January - The Month Of Janus

 A.C.Pike

Introduction

At the end of each Year, people all around the world go out of their homes or places of work, and then walk around them at the stroke of Midnight, then they walk back into their houses or places of work. This is called bringing in the New Year. But what is the origin of this custom? 

Some people sing in the New Year with the song Auld Lang Syne. But where did this song originate?

In this article, we will take a look at the origins of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and the customs surrounding these Festivals. 

January

The Month known as January comes from the Roman worship of the deity called Janus. This being was the god of doors and new beginnings. He had two faces. The one looked back at the past, and the other looked forward to the future. This marked a person's history, and what the future would hold. The name 'ianus' means 'door.' This suggests a new opening or way. Hence, looking to the future. 

The door to his temple was opened in times of war and conflict. It was closed when there were times of peace.

Auld Lang Syne

This was a Scottish Folk song that people in Scotland would sing. It was this piece of music that was used as the backdrop for the more modern song used by George Burns.

The phrase' Auld Lang Syne' predates the usage by George Burns. The term was used by Robert Ayton (1570-1638), Allan Ramsey (1686-1757, and James Watson (1711). It means "Old Long Since" and refers to the older days gone by. 

This is a song that is sung in Scotland to sing in the New Year. 

 

Robert Burns 

Robert Burns was born on the 25/01/1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland. He died on the 21/07/1796 at the age of Thirty Severn Years old in Dumfries, Scotland. He was a Freemason. He was inducted into the order in 1781 in Ayrshire, Scotland. It was just three Months later that he became a Master Mason. 

At the Lodge, Masons would link hands together and sing Old Lang Syne when bringing in the New Year. This is where the practice of linking arms and singing this song found it's way into New Year's Eve celebrations. 

Hogmanay

The etymological meaning of the word "Hogmanay" is believed to have been derived from two Greek words meaning "Holy Month." Some sources say that it has Norse roots. This Festival is believed to have originated from the Norse Winter Solstice. 

Customs

Some of the customs involved with this festival were leaving out food and drink for people. This is where the modern practice of this came from. 

1650 Metric Psalter

What do the 1650 Metric Psalms and Auld Lang Syne have in common? The answer is nothing. So why would I mention it? The reason why I am mentioning it is because I have recently found Christians setting Jehovah God's hymn book (the Psalms) to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. Should we take Jehovah's divinely inspired hymn book (the Psalms) and set it to a pagan tune that was used by a Freemason? The answer is no.

Conclusion

He gave Israel strict instructions to 'NOT' to learn pagan ways (feasts), he said, "Thus saith the LORD (Jehovah), learn not the way of the heathen" (Jeremiah 10:2). As Christians, we should not partake of pagan Festivals.

References

References taken from Wiki.

Reformation Bibles

 A.C.Pike

Introduction

Below is a list of Greek New Testament Texts and Bibles that were prepared and produced throughout the Protestant Reformation. 

Greek Text

The Greek New Testament Texts.

1) Erasmus of 1519, 1522, 1527, & 1535.

2) Robert Estienne (Stephanus) of 1546, 1549, 1550, & 1551.

3) Theodore Beza - nine editions from 1565 to 1604.

$) Elzevir of 1624, 1633 & 1641.

Reformation Bibles

The Protestant Bibles.

1) Tyndale Bible of 1534.

2) Coverdale Bible of 1535.

3) Matthew's Bible of 1537.

4) The Great Bible of 1539.

5) Taverner of 1539. 

6) The Geneva Bible of 1560 & 1599.

7) Bishop's Bible of 1568 revisions of 1572 & 1602.

8) The King James Bible of 1611 (and several other additions). 

9) The King James Bible of 1769.

Out of all of these different Bibles, the best known and the most widely used of them is the 1769 King James Bible. 

The King James Bible

 The King James Bible is also known as the 'Authorised Version', because it was commissioned (authorised) by King James the 1st of England.

The King James Bible itself went through several revisions from the period of 1604 to 1611. 

It's Old Testament is based upon the Masoretic Hebrew Text. This is a Hebrew Text that was produced by the Masoretic Jews from the period of the 7th to the 10th centuries. 

It's New Testament is based mainly upon Beza's Greek Text. However, other Greek Texts and the third edition of the Bishop's Bible of 1602 were also consulted. 

The King James Bible of 1611 (as did the Matthews Bible of 1537, the Great Bible of 1549, the Geneva Bible of 1560, and the Bishop's Bible of 1568) contained what is known as the 'Apocrypha.' This is a collection of 14 interim books between the Old and New Testaments. *

King James Bible 1769

It is this edition of the King James Bible that we use today. This version is used by street preachers and pastors in churches, as well as Christians engaging in personal studies of the Scriptures. 

Conclusion

God willing, I hope to do a more in-depth study about the Textus Receptus and the Authorised Version of the Bible.

Notes

The Catholic church used Jerome's Fourth Century version of the Latin Vulgate. It is in this work that the Apocrypha can be found. The Hebrew Masoretic Text did not contain the Apocrypha. It should be noted that the Protestant Churches disagreed with the Catholic church on a number of issues. One of them was the inclusion of the Apocrypha. King James the 1st of England did not agree with it's usage (Book 1:13 Basilion Doron). This is why it was placed in-between the two Testaments. 

I believe that all 66 books of the Protestant Bible (as in the 1769 AV/KJV Bible) is the full canon of Scripture. *

The Wycliff'e Bible of 1382 (Revisions 1388 & 1396) was a pre-Reformation Bible. It was based upon the Latin Vulgate. 

What Is Adiaphora?

 A.C.Pike

Introduction

Recently, I am seeing more and more Christians disagreeing on certain biblical topics. Some of these disagreements are variant secondary issues known as 'Adiaphora' and they don't affect a person's salvation. However, some of these are important core doctrines that are essential to the Christian faith. In this brief article, I will take a look at some of these issues.

Primary Issues

Over the years, I have seen people reject the doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). This is a core orthodox doctrine that all Christians should believe in. There has been a growing movement of some who claim to be King James Bible believers, but deny the doctrine of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity was taught by the early church. It was defended at the Council of Nicea in 325AD. It was taught and defended throughout the ages by the Catholic church, the Orthodox church, and the Protestant and Reformed Churches. The doctrine of the Trinity is denied by Christadelphians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormoms, Oneness Pentecostals, Unitarian Christians, and Seventh Day Adventists. 

A more recent one is the doctrine of Anihilationism. This is the belief that when a person dies, their body breaks down and goes back into the ground. They believe that their spirit doesn't live on. The early church fathers, as well as the three main denominations (Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants) have all believed in 'Eternal Torment.' That a person suffers in Hell. It is the Christadelphians, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Seventh Day Adventists who deny this doctrine. 

There are some doctrines that Christians cannot disagree on. These are: 

A) The Trinity, *1

B) The virgin birth.

C) The sinless nature of Christ, 

D) Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection.

E) Jesus' return to earth.

F) The resurrection of the dead.

G) Judgement Day. 

H) A literal Heaven and Hell.

I) Saved by grace.

J) Eternal Security (what we Calvinists call 'Perserverance of the Saints').

K) The belief that the Devil, Angels, and Demons are real beings. 

L) Young Earth Creationism.

M) Christ's Kingdom.

N) That the Bible is the inspired and infallible word of God.

O) Jesus died for our sins.

P) The preaching of the Gospel Message to the entire world. 

* That Jehovah is a Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He is eternal (no beginning or end). He is immutable (he does not change). He is omnipotent (all powerful). He is omniscient (all knowing), and he is omnipresent (all seeing). 

The above are beliefs and doctrines that a Christian can not divide on. They are core essential doctrines to the Christian faith and religion. 

Secondary Issues

These are matters that are not core doctrines and not essential to salvation. These are things such as:  Do we have a Presbytery or Episcopalian structure in our church? Do we baptise adults and children, or just adults? Do we hold to a Premillennial, Amillennial, or Postmillennial view of eschatology? Which Bible version do you use?

Circunstance

This is where Christians should never divide. For example, where do we meet together for worship and fellowship in a house or a non pagan building? What time do we meet? What is the structure of the meeting? Do we sit on wooden or plastic chairs? This is what's known as 'circumstance' and has no bearing on the worship in the Church. *2

Conclusion

As Christians, we can respectfully disagree with one another. We can still have fellowship with each other and come together to worship at the Lord's table. 

Some things, however, are outside the realms of Christian orthodoxy and therefore would constitute error or even heresy. These things are not tertiary issues and, as a result, would mean that a Christian with orthodox beliefs could not fellowship or worship with such a person.*

*1 As Christians, we are to show love and help to anyone in need. 

* 2 The Church is the people and not the building (Acts 20:28 & Romans 16:23).

Disclaimer

I am not endorsing the teachings/doctrines or worshipping/fellowship with the Roman Catholic or the Orthodox churches. 

Resources And Study Aids To Study Koine (Biblical) Greek

 A.C.Pike

Introduction

Here are some book recommendations and links for Christians who want to either learn Biblical Greek or to be able to have a working knowledge of being able to refer to and quote Greek words for preparing sermons or for personal/family home study.

Greek Text

There is a useful website named, 'Textus Receptus Bibles.' It contains the main Greek Texts of Robert Estienne, Theodore Beza, Elvizer, and the later Text of Scrivener. It can be found at: Textus Receptus Bibles

The Bible Gateway has the facility to have the AV/KJV Bible and the Stephanus Greek New Testament side by side so that you can read both Texts together: John 1 KJV;TR1550 - In the beginning was the Word, and the - Bible Gateway

Then there is J.P Green's Interlinear Bible that contains the AV/KJV Bible, the Greek Text, and a word-for-word translation in English. It exists as a hard copy so that you can have a physical book in your Library so that you can use it regularly in your studies: The Interlinear Bible, J.P. Green (#8137) - Bible Truth Publishers

Study Tools

The most common one used amongst Bible students is 'Strong's Concordance' : Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. It is a concise Concordance of Biblical words that enables you to look up the meaning and definition of various words and their meaning in the Greek Language. 

A good dictionary is the 'Oxford Classical Greek Dictionary' by Oxford Press (OUP Oxford): The Pocket Oxford Classical Greek Dictionary - James Morwood, John Taylor - Oxford University Press . Although it is a Classical Greek Dictionary, and not a Koine Greek one, it is an essential and invaluable tool to have. 

Another good resource is Liddel and Scott's Greek English Lexicon: A Greek-English Lexicon - H. G. Liddell, R. Scott, Henry Stuart Jones, Roderick McKenzie, P. G. W. Glare, A. A. Thompson - Oxford University Press . This is probably the best Greek learning material (Lexicon) a student can own. 

Another important resource is a Bill Mounce's 'Biblical Greek Grammar': Basics of Biblical Greek: Grammar | billmounce.com . This is the one that most modern Bible Colleges use.

Conclusion

There are many other great tools and resources that I could recommend, but for now, I will start with these ones.

I hope you found these resources helpful, and I hope that you and others are blessed by them. 

KJV Onlyism And Calvinists

 A.C.Pike

Introduction

In this brief article, I will look at why some KJVOnlyists quote or refer to Calvinists. This article is not to do down KJVOnlyists (I, myself, am a King James Bible Believer*), but to ask the question why they quote or refer to them (Calvinists), but consider them outside the realms of orthodox theology?

KJVOnlyism and Calvinists

There are several Ministries online that believe that the KJV Bible is God's preserved word in the English language. They refer to Calvinists in a positive way in their videos, but say that the Doctrines of Grace are heresy. They teach that Britain's greatest leader was Oliva Cromwell, they recommend John Bunyan's work 'The Pilgrim's Progress, they defend King James the 1st of England because he commissioned the Authorised Version of the Bible, and they refer to Charles Spurgeon as one of the greatest preachers of not just our time, but of all time. Yet these four men were either Calvinists (Bunyan, Cromwell, and Spurgeon), or held some sort of Calvinists views (King James the 1st of England). 

It is important to note that some of the translators of the AV/KJV Bible were Calvinists. One of them was a man named Thomas Holland. He was born in 1549AD in Ludlow, England, and died in 1612 in Oxford, England. He held a BA in Art (Oxford), a MA in Divinity (Oxford), and a Doctorate in Divinity (Oxford). His project was the translation of the Manuscripts from Isaiah to Malachi in the Old Testament. He was a prominent member of the translation committee. He was a 'CALVINIST Christian.

As previously mentioned, this article is not to attack anyone. It is to ask the question of why some non Calvinists today will accept, defend, and even refer to people like Bunyan, Cromwell, Spurgeon, and King James (the 1st of England), and indirectly to Thomas Holland - who were either Calvinists or held some sort of Calvinist views, but then imply that modern day Calvinists are heretics and that Calvinism is heresy?

I'm just asking the question.

Conclusion

I just want to say that I consider non-Calvinists as my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Note

*I hold to the view that the AV/KJV Bible is the accurate translation in English that is based on the correct Manuscripts (Hebrew Text and the Received Text) and that God has preserved his word throughout the ages. 

Notes

A) AV refers to the 'Authorised Version.

B) KJV refers to the 'King James Bible. 

Is Capital Punishment Biblical?

 A.C.Pike

Introduction

In this article, I will be looking at whether Capital Punishment for Murderers is biblical or not. 

Down through the ages, the churches (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant) all believed in Capital Punishment for murder. In the Old Testament, the State of Israel also administered the death penalty for murder. Over the years, the Churches (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant) did away with the practice. A lot of American Christians still practice this in various States, but over here in the UK, a lot of churches, even Reformed ones, have abandoned the practice. It has been legally outlawed in the UK.

The Old Testament

The first murder (by the hand of man) mentioned in the Bible is the killing of Abel by his brother Cain. The account describes Abel as a "keeper of sheep" and Cain as a "tiller of the ground" (Genesis 4:2). The LORD (Jehovah) respected Abel's offering, but not Cain's. Then, when they were in the field, Cain killed his brother (verse 8). God put a mark on Cain so that no man could avenge Abel's death (verse 14 & 15).

It was at the flood that Jehovah God instituted capital punishment for murderers. God told Noah that he and his offspring could eat any kind of animal Genesis 9:3), but gave a warning that "who so ever sheddeth man's blood, by man should his blood be shed" (Genesis 9:6). This commandment was/is binding on all nations.

Then after this, God gathered his people (the Jews) together into one nation, Israel. He gave them (previously to Moses) a set of rules (Moral, judicial, and ceremonial). He commanded the death penalty for murderers (Exodus 21:12-14; Numbers 35:30-32; & Leviticus 24:17-21). This was legally binding on the nation of Israel.

So we can see that after the flood all nations were required to administer capital punishment on murderers and that the nation of Israel had a penal code that punished murderers.

The New Testament

But what of the New Testament? A lot of Christians today (most) believe that God has done away with capital punishment for murderers. But is this true?

The Westminster Confession of Faith teaches that the Ceremonial Laws were fulfilled in Christ. It teaches that the Judicial Law ended with the national State of Israel and that only the 'general equity' remains. And that the Moral Law is binding on all people (not just Christians) throughout all ages (WCF XIX). However, is the remaining of the Moral Law a justification for capital punishment?

We must remember that the commandment that Jehovah gave in Genesis 9 is still binding on all human beings in all nations throughout the whole of history. We can also see that in the time of the Apostles, Paul said that the Roman State had the power to act as the "minister of God" and bear "the sword" and "execute wrath" upon the wicked (Romans 11:4). The Apostle Paul himself when up in front of the local Roman authorities said that if he had done anything wrong (worthy of the death penalty), then he should be put to death (Acts 11:25). We also read that the Apostle Peter said that Governers exist for the purpose of imposing punishment on evildoers (1 Peter 2:13-14).

Conclusion

As we can see, the Law of Jehovah that was pre-nation of Israel (Genesis 9), under the nation of Israel (Exodus 21:12-14), and post-nation of Israel (Romans 13) under the Christian age warrants the death penalty. This is because man is made in the image of God (Imago Dei) and because of this, retribution is required (Genesis 9:6).

Reference

The Westminster Confession of Faith

Prayer Distinctives

A.C.Pike

 Introduction

In 27/07/2025 I wrote two articles entitled, 'The Lord's Prayer' and How Do We Pray?' In these article I taught the examples that the Lord gave us in his model prayer on what to pray for and how we should pray. In this small article, I will detail the differences between how a man and a woman should pray.

Men

In corporate (Church) and non-corporate (the home) worship, men are to lead the Church/their households in prayer. 

In the Bible, we read that men are to offer up prayer (1 Timothy 2:8)  In times of prayer, men in both the Old Testament and the New Testament were to raise their hands to heaven while praying. This was a sign of worship  (Leviticus 9:22), supplication (Psalm 28:2), thanksgiving/praise (Psalm 63:4), and leadership (1 Timothy 2:8). This was a practice of both Jews and Christians.

Also, men looked up to Heaven when praying. Jesus did this himself (Luke 6:16 & John 17:1).

Women

When praying, women wore a headcovering (1 Corinthians 11). This was a sign of humility and headship. In the Garden of Eden, Adam had direct communication with Jehovah, as he was created in the image of God. The woman, Eve, was taken from Adam's side. She was a part of Adam. The applies in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 11:3).

Conclusion

The Bible details the role of the family - husband, wife, and children (Ephesians 5:23-25 & Ephesians 6:1-4).

Why Nero Is Not The Antichrist

 

A.C.Pike

Introduction

There is a belief among Reformed Christians known as 'Preterism.' This is a belief that Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21 & the book of Revelation all had their fulfillments in the first century. This view denies a literal future return of Jesus Christ to the earth, where he will raise the dead and judge mankind. 

The Protestant Reformed view held by Martin Luther and John Calvin, and among Anglicans, Lutherans, Baptists, Congregationists, Dutch Reform, and Presbyterians is that of Historicism. This is the view that the book of Revelation has a historic viewpoint in that from the first century to the return of Christ, the prophecies in the book of Revelation will be fulfilled throughout history.

We will now see why the Preterist view of eschatology is incorrect and incompatible with Scripture.

Reasons Why

A) The Bible informs us that the Temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed (Matthew 24; Mark 13 & Luke 21).. Nero died in 68AD, yet the temple wasn't destroyed until 70AD  - two years after Nero's death.

B) Nero reigned for 11 years from 54AD to 68AD. The Bible says that the Antichrist will reign for three and a half years (Revelation 13:5).*

C) Nero's name does-not add up to 666 (as recorded in the Greek Language). It does, however, add up to 666 in Hebrew if we add the title Ceaser to Nero's name. However, the New Testament was written to the Church in Koine Greek, not Hebrew. Plus, the Bible mentions the "name" and "number" of the beast (Revelation 13:18), not his title.

D) The Bible records that the man of sin will sit in the Temple (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). The physical Temple was destroyed in 70AD, yet Nero died in  68AD. The spiritual Temple is the Church. The early church used to meet in homes. Nero didn't sit in a home. Also, Christians started gathering in buildings in the second century. It was not until the fourth century that Christians offically congregated in church buildings - this is three centuries after the death of Nero.

E) In the Bible, Revelation 13:3 informs us that "all the world wondered after the beast." We know that 'ALL' the world did not wonder after Nero. There were parts of the world (China and India) that did not wonder after Emperor Nero.

F) In the Bible, Revelation 13:8 informs us that all the people on earth will "worship" the beast. The whole world did not worship Nero in his reign from 54AD to 68AD, as Nero ruled the Greeco-Roman Empire and not the whole earth (China and India did not worship Nero).

G) We know that the beast will perform great signs and miracles (Revelation 13:13). Not one of the Emperors of Rome performed miracles or signs. 

H) The people did not receive a mark in their foreheads or right hands (Revelation 13:13-16) in the time of Nero. Preterists have tried to say that this refers to people buying and selling with coins that bear the inscription of Emperor Nero. But this is not true. Jesus commanded his Disciples to pay tax to Caesar (Mark 12:14-17). The text tells us that the coin carried the inscription of Caesar on it. Jesus and his Disciples did not take the Mark of the beast. 

I) We read in the Bible that "the beast and the kings of the earth" (Revelation 19:19) gathered against Jesus to make war with him. This did not happen in the reign of Nero from 54AD to 68AD. 

J) The beast was given power and authority over every nation in the earth (Revelation 13:7). As mentioned previously, Nero did not conquer China or India. 

K) We learn in Revelation 19:20 that both the beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire. This di not happen to Nero or the Roman Empire. 

L) In Revelation chapter 13 we read that the beast will recover from a fatal wound. This did not happen to Emperor Nero. He died in 68AD and did not come back to life. 

M) The Bibles records that "Antichrists" were people who expressed a belief in Jesus as the Messiah (1 John 2:18-19). Emperor Nero never believed that Jesus was the Messiah. 

N) Additional notes: The book of Revelation was written in 95AD. This was 27 years after the death of Nero. 

O) Also, Nero did not change "laws and times" (Daniel 7:27). It was the Roman Catholic church that changed the Jewish (Days, Months, and Years) and adopted the Pagan Roman Days, Months, and Years into their Calendar. 

In Histrocism, we believe this to be Months of Years signifying a longer period of time, more than three and a half years. * 

Conclusion

As we can see, full Preterism is contrary to what the Bible teaches.