Most of us mean well and are sincere in our beliefs and in our search for the truth. We don’t want to deceive others nor do we want to be deceived ourselves. We want to be true to what we believe in based on what God has revealed to be the truth found in the Bible. But without realizing it, we sometimes embrace error and spread it to others. And sometimes, our false belief is based on a proof text.

Proof Text Explained

So what is a proof text anyway? May I quote from Wikipedia:

Examples of Proof Texts

One good example of proof texting is that of people quoting John 6:44 to explain that only a few will be saved and that God is setting limits to salvation. This verse is quoted to support a view that God has already decided who will be saved and it’s not everybody. For an explanation on this topic, please visit this link.

Another example is that of 1 Corinthians 15:22 which is quoted by some people to support their belief that in the end time, all will be saved. Taken out of context, it would really seem like what they’re saying is true. But here’s an explanation I wrote at this link.

One more example of a proof text is on a passage which says that when the Lord Jesus Christ returns, “every knee will bow down” to him. This is interpreted to mean that all will be saved because all knees without exception will bow down to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Here’s an explanation I wrote on this one at this link.

Reading in Context

Learning to read the Bible in context is something we must not forget when reading the Bible. Whenever we disregard the context of Scripture, chances are, we would most likely end up misunderstanding and misinterpreting the Bible leading us to believe and teach what the Bible does not support after all. And that is what proof texting is all about.

The word reconciliation is a relational word. It means a restored relationship after having gone through a breakup. To be reconciled means to be in good terms once again after a good relationship was somehow broken or destroyed.

Already Reconciled

When Paul said that God has reconciled us back to him, it means that God has already done something to restore that relationship. In Christ, God was reconciling the whole word to himself. Paul said that God has already forgiven our trespasses and he no longer counts our sins against us (2 Cor 5:18-19). From God’s side, in so far as God is concerned, he has already made the first move and he has already extended his right hand of fellowship and friendship to us. The good news is all about relationships. The good news is that through Jesus Christ as our Mediator and High Priest we already have access and can enjoy life and love together and in communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Our Participation and Response

Will we accept God’s offer of reconciliation and restore our relationship with him? In a relationship, our response to God’s love is important to him. This is not about contracts but about love, loving relationships.

Paul made an appeal and implored the believers in Corinth to be reconciled back to God (2 Cor. 5:20). Paul used relational words like “appeal” and “implore” as he convinced them to respond accordingly. Other Bible translations use the words: “beseech”, “pray” (KJV), “entreat”, “beg” (NAS), “urge”, “appeal” (NJB). Responding to God’s call is something that a loving father would love to see and hear from his children. He would love for his children to respond back to him in love.

God is Love Not a Contract-God

The gospel is not about a transaction or a contract. It’s about relationship and reconciliation. If we think that God is dealing with us like in a legal contract, then we would wrongly think that our response is a condition or requirement before we get reconciled back to God. We would think that we earned our salvation because we “repented and believed” — just like in a transaction or legal contract. We will think that repentance and faith are “requirements for salvation.” But that is not true. God is not a contract-God. Rather, we should think of God’s commands as imperatives of grace in view of the fact that God is love (indicative of grace), our obedience that comes from faith (Rom. 1:5. 16:26).

Yes, God is love (1 John 4:8). That’s who the triune God is. God loves us and he wants to have a relationship with us. Whether we will accept God’s love or not, whether we repent and believe or not, he will continue to love us unconditionally just the same. He is our loving Father. And of course, fathers would love their children to respond with love in return. It’s a loving relationship that God is after. It’s not about legal requirements like in a contract in order to be saved. This is the true gospel. This is good news!

For Further Study:

• The Gospel Really is Good News
• The God Revealed in Jesus Christ – A Booklet

Updated 3/14/2020

I had the opportunity to visit Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay this past weekend and I was impressed by what the Lord is doing in this area. Although small in number, our local congregation in Ipil is participating in the Lord’s work in a unique way. Their worship service hall is also at the same time, part of a radio station. They are involved in radio ministry.

Their radio ministry will have been seven years old this coming August. It all started with Pastor Geoffrey Balatero’s desire to participate in the Lord’s work by starting a radio ministry to share the gospel in the community. He began by placing two trumpet speakers in his rooftop. Then he got permission from the government to purchase a 10-watt transmitter. Then it was increased to 30 watts and presently, they now have a 1,000-watt transmitter able to reach the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and even Basilan and Jolo.

It was inspiring to see our church members participate in the Lord’s work and even though they are a small church, but they are reaching out to so many. Their Sunday evening worship services are aired live every week. Isn’t that amazing?

Here’s a video of my interview with Pastor Geoffrey below: