The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Psalm 2:2-5
There are many means and methods of Bible study that enhance our understanding of the Word of God and the person of God. Yet, these same methods can also give us a rather narrow viewpoint of study if we are not careful. For instance, many use topical studies--a very good method--to learn more about a given topic. In this method one finds all of the references dealing with a topic of desired interest. Let's say, for instance, that you are struggling with God's love for you personally. This might be a good way to ensure that you are loved with an immeasurable love. Take not of this post if you need to understand His love for you. This is the most read post on this site. Jesus Loves You--Just A Reminder
What happens, however, when this method is our only means of study? The sought topics can become limited in scope. A friend once taught that we end up with a "canon in a canon" since our tendency will be to only study passages that encompass a felt need. This can leave large portions of the God's revelation uninvestigated. It reduces the Word of God in amplitude and grandeur.We can deny ourselves the amazement, awe, and healthy fear of the LORD when He speaks through His word in new ways.
Take the topic above for example. Many today have a very narrow view of the love of God as a result. Thank God for the grace of the cross that washed away sin through the atoning blood of Jesus! Again, I say thank God for such love, grace, mercy, and truth. Yet, in love, God must deal the final and permanent judgment on sin through the return of Jesus Christ. Love for all requires Him to destroy the very thing that took Christ to Calvary--sin. Daniel 9:24 even lists this, the final destruction of iniquity, as His first purpose. "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins..." A narrow view of God's love has produced a false view of God that sort of resembles a celestial Santa Claus who overlooks transgression and tolerates sin. May I remind you that Jesus is not coming back for a group hug! He is coming back to fulfill Daniel 9:24, Psalm 2, and other portions of scripture that reveal His love that forever crushes sinfulness.
Psalm 2 points out that humanity, incited by its leaders, is in rebellion while attempting to cast the Lord's cords of righteousness from them at the time when Jesus returns. In love, Jesus crushes this wicked rebellion and reigns for 1000 years. There will be harshness that will forever quell the godlessness that caused mankind so much chaos and confusion. He is said to "break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel (Psalm 2:9)." That tough stance on wickedness is love! As a result, the Holy Spirit speaks last and gives those who would forget His holiness to, "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Listen carefully as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart today as Christ is Soon2Come!
Take the topic above for example. Many today have a very narrow view of the love of God as a result. Thank God for the grace of the cross that washed away sin through the atoning blood of Jesus! Again, I say thank God for such love, grace, mercy, and truth. Yet, in love, God must deal the final and permanent judgment on sin through the return of Jesus Christ. Love for all requires Him to destroy the very thing that took Christ to Calvary--sin. Daniel 9:24 even lists this, the final destruction of iniquity, as His first purpose. "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins..." A narrow view of God's love has produced a false view of God that sort of resembles a celestial Santa Claus who overlooks transgression and tolerates sin. May I remind you that Jesus is not coming back for a group hug! He is coming back to fulfill Daniel 9:24, Psalm 2, and other portions of scripture that reveal His love that forever crushes sinfulness.
Psalm 2 points out that humanity, incited by its leaders, is in rebellion while attempting to cast the Lord's cords of righteousness from them at the time when Jesus returns. In love, Jesus crushes this wicked rebellion and reigns for 1000 years. There will be harshness that will forever quell the godlessness that caused mankind so much chaos and confusion. He is said to "break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel (Psalm 2:9)." That tough stance on wickedness is love! As a result, the Holy Spirit speaks last and gives those who would forget His holiness to, "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." Listen carefully as the Holy Spirit speaks to your heart today as Christ is Soon2Come!
