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Hoekstra: The Lord Promised to Build His Church

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The following blog post is taken from Bob Hoekstra’s popular devotional Day By Day By Grace. For previous posts in this series, click here.

“You are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
(Matthew 16:18)

Yesterday, we talked about the Lord’s promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him. All who respond by faith to this promise of life become part of the church Jesus promises to build:

“I will build My church.” —Jesus

The Lord gave this promise after Peter’s accurate confession of Jesus being the Messiah. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). As Jesus confirmed this confession, He let Peter know that he did not come up with that insight on his own. “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). Then, Jesus contrasted the meaning of Peter’s name with the kind of foundation He would lay for His church. “You are Peter [in Greek, “Petros,” a stone], and on this rock [in Greek, “petra,” a bedrock] I will build My church.” Peter’s name signified a stone, that which could be easily moved or held within one’s hand.

The Church’s One Foundation

Jesus would not build His church on mere men, which at best are like movable stones. Rather, he would build upon a bedrock foundation that could not be moved. He would build upon the rock-solid truth contained in Peter’s confession. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself would be the actual foundation for the church. “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11).

This picture of Jesus Christ as the foundation of His church is a fulfillment of one of the great prophetic promises the Lord made long ago. “Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation'” (Isaiah 28:16). Also, this is in perfect harmony with the Old Testament revelation of God as our Rock. “Oh come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1). This rock-solid, anointed King (Jesus, the Messiah) would be fully effective in His mission. Even Satan and his demons, the authorities (“gates”) of death and darkness (“Hades”), would be unable to prevent the fulfillment of His promise to build His church: “and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Lord Jesus, I also confess You as the Christ, the Son of the living God. I praise You as the rock-solid foundation of Your church collectively—and of my life individually. Please use me as You fulfill Your promise to build Your church. In Your mighty name I pray, Amen.

In the comments below, answer this: What hope does knowing this give to us?

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Comments

  1. I think this means that at the core of our faith, is Christ. Without Christ, we have nothing, are nothing, and can not endure anything. Christ is the ‘rock solid’ cornerstone that can not be broken, deleted, or shaken.

  2. “I praise You as the rock-solid foundation of Your church collectively—and of my life individually”

    Amen to these words. Thank you Lord Jesus and thank you Chris.

    In the book of Job we see Satan walking into the LORD Almighty’s council chambers amongst the other heavenly beings (sons of God). Job 1:6
    When Satan was asked by God from where had he come, Satan responds “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Job 1:7

    The series of testing that follow in Job’s life are a result of Satan being allowed into God’s council chambers and of Satan inciting God against Job. Job 2:3

    Yet this is not the case now for all who walk a life of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

    By the power of Christ’s blood, His death on the cross and resurrection Satan no longer enters the council chambers of our God to incite God against His people. Why is this? The answer is seen in Revelation 12:5-10.

    In Revelation 7:7-9 Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven by Michael and his angels. This was upon the ascension of the Lord Jesus to God’s throne. Revelation 7:5.

    In Revelation 7:10 we are taught that “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come.” When was this? This was at the time that Jesus Christ fulfilled the legal requirements of the law, paying fully the price of one’s sin with His life by the shedding of His blood, and then being caught up into heaven to rule. Revelation 7:5.

    At this time the victory was given to God’s angels to cast down Satan “for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” Revelation 12:10

    By the power of the Lord Jesus’ blood the gates of Hades shall not prevail against myself individually and the Lord’s church, collectively.

    Satan now has no right, no power, and no authority to incite our God against me. The right to incite God against me was taken from Satan, that which I suppose was given to him at the fall of Adam, was defeated at the death, resurrection and anscension of the Second Adam, Jesus Christ.

    Truly Jesus Christ as my Rock gives me much hope.

    As the LORD placed Moses on a rock, hiding Moses in the crevice of the rock to view His glory, so God in His mercy has placed me on ‘That firm foundation’ and the Holy Spirit has hid me in that Spiritual Rock which is God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Exodus 33:21-23. Hallelujah.

    Dear Father, standing on Jesus Christ as my foundation and hid in Him by Your Holy Spirit may Your countenance shine on me. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen

    In Christ
    Mark H NZ

  3. It gives me great hope because; the foundation is sound, sure, unshakable, unmovable, immutable, timeless, impenetrable, undeniable, and unequivocal, beyond mere humans. The foundation holds every attribute of our Holy God.

    It gives me hope because I can look past the works of man, the voice of man, the ideas of man, and the traditions of man. I can look past man and his institutions and his ways to as mama Judes says “the ‘rock solid’ cornerstone that cannot be broken, deleted, or shaken.”

    Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

    Psa 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

    “This rock-solid, anointed King (Jesus, the Messiah) would be fully effective in His mission. Even Satan and his demons, the authorities (“gates”) of death and darkness (“Hades”), would be unable to prevent the fulfillment of His promise to build His church: “and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

    What hope does this give me? It gives me hope of assurance of victory of his church, no matter how much Satan has infiltrated and undermined and distorted and seemingly watered down truth,no mater the dysfunction of what I see in North American church, God is still God and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”. It gives me the hope and assurance of VICTORY. HIS CHURCH is VICTORIOUS.

    It gives me hope in an ever increasing decadent society that has lost its spiritual moorings and is adrift on a sea of doubt, unbelief and manifests the truth of Romans chapter 1., because they have rejected Jesus. Mat 21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? My hope is, NO MATTER WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE===THE CHURCH WILL BE VICTORIOUS BECAUSE THE FOUNDATION IS SOLID.

    It gives me hope in my personal walk knowing that the eternal solidified, immutable, all powerful, everlasting, all knowing, all present “Rock” identifies me and each one of us who know him by faith as “the church” and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against us. Rom 8:35-39 Nothing shall separate us from the love of God. That means victory is in the camp, because the indwelling Christ is able to complete that which he has begun. Phl 1:6 And Col 1:13 and 1Jo 4:4 and Rev 12:11

    It gives me hope NOW. Hbr 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My cry is as yours Chris, Use me Lord as you fulfill your promise to build your church.

    • “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand”

      Chris, There is only ONE foundation, There are not “many”, just as there is only one way to enter into heaven, through the salvation provided by the shed blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ, NOT many. This gives me great hope.

      Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Act 4:12

      John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  4. Hallelujah.

    Apologies. Wrong chapter references given in my blog.

    The Lord Jesus’ ascension, to God’s throne. Revelation 12:5

    Satan cast down to earth by Michael and his angels. Revelation 12:7-9.

    “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come.” Revelation 12:10

    All this by His mighty work at the cross, His resurrection and ascension.

    By the power of the Lord Jesus’ blood the gates of Hades shall not prevail. Jesus is my Rock and my hope.
    Amen

    In Christ
    Mark H NZ

    • We do not yet see all things placed under Jesus yet. Hbr 2:8
      There is a time yet to come, a time of unspeakable glory and rejoicing. Choice is incumbent of separate physical entities. Awareness governs the potential significance of choice. We are to go out to the highways and byways to call people into the marriage supper of the Lamb. Jesus commands us to teach all nations. We are to preach the word instant in season and out of season.

      Woefully this is a time of people with itching ears. Scholars need new discoveries and new legislation acclaim new gospels that are not gospels.
      Mat 7:14
      Our Father, the Creator made us in His image who are empowered to choose. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, He calls and pleads for all to choose life. This is the time of salvation that is dreadfully shorter than when He died for us. Choice is intimately personal. There is a judgment yet to come because we still see Satan accusing the brethren. He encourages accusations and slander within churches and all collections of peoples. Choice is severe, is it any less so now? The time to choose Jesus is shortened.

      Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

      The act of God, the redemption through His blood, the sacrifice of the Lamb overcomes the testimony of the accuser as those who believe more assuredly than death verify their salvation and thereby disprove Satan’s assertions. Humans in the image of God are now the witness. This is finally the victory of humans over the tempter, the archfiend, liar and wicked, evil murderer who committed to destroy us, our elemental enemy. The redemption, the work of God is finally fulfilled in the testimony of Jesus before the court of God to prove Satan is false. This proof expels Satan; seals his doom.

      2Cr 5:21 For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
      Rev 12:12 therefore rejoice, [ye] heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.
      This time of Satan’s great wrath is woe for the Earth while the unspeakable glory and rejoicing of the marriage supper of the Lamb proceeds.

  5. Gotta reply on this one. And by the way… my remarks in no way change our standing in Yeshua.

    RCC traditionally interprets Mat 16:18 HNV as Peter the person himself being the “foundation” of the “church”.

    Protestants traditionally interpret Mat 16:18 HNV as Peter’s “declaration of faith” as being the “foundation” of the “church”.

    Course Correction – Kefa in this vs. and Nathaniel in John 1:49 HNV are bringing to mind Psa 2 HNV. The Psalm is also brought up in Act 4:25-26 HNV by John and Peter, John quotes or refers to it in Rev 2:27 HNV, Rev 12: 5 HNV, Rev 19:5 HNV, Paul quotes from it in Act 13:33 HNV and also in Heb 1:5 HNV, Heb 5:5 HNV.

    In all these verses referring to Psalm 2 HNV, what is being declared by Peter in Mat 16:18 HNV and by others to the Nations is that YESHUA (salvation) the Hebrew “MESSIAH” (don’t use the transliteration “Christ”) is the “SON” of YAHWEH and the Ruling “KING” of Israel. THIS fact (Psalm 2) is the “Rock” on which Messiah will build HIS “Kahal”.

    Has anyone been told of this interpretation before? Does anyone take issue in this interpretation?

    J.

    • Jhn 11:28, 30 Jhn 11:11-57
      There are no denominations mentioned in the 19th chapter of Revelation at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Certainly He will be the king when all things are placed under His feet. He will not reign from Toronto, Mexico City, Peking, London or Rome. The vessel of His communication was not at Shiloh or Bethel but at Jerusalem. In the 21st chapter we see the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
      Rev 21:9-27, Rev 22
      In the 22nd chapter we see the throne of God and the Lamb, there is no need for a king.

      • Pardon the confusion the cited versus above were one chapter early. The intended verses are in the 12th chapter of John.
        Jhn 12:28, 30 Jhn 12:11-50

      • Mat 2:2 HNV
        Mat 27:11 HNV
        Mat 27:29 HNV
        Mat 27:37 HNV
        Mar 15:2 HNV
        Mar 15:9 HNV
        Mar 15:12 HNV
        Mar 15:18 HNV
        Mar 15:26 HNV
        Luk 23:3 HNV
        Luk 23:37 HNV
        Luk 23:38 HNV
        Jhn 18:33 HNV
        Jhn 18:39 HNV
        Jhn 19:3 HNV
        Jhn 19:19 HNV
        Jhn 19:21 HNV

        All four accounts!

        J.

    • Jerry S.

      Psalm 2 is a wonderful scripture and I find that the Holy Spirit brings me back to this often. (I am speaking of during the year 2013, regularly this scripture has been brought to my mind).

      A question, do you differentiate between the Messiah and Christ? or are you just making the point that in Psalm 2 the Hebrew word Messiah meaning God’s Annointed is used?

      In Christ
      Mark H NZ

      • To answer your question directly, I differentiate between the two words as translated / transliterated.

        We English speaking Western World Believers in the year 2013 (Roman calendar) read these two words, which do have history behind them, as one in the same. And taking that history into consideration they do mean the same thing (or refer to the same being in this case) to our ears and minds.

        For the last few years the LORD has brought me back to a study of linguistics and scripture translations/interpretations from Hebrew to Greek to Latin to English. I wrote of this interest in a reply to Justin Alfred when he started contributing to the Blog. I ask myself this question – Psalm 2 HNV and Mat 16:18 HNV they are referring to the same being (the latter is a quoting of the former) – why two different transliterations to English of the same verse (there is a big difference between translation and transliteration)? Hebrew “mashiach”, “masiah/moshiach” meaning “Anointed (with oil) One”, Septuagint translation to Greek “Christós” meaning “to cover with oil” (close, but not the same concept because the Hebrew concept did not exist in Greece) English transliterations of the two are “Messiah” and “Christ”. Question – Why not use “Messiah” throughout the scripture? I believe we (English speaking Western World Believers in the year 2013) should use “Messiah” because it is the Hebrew transliteration and we believe in the Hebrew Messiah, not one of the Greek gods, Act 17:16-33 HNV.

        J.

        P.s. so much can be said, so little time and space. Deu 22:1-2 HNV

          • Tess, Let me watch this (it’s long)and I’ll give you my thoughts… if you’re interested in them.
            J.

        • Jerry S,

          I am not a linguistic expert but I do know that I am saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and by God the Father’s mercy given to me. Undeservedly, through the Christ’s (God’s Messiah’s or Annointed One’s) grace I have been given the right to be God’s child.

          Jerry S. I adjure you, to liken the Christ that I believe in, who is the same “Messiah” referenced in Psalm 45, to a Greek false (mythological) god is something I tremble at.

          Psalm 5:4 “For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.”

          My wife and her mum, both (I have this hope)Spirit filled believers are Japanese. Jesus in Japanese is pronounced ‘Yesu’, Christ in Japanese is pronounced ‘Kiristos.’

          Will I demonise their faith because they cannot pronounce Christ as I pronounce it. No I will not.

          The Lord they believe in is the same Lord I believe in. As a family we (including my two Japanese / NZ descent children), share our faith in the study of God’s Word in two languages English and Japanese, although with my wife’s mum I have to speak with a broken Japanese accent.

          Please Jerry S. do not detract from the gospel the grace that was given within it. The gospel is the very person of Jesus Christ.

          Salvation to the Jew and Gentile alike, whether they (the gentile) be of Greek decent, Japanese, NZ European or NZ Maori, or other.

          Retract you statement Jerry S. It is hurtful to all non-Jewish born and non-Jewish speaking born again, Spirit filled Christians.

          Galations 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage”

          My prayer is for you Jerry S. in this matter.

          In Christ
          Mark H NZ.

  6. @Steve Morrow’s comments: Amen and Amen.

    Chris, What a wonderful fulfillment of God’s promise in Jesus to build his church. I can’t stop meditating on these truths. Absolutely wonderful and so encouraging brother. Christ will return one day for HIS church. Guarantee it won’t look like what most think it will look like. It is my personal quest to BE this church he’s coming for, and to help others become a beautiful attractive bride for this loving Christ. Col 1:9-11

    Thank you Chris for gleaning and writing about these truths.

  7. In the comments below, answer this: What hope does knowing this give to us?

    This gives me hope of salvation based on His solid foundation, not a foundation built my man. Man’s intellect, traditions, or doctrines will never put him in right standing with God. Jesus IS our right standing.

    God promises to lead us into ALL truth. Not some of it, or most of it, or part of it. Not your preachers version of it or your self seeking decisions about it. He promises all truth. HIS truth. And God keeps ALL His promises. We can miss truth if we lean on our own understanding. His ways are so much higher than our ways that attempting to intellectualize what can only be made right in our soul with the help of the Holy Spirit will lead us to miss the mystery that is Christ our Lord. We vainly work mans rubix cube and miss God’s glory. Read the Word and listen to the Spirit and He WILL lead you into ALL truth.

    It helps me realize that though I may fail often I am on the Solid ROCK because His grace and faithfulness to me is unfailing. His Holy Spirit is ever present to guide me, to teach me, to convict me of my sin and lead me to repent. His promises are sure. Left to my own human devices I would surely fail but because He died that I might live I can live knowing He is there, seeking me, correcting me, loving me, in sorrow when I sorrow, in pain when I am in pain and has more love for me than I can fathom. His feelings for me DO NOT EVER change. He doesn’t love me only when I’m good and reject me when I’ve sinned. He bids me-Come Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

    My sorrows are not simply the sorrows of recognizing I have sinned. Humans sin. We shouldn’t but we do. We war daily against the flesh. My true sorrow lies in that fact that my sin wounded my Savior and brought Him to the cross. To suffer God’s wrath for sin so that I would not have to. BECAUSE HE DID I WILL NEVER KNOW THE WRATH OF GOD THAT I DESERVE. So my real sorrow is deep in my heart. My sorrow is that He suffered a horror I cannot ever come close to knowing or would ever want to know and that he did it our of LOVE. A LOVE so pure it suffered unjust wrath on my behalf. This is why I repent. I repent because I KNOW He took what I deserved and I faint at the realization of that fact.

    I seek Him daily and find Him ever there. Ever the same. Never failing, never changing in His love for me. He never says, sorry you’ve blown it this time. He is ALWAYS willing to dine with those who will open their hearts to Him and He has sent His Spirit to Comfort, Guide, Protect and Lead us to be with Him for eternity. A Spirit who calls, sanctifies and glorifies. He chose me knowing every sin I would ever commit. He offers love to a filthy rag like me and only a fool would reject so loving a Savior in favor of anything else.

    There will be a day when there is no more sin, sorrow, tears or regrets. A day when we will be joint heirs, kings and priests and will judge angels. When it comes I pray that I will at least be open enough in my heart during my life to have yielded to such a calling. Until that day my daily prayer is to become more and more what He has created me to be and to worship Him in awe, with ALL my heart and be a light to a world who needs Him desperately.

  9. Mark,

    No no…. You have misread my comment(s). The traditional interpretations of Mat 16:18 are all I’m interested in discussing here. You’re imposing thoughts and intents my way that were and are not my intent. This kind misreading can happen very easily when reading short comments on a blog. It’s also very difficult to depart from tradition if it can be shown as not scriptural, something I believe I did by all the referenced scripture supporting my reading of the verse.

    The very first thing I wrote was – “And by the way… my remarks in no way change our standing in Yeshua.”. I’m a Gentile (not Jewish). I fall in and under your statement “Salvation to the Jew and Gentile alike, whether they (the gentile) be of Greek decent, Japanese, NZ European or NZ Maori, or other.”.

    I’m not supporting any thought that would require salvation by “works”; we would never achieve it without Messiah death, burial and resurrection.

    I do not liken “Christ” to one of the Greek gods. The point made in what I wrote dealt with Scripture translations. The “Septuagint” translated “Old Covenant” scripture from Hebrew to Greek around 200 years before Messiah was born, that’s all I was discussing and I backed this claim up with my reference to Act 17:16-33 HNV. The Greeks at the time did not know what a Messiah was, so they would not have a corresponding word. They chose the Greek word “christos” that is transliterated to English as “Christ”. That’s all I was writing about. You understand this better than most having a mixed language family. We don’t need to be a linguistics expert to understand this.

    No need to retract and yes, as you “(we are) saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and by God the Father’s mercy given to me. Undeservedly, through the Christ’s (God’s Messiah’s or Annointed One’s) grace I have been given the right to be God’s child.” Nothing I wrote changes that undeniable fact.

    My question still remains for anyone who cares to think about it “– why two different transliterations to English of the same verse”. There are many translated and transliterated English words that this happens to. I’m just asking… why? Is that a dangerous thing to do? I want to know what the original intent of scripture was when it was written to the end that I know HIM better and finding this out steps on a lot of our traditional toes. The scripture is trustworthy, translators are not.

    J.

  10. Tessie,

    I listened to about 25 min of the video and got the gist of it. Just in case you think I do follow this, let me say. Up until your link, I have not known or heard of the “Sacred Name Movement” nor do I subscribe to what is explained about them in the video. I am sure there are people groups and teachings out there that believe we can achieve or loose what Messiah has done for us by using or not using any particular word or name. That’s not me. I’m studying the scripture, just as the person explaining the linguistics of what we put our Faith in and using logic, not emotion, to understand it just as he does.

    You have read my use of the name Jesus, YAHWEH, Christ, all the traditional Christian names for the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Israel interchanged. I do not deny their existence nor do I put my Faith in or out of them. My Faith is only in the BLOOD SHED by JESUS on the CROSS.

    If there is any misunderstanding of what I write, just ask for a clarification.

    BLB, and I noticed its use by the person in the video, supports and provides the Hebrew Names Version of scripture. I reference it all the time. When I use these transliterations of the original language I come to an understanding of HIM I would not have known by using the traditional versions (also supplied by BLB). Try it for yourself and see what Yeshua shows you.

    J.

    • I’m glad to hear you aren’t in the Sacred Name crowd. I hadn’t heard of it either until recently and it gave me concern for those who may be misguided by it. I’ve not seen you as one of them though. I think you’ll find his (Chris White) other video’s interesting for your translation/transliteration studies.

      I am a little concerned about your comment

      “Faith in and using logic, not emotion, to understand it just as he does.”

      I’d like to point out that faith has nothing to do with logic. By definition logic eliminates faith.
      Romans 8:5-17; 2 Corinthians 4:3-5; 2 Corinthians 11:3

      As a matter of fact God goes out of His way to demonstrate His glory, grace and majesty in illogical ways.

      I’m not at all suggesting that we should not study or use our minds in every way possible to gain a deeper understanding of God and His word but logic is not the door or pathway that leads to salvation.

      Is emotion the pathway or door that leads to salvation? I believe it is. Our first commandment is to LOVE. It is Jesus’ act of LOVE in His death on the cross that made a way for us if we choose it to have eternal life.

      We’re told to love the Lord thy God with all our hearts, minds and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. I think it’s fair to say that emotion is essential. But it seems clear to me that you already know this and just LOVE to learn. 🙂 Just don’t be diss’en the emotions buddy! LOL

      • Don’t be concerned. Not logic as in Star Trek’s Mr. Spoke logic, but logic as in 2Cr 5:13 HNV, 1Pe 1:13 HNV, 1Pe 4:7 HNV.

        In Mat 22:37 HNV, Mar 12:30 HNV, Luk 10:27 HNV Yeshua is reciting what is known as in Hebrew as the Shema found originally in Deu 6:5 HNV. Study the Hebrew word “’ahab” (אָהַב) and the Greek word “agapaō” (ἀγαπάω) found in the verses above. The “love” mentioned here is of a compassion or charity for mankind and GOD, not an emotional romantic kind of love.

        J.

        • Love is not used in the scriptures you site as “compassion or charity”.

          It is used in the following way:

          Verb Strong’s Number: g25 Greek: agapao
          Love (Noun and Verb):
          and the corresponding noun agape (B, No. 1 below) present “the characteristic word of Christianity, and since the Spirit of revelation has used it to express ideas previously unknown, inquiry into its use, whether in Greek literature or in the Septuagint, throws but little light upon its distinctive meaning in the NT. Cp., however, Lev 19:18; Deu 6:5.
          “Agape and agapao are used in the NT
          (a) to describe the attitude of God toward His Son, Jhn 17:26; the human race, generally, Jhn 3:16; Rom 5:8; and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, particularly, Jhn 14:21;
          (b) to convey His will to His children concerning their attitude one toward another, Jhn 13:34, and toward all men, 1Th 3:12; 1Cr 16:14; 2Pe 1:7;
          (c) to express the essential nature of God, 1Jo 4:8.
          “Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God’s love is seen in the gift of His Son, 1Jo 4:9, 10. But obviously this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects, Rom 5:8. It was an exercise of the Divine will in deliberate choice, made without assignable cause save that which lies in the nature of God Himself, Cp. Deu 7:7, 8.
          “Love had its perfect expression among men in the Lord Jesus Christ, 2Cr 5:14; Eph 2:4; 3:19; 5:2; Christian love is the fruit of His Spirit in the Christian, Gal 5:22.
          “Christian love has God for its primary object, and expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to His commandments, Jhn 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10; 1Jo 2:5; 5:3; 2Jo 1:6. Self-will, that is, self-pleasing, is the negation of love to God.
          “Christian love, whether exercised toward the brethren, or toward men generally, is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all, Rom 15:2, and works no ill to any, 13:8-10; love seeks opportunity to do good to ‘all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith,’ Gal 6:10. See further 1 Cor. 13 and Col 3:12-14.” *
          [* From Notes on Thessalonians, by Hogg and Vine, p. 105.]
          In respect of agapao as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant “love” and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects, producing and fostering a reverential “love” in them towards the Giver, and a practical “love” towards those who are partakers of the same, and a desire to help others to seek the Giver.

          • Sorry, should have included “deeds” or “acts” of compassion or charity. KJV actually uses the word “charity” where other translations use “love”.

            I’m glad you took the time to post this because even “Strong’s” is not immune to traditional translations. You can see that by their “qualifier” in the first paragraph.

            “since the Spirit of revelation has used it to express ideas previously unknown, inquiry into its use, whether in Greek literature or in the Septuagint, throws but little light upon its distinctive meaning in the NT. Cp., however, Lev 19:18; Deu 6:5.” – throws little light?? Scripture interprets scripture, the 20/20 rule (we can, should and must go further than 20) would apply here. Who decides what truth the Spirit of revelation is providing here, translators, dictionary authors, and bible commentators? They do have to decide what to record as they understand it, but it is our responsibility to verify it with scripture.

            In both verses being discussed in this string, Mat 16:18 HNV and Mat 22:37 HNV. The NT is actually quoting the OT as I’ve previously pointed out. Why would they have a different meaning than the original? Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s just not logical.

            Tess, don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying emotions are bad, just be cautious in not letting them affect our understanding of scripture when we read it. Which can often be a very emotional experience. 🙂

            J.

  11. Mark NZ’

    Maybe you’ve moved on and haven’t read what I wrote to you and Tess, but I’ll write this anyway in case you haven’t. Not that it’s required of you, believe me, but now that I’ve at least had the opportunity to clear up YOUR misunderstanding of my original comment between my replies to you and Tess and when there’s been time enough to do so… I check the Blog and find no retraction of your condemnation of me. In fact, no reply at all.

    With all the spouting of GODS “Grace”, “Blessings” and “Forgiveness” in this Blog, it appears to be a one way street of “receiving” going on out there in the world of Believers, Act 20:35 HNV. Can I get a witness??

    I know I only need be concerned with the “Lamb worthy to open the Scroll” Rev 5:1-7 HNV and the Blog Master when I write a comment or ask a question in an attempt to provoke some thought.

    J. US

    • Jerry S.

      I welcome your response and in love I quote from what you had written to I hope show you what I found hurtful….

      You wrote

      **English transliterations of the two are “Messiah” and “Christ”. Question – Why not use “Messiah” throughout the scripture? I believe we (English speaking Western World Believers in the year 2013) should use “Messiah” because it is the Hebrew transliteration and we believe in the Hebrew Messiah, not one of the Greek gods,**

      Correct me if am wrong but did not the written gospel of the New Testament after the death of Christ come to this era at first by way of the gospel written in Greek.

      If this is so Jerry then it would seem to me that God in His Sovereignty and in His infinite wisdom choose the Greek language to declare the New Covenant and the further doctrine conveyed by the Lord Jesus` apostles in Greek, that it might then reach our generation, spreading around the world in many languages.

      Why then differentiate between Christ from
      Greek and Messiah from Hebrew, when we who come as Christians are taught that Christ means Messiah.

      This is the teaching in John 1:41.

      Note the gospels translated from Greek write Messias in John 1:41, translated meaning Christos.
      Elsewhere in the New Testament Messias is not used but Christos.
      As an example see Luke 2:11, Matthew 1:16.

      Are not the gospels God breathed?

      I and most Christians I am sure worldwide find Christ a beautiful name, whether in Japanese pronounced Kiristos or in another language. I hope now from your response that you also would agree.

      Surely there is no need to change what has been handed down from the fathers of our faith.

      Both Messiah and Christ are one. This is our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ worthy of all honour glory and praise.

      I was hurt by you seeing any need to differentiate when our faith in God is One and His Messiah is the Christ, One and the same, and in honesty I could not understand why you added the following words “|because it is the Hebrew transliteration and we believe in the Hebrew Messiah, not one of the Greek gods]”

      If you believe I have condemned you than I apologise. Please forgive me.

      We all in Christ are required by God to tread in care before Him.

      I do rejoice in your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ’s blood.

      As the scripture writes those who call upon the name of the Lord Jesus alone will be saved.

      Look to Christ’s cross Jerry. Grace is real, neither of us deserved the free gift God has given us.

      In Christ
      Mark H NZ

      • I’ll explain again, when I write “not one of the Greek gods” I am not calling Christ (Jesus) one of the Greek gods, but pointing out that when the Septuagint was written the Greek language had no word or concept of a Messiah. The Greeks at that time only new of Greek gods as evidenced in the passage in Acts that I reference. Yes, the New Covenant scripture was penned in Greek and at the time it was penned the Greeks only had Greek gods to offer the world, not a Messiah again as shown in the Acts passage.

        I’ll write it again, we believe in the Hebrew Messiah, not any of the gods the Greeks had to offer the world at the time of Christ. Is that a less offensive way to put it for you?

        Of the words Messiah or Christ. Through history and time the name Christ has become synonymous, I wrote as much. And as you yourself repeat my question – Why differentiate? Let me challenge you;

        1) Do your reading from the Hebrew Names Version found and endorsed by BLB.

        2) When witnessing to one of GODS chose people “the Jews” and considering the absolutely appalling way our Christian fathers treated (murdered) them over that history in the name of the Cross, choose whether Messiah or Christ would be the better of the two names to use in evangelizing that race of people.

        Too many offended feelings out there.

        J.

        • Sorry Jerry,
          I had to reply down at the bottom of the page. No worries about mixing it up with me. That’s how we grow and growing is what’s important to me.

          I agree with you about emotionalism. It can lead us into a false reliance on how we feel vs God’s truth. My point would be that there is a deeper love than we can even know. I think I wouldn’t be too far off the mark to point out that this kind of love is the mystery spoken of in the NC (NT). The love that was shown in the cross was not available to the Jews because Jesus had not yet been crucified and it was God’s purpose to allow all mankind the opportunity to receive salvation. We are brought into awareness and into communion with this love through the Holy Spirit. Therefore I view this as a higher level than head knowledge or human emotion but it is in fact emotion. The emotion of God toward his creation. Romans 16:24-26; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8; Ephesians 1:7-10; Ephesians 3:8-9

          My mind cannot bring me to understanding about this. Only the Spirit can reveal it. No amount of study or human understanding reveals this because it is Spirit. Nicodemus knew all there was to know about the law and followed it faithfully I’m sure and yet the Savior told Him John 3:1-13.

          I think also it’s one of the reason’s there are translation/transliteration problems. Such truths are not discernable within the parameters of language. However, the scriptures are Spirit breathed. All scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit. God wrote the bible, not man so whenever we have word problems they are man’s problems not God’s so we must rely on the Spirit to give us the meaning not on our human ability.

          Anyway, yadda-yadda sorry to babble on but I feel it’s a VERY important point because we can get tangled up in trying to make our brains know what only the Spirit conveys. And it’s funny but I’ve wrestled with scriptures attempting to wrap my head around them and then the Spirit comes along and breaths life into that passage and I’m amazed I ever had a problem with it. I’ve also noticed in my walk that the Spirit has His own timing. He will always reveal more and more but He does it in His time not mine. I like it much better and I trust it more when it isn’t something I intellectually wrestled with but rather something the Spirit revealed to me. Sigh! I’m going to have to pray again for brevity!