Why did Jesus say that it was necessary to keep the commandments in order to enter into life?
(Gen. 1:26-29; Matt. 10:22; John 14:9, 26; 17:3; Rom. 1:20; 1 Cor. 2:6-10; 2 Tim. 3:15-17) Blog 15-21 Nov. 2020
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Adam and Eve learned through manual employment, governing responsibilities, marital compatibility, and divine instruction. In Eden, in the home, in the classroom, in the workplace, and in nature those who come with a desire to learn and put what they learn into practice will grow in the wisdom that comes from above. The Ten Commandments teach us about God and about how we should live for his glory. Together with the story of Genesis we are able to form a correct worldview about origins, meaning, morality, and destiny of life. In sending us his Son God gave us a perfect revelation of himself and an embodiment of the Ten Commandments. All true education will enhance our worship of God our Maker.
Learning for eternity (Gen. 1:26-27; Isa. 40:31; Jer. 30:17; John 14:9, 26; 17:3; Rom. 1:20; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Heb. 1:2)
1. Who did God create human beings like? God created human beings like the Godhead itself: physically, mentally, and morally with power to think & to do, to love & to communicate.
2. When Adam and Eve sinned what happened to their likeness to God? It was severely marred & almost obliterated.
3. What does God promise to do for fallen humanity? To restore what they lost in the fall.
4. In what way does God restore what humanity lost in the fall? He does it progressively through the process of sanctification throughout one’s lifetime. Then glorification prepares us to advance into eternity.
5. What knowledge did Jesus say would lead to eternal life? The knowledge of God.
6. In Romans 1 where does Paul say we can learn about God? In his created works that surround us.
7. What other sources of divine instruction are available to us? God speaks to us in providence, in words from another person, in words from the Holy Spirit, & in the Bible.
8. According to Hebrews 1 and John 14 what two persons of the Godhead are especially instrumental in teaching and restoring us to the image of God? Jesus & the Holy Spirit.
9. In writing to Timothy where does Paul say we can find an all-sufficient and necessary guide to prepare us for this life and eternal salvation? In the Word of God which should occupy the highest place in our education.
Redemption and Education (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Matt. 10:22; 19:17; John 6:47; Rom. 10:17; 2 Tim. 3:15 )
10. If growing in holy living is an object of education what place does redemption occupy? We must distinguish redemption from holy living (sanctification) for our growth in grace is not what redeems us – that Christ did 2000 years ago & this redemption is ours when we believe the Gospel.
11. How then can we be brought to faith in Jesus if that is the only way to inherit eternal life? Romans 10 tells us that faith comes by hearing the Word of God & 2 Timothy 3 says that the Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation.
12. If faith in Jesus is the only condition for receiving eternal life then why did Jesus say in Matthew 19 that it was necessary to keep the commandments in order to enter into life? Because perfect obedience to God’s Law is the basis (not the means) for acceptance into God’s family & since none of us have this requirement we must believe in Jesus who lived & died as our Substitute for in him we have the perfect obedience the Law requires.
13. If by faith we present to God the righteousness of his Son as the basis for receiving eternal life, do we need anything more than initial faith to guarantee our eternal life? Yes, we must keep on trusting in the righteousness of Jesus, for he who endures unto the end shall be saved.
14. How does Solomon express our need to believe in Jesus before we can begin working with the Holy Spirit in our sanctification? He says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge (& wisdom).”
The classroom for Eternal Life (Psa. 19:1-6; Isa. 24:5; Rom. 1:20; 6:4, 12-14; 8:22; Eph. 5:1 – 6:9; 1 Pet. 2:19 – 3:12)
15. What relation does our progress in sanctification have to do with our continued acceptance as part of God’s family? In sanctification we have an active part to play which is a constant reminder of how great Christ’s victory is for us & since our sinful nature still remains until glorification it is a continual reminder of how unworthy we are of God’s grace thus leading us to trust more & more in what Jesus, out of utter love, accomplished for us.
16. What aspects of human existence do both Paul and Peter point out as being instructive classrooms that prepare us for lovinly living with God for eternity? Marriage, parenting, employment under a boss, internal church relationships, & even our relationship to the society around us.
17. How does nature work as a classroom for eternity? Although deformed by sin it still shows us the eternal power & love of the Godhead as well as picturing the effects of sin.
18. If your desire is to live with God for eternity what type of education will you most desire now? The education that tells what God is like & that ensures your final salvation & preparation for living with the Godhead for eternity.