Category: Amen

The Importance of Amen (Part 3)

1.2.6 Curses Six through Nine (Chastening)

Deuteronomy 27:20-23 (KJV) “Cursed be he who lieth with his father’s wife, because he uncovereth his father’s skirt. And the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he who lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he who lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he who lieth with his mother-in-law. And all the people shall say, Amen.” Have to do with sexual purity and relate to the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14). These sins were prevalent among the Nations in Canaan and Israel was not to imitate their Neighbours. Incest (Deuteronomy 27:20, 22-23) was especially condemned in Israel (Deuteronomy 22:30; Leviticus 18:8-9, 17; 20:11). Reuben lost his rights as the First-born because he violated this Law (Genesis 35:22; 49:3-4; 1Chronicles 5:1). Bestiality (Deuteronomy 27:21; Leviticus 18:23) was practiced in some pagan religions and “sacred animals” were used in the worship of their false gods. The perversion of sex is not only the abuse of God’s gift, but it threatens marriage and the family, which are foundational to the success of the Nation of Israel.

1.2.7 The Tenth and Eleventh Curses (Chastening)

Deuteronomy 27:24-25 (KJV) “Cursed be he who smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.” Cursed be he who taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.” The tenth and eleventh Curses are an echo of the Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13). This command speaks of a deliberate deed (murder) and not accentual death (manslaughter, Deuteronomy 21:12-14). Murder is the ultimate crime because its consequences cannot be reversed, but to murder one’s neighbour makes that crime even worse. The only thing more heinous would be to be paid to murder somebody. The Law of Moses condemned those who accepted bribes to break the Law, for making money is not more important than maintaining justice (Deuteronomy 16:19; Exodus 23:8). The Law taught the people of Israel to love their neighbours and do them good (Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 22:1-4). But whether a neighbour or a total Stranger is the victim, murder is wrong, and Murderers must be punished.

1.2.8 The Twelfth Curse( (Chastening)

Deuteronomy 27:26 (KJV) “Cursed is he who confirmeth not all the words of this Law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.” The twelfth curse (chastening) obligated Israel to obey every Law that God gave them, whether it was named in this list or not. Apostle Paul quoted Deuteronomy 27:26 in Galatians 3:10 to prove that there could be no Salvation by obeying the Law since nobody could obey everything God commanded. But the purpose of the Law was not Salvation but Judgement, the indictment of all people as Sinners, and therefore the need of all people to trust Christ, “for the just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). There can be no true conversion without conviction and conviction comes when we see God’s Holiness in His Law and the sinfulness of our own hearts. To say that we have kept some of God’s Law does not excuse us, for to break one is to break them all (James 2:10-11).

When the Israelites in the Promised Land said their “Amen” to these twelve curses (chastening), they would be assenting to God’s Law (Mosaic Covenant), promising to obey it, and agreeing that they deserved judgement if they disobeyed it. This would be a solemn hour in the history of the Nation of Israel. At Mount Sinai, Israel had agreed to obey God’s Law (Exodus 19:7-8; 24:3-8), and not long after, they made a golden calf and worshipped it. It takes more than pious words and good intentions to be a devoted and obedient child of God (Matthew 7:21-23).

1.3 Amen in the New Testament

24 Books out of 27 Books in the New Testament ends with “Amen” (except: the Book of Acts, Book of James, and 3rd John):

The significance of the word “Amen” at the conclusion of each Book of the New Testament is the Statement of Affirmation of the Truth.
The absence of the “Amen” at the conclusion of a Book in the New Testament does not neutralize the Truth that is recorded in that Book (Acts, James and 3rd John).
Jesus, “The Amen” – Revelation 3:14 (NKJV) “And to the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things say the Amen (Christ), the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God.’”
Divine Promise, affirmed by “Yes” & “Amen” – 2Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) “For all the Promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

1.4 Jesus and the “Amen”

In the New Testament, the word “Amen” occurs 150 times. “Amen” is the original Greek word, which has been translated as “Verily” or “Truly.” Jesus uses “Amen” (or “Verily or Truly”) 101 times. When Jesus uses “Amen” (or “Verily or Truly”), He is issuing the Divine affirmation of the Truth of His (Jesus’) Word. Jesus is the Word Incarnated – John 1:1 (KJV) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” By declaring “Amen, Amen” (“Verily, Verily or Truly, Truly”), Jesus affirms the Divinity, Authority and the Mightiness of God’s Word, because Jesus is both the Word (John 1:1) and the “Amen” – Revelation 3:14 (NKJV) “And to the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things say the Amen (Christ), the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God.’”

1.5 Jesus, “The Amen”

Jesus presents Himself as “The Amen” (Revelation 3:14) which is an Old Testament Title for God – Isaiah 65:16, the word “Truth” is the Hebrews word of “Amen” – Isaiah 65:16a (KJV) “That He who blesseth Himself in the earth shall bless Himself in the God of Truth (“Amen”), and He that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of Truth (“Amen”).” Jesus is the “Truth” (John 14:6) and He speaks the Truth, because He is “the Faithful and True Witness” (Revelation 3:14) – John 14:6 (KJV) “Jesus saith unto him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; no man cometh unto the Father but by Me.”

1.6 “Amen”, the Divine Promise

Because Jesus is “The Amen” (Revelation 3:14), in Him we have the affirmation of the Trustworthiness of ALL of God’s Promises – 2Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) “For all the Promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” All of God’s Promises are channelled through the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ who is called “The Amen” (Revelation 3:14):

Jesus is the embodiment of God’s Word.
Jesus is the affirmation of God’s Will and Purpose on Earth.
Jesus is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).
Jesus is “the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). All the Godhead has to say, the Word (Jesus – John 1:1; Revelation 19:13) has been made evident through Him.

Thus, ALL the Promises of the Bible – whether in the Old or New Testament – are affirmed in Jesus. Jesus, God’s Word became “Flesh” (John 1:14a) and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14b) in order that ALL His Promises might be realised among us. If the Individual/Church holds forth His Word, Jesus will honour it with an “Amen” – Mark 16:20 (KJV) “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

1.7 Summary

The Individual/Church should not treat “Amen” passively as the conclusion of the Prayer during the Worship Service because ALL God’s Promises are invested with an “Amen” in Christ Himself (2Corinthians 1:20). Furthermore, Jesus, Himself is“The Amen” (Revelation 3:14). Thus, whenever an Individual/Church takes hold of the “Amen” and stands on that understanding in its Promise, the Individual/Church makes room for the Holy Spirit to move and actuate (activate) God’s Will and Purpose. “Amen” is the establishing of the Living Word (Christ) of God in the arena of human experience. In declaring “Amen” the Individual/Church invites God’s Rule and Power into his situation/circumstance because Jesus is not only “The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness” (Revelation3:14) but He is also “The Ruler of God’s Creation” (Revelation 3:14c). Amen, Amen!!

The Importance of Amen (Part 2)

1.1.2 Affirmation of Leadership:

When the Ark of the Covenant was returned to its rightful place, King David read a Psalm he wrote to praise God, and the people affirmed his (David’s) Declaration with an “Amen” – 1Chronicles 16:36 (KJV) “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel forever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD” (also Psalm 106:48). The “Amen” of the children of Israel affirmed the action of King David and the rule of the LORD in their midst.
When David hands over the Rulership of the Kingdom to his (David’s) Son, Solomon, Benaiah, one of the military Leaders made a declaration of “Amen” in agreement – 1Kings 1:36 (KJV) “And Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, answered the King, and said, Amen; the LORD God of my lord, the King, say so.” Benaiah, as the Leader of the Military, is affirming that he will back the reign of King Solomon.

“Amen” is an affirmation of what is transpiring: it affirms that – We are together. We support what Leadership is calling us to do.

1.1.3. Affirmation of Correction:

Nehemiah (in chapter 5) steps in to deal with the injustice of exploitation of the poor by their rich Nobles. In response the whole Assembly agreed to Nehemiah’s Directive by an “Amen!” and “Praise the LORD” (Nehemiah 5:13).
Apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy, in which he uses, the affirmation “Amen” five times (1Timothy 1:17; 6:16; 6:21; 2Timothy 4:18; 4:22) to guide his son, Timothy in Doctrinal Matters. The affirmation to Correction with an “Amen” is the acknowledgement that God’s Word is correct.

1.1.4. Affirmation of God’s Word:

Nehemiah 8:6, when the Scroll of the Law was opened after many years, the people expressed reverence and affirmation by “Amen” – Nehemiah 8:5a, 6 (NIV) “Ezra opened the book…….And Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded Amen! Amen! Then they bowed down and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.”
The 150 Psalms is divided into Five Books. Each Book ends with “Amen” except Book 5:
- Book 1 – Psalm 1 to Psalm 41 – “Ends with a benediction and a double “Amen and Amen” (Psalm 41:13).
- Book 2 – Psalm 42 to Psalm 72 – “Ends with a benediction and a double “Amen and Amen” (Psalm 72:19).
- Book 3 – Psalm 73 to Psalm 89 – “Ends with a benediction and a double “Amen and Amen”
- Book 4 – Psalm 90 to Psalm 106 – “Ends with benediction, an “Amen” and a Hallelujah” (Psalm 106:48).
- Book 5 – Psalm 107 to Psalm 150 – “Ends with a call to Praise and a “Hallelujah” (Psalm 150:6).

1.2 The Mosaic Covenant

In the Books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, “Amen” is used 14 times, 12 times of which occur in Deuteronomy 27:15-26. Strangely, this passage relates to curses (chastening) that will befall the Children of Israel who act in ways detrimental to the community. As the Leaders of the Nation of Israel read these curses (chastening), they were not predicting what would happen if the people disobeyed God. They were calling upon the LORD to send these curses (chastening) on His people if they turned away from Him. These curses (chastening) were closely related to the Law Moses had delivered and explained, especially the Ten Commandments:

1.2.1 The First Curse (Chastening)

Deuteronomy 27:15 (KJV) “Cursed be the man who maketh any carved or melted image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.” – Condemned idolatry and the violation of the First and Second Commandment (Exodus 20:1-6). To carve or cast an idol and worship it is to deny that Jehovah (The LORD) is the One True and Living God, and it is this sin that finally brought God’s Wrath on Israel. Even if a Jew worshipped an idol in secret and did not try to persuade others to join him, it was still a great sin and had to be punished (Deuteronomy chapter 13).

1.2.2 The Second Curse (Chastening)

Deuteronomy (KJV) 27:16 “Cursed be he who setteth light by (dishonoureth) his father and his mother. And all the people say, Amen.” The Second curse (chastening) relates to the family and home (Exodus 20:12). This answers to the Fifth Commandment.

1.2.3 The Third Curse (Chastening)

Deuteronomy 27:17 (KJV) “Cursed be he who removeth his neighbour’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.” This deals with Encroachment of Property (Deuteronomy 19:14; Exodus 20:15). This answers to the Eighth Commandment.

1.2.4 The Fourth Curse (Chastening)

Deuteronomy 27:18 (KJV) “Cursed be he who maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.” This reveals God’s special concern for people with disabilities. Leviticus 19:14 mentions both the deaf and the blind. An Individual/Nation who mistreated the people with disabilities would be judged by God.

1.2.5 The Fifth Curse (Chastening)

Deuteronomy 27:19 (KJV) “Cursed be he who perverteth the justice due the sojourner, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.” The focus is on treating with kindness and justice the helpless and unfortunate in the Land. Widows, Orphans, and Strangers – God called on His people (Israel) to champion the care and welfare of the Widows, Orphans and Strangers cause and see that they received justice (Deuteronomy 24:17,18; Exodus 22:21-24; Luke 18:1-8). Israel had been Strangers in Egypt for 400 years and the LORD had cared for Israel and judged the people, in Egypt, who abused them. If Israel does not care for the needy (Widows, Orphans & Strangers), God would also judge them. Among other things, this involves bringing their special tithes to the LORD every third year so the needy (Widows, Orphans, and Strangers) would have their needs met (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

To be continued….. Stay Tuned…..

The Importance of Amen (Part 1)

1.0.0 The Statement

An Individual need to be spiritually discerning in the use of “Amen.” “Amen” used with understanding brings forth blessings to an Individual/Church. “Amen” is the declaration affirming the confidence in the dynamic of God’s Order, Promises (2Corinthians 1:20) and His Christ (Revelation 3:14).

God’s Promises – 2Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) “For all the Promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”
Christ – Revelation 3:14 (NKJV) “And to the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things say the Amen (Christ), the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God.’”

1.0.1. The Reasons of Amen

Jesus is called “The Amen” – Revelation 3:14 (NKJV) “And to the Angel of the Church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things say the Amen (Christ), the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the Creation of God.’”
24 Books of the 27 Books in the New Testament end with the “Amen” (except: the Book of Acts; the Book of James and 3rd John).
There are 175 mentions of “Amen” in God’s Word: 25 “Amen” in the Old Testament and 150 “Amen” in the New Testament. The word “Amen” is mentioned 25 times in the Gospel of John.
In the New Testament, the word “Amen” is the original Greek word, which has been translated as “Verily” or “Truly.” Of the 150 mentions of “Amen” (Verily or Truly) in the New Testament, Jesus uses 101 times.
All of God’s Promises are “Yes” and “Amen” – 2Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) “For all the Promises of God in Him (Jesus) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God (the Father) through us.”

1.0.2. The Meaning of “Amen”

The term “Amen” in the English is “So be it” or “May it be so,” is incomplete in definition. The term “Amen” essentially means “It is faithful” or “That is true” – 2Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV) “For all the Promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” “Amen” is derived from the Hebrews “awman,” of which the root meaning means “Built up, Supported or Made Permanent.” (Strong’s Concordance).

1.1 The Four Primary Purposes of “Amen” in O.T

To Bind Oneself to an Oath.
To Affirm Leadership.
To Affirm Correction.
To Affirm God’s Word.

1.1.1 Binds to an Oath

In the Books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, “Amen” is used 14 times, 12 times of which occur in Deuteronomy 27:15-26 and two times in Numbers 5:22. Theses passages relate to curses (God’s chastening) that will befall the Children of Israel who act in ways detrimental to the Community:

After each curse (chastening) was pronounced, the people were required to say, “Amen.” The declaration of “Amen” was meant for accountability.
And when the people said “Amen” after each statement, they were telling God that they were willing to be chastened if they disobey Him.
Their “Amen” was not just their agreement with the curses (chastening) spoken; it was their acceptance of the terms of the Covenant.
By responding with an “Amen” the Children of Israel were binding themselves with an oath and with a curse (chastening). God takes no delight in this kind of judgement, but the Children of Israel needed to be aware that their disobedience had repercussions both for the Individual and the Nation.

As the Leaders of the Nation of Israel read these curses (chastening), they were not predicting what would happen if the people disobeyed God. They were calling upon the LORD to send these curses (chastening) on His people if they turned away from Him. These curses (chastening) were closely related to the Law Moses had delivered and explained, especially the Ten Commandments. In Deuteronomy 28:1-14 the Promise of Blessings for Obedience, this response was not called for. The likely reason for this is because we human beings are generally more ready to receive blessings than we are to take responsibility for failures – especially those failures that affect others.

To be continued….. Stay Tuned…..