And He said unto them in His doctrine,
Beware of the scribes, which love to go
in long clothing, and love salutations in the
market places and the chief seats in the synagogues,
and uppermost rooms at feasts: which devour
widows houses and for a pretence make long prayers:
these shall receive greater dispensation.
Mark 12:38-40
A general problem with people is that of not knowing grammar, at all, or well, therefore they misunderstand the full meaning of a statement. When translating from one language to another often there are several words in the definition that could be used so the translator selects one that best fits his belief. This does not mean that they are wrong in their selection, rather it means that they may be intentionally choosing words to promote their teachings. Therefore, we must take time that is, if we are doing a good examination, to check all the words that could be used, and often none are wrong in of themselves, only in the way a selection has been chosen in light of a person' doctrine. Sometimes words are sanctified, they mean more that what is what they actually mean, and lead people to believe what may not be the better way to understand the words and their application.
A word that is used be Christians and has become almost a sanctified word is : Doctrine. What is the meaning of this word so used be the Church? Webster's Dictionary; 1997: 1. a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion. 2. a body or system of teachings related to a particular subject: the doctrine of a Church. The Latin form of the word is teaching (doctrina). Therefore in the opening Scripture Jesus is giving a teaching, His teaching on a certain subject. That subject is about those who are and will mislead people so that they receive more than what they should receive, that is, they are teaching people their beliefs, their teachings, teachings that will tickle people ears so that they receive, money, salutations, better position in life, etc. and those who love God, those who are learning to become Authentic Christians, are to beware of that type of teacher. Another word or words used in the above Scripture is "long robes," and this is good, but there is a greater and full meaning at the Greek word means "a long flowing robe," so to use this is to give a better picture of what those who teach in such a way as to receive a greater honor. Lastly, the word "dispensation" and this word must not be confused with "dispensationalism" as those two words do not mean the same, although are similar. The simple meaning of "dispensation" is an act or instance of dispensing or distribution, a certain order, system, or arrangement. Dispensational is an adjective is the word that accompanies the noun to determine or qualify it. When -ism, a word from the Greek: -ismos and when added to words or word roots, means the act, state or theory. Words that we are most familiar with that end in -ism are Socialism, Communism, Atheism, Theism, Liberalism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islamism, etc., ., all speak of a certain doctrine. Dispensationalism in the Christian Church is not less theory: A doctrine prevalent in some forms of Protestant Christianity that divides history into distinct periods, each marked by a different dispensation or relationship between God and humanity. Dispensationalism further holds that Christian believers will be transported to heaven without warning and that soon thereafter there will be a period of tribulation, followed by the Second Coming. It is noteworthy to know that the word "dispensationalism" is not to be found in Scripture, it is a man-made doctrine.
Why did I spend this time about grammar and the meaning of words? it is because as one who is growing in sanctification I must beware of those who would mislead me, you, to teach that which is their doctrine and not necessarily a teaching of Jesus Christ. To be beware is to be informed. Authentic Christians do not sit quietly and tacitly approve of all that is being taught, no, they follow Scripture and check things out (1Thessalonians 5:21). If we are to be the hands, feet, and mouth for Jesus Christ while we are on this earth, then we must be the best we can be. As the apostle John wrote: "If ye know thee things, happy are ye if ye do them (John 8:17).
Here is a major difference between Authentic Christians and cultural Christians: their religious theory is nothing more than counterfeit obedience, a state of mind, one that they work up occasions of sacrifice, to mistake ardour for discernment. What is forgotten, and replaced with false doctrines is their spiritual destiny given to all who desire to be Authentic Christians and to have Authentic Christian Faith: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:1-2). Beware of returning back to that which you once were, when God wants you to be something you have never been.
Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe:
come, get you down; for the press is full,
the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision:
for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Joel 3:13-14
Trust no man: verify: trust God
Richard L. Crumb
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