Monday, January 10, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JOB
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the men of the east. His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
He was perfect, upright, and turned away from evil in every situation as far as it was humanly possible to do. But was he doing it because He feared the judgment of God upon him if he wasn’t all this? Was it because since he was doing everything right thought that God would be pleased with him? The whole message of the Book of Job is showing us that even though we do everything right and nothing wrong we still fall horribly short of God’s image and righteousness.
The adversary (Satan) appeared before God with the angels and God said to him, “Have you considered my servant Job?” Satan didn’t bring up Job’s name to God, God suggested Job to Satan because He had a purpose for the suffering which Satan would bring to Job.
Satan then asked God a question. “Does Job fear you for nothing?” In other words, Satan was asking if Job was doing all these righteous things in order to gain something from God, in order to become blessed by God, in order to escape punishment from God. This is a good question for us all to ask ourselves.
Satan was given instruction from God on what he could do and could not do to Job. To make the long story short, Satan took everything Job had including his sons and daughters. Also, Job suffered terribly with illnesses, yet, Job remained firm through this as is shown in the following verses.
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
During this time of suffering, he had friends (one was his real friend) that came and stayed with him for an extended period of time. They came with the intention of comforting him during his sufferings but they could not comfort Job.
The first friends came with the idea which many in Christianity have today. The idea that if one is suffering or has bad things happen to them they must be doing something wrong and God is punishing them for it. They self-righteously think there must be sin in the life of the sufferer somewhere or they do not have enough faith and that is the reason they are suffering. And, at times, this is true and evidenced in their grumblings and complainings in their sufferings.
During this whole time of his friends counsel, Job defends himself and his righteousness. We have 35 chapters in the book where this conversation goes on between Job and his friends. Elihu, the last friend and only true friend, actually gives several speeches which contain truths about God in which wisdom is found. However, Elihu is impotent to reveal God to Job for only God can give eyes to see.
Then God finally speaks and puts Job in his place.
( KJV) Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, {2} Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? {3} Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. {4} Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. {5} Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? {6} Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; {7} When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? {8} Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? {9} When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, {10} And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, {11} And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? {12} Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; {13} That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? {14} It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
God’s message to Job about how insignificant he and his own righteousness continues from chapter 38 through chapter 41.
In chapter 40, God says to Job, “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it” (v. 2). Now, Job’s response is not one of defiant demand for answers to his misery. Rather he says, “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further” (vv. 4–5). And again God picks up the interrogation and goes even more deeply into Job’s soul that shows the overwhelming contrast between the power and righteousness of God and the contrasting impotence of the righteousness of Job. This is the beginning of humility in Job.
In Chapter 42 Job finally sees God in all His glory, grace, and mercy. Finally, Job confesses the impotence of his own righteousness compared to Gods. He says, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (42:5–6).
The Book of Job is not about suffering, it is about our righteousnesses falling short of God’s Holiness. God doesn’t answer the question of suffering but instead reveals His Holiness and Greatness. He reveals Himself to Job which brings true humility and the completion of wisdom.
All of Job’s righteousness was based upon only what he had heard of God’s Law and demands. He lived his life in obedience to those demands but now he sees with his eyes that no matter how righteous he is that righteousness falls short.
This message of God is for all of us who think that because we are believers that we somehow become righteous (which includes ALL of us). It is for us who think God uses us because we are somehow transformed into His likeness and become Godly. It is for us who think we are such great disciples and pat ourselves on the back when engaging in discipleship for the cause of Christ. It is for us who are arrogant enough to think we can become like God and somehow become good. For those of us who think this way have only heard of God and are attempting to fill the shoes of God by our own impotent power. May we contemplate the message of the Book of Job and God’s holiness and repent of our righteousness lest God also suggest our names to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. May the book of Job accomplish in our lives the fullness of wisdom and humility.
Somehow we have bought into the lie that all we have to repent of is our sins and depravity where the truth lies in repenting mainly of our own righteousness. We have bought into the lie that we have the power within ourselves to be transformed into the image of God (Christ) by what we do or don’t do. Being transformed into the image of Christ is centered on His cross where we die to ourselves and our own power to do anything to forgive our sins or become righteous and instead live through dying with Him on the cross and living in the faith of Christ.
( KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
( KJV) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! {34} For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? {35} Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? {36} For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
( KJV) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. {18} For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. {19} For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. {20} Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? {21} For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
( KJV) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
( KJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
He was perfect, upright, and turned away from evil in every situation as far as it was humanly possible to do. But was he doing it because He feared the judgment of God upon him if he wasn’t all this? Was it because since he was doing everything right thought that God would be pleased with him? The whole message of the Book of Job is showing us that even though we do everything right and nothing wrong we still fall horribly short of God’s image and righteousness.
The adversary (Satan) appeared before God with the angels and God said to him, “Have you considered my servant Job?” Satan didn’t bring up Job’s name to God, God suggested Job to Satan because He had a purpose for the suffering which Satan would bring to Job.
Satan then asked God a question. “Does Job fear you for nothing?” In other words, Satan was asking if Job was doing all these righteous things in order to gain something from God, in order to become blessed by God, in order to escape punishment from God. This is a good question for us all to ask ourselves.
Satan was given instruction from God on what he could do and could not do to Job. To make the long story short, Satan took everything Job had including his sons and daughters. Also, Job suffered terribly with illnesses, yet, Job remained firm through this as is shown in the following verses.
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
During this time of suffering, he had friends (one was his real friend) that came and stayed with him for an extended period of time. They came with the intention of comforting him during his sufferings but they could not comfort Job.
The first friends came with the idea which many in Christianity have today. The idea that if one is suffering or has bad things happen to them they must be doing something wrong and God is punishing them for it. They self-righteously think there must be sin in the life of the sufferer somewhere or they do not have enough faith and that is the reason they are suffering. And, at times, this is true and evidenced in their grumblings and complainings in their sufferings.
During this whole time of his friends counsel, Job defends himself and his righteousness. We have 35 chapters in the book where this conversation goes on between Job and his friends. Elihu, the last friend and only true friend, actually gives several speeches which contain truths about God in which wisdom is found. However, Elihu is impotent to reveal God to Job for only God can give eyes to see.
Then God finally speaks and puts Job in his place.
( KJV) Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, {2} Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? {3} Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me. {4} Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. {5} Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? {6} Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; {7} When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? {8} Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? {9} When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it, {10} And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, {11} And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? {12} Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; {13} That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? {14} It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment.
God’s message to Job about how insignificant he and his own righteousness continues from chapter 38 through chapter 41.
In chapter 40, God says to Job, “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it” (v. 2). Now, Job’s response is not one of defiant demand for answers to his misery. Rather he says, “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further” (vv. 4–5). And again God picks up the interrogation and goes even more deeply into Job’s soul that shows the overwhelming contrast between the power and righteousness of God and the contrasting impotence of the righteousness of Job. This is the beginning of humility in Job.
In Chapter 42 Job finally sees God in all His glory, grace, and mercy. Finally, Job confesses the impotence of his own righteousness compared to Gods. He says, “I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (42:5–6).
The Book of Job is not about suffering, it is about our righteousnesses falling short of God’s Holiness. God doesn’t answer the question of suffering but instead reveals His Holiness and Greatness. He reveals Himself to Job which brings true humility and the completion of wisdom.
All of Job’s righteousness was based upon only what he had heard of God’s Law and demands. He lived his life in obedience to those demands but now he sees with his eyes that no matter how righteous he is that righteousness falls short.
This message of God is for all of us who think that because we are believers that we somehow become righteous (which includes ALL of us). It is for us who think God uses us because we are somehow transformed into His likeness and become Godly. It is for us who think we are such great disciples and pat ourselves on the back when engaging in discipleship for the cause of Christ. It is for us who are arrogant enough to think we can become like God and somehow become good. For those of us who think this way have only heard of God and are attempting to fill the shoes of God by our own impotent power. May we contemplate the message of the Book of Job and God’s holiness and repent of our righteousness lest God also suggest our names to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. May the book of Job accomplish in our lives the fullness of wisdom and humility.
Somehow we have bought into the lie that all we have to repent of is our sins and depravity where the truth lies in repenting mainly of our own righteousness. We have bought into the lie that we have the power within ourselves to be transformed into the image of God (Christ) by what we do or don’t do. Being transformed into the image of Christ is centered on His cross where we die to ourselves and our own power to do anything to forgive our sins or become righteous and instead live through dying with Him on the cross and living in the faith of Christ.
( KJV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
( KJV) O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! {34} For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? {35} Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? {36} For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
( KJV) For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. {18} For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. {19} For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. {20} Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? {21} For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
( KJV) But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
( KJV) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Resurrection
Resurrection is the proof that Jesus took away the sin of the world and death had no hold on Him. The resurrection is the reason we have fellowship with God and death has no hold on us. Without resurrection we would be left dead in sin. We are born in this world dead in Adam and our need is new life in Christ. If Jesus would not have been resurrected we would still be dead in sin, our sins taken away by His death on the cross but still dead. With His resurrection into new life we are not only forgiven but given His new resurrection life when born again of the Spirit. To believe only on the sacrifice of Christ is believing half a gospel.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Old Covenant of Law or New Covenant of Grace?
As Christians, we hear a lot about Law and Grace but what exactly is the difference between the two and which one do we live under? When did one end and the other begin?
When considering Law our thoughts are most often brought to rest upon the Mosaic Law of the 10 commandments given to Moses. Even though the 10 commandments were the only ones written on the tablets of stone there are a total of 613 commandments within the Law. The totalities of the 613 commandments are the ones which we have to KEEP in order for us have God’s favor and fellowship with Him.
Satan is the deceiver and is still deceiving a large portion of Christianity today. Satan would have us prove ourselves Holy by the Law which God gave to prove ourselves as sinners. We have allowed Satan to pervert the purpose of the Law. He has made us believe that we can keep the Law and if we fail in one area all we have to do is ask God to forgive us for that certain offense. But is this what the scripture actually says? In believing this way have we incorrectly divided the word of Truth?
(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
There are two powerful scriptures which show us the commandments cannot be broken if we are dependent upon them to give us favor with God.
(Gal 3:10-13 KJV) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
(James 2:10 KJV) For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Did you catch that? If you do not continue in ALL the things written in the Law you are under God’s curse. There is no provision in these two scripture which allows for any breaking and asking for forgiveness. If you ever break even ONE you are cursed. KEEP means KEEP, not keep and break, keep and lose. If you keep something you keep it. Once you have lost it you no longer keep it. The Law does not allow for keeping, losing and then keeping again.
The belief that we can keep the Law and if we break one we can ask for forgiveness stems from wrongly dividing the word of Truth. This attitude and belief is what makes a person self-righteous because Satan has accomplished his purpose of blinding people and keeping them bound under the Law. They think they have favor with God when in reality they are cursed by God.
Here is a question to ask yourself to see whether you are under Law or Grace. Do you see yourself as better than someone else? Do you judge another for some wrong because you do not do what they are doing? If so, you are under Law and are placing them under Law as well and are not living by faith. You have wrongly divided the word of Truth.
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH
The way our Bibles are divided between the Old Testament and the New Testament has given confusion as to where the dividing line actually takes place. Many people believe the New Testament (Covenant) begins with Matthew and the birth of Christ. This is the wrong division point.
The New Covenant began with the death of Christ and not His birth. Jesus lived, taught and preached under the Old Covenant. He clarified the Law and fulfilled it in its entirety but His Covenant of Grace did not become effective until His death on the cross. The Pharisees of that day had not seen the purpose of the Law. Satan had blinded them into thinking much as we think today that you can keep and if you break the Law all you have to do to receive forgiveness is offer a sacrifice. We don't even go that far, we think we can just ask God to forgive us without offering any sacrifice. Jesus confronts them, and us, with nailing the Law into their hearts by telling them they are to be perfect if they want to be justified by the Law. How perfect? As perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect. (Mt. 5:48) He told them their way was not the right way. They were not living by faith looking forward to the Messiah and the right way which would come with His death. The Pharisees of today are still trying to make themselves righteous by the Law which God gave to show us we are sinners.
(Heb 9:15-17 KJV) And for this cause he (Christ) is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
There are two scriptures which show the difference between Law and Grace.
LAW - (Mat 6:14-15 KJV) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
GRACE - (Eph 4:32-35 KJV) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath (HAS ALREADY) forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Something happened between these two scripture. Christ was crucified and resurrected. As Christians we are already forgiven of all offenses and we are to treat others with the Grace we have received from God. Old Covenant – God will forgive if we forgive, if we don't, He won't. New Covenant – we are to forgive as we have already been forgiven. Under the New Covenant there is no room for any judgmentalism or self-righteousness. If it exists in us then we are still living under the Old Covenant which will condemn us forever because we cannot be perfect under the Law. Our perfection comes only by faith in the truth that we have been forgiven by Christ death on the cross 2000 some years ago.
(Heb 10:8-14 KJV) Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first (Old Covenant), that he may establish the second (New Covenant). By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins FOR EVER, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected FOR EVER them that are sanctified.
When considering Law our thoughts are most often brought to rest upon the Mosaic Law of the 10 commandments given to Moses. Even though the 10 commandments were the only ones written on the tablets of stone there are a total of 613 commandments within the Law. The totalities of the 613 commandments are the ones which we have to KEEP in order for us have God’s favor and fellowship with Him.
Satan is the deceiver and is still deceiving a large portion of Christianity today. Satan would have us prove ourselves Holy by the Law which God gave to prove ourselves as sinners. We have allowed Satan to pervert the purpose of the Law. He has made us believe that we can keep the Law and if we fail in one area all we have to do is ask God to forgive us for that certain offense. But is this what the scripture actually says? In believing this way have we incorrectly divided the word of Truth?
(2 Tim 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
There are two powerful scriptures which show us the commandments cannot be broken if we are dependent upon them to give us favor with God.
(Gal 3:10-13 KJV) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
(James 2:10 KJV) For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Did you catch that? If you do not continue in ALL the things written in the Law you are under God’s curse. There is no provision in these two scripture which allows for any breaking and asking for forgiveness. If you ever break even ONE you are cursed. KEEP means KEEP, not keep and break, keep and lose. If you keep something you keep it. Once you have lost it you no longer keep it. The Law does not allow for keeping, losing and then keeping again.
The belief that we can keep the Law and if we break one we can ask for forgiveness stems from wrongly dividing the word of Truth. This attitude and belief is what makes a person self-righteous because Satan has accomplished his purpose of blinding people and keeping them bound under the Law. They think they have favor with God when in reality they are cursed by God.
Here is a question to ask yourself to see whether you are under Law or Grace. Do you see yourself as better than someone else? Do you judge another for some wrong because you do not do what they are doing? If so, you are under Law and are placing them under Law as well and are not living by faith. You have wrongly divided the word of Truth.
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH
The way our Bibles are divided between the Old Testament and the New Testament has given confusion as to where the dividing line actually takes place. Many people believe the New Testament (Covenant) begins with Matthew and the birth of Christ. This is the wrong division point.
The New Covenant began with the death of Christ and not His birth. Jesus lived, taught and preached under the Old Covenant. He clarified the Law and fulfilled it in its entirety but His Covenant of Grace did not become effective until His death on the cross. The Pharisees of that day had not seen the purpose of the Law. Satan had blinded them into thinking much as we think today that you can keep and if you break the Law all you have to do to receive forgiveness is offer a sacrifice. We don't even go that far, we think we can just ask God to forgive us without offering any sacrifice. Jesus confronts them, and us, with nailing the Law into their hearts by telling them they are to be perfect if they want to be justified by the Law. How perfect? As perfect as their heavenly Father is perfect. (Mt. 5:48) He told them their way was not the right way. They were not living by faith looking forward to the Messiah and the right way which would come with His death. The Pharisees of today are still trying to make themselves righteous by the Law which God gave to show us we are sinners.
(Heb 9:15-17 KJV) And for this cause he (Christ) is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
There are two scriptures which show the difference between Law and Grace.
LAW - (Mat 6:14-15 KJV) For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
GRACE - (Eph 4:32-35 KJV) And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath (HAS ALREADY) forgiven you. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
Something happened between these two scripture. Christ was crucified and resurrected. As Christians we are already forgiven of all offenses and we are to treat others with the Grace we have received from God. Old Covenant – God will forgive if we forgive, if we don't, He won't. New Covenant – we are to forgive as we have already been forgiven. Under the New Covenant there is no room for any judgmentalism or self-righteousness. If it exists in us then we are still living under the Old Covenant which will condemn us forever because we cannot be perfect under the Law. Our perfection comes only by faith in the truth that we have been forgiven by Christ death on the cross 2000 some years ago.
(Heb 10:8-14 KJV) Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first (Old Covenant), that he may establish the second (New Covenant). By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, WHICH CAN NEVER TAKE AWAY SINS: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins FOR EVER, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected FOR EVER them that are sanctified.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saving A Lot
What does the story of Abraham (Abram) and Lot tell us about our own salvation? Here’s the story in case you need a little reminder.
God called Abraham out of Haran and when he left he took his nephew, Lot, with him. Abraham and Lot were very rich and had much livestock. They had so much that the land in which they were dwelling at the time could not sustain all the livestock they had and there resulted arguments between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot. Abraham told Lot to choose a land in which to dwell. If Lot chose the east, Abraham would go west. Lot chose to go east because the land there was like a very fruitful garden and gave him the power to keep his possession and increase them. However, in the long run it ends up being a horribly devastating choice.
The land of the east where Lot moved was so fruitful that everyone wanted it. Opposing Kings (9 Kings to be exact) fought over the land. To make a long story short, during these battles the King of Sodom (where Lot lived) fled to save his own skin. That left all in Sodom defenseless and the conquerors came in and took everything. Lot lost everything he owned and was taken captive by the conquerors. Lot was (pardon the term) screwed! He couldn’t escape, he was caught in an impossible situation which was impossible for him to do anything about.
The news of his captivity made its way to Abraham. I’m sure Abraham was a little ticked at the bad choices Lot had made, but Lot was family and Abraham went in to fight the conqueror and took Lot back to be with him. Abraham saved Lot from his impossible situation.
Lot wasn't saved because he of anything he did, he couldn’t do anything and had nothing with which to do anything. He wasn’t even saved because he asked Abraham to save him. He couldn’t even contact Abraham to tell him about his situation because he had no cell phone! He was stuck and made a slave with no way of escape.
He was saved because Abram came and fought a battle to save him. He fought a battle even though Lot had chosen to go his own way that ended up bringing him under the wrath and condemnation which was brought upon Sodom. Abram had every right to leave Lot in Sodom because he didn’t owe Lot a thing. But instead he fought a battle, put his own life at risk, and went after Lot because he loved him and he was family. Abraham was willing to risk his own life and all of his possessions to save Lot. It was Abraham’s love and faith in God that saved Lot. Not only did Abraham save Lot but he also brought back all of Lot’s possessions after defeating the conqueror.
This incident is a picture of our salvation. Abraham is symbolic of Jesus Christ and Lot is symbolic of us. Lot thought he was doing fine in life. He had everything he needed and wanted more. He had no reason in his own mind that he needed to be saved from anything. It was only when he lost everything that salvation from his situation became a real need to him. What Lot didn’t realize was his greed in the beginning set in motion the final outcome. He lost everything. He needed saving from the beginning even though he didn’t think he did. He needed saving from his sinful human nature from which the greed originated. It wasn’t until he lost everything and had no ability to save himself that salvation came. He needed salvation before, but he didn’t know it.
By the time he realized he needed salvation he had no way of bring that salvation about. He had no way of getting out of the situation his sinful greed got him into. As far as Lot went, he was headed for nothing but dying a slave under the captivity of an evil King.
It is the same for us. Until we see ourselves as Lot with no ability to save ourselves and have lost everything we thought was good or even could do to remedy our situation is salvation possible. It is the same for us as when Abraham saved Lot. It is because Jesus Christ fought a battle for us, came and got us, and took us back with Him that we have salvation. It has nothing to do with our ability, our obedience, or our faith for when we find ourselves in Lot’s position, we have none. If Christ had not done what He did for us we would still be dying a slaves death with no hope. It was only after Abraham brought Lot back with him that Lot knew he had been saved. Lot had nothing to boast about except what Abraham did for him
1 Corinthians 1:30, But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”
God called Abraham out of Haran and when he left he took his nephew, Lot, with him. Abraham and Lot were very rich and had much livestock. They had so much that the land in which they were dwelling at the time could not sustain all the livestock they had and there resulted arguments between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot. Abraham told Lot to choose a land in which to dwell. If Lot chose the east, Abraham would go west. Lot chose to go east because the land there was like a very fruitful garden and gave him the power to keep his possession and increase them. However, in the long run it ends up being a horribly devastating choice.
The land of the east where Lot moved was so fruitful that everyone wanted it. Opposing Kings (9 Kings to be exact) fought over the land. To make a long story short, during these battles the King of Sodom (where Lot lived) fled to save his own skin. That left all in Sodom defenseless and the conquerors came in and took everything. Lot lost everything he owned and was taken captive by the conquerors. Lot was (pardon the term) screwed! He couldn’t escape, he was caught in an impossible situation which was impossible for him to do anything about.
The news of his captivity made its way to Abraham. I’m sure Abraham was a little ticked at the bad choices Lot had made, but Lot was family and Abraham went in to fight the conqueror and took Lot back to be with him. Abraham saved Lot from his impossible situation.
Lot wasn't saved because he of anything he did, he couldn’t do anything and had nothing with which to do anything. He wasn’t even saved because he asked Abraham to save him. He couldn’t even contact Abraham to tell him about his situation because he had no cell phone! He was stuck and made a slave with no way of escape.
He was saved because Abram came and fought a battle to save him. He fought a battle even though Lot had chosen to go his own way that ended up bringing him under the wrath and condemnation which was brought upon Sodom. Abram had every right to leave Lot in Sodom because he didn’t owe Lot a thing. But instead he fought a battle, put his own life at risk, and went after Lot because he loved him and he was family. Abraham was willing to risk his own life and all of his possessions to save Lot. It was Abraham’s love and faith in God that saved Lot. Not only did Abraham save Lot but he also brought back all of Lot’s possessions after defeating the conqueror.
This incident is a picture of our salvation. Abraham is symbolic of Jesus Christ and Lot is symbolic of us. Lot thought he was doing fine in life. He had everything he needed and wanted more. He had no reason in his own mind that he needed to be saved from anything. It was only when he lost everything that salvation from his situation became a real need to him. What Lot didn’t realize was his greed in the beginning set in motion the final outcome. He lost everything. He needed saving from the beginning even though he didn’t think he did. He needed saving from his sinful human nature from which the greed originated. It wasn’t until he lost everything and had no ability to save himself that salvation came. He needed salvation before, but he didn’t know it.
By the time he realized he needed salvation he had no way of bring that salvation about. He had no way of getting out of the situation his sinful greed got him into. As far as Lot went, he was headed for nothing but dying a slave under the captivity of an evil King.
It is the same for us. Until we see ourselves as Lot with no ability to save ourselves and have lost everything we thought was good or even could do to remedy our situation is salvation possible. It is the same for us as when Abraham saved Lot. It is because Jesus Christ fought a battle for us, came and got us, and took us back with Him that we have salvation. It has nothing to do with our ability, our obedience, or our faith for when we find ourselves in Lot’s position, we have none. If Christ had not done what He did for us we would still be dying a slaves death with no hope. It was only after Abraham brought Lot back with him that Lot knew he had been saved. Lot had nothing to boast about except what Abraham did for him
1 Corinthians 1:30, But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”
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