It might seem idealistic and far removed from reality to expect anyone to be entirely harmless, but Jesus demonstrated this in His responses and teaching over a wide range of cases that affect human experience. A number of such cases will now be highlighted.

1. When He was personally being abused.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. 1. Peter 2:21-23.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7.

In this, one should consider that Jesus could have caused his attackers to be smitten but He chose not to retaliate. More than even carnal weapons, He could have called on supernatural power in His defense as indicated by His response to Peter who had earlier drawn a sword to defend Him.

2. When Peter tried to defend Him.

And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 26:51-53.

Some people might say that while Jesus would not use violence to defend His own life yet it is an entirely different matter when it comes to His dealing with those who reject truth and righteousness. He will destroy them for righteousness’ sake, it is felt. But was that what He did when faced with such a situation?

3. When urged to destroy those who rejected Him.

And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. Luke 9:51-56.

His response is significant. He did not say that the time was not appropriate for that type of intervention. Neither did He say that the situation was different from that of Elias (Elijah). Rather, He identified that type of reaction which would call fire from heaven to destroy the people as being actuated by a different spirit from His Spirit. Are we opening a hornet’s nest here? There are obvious questions that would arise immediately. But suffice it to say that when God gives spiritual gifts He does not take them back willy-nilly or micro-manage the recipient’s use of them. He gives gifts according to the potential for mature use by His servants but they, being imperfect, will not always act in the exact manner that He would act. Thus, we must be guided ultimately by Jesus Christ.

God did not give us imperfect men as our examples. Rather, He gave us His only begotten Son – the only Being who is perfectly like Him in character. God Himself made this distinction when, on the mount of transfiguration, Peter suggested: “Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.” (Matt. 17:4). Peter’s instinct was to place all three on the same level and possibly worship (build tabernacles – places of worship for) all three. But the Father Himself answered from heaven, saying:

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matt. 17:5.

This is an interesting statement by God Himself, considering that on one notable occasion previously, on Mount Sinai when God spoke audibly to Israel, the people begged Moses to act as a go-between messenger to bring God’s Word to them rather than have God speak to them directly. Rather than simply accepting the people’s proposal to have Moses speak to them on God’s behalf, God said:

“I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” Deut. 18:18.

That Prophet (the Messiah – God’s only begotten Son) was now here and God spoke again audibly telling us to listen to Him.

It is not that we should not listen to Moses or Elijah. But these men were faithful only as servants, having limited knowledge of the Master’s ways, whereas Jesus Christ was faithful as the Son of the Master, being able to show the mind of God more than any other.

“For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house”. Heb. 3:3

“But Christ as a son over his own house” Heb. 3:6

Therefore, let us not take comfort in the fact that servants of God have resorted to violence on occasions and think that it is therefore okay to do the same. Jesus is our standard of righteousness. And He will give us the wherewithal to be like Him if we so desire, so that His Father will be pleased with us as His Father was pleased with Him.

There were yet other cases when Jesus could have supported the punitive approach but showed otherwise.

4. When the law demanded the death of the offender.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. John 8:3-11.

Jesus is more kind to us than we are to each other.

5. When those He loved were being destroyed.

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8.

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14, 15.

He died in our place so that we might be released from the Devil’s captivity. Let this sink in. The Father did not require that we should die, nor did He demand the death of His Son in our place. We were held captive by the Devil because Adam sold himself and us to the Devil by voluntarily choosing to obey the Devil. Jesus bought us by giving Himself over into the hand of the evil one in our place, thus releasing us, except as we might choose to remain in the Devil’s hands. His experience of being separated from God would have been ours had He not taken our place. It should therefore be seen that we are being saved from the Devil’s whip and from the consequences of evil rather than being rescued from any punishment that God has prescribed.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus

Are you harmless? If you are not harmless, then you are not really a Christian – regardless of what you profess. Do you love your enemies? Would you give your life for your enemy? Or would you rather kill your enemy? The Christian way is not only doing good deeds, it is also being harmless. The big betrayal of Jesus Christ is the association of Jesus Christ with violence. Christianity has earned for itself a bad reputation of being associated, in many cases, with violence and intolerance. Such is not true Christianity. True Christians are harmless as Jesus Christ Himself was harmless.

The thought that true Christians do not hurt other people provides a very important basis for determining, especially in the last days, what schemes and systems are of God and which ones are not. Jesus warned:

They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. John 16:2, 3.

This statement highlights another loop-hole through which misguided persons attempt to justify their giving-in to the carnal spirit of evil and intolerance. They claim that they are manifesting ‘righteous indignation’. Because of their supposedly high moral values and standing, they are greatly incensed about the ‘evil’ and ‘immorality’ of others, so they have to ensure that ‘justice’ is done. But this is just another manifestation of the carnal, unloving and unforgiving spirit that seeks to destroy rather than to restore.

True justice is primarily concerned with restoration and restitution, be it towards offender or victim. This might involve ensuring that the offender compensates the victim or withholding privileges from the offender which might otherwise be used for strengthening their offensive posture. Punishment, for the sake of punishment, that has nothing restorative about it and does not benefit anyone is only vengeance and is essentially carnal. Such a spirit will cause the supposed executor of ‘justice’ to leave the suffering victim unattended while they seek to vent their anger on the offender.

These zealous enforcers will say such things as: “this person deserves to be punished.” But, in that case, which of us do not deserve to be punished? Should our lives then revolve around punishing each other for our various misdeeds and supposed wrongs? Where then would it end? We would then be all under constant punishment, which would fit Satan’s agenda, rather than God’s.

In reality, many of those who are so consumed with executing this supposed justice have a lot of anger bottled up within them and would only be too ready to seize the opportunity to vent that anger when they find a supposedly justifiable basis for doing so. Such is not the manifestation of love, but rather, selfish gratification at the expense of others. Jesus said that “these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me” (St. John 16:3).

Even the dreaded Mark of the Beast (whatever one might consider it to be) is based on a scheme in which violence and coercion is used to impose a particular form of religious observance.

And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Revelation 13:15-17.
If one can appreciate that God does not operate on that basis, then one should be protected from misguidedly supporting any such scheme, regardless of the supposed benefits that it is presented as offering or the pious garb with which it might be clothed.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus

In short, we must be willing to give up our right for peace sake. This is explicitly said in the following words:

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. 1. Corinthians 6:7, 8.

Some persons think that following such counsel is a recipe for becoming a doormat for others to walk upon. This is not necessarily the case. Do we think that others are oftentimes not aware when they are being unkind to us? Very often, they are very much aware. And for this reason, they expect a fight. When you do not resist them and there is no fight, for the first time, they have an opportunity to reflect. Those who have a conscience will repent. Those who seem to have no conscience might not. But, would it have been better to fight? No. Even if you win the fight, there might remain lasting animosity. For a Christian it is not worth it.

Another consideration is that sometimes we genuinely think that we are right and it is only when we back down and look again at the disputed matter that we realize that we were wrong. Another possibility is that the other person might be wrong while thinking genuinely that he/she is right. And by us backing down that person reflects and sees that he/she was wrong. Of course, there is the worse case scenario, when we are in conflict with a genuinely ruthless person who will hurt and destroy without any compunction and will use your acquiescence to their advantage to further create distress for you. In such a case the best course is to leave the matter in God’s hands. Cry unto God! God is not indifferent. Jesus said:

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Luke 18:7, 8.

What if Martyrdom is Your Lot?

And yet, it is still possible that we do not see immediate redress. In that case, still leave it to God. Be patient. Even until death. God will not fail to honour you – if not in this life, certainly in the next. He knows why He would allow it, and He does all things well. Take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, suffered and died and we are only walking the road that Jesus walked for us. In the same way that Jesus overcame the temptation to retaliate and has been greatly honoured by His Father, we will likewise be honoured. And, if in God’s wisdom, He sees it fit to allow us to experience a martyr’s death, it means that any trying on our part to have it otherwise would only place us outside of His will for us. In that case, we could verily lose out not only on eternal life, but even in this life as well.

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. 1. Peter 2:21-23.

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:21.

Jesus Was Harmless

Jesus is highly honoured among Christians for His good work. What is little emphasized is the fact that, in addition to His good work, Jesus Christ was harmless. He was described as follows:

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Hebrews 7:26.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Isaiah 53:7, 9.

Jesus Christ was harmless and He has called upon His followers to be harmless.

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus

This second manifestation of love (that is, being harmless to others) is greatly emphasized throughout the Scriptures, even though many persons seem to overlook it. In fact, apart from the fifth of the ten commandments, which speaks of a positive duty of good work, namely, to honour our parents, all the other commandments of the last six (which deal with love to our fellowmen) speak of the evil that we should not do to our neighbour (Exodus 20:13-17). The apostle Paul, after listing the five other commandments of the last six concluded:

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8 -10.

Thus, regardless of the supposed good work that we claim to do or actually do, if we do ill to our neighbour, whether by word, deed or silence we are in contravention of the principle of love and are therefore being unrighteous. Further yet, if we do not actually do ill but have the mind to do it or wish for it to be done to someone we are just as unrighteous. Love is not just about appearances, it is about our real attitude towards others. Jesus further explained:

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matthew 5:21-24.

From this, it is evident that being at peace with others and not offending them is far more important than religious ritualism and ceremonies.

A very important aspect of being at peace with others is highlighted as having a wholesome attitude toward our fellowmen; that is, not being angry with them without cause. A mark of evil is having a spirit of getting angry with other people who did not do us any wrong. Some people take offence over the simplest things. But a characteristic of love is that it is not easily provoked (1 Cor. 13:5). Therefore, people who find that they get upset very easily should beware of the evil that lurks in the shadows of that fragile temperament.

Before Cain slew his brother, Abel, God warned him about his being upset without good reason:

“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.” Genesis 4:6, 7.

Of course, Cain did not heed the warning and his anger eventually led him to kill his brother who had done him no wrong. True Christians are not quick to get upset and they seek at all times to make peace. Jesus summed it up with the following words:

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9.

So important it is that we seek to be at peace with others that Jesus said:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Matthew 5:38-42.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus

When Jesus was being brutally put to death on the cross, rather than seeking to destroy those who were killing Him, He prayed for them.

Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. Luke 23:34.

By this prayer, Jesus has provided a basis on which we can forgive even the worst kinds of offences committed against us without harboring residues of bitterness towards the offender. That basis is that the offender really did not know better. If they really knew better they would not have done what they did. Such is the true condition of humanity – blind and ignorant. The Bible says:

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Psalms 14:2, 3.

It is for this reason that one can say: “But for the grace of God, there go I”. We should therefore be thankful to God for whatever measure of enlightenment that we have received that restrains us from being offensive and unkind towards others, while we maintain a spirit of forgiveness towards those who might offend us, in the same way that God is forgiving towards us.

As erring human beings we need to humble ourselves and be patient with each other, especially when mistakes are made. We often come down very hard on those who err, especially when we think ourselves above making the same error. But oftentimes there are other ways in which we might err, in which the offender with whom we are impatient, perhaps, would not err. So, are we really better than the other person? Of course, this should not be construed as suggesting that measures should not be taken to prevent or restrain the person who might be intent on continuing to offend. What is being suggested is that such measures should be focused on protecting the victim (or would-be victim) while seeking to help the offender (or would-be offender) to do better, rather than seek to hurt and destroy.

The greatest love is a willingness to die for another. Jesus said this in the following words:

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13.

True Christians are those who follow Christ. Jesus Christ said that we should love as He loved.

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:12.

Two Manifestations of Love

A look at the expanded description of love as given in the Ten Commandments shows that love manifests itself in at least two ways combined:

1. Doing good for another.
2. Being harmless toward another.

The first of the two manifestations is well known and is often used to counterfeit true love. However, the lack of the second manifestation exposes the counterfeit. Even those who are regarded as being exceedingly wicked do good deeds at times. But the harm that they do to others gives clear evidence that the good deeds were not the outworking of a loving heart. The Bible has warned repeatedly against judging righteousness wholly on the basis of good deeds. The following words of Jesus highlight the situation:

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, ye that work iniquity. Matthew 7:22, 23.

One might even give all their possessions to feed the poor and still not be charitable, as we are told:

And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1. Corinthians 13:3.

Sometimes people would be better off without some of the supposed good work that is done on their behalf by misguided people if only they were spared the hurt and evil that is meted out to them as a part of the package.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye
have love one to another. John 13:35.

Again, He indicated that all righteousness is summarized in two commandments, both of which have to do with love – love to God and love to our fellowmen:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:37-40.

One will recognize that the Ten Commandments are simply an expanded version of the same concept – the first four commandments briefly describe love to God and the last six commandments describe love to our fellowmen. Speaking of the last six of the Ten Commandments the apostle Paul said:

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans 13:8 -10.

Love to our fellowmen is the single most observable evidence of righteousness as we are further told:

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 1. John 4:20.

The thought is further reinforced by the apostle John in the following words:

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. 1. John 3:14.

Love Your Enemies

The love that is spoken of here applies not just to our friends but to our enemies as well. Jesus said:

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48.

Jesus is not asking us to do anything different from what He did. Jesus Christ loved His enemies. In fact He gave His life for us (humanity) when we were enemies.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. Romans 5:8-10.

SERIES: Are you harmless?

PART ONE: Mark of True Christianity
PART 2: Forgive them because they do not know any better
PART 3: Love is harmless
PART 4: For Peace Sake
PART 5: True Christians are harmless
PART 6: Following Jesus

To further compound the matter, God is reported as having been particularly displeased with the ancient practice of people sacrificing their children to appease their gods (Deut. 12:31). Yet, it is claimed that God offered His Son to appease, not even someone else who demanded it, but His own Self. One would imagine that it should be much more appropriate to simply forgive and let bygones be bygones, without demanding penance and blood-sacrifice. Is this really the type of Person God is, and is this what the atonement for sin is all about? Or, is it that God’s character is misunderstood and the most objectionable features of idolatry planted in the centre of Christian theology in place of the truth?

In addressing these issues, the most pivotal concept is that the true character of God is seen in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son who is the “express” (or precise) image of His person (Heb.1:3). Not even Moses nor Elijah perfectly manifested or represented God, but Jesus Christ did. Only He could. The Father is reported as having spoken from heaven when Moses and Elijah appeared beside Jesus on a high mountain, saying of Jesus, “This is my beloved Son… hear ye Him” (Matt. 17:5).

Jesus is reported to have stated the purpose for His yielding His life. He came to give His life as a ransom to save humanity (Matt. 20:28). A ransom is the price that is paid to secure the release of hostages or prisoners. Human beings are the hostages. The ransom price to buy us back is Christ, the Son of God. God is the One who pays the price (John 3:16). Who then, is the hostage-taker? Not God. God is not the one demanding a payment. He is the One making the payment. The hostage-taker is the devil (Satan). Humanity was brought into bondage to the devil when Adam, the father of our race submitted to the serpent (Satan – see Rev. 12:9). God gave His Son, who volunteered to take our place (John 3:16; John 10:17,18). When the Father let go of His Son at Calvary and the devil and his host had Him in their grasp, they did to Him what they would have done to humanity, were we left entirely in their hands.

God is just. God would not use superior fire-power to forcefully take away from the devil, that which the devil had some claims to. Remember, Adam had voluntarily submitted to the serpent. God chose to buy us back. Thus, there could remain no argument. Satan had no legitimate claim over Christ because, unlike Adam, Christ did not submit to the devil, even when He had gone without food for forty days. When Satan got the payment (Christ), he killed Him (put Him out of existence). Therefore, when God raised Christ from the dead (Gal. 1:1), the devil had no claims over Him. He neither has any legitimate claim over us now, because he was paid. If we choose, however, to reject God and remain with the devil, God will respect our choice and leave us to what we have chosen.

In the final analysis, the devil is a murderer. God is the Saviour. May it forever be understood that God did not kill His Son. Neither did He require the death of His Son. “His mercy endureth forever” (Ps. 107:1). “God is love” (1 John 4:8). God freely forgives.

Dr. Colin A. Gyles is a writer on religious topics

Ever since the existence of sin in the world, death has been an inevitable reality that humanity has never been able to accept gracefully. The sense of loss and final separation at the passing of loved ones never ceases to bring grief within the human family. Persons look with fear at the prospect of their own demise, taking as many precautions as lie within their power to postpone this eventuality.
Yet, notwithstanding the burglar bars, security fences, defensive and offensive weapons, hospitals and myriad human inventions, death can be at best postponed and only for a limited time, the duration of which can scarcely be considered as being under our control.

First century writers have testified that Jesus was seen alive on the third day after his death and appeared in the presence of many persons for a period of forty days thereafter. Such record has been provided not only by biblical writers. Other secular writers such as Flavius Josephus have given similar testimony. Unless there is credible evidence (which has not been forthcoming until now) that such testimonies were fabricated, there is no legitimate ground to reject the testimony of witnesses. It certainly cannot be rejected on the basis that it is impossible except persons are prepared to say that there is no God or that such an act is beyond the power of God to accomplish.

If God raised His Son Jesus Christ from the dead, then it is not unreasonable to accept the promise that we will likewise be raised if we believe and live righteously. If there is no resurrection and all there is to life is what we experience in our present lifetime, what basis exists for individuals to refrain from resorting to the most foul means even, to ensure that they get wealth, pleasure, power and all that they think might make for satisfaction here and now? It cannot be denied that many persons who try to be fair have suffered greatly, been denied justice and have had untimely and ignominious deaths, while others who seem to trample on those who are vulnerable and break virtually every rule of fairness seem to prosper in the present world order.

As a basis for peace and harmony Jesus admonished: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matt.5:44). Indeed, were such principles universally practiced, there would be no disharmony anywhere, as everyone would seek the good of each other and would rather suffer than cause suffering. However, in a world where selfishness abounds, the upholders of such principles may seem to suffer and even die prematurely as was the experience of Jesus Himself. Yet, even in the face of death, rather than calling ten thousand angels to deliver Him and destroy His enemies, He prayed: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

To human eyes it may seem that He died as a fool. But, God honoured Him by raising Him from the dead (Gal 1:1) and has “highly exalted Him” (Phil.2:9). Such is the message and meaning of the resurrection, that God, who sees and knows all things, is faithful and will not fail to honour those who put their trust in Him and live unselfishly for the good of others.

Colin A. Gyles is Founder of GOD’S LOVE Ministry.

1. It is a documented fact of history that the Romans employed crucifixion as a form of punishment for slaves and notorious criminals. The 1st. century historian Flavius Josephus testifies to this, citing this mode of punishment as being inflicted on a friend of his, who, in the absence of vigilant guards was taken down from the cross and recovered. It was not until the reign of Constantine in the 4th century that this mode of punishment was abolished. It is therefore not unlikely that one such as Jesus who was wrongly considered to be a threat to the Jewish nation could be executed in such a manner upon the request of the Jewish leaders to the Roman authorities.

It is also significant that Constantine, in professing acceptance of Christianity adopted the cross as an emblem, replacing the Roman eagle. These can be seen on coins of Constantine the Great and his near successors. This indicates a clear association of the cross with the Christian faith, an association which could only be based on the idea that Christ was crucified on a cross.

2. In the writings of Old Testament prophets are found predictions concerning the life and death of the Messiah who was then expected. Such predictions seem to accord with the events that are reported to have taken place in the life and death of Jesus. Among such predictions are the following: The time of His death – Dan.9:25,26; His betrayal – Ps.41:9, Zech.11:12,13; His sufferings which include the piercing of His hands and feet – Ps.22:16, Zech.13:16, Isa.50:6, Isa.53:1-12; The casting of lots for His vesture – Ps.22:18. Since these prophets have also predicted other events that have occurred in accordance with their predictions, it is not unreasonable to accept the account of witnesses who testify that the events concerning Christ did likewise occur as predicted.

3. Gospel writers, particularly John and Matthew, claim to have been eyewitnesses of many of the events that transpired in the life of Christ. The testimonies of these and other witnesses is that Jesus was crucified on a cross. Minor differences in the accounts that are given are typically what might be expected when any event is reported by different human beings due to the differences in human perception and recollection. Such inevitable differences only indicate that the witnesses did not collude.

The evidences indicate clearly that the crucifixion of Christ is certainly not a myth but rather, a credible account that is worthy of acceptance. Further, the significance of the death of Jesus Christ is not particularly the method that was employed in carrying out His execution, since death by crucifixion was not unique to His case. Rather, the significance lies in the idea that this individual was the only begotten Son of the Most High God, was morally upright, blameless and did only good, yet, without just cause, He was dragged off and killed in a manner that was specifically reserved for the most notorious of criminals. If this was so, as Christians believe, then every well-thinking person should ask himself/herself, “why?”.

- Colin A. Gyles is Founder of God’s Love evangelistic ministry.

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excerpts of Introduction:

For what is considered to be THE CHURCH many individuals have endured the most gruesome
torture and even death, not accepting deliverance. Others, having a different view of what is THE CHURCH have felt, not only justified, but duty-bound to persecute relentlessly, even to the death, others who are differently persuaded.
…But what is this mysterious entity – THE CHURCH over which individuals hold such diverse,
yet unyielding passion? Is it a national establishment, the great cathedral or the various
denominations? What is the Biblical perspective on this matter?
In describing the relationship between Christ and His Church, the apostle Paul refers to it as a mystery. He admonishes husbands to Love their wives “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it,” declaring that men ought to love their wives as their own bodies and that one who loves his wife loves himself. He further goes on to say:
“This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.” Eph.5:32

A mystery, by definition is something that is hidden from or obscure to the understanding. This might raise the question as to whether or not there is much to be gained by probing into the Biblical concept of The Church, since it is a mystery. However, to those who genuinely desire a closer walk with God and who sincerely seek to know the truths of God’s Word, the promise of Christ holds true today as it did when He spoke thus to his disciples:
“Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God.” Luke 8:10.
Of Christ it is declared that in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col.
2:3) and we are further assured that:
“If any of you Jack wisdom, Jet him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.
These are our assurances, so with these in mind we now consider “The Unfolding Mystery of
God’s Church.”

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