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.”
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Hard Of Hearing
Hebrews is a book of the Bible that was written to Hebrews (Jews). They were the religious people of the day and followed the 613 commandments (not just the Big 10) which God had given to them plus they followed the traditions of the Pharisees. They were doing everything by the Book, so to speak. Yet, the author chastises them severely.
The author said that what he was trying to tell them was hard because they had become dull of hearing. (Heb. 5:11). When Jesus was on earth He had the same problem when talking to Nicodemus who was a teacher of Israel and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?" Jesus was saying that Nicodemus, of all people, being a TEACHER should have understood Jesus but he couldn't understand because he had become dull of hearing.
The recipients of this letter had become dull of hearing because all they had ever been taught was that the way to God was through the Aaronic Priests and the Levitical Law (613 commandments). They thought obedience to the Law gave them eternal life and if they messed up all they had to do was sacrifice the blood of an animal to make atonement for their sins. They thought they received their righteousness through obedience to the Law and the sacrificial system and this is what made them dull of hearing.
Even when God gave the law it was clear that the Law was intended to kill and not give life. The Law in its creation started out being a prohibitive way to God. Before the commandments were given to Moses on the Mountain, God set a boundary around the mountain. He had given specific instruction to the people that if they crossed the boundary they would die. If their livestock even wandered past the boundary they (livestock) would die. If they even so much as touched it they would die. (Ex.19:12,13) God made it very clear from the beginning that it was surrounded by death and was intended to kill. He didn’t bring it in to redeem, or to save, or make righteous but as a witness against them (Deut. 31:26). He brought the Law in to show them they could not keep it and kill all hope of ever coming to God by their obedience to the Law. (2 Cor 3:7-9 KJV) But if the ministration of death, written and engraven (10 Commandments)in stones.......and in verse 9, the Law has the ministry of condemnation. It was meant to condemn and kill us not give us life. However they didn't see or hear this message of the Law, instead they turned the Law into a way they could have eternal life and forgiveness and because of that became dull of hearing. Satan would have us prove ourselves holy by the Law which God gave to prove ourselves sinners.
The proof that they didn't understand the Law from its inception is found in Ex. 19:8, 'The people swore, “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.” That oath didn’t last long. After Moses didn’t return (probably, at the most, 3 days)they thought he had died so they asked Aaron to make for them a ‘sacred calf’ to worship instead (Ex. 32). They didn’t make the calf as another God, but rather as a substitute in which to worship the True God, with which to come to God. When Moses returned and saw what they had done He was ticked! He broke the tablets signifying that they couldn’t keep their solemn oath; therefore, the Law was broken before it was even instituted. The Law was special, but not for the reason they used it. It was to keep them a separate nation for one purpose only, to bring the Savior, Jesus Christ to the world and to give them a picture of His death on the cross for sins. But they perverted the Law by making it a way they could become righteous, by making it their sacred calf.
Those to whom Hebrews was written had become dull of hearing because they were stuck believing the Levitical Law was their way to God, their way to become righteous and remaining righteous before God. By the time Jesus arrived on the scene the Law had evolved to the fullest extent after the image of the sacred calf.
The hardest people to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ are those who still believe their righteousness is gained by obedience to a Law and their good deeds instead of faith in the finality of the ‘once for all’ sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We still have those who worship the sacred calf thinking that makes them acceptable to God instead of believing righteousness comes by Jesus Christ as a gift from Him alone. Whoever adds the Law to faith in Christ have stumbled over the stumbling stone. In doing so they are still trusting in the Levitical Law (or a law the set up in their own minds), which was temporary and never could redeem them nor make them righteous. Trusting in a law, any law for righteousness only makes one self-righteous which God will never accept. Professing Christians often go a step beyond the Law and turn faith into a law they are to obey. They set their faith up as the sacred calf to work their way to God instead of believing it is the faith of Jesus Christ who has brought (via the cross) us to God and is keeping (via Christ's Priesthood) us with God. This is impossible for the stain of their iniquity remains upon them. Their obedience even to faith cannot outweigh the balance of their disobedience. Having been weighed their obedience will fall horribly short.
Deut. 31:26 Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.
Rom 3:21,22 21 But now the righteousness of God ‘without the law’ is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the
righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon
all them that believe: for there is no difference:
What is the witness of the law and prophets? They both pointed to and proved beyond a shadow of doubt that mankind never does right in the eyes of God because we have all fallen short of His Glory . No one has ever fully kept the even very first commandment, let alone all the others (remember there are 613 Laws). Until one discovers they are just like Lot without any hope of being saved from Sodom will they trust the Faith of the only One who can.
We are saved by the faith of Jesus Christ that all whom God has given Him will come to Him and we are kept saved by Him being our High Priest who intercedes for us witnessing to God by His wounds.
(1 Tim 1:5 KJV) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned. From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say (dull of hearing), nor whereof they affirm.
To be continued - maybe
The author said that what he was trying to tell them was hard because they had become dull of hearing. (Heb. 5:11). When Jesus was on earth He had the same problem when talking to Nicodemus who was a teacher of Israel and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?" Jesus was saying that Nicodemus, of all people, being a TEACHER should have understood Jesus but he couldn't understand because he had become dull of hearing.
The recipients of this letter had become dull of hearing because all they had ever been taught was that the way to God was through the Aaronic Priests and the Levitical Law (613 commandments). They thought obedience to the Law gave them eternal life and if they messed up all they had to do was sacrifice the blood of an animal to make atonement for their sins. They thought they received their righteousness through obedience to the Law and the sacrificial system and this is what made them dull of hearing.
Even when God gave the law it was clear that the Law was intended to kill and not give life. The Law in its creation started out being a prohibitive way to God. Before the commandments were given to Moses on the Mountain, God set a boundary around the mountain. He had given specific instruction to the people that if they crossed the boundary they would die. If their livestock even wandered past the boundary they (livestock) would die. If they even so much as touched it they would die. (Ex.19:12,13) God made it very clear from the beginning that it was surrounded by death and was intended to kill. He didn’t bring it in to redeem, or to save, or make righteous but as a witness against them (Deut. 31:26). He brought the Law in to show them they could not keep it and kill all hope of ever coming to God by their obedience to the Law. (2 Cor 3:7-9 KJV) But if the ministration of death, written and engraven (10 Commandments)in stones.......and in verse 9, the Law has the ministry of condemnation. It was meant to condemn and kill us not give us life. However they didn't see or hear this message of the Law, instead they turned the Law into a way they could have eternal life and forgiveness and because of that became dull of hearing. Satan would have us prove ourselves holy by the Law which God gave to prove ourselves sinners.
The proof that they didn't understand the Law from its inception is found in Ex. 19:8, 'The people swore, “All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.” That oath didn’t last long. After Moses didn’t return (probably, at the most, 3 days)they thought he had died so they asked Aaron to make for them a ‘sacred calf’ to worship instead (Ex. 32). They didn’t make the calf as another God, but rather as a substitute in which to worship the True God, with which to come to God. When Moses returned and saw what they had done He was ticked! He broke the tablets signifying that they couldn’t keep their solemn oath; therefore, the Law was broken before it was even instituted. The Law was special, but not for the reason they used it. It was to keep them a separate nation for one purpose only, to bring the Savior, Jesus Christ to the world and to give them a picture of His death on the cross for sins. But they perverted the Law by making it a way they could become righteous, by making it their sacred calf.
Those to whom Hebrews was written had become dull of hearing because they were stuck believing the Levitical Law was their way to God, their way to become righteous and remaining righteous before God. By the time Jesus arrived on the scene the Law had evolved to the fullest extent after the image of the sacred calf.
The hardest people to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ are those who still believe their righteousness is gained by obedience to a Law and their good deeds instead of faith in the finality of the ‘once for all’ sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We still have those who worship the sacred calf thinking that makes them acceptable to God instead of believing righteousness comes by Jesus Christ as a gift from Him alone. Whoever adds the Law to faith in Christ have stumbled over the stumbling stone. In doing so they are still trusting in the Levitical Law (or a law the set up in their own minds), which was temporary and never could redeem them nor make them righteous. Trusting in a law, any law for righteousness only makes one self-righteous which God will never accept. Professing Christians often go a step beyond the Law and turn faith into a law they are to obey. They set their faith up as the sacred calf to work their way to God instead of believing it is the faith of Jesus Christ who has brought (via the cross) us to God and is keeping (via Christ's Priesthood) us with God. This is impossible for the stain of their iniquity remains upon them. Their obedience even to faith cannot outweigh the balance of their disobedience. Having been weighed their obedience will fall horribly short.
Deut. 31:26 Take this book of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may remain there as a witness against you.
Rom 3:21,22 21 But now the righteousness of God ‘without the law’ is
manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the
righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon
all them that believe: for there is no difference:
What is the witness of the law and prophets? They both pointed to and proved beyond a shadow of doubt that mankind never does right in the eyes of God because we have all fallen short of His Glory . No one has ever fully kept the even very first commandment, let alone all the others (remember there are 613 Laws). Until one discovers they are just like Lot without any hope of being saved from Sodom will they trust the Faith of the only One who can.
We are saved by the faith of Jesus Christ that all whom God has given Him will come to Him and we are kept saved by Him being our High Priest who intercedes for us witnessing to God by His wounds.
(1 Tim 1:5 KJV) Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned. From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say (dull of hearing), nor whereof they affirm.
To be continued - maybe
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Biblical Salvation
Most people will say they believe in God. Some will even say they have faith in God but when probing further they cannot be specific about what their faith contains other than it is faith in God. Is this simply a statement saying they believe there is a God and reason that because they believe in God they automatically have salvation?
The Biblical term for saving faith in the Bible is not simply believing in God for in James 2:19 it says "You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too! And they shake with fear."
Just because someone believes in God is not grounds for salvation because even the demons believe in God. For example: Believing that God is the creator, does not bring salvation. Being saved doesn't happen just because we believe in God.
Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Notice this carefully. It doesn't say we are saved 'by our faith', but we are saved by 'grace' through the agency of faith. If someone says they are saved by faith, this is not Biblical and a direct contradiction of Ephesians 2:8. We are not saved by our faith. We are saved by Grace, though faith.
What is the grace?
God has given everyone what the Bible calls common grace. He did this way back with Adam and Eve. God said if they partook of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they would die. The second they ate they died spiritually and were cast out of the garden of Eden and fellowship with God. God's common grace allowed them to live physically until their bodies expired. Through God's common grace He gave them the things which were necessary for them to live until their physical death. An example of this is found in Matthew 5:45 where it says God makes His sun to rise and sends rain on both the evil and the good, the just and the unjust. This type of God's grace is evident in the world and benefits both the saved and the unsaved.
The only reason we have been allowed by God to be born into this world is because of His common grace extended to all, believers and unbelievers alike. But this is not His grace which saves us.
So, What is saving Grace?
Saving Grace is totally and completely wrapped up in Jesus Christ. We are saved because of Jesus Christ. However, just because we believe something about Jesus does not mean we have Biblical salvation the same way as what was stated about the demons believing in God. Just because the demons believe something about God did not mean they are saved. Just because we believe something about Jesus Christ does not mean we are saved.
To experience God's saving grace one must be regenerated which is the Biblical term for being born again. This regeneration is done solely by God and not by us. We cannot make ourselves be born again any more than we made ourselves be conceived in the womb of our mothers and created our own physical birth. God's sovereign grace by the Holy Spirit in regeneration is what takes us out of Adam and placed into Jesus Christ (John 3:5-8, John 6:62-65). When this happens by the sovereign power of God through the Holy Spirit our identity changes. We have salvation because God regenerated us (made us born again) by His power and will, not by our power or will as is shown in John 1:13.
If you have a burning desire to search after God, it is only because you have been given a new nature through being born again by His will and power. You have been predestined by God to receive an inheritance through Jesus Christ.
(Eph 1:2 KJV) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
This is what grace is, so what is the 'through faith' part?
Have you ever heard anyone say, Oh, just have faith? Or, if you are sick have people tell you that if you have 'enough' faith God will heal you? We are exhorted time and time again to have faith in our faith, faith in our prayers, faith in our whatever. As though our faith is what saves us. But is it really our faith?
I don't know about you but I know myself and if my salvation depends upon my faith then I am in and out of salvation a lot, because my faith often fails me. But this can't be if we are promised that our salvation is eternal. Eternal means eternal, not temporary or 'in and out'.
We are saved by grace through faith, but Ephesians 2:8 passage doesn't say whose faith we go through. Is it through our faith, or the faith of Jesus Christ?
(Rom 3:19 KJV) Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Most modern translations have changed 'by faith of Jesus Christ' to 'by faith in Jesus Christ (implying it is our faith).' Big difference here. The Greek reads DIA PISTEOS IESOU CHRISTOU, literally - through (by means of, by) faith of Jesus Christ.
There are many passage which seem to indicate 'by faith of Jesus Christ' is the correct translation. Many passages show our salvation is eternal and not a temporary 'in and out' deal. The only way a person can have eternal security is if they know their salvation is by grace through Christ's faith and not their own feeble, faith.
There are passages which do talk about our faith such as (Luke 22:31 KJV) "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." The reason Peter's faith didn't fail even though he denied the Lord was because of the prayers and faith of Jesus Christ. Notice this passages doesn't say "if" you are converted, but "when". Jesus knew Peter would be brought through his ordeal because God always answers Jesus' prayers.
Jesus is our High Priest who prays for us, also, the Holy Spirit prays for us as is shown in Romans 8:26-30. The faith we have is not faith in our faith, or faith in our prayers, or faith in our works, it is to be in the faith of Jesus Christ which is His gift to us.
Below is a list of some of these passages. By studying them you will grow in your knowledge of Christ which will give you assurance and security.
Psalms 37:23,24
John 6:37-39
John 10:26-30
Romans 8:1,38,39
Romans 9
1 Corinthians 1:8-10
2 Timothy 1:12
2 Timothy 2:13
1 Thessalonians 5:24
Hebrews 2:17,18
1 Peter 1:1-5
1 Peter 2:9
Ephesians 4:30
1 John 5:11-13
Jude 1
Jude 23
Philippians 1:6
(Eph 2:4-10 KJV) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The Biblical term for saving faith in the Bible is not simply believing in God for in James 2:19 it says "You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too! And they shake with fear."
Just because someone believes in God is not grounds for salvation because even the demons believe in God. For example: Believing that God is the creator, does not bring salvation. Being saved doesn't happen just because we believe in God.
Ephesians 2:8 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
Notice this carefully. It doesn't say we are saved 'by our faith', but we are saved by 'grace' through the agency of faith. If someone says they are saved by faith, this is not Biblical and a direct contradiction of Ephesians 2:8. We are not saved by our faith. We are saved by Grace, though faith.
What is the grace?
God has given everyone what the Bible calls common grace. He did this way back with Adam and Eve. God said if they partook of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil they would die. The second they ate they died spiritually and were cast out of the garden of Eden and fellowship with God. God's common grace allowed them to live physically until their bodies expired. Through God's common grace He gave them the things which were necessary for them to live until their physical death. An example of this is found in Matthew 5:45 where it says God makes His sun to rise and sends rain on both the evil and the good, the just and the unjust. This type of God's grace is evident in the world and benefits both the saved and the unsaved.
The only reason we have been allowed by God to be born into this world is because of His common grace extended to all, believers and unbelievers alike. But this is not His grace which saves us.
So, What is saving Grace?
Saving Grace is totally and completely wrapped up in Jesus Christ. We are saved because of Jesus Christ. However, just because we believe something about Jesus does not mean we have Biblical salvation the same way as what was stated about the demons believing in God. Just because the demons believe something about God did not mean they are saved. Just because we believe something about Jesus Christ does not mean we are saved.
To experience God's saving grace one must be regenerated which is the Biblical term for being born again. This regeneration is done solely by God and not by us. We cannot make ourselves be born again any more than we made ourselves be conceived in the womb of our mothers and created our own physical birth. God's sovereign grace by the Holy Spirit in regeneration is what takes us out of Adam and placed into Jesus Christ (John 3:5-8, John 6:62-65). When this happens by the sovereign power of God through the Holy Spirit our identity changes. We have salvation because God regenerated us (made us born again) by His power and will, not by our power or will as is shown in John 1:13.
If you have a burning desire to search after God, it is only because you have been given a new nature through being born again by His will and power. You have been predestined by God to receive an inheritance through Jesus Christ.
(Eph 1:2 KJV) Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
This is what grace is, so what is the 'through faith' part?
Have you ever heard anyone say, Oh, just have faith? Or, if you are sick have people tell you that if you have 'enough' faith God will heal you? We are exhorted time and time again to have faith in our faith, faith in our prayers, faith in our whatever. As though our faith is what saves us. But is it really our faith?
I don't know about you but I know myself and if my salvation depends upon my faith then I am in and out of salvation a lot, because my faith often fails me. But this can't be if we are promised that our salvation is eternal. Eternal means eternal, not temporary or 'in and out'.
We are saved by grace through faith, but Ephesians 2:8 passage doesn't say whose faith we go through. Is it through our faith, or the faith of Jesus Christ?
(Rom 3:19 KJV) Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Most modern translations have changed 'by faith of Jesus Christ' to 'by faith in Jesus Christ (implying it is our faith).' Big difference here. The Greek reads DIA PISTEOS IESOU CHRISTOU, literally - through (by means of, by) faith of Jesus Christ.
There are many passage which seem to indicate 'by faith of Jesus Christ' is the correct translation. Many passages show our salvation is eternal and not a temporary 'in and out' deal. The only way a person can have eternal security is if they know their salvation is by grace through Christ's faith and not their own feeble, faith.
There are passages which do talk about our faith such as (Luke 22:31 KJV) "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." The reason Peter's faith didn't fail even though he denied the Lord was because of the prayers and faith of Jesus Christ. Notice this passages doesn't say "if" you are converted, but "when". Jesus knew Peter would be brought through his ordeal because God always answers Jesus' prayers.
Jesus is our High Priest who prays for us, also, the Holy Spirit prays for us as is shown in Romans 8:26-30. The faith we have is not faith in our faith, or faith in our prayers, or faith in our works, it is to be in the faith of Jesus Christ which is His gift to us.
Below is a list of some of these passages. By studying them you will grow in your knowledge of Christ which will give you assurance and security.
Psalms 37:23,24
John 6:37-39
John 10:26-30
Romans 8:1,38,39
Romans 9
1 Corinthians 1:8-10
2 Timothy 1:12
2 Timothy 2:13
1 Thessalonians 5:24
Hebrews 2:17,18
1 Peter 1:1-5
1 Peter 2:9
Ephesians 4:30
1 John 5:11-13
Jude 1
Jude 23
Philippians 1:6
(Eph 2:4-10 KJV) But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
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