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Liefde DRYF tot dissipline, maar die wet dwing om te straf

Liefde DRYF tot dissipline, maar die wet dwing om te straf

“God is liefde” (1 Johannes 4:16). Sy wet is liefde (Matthéüs 22:36-40). En liefde is nie selfsugtig nie (1 Korinthiërs 13:5) – liefde poog nie om vir jouself te kry nie, maar om te gee om ander op te hef. Hierdie werklikheid bestaan van die ewigheid af en sal tot in ewigheid bestaan, want God verander nooit nie (Jesaja 57:15; Maleagi 3:6; Jakobus 1:17), en Sy ontwerpwette vir die werklikheid is Sy liefde ingebou in die weefsel van die heelal; dit is liefde in aksie, die vaste wette van hemel en aarde wat nie verander nie (Jeremia 33:25).

Maar wat beteken dit dat “God liefde is”? Is dit dieselfde ding as “God is liefdevol”? Ek en jy kan liefdevol wees, maar ons is nie liefde nie. Liefde is meer as ‘n gevoel; dit is funksioneel, en dit funksioneer deur te gee, deur welwillendheid, deur uitwaartse beweging van energie tot voordeel van ander. Liefde is nie selfsugtig nie; dit is onbaatsugtig, ander-gesentreerd, genesend en herstellend.

Wat dink jy daarvan dat nie net is God se natuur liefde nie, maar ook dat God se wet liefde is? Funksioneer liefde deur geweld, dwang, dreigement en straf? Kan jy liefde by mense wek deur reëls vir hulle op te stel en dan te dreig om hulle te straf as hulle nie aan jou reëls gehoorsaam is nie? Wat gebeur as ‘n mens reëls opstel wat ons “wette” noem, maar wat nie ontwerpwette is nie en dan eksterne druk gebruik om nakoming af te dwing? Vrees, wantroue en rebellie lei tot die vernietiging van liefde! Dit is hoe die werklikheid funksioneer. En dit is waarom die koninkryke van die wêreld Satan s’n is – omdat hulle almal funksioneer in opgemaakte wette wat deur eksterne straf afgedwing word, wat uiteindelik liefde vernietig en rebellie aanhits (Matthéüs 4:8, 9; Johannes 18:36). Dit is waarom elke regering wat ooit bestaan het, deur die geskiedenis van die wêreld uiteindelik omvergewerp en vervang word. Maar God se koninkryk is ‘n ewige koninkryk – dit sal nooit vervang word nie (Daniël 4:3; Lukas 1:33; 2 Petrus 1:11).

God se ontwerpwette is uitdrukkings van Sy karakter van liefde. Om daardie wet te oortree, verbreek die protokolle van die lewe en sal pyn, lyding en dood tot gevolg hê, tensy dit deur God genees word. Soos die Bybel leer, “Hy wat saai om sy sondige natuur te behaag, sal uit daardie natuur vernietiging maai” (Galasiërs 6:8 NIV 84). Om die wette van God te oortree, is die oortreding van die wette waarop lewe gebou is en vernietig die wetsoortreder, tensy dit deur ons Skepper genees word.

Een van God se ontwerpwette vir intelligente wesens is die wet van waarheid. Ons kan nie gesondheid hê in leuens, in valshede, uit harmonie met die waarheid en die werklikheid nie. Die Bybel leer dus dat liefde bly is met die waarheid (1 Korinthiërs 13:6) en God is ook waarheid – die oneindige bron van waarheid (Johannes 3:33, 14:6, 16:13). In God is daar geen duisternis, geen leuen, geen bedrog nie (1 Johannes 1:5). Liefde werk dus altyd met die waarheid, praat waarheid, pas waarheid toe, beweeg vorentoe in die waarheid, want die waarheid genees en maak vry (Joh 8:32).

Liefde bestaan slegs in ‘n atmosfeer van vryheid. Dus, soos die Bybel leer, “Die Here is die Gees, en waar die Gees van die Here is, daar is vryheid (2 Korinthiërs 3:17). Dit is die wet van vryheid, ‘n ontwerpwet wat die werking van harte en gedagtes beheer. Individualiteit, ontwikkeling, liefde en groei vind slegs plaas in vryheid.

 

GOD, DISSIPELSKAP EN STRAF

God se wette is nie soos die wette van skepsele nie; God regeer nie deur opgemaakte reëls wat deur dwang en eksterne strawwe afgedwing word nie, want sulke metodes skend vryheid, beskadig liefde, hits rebellie aan en vernietig individualiteit.

Maar die Bybel leer dat God diegene dissiplineer vir wie Hy lief is; verder dokumenteer die Bybel dat God baie verskillende soorte reëls of wette gegee het (Hebreërs 12:6). So, as God se wet nie soos menslike wet is nie en God nie wette afdwing soos mense nie, hoe verstaan ons al die voorbeelde in die Skrif van God wat wet en eksterne mag gebruik – die vernietiging van die wêreld deur ‘n vloed, Sodom, die eersgeborenes van Egipte, en ander – met die feit dat God sê Hy dissiplineer diegene wat Hy liefhet?

Dissipline kom van die grondwoord “dissipel”, en dit beteken om te onderrig. Liefde sal dus ingryp met kunsmatig opgelegde gevolge om op te voed, te onderrig, te illustreer, te beskerm en lesse tuis te bring na die hart en verstand om kinders, die onvolwasse, tot bekering, tot begrip, tot insig te bring sodat hulle vrylik sal kies om hul harte en gedagtes te verander na die goeie. Sodanige dissipline is ‘n bemiddeling, ‘n voorbidding, ‘n tussentrede, ‘n kunsmatige ingryping wat geplaas word tussen die oortreder en die ware, uiteindelike natuurlike gevolg van die resultate wat ‘n keuse sonder ingryping sou veroorsaak. Hoekom? Omdat liefde ander-gesentreerd is: dit poog om kinders te red, te beskerm en te verlos van selfvernietiging.

Straf kom uit dieselfde wortel as “bestraffend” en beteken om wraak te neem op, om af te dwing, om straf op te lê – nie om te verlos nie, maar om die wet en die gesag van die heersende stelsel te handhaaf. Daar is niks verlossend daaraan om te straf nie. Straf is nie vir die oortreder nie; dit is vir ander – sodat die gemeenskap nie in opstand sal kom nie, sodat die sondige gemeenskap sal voel “die lewe is regverdig,” sodat die sondige gemeenskap nie hul eie wraak sal soek nie, sodat die beledigdes tevrede sal voel dat die oortreder gekry het wat hulle verdien het, en sodat die maghebbers die mag kan behou en verhoed dat die mense rebelleer.

God is liefde, en God, wanneer hy met opstandige, onregverdige, selfsugtige, sondige mense te doen het, stel ‘n stelsel van reëls op met wetlike owerhede en meganismes van kunsmatige tussentrede om eksterne strawwe toe te dien om die liefdeloses, die onregverdiges, die goddeloses te weerhou om ander te mishandel en uit te buit, om die selfvernietiging van die goddeloses te beperk om hul eie harte te verhard deur sulke sondige dade, en om die weg oop te hou vir die Messias en die vervulling van die verlossingsplan.

God se instruksies in die voorsiening van opgelegde wette, soos die Tien Gebooie, was vir die doel van dissipline, opvoeding, selfbeheersing en verlossing van elke misdadiger/sondaar/reëloortreder – maar ook om die gemeenskap te beskerm teen die sonde in hul lewens wat hulle lei tot groter afguns, jaloesie, wellus, optrede in woede, begeerte na wraak, en om te glo in een of ander vorm van aanspreeklikheid en regverdigheid, om ‘n mate van sosiale orde in ‘n sondige wêreld te verskaf terwyl God Sy plan in werking gestel het om Jesus te bring om harte en gedagtes te genees terug na Sy ideaal.

Al die Ou Testamentiese wette wat deur Moses gegee is, is slegs bedoel vir diegene wat nie wedergebore is nie, vir die opstandiges, en vir die wedergebore onvolwasse babas, die kinders wat nog nie van beter weet nie, wat sonder ‘n reël steeds in die straat sou speel, nie hul tande sou borsel nie, of Baäl sou aanbid en dink dit is reg.

 

DIE BYKOMENDE WET

Die apostel Paulus het voortdurend met dieselfde konflik te doen gehad, die wettiese Joodse leiers wat geglo het dat God se wet soos menslike wet funksioneer en wat rondgegaan het om reëls op mense af te dwing en daardeur verwarring veroorsaak het. Paulus moes dus aan die Galasiërs skryf en hulle daaraan herinner dat God se geskrewe wette, insluitend die Tien Gebooie, weens sonde bygevoeg is vir die behoefte van mense (Galasiërs 3:19-25).

Maar miskien was Paulus die duidelikste toe hy aan Timoteus geskryf het:

Die doel van hierdie opdrag is liefde, wat uit ‘n rein hart en ‘n goeie gewete en ‘n opregte geloof kom. Party het hiervan weggedwaal en hulle tot betekenislose praatjies gewend. Hulle wil leraars van die wet wees, maar hulle weet nie waarvan hulle praat of wat hulle so vol vertroue beaam nie (1 Timoteus 1:5-7 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Paulus maak dit duidelik dat God se koninkryk die koninkryk van liefde is, wat funksioneer op die lewende wette, protokolle van liefde, wat in die hart werk. Die onderwysers van die reg weet egter nie waarvan hulle praat nie. Hulle bevorder reëls en reëltoepassing, die soort wette wat mense opmaak en wat tot rebellie sal lei as die hart nie tot liefde bekeer word nie. Geweld skend vryheid, wat liefde vernietig. En dit is wat alle wettiese godsdienste doen: Hulle vernietig liefde en hits meer rebellie teen God aan. Paulus maak dit dus duidelik dat God se geskrewe wet NIE vir die regverdiges is nie; dit is eerder vir die onvolwasse, selfsugtige, onbekeerde mense:

Ons weet dat die wet goed is as ‘n mens dit reg gebruik. Ons weet ook dat die wet nie vir die regverdiges gemaak word nie, maar vir wetsoortreders en opstandiges, die goddelose en sondiges, die onheiliges en ongodsdienstiges; vir diegene wat hulle vaders of moeders doodmaak, vir moordenaars, vir egbrekers en ontaardes, vir slawehandelaars en leuenaars en meinedige – en met alles anders wat in stryd is met die gesonde leer wat ooreenstem met die glorieryke evangelie van die geseënde God, wat hy aan my toevertrou het (1 Timoteus 1:8-11 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Die Bybel leer dat die geskrewe wet bygevoeg is as gevolg van ons sonde om daardie sonde aan ons te openbaar – om ons te diagnoseer, om ons te oortuig van ons terminale sonde-toestand – en om ons na Jesus, ons hemelse Geneesheer, te lei vir genesing. Die geskrewe wet, insluitend die Tien Gebooie, is bygevoeg vir ons behoefte en het slegs gevegsvoordeel in ‘n wêreld van sonde.

In ‘n wêreld waar God Sy lewende wet van liefde, waarheid en vryheid in harte en gedagtes herstel het en vrees en selfsug (die vleeslike natuur) uitgeroei het, is daar geen geskrewe wet nie – want dit is nie nodig nie! Wanneer liefde in die hart heers soos God bedoel, is daar geen opgelegde wet wat opdrag gee om nie te vermoor, te steel, owerspel te pleeg, valse getuienis te lewer, ander gode te vermy nie, ens., want die regverdiges word verafsku deur selfs die gedagte aan sulke dinge. Die regverdiges leef die wet van God uit as die dryfveer en motiveerder van hulle optrede. Die Tien Gebooie-wet het slegs ‘n doel en funksie in ‘n wêreld van sonde. God se ewige ontwerpwette (liefde, waarheid, vryheid, ens.) bestaan en funksioneer oor die hele heelal deur alle ewigheid, verlede en toekoms.

 

WANNEER GOD VERNIETIG

Wat dan van die tye en plekke in die Bybel waar God wel krag gebruik het om te vernietig? Is dit nie ‘n bewys dat Hy opgelegde wette met opgelegde strawwe gebruik nie? Glad nie – in plaas daarvan, is dit ‘n bewys van God wat werk om die vernietiging van sonde te beperk met die doel om Sy belofte in Genesis 3:15 te vervul, die beloofde Saad om sonde, dood en Satan te vernietig en die mensdom te verlos.

Toe Adam gesondig het, het hy homself verander en homself uit harmonie met God en God se wet vir die lewe gebring. Adam se toestand het terminaal geword, dood in oortreding en sonde. Sonder Jesus, die beloofde Saad, sou Adam vir ewig sterf. Maar God is liefde, en liefde dryf aksie – daarom het God se liefde Hom gedryf om op te tree om te red en te genees.

Want so lief het God die wêreld gehad dat Hy sy enigste Seun gegee het, sodat elkeen wat in Hom glo, nie verlore sal gaan nie, maar die ewige lewe sal hê. Want God het nie sy Seun in die wêreld gestuur om die wêreld te veroordeel nie, maar om die wêreld deur Hom te red (Joh 3:16, 17 NIV 84).

Sonder Jesus se koms sou geen mens lewe nie, want alle mense is besmet met hierdie terminale toestand (Psalm 51:5). Dus, dwarsdeur die hele Ou Testamentiese verhaal, sien ons God werk in liefde, barmhartigheid en genade om die weg oop te hou vir die geboorte van die Messias, en Satan het teen God oorlog gevoer en probeer om daardie tak van die mensdom te vernietig.

Vir ‘n meer gedetailleerde verkenning van hoe liefde werk om patologie in bedwang te hou, om die kanale van seëninge oop te hou, maar nooit die bron van toegediende pyn en dood is nie, sien ons blogs:

Die Vloed En Die Vraag Of God Doodmaak – Deel 1

Die Vloed En Die Vraag Of God Doodmaak – Deel 2

Die Doodstraf In Ou Testamentiese Tye

God Se Toorn Teenoor Satan Se Toorn – Wat Is Die Verskil?

Die Waarheid Omtrent Die Hel

Ek nooi jou uit om die wêreldse beskouing van die wet te verwerp en die ewige wet van liefde van ons Skepper God as jou motiveerder vir die lewe te omhels. Dit is die liefde en waarheid van God, soos gemanifesteer in Jesus, wat genees en transformeer:

“Die liefde van Christus dring ons. Omdat ons geoordeel het dat Een vir almal gesterf het, glo ons dat ons almal ons ou, sondige lewe afgesterf het. Hy hét vir almal gesterf sodat dié wat lewe, nie meer vir hulself moet leef nie, maar vir Hom wat vir hulle gesterf het en opgewek is. Van nou af beoordeel ons niemand meer volgens ’n menslike maatstaf nie (2 Korinthiërs 5:14-16 NIV 84, beklemtoning myne).

Word verander deur die waarheid en liefde van God en jy sal dinge nie meer deur die lens van hierdie wêreld, met sy opgemaakte, opgelegde regstelsel, sien nie, maar deur die waarheid soos dit in Jesus is!

 

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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 60

Just watched watched lesson 10 in the 1st quarter 2021 bible study classs on Isaiah. I want to thank you for your intellectual spirituality; it’s not an oxymoron! From the point of view of a teacher I also enjoy seeing how much personal pleasure you clearly take in not just tasting, but feasting on God’s word – it reminds me of Jeremiah not being able to hold it in! It makes me smile that your cup is so full and overflowing that you make it to Tuesday’s lesson (on a good day). It just goes to show the richness of God’s Word.

God bless the Come and Reason Team from our church here in Great Britain.

Andrew H., Great Britain

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 63

I’ve been very blessed by “The God Shaped Brain” and this ministry, through video and podcast, over the last few years. It’s truly opened up my eyes more to the truth about God and the importance of that truth in the present world. The message is so inviting, freeing and enlightening and MORE people need to know about it. I believe it is the last message that can truly, not only prepare a people for salvation and translation, but vindicate the character of God.

Michael V., Yonkers, NY, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

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 10

I personally download and listen to each of Come And Reason Ministries Bible study class lessons and PDF study notes to use when teaching my class. Really appreciate the class especially when Dr. Jennings is teaching. Thank God there are persons like him doing His work and traveling to share His beliefs.

B. L.M., North Plains, OR, USA

 

Testimony 37

Hearing Dr. Jennings’ presentations in person came at a pivotal moment in my spiritual journey that began about nine months ago, when the fault lines inherent in my belief system began to crack under questions that most reasonable people end up asking about God and His nature. These were questions I couldn’t find answers to, and they shook my faith. I was unable let it go any longer and be satisfied. My Christian experience became distant. I was afraid; the fear in me rose like thorns, pushing me away from Jesus. And then someone heard my questions and introduced me to this ministry, and my life has totally changed.

I can tell you that this new, “present truth” message is far grander and life-changing than when I shifted from being an agnostic and then a nominal Christian. It has radically altered my worldview, because it reveals a God that makes sense. It is a revolution. I believe that Dr. Jennings’ message is the final message that must go to the world. If any message could be called “righteousness by faith,” as abused as that term is by the right and the left, this is that message, because Jennings’ biblical message identifies a God who is different, whose character isn’t an impossible contradiction.

I walk this path now without fear. I see people differently, and the Holy Spirit burns in my heart. Many call Dr. Jennings’ message false and compromising, but it isn’t false, because I’ve seen the fruits within my mind and body. It is not compromising, because in this message is the only road to holiness that makes any sense. No longer do I behold a pagan god who is always angry and suspicious. Instead, I behold a God who is freeing and loving, always working for our good, and giving me every reason to love my enemy even to my own death, just as Jesus pleads with us. God is good.

Anthony L., CA, USA