IF THE PROPHETS PROPHESIED OF GRACE;
THEN WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FIND IT IN THE TORAH;
IN THE PROPHETS; and, IN THE WRITINGS!
Friends we learned a few things about Grace in the last chapter. So lets re-cap them before we move on shall we? We are:
- We are Saved by Grace: (Acts 5:11; Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 2:11-13.
- Our faith gives us access to grace (Romans 5:2).
- The "word of grace" builds you up; and, gives you an inheritance among those who are sanctified (Messiah is called "the word;" and the written Torah is also called "the word.") Both I assert are related to grace; and, not in an opposite or competing sense. (Acts 20:32).
- We are Given Grace "unto obedience" [So you can BE OBEDIENT] (Romans 1:5; 1 Peter 1:2).
- We are justified by grace; through redemption (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7).
- We are Given a gift. Grace is a gift (Romans 5:15).
- The gift is intimately attached to righteousness. Righteousness is a gift (Romans 5:17).
- We are Given the Commandments. The Commandments ARE Righteousness (Psalm 119:172).
- My suggestion is to consider the following prayerfully. If grace is a gift; and, righteousness is a gift; then are the commandments also a gift? Without them there is nothing to define sin. How can we know if we are sinning; and, desperately need to modify our behavior unless it is defined? The Father has provided them to us as a gift in order that we could choose rightly to walk in them.
- We are ELECTED [chosen]. Grace is by election (Romans 11:5).
- Spiritual gifts are a matter of grace (Romans 12:6)
- We are made Righteousness. Righteousness is by Grace (Galatians 2:21).
Many of those who are in positions of leadership today within churches across the world are teaching that before Messiah came in the flesh to die for our sins once and for all that men were "under the law;" and, today we are "under grace." Grace and law are treated as being opposites. Many have in the past; and, even today, suggest that God changes how He deals with those who belong to Him. We are going to test that. Come with me as we examine what the TaNaK (Old Testament) says about grace shall we? Let's begin.
Earlier in another chapter I made an assertion about the makeup of the Septuagint (LXX) translation of the Bible. Many of the terms which exist in the New Testament can be located within the text of the LXX; and, many of the terms in the LXX are likewise found in the New Testament; not all of them mind you; but, a great deal of them. What is interesting is that both testaments in Greek use Koine Greek rather than Classical Greek. Both tend to follow the same language conventions (rules) when it comes to "parsing" terms or rather breaking down the gender; and, possession of the terms.
What I found frustrating is that when I would crack open a physical copy of the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (like the one you see below) it would list the ROOT WORD used in each passage. If you go and physically check the text you will find that most of the time the ROOT WORD is not the exact same term as the ACTUAL WORD used. The other thing is that the Strong's doesn't indicate where words from the Greek New Testament appear in the LXX!!! The first picture you see below is cropped from a scan I took of my The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. This one has a copyright of 1995. There are arguably newer editions; however, they also work the same way.
The Second photo you see below is a scan from the same page.
Notice how it lists 2580 through ALL of the Old Testament passages and
5485 for the New Testament.
Let me explain. When you look up a word like we have with "grace" notice how the references for the Old Testament choose # 2580 exclusively. Now look at the references for the New Testament. Notice how they choose # 5485 exclusively. When you go and look those up you will find that the references for the Old Testament begin with an "H" for Hebrew; and, the references for the New Testament begin with a "G" for Greek. I could look up #2580 in the Greek but I would get the wrong word; likewise if I looked up #5485 in the Hebrew section I would again locate the wrong word. In order to properly locate the words for each testament you MUST stick with the format used in the Strong's.
I had wondered if I could find the Greek # 5485 "Charis" (χαρις) in the LXX. When you use the Strong's it unfortunately DOESN'T provide you with that information. I decided to go to (www.blueletterbible.org) to see if it would provide me with such information. According to (www.blueletterbible.org) the Greek term "Charis" Strong's # G5485 appears 156 times in the KJV of the Bible. When I used (www.Biblehub.com) I got results that were materially the same; different formatting mind you but materially the same information. Friends this is grossly misleading; and, skates so closely to being negligent that it frustrates me vigorously now that I know what I am going to reveal to you.
When I study the Bible I use several different tools. www.blueletterbible.org; www.Biblehub.com; and, E-SWORD. The feature I like the MOST about E-Sword is that when I find a Greek word in the New Testament I have several concordances within my program. I had to search them out mind you; download them; and, use them; however, they are FREE my friends. Didn't cost me a nickel. If you want additional modules like I use go to (www.biblesupport.com). I strongly recommend you have a Hebrew Interlinear OT that is coded to the Strong's; and, an Interlinear New Testament also coded to the Strong's. You WILL want to make sure you have the Strong's Dictionary with LXX cross references; the Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary; the Thayer's Greek Definitions; Brown Driver Briggs Hebrew definitions; the Greek Concordance to the Scriptures; Concordance to the TaNaK; King James Concordance; and the Concordance to the Septuagint at the minimum. E-Sword offers them for FREE and folks this is a wealth of information that would cost you hundreds of dollars if you were to purchase a physical copy.
If you notice below I have a screenshot of an Interlinear Greek New Testament with a verse from Galatians 5:4. Notice the term "grace" is G5485. (it looks like Xapitos). See the bottom line that is highlighted; second word from the left.
Next lets look at the "GRC" or Concordance to the Greek Scriptures. Notice that it lists not 156; but, 234 occurrences. Friends that is a discrepancy of 78 additional occurrences which appear in Greek.
For your benefit I am going to zero in on the occurrences located in the (LXX) version of the Old Testament. Here they are below.
Notice above how the root for "grace" Charis (χάρις) appears 140 times beginning in Genesis all the way to Zechariah. Notice how it CONTINUES to list the occurrences in the New Testament as well. Friends the enemy has embedded himself even within the methods for our study in order to blind men from the truth by HIDING valuable information. For those not willing to search out the truth; discovery is almost impossible.
With just a basic search tool like www.blueletterbible.org we can check where terms appear in English relatively quickly. If you go there; according to their website the term "grace" in ENGLISH appears 170 times in 159 verses of the King James Bible. Thirty seven (37) of those just happen to be in the TaNaK (Old Testament).
Turn with me please to Jude 1:4 if you would.
Jude 1:4 (Abusing Grace)
For there are certain men crept in unawares [παρεισεδυσαν : (G3921)], who were before
of old ordained [προγεγραμμενοι : (G4270/G3819)] to this condemnation [κριμα : (G2917)]
ungodly men [ασεβεις : (G765)], turning [μετατιθεντες : (G3346)] the grace [χαριν :(G5485)]
of our God into lasciviousness [ασελγειαν : (G766)] and denying [αρνουμενοι : (G720)]
the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
turning: G3346 metatithēmi pronounced "met-at-ith'-ay-mee."
From G3326 and G5087; to transfer, that is, (literally)
transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change
sides, or (figuratively) pervert: - carry over, change,
remove, translate, turn.
denying: G720 ἀρνέομαι arneomai ar-neh'-om-ahee
For there are certain men crept in unawares [παρεισεδυσαν : (G3921)], who were before
of old ordained [προγεγραμμενοι : (G4270/G3819)] to this condemnation [κριμα : (G2917)]
ungodly men [ασεβεις : (G765)], turning [μετατιθεντες : (G3346)] the grace [χαριν :(G5485)]
of our God into lasciviousness [ασελγειαν : (G766)] and denying [αρνουμενοι : (G720)]
the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
turning: G3346 metatithēmi pronounced "met-at-ith'-ay-mee."
From G3326 and G5087; to transfer, that is, (literally)
transport, (by implication) exchange, (reflexively) change
sides, or (figuratively) pervert: - carry over, change,
remove, translate, turn.
denying: G720 ἀρνέομαι arneomai ar-neh'-om-ahee
Perhaps from G1 (as a negative particle) and
the middle of G4483; to contradict, that is,
disavow, reject, abnegate: - deny, refuse.
Friends Jude is asserting that certain men came in SECRETLY. Meaning you were unaware of it. These men took an action. This action was to pervert; remove; or exchange the Grace of God into lasciviousness. Strong's defines lasciviousness as "filthy wantonness." Thayer's Greek Definitions indicates it is "unbridled lust; excess; licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, or, insolence." I would like to note that if you are being obedient to the statues; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies of the God of Abraham; Issac; and, Jacob that it is not possible for you to behave in such a manner. When we VIOLATE the aforementioned instructions we most certainly can; and, often do behave exactly that way.
In ENGLISH the term "grace" is found 37 times in the Old Testament. This is where it gets really interesting folks. Remember that chart I showed you above with references to "Charis" in the LXX? Pay attention now friends. I'm going to borrow a quote from Mr. Cypher Reagan from the film The Matrix:
Turn with me to Genesis please.
In ENGLISH the term "grace" is found 37 times in the Old Testament. This is where it gets really interesting folks. Remember that chart I showed you above with references to "Charis" in the LXX? Pay attention now friends. I'm going to borrow a quote from Mr. Cypher Reagan from the film The Matrix:
"Buckle your seat belt Dorthy
cause Kansas is going bye bye."
Turn with me to Genesis please.
Genesis 6:8
NOAH FINDS GRACE
But Noah found grace [ חן : (H2580)] in the eyes of the LORD.
I would like you to see for yourself the Greek term used in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament to translate the Hebrew term for grace.
LXX: Νωε [Noah] δὲ εὗρεν [found] χάριν [grace] ἐναντίον [in the presence of; in the sight of]
κυρίου [supreme in authority] τοῦ [the] θεοῦ [deity; the supreme divinity; God].
Friends that is EXACTLY the same Greek term used in Chapter 10 for "grace" in the New Testament. Do not tell me grace is only a New Testament thing! Do not tell me that those before Jesus were "under the law" and we are "under grace" because this passage indicates that NOAH himself found grace in the eyes of the LORD. What has occurred is that men who were untaught and unstable have TWISTED or rather PERVERTED what it means to be under grace; as well as what it means to be "under the law." It is VITAL that we get this right! If we deceive others; while being deceived ourselves; and, expect a free pass when we face Messiah we are in for a rude awakening. What we will find is there are others who find grace as well.
Another thing to consider; the New Testament gives us more information about Noah that is rather interesting if we consider what it actually means. 2 Peter 2:5 indicates that Noah was a "preacher of righteousness." Psalm 119:172 tells us that all the commandments are righteousness. You may not be ready to accept this; however, Noah was preaching the commandments to the lost and dying world around him. Their response was a complete refusal; and, they all died. Only Noah; his wife; three sons; and, their wives accompanied him; just eight (8) people made it out of a population that is estimated to be at the minimum 10 million people and estimated at over a billion souls by varying sources. Whatever the population was Noah and his family were protected BECAUSE OF GRACE.
This Hebrew term for "grace" which we are examining is "Chen" Strong's # H2580. It appears 69 times in the Hebrew TaNaK (Old Testament). Follow me as we find out who else was given grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Turn with me to Genesis 18:1-3 please.
ABRAM FINDS GRACE
"Then the LORD (יהוה) appeared to him [Abram] by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was
sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold three
men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and
bowed himself down to the ground, and said, 'My LORD, if I have found favour in Your sight,
do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest
yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts.
After that you may pass by, in as much as you have come to your servant." They said, 'Do as
you have said.'
Friends Abram asks a conditional question. It is essentially an If...then statement. If I have found grace then please let me serve you. If you read the rest of the account Abram makes three cakes; selects a good calf from the herd and prepares it so they might eat. I don't know about you personally; but, I thought about how much time had to elapse for Abram to make good on his request. My wife bakes Challah for our congregation and we use a bread maker; considerably easier than hand kneading cakes. We have an oven; Abram didn't. Did he already have a fire going? If not he had to kindle a fire and make it so he could prepare the cakes; and, the meat from the calf as well. He didn't run down to Von's or Albertson's. He had to pick the animal; slaughter it properly; skin it; and then most likely roasted it upon a spit over fire. Friends that took time; probably a few hours. These men; one of whom is clearly the LORD Himself literally took time to REST under the tree; and, wait patiently for Abram to "do as you have said." Remember he asks them to do this IF he has found grace. Although the text doesn't SPECIFICALLY say he found grace in this verse; it can clearly be inferred from the text without any sort of vocabulary gymnastics. This passage is a is a CLEAR INDICATION that Abram had found grace.
Turn to Genesis 19: 17-19 please.
LOT FINDS GRACE
"And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life;
look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed. And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:
'Behold now, thy servant hath found grace [ חן : (H2580)]
in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, [ חסד : (H2617)]
Here it is in the Septuagint: LXX
ἐπειδὴ [since now] εὗρεν [to find; obtain] ὁ παῖς [servant] σου [thou]
ἔλεος [compassion; tender mercy : (G1656)] ἐναντίον [in thy sight]
σου [thou] καὶ [and] ἐμεγάλυνας [make great; enlarge; magnify] τὴν [the]
δικαιοσύνην [ justification : (G1343)]
G1656 (ἔλεος) eleos pronounced "el'-eh-os"
Of uncertain affinity; compassion (human or divine, especially active)
: - (+ tender) mercy.
Friends this particular Greek term (ἔλεος) which was selected to translate "Chen" (חן) H2580 is a
different term than what was selected by translators to translate the exact same Hebrew term "Chen"
(חן) H2589 in Genesis 6:8 where Noah found grace. This particular Greek term (ἔλεος) appears 235
times in the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament. I would be lying if I said I have examined all
235 passages as of the time of writing this chapter. My suggestion is that WE take the time to do so. You
can take my advice; or, choose to blow it off. Either way you cannot say at this point you were never
told. I personally will be doing it on my own just to be SURE for my own understanding; you should
too.
(חסדך) chesed.
H2617 (חסד) chêsêd pronounced "kheh'-sed."
From H2616; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opprobrium)
reproof, or (subjectively) beauty: - favour, good deed (-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-)
kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing.
We find that the LXX uses an interesting term to translate the Hebrew word "chêsêd." Notice the intimate
connection with "justification" and how that term comes from another word that means to be innocent,
holy, just, or righteous. Remember the chapter where we dealt with Paul and the issue of righteousness?
Keep that in the back of your mind. Below you see the term "dikaiosune" which was used to translate
the Hebrew term "chêsêd" in the LXX.
G1343 (δικαιοσύνη) dikaiosunē dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay
From G1342; equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification: -
righteousness.
G1342: (δίκαιος) dikaios dik'-ah-yos From G1349
equitable (in character or act); by implication innocent, holy (absolutely; or, relatively): -
just, meet, right (-eous).
Again as with Noah who was considered to be righteous we discover that the New Testament describes
Lot as being "just" in 2 Peter 2:7. Turn there briefly please.
"...and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by their filthy conduct of the wicked (for that
righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day seeing and
hearing their lawless deeds)...
The Greek term for "oppressed" (some translations say "vexed") in this passage indicates that Lot was
worn down; oppressed; even harassed by the behavior; the filthy conduct of the wicked (lawless) who
inhabited the city in which he resided. Lot was chosen to survive because he was "just" (δικαιον)
Strong's # G1342 meaning "of equitable character; innocent; holy; just; righteous. Again we have a
situation where the text doesn't SPECIFICALLY say Lot found Grace; however it can clearly be inferred
from the text with a very high degree of certainty. There are those who probably will still think Lot didn't
find Grace in the eyes of the LORD by being chosen to live instead of being smote along with the rest of
the city. Some may cite the engagement of incest with Lot's daughters as evidence against him; however,
it was his daughters who got him drunk then pursued an act which we would today call wicked. Lot was
caught up in it; yes, however, he didn't pursue them; it was the other way around. A great argument for
remaining sober; you never know who might seek to take advantage of you! For those rejecting that Lot
found grace; well, you probably have much larger problems than this passage. For those of you who are
following along let's keep going.
Turn with me please to Genesis 33:11 if you would.
JACOB FINDS GRACE
Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt
graciously [ חנני : (H2603)] with me, and because I have enough...
LXX:
λαβὲ τὰς εὐλογίας μου, ἃς ἤνεγκά σοι, ὅτι ἠλέησέν [ graciously : (G1653)]
με ὁ θεὸς καὶ ἔστιν μοι πάντα. καὶ ἐβιάσατο αὐτόν, καὶ ἔλαβεν.
G1653 (ἐλεέω) eleeō el-eh-eh'-o From G1656.
to be compassionate (by word or deed, specifically by divine grace): -
have compassion (pity on), have (obtain, receive, shew) mercy (on).
G1657: (ἔλεος) eleos el'-eh-os
Of uncertain affinity; compassion (human or divine, especially
active): - (+ tender) mercy.
This Hebrew term (חנני) H2603 "chanan" appears 78 times in the TaNaK. In Exodus 33:19
we find that the LORD says He will "be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have
compassion on who I will have compassion." Apparently the Father CHOOSES who He will
show grace and mercy to. It is our job to discover what His criteria is so that we might be
among those who receive it!
Now if you will follow me to Genesis 39:1-6 please.
JOSEPH FINDS GRACE
And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of
the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites, which had brought
him down thither. And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and
he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was
with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And Joseph
found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his
house, and all that he had he put into his hand. And it came to pass from the time that
he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD
blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was
upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. And he left all that he had in Joseph's
hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was
a goodly person, and well favoured.
LXX:
4 καὶ [and] εὗρεν [to find] Ιωσηφ [Joseph] χάριν [grace : (G5485)]
ἐναντίον [in the presence of (view of)] τοῦ [the] κυρίου [supreme in authority; God]
Since it is important that I be honest; and, fair; the passage indicates that Joseph found grace from Potipher. Yet; WHY did he find favor with Potipher? Was it not because of the LORD? Just because it doesn't specifically say Joseph found favor; or mercy; or grace in the eyes of the LORD does not mean that isn't the case. LOOK at the way the LORD moved for this man! If we read all the account of Joseph we find that he has visions; and, dreams; and the ability to interpret dreams much like another prophet named Daniel. These were men whom the LORD had confidence in. You can argue with me all you like; however, my own personal opinion is that Joseph found grace. But alas this isn't about MY opinion but rather what we can PROVE with the text. Let us move on to passages where there in no wiggle room!
Turn with me to Exodus 3:20-22 if you would.
GOD GIVES THE PEOPLE GRACE
"So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst;
and after that he [Pharaoh] will let you go. And I will give this people [Israel] favor [ חן (H2580)]
in the sight of the Egyptians; and, it will be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed.
But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely of her who dwells near her house, articles of
silver, articles of gold; and clothing; and, you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters.
So you shall plunder the Egyptians."
Friends it wasn't that the Israelites has gained favor or "grace" from the Egyptians; but, that the Egyptians SAW that Israel was favored/shown grace by יהוה in their sight.
None of the plagues harmed the Children of Israel; only the Egyptians were repeatedly struck by the plagues sent by יהוה. Remember the Egyptians had seen the Nile turn red like blood; the fish die; the river stink; and, their containers of wood and stone which had water became as blood. They had witnessed the plague of frogs; which also later died and caused a horrible stench in the land. Meanwhile the Children of Israel were spared.
The Egyptians endured the dust and the lice on both man and beast alike. Even the magicians admitted it was "the finger of God." Then they were troubled greatly by the flies. They witnessed the horrible plague on the cattle; their horses; donkeys; sheep; camels; and oxen all the while those belonging to Israel were spared.
The Egyptians were accosted by the plague of painful boils; heavy hail which destroyed their crops; and, killed their animals in the field. There was hail mixed with FIRE! Their flax and barley crops were destroyed! THEN as if that wasn't enough; they discovered what locusts could do to what remained of their crops; and, the greenery of their land. When the plague of darkness fell upon Egypt the Children of Israel were spared.
Meanwhile in the Land of Goshen where Israel dwelt it was business as usual. They were not harmed! Beloved our brothers and sisters who were in slavery were living in the Land of Egypt; and, were shown the GRACE of our Heavenly Father even as he rained down judgment upon the wicked nation of their inhabitance. Finally the Egyptians were struck with the most terrible plague which took their firstborn sons; and the firstborn of the animals as well. Meanwhile the Children of Israel were spared.
Can you imagine the bewilderment they must have felt throughout the nation of Egypt? The Egyptians were terrified and just wanted the Children of Israel to LEAVE! Here take our gold; take our silver. What? You need clothing for your children? Shoes? Take them here please just go! Grace my friends; loving mercy from the KING! Remember though that these same people who had been shown mercy (Grace) and loving kindness fell in the wilderness because of their DISOBEDIENCE. The next time you want to claim you are under grace while you are being disobedient you may want to rethink that a bit.
THE EGYPTIANS WERE TERRIFIED!
None of the plagues harmed the Children of Israel; only the Egyptians were repeatedly struck by the plagues sent by יהוה. Remember the Egyptians had seen the Nile turn red like blood; the fish die; the river stink; and, their containers of wood and stone which had water became as blood. They had witnessed the plague of frogs; which also later died and caused a horrible stench in the land. Meanwhile the Children of Israel were spared.
The Egyptians endured the dust and the lice on both man and beast alike. Even the magicians admitted it was "the finger of God." Then they were troubled greatly by the flies. They witnessed the horrible plague on the cattle; their horses; donkeys; sheep; camels; and oxen all the while those belonging to Israel were spared.
The Egyptians were accosted by the plague of painful boils; heavy hail which destroyed their crops; and, killed their animals in the field. There was hail mixed with FIRE! Their flax and barley crops were destroyed! THEN as if that wasn't enough; they discovered what locusts could do to what remained of their crops; and, the greenery of their land. When the plague of darkness fell upon Egypt the Children of Israel were spared.
Meanwhile in the Land of Goshen where Israel dwelt it was business as usual. They were not harmed! Beloved our brothers and sisters who were in slavery were living in the Land of Egypt; and, were shown the GRACE of our Heavenly Father even as he rained down judgment upon the wicked nation of their inhabitance. Finally the Egyptians were struck with the most terrible plague which took their firstborn sons; and the firstborn of the animals as well. Meanwhile the Children of Israel were spared.
Can you imagine the bewilderment they must have felt throughout the nation of Egypt? The Egyptians were terrified and just wanted the Children of Israel to LEAVE! Here take our gold; take our silver. What? You need clothing for your children? Shoes? Take them here please just go! Grace my friends; loving mercy from the KING! Remember though that these same people who had been shown mercy (Grace) and loving kindness fell in the wilderness because of their DISOBEDIENCE. The next time you want to claim you are under grace while you are being disobedient you may want to rethink that a bit.
Friend were you aware that the Prophet Isaiah says that the WICKED are shown grace? And that they do not learn righteousness? Don't believe me? Turn to Isaiah 26:10 please.
"Let grace [ יחן (H2603)] be shown to the wicked; yet he will not learn righteousness."
The next time you hear someone say "I'm not under the law" I'm under grace! While they REJECT the Statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies of יהוה you will know they are not learning righteousness; and, to which camp they actually belong. I know it sounds harsh; and, unloving. However what is more loving; for me to remain silent and let you persist on a path leading you towards death; and eternal punishment; or, to say "friend that is not the right way; here let me show you what I learned about how to walk in the way of our King in order to please Him."
Be holy because HE is holy.
Don't put down your pencils; we aren't done yet!
Turn with me to Exodus 33:12-17 please.
MOSES FINDS GRACE
"And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast
not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, 'I know thee by name, and
thou hast also found grace in my sight.' 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace
in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight:
and consider that this nation is thy people. 14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I
will give thee rest. 15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up
hence. 16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy
sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the
people that are upon the face of the earth. 17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this
thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee
by name.
LXX:
12 Καὶ εἶπεν Μωυσῆς πρὸς κύριον Ἰδοὺ σύ μοι λέγεις Ἀνάγαγε τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον· σὺ δὲ
οὐκ ἐδήλωσάς μοι ὃν συναποστελεῖς μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ· σὺ δέ μοι εἶπας Οἶδά σε παρὰ πάντας,
καὶ χάριν [ חן ] ἔχεις παρ᾿ ἐμοί. 13 εἰ οὖν εὕρηκα χάριν [ חן ] ἐναντίον σου, ἐμφάνισόν
μοι σεαυτόν· γνωστῶς ἴδω σε, ὅπως ἂν ὦ εὑρηκὼς χάριν [ חן ] ἐναντίον σου, καὶ ἵνα
γνῶ ὅτι λαός σου τὸ ἔθνος τὸ μέγα τοῦτο. 14 καὶ λέγει Αὐτὸς προπορεύσομαί σου καὶ
καταπαύσω σε. 15 καὶ λέγει πρὸς αὐτόν Εἰ μὴ αὐτὸς σὺ πορεύῃ, μή με ἀναγάγῃς
ἐντεῦθεν. 16 καὶ πῶς γνωστὸν ἔσται ἀληθῶς ὅτι εὕρηκα χάριν [ חן ] παρὰ σοί, ἐγώ τε
καὶ ὁ λαός σου, ἀλλ᾿ ἢ συμπορευομένου σου μεθ᾿ ἡμῶν; καὶ ἐνδοξασθήσομαι ἐγώ τε
καὶ ὁ λαός σου παρὰ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, ὅσα ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐστιν. 17 καὶ εἶπεν κύριος πρὸς
Μωυσῆν Καὶ τοῦτόν σοι τὸν λόγον, ὃν εἴρηκας, ποιήσω· εὕρηκας γὰρ χάριν [ חן ]
ἐνώπιόν μου, καὶ οἶδά σε παρὰ πάντας.
By now you should be able to identify the Greek term for grace (χάριν). Charis. It appears five (5) times in this passage of the LXX. Each time the Hebrew word (חן) is used in the underlying text from which the LXX came. Did you notice that Moses asks that If HE AND the PEOPLE have found grace that God would go with them. What did God do? He went with them!!! So who else found grace?
(THE PEOPLE FIND GRACE)
Friends you just can't get better than that. The creator of the UNIVERSE the one who made ALL THINGS and holds all things together by his WORDS says to Moses "look Moshe; your good bro; I know you, BY NAME! You have found grace in my eyes. Ahh for Him to say such a thing about US! That He would count us worthy to be considered righteous before Him and our sins be made white as snow. But WAIT! Didn't everyone who was over the age of 20 die out in the wilderness? Sure did. We are going to discover some interesting things about grace before the end of this chapter. Don't dismiss the fact that the people (which were a mixed multitude) that Moses brought out; both Israelite; and, Non-Israelite. Also remember that there were a total of 14 tribes not just twelve. Many people FORGET about Ephraim and Manasseh who were to be treated as first born sons making it fourteen tribes instead of just twelve (12). We will find in the Chapter on the Law that it was given to the entire mixed multitude; and not "just the Jews" as many have asserted in error.
Turn with me now to Exodus 34:9 if you would.
Again MOSES FINDS GRACE
"And he said, If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go
among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for
thine inheritance."
LXX:
καὶ εἶπεν Εἰ εὕρηκα χάριν [ חן ] ἐνώπιόν σου, συμπορευθήτω ὁ κύριός μου μεθ᾿
ἡμῶν· ὁ λαὸς γὰρ σκληροτράχηλός ἐστιν, καὶ ἀφελεῖς σὺ τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν καὶ
τὰς ἀνομίας ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐσόμεθα σοί.
So Moses has asked that IF HE HIMSELF has found grace that the LORD would go among the people. Do you remember what the LORD did? He went among the people. He was a pillar of fire by night; and, a pillar of cloud during the day protecting them from the cold; excessive heat; and guiding the way they should go in their journey. I'd say that pretty well confirms that MOSES found Grace. You know what is interesting about Moses and the others I have mentioned so far? They were OBEDIENT. Keep that in the back of your mind friends. Remember that those who WEREN'T OBEDIENT died in the wilderness; nor, were they allowed to enter into the promised land. Don't forget this ITS IMPORTANT!!! Lets move on to another character who gives us an idea of how Messiah will behave when He returns to make war against those who have persecuted and made war against His Saints.
among us; for it is a stiffnecked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for
thine inheritance."
LXX:
καὶ εἶπεν Εἰ εὕρηκα χάριν [ חן ] ἐνώπιόν σου, συμπορευθήτω ὁ κύριός μου μεθ᾿
ἡμῶν· ὁ λαὸς γὰρ σκληροτράχηλός ἐστιν, καὶ ἀφελεῖς σὺ τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν καὶ
τὰς ἀνομίας ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐσόμεθα σοί.
So Moses has asked that IF HE HIMSELF has found grace that the LORD would go among the people. Do you remember what the LORD did? He went among the people. He was a pillar of fire by night; and, a pillar of cloud during the day protecting them from the cold; excessive heat; and guiding the way they should go in their journey. I'd say that pretty well confirms that MOSES found Grace. You know what is interesting about Moses and the others I have mentioned so far? They were OBEDIENT. Keep that in the back of your mind friends. Remember that those who WEREN'T OBEDIENT died in the wilderness; nor, were they allowed to enter into the promised land. Don't forget this ITS IMPORTANT!!! Lets move on to another character who gives us an idea of how Messiah will behave when He returns to make war against those who have persecuted and made war against His Saints.
Turn with me please to Judges 6:17.
GIDEON FINDS GRACE
"And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that
thou talkest with me.
LXX:
καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτὸν Γεδεων εἰ δὲ εὗρον ἔλεος [compassion; tender mercy (G1656)]
ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου καὶ ποιήσεις μοι σήμερον πᾶν ὅ τι ἐλάλησας μετ’ ἐμοῦ.
This is the EXACT term used to describe GRACE when Lot obtained it! Friends; what is interesting is the translation bias that exists when translating the Hebrew term "chen" the translators were not consistent!!! Instead of using "charis" they chose to use this term instead!
thou talkest with me.
LXX:
καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτὸν Γεδεων εἰ δὲ εὗρον ἔλεος [compassion; tender mercy (G1656)]
ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς σου καὶ ποιήσεις μοι σήμερον πᾶν ὅ τι ἐλάλησας μετ’ ἐμοῦ.
This is the EXACT term used to describe GRACE when Lot obtained it! Friends; what is interesting is the translation bias that exists when translating the Hebrew term "chen" the translators were not consistent!!! Instead of using "charis" they chose to use this term instead!
FRIENDS THIS VERY NEXT POINT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE I CAN MAKE PLEASE DO NOT JUST GLOSS OVER IT. CHEW ON IT; THINK UPON IT; DWELL UPON IT THIS WEEK. ASK YOURSELF "AM I WALKING AS THE BIBLE DEFINES THOSE WHO WALK UPRIGHT?" IF NOT THEN CHANGE YOUR BEHAVIOR. TRUST ME; I'M NOT BETTER THAN YOU; WE ALL NEED TO ALTER OUR BEHAVIOR TO WALK UPRIGHTLY.
Psalm 84:11 (Grace is given to those who walk uprightly)
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk UPRIGHTLY.
LXX:
ὅτι ἔλεον καὶ ἀλήθειαν ἀγαπᾷ κύριος ὁ θεός, χάριν καὶ δόξαν δώσει· κύριος οὐ
στερήσει τὰ ἀγαθὰ τοὺς πορευομένους ἐν ἀκακίᾳ.
ὅτι ἔλεον καὶ ἀλήθειαν ἀγαπᾷ κύριος ὁ θεός, χάριν καὶ δόξαν δώσει· κύριος οὐ
στερήσει τὰ ἀγαθὰ τοὺς πορευομένους ἐν ἀκακίᾳ.
Proverbs 1:9 (Wisdom; Instruction; and Torah)
"For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck."
LXX:
στέφανον γὰρ χαρίτων δέξῃ σῇ κορυφῇ καὶ κλοιὸν χρύσεον περὶ σῷ τραχήλῳ.
Proverbs 3:4 (Grace will be found in the sight of God and Man)
Read this Proverb beginning in verse 3:1-3:4
Proverbs 3:22 (The Mitzvah: Commandments are grace to your neck)
Read this Proverb beginning in verse 3:1-3:4
Proverbs 3:22 (The Mitzvah: Commandments are grace to your neck)
"So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck."
LXX:
ἵνα ζήσῃ ἡ ψυχή σου, καὶ χάρις ᾖ περὶ σῷ τραχήλῳ.
ἵνα ζήσῃ ἡ ψυχή σου, καὶ χάρις ᾖ περὶ σῷ τραχήλῳ.
Proverbs 3:34 (Grace is given to the humble)
"Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly."
"Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly."
LXX:
κύριος ὑπερηφάνοις ἀντιτάσσεται, ταπεινοῖς δὲ δίδωσιν χάριν.
Proverbs 4:7-9 (Instruction; understanding; Torah; wisdom & understanding-HER)
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Exalt her and she shall promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will
place on your head an ornament of grace; and crown of glory she will deliver to you."
Exalt her and she shall promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will
place on your head an ornament of grace; and crown of glory she will deliver to you."
LXX:
ἵνα δῷ τῇ σῇ κεφαλῇ στέφανον χαρίτων, στεφάνῳ δὲ τρυφῆς ὑπερασπίσῃ σου.
ἵνα δῷ τῇ σῇ κεφαλῇ στέφανον χαρίτων, στεφάνῳ δὲ τρυφῆς ὑπερασπίσῃ σου.
For those who don't know the Torah happens to be a feminine word in the Hebrew. It is referred to as a SHE sort of how we refer to ships as "she" rather than "he."
Proverbs 10:32 (Those who are Righteous Know what to Speak of)
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; but the mouth of the wicked what is
perverse."
LXX:
χείλη ἀνδρῶν δικαίων ἀποστάζει χάριτας, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀποστρέφεται.
Proverbs 11:27 (Grace must be sought Earnestly)
"He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil.
LXX:
τεκταινόμενος ἀγαθὰ ζητεῖ χάριν ἀγαθήν· ἐκζητοῦντα δὲ κακά, καταλήμψεται αὐτόν.
Proverbs 12:2 (The Wicked may be shown favor; but, they do not Obtain it!)
"A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn."
LXX:
κρείσσων ὁ εὑρὼν χάριν παρὰ κυρίῳ, ἀνὴρ δὲ παράνομος παρασιωπηθήσεται.
Proverbs 13:15 (Grace/Favor Can be gained by good understanding)
"Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard."
LXX:
σύνεσις ἀγαθὴ δίδωσιν χάριν, τὸ δὲ γνῶναι νόμον διανοίας ἐστὶν ἀγαθῆς, ὁδοὶ δὲ
καταφρονούντων ἐν ἀπωλείᾳ.
Proverbs 15:17 (Grace)
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred."
LXX:
κρείσσων ξενισμὸς λαχάνων πρὸς φιλίαν καὶ χάριν ἢ παράθεσις μόσχων μετὰ ἔχθρας.
Proverbs 17:8 ( )
"A present is a prescious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns he prospers."
LXX:
μισθὸς χαρίτων ἡ παιδεία τοῖς χρωμένοις, οὗ δ᾿ ἂν ἐπιστρέψῃ, εὐοδωθήσεται
Proverbs 17:17 ( )
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
LXX:
εἰς πάντα καιρὸν φίλος ὑπαρχέτω σοι, ἀδελφοὶ δὲ ἐν ἀνάγκαις χρήσιμοι ἔστωσαν·
τούτου γὰρ χάριν γεννῶνται.
Proverbs 18:22 (Married? Your WIFE is a form of Grace/Favor from God)
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD."
LXX:
ὃς εὗρεν γυναῖκα ἀγαθήν, εὗρεν χάριτας, ἔλαβεν δὲ παρὰ θεοῦ ἱλαρότητα.
"The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable; but the mouth of the wicked what is
perverse."
LXX:
χείλη ἀνδρῶν δικαίων ἀποστάζει χάριτας, στόμα δὲ ἀσεβῶν ἀποστρέφεται.
Proverbs 11:27 (Grace must be sought Earnestly)
"He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil.
LXX:
τεκταινόμενος ἀγαθὰ ζητεῖ χάριν ἀγαθήν· ἐκζητοῦντα δὲ κακά, καταλήμψεται αὐτόν.
Proverbs 12:2 (The Wicked may be shown favor; but, they do not Obtain it!)
"A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn."
LXX:
κρείσσων ὁ εὑρὼν χάριν παρὰ κυρίῳ, ἀνὴρ δὲ παράνομος παρασιωπηθήσεται.
Proverbs 13:15 (Grace/Favor Can be gained by good understanding)
"Good understanding gains favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard."
LXX:
σύνεσις ἀγαθὴ δίδωσιν χάριν, τὸ δὲ γνῶναι νόμον διανοίας ἐστὶν ἀγαθῆς, ὁδοὶ δὲ
καταφρονούντων ἐν ἀπωλείᾳ.
Proverbs 15:17 (Grace)
"Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred."
LXX:
κρείσσων ξενισμὸς λαχάνων πρὸς φιλίαν καὶ χάριν ἢ παράθεσις μόσχων μετὰ ἔχθρας.
Proverbs 17:8 ( )
"A present is a prescious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns he prospers."
LXX:
μισθὸς χαρίτων ἡ παιδεία τοῖς χρωμένοις, οὗ δ᾿ ἂν ἐπιστρέψῃ, εὐοδωθήσεται
Proverbs 17:17 ( )
"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
LXX:
εἰς πάντα καιρὸν φίλος ὑπαρχέτω σοι, ἀδελφοὶ δὲ ἐν ἀνάγκαις χρήσιμοι ἔστωσαν·
τούτου γὰρ χάριν γεννῶνται.
Proverbs 18:22 (Married? Your WIFE is a form of Grace/Favor from God)
"He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the LORD."
LXX:
ὃς εὗρεν γυναῖκα ἀγαθήν, εὗρεν χάριτας, ἔλαβεν δὲ παρὰ θεοῦ ἱλαρότητα.
Proverbs 28:23 ( )
"He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue."
LXX:
ὁ ἐλέγχων ἀνθρώπου ὁδοὺς χάριτας ἕξει μᾶλλον τοῦ γλωσσοχαριτοῦντος.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 ( )
"The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up."
LXX:
λόγοι στόματος σοφοῦ χάρις, καὶ χείλη ἄφρονος καταποντιοῦσιν αὐτόν·
Jeremiah 31:2 (Those who survive the sword find grace)
"Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness;
even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest."
LXX:
οὕτως εἶπεν κύριος Εὗρον θερμὸν ἐν ἐρήμῳ μετὰ ὀλωλότων ἐν μαχαίρᾳ· βαδίσατε καὶ μὴ
ὀλέσητε τὸν Ισραηλ.
FRIENDS WITH EVERYTHING THAT IS OCCURRING IN THE WORLD TODAY I'M GOING TO SUGGEST TO YOU THAT THIS SWORD WHICH IS ESCAPED IS RECOGNIZABLE AS THE SWORD OF ISLAM.
Zechariah 4:7 ( )
"Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall
bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it."
LXX:
τίς εἶ σύ, τὸ ὄρος τὸ μέγα, πρὸ προσώπου Ζοροβαβελ τοῦ κατορθῶσαι; καὶ
ἐξοίσω τὸν λίθον τῆς κληρονομίας ἰσότητα χάριτος χάριτα αὐτῆς.
τίς εἶ σύ, τὸ ὄρος τὸ μέγα, πρὸ προσώπου Ζοροβαβελ τοῦ κατορθῶσαι; καὶ
ἐξοίσω τὸν λίθον τῆς κληρονομίας ἰσότητα χάριτος χάριτα αὐτῆς.
Zechariah 12:10 ( )
"And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of
grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall
mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is
in bitterness for his firstborn.
grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall
mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is
in bitterness for his firstborn.
LXX:
καὶ ἐκχεῶ ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Δαυιδ καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Ιερουσαλημ πνεῦμα
χάριτος καὶ οἰκτιρμοῦ, καὶ ἐπιβλέψονται πρός με ἀνθ᾿ ὧν κατωρχήσαντο καὶ
κόψονται ἐπ᾿ αὐτὸν κοπετὸν ὡς ἐπ᾿ ἀγαπητὸν καὶ ὀδυνηθήσονται ὀδύνην ὡς ἐπὶ
πρωτοτόκῳ.
καὶ ἐκχεῶ ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον Δαυιδ καὶ ἐπὶ τοὺς κατοικοῦντας Ιερουσαλημ πνεῦμα
χάριτος καὶ οἰκτιρμοῦ, καὶ ἐπιβλέψονται πρός με ἀνθ᾿ ὧν κατωρχήσαντο καὶ
κόψονται ἐπ᾿ αὐτὸν κοπετὸν ὡς ἐπ᾿ ἀγαπητὸν καὶ ὀδυνηθήσονται ὀδύνην ὡς ἐπὶ
πρωτοτόκῳ.
Friends Grace is not just a New Testament Device as we have seen reflected in this chapter. We have
seen examples of MANY whom the TaNaK indicates recieved Grace; and, how they were obedient to
the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies of God by what the rest of the
Bible says about these men.
Because grace is so intimately attached to obedience we need to find a way to help those who call
themselves "Christian" and who participate in the automatic knee jerk reaction of "but I'm saved by
grace; I'm not under the law" to understand that those who are "under the law" are disobedient; and
those who are under grace are obedient even as Moses. It is our disobedience that brings the curses of
the law; not the law itself. The instructions are the road map towards living a holy and righteous lifestyle
before a Holy and righteous God. For those who reject it; it isn't that they don't believe it to be true. The
bottom line is that they DO NOT DESIRE to Obey. Period. Please be sure to check out the chart about
Grace vs. the LAW which I will be posting soon. It will be very helpful for discussing this very topic.
The Chapter on the Law will be an invaluable resource to you so stay tuned!
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