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Who Fulfills the Azazel Goat—Satan or Christ? (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeThe material identifies a serious interpretive error in ascribing human sin to Satan and then viewing the live goat of the Day of Atonement as a type of Satan bearing that sin away. Scripture consistently teaches that the soul who sins shall die and that each individual bears responsibility for personal iniquity, a principle repeated throughout Ezekiel 18 and illustrated by the fact that Adam introduced sin into the human race. Although Satan deceives, broadcasts wrong attitudes, and exerts influence through the spirit in man, he does not author or force sin; the human heart remains the source of transgression, and every person retains the moral agency to choose life or death. Because the guilt of sin belongs solely to the one who commits it, the live goat cannot represent Satan. The ritual places human iniquities on an innocent substitutionary animal that bears them to a land cut off, an action fulfilled by Jesus Christ alone when He bore the sins of many in His own body and carried them into the grave. Satan already carries his own guilt and therefore cannot serve as a substitute; placing human sin on him would contradict the requirement that the sins transferred are those of another. The same principle rules out any notion of divided or partial guilt between a human and Satan, since the wages of sin remain death for the one who transgresses. This rejection of blaming Satan keeps the focus on the complete work of atonement accomplished by Christ, whose blood cleanses and whose bearing of iniquity removes transgression from view. The broader message of the material is that the Day of Atonement ritual directs attention exclusively to the Messiah's singular sacrifice rather than to any role for the adversary.
Satan (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe origins of our adversary, Satan the Devil, and his host of fallen angels or demons. God has promised us protection if we yield to and obey Him.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Seven)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur sinful nature drives us to disobey God's laws, just as Adam and Eve transgressed by choosing the way of death. Such choices have made this evil world.
Who Is Responsible For Sin?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThough Satan influences, the choices an individual make are totally his own, even for those without God's Spirit. We sin when we are drawn away by our own desires.
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe cannot assume that angels are immortal and share the same kind of spirit God Almighty has; we cannot assume they are indestructible.
Do Angels Live Forever? (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEzekiel 28 reveals that Satan's fate will be ashes in the Lake of Fire; it would be inconsistent with God's character for Him to inflict pain eternally.
Self-Government and Responsibility (Part Two)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur experiences prepare us to be a better judge or king. Though we may exercise righteous judgment, we dare not pass judgment nor justify sin in ourselves.
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough influenced by Satan and the world, sin is still a personal choice. Christ's sacrifice and God's Spirit provide our only defense against its pulls.
Sin (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThough relatively neutral at its inception, human nature is subject to a deadly magnetic pull toward self-centeredness, deceit, and sin.
Joseph: A Saga of Excellence (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJoseph's example proves that even the most difficult temptation can be resisted and overcome, though this skill must be developed incrementally.
The Sovereignty of God (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are assured that even though inexplicable things happen in our lives, God is still sovereign. We must develop childlike faith to trust in Him for solutions.
Lamentations (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAs we approach the coming self-examination prior to Passover, we can apply six significant lessons taught to ancient Israel through the book of Lamentations.
The Sovereignty of God: Introduction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod's sovereignty is one of the most important issues a Christian must consider. Have we acknowledged that He has total authority over us in particular?
Childrearing (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIf we, as Christian parents, could shape and mold the minds of our children early, we could inoculate them against making the same mistakes that we did.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
Trial by Fire
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike a loving parent, God brings just the right pressures to bear to bring about necessary change in His children. Each trial has a place in His purpose.
Isaiah 58 and Fasting
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughFasting puts us in a proper humble and contrite frame of mind, allowing God to respond to us, freeing us from our burdens and guiding us into His Kingdom.
Who Was Herbert W. Armstrong?
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughHerbert Armstrong, while not infallible or sinless, nevertheless served as the custodian of the truths of God, occupying the role of God's messenger.
Love's Greatest Challenges
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAn irrational fear of loss prevents the development of agape love — we fear that keeping God's commandments will cause us to lose something valuable.