In the Beginning God

Where did this assimilation begin?  In consideration of this thought, I sat down with my pastor; and we spoke of where this began.  We Biblically concluded that we must begin with God.  In Genesis 1:1, the Word of God says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God has always been, and He always will be.  He is not captivated by time; but rather He created time.  He is the great “I AM.”  While man says, “I was yesterday” or “I will be tomorrow”; God says, “I AM.”  Time has no barrier upon God.

Second Timothy is an epistle written by the apostle Paul to Timothy.  It is known as being Paul’s last writing in the canon of Scripture.  There are several verses and phrases that confirm this in chapter four of this epistle.

Paul began many of his epistles in the manner that he begins this one, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus.” The words may be different in the other epistles, but the truth is the same.  Paul recognized who Christ is, who God is, and who he was in relation to God and Christ.  The truth is that everything begins and ends with God.  Jesus Christ is God.  Colossians 2:9 says, “For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.”

According to Acts 22, Paul learned at the feet of Gamaliel.  Paul understood the Word of God.  He understood the Law.  He also understood the names of God. Consider I Timothy 6:1, “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.”

Philippians 2:9 – 19, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth…” The names of God tell us much of the nature and character of Who God is.

We could spend much time speaking about the multiple names of God, but in establishing a foundation we must begin with God, specifically the two forms of His name: Elohim and Jehovah.  As we live our Christian life day-to-day we should learn to live conscious of the presence of the Lord.  We must begin here because what we believe and know about God should determine how we choose to live.  Let’s take this a step further: What we truly believe about God WILL determine how we live.  What we truly accept about the Lord Jesus Christ should and will impact our decisions.  It has been said that our philosophy for life should grow out of our Theology.  So let’s begin with the Presentation of Deity in the beginning.

The Presentation of Deity – Genesis 1:1

The name with which God presents Himself first is Elohim.  Each name of God gives to us a different view or truth about Who God is.  Elohim represents God as the God of covenant or relationship.  He is the God of love, and this is how He first presents Himself chronologically in Scripture.  God is a God of relationship and love, and He acts out of that covenant to prove His love.  He is Elohim.

Elohim is a plural noun, which presents to us from the very beginning the plurality of our God, yet He is One.  The term used for this is Trinity.  This includes God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  They are plural in ministry and interaction with man, yet He is one God.  Note this truth again in Genesis 1:26, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”

There is one last word on this magnificent name by which we first know our God.  This name Elohim is used in the entirety of Genesis chapter one.  No other name is used to represent our God.  We may learn an important lesson for life and for leadership in this truth.  In soul winning, begin with the love of God and then move to the need of man.  Pride is a sin that is seemingly becoming of increasing difficulty to overcome.  It appears even more difficult to overcome when the first words from the soul winner’s mouth is “You are a sinner.”  This method, although presenting truth, does more to create barriers than to break the same down.

What can break barriers better than a mother’s love or pity?  The love of God can do this.  Do not compromise truth, but rather begin where God begins.  Begin with His love.  Does not the Word of God say, “We love him, because he first loved us”? (I John 4:19) Is not the story of the prodigal son about the Father’s love rather than the son’s return from the mire of sin?  Was not God’s love demonstrated on Calvary, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us”? (Romans 5:8)

The truth that man is a sinner must not be compromised or overlooked; but it was never intended to be the starting point in God’s Message to man.  We must not begin with man.  We must begin with God and where God begins.  He is Elohim!  Andrew Jukes says, “The whole first chapter of Genesis shews us One, who, because He is Elohim, in virtue of His own nature and covenant-relation to His creature, can never leave it, fallen as it is, till all again is very good… The fallen creature begins nothing, continues nothing, perfects nothing.  Each stage of the restoration is the direct result of the unsought word and work of Elohim…And by His work in us He makes us know what it is to have a covenant-God, whose fullness meets our every want, and whose very name and nature is the pledge of our deliverance… In Elohim we see One whose love works with and overcomes all, and whose will prevails, whatever the hindrances.[1]”

As we cross over into chapter two and three of Genesis, God presents Himself to us as LORD (Jehovah).  This name literally means, “One Who is What He is.”[2] Jehovah is righteous, and therefore He must judge evil.  He is One who marks the quality and looks for righteousness.  When man disobeys, it is Jehovah that says, “Thou shalt not…”[3] Jehovah sees the wickedness.

There are just a few more points regarding this name.  First, sin grieves Jehovah.[4] It is difficult to comprehend that sin grieves God, but this is true.  The Word of God also says in Isaiah 53 that “Surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows…” Jehovah is righteous and demands holiness, but when sin is before Jehovah this grieves Him, as a result of His righteousness, Jehovah must judge.

His holiness demands justice or payment.  It is with reference to Jehovah that the Seraphims cry “Holy, holy, holy…” in Isaiah six.  The angels proclaim the holiness and righteousness of our LORD.  It is into this presence that Isaiah came, and in light of the holiness of the Almighty God, Isaiah saw his absolute inadequacy and unworthiness.  No matter how holy we think we may be, this is brought to naught upon entrance into the presence of the holy King.

Elohim is used 59 times in 49 verses in the first three chapters of Scripture.  Beginning in Genesis 2:4, Jehovah is used 20 times in chapters two and three.  This name representing the righteousness of God is used in conjunction with Elohim.  We see it in our language as “LORD God” or Jehovah Elohim.  These two brought together show to us the love and righteousness of God in One.

In summary, Andrew Jukes says, “Righteousness is not complete if it only judges and condemns.  Jehovah is righteous and holy and requires this.  The holy and righteous God will not rest while He continually judges sin; He seeks to make the sinner righteous by His own righteousness.[5]”[6]

The Process of Decline – Genesis 3:1 – 8

The process of decline is gradual, but it seems to pick up speed as it continues.  There are days that I sense our churches believe that they are in a race with the world.  The competition is intense, and the race is getting closer as the church is gaining on the world.  What a tragedy!  The light is becoming dim.  The salt hath lost his savor.  The candlesticks are being removed.  The degradation has taken place gradually, and it began a long time ago with God’s people and continues today with Christians.

We could look at Constantine and the uniting of church and state, Darwin and the Origen of Species, or the introduction multiple English versions of Scripture.  There are many things that can be pointed out in our society as ungodly things.  These are all terrible things, but the worst thing that is happening today began a long time ago in the Garden of Eden.

In Genesis 3, the Word of God shows to us Satan using the serpent to beguile Eve.  The very first word recorded in the Word of God that was spoken by the serpent to Eve is the word “Yea.”  “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”  This word literally means “also.”  The only prior interaction that is recorded between man and serpent is found in chapter two where the Lord brought every living creature to Adam to see what he would name them.[7] Whatever came before the “also” we do not know; but in the English language this word indicates prior speech or interaction.

There is an important point that must be made here and will more vividly be seen in the conversation between Satan and Eve.  The Devil is a deceiver!  We see this in Revelation 20:10 where the deceiver is cast into the Lake of Fire.  He is the father of lies according to John 8:44.  From the very first word to the time he is cast into his eternal place of torment, he is and will always be known as a liar and deceiver.

Let’s say that you and I sit down at a table to have some beverages to drink.  Before us are two glasses, and I will be pouring in each container something for us to enjoy on a hot, sunny day.  You see me pour into one glass pure mud.  Into the second glass, you see me pour crystal clear water.  I then proceed to ask you which one you would like to drink.  Any rational individual will choose the water.  Let’s say that I do all the same again, but this time I pull out of my pocket a little bottle with a dropper.  You ask me what it is, and I respond, “It is the world’s most dangerous and effective liquid poison.  It is clear and undetectable.”  I then proceed to put a few drops of the poison into the crystal clear water.  The water is now stirred, and there is no trace of what has just taken place.  Which drink do you want now?[8]

The most dangerous thing is not always that which would appear obviously dangerous; but rather the most dangerous things are those things that appear to be truth but are tainted with error.  While some are looking for obvious danger, the deceiver is at work through unsuspecting channels.  This is what is seen in this story in Genesis.  This is how to best describe today’s Popular Christian Movement.  There is a process of decline.  It is subtle, and it began where we least expect it to begin.

The beginning of the subtle change is not to be found in the statement about the fruit.  It is not to be found in the questioning of the command of the Lord.  The change first begins with who God is.  God first presented Himself as Elohim in chapter one, but in chapters two and three He presents Himself as Jehovah Elohim every time.  The only exceptions are to be found in the conversation between Eve and Satan.  As Satan presents the question regarding the command of the Lord he says, “Yea, hath God (Elohim) said…?”  Satan approaches Eve and says, “Yea, hath the God of love and relationship, the God of covenant said…?”  After all, a God who loves us would never put stipulations or requirements upon us, right?  A loving God would never send anyone to Hell, right?  That is not correct!  It was not Elohim that gave the command in chapter 2; it was Jehovah Elohim.  The righteous, holy, and loving God gave the command to be obeyed.  Yet, Satan changes to an impartial view of Who God truly is and presented Himself to be.

We can choose to live according to the God of the Bible and what the Bible teaches us about Him, or we can do as some have done and have a partial view of Who God has presented Himself to be.  When man steps in and changes the truth of the God of the Bible, he has placed himself above God.  This is nothing less than humanism.  Is this not seen in the statement made by the serpent to Eve, “Ye shall be as gods…” The Word of God says in Romans 1:25, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.  Amen.” We dare not worship a god that we have formed: We must worship the God Who formed us.

In the story in the garden the first attack was upon Who God is.  His name, as He presented Himself, was changed to present a God Who loved.  His name was presented absent of the holy and righteous God that He presented Himself to be.  If we can change the truth of Who God is, we can change anything else that relates to our relationship and worship of God.  No longer is He or His Word the Authority; but now the imagination of man has taken the throne.  Once the truth of Who God is was changed, there was no problem with accepting change to the Word of God, and even changing the Word of God.  These things all follow suit.

God is a loving God.  The Word of God says this on many occasions, “For God so loved the world…(John 3:16)…But God commendeth his love toward us…(Romans 5:8)…God is love…(I John 4:8)” But God is also holy and a righteous God.  He requires holiness and separation of life.  We will speak more on this when we discuss the product of the damage.

Much of what is seen in Popular Christianity today is conscious of a loving god that has been molded to fit our desires, but the God of righteousness (Jehovah) and holiness is left out.  This is not the God of the Bible!  The vision of God has been lost.  The glory of the uncorruptible God has been changed into and image made like to corruptible man[9].  There is no glory of God in much of what is seen and done in many churches today.  God’s glory has become expendable within man’s eyes.  This ought not to be so!

The Product of the Damage – Genesis 3

Let us first summarize the damage.  The changing of the truth of God, the glory of God, and the Word of God are all simultaneous acts that cannot be separated.  In other words, some the statements have been made that, “It all begins with changing the Word of God, and after this people change the glory and truth of God.”  I do not care to split hairs on this matter, but suffice it to say that these are simultaneous acts that can be summarized by dethroning God and enthroning man.  In John 1:1 the Word of God says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”[10]

What is the ultimate product of this terrible change that has and is taking place with Popular Christianity?  We see this in the story in Genesis 3 as well.  There were several parts of the punishment that Adam and Eve had to accept.  One of these was death.  This death was both spiritual and physical.  This helps us to better understand Ephesians 2:1.  The second and worst part of all of this was that there was now a wall of separation between God and man.  This wall is called sin.  There could no longer be the fellowship unless there was a blood sacrifice.  We know this to be true from the skins that were used to cloth Adam and Eve. We also see later in Genesis 4 a phrase that helps us to see that sacrifices were continued, and that a pattern had been set.  The Word of God says, “And in the process of time…” which means at the end of a certain period of time.  After so much time had passed, it was now time again to offer a sacrifice.  The pattern had already been set, and there was a point in time that was designated for this to be accomplished perpetually.

As it relates to Popular Christianity, there is no difference.  The product is deadness within.  Much of it is characterized by emotional hype coupled with doctrinal error, but within it is dead spiritually.  If there is to be any life, at best, it produces a shallow Christianity.  One of the greatest tragedies of this movement is the watering down of the Gospel[11].  This false Gospel will cause many to believe in something that is contrary to Scripture.  This emotional experience that is considered by many a salvation experience is nothing more than the same dead product the world has to offer.  On the outside it appears good and exciting; but within, there is death.  It produces the same bondage that the world offers.  It looks like the world, sounds like the world, and acts like the world, yet “Christians” (emphasis on quotes) want to call this Christianity.

Recently, I spoke with a teenager in his home.  He had been attending another local church in our area.  When he mentioned the name, I knew immediately what doctrinal differences and what style of worship this teen had been involved in at that location; but I was ill prepared for what I was about to hear.  I asked the teen, “If you died today, do you know for sure that you would go to Heaven?  Have you been saved?”  He responded, “Yes, I have been saved.”  “Wonderful, can you tell me how you know you are going to Heaven?” I kindly asked.  His response was, “Well, I was at church (this liberal Popular Christian church) and the youth leader asked for people to come forward, so I went.  He put his hand on me, and I felt the Holy Ghost.”  He continued to express his amazement with the experience.  He was told that this was how he was saved.

We continued our conversation about the event, and finally I stopped and told him that I appreciated him telling me what he told me, but that it was not Biblical.  “May I show you what God says?” I asked.  He said that I could.  We then went into the Word of God, and I showed Him what God’s Word clearly taught about God’s love, our sin (our need), the penalty of sin, Christ’s payment for sin, and his personal responsibility and accountability.  At the very end, I asked if he had ever asked Jesus Christ to be His Savior.  He said, “No.”  He was saved that evening after about one hour of conversation.  Praise the Lord!

The point I want to make is that at the height of this popular Christian movement, one of the worst parts of it all is that people believe the lie.  They believe that these experiences, their knowledge, “blended” worship, “Holy Ghost” filling, and many other things are equated to salvation; and this is the farthest thing from the truth God’s has given to us in His Word.  This is a watered down and simply a changed message.  It is a lie.  II Timothy 4:3 – 4 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” These are fables.  They are not truth, and people will die and go to Hell because of these lies[12]

The second part of this product is the shallow type of Christian this produces.  Within this are several things the first of which is the spirit, soul, and body principle found in I Thessalonians 5:23.  We are created spirit, soul, and body.  Our spirit is where God deals with us.  This is what is quickened.  Our soul is the intellect, emotion, and will.  Our body would include our five senses.  In John 4, we learn, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”

It is interesting to note that much of what is called “worship” that is happening in many churches does not begin with God’s order of spirit, soul, and body.  Much of what is seen is geared to impact the body and emotions.  The world always works opposite of God.  We will see this later when we study the changing of God’s Word by Satan.  A carnal appeal in order to impact the spirit is not Biblical.  A walk through many churches would reveal carnal (fleshly) worship, which is not “true” worship at all.  We must not compromise Biblical truth for “good” feelings.

The bottom line is that the body and soul approach of this movement produces the same product that the world produces.  How can we expect to win a world to Christ, if our attempt is to be like the world?  What are we winning them to?  What motive for change is there?  When we live absent of Biblical truth, and we live according to our own opinions and motive these shallow forms of Christianity are the results.  These Christians become experts in being led of their flesh and not in worshipping in the spirit.  They become carnal Christians who need sincere milk because they cannot have strong meat.  Again, this is all supposing that they are truly born again according to the Word of God and not some false popularized, Satanic, alternate method.

This all began with the changing of Who God is.  An incomplete view of God can produce two different extremes.  We must see Who God truly is according to how He reveals Himself to be in the Word of God and not according to what we want Him to be.  The truth is that when we form the God of the Bible into what we want this is no different than what is presented in Romans 1.  They changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into and image made like to corruptible man.  Many have lost their vision of God and Who He is.  Many have never truly seen Him in His Word for Who He presents Himself to be.  This does not change the Truth.  He is Who He is!  He is Jehovah Elohim.

The Plea for Deliverance

Deliverance can only be found in the person of Jesus Christ.  The deliverance that I speak of is true Biblical salvation.  Popular Christianity promotes so much that the true Gospel message is drowned in the confusion created.  God is not the Author of confusion.

In the story with Adam and Eve sinned, God came looking for them.  Even though the all-knowing God was aware of their sin, He came seeking them.  God did the same in Christ Jesus.  Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God.  In this we see the love of God demonstrated.  The Word of God says in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” And again Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth (demonstrated) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”[13] The first thing that is found in true deliverance is the amazing love of God in giving Jesus Christ for us.  God loves you!

Secondly, God asked a question when He was seeking the two in the garden.  The Word of God says, “And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” This question from God was not because He did not know where they were, but it was so that Adam and Eve could see where they themselves were.  Before true salvation can take place, we must understand our sinful state.  It is humbling, but it is true.  We must see our need.  All men are sinners.  Romans 5:8 says, “in that while we were yet sinners.”[14] One of the greatest tragedies of today’s watered down message is this truth.  There is no need for salvation or deliverance unless we first know what we are to be delivered from in our lives.

Thirdly, there must be a payment made for sin.  “For the wages of sin is death…” The Word of God clearly teaches that there is a penalty for sin.  We first see this sentence of death (physical and spiritual) in Genesis 3:19.  There was warning of this in Genesis 2:17.  Ever since this first sin in the garden, every man born has had an appointment with death[15].  “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12).

The good news is that the Lord Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin.  The Word of God says in Hebrews 9:12, “Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.” Again in I Peter 1:18 – 19 the Word of God says, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot.” Again in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ died, was buried, and He rose again to pay for our sin.  Did you or I merit this?  We did not, but God loves us; and this was demonstrated in the giving of His only begotten Son Jesus Christ.

Lastly, the matter of salvation is a personal decision.  Imagine, if you will, two doors.  One door represents faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work.  The other door represents faith in my work, feelings, or anything outside of faith in solely Christ.  This is the decision you and I must make.  Do I depend upon myself or upon Jesus Christ?  We have already seen that we are all sinners.  Jesus Christ was perfect.  We have already seen that sin demands a payment.  Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price.  Now we are left with the most important decision of our lives.  Will it be Jesus?  Romans 10:9 – 10 & 13 says “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation…For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you have never prayed, asked forgiveness of your sin, and received the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart, settle the matter now.  The following prayer is simply a model prayer that has been used over and over; but please remember two things: This is you praying to God and confess with your mouth and believe in your heart.

“Dear God, thank you for sending your Son to die on the cross to pay for my sin.  Please forgive me of my sin and come into my heart.  I trust you to take me to Heaven when I leave this life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!”

[2] Exodus 3:14

[3] Genesis 3:17 – 19

[4] Judges 10:16

[5] “Names of God” by Andrew Jukes

[6] II Corinthians 5:21

[7] Genesis 2:19

[8] Matthew 13:33 – Leaven hidden in meal until the whole is leavened

[9] Romans 1:23

[10] John 17:17; I John 5:7

[11] Galatians 1

[12] John 8:44 – The devil is the father of these lies.

[13] See also John 3:16

[14] See also Romans 3:10; 23

[15] Hebrews 9:27