Like a chestnut tree

A voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, kill and eat!” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” Again a voice came to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into the sky. (Acts 10:13-16)

Therefore, it is my judgment that we do not cause trouble for those from the Gentiles who are turning to God, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols, from acts of sexual immorality, from what has been strangled, and from blood. For from ancient generations Moses has those who preach him in every city, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath. (Acts 15:19-21)

All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

In the Old Testament, God gave the Israelites the Law, and their life and death depended on their obedience to it. The Old Covenant was founded upon this Law. But now a new era has come—the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. This raises an important question: what, then, is the role of the Law?

This issue was a matter of great debate and confusion among both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Misunderstanding the relationship between the Law and the Gospel has led to many erroneous teachings, including the development of Covenant Theology and the doctrine of the Active Obedience of Christ.

Christ did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.

Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

Many theologians interpret the word “fulfill” as Christ’s perfect keeping of the Law. Yet Christ is not subject to or measured by the Law, even though He became man to free us from its bondage. Indeed, He was blameless under the Law and thus the perfect sacrifice. But the perfection of that sacrifice required more than a sinless human—it required that He also be God. For the ultimate purpose of His sacrifice was not merely atonement, but regeneration—the creation of a new being.

The Law was given to reveal the coming Savior. Therefore, when Christ came and completed all the work necessary to make us children of God, the Law assumed a new purpose. We now study it to understand God and His redemptive plan. Yet many resist the truth that we are freed from the Law. They wish to keep it so that their works might be recognized, seeking to earn salvation by their own efforts.

Therefore the Law has become our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)

When the Holy Spirit grants us wisdom, a Christian conscience is formed within us. We begin to hate what God hates and strive to avoid what displeases Him. Yet, because of our sinful nature and frail bodies, we still fall into temptation. However, God continually delivers us. Even our encounters with temptation can deepen our understanding—though sin itself has no virtue, our failures teach us why God despises certain things and how we must depend on His grace.

Eating food sacrificed to idols, in itself, is not a sin. But it becomes sin depending on the condition of our conscience. God looks at the heart. If we knowingly do something that causes another believer to stumble, we displease God.

Churches must therefore instruct their members, for though we have freedom in Christ, we must exercise that freedom with wisdom. Sadly, many churches still cling to the shadows of the Old Testament era, bound by numerous written and unwritten rules. Members watch one another’s actions, measuring faith by outward conformity rather than inward conviction. Such an environment breeds hypocrisy.

In the new reformation, these old forms must pass away. The renewed church must center on how God has fulfilled His kingdom through Jesus Christ and made us His children. Ministers must return to the true labor of the gospel. They should not waste time on vain theological speculations or meaningless debates, nor act as mere social counsellors moving from house to house. Their sacred duty is to proclaim the Word of God without compromise.

Paul’s priority was to establish churches firmly upon the Rock—Christ Himself. All things in the body must work together harmoniously. Each believer has a task appointed by God, yet we are united under one banner: the kingdom of God.

Now food will not bring us close to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care that this freedom of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (vv. 8-9)

The city shall be eighteen thousand cubits all around; and the name of the city from that day shall be, ‘The LORD is there.’ (Ezekiel 48:35)

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. Each person is to remain in that state in which he was called. Were you called as a slave? Do not let it concern you. But if you are also able to become free, take advantage of that. For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave, is the Lord’s freed person; likewise the one who was called as free, is Christ’s slave. You were bought for a price; do not become slaves of people. Brothers and sisters, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called. (vv. 19-24)

This chapter addresses many matters, including marriage. Many Christians, especially within Reformed traditions, tend to regard Paul’s words as direct commandments from God — rules to be strictly observed. Yet we must remember that Paul is writing a letter to a church, not delivering a new law. The church on earth is but a shadow of the heavenly reality, and as such, we still wrestle with the frailties of our bodies and the challenges of earthly life.

Paul’s instructions, therefore, should be understood as pastoral guidance — practical wisdom for those who belong to Christ. To understand what Paul is trying to say here, one must understand the whole picture of God’s plan. Paul’s ultimate concern is not merely the management of earthly affairs, but the shaping of our lives as the children of God. We are not simply enduring this present age of turmoil and strife until the Kingdom arrives; rather, we are already living as citizens of that Kingdom, manifesting the life of God even now.

Marriage, then, is not only a human arrangement but a divine ordinance, given so that we might glimpse the sacred mystery of Christ and His Church. Through marriage, God teaches us covenantal love and faithfulness, and through the gift of children, He helps us understand His love for us.

God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

Sexual desire is an innate part of our human nature, woven into us by God’s design. In many ways, it is influenced by the physical aspects of our being, including our hormones. It is God’s will that, in due time, we marry and form families, reflecting His purpose for creation. Yet some struggle with desires that feel difficult to restrain. In such cases, Paul wisely counsels that it is better to marry than to be consumed by passion, for marriage provides a holy and God-ordained context for such desires to be rightly expressed.

And He answered and said, “Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning MADE THEM MALE AND FEMALE, and said, ‘FOR THIS REASON A MAN SHALL LEAVE HIS FATHER AND HIS MOTHER AND BE JOINED TO HIS WIFE, AND THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no person is to separate.” (vv. 4-6)

However, not everyone is ordained to marry and form a family.

For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by people; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who is able to accept this, let him accept it. (Matthew 19:12)

Then the question arises — should we marry or remain single? Every person is created purposefully by God, and each life carries its own divine calling. We must not regard marriage as a command from God, but as a gift and blessing for those to whom it is given. Likewise, singleness is also a blessing, for both the married and the unmarried have their part in the work of God within His Church.

In the end, Paul reminds us that this present world is passing away. Yet we often set our hearts too deeply on earthly matters and burden ourselves with needless anxieties. Many celebrate marriage as a great event, only to see it quickly fall apart, for the sacred meaning of marriage has been trampled by human selfishness. But all these things will fade away. Only the Word of God endures forever.

For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. At that time there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. (Matthew 24:37-41)

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. (Matthew 24:35)

Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to form the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? (vv. 1-4)

The passage does not suggest that churches should handle every issue their members face. It clearly shows that God has appointed civil governments to govern all people.

Every person is to be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a servant of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. (Romans 13:1-4)

There are church denominations that insist on complete independence from civil government. However, such churches often fall into error, for deceitful and corrupt individuals frequently rise to positions of authority by deceiving others. We have heard countless reports of religious leaders exploiting their followers—financially, physically, and even sexually.

Romans 13:1–4 clearly teaches that the church is not meant to hold authority over the civil government. Rather, God has appointed civil rulers to maintain order among all people. The church, therefore, is to work alongside civil authorities in restraining evil and promoting what is good.

Because the civil government serves the whole population while the church ministers only to believers, their decisions may not always align. In such cases, the church must teach what is right according to Scripture and leave each member to act in good conscience before God. When church discipline becomes necessary, it must be exercised faithfully and in accordance with God’s words.

Indeed, Scripture stands above all human laws. Yet it is also true that some corrupt leaders misuse God’s words to exercise control and justify their wrongdoing. In such times of confusion, the church must earnestly seek divine guidance through prayer. If decisions are made contrary to one’s conscience, it is permissible for a believer to withdraw from that church community.

Sadly, many churches today fail to administer discipline properly. Those who ought to be corrected are often excused too easily. This happens because churches have become mere social communities, forgiving one another without upholding the authority of God’s Word. They build their own kingdoms and protect their own image, while the most rampant and unrestrained sin within the church—sexual immorality—continues unchecked.

People who grew up within a church community find it difficult to question the leaders’ decisions. They are often silenced or humiliated. This is because they have a wrong understanding of what the church is.

All things are permitted for me, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, however God will do away with both of them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. Do you not know that your bodies are parts of Christ? Shall I then take away the parts of Christ and make them parts of a prostitute? Far from it! (vv. 12-15)

Many churches today fail to deal rightly with sexual immorality. They proclaim that the Lord loves all and forgives all sins, yet they use this truth as a covering for sin rather than a call to repentance. In doing so, they overlook the very evil that corrupts their own communities.

Outwardly, they appear devout and faithful—attending worship services, participating in Bible studies, singing praises to God, and performing charitable works. Yet, by permitting sexual immorality to spread unchecked, they mock the holiness of God. Church leaders often claim that discipline has been carried out according to church order, but their greater concern lies in preserving the unity and image of their community rather than upholding God’s words.

Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (vv. 18-20)

Therefore, church leaders will face a stricter judgment before God. Yet many regard positions of leadership as seats of power and prestige, and so they pursue them for self-exaltation rather than for service to God.

Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment. (James 3:1)

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and sexual immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, namely, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. (vv. 1-2)

While they boasted of their knowledge and eloquent words, they had no discipline.

You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you! (1 Corinthians 4:8)

They allowed evil things to happen in their church. Even now, many churches permit immorality to run rampant without any form of correction. Church leaders pretend to take action—holding meetings, speaking with those involved, and so on—but in the end, no one is disciplined. They say we must love and forgive.

Sexual immorality and other crimes usually occur in secret. They are not exposed until someone brings the matter to light. Once revealed, both leaders and members often refuse to get involved. From their youth, they have been taught that the community must be protected from falling apart at all costs. In reality, there is no fear of God among them. God’s Word is trampled under their feet. All they care about is their fragile community—one that God will one day destroy with fire. This is because they have no understanding of God or His purposes. They speak of the Last Day and of judgment, yet they do not believe it. Instead, they malign and exploit others for their own gain and pleasure. It is no surprise that some religious leaders commit acts of sexual immorality or even crimes. Such deeds are hard to prove, for it is difficult to find two or three witnesses.

But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. (Matthew 18:16)

Only a few in the church of Corinth realized that something was terribly wrong. Their wisdom came from God. They reported the matter to Paul. While the church leaders were busy discussing theology and rules, the apostles, such as Paul, were praying to God day and night.

People judge by outward appearance, but God gives a new heart to His chosen. They may seem small and unimportant, yet their words carry power because their authority comes from God.

Many churches today are afraid to discipline or remove members because of money. They rely on funds to maintain their community and to pay ministers’ wages. But if such a system leads the church into temptation, it must be removed. Why do we need church buildings? Why can’t ministers have another job to earn their living?

God was righteous in closing the church doors through the pandemic, calling us to look back and repent.

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I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people; I did not at all mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the greedy and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to leave the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or a greedy person, or an idolater, or is verbally abusive, or habitually drunk, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a person. For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves. (vv. 9-13)

Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. (v. 6)

The downfall of a church often begins with endless discussions about matters that God has not revealed in His Word. Likely influenced by Greek philosophy and the traditions of Judaism, the believers in Corinth began to follow the wisdom of men rather than the truth of God. Many within the church became confident in their own understanding, assuming they possessed the discernment to judge who was right and who was wrong. The abundance of teachers only fueled these divisions, turning edification into debate.

The early church was indeed a turbulent period, lacking the established confessional doctrines that later provided guidance and order. Yet even then, the true saints were able to discern the truth—not by human reasoning, but by the Holy Spirit, who leads the faithful into all truth.

For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore I urge you, be imitators of me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. (vv. 15-17)

Many theologians and ministers today gain recognition and influence. They speak eloquently about God, write books, and appear in conferences and seminars. Yet not all of them truly know God. If they did, their hearts would be broken, and they would mourn in sackcloth over the spiritual decay that has overtaken churches throughout the world. The pulpits no longer proclaim the absolute grace of God. Instead, they teach distorted ideas about faith, salvation, and the law.

Much of this confusion arises from doctrines born of human reasoning, such as Covenant Theology and the so-called Active Obedience of Christ. These constructs insist that Adam was placed under a period of probation—a notion never found in Scripture. Some Reformers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, though zealous for truth, went beyond what God has revealed. Their hypotheses were built upon the Word of God, yet they drew conclusions that Scripture itself does not teach.

From the beginning, obedience was never the central issue. Adam’s disobedience merely revealed what he was—a creature without the divine knowledge that gives life. He was appointed as a steward of creation, endowed with wisdom, yet not with the wisdom of God. He did not truly understand his Creator. Would obedience alone have granted him eternal life? Certainly not. Such a theory is contrary to the testimony of Scripture. The mystery of Adam’s fall and Christ’s redemptive work is clearly explained in Romans 5: through one man came death, and through another came life. Obedience, therefore, is the fruit of rebirth in Christ, not the means to attain it. True obedience flows from being one with God—expressed not only in actions, but in a heart and mind transformed by the knowledge of His will.

In this present age, God is testing the words of men. Those who depend on law and deeds will be exposed as false, for faith comes only from the knowledge that God Himself imparts. To some, He has graciously opened their eyes to behold who He is—through Jesus Christ, the living Word, who has revealed the hidden mystery of God.

Those who uphold the doctrine of the Active Obedience of Christ often place undue emphasis on the law. Nearly all Reformed churches follow this teaching, yet they fail to uphold righteousness within their own communities. They profess to honour the law, but they do not keep it. This is a sign of a church in decline—just as Paul described in 1 Corinthians 5, where moral corruption was tolerated among believers.

Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant, but their power. For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power. What do you desire? That I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness? (vv. 18-21)

What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now the one who plants and the one who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. (vv. 5-9)

You may have noticed that I have not quoted the words of theologians. True understanding of God’s Word comes only as it is granted by God Himself. Yet, because of our fallen nature, we are inclined to exalt men rather than worship God. I cannot understand why, in so many churches, the words of men are esteemed above the Word of God. Theologians and ministers are unashamed to call certain men “great thinkers,” as though their insight arose from their own intellect and study, rather than from the wisdom of God.

But the matter was displeasing in the sight of Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them. (1 Samuel 8: 6-7)

People often quote Luther, Calvin, and other theologians to defend their positions. Yet we must remember that they were but men—imperfect and limited. The mystery of the Kingdom of God is not grasped through human reasoning, but by the Word of God revealed through the Holy Spirit. No matter how eloquently one may explain it, the truth remains hidden until God Himself opens the eyes of the heart by His Word and Spirit.

When God grants knowledge, it does not remain as mere knowledge. It nourishes the soul, shapes the person, and inevitably bears fruit in the works of God. The believer’s deeds are thus inseparably bound to God’s own work. And when the final reward is given, it will not be on account of what we have done of ourselves, but because God has worked in us and through us.

Take care that no one deceives himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the sight of God. For it is written: “He is the one who catches the wise by their craftiness”; and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are useless.” So then, no one is to be boasting in people. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. (vv. 18-23)

And when I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come as someone superior in speaking ability or wisdom, as I proclaimed to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. I also was with you in weakness and fear, and in great trembling, and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of mankind, but on the power of God. (vv 1-5)

Paul wrote the majority of the letters in the New Testament. Many approach his writings from an academic perspective, noting his learning and unique background compared to the other apostles. Perhaps this was part of the problem in the Corinthian church. Because Paul had been a Pharisee, trained in the Law, and highly educated, some were inclined to esteem him on that basis. Yet Paul himself insists that his authority did not rest upon his background or intellectual achievements, but upon the message of the cross of Jesus Christ, whom he had not known during His earthly ministry.

False teachers have often insisted that Paul preached salvation by works, but Scripture makes clear that he did no such thing. In this very chapter, Paul distinguishes between those who possess the Spirit of God and those who do not. Salvation rests not on human effort but on the eternal plan of God. Christ was ordained to die for His people before the foundation of the world; He was not sent merely to offer humanity a possibility of redemption, dependent on their willingness to respond. Rather, He came to accomplish the redemption of His chosen people through His blood.

… but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (vv. 7-8)

Thus, the wisdom of God is given only to those whom He calls, and it is the Holy Spirit who grants understanding. This indwelling of the Spirit is never earned by human merit or good works; rather, it is a gift of grace. The Scriptures testify that many sinners repented, not because they were better than others, but because the Spirit of God opened their hearts to believe.

Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner!” (Luke 7:39)

Had the Holy Spirit indwelt Caiaphas or Pilate, the crucifixion of Christ might not have taken place in the manner ordained. Yet the death of Jesus was decreed from eternity, and so both religious and political authorities, in their blindness, rejected Him. Multitudes followed their lead, though by the power of the Holy Spirit some later turned in repentance. This shows that without true knowledge and understanding, no one can confess genuine faith—for such knowledge is not discovered by human reason, but granted through the wisdom of God. Paul grasped this truth deeply, as does every believer who has been anointed with the Spirit.

We must never forget that the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ began with His public anointing by the Holy Spirit. That same Spirit now opens the hearts of sinners, imparts wisdom from above, and enables the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?” But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. After He was baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and settling on Him, and behold, a voice from the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

You are not a Christian because church leaders have approved you, nor because you attend services on Sundays or own a Bible in your home. You are a Christian only because God has granted you understanding and faith in His Son.

Many false Christians busy themselves with religious activity, yet have no desire for the truth. They join churches for the comfort of belonging, enjoying the benefits of a supportive community. While kindness and mutual help are commendable, such things alone do not make a true Christian fellowship. A genuine church must be built upon the truth of Christ, for without truth there can be no true communion in the Spirit.

After the resurrection of Christ, visible churches were established and grew rapidly. Yet with that growth came many struggles concerning doctrine and truth. It is for this reason that the New Testament letters were written—to instruct, correct, and guard the people of God in the knowledge of Christ.

Paul unceasingly emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit throughout his letters. Again and again, he reminds the church that apart from the Spirit there is no life, no wisdom, and no true faith. His words call us even now to open our eyes and discern what is taking place within the churches today.

But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. (v. 14)

To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (vv. 2-3)

God chose to create a partner for Himself, and so He made the world. This partner is called the Church. She needed to be trained and nurtured, and God has refined her through sufferings. In the end, the Church will know, understand, and love her Husband. She will see Him face to face, and He will wipe away her tears.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

The most important part of our training is learning to discern what is true and what is not. The Holy Spirit has been sent to guide and teach us. By our own nature, we can only judge by what we see and hear, and at times we may be deceived. Yet, even when we are fooled, we eventually come to recognize what is true. Many false teachers disguise themselves as angels of light.

All the letters written by the Apostles were addressed to the chosen people of God, yet they were sent to visible churches where false believers were also present. These messages were meant to guide and instruct the saints who lived among false believers—those who sought to corrupt and destroy their churches. When false believers harm the church, they do more than cause division through gossip; they attack the sound doctrines of Christianity itself.

Today, most churches no longer uphold these sound doctrines. Instead, the saints are often treated as if they are the ones destroying the church. This is exactly what happened in ancient Israel: the prophets were considered threats to the nation and were persecuted. Churches now exist almost everywhere, and not many nations persecute them. It may appear to be a peaceful time for the church, but the irony is that true saints are being forced to leave, shaking the dust off their feet, because churches have become places not for Christians, but for false Christians.

Christianity has become a religion for philosophers—people who enjoy quoting Greek thinkers and their followers. People chase after ideas, not after Jesus Christ. The same problem existed in the church at Corinth, where people wanted to appear wise by discussing things they did not truly understand.

Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am with Paul,” or “I am with Apollos,” or “I am with Cephas,” or “I am with Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (vv. 12-13)

The church in Corinth was turning Christianity into a religion of philosophers. Paul therefore reminded them that faith does not come from human ideas but rests entirely on God’s grace.

For consider your calling, brothers and sisters, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the insignificant things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no human may boast before God. But it is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written: “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (vv. 26-31)

In the world, I try to be smart and to look smart, but those efforts are ultimately empty. God does not count worldly wisdom as true wisdom. That truth became even clearer when I was diagnosed with incurable cancer. I still strive to do my work well and to live peaceably with others, but I no longer see much point in pursuing greatness for its own sake. I simply do my job diligently and accept my wages, because I know this world is not the end.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. (Revelation 21:1)

We must remember that without Jesus Christ, we are not children of God. He Himself is our grace and peace. Therefore, the core doctrines of Christianity are the Trinity, along with the nature, person, and work of Jesus Christ.

For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

I’ve been writing on this blog for some time, and my understanding of the Gospel has remained the same. The word Gospel means “good news.” While people may have different ideas about what is good, in Christianity this good news is the promise of free salvation. At first, faith might seem like a condition for receiving that salvation, but even faith itself is a gift from God.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8)

Everyone whom God has chosen will hear this good news in one way or another—and they will be saved. Yet we do not know who these people are. What we do know is that each believer confesses that God sent Jesus Christ to save the world, and God knows who belong to Him.

Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His;” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

God has given us a system on earth to learn about Him—the visible church. We see church buildings and people who call themselves Christians. The visible church teaches about God, but it is only a shadow of the real church—the invisible church. Everyone who belongs to the invisible church is saved. The church is the bride of Jesus Christ. God created Adam and Eve with this purpose in mind. From the very beginning, He has been revealing His plan. The ultimate goal is His Kingdom.

There are many visible churches around the world, but not many truly teach the Gospel. In fact, many of them enslave people. They have chosen the path of the Pharisees who persecuted Christ and His church.

The reason I write on this blog is to share what I have come to realize: God is angry at the churches of this world. They no longer preach the good news but spread lies. The Reformation was beautiful, yet the Reformers were not perfect. What we suffer today is, in part, the result of the errors they made.

The first error was believing that the new covenant was merely a continuation of the old covenant. They did not understand the difference. Because of this, they concluded that Jesus Christ had to keep the law perfectly in order to impute righteousness to us – the Active Obedience of Christ. They made the new covenant conditional—thus, grace was no longer grace.

The second error was their desire to make Christianity a religion for everyone. They dreamed of building Christian nations. But Christianity was never meant to be a mass religion; it has always been for a relatively small group of people. In trying to make everyone in their nations Christian, they compromised the Gospel. Ironically, those who call themselves “Christian nations” now stand at the forefront of persecuting true Christians. They mock and ridicule those who speak the truth. Everyone thinks they understand Christianity, yet few actually read the Bible and understand it. And this, too, fulfills the prophecy.

Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, saying,

‘Go to this people and say,
“You will keep on hearing, and will not understand;
And you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have become insensitive,
And with their ears they hardly hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.”’ (Acts 28:24-27)

In 2017, I was led to see the abominations within the new church that separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century. The most troubling teachings are Covenant Theology and the doctrine of the Active Obedience of Christ. They are not from Calvin. These errors left the separation—the Reformation—only half-finished. Today, both Reformed churches and the Roman Catholic Church proclaim the same message: conditional salvation.

Churches that proudly claim to speak the truth and insist they are the true church do not understand the Gospel. This realization made me both angry and sorrowful. And the disease seems incurable. I do not yet know if it is God’s will to let the churches of this age die so that true Christians might be freed. Like birds trapped in a slave house—freed, yet too weak to fly over the fence—many Christians perish within the confines of that house. This is also to fulfil the prophecy:

Nevertheless I must go on My journey today and tomorrow and the next day; for it cannot be that a prophet would perish outside Jerusalem. (Luke 13:33)

What we must hold on to until the end is this one truth: grace is grace. Grace is not conditional.

This raises the question of how we should understand such unconditional grace. Yet false Christians love to argue about things they will never truly grasp. It often feels like a waste of time to explain to them how Christ’s death fulfilled the law.

At times, I even think it is a blessing not to have grown up in a Reformed church—or in any church at all. From a young age, many are immersed in complex theologies and doctrines, and when they are shown what the Bible actually teaches, they reject it. They believe they know the truth, yet they know nothing. In the end, they return to the slave house.

However, for those who come to see what is wrong, that early education can become a blessing. It helps them understand what the churches are doing wrong—and why God is angry.

Keeping the law as a means to gain salvation—as shown in the conditional covenant—has no place in the new covenant. Yes, Christ accomplished the work needed to save us. Some may call this fulfilling a condition. But we do not say our salvation comes from the works of the law. Salvation is a free gift. Old is old and gone. New is new.

We do not boast that we chose to believe in God, because even faith itself is not from us—it is the gift of God. People hate grace because they do not understand it.

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. (John 1:17)

“I know that You can do all things,
And that no plan is impossible for You.
‘Who is this who conceals advice without knowledge?’
Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I do not know.
‘Please listen, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
Therefore I retract,
And I repent, sitting on dust and ashes.” (vv. 2-6)

How can we repent if we do not understand what we have done wrong? How can we repent unless someone tells us what we have done wrong? This chapter begins with Job’s repentance. God never pointed out any wrongdoing in Job’s actions. Job’s friends rebuked him for alleged evil actions, which they could not prove. They merely assumed that Job must have committed some evil deeds to deserve such disasters. Job did not do anything wrong. But he needed education.

It came about after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, that the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy, as My servant Job has. (v. 7)

God simply illustrated that He is one and only God who created all things. Is there any reason to doubt who He is? The concept of righteousness originates from God. And we humans doubt and judge God’s righteousness. How ridiculous! Job suddenly realises this and repents. We are made fearful and wonderful by God. Yet, we are not equal to God.

There is one who is equal to God, Jesus Christ. Although He was born as a human, He is from above.

And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am, you will die in your sins.” Then they were saying to Him, “Who are You?” Jesus said to them, “What have I even been saying to you from the beginning? I have many things to say and to judge regarding you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I say to the world.” They did not realize that He was speaking to them about the Father. So Jesus said, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am, and I do nothing on My own, but I say these things as the Father instructed Me. And He who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” As He said these things, many came to believe in Him. (John 8:23-30)

The only begotten Son of God became human like us. He humbled Himself. Evil people accused Him of breaking the law, even though He is the law. He died for us to pay the ransom. We were born as slaves but were bought at a price. We no longer serve God as slaves but as His children. Were Adam and Eve children of God? No, their sin was not forgiven, for they had been made as slaves. They were once servants of God but sold themselves to the devil.

A true understanding of Total Depravity does not assert that Adam and Eve were holy and righteous before eating the forbidden fruit. Holiness and righteousness belong to God alone. They were not equal to God. They thought they were as great as God and therefore decided to rebel against Him.

It is sad to see that Total Depravity is understood literally without understanding what the Bible teaches. Adam and Eve did not have a probation period. Eternal life was not promised as a reward for their obedience to God’s command. Slaves do not become children by works.

The Book of Job addresses a profoundly important question: Are we equal to God in our own right? The answer is no. The key lies in knowledge. Job did not even realise that he lacked such knowledge. Knowledge is power. Where was Job when God created the world?

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, … (Job 38:4)

After Job’s repentance, his wealth was restored. The final chapter of the Book of Job is often quoted as a testimony of God’s goodness, with readers praising Him for the apparent happy ending. Yet one may ask: what if Job had not received material blessings at the end? Would that absence of restoration imply that God is evil? Even without renewed material wealth, Job died content because of his hope in the promise of God’s kingdom.

In reality, most readers would be reluctant to engage with the Book if Job’s story ended with sickness and poverty, for we are deeply preoccupied with material prosperity. Indeed, material resources are important for a comfortable life. Every few hours, we require food; after long hours of work, we require rest. All of us, to varying degrees, desire financial security and the social recognition that often accompanies it. Wealth can make the world appear beautiful and full of opportunities, and God is aware of these human inclinations.

Nevertheless, we must ask ourselves why Jesus chose to be born in poverty and to live without financial abundance. His life challenges us to reconsider our fixation on material wealth and to place our ultimate hope in something far greater.

The most profound mystery was revealed when Jesus Christ came. God graciously shares all things with those whom he chose before the foundation of the world. In order to deepen our understanding of God, He allows us to experience disasters and hardships. Yet God gives us the strength to endure and overcome. Days of depression and troubling thoughts often persist, yet at times we awaken renewed. Thus, we persevere until God calls us.

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:16-17)