From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”
[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.” As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]
In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn’t mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.
In the Gospel of John, in teaching about eternal life, Jesus Christ said that those having eternal life would never perish, and that no one would be able to pluck them out of his hand or His Father’s hand.
To “pluck out of the hand” refers to a game young children played in the lands and times of the Bible. This is something that those listening to Jesus would have easily understood; it painted a clear picture for them. Once we understand the game the children played, we too will have a clear picture of what he said.
The Game
Here is the simple game the children played. One of the youngsters would put a coin in his hand, close his fist, and then keep it closed as tightly as he could. Another child would then try to open the tightly clenched fist, and if he could, he would get the coin.
In referring to eternal life, Jesus was saying that no one was going to “open his Father’s fist.” In other words, eternal life cannot be changed or altered. This gives us a little added insight to a verse in Colossians that says that our life is hid with Christ in God. The life being referred to is eternal life.
Not Perish
It is noteworthy that when Jesus spoke of eternal life, he used the word “perish.” He didn’t say that those who have eternal life would not die, but rather that they would not perish. There is a difference.
The Greek word translated “perish” means to be completely abolished, ruined and lost. While one may die, if he or she is born again, that person will not perish, because they have eternal life. The Bible says that those who die are asleep and will be made alive when Christ returns.
An Open Invitation
Because of God’s great love, He has freely extended the invitation to all people to accept His Son, to believe that Jesus is the savior and lord of all men, and that God raised him from the dead. Accepting these two truths, one becomes saved and receives eternal life.
And, once you receive eternal life, nothing can change it! No one is going to pluck you out of Christ’s hand, or out of his Father’s hand.
Once again, with a little understanding of the times and culture in which the scriptures were written, the Bible becomes clear, and its richness shines brightly.
John 10:28 and 29
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.Colossians 3:3b
Your life is hid with Christ in God
I Thessalonians 4:15-17
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Mike Verdicchio
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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written. The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai. I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.
He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window
Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)
Surely you are not saying that a believer can go out and return to sinning deliberately ,returning to his old nature and then expect to go back with the Lord ? as a believer.
Andre,
I am just sharing what Jesus said when talking about eternal life.
If it wasn’t eternal he would have said, temporary life.
Jesus paid the price for all sins (I John 2:1,2), which includes those that will be committed tomorrow.
What a savior!
God bless you.
Liked hearing the story about the game the children play regards plucking out of your hand
Thanks for the comment, Maria. Knowing a little bit about their culture gives us clearer understanding.
God bless you.
What is the difference between plucking out of Gods hands and walking out of Gods hands.
Pat,
I have not heard the phrase, “walking out of God’s hands.”
We can, of course, choose to walk away from His Word, but, we still belong to Him.
God bless you.
I feel like the parable of the good Shepard speaks of individuals who follow through and obey what the word say, for we know that the scripture provide enough clear evidence for this acknowledgment.
I’ll list a few.
Ezekiel 18:24
Matthew 7:21
Philippines 4:9
Titus 1:16
James 2:17
1 Peter 4:18
1 John 2:4
1 John 3:6
So I feel there is enough scriptural evidence to come to the conclusion that, while we cannot be perfect, we must continually strive for a sin free life, and Gods grace is our empowerment to do so. If we really understand what Jesus did for us we will do what he asked of us, to overcome the ways of the flesh and to strive for holiness. It makes sense to me that the devil would try to steal souls by promoting false security amount believers. How can your fix a problem you don’t know you have.
Phillip,
Thanks for leaving a comment.
You are so right – we really need to see all that Jesus Christ accomplished for us. Then our actions will not be out of duty, or even doing the right things; rather they will be a response of gratitude to our loving God and Father.
God bless you.
When a child of God dies, what happens?
Butch,
There’s been a lot of discussion about this topic for a very long time.
Regardless of traditions and theologies, I think the Bible speaks clearly on this subject.
I’ve written a number of articles about this topic. One I wrote recently, “You’re Alive!”
Read that as well as the related articles noted on that post.
Another article I wrote is entitled, “True Comfort in Times of Sorrow.”
The good news is that we are today closer to the Return of Jesus Christ, when all of God’s children will meet him in the air!
God bless you,
No one can be plucked out of his hand)::::: My cousin told me that 🙁 Even if you take your own life you can still go to heaven as long as you have been saved . Every one else says that : ( If you kill yourself it is a sure ticket to hell. If I could get more details or information on this for a more clearer understanding. Thank you Randy .
Randy, thanks for leaving a comment.
I know some teach if you take your own life it is unforgivable. I know of no scripture that says that specifically. There are, however, many verses that talk about eternal life, and that it is a gift. As a gift, we do not earn it. When someone is saved, the Bible teaches they have received eternal life, and we are saved by grace, not works. On the other hand, rewards in the future, those will be from our works. God bless you.
What if someone who once believed or was very religious claimed to stop because of pain in their life? I know of one such person, and I was just wondering if someone can lose their faith and still be saved since faith is required to be saved in the first place. Thanks.
Rusty, thanks for leaving a comment. The word “faith” is much better understood as, “believe,” or belief.” In most cases the translators translated the verb as, “believe,” and the noun as, “faith.” We are saved by grace when we believe in Jesus Christ: that he is lord of all men, and that God raised him from the dead. Believing those two things, the Bible says, you shall be saved. One who is saved receives eternal life. It you could lose it, it would not be called, “eternal life.” God bless you.
I’m having difficulty understanding this passage in John and the parable of the seeds. The seeds that fell among thorns grew for a while but the cares of the world “choked them”. Is it possible to walk with the Lord for 14 years and then fall into the sin of adultery and just walk away? Was this person never really saved? Thank you.
Joyce, thanks for leaving a comment.
I do not know all the details of the situation you refer to, but what I do know is we obtain salvation by grace, not from our works, and it is eternal life, a gift from God.
Can a saved person walk away from a godly life? Yes, sadly they can, but eternal life is still eternal life.
Forgiveness of sins is readily available to those who are saved.
God’s grace in these matters is so big. Scripture tells us that nothing can separate us from His love – nothing we do, or don’t do!
For those who choose to walk away from the Truth, we can pray they come back to God and obtain His forgiveness and mercy.
God bless you