Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
Have you ever read the intensely interesting story of King Asa? He gets lost in the hoopla of David and Solomon. What's unique about his story is that on the surface he appears to contradict the Bible truth of righteousness by faith. His reign appears to prove the doctrine of salvation by works; it's the Old Covenant glorified, salvation by obedience. It appears on the surface to prove that Laodicea is right and the True Witness is wrong. The story appears to support the widely popular doctrine of salvation by obedience under the terms of the Old Covenant--it's right here in the Bible! Mount Sinai supremely successful.
Read it: 2 Chronicles 15, 16. The nation enjoyed wonderful security and prosperity. But did you notice that Asa and the people were so strongly committed to the Old Covenant that they decreed "death, whether small or great, whether man or woman," to anyone who didn't join in? Yes, for sure that secured "obedience," right to the letter (15:12, 13)!
This wonderful Old Covenant rule brought blessings for 35 years (vs. 19). Then "perfect" King Asa did "foolishly" and forsook the Lord (16:9). Hanani, an inspired prophet, rightly rebuked him; then good King Asa lost his temper and threw him into prison, and began oppressing his people (vss. 7-10). He ended his reign stubbornly refusing to humble his heart before the Lord when affliction came on him (vs. 12). "Perfect heart"?
Our problem comes in 15:17: "Nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days." How can you have a "perfect heart," then lose your temper at the Spirit of Prophecy, jail the Lord's true prophet, "oppress" your people, then turn your back on the Lord in your old age? Is it really true that righteousness is not by faith? That you can have faith and still go on sinning? Many worldwide believe so, and here's proof, they say. How can we understand this? Our time's up. Maybe we can look at it tomorrow.
Copyright © 2009 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
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