.

Like the apostles, I am a member of only one Body---the body of Christ. I regularly fellowship in a local body of Christ, who worships in a home in Labangon, Cebu Philippines.

What's The Purpose Of Christian Water Baptism?

Its purpose is for the outward and public identification with Christ's death and resurrection.

It is a picture of being united to Christ's death and resurrection, that the trusting sinner has died with Christ and has been raised with Him.

What Does The Names "Adam" And "Eve" Mean?

Adam means red or ground or red ground. He was taken from the earth. I would not be surprised if Adam was a ruddy (reddish) man. The native Indians in America are ruddy people.

Eve means life.  "And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living." Ge 3:20

Explain Jeremiah 29:11

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The Lord was specifically promising the nation of Israel a glorious future here. Jeremiah prophesied that the nation Israel will be exiled into captivity in the land of Babylon.

There, as a nation, they would seem to be without a future and a hope. But God promised them that He would free and liberate them and bring them back into their land.

Jer 29:10 For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.

Jer 29:14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

This was partially fulfilled when Israel returned to their land from their captivity in Babylon seventy years after. But its full realization will be during the Melinnium when their long-awaited Messiah would reign with Israel as the top nation of the world.

This verse is often taken out of context and made to mean that God promised every single Christian material prosperity and financial success. Not so. Under the Christian dispensation, yes, we do have a hope and a future. But it refers to our future conformity and glorification with Christ.

Only when this verse is ripped out of context is it made to mean what the Prosperity Gospel preachers would have it mean.

Explain Adam's Helper In Genesis 2:18

Ge 2:18 And the LORD God said, "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him."

God gave Adam work to do (see verse 15). Now, in doing that work, in doing God's will, he needs a helper, a companion and a partner in doing it. In doing God's will, working at it with a partner and a companion is expedient.

Man, be committed to the work that God has given you to do. And choose a lifetime partner that will help you and not hinder you in doing it.

Woman, choose a man who is committed to God's work and prepare yourself to collaborate and assist him in doing it.

Singles, find a Timothy in doing God's work.

What Does A Priest Do In The Bible?

A priest in the Bible is someone who serves in the temple. In the Old Testament, when the tabernacle and, later on, the physical temple was still in existence, priests were seen serving in the temple and offering sacrifices to God.

In the New Testament, the temple of God is the Church of God, the people themselves redeemed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, through faith in Him.

Every single Christian is said to be a priest. He or she is to serve the Church of God, the people of God, with their spiritual gifts, offer Him the sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving, good works and present themselves to God in service to Him.

What Does "Prosper" In 3 John 1:2 Mean?

3 Jo 1:2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

People who are influenced by the message of the Prosperity Gospel movement often take this verse to prove that God wants His people to be materially wealthy in this present evil age wherein the King is rejected and not ruling here on earth.

Some of them, every time they see the word "prosper" in the Bible, they then automatically understand it as being financially prosperous.

Actually, the word just means success. And there are many aspects in life that one could be successful in. Success does not have to exclusively mean financial success.

The Greek word for "prosper" carries the idea of being helped on the road to reach one's destination. It simply means successfully achieving a goal. Anyone who has successfully achieved one's goal in life is a success, he is someone who prospered in obtaining his aims in life.

The expression: "prosper IN ALL THINGS" is not to be taken in an absolute sense. It is the same with Philippians 4:13 which says: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Paul was not talking and referring to absolutely all things, even evil things. No, the context limits it. He was referring to all things in relation to doing God's will.

Php 2:13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

In the same way,  the apostle John was not talking about absolutely all things in 3 John 1:2, he was referring to the all things that pertain to the service and ministry that Gaius rendered to Christians.

You see, Gauis apparently had the gift of hospitality and helps. Gaius' ministry was that he helped and assisted Christian missionaries. The apostle John commended him for it and encouraged him to continue doing it:

 3JN 1:5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers;
3JN 1:6 and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.
3JN 1:7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles.
3JN 1:8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.

Gauis was a man walking in the truth and his aim and ministry was focused on helping and assisting fellow Christians. John was saying: "May God prosper you, give you success in all things in relation to your ministry."

He was not talking primarily about financial success. The apostles were people who were not rich.

 Ac 3:6 Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk."

1Co 4:11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.
12 And we labor, working with our own hands.

Churches influenced by the Prosperity Gospel movement fail to distinguish between God's promises to Israel in the future age and this age.

This age, the Church Age, is Christ rejected by the world. He is not reigning here as King on earth. And we partake of His sufferings and rejection. But in the future, when He comes to reign on earth, with Israel converted and materially blessed, that's the time that Gentiles share in that blessed and glorious age.