Be Not Fooled

The majority of those who claim to be Christians today are traditional Christians. They assume that what they have believed and practiced for generations will qualify them as ‘Christians’ and ultimately lead them to heaven.

The truth is that tradition does not make anyone a follower of Christ. The ceremonies and festivals observed by the Jewish people will not become the Christian tradition. Neither are Christians obligated to imitate the Jewish priesthood, sacrifices, and temple practices. The way of Christ is not based on ceremonies, but rather, it must be born in faith and lived in faith.

Religion or Person

True Christians are followers of a person rather than followers of a religion. That unique person is the Lord Jesus Christ. True Christians are those who depend on Christ’s atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of their sins and are born again. They surrender their lives to Him and live according to the guidance of the Spirit of God. Christ makes this clear in the third chapter of the Gospel of John.

Man’s word or God’s Word

The basis of Christian faith is the Word of God.

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Rom. 10:17 NKJV)

It is desirable to believe in what is written in the Word of God rather than to believe in what is merely heard. Because the Bible is infallible, unchangeable, and God-breathed.

But the word of the Lord remains forever.” (1Peter 1:25 NLT)

Verify everything you hear with the Word of God.

And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
(Acts 17:11 NLT)

It contains all the teachings needed for a Christ follower.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
(2Timothy 3:16‭-‬17 NLT)

God had given written laws and regulations to the Jewish people. They were obliged to strictly follow it. When they gather on the Sabbath, they read and listen to the Word of God and talk about it with each other at home, on the road, and at work. They used to write God’s commandments on the door posts of the house and in other prominent places so that they could always see them. Some even wrote them and put it in a small leather box (known as phylacteries) and tied it to their foreheads.

“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
(Deuteronomy 6:4‭-‬9 NLT)

Temple Relocated

The people of Israel were chosen to love the one true God by keeping His laws and commandments. It was the blessing and privilege they received through Abraham. God said that all people would come to worship Him in Jerusalem. King Solomon built a temple there.

For the Lord has chosen Jerusalem; he has desired it for his home. “This is my resting place forever,” he said. “I will live here, for this is the home I desired.
(Psalms 132:13‭-‬14 NLT)

The Jews had only one temple. In the Holy of Holies was the Ark of the Covenant with the Mercy Seat on it. God had said that He would dwell there. But the New Testament teaches that all believers who have been regenerated by the Spirit of God are God’s temple. God the Holy Spirit dwells in them.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?
(1Cor. 3:16 NKJV)

However, the Most High doesn’t live in temples made by human hands.
(Acts 7:48 NLT)

Sacrifices for Sin

Under the Old Covenant, forgiveness of sins required continual sacrifices. All the details of the Jerusalem Temple were given by God Himself. All of them had spiritual meanings and they were foreshadows of things to come. Because God’s presence was in the Holy of Holies, it was separated from the rest by a curtain. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest alone would go there with the blood of animals that had been slaughtered for his sins and the sins of the people, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat. If there is some shortcoming, the high priest will fall dead there. Read Leviticus chapter 16 to understand this.

Apart from special occasions, sacrifices had to be offered daily in the morning and evening, to escape death, which is the punishment for sins. Hebrews chapter 10 makes this clear.

Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
(Hebrews 10:11‭-‬12 NLT)

Calvary the Turning point

The Jewish priesthood that began with Aaron ended with Calvary because the temple lost its importance when God, the Holy Spirit, took up residence in the believers. There was no need for a priestly system. They were all a shadow of Calvary. The curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom, and God gave the believers the right to approach the throne of grace, without the need of an intermediary, under the cover of His Son’s holy blood.

The New Testament doesn’t record that the apostles and disciples followed the Aaronic priestly tradition. But centuries later, those who claim to be the successors of the apostles have brought back the old covenant system, which is difficult to understand. The truth is that those who see the apostolic tradition in thrones do not see the sufferings and martyrdom the apostles endured for the sake of the gospel. The Lord had made the apostolic mission very clear to them.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:18‭-‬20 NLT)

When we look at the history of the church, we will understand how much the church of Christ deviated from obeying this last commandment of the Lord. We can see fights and debates, tug of war for honors and positions, and rituals that take advantage of the ignorance of the believers. But because God preserved small groups of faithful followers in every era, the gospel was preached throughout the ages and it reached all over the world. Remember that this is not because of the faithfulness of the church leadership, but because of the power of the Word of God.

It is the same with my Word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.
(Isaiah 55:11 NLT)

Everyone a Priest

All redeemed believers are royal priests called to serve the Lord.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
(1Peter 2:9 NKJV)

Believers are the body of Christ and Christ is the head. Just as the parts of the body have different functions, believers receive different gifts and carry out the mission of the church.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.
(Eph. 4:11‭-‬13 NLT)

This is further clarified in 1Corinthians 12. All these gifts are given for the spiritual growth of the church. There is no small or big gift. There is no difference between shepherds and sheep. Everyone has a responsibility to edify one another according to the gift of grace each has received.

From early on, shepherds began to act as leaders. They claimed to be the successors of the apostolic tradition and placed themselves a level higher to assume authority over the sheep. Thus there came a distinction between the clergy and the laity. The believers were given to understand that they should approach God only through the clergy like in the Old Testament. Many rituals, practices and ceremonies became part of religious requirements, though the Word of God does not suggest them.

Only Mediator

There is no need for mediators to approach God. God’s Word says,

For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
(1Timothy 2:5‭-‬6 NLT)

The shepherds frighten the sheep, who are burdened with their sins, pointing to God’s wrath and judgment, and prescribe various acts of penance, intercessory help, etc. The sheep do not understand the depth of God’s love and do not follow the true Shepherd.

The truth is that Jesus Christ, our heavenly High Priest and Mediator, who took our sins and offered Himself as a sacrifice on Calvary, sits at the right hand of the Father and intercedes for us.

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
(1John 1:9 NLT)

Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
(Romans 8:34 NLT)

But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.
(Hebrews 7:24‭-‬25 NLT)

True Shepherd

The Lord may have to tell the clergy of today as he told the Pharisees of His day, “Woe to the shepherds who lead the people astray with ceremonies and rituals that do not agree with the word of God.” These leaders who aim for positions, thrones and honours, forget their responsibility towards the souls who are slipping away into hellfire.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me…”
(John 10:14 NLT)

Jesus, the good shepherd, knows his sheep. His sheep will hear his voice. He is coming again to gather unto Himself the sheep who hear His voice and follow Him. We are seeing the signs of His coming all around. Turn to the Word of God and listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd before it is too late. Invite Him to come in and be your Saviour and Master. Commit yourself to follow Him.

Agree with God that you are a sinner and in need of a Saviour. (Rom.3:23; 6:23)
Believe that Jesus took your punishment and died in your place. Ask Him to forgive you. (Rom.5:8; John 14:6)
Confess with your mouth that Jesus is your only Saviour and Master. Ask Him to come into your life. (Rom.10:9; Rev.3:20; Heb.13:5)

Tattoos

• Why did people in ancient days get tattoos?

• What are some Biblical reasons why a Christian should not have tattoos or piercings?

• How would tattoos and piercings dishonour God?

Art is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious background of people. Among the various forms of art, the art of body painting has caught the fascination of the young generation in the west. Like several other things this too would soon make its way into our society.

Body painting had originated from tattoos. Tattoos were used by the ancient cultures from time immemorial. They used it for various reasons. It was part of superstitions and religious rituals for many cultures. For some it was identification of their tribe or group. It did not start as an artistic expression but a permanent mark of identification with some faith or practice. Tattoos were meant to be permanent.

When you are marking your body with a tattoo, because it is a voluntary act, you are identifying with something knowingly or unknowingly. If you are a Christian you have been identified with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection.
“For surely you know that when we were baptized into union with Christ Jesus, we were baptized into union with his death. By our baptism, then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from death by the glorious power of the Father, so also we might live a new life” (Rom.6:3-4 GNT).
“And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal.5:24 ESV).
The Holy Spirit has sealed you as a mark of His ownership over you.
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption” (Eph.4:30 ESV).

Your body has been made the Temple of the living God and you cannot do whatever you want with your body, especially tattoo it to identify it with something else. Remember, once you do it, it is almost impossible to remove it or get your body back to the old condition.

Body piercing too was the mark of allegiance to some deity. People express their devotion to the deity by piercing their body with sharp objects. Some of these may be temporary piercings. In the West this is a symbol of rebellion.

In the Bible God commanded the people of Israel not to cut their bodies to make markings in memory of the departed.

“You shall not round off the hair on your temples or mar the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord”.
(Leviticus 19:27‭-‬28 ESV)

In the New Testament we are reminded that our bodies are the Temple of the living God and we should not do things that would dishonour God. We are also instructed not to follow the customs and practices of the world as we belong to the Lord.

“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world….” (Rom.12:2 NLT)

If you are a Christian you should seriously consider these things before going for a tattoo or a body piercing. Most of these are permanent modifications mutilating the Temple of God and we are accountable for our neglect of God’s grace that redeemed us.

Addiction

• Are you addicted to anything?

• How can you show your maturity to your friends?

• Do we have any control over addictive behaviour?

Addiction is a behaviour that has become so habitual that you can not stay without it. In most cases, your body gets adjusted to this habit that you get severe discomfort when you try to discontinue the practice.

People give various reasons for their addiction, like, coping with failures and disappointments, overcoming tragedies, escaping feelings of hopelessness, etc. Some of these substances stimulate nerve cells to cause a pleasurable feeling. So once you start on one of these it will make you want more. Thus you are dragged into the habit.

People get addicted to various things, like food, drinks, intoxicants, entertainments, etc. It is our own choices that lead to addiction. It begins as an experiment or fun or prestige factor but it is always our choice that leads to a habit. You may succumb to peer pressure when you are challenged to prove your maturity or manhood. It is your choice whether to prove it that way or to show your maturity by deciding against it. If you want to experiment with some things like alcohol, tobacco or drugs, even after knowing the adverse effects of these things on your body, it is still your choice. Some people are exposed to these in homes as their parents or elders are addicted to the vices. They have chosen the way of destruction and you don’t have to choose the same. Some think it is ‘macho’ to be doing some of these things but it is foolish because of the ill-effects they will have on our body. If you think it is fashionable to have some of these habits, you are fooled. These habits will adversely affect your character and destroy your health.

Christians are admonished to stay away from addictions.

“Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life” (Eph.5:18 NLT).

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1Cor.10:31 NLT)

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1Cor.3:16-17 NLT)

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body.” (1Cor.6:19-20 NLT)

So, as Christians we must make wise choices, choices that would lead to healthy habits and build Godly character.

Fashion and the Christian

•Why do people go after the latest in fashion?

•Can you rate someone’s character by looking at his external appearance?

• Is it desirable for a Christian to follow the fashion trends of the world?

• How can we honour God with our body?

Fashion is about our appearance in society. To a great extent it is exhibitionism. People are so conscious about what others think about them. The modern society looks at those in unrevealing attire as outdated and uncool.

Today’s generation rates one’s social status by his dress and his possessions. Their lifestyle is their fashion statement. Designer wear, which was the choice of the rich some years ago, has become common among the middle class today. People are rated fashionable or not by the brand of their apparels and accessories. Seemingly, women with lesser clothing are considered to be more fashionable these days. Your fashion is rated by the number of holes on your jeans and where all those are positioned. It’s all a “show” business. The more you reveal the more fashionable you are in ‘high society’.

Clothing is for our comfort and convenience. It also has some bearing on the geographical, cultural and climatic conditions. Fashion in itself is not wrong if it is modest and within the limits of decency. But fashion pageants are off the limits since women are not meant to be objects of display.

Partying is an essential element in the modern lifestyle. Party is no party without drinking a bit and shaking a leg. However, there’s lot of vulgarity in the name of fashion today. Now people walk around in what used to be inner wear till a few years ago. They have colourful tattoos to exhibit. Those who are less beautiful get tattooed all over and dress scantly to display the art. Many Christians too follow the world in these matters. Unfortunately, some Christian parents, instead of correcting their children, take pride in them when they adopt this lifestyle. They bring their fashion to the church too and distract others seated around them. But when is it excess and where shall we draw the line? What is the Biblical view on these?

Christians are advised not to follow the world because they are a special people set apart by God for His purposes. A Christian should not follow the crowd but obey the Word of God.

“Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 NLT)

“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Pet. 2:9 NLT)

A Christian’s body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit and it is his/her awesome responsibility to keep it holy.

“Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God
and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (1Cor.3:16, 17 NLT)

“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honour God with your body.” (1Cor.6:19, 20 NLT)

Jesus redeemed us with his precious blood and purchased us to be his own. This means we are not our own anymore. He saved us with the specific purpose of displaying the goodness of our God to the world around. We are called to be the light in darkness. We must live to glorify our God. Both Apostles Paul and Peter instructed Christians to be modest in their lifestyle.

“And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” (1Timothy 2:9-10 NLT)

“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewellery, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” (1Pet. 3:3-4 NLT)

Modesty is what should guide a Christian in these matters. It is better to avoid explicit displays that grab attention. If you are a Christian who is modest in your appearance and social behaviour, you are honouring God. Obedience without arguments pleases our God.