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DIE DOOD: ‘N STRAF WAT DEUR GOD TOEGEDIEN WORD OF ‘N NATUURLIKE GEVOLG VAN SONDE?

DIE DOOD: ‘N STRAF WAT DEUR GOD TOEGEDIEN WORD OF ‘N NATUURLIKE GEVOLG VAN SONDE?

Die Bybel sê:

“Want die loon van die sonde is die dood, maar die gawe van God is die ewige lewe in Christus Jesus, onse Here” (Romeine 6:23 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

“Hy wat saai om sy sondige natuur te behaag, sal uit daardie natuur verderf maai” (Galasiërs 6:8 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

As die sonde volgroeid is, gee dit geboorte aan die dood” (Jakobus 1:15 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Uit hierdie tekste blyk dit duidelik dat die dood die direkte gevolg van sonde is, nie ‘n toediening deur God nie, en die Bybel sê elders dat die mag van die dood Satan se krag is, nie God s’n nie:

“Aangesien die kinders, soos hy hulle noem, mense van vlees en bloed is, het Jesus self soos hulle geword en hulle menslike natuur gedeel. Hy het dit gedoen sodat hy deur sy dood die duiwel, wat die mag oor die dood het, kon vernietig (Hebreërs 2:14 GNB, beklemtoning myne).

Op grond van hierdie tekste het ek onlangs ‘n artikel bespreek wat op 7 Desember 2023, in Adventist Review gepubliseer is om die volgende te stel:

Om ons te spaar, het God sy toorn uitgestort oor die oortreding van sy wet (sonde), nie op die oortreders van sy wet (sondaars) nie, maar op die sondelose Jesus, die enigste manier waarop God “regverdig kon wees en die regverdiger van die een wat geloof in Jesus het” (Rom. 3:26). Kortom, eerder as om ons dood te maak omdat ons sy wet oortree het, het die Vader Jesus eerder doodgemaak. … Of, om dit grof te stel, die Vader het Jesus doodgemaak sodat Hy ons nie hoef dood te maak nie (Goldstein, C. “Law, Freedom, Love.” Adventist Review aanlyn uitgawe, 8 Desember 2023, klem myne).

Ek het beweer dat die skrywer die krag van die dood aan God toeskryf, wat volgens die Bybel eintlik ‘n mag van Satan is. Met ander woorde, die skrywer beskryf God as Een wat gebruik maak van Satan se mag. Ek het ook opgemerk dat om God in die rol van die een te plaas wat die dood bring, die onvermydelike gevolg is van mense wat die leuen aanvaar dat God se wet soos menslike wet funksioneer – ‘n stelsel van opgemaakte reëls wat eksterne toepassing vereis. Wanneer mense glo dat God se wet opgelê word soos ons wette is, kom hulle altyd tot die gevolgtrekking dat geregtigheid beteken om straf op te lê en dat die minimum straf vir sonde die dood is, so hulle kom tot die gevolgtrekking dat God die dood moet toedien om geregtigheid te bewerkstellig. Verder, omdat Jesus ons plaasvervangende Verlosser geword het, leer hulle dat God die onskuldige Jesus in ons plek doodgemaak het. Dit is baie hartseer om dit te sien, maar dit is wat die een leuen oor God se wet doen.

 

OM MOEILIKE GEDEELTES TE VERSTAAN

As ek reg is, dat die mag van die dood die duiwel se mag is en dat God nie die dood toedien as straf vir sonde nie, wat doen ons dan met tekste soos hierdie?

Aanskou nou dat dit Ek is en dat daar geen god naas My is nie; Ek maak dood en maak lewend, Ek het verbrysel en Ek genees; en daar is niemand wat uit my hand red nie (Deuteronómium 32:39 AFR33).

Weerspreek die Bybel homself? Gebruik God Satan se krag? Is God die bron van lewe en dood? Word die dood deur God toegedien? Is ek verkeerd oor die Review berig?

Hoe ons die Bybel en alle teologiese vrae verstaan, word direk bepaal deur ons begrip van hoe God se wet funksioneer. As ons glo dat God se wet funksioneer soos menslike wette, opgelegde reëls wat wetlike toesig en afdwinging vereis, dan kom ons tot die gevolgtrekking, soos die Review berig doen, dat God die bron is van die toegediende dood as straf vir sonde – en ons sal tekste soos Deuteronomium 32:39 aanhaal om hierdie valse gevolgtrekking as waar te “bewys”.

Maar wanneer ons terugkeer na ontwerpwette, en verstaan dat God die Skepper is en dat al sy wette die protokolle is waarop Hy die werklikheid en lewe gebou het om op te werk – soos die wette van fisika, gesondheid en die morele wette – dan besef ons dat God nie die bron van die dood is nie, maar dat die dood die gevolg is van wegbreking vanaf God en sy ontwerpprotokolle vir die lewe,  soos om die wet van asemhaling te oortree deur ‘n plastieksak oor ‘n mens se kop vas te bind.

Wat doen ons dan met Deuteronomium 32:39? Ons kan nie hierdie teks ignoreer nie, so hoe verstaan ons dit?

Soos ons met die hele Skrif doen, plaas ons dit in die omgewing van die hele geïnspireerde rekord, die agtergrond van die Groot Stryd, en ons baseer nie ons begrip net op een teks nie. En met net ‘n bietjie meer Bybelondersoek, vind ons hierdie verduidelikende teks:

“Die HERE bring die dood en maak lewendig; Hy daal neer na die graf en wek op” (1 Samuel 2:6 NIV 84).

In hierdie gedeelte kan ons die antwoord sien deur Hebreeuse parallelisme, waarin die tweede frase uitbrei op die eerste – en wat leer ons? Dat God in beheer is van wat die Bybel die eerste dood noem, nie die tweede dood nie; dat God die eerste dood veroorsaak, maar nie die tweede dood nie en dat Hy mense uit die eerste-dood-ervaring sal opwek.

 

DIE BYBEL EN DIE DOOD

In die Skrif word die woord “dood” toegepas op twee verskillende en afsonderlike toestande van wese/bestaan:

  • Die eerste dood, wat die Bybel as ‘n “slaap” beskryf (Matthéüs 9:23,24; Johannes 11:11-14; 1 Thessalonicense 4:13-17), is ‘n toestand waarin die liggaam ophou funksioneer en weer tot stof verval (Genesis 3:19), maar die siel, die individualiteit, “slaap” in afwagting op die opstanding. Dit is soos ‘n rekenaar waarvan die battery “doodgaan” sodat die rekenaar “slaap” totdat dit weer aangeskakel word. Die groot Hervormer Martin Luther het geskryf, “Dit is genoeg vir ons om te weet dat siele nie hul liggame verlaat om deur die pyniging en strawwe van die hel bedreig te word nie, maar ‘n voorbereide slaapkamer binnegaan waarin hulle in vrede slaap” (Weimarer Ausgabe, 43, 360, 21-23 (tot Genesis 25:7-10); ook Exegetica opera latina, Vol 5-6 1833 bl. 120 en die Engelse vertaling: Luther’s Works, Amerikaanse uitgawe, 55 vols. (St. Louis: CPH), 4:313).

Die eerste dood is nie die einde van die lewe nie; Dit is ‘n pouse in ‘n mens se lewe – die lewe sal voortgaan by die opstanding.

  • Die tweede dood is die dood waar die “loon van die sonde” dood is (Romeine 6:23); dit is die dood waarin beide liggaam en siel vernietig word. Hierdie dood gebeur met niemand tot na die oordeel nie – na die tweede opstanding aan die einde van die 1,000 jaar. Dit is die dood wat plaasvind wanneer ‘n mens heeltemal en permanent afgesny is van God, wat die bron van lewe is. En die tweede dood het geen mag oor die regverdiges nie, net oor die goddeloses (Openbaring 2:11; 20:6).

Deur hierdie twee tipes dood te verstaan, kan ons Deuteronomium 32:39 en 1 Samuel 2:6 verstaan hoe die duiwel, nie God nie, die mag van die dood het.

God is die bron van die eerste dood – die slaapdood, wat ‘n kunsmatige toestand van opgeskorte lewe is wat deur God se genade aangevuur en veroorsaak word om die vernietiging van sonde te beperk en tyd toe te laat vir die verlossingsplan om uitgevoer te word. As dit nie vir God se genade was om die uiteindelike gevolge van sonde (tweede dood) vir ‘n tyd op te skort nie, sou daar geen eerste dood gewees het nie, slegs die tweede dood. Maar die Bybel sê vir ons dat God in “sy verdraagsaamheid die sondes wat vooraf gepleeg is, ongestraf gelaat het” (Romeine 3:25 NIV 84). God het ingegryp om hierdie kunsmatige toestand van slaap-dood te skep sodat Jesus se missie as ons plaasvervangende Verlosser om te kom en te oorwin, vervul kon word.

Die Bybel sê dus tereg vir ons dat God in beheer is van die slaapdood, en dit is God se krag om hierdie slaapdood te bring en mense daaruit wakker te maak. Maar die slaapdood is nie die dood wat die loon van sonde is nie! Die dood wat die loon van sonde is, is die dood wat Satan veroorsaak – en wat Jesus kom vernietig het:

“Die laaste vyand wat vernietig moet word, is die dood” (1 Korinthiërs 15:26 NIV 84).

“Christus Jesus, wat die dood vernietig het en lewe en onsterflikheid aan die lig gebring het deur die evangelie” (2 Timoteus 1:10 NIV 84).

So, ons het twee sterftes wat in die Skrif beskryf word. Die eerste dood, die slaapdood, wat glad nie die dood is nie, maar ‘n tydperk van opgeskorte lewe waarin ‘n persoon op die opstanding wag. Dit is die kunsmatige toestand van genade wat deur God beheer word met die doel om die mensdom van sonde te red.

Maar die tweede dood, die ewige dood, wat ‘n toestand van uitwissing is en waaruit daar geen opstanding is nie, is nie van God nie – dit is die gevolg van onherstelde sonde en is die vrug van Satan se krag om mense van God, die bron van lewe, te vervreem.

En die tweede dood vind nie plaas wanneer God krag gebruik om dit toe te dien nie, maar wanneer Hy ophou om sy krag te gebruik om dit te voorkom. Met ander woorde, God het mag gebruik om terug te hou wat sonde doen, maar in die finale einde, laat God “los” en gee die koppige opstandiges oor om die volle gevolge te pluk van dit waarop hulle aangedring het, afsondering van Hom, die bron van lewe, en hulle sterf vir ewig. Net soos Galasiërs sê: “Hy wat saai om sy sondige natuur te behaag, sal uit daardie natuur vernietiging maai” (6:8 NIV 84).

God is die bron van lewe; Satan en sonde is die bron van die dood!

 

VERTRAGING VAN DIE MISSIE

Ons sal nie in staat wees om ons missie te voltooi om die evangelie na die wêreld te neem, solank ons ‘n god aanbied wat die bron is van die dood wat as straf vir sonde aan mense toegedien word nie. Ons moet die leuen verwerp dat God se wet soos menslike wet afgedwing word. En ons moet die straf-/regsteologieë verwerp wat God in die rol van die kosmiese laksman plaas wat Satan se mag van die dood uitoefen.

In plaas daarvan, moet ons terugkeer na die aanbidding van God as die Skepper, die bron van lewe, die geneser van ons siele, die een wat die hemele, aarde, seë en fonteine van water gemaak het en wat al sy werkinge onderhou.

Ek nooi jou uit om die straf-vervangende bedrog, wat gebaseer is op die leuen dat God se wet soos menslike wet funksioneer, te verwerp en God in sy ware lig te aanbid as Skepper, Geneser, Verlosser en Onderhouer van die hele werklikheid – die God wie se wette ontwerpwette is.

 

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Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 22

I have found your Bible study class lectures to be very inspiring and useful as I prepare to teach class every other week. I subscribe to the podcast and download your notes on the weeks I teach. The audio and notes are such a great help in preparing. My own understanding of God’s character has grown as I teach the class. Commendations on the thought-provoking and well-prepared material Come and Reason provides. Personally, I get excited by the tie you make between the spiritual and mental/physical domains.

A.A. Corrales, NM, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

Testimony 68

Your message of design law vs imperial law is so uplifting and makes so much sense- it is a game changer for me. The fact that Jesus’s death is not a big payment by an angry God is , quite frankly, a relief.

Laura G., London, Ontario, Canada

 

Testimony 58

I have been watching your videos in The Power of Love seminar and I must say these have liberated me and have improved my relationship with the Lord. I am no longer terrified of him as I was before following your teachings.

Thando N., South Africa

 

Testimony 64

I’ve been reading the bible and walking with Jesus since I was around 16. I’m 42 now. I’ve mostly been alone in my walk although I went to several churches in different denominations. For the past 3 years God has been showing me His character of agape. It’s been a blessing and changed how I view God and my walk with Jesus. About a year ago I came across the power of love and the principles of design law. These teachings changed how I read scripture and have been such a beautiful blessing. I’m very excited and grateful for these truths. We share these truths of agape, design law and the reality of the principles of the two trees in the garden of Eden with people on Facebook and YouTube. People all over are learning to trust God and His agape design law which makes life possible. Thank you for everything you shared with me. May God continue to bless your ministry and lives.

Bradley M., Hinsdale, NY, USA

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA