What Does the Bible Say About Piercing the Body?

Song of Solomon 2:15 says, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." Foxes sometime in search of food would enter into the grape orchards and devour the grapes and spoil the crop. However, the little foxes were too small to reach the grape bunches so they would chew on the vines and it would kill the whole vine. Instead of the farmer just losing his crop, he would lose his vine which was more disastrous. Spiritually some things we do or allow that we might think are little or insignificant can also be disastrous for us.

Many of the young people in our society here in the USA are embracing a dangerous "little fox" or seemingly "little thing" that may seem harmless. The young people are saying that it is a "trendy" thing to do. Many of them are showing off multiple ear, nose, tongue, eyebrow and navel jewels and rings attached to their pierced flesh. Some even have this done on unspeakable parts of their bodies. These are abnormal and unnatural.

As many people are not aware of the spiritual dangers in such practices, this article is not meant to condemn any that may already have this done. However, we would urge you to seek the Lord as to any further involvement in this practice. The Lord loves everyone, no matter what we are currently doing however, His desire is to show us a better way.

The Bible warns us against cuttings in our flesh in Leviticus 19:28 which says, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord."

Our young people do not realize what they are doing has its roots in witchcraft and the practices of false religions. Those that have made trips to other parts of the world have viewed the bodies of those who have not only pierced and tattooed their bodies but have gone further, with mutilating their bodies. It is repulsive to see someone deform the body that the Lord made in perfection. The Lord admonishes us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,

"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

If we are to glorify God in our bodies, how do body piercings glorify Christ?

In 1 Kings 18 we find the story of Elijah contesting the evil prophets of Baal (a false god of that day whose followers practiced witchcraft). The prophets of Baal worked themselves into a frenzy trying to get their god, Baal to show himself mightier than the true and living God. However, the God of Elijah proved to be the true God. During the frenzy of the Baal worshipers they began to disfigure their bodies as we see from this scripture in 1 Kings 18:28, "And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them."

Another scripture that warns us not to disfigure our bodies is Deuteronomy 14:1(Amp.): "You are the sons of the LORD your God: you shall not cut yourselves, or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead."
When it speaks here about doing this in relation to the dead; this was a witchcraft rite done to mourn or remember their dead, so cutting, piercing and tattooing have its origin in witchcraft practices. The verse below reveals a connection between foreign gods and earrings.

Genesis 35:2: "Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem."

Perhaps a more well known scripture having to do with earrings is the record of the children of Israel falling into rebellion and worshipping the golden calf while Moses was up in the mount with God receiving the Ten Commandments. Here we find they took their earrings and cast them into the fire and make a golden idol out of them which greatly displeased the Lord.

Exodus 32:2-3: "And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron."

There is one specific verse in the Old Testament which uses the Hebrew word, "lachash," which is a word specifically associated with witchcraft. Here, the jewelry is used as an amulet to cast a spell.

Isaiah 3:18-23: "In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, 23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils."

This is what makes it spiritually dangerous for people. People not realizing this opens the door for Satanic attack because they
have a mark or opening which allows the enemy entrance in their lives. Today this practice is growing because of false religions and pagan influences infiltrating the church.

Many of our young people are getting body piercings and tattoos out of a spirit of rebellion against their parents advice. Many men are also wearing earrings to make a statement of their rebellion by showing that they are "macho" or homosexual. Because the youth of our day are despising and rebelling against their parents this is very displeasing to the Lord as one of the Ten Commandments in the Bible is to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" and Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.")

Some complain and say that most of the women today in our society wear pierced earrings and they attempt to use this as an excuse for the bizarre body piercings they are flaunting. The Lord always judges what we do by our motives as He looks on the heart. It is a different matter when women wear pierced earrings as a custom, without the rebellion and pride attached to it. However, this could even be wrong if women are filled with vanity and pride over their appearance. Remember God looks at our heart attitudes. In fact, the Bible speaks of a generation of women that will be alive at the coming of the Lord that will be judged severely for their flirting and their haughtiness. Let us look again at the prophecy in Isaiah 3:16-24 (NIV):

16 The LORD says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with out stretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald."
18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,
19 The earrings, the bracelets and veils,
20 The head dresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms,
21 The signet rings and nose rings,
22 The fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses
23 And mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.
24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth: instead of beauty, branding.
25 Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.

We are living in a day that the Bible speaks of in 2 Timothy 3:1-7:

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

If you have been one that has been led away by lust or have been rebellious against your parents, you can come to the Lord and repent and He will give you a new start and a desire to live a holy and obedient life unto God. We should remove anything that portrays rebellion and ask the Lord to forgive us and give us a submissive spirit. Jesus does not condemn us, but rather, will help us. He loves us and invites us to a wonderful life in Him.

One note of warning  to the church on this subject of body piercings. We have a generation now of young people that love the Lord yet do not understand all of His ways. Soon we are also going to be seeing a great revival among the youth of the world.  The youth of this day want a real cause to live and die for.  Most have not seen true Christianity.  However, when they do come to Christ many will be bringing their tattoos, dress, music and old habits with them right into the church.   We must be sure that we do not despise them nor look down on them, but rather welcome and love them and gently teach them the ways of the Lord. We are called to love and pray for them and help them avoid making some of the mistakes we have made in our own walk with the Lord.  We need to be true mothers and fathers to them. Yes, we must speak the truth in love, but let us make sure we are loving them and not condemning them.   On the other hand, we must not accept all that they would desire to bring with them that would harm them and compromise the Word of God.  We will all need God's grace to bridge the generation gap. We would recommend a great article written by a young Christian on this very subject. 

Bottom line in regard to body piercings would be to ask the popular youth slogan, "What Would Jesus Do?" I don't believe we will ever see Jesus with any body piercings that He placed on Himself. I can't imagine Jesus with a tongue ring or a navel piercing. The only scars on His body are the nail pierced hands and feet put there by the evil men that crucified Him. They were not self inflicted. Overcomers will put away the "little foxes" that lead to bigger compromises.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We are including a testimony of a former Hindu who knows only too well that body piercings and tattoos are a form of witchcraft:

I am from Malaysia and I truly enjoy the Overcoming Life Digest. Although I enjoy reading all the articles, I find the Little Foxes enlightening and informative. Last Friday, when I entered the GCN chatroom, they were discussing about tattoo and piercing (tongue). One of the believers there was telling them it was wrong for Christians to have tattoos. Since I was formerly a Hindu, I know tattoo is from Hinduism and also witchcraft. Also, Hindus pierce their tongue with small spears and prick the entire body with little hooks and go in trances. I have witnessed this personally. But praise God, I never took after any of these rituals even when I was a Hindu. Praise God, I managed to convince a few about the evil of tattoo. One of them asked me for scripture verses which I promised I would send. But during the weekend, I was busy and also, I couldn't find the relevant scriptures. I prayed to the Lord to help me. Then He reminded me of an article I read in your Digest last year. So I send them your article instead. Praise God for the articles in Little Foxes. Keep up the good work. Karen

 This article was taken from the Overcoming Life Digest (November/December 1998 Issue)

CHRIST UNLIMITED MINISTRIES
Pastor R.S.(Bud) & Betty Miller
P.O. Box 850
Dewey, AZ 86327
U.S.A.
WEB SITE ADDRESS:
http://www.bible.com/

BAD INK?

Lev 19.28, 19; Gal 3.23-24; Matt 5.17

We’ve been working through a series of messages on how the voices in popular culture are calling people to “follow me.” Sometimes, into life and health, but other times into a dead end kind of life.  Some of the topics we’ve talked about have been clear cut, even obvious. Today’s topic is anything but.

The trend today is tattooing. It is a very old practice. Usually used as a way to be identified or to show devotion to a group or god. The Ancient Chinese, Canaanites and Romans used tattoos these ways. They marked slaves, criminals and outcasts. Tattoos have been used as a rite of passage, sign of devotion or bravery.

Increasingly, tattoos are being used in other ways. As wearable art, as a way to hide scars. As a sign of devotion to Christ or a way to mark important life experiences.

And as you may know, the Church has generally held the opinion that tattooing is wrong. And I am well aware that sitting in this room right now are people who share that position as well as the opposite. For some tattoos are bad, for others, not so much. Some do not and will never undergo the process of getting one. Others have and will.

One thing is certain, the practice is growing. In North America, 1 in 5 adults have a tattoo and the rate is going up. So this is something worth talking about.

The only Bible passage that has anything to say directly about the practice is Leviticus 19.28. Where it says, 28 “‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.”

And while that may seem clear enough there are a few issues to be aware of.

First: context.

You need to know that Leviticus 19 is part of a book of laws. The overall point of the book is how God makes a way for sinful people to approach a holy God. So chapter 19 begins with a very common phrase:

Lev 19          The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.

Be holy, that is, set apart, different than the people who live around you who do not know the Lord. And chapter 19 lists many, many ways the people were to do this and be reminded of God’s holiness all at the same time. Here are a few more examples from chapter 19.

26 “ ‘Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it.

“ ‘Do not practice divination or sorcery.

27 “ ‘Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.

29 “ ‘Do not degrade your daughter by making her a prostitute, or the land will turn to prostitution and be filled with wickedness.

30 “ ‘Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the Lord.

We read more of them earlier and they sound familiar, right?

19 “ ‘Keep my decrees.

“ ‘Do not mate different kinds of animals.

“ ‘Do not plant your field with two kinds of seed.

“ ‘Do not wear clothing woven of two kinds of material.

But let’s be honest, some of them are a little odd. Don’t eat meat with blood in it? Is that even possible? Don’t cut the hair on the side of your head? Or the edges of your beard? It also appears that mules are out, so King David broke at least one of these laws. And according to this list, at least some people here broke the one about two kinds of seed in one field. And just about everyone here is in violation of the last one. Who isn’t wearing a cotton poly blend?

The point is that God provides these laws back then so that his people back then could understand what God had done in setting them free from Egypt and ungodly practices. Witchcraft, fortune telling and scarring or marking their bodies as a religious ritual, superstition, or for showing their love for false gods.

The point? Context matters. Every Bible text has a reason why it was first written and what it means since Jesus rose from the dead.

Second: All or Nothing?

The second thing to notice is that when Jesus talks about the Law, he makes it clear that humanity is in an all or nothing situation. All the Law, including Leviticus 19 remains in effect. At least at some level. Until his return. You know the passage: Matthew 5.17-19

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

And some would like, on that basis to prohibit tattooing then, now and always. The problem is, however that we will have to give up much more than tattoos if we go this route.

Look at the verses in Leviticus 19 again: No more mixed fiber fabrics. Clothing, sheets, towels, whatever. No more haircuts. Every male must allow their beard to grow untrimmed. Ever woman must not pluck their eyebrows or any other facial hair that might appear. No more shaving your head, armpits or legs. No more pork, sausage or mixed breed animals. And you had better be. Here. Every. Sunday.

The truth is that God’s Law stands forever, but the application of it changes. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection “accomplishes” much. In him things have changed for those who believe. The Animal sacrifice system as Israel knew it is over. Good Friday took care of that.

At the same time, other commandments of scripture remain in effect. The Great Commandment is just one example.

Matt 22.37-40 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Take note that both are Old Testament texts. Love God is from Dt 6.5 and Love of neighbor is from Lev 19.18. So the question is how do we work this out, line by line?

Galatians 3.23-25 helps us here.

23 Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

The laws of Leviticus were a tool to teach infant Israel who God is and how to live apart from the surrounding culture in a way that honors God. Believers in Christ are not required to follow the letter of those laws. This is why we don’t read about tattoos or fabric in the New Testament.

But we are required to follow the spirit in them. Which is why we do read about love one another, do not steal, murder or be sexually careless.

So, back to the main point: To tattoo or not tattoo

There are two big reasons why Christians have rejected tattooing in the past. The first we just talked about. Leviticus 19 no longer applies to believers.

The second, has more to do with the culture of the times and a certain way of understanding humanity made in God’s image.

In 330 AD the emperor Constantine outlawed tattoos. He said, “Because the human face reflected the image of divine beauty, it should not be defiled." The 2nd of Nicaea supported that in 787 as part of the argument over whether we should use pictures of Jesus or Mary in the church.

He wanted to make a break from unchristian Roman values to faith in Christ. Gladiators and criminals, even slaves were routinely tattooed on their faces and Constantine thought the process degraded them, which it did. It also marked them permanently. So that even after they came to faith people would still think they were bound by their old life, rather than life in Christ.

And in the same way, 1 Corinthians 6.19-20 is often brought into the argument. “You were bought with a price, honour God with your body.” With the following lament, that tattoo will get saggy or fuzzy. Which may be true, but is more about that person’s discomfort than Gospel truth.

In response, believers have said that while we bear the image of God that does not mean God looks like us. Further, if disfiguring the body with tattoos is wrong, then so too is cutting hair, using makeup, piercings and so on. Piercings, by the way, are not forbidden in the Bible.

Tattooed believers will also quote Matt 23.26 and similar passages to argue that God cares about the inner person most of all. And if the “inside” is clean, then the “outside” will be too. This is a pretty good argument because as you might remember, in the Old Testament, a man who was made into a eunuch could not worship with God’s people based on a bodily “modification.” But the Ethiopian eunuch was baptised into the church.

So both “sides” can make reasonable arguments concerning the practice. And it’s in this way that we find ourselves “disputable ground.” An area where respect for difference is needed. These are the “non-salvation” issues that people stubbornly divide over.

Romans 14 talks about this at length. The people in his time were divided over what was okay to eat. Paul sums it up with these words:

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way. 14 As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. 15 If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. 16 Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

Based on our study this morning, tattooing is not a salvation issue. But at the same time, it does say something about a person’s identity and values.

Think Before You Ink

Let’s try to wrap this up. There is no doubt that we can over identify with our culture and confuse the message of Christ by how we act. And it seems likely that at some point, a person can go too far and disrespect their body as given by God to be protected and honored.

So here is a list of questions that might help the discernment process.

1.    What is the motive?

Why do I want it? To fit in, vanity, trend following? Is the tattoo a way to identify with a gang or an act of rebellion? Shock value? If so, you should probably pass.

Or, is your desire to honour God through body art? Is your desire to mark divine encounters and either painful or joyful experiences? Are you ready to tell the story of your tattoo as a part of your walk with the Lord? I have known people who have shared their joy and regret through the tattoos they wear.

2.    What does the tattoo say about your identity – self-understanding?

I understand people are tattooed while undergoing radiation treatment. They put a target down to target the cancer precisely. Alzheimer patients are sometimes tattooed with their names in the event they get lost? Facial scarring can be covered by using skin colored tattoos. And increasingly, women who have undergone mastectomies are tattooing the scar tissue to redeem the experience.

If you get a tattoo will modesty be a factor? Will it be visible and attract improper attention to your body? This speaks also to size, number, location and content.

3.    What about the future?

This is practical but important. How will a tattoo impact job opportunities, future spouse. How might it impact present and future relationships?

4.    Is my decision based on faith and will the result be glorifying to God?

Romans 14 says that our lives together are to be a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit.

And this cuts both ways.

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

So if you can answer “yes” to this question and I cannot, then maybe I have to trust the Lord on the matter and not my feelings or opinions. But maybe you have to be gracious and in humility help me to understand your decision to get a tattoo.

In either event, we are in this together. We live in a world demanding our attention, hoping to shape our values. Together, we have been called to follow the Spirit so that our choices lead to the life worthy of the hope we profess.

Source:http://sonriseponoka.com/news/2015/11/1/bad-ink (AUDIO CAN BE HEARD FRON THIS LINK.)

To TATTOO or NOT to TATTOO - A Christian Response to the Tattoo.

by Terry Watkins,Dial-the-Truth Ministries

Within the last decade the tattoo has virtually conquered the cultural world.

The taboo tattoo was until recently, the menacing fashion of heavy-metal rockers, bikers, criminals and the social outcast. But today the tattoo glamorously appears everywhere and anywhere. It’s the latest fashion craze. The tattoo has found a canvas on celebrities such as Britney Spears, Julia Roberts, Jessica Simpson, Bruce Willis, Geraldo Rivera, Halle Berry, the Dixie Chicks and thousands of others.

The sports world has also received the "baptism of tattoos". A 1997 AP Poll discovered over 35% of all NBA players sported at least one tattoo, including such mega stars as Michael Jordon, and Shaquille O' Neal. Sports reporters claim similar tattoo percentages are decorating the professional football, baseball and hockey world. Holding their own, the tattoo adorns the "conservative" golf world on such notables as Lee Trevino and Tiger Woods.

The National Geographic News stated that 15% of all Americans are tattooed. The Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT) estimates over 39 million Americans have a tattoo. Details Magazine published a poll that stated 22% of 18-25 year olds have at least one tattoo. It’s also estimated 60% of the tattooed are women.

And many more are waiting in line. . .

Even the toy world has it’s very own Tattoodles doll. And it’s rumored sweet little Barbie has recently been seen flaunting a "cool" tattoo. Not to be outdone by the tattooing zealous adults, the younger generation has joined the tattoo party. A Texas Tech University School of Nursing study consisting of over 2,100 adolescents from eight states reveal that 1 in 10 adolescents were tattooed and over half were planning on getting tattooed. Another study estimated 25% of all 15 to 25-year-olds are tattooed. By the way, the average age of getting tattooed is 16 years old. While some receive their first tattoo as young as eight-years-old.

According to US News and World Report, (November 3, 1997) tattooing is the country's sixth-fastest-growing retail business. And growing at the amazing rate of more than one new tattoo studio every day.

And get this. . . Lycos, who ranks the Top 50 search words every week, found "tattoos" was the fourth most searched word for the year 2001! For the week of October 15, 2002 (when this was written) "tattoos" was number six. And among the highly-prized Lycos 50 Elite, which is the 50 most popular topics in the history of the Lycos – "tattoos" comes in at a solid number seven. (search results at http://50.lycos.com). [Note: Jesus or Christ did not even make the Lycos Top 100, "the Bible" ranked number 18.]

In other words. . . the world has gone "tattoo crazy".

Even among many Christians the once-forbidden tattoo is welcomed with open arms (and legs, and necks, and backs, et al). Not surprising the major perpetrator of the Christian tattoo is the Christian rock music community. And fast following their Christian rock idols, thousands of Christian young people are getting "marked for Jesus" with the tattoo. Among the fastest growing trend in the tattoo industry is the Christian tattoo shops. - CLICK HERE and Continue Reading..

R.C. Sproul: The Church's Destiny

One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church


In the Nicene Creed, we confess that we believe in “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church.” But what do we mean by this confession? In this message, Dr. R.C. Sproul explains the meaning of this basic confession regarding the nature of the church.

This message is from our 2006 National Conference, Bought with a Price: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1prXDuwfXg&list=PL30acyfm60fWwQGJljl8oD6esR0qa9Ny7

Purchase this conference on DVD: http://www.ligonier.org/store/bought-with-a-price-2006-national-conference-dvd/?mobile=off

The Church's Destiny

When the bride of Christ has finished her pilgrimage, what will her ultimate destiny be? Scripture looks forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb and a new heavens and new earth. In this message, Dr. R.C. Sproul will examine what the Bible teaches us about the church’s triumphant future.

This message is from our 2006 National Conference, Bought with a Price: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1prXDuwfXg&list=PL30acyfm60fWwQGJljl8oD6esR0qa9Ny7

Purchase this conference on DVD: http://www.ligonier.org/store/bought-with-a-price-2006-national-conference-dvd/?mobile=off

Does the Roman Catholic Church deny the Jesus of the Bible?

The answer is absolutely yes!

"Whom Do Ye Say That I Am?"

Jesus obviously felt it was important for his disciples to know his true identity. This is probably the most the most important issue in the Bible (Matthew 16:13-20). Although the Roman Catholic Church professes to believe in Jesus Christ, we will see that they actually deny most of the essentials of : A) Who he is (substance and ancestry); and B) What he has done. If anyone redefines who Jesus is or what he has done they have a different (false) Christ. For example, if I were to teach that, " Jesus was born in Japan in 1830, He killed 24 people, He even lied to many people during His lifetime, and finally died in 1902 of old age," I would be teaching a false Jesus. At the least, I would be denying his birth place, his Jewish ancestry, and his death on the cross. If I were to teach this about Jesus Christ, it would be enough to define a different (false) Jesus Christ. By definition, anyone who professes a false Christ denies the true one.

Who is the Real Rock?

Jesus himself said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6). In Matt. 16:13-20, Jesus asked his disciples a very important question, “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus is asking the key question of the Bible: he is asking us to correctly identify him. This is the question that inspects the very foundation of the Christian faith. If we do not now who the real Jesus is, then we can not be saved. We can not get to the true Heaven with a false Jesus. The real Jesus of the Bible is the true foundation (rock) of the Christian faith. He is the rock of salvation. Even Peter claimed that Jesus is the rock, the cornerstone that the builders rejected (Acts 4:10 & 1 Peter 2:1-6). Paul says, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ... ‘the rock was Christ.’”(1 Cor. 3:11 &10:4).

The Roman Catholic Church claims that Peter is the rock that the church is built on. They say that Peter is the first Pope who stands in the place of Christ. This position is known as the Vicar of Christ. This is the lineage through which the present Pope receives his authority. Today, the Pope is still the rock that the Roman Catholic Church is built on. The Roman Catholic Church declares. “...that it is altogether necessary to salvation for every human creature to be subject to the Roman Pontiff [Pope].” (Pope Boniface VIII, 1302 AD in an ex cathedra in his Bull Unum Sanctum). Pope Pius IX said about himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life”. By the office of the Pope, the Roman Catholic Church denies Jesus his rightful place as the foundation of the true church.

Jesus’ Body and Blood

Jesus said when he broke the bread that “this is my body which is given for you, do this in remembrance of me.” After the meal, he took the cup (of wine) and said, “this cup is the new testament in my blood” (Luke 22:19 & 20). As often as we do this, we proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes again. These are symbols of his body and blood just as when he said, “I am the door.” His body was not really made of wood with hinges and a latch. In the same way, the Passover feast was symbolic of the first Passover feast in Egypt where the blood of the Lambs saved the first-born of the Jews in bondage in Egypt. The bread and wine are symbols of Jesus, our Passover Lamb.

However, the Catholic Church says that the bread is actually the real body of Jesus. After the priest blesses the bread (wafer), he raises it up before the congregation and says, “Behold, the lamb of God”. When he gives it to the members he says, “The body of Christ.” Catholicism teaches that “the Eucharist is a sacrament which really, truly, and substantially contains the body and blood, soul and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. It is the great sacrament of God’s love in which Christ is eaten, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge is given to us of future glory.” (Question & Answer Catholic Catechism #1214). “The Eucharist is necessary for salvation.” (Q&A Catechism, #1217).

True Catholics believe that when you eat the bread and drink the wine you are actually eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking his blood, even though it tastes like bread and wine. The Roman Catholic Church uses the word “transubstantiation,” which refers to the communion bread and wine turning into the actual flesh and blood of Jesus when blessed by the Catholic Father (Q&A, #1224). “Christ is present in the Eucharist not only with everything that makes him a man, but with all that makes him this human being. He is therefore present with all his physical properties, hands and feet and head and human heart. He is present with his human soul, with his thoughts, desires, and human affections.” (Q&A, #1223). The Roman Catholic Church proclaims that its members are literally eating their Jesus.

Because of this false interpretation of the scriptures, the Catholic Church is encouraging false, idol worship of these inanimate objects. The Roman Catholic Church sets up inanimate objects (the bread and wine) as objects of worship and adoration. Because they worship and adore these objects they qualify as idols. Since Jesus said, “I am the door,” and “I am the true vine,” this most holy Catholic sacrament is the same as worshipping a door or a vine as if it were Jesus himself.

The Jesus of the Roman Catholic Church is a dead victim (an idol) who is sacrificed on their altar and eaten by true Catholics at masses world wide. Thus, Jesus’ work of salvation was not finished on the cross, but is an ongoing work of sacrifice on their altars. The Jesus of the Bible declared his work of atonement to be completed on the cross: “It is Finished!” (John 19:30). Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for sins, offering his body once for all (Hebrews 10:10-12). The real Jesus is no longer hanging dead on the cross but was resurrected from death to life. Because he has eternal life, he can never be sacrificed or die again (Romans 6:9-10). The real Jesus can not be eaten. Because the Roman Catholic Church is eating their Jesus, they have identified and are following a phony Jesus.

Catholicism defines a False Mother

Because the Roman Catholic Church considers sex as something somewhat unholy, they have elevated celibacy and demoted sex in marriage. Although they teach that Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, the Church has redefined who she is.. The Catholic Church says that the virgin Mary did not inherit original sin from her human parents like all other descendants of Adam and Eve. They say that the virgin Mary’s mother and father did not pass on sinfulness to their daughter. What they call the “immaculate conception” refers to the conception of Mary, not Jesus. This is a direct contradiction of scripture (Romans 3:23, 3:10). Mary herself recognized her need for a Savior (Luke 1:47). Why would Mary need to be saved if she wasn’t a sinner? Catholicism also redefines Mary’s life by claiming that her sinless body and soul were taken up to heaven without dying (assumption). The virgin Mary is also said to have been a virgin her entire life, even though the Bible says that Joseph never knew her until after she gave birth (Matt. 1:25). The Bible says that Jesus’ Mother and brothers came to see him. The people of his own town said “Who does he think he is? Isn’t he the son of Joseph, and aren’t his sisters with us?”(Matt. 13 :54-56, Mark 6:1-3). The book of James starts, “James the Lord’s Brother...” The Catholic Church denies Jesus’ mother by redefining her as being born like Jesus without original sin. This make the Catholic Jesus born of a phony mother.

Save Me, Holy Mother!

The Catholic Church gives an elevated position to the Virgin Mary, calling her “Queen of Heaven” because she rules over the Church with Jesus Christ (Catechism of the Catholic Church Par. #996). They also say that she is “The All Holy One. She is the model and source of holiness” (CCC # 2677). Mary had to be willing to give her consent to be pregnant with Jesus or there would be no salvation (CCC #2030). Mary is considered to be co-redeemer with Jesus which means that she also is our savior. Catholics believe that Mary’s prayers and good works redeem us (CCC #1477). Even though the Bible says that Jesus is our only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), the Catholic Church teaches that Mary is our mediator (mediatrix) and co-redeemer (co-redemptrix) with Christ and that no grace can be applied to man except through her (CCC #969). They also say that she has “saving office...to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation” (Documents of Vatican Council II Vol. 1 p. 418). The Catholic Church does not discourage their members from venerating Mary “higher than all other women and all other humans.” Rosaries are used by Catholics as a tool to help them to pray to Mary (and God the Father). All over the world, Catholics are worshipping Mary with the Pope’s full knowledge. If this were happening in Biblical Christian Churches, these people would be excommunicated for false worship.

The Pope himself thanked Mary for saving his life (Time, Dec. 30, 1991 p. 69). Instead of excommunicating Mary worshipers, they have as part of the church, a “liturgical cult of the Blessed Virgin,...” (Vatican Council II No. 28 VIII #66, 67 - Flannery). Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said of Jesus, “There is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). By praying to Mary and considering her a co-savior and co-mediator, the Catholic Church puts Mary on a similar level with Jesus. Thus they deny Jesus his rightful place as our only mediator, savior, and redeemer by placing part of his work with someone else.

A False Priesthood

“The primary ministry of a priest is to consecrate and offer the Holy Eucharist (bread and wine), and to forgive sins.” (Q&A, # 1488). “The Sacrifice of the Cross is continued on earth through the Sacrifice of the Mass...It is the Sacrifice in which Christ is offered under the species of bread and wine in an unbloody manner.” (CCC # 1367). The Roman Catholic Church teaches that eating the body and blood of Jesus Christ makes one holier. In the sacrifice of the Mass, Christ is offered over and over again as a victim of an unbloody holy sacrifice. So the question is, when the priest blesses the wine, does it turn into Christ’s real blood or is it unbloody? (Hebrews 9:22) The Catholic Church has invented a priesthood which supposedly performs a miracle every time the priest blesses the bread and wine (turning them into flesh and blood). If this is true, why are Catholic priests so helpless to perform any other miracles?

The Roman Catholic Church teaches that a person must confess to a priest privately and the priest himself forgives sins. He is then told then by the priest what suffering (penance) he must do (usually prayers) to make up for his sins. “Penance is the sacrament instituted by Christ in which sinners are reconciled with God through the absolution of the Priest.” (Q&A #1321). “If anyone denieth...that sacramental confession...is necessary to salvation,...or saith that the manner of confessing secretly to a priest alone,...is alien from the institution and command of Christ, and is a human invention; let him be anathema.” (Council of Trent, Canon VI “On the Most Holy Sacrament of Penance”). Hebrews chapters 7 to 10, discusses Jesus’ true priesthood. Catholic priests supposedly have authority to forgive sins; however, only God can truly forgive sins. The Roman Catholic Priesthood denies and replaces Jesus’ true Biblical priesthood.

Delusion in Biblical Christianity

Even though the Catholic Church agrees with the basic Biblical doctrines of the trinity, they deny it by adding to it with their own traditions We covered the two teachings about Jesus which are most foreign to the Bible (the person of Jesus- the bread and wine, and the work of Jesus-the savior and mediator). We have also covered only part of their works of salvation. Because Biblical Christians are generally not familiar with all of the strange teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, they many times claim that “there are many true Christians within the Roman Catholic Church.” The problem with this argument is that most Biblical Christians have not asked their friends the right questions. Without some knowledge of the Roman Catholic teachings, Christians have little chance of asking intelligent and discerning questions and thereby getting the whole truth. Like Mormonism, Catholicism sounds like Biblical Christianity on the surface. Like Mormonism, without in-depth investigative questions, it is impossible to see the whole picture. Only when we ask scrutinizing penetrating question do we learn the real truth. Next time you encounter a Roman Catholic ask him, “Can you eat your Jesus?” or “Can your Jesus mold?”. The answer you receive will be as different as these questions are.

The following quotes from some famous leaders show that even our leaders can become deceived if they aren’t asking the proper questions: “It’s time for Protestants to go to the shepherd (the Pope) and say, ’What do we have to do to come home?’” Robert Schuller (Los Angeles Herald Examiner, September 19, 1987, Religion page); “I’ve found that my beliefs are essentially the same as those of orthodox Roman Catholics.” Billy Graham (McCall’s, January 1978). We as Biblical Christians need to expose and refute any false doctrine which creeps into the body of Christ. (Eph. 5:11, Titus 1:9, Jude 3). You might say, “How can I tell what is true Biblical Christianity? There are two questions that summarize the essentials of Biblical Christianity:

The Two Biblical Laws of Christianity

Law 1.. Who is God? .........
Law 2.. How are we saved?

Law #1: The Identity of God

Christology is the study of who Jesus is and what he has done. These two concepts are essential to establishing the true identity of the real Jesus. The first concept is his person (his nature and character). If you redefine who Jesus is then you have defined a false Jesus. The second concept is his work. If you redefine what he has done or is doing now, then you have defined a different Jesus. At what point would you acknowledge a phony Jesus? If I deny that he died on a cross, claim he didn’t raise from the dead, say he wasn’t born of a virgin, and didn’t pick any apostles; how many things he has done do I need to deny before you tell me that I redefined Jesus and no longer have the truth? Where do you draw the line? The Bible says, Jesus “by himself, purged our sins” and “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3). In Matthew chapter 16, Jesus asked:

“Whom do you say that I am?”

Law #2: God’s Method of Salvation

We are saved by Grace, through faith alone (Eph. 2:8-10). God’s salvation is free. There is no way that anyone can earn it or become worthy of it. Catholicism has Jesus as a sacred victim n their altar, and his work is not all done by himself. The Church of Rome the true Biblical Jesus and his method of true salvation.

By Marshall Almarode & Greg Hanson - http://www.mtc.org/

Did the Romans invent Christmas?

"Christmas falls conspicuously close to the same days as the Roman festival of “Saturnalia” – a Roman holiday that celebrated the quest for knowledge along with the winter solstice and spanned roughly from December 17–23. Many believe that early Roman Catholic Church councils simply proclaimed that December 25 was the day Christ was born in order to retain their beloved holiday." - http://www.brockpress.com/2015/12/the-original-reason-for-the-season/

""Io Saturnalia!" Two thousand years ago this was the seasonal greeting which would have chimed out across most of Europe, not "Merry Christmas". The Roman mid-winter festival of misrule has heavily influenced many Christmas traditions - including the time of year we celebrate.

At no point is a date for Jesus's birth given in the Bible, but references to the lambing season have led some theologians to conclude that he was born in spring. Why then do we celebrate his birth in the middle of winter?

"Christmas in December is a Western, Roman idea whereas in the Eastern Church it falls later, around the feast of the Epiphany in early January," explains Dr Matthew Nicholls, senior lecturer in Classics at the University of Reading.

For seven days from the 17 December it was party season in Roman times. Homes were decorated, parties held and slaves became masters - at least for one banquet. It was the start of a lengthy mid-winter period of merry-making and the season of goodwill - Saturnalia.

Saturnalia originated as a farmers' festival and commemorated the dedication of the temple of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and the harvest.

During this festival, there was a reversal of traditional roles, with slaves wearing fine garments and sitting at the head of the table. Families gave each other gifts, and homes were decorated with wreathes and greenery. Gambling was allowed and the festival is described as a joyful period.

Over-eating, drinking, singing and gift-giving are all things that we associate with Christmas - another, more modern, season of goodwill.

"The Christian Church appropriated quite a few Pagan festivals and Pagan activities," according to Sam Moorhead, national finds adviser for Iron Age and Roman coins at the British Museum.

So many of our Christian traditions can be traced to Roman mid-winter festivals that a time-travelling centurion would feel quite at home sitting around the table for the Christmas banquet or joining in office party revelries.

"People would go round the streets and there was merry-making and singing songs, which some people associate with modern carolling," adds Mr Moorhead.

"You were also not allowed to give lectures at the time, unless they were witty or funny - which could be seen as the origin of cracker jokes."

Originally a one-day feast at the end of autumn, Saturnalia gradually moved to later and later dates, with longer celebrations, throughout the Roman period.

By the time of Christian conversion it was running into and incorporating a number of festivals. These included the Opalia - the festival day for Saturn's consort Ops - on the 19 December and the Sigillaria- the day of present-giving - on the 23 December. The 25 December was dies natalis solis invicti - the birthday of the 'invincible' Roman sun-god Sol.

Cancelling Saturnalia was unthinkable, so Christian Rome converted it to a Christian holy day instead.

"If Christianity moves Christmas into December, at the Saturnalia and the birthday of Sol, you can then fade out these other festivals and incorporate elements into the Christian festival. You can attempt to move on as if nothing has happened." explains Mr Moorhead" - Extracted from http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/0/20617780    CLICK HERE to Continue Reading...

Reformed Commentary on Job: Chapter 19

In chapter 19, Job gives readers a vivid display of how he does not curse God because of his afflictions, but rather places his trust in his Redeemer, confident in the resurrection from the dead.

Chapter 19  (For Previous Chapter Click Here, For Subsequent Chapter Click Here)

It is surprising that Job’s friends did not relent at this point. We already made clear in our discussion in chapter two that their intent was initially console Job. Why do they press so hard on him now?

Again, though Job obviously takes it personal, claiming he was “insulted…ten times” (Job 19:3, a bit of an exaggeration but the Bible often is not literal with numbers), Job makes a keen observation. “Even if I have truly erred, my error lodges with me,” says Job in verse four. It is as if he is crying uncle and saying, “Even if I’m wrong, just stop bothering me!

So, why do his friends “get so into it” and want to prove a dying man wrong? Obviously, as the friends have already stated, they think that Job is speaking wrongly about God’s justice. Now, there are times Job does. For example, Job says “God has wronged me and has closed His net around me” (Job 19:6) and and accuses God of injustice (Job 19:7).

While it is true that God Himself admits that He was supposedly “incited” to “ruin him without cause” (Job 2:3) far be it from God to be unjust (Rom 9:14). In reality, God was merely condescending Himself to Satan by using a figure of speech. He cannot be incited to do something that He did not already purpose since the beginning of the world to do, for all things have been “predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will” (emphasis added, Eph 1:11). So, while what Satan did to Job was wrong, God allowed it to occur to fulfill a righteous purpose. In this sense, God has not wronged Job at all.

Job’s friends respond with a hatred of verbal excesses such as “God has wronged me,” but in the wrong way. They argue not that God is just even when the righteous suffer and God is glorified in our suffering, but rather that the wicked only suffer and in order to end suffering, one must pick himself up from his boot straps and through good works gain God’s favor. Then, and only then, can suffering cease.

Can we see how satanic such a doctrine is? There is no reliance on Christ’s intercession and righteousness, but instead on man’s works. “So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy” (Rom 9:16). Further, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Psalm 118:7).

Job rejects such an idea, because he is a faithful man, but this likely does not motivate his responses to his friends as much as his frustration with his own suffering. It is not entirely clear why Job speaks so strongly. Is he trying to prove his friends wrong? In some sense, is he indignant about God supposedly wronging him? However, he obviously feels that both are true to some extent.

Rather then God’s hedge protecting him, he feels “walled up” (Job 19:8). Like the rulers who God has confused (Job 12:24-25), God has supposedly thrust Job into “darkness” (Job 19:8). Job appears to be accusing God of acting against His promises to the faithful, as God does not thrust us into darkness, but rather into light: “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ“ (2 Cor 4:6).

It should be no wonder that God takes offense not at Elihu, but rather Job, by saying: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge” (Job 38:2)? It is not God who leads men into error and thrusts them into darkness. Men lead themselves into their own error (1 Cor 3:18, Matt 15:14, James 1:13). Job himself in chapter three especially, but also in other chapters, yearns for the darkness as if it were light. He is in serious error and God will later call him out on it.

Job has certainly lost his honor and God has allowed Satan to utterly humiliate him (Job 19:9-10). However, he is in error in saying God has moved against Job as an enemy (Job 19:11-12). In fact, God has done nothing of the sort. It is Leviathan, the deceiving serpent, who Job himself called upon not knowing the very evil in the beast, that ravages him. The “troops” surrounding Job (Job 19:12) can very well be a legion of demons that Satan has tasked with assaulting Job for all this time.

After these words, Job makes some interesting observations about his family. Job’s brothers and other relatives, who appear later and reunite with Job (Job 42:11) have all but abandoned him (Job 19:13-14, 17, 19). This is not unheard of during great times of suffering. Those closest to us that we depend upon the most for years often turn their backs on us.

King David complained about a friend who backstabbed him saying, “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me” (Psalm 41:9).  Job’s closest friends, including the three here, have done the same (Job 19:13, 14, 19).

Job’s wife still gives him heartache (Job 19:17). Local children do not pay respect to him as an elder (Job 19:18). His associates, probably a reference of those who were ruling elders at the city gate (Job 29:7), have turned their backs on him (Job 19:17). Such a position was very respected in those days (Ruth 4:1-2, Prov 31:23).

His servants have grown weary, perhaps from lack of pay, and no longer respect him (Job 19:15-16). As we spoke about earlier in chapter three, the book is showing us how the whole moral fabric of existence in Job’s life has been torn to shreds.

The Scripture teaches in several places the submission of citizens to the government (Rom 13:1-7, 1 Pet 2:13-17), wives to husbands (Eph 5:22-23, 1 Cor 11:3, Col 3:18, 1 Pet 3:1), children to adults (Eph 6:1, Col 3:20), and slaves to masters (Eph 6:5, Col 3:22, 1 Pet 2:18). The fact that Job is being disgraced by every one of these parties is the very height of social disorder and injustice against him. It is so easy to miss this being conveyed in Job, because submission to authority is not very popular anymore. However, it is very important in Scripture and it is obvious with a Scripture-centered view of the moral order of things that Job’s complaints are extremely relevant.

For a moment, Job wallows in self-pity, complaining both God and his friends are persecuting him (Job 19:20-21). He is barely hanging on for life, he feels as if all of his teeth have been knocked out and all that he has is his gums (Job 19:20, it should be noted this is where the idiom “by the skin of my teeth” to mean “by the thinnest margin” comes from). After all, Satan was permitted by God to touch everything of Job’s other than his very life.

Yet, as it seems like there is no hope, a spark flickers in Job. Will his hope go down with him to Sheol (Job 17:16)? No. He will be in the presence of God (Job 13:16). If a man dies, will he live again (Job 14:14)? Yes!

Job’s hope erupts out of his dark despair, its spark brighter and refined like gold and silver in the smith’s fire (1 Pet 1:7, Ps 66:10). “And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God’” (Zech 13:9). The Scripture is speaking of one’s faith growing as the result of suffering: “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes” (Psalm 119:71).

In this way Malachi describes God:

For He is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord (Mal 3:2-3).

A great light truly comes out of the darkness in Job’s historic pronouncement of faith:

Oh that my words were written!

Oh that they were inscribed in a book!

That with an iron stylus and lead

They were engraved in the rock forever!

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,

And at the last He will take His stand on the earth.

Even after my skin is destroyed,

Yet from my flesh I shall see God;

Whom I myself shall behold,

And whom my eyes will see and not another.

My heart faints within me (Job 19:23-27)!

“Faith is the assurance of things hoped for,” Heb 11:1 states. Job knows his Redeemer lives. Just as he wants the Earth to bare witness to his injustice (Job 16:18), he wants His hope to be never forgotten. It is to be made eternal in an eternal book, that is the Scripture. Yes, Job’s sufferings are indeed engraved forever so not a word will ever pass away (Matt 24:35).

Job knows that in the Last Day, though his body is destroyed, he will be resurrected in the flesh. He will see God, face to face, and in this beatific vision he will see no other. The greatest blessing is that “the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you” (Num 6:25). Job’s heart bursts thinking of the beauty. The beauty he knows will be his. He will be redeemed…

But, while at one time he felt as if he was close to God, now God appears as his enemy. He does not know why this has happened. Everything has not gone according to plan. Nevertheless, he will wait and hope for the Lord, years if he must, in his present condition. Hence the title to the Christian song, “I will praise you in the storm.” We must continue hoping in and having praise in our hearts for God.

Job finishes his beautiful words with a horrible warning to his friends. He knows his Redeemer will vindicate him. He also knows his friends will look to devise new charges against him in order to assert that their warped theology is true (Job 19:28). However, just as sure as Job is in the resurrection of the righteous, Job knows that there will be judgment: “Then be afraid of the sword for yourselves, for wrath brings the punishment of the sword so that you may know there is judgment” (Job 19:29).

Sadly, his friends do not take heed.

Copy and pasted from http://christianreformedtheology.com/2014/11/10/reformed-commentary-on-job-chapter-19/