THE KEEPERS OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

God had His chosen people write and keep the authenticity of the Old Testament. These were men of God who wrote the words that God gave them to write. The accepted text is called the “Masoretic text.” The Masorites were rabbis who made it their special work to copy the Old Testament. They separated the apocryphal for the canonical books, Several editions exist and vary a lot. The received and authoritative text is that of Jacob ben-chayim ibn Adonijah. Two other important textual evidences bolster the confidence of textual critics that it is accurate. The discoveries of manuscripts at Qumran by the Dead sea in 1947. These portions of manuscripts agree with the Jacob ben-chayim ibn Adonijah Masorete text. There is also the comparison of the Masoretic text to the Greek translation called the Septuagint, which was written around 200-150 B.C. The consistency of agreement between the Masoretic Text and the Sepuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls assure us that God divinely and sovereignly protects His Word through thousands of years of copying and translating. If your version has in the Book of Daniel chapter 3 and verse 25 the last part of that verse saying, “…and the form of the fourth is like the sons of gods.”, you have the wrong version. That verse should say,”..and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Some evil translator has taken that verse from Divine to devilish.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE

GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE – EXODUS 7:1-9

As I read the beginning of the seventh chapter of Exodus, several things drew my attention. One was that God made Moses a god to Pharoah. I became curious about this statement and began to understand that as a representative of GOD, Moses would become some one that Pharoah would eventually look to as one that speaks on the behalf of God. This is the position that every child of God should realize that we hold in our relationship with God. To others we are the voice of God. This should encourage us to be truth seekers so we can repeat Godly truths and not error. 2Co_5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. We should always conduct ourselves as representatives of God at all times. The lost to know Him as Saviour and the saved to know Him as Lord of their life.

This relationship requires obedience. Look at verse 6 and you see obedience. Obedience to the lost in repentance and belief. The saved in living in obedience to the commands of God, and living a God honoring life. God did not say to Moses and Aaron that partial obedience was okay. Notice the repetition in verse 6. “And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they. This is an emphasis on obedience. Complete obedience. Complete obedience to God is against our carnal nature. We want control of our lives. We want to make decisions. It is all about us. Our carnal nature is in part a narcissistic nature. Everything is about us. The universe revolves around us. That is why some people are so easy offended and others are great offenders. That is where sensitive “your words” hurt me lies and “sarcastic bombastic” declarations are issued, the depths of a narcissistic soul. Complete surrender and obedience carries these away as we respond to the Spirit of God and our lives are lived in obedience to Him.

Verse 9 gives specific instruction and we will look at this later.

HEBREW HONEYCOMB

 

William Andrew Dillard‘s status.

 

 

PRIESTS, PRIEST, AND A TORN VEIL
In the organization of religious practice in the Old Testament there existed a moveable tabernacle, and later temple built on the same order. The two-room structure hosted an initial room known as the Holy Place. There was also a second room heavily veiled from the first. It was known as the Holy of Holies or The Most Holy Place. It was in this second room that the Ark of the Covenant was located. It was here that the high priest offered the blood of sacrificial animals for the sins of the people on Yom Kippur (day of atonement). It was here that a manifestation of Almighty God appeared from time to time. Busy priests ministered about the sacrifices of the people outside these structures and were admitted into the first room for specific purposes that had to do with the table of showbread, the altar of incense, and the candlestick. However, no one entered the Holy of Holies except the High Priest and that after specific preparation and for definite purpose at the appointed time.
Now these things are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come, I Cor. 10:11. The Tabernacle and the Temple are no more, but they and their service are types and symbols of present realities that must not be overlooked or forgotten. The Old Testament priests are a type of New Testament priests which are bona fide, active church members, I Peter 2:5,9. The high priest of Israel is a type of our high priest, Who entered into the Holy of Holies in heaven with His own blood as a once-for-all offering for the sins of all who trust in Him, whereby He is able to save them the uttermost who come unto God by Him! Hebrews 7:25. But, as an high priest after the order of Melchisedek, rather than that of Aaron, He continues endlessly, the service of high priest in that He is at the right hand of God, making intercession for us, Romans 8:25, Heb. 7:25. Moreover, we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with our infirmities, Hebrews 4:15, but was tempted on all points as we are, yet without sin.
Upon the resurrection of our high priest from the tomb, the veil of the temple that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place was torn into two pieces, Matt. 27:51. The veil is no longer there to restrict New Testament priests from coming boldly before the throne of Grace with petitions for self and for others, and to find help in time of need. What a “hallelujah-type” privilege! The profound wonder of the age is that it is so little used. May God help us all to not be lazy, uncompassionate priests, but priests that are busier than the Old Testament priests ever were, serving, praying, teaching, ever learning, worshipping in spirit and in truth.

 

 

Hebrew Word – Selah

 

Selah

 

selāh

 

As we close our study of the rich vocabulary of the OT, we could not consider a more appropriate final word than selāh (H5542). It appears seventy-one times in the Psalms and three times in a prayer by Habakkuk (Hab_3:3; Hab_3:9; Hab_3:13), which was set to a tune and directed to the chief singer. It is not surprising it is omitted in the corrupt Latin Vulgate, but does appear in the Septuagint and is translated as diapsalma, which refers to some variation or modulation of the voice in singing.

 

While the precise meaning is not known for sure, several possibilities have been offered. Some think it derives from a root (sal) that means “to raise, elevate, lift up” and suppose that it directs an elevation in the voice, to sing louder, or to pitch the tune up to a higher key, because there is nobler matter to come. Others view it as an affirmation of the truth of something, whether good or bad, and render it “verily” or “truly,” corresponding to the idea of “Amen,” that is, “so be it,” “so shall it be.”

 

The most common view, however, is that this is a musical notation that means a pause and musical interlude and is derived from the word salah, “to strew or spread out,” implying that the subject should be spread out, meditated upon, strewn out in front of us that we might attentively consider it. It often follows a noteworthy statement, good or bad, and likely indicates a pause for reflection while the instruments play an interlude. This seems to be the most probable meaning.

 

When we read this word, then, we are encouraged to pause, reflect, meditate, and consider carefully what has been said. This meaning is made all the more probable by its use in Psa_9:16 : “The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.” As noted at the beginning of our study (January 6), the transliterated word Higgaion (higgāyôn, H1902) means meditation (January 6), musing, and thinking in the heart. How we should, indeed, reflect and meditate on verses such as Psa_66:4 : “All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah.”

 

Dear Christian Friend, the author and publisher of this book pray that selāh will become an important word in your Christian walk. May God richly bless you.

 

Scriptures for Study: Read the following occurrences of selāh: Psa_24:10; Psa_44:8; Psa_50:6; Psa_59:13; Psa_62:8; Psa_66:4; Psa_68:19; Psa_68:32; Psa_143:6.

 

Soli deo Gloria — To God alone be the glory.

 

 

 

128 – May-08 – This Day in Baptist History Past

 

        Earnest Study of Gods’ Word Will Make You Baptist

 

King charles the Second was proclaimed King of England on May 8, 1660. He was known as the “Merry Monarch,” and some religious toleration dotted the political horizon during his rule in which several interesting Baptists came to the fore.   Mr. John Gosnold had been a minister of the established church, and during the civil unrest, he made the Scriptures the center of his thinking. Following earnest study he converted to Baptist convictions, and was chosen pastor of a Baptist congregation at the Barbican in London. His preaching was very popular, and he drew vistors from every denomination. His audience was usually composed of three thousand.

 

Carolus Maria DuVeil, a man who had been born into a Jewish home in Mentz, France. He was educated in Judaism, but as he began comparing the prophetical books of the Old Testament with the New, he was convinced in his heart that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah!  When he embraced Christianity, his father was incensed, and attempted to kill Carolus with a sword.  Carolus became quite well known and the bishop of London sought his friendship which procured the use of the bishop’s library.   There he discovered writings of the english Baptists, and being an honest inquirer, he discovered that the Biblical hermeneutics of the Baptists caused him to realize that they were in agreement with the Word of God.  At that time Carolus sought an interview with reverend Gosnold. In the course of time Carolus was immersed by the Baptist pastor, and became a member of the Baptist church.
Dr. Dale R. Hart, adapted from:  This Day in Baptist History  III (David L. Cummins) p.p.  266   –   268

 

 

Bible Analysis

I.THE OLD TESTAMENT

Jesus Christ recognized the Old Testament as containing three distinct divisions. He did not make the divisions, but He did recognize the divisions and used them as means of teaching His disciples during His resurrection ministry. When He taught them about the resurrection, according to the three divisions of the Old Testament, they then understood that He was to have been buried and rise again.

“And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the (1) law of Moses, and in the (2) and the Prophets, and (3) the Psalms, concening me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:44, 45).

For a study of the Bible by subject matter, such as his resurrection, one is safe and justified in studying the Old Testament under the (1) Law of Moses, (2) and the Prophets, and (3) the Psalms. A recognition of our Lord’s approved divisiojn of study of the Old Testament is safe. To study the Old Testament by subject matter without recognizing these divisions, is unsafe, will lead to many doctrinal errors, which shall be pointed out in later chapters.

Most schools of theology arbitrarily divide the Old Testament into seven divisions, without Bible sanction, and such hinders one from effectively meeting gross heresy taught by suchyh as hold that they are still under part of the law, the moral law, of the Old Testament.

Seven wrong divisions of the Old Testament, that may lead to moral and doctrinal error are:

1.Moral Law
2.Ceremonial Law
3.Historical books
4.Major Prolphets
5.Minor Prophets
6.Psalms
7.Poetic books

In no place does the Bible say anything about “moral law” and “ceremonal law.” These are the evil inventions of men. In no place does the Bible say anything about the “major prophets” and the “minor prophets.” In no place does the Bible say anything about the “historical books” and the “poetic books.” While it is admitted that men may remember some historical incidents better by such an arbitrary division of the Old Testament, it is also recognized and here pointed out that such unjustifiable divisions for a real study of the Bible by subject and doctrinal matter will lead to gross Bible error.

For instance, if one accepts these seven divisions of the Old Testament as being authentic, the person who wants to stay under the seventh day Sabbath can say, and does, “The ceremonial law has been fulfilled, but we are still under the moral law.” The Bible says nothing about either the moral or ceremonial law’s being fulfilled, because there was no such recognition by the prophets, apostles, or Jesus. The Bible says the Law was fulfilled, not just a part, or parcel (Matt. 5:17, 18; Gal. 3:10, 13, 19, 24; Col. 2:14-17; II Cor. 3:6-11).

Just because one prophet wrote more or less than another does not make him major or minor to another. In the Law of Moses there were morals taught and there were ceremonies that were to have been strictly observed, but the Bible says nothing about “moral law” and “ceremonial law.” Ben M. Bogard stated: “The moral law was invented by Seventh Day Adventists to save their idea of the Sabbath” (The Golden Key, p. 9). It is wise to avoid such divisions of the Old Testament, as shall be seen in later chapters.

1.The Law of Moses.

This is the first division of the Old Testament. It included not only the five books of the Pentateuch but also the other books of the Old Testament that tell how Israel’s government functioned in carrying out the Law of Moses, under Joshua, the judges, and Saul, David, and Solomon, the three kings of undivided israel. The term, “the Law of Moses,” as used by our Lord, Luke 24:44, included every book of the Old Testament from Genesis through Esther (seventeen books).

2.The Prophets.

This second division of the Old Testament included those prophets who wrote books that were contained in the Old Testament Scriptures. These include every book of the Old Testment from isaiah to Malachi, without Bible recognition of one’s being major or minor to another (seventeen books).

3.The Psalms.

The third division of the Old Testament, as approved by our Lord for study, included those inspired books of songs or poetry, from Job through the Song of Solomon (five books). The term “psalm” means a lyrical piece to be sung to a musical instrument (Smith’s Bible Dictionary, p. 539). “The Psalms” not only referred to the single book in our Bible called “Psalms,” but also to Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, all of which were written in poetry, to be sung or chanted in worship to the Lord, in connection with instrumental music. It is wise for doctrinal purposes to study the Old Testament according to our Lord’s approval, Luke 24:44, 45. It is folly to study it otherwise, that is to disregard His approved divisions, for study and teaching.

Heresy and those that pervert it.

Just taking a look at email and ran across this article. What  are these people talking about. Heresy, defined from a Biblical stand, is deviation from the true doctrine that God has established. The assumption that heresy is choosing one’s own belief instead of what one is born into is spurious. Heresy is choosing one’s own belief instead of accepting God’s teaching. This man is a pretentious pretender as editor of a religious magazine.  He states that a “careful reader will discern that I have little patience with those who fling the word blasphemy at movies or books or magazines that portray Jesus in a way they don’t like.”

How pompous can one person be to indicate that anything is okay just as long as it carries the label “Christian.” This strikes me to be one that has a shallow understanding of the Old Testament and the reverence shown to God. We have lost that reverential fear today. We try to make God something He is not. He is so Holy that there are those that would make Him human so that they can be more comfortable around Him. This would then excuse their “heretical and pernicious ways” that God does not approve of.

In the Old Testament, some of those that practised heresy were swallowed up by the earth and some others were burned up by fire from heaven. How much of a warning does one need to know that if you disrespect God, He will disrespect you. Make your definitions that suit you and make your decisions that define you but be willing to accept the results that God will send whether blessing or beating (chastisement).

Can anyone tell that a few high sounding words that are used to explain ireverance of God and disrespect for His Son Jesus Christ causes me to have a large loss of patience. There is an explanation for ignorance – lack of knowledge. There is no explanation for stupid.Technorati Tags: Old Testament, pompous, heresy, God, reverance