Part 6: What It All Means
A Message For Christians
These two verses (Genesis 1:1, Exodus 34:6b-7) are very important proofs for the believer.
1.They are vital witnessing tools since we no longer appear to have prophets, miracles or teachers like Jesus.
2.Bible-based proof is a fundamental part of Christian faith and growth. Who ever heard of a proof or miracle destroying faith? God first draws us (Jeremiah 30:21b). If we don't respond, it is we who are at fault, not the proof (Habakkuk 2:3-4, Hebrews 10:37-38). We believe and trust. He leads us further. Each time this happens, our faith grows. (God descending on Mount Sinai was proof. Over a million people saw this! The entire Bible is about proof.)
Honestly ask yourself what new teaching or discovery your faith has uncovered in the Bible recently. What new thing (like Peter walking on water) has your faith accomplished (Matthew 14:28-29)? Has your faith grown to move mountains (Matthew 17:20)?
3.This isn't just proof of God’s existence, but a proof teaching us who He is, what He does, has done and what He expects of us. The better we get to know Him, the more easily we will recognize His guidance and learn to follow Him (Jeremiah 7:23, Exodus 15:26, 1 Samuel 15:23, Matthew 5:17-18).
4.We do not hear much about good and evil today, though it is the main theme of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:19b, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Romans 8:13, Job 28:28). We hear a lot about God’s wonderful love and salvation, so much so even unbelievers think God will understand and automatically save them. The reason why unbelievers have this mistaken impression is because Christians have failed to explain the problem of good, evil and judgment. 45% of the words in Exodus 34:6b-7 deal with judgment and punishment. It's time Christians returned to the full message of the Gospel on judgment and salvation. No part must be neglected (Matthew 5:17-18, 7:24-27). The lack of any one part distorts the whole message, just as the omission or alteration of a single letter in Exodus would change or destroy many of the numeric features.
5.Trust the Bible and treat it with respect. Jesus warned against omitting even a dot of the law (Matthew 5:18). And he warned against tampering with the text (Revelation 22:18-19). The numeric proof backs up these statements by showing there's more to the Bible record than we think.
6.God said,
therefore thus says the Lord GOD,Behold, I am laying in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'He who believes will not be in haste. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.'(Isaiah 28:16-17 RSV)
The work presented here was more than a thirty year journey. It took that long to develop a more systematic approach. Take your time in studying the Bible. Do not be hasty in drawing conclusions. A hasty believer is a contradiction.
7.There are now six languages displaying similar numeric features: Hebrew, Greek, English, Chinese, Russian and Farsi. It's not about a particular version of the Bible, and it's not about a language that is ancient or special. Beware those who idolize a Bible or language. The concepts and the message are what really matter, and this is what Christians are to witness to and transmit.
The numbers also teach us something else. Aside from the Hebrew Old Testament, and the Greek New Testament, all others are translations. This includes the Septuagint. Do not idolize or elevate the Septuagint, a Bible version or a language. Any translation can be improved. Some like the Chinese Bible can be improved just by using the proper term for God: 上帝. Others can be improved by following the original languages more closely.
8.The true purpose for numbers/numerics/gematria has now been revealed. This work is finished. Don't get trapped in a never ending cycle of trying to find more. That's not the point! All this was meant to fire you up to studying, understanding and applying the message God sent. That is what will bring back the real miracles.
Visit: Bible Issues for other seldom considered topics and to expand your understanding of the Bible.