Jesus Is The Messiah Predicted In The Old Testament

[I wrote this condensed essay 5 years ago (to be specific on 2^nd February 2015). One can write a thick book on it, but I attempted to prove it within just 1300 words. I decided to let the Scripture convince you by these many references. I hope this will be a good resource for anyone who wants to think through this issue. And for my blog readers, remember to visit this post again, when you have a question about it; or when you hear people talking about Jesus and OT; Christianity and Judaism.]

A SHORT CONDENSED ESSAY ON:

“JESUS IS THE MESSIAH PREDICTED IN THE OLD TESTAMENT”

Judaism and Christianity believe that the Old Testament is Scripture that comes from God. We believe that God is the God of the Old Testament. We believe what it says, what it teaches and what it prophesies. We believe that the Old Testament reveals clearly about Messiah (such as in Daniel 9:25-26). Judaism believes that Messiah had never come yet, and is waiting for His coming. Christianity, on the other hand, believes that Jesus is the Messiah who had walked on the earth 2000 years ago. He came as the fulfillment of the OT prophecies, and ascended to heaven, and will come back for His people. Therefore, Christians, too are waiting for the second advent of Christ. The 1^st Century Judaism fails to recognize the Messiah in spite of His bodily appearance and His claims. The present Judaism still fails to search the Old Testament in the light of the Christian New Testament. Having said this, even many Christian fail to see Christ in the Old Testament. So this short essay will prove that Jesus is the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament.

WHO AND WHAT MESSIAH IS: Messiah in Hebrew is “mashiyach” (Ps. 132: 17) which means “the anointed”. In Septuagint, it is translated as “Christos” which the New Testament recognizes Jesus as Christos (or Christ, in English). The Old Testament portrays Messiah as the extraordinary king (Jer. 23:5), as the son of man (Daniel 7: 13; Isaiah 7:14), as God (Isaiah 9:6), as Son of God (Ps. 2:7), as Savior (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12). Thus Messiah is the God-Man (also in Psalm 110). The New Testament understanding of the Messiah is exactly the same (John 12:13; John 1:51; John 8:58; Matt. 14:33; Luke 2:11; John 10:30) and is fulfilled in Lord Jesus Christ. He is the second Person of the Triune-God, whom Christians worship, and He is the God of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments.

GENEALOGICALLY: Messiah would be the descendant of ABRAHAM (Gen 22:18). Here, the seed is the Messiah, through whom the nations of the world shall be blessed. In the New Testament, Gal. 3:16 proves that as Jesus Christ. It is also seen in Matt. 1:1. Messiah would be the descendant of ISAAC (Gen.21:12; 17:19). Isaac is not the only son of Abraham, yet God chose Isaac to be the line of the coming Messiah. The everlasting covenant is possible because Messiah is the everlasting Lord. Matthew 1:2 proves that Jesus is the descendant of Isaac. Messiah would be the descendant of JACOB (Num24:17). He would be a deliverer, protector, a scepter of Israel. Jacob (not Esau) was chosen from the womb (Gen 25: 23). Matt. 1:2 proves Jesus again. He would be from the tribe of JUDAH (Gen. 49:10). Shiloh is the Messiah to whom the peoples shall obey. Luke 3:33 proves that Jesus is from the tribe of Judah.  Messiah would be the descendant of DAVID (Ps. 89:35-36). He would be the heir of David’s throne, for David’s throne to last forever. Matt. 1:1 proves that Jesus is the descendant of David.

GEOGRAPHICALLY: Messiah would come from BETHLEHEM (Micah5:2). He would be the Ruler from everlasting to everlasting. No human comes from everlasting, only God-Man, the Messiah. Luke 2:4-7 tells that Jesus was born at Bethlehem. Messiah would come to JERUSALEM riding in a donkey (Zech. 9:9). Jesus made a triumphant entry to Jerusalem according to John 12:12-15. Messiah would come to the TEMPLE (Malachi 3:1). Jesus went into the temple in Matthew 21:12. Messiah shall be in the GALILEE (Isaiah 9:1, 2). Jesus began His ministry in Galilee (Matt. 4:18-25).

CHRONOLOGICALLY: The Seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15) promised in the Eden Garden is the expected Messiah. Adam and Eve in their holy condition cannot stand against Satan’s temptation, nor would any of their children stand in their fallenness. A perfect man, the Messiah can and has to fulfill the promise. Jesus was born of a woman conceived by the Holy Spirit in Matthew 1:20. He was born at the right time according to Gal. 4:4. Jesus is the promised Seed of the woman because He is the Son of God. Shem, the son of Noah was blessed, and God is adored by Noah as the God of Shem. Noah and his family were the only survivors of the flood. Luke 3:36 traces Jesus as the descendant of Shem, not of Ham or Japheth. God chose Abraham (Gen. 12:1-3) for the lineage of the Messiah. All the nations shall be blessed through him. Before the Israelite enter the Promised Land, Moses talked about the future prophet, whom they must listen (Deut. 18:18-19). The Israelite knew Moses as a deliverer, so the Messiah too will be the deliverer. As the revelation progresses, the prophets spoke that the deliverance is a spiritual one. Then God chose David to be the lineage of the Messiah. Then Davidic throne (Jer. 23:5), Jeremiah prophesied about the coming king, Messiah. Jesus is recognized by the people of His times as the Son of David (Matt. 20:30; 22:42). Messiah was promised right from the Eden garden through His Birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:15).

THROUGH HIS BIRTH AND NATURE: The Messiah would be born of the virgin woman (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was born of Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-35; 2:7-11). Messiah is God (Ps 110:1; Matt 22:44; 26:64) since there is only one God, therefore, Jesus is God, the Messiah of the Old Testament’s promise. The coming of the Messiah would be preceded by a messenger (Isaiah 40: 3-5). Jesus was preceded by John the Baptist (Luke 7:24, 27). Moses predicted the coming Prophet in Deut. 18:18-19, who is the Messiah. Jesus was recognized by the people of His days as Prophet (Luke 7:16). The Messiah would be the Priest forever (Ps. 110:4). Jesus has become the High Priest forever (Heb. 7:14-18).

THROUGH HIS MINISTRY AND WORKS: The Spirit of the LORD will be upon the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1; 42:1). Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16; John 1:32). Messiah will heal the broken-hearted (Isaiah 61:1, 2). Jesus proves Himself to be the Messiah in Luke 4:14-22. Messiah will perform miracles (Isa. 35:4-6; 53:4-5). Jesus performed miracles (Matt. 9:35; John 11:47). Messiah will speak to people in a parable (Ps. 78:2). Jesus came speaking in parables (Matt13:34). Messiah will be betrayed by His friend (Ps. 41:9). Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot (Luke 22:48). Messiah will not defend Himself (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus spoke no words when He was accused (Matt. 27:12). Messiah will be pierced (Zech. 12:10). Jesus’s side was pierced (John 19:34). Messiah will be numbered with transgressors (Isaiah 53:12). Jesus was crucified with robbers (Matt. 27: 38). Messiah will have a rich tomb (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus was buried in a rich man’s tomb (Matt. 27:57-60). Messiah will be resurrected (Ps. 16: 8-11; Hosea 6:2). Jesus got resurrected (Acts 2:25-35). Messiah will be ascended unto heaven (Ps. 68:18). Jesus was ascended unto heaven (Luke 24:51).

There are still many more proofs in the Bible that I have left out to show Jesus is the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament. Lord Jesus Christ will come back very soon. Christians, Jews, Non-Christians, Atheist, everyone will see that He is the Messiah, Lord, and God of all creations. And every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is Lord. Why not confess today and be saved?

A Eulogy To Ravi Zacharias – by Suanlal

[This is a eulogy to Ravi Zacharias written by one of my friends, Suanlal. He is a voracious reader, reading a wide range of books of different genres. You can reach him through Facebook here.]

Suanlal with Ravi-ji, Delhi

“God buries His workmen, but carries on His work.” —Charles Wesley.

March 2016 @ Delhi, I met you, Uncle Ravi. You were so humble to respond to my question, a man who came from a small unknown town. That moment, as I look back I truly understand what you often said, “behind every question is a questioner.” My tryst with you started somewhere around 2012/13. I was a new believer then who had silly questions concerning the Christian Faith. You demonstrate Christianity is intellectually plausible and existentially satisfying and relevant. In other words, you make me understand Why the Mind Matters in Christianity and the role of reason in spiritual transformation.

BACK THEN, to be honest, I didn't always understand what you said or wrote. Your vocabulary was way beyond my comprehension. It has been a journey to coming to know you. I still remember me looking forward to every Friday for your radio program "Let My People Think." I still remember listening to your testimony "Faith Under Fire" in my hostel room and weeping! You will continue to minister to my heart. Uncle Ravi, I will miss your distinct voice. There is something that ticks with it. You have a way of touching the nerve center of life. You left a large void in my heart. Tremendous loss. I am still processing the weight of this loss.

Thank you, Ravi, for your influence on my formative Christian life. It was you who introduced me to the field of Apologetics. My life has never been the same knowing you. I am reminded of what Isaac Newton have said centuries ago "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants."

Now that, You have met the one who speaks to you in your suicide death-bed “Because I live, you will live also,” you will have all your questions answered personally and hear the word “Well done, good and faithful slave!” Oh, what a thought!

Ravi is a convincing proof of the Gospel power to transform lives. Reflecting on how God’s grace is beyond description over his family, Ravi concluded, “He lifted all of us over the walls of our own imprisonment.” The same God can free you from your bondage too. Friends, we should remember Ravi Zacharias, and in remembering him, remember Jesus Christ, the Savior and Lord he loved and served so faithfully.

“Apologetics is seen before it is heard,” says Ravi. This is one of the many sayings of Ravi that keeps tugging in my heart that I will never forget in my Christian Walk. Coming from a not so good background, I could only cherish what I have heard from him saying, “Jesus Christ does not only change what you do, he changes what you want to do,” which is personally evident in my life.

I would like to end with one of his most inspirational lines that I came across from one of his books, Jesus Among Other Gods: “From then on, my longings, my hopes, my dreams, and my every effort has been

to live for Him who rescued me,

to study for Him who gave me this mind,

to serve Him who fashioned my will,

and to speak for Him who gave me a voice.” – Ravi Zacharias.

#ThankYouRavi

Written by Suanlal Zou

You can also read my eulogy to Ravi Zacharias HERE

Reflection on (a kind of brooding over) the death of Ravi Zacharias.

Ravi Zacharias is without parallel the most influential Christian India has ever produced. We might not see again a person of his caliber in our lifetime. Even in the stage of the whole wide world, he remains one of the greatest Christian apologists of the late 20^th century and the early 21^st century. True to the motto of his ministry, he persuades the believer to think and the thinker to believe.

The death of Ravi Zacharias is heart-breaking to those who look up to him as the defender of the faith. Especially for Indians, whose contribution to the churches across the world is small, he has been the model for many Indian Christians. Now, “we have Ravi Zacharias,” will be “we had Ravi Zacharias.” Surely, he emigrated, but his upbringing, his blood, his fluency in Indian language, and his looks scream out loud that he has been an Indian all his lifelong though his earthly citizenship may not be.

The first time I listened to Ravi Zacharias was 10 years ago in Shillong. The Internet was not available then as these days. I had a friend (bro. Juban Wahlang) who was working in an office of UESI-NE Shillong. He would let me use the office computer sometimes. I used to download the sermons of John MacArthur and had been listening regularly. My friend asked for pastor John’s sermon telling me he will give me the sermons (“let my people think” series) of Ravi Zacharias. Well, that turned out to be one of the best deals I ever had with anyone.

I was with SSEU (UESI-NE) in 2010-2013. We had a very good relationship with RZIM, Shillong. Many times we invited Dr. Balajied, bro. Tejdor to our programs. They also invited us to help them out as volunteers in one of their mega-events. When I graduated from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, I paid a visit to the RZIM office to meet bro. Tejdor for a career opportunity, but he was out of the station. A few days later he was gracious enough to call me up and ask about my purpose of visit. Surely, the staff, whom I had a lengthy friendly conversation had informed him. Well, I was already on my way to Delhi boarding a train and ended up in Seminary a year later.

I have spent hundreds of hours listening to Ravi Zacharias, and have read some of his best books. Two of my favorites are “Can Man Live Without God?” and “I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah.” Ravi Zacharias has mastered the art of illustrating truth statements and imprinting in the heart and mind of his listener. For instance, I had heard him many times in his lectures reciting the lyrics of “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin, I was so glad to find it in page 109 of “Can Man Live without God?” I have used that lyrics and many other illustrations more effectively thanks to the influence of Ravi.

One of my favorite sermons/lectures is from “Let my people think” about Jonah the reluctant prophet. Many years ago I saw my 11-year old sister misbehaving, and as a punishment for her, I decided to let her stay alone in a room with an earpiece on her ears playing that sermon. Well, she enjoyed the sermon and refused to give me back my phone. I am sure she didn’t understand many of the sophisticated vocabulary of Ravi Zacharias, but it is telling that a man of such intellect could mesmerize even the mind of an 11-year old kid.

Ravi is the first Indian Christian I enjoyed listening to and remains the best Indian Christian I will keep on listening to. He is also the best Indian Christian author I have ever read. He is the first apologist I came to know, and then through him, I let myself be influenced by Geisler and Lane Craig. By now, I have favored presuppositional apologetics but Ravi has always been more than an apologist, he is a preacher, communicator, evangelist, and a voice of clear thinking. I have never met him face to face, and I decided to be contented that I was able to attend one of his lectures in September of 2013 in Delhi. Well, it made no sense for me to waste his time. Maybe something like the attitude of Peter, “O depart from me, for I am a sinner!”

Some of my favorite Christian leaders who I enjoy listening to and reading their works have already gone to be with the Lord. Surely, death will come for all of us if Christ tarries to come. And surely each year, one after another, our favorite and beloved Christian leaders will make their way to heaven. Reflecting this fact is gloomy in one way because we are without giants of faith but the enemies are still roaring. At the same time, we must realize the baton is passed on to us, and the battle will go on and the victory will always be ours in the end for the Lord Jesus is the captain, alive and active.

Below here are some of the top Christian leaders who have gone to be with the King of glory in the last 5 years period, and their top books that have influenced me the most. They have run the race very well influencing millions along the way. Surely, the Lord has welcomed them with “Well Done!” as we bid them with farewell words, “You have lived well!”

Ravi and RC

Good Friday: Our Hope in the death of Christ

WORD OF GOD: 2 Corinthians 5:21

“Good Friday: Our Hope in the death of Christ”

INTRO . . . : The world is still in a panic of this pandemic. People wonder about jobs, money, foods, and health. We all don’t want to die, but death looks very imminent. BTW, 56 million people die each year; 151,600 people die each day; 6,316 people die each hour; 105 people die each minute; nearly 2 people die each second. The most popular place where people visited most is not the Taj Mahal or London Bridge or Eiffel Tower. Btw, they are under lockdown now. The most visited place in the universe is heaven and earth. Every ticking of a second somebody is going to hell or heaven. We don’t want to die. Death is not good, but today actually we are celebrating the death of Jesus Christ, and we called it Good Friday. Because God desired that Jesus die. Jesus died willingly that we may no longer die eternally, but that we would be raised again after we die, on the day when Jesus comes to renew and replenish the earth.

How can we live in HOPE in this time of panic when death seems to lurk at our door? We can because we know the death of Christ. By his death, whether we live or die, we can be at peace. That’s what 2 Corinthians 5 is assuring us, particularly verse 21. The epistle of 2 Corinthians is written by Apostle Paul for the people of Corinth. Apostle Paul is one of the godliest men ever walked on earth. He traveled from Jerusalem to Asia Minor to Europe preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He endured lots of sufferings, persecutions, and he was not uncommon to sickness and natural calamities like a shipwreck in the open seas. No matter what the circumstances of life were, he remains joyful because as he famously said, for him “to live is Christ.” Knowing and trusting and obeying Jesus is sufficient for a joyful living. Not only the circumstances of life, but even the perils of death were dear to Him. Because that would mean to be with Christ. Well, look at us. We are sacred of death as well as scared of the uncertain future and the worries and the cares of the present. We ought to learn a lot from Paul.

20 years after the death and resurrection of Christ, Paul visited Corinth being a passionate missionary. And he pastored the Corinthian Church for 1 and a half years. After that, his missionary zeal took him to Ephesus. There he penned the letter of 1 Corinthians answering the many questions of Corinthians. Paul is committed to proclaiming the gospel to all the ends of the earth as long as he lived. While he was in Macedonia, it became fitting for him to write this 2^nd letter of Corinthians to address the trouble spreading in Corinth. One of the themes of 2 Corinthians is about Comfort (HOPE) in sufferings for He himself was a man of great sufferings. We all want comforting news, news of hope, especially this time right?

Chapter 5:1-8 is about the unfading and unfailing hope of a Christian. He shows that by a way of comparison that our life on earth is temporal. This is not the ultimate world we would want to live forever, therefore we long (or should long) for the permanent habitation, where we will live for thousands of years– forever– without diseases, sufferings, and sins in and around us. So, we should not be worried about the cares of this world. In fact in v8, Paul says, he said it’s better for us to die now and be present with the Lord. But how can we, (who are such a wretched sinner), be so sure about our destiny, to be with the Lord, who is holy, and is a consuming fire? That’s what Paul answers in v21.

Paul reveals 2 truths that make us hopeful in the death of Christ:

I.          GOD’S DEMAND OF JUSTICE IS FULLY MET (21a)

Q1. Who is “He,” “Him,” and “we” refer to in this verse? Whose action is shown as active and whose action is passive? In light of that discovery, who is responsible for our righteousness? Do we need anything else for our righteousness?

Q2. The phrase “who knew no sin” indicates that Jesus Christ was (and is) totally sinless, and holy. And Romans 6:23 and Romans 5:12 says that Death comes only to sinners, how could a sinless Christ die? Also, think through this, if the loving God could let His beloved innocent Son die when he bore the sins of the world, what is the hope of anyone who has ever sinned, trivial sin or heinous sin?

Extra Q1. How could the death of one man (Jesus Christ) at one point of time, a long time ago, forgive all the sins of all believers, of all their single day of their lives of past present and future? What do you think of this man Jesus Christ to be of such an infinite value?

II.        GOD’S DEMAND OF HOLINESS IS FULLY GIVEN (21b)

Q3. In a conflict, it’s one thing to be forgiven, it’s another thing to be accepted. To be reconciled, it needs both forgiveness and acceptance, what makes sinners acceptable before God according to the last part of this verse? Also, explain how does a sinner attains that status?

Q4. Look at you! Are you really righteous? Every single cell of your body screams out that you aren’t (or read 1John1:8-10), then, how does God consider us as righteous? [the expression “that we might become” is not an expression of possibility, but is an expression of a result of v.21a]

Extra Q2. How did Jesus take away your sins on that cross? You weren’t even born then. Have you ever thought carefully how were your sins taken away? Has it been just a wishful thought, and not real? And how do you know that you are truly saved? [It’s a Tough Question. One might answer this wrongly and still be a genuine Christian. One doesn’t need to know the details of Salvation to be saved.]

CONCLU . . . : You might say, “I do believe the truth of V21, that Jesus died in my place, and I believe I’m righteous in the sight of God, but how do I receive this assurance? I am still doubting. Help me!” You asked rightly my dear friend. It’s one thing to be justified by God, it’s another to be sanctified by God. God accepts you whether you feel or not if you really believed, but the assurance of being saved is only through obedience to His commandments. Or in other words, the genuineness of your faith in Christ will be demonstrated by your obedience. Look at v 9-10. Paul says we all who profess faith in Christ must strive to be pleasing to God. Is your life Christianly? Is your life a demonstration of holiness and fleeing away from sins and the care of this world? You better be. And then v 10 says that you cannot fool God. Your true profession (by the result of your work,) you shall be judged! Don’t tell me that you believe in Christ or are a Christian if your life doesn’t show that.

And some of you say, “Amen, Amen brother!” To you, Paul says in v11-20, “Don’t just thank and praise God for this gift of Salvation. Don’t be just a recipient of Grace, but also be an ambassador of Grace. God is serious. The unquenchable wrath of God is coming. You go and beg others that, they be reconciled to God. When is the last time you persuade others to believe the gospel? Leave aside persuasion, when is the last time you share a gospel. Let’s leave aside sharing, when is the last time you even tried to share? Paul says we must implore, plead, and beg others to believe. Is Good Friday and this week not the best week to obey this?

Isn’t this time of pandemic an appropriate time to implore them to know Christ before they die? Would you make a commitment to share the gospel of reconciliation, this gospel of justification, this gospel of God’s acceptance of believing sinners, this gospel of Salvation to others by any means, calling, texting, sending gospel-centered articles links in social media, or even by asking the opportunity to pray for them? A Lot can be proclaimed in prayer! You know that don’t you? Jesus dying for our sins is the hope of our life here on earth and for the life to come.

     PRAYER POINTS:

1. Praising God for the gift of Salvation to us, a wretched hapless sinner)

2. Pleading for the Salvation of the lost souls: That God will raise up workers to reach out.

3. Praising God for the blessing of Fellowship and Technology

4. Praying God for all our needs, cares, careers, and good health

5. Praying for the pandemic and people around the world: That they will seek God and live.

6. Praying for us to live out the fruit(s) of the Spirit and live out the Gospel.

MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU!

FOR THE ANSWERS TO THE 6 QUESTIONS ABOVE, YOU MAY DOWNLOAD FROM THIS LINK ANSWERS_Good_Friday

Some intriguing observations concerning Passion Week in the time of this Pandemic.

The world is practicing social distancing, but social media helps us keep in touch with one another. We Christians are thankful for the technology. We are not naive of the value of technology, nor are we anti-science, anti-technology, or anti-intellectual. Rather we contend that the reason for all this development of technology and its possibility is because the God of the Bible endowed human beings the potential and the moral obligation to be so. In the beginning, when God created human beings, he blessed them and commanded them to have dominion over the things of the earth. The word “dominion” in Genesis 1:28 has the idea of ruling over, subduing to our advantage. So, man building bridges, curving tunnels, exploring oceans, and etc., defying the law of physics (nature) for our advantage is commendable and not surprising to Christians.

In this pandemic, as the scientists search for the cure and as we Christians stay indoor out of love for our fellow neighbors, we continue to need one another and keep in touch with one another through social media. It is unfortunate that we have to stay indoor for this long especially that we cannot gather together for the events of Passion Week. However, God continues to work in a mysterious way for our own good to the praise of His glory. Here are some of the intriguing observations I see concerning Passion Week in this time of Pandemic. I called it “intriguing,” because they are good but at the same time, we need to be very discerning. I would want them to be far better than these, to go deeper than the peripheral, into the truths revealed in the Scripture.

1.      Some people have a better theology in their WhatsApp status update than their actual theological convictions.

It is good to see people expressing their faith in social media. Actually, we Christians are to be salt and light of the world. With the arrival of the Passion Week, many are updating their WhatsApp Status with gospel-centered quotes, and theologically profound verses. On the other hand, it is also true that some of them have no idea what they are uploading. They are just sugarcoating their spiritual looks. Social media has become like the Athens of Paul’s day. They are for people to tell or hear some new things, new fads, or new trends. While some are doing with a theological conviction consistent with their beliefs, others aren’t. Sure, with the technology, one can easily access the best quotations of our times, the most relevant lines of our day. You could find almost anything by just googling it. Even without googling, there are ways how certain things get your attention through a way of recommendation by artificial intelligence. Moreover, part of what it gets to be in social media is to receive and to see many (if not all) the latest stuff of the time.

My concern is regarding the skin-deep profession of faith. It comes easily and goes away easily. While it may (Oh! I pray) stir up convictions to some of the viewers, it doesn’t last long. One of the great penetrating truth in all these is the availability of the word of God for all of us. God’s word, sound doctrine, Christian ethics, faithful teachings are at our reach. We have no excuse for not accessing them when in need. Also, what it means is though how sinful we may have become, still, the image of God in us continues to reveal to us our moral obligations, what is good for us and what we should be doing. I would like to compare with the sentiments offered by most of the politicians and public speakers in times of calamities. They would often say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with them!” Well, we all know that such statements have become just a way of reacting politely, and not meaning anything. As Donald Trump questioned the sincerity of Nancy Pelosi’s prayer for him, much of the spiritual sentiments of our days are often just a cultural way of conversation. But in expressing so, we are demonstrating that we really have the obligation to do so, which is morally good and right to do so.

2.      Genuine Christians miss the church: the fellowship of the saints, the gathering, the worship, the singing, the unison of prayer, and the hearing of the word of God.

Christian missing the church, which I mean is the emotional aspect of wanting to go church, and not the action of skipping church, is actually deeply encouraging. One of the great revelations of the suspension of church worship services is the distinction of the genuine Christians from the cultural Christians. The genuine Christians come to church because they love to in the manner of Psalmist and early Christians. Oh! How the psalmist loved to be in the worship place! He would rather be in the place of worship a day than to be anywhere else thousands of days. The cultural Christians come to church because it looks cool to be spiritual sometimes. As long as the culture favors, they go along with it. When the culture of social distancing and the government says otherwise, so, the love of gathering not only vanished but they even repudiate those who seek to gather.

It is unnatural for a Christian who has a normal life to be skipping the church consecutively. It is a sin to do so according to the teaching of Hebrews. Just as the deer pants for water, so Christian must long after the fellowship of the saints. It’s natural for Christian to be in the church. It is really encouraging to see Christians expressing their desires to come to church. I admire and share the concerns of Tom Buck when he tweeted here and there questioning the suspension of Church as non-essential while, on the other hand, permitting the industry of abortions and fake news media as essential. Actually, it is not the high morale of an individual Christian that makes him yearn for the gathering of the saints, but it is the Spirit of God that works in us. It is a theological reality.

3.      Some Christians are popularizing the truth written by the humanist and naturalist regarding the environment, which they have discovered on the basis of a Christian worldview, but with a pretense of finding it from their obfuscated worldviews.

Every now and then, social media is sharing the effects of lockdown on the environment. There are really some good outcomes of this lockdown. I am not an environmental scientist to come out with scientific evidence that the sky is brighter, the air is purer, and what else, but I sure hope and believe so. It should be a thing of delight to share such good news, but most of what has been said and shared are unfortunately virtue signaling. They condemn man in third-person as if they themselves are above reproach. And they exalt animals and nature as if they are of more value. What is a Christian response to this? A Christian knows that he is responsible for his sins and his actions. We all are wicked people without exception. No matter what we say or mean, what we do or try to do, how we try to do, each of our motives is mixed with sins. We affirm with the book of Genesis that all the intentions of man are only evil continually. We all live in a fallen world and are inescapable in our participation of sin, directly or indirectly.

The basis to care for the environment is very much a Christian teaching. We are just a steward of God’s world. And by the way, God is not done with the creation, He is preserving it. No greed of man nor threat from an extraterrestrial object can exhaust the resources of the earth unless God wills so. In fact, God in an amazing way has a way of preserving the environment. For the Israelites, He has the concept of Sabbath, Sabbatical year, and Jubilee. It could be true that the lockdown we are experiencing could be a way of preserving the environment, but we don’t know that for sure. But no matter what, only human among the creations of God is the bearer of God’s image. What that means is Human is of infinite value if we are to weigh it in the scale of our material possession. Sure, what is the profit if one gains the whole world and loses his own soul?

I can’t intellectually appreciate the activities and saying of the environmentalist and naturalist especially when they are outspoken deniers and rejecters of God. They have no basis for their values from their worldviews. Some of the things they said are true but it is because they happened to live in God’s world, though they denied its Lawgiver. It has to be true because God created the world and preserves it continually through various means. With the true thing they discovered, they mixed it with this and that with their atheistic assumptions. And the unthinking people received it without discerning what is true and what is not. They are the hijacker of Christian worldviews. As I think of this I remembered what Ravi Zacharias said of Richard Dawkins when Dawkins forgot the name of a book and said “Oh God!” Ravi commented that Dawkins had invoked the name of the Lord whom he denied in order to help him deny His existence. It’s true that even the atheist can only exist in God’s world.

4.      Many have expressed the reality of God’s mysterious grace in this pandemic without acknowledging the Creator but attributing to the Coronavirus.

One of the resounding testimony of the Bible is that God is and always remains faithful. He remains faithful even if we are wicked and gone astray. He sends sunshine and rain for the just and unjust alike. So, it is not a surprise for Christian to see many people saying good things that come with the coronavirus. People are dying of this coronavirus, more than a lakh have succumbed to this virus already. It is also true that with or without coronavirus over 56 million people are dying every year. The bible says it is God who gives life and takes life. We can’t live longer nor die earlier than the will of God. God continues to preserve us. Despite the falling of stock markets, and the rate of unemployment soaring up, many are thanking for some of the things they get in this time such as the quality time with family members, a vacation like suspension of works, a generosity from neighbors, a love for a fellow human, and many more.

We know that these are not the gifts of coronavirus. The virus cannot give anything. In fact, these are abstract things that cannot be handed over to someone as gifts which we normally do when we talk about giving. Also, this virus is invisible (to our naked eyes). If there is anything this virus can give is itself, which of course is the one we dislike most currently. We Christians know that it is God who is working for our own good to the praise of His glory. It is His mysterious grace. I agree with Obadiah Sedgwick, a Puritan: “No good man ever lacked anything that was good for him. I may lack a thing which is good, but not which is good for me: ‘For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.’ ‘God has a special providential care for His church because we are the apple of His eye, His children, His lambs, and His jewels. God's care for His people is gracious, tender, mysterious, glorious, exact, and often extraordinary.’” This should help us to worship God.

5.      Some Christians are delighted to share the live streaming link of their church service or of other churches like those competitive exams minded people who were uncannily excited to share the link of each and every match of Barcelona vs Real Madrid, and McGregor vs Mayweather.

It is delighted to see Christians seeking for some kind of Christian fellowship through any means. We thank God that many churches could continue to minister to their members through live streaming technology. It’s equally a delight to see Christians inviting and encouraging others to join them by sharing the live streaming links of their churches or of others. It reminds me of some people who are too excited to share the news of their favorite footballers and celebrities. Not a long time ago, when La Liga wasn’t suspended, many have the habit of updating their WhatsApp status update about the matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona. The first time I heard of “El Clasico,” I thought it was chocolate, but it turned out to be one of the most exciting events of the Laliga football league. I also remember the time my WhatsApp world is filled with the news of the match between McGregor vs Mayweather. Many were excited to watch the match. While the watching of El Clasico is not amoral, even if that means staying up late till 03:00 AM, and inviting others to join is also not amoral, it is telling what our hearts are after. In fact, sometimes I wondered why some people, who are supposed to be preparing for competitive exams are so obsessive about football matches. Their online activities seem to suggest that they are looking for a career in a football club.

My main concern is not that some people are too obsessive about football matches (though I am concerned somehow) but that not many professing Christians are taking the time to watch the live streaming of the church services in this lockdown when they are staying at home with almost no works. In fact, even if there is any work, must a Christian not lay aside his time to spend time with the word of God? What I am trying to accomplish from this comparison is to encourage more people to be committed (even if not excited) to the live streaming or church services in this time of lockdown, and also to encourage one another to do so by means of sharing the links. At the same time, we thank God for the many preachers who have decided to preach to webcams and empty rooms. That’s not a very comfortable experience. Also, we thank God for pastors and leaders of small churches who are organizing meetings through video conferencing apps. It is the experience of many that technology comes with lots of distractions. No Christians want this to be normal, nor should never be, and will never be. Nothing will prevail against the bride of Jesus Christ for He continues to build the Church.

4 Questions for all professing Christians

Three questions I usually ask a professing Christian:

1. Do you consider yourself to be a Christian? If yes

2. If calamity happens and if you die now, would you be in heaven or hell?

3. What would you reply if the Lord asks you, "Why should I let you enter My Kingdom?"

And it usually takes an hour to hear these through. Now, I've found a 4^th question to ask. And this I would ask only to those who are well-versed with the first 3 questions. So, the 4th question—

4. What makes you so desirous to enter the Kingdom?

(Btw, this 4th question is asked by Ms. Prudence to Mr. Christian, when he came all the way from the City of Destruction heading to the Celestial City in the book "Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan)

If you want to hear his answer, buy Pilgrim's Progress and read it! 😀 Charles Spurgeon read it over a hundred times. I'm reading it for the 4th time, and shall not be the last!👍

Should you care God exists or not?

[This is a repost of 2014 article, which was deleted by mistake]

For centuries, humankind has been debating about the existence of God. Most people say God exists; some say that God does not exist, and still, others say that nobody can know whether God exists or not. Friedrich Nietzsche went on to say, “God is dead.” Should you care God exists or not? If it doesn’t matter, one need not pay attention, but how does one know it matters or not? Let us define God first. Defining God exactly is impossible, for He is beyond definition and comprehension. But for this article God is the “maximally great being,” by which I mean He is the greatest, perfect, infinite, invincible, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Being. Moreover, He is the Creator of the Universe and everything in it.

Book Summary: Does God Exist?

Does God Exist? by William Lane Craig  

Dr. William Lane Craig is arguing for the existence of God philosophically. He is employing five different types of argument, each independent of one another. However, he also shows the connecting link between one after another so that the reader will find enough evidence for believing or affirming in the existence of God. Indeed, the reader will acknowledge that it is reasonable to believe the existence of God. However, all the arguments he employs can be used by other theistic groups. These arguments do not carry the message of the Gospel. It does not point to the God of the Bible. Therefore, these arguments may not be fruitful for evangelism, yet it will challenge the minds of people who do not care that God exists. Definitely, these arguments will strengthen the faith of believers as we see the world has been campaigning for the anti-theistic society.

In chapter 1, Professor William Lane Craig presents the Cosmological Arguments which are defended today by philosophers such as Timothy O’ Connor and Richard Swinburne and others. The tenets of these arguments are 1. Everything that exists has an explanation of its existence. In other words, nothing exists without the explanation of its existence. 2. Granting the fact that the universe exists, the argument follows, the explanation of its existence is God. Because such a universe has to be originated from the immaterial and infinite One. This argument presents God as the uncaused God whose explanation of His existence is Himself.

In chapter 2, Dr. Craig presents his favorite argument, the Kalam Cosmological Argument. Philosopher such as Stuart Hackett and others defend this argument against criticism and counter-views. 1. The main argument of this is that everything that begins to exist has a cause. This rule out God because God does not begin to exist. He is eternal. He is uncaused being. The argument goes on to say that nothing comes out from nothing. 2. Drawing from scientific evidence and the affirmations of the scientific community, he proves that the universe has its own beginning. Granting these two premises, it is logical to come to the conclusion that the universe has its own cause. The cause of it is God, the creator.

In chapter 3, he presents the Teleological Argument which is defended by scientists and philosophers such as William Dembski, Michael Denton, Paul Davies, and others. This is also the most favorite argument of Intelligent Design’s Proponents. The argument is that the universe is intelligible beyond comprehension. It is not because of physical necessity or by chance. Therefore, it points to the designer who designs this universe. Evolutionist like Richard Dawkin questioned who design the designer. Craig rightly pointed out that one doesn’t  need an explanation of the explanation. Or else, it will lead to infinite regression. Thus this argument points toward the designer or Creator.

In chapter 4, Dr. Craig presents the Moral Argument. This is defended by people like Paul Coplan, Stephen Evans, Robert Adams, and others. This argument is by far the most touching one for humankind because of the sufferings, pains, sorrows, and so on. The argument is that, only in the framework of theism, can one establish the existence of absolute moral values and duties. If one denies the existence of God, there can be no absolute moral values and duties. Witnessing the fact of the existence of moral absolutes in everyday life, it is therefore, God, the moral law-giver exist.

In chapter 5, Dr. Craig presents his last argument, the Ontological Argument which was propounded by Anselm and is defended today by philosophers like Alvin Platinga, and others. One can appreciate the uniqueness of this argument. It is the argument of possibilities. Intuitively, everyone can grant the possibility of the existence of “maximal greatness” which means God, who is logically coherent in attributes like perfectness, omniscience, omnipotent, and so on. The argument follows, it is possible for God to exist. This argument though, thought-provoking and interestingly put up has to find good reasons for it to be accepted. Thus, evidence or arguments from other sources (it could even be cosmological and teleological arguments too) are brought in to support the second premise of this argument. This argument presents God as the maximal being, the Supreme Being.

Dr. Craig acknowledges that all the arguments he employs in this book do not build a case for the God of the Bible, though they give much for the ground of it. And therefore, he recommends one of his books, “Did Jesus Rise from the Dead” for anyone who wants to know more about Christianity, and the God of the Bible.

21^st November 2014

Presupposition in Christianity

Everyone has a presupposition about something. Presupposition is something you believe to be true even without having any proof. In other words, it is a background belief in which your system, ideas, arguments, and studies built upon. If your presupposition is wrong then everything that follows from it is wrong. Presupposition plays a significant role in having a worldview. Every rational man has presuppositions about God knowingly or unknowingly.

The God Debate

If you have been a regular reader ‘The Sangai Express, you would be familiar with columnist Dr. Irengbam Mohendro Singh. I came to know him while I was in my Senior Secondary School. One morning he made my mood off after reading his article equating Christ and Krishna, the Hindu god. He wrote a long article, which was really a bad theology. I wondered where he learned that. I remember myself shouting in my hostel, “What a blasphemy!” I wished I had the courage, wits and opportunity to write him back and was disturbed wanting for any Christian rejoinder. After a week, a guy from Churachandpur wrote in the ‘letters to editor’ column that the Doctor was misusing and diluting Christianity, which I agreed heartily. The next day, another person wrote against him. Wow! The debate was on!