Saturday, November 19, 2011
By: Bishop Albert B. Gran
My post in this issue of ordaining bishopric
position rains negative comments from the traditionalists in every Christian
page I'm joining with. Content of this post section is the truth behind
barring traditional confusion with the gist in Romans 13.
I would like to amplify my discourse in this wonderful issue so
that these people who didn’t see the light of this teaching opposing
hermeneutical interpretation of “higher powers” to mean government worldly
authorities will acknowledge their wrong view and vow to what’s the truth
behind it. This presentation goes now to the details in light with the context
of Romans 13.
Originally the Bible or Holy Scripture was not separated
according to chapters and verses thus it requires simple re-examination to read
the prior verses in order to get the right gist of the issue in view of
contextual consideration.
Romans 12:16-17
King James Version (KJV)
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind
not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own
conceits.
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide
things honest in the sight of all men.
This is a very clear picture of which Paul charged the Roman BOC
believers to be of the same mind one to another to the point that such would
condescend or fit to men of low estate and not to be wise in their own
conceits.
Verse 17 gave us the most striking idea not to recompense or an
idea to avenge evil for evil however provides honest things in the sight of all
men. So if Paul charges not to avenge evil for evil how can a believer avenge
evil? Do you think a believer can avenge evil? These questions are very logical
one’s we come to the exposition of this very interesting topic.
The real issue here was doing evil where a natural man (unbeliever)
has been prone for due to the vanity of his mind. So Paul warned the believers
not to fight evil against evil and if possible live peaceably unto all men.
18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you,
LIVE PECEABLY WITH ALL MEN.
Every believer as a profounder of righteousness has the capacity
not to avenge or revenge evil for evil but contrarily live peaceably with all
men. How is it made possible? It does not mean that man of God (the authority
of God’s ordained ministers or even elite saints) can no longer recompense or
avenge evil. Still we could do it by avenging evil BY DOING GOOD.
21Be not overcome of evil, but OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.
This passage was very clear in posing right instruction how can
we avenge evil and against evil doers. Simply put: “OVERCOME EVIL BY DOING GOOD
AND NOT OVERCOMING EVIL BY EVIL.” In this way people of God can live life’s
fullest tranquility in the presence of this evil and corrupt world. To simply
realize the practicality of it Paul gave a very clear cut situation to remind
every believer how this thing being made possible in the name of PEACE.
20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give
him drink: for in so doing THOU SHALT HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD.
If this attitude of believers reigns in his life there would be
no reason why one can’t live a peaceable life unto all men. This capacity was
made possible by believers of the Body of Christ most especially the immediate
addressee of this Roman epistle, the Roman believers.
In this presentation, we can now come up and drove the clearest
picture how the apostle Paul through context reminded or instructed the saints
to live a peaceable life towards evil men and evildoers in this world. In this
picture we can understand two groups of people generally involved as cited in
the context. First are the addressee, the saints or Body of Christ members and
the second are the evil doers or people who were unbelievers specifically those
that are in the world.
This very sense coined with church role significance importantly
widen our understanding that when God ordained rulers or ministers, He himself
of course, and obviously wouldn't and didn't take those worldly evil and
unbelieving rulers. These godly appointed rulers were those Body of Christ
authorities whom we're called for in subjection of their authority governing
the early saints in the edification process. It's noticeable in the early missionary
journey of St. Paul where God set men as gifts to edify the church the Body of
Christ.
To expound further let me take this very important verse for us
to have a complacent idea by eradicating negative thoughts against this issue
disseminating truth that the rulers in Romans 13 contextually exclusive in the
government for the early Body of Christ. Let’s be Bereans to consider whether
this presentation instill perfect soundness along this issue. The verse states
and I quote:
19Dearly beloved, AVENGE NOT YOURSELVES, but
rather GIVE PLACE UNTO WRATH: for it is written, VENGEANCE IS MINE; I WILL
REPAY, SAITH THE LORD.
Why Paul says avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto
wrath? When Paul says avenge not yourselves it correlates the idea which he
priory stated NOT TO RECOMPENCE EVIL TO EVIL but to give place unto wrath which
give us a sense to avenge or recompense evil by overcoming it with good for
someday, even as it was written, the Lord will show his vengeance or final
punishment against evil doers in the Great white throne judgment.(Revelation
7:9)
True saints can be the only group to qualify the accurate
manifestation of godliness amidst evil society especially in this present evil
world whose god Satan blinded the minds of the children of disobedience.
As begin this study of Romans 13, we can now have the clearest
picture that there are two groups of people, one is the group of rulers
categorically SAINTS and the second are group of EVIL MEN and or evil people
the natural men in this world who through their mind’s vanity walked according
to the course of this world.
I wonder why some antagonist traditional religious
denominational believers took their hermeneutical interpretation out of the
context by simply putting trust in the realm of administrative jurisdiction
which categorically out from the will and mind of God.
We’ll begin Romans 13 simply in conjunction to the verses
previously stated. I pray this long message of mine can open the eyes of our
understanding to simply acknowledge what’s the true validity of our claims
insisting the higher powers ordained by God as NOT THE WORLDLY GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES
BUT THE REAL MINISTERS OF GOD WHO ARE TRUE AVENGERS OF EVILDOERS. Let’s
consider the following:
Romans 13
1Let EVERY SOUL be subject unto the HIGHER POWERS. For
there is no POWER BUT OF GOD: the POWERS THAT BE ARE ORDAINED OF GOD.
Brethren in the Lord, I already discussed to you that there are two groups of people in this context one is the “SAINTS” and the second is “THE EVILDOERS”. Now, carefully examine this verse and ask this question: To whom this instruction was addressed? To whom this “every soul” referred to? It’s apparent that contextually the “every soul” signifies the SAINTS who were called to OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD, NOT CALLED TO AVENGE EVIL BY EVIL BUT GIVE PLACE UNTO WRATH IN THE NAME OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY.
The "every soul" in the context could impossibly mean all souls in the world including the natural men who are evildoers. Who will overcome evil without these people who could attest the true capacity of performing godly good works in order to live peaceably unto all men? In other words Paul addressed this Romans 13 to all believers to be subject unto the higher powers which are ORDAINED BY GOD.
Now that we know that the saints in Romans 13 were those who were addressed by Paul, then the next question was: What about the HIGHER POWERS THAT BE ORDAINED OF GOD? Let’s face the reality of what’s the context about whereby there were two groups of people involved in it which are generally between believers, the good doers and unbelievers who were evil doers. In my belief it’s illogical to give the meaning of HIGHER POWERS as GOVERNMENT WORLDLY AUTHORITIES AND SUCH SHALL BE CALLED ORDAINED POWERS OF GOD.
For saints, or the “every soul” who could truly be in subjection to true goodness against evildoers, must necessarily ascribe from the ordained higher powers of God, the rulers in the church who were His ministers. It’s impossible for these natural unbelieving men sitting in the ordained government authorities because they’re unbelievers and has no idea about the principle of true godliness in right spiritual perspective. If every saint is an avenger of evil by overcoming it by good these ordained ministers of God much more were avengers against evildoers. Please read it very carefully.
3For RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS, BUT TO THE EVIL. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Brethren in the Lord, I already discussed to you that there are two groups of people in this context one is the “SAINTS” and the second is “THE EVILDOERS”. Now, carefully examine this verse and ask this question: To whom this instruction was addressed? To whom this “every soul” referred to? It’s apparent that contextually the “every soul” signifies the SAINTS who were called to OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD, NOT CALLED TO AVENGE EVIL BY EVIL BUT GIVE PLACE UNTO WRATH IN THE NAME OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY.
The "every soul" in the context could impossibly mean all souls in the world including the natural men who are evildoers. Who will overcome evil without these people who could attest the true capacity of performing godly good works in order to live peaceably unto all men? In other words Paul addressed this Romans 13 to all believers to be subject unto the higher powers which are ORDAINED BY GOD.
Now that we know that the saints in Romans 13 were those who were addressed by Paul, then the next question was: What about the HIGHER POWERS THAT BE ORDAINED OF GOD? Let’s face the reality of what’s the context about whereby there were two groups of people involved in it which are generally between believers, the good doers and unbelievers who were evil doers. In my belief it’s illogical to give the meaning of HIGHER POWERS as GOVERNMENT WORLDLY AUTHORITIES AND SUCH SHALL BE CALLED ORDAINED POWERS OF GOD.
For saints, or the “every soul” who could truly be in subjection to true goodness against evildoers, must necessarily ascribe from the ordained higher powers of God, the rulers in the church who were His ministers. It’s impossible for these natural unbelieving men sitting in the ordained government authorities because they’re unbelievers and has no idea about the principle of true godliness in right spiritual perspective. If every saint is an avenger of evil by overcoming it by good these ordained ministers of God much more were avengers against evildoers. Please read it very carefully.
3For RULERS ARE NOT A TERROR TO GOOD WORKS, BUT TO THE EVIL. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4For HE IS THE MINISTER OF GOD TO THEE FOR GOOD. But if thou do
that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for HE IS
THE MINISTER OF GOD, A REVENGER TO EXECUTE WRATH UPON HIM THAT DOTH EVIL.
It’s very sensible brethren upon considering this expose that
rulers or God’s ministers in this context purely are the ministers in the
church who are ordained by God especially in the early stage of the Body of
Christ. He is a minister of God for” thee” (saint), the every soul FOR GOOD.
But if “thou” (evildoer) do that which is evil BE AFRAID.
Antagonists and traditionalists simply cannot accept the fact
that believer can avenge or revenge evil by doing good. Their minds are
blundered having this doubt and questions such as: Can a believer or Minister
of God can truly be an avenger of evil by good?” or Can truly be a believer
overcome evil by good? If you noticed in my above explanation Paul in the
context stated the real fact that a believer can overcome evil by good and at
any rate can live peaceably towards all men.
To shut up the traditional ideologies of these unbelieving
religious friends of ours, I’ll quote this passage of Paul in order to assert
their allegation that it’s impossible for this ministers of God to revenge
against evil doers. Read this passage carefully:
2 Corinthians 10:4-8
King James Version (KJV)
4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but
mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6AND HAVING IN A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE, WHEN YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED.
7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8For though I should boast somewhat more of OUR AUTHORITY, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US FOR EDIFICATION, AND NOT FOR YOUR DESTRUCTION, I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED:
Dear readers of my simple article I would want you to be sensible considering this presentation of mine as really in truth in the name of standing the sound doctrine against the perverse thoughts of unbelieving antagonists who were traditionalists. Paul clearly emphasized that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through the God to the pulling of the strongholds. It means our battle is not between flesh and blood and thus if evil arise we will overcome it by the truth and goodness which is in us. This weapons are spiritual by putting our minds or imaginations in subjection to the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (In the complete Holy Scriptures), and let our every thought to the obedience of Christ. It has nothing to the obedience of the government authorities and rulers in this world the children of disobedience who were ungodly.
The striking thing was the answer to the queries of many antagonists whether or not the believers and God’s ministers CANNOT REVENGE EVILDOERS. Paul says and please in tune your negative thoughts carefully as I write it in bold print:
6AND HAVING IN A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE, WHEN YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED.
The saints or believers were told to be ready to revenge all disobedience (evildoers), when your obedience is fulfilled. This is the relative truth with this verse:
5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6AND HAVING IN A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE, WHEN YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED.
7Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.
8For though I should boast somewhat more of OUR AUTHORITY, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US FOR EDIFICATION, AND NOT FOR YOUR DESTRUCTION, I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED:
Dear readers of my simple article I would want you to be sensible considering this presentation of mine as really in truth in the name of standing the sound doctrine against the perverse thoughts of unbelieving antagonists who were traditionalists. Paul clearly emphasized that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through the God to the pulling of the strongholds. It means our battle is not between flesh and blood and thus if evil arise we will overcome it by the truth and goodness which is in us. This weapons are spiritual by putting our minds or imaginations in subjection to the KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (In the complete Holy Scriptures), and let our every thought to the obedience of Christ. It has nothing to the obedience of the government authorities and rulers in this world the children of disobedience who were ungodly.
The striking thing was the answer to the queries of many antagonists whether or not the believers and God’s ministers CANNOT REVENGE EVILDOERS. Paul says and please in tune your negative thoughts carefully as I write it in bold print:
6AND HAVING IN A READINESS TO REVENGE ALL DISOBEDIENCE, WHEN YOUR OBEDIENCE IS FULFILLED.
The saints or believers were told to be ready to revenge all disobedience (evildoers), when your obedience is fulfilled. This is the relative truth with this verse:
Romans 12:21 BE NOT OVERCOME EVIL, BUT OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.
God’s ordained ministers in the early stage of the BOC has more
capacity to do this in fact believers were also have sufficient and enough
capacity to overcome evil by doing good. If these are the worldly human powers
and authorities what capacity do they have to overcome evil by good? Do they
have the knowledge of God to manifest true godliness? That’s an irrelevant and
illogical notion if we will hold such hermeneutical interpretation.
Lastly, I would like to pose the antagonists silence in order to
settle the issue as to who truly were these ORDAINED MINISTERS OF GOD IN THE
HIGHER POWERS? Let’s give sense to read continuously this wonderful book of
paul to the 2 Corinthians parallel to this Romans 13.
8For though I should boast somewhat more of OUR
AUTHORITY, WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US FOR EDIFICATION, AND NOT FOR YOUR
DESTRUCTION, I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED:
Paul clearly without doubt word for word attests the AUTHORITY,
WHICH THE LORD HATH GIVEN US (The ministers of God, the rulers ordained by God
in the higher powers), AND NOT FOR YOUR DESTRUCTION (for good as to “thee”,
saints for good), I SHOULD NOT BE ASHAMED.
Every sensible believer will acknowledge this honest
presentation of truth pertinent in this teaching that the HIGHER POWERS
ORDAINED BY GOD are not the government authorities but the early church
ministers of God set to edify the church the Body of Christ to wit:
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of
healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Ephesians 4:11-12
King James Version (KJV)
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Brethren let’s come unto perfection and if you found wholesome
presentation in this humble presentation of mine admit in godly means that
truth will prevail. Paul once said:
For we can do nothing against the TRUTH, but
for the TRUTH.
I bow my knees in the name of truth. Believe it and live with
it.
I pray you in Christ stead. Consider these things and the Lord
will give you understanding.
Grace and
Peace to All !
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