No 22 Job Never Claimed to Be Sinless

 

It would be easy to form the opinion that Job never sinned. Job himself proclaims his innocence. Job called on God to weigh him on honest scales because he knew he would come out blameless. Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity (Job 31:6). It would take a lot of confidence to suggest a challenge like this to God. (Most people would not dare such a dare). From the outset, from the very first verse of the book, in fact, it is asserted that Job was blameless and upright. There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1).

 

Whatever blameless and upright meant, Job never claimed to be without sin. On the contrary, Job beseeches God to pardon his offenses and forgive his sins. I have sinned (Job 7:20), Job declared. And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? (Job 7:21). He recalled with chagrin the sins of his youth. For thou writest bitter things against me, and makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth (Job 13:26).

 

What do you think is intended by the words thou writest bitter things against me? Job was well aware of the exactness with which God keeps account of our thoughts and motives which move us to action. Some actions are recorded in the Book of Remembrance. Some actions are recorded in the Book of Iniquity. And Job realized his sins were so numerous, it would have required a book to account for them. Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! (Job 19:23). Oh that one would hear me! behold, my desire is, that the Almighty would answer me, and that mine adversary had written a book (Job 31:35). Job here exclaims his wish to be able to read what God had written in His book that elicited such a judgment from God against himself.

 

Job realized he was a sinner. Job realized he had sinned. But he also expressed confidence that God would take care of the sins he had committed. For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin? (Job 14:16). What do you think is intended here? Job was aware and well-informed of the Plan of Redemption. And Job knew he had a Redeemer, whom one day he should meet personally and directly. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth (Job 19:25).

 

 

The Book of Job Begins and Ends with Sacrifices

Just six verses into the book it says Job sacrificed. And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually (Job 1:5,6). And ten verses from the end of the book, sacrificing was still being done. Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job (Job 42:8).

 

Job knew the atonement process. The opening chapter tells us that Job’s seven sons held festive gatherings to which they invited their sisters. At the conclusion of those festivities, Job offered sacrifices on their behalf, in case they had sinned (or cursed God) in their hearts. The sacrifices at the end of the book were sin offerings as well. Surely, sacrifices served as a foundation in the experience of salvation in the Book of Job. 

 

Several conclusions can be made:

             1. Job understood that sin is offensive to God.

             2. He knew that sin could be atoned for through God’s system of sacrifices.

             3. Job knew that the sacrifices themselves were only symbols.

             4. Jesus Christ was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world 

                 (Rev 13:8).

 

2,000 years before Christ, Job made a number of statements that express his insight into God’s promise of a Redeemer—a Saviour who would be sent from heaven and become an Intercessor on man’s behalf. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth (Job 19:25, as referenced above). 

In the Garden of Eden, after the sin of Adam, the Lord gave a symbol of Christ’s salvation when he clothed Adam and Eve with the skin of a sacrificed animal. God intervened to cover man’s shame then, and, He promised a coming Savior who would cover man's shame for all time. Adam sinned, and the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). Not only Adam, but all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). 

Living for 930 years (Gen 5:3), Adam spoke to many generations about God’s promise of a coming Savior. Generation after generation, godly men passed down the promises of God to those after them. We see that in Job’s understanding of a coming Savior. Even though Job was described by God as an upright man who shunned evil, Job was still a man. Regardless of his virtues, he was still a sinner.

Job's Redeemer Liveth

The word redeem can be defined as:

                1) to set free

                2) to ransom

                3) to rescue from sin and its penalties

                4) to fulfill, as an oath or promise 

2,000 years before Christ came into the world, Job spoke of his Redeemer as Someone who is alive (He liveth), and will one day stand upon the earth (at the latter day).

 

Additionally, Job Speaks of His Resurrection from Death 

                For I know that my redeemer liveth,

                and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
                And though after my skin worms destroy this body,
                yet in my flesh shall I see God:
                Whom I shall see for myself,
                and mine eyes shall behold (Job 19:25-27).

He talks about his death and the decay of his body. But he also knew that he would someday see his Redeemer with his own eyes. How? Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus and depend on Him for their salvation will be raised to life with Christ. Job yearned for that day when he would see His Redeemer face-to-face. Job could say with confidence, as we must, I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day 

(2 Tim 1:12).

 

Job had that kind of confidence.

I do as well.

Don't you? 

 

 

 

Please send questions or comments to Will Hardin at P O Box 24 Owenton KY 40359.