WILL YOU HEAR THE WORD OF THE LORD?
Compiled by Keith Hunt
THOUGH I be sent to you to show you the way of light and truth and
salvation, I know most are as Isaiah has written, "This people draw
nigh unto me with their lips but their heart is far from me."
God will speak to you in this study; you will hear HIS words to
you; you will hear the words of the way to salvation. The question
is will you listen and more importantly will you ACT?
Some like to "proof text" - like Eph.2:8-10 "For by grace are you
saved through faith, and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.
not of works lest any man boast..."
Weeeellll .... how's this for proof texting?
Jesus taught in Matthew 4:4 that "man is not to live by bread along
but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God." That is the
Savior's teaching not mine. It's been in your Bible for 2,000
years.
PSALM 1
"Blessed is the man that walks NOT in the counsel of the ungodly,
not stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the
scornful. But his DELIGHT is in the LAW of the Lord, and in that
law he does meditate day and night....The ungodly are not so but
are like the chaff which the wind blows away. Therefore the ungodly
shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of
the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the
way of the ungodly shall perish."
Sin is defined in 1 John 3:4 - the breaking of the law. That law
has points - James 2:10-11 - if you practice breaking one of those
points you are guilty of breaking them all - and that law will
judge you - it is a law of liberty, verse 12.
The righteous are defined in the Bible as those who observe the
righteousness of God - the keeping of "all thy commandments are
righteousness" (Ps.119:172). Salvation is FAR from the wicked
because "they seek not thy statutes" (Ps.119:155). God's
commandments are truth (Ps.119:151). Salvation and doing God's
commandments go hand in hand (Ps.119:166,174). The word of God is
truth from the beginning (John 17:17) and God's righteous judgments
endure forever (Ps,119:160).
PSALM 11
"For the righteous Lord loves righteousness, his countenance does
behold the upright (verse 7).
PSALM 15
"Lord who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy
holy hill? He that does uprightness, and works righteousness, and
speaks the truth in his heart." Righteousness is - Ps.119:172.
PSALM 19
"THE LAW OF THE LORD IS PERFECT, CONVERTING THE SOUL; the testimony
of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the
Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the COMMANDMENTS OF THE LORD
ARE PURE, ENLIGHTENING THE EYES. The fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring for ever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous
altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much
fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb" (verses 7-
10).
PSALM 25
"Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies....Remember not the sins of
my youth, nor my transgressions....Good and upright is the Lord:
therefore will He teach sinners in the way. The meek (humble) will
He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way. All the
paths of the Lord are MERCY and TRUTH unto SUCH as KEEP His
COMMANDMENT and His testimonies" (verses 6-10).
PSALM 34
"The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are open
unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do
(practice) evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the
earth....Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the
righteous shall be desolate" (verses 15-21). We have seen salvation
is far from the wicked, and we have seen what righteousness is
(Ps.119:155,172).
PSALM 37
"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks
judgment. The law of his God is in his heart...." (verses 29-31).
We see the definition of righteousness in Ps.119:172.
PSALM 46
"They throne O God, is for ever and ever....You love righteousness,
and hate wickedness...." (verses 6-7). A prophecy of Christ. He
loves righteousness - back to Ps. 119:172. The wicked is defined
are those who FORSAKE the law (Ps.119:53).
PSALM 103
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in
mercy....But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to
everlasting UPON them that FEAR Him, and His righteousness unto
children's children; To such as KEEP HIS COVENANT, and to those who
REMEMBER His COMMANDMENTS TO DO THEM" (verses 11,17-18). The New
Testament Covenant is given to us in Hebrews 8:6-13 - the law of
God is now in the heart and mind of those under the New Covenant.
PSALM 111
"The works of His hands are verity and judgment; ALL His
COMMANDMENTS are SURE. They stand FAST for ever and ever....The
fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding
have all they that DO His commandments...." (verses 7-10).
PSALM 119
"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the LAW of the
Lord (v.1). Open thou my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things
out of thy law (v.18). Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy
LAW; yes, I shall observe it with my whole heart (v.34). And I will
DELIGHT myself in thy COMMANDMENTS, which I have loved (v.47).
Horror has taken hold of me because of the WICKED that FORSAKE they
LAW (v.53). THE BANDS OF THE WICKED HAVE ROBBED ME, BUT I HAVE NOT
FORGOTTEN THY LAW (v.61). TEACH ME GOOD JUDGMENT AND KNOWLEDGE: FOR
I HAVE BELIEVED THY commandments (v.66). Their heart is as fat as
grease, but I DELIGHT in thy LAW (v.70). Let they tender MERCIES
come unto me, that I may LIVE: for thy LAW is my DELIGHT (v.77).
All thy COMMANDMENTS are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully;
help thou me. (v.86). I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy
COMMANDMENT is exceedingly broad (v.96). (Think of Jesus' sermon on
the mount [Mat.5,6,7]). O how LOVE I thy law; IT IS MY MEDITATION
ALL THE DAY (v.97). THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET, AND A LIGHT
UNTO MY PATH (v.105). Depart from me, you evildoers: for I will
KEEP the COMMANDMENTS of my God (v.115). It is time for you to work
Lord: for they have made VOID thy law (v.126). Therefore I will
love thy COMMANDMENTS above gold; yes, above fine gold (v.127). I
opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy COMMANDMENTS
(v.131). RIVERS OF WATER RUN DOWN MINE EYES, BECAUSE THEY KEEP NOT
THY LAW (v.136). (Have YOU ever had that experience when you see
the world and even "Christians" not practicing the life of keeping
God's law?). Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and
they LAW is the truth (v.142). They draw nigh that follow after
mischief: they are far from thy law. You are near, O Lord, and ALL
thy COMMANDMENTS are TRUTH (vv.150,151). Salvation is far FROM THE
wicked....(v.155). (The wicked are those who forsake God' law, they
will not practice it as a way of life - v.53). Great peace have
they which love thy LAW, and nothing shall offend them. Lord, I
have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy COMMANDMENTS (vv.165,
167). My tongue shall speak of thy word: for ALL thy COMMANDMENTS
are RIGHTEOUSNESS....I HAVE LONGED FOR THY SALVATION, O LORD, AND
THY LAW IS MY DELIGHT (vv.172,174). I have gone astray like a lost
sheep; seek thy servant; for I do NOT forget thy COMMANDMENTS
(v.176).
Ah, now you see why David was called by God a "man after mine own
heart." It is not law OR grace - it is law AND grace!!
PROVERBS
"WISDOM CRIES WITHOUT; SHE UTTERS HER VOICE IN THE STREETS....TURN
YOU AT MY REPROOF: BEHOLD, I WILL POUR OUT MY SPIRIT UNTO YOU, I
WILL MAKE KNOWN MY WORDS UNTO YOU (vv.20,23)....Yes, if you cry
after knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding. If you
seek her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures.
Then you shall understand the fear of the Lord, and find the
knowledge of God....He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous: he
is a buckler to them that walk uprightly" (chap.2:3-7). The
righteous are they who practice righteousness - back to Ps.119:172
for the definition of righteousness.
"There is a way that SEEMS RIGHT UNTO A MAN, BUT THE END THEREOF
ARE THE WAYS OF DEATH" (chap.14:12).
"Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any
people" (chap.14:34). Sin is breaking the law (1 John 3:4; with
Romans 7:7,12).
"The thoughts of the wicked are an ABOMINATION to the Lord..."
(chap.15:26). The wicked are they who forsake, will not practice
the law of the Lord (Ps.119:53).
"The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of
the wicked poureth out evil things" (chap.15:28). I'm studying
right now to answer those wicked who pour out evil things from
their mouth, those who say you do not have to keep the law of the
Lord, with all of its 10 points, especially they say the 4th one.
"The Lord is far FROM the WICKED (Ps.119:53), but He hears the
prayer of the RIGHTEOUS" (Ps.119:172) (chap.15:29).
"He that justifies the WICKED (Ps.119:53 - those who seek not the
law of the Lord), and he who condemns the just, even they both are
abomination to the Lord" (chap.17:15).
"He that follows after righteousness and mercy, find life,
righteousness, and honor" (chap.21:21).
"The sacrifice of the WICKED (Ps.119:53) IS ABOMINATION: HOW MUCH
MORE WHEN HE BRINGS IT WITH A WICKED MIND?" (Chap.27:27). The
wicked are they who forsake the law of God, will not practice it -
Ps.119:53.
"They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the
law contend with them" (chap.28:4). This study I'm doing is indeed
to contend with the wicked - the law breakers - those who will not
practice keeping the law.
"He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer
shall be abomination" (chap.28:9). God pulls no punched; He calls
a spade a spade. If you will not hear and obey the law of God when
you know better, then your prayers are an abomination to Him. If
the shoe fits wear it!
"He that covers his sin (1 John 3:4 with Romans 7 and James 2)
shall not prosper: but whoso confesses and FORSAKES them shall have
MERCY" (chap.28:13). Mercy, grace is given only to those who follow
this instruction. This is the word of the Lord, not Keith Hunt.
It's been in your Bible for thousands of years.
"There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth
not" (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Hence the Proverb we've just read ABOVE
applies to EVERY PERSON ON EARTH!
"Let is hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and KEEP
His COMMANDMENTS: FOR THIS IS THE WHOLE DUTY OF MAN" (chap.12:13).
NOW THOSE ARE PRETTY EASY SCRIPTURES TO UNDERSTAND FROM THE OLD
TESTAMENT CONCERNING SALVATION.
AND REMEMBER IN WHAT IS SAID ABOUT DAVID - HE WAS CALLED A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN
HEART!
DID THOSE UNDER THE OLD COVENANT NEED THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST? YOU
BET THEY DID. TO HAVE FORGIVENESS OF SIN HAD TO BE THROUGH THE SHED
BLOOD OF CHRIST, JUST AS IT IS FOR US. THEY LOOKED FORWARD TO THE
CROSS. WE LOOK BACK TO THE CROSS. THEY HAD FAITH AS WE MUST HAVE
FAITH THAT THE BLOOD OF JESUS WASHES AWAY OUR SINS.
SALVATION FOR ALL PEOPLE UNDER ALL AGES HAS BEEN AND WILL BE
EXACTLY THE SAME!!
......
NOW ON TO THE NEW TESTAMENT
"Man shall not live by bread alone, BUT BY EVERY WORD that proceeds
out of the mouth of God" (Mat.4:4).
"Not everyone that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
Kingdom of heaven, but he that DOES the WILL of my Father which is
in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not
prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And
in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto
them, I never knew you, depart from me, you that work LAWLESSNESS
(as the Greek is)" (Mat.7:21-23).
"Behold my mother and my brethren. For whosoever shall DO the WILL
of my Father which is in heaven, the same is My brother, and
sister, and mother" (Mat.12:49-50).
"The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather
out of His Kingdom all things that offend, and them which DO
(PRACTICE) INIQUITY. And cast them into a furnace of fire: there
shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Mat.13:41,42).
"Why do you also transgress the COMMANDMENTS of God by your
TRADITIONS....You HYPOCRITES, well did Isaiah prophesy of you,
saying: This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honor
me with their lips, but their heart is FAR from me. But in VAIN do
worship Me, teaching the doctrines and commandments of MEN"
(Mat.15:3,7-9).
"And behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good
shall I do, that I may have eternal life. And He said to him, Why
calleth you Me good? There is none good but one, that is God: but
if you will ENTER into life, KEEP the COMMANDMENTS. He said unto
him, Which? Jesus said, You shall do no murder, You shall not
commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false
witness. Honor your Father and your mother, and you shall love your
neighbor as yourself" (Mat.19:16-19).
"The Kingdom of heaven is like unto....And when the king came in to
see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding
garment. And he said unto him, Friend, how came you in not having
a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the
servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him
into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth"
(Mat.22:2,11-13).
"Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and
rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is
come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her was granted
that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the
fine linen is the RIGHTEOUSNESS of saints" (Rev.19:6-8).
Righteousness is defined by the Bible as the commandments of God
(Ps.119:172).
"When the Son of man shall come in His GLORY, and all the holy
angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory.
And before Him shall be gathered all nations, and He shall separate
them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the
goats. And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats
on the left.....Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand,
DEPART from Me, you cursed....For I was hungry, and you gave Me no
food; I was thirsty, and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger,
and you took Me not in; naked, and you clothed Me not; sick, and in
prison, and you did not visit Me. Then shall they also answer Him,
saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger,
or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
Then shall He answer them, saying, Truly I say unto you, inasmuch
as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to
Me. And these shall go away into EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT: but the
RIGHTEOUS into life eternal" (Mat.25:31-32,41-46).
"Go you therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them into the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
TEACHING THEM to OBSERVE ALL THINGS whatsoever I have commanded
you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the age"
(Mat.28:19,20).
"Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of
God. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is
at hand: REPENT you and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15).
"And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, not man for
the Sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath"
(Mark 2:27,28). The Sabbath was sanctified at creation week - from
the beginning (Ge.2:1-3).
"And He answered them saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And
He looked around about on them which sat about Him, and said,
Behold My mother and My brethren! For whosoever shall DO the WILL
of God, the same is My brother, and My sister, and mother" (Mark
3:33-35).
"He answered and said unto them, Well has Isaiah prophesied of you
hypocrites, as it is written, This people honor me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in VAIN do you worship Me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of MEN. For laying ASIDE
the COMMANDMENTS OF GOD, you hold the traditions of men....full
well you reject the commandments of God, that you may keep your OWN
TRADITIONS" (Mark 7:6-9).
"Truly I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of
God as a little child, he shall not enter therein" (Mark 10:15).
The verses I'm giving you I had been reading since the age of six
and upward. Simple to read; simple to understand.
"Good Master, what shall I do that I may INHERIT eternal life? And
Jesus said unto him, Why call you me good? There is none good but
one, that is God. You know the COMMANDMENTS, Do not commit
adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness,
Defraud not, Honor your father and mother" (Mark 17-19). We do not
observe God's commandments to be saved, we observe them because we
are saved and we desire to INHERIT eternal life, for we do not
inherit eternal life unto we inherit it. We must be willing to
observe the commandments of God as a way of life in Christ so we
can INHERIT eternal life. As Jesus said, "He that shall endure to
the END, shall be saved" (Mat.24:13).
"And one of the scribes came....asked Him, Which is the first
commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the
commandments is, Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord: And
you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength: this
is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, You
shall love your neighbor as thyself...." (Mark 12:28-31). The
letters of 1st, 2nd, 3rd John clearly tell us what the love of God
is.
"Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he
that believes not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16). It is written
Jesus was baptized to "fulfil all righteousness" (Mat.3:13-15).
....................
To be continued
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