There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death
(Proverbs 16:25)
I hear it far to often, all “religions” are the same they all lead to heaven. Yet the bible is very clear man’s “way to heaven” is but foolishness for natural man, that is those unrepentant and unconverted by the blood of Christ can not see the kingdom of Heaven.
AMP and RVR 1960
CONTEXT:
In this his first letter to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul, here in Chapter 2 writes about his need for and dependence upon the Holy Spirit. Paul knew that Christ had left the Holy Spirit for some very specific promises and roles (See series beginning here ) that included Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, and Strengthener.
Here it is made very clear that true believers are to rely upon the Holy Spirits’ guidance while the unbeliever can not phantom the truths that He brings.
BREAKDOWN:
But the natural man – The unbelieving unconverted unregenerate man.
receiveth not – will not accept, thinks them lies,
the things of the Spirit of God: – the teachings and wisdom of the Holy Spirit
for they are foolishness unto him: – the Holy Spirits’ wisdom is but gibberish to natural man making no sense at all to him who remains in sin
neither can he know them, – Only the born again, sanctified in the Blood of Christ can accept and understand things of God
because they are spiritually discerned. – A worldly man can not judge Spiritual matters he has no knowledge of such things
APPLICATION:
First to my Christians friends; every time I hear someone say ‘I do not understand how someone could do such a thing’ I want to shout “READ THE BOOK!” Our text makes it clear those who are apart from Christ are going to live in darkness because they do not want to live in the light Isaiah 9:2, John 3:19. Our job is not to condemn, point out the error of their ways with Grace yes, but pray for conversion, pray for the Holy Spirit to act upon their harden hearts. After all we we want them in Heaven Glorifying God forever too!
To the unbeliever; The phrase “knowledge is power“ is often attributed to Francis Bacon, from his Meditationes Sacrae (1597). It was a favorite quote of Thomas Jefferson used at least 4 times. One question that everyman asks in some form or another is ‘this all there is’ or ‘where will I spend eternity.’
There are many books claiming to have answers but only one has been published more than any other. If I was an unbeliever and I knew that the most widely published book in the history of man was available for free to read I would be wondering what all the fuss was about. Then knowing that I was incapable of understanding it on my own accord (see our main Text) I would ask the Holy Spirt to enlighten me with the truth. Unless of course the truth is unimportant to you?
