THE WARNINGS OF CHRIST

     Among the Saviour’s counsel were some profound warnings on which our salvation hinges. Because sin is so inbred in our society, the cruel indifference to the suffering of life so typical, that Jesus had to cut to the quick and warn of the danger facing us to keep us from getting entangled in the common sins that are destroying the Earth: that we may stand “innocent from the great transgression” (Ps.19:13).

     Among the most difficult warnings from the lips of Jesus is found in Luke 14:26: “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

     The word “hate” in this verse has been a stumbling block for theologians. In fact, in order to water it down they have defined it as ‘loving less:’ associating it with other verses of Scripture where the word “hate” is not used. This common definition that attempts to defend the LORD corrupts the intended lesson that Jesus desires for all to take to heart. These are issues of salvation, and Christ does not mince words when it comes to our salvation. The cost would be too high to “go easy” on the sinner when Satan has the vast majority of the human race united with him in sin and rebellion against GOD. The word for hate in the original Greek text means “to detest.” Synonyms include, “despise,” “loathe,” and “abhor.” There is no way the honest Bible student can equate this with ‘loving less.’

     16 times the word hate is used in the New Testament; and each use of it shows the severity of the word. Two prophetic examples showing our near future:

“All these are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” Matt.24:8-10.

“And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.” Rev.17:15-17.

     What is coming on this world is so severe that for any Christian minister to play down or disqualify the coming threat against the faithful of Jesus Christ (such as the fictitious ‘secret rapture’) betrays his trust as a minister of the Gospel. While the last message is a revelation of the love of Christ, the true demonstration of that love must always include the dangers that are to be faced. This has been the call of the prophets from the beginning. And many laid down their lives as a result, such as the great prophet Isaiah. Simply think of it as seeing some poor drunk walking in the middle of a busy highway. Would you just stand there and watch? Or would you intervene and rush to save his life?

     So, the lesson to be drawn from Christ’s words is clear when we see the included words, “hate…his own life also.” We are called to discern the sinfulness in our own lives and detest the deeds that bring sin into the life. The LORD addressed this fact long ago: “for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth.” Gen.8:21. And in the days of the children of Israel the LORD warned us to be on our guard against the evil heart, “Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart.” Deut.15:9. And Jesus brought it down to our day, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” Matt.7:11.

     In the midst of this fundamentally immoral world Christ came to redeem all men from its curse. Although “few” believe His invitation to “everlasting life” He has succeeded in freeing all men to have the choice to be set free from the condemnation, power and presence of sin that we received as an inheritance from Adam. “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them.” II Cor.5:19. Taking on sinful flesh He conquered “sin in the flesh” and has redeemed us to GOD. Jesus has delivered us from everything that has been imposed on us without our consent. And He calls for our consent to request the Father for His Presence in our lives to lead us to victory over sin. It is “Our Father which art in heaven” “Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Ps.136:23-26.