Category: What do you think?

The Meaning of ‘Firstborn’ in Relation to Jesus Christ

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JEFF TURNER

Throughout church history, some significant errors have come from those who deny that Jesus is God. They do not believe he is the second part of the Trinity, the eternal God who always existed. Since the Bible clearly teaches that Christ is eternal, What does Romans 8:29, mean when it calls Jesus the “firstborn among many brethren.” If Jesus has always been, why would Paul call him the firstborn?

This is a very important question. The Greek word translated as “firstborn” is πρωτότοκος (prōtotokos). In reality, this word does not describe the order of birth, and it doesn’t even necessarily mean a birth happened in the typical sense. Instead, it is a word that means preeminent, meaning the most important or highest-ranking. So, what Romans 8:29 is saying is that among all people, Jesus is the preeminent one. Using language that usually refers to the most important son in a family is similar to other ways the Bible uses human-like words to describe God. For example, God is described as a fire or as a protective bird in the Old Testament. These are metaphors.

Doesn’t the idea of the “firstborn,” borrow from human language, emphasizing the exalted position of Christ? He is the most important one.

Gifts

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JEFF TURNER

In 1 Corinthians 12:8-9, the Apostle Paul talks about spiritual gifts. When describing how these gifts are given, the passage says, “to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the one Spirit.”

This might lead some to ask if this means all Christians have only one spiritual gift.

In one way, it is fair to say yes, all Christians have a spiritual gift. Peter also wrote that “as each has received a gift,” and then he mentions speaking and serving gifts. It is believed that every believer has a gift. However, the specific gift that each individual believer has is likely a combination of different categories of giftedness.

In 1 Corinthians 12 and also in Romans 12, there are lists of various categories of gifts. For each believer, it seems the Lord blends elements from these categories to create their unique gift. It’s like painting: there are many colors, and the Spirit uses them to create your own special color. Each believer has a gift that combines different types of gifts, and through this gift, they can serve the Lord in the church.

Did Jesus teach hate?

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JEFF TURNER

This is video is on the same subject and worth listening to. This video is a link outside of TexasGospel.ca. and is not produced by us.

Imagine being among the large crowds that followed Jesus every day, listening to his teachings and watching him heal people. Perhaps you were even thinking about becoming his disciple. Then, one day, Jesus says to you and the others, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple”. These are strong words, and it makes you wonder what Jesus meant when he told people they needed to hate their families.

The word “hate” here should be understood in terms of contrast. A similar statement in Matthew 10:37 gives us the key to understanding this difficult idea. The “hatred” Jesus is talking about is actually a lesser love. Jesus was calling his followers to have such a complete devotion and commitment to him that their attachment to everything else, including their families and even their own lives, would seem like hatred in comparison. In other words, Jesus was saying that your family might try to stop you from following him because it could lead to alienation from them. Your possessions might also prevent you, as following Jesus could mean losing them, along with your status and even your life through persecution.

Jesus was emphasizing how important it is to receive the salvation he offers, making it clear that it should be more important than anything else you have or any relationship you possess. He still calls for this same total commitment at any cost.

The Insufficiency of Good Works for Salvation

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JEFF TURNER, JR.

Have you ever wondered how a person can truly be made right with God? Many believe that by doing good deeds, following religious customs, or adhering to a set of rules, they can earn God’s favor. However, the core message is that salvation is a gift, freely given by grace through faith alone, and not based on anything we do.

Think about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. After they sinned, they tried to cover themselves with fig leaves. The scripture in Genesis chapter 3 describes this covering as “tophar,” meaning a self-made, insufficient covering. But God provided a different covering, using the skins of an animal. This covering is described with the Hebrew word “labash,” a full suit provided by God, pointing to a complete and divine covering.

The idea of covering sin is also seen with Noah, who used pitch to “kafar” or cover the ark. Similarly, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would “kapor” or atone for sin. This highlights the need for a covering for sin. The ultimate covering, it is taught, is through the sacrifice of the “lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. Believing in this sacrifice is what “kafar” or covers you.

Consider Abraham, who was declared righteous by faith before he was circumcised. It says, “faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness”. This shows that righteousness comes through faith, not through rituals like circumcision. King David, who lived after the law was given and was circumcised, also spoke of the blessing of the person “to whom God credits righteousness apart from works”. It is written, “blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, whose sins have been covered”.

The concept of “blessing” is often mentioned. In the Old Testament, blessing is connected with the presence and grace of God. Psalm 1 says the blessed person delights in the law of the Lord. In the New Testament, blessing is equated with salvation and being close to God.

In contrast, the attempts to earn God’s favor through our own efforts are described in stark terms. Isaiah 64:6 says, “all of us have become like one who is unclean. And all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags.” This imagery describes our attempts to cover our own sins through good works. Our efforts are insufficient and even offensive to God.

The salvation offered is not something to be earned or bought. It is like food your mother cooks for you. It would be an insult to try and pay for something freely given out of love. God’s salvation is not for sale; it is received by faith through grace. Trying to earn it through righteous acts is like offering “filthy rags”.

Religious rituals, such as circumcision, are also not the basis of salvation. Circumcision was a sign and a seal of the righteousness of the faith Abraham already had while he was uncircumcised. Similarly, baptism is a sign of being a follower of Jesus after salvation, not the means of salvation itself. The true seal of salvation in the New Testament is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians chapter 1 speaks of believers being “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise”.

Finally, salvation is not achieved through following rules or laws. The law’s purpose is to show us our sin, like a mirror revealing a flaw. It cannot save us. The promise given to Abraham was through the righteousness of faith, before the law was given. If salvation were based on the law, then faith would be meaningless. The scripture says, “For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed”. Our salvation is guaranteed because it is based on God’s grace and received through faith. This salvation is a past tense reality – we “have peace with God” and “have been justified”.

Instead of trying to work for salvation or relying on rituals and rules, the focus should be on receiving the free gift of God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. This is a guaranteed salvation, signed, sealed, and delivered.

The Shepherd Who Truly Cares

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JEFF TURNER JR

Have you ever considered what it means to have a leader who genuinely cares for those they lead? Someone whose concern for your well-being surpasses their own? The scriptures speak of such a figure: Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We often look for leaders who prioritize our interests. If we sense a lack of care, our trust diminishes. However, the Good Shepherd operates differently.

The scriptures declare, “I am the door of the sheep. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture” [John 10:9]. This might seem an unusual comparison. Imagine a sheep enclosure with a single point of entry. A shepherd might even sleep across this opening at night, effectively becoming the door, offering protection against threats and preventing the sheep from straying. In this way, Jesus represents the exclusive path to safety and provision. He is the one through whom we gain access to God’s care and security. Just as a gatekeeper recognizes the authentic shepherd, Jesus welcomes those who come to him.

The Good Shepherd is unlike those who might neglect or mistreat their flock. The scriptures contrast Jesus with leaders likened to “thieves and robbers” [John 10:1, 7]. Unlike these selfish individuals focused on their own gain, the Good Shepherd personally calls his own sheep by name and guides them out [John 10:3]. His sheep recognize his unique voice and follow him. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s people were frequently compared to sheep in need of a shepherd. The Good Shepherd fulfills this very need, offering consistent guidance and tender care.

What truly distinguishes the Good Shepherd is his profound willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of his sheep. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” [John 10:11]. This is a powerful assertion. While someone merely hired to watch sheep might abandon them when danger approaches, the true shepherd, who owns and deeply loves his flock, will stand firm in the face of threat. Picture a shepherd bravely fighting off a wolf to protect his sheep, even at the risk of his own life. This illustrates the immeasurable love that Jesus possesses, a love that ultimately led him to die. This sacrifice was not accidental; it was his deliberate intention to overcome the enemies of his people. The scriptures explain, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” [1 Peter 2:24-25].

The Good Shepherd’s care extends beyond a single group. “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd” [John 10:16]. This reveals that all who follow Jesus, regardless of their background, become part of his unified flock.

Jesus’ sacrifice was not the final chapter. “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” [John 10:17-18]. Jesus possessed the inherent power to lay down his life and to take it up again, demonstrating his authority over death through his resurrection.

Just as sheep recognize the distinct call of their shepherd, those who belong to Jesus recognize his voice. Knowing and heeding the Good Shepherd’s voice is essential. Today, we primarily encounter his voice through his word, the scriptures. His voice offers guidance, comfort, and even necessary warnings.

The Good Shepherd leads his sheep not just to safety, but to “abundant life” [John 10:10]. This doesn’t merely refer to material wealth, but to a life that is spiritually rich, deeply satisfying, and overflowing with love, joy, peace, and forgiveness. Even amidst difficulties, this abundant life, found in a close relationship with Jesus, provides genuine fulfillment.

Because the Good Shepherd has unequivocally demonstrated his care through his selfless sacrifice and his triumph over death, we can place our complete trust in him. He is our protector, our provider, our leader, and our savior. Just as the familiar words declare, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” if Jesus is your shepherd, you possess everything you truly need.

Are you listening for the voice of the Good Shepherd? Have you entered his flock? He calls you to come and experience the abundant life and unwavering care that only he can offer.