America MUST Pray - Charles E. Wilson

Charles E. Wilson, president of General Motors, was in Union Station in Washington, D.C. on the very day of the World War II invasion of Europe began, June 6, 1944, D-day. It had just been announced on the radio that the invasion was beginning. At first the station was filled with the noise of people rushing about, the commuter trains were pouring into the station putting out an enormous hubbub of sounds and energy. But then the buzz of whispers and excitement on the train concourse went from one end of the station to the other as people said, "The invasion's begun, they've landed in Normandy, France."

As Wilson watched, it was first a woman who dropped to her knees right there in the middle of the station and folded her hands. Then a man nearby fell to his knees. Then another and another. People went down with folded hands leaning on the hard wooden benches in the main lobby. Wilson asked, what are they praying for, or who? "For Jim, George, or just for peace?" Perhaps for no reason at all, except that in the hush of the moment we all felt the need to pray!

In a few minutes everyone got up off the floor. Each went on his or her own way. The commitment was personal, private, with no embarrassment or apology expressed.

Wilson reflected later, "Union Station will always have a special meaning: we were there on the day the railroad station in Washington, D.C. became a house of prayer!"

What is sad is to think of America today. It is doubtful if any such expression of public worship and humility could ever take place again. To find hundreds and hundreds of Christians in the same public place who were willing to express their thoughts to God, would almost be impossible! One has to conclude that America then was far more Christian than today! And no one felt guilty at that hour to speak forth the thoughts of their hearts to the Lord!

Three Views Regarding Joel 2:28-32 in Acts 2:15-21 by John Pappas

Introduction

In Acts two, Peter quotes the prophet Joel. He does this just as the Holy Spirit descends and fills them (2:4). The people become perplexed as a result and they all speak in different languages. While others watch and mock them saying they are drunk, Peter takes his stand and quotes Joel two. This article explains how Peter uses Joel two in Acts two. There have been three primary views concerning Peter’s explanation of Joel’s prophecy. The three views are: (1) prophecy is fulfilled in the church; (2) prophecy is fulfilled in the future; and (3) the church presently benefits by the New Covenant and, hence, was launched at Pentecost, though the prophecy was not completely fulfilled.

Background

It was the day of Pentecost (lit. "fiftieth," "the fiftieth day") or as the Jews call it, the Feast of Weeks, which occurs fifty days after the Feast of Firstfruits. It was reckoned to be fifty days from the first Sunday after the Passover feast and the second of the three Jewish feasts celebrated at Jerusalem yearly. It was also the seventh week after Passover, celebrated in grateful recognition to God for the completion of the spring harvest. Furthermore, it is also considered to be the anniversary of the giving of the law to Moses at Mount Sinai.

As the great number of Jews gathered together for the festival, the Lord found occasion to do something significant. The significance of the occasion is noted by Dr. Couch,

When the Lord Jesus ascended to heaven ten days before Pentecost, He commanded the apostles to wait in Jerusalem until He had sent to them the promised ‘Helper,’ the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17; 16:7-15)….While the Lord did not specifically state that the Spirit would be sent at the festival of Pentecost, the apostles read: ‘And when the day of Pentecost was finally come.’ But, whether they anticipated something happening on the day of Pentecost, great events did happen that day. (Handbook to the Acts of the Apostles, p. 35)

The devout Jews asked how it was that these "Galileans" were speaking in foreign languages (2:7-8). Some interpreted the sign as the "mighty deeds of God" (2:11). There were others, however, who said they were drunk. It was during this confusion that Peter took his stand and taught from the Old Testament. He provided a historical Scriptural explanation, speaking first to "the men of Judah, and all who live in Jerusalem," quoting the prophet Joel (Acts 2:17-21). Then, Peter addressed the "men of Israel," quoting David from Psalms 16:8-11 (Acts 2:15-28, 34-35).

Peter paraphrased Joel 2:28-32 to the "the men of Judah, and all who live in Jerusalem." Notice the comparison between what is said by Peter and what Joel actually said.

The difference between Acts and Joel is negligible. Even the word translated "glorious" in Acts, verses "dreadful" in Joel is the same word in the Septuagint (epiphana meaning "notable," "conspicuous," or "manifest").

The Facts of the Text

The analysis of Peter’s speech to the crowd that day and the resultant three thousand being saved (2:41) as he exhorted them saying, "be saved from this perverse generation" (2:40), demonstrates that for the most part the crowd took what he was saying literally! They recognized the literal signs and wonders (2:12, 43), though not all the signs and wonders that Peter pointed out were present that particular day. What must be identified are the signs and wonders presented in Acts two. What Peter points out as signs and wonders were: (1) your sons and daughters shall prophesy; (2) your young men shall see visions; (3) your old men shall dream dreams; (4) wonders in the sky above: (a) the sun shall turn into darkness; (b) moon into blood; (5) signs on the earth beneath: (a) blood; (b) fire; (c) vapor of smoke.

"Your sons and daughters shall prophesy," may be taken as literal and there is only one objection that can be raised. Namely, only the "sons" prophesied here. There is no record of "daughters" prophesying. The word for prophesy in the Hebrew is naba’ which means "to prophesy (speak) under the influence of divine spirit, or demonic influence." (TWOT) In this case, they truly did speak without a reasonable doubt under the influence of the Holy Spirit, speaking things about God in foreign languages (dialektos, "tongue," "language," "the tongue or language peculiar to any people").

The second and third signs, namely, "your young men shall see visions," and "your old men dream dreams," did not realize apparent fulfillment at that moment. There are no recorded visions or trances recorded in chapter two, nor is there any mention of dreams. One may argue that John’s Revelation would fulfill this prophecy, but that event did not happen for some 50 years later.

The forth and fifth signs, namely, wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth beneath, were not apparent that day. Some have argued that signs from heaven are plainly identified "tongues as of fire," but the signs from heaven are specifically identified as the sun and moon’s transition.

The other major fact presented is the outpouring of the Spirit upon "all mankind," or as the Hebrew literally says, "upon all flesh." In the Hebrew the word is basar meaning "flesh" whether of man or beast, but with respect to man, "it may imply flesh with all its qualities and appetites, its weakness and corruption by sin. It is put for that which is wholly carnal and sensual, of those given up to fleshly appetites and passions."(William Wilson, Wilson’s OT Word Studies, p. 169) In the Greek, Peter is quoting the Greek Old Testament using the expression "upon all flesh." Flesh, being the Greek word sarx, meaning "flesh (the soft substance of the living body) of man or beast," "the body," "a living creature." The reference to "all flesh" does not include both man and beast here. It is restricted to mankind in this context, and is used as the Hebrew would use it and the extent is to "all" flesh (unrestricted). Not only Jews but gentiles, that is, "all types of flesh." The apostle John says,

[E]ven as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life (John 17:2).

In Acts chapter two, although this was a special Jewish appointed feast, there were both Jews and Gentiles present as verses 10-11 lists proselytes, Cretans and Arabs present that day. In Joel, however, God is said to pour out My Spirit even upon the male and female servant, which includes the Gentile. So "all flesh" here means both Jew and Gentile, and indeed it appears that in Acts, God poured out His Spirit upon both Jews and Gentiles. The question might be raised, does "all flesh," mean everyone present that day got saved? No, it is apparent the Spirit came upon all the twelve, but it is also apparent that both classes of people, namely, Jew and Gentile, received the Holy Spirit that day as "three thousand souls were added" to them (2:42). I take the "all flesh" to mean "all" in reference to "kind" not "number." This is further seen by Peter’s words, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call" (2:38-39).

This started a new work of God. The dispensation of the Church – the Church age. The Church was started in Acts two and is uniquely defined collectively as all that are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This is the promise to Abraham in the Abrahamic Covenant (Gen. 12; 15; 17; &etc). The outworking of the Abrahamic Covenant is the larger subsections of the one covenant into (1) the eternal Land covenant; (2) the eternal Kingship (Davadic); and (3) the eternal "I will be your God" covenant (New Covenant). It is under this last covenant that God promises a new heart (Jer. 31:33), removal of sin (Jer. 31:34), a promise of Spirit indwelling (Isa. 59:21), redemption (Isa. 49:8; Jer. 31:34), and a new relationship with God (Jer. 31:33). Notice that the Church is a new thing made up of both Jew and Gentile (Eph. 3:1-7; Heb. 8:8). A mystery - something that not only did not exist previously, but was not revealed. One cannot find the Church in the Old Testament.

I. The Argument for Complete Fulfillment

Those who argue for complete fulfillment say Joel’s prophecy was completely fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost. The adherents of this argument must live by a non-literal hermeneutic in order to "spiritualize" the cataclysmic events involved with this prophecy. The result of their spiritualization, as Dr. Couch notes: "The national promises to Israel are reduced to spiritual fulfillment in the church. And the cosmic signs and wonders predicted by Joel (2:30-31) and quoted by Peter (Acts 2:19-20) must be allegorized. They did not occur at Pentecost, so they must be taken figuratively." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 146) In other words, God throws away all His promises to Israel, the Church replaces Israel, and all the cosmic signs are just hyperbole describing some battles in the land.

Generally speaking those who hold to a complete fulfillment hold to Covenant theology, which includes amillennialists, postmillennialists, and covenant premillennialists. With this type of view and reasoning, what then would constitute, or differentiate, a literal from a spiritual meaning? What is plainly literal is changed to mean whatever suits the interpreter. Or, in this case, finding events that are somewhat close are viewed as proof for fulfillment, when in fact, once the facts are examined closely, close is not good enough! This is not how one reads and interprets. What is obviously literal is literal, and what is obviously figurative is plainly seen as such. If God’s word is precise, His laws of nature exact, then prophecy must also be treated with the same rigger.

Peter proclaims, "in the last days" instead of Joel’s "[a]nd afterwards." What Joel had said previously involves the doctrine of the "day of the Lord," or the "last days," (Joel 1:15; 2:1, 11, 31; 3:14). The day of the Lord is the time of Jacob’s trouble (Jer. 30:7; cf. 1 Thes. 5:1-3). The day of the Lord is described by Jeremiah as,

The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. ‘For behold, days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah.’ The LORD says, ‘I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers and they shall possess it.’ Now these are the words which the LORD spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah: For thus says the LORD, ‘I have heard a sound of terror, Of dread, and there is no peace. ‘Ask now, and see If a male can give birth. Why do I see every man With his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale? ‘Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s distress, But he will be saved from it. ‘It shall come about on that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves. ‘But they shall serve the LORD their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them.

‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant,’ declares the LORD, ‘And do not be dismayed, O Israel; For behold, I will save you from afar And your offspring from the land of their captivity. And Jacob will return and will be quiet and at ease, And no one will make him afraid (Jer 30:1-10).

Notice that trouble comes first, which then results in national Israel being saved and at peace. Joel chapter two describes a great locust army that God will send upon the land and the nation (2:1-11). Then the Lord calls the nation to repentance, a call for a sacred assembly (2:15), to call upon the Lord (2:12-17). But the Lord knows they will not repent, so He alone will restore the land and His chosen people (2:18). He does this because He is "the Lord your [Israel’s] God and there is no other" (2:18-27). And when that day [the Day of the Lord] comes, the Lord will pour out His Spirit on all flesh (2:28) & etc. This event coincides with God judging the nations in the great battle called a judgment in the Valley of Jehoshaphat ("Jehovah has judged") (3:1). After the final judgment of the nations (3:1-16), the Lord God will dwell in Zion - "My holy mountain" (3:17), and Judah will abide forever in peace (3:17-21).

It is agreed, MOST of the items prophesied in Acts came to pass, but the "blood and fire and vapor of smoke" (signifying a great battle), and the "sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood" of verse 19-20 did not occur "on that day" nor "in that day". The argument that the day Jesus was crucified the "sun was darkened" (Luke 23:45) can be brought to the table, but where is the "moon turned to blood?" Some argue that the phrase "moon turned to blood" and "blood and fire and vapor of smoke" is a battle reference that was fulfilled in 70 A.D when the Romans came against the Jews. But where is the judgment on the nations and the resulting peace for the all Jews. The nations were not judged in the "valley of Jehoshaphat" nor did the Jew find rest as a result of 70 A.D., in fact the Jew has only found grief. The Jew had not returned to the land that God had given them until 1948, and since then has experienced only pain.

Therefore, complete fulfillment cannot be claimed, because ultimately, several things are missing, (1) the final judgment on the nations; and (2) the corporate salvation of the Jews; (3) the Jew in the land in peace, and (4) God is not in Zion. Therefore, complete fulfillment cannot be a true interpretation.

The Argument for No Fulfillment

The next view, namely, that there is no fulfillment, says that Joel’s prophecy was not fulfilled in any way on the Day of Pentecost. "It [this is that] is used by Peter homiletically and will be fulfilled at the Second Advent." (House, Price, Charts of Bible Prophecy, p. 62) The argument that there is no fulfillment of Joel in Acts, is primarily based on the fact that Joel’s text is addressed specifically to the Jew and the context is clearly the "Day of the Lord" that future time of final judgment on all the nations including Israel.

The argument goes like this: (1) The outpouring of the Spirit is upon "all-flesh" meaning all Jews/survivors of the Day of the Lord that is yet future; (2) Peter says "this is that which is spoken" which is equivalent to "this is like that" (2:16); (3) Not everything was fulfilled that day.

To counter this argument only point (2) need addressing since (1) & (3) are true statements. The statement "this is like that" is simply not a possible translation nor interpretation. The proper translation is "But this is that which had been spoken by the prophet Joel." Dr. Couch notes, "Because Joel’s prophecy is addressed to Israel, and because any fulfillment in the church is thought to threaten the distinction between the two, some dispensationalists have insisted that Peter’s ‘this is that’ is best understood as ‘this is like that.’(Acts of the Apostles, p. 146) Clifford Rapp justifies as follows:

First, Joel speaks of an outpouring of the Spirit on Judah (see Joel 2:28 with the repeated use of the "your" to describe the "all flesh" which will receive the outpouring of the Spirit). Joel 2:32 speaks of Mount Zion and Jerusalem as the recipients of deliverance… Second, the events spoken of in Joel 2 that precede the outpouring of the Spirit have not been fulfilled. The heavenly wonders of Joel 2:30, 31 did not take place on Pentecost. The judgment of the Gentiles and the restoration of the land of Israel that follow the outpouring of the Spirit (Joel 3) have not been fulfilled. Third, Peter does not specifically say that Pentecost fulfills that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. The experience of Pentecost does not touch upon all that Joel predicted. Fourth, the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost was for the formation of the church, the body of Christ. It is similar to but distinct from the outpouring of the Spirit upon repentant Judah…. Over all it seems most satisfactory to understand Peter’s words as "This is like that which was spoken by the prophet Joel." (Acts of the Apostles, p. 147)

Again, the interpreter is not allowed to change the translation. Nothing is lost in the translation here. "This is that" cannot be turned to "this is like that." Just as the engineer must live by the laws of science that have been established by God, so the interpreter must live by the rules of grammar that have also been established by God.

Peter says, alla touto estin to eiramenon dia tou prophatou Ioal "But this is that, the thing that had been spoken through the prophet Joel." There is no "like" (Gr. hos, "as," "like;" or homosios, "like," "similar," "resembling;" or hosei, "about," as though," "like") in the Greek text, nor is there room for inserting a similarity. The proper translation is what has traditionally been given "this is that." I can find no justification for interpreting this in any other way.

The Argument for Partial Fulfillment

The partial or continuous fulfillment argument says Joel’s prophecy was partially fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, but finds complete fulfillment in the future. In this argument, the outpouring of the Spirit is fulfilled but the rest of the prophecy with regard to Israel is future. In this view a distinction between the church and Israel is preserved, and, hence, satisfies Peter’s statement "this is that which was spoken through the prophet Joel." As Dr. Couch writes, "he [Peter] was not speaking an analogy, allusion, illustration, or making homiletic use of Joel’s prophecy. The Spirit’s outpouring at Pentecost was partial fulfillment, or was one referent of the prophecy of Joel."(Acts, p. 147) Since the Old Testament promise of the outpouring of the Spirit is linked to the New Covenant, there is no reason to dissociate Joel’s prophecy from those of Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, and Zechariah.

One final point must be established here that does not have to do with this text in particular, but has a clear theological implication. The outpouring of the Spirit is associated with the New Covenant (Jer. 31). If this outpouring of the Spirit is not associated with the New Covenant, where then is it found? The New Covenant is clearly inaugurated as is described by Jesus in Matthew 26 and forms the practice of communion in the church.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Matt. 26:26-28)

This is further established in Scripture as Hebrews 7:11-28 speaks of Christ as becoming a guarantee of a better covenant- the New Covenant. "Other NT passages corroborate this conclusion. The references in the Gospels specifically connect the new covenant with Jesus’ cross work (Matt. 26:28; Luke 22:20; Mark 14:24). The cup, representing the new covenant, was made on the basis of the blood of Christ. Jesus’ words require the covenant’s ratification at the cross. It is not that the cross simply enabled a future ratification. The blood ceremony of the Cross institutes the covenant just as Jesus’ inaugural words instituted the ceremony that would commemorate it."(Dictionary of Premillennial Theology, p. 280)

The New Covenant contains the following provision: "Originally made with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31) and containing redemptive blessings of both salvation Isaiah 49:8; Jeremiah 31:34) and subsequent life (Isaiah 49:8; Jeremiah 32:40-41), this autonomous covenant later allowed the New Testament church to be saved (see Romans 11:11-32) through Christ, the messenger (Malachi 3:1) and mediator (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24) of a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6), purchased with the blood and death of this unique High Priest (Zechariah 9:11; Mathew 26:28; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Hebrews 9:15; 10:29). Old Testament believers anticipated (Hebrews 9:15) Christ’s life-giving sacrifice (2 Corinthians 3:6) involving (1) grace (Hebrews 10:29), (2) peace (Isaiah 54:10; Ezekiel 34:25; 37:26), (3) the Spirit (Isaiah 59:21), (4) redemption (Isaiah 49:8; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 10:29), (5) removing sin (Jeremiah 31:34; Romans 11:27; Hebrews 10:17), (6) a new heart (Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10; 10:16), and (7) a new relationship with God (Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 16:62; 37:26-27; Hebrews 8:10)."(Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy, p. 62)

With respect to the coming of the Spirit and the inauguration of the New Covenant, Dr. Couch writes, "the New Covenant is now launched as prophesied in the Old Testament, and that the Holy Spirit is the dynamic initiator of that covenant. This does not mean that the church is replacing Israel, but rather, that the prophesied covenant has begun, and it will have its ultimate fulfillment among the Jewish people in the future kingdom.

Presently, the church benefits from this covenant but is not fulfilling it. The New Covenant was prophesied to replace the Mosaic Covenant by the prophet Jeremiah (31:31-37). It was ratified by the death of Christ and by His blood (Luke 22:20), and was then launched at Pentecost." (Popular Encyclopedia of Bible Prophecy, p. 376)

It stands to reason then that the event of the coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost fulfilled just a part of Joel’s prophecy and is linked to the New Covenant, so the term partial fulfillment or continuous fulfillment is demonstrated. It should be noted however, that while this view is popular with the progressive dispensational camp, this in no way speaks of the Davidic Covenant. Jesus is not ruling as King, He is currently at the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19) and intercedes for us (Rom. 8:34) until that time when He will make His enemies His footstool (Heb. 1:13; cf. 8:1).

It is the impression of Dr. Couch that this outpouring of the Spirit is a partial fulfillment of the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31) and hence Joel’s prophecy. He writes, "The birth, nature, and even the concept of the church were not revealed in the Old Testament (Eph. 3:5; Col. 1:26). In the sovereign plan of God, however, prophecies concerning the new covenant and the outpouring of the Spirit were to apply to the church. In the outworking of Joel’s prophecy there is both near and far fulfillment. Joel focuses on the far view or the end point of the process. Peter, by divine insight, recognizes the events of Pentecost as marking the inception of this process. It is doubtful, however, that Peter understood that there would be centuries between Pentecost and Israel’s reception of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit….Peter no doubt saw the coming of the Spirit as the inauguration of the messianic age, and considered Israel’s salvation to be imminent."(Acts, p. 150)

It is also the impression of Dr. Walvoord that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was a partial fulfillment. In writing on Joel he writes, "The Apostle Peter in his Pentecostal sermon quoted from this passage (Acts 2:14-21). It was quite clear that the entire prophecy of Joel was not fulfilled, but what Peter was alluding to was the similarity of the situation. Just as in Joel’s time the people of Israel were called to repentance in the hope that the Day of the Lord’s blessing would come on them… The length of the present Church was unknown to Peter and to everyone else at the time of his Pentecostal sermon. On the basis of existing Scripture he could rightfully expect the Rapture to occur and the events following to come about immediately. This would include the dark days of the Great Tribulation described in Joel 2:30-31 which would precede the second coming of Christ and a time of blessing would follow."(Every Prophecy of the Bible, p. 289)

Other New Testament Uses of Joel 2

In Acts 2, Peter quotes Joel two concerning the New Covenant and the salvation of Israel. In Romans 9-11, Paul addresses God’s plan for Israel, and uses Joel two in Romans 10:13, but demonstrates that although some, namely, a remnant, is being saved now, their heart is hardened (Rom. 11). Far from a national redemption of Israel promised in the last day.

Joel two is most surely a last days event as Jesus quotes in Matthew 24:29, a description of the condition of the sun and moon. Though this description is not unique to Joel for this event is described by Isaiah (13:10; 24:23), Ezekiel (32:7), Amos (5:20), and Zephaniah (1:15). And seen in the vision of John in Revelation 6:12. The fact of the Church being a mystery would certainly be good reason that Joel does not describe a break in the end time events, he just sees the last day, not the church.

Conclusion

The events of Acts two suggest that (1) Peter most certainly wanted the Jews from all areas of the world who were gathered in that place to know that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was prophesied in the Old Testament, and that what they were seeing with their own eyes was something that was prophesied for the end times, specifically the day of the Lord (hence, the mystery of the Church). (2) The result of the outpouring was that the disciples spoke in many different languages, a sign and wonder that may be linked with "your sons and daughters will prophesy." (3) The fulfillment of the outpouring of the Spirit upon "all flesh" meaning both Jew and Gentile, that is, the usage restricted to "classification" not "quantity" was satisfied on that day. Separate from this, no other aspect of Joel’s prophecy can be claimed as fulfilled.

The question is then posed, is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfillment of Joel’s outpouring? I believe the answer is yes. This text is the New Covenant’s spiritual blessing portion. As Dr. Couch asks, "if not, where else do you find the New Covenant passage in Acts?"

Why Wright is Wrong by Dr. Randall Price, Liberty University

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright yesterday addressed the National Press Club seeking his fifteen minutes of fame. That fifteen minutes, of course, lasted more than an hour and will continue for several days as his banter is broadcast and debated on the network news and various talk shows.

Revising history, skewing theology, and demythologizing Christianity as he spoke, his most egregious moments followed his speech in his responses to prepared Press Club questions. While most of his comments have been reviewed and rebutted by figures in the national media, one of his scintillating statements has received no further mention. The question and answer that has been so ostracized went as follows: Question: "Reverend Wright, Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no man comes to the Father, but through me.' In light of that statement what do you think of the religion of Islam?" Reverend Wright: "Jesus also said, 'Other sheep have I that are not of this fold …"

Now it is understandable why the secular media would not want to comment on such a question and response. There is no politically correct way to handle the commentary, since it would expose the usually carefully guarded (or censored) belief system of those in the public eye, except the carefully-crafted-to-be-palatable "faith" of political figures released at election time. Whether one addresses the question or the answer, criticizes or upholds it, this exposé is certain.

From an interpretation that is literal, that takes the meaning of words at their face value, these words of Jesus taken from John chapter 14 can be understood by everyone. In the context of this verse (verses 1-5) Jesus and His disciples are having a discussion about His return to heaven and Jesus' promise to come again and take them there (to the Father's house). When asked by one disciple how this would be possible, Jesus explains (verse 6) that He is the way (to God) because He is the truth (of God), and the life (God gives eternally) is found in Him. Therefore, the only means of access to heaven (the Father's house) is through a relationship with Him. Whether or not they personally believed it, whoever posed this question at the Press Club understood this literal meaning.

Now we come to the Reverend Wright's interpretation. His bravado (bolstered by his fan base in the audience) betrayed he felt he could say no wrong. Assuming the mantle of Christ in His replies to the Pharisees, he answered them with scripture, smiled the smile of the over-confident, and thought he had won the day. But the Reverend Wright could not have been more wrong. Jesus' statement about "other sheep … not of this fold" in the context of John 10 from which the verse is taken, is made in view of His having come as the promised Shepherd of the sheep (Ezekiel 34:11-23). In this Old Testament context, the Jewish people are addressed as "My flock." Jesus Himself explained to non-Jews that in His initial mission He had been sent "only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matthew 15:24). When he speaks of "other sheep" in John 10, His reference, therefore, must be to non-Jews, that is, to Gentiles, for the Bible recognizes no other distinction (compare Romans 1:16). Jesus' mission ultimately included the good news of salvation through Him as Savior to those formerly outside of the Nation of Israel, as Paul says in Romans 1:5: "we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name's sake …"

So how did the Reverend Wright make this text include Islam, and in particular the Nation of Islam and its leader Louis Farrakan whom he has honored? In his inclusivistic theology, which admits all but white racists and U.S. terrorists (government and military), he has room for any in all religions that are oppressed. Most white Christians (and probably black ones as well) do not understand his brand of Black Liberation Theology through whose lens the Bible is seen as a manual of wresting deserved freedoms from the despots of the world, but especially the white world. In his religion God is to be defined by the experience of the individual, and therefore the god of the oppressed is not the same as that of the oppressor. In reality, however, when native Africans were being transported in slave ships, the God recognized by the slavers was most-likely understood in terms of the Bible while the god of the slaves was most-likely understood in terms of their tribal folk religion, what the Bible calls (and condemns as) "idolatry." John Newton, once Captain of a slave ship, confessed that his actions in the slave trade was an offense to the God of the Bible and turned for to Him for forgiveness, what he later called in his popular hymn, "amazing grace." As a result, he was influential with William Wilberforce for having the slave trade abolished in England. No doubt some vestige of Christianity still remained in Africa at this time, even though the religion of Islam had invaded this once Christian nation and all-but eradicated the God of the Bible from the continent. It is more likely, therefore, that Islam would have influenced the religion of the slaves. At any rate, the Reverend Wright would see salvation for all who are oppressed, regardless of their own oppression of other religions.

Reverend Wright has claimed to represent the black church in his present experience of being oppressed by the national (white-controlled) media. To be sure he does not represent their collective theology, which had its origin in the Bible (whose pages are black and white, not just black) and in the traditional values that resulted from the biblical worldview that once informed our American culture. Although Reverend Wright uses words like "saved" and "filled with the Holy Ghost," these are now only symbolic expressions from those better days before Black Liberation Theology when they had real purpose and power, as they still do for most of the black church in America. The problem for Reverend Wright is that misunderstanding the plain promise of Jesus as the only way to God, he has missed the message that truly sets his (and all other people) free. And that is why Wright is wrong.

This article may be freely shared.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what you have written about the sins of cultures is fascinating! I agree with you and believe what you are saying goes to the root of the problems we are facing in America. Do you have any more thoughts?

ANSWER: Just to remind those reading this, that all individuals stand before God equally, and all need the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. But when it comes to establishing or maintaining a nation, there are dangers that must be looked at carefully when considering a flood of those coming to our shores from cultures that are other than Christian, European, or Reformed in orientation. America has been able to a degree to absorb people from different cultures but there is a limit, and certainly a danger in just opening the door to thousands or even millions from a society opposite from this country. All cultures are not equal. Cultures more influenced by evil will corrupt those that have been in a positive way influenced by Christian virtues and mores.

In some ways my argument is almost mute because those in this nation who have a heritage that would be Christian, Calvinistic, and European, have virtually repudiated or forgotten their own heritage. Sin is covering over the values that were once precious to the Anglo community and hiding them as a casket in the ground!

We have recently had a flood of people coming to these shores with ulterior motives. They see America as a nation that only gives. They do not understand its European and Calvinistic base. I was just reading about the founding of Pennsylvania. It had a religious purpose similar to the founding of Massachusetts. While today we would not agree with William Penn's determination to make that State a theocracy, yet there are great virtues that we must consider. Penn said, "We cannot be false to our principles." Penn added, "Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad. But if men be bad, let the government be ever so good; it should endeavor to warp and spoil the bad to make it good."

Duty, honor, reliability, virtue, drove the early founding of the nation. Would these qualities be part of the heritage of those now sneaking into our country like thieves in the night? No! So we will be mixing people of different spiritual persuasions and attitudes. No nation can survive with such a division!

America now has become a most barbarous nation with the philosophy among many that "anything goes." So one culture is as good morally as another, people wrongly will think. The Bible would tell us this is not so. John Calvin made an interesting statement in his Institutes. He wrote, "It is indeed a bad thing to live under a [nation] with whom nothing is lawful, but a much worse situation is to live under one with whom all things are lawful!"

I have many school teaching friends who share with me things happening in their schools that are not made public. For example, in one school, there are special classes for pregnant teens, about forty-five girls in one district. And almost all are illegal foreigners! The State will pay for the delivery and the care of the mother and child. The culture, and the families—the mothers and fathers--now dominating that school district teach that it is a shame for the girl to reach seventeen or eighteen without having a baby. This is part of "their culture." The State pays fully to support what their culture demands. This is what I call Liberal Sympathetic Humanism. But that is not Christian Charity. Christian Charity operates within the bounds of moral responsibility and even demands something moral in return from the recipient.

The apostle Paul laid out the principles for Christian Charity in 2 Thessalonians 3. He wrote: (1) he worked hard so he would not be a burden to anyone; (2) if anyone will not work, neither let him eat; (3) he warned against an undisciplined life, doing no work at all; (4) eat your own bread.

But Dr. Couch, you may argue, "I thought illegal foreigners were hard workers?" While this may be true they "take" from the State in terms of free health care, free education. Most often they do not pay taxes. And too often they bring in from their society the immoral values in which they were raised! If they give birth in America they receive virtually free citizenship, along with their child who is automatically declared a citizen.

What is happening in America does not impact simply on social or cultural issues. It also has to do with morality. And if that is not considered "the chaos of cultures, and the division among peoples, will someday surface, and it will not be pleasant!"

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

America MUST Pray - General George Patton

The final German offensive of World War II took place in the region of southern Belgium in the Ardennes forest on December 1944. This was known as the Battle of the Bulge where the Germans tried to push through a wedge to stop the allies from entering Germany. But worse, the enemy was also trying to stop the allies from securing the Belgium port of Antwerp that they could use to shorten the military supply route for the Army. Patton was in charge of the Third Army that was being hit the hardest by the German troops. Normally Patton was a braggart, bombastic, unforgiving and stubborn. But with the sudden plunge of Nazi tanks under the German General Karl von Rundstedt, Patton was being humbled quickly!

Patten realized he was in trouble. He went to his senior chaplain and asked for a special and sincere prayer to share with the troops during this trying hour. When the prayer was finished 250,000 copies were printed up and passed among the soldiers. On December 12 it was distributed and read:

Almighty and merciful Father, we humbly beseech Thee. … Grant us fair weather for Battle. Graciously hearken to us as soldiers who call on Thee that, armed with Thy power, we may advance from victory to victory, and suppress the wickedness of our enemies.

When the weather miraculously lifted and the Germans were stopped Patton acknowledged in his normal salty way that God had heard their prayers. It was said of Patton that he saw maybe for the first time the work of Divine Providence in his life. Patton wrote one more final prayer at the end of the war that reinforced his image as a hardened but spiritual soldier:

God of our Fathers … strengthen my soul so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which besets us all in battle, shall not blind me to my duty to my own manhood, to the glory of my calling and to my responsibility to my fellow soldiers.

This prayer has been considered one of the most revealing as to the character and even the change of heart in this great World War II leader! He would not live to mellow in his retired old age. Before leaving Europe after the war, he was in a terrible wreck in an Army vehicle in Germany. He lingered with a broken back for several weeks but finally passed away. He was not around to be showered with the honors he deserved as a combat General.

America MUST Pray - General Dwight D. Eisenhower

Eisenhower had a bad experience in his youth with his Quaker father. He found that his dad was a constant liar and somewhat lazy in trying to provide for his large family. He moved his wife and children from pillar to post and was not diligent in work. While this soured Dwight on “religion,” it did not make him bitter toward the Lord.

Dwight graduated from West Point but did not see action overseas during World War I. This lack of combat experience made him think his career would go nowhere. But when World War II began, he was moved up the ranks fairly quickly because of his organizational skills. He was place in supreme command over all of the invading forces who were to attack the Germans in France by sea. Operation Overlord, or D-day, would begin on June 6, 1944. Thousands and thousands of troops would hit the beaches with a prediction that many would die in the initial assault. In fact there was even doubt that the invasion would be successful. If the Germans had stopped the attack, victory would take many more years to accomplish.

Because of the unknown, Eisenhower was prepared to resign from leadership if the invasion failed. He kept in his pocket a letter of recognition to be submitted to President Theodore Roosevelt if all did not go well. But he first felt it was important to give a public prayer that would be broadcast to the free world as the invasion began, invoking God’s blessings on this critical hour. Eisenhower wrote it himself.

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our Nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, … to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true. … Some will never return. … Help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice. … With Thy blessings we shall prevail over unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed. … Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.

Though the prayer was simple it came from a heart of a humble leader who knew how trying the hour would be. In a certain sense Eisenhower was frightened as never before in his important and lofty position. He meant every word of this appeal to the Lord above!

America has lost its way!

America has lost its way! It is repudiating its own laws, and thumbing its nose at the founding principles of from our European culture and our Reformation heritage. But there is no turning back. Yet Christians need to know what is coming at us with our internal moral, cultural, and spiritual failures. Here is an example concerning the burden we're carrying with Illegal Foreigners who despise our sovereignty and laugh at our laws! - Dr. Mal Couch

----A Forward From An Anonymous Source----

1. $11 billion to $22 billion dollars are spent each year on welfare to illegal aliens. http://tinyurl.com/zob77

2. $2.2 billion dollars are spent each year on food assistance programs such as food stamps, WIC, and free school lunches for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

3. $2.5 billion dollars are spent each year on Medicaid for illegal aliens. http://www.cis.org/articles/2004/fiscalexec.html

4. $12 billion dollars are spent each year on primary and secondary school education for children here illegally and they cannot speak a word of English! http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

5. $17 billion dollars are spent each year for education for the American-born children of illegal aliens, known as anchor babies.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

6. $3 Million Dollars PER DAY is spent to incarcerate illegal aliens. http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

7. 30% percent of all federal prison inmates are illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

8. $90 billion dollars are spent each year on illegal aliens for welfare & social services by the American taxpayers.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0610/29/ldt.01.html

9. $200 billion dollars per year in suppressed American wages are caused by the illegal aliens.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0604/01/ldt.01.html

10. The illegal aliens in the United States have a crime rate that’s two and a half times that of white non-illegal aliens. In particular, their children, are going to make a huge additional crime problem in the US.
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0606/12/ldt.01.html

11. During the year 2005, there were 4 to 10 MILLION illegal aliens that crossed our southern border with as many as 19,500 illegal aliens from terrorist countries. Millions of pounds of drugs, cocaine, meth, heroine, and marijuana crossed into the U.S. from the southern border.
http://tinyurl.com/t9sht

12. The National Policy Institute, estimates that the total cost of mass deportation would be between $206 and $230 billion, or an average cost of between $41 and $46 billion annually over a five year period.
http://www.nationalpolicyinstitute.org/publications.php?b=deportation

13. In 2006, illegal aliens sent home $45 BILLION in remittances back to their countries of origin. http://www.rense.com/general75/niht.htm

14. The dark side of illegal immigration: Nearly one million sex crimes are committed by illegal immigrants in the United States!”
http://www.drdsk.com/articleshtml

The total cost is a whopping $ 338.3 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR. If this bothers you and raises the hair on the back of your neck, I hope you forward it to every legal resident in the country including every representative in Washington, D.C. - five times a week for as long as it takes to restore some semblance of intelligence in our policies and enforcement thereof.

America Must Pray - Major Reuben Hollis Fleet

Fleet made the fledgling aircraft industry in the United States. He became the head of the Army pilot training before World War I. He was placed into the position of flying chief of the first airmail service in May 1918. He risked his life flying in horrible weather to prove the value of airmail aviation, and aviation in general. He pioneered many of the practices that would bring stability to the world of flying.

During the war he led the advanced flight training program at Brooks Field in San Antonio, TX. After the war he became general manager of Gallaudet Aircraft Corporation. During the twenties and thirties he worked in management with some of the most prestigious aircraft firms in the country in helping develop the state of the art airplanes.

Throughout his career he had a motto that few could forget: "Nothing Short of Right Is Right."

During World War II, and after, Fleet worked on some of the most important aircraft projects America has ever undertaken. He was considered senior adviser to so many projects that they became almost uncountable! He worked on the Liberator project, the B-36, the Delta wing Dagger fighter jet, and many others. Only a few engineers in aviation were as respected as Fleet.

In 1965 he was inducted into the Dayton, Ohio Aerospace Hall of Fame. The presentation read: "Above all, Reuben Fleet was an unabashed patriot. He believed in the basic virtues which made his beloved country great—self reliance, personal integrity, respect for truth, living within one's means, devotion to duty, thrift, belief in God, love of country."

Fleet died in 1975 at the age of eighty-eight. This country today needs more men like Reuben Fleet!

Greek Exegesis of the Rapture Passages, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

"THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME!"

By Dr. Mal Couch

Background:

The "Day of the Lord" is not describing the rapture of the church. It is a common expression of the Day of Tribulation, the Day of God's Wrath that will last for seven years. Some mistakenly have called this the rapture, and as well, the expression "a Thief in the Night" (v. 2). A thief in the night is not the blessed hope! It is the terror of the tribulation that will soon come upon the earth. The same is true of the day of the Lord. In the Old Testament, the day of the Lord is used some twenty or more times with all of the references referring to that terrible period of God's wrath tumbling upon planet earth!

In the context of these verses the rapture of the church is specifically mentioned in verses 9-10.

1 Thessalonians 5:1

BUT CONCERNING THE TIMES AND THE SEASONS, BROTHERS. (kronos, kairos) kronos has to do with a specific time period while kairos would refer to the season. In other words, the day of the Lord will come at the right time and suitable period of history, moment. Both the extent and character of events are to be noted. (Lightfoot) Both times and seasons are plural denoting a time frame that will run over seven years—these years will be like seasons that God will be using to bring wrath and judgment to the earth. (Vincent) Paul identifies himself with his readers by calling them "brothers."

YOU HAVE NO NEED TO BE WRITTEN TO. The apostle Paul had already explained thoroughly the prophetic plan of the end times. He did not need to repeat his teachings on the subject. The apostle gave to his audiences the full panoramic scope of things to come! He held back nothing. Prophecy seems to be at the center of his exegesis. This is in contrast to many pastors today in Bible churches who say they will not teach prophecy because it is too divisive!

1 Thessalonians 5:2

FOR THESE THINGS ACCURATELY YOU KNOW. Accurately (akribos) shows that Paul taught this church prophecy with a lot of details. He did not generalize the subject but focused on specificity. He wanted to make sure they were informed believers about future events. What a contrast to teachers who say "Well, we can't be sure about the events of Bible prophecy!" And they add, "I'm a pan-millennialist. It'll all just pan out in the end!" How foolish!

THE DAY OF THE LORD AS A THIEF AT NIGHT WILL LIKEWISE COME. Paul quotes Amos 5:18-on to show that the day of the Lord is God's judgment upon all men. (Morris) Paul quotes this passage to show that he is not simply revealing something new. (Ibid) Like a thief in the night; suddenly, unexpectedly will the Lord come, taking unbelievers by surprise as a thief does on those who are asleep. (Calvin) It comes expresses the absolute truth and certainty of that which is being predicted. (Alford) Concerning at night Vincent says:

It is a tradition of the Jews that Messiah will come at midnight after the likeness of that season in Egypt when the Passover was celebrated, and the Destroyer came, and the Lord passed over the dwellings. I think that this idea was perpetuated in the apostolic custom, that, on the day of vigils, at the Paschal, it was not allowed to dismiss the people before midnight, since they expected the advent of the Christ. (Word Studies)

1 Thessalonians 5:3

WHEN THEY SHOULD BE SAYING … The focus shifts now to the period of the start of the tribulation. He shifts from the believer to the unbeliever, they, them. This is happening just before or right at the time of the rapture of the church. Paul uses the third person form of the verb to identify "them" making a strict division between believer and unbeliever, the us and them.

PEACE AND SECURITY. The unbeliever's spiritual blindness is complete; they are talking as if all is well and they have nothing to worry about.

THEN SUDDENLY TO THEM PLACED UPON DESTRUCTION. Suddenly, in the midst of their reverie, destruction is placed upon them. Note the word order in the Greek text: "suddenly to them, place upon, destruction." Suddenly, without warning, catching them by surprise, destruction will be placed upon them.

They will not walk into it nor will it be a natural act. Rather destruction, disaster, ruin of such magnitude and completeness as to be incomprehensible, will descend with purpose and control by someone outside of the unbeliever's realm of existence. The unbelievers are taken by surprise as if they were asleep and this sleep most assuredly comes from a deep contempt of God. (Calvin)

JUST AS THE PAIN IN THE STOMACH THE WOMAN IS HAVING. The word stomach (gastri) is used to describe the location of the child within the womb. "She is having it in the gastri." This is a technical phrase for a pregnant woman. Alford says this expression is used because a pregnant woman, though she doesn't know the day or the hour (the times) of her delivery, she is fully aware of her condition (the season). So the destruction of the tribulation will happen suddenly. This will take place at the beginning of the tribulation when the church is gone in the rapture. The church is removed to get out of the way of this coming terror; the world however thinks possibly that they had escaped its coming.

THEY IN NO WAY SHOULD FIND SAFETY. The use of the double negative ou/me (in no way) makes it clear that there will be no escape from the Lord's wrath. "Should find safety" (Aorist Active Subjunctive). An absolute fact that shows and emphasizes that they will not experience any form of delivery. Regardless of what they do, there will be no deliverance from God's judgment.

BUT YOU, BROTHERS, ARE NOT IN DARKNESS. To be in darkness in this context means to be part of the lost world. And this is not the case of believers. It is the dark, unbelieving world that will be caught in the coming tribulation. This will not happen to "those in Christ."

IN ORDER THAT THE DAY JUST AS A THIEF SHOULD OVERTAKE YOU. Hina/in order that shows the divine arrangement: with God all results are purposed. (Alford) When "in order that" (Subjunctive) is used it expresses results. There is no way the Day of the Lord (the Wrath, the Tribulation) will in any form or fashion overcome the believer. It will not fall upon him. The verb overtake is in the Aorist Active Subjunctive grammatical form. It means to seize with a hostile intent. It is a very strong verb expressing aggressive force. Because the believers are not in darkness, the day of the Lord's wrath will not seize them. They will not be on the earth when that day comes!

1 Thessalonians 5:5

FOR ALL YOU SONS OF LIGHT, ARE THE SONS OF DAY. Believers are "owned" by the light just as unbelievers are "owned" by the night and darkness. No believer needs to fear that he will be surprised by the Day of the Lord. He will not go under the wrath of that tribulation period!

"Sons" identifies a family relationship. This terrible Day of the Lord will not fall on the family of Christ!

WE ARE NOT OF NIGHT OR OF DARKNESS. It is noteworthy how Paul tactfully shifts from the second person "you" to the first person "we." Believers will not go under any form of or even part of the seven year tribulation wrath. But the lost ("they") will face that terrible period. The Present Tense Active Voice of this verb "we are not…" brings a sense of distinction and enthusiasm to the meaning of "we are right now not of darkness", in anyway at this time, etc. All believers are of the day and the light, even the ones not currently living an acceptable Christian lifestyle. Those of the day will not face the Day of the Lord!

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

Though the child of God is not of the night or of the darkness, he can still be asleep in failing to understand the times he is living in. But Paul makes it clear he will still not go under the terrible wrath that is on its way!

1 Thessalonians 5:9

BUT HE HIMSELF DID NOT APPOINT US TO WRATH. Because the believer will go home in the rapture before the Wrath, he will not see the Day of the Lord, the tribulation. "To appoint" is the Greek verb tithimi. It means "to place" and is in the Aorist Tense. The Aorist probably indicates that the appointment to escape the Wrath was made previously by the Lord.

BUT UNTO POSSESSION OF SALVATION. Salvation ("sozo") here should be translated deliverance. The whole point as seen in the context is that the child of God will be delivered from this terrible Day of Wrath coming. We are already spiritually saved; the issue here is discussing our being rescued/saved from the tribulation period.

1 Thessalonians 5:10

WHETHER WE SHOULD BE AWAKE, WHETHER WE SHOULD SLEEP, WE MAY LIVE TOGETHER WITH HIM. Does the apostle have in mind "whether we are alive or dead," or "whether we are spiritually alert or lethargic"? (BKC) It appears likely that he means the latter because he uses the words for "awake" (gregoreomen) and asleep (katheudomen) the same way he used them in verse 6. Paul had in mind the necessity of being spiritually awake.

God's promise here is made to the believers whether they are mature or spiritually carnal, whether spiritually watchful or not. All those in Christ will escape the wrath, whether walking in maturity or out of fellowship with the Lord (1:10). Paul is not, however, arguing for one to live one's life in carnality, nor is the promise an argument for taking the easy road as a believer, or saying that children of the Lord are free to live however they wish—just the opposite. Instead, the promise is a confirmation of the doctrine of justification by faith. All of our sins have been purged at the cross; our position in Jesus is based on His complete work of redemption. Thus, the promise says that, although our experience in Christ may be weak and may need strengthening, all believers should be longing for the return of their Savior. And if the trumpet should sound tomorrow, all who are physically alive, who belong to Him, will join the resurrected in meeting Him in the air—the rapture! (Mal Couch, Thessalonians Greek Commentary)

1 Thessalonians 5:11

THEREFORE COMFORT ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD UP (EDIFY) ONE ANOTHER. The comforting has to do with two things: the encouraging of the weaker brother spiritually, and the reminder of the rapture and the fact that they will see their loved ones who have gone before. This was a great concern of the Thessalonians as indicated in 4:13. The wording of 5:11 is similar to 4:13. In 4:13, believers are to comfort each other in regard to the truth of the rapture, that is, that the dead in Christ will suddenly go first and then we who are alive will join them. But here in 5:11 we are to comfort one another in reference to the fact that we will not experience the Day of the Lord, and whether asleep or awake we will be with Him: Christ "who died for us, that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him."

No matter what happens "we shall always be with the Lord" (4:17b).

New Audio Files

Once again, Dr. Lacy Couch joins Dr. Couch in the radio program Bible Answers which airs in Waco, Texas on Sunday mornings. Currently they are discussing the different personalities found in the Bible. Here's April 20th.


Monday Nights Dr. Couch tackles a variety of different topics. In Matthew 24 he discusses how even the national media has recently begun to use words like "Nation Against Nation". Also on a recent Monday Night, he taught on the subject of Biblical Anthropology. Also, don't forget to listen to Part Three of the Doctrine of Angels study.

Last Sunday Dr. Robert Lightner taught at Clifton Bible Church. Sunday School hour he taught on the events of the passover found in Exodus 11-13 and Worship Hour he taught on Hebrews 1:1-3.

For those who have been following the Jeremiah study, here's Dr. Couch's Postscript.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, it seems that Barack Obama's pastor is into the liberal Social Gospel movement. It sounds like kingdom-now theology and postmillennialism. Would you explain this?

ANSWER: You are correct but his theology is even worse than that. He is into Liberation Black Theology which is full blown socialism and communism. Black Theology calls for the destruction of "white power" and even the elimination of the white race if it is not subdued and tempered. This and the Social Gospel is just warmed over liberalism. The great doctrines of Scripture are demeaned and down-played. Social and political action is what Christ was all about, and should be today the main focuses of Christian activity.

And yes, all in the liberal camp would be into the kingdom-now and postmillennial movement. We are building the kingdom by social and political action. If we just tweak society a bit we will bring into the world peace and harmony.

But there is more going on that is even worse. The Green Movement, fired up by the ignorant younger yuppy crowd, is removing all of our freedoms of choice and movement. It is certainly important to be responsible for the world God has given us but they are going beyond normal responsibility. They are into full control of both your thoughts and actions. They are virtually atheistic in their philosophy and activities. They believe humans are alone and must save the world. God is not around. They would deny prophecy that tells us this world is going to self-destruct by the providence and direct action of God in His anger against a sinful world.

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is the difference from the Greek between apostasy, error, and heresy?

ANSWER: This is a good question. Sometimes we just lump these ideas together, but as you, I like to be specific because that is usually what happens in Scripture. And we want to be a good observer of what the Holy Spirit has given to us and said in the Word of God.

APOSTASY. Unfortunately, the KVJ does not translate the word apostasia as apostasy but as a falling away. This is close. The word is a compound, apo=from, and stasia=to stand. Thus, to stand away from. A standing away from something, specifically in 2 Thessalonians 2:3, is "a falling away" from the truth. The word apostasion is related and means "to divorce." The NAS translates the Greek word as "apostasy." This "departure, falling away" comes just before the revelation of the anti-Christ, the man of sin, who is revealed at the beginning of the tribulation.

This apostasy is further described in 2 Timothy 3:1: "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come." As well, men will be "holding to a form of godliness, although they will have denied its power …" (v. 5). They will be "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (v. 7). This apostasy is further described in 1 Timothy 4:1-3. "The Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will fall away from THE FAITH, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons" (v. 1). Further, they will be hypocritical liars "seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron" (v. 2).

I believe we are now starting into this terrible period just before the arrival of the rapture of the church.

ERROR. In a technical sense the word error (agnoeema) ("to not know") is used only once in the NT in Hebrews 9:7. There it is speaking of the sinful errors of the Jews that were committed in a certain blind manner. A sacrifice had to be made for those sins of ignorance. A similar idea is given in a related word (agnoia) which is almost always translated as ignorance. There are sins of ignorance, nevertheless, they are sins and must be accounted for.

HERESY. This word (hairesis) may carry the strongest idea. It is sometimes translated "sect." An interesting use is found in 1 Corinthians 11:19 where the apostle Paul writes "There must be heresies among you." He could simply mean there "will be" or God puts heresies in your midst in order to strengthen your resolve and your doctrinal understanding. Heresies are part of the work of the flesh (Gal. 5:20), and "false teachers" (heretics) shall arise in the end times (2 Pet. 2:1).

While each word has a different shade of meaning, the point is almost the same. False doctrine will dominate, and especially it will come to the forefront in the final days!

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I am fellowshipping in a group that believes we must tithe. To prove their point they reference the words of Christ and say He commands it. They would probably use Matthew 28:20 which are the words He spoke to the disciples before His ascension: Teach them "to observe all that I commanded you [disciples] …" They would say this includes the tithe. How do you answer?

ANSWER: Apparently your group is not dispensational. They glob all Bible verses together, ignoring context and the dispensational setting. This shows gross ignorance and a lack of clear OBSERVATION of what is going on in various passages.

Christ came and ministered under the Law and tithing was part of the Law. He lived and ministered during the period of the Law, which we are no longer under. In light of their quoting the Matthew 28:20 verse, I never remember Christ commanding His disciples to tithe. The tithe was part of the Law and the disciples were about to move into the dispensation of the church age. They would no longer be under Law. The old Malachi 3:8-10 passage had to do with bringing the tithe into the temple storehouse. The temple is not the church!

Now I have no problem with saying that a tenth is a good benchmark for giving but you cannot place the church under the legal obligation of the Mosaic Law. The rule for giving in the dispensation of the church age is found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-12. The benchmark of ten percent is not mentioned. Instead giving should be based on: sharing bountifully, cheerfully, not grudgingly, giving as one has purposed in the heart, giving liberally as supplying the needs of the saints. These criteria could mean we should give more than ten percent as one purposes in the heart not by the limited rule of ten percent from the Law. And to be forced to give because of the Law would place us "under compulsion" (v. 7).

Don't forget, in the church dispensation we are no longer under the Law. It is not the governing force of how we live out the Christian life, though all of the moral imperatives of the Law (such as prohibition against murder, theft, lust, etc.) are eternal principles and are repeated in the church dispensation. But the tithe is not repeated as a church command anywhere in the church epistles.

If I am to do all that Christ said, then if I call someone a fool I should be tossed into the fiery hell (Gahanna) (Matt. 3:22)! (By the way, on this passage Christ is using exaggeration, hyperbole, in order to get across a strong point of condemning those who demean others.)

I hope this helps, and thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

The Doctrine of the Trinity is Under Attack – Part V by John Pappas

Introduction

In this final article concerning the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of the Holy Spirit is presented. The early heresies of the church concerning the Holy Spirit are found in the Gnostics and Montanism (151-171) who claimed for themselves special knowledge, spiritual gifts and the powers of the apostles. Sabellianism denied the Trinity claiming the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were merely modes of manifestation and was "the first major error on the doctrine of the Trinity to gain a large following in the church." (Walvoord, The Holy Spirit, p. 240)

Arius held that the Holy Spirit was the first created being produced by the Son. In modern times, the Rationalism of the day led Schleiermacher (1768-1834) to deny the personality of the Spirit. The liberal, with their denial of the supernatural, sees the Holy Spirit as a manifestation of divine influence in the world, and as Dr. Walvoord says, "sometimes little removed from a pantheistic concept of God identified with nature." (IBID)

The Deity of the Holy Spirit

The doctrine of the Holy Spirit has been the most consistently ignored teaching. The problem is identified by Dr. Couch who writes,

"Surprisingly, Christians often go from one extreme to another in attempting to explain the Holy Spirit. Some see Him simply as an outside force and an influence that really cannot be explained. Others believe that feeling and emotional excitement are evidence that the Holy Spirit is at work…The world, of course, is really confused about the Holy Spirit, because it does not see the Bible as an authoritative source of knowledge about any divine truth. Part of the problem lies with the fact that we are in the period of the cult of the New Age. The New Age is a combination of Pantheism, Humanism and a revival of Hinduism that is now penetrating the Western thinking. The New Age generally presents the idea of the Spirit as the great power or force." (Couch, Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, p. 10-11)

The Person of the Holy Spirit

Dr. Ryrie writes concerning the Person of the Spirit, "Denial that the Spirit is a person often takes the form of substituting the concept that He is a personification of, say, power – much like claiming the Satan is a personification of evil. This denial of His personality has occurred throughout church history, first by the Monarchians, the Arians, the Socinians, and today the Unitarians, liberals, and some neo-orthodox theologians. But there is a great deal of evidence that He is a person."

(Ryrie, Basic Theology, p. 395)

The problem of the identification of the Spirit as a person may be identified by two points:

1. The Spirit speaks for the Father and Son. Dr. Chafer points out the problem saying, "…the Spirit does not now speak from Himself or of Himself; rather, He speaks whatsoever He hears (John 16:13; Acts 13:2), and He is said to come into the world to glorify Christ (John 16:14). In contrast to this, Scripture represents both the Father and the Son as speaking from themselves; and this, not only with final authority and by the use of the personal pronoun I, but presenting them as being in immediate communion, cooperation, conversation – the one with the other. All this tends to make less real the personality of the Holy Spirit who does not speak from or of Himself." (Major Bible Themes, p. 87)


2. The Spirit is not spoken of anthropomorphically. "The problem in the minds of many people is that personality can exist only in human beings, as though personality can relate only to finite beings but not to the infinite." (Enns, Moody Handbook of Theology, p. 249)
   

Divine Titles of the Spirit

It should be noted that the word for spirit in the Greek is a neuter noun meaning "wind, breath, spirit." The Greek uses masculine pronouns to describe the Holy Spirit. The inconsistent mix of neuter noun with masculine pronoun proves the Holy Spirit is masculine and hence the same essence as both the Father and Son. "The Hebrew word Ruach and the Greek word Pneumatos both mean spirit or wind. This term was given to describe the Holy Spirit because He is unseen. Too, He is unfelt and moves among men as a wind that cannot be seen or touched." (Couch, The Holy Spirit, p. 15)

1. He is called God. The Holy Spirit is specifically called God in Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 3:17.


2. The Spirit of God. The title "the Spirit of God" means He is the Person of God. Dr. Enns notes, "Probably in most instances when the term Spirit of God is used, it is a reference to the Holy Spirit rather than the Father, similarly, when the term Spirit of Christ is used it is usually a reference to the Holy Spirit. The reason for this is that if the Father were intended, it would be most normal to use God, Lord, and so forth; if Christ were intended, it would be most normal to use the name Jesus Christ." (Moody Handbook of Theology, p. 249)
   


• Titles relating the Spirit to the Father are: (a) Spirit of God (Gen. 1:2; Matt. 3:16); (b) Spirit of the Lord (Luke 4:18); (c) Spirit of our God (1 Cor.
  
  6:11); (d) His Spirit (Num. 11:29); (e) Spirit of Jehovah (Judges 3:10); (f) Thy Spirit (Ps. 139:7); (g) Spirit of the Lord God (Isa. 61:1); (h) Spirit of your Father (Matt. 10:20); (I) Spirit of the Living God (2 Cor. 3:3); (j) My Spirit (Gen. 6:3); (k) Spirit of Him (Rom. 8:11).


• Titles relating the Spirit to the Son are: (a) Spirit of Christ (Rm. 8:9; 1 Pet. 1:11); (b) Spirit of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:19); (c) Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7); (d) Spirit of His Son (Gal. 4:6); (e) Spirit of the Lord (Acts 5:9; 8:39).
  


3. He is called "another Helper" (John 14:16). Jesus promises to send "another Helper." The word for another is the Greek word allos meaning "another of the same kind." Jesus did not say "another" (heteros "another of a different kind").
   

The Attributes of His Personality

The Holy Spirit possesses intellect, emotion and will which demonstrates He must be a person.

1. He has intellect.
   


• He knows and searches the things of God. "But God as revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God." (1 Cor. 2:10)


• He possesses a mind. "Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Rom. 8:27)
  


2. He teaches people (1 Cor. 2:13).
   


3. He has Emotion. He can be grieved by the sinful actions of believers. "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." (Eph. 4:30)


4. He has a will. The Spirit has a will, indicating He has the power of sovereign choice. "But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills." (1 Cor. 12:11; cf. Acts 16:6-11)
   

Dr. Strong writes, "He is affected as a person by the acts of others. That which can be resisted, grieved, vexed, blasphemed, must be a person; for only a person can perceive insult and be offended. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost cannot be merely blasphemy against a power or attribute of God, since in that case blasphemy against God would be a less crime than blasphemy against his power. That against which the unpardonable sin can be committed must be a person." (Strong, Systematic Theology, p. 324)

The God of the Old Testament as the Spirit of the New Testament

Several times the Holy Spirit is used in reference to God in the Old Testament.

1. Isaiah 6:8-10/Acts 28:25-27 – Isaiah 6:9-10 is quote in Acts 28:26-27 as spoken by the Holy Spirit while Isaiah attributes it to Jehovah and Adonai.
   
2. Psalm 95:7-11/Hebrews 3:7-11
   
3. Jer. 31:31-34/Heb. 10:15-17 – What Jehovah declares in Jeremiah is attribute to the Holy Spirit in Hebrews. The title of Jehovah, reserved for the true God, is therefore used of the Holy Spirit.
   

He is said to be equal with God

The Spirit is said to be equal with the Father and the Son (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14). In Matthew 28:19, the baptismal formula relates the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on an equal basis.

The Christian indwelt by the Holy Spirit is said to be indwelt by God (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Eph. 2:22). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is said to be an act against God (Matt. 12:31-32; cf. Acts 5:1-4).

The Holy Spirit has divine attributes

1. Omnipresence (Ps. 139:7-10; John 14:17; 1 Cor. 3:16)
   
2. Eternality (Ge. 1:2; Heb. 9:14)
   
3. Omniscience (1 Cor. 2:10-11; John 16:13)
   
4. Omnipotence (Job 33:4; Luke 1:35; Rom. 8:11)
   
5. Holiness (Matt. 12:32; Rom. 1:4)

Divine Works are ascribed to the Spirit

1. Creator (Gen. 1:2; Job 33:4)
   
2. Preservation and government (Ps. 104:30)
   
3. Miracles (Matt. 12:28; 1 Cor. 12:4; Luke 1:35)
   
4. Life giver (John 3:6; Titus 3:5; Rom. 8:11)
   
5. Generating Christ (Matt. 1:20)
   
6. Author of Scriptures (2 Sam. 23:1-2; 2 Pet. 1:21)
   
7. Illumination (Eph. 1:17-18)
   
8. Intercession (Rom. 8:26)
   
9. Sanctification (2 Thes. 2:13)
   
10. Helping Saints (John 14:16)
    
11. Remission of sin and regeneration (1 Cor. 6:11; John 3:5)
    
12. Conviction (2 Tim. 3:16; John 16:7-11)
    
13. Restraining sin (2 Thes. 2:6-7)
    
14. Regeneration of the believer (John 3:3; Titus 3:5)

The Holy Spirit is Worshiped

Worship is prescribed only to God and the Holy Spirit is rendered worship (Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14; Rev. 1:4). Dr. Shedd notes, "The reason why less is said in Scripture respecting the adoration and worship of the third person that of the others is that in the economy of redemption it is the office of the Spirit to awaken feelings of worship, and naturally, therefore, he appears more as the author that the object of worship." (Shedd, Dogmatic Theology, p. 269)

The Sending of the Spirit

The designations "Spirit of God" affirm the procession, or "going forth" of the Spirit from both the Father and the Son. John 15:26 affirm that both Christ and the Father sent the Spirit: "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me" (John 15:26). "The present tense of John 15:26 ("proceeds") is used to understand the eternality of the relationship. Hence, the Holy Spirit is spoken of as eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son. The eternal procession of the Spirit seems to be affirmed by Psalm 104:30, which indicates the Holy Spirit came forth from the Father in the Old Testament economy." (Enns, p. 253)

Conclusion

The Christian is well warned by the Lord Himself concerning watching out for false prophets, teachers, and Christs (Matt. 24:24). The apostle Paul warns of keeping sober, watching what creeps into the church (1 Thes. 5:6), even leaders are to be examined (2 Pet. 2:1). The false Christs, the false saviors have come, promising salvation in them, in their organization. They pronounce special knowledge that only they possess, and at the same time make God into something other than what He has revealed in Scripture.

Ron Carlson and Ed Decker write, "There are many humanists and philosophers today who seek to study God from man’s viewpoint. We have the study of the philosophy of religion, the sociology of religion, the anthropology of religion, and the psychology of religion. Man, beginning with the image of himself as the model, seeks to define what God is like. But man, beginning from himself, can only arrive at a very small and warped concept of God." (Fast Facts on False Teachings, p. 34)

The Trinity is the heart of God. Making Christ the Son into a created creature, making the Holy Spirit into an impersonal force is too often used as a source of personal gain. At the heart of the perversion are those who would make the members of the Godhead into an impersonal being. One cannot go to the Scriptures and find the word Trinity, but for those who will be intellectually honest, the concept is found over and over again in Scripture. Therefore, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, I have heard some Bible teachers say that the word "dog" in some places in Scripture is referring to homosexuality. Is this true?

ANSWER: This is probably true and it is held by many Bible scholars, such as my Hebrew teacher, the great Dr. Merrill F. Unger. He writes in his commentary on Deuteronomy 23:17-18: "The harlot is the female religious prostitute and the sodomite is the male religious prostitute, the homosexual. "The price from the dog" is the fee paid to a male prostitute or "catamite." A catamite is a boy who has sexual relations with a man! God refuses to accept their offerings given to the tabernacle, or later to the temple! Ellicott agrees that this is the meaning of dog in these verses: "The prostitute and the sodomite" he writes.

Revelation 22:15 also refers to the "dogs," probably referring to homosexuals. The passage reads: Outside the new eternal Jerusalem "are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters." John is not saying that in eternity there will actually be such people outside the city. All sin will be eradicated and all sinners will be cast into hell at this time. John is simply using a literary device that is making the point of their exclusion from the new heaven and the new earth! In my Handbook to the Book of Revelation (Kregel), I write on this verse and on 21:27: "Some have mistakenly assumed that the verse is saying that sinners are nearby, dwelling just outside the city walls of New Jerusalem. However, John was simply saying that the issue of sin is over. The sins of the pagan world have been purged forever. We will never look up and see sinful beings coming into the eternal, holy city."

I've just done a complete study on this subject of homosexuality, along with four other important subjects, on a new set of five CDs entitled "Questions Often Asked," donation $16. Click here to learn more.

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

The Angelic World

Part One and Part Two of Clifton Bible Church's Monday Night Bible Study is now available to listen to online. Taught by Senior Elder, Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, what is going on in Luke 16:16?

ANSWER: I am glad you asked. This is a great passage proving that dispensationalists are right in our interpretation. The passage reads: "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John [the Baptist came]; since then the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it." The "since then" was taking place while Christ was still speaking to the Jewish people on earth.

John brought a certain conviction to the Jews who were not exercising genuine trust in the Lord. There was a rush to try to get into the kingdom because the king had arrived. By the way, the "gospel of the kingdom" is not the gospel of personal salvation. It is the "good news" about the arrival of the millennial reign of the Messiah! "The kingdom of God" is always a reference to that earthly Davidic reign promised in the OT. Therefore that kingdom cannot be the church as the allegorical guys try to make it.

In the context of the passage, Christ is addressing the Pharisees. Verse 15 sets up verse 16. "And [Christ] said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’" In other words, the Jews did not want to miss the millennial kingdom and thought they would be its citizens simply because they were Jews.

The kingdom was then postponed. Yet someday in the future, the gospel of the kingdom will again be preached just before the finality of the tribulation. Christ said in Matthew 24:14: "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come." It will be preached in the tribulation worldwide!

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, some of the Covenant and Reformed guys try to make Romans 11:26-27 somehow refer to the church. They call Zion and Jacob the new Israel. This doesn’t seem right. What do you say?

ANSWER: You are right. They are wrong! They are masters at being wrong, with their allegorical interpretation and replacement theology. The question is often raised about verse 26 which says: "And thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob." Does this mean every Jew who enters the kingdom; does it mean a representation of the Jews or only the remnant of the Jews who are representing each tribe of Jacob?

It would mean every Jew who enters the kingdom but also, only a remnant will be saved. Many of the unbelieving Jews will perish in the tribulation. But what is interesting here is that it seems Paul is quoting and referring to Isaiah 4:2-5:

The passage says that when the Messiah, the Branch, comes He will be "the adornment of the survivors of Israel." Isaiah writes, those who are left in Zion at the end of the tribulation, "he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem, will be called holy—everyone who is recorded for life in Jerusalem." The Lord will cleanse them (v. 4) and He will create over the entire area of Mount Zion a cloud by day, and a flame of fire by night (v. 5). And there will be a shelter (a Sukkah) to give shade from the heat by day (v. 6).

The survivors of Isaiah 4 are the remnant of all of the tribes of Israel who will be saved when the Messiah, the Deliverer, comes "and removes ungodliness from Jacob (the Jewish people)" (Rom. 11:26).

Replacement theology is a gross error and lie! Paul goes on and says the Jews will be saved for the kingdom set up in Zion because God's "gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable" (v. 29). God will not go back on His promises because He gave the Jewish patriarchs (the fathers) this promise (v. 28).

Dispensationalists are right; the Covenant guys are wrong!

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch

Highlights of Jeremiah

Currently, Dr. Mal Couch is teaching the highlights of the book of Jeremiah at Clifton Bible Church on Sunday Mornings. Here are the latest audio files in that series.

• Hightlights of Jeremiah 36-41
  


• Highlights of Jeremiah 42 and on.

America MUST Pray - The Four Chaplains

On February 3, 1943, the troop ship Dorchester was sailing from St. John, Newfoundland to Iceland with nine hundred soldiers. The waters were cold and it was midnight when a German submarine torpedoed the ship. In the dark the ship's whistle began to blare—the ship was sinking. On board were four Army chaplains: one Catholic, a Methodist, a Jewish rabbi, and a Dutch Reformed clergyman named Clark Poling. Before the ship sailed Poling told his family, "Don't pray for my safe return, pray that I do my duty."

As the vessel was sinking everyone was grabbing life jackets. Seeing that some were without one, the four chaplains took off their own vests and handed them to four men who had none standing at the railing. As the ship sank, those soldiers in the water and in lifeboats could see the chaplains with arms linked and bracing themselves as they went down. Because of the cold water only about two hundred men survived the sinking. Almost all of those who lived ended up with some kind of physical impairment for the rest of their lives, but none could forget the sacrifice of these chaplains who perished under the waves.

In the years that followed, in the military chapels, from West Point to Fort Snelling, Minnesota, stain glass windows were etched with the portrays of these four brave and self-sacrificing chaplains. In 1960, Congress honored the men by striking a distinctive Congressional Medal of Honor that was awarded to them posthumously.

Ask Dr. Couch

Dr. Couch, Zane Hodges and some others seem to have a strange view of repentance. On Acts 2:38 they say the audience was saved (cut to the heart) before they asked what to do. Then Hodges would say, Peter exhorted them to "repent" for the forgiveness of sins after they were already saved! What do you say?

ANSWER First of all, there is no question as to what the basic meaning of repentance is. The Greek word is "metanoeo" and is a compound. "Meta" means with, and "noeo" is mind. Balz & Schneider, editors of the best and the newest Greek Lexicon put the definition of the word this way: "to turn around, change one's mind, repent." The great Greek grammarians Dana & Mantey point out that the preposition meta has the force (with the word mind "to express the idea of change, or difference."

Balz & Schneider have a lengthy article on metanoeo and write: "Repentance is negatively a turning away from former ignorance on the basis of the confirming act of God toward Jesus; positively it is a turning toward God, which manifests itself concretely in belief in the Lord Jesus (Acts 20:21; 26:18, 20, cf. 19:4)."

The Classical Greek Lexicon, of Liddell & Scott, show that the word has always had in the Greek language the idea of "an about face." They define the word: "To change one's mind or purpose, to change one's opinion."

One cannot fully understand the issue of repentance and baptism in Acts 2:38 without thoroughly knowing biblical Greek. As with so many doctrines of Scripture, only the original languages give light as to what is going on in a passage. This is why most untrained pastors give error from the pulpit. They have not paid the price of the discipline to study the Word of God properly, i.e. from the original languages.

Acts 2:38 should be translated like this:

And Peter said to them,
All of you (plural) repent now, ...
For the forgiveness of (all) of your sins,
And (all) of you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
And then let each one of you (individually) be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

The plural pronouns must be grammatically bunched together and separated from the singular imperative "to be baptized." Those who repented (turned from their sins to Christ) received forgiveness and then they received the Holy Spirit. Following the repentance and the fact of being saved, they were then to be baptized in water in the name of Christ!

On Acts 2:38 in my New Testament commentary series, author Ger rightly states in the Acts volume:

Biblical repentance calls for a vivid change, a complete reorientation of one's perspective. ... Baptism is the closely related physical sign of the spiritual reality of repentance, which results in forgiveness. … Repentance is linked with the forgiveness of sin based upon grammatical agreement in both gender and number (both are second person plural). The "eis" indicates that forgiveness of sin is the result of repentance. This makes the command to be baptized (third person singular) a parenthetical idea. … The verse could then be paraphrased as follows: "Repent for the forgiveness of your sins, and be baptized." … Peter only associates repentance or belief with the forgiveness of sin, making no mention of baptism as a condition of forgiveness (3:19; 5:31; 10:43). (Commentary on Acts, Mal Couch & Ed Hindson, gen. eds. AMG)

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

Dr. Mal Couch