God is love (1John 4:8) and God hates (Hosea 9:15a “All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickednes…”)

“…And God is angry with the wicked every day.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬ b
“… But the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬ ‭b

It is the sinner who goes into the lake of 🔥, not sin, after the White Throne Judgement.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16-‭18‬ ‭

“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬

“And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20‬:‭10‬ ‭

What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others?

“Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:1-5

In these aforesaid verses in Matthew 7, Jesus is intensely concerned about hypocritical judgment. His message is that we must not judge others for what we are guilty of. Every time we hypocritically criticise someone, we are condemning ourselves. God must not find in us any wrong we see in others. Those who judge hypocritically are frequently hiding something about themselves. Their criticism of others becomes an ostentatious machinate or manoeuver intended to flummox others from their faults -their rational is that nobody would be suspicious that the man moralising that people should not steal, is actually robbing others blind.

The salient issue that Jesus is addressing here is not the notion of judgment per se, but of hypocrisy; that is, judging others while doing the same thing you are accusing them of. He is not forbidding judging. That is made clear as the passage goes on, as Jesus discourses about seeing a speck in another’s eye while having a plank in your own.

In addition, when Jesus says “judge not, lest you be judged,” He is telling us that the standard we use for judgment will be applied to us. Thus we are to beware of the pitfall of  being rigid, severe,  magisterial and supercilious in condemning others – in the process, we became proud and conceited in justifying ourselves.

Nonetheless, many people exploit this verse in an attempt to inappropriately muzzle their critics, rendering Jesus’ meaning as “You don’t have the right to tell me I’m wrong.” Taken in isolation, Jesus’ command “Judge not” prohibits all negative evaluation and judgements. However, there is much more to the passage than those seven words.

Non-Christians use this verse against Christians, saying that Jesus told us not to judge others, so when Christians make assertions of what’s right or wrong, they are being disobedient to Jesus’s word. When we examine the verse in its immediate and complete context of the Bible, we see that Jesus does not mean that we are not to judge on what’s right or wrong and what is true and false, but rather that we need to be circumspect when we do so (explanation as below).

Lots of people also use Matthew 7:1 “Judge not lest ye be judged” to advocate a broad-mindedness that often emboldens and fosters the acceptance of behaviours the Bible forbids. We know that wasn’t Jesus’ intention as that would contradict what Jesus and Scripture say in the other parts of the Bible. So, what did Jesus mean when He told us not to judge? So, although Jesus says we should not judge in Matthew 7:1, He also says we should judge in Luke 12:57  “Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?”

We thus need to hermeneutically determine exactly what He means because Jesus does not contradict Himself.  Jesus says: “ But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” Matthew 18:16 

As the Bible has God as the ultimate Author, it does not contradict itself. We must let Scripture interprets Scripture – thus the interpretation of the Word of God has to harmonise with other portions of Scripture and be interpreted in the context and counsel of the whole Bible. In context Christ is not forbidding personal opinion, godly wisdom, or righteous judgement, nor is He disallowing the correction of false doctrine or heretical teachings. Christ is forbidding hypocritical judgment.

It was the problem of unrighteous judgement, hypocritical conclusions, pompous reasonings, legalistic pride, and malicious  criticisms that caused Jesus to utter the warning: “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Christ knew that the standard by which we judge others, will become the self-same standard by which we ourselves are measured.

It does not mean that we cannot exercise appropriate judgement and have discernment. Immediately after Jesus says, “Judge not…,” He says, “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” Matthew 7:6 “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Matthew 7:15–16 How then are we to judge when “we are supposed to not cast our pearls before swine”, or know who are the sheep, wolves and false prophets, unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on a situation, doctrines and deeds? Jesus is giving us guidance to adjudicate right from wrong.

The argument Christ uses to dissuade from this evil, which the Jews were very prone to, is, “that ye be not judged”; meaning for such censorious persons rarely have the good will of their fellow men, for such persons take upon them the place of God, usurp His prerogative, as if they knew the hearts and states of men. It refers to rash judgment, interpreting men’s words and deeds to the worst sense, and censuring them in a very severe manner; even passing sentence on them, with respect to their eternal state and condition.

In addition, saying “judge not, that ye be not judged,” Jesus is reminding us to avoid the damaging cycle of harsh unwarranted criticism and judgement. Rather, He invites us to practice humility, self-awareness, and compassion and grow personally and develop relationships based on love and understanding. Rather than pre-occupying with the shortcomings of others, we should acknowledge our own need for growth and approach everyone with care and acceptance.

The Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean all actions are equally moral, or that truth is relative. God tells us through his Word that truth is objective, eternal, and inseparable from God’s character. Anything that contradicts the truth is a lie – to call something a “lie” is to pass judgement. To call stealing or murder a sin is equally, to pass judgement, it’s also to agree with God.

Believers of Jesus, are called to judge. Indeed, there are many scriptures in the Bible asking us to do so. A whole book in the Bible details the activities of judges, (called and appointed by God Himself) for the promotion of His righteousness.

 Jesus gives a direct command to judge “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” John 7:24 This shows Jesus wants us to judge, but we must judge righteously. There is the right type of judgement versus the wrong type. When Jesus said not to judge others, it refers to the sinful type of judgement:

• Untrue judgment is wrong. The Bible clearly forbids bearing false witness. “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16 “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5.

• Self-righteous judgement is wrong. We are called to humility, and “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” James 4:6. The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector was confident in his own righteousness and from that position judged the publican; however, God sees the heart of the Pharisee’s sin (Luke 18:9–14).

• Superficial judgement is wrong – judging according to appearance, for instance, Simon the Pharisee passed judgment on a woman based on her appearance and un-savoury reputation, but he could not see that the repentant woman had been forgiven; Simon drew Jesus’ rebuke for his unrighteous judgment (Luke 7:36–50). It is also foolish to jump to conclusions before investigating the facts “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” Proverbs 18:13.

• Hypocritical judgement is wrong. Jesus’ command not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites. (Matthew 6:2,5,16 respectively “.. as the hypocrites do in the synagogues..” ; “the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues..”; “..as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance..”) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5, as above verses). When we point out the sin of others while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves. Romans 2:1 “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.”

• Harsh, unforgiving judgement is wrong. It is the merciful who will be shown mercy. “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 and, as Jesus warned, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:2

Is it Ever Appropriate to Judge?

Christians are often accused of “judging” or narrow-mindedness when they speak out against sin as defined in the Bible. But to be in opposition to sin is not incorrect. Holding high-up, the standard of righteousness inherently defines unrighteousness and of those who choose sin over godliness. John the Baptist incurred the fury of Herodias when he spoke out against her adultery with Herod (Mark 6:18–19). She eventually silenced John by having him beheaded, but she could not silence the truth. “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8 The Word of God is truth. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

Believers are warned against judging others unfairly or unrighteously, but Jesus commends “right judgment” (John 7:24). We are to be able to tell the difference, be discerning. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21. We are to speak the whole counsel of God, including the Bible’s teaching on sin. “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:27; “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2. We are to practice church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17). We are to speak the truth in love. “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” Ephesians 4:15

In addition, does it also mean that judgement is not to be pronounced in the civil courts of judicature, which ought to be made and pass, according to laws of the land, as one of the examples? The modern judicial system, including its judges, is a necessary part of society. In saying, “Do not judge,” Jesus was not saying, “Anything goes.” The Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean there should be no process or system to dealing with sin.

The Law of Moses says in effect: In righteousness, you shall judge your neighbour.   ^“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:16

In fact, the judges in the Old Testament were raised up by God Himself (“And when the Lord raised them up judges, then the Lord was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge:” Judges 2:18a).

While the Bible censures “faultfinding”, it applauds “fruit inspecting” – judging. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:15,16,20 Does this not involving judging?

When a church member was involved in sexual sin Paul said “For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,” (1 Corinthians 5:3). He judged the man’s behaviour based on the Scriptures. Paul made sound judgments based on the bad fruit he saw. The apostle judged some believers as worldly and others in the church as false believers who intended to bring the church into bondage. Paul’s judgment in discerning the spiritual condition of the saints helped him protect and instruct the church.

If a person has a pattern of wrong or malicious behaviour, many don’t want to appear judgmental, that information helps us make sound decisions as the Bible says. “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” Ephesians 5:11

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 We must exercise judgement if we are to “rightly interpret” the Word of God and apply them correctly as God has intended. “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things,..”  1 Cor 2:15a

Exercising right judgement is important. When we sense something is wrong, we must not let a distorted view of “judge not” guilt us into disregarding this “sensor” that God has given us. Adolf Hitler said, “What luck for leaders that men don’t think.” May that not be true of us. We must not let the fear of being called “judgmental” impel us to toss away our God-given judicious judgement. We need the wisdom and discernment to judge between that which is good and that which is evil – right judgement and discernment protects us. “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” Proverbs 4:14-15

Dr. Cheong Kok Weng

Oct 12, 2024

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.” Mark 8:36 Jesus asked of us.

The value of our immortal soul – everyone of us has an undying soul. Our soul will exist for all eternity, it is not annihilated and it will never die – it is an undying soul.

At the maximum, man can live no more than 120 years on earth. The death that all men will experience, does not make an end to the soul of men. When our last breath is exhaled, and when we are buried (a few feet of earth is sufficient to cover the body) or cremated, the tenant, which is our soul, will leave the body. From here onwards we will spend forever in eternity – in heaven, or in hell awaiting the White Throne Judgement of God, and thereafter into the lake of fire.

What is not visible is the soul and there are millions of things on earth which is not visible to the naked eyes yet they are exceedingly real; e.g., the air that we breathe, the sound that we hear or is out of our range to hear, the gravitational force that we experience, the power of electricity, and all those things seen under an electron microscope or a telescope, etc.

Anyone may lose his soul his own soul in hell and then to the lake of fire and we are eminently close when we have no sense of our guilt of sin before a Holy God and not be reconciled with God while living on earth.

The living man cannot know the importance of a world to come. The soul once lost, is lost forever more, it cannot be retrieved. Who is responsible for the loss of our soul? No one but we ourselves, the blood is on our own hands.

“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,” Romans 1:19-22

Where will the soul go when it is lost? The lost soul shall go to hell, waiting for the Final White Throne Judgement and thereafter to the Lake of Fire.

God warns us all through His inspired Word, in unmistakable clarity in many verses of Scripture.

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20: 12-15

“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” Psalms 9:17

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

“Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.” Mark 9:48

“And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 13:42

“And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.” Isaiah 66:24

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8

“And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:14,15

“The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Revelation 14:10-11

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” Revelation 20:10

We must not commit the utmost eternal folly of losing our own soul. The loss of any man’s soul is the gravest as well as the most irreparable and devastating lost, he can suffer. We may have all the material riches of the whole world and the adulation of the masses; the mammon we have to leave behind and we will be forgotten once we leave this world – naked we came into the world and “naked” we will leave the world. The honour of this earth that man enjoys is only temporary and it will soon be over and be forgotten by man, as they gathered to their fathers and be no more on earth.

What then must I do to be saved?

While it called today, we need to know the value of the immortal soul. Seek to know the value of the soul now while we are still alive on earth. We must not neglect our own soul. Never forget the one thing that is needful – never forget our soul is immortal. Time is short and it may well be changed into eternity at any time for any of us. We must be ready to meet our Creator and we must not just live for the present and forget the eternity that is to come. We must move on from today and never be ashamed to care for our very precious soul, let others laugh and mock you. They will not mock or laugh at you one day when they meet their Creator.

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2

Any man’s soul can be saved. Come to Christ Jesus without delay and be saved right at this moment; to be delivered from the power and consequences of sin – “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

God desires all to be saved. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:4

There is no barrier to eternal life as provided by God except your own will – which God has given you the mandate to will as you will. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth,” Luke 15:7a The believers’ hope is eternal and their joy will never come to an end.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” John 6:47

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36

“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:15

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9

Come to believe in Christ Jesus and your soul shall live forever more. Anyone who reads God’s Word and is not saved cannot blame the Gospel. If you are lost, it is not because there is no mediator between God and man, no fountain open to clean sinners, no open door; it is because you want to have your own way, because you want to cleave to your sins, as you would not come to Christ to be forgiven by God; that in Christ you might have eternal life.

There is salvation for the sinner. Jesus Christ has come to die for our sins and make atonement for us before God – that we might come before Him. Christ by His death on the Cross has made atonement and satisfaction for the law that we have broken. It is His death that propitiates or pays for the sins of the whole world, Jesus paid an enormous debt (which we cannot pay) of us to God and open up heaven to all believers – this enables God to be just and yet be the justifier of the unjust.

At the Cross, God’s love and mercy meets His Justice and holiness. As Christ died for the ungodly, anyone can be saved. He came to receive all who believes Him and who come to God by Him.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, Where their voice is not heard.” Psalm‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭

God’s eternal power & glorious existence is partially expressed in the visible heavens, so vast and spacious, and magnificently adorned with stars and planets, so various and admirable in their courses in the heavenly places, declare the glory of God. 

God’s infinite wisdom and glory; all of which they exhibited and make so visible and evident to all men of reason, that it is vacuous and preposterous to deny or doubt God’s power – it’s ridiculous to think of far simpler works of art, mansions or watches, that they were made without an artist, or without a hand behind it.

“Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭26‬ ‭

God also tells us:

“It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:” Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭22‬

“By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Psalm‬ ‭33‬:‭6‬

“And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.”Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭

“Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heavens by his discretion.” Jeremiah‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬-‭12‬

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭25‬ ‭

 

 

A brief discussion on the topic concerning Free Will and Predestination.

The concept of Freewill was ‘first mentioned’ in Scripture by God in the Garden of Eden – both Adam and Eve had that freewill. God told them they may eat the fruits from ANY tree except fruit from ONE tree in the garden of Eden – that’s freewill or choice, given to human kind.

There are Scriptural support that God wants all to be saved and not His will that any should perish.
(But the reality is, the majority of mankind will not make it because they chose not to: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭)

God wants everyone to be saved; however the choice to receive salvation rest with man himself.
“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, *not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”*
‭‭2 Peter 3‬:‭9‬ ‭

God tells us categorically that He wants all to be saved. And preferred that all to come to repentance. Therefore He will not or predestine anyone to damnation without reason based on the revealed truth of Scripture – based on His love for us and that He is Holy and Righteous too, among His other attributes.

“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭29‬ ‭

Based on God’s foreknowledge He predestined; so based on God’s foreknowledge of how a person will respond, even before the foundation of the world, He predestined.

There is also the falling away (as chosen by man himself), as per Scripture:
“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”
‭‭2 Thes‬salonians 2‬:‭3‬ ‭

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”
‭‭1 Tim‬othy 4‬:‭1

Derek Prince comes across as very balanced in the aforesaid topic concerning Free Will and Predestination.

We need to embrace what is true for the sake of our soul – comprising the intellect, mind, will and emotions of our being.

Dr. Cheong Kok Weng

Aug 31 2024

 

 

Earthrise: Bearing Witness to Our Planet

‘If the universe needs a cause, then why doesn’t God need a cause?

The definition of “cause” used here is “the chief agent causing something to be made.”

Someone may quote ‘The law of causality’ which says that if everything has a cause then God must have a cause. If “everything needs a cause” then it does make sense to ask what caused God; but it is not true that everything that exists must have a cause – there is no such law that says everything must have a cause.

BUT anything that exists either exists in and of itself or is produced by something else. Every effect must have a cause because for something to be an effect or come into being; or in other words, every contingent or dependent must have a cause. “Contingent” means that everything that begins – or is caused – owes its origin to something else. A contingent reality is something that is caused (begins), is dependent (an effect), and lacks an explanation in itself (unexplained). A contingent reality definitely could not bring itself into existence from nothing.

That does not mean that everything that is, is contingent or is an effect.  Though Self-Creation is a nonstarter, Self-Existence is not. If it’s not eternal, it’s not self-existent.

God asserts and revealed to mankind that He is an eternal being who exists in and of Himself. He is not an effect and He is not contingent. He is not created and He did not have a beginning. He is eternal and nothing produce Him. There is no law of logic that this concept violates because there is nothing baseless or irrational about the idea of an eternal uncaused being. It is reasonable and necessary that there be such a being if anything were to exist at all. Something must have the power of being independent from some precursor  causal agent or nothing could exist.

It is a flawed postulation that everything came from nothing (ex nihilo). There’s plenty of prevailing engrossing scientific cosmological evidence that the universe is finite and had a beginning. (In fact, it can be measured as a span of the hand of God, as in Isaiah 40:12a “Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, …)

The evidence for the beginning of the universe points to an external cause outside of space, time, and matter. The physical universe of space, time, and matter cannot create itself.

Moreover, the universe isn’t personal and therefore would lack the volition to create other things. The universe cannot be “causa sui” or “self-caused” (a preposterous notion, for how can something that has no being, produce other beings like humans, for instance?), but rather, only God is “sine causa” or “without a cause”.  Something, after all, always had to have existed, the physical came from a state of non-matter, non-space, non-time. But it didn’t come from absolute nothingness, because how may no thing create some thing. Who created the universe from its non-existent state at the beginning?

Cosmologist Paul Davies, recognising the dilemma presented by the evidence, writes, “One might consider some supernatural force, some agency beyond space and time as being responsible . . . or one might prefer to regard the [beginning of the universe] as an event without a cause. It seems to me that we don’t have too much choice. Either… something outside of the physical world… or… an event without a cause.” This inference of a cause “outside the room” is reasonable, given the strength of diverse evidence for a caused universe, and the inadequacy of efforts to stay “inside the room” of the universe for an explanation.

Either the universe has self-existence, or something beyond the universe does. Otherwise, nothing would exist. Since the universe is not self-existent (it began to exist at the Big Bang, for those who believe in the Big Bang theory), it is consummately logical to assume that something beyond the universe has the attribute of self-existence. It must be something that itself has no cause (outside the room) and that caused everything else. This reality is logically inescapable, though many people debate over what—or who— has no cause: is it a personal Being or it is “non personal – a thing”?

Logically, the “One outside the room” must be eternal. Since it is not itself “caused,” it cannot have a beginning. God, according to the Bible, fits this description, as the only thing in existence that was not “made.” John 1:3 makes a specific distinction between things that are made and things that are not made. God, as it stands, is the only “Being” that was not made. He is eternal, always existing (“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. ” Psalm 90:2). Combining reasons with observation not only leads us to the idea with a description that’s identical to the God of the Bible, who reveal Himself to us. God is, in fact, philosophy’s “outside the room”; the best fit. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3

The non-contingent Being is necessary – without it, nothing else can exist. So, “the one outside the room” must exist, and there can be no reality where it does not. God, again, matches this description, as the One who simply “is” and must be and as the One who created—who caused—all other things.

According to God’s revealed truth, the Bible, God is self-existent. God’s attribute of aseity means God does not need, nor does he depend upon, anything outside himself, such as the creation for His continued existence. Unlike all creatures, the source of God’s everlasting existence is found within Himself, as He is self-sufficient. As the only uncreated and uncaused being, everything else that exists in the entire created order, depends upon His creative and sustaining power. God’s eternality is His aseity; with respect to time – He is Lord of time, existing apart and above it and absolutely free to enter it to accomplish His purposes. God’s attribute of self-existence or aseity is revealed in Acts 17:24-25  “God made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;”

Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Hebrews 1:3a – “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power,”  In the context of the passage, “his” refers to Christ Jesus. Genesis 2:3 “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Colossians 1:16 “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” Again, in the context of the passage, “him” refers to Jesus Christ.

Observation of the universe suggests additional details about “the One outside the room”.  The existence of intelligent life in a finely tuned universe to make life possible, the mind-boggling and staggering structure and intricate complexity of the universe, with a great deal of multiplicity diversity in the natural world, suggests the Being is creative, personal, phenomenally intelligent, astoundingly mighty and powerful. He must be; in order to create and sustain all of these things. The same is true of “personal” concepts such as morality.

The Bible speaks of exactly this outside of the room Being. “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:1–7

Logic and observation also suggest that God is ONE God – as a triune being, is easily the best explanation of the Being who is outside the room. The universe exhibits both uniqueness and unity—different parts but a single system. The universe exhibits both diversity and unity, it makes sense for that cause to be both diverse and unified, as is the Trinity – to reflect His identity as He has revealed to His creation.

Einstein’s general relativity, which has much experimental support, shows that time is linked to matter and space. Therefore, time itself would have begun along with matter and space. Since God, by definition, is the creator of the whole universe, he is the creator of time; as such He is not limited by the time dimension He created, so has no beginning in time—God is ‘the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity’ (Isaiah. 57:15). Thus, He doesn’t have a cause.

God, as creator of time, is outside of time. Since therefore He has no beginning in time, He has always existed, so doesn’t need a cause. “The first moment of time is the moment of God’s creative act and of creation’s simultaneous coming to be.”

The same logic and explanations that lead us to conclude there is a Being outside the room – which point toward the God of the Bible. While the terminology might be different, depending on whether one approaches through philosophy, science, or theology, the end result is the same – God, as defined according to the Bible; where God has revealed Himself to mankind through His inspired Word to various men (about 40 men)  who were from different cultural, economic, geographical and educational backgrounds over the course of some 1,500 years, from three continents, namely Asia, Africa and Europe, and in three languages, specifically Hebrew, everyday Greek (called “Koine”), and a dash of Aramaic (an ancient language originating in Syria) with one unified message in a collection of 66 books – 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament.

Dr. Cheong Kok Weng                                                                                                         Aug 17, 2024

Truth has become increasingly subjective and perspectival unfortunately in our current age. However if there is no “true truth” (as if there is false truth!!) , there is no falsehood either, and all things are therefore relative – but we know that is a false statement , when there is no truth, chaos will be reign supreme.

Truth is grounded in the one true God who “is there and is not silent,”. Only truth can give us the confidence that our faith is worth having. Those who wish to pursue a life of faith and obedience to God will make it their goal to speak the truth always. Telling the truth is commanded and commended in God’s Word. The 10 commandments and through the many passages of God’s Word, God instructs us not to lie.

The foregoing are what our Creator said concerning truth.

‭‭John‬ ‭8:32‬ ‭“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭

Jesus said “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, To all that call upon him in truth.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭145:18‬ ‭

“LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭15:1-2‬ ‭

Liars make a deliberate choice to fabricate the truth and do not let others know that they are doing this. There are lies – lying is deliberately saying something with the intent to deceive, and God draws a hard line against this practice. God’s Word reveals that lying is a severe offense that the Lord will not tolerate.

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall perish.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:9‬ ‭

“Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: But they that deal truly are his delight.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:22‬ ‭

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:14-15‬ ‭

“Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: The LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭5:6‬ ‭

“He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: He that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭101:7‬ ‭

“For He that will love life, And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips that they speak no guile:”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭

“A false witness shall not be unpunished, And he that speaketh lies shall not escape.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭

“A true witness delivereth souls: But a deceitful witness speaketh lies.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭14:25‬ ‭