Thursday, July 8, 2010

Laboring in Vain

There have always been doctrinal differences among people who worship within the same religion. There are enough differences between the Sunni and Shi’a versions of Islam to start wars in our own time. The same held true of Christians divided between nations of Catholics and protestants. Jews in the first century were divided, too. Pharisees believed in a resurrection. Sadducees did not. I remember the difference by thinking, they were sad, you see.

Christ answered the question of resurrection Himself.

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. [Matthew 22:31-32 KJV]

There were doctrinal differences within the New Testament church. Paul sought to clarify one of those differences.

Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? [1 Corinthians 15:12 KJV]

This is the very basis of Christianity. Without it, Jesus of Nazareth was a philosopher at the very least, and perhaps a prophet as some see Him. With it, He is the Son of God.

As a philosopher, His teachings are acceptable to a majority of the world’s population. They see Him caring for everyone and encouraging all to do so, too. If He was no more than a prophet, His prophecies fall short, not having been fulfilled.

Those who look upon Him solely as a philosopher or prophet learn of Him from the New Testament, selecting only what is acceptable, rejecting that which does not apply to their view. Many read of Him and reject Him based on the lives of others, judging by man’s hypocrisy instead of God’s plan.

Our desires to do as we please, not as God planned, has been the basis of disobedience since Eve looked upon the tree and saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. [Genesis 3:6]

It is much easier to reject Him than to accept Him. Acceptance means researching, learning, listening, discerning, determining which version is true and serves God, or which is a false lead serving only another man’s ego. Acceptance means service, ministering to others in His name, giving God the credit, the acclaim, the glory, pointing to Him as the source of all things good.

Paul put it openly and bluntly.

For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. [1 Corinthians 15:16-17 KJV]

Examples follow to display this truth, and he closes the thought confirming our labor is not in vain.

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. [1 Corinthians 15:57-58 KJV]
(The 'Lone Fish' photo was taken by my niece who graciously granted permission for its use here.
Please do not copy without requesting permission.)

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