|
|
 WHAT IS BALAAM’S
DOCTRINE? Arnold Kennedy.
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them which hold the doctrine of Balaam ¼
We find first mention of this doctrine in the book of Numbers, chapter 22, and involved in this doctrine is advocacy for race mixing. Balaam’s doctrine is a subject that is seldom mentioned in the teaching of the denominational churches. But it must be very important if Jesus says He holds it against any church. When Balaam’s doctrine is mentioned, generally it is suggested that holding the doctrine was a matter for that day and age because the pagan morality of that day would have corrupted the church. The subject is avoided because racial intermarriage is now thought to be a good thing, which fulfils the churches’ wrong idea of what the "that they might be one" of John 17: 11+21+22 means. In this chapter, Jesus does not extend His words about oneness to include other than His disciples, and subsequent Israelite disciples, in this oneness. In His messages to the "churches" in the Revelation, Jesus makes scathing remarks about Balaam, the Nicolaitanes and Jezebel, all of which are symbols of beliefs. We will see that Jesus holds something against every modern Judeo-Christian Church, as well as all cults that hold the doctrine of Balaam. Jesus immediately carries on referring this matter back to the Old Testament and He goes on to tell us simply just what the doctrine is that Balaam taught: Well the churches say, "we do not have any problem with that, we do not do, believe, or teach any of those things". One reason why they say this is because they put an unbiblical modern meaning upon the word "fornication". Let us have a look and see if any hold the Doctrine of Balaam in fact, either directly or indirectly. The Doctrine of Balaam deals with "fornication" = porneuo (subjunctive) that is not primarily about whoring after false gods. >From 1 Corinthians, 10:8 where we read, "Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand", we can see from this example that we are taken back to the major passages about Balaam, and that "fornication" here is about Israelite males having sexual relationships with non-Israelite women, either single or married. In this passage, idolatry is a separate issue but the two subjects are coupled intimately together. Israel was warned for all time that God would act against His own people who transgressed His eternal law in this regard. Jesus described the actions in the verse above as a stumbling-block [a stumbling-stone] to the children of Israel (and Israel only). Jesus is writing to the "churches", [that is, those who are the "called out" of Israel under the New Testament]. These are "children" = huios of Israel, that is, they are descendants of Jacob. Jesus says that some among these hold a doctrine that is false. Eating things offered to idols may not be an issue today in the literal sense, but fornication (racially mixed marriage) is a major issue. Immediately racial intermarriage is mentioned in churches, there is instant opposition. Those who hold the error of the doctrine of Balaam always oppose anything against their belief. But what is being quoted above is New Testament doctrine! It is Jesus who is speaking, so please tread carefully. The cherished denominational multi-racial concepts and the multi-cultural ideas have to go down the drain; we must pull the plug on them. The Book of the Revelation is not the only New Testament reference to the doctrine of Balaam. Jude calls it an error and Peter describes it as a teaching of false prophets, calling it "damnable heresies"-(2 Peter 2:1). Now as this is a heresy that leads to damnation, we had better take heed! If any do not want certain damnation, then no longer hold to this doctrine! That perhaps ninety odd percent of the so-called Christian Churches follow this pernicious doctrine of Balaam will not alter the fact that Jesus says, "I have this against you". Are we to believe Jesus or are we to believe today’s false teachers? Jude claims that these teachers "speak evil of things which they know not … after the error of Balaam". They do not know they are teaching error. This is no minor doctrine because Balaam appears by name 60 times through the Bible. Because of this, there is no excuse for not knowing what the doctrine is. To be damned for holding the doctrine of Balaam is no minor matter! The story of the hiring of the prophet Balaam by King Balak to curse the Children of Israel is found in the Book of Numbers, chapter 22. However, it is not until Num 31:16 that we discover the doctrine expressed: In the first instance, Balaam was hired by Balak to curse Israel and God prevented him from doing so. In the end, Balaam counselled Balak to use their women to seduce Israel so that Israel would come to worship the gods of Moab and thus God would punish Israel. The consequence to Israel of Balaam’s advice was seen in a very short time: That it was the work of the women is confirmed in verse 18. God’s judgement on the offenders was swift - everyone who had joined to Baal-Peor was executed. In Ezra 10:10,11 and Nehemiah 9:2 we see the required divorce of the "holy" seed of Israel from the seed of others. In Ezra the word "wives" is used, and the words "separate yourselves" is about making a wall of separation between Israelites and their foreign wives, and mixed-blood children. "Shall we then hearken unto you to do this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?"-[Neh 13:27]. The "strange" in "strange wives" is nokriy meaning foreign, as being non-Israelite. It was the "strange" foreign wives that led to the sin of idolatry. There is a lesson in this! It is not just a divorce option; it is a divorce command! Note here that most people seems to think that the "mixed multitude" refers to Israelites plus other races, never seeming to consider that it may refer to racially mixed offspring from their time in Egypt. The prophet Micah also reminds Israel about this matter of Balaam. Through Micah, God asks tenderly in Micah 6:3, "Oh My people, what have I done unto you, and wherein have I wearied you? Testify against Me". Then Micah goes on to tell how He brought Israel out from Egypt, and then asks Israel to remember about Balaam. Some say that this is purely about Balak asking Balaam to curse Israel, but the consultation went of from Shittim in Moab right across the Jordon into Gilgal. It was in Shittim where the trouble started. Micah says that the consequence of inter-racial sexual activity is a controversy that the Lord has with His people. God will yet plead with Israel [verse 2]. This controversy is over pursuit of the wrong object, contrary to the beliefs in Israel’s spirit. The "righteousness of the Lord" in Micah 6:5 above carries the meaning of "an authoritative decision", and thus has a connection with this matter of racial intermarriage, although this is not commonly taught. This matter of righteousness is mentioned in most places where Balaam’s doctrine, or whoredom by Israel, is found. Peter says it is forsaking the "right (immediate/straight/narrow) way and are gone astray following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness"-[2 Peter 2:15]. God warns Israel in Hosea 5:7, "they have dealt treacherously against the Lord for they have begotten strange children" and says they would be quickly consumed because of it. The prophecies of Micah concern the Children of Israel, and Micah shows the elect remnant that is to be regathered from Israel at the end of this age. It is still the Children of Israel only and not any multi-racial church. The other nations "flow into the mountain of the Lord" after it is established and the other nations learn God’s ways and thus there will be peace on earth. Micah makes this clear. Balaam knew that no man could curse the Nation of Israel because "there is no enchantment against Israel"-(Num. 23:23). But he also knew that God would judge Israel for fornication and worshipping the gods of other races. Balaam answered Balak’s consultation and advised that Israel could be seduced to worship other gods through sexual activity with Moabite women. Micah says this is to be remembered. It is to be remembered for all time. If the seduction by foreign women is prohibited for Israelites, then it is entirely consistent that racial intermarriage is equally unacceptable - for the latter is only a ceremonial version of the former. The mixed multitude in our midst can intermarry as much as they like, for there are no constraints placed upon them. The sad part of this is that their life styles are held up as examples to the rest of the community. This is when the damage is done. These examples cause ignorant Israelites to be seduced into accepting and even promoting such "tolerant" behaviour. Every vote for such tolerance in this area is a vote for Balaam’s doctrine. When we see it condoned or even put into practice by senior politicians, we know that the counsels of Ahab are still active today. And therefore, we know the Doctrine of Balaam is still taught today, in Church and State. Racial equality, racial integration and anti-discrimination laws are the modern day equivalent of Balaam’s doctrine. Under various racial vilification laws of one form or another, it is illegal to espouse anything to the contrary in most of the Anglo-Saxon world. Notice that it is not illegal anywhere else - not in Asia, not in India, not in the Middle East, not in Russia, not in Europe. It is only in the Israel countries. Challenge any of Ahab’s councillors with this information and you will be told that once the basic human rights issues are resolved in these other countries, loftier issues, such as racial tolerance will be next on the agenda. It is a plausible answer, is it not? Jesus says, "I have this against you – repent, or else I will come against you quickly". As it always is through the Bible, Israelites who marry out of Israel are cut off, or those foreigners whom they marry are destroyed or removed. When reading this, please do not suppose that "Israel" refers to "Jews" because "The Jews" are most certainly not Israel. Israel refers to the Caucasian-Anglo-Saxon peoples. We do find some sort of teaching about "fornication" today, it is true, but there are various interpretations. The matter of concern is, with whom is the fornication committed? It has been shown that Jesus referred the matter back to Balaam and the Old Testament, and we can do no better. The Apostles Peter and Jude did the same. The Apostle Paul is bold in his connecting of fornication in the New Testament with fornication in the Old Testament. This is about the worship of Baal-Peor. This refers us once again to Balaam’s advice, although Paul does not use Balaam’s name. The judgement against Israel for "fornication" is given here as an example confirming God’s judgement against this. Are we to accept admonishment and this example, or not? Paul shows that this is a common temptation for all the Israelite males. At this point it is necessary to remind readers of the foundation that was laid in, "That Unfortunate Word "Gentile" a chapter the writer’s book entitled, "The Exclusiveness of Israel". The importance of 1 Corinthians 10:1 cannot be escaped where the fathers of these "Gentile" Israelites had been under Moses and went through the Red Sea. These so-called Gentiles being addressed could only be Israelites! Look at it; they were Israelites! What happened to Israel was that they were led into idolatry through sexual intercourse with foreign women. This is New Testament doctrine! The realisation of the importance of this aspect of "fornication" will add to the appreciation of a number of other Scriptures. Let us consider some of these. In response to a question about whether it was appropriate for a man to divorce his wife, Jesus answered: Here "fornication" is not porneuo, it is porneia (dative). This passage then is not referring especially to marriage to foreign women. Jesus made it clear that all men could not receive this saying, save they to whom it is given [verse 11]. It is not given to everyone of every race; Jesus says so. Much has been written about what porneia [fornication] applies to and it is now usually generalised to include all illicit sexual intercourse. This generalisation is not valid since "adultery" = moichao, for instance, is a different word completely. "Porneia" has also become inclusive of all pornography as this is known today. This is appropriate because pornography is lust of the mind and it is, in the words of Jesus, equivalent to the physical act. Hence pornography is simply the application of modern technology to implement Balaam’s doctrine. Perhaps if we called it Moabiteography fewer Israelites would be seduced by it – but Ahab’s counsellors would never accept such a move. It would be discrimination against Moabites and hence illegal! Look further into this in the book of Jude, who mentions Cain. Jude links the New Testament with Genesis. What did Cain do? He bedded pre-Adamites thinking it would be to his advantage (reward)! Jude links false teachers with Cain and with Balaam. They had the same error. There was an anticipated reward through the error of Balaam. This is nothing new; preachers still want to keep their jobs and be rewarded by the mixed multitude in their churches. Paul shows that the pagan practise of mixed racial marriage is not to be indulged in by Israelite Christians. Paul is talking about people coming out from amongst people, not "things". The "them" are people. Can any deny this? ["Thing" in the KJV and other translations is not in the Greek text]. In this verse, "touch" = haptomai, is a word used of carnal intercourse with a woman, like it or not [confirm this in 1 Cor 7:1-3]. The "them" in this verse are "unclean" people that are not to be "touched". "Unclean" = akathartou shows that there is a difference between ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ people, with the clean not to ‘touch’ the unclean (people). The "yoke" in 2 Cor 6:14 is with "heterozugeo" which means a different sort [Vine], or one who is not an equal [Thayer]. This again presents the racial separation of Israel from other nations. God also made clean and unclean animals and fish; each were born that way, so it is a matter of race rather than a matter of belief. Throughout the entire Bible, we have a consistent theme; we find God always keeping a portion of His Order pure, separate and undefiled. No "fornicator" will inherit the Kingdom of God. Here the word is pornos, a word that is popularly taken to be about sodomy, but this must be questioned. Note that these verses link fornicators, idolaters and adulterers together with thieves, covetous people, drunkards, revilers and extortioners, as having the same destiny. Thus those who claim that idolatry alone is the issue, rather than including all the other things, are wrong. There are frequent biblical references to show that God’s judgement is upon those of Israel who transgress by having this common carnal intercourse with other races and going after "strange flesh". This is not about sodomy as is often claimed, because "strange" = "hetros" which Strong gives as "one who is NOT of the same nature". Homosexuals are of the same nature. This shows up also throughout the New Testament. Jesus says in Revelation He holds it against the churches which hold the Doctrine of Balaam-[Rev 2:14]. From the 60 mentions of "Balaam", it is possible to determine the nature of this doctrine. Because almost all denominations hold the doctrine of Balaam without knowing it, we can understand just why it is never properly taught. Probably few "preachers" know what this doctrine is, but all should if Jesus holds it against them! 2 Peter 2:15 indicates that people with this doctrine have "gone astray"; they are off the track! Jude v11 calls holding Balaam’s doctrine an "error". New Testament "fornication" has not changed from what Old Testament fornication was, even if most like to try to say that porneuo has no racial connection today. In 1 Corinthians 10:8 we are told that everything that is mentioned in this passage are for examples to us. When we read what one example is, we find, "neither let us commit fornication as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand". We can look back to the Old Testament and find that what caused three and twenty thousand to die started with Israelites having sexual relationships with non-Israelites [Numbers 25:1]. Moses previously had demanded that all Israelites who did this should be slain because of the idolatry that would follow. King Solomon got caught this way and it led to idolatry on his part. We read of plagues in Israel because of this-[Numbers 25:6-8]. We have seen how these things are written for our admonition (verse 11), but because of the popular, but wrong, doctrine to the contrary, this necessity for admonition is not accepted today. Jezebel [the foreign wife of Ahab] is permitted in the churches today even if Jesus says He holds this also against the churches [Rev 2:20]. What this means is that the New Testament doctrine about racial intermarriage is the same as that in the Old Testament. When we look further at "fornication" as starting with sexual activity, we find the Jewish leaders raised the matter of fornication with Jesus, saying: Jesus laid it on the line to them replying that they were not Abraham’s children through Isaac, although they were Abraham’s seed. These Edomites knew that Israelites were the children of God, and hence tried to claim descent from Abraham as entitlement to be included with Israel as children of God. They also knew that the pursuit of other gods was classed as fornication and it is by their actions that they show from which side of the line they came. Jesus said to them, "I know that you are Abraham’s seed, but you seek to kill me … because my word has no place in you". They could not "hear" what Jesus was saying. Then Jesus goes on to speak about observing deeds done as a means of determining who are begotten of God and who are not. Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me". Their actions showed they did not love Jesus. Jesus told them, "The lusts of your father you will do". This indicates the 100% orientation of the minds of the Edomite Pharisees against Jesus, even if they said, "we have one Father, even God", in the same way church people do today. Although they were Abraham’s seed, their seed had "gone astray" when Esau polluted the line by marriage outside of his race. Esau thus despised his birthright. This is what led to his idolatry. Esau tried to find repentance with tears, but could not find it. This is true of Esau’s mixed race descendants for all generations [Mal 1:3-5]. The whole subject of divorce on grounds of "except for fornication" would be hammered home if the churches were prepared to give a balanced account of the Bible’s teachings. Nothing has changed in the New Testament from that in the Old Testament in regard to "fornication", a word that has differing forms. We will not go into parts of speech here, but note this for those who can follow it through themselves: The "not be once named among you" is absolutely strict. The essence and consequence of "fornication" is corruption of the truth; a leaven that has to be purged. In the book of Revelation, there is much reference to fornication in connection with Babylon and the Harlot of Rome. Rome is described as The Great Whore. This is the whore above all whores [Rev 19:2] "which corrupts the earth with her fornication". Ask these questions about the Roman Catholic Church: Ask similar questions from those who believe that the Talmud is their heartbeat. Are they not promoting so-called Human Rights and are they not those who call racial separation "racial hatred"? Corruption in doctrine has led to the many denominations that ignore what "fornication" really is. Jesus said, "Never-the-less, when the Son of Man comes, shall he find THE faith (belief) on the earth"- [Luke 17:8]? The doctrine of Balaam is accepted almost universally and it is one of the objectives of the United Nations. World Government is working to promote the fusion of all races by inter-racial marriage. The object is the corruption of the Anglo-Saxon / Israel bloodline through inter-racial marriage. Evangelist Billy Graham is reported in the Charlotte Observer as saying, "I don’t see anything wrong with inter-racial marriage – there is nothing in the Bible to forbid it. It all comes down to a practical matter in today’s culture and, integration is the only solution. We’ve got to be totally integrated - in our homes, in our worship services, even in marriage". The Apostle Peter would call Billy Graham a heretic, and we must do the same. Jezebel is alive and well! What is the effect of Jezebel’s teaching? It is "to teach and seduce my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols". Here we see the two factors linked together – sex and idolatry! Who does Jezebel seduce? It is "my servants", Jesus says. It is God’s servant race that is seduced. The seduction is to commit fornication with other races, as Balaam advised Balak. Note well, Jezebel herself was not an Israelite by race. She wrought havoc within the nation. But, Jezebel is teaching within the assemblies! Can we afford to continue to suffer her teachings any longer? We might have our own ideas about what "going astray" means. There may well be many applications, but the Apostle Peter identifies one way of going astray in particular. We can be certain about this way! Please take note that this is a New Testament statement: Here we find another mention of un-righteousness that is connected with Balaam’s teaching. We cannot avoid the connection, in context, with sex and "eyes full of adultery"- [verse 14] and "cursed children" [verse 14]. These teachers’ "promise of liberty" [verse 19] is to be avoided at all costs. To indulge is to have an "end that is worse than the beginning", says the apostle Peter. The Apostle Jude brings up the theme also, saying: Here we see an attempt to profiteer outside of God’s purposes. In Jude, we find again the warning is one of woe over Balaam’s doctrine through which the promoters of false doctrine hoped for reward to satisfy their greed. Throughout the Old Testament, there is much reference to whoredom. When God complains about this whoredom, it is because of Jerusalem’s whoredom with other races [Ezekiel 16]. The results of mis-using God’s gifts were lewdness and abominations through breaking their covenant with God [v59]. There are two main words, zanah and taznuwth, which are translated as "whoredom". Both have a lot in common but the latter word is exclusive to Ezekiel who associates whoredom with non-Israel races twenty one times. Zanah comes from a prime root meaning "highly fed, and therefore wanton". It is used 105 times. There is mention of "strange women" (non-Israel stock), that is, nokriy and nekar as explained in the chapter, "Pilgrims, Strangers and Israel" of the book, "The Exclusiveness of Israel". Solomon knew the dangers, and he fell into the trap nevertheless. It was foreign wives that caused his downfall and descent into idolatry. "Ditch" and "the pit" are not the same thing. The ditch can be got out of more easily! ("Narrow" here connects with the adversary, in Hebrew). Complete separation (divorce) from foreign wives and children is the only way to climb out of the pit an Israelite has dug for himself. There is a biblical difference between an Israelite having sex with a harlot who is also an Israelite, and all sex with strange women who are foreigners! These three verses tell about "strange" women of a foreign race. Speaking about whoredom Hosea says to Israel: It must happen! They shall fall! Let there be understanding! All through Scripture, we can find such warnings presented in different ways. They all add up to the same answer from both Testaments. Racial intermarriage leads to idolatry. It always has been so; God’s judgement is upon it. While there may appear to be examples in Scripture where Israelite men married non-Israelite women, it can be shown that this is not so. Let us take Ruth as an example. Her mother-in-law’s kinsman, Boaz, together with all the elders of the city, had no hesitation in helping Ruth in accordance with Israelite law. Furthermore, Ruth married Boaz and this is the line that gave rise to Jesse and David and it is the line from which Jesus claims His human ancestry. This is sufficient to establish that Ruth was an Israelite who, along with many, many others, were living in the Plains of Moab. The Israelites had taken it from Moab as part of Israel’s advance into the Promised Land. All the Moabites in that area had been exterminated, so Ruth, as an Israelitess, was a "Moabitess" in the territorial sense, just as a Galilean was an Israelite who lived in Galilee rather than in Judea. BALAAM’S DOCTRINE IS THE NORMAL TEACHING. It is painfully obvious that Balaam’s doctrine is the standard teaching in our Churches, Bible Schools and Seminaries. It has been advocated on Christian radio, television and the press. The false prophet Balaam is heard advocating racial mixture, multi-culturism and a one world multi-racial church. We have Promise Keepers and other well-funded organisations advocating "breaking down the barriers" between races in the sense that there is no differences between the races as far as God is concerned. As in Balaam’s time, so in our time; Moabites and Ammonites are still attacking Israel with their false doctrine. The Canaanite is still in the house of God too, but when Jesus returns there will no longer be found the Canaanite in the House of the Lord (Zech 14:21). The word from those days still applies: But, who will believe today? Who wants to prosper in God? It seems most prefer for Jesus to have something against them. The whole subject of race is a problem to most Christians. Most try to get over the problem by using one of the following methods:
Many will admit to not feeling at ease over any mixed race marriage, but they are afraid to express the disquiet even if they do see that racially mixed marriages do not work out well. Today, in this Biblical time of Man’s Day, racism is classed as a sin of major proportions. To be labelled racist is supposed to be a bad label; everything racist is supposed to be wrong. The racist person himself is considered to be evil. The very fact that this is the teaching of the anti-Christ world government indicates that this teaching must be anti-God. This attitude is being brought into the churches. It is a platform of the World Council of Churches and those who preach a social humanistic universalised gospel. In the Old Testament, God is presented as being absolutely racist and racially selective. God told Israel to destroy whole nations, exterminating men, women, children and their animals. That Israel as a nation did not do so is the reason that many of these problems still exist today. The question has been asked, "Has the unchanging God changed?" He cannot change, can He? God is shown as being totally racist in the Old Testament. What He has said will surely come to pass, even if some church-goers think He has changed and that His Word will not come to pass. We can no longer hold the doctrine of Balaam and be blessed by God. Jesus holds this against the Churches, so we can see that the New Testament is as racist as is the Old Testament. The vogue today, as ever, is to question God. Election is what Romans chapter 9 is about. We also might like to say that there is unrighteousness with God [verse 14-18] when God says that He "will have mercy on whom He will have mercy, and … and that whom He will He hardeneth". Why then should we resist God’s will? Why should the churches reply against God? Paul goes on to show that there actually are vessels (people) "fitted for destruction" and that there are also vessels of mercy, which He had "afore prepared unto glory". This chapter of Romans confirms the Old Testament sense of being of race, not of individuals. The whole context still isolates Israel from other races. We have to settle whether or not there are these racial differences today. If not, then Balaam’s Doctrine could not apply today. The rising tide of racial strife through the world shows that there are these differences. The attempts by world leaders to mix the races are not working and cannot work. We are seeing anti-discrimination legislation attempting to enforce multi-cultural concepts. With this, we are seeing growing anti-(so-called "right wing")-Christian sentiment on the part of humanistic governments. So, what about the other races? Can we still declare that all races are treated the same way by God? In Roman 9 we find mention of Pharaoh, a non-Israelite, who was raised up by God for a purpose, that through God’s power, God’s name might be known throughout the Earth. God then has different purposes for the different races. Who are we to argue still with God? Paul’s sayings are hard sayings. When Jesus spoke some hard sayings [John 6:60], many of His disciples walked no more with him. Will you also go away? We can believe that God will hold the doctrine of Balaam against us, or we can continue to follow Balaam’s doctrine. The current multi-cultural doctrine has no basis in the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets. In the churches it is based upon:
The disbelievers try to hide behind every type of argument. The majority spiritualise the subject away by saying the promises were not to the genetic seed of Abraham, but to the spiritual seed of Abraham. The great error in this is that there is no prophetic foundation for this view. It does not have foundation in the Law, the Psalms and the prophets; therefore it is not valid. The popular thought is to spiritualise the whole matter and to make it a matter of conversion and non-conversion. So, what is to be done from a practical point of view? What are we to do if we agree with Jesus and continue in the Apostles doctrine?- [Acts 2:42]. Is it not clear? Mixed-race marriages are increasingly common in our churches. Many have the racial mixtures in their immediate families. This is not easy to deal with in the light not allowing the Doctrine of Balaam. The answers come from knowing who we are, and in not arguing with God. The message of the New Testament is to believe Jesus and obey God. These are actions to be taken by individuals and hence it is as individuals we must respond. Everyone in Israel is given the opportunity, at some time or other, to hear and respond to things of the spirit. If, like Esau, the decision is to turn away - so be it for that individual. If, like Abraham, the decision is to believe and to prove it through the deeds of one’s life - so be it for that individual. One thing is certain: for everyone who chooses to believe, stumbling blocks and difficulties will appear in the course of life. Understanding our roles as individuals, understanding our society and the forces that afflict it, together with successfully holding fast to the truth is the challenge for those whom Revelation identifies as overcomers. To the overcomers go the rewards. To put it bluntly in the modern idiom, those who reject God will fry! In this verse, the word translated as "whoremongers", is that which is also translated as "fornicators" elsewhere in the New Testament. Tolerance is sometimes called a Christian virtue, but truth is totally intolerant of untruth. This paper has endeavoured to make what the doctrine of Balaam is very clear and that it is a doctrine that Christians should not tolerate. When Balaam spoke prophetically, it is recorded that he spoke the words that God put into his mouth; this was not the same thing as the counsel he offered Balak. In his prophecy he entrenched the blessing that was established upon Israel who had no enchantment against them. This blessing was for "the last days", that is, following the First Advent. In blessing Israel, Balaam said: Alone means only in the sense of being "in a class of its own". Israel is still very much unlike all the other nations. Israel is peculiar and Israel remains exclusive from the other races in the Word of the Lord. It is God’s decree that Israel will always be this way. But how many Israelites will believe Jesus and obey God so that they attain the eternal life to see it? |
               |
|
Modified Monday, July 13, 2009 Copyright @ 2007 by Fathers' Manifesto & Christian Party |
