Kérugma Blog -

Did Jesus Become a Sinner on the Cross? Was He actually “Forsaken” on the cross?

Posted on May 9, 2016 in Uncategorized |

I sent the following note to a “blogger” I usually found to be quite”on target” theologically, although some would probably describe him as being “out of the box.” I wont give his name here just because I don’t want to risk steering a “weak” believer down the wrong path! 🙂 🙂

But What I do want to address here is the often made statement by an increasing number of preachers, pastors, etc., that Jesus Christ actually BECAME a Sinner on the cross and using Psalm 22:1 as a supporting text. My friend did this, and the following is my response

“Hi, I’ve been blessed thru your sharing the Word in such beautiful, artistic ways. Thanks for your ministry.

However, re this specific graphic focusing on Jesus being “forsaken” by the Father and actually “becoming sin” (a sinner?? ) for us, I have serious questions to the accuracy of such statements( conclusions.” ) For instance, Psalm 22. You quote only the opening verse. But if you go down to the closing verses, wouldn’t it be more accurate to say that Jesus FELT abandoned, but really was not and that God did hear and answer His prayer on the cross?;

“Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!

For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.

Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭22:21, 24, 30-31‬ ‭ESV‬‬
http://bible.com/59/psa.22.21,24,30-31.esv

I understand that on the Jewish culture, when a portion of Scripture, especially the Psalms, it was understood by the heaters that the entire Psalm was being addressed. Thus, Jesus was actually quoting the entire Psalm, which therefore actually speaks of both His death and resurrection, meaning that, even on the cross, He was assured of His resurrection. So, really, Psalm 22 could be a Psalm of Triumph, rather than “abandonment” or “Being forsaken.”

Hebrews 5:7 seems to affirm this:
“While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬
http://bible.com/116/heb.5.7.nlt

Also, re “being made sin for us,” [ 2 Cor. 5:21] is not the more accurate translation [in context] “being made a sin-offering for us?”

Thanks again for your ministry.
Selah!

Allan

What THINK ye???

Saturday Night Live Theological Lectures

Posted on May 11, 2015 in Teleios' Courses |

Join Pastor Lee for our inaugural theological lecture on Saturday, May 16th!

The discussion topic for the evening will be “What is Theology and why we are all theologians.”

This introductory topic sets the stage, launching pad and foundation for our monthly Saturday Night Live Theological Lectures, which will eventually, Lord Willing, cover the major Theological issues that reflect both the past and recent history of the Christian Church, in summary but sufficient form.

Biblical Theology, Church History, Apologetics, Soteriology, Ecclesiology, Eschatology, and more, will all be covered in these lectures…BUT ALL IN AN INFORMAL, DIALOGUE FORMAT.

The lecture time is 6:30 to 8:00pm at Teleios, 30 Montrose Avenue (Upstairs above the Multi Party Store.)

There is no cost but a donation to Teleios Ministries would be appreciated.

Teleios Theological Training Institute 2015

Posted on Mar 30, 2015 in Newsletter |

The transition from CBC to Teleios as my new “place of ministry” has been completed!

My library of books has all been moved from my office at CBC, ( hundred of volumes!) where it has been for the last 21 years, to my new office at Teleios Theological Training Inst. 30 Montrose Avenue at Monfort St. on the 2nd floor, where they have been added to hundreds of more volumes!, all dealing with matters related to the Word of God and Christianity in particular and world religions in general, where they will be until The Lord determines otherwise.

Teleios will now become THE Resource Center for Theological and Biblical Study and Research, providing assistance for and to anyone who wants to do any kind of research related to the Bible and the Christian Faith in general – even assisting in sermon and Sunday School Lesson preparation. Call Patrice or myself at 356-7135 to arrange a suitable time.

Immediate future plans include the following:

Modules: Well trained, professional instructors, primarily associated with Dallas Theological Seminary, will teach special classes following the Module model: Classes are held on Friday evenings, 6:30-9:30 PM and Saturday, 9:00AM – 1:00PM each month. Visiting professor, Dr. James Smith, an adjunct professor of DTS and also a well known Cardiologist has already taught modules on the Survey of the Old & New Testaments.

Saturday Night Live Lectures: (Planned to begin in May or June!) This will be an ongoing ministry that will expose Bible students and all Christians who are committed to genuine spiritual growth to Bible based truths that are not normally available in traditional church services or Sunday School. Each lecture will be followed by a time of response that will allow for questions, comments and further input from the participants. These lecture will be designed to make Theology come alive to growing Christians.

Noon Time Theological Discussion for Pastors & Church Leaders: (To begin in June) Pastors from all denominations will be invited to enjoy a time of light refreshments as we discuss vital theological issues in the light of the true “Catholic” [universal] Church. Church history will be a major part of our dialogue.

THE Resource Center for Theological and Biblical Study and Research: {see above for details] OnLine Classes will be available for students who cannot attend on-site and to allow instructors to continue with classes, even if off the island, or for some other reason, unable to be on site at any given time.

Other plans are “in the works,” and will be made known as soon as they are completed.

Let’s “Do Theology!”

Does The Bible Teach That God Hates Some Sinners?

Posted on Feb 12, 2015 in The Bible |

We had an interesting discussion at a recent Teleios class regarding the subject of the title of today’s blog. Thought it would be interesting, informative and perhaps, even enlightening if I blogged it for further input. I’ve concluded that there are two major positions that are used to “explain away” the apparent clear Biblical statements in the affirmative in reply to the question: one is simply to state, that in spite of these statements, they cannot be taken “literally” or on “face value” simply because of the fact that God is Love, and the Bible tells us again and again that God loves “the world” in the usual sense of that word = “all people in the world,’ not ‘the world of the elect.” However, I believe this does not deal exegetically with the texts that seem to clearly state that God does indeed, hate at least, “some” sinners.

Here is an article that attempts to deal with these texts exegetically. It’s old, but well worth the read. However, I still personally believe that its still “wanting” in many respects! But I would love to hear from some of you “Teleiogs” out there!

The article follows:

“God Hates Sinners!

Does God hate anyone? The answer is yes.

Pastor Youssef and love for God vs knowledge of the Word of God (Theology).

Posted on Nov 12, 2014 in Uncategorized |

I am listening to Pastor Youssef of “Leading the Way” Ministries. He is beginning a six part series entitled “to Know Jesus is to Love Him.” Yet, he begins by stating that “head knowledge” about Christ is not enough to have a good relationship with Him. This is a false dichotomy!

How can we KNOW Christ without knowing His Word? Jesus Himself says: “if you love me, you will keep my commandments.” How can we know what His Commandments are, if we do not know His Word? Jesus also says: “Now this is eternal life – that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you sent.” (‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ NET). This implies that we will spend eternity growing in our knowledge of God.The only place we can KNOW about the Father and the Son NOW, however, is in the Word of God.. And the more we get to KNOW them, the more we get to LOVE them. Paul says this is to be a growing knowledge: …”so that you may live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects – bearing fruit in every good deed, growing in the knowledge of God, (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ NET).

It is therefore a gross error to stress one’s emotional Love for God apart from the objective knowledge of Him through His Word, and imply that our love for God can grow or be increased through some kind of a mystical desire void of biblical content.

“Bumper Sticker” Preaching

Posted on Apr 6, 2013 in Allan R. Lee |

I am appalled at the careless and erroneous way preachers “proclaim” the gospel and teach the Word today. No wonder our people are so confused in their beliefs – they don’t really know WHAT to believe!

Just hear another preacher say ail boldness: “Jesus received our sin for us on the cross.” If this were true, it would mean that Jesus BECAME a sinner “for us.” If this were true, He would not be able to be our sinless sacrifice. Jesus received the penalty/punishment for our sin. He did not receive our sin. The accurate translation/interpretation of 1 Cor. 5:21 is that “He [Jesus] was made an atoning sacrifice for us.”

Welcome to Teleios!

Posted on May 19, 2010 in Uncategorized |

Teleios continues to minister to up and coming young Christian leaders of the future, both men and women, who are seeking answers and a solid foundation for their beliefs, so that they can make a real difference in the world and in the church, and to be, not only “on the cutting edge” of social and cultural change, but to actually “be” that edge!

At Teleios, they are learning how to “contend earnestly for the faith,” [Jude 3] by being “ready to give an answer” [1 Peter 3:15] for it without fear or hesitation and with utmost confidence in the Word of God.

It’s encouraging, exciting, and immensely fulfilling to see the hunger, desire and passion that these young men and women have for knowing the Word of God and, like the sons of Issachar, to “understand the times and to know what to do” [1 Chron. 12:32], and their willingness to consistently and faithfully dedicate three hours of intense study on a weekly basis to acquire this knowledge.

These young people are the future pastors, elders, youth leaders, Sunday School teachers – and yes, even prospective Prime Ministers of the Bahamas! What they are learning at Teleios today could help to shape the kind of society our children and grand children live in tomorrow.

Teleios “Current Issues” Course: “Stem Cell Research, Abortion & The Christian”

This four-week course is designed to equip the believer with Biblical, Philosophical and Scientific resources to, like the sons of Issachar, “understand the times and know what to do.” (1 Chronicles 12.32 NAS95).