Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
(Matt 6:19-21 KJV)
Fear not little flock; for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
(Luke 12:32-34 KJV)
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
(Col 3:2-4 KJV)
There are many today who would profess to be Christians. They have "made a decision" for Christ, they go to Church, they even hold to a higher moral standard than that which is around them. For all practical purposes, it would appear that they are indeed followers of Jesus; real Christians.
There is a danger however, a subtle one at that, that has caught and deceived many. It is known as covetousness; selfishly living for oneself. So many professing believers today lust after the same material things, pursue the same worldly goals, and work for the same earthly possessions and attainments that the unsaved around them work towards.
Jesus warns us that what we treasure (that is, the things we live and work for, that consume our time, money, and efforts), are the things that own our hearts. If we are living and working for the kingdom and principles of God, giving of our time, money, talents, and effort for the spreading of the gospel, and the care of the needy around us, our hearts are in the right place. If we truly love Jesus, if He owns our hearts and affections, our lives will reflect this in selfless pursuits. However, if we are living for our own needs only, if our time and money is spent in providing for ourselves, going after the things that give us pleasure, if we are never satisfied with what we already possess, but desire more and more, we have a problem. We may call ourselves Christian, but it is obvious by the way we are living for the temporal things of this life, that our hearts are very far from God.
The Apostle Paul gives us a sobering warning about covetousness,
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, not covetous man who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
(Ephesians 5:5-6 KJV)
Many people today have been deceived by empty words. They believe that they are Christians, yet their lives are being lived out in the pursuit of material things. Never satisfied with what they have, they clamor for bigger and better houses, vehicles, motor homes. They seek better jobs so they can afford a more lavish lifestyle. Some get caught up in the fashions of the day, and yet others are caught in the day to day struggle of food and clothing, the basic needs of life. Yet, if this is what consumes their lives, it has their hearts! Yes, they may tithe, they may give an offering of their income from time to time, but their very lives show the proof of who owns their hearts. The above verse calls this idolatry! This is not true Christianity as presented by Jesus and the Apostles, but a fraud.
Where are you laying up your treasures? Who, or what has your heart?
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
The Necessity of Obedience.
There is a common misconception that if one "believes" in Jesus, they are saved, whether their lives show any change or not. The belief that our works have no consequence toward the salvation of our eternal souls is the prevailing viewpoint in evangelism today.
To be fair, we must understand that salvation is of grace, and not of works. It the gift of God (Eph 2:8-9). However, what is meant by this, as well as other passages of scripture such as Romans 4:2-5, is that we as sinful human beings cannot earn our salvation by our own self effort. An attempt to reform our lives, give up some sin, trying to be "good", so that we can avoid hell, and instead go to heaven, is only a selfish effort, where we are still on the throne of our lives, and self is still more important than God.
The thing that separates us from God, and incurs His wrath, is sin, our disobedience to Him. In Romans 8:7, we read that the mind set on the flesh, that is, the individual who is living for themselves, is hostile toward God, and does not, and cannot submit to the law of God! A large segment of evangelical Christianity would agree that sin separates us from God, and agree that in Christ Jesus we find forgiveness for our sin, but they stop short. In their understanding, forgiveness is the end, and from that point on, our behavior and actions have no bearing upon salvation. We must ask ourselves this question however, "How can we be saved, if we are claiming forgiveness, but still living in the rebellious behavior that separates us from God in the first place?"
There are many passages in scripture that speak to this issue, and we will look at two of them.
To be fair, we must understand that salvation is of grace, and not of works. It the gift of God (Eph 2:8-9). However, what is meant by this, as well as other passages of scripture such as Romans 4:2-5, is that we as sinful human beings cannot earn our salvation by our own self effort. An attempt to reform our lives, give up some sin, trying to be "good", so that we can avoid hell, and instead go to heaven, is only a selfish effort, where we are still on the throne of our lives, and self is still more important than God.
The thing that separates us from God, and incurs His wrath, is sin, our disobedience to Him. In Romans 8:7, we read that the mind set on the flesh, that is, the individual who is living for themselves, is hostile toward God, and does not, and cannot submit to the law of God! A large segment of evangelical Christianity would agree that sin separates us from God, and agree that in Christ Jesus we find forgiveness for our sin, but they stop short. In their understanding, forgiveness is the end, and from that point on, our behavior and actions have no bearing upon salvation. We must ask ourselves this question however, "How can we be saved, if we are claiming forgiveness, but still living in the rebellious behavior that separates us from God in the first place?"
There are many passages in scripture that speak to this issue, and we will look at two of them.
Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation.
Hebrews 4:8-9 NASB
Read this carefully. Just as Jesus was submitted to His Father, and obeyed Him, we too must submit to Christ in obedience. This might shock some of you, but It is God's word none the less. Jesus, according to these verses, is the source of salvation to those who obey Him. It does not say to all regardless of their obedience or disobedience, but to those who obey!
Look at this next passage of scripture as well. I will quote it from the King James version, as I believe that it more accurately portrays the meaning of this passage.
And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
Rev 22:12-15 KJV
Again, notice the emphasis on obedience. Those who are disobedient do not have right to the tree of life, or access to the holy city. Barred from entrance are those who are sinful. More modern translations substitute "washed their robes", for "do his commandments", but the context of Jesus rewarding us for our deeds, and the fact that the wicked are barred entrance to the city, are in keeping with the King James rendering.
What does it mean to have right to the tree of life? "I thought that we cannot merit salvation", you might ask? Understand this very carefully. God, in His grace, will only confer this "right" on those who are surrendered to Him in a loving, obedient, relationship. Real, biblical salvation is a coming out of the world, a giving up of self, a turning from sin, and an embracing of Christ and His teachings, in an all encompassing surrender. To know Christ, and to follow Christ, is to obey Christ. It is that simple. A salvation that allows one to sin regularly, and carelessly, is no salvation at all, as Jesus came to destroy the devils work, and set the captives free from the bondage of sin (1 John 3:8; John 8:36).
Friday, October 23, 2015
What Will God's Judgment Be Based on?
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
John 5:28-29 KJV
You may have heard this illustration used in an evangelical sermon. You are standing before God, and He asks you this question, "Why should I let you into My heaven?" The correct answer of course is to say something to the effect that you are trusting in nothing but the merits of Christ, or that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. At this reply, God now allows you entrance into the kingdom.
I understand that this illustration is used to show that apart from Christ there is no salvation, and I agree with this. Only those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and have been born again by the Spirit of God will enter into the presence of God in His kingdom. However, nowhere in the scriptures do we find God asking us why He should allow us into heaven. It is not there. This is not how it will be on the day of judgment. A well meaning pastor or evangelist may use this illustration to present the gospel, but it is not an accurate description of what the judgment of God will be based on.
According to the words of Jesus in John 5:28-29, we see that those who have done good will be resurrected unto life, and those who have done evil, will be resurrected unto damnation. Jesus also states that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter heaven; only those who do the will of the Father (Matt 7:21). What about the sheep and goats judgment found in Matthew 25:31-46. Here again, Jesus is basing His judgment upon deeds. In this case they are deeds of love and mercy. Those who have shown compassion and love are bid entrance into God's kingdom. Those who have not, are cast out. Was Jesus teaching legalism here? Is He saying that we earn our salvation by doing good deeds, and keeping the commandments? Absolutely not!
Read what Paul writes in Romans. This sounds similar to what Jesus states in John 5.
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to them who are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; for there is no respect of persons with God. For as many have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:5-16 KJV
Many of us may read this and think that Paul is preaching works. We may think to ourselves that this cannot mean what it seems to be saying. After all, isn't Paul the "Apostle of Faith?" Doesn't he teach us elsewhere in Romans, as well in his epistles, that salvation is of grace by faith, and not of works? Yet we have just read that those who persist in doing good will receive eternal life, while the disobedient, and workers of unrighteousness will face wrath, tribulation, and anguish. Again, we read Paul's words, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Again in 2 Corinthians 5, The Apostle Paul states that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, where we will be recompensed for the things which we have done in our bodies, whether good or bad (2 Cor 5:10). This follows what we have already seen, God's judgment will be based upon our deeds, whether good or bad. We will receive from Him accordingly.
In the book of Revelation, we read the account of the great white throne of judgment,
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:13-15 KJV
The books, containing the record of their deeds, were opened, and men were judged according to these deeds. You can be certain that no one judged as guilty in this way, might still be found in the book of life. Their deeds are the final proof that they have no spiritual life within them. God's judgment will be a righteous judgment (Acts 17:31). He will show no partiality, He has no favorites. His standard is absolute. We can be assured of this fact.
The point is this: God demands obedience. Simply put, an individual who obeys the traffic laws does not need to fear the Highway Patrol car that is approaching. But if he has been speeding, he can expect to be pulled over. He has been caught and the officer has the evidence. When Paul states that those who obey the law are justified (Romans 2:13), he is stating the fact that God desires obedience, and if we are obedient, we are pleasing to Him. Of course if we are disobedient, we are guilty before Him, and must face the penalty.
Jesus tells us plainly that those who love Him will obey Him.If we are disobedient to His commands, we do not love Him. It is that simple (John 14:21-24). What really counts in the eyes of God is a faith that works by love (Gal 5:6). True faith in Christ will work itself out in a loving obedience to the commands of God. If it does not, it is not faith (James 2:14-26).
The Bible tells us that those who have their minds set on the flesh are in opposition to God. They will not subject themselves to the law of God (Romans 8:5-8). In Galatians we read of the works of the flesh,
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 NASB
To mind the flesh is to live for yourself. It is selfishness; not caring how your actions affect others, or God. When we live in disregard of God's law, the above mentioned sins become rampant in our lives. Jesus tells us that it is out of the heart of man that evil actions come,
And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; all of these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Mark 7:20-23 KJV
To sum it up, our actions are a direct reflection of what is in our hearts. We are what we do! If we tell lies we are a liar. If we commit sexual immorality we are a fornicator. One who commits adultery is an adulterer. An alcoholic is a drunkard, and a covetous person is an idolater (Eph 5:5). What we do is who we are. Our deeds flow out of our heart. This is how God can fairly, and with complete impartiality, judge us according to our works.
This is why we need a Savior, not only to forgive us our past life of sin, but to change our hearts and life as well. The Bible also tells us that if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old way of life is gone, and the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). We also read that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and the one born of God no longer sins (1 John 3:5-8). This is not to say that the possibility of sin does not exist, but a true child of God will live a radically transformed life free from the power and dominion of sin. If one should sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one (1 John 2:1). If we walk by the Spirit we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16). I once read a quote that went something like this, "The Spirit of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." You see, as born again, obedient, followers of Jesus Christ, we can stand before Him on the day of judgment with confidence instead of shame. Instead of our works condemning us, they will justify us; that is prove that we are true children of God, living our lives for Him.
John 5:28-29 KJV
You may have heard this illustration used in an evangelical sermon. You are standing before God, and He asks you this question, "Why should I let you into My heaven?" The correct answer of course is to say something to the effect that you are trusting in nothing but the merits of Christ, or that you have accepted Jesus as your Savior. At this reply, God now allows you entrance into the kingdom.
I understand that this illustration is used to show that apart from Christ there is no salvation, and I agree with this. Only those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, and have been born again by the Spirit of God will enter into the presence of God in His kingdom. However, nowhere in the scriptures do we find God asking us why He should allow us into heaven. It is not there. This is not how it will be on the day of judgment. A well meaning pastor or evangelist may use this illustration to present the gospel, but it is not an accurate description of what the judgment of God will be based on.
According to the words of Jesus in John 5:28-29, we see that those who have done good will be resurrected unto life, and those who have done evil, will be resurrected unto damnation. Jesus also states that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter heaven; only those who do the will of the Father (Matt 7:21). What about the sheep and goats judgment found in Matthew 25:31-46. Here again, Jesus is basing His judgment upon deeds. In this case they are deeds of love and mercy. Those who have shown compassion and love are bid entrance into God's kingdom. Those who have not, are cast out. Was Jesus teaching legalism here? Is He saying that we earn our salvation by doing good deeds, and keeping the commandments? Absolutely not!
Read what Paul writes in Romans. This sounds similar to what Jesus states in John 5.
But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds. To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to them who are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath. Tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; for there is no respect of persons with God. For as many have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
Romans 2:5-16 KJV
Many of us may read this and think that Paul is preaching works. We may think to ourselves that this cannot mean what it seems to be saying. After all, isn't Paul the "Apostle of Faith?" Doesn't he teach us elsewhere in Romans, as well in his epistles, that salvation is of grace by faith, and not of works? Yet we have just read that those who persist in doing good will receive eternal life, while the disobedient, and workers of unrighteousness will face wrath, tribulation, and anguish. Again, we read Paul's words, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Again in 2 Corinthians 5, The Apostle Paul states that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, where we will be recompensed for the things which we have done in our bodies, whether good or bad (2 Cor 5:10). This follows what we have already seen, God's judgment will be based upon our deeds, whether good or bad. We will receive from Him accordingly.
In the book of Revelation, we read the account of the great white throne of judgment,
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:13-15 KJV
The books, containing the record of their deeds, were opened, and men were judged according to these deeds. You can be certain that no one judged as guilty in this way, might still be found in the book of life. Their deeds are the final proof that they have no spiritual life within them. God's judgment will be a righteous judgment (Acts 17:31). He will show no partiality, He has no favorites. His standard is absolute. We can be assured of this fact.
The point is this: God demands obedience. Simply put, an individual who obeys the traffic laws does not need to fear the Highway Patrol car that is approaching. But if he has been speeding, he can expect to be pulled over. He has been caught and the officer has the evidence. When Paul states that those who obey the law are justified (Romans 2:13), he is stating the fact that God desires obedience, and if we are obedient, we are pleasing to Him. Of course if we are disobedient, we are guilty before Him, and must face the penalty.
Jesus tells us plainly that those who love Him will obey Him.If we are disobedient to His commands, we do not love Him. It is that simple (John 14:21-24). What really counts in the eyes of God is a faith that works by love (Gal 5:6). True faith in Christ will work itself out in a loving obedience to the commands of God. If it does not, it is not faith (James 2:14-26).
The Bible tells us that those who have their minds set on the flesh are in opposition to God. They will not subject themselves to the law of God (Romans 8:5-8). In Galatians we read of the works of the flesh,
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 NASB
To mind the flesh is to live for yourself. It is selfishness; not caring how your actions affect others, or God. When we live in disregard of God's law, the above mentioned sins become rampant in our lives. Jesus tells us that it is out of the heart of man that evil actions come,
And He said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness; all of these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
Mark 7:20-23 KJV
To sum it up, our actions are a direct reflection of what is in our hearts. We are what we do! If we tell lies we are a liar. If we commit sexual immorality we are a fornicator. One who commits adultery is an adulterer. An alcoholic is a drunkard, and a covetous person is an idolater (Eph 5:5). What we do is who we are. Our deeds flow out of our heart. This is how God can fairly, and with complete impartiality, judge us according to our works.
This is why we need a Savior, not only to forgive us our past life of sin, but to change our hearts and life as well. The Bible also tells us that if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old way of life is gone, and the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). We also read that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, and the one born of God no longer sins (1 John 3:5-8). This is not to say that the possibility of sin does not exist, but a true child of God will live a radically transformed life free from the power and dominion of sin. If one should sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one (1 John 2:1). If we walk by the Spirit we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh (Gal 5:16). I once read a quote that went something like this, "The Spirit of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you." You see, as born again, obedient, followers of Jesus Christ, we can stand before Him on the day of judgment with confidence instead of shame. Instead of our works condemning us, they will justify us; that is prove that we are true children of God, living our lives for Him.
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Contending for the Faith: The Law and the Conscience.
Here is a post that shows the work of the law upon the heart and conscience of an individual who is lost in sin. A self righteous individual, as well as an unrepentant sinner, needs to be awakened, and the law will do that work in accompaniment with the Holy Spirit's convicting power.
Contending for the Faith: The Law and the Conscience.: In John 8:1-11 we read of the scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman whom they caught in adultery before Jesus. Hoping to catch Him in ...
Contending for the Faith: The Law and the Conscience.: In John 8:1-11 we read of the scribes and Pharisees bringing a woman whom they caught in adultery before Jesus. Hoping to catch Him in ...
Saturday, October 10, 2015
Disobedience and Unbelief.
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36 KJV
We have here in this verse two contrasting ideas. That of belief, and that of unbelief. It is very helpful to our understanding of the biblical concept of faith or belief, if we understand what is meant by unbelief.
The Greek word translated "believeth not" is apeitheo. The meaning of this word is to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. (Strong's definition)
Thayer defines it as, not to allow oneself to be persuaded. to refuse or withhold belief. to refuse belief and obedience. Not to comply with.
We can see from these definitions, that unbelief carries the idea of refusal to submit and obey. Therefore, to not believe in Christ is to refuse to obey Him.
The NASB puts it this way,
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36 NASB.
By this we can see that to believe in Jesus is much more than a mere head knowledge. It means far more than agreeing with the fact that Jesus exists, that He died and rose again. To believe in Jesus means that we commit ourselves to Him; that we surrender ourselves to His lordship over our lives, submitting to Him with a willingness to serve and obey Him.
It is a mistake to think that one only needs to believe in Jesus, but not obey Him. Yes, we believe He died and rose on our behalf, that He took our sins upon Himself, and is our only means of salvation. This is core to our faith. But if our faith does not submit to Him in obedience to His word, it is not faith at all.
For another article on unbelief and disobedience click here.
We have here in this verse two contrasting ideas. That of belief, and that of unbelief. It is very helpful to our understanding of the biblical concept of faith or belief, if we understand what is meant by unbelief.
The Greek word translated "believeth not" is apeitheo. The meaning of this word is to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely): not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. (Strong's definition)
Thayer defines it as, not to allow oneself to be persuaded. to refuse or withhold belief. to refuse belief and obedience. Not to comply with.
We can see from these definitions, that unbelief carries the idea of refusal to submit and obey. Therefore, to not believe in Christ is to refuse to obey Him.
The NASB puts it this way,
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. John 3:36 NASB.
By this we can see that to believe in Jesus is much more than a mere head knowledge. It means far more than agreeing with the fact that Jesus exists, that He died and rose again. To believe in Jesus means that we commit ourselves to Him; that we surrender ourselves to His lordship over our lives, submitting to Him with a willingness to serve and obey Him.
It is a mistake to think that one only needs to believe in Jesus, but not obey Him. Yes, we believe He died and rose on our behalf, that He took our sins upon Himself, and is our only means of salvation. This is core to our faith. But if our faith does not submit to Him in obedience to His word, it is not faith at all.
For another article on unbelief and disobedience click here.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Obedience is Essential!
Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all that obey Him.
Hebrews 5:8-9 KJV
You may be surprised to read that obedience is an essential part of salvation, even a requirement. This does not sound like the gospel so many people are taught today, but yet it is found in the scripture, which is the standard given us by God. We would do well to heed these words, as our very salvation depends on this.
Sin is what has caused our spiritual ruin. At its core, sin is rebellion, or disobedience to God. A sinner, is one who walks contrary to the commands of God; one who does what he or she wishes, who will not submit to the will of God (Romans 8:7). This is the mind set on the flesh that leads to death.
Many people stop here, and look no further than the need for forgiveness. Their main concept of grace is little more than our sin being forgiven by God. We sin over and over, so we need grace over and over. It is a truth, that without God's forgiveness, we would remain eternally lost. There is no question about that. However, salvation is much more than forgiveness, it is about a changed life.
We read in Peter's epistle that in God's foreknowledge, He chose a people who would obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood (1 Peter 1:1-2). We often think of foreknowledge and predestination as God choosing some people for heaven, and the others for hell. Paul tells us that those He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Look at what God desires! He wants obedience! His desire is to have a people who are yielded to Him, who are submissive and obedient, rather than stubborn and rebellious.
Remember, it is our stubborn, rebellious hearts that keep us from God. His desire is to bring us to repentance and surrender, so that we will obey Him, and be sprinkled with His blood. Without repentance there can be no true submission, and true repentance and surrender will always lead to obedience. It can work no other way.
Hebrews 5:8-9 KJV
You may be surprised to read that obedience is an essential part of salvation, even a requirement. This does not sound like the gospel so many people are taught today, but yet it is found in the scripture, which is the standard given us by God. We would do well to heed these words, as our very salvation depends on this.
Sin is what has caused our spiritual ruin. At its core, sin is rebellion, or disobedience to God. A sinner, is one who walks contrary to the commands of God; one who does what he or she wishes, who will not submit to the will of God (Romans 8:7). This is the mind set on the flesh that leads to death.
Many people stop here, and look no further than the need for forgiveness. Their main concept of grace is little more than our sin being forgiven by God. We sin over and over, so we need grace over and over. It is a truth, that without God's forgiveness, we would remain eternally lost. There is no question about that. However, salvation is much more than forgiveness, it is about a changed life.
We read in Peter's epistle that in God's foreknowledge, He chose a people who would obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood (1 Peter 1:1-2). We often think of foreknowledge and predestination as God choosing some people for heaven, and the others for hell. Paul tells us that those He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). Look at what God desires! He wants obedience! His desire is to have a people who are yielded to Him, who are submissive and obedient, rather than stubborn and rebellious.
Remember, it is our stubborn, rebellious hearts that keep us from God. His desire is to bring us to repentance and surrender, so that we will obey Him, and be sprinkled with His blood. Without repentance there can be no true submission, and true repentance and surrender will always lead to obedience. It can work no other way.
Monday, October 5, 2015
Contending for the Faith: The Most Terrifying Words You Will Ever Hear.
Contending for the Faith: The Most Terrifying Words You Will Ever Hear.: There are multitudes today who have their hopes set on heaven when they die. Indeed, many of them will spend eternity worshiping Christ...
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Living For Him (Ephesians 2 part 9).
And He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
2 Corinthians 5:15 NASB
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NASB
The apostle Paul urged the Corinthian Church to not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1). Salvation is not a get out of jail free card; it is not mere fire insurance for the day of judgment! Salvation is the restoration of a rebel to God! It involves giving up sin, and absolutely surrendering our lives to God to be lived for Him in obedience to His word!
We are warned throughout scripture that those who persist in sin, who continue to live as they always have, even though they claim to be Christians, will not inherit the kingdom of God. We are warned,
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:5-6 NASB).
Understand what Paul is saying here. If your life has not changed, if you are not walking in obedience to Christ, if you are still committing the same sins you have always committed, you are not in a saving relationship with Christ! You are lost, still dead in sin! These are harsh words that do not agree with many people's idea of what salvation should look like, but these are God's words, not mine, and He says to us, "Do not be deceived with empty words!"
We are called to give up living for ourselves, and to now live for Christ. To say you are a Christian, and yet live in sexual immorality, homosexuality, adultery, hatred and bitterness, alcohol and substance abuse, lying, theft, idolatry, covetousness, and so forth, is entirely incompatible with the new birth, and the life we are called to live as Christians. These are the very things which have alienated us from God, and yet many believe that since they have been forgiven, they can justify their actions and go on living in sin. This is entirely false, and this heresy has deceived countless souls.
We read in 1 John,
Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:7-8 NASB
Understand that the one who abides in Christ does not sin. Jesus came to take away sin, that is transform our lives (this is talking about our actions ). The test of our faith, and the reality of our salvation is based upon our lives and actions. Are we living for Jesus, obeying His commands, loving Him with all of our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves, or are we living for the devil, in complete disobedience to the commands of Christ? Are we doing those selfish things that bring grief and sorrow to God, and hurt those around us? Do not let any man deceive you with an empty gospel that sounds good, quotes a bible verse or two, but in the end does not save you from the power of sin and totally transform your life!
2 Corinthians 5:15 NASB
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10 NASB
The apostle Paul urged the Corinthian Church to not receive the grace of God in vain (2 Cor 6:1). Salvation is not a get out of jail free card; it is not mere fire insurance for the day of judgment! Salvation is the restoration of a rebel to God! It involves giving up sin, and absolutely surrendering our lives to God to be lived for Him in obedience to His word!
We are warned throughout scripture that those who persist in sin, who continue to live as they always have, even though they claim to be Christians, will not inherit the kingdom of God. We are warned,
For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience (Ephesians 5:5-6 NASB).
Understand what Paul is saying here. If your life has not changed, if you are not walking in obedience to Christ, if you are still committing the same sins you have always committed, you are not in a saving relationship with Christ! You are lost, still dead in sin! These are harsh words that do not agree with many people's idea of what salvation should look like, but these are God's words, not mine, and He says to us, "Do not be deceived with empty words!"
We are called to give up living for ourselves, and to now live for Christ. To say you are a Christian, and yet live in sexual immorality, homosexuality, adultery, hatred and bitterness, alcohol and substance abuse, lying, theft, idolatry, covetousness, and so forth, is entirely incompatible with the new birth, and the life we are called to live as Christians. These are the very things which have alienated us from God, and yet many believe that since they have been forgiven, they can justify their actions and go on living in sin. This is entirely false, and this heresy has deceived countless souls.
We read in 1 John,
Little children, let no one deceive you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. The one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
1 John 3:7-8 NASB
Understand that the one who abides in Christ does not sin. Jesus came to take away sin, that is transform our lives (this is talking about our actions ). The test of our faith, and the reality of our salvation is based upon our lives and actions. Are we living for Jesus, obeying His commands, loving Him with all of our hearts, and our neighbor as ourselves, or are we living for the devil, in complete disobedience to the commands of Christ? Are we doing those selfish things that bring grief and sorrow to God, and hurt those around us? Do not let any man deceive you with an empty gospel that sounds good, quotes a bible verse or two, but in the end does not save you from the power of sin and totally transform your life!
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Are You One of the Many?
And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?"
And He said unto them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:23-24 NASB
We see from this passage of scripture that many will seek to enter the kingdom of heaven, but not be able to. In fact only a few will be saved! Jesus tells us that many are on the broad way to destruction, while few find the narrow road that leads to life (Matt 7:13-14). This does not sound like the modern evangelical message we hear today. We are taught that it is very easy to "get saved." It sure seems like so many people call themselves Christians, and while we like to give people the benefit of the doubt in some matters, this one has eternal consequences, and we do well understand that what Jesus taught, is not the same as what we hear so many teach today.
There are many professing Christians, but Jesus tells us there are few who are being saved. Someone is wrong, and it is not Jesus! Are you one of the few travelling the narrow road to life, or one of the many on the broad road who will go lost in the end?
Let's take a look at the word strive. Jesus tells us to strive to enter by the narrow door. Now we aren't used to words like "strive", or "be diligent", or "make every effort." We are told that is is easy. "Just believe." All that is necessary is to quickly slip up a hand and quickly lower it. Then we all repeat a prayer so no one is singled out. It takes little effort, no real depth of commitment, and no embarrassment. Thousands of souls, perhaps millions, are swept through the wide gate in this manner. They have no real concept of their souls desperate need; they do not understand their true depravity, and thus they do not diligently seek to enter in by the narrow gate. But Jesus tells us to strive! What does He mean? The Amplified Bible uses the phrase "Force yourselves through it." This speaks of seriousness, going after something with a wholehearted commitment. There is only one way, and according to the words of Jesus, it is a way difficult to enter, requiring much effort on our part! You see, many people have a twinge of regret, a moment of conviction, a sleepless night, perhaps a dread of what awaits them in eternity, but they are content for the moment to say a quick prayer, maybe make some resolutions, and go back to the way they were. They are halfhearted, insincere, and do not really desire to make their peace with God. If they were sincere, they would make every effort to be reconciled to God, but they are more than willing to appease their consciences with a little fire insurance, a band aide instead of the radical heart surgery that the gospel demands. For many, church membership, or some tradition they uphold is good enough for them. They have been baptized as infants, or partake regularly of the sacraments, so they convince themselves that they are right with God. Others believe that they are basically good people. They look at their lives in an abstract manner, and hope that the good will be good enough when they stand before God. They are performing good works without the commitment to Christ that the gospel requires. Are you one of the many?
Jesus demands repentance (Mark 1:15), yet many are not willing to forsake their sin. They want to continue living as they always have, desiring some forgiveness perhaps, but unwilling to give up that which separates them from God and damns their souls to an eternal hell. Yet if we truly understood that sin has ruined us for eternity, it has separated us from God, and even worse, grieved the heart of God, would we not be more than willing to forsake it, to leave it all behind and give ourselves wholly to Christ?
Many are unwilling to obey Jesus. He says that those who love Him will obey His commands (John 14:21-24). Their are multitudes of professed believers who will not submit to the Lordship of Jesus. They keep a "pet sin", they will not obey one of Jesus' commands. Jesus asks us "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, ad do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus has warned us that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt 7:21-23). Only those who obey Him will enter. To refuse to obey is to refuse to submit; it is nothing more than rebellion. Rebellion will leave you outside of the kingdom, yet many believe that they are saved, all the while they are living in disobedience to the commands of Jesus.
What about following Jesus? It is a popular thing to "add" Jesus to your life. He can be your "life coach." If you just accept Him, he will help you make good decisions, perhaps straighten things up a bit in your life. This appeals to thousands of deceived people. What does Jesus say however? "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it." (Matt 16:24-25 NASB). According to Jesus, it is not about you at all! He calls us to follow Him at all costs. Deny yourself, take up your cross, losing your lives, are concepts that do not appeal to a carnal crowd, yet Jesus demands that we give up ourselves completely; to lose ourselves for His sake. Our lives are no longer our own if we have surrendered to Christ. We no longer have the option to live for ourselves, merely adding Jesus to our already crowded agendas. He calls us to forsake it all; to renounce ourselves, and live for Him. Just as a defeated army does not decide the terms of their surrender, so also the sinner seeking pardon does not decide on what terms he will come to God. Cross bearing and self denial require effort! It is a hard thing to humble yourself; to give up your plans, dreams, purposes, your all. Jesus says "Strive to enter."
Following Christ will bring trials and persecution into your life. Jesus warns us that if we are ashamed of Him in this wicked world, He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38). Yet how many so called Christians will compromise truth, or just keep quiet about their faith, so as not to upset people or ruffle feathers? The Anabaptist Christians of the 15th century believe that as they entered the narrow gate, they left their skin clinging to the posts as they squeezed through. Indeed, thousands of them suffered persecution and death for their faith. They were unwilling to keep silent. Their faith in Jesus compelled them to follow Him even unto the death. They knew full well that if they renounced the formal religion of the day, to follow Christ, they would end up paying for it with their lives. Painfully, through many tribulations, they entered into life (Acts 14:22).
The question is, "Are you one of the many?" Many have settled for an easy faith, a comfortable road, a spiritual journey with no cross, no convictions, at no cost. Jesus has called us to a hard road full of trials and tribulations, a road of self denial, a path of total surrender, of diligence and effort, and of wholehearted obedience. He says, "Strive to enter."
And He said unto them, "Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."
Luke 13:23-24 NASB
We see from this passage of scripture that many will seek to enter the kingdom of heaven, but not be able to. In fact only a few will be saved! Jesus tells us that many are on the broad way to destruction, while few find the narrow road that leads to life (Matt 7:13-14). This does not sound like the modern evangelical message we hear today. We are taught that it is very easy to "get saved." It sure seems like so many people call themselves Christians, and while we like to give people the benefit of the doubt in some matters, this one has eternal consequences, and we do well understand that what Jesus taught, is not the same as what we hear so many teach today.
There are many professing Christians, but Jesus tells us there are few who are being saved. Someone is wrong, and it is not Jesus! Are you one of the few travelling the narrow road to life, or one of the many on the broad road who will go lost in the end?
Let's take a look at the word strive. Jesus tells us to strive to enter by the narrow door. Now we aren't used to words like "strive", or "be diligent", or "make every effort." We are told that is is easy. "Just believe." All that is necessary is to quickly slip up a hand and quickly lower it. Then we all repeat a prayer so no one is singled out. It takes little effort, no real depth of commitment, and no embarrassment. Thousands of souls, perhaps millions, are swept through the wide gate in this manner. They have no real concept of their souls desperate need; they do not understand their true depravity, and thus they do not diligently seek to enter in by the narrow gate. But Jesus tells us to strive! What does He mean? The Amplified Bible uses the phrase "Force yourselves through it." This speaks of seriousness, going after something with a wholehearted commitment. There is only one way, and according to the words of Jesus, it is a way difficult to enter, requiring much effort on our part! You see, many people have a twinge of regret, a moment of conviction, a sleepless night, perhaps a dread of what awaits them in eternity, but they are content for the moment to say a quick prayer, maybe make some resolutions, and go back to the way they were. They are halfhearted, insincere, and do not really desire to make their peace with God. If they were sincere, they would make every effort to be reconciled to God, but they are more than willing to appease their consciences with a little fire insurance, a band aide instead of the radical heart surgery that the gospel demands. For many, church membership, or some tradition they uphold is good enough for them. They have been baptized as infants, or partake regularly of the sacraments, so they convince themselves that they are right with God. Others believe that they are basically good people. They look at their lives in an abstract manner, and hope that the good will be good enough when they stand before God. They are performing good works without the commitment to Christ that the gospel requires. Are you one of the many?
Jesus demands repentance (Mark 1:15), yet many are not willing to forsake their sin. They want to continue living as they always have, desiring some forgiveness perhaps, but unwilling to give up that which separates them from God and damns their souls to an eternal hell. Yet if we truly understood that sin has ruined us for eternity, it has separated us from God, and even worse, grieved the heart of God, would we not be more than willing to forsake it, to leave it all behind and give ourselves wholly to Christ?
Many are unwilling to obey Jesus. He says that those who love Him will obey His commands (John 14:21-24). Their are multitudes of professed believers who will not submit to the Lordship of Jesus. They keep a "pet sin", they will not obey one of Jesus' commands. Jesus asks us "Why do you call me Lord, Lord, ad do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46). Jesus has warned us that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt 7:21-23). Only those who obey Him will enter. To refuse to obey is to refuse to submit; it is nothing more than rebellion. Rebellion will leave you outside of the kingdom, yet many believe that they are saved, all the while they are living in disobedience to the commands of Jesus.
What about following Jesus? It is a popular thing to "add" Jesus to your life. He can be your "life coach." If you just accept Him, he will help you make good decisions, perhaps straighten things up a bit in your life. This appeals to thousands of deceived people. What does Jesus say however? "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it." (Matt 16:24-25 NASB). According to Jesus, it is not about you at all! He calls us to follow Him at all costs. Deny yourself, take up your cross, losing your lives, are concepts that do not appeal to a carnal crowd, yet Jesus demands that we give up ourselves completely; to lose ourselves for His sake. Our lives are no longer our own if we have surrendered to Christ. We no longer have the option to live for ourselves, merely adding Jesus to our already crowded agendas. He calls us to forsake it all; to renounce ourselves, and live for Him. Just as a defeated army does not decide the terms of their surrender, so also the sinner seeking pardon does not decide on what terms he will come to God. Cross bearing and self denial require effort! It is a hard thing to humble yourself; to give up your plans, dreams, purposes, your all. Jesus says "Strive to enter."
Following Christ will bring trials and persecution into your life. Jesus warns us that if we are ashamed of Him in this wicked world, He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38). Yet how many so called Christians will compromise truth, or just keep quiet about their faith, so as not to upset people or ruffle feathers? The Anabaptist Christians of the 15th century believe that as they entered the narrow gate, they left their skin clinging to the posts as they squeezed through. Indeed, thousands of them suffered persecution and death for their faith. They were unwilling to keep silent. Their faith in Jesus compelled them to follow Him even unto the death. They knew full well that if they renounced the formal religion of the day, to follow Christ, they would end up paying for it with their lives. Painfully, through many tribulations, they entered into life (Acts 14:22).
The question is, "Are you one of the many?" Many have settled for an easy faith, a comfortable road, a spiritual journey with no cross, no convictions, at no cost. Jesus has called us to a hard road full of trials and tribulations, a road of self denial, a path of total surrender, of diligence and effort, and of wholehearted obedience. He says, "Strive to enter."
Saturday, September 26, 2015
The Precious Blood of Christ.
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV)
Imagine yourself living in ancient Israel, in the days of the sacrifices and offerings made under the old covenant. Every time you sinned, you went out to the flock or herd, and chose the best you had; a lamb or goat without spot or blemish. Imagine having to do this over and over again. How hard it must have been to have to choose one more lamb because of one more sin committed. I think of my children, and their tendency to name every animal they lay eyes on. How hard it must have been to see the broken hearts of the children as they saw another cute little lamb led to slaughter, because of sin; either yours, or theirs.
The point was this: Sin is ugly. It is detested by God; He hates it! But not only does it anger the holy God, it breaks His heart, causing Him to grieve deeply over our rebellion against Him. He wants us to see and understand this. When the children of Israel saw the blood of an innocent lamb being poured out one more time, it was meant to cause them to sorrow over their sin; to understand that their sin grieved God. It was no small matter that God could just cover over, it demanded a sacrifice, for without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22).
I have often heard people say that they are glad that we are no longer under the old covenant. They express the sentiment that it would sure be hard to offer those multiple sacrifices over and over again, and it is so much easier now under the new covenant, where we can just go to Jesus for grace. To be sure, none of would want to have to sacrifice a lamb every time we told a lie, thought an impure thought, coveted something, lost our tempers, or sinned in any other way. What an inconvenience that would turn out to be, how heartbreaking to watch another innocent lamb slain, its blood poured out because of something that we did.
Is it possible that we can take Christ for granted? Do we perhaps assume that it is easier for us under the new covenant? After all, we are not going to pick another innocent lamb each time we sin, we only go to Jesus right? I fear perhaps, that many of us lack that dread of sin, that resolve that we will not sin against God for what it does to Him.
Our verse today tells us that we were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Should we not be grieved over the fact that Jesus had to bear our sin? He suffered and died for us. He was humiliated and mocked, beaten and crucified, on our account. Just like that spotless lamb was sacrificed under the old covenant, Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins. Once again, imagine what you would feel as the priest cut the throat of a sacrificial lamb, and you watched it die, because of your sin. Now think of Jesus, the Son of God, who bore your sins. He died for you! The Son of God, of far more intrinsic worth, came down and gave Himself as an offering for you, because of your sin. That fact should sink down within each one of us and grieve our hearts that we have sinned against God. We should have that godly sorrow that brings us to repentance, and that fear of the Lord that causes us to turn from evil, lest we bring reproach upon the one who died to save us.
Yes, it is in a sense easier for us to not have to offer sacrifices as in days of old, but we must ever be mindful of the fact that Jesus gave all for us. He is of far greater worth than all sacrificial lambs; of bulls and goats. In fact it is impossible for the blood of such sacrifices to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Only Christ was of such infinite worth, that He could offer Himself on our behalf. We should be ever careful that we not "crucify again the Son of God, and put Him to open shame" by our carelessness with sin (Hebrews 6:6).
Is it possible that we can take Christ for granted? Do we perhaps assume that it is easier for us under the new covenant? After all, we are not going to pick another innocent lamb each time we sin, we only go to Jesus right? I fear perhaps, that many of us lack that dread of sin, that resolve that we will not sin against God for what it does to Him.
Our verse today tells us that we were redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. Should we not be grieved over the fact that Jesus had to bear our sin? He suffered and died for us. He was humiliated and mocked, beaten and crucified, on our account. Just like that spotless lamb was sacrificed under the old covenant, Jesus was the sacrifice for our sins. Once again, imagine what you would feel as the priest cut the throat of a sacrificial lamb, and you watched it die, because of your sin. Now think of Jesus, the Son of God, who bore your sins. He died for you! The Son of God, of far more intrinsic worth, came down and gave Himself as an offering for you, because of your sin. That fact should sink down within each one of us and grieve our hearts that we have sinned against God. We should have that godly sorrow that brings us to repentance, and that fear of the Lord that causes us to turn from evil, lest we bring reproach upon the one who died to save us.
Yes, it is in a sense easier for us to not have to offer sacrifices as in days of old, but we must ever be mindful of the fact that Jesus gave all for us. He is of far greater worth than all sacrificial lambs; of bulls and goats. In fact it is impossible for the blood of such sacrifices to take away sins (Hebrews 10:4). Only Christ was of such infinite worth, that He could offer Himself on our behalf. We should be ever careful that we not "crucify again the Son of God, and put Him to open shame" by our carelessness with sin (Hebrews 6:6).
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)
This sermon addresses the error of the humanistic gospel which is presented in much of today's modern church. Beware of making your happiness the chief end of salvation. God is not a means to an end, rather, the purpose of the gospel is to bring us into submission to Him.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Faith or Works? (Ephesians 2 Part 8).
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. For what does the scripture say? "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a favor, but what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness.
Romans 4:1-5 NASB
There are two paths set before us in this passage of scripture, one leading to death, the other to life. There are millions of individuals who believe that they can earn salvation. They believe that by doing good deeds, performing religious duties or rituals, or by other similar means, they can impress God. They say, "If I can give up this habit," or, "I'm a good person at heart," or, "I hope my good deeds outweigh my bad deeds." People try to reform their lives, make promises and resolutions, and attempt to justify their actions, all in the hope of gaining heaven.
Those who attempt salvation by works are defeated before they have even begun. God's standard is perfection, and nobody can measure up to that standard in and of themselves. The bible tells us that if we keep the whole law, yet stumble in one point, we are guilty of all of it (James 2:10). By the time we attempt to work our way to heaven, we have already broken God's law, and are guilty. It is all over, there is no way we can measure up to His standard of perfection. (See also What does God require?)
We read in Romans 2:19-20, that no one will be justified by the works of the law. In fact, the law convicts us of our sin. It leaves us without excuse, guilty before the holy God we have offended. Imagine for a moment that you succeeded in your efforts to earn God's favor. Imagine God being obligated to you, being required to pay you your wages. Imagine your proud boasting at your success. This will never happen. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The one who is working for his salvation is a selfish individual. He has his best interests at heart. In his efforts to earn salvation, this individual remains seated upon the throne of his life. He is merely using God as a means to his own happiness. He has no desire to lose his life for Christ. To seek salvation for your own personal gain; to merely avoid hell and gain heaven, is in effect to make yourself your own God, and Christ your servant. Works based salvation is nothing more than idolatry. You will never find salvation if you cannot renounce your life.
God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
The salvation that comes through faith comes to those who have yielded themselves up to God with a faith that not only trusts, but also submits. This is the kind of faith that is counted as righteousness. These are the ones who have lost their lives for the sake of Christ. They believe God with a faith that works by love, obeying His words from the heart, not to gain His favor, but from a desire to bring Him glory. The one who believes in Christ in this way is the one who finds the works of the law being fulfilled in his life as he follows the leading of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4). This is not salvation by works, it is faith at work in those who believe. The scriptures tell us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). This is how we live in Christ, by faith.
Romans 4:1-5 NASB
There are two paths set before us in this passage of scripture, one leading to death, the other to life. There are millions of individuals who believe that they can earn salvation. They believe that by doing good deeds, performing religious duties or rituals, or by other similar means, they can impress God. They say, "If I can give up this habit," or, "I'm a good person at heart," or, "I hope my good deeds outweigh my bad deeds." People try to reform their lives, make promises and resolutions, and attempt to justify their actions, all in the hope of gaining heaven.
Those who attempt salvation by works are defeated before they have even begun. God's standard is perfection, and nobody can measure up to that standard in and of themselves. The bible tells us that if we keep the whole law, yet stumble in one point, we are guilty of all of it (James 2:10). By the time we attempt to work our way to heaven, we have already broken God's law, and are guilty. It is all over, there is no way we can measure up to His standard of perfection. (See also What does God require?)
We read in Romans 2:19-20, that no one will be justified by the works of the law. In fact, the law convicts us of our sin. It leaves us without excuse, guilty before the holy God we have offended. Imagine for a moment that you succeeded in your efforts to earn God's favor. Imagine God being obligated to you, being required to pay you your wages. Imagine your proud boasting at your success. This will never happen. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The one who is working for his salvation is a selfish individual. He has his best interests at heart. In his efforts to earn salvation, this individual remains seated upon the throne of his life. He is merely using God as a means to his own happiness. He has no desire to lose his life for Christ. To seek salvation for your own personal gain; to merely avoid hell and gain heaven, is in effect to make yourself your own God, and Christ your servant. Works based salvation is nothing more than idolatry. You will never find salvation if you cannot renounce your life.
God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
The salvation that comes through faith comes to those who have yielded themselves up to God with a faith that not only trusts, but also submits. This is the kind of faith that is counted as righteousness. These are the ones who have lost their lives for the sake of Christ. They believe God with a faith that works by love, obeying His words from the heart, not to gain His favor, but from a desire to bring Him glory. The one who believes in Christ in this way is the one who finds the works of the law being fulfilled in his life as he follows the leading of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4). This is not salvation by works, it is faith at work in those who believe. The scriptures tell us that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). This is how we live in Christ, by faith.
By Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2 part 7).
We have looked at the grace of God, and how He has taken the initiative by sending His Son Jesus to die on our behalf. We have seen that although we do not deserve His goodness and mercy, He offers us salvation nonetheless. I would like to next look at man's response to this great salvation that is offered us in Christ Jesus.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
While we see that our salvation is a gift of God offered to us by His grace, yet we see we receive this gift through faith. It is not an automatic thing. We read in John's gospel that he who believes in Him (Jesus) is not judged, but he who does not believe is judged already, because he has not believed in God's Son (John 3:18). Mark tells us in his gospel that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he who does not believe shall be condemned (Mark 16:16). So what is faith? It is essential that we have an accurate understanding of what it means to believe in Jesus. Does it mean to believe in the historical facts about Jesus and His life? Does it mean we believe correct doctrine? Perhaps it goes even deeper than this?
Lets go back to the concept of sin. Sin is rebellion against God. It is called enmity, or hostility toward God (Romans 8:7). Sin flows out of unbelief. One who does not know or understand the claims of God will not fear God, or walk in His ways. It is the same with one who acts in unbelief. He may know of God, he may know that God requires obedience, and he may know that God will punish evildoers, but the fact that such a one persists in disobedience in spite of this knowledge, proves that this individual does not believe in God. He is acting in unbelief. What he has heard and known about God does not matter to him. It is like a man sitting in a burning house. Someone may pound on his door, urging him to flee his burning house, but if he buries his nose in the newspaper, and does not get up and try to flee, he is acting in unbelief. So, what does it matter what we believe about God, if it does not move us to act upon that belief? James tells us that even the devils believe and tremble (James 2:19). No doubt they understand all of the historical facts about God, maybe even more than many of us. Yet they are not saved beings! All of the knowledge that they have of God profits them nothing. They are devils bent on doing evil. They know of God's laws, and they know of God's wrath, yet this type of belief profits them nothing.
The faith that God is looking for is a faith that not only trusts, but also obeys! A man who believes in Christ will be a man who obeys Christ. Correct doctrine, and correct biblical understanding are important, but our faith must lead us to act upon our belief.
When a man is brought to see the depths of his wickedness he will say like Paul "Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24) In our desperation to be set free from sin we will flee to Christ, trusting Him not only for pardon, but for deliverance as well. What kind of man would seek pardon while still holding on to his sinful ways? That is no faith at all.
Believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose again is much more than a mere formula to repeat in the hopes of gaining pardon from sin. To believe in the death and resurrection of Christ is to cease from our self efforts, and flee to Him for pardon, knowing that He is the only way. It is to know and understand that only in Him can the soul find deliverance from sin. The individual who has truly come to the end of himself will turn from his sin (repent) and turn to Christ with a submissive trust, longing to be delivered from sin. Such a one believes that just as Christ died and rose again, so to we also die to sin and are raised to newness of life by the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-10, 8:1-4). Biblical faith also recognizes that as Jesus is alive from the dead, we are called to follow Him. Once again, this is a submissive, trusting faith, that works itself out in loving obedience. "Lord" is not a mere title that we place before a name like we do for doctors or professors. Jesus is Lord, and He is alive. If we believe this from our hearts, we will act upon this belief, and submit ourselves totally to His rule in our lives (Luke 14:25-33).
Faith is much more than believing things with our minds. It is a continuing, active principal that moves us to act upon what we believe. Faith is our connection to the life and power that flow from Jesus. To trust in Him is to be connected. To disbelieve, is to be unplugged from the life that can only be found in Christ.
See also The Nature of Biblical Faith.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
While we see that our salvation is a gift of God offered to us by His grace, yet we see we receive this gift through faith. It is not an automatic thing. We read in John's gospel that he who believes in Him (Jesus) is not judged, but he who does not believe is judged already, because he has not believed in God's Son (John 3:18). Mark tells us in his gospel that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he who does not believe shall be condemned (Mark 16:16). So what is faith? It is essential that we have an accurate understanding of what it means to believe in Jesus. Does it mean to believe in the historical facts about Jesus and His life? Does it mean we believe correct doctrine? Perhaps it goes even deeper than this?
Lets go back to the concept of sin. Sin is rebellion against God. It is called enmity, or hostility toward God (Romans 8:7). Sin flows out of unbelief. One who does not know or understand the claims of God will not fear God, or walk in His ways. It is the same with one who acts in unbelief. He may know of God, he may know that God requires obedience, and he may know that God will punish evildoers, but the fact that such a one persists in disobedience in spite of this knowledge, proves that this individual does not believe in God. He is acting in unbelief. What he has heard and known about God does not matter to him. It is like a man sitting in a burning house. Someone may pound on his door, urging him to flee his burning house, but if he buries his nose in the newspaper, and does not get up and try to flee, he is acting in unbelief. So, what does it matter what we believe about God, if it does not move us to act upon that belief? James tells us that even the devils believe and tremble (James 2:19). No doubt they understand all of the historical facts about God, maybe even more than many of us. Yet they are not saved beings! All of the knowledge that they have of God profits them nothing. They are devils bent on doing evil. They know of God's laws, and they know of God's wrath, yet this type of belief profits them nothing.
The faith that God is looking for is a faith that not only trusts, but also obeys! A man who believes in Christ will be a man who obeys Christ. Correct doctrine, and correct biblical understanding are important, but our faith must lead us to act upon our belief.
When a man is brought to see the depths of his wickedness he will say like Paul "Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24) In our desperation to be set free from sin we will flee to Christ, trusting Him not only for pardon, but for deliverance as well. What kind of man would seek pardon while still holding on to his sinful ways? That is no faith at all.
Believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose again is much more than a mere formula to repeat in the hopes of gaining pardon from sin. To believe in the death and resurrection of Christ is to cease from our self efforts, and flee to Him for pardon, knowing that He is the only way. It is to know and understand that only in Him can the soul find deliverance from sin. The individual who has truly come to the end of himself will turn from his sin (repent) and turn to Christ with a submissive trust, longing to be delivered from sin. Such a one believes that just as Christ died and rose again, so to we also die to sin and are raised to newness of life by the virtue of Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:1-10, 8:1-4). Biblical faith also recognizes that as Jesus is alive from the dead, we are called to follow Him. Once again, this is a submissive, trusting faith, that works itself out in loving obedience. "Lord" is not a mere title that we place before a name like we do for doctors or professors. Jesus is Lord, and He is alive. If we believe this from our hearts, we will act upon this belief, and submit ourselves totally to His rule in our lives (Luke 14:25-33).
Faith is much more than believing things with our minds. It is a continuing, active principal that moves us to act upon what we believe. Faith is our connection to the life and power that flow from Jesus. To trust in Him is to be connected. To disbelieve, is to be unplugged from the life that can only be found in Christ.
See also The Nature of Biblical Faith.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Salvation (Ephesians 2 Part 6).
When studying this passage of scripture we often focus upon grace and faith. It is of equal importance however, that we have a correct understanding of salvation; what it is, and what it accomplishes in our lives.
Throughout the bible we see the word salvation used in multitudes of passages and contexts. It is used to speak of deliverance from captivity, from enemies, from sickness, from severe trials and temptations, and from sin. The word means deliverance; it is to be delivered from something that afflicts us or binds us. In the New Testament concept of salvation through Christ, it is primarily speaking of deliverance from sin. It is sin that is our downfall. Sin (disobedience, rebellion) is what has ruined our lives. Sin is at the root of all of the troubles and evils we see in this world. It is at the core of the heartaches and miseries we face on this earth. Broken marriages, broken homes, unwanted children, are all consequences of sin, among many other evils that we see around us. Sin will drag you down, enslave you, and ruin your life, yet there is more. Sin cuts us off from God. Because our sin is an act of defiance against our creator, we find ourselves at odds with Him. We have offended Him, and incurred His wrath. Sin has not only ruined us in this life, but has also ruined our eternal souls.
For many of us, we know and understand that we must be forgiven for our sins. We realize that we cannot stand before God in our sin, we have offended Him, and He must forgive us if we are to escape His judgment. Yet many of us fail to understand that forgiveness alone is not enough if we keep on going back to the same sin over and over again.
How many of us can relate to this? We feel guilty and ask for forgiveness, only to repeat the cycle of sinning, asking forgiveness, and sinning again, on and on and on. We live in defeat and guilt. The sad truth being, we are still enslaved to sin. We have not been delivered, we have not been set free, we are still dead in trespasses and sins (John 8:34; Romans 6:16; Ephesians 2:1-3).
The bible tells us that Jesus came to set men free, and if we are set free, we are free indeed (John 8:36). He came to destroy the work of the Devil, therefore, to be reborn, is to be delivered from the practice of sin (1 John 3:8-9).
Lets take a look at some of the verses dealing with predestination and election. This topic has been argued by theologians and denominations for centuries. While men have debated the subject, arguing about the sovereignty of God and the free will of man, they seem to have overlooked the point of these verses.
Romans 8:29-30 (NASB),
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Ephesians 1:4-5 (NASB),
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.
1Peter 1:2 (NASB),
Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
Look at what these verses are telling us. The goal of God in our salvation is to make us holy! His desire is to conform us into the image of His Son. He works in us by His spirit to produce obedience, obedience to Jesus Christ. Yes, we are sprinkled with His blood and forgiven, Yes, we are adopted as sons, yes, we will be glorified with Him someday! Salvation goes beyond forgiveness and going to heaven. God's intent is to transform us, to break the cycle of bondage that we face, and to make us a new creation. Salvation is not one without the other; forgiveness while still bound to sin, but a total deliverance. It can be looked at as a "Divine heart transplant." Our stubborn rebellious hearts are replaced with soft, yielded, obedient hearts (Ezekiel 36:26). This is what is promised in the new covenant. We are now given the power to live as God has desired us to live (Hebrews 10:16-17). In this new life of freedom, we now find fellowship with God possible. Our prayers are not shut out, we can come boldly into His presence, we enjoy intimate communion with God, as Christ is formed in us.
This was the gospel as presented by Jesus and the Apostles, and is still the gospel we are to proclaim today.
Throughout the bible we see the word salvation used in multitudes of passages and contexts. It is used to speak of deliverance from captivity, from enemies, from sickness, from severe trials and temptations, and from sin. The word means deliverance; it is to be delivered from something that afflicts us or binds us. In the New Testament concept of salvation through Christ, it is primarily speaking of deliverance from sin. It is sin that is our downfall. Sin (disobedience, rebellion) is what has ruined our lives. Sin is at the root of all of the troubles and evils we see in this world. It is at the core of the heartaches and miseries we face on this earth. Broken marriages, broken homes, unwanted children, are all consequences of sin, among many other evils that we see around us. Sin will drag you down, enslave you, and ruin your life, yet there is more. Sin cuts us off from God. Because our sin is an act of defiance against our creator, we find ourselves at odds with Him. We have offended Him, and incurred His wrath. Sin has not only ruined us in this life, but has also ruined our eternal souls.
For many of us, we know and understand that we must be forgiven for our sins. We realize that we cannot stand before God in our sin, we have offended Him, and He must forgive us if we are to escape His judgment. Yet many of us fail to understand that forgiveness alone is not enough if we keep on going back to the same sin over and over again.
How many of us can relate to this? We feel guilty and ask for forgiveness, only to repeat the cycle of sinning, asking forgiveness, and sinning again, on and on and on. We live in defeat and guilt. The sad truth being, we are still enslaved to sin. We have not been delivered, we have not been set free, we are still dead in trespasses and sins (John 8:34; Romans 6:16; Ephesians 2:1-3).
The bible tells us that Jesus came to set men free, and if we are set free, we are free indeed (John 8:36). He came to destroy the work of the Devil, therefore, to be reborn, is to be delivered from the practice of sin (1 John 3:8-9).
Lets take a look at some of the verses dealing with predestination and election. This topic has been argued by theologians and denominations for centuries. While men have debated the subject, arguing about the sovereignty of God and the free will of man, they seem to have overlooked the point of these verses.
Romans 8:29-30 (NASB),
For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren; and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
Ephesians 1:4-5 (NASB),
Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will.
1Peter 1:2 (NASB),
Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.
Look at what these verses are telling us. The goal of God in our salvation is to make us holy! His desire is to conform us into the image of His Son. He works in us by His spirit to produce obedience, obedience to Jesus Christ. Yes, we are sprinkled with His blood and forgiven, Yes, we are adopted as sons, yes, we will be glorified with Him someday! Salvation goes beyond forgiveness and going to heaven. God's intent is to transform us, to break the cycle of bondage that we face, and to make us a new creation. Salvation is not one without the other; forgiveness while still bound to sin, but a total deliverance. It can be looked at as a "Divine heart transplant." Our stubborn rebellious hearts are replaced with soft, yielded, obedient hearts (Ezekiel 36:26). This is what is promised in the new covenant. We are now given the power to live as God has desired us to live (Hebrews 10:16-17). In this new life of freedom, we now find fellowship with God possible. Our prayers are not shut out, we can come boldly into His presence, we enjoy intimate communion with God, as Christ is formed in us.
This was the gospel as presented by Jesus and the Apostles, and is still the gospel we are to proclaim today.
Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2 Part 5).
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:8 NASB
Mercy has been defined as not receiving what we deserve, and grace has been defined as receiving what we do not deserve. There is truth to this. As sinners, we deserve punishment for our sin, yet we find the penalty lifted, as we are forgiven in Christ. Instead of spiritual death, we now have life everlasting through Jesus Christ. Again, God's grace flows out of His love for us. We do not deserve it, and cannot earn it. If so, it would not be grace, but an obligation.
There is more to the grace of God however. His grace goes beyond forgiveness, reaching to the very inner depths of our being. Grace is transforming and empowering. Why would God reach out and take a rebel, and radically transform his life?
We read about the grace of God in Titus 2:11-14,
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:11-14 NASB).
It is God's grace that transforms us from sinners to saints. It is by His grace that our lives and conduct are radically transformed. We are changed from selfish beings into selfless beings, no longer pursuing the desires of our flesh, but living for the will of God (1 Peter 4:1-2). This is a picture of the grace of God that brings salvation. Again, we do not deserve this. Who are we that God would reach down in grace and not only forgive our enmity against Him, but work in us a surrender to His will and ways?
Ephesians 2:8 NASB
Mercy has been defined as not receiving what we deserve, and grace has been defined as receiving what we do not deserve. There is truth to this. As sinners, we deserve punishment for our sin, yet we find the penalty lifted, as we are forgiven in Christ. Instead of spiritual death, we now have life everlasting through Jesus Christ. Again, God's grace flows out of His love for us. We do not deserve it, and cannot earn it. If so, it would not be grace, but an obligation.
There is more to the grace of God however. His grace goes beyond forgiveness, reaching to the very inner depths of our being. Grace is transforming and empowering. Why would God reach out and take a rebel, and radically transform his life?
We read about the grace of God in Titus 2:11-14,
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:11-14 NASB).
It is God's grace that transforms us from sinners to saints. It is by His grace that our lives and conduct are radically transformed. We are changed from selfish beings into selfless beings, no longer pursuing the desires of our flesh, but living for the will of God (1 Peter 4:1-2). This is a picture of the grace of God that brings salvation. Again, we do not deserve this. Who are we that God would reach down in grace and not only forgive our enmity against Him, but work in us a surrender to His will and ways?
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Rich in Mercy (Ephesians 2 part 4).
But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7 NASB
We have looked at man's lost condition; the fact that he is dead in sin, a slave to his passions and lusts, an enemy of God, and a child of wrath. Let's take a look now at another aspect of God's character, His love and mercy.
We read in our Bibles that God is patient toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). As a holy being, God cannot tolerate sin, and in His absolutely perfect justice, He must punish it. That is a fact, and no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves otherwise, it can be no other way. The very character of God demands it. Yet we also read of God's unwillingness that any should perish. We read of His love, as in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." As our text states, God is rich in mercy, because He loves us with a great love. Even though we have sinned against Him time and time again, He loves us, and has made provision for us, so that we could be saved from our sin.
All of this flows out of His love. It is love that sent Jesus down to this earth to bear our sins on the cruel cross. We are told that as a demonstration of His love, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Motivated by great love, God has done everything possible to bring us into reconciliation with Himself. He did not wait for us to clean up, to become good enough, or to change our ways. He took the initiative, and sent Jesus to die on our behalf, while we were yet sinners.
The Bible tells us that God is rich in mercy. He is generous, and willing to forgive. Jesus Christ has done everything necessary to reconcile us to God. He is willing to clean up our lives, to change us and make us a new creation in Him (2 Cor 5:17). Once again, it is not based upon anything we have done, but on His mercy (Titus 3:5). Do not misunderstand this however. God's love and mercy do not do away with man's responsibility to repent of His sinful ways. As we previously read in 2 Peter 3:9, ...Not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
There are those who believe that God's love and salvation are universal in the sense that all will be saved in the end regardless of how they conducted themselves in this life. They would have you believe that repentance and obedience do not matter. They go so far as to teach that because of Christ's offering of Himself, you do not need to even believe in Him; everyone gets saved in the end, it is an automatic thing. Watch out for this false teaching! In His love, God has made a way to save us from our sin. That is, not only the guilt, but the power of it over our lives. There is a saying that goes something like this, God, not only loves us enough to forgive our sins, but loves us too much to leave us in them." This is the true picture of the grace and mercy of God. He has reached down to His enemies and offered them pardon, if they will submit themselves to Him.
Ephesians 2:4-7 NASB
We have looked at man's lost condition; the fact that he is dead in sin, a slave to his passions and lusts, an enemy of God, and a child of wrath. Let's take a look now at another aspect of God's character, His love and mercy.
We read in our Bibles that God is patient toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). As a holy being, God cannot tolerate sin, and in His absolutely perfect justice, He must punish it. That is a fact, and no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves otherwise, it can be no other way. The very character of God demands it. Yet we also read of God's unwillingness that any should perish. We read of His love, as in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." As our text states, God is rich in mercy, because He loves us with a great love. Even though we have sinned against Him time and time again, He loves us, and has made provision for us, so that we could be saved from our sin.
All of this flows out of His love. It is love that sent Jesus down to this earth to bear our sins on the cruel cross. We are told that as a demonstration of His love, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Motivated by great love, God has done everything possible to bring us into reconciliation with Himself. He did not wait for us to clean up, to become good enough, or to change our ways. He took the initiative, and sent Jesus to die on our behalf, while we were yet sinners.
The Bible tells us that God is rich in mercy. He is generous, and willing to forgive. Jesus Christ has done everything necessary to reconcile us to God. He is willing to clean up our lives, to change us and make us a new creation in Him (2 Cor 5:17). Once again, it is not based upon anything we have done, but on His mercy (Titus 3:5). Do not misunderstand this however. God's love and mercy do not do away with man's responsibility to repent of His sinful ways. As we previously read in 2 Peter 3:9, ...Not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
There are those who believe that God's love and salvation are universal in the sense that all will be saved in the end regardless of how they conducted themselves in this life. They would have you believe that repentance and obedience do not matter. They go so far as to teach that because of Christ's offering of Himself, you do not need to even believe in Him; everyone gets saved in the end, it is an automatic thing. Watch out for this false teaching! In His love, God has made a way to save us from our sin. That is, not only the guilt, but the power of it over our lives. There is a saying that goes something like this, God, not only loves us enough to forgive our sins, but loves us too much to leave us in them." This is the true picture of the grace and mercy of God. He has reached down to His enemies and offered them pardon, if they will submit themselves to Him.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Children of Wrath (Ephesians 2 part 3).
.....And were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
Ephesians 2:3b NASB
Often you will hear someone say something to this effect, "Well, I'm only human." This is used as an excuse for our sinful behavior. If we can blame it on our weakness; on our humanity, we then feel better about ourselves. "After all," we might think, "God understands that I am only human. I can't help my actions."
This however, is not true. We have seen that by nature we are rebels against God. Our human nature is in reality opposed to God and His law. We are selfish beings, and we choose to gratify our selfish desires, rather than submit to God, and live selflessly, loving God and those around us.
The Bible is filled with warnings. someday we will all stand before God and give account for what we have done. All of our deeds will be judged, and we will receive what is due us (2 Cor 5:10). Read what Paul has to say about God's wrath and judgment,
But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds. Romans 2:5-6 NASB
Notice once again, by our stubborn persistence in sin, we are storing up God's wrath. Our refusal to repent of our sin and rebellion will get us in the end.
There is coming a day when men, both great and small, will hide themselves from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:15-17). The day of judgment will be a terrifying day for those who have lived this life in pursuit of self. All of our deeds will stand as evidence against us on that day. Every word spoken (Matt 12:36-37), and every thought we have entertained is known and remembered by God. Nothing that man has ever gone through in this life can compare to facing God's wrath on the day of judgment. Our minds may find it hard to conceive the idea of eternal punishment, but the word of God paints a terrible picture of the final doom of the unrepentant.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged according to their deeds. And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:13-15 NASB
There is coming a day when men, both great and small, will hide themselves from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:15-17). The day of judgment will be a terrifying day for those who have lived this life in pursuit of self. All of our deeds will stand as evidence against us on that day. Every word spoken (Matt 12:36-37), and every thought we have entertained is known and remembered by God. Nothing that man has ever gone through in this life can compare to facing God's wrath on the day of judgment. Our minds may find it hard to conceive the idea of eternal punishment, but the word of God paints a terrible picture of the final doom of the unrepentant.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged according to their deeds. And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:13-15 NASB
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
The Nature of Man (Ephesians 2 part 2).
Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging in the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
Ephesians 2:3 NASB
Many individuals like to look at their sinful actions as something that they cannot help. They feel as if they would like to do what is right, but they just can't. There is some truth to this. The Apostle Paul paints a picture of a lost individual who is in bondage to sin (Romans 7:14-25). He speaks of an individual who knows what is right, and wants to do what is right, but in the end sins. The bible indeed presents the circumstance of the sinner as being in bondage or slavery to sin (2 Peter 2:19; John 8:34).
It is also a biblical truth that we enter into this bondage through our own lusts. It is much more than a case of being unable to do right, like someone who is programmed to only act in a certain way against their will. Many individuals feel this way, and even begin to justify themselves in the fact that they can't help their actions, they are "only human" and deserve pity, not wrath.
The above verse tells us that mankind lives out his days pursuing the lusts of his flesh and mind. He indulges in selfish desires. This is not something that he is doing against his will, no, he willingly indulges himself in sinful pleasures! This is the nature of fallen man; selfishness! James tells us that man is drawn away and tempted by his desires, and when he gives in to his selfish desires, he sins (James 1:14-15). The fact that man is a willing participant in his sin makes him responsible. How could he be responsible for something he has no control over? He falls into bondage when he allows his selfish desires to control his choices. He may desire to do what is right, but his selfish lusts rise up and he gives into them instead. This is what Paul is saying in Romans 7:17. He is not saying that he is no longer responsible for his actions, or that something outside of him is making him sin, but that he is in bondage to his own wicked and selfish nature. He is ultimately selfish, and therefore fully responsible for his sin.
This is what lies at the heart of the sin nature. It is rebellion against God and His ways. The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God. It will not submit to God, and cannot (Romans 8:7-8; James 4:4). Pride gets in the way. The fallen nature of man has set itself up against God, and until the proud heart is broken, God will oppose it (James 4:6)
Ephesians 2:3 NASB
Many individuals like to look at their sinful actions as something that they cannot help. They feel as if they would like to do what is right, but they just can't. There is some truth to this. The Apostle Paul paints a picture of a lost individual who is in bondage to sin (Romans 7:14-25). He speaks of an individual who knows what is right, and wants to do what is right, but in the end sins. The bible indeed presents the circumstance of the sinner as being in bondage or slavery to sin (2 Peter 2:19; John 8:34).
It is also a biblical truth that we enter into this bondage through our own lusts. It is much more than a case of being unable to do right, like someone who is programmed to only act in a certain way against their will. Many individuals feel this way, and even begin to justify themselves in the fact that they can't help their actions, they are "only human" and deserve pity, not wrath.
The above verse tells us that mankind lives out his days pursuing the lusts of his flesh and mind. He indulges in selfish desires. This is not something that he is doing against his will, no, he willingly indulges himself in sinful pleasures! This is the nature of fallen man; selfishness! James tells us that man is drawn away and tempted by his desires, and when he gives in to his selfish desires, he sins (James 1:14-15). The fact that man is a willing participant in his sin makes him responsible. How could he be responsible for something he has no control over? He falls into bondage when he allows his selfish desires to control his choices. He may desire to do what is right, but his selfish lusts rise up and he gives into them instead. This is what Paul is saying in Romans 7:17. He is not saying that he is no longer responsible for his actions, or that something outside of him is making him sin, but that he is in bondage to his own wicked and selfish nature. He is ultimately selfish, and therefore fully responsible for his sin.
This is what lies at the heart of the sin nature. It is rebellion against God and His ways. The mind set on the flesh is hostile to God. It will not submit to God, and cannot (Romans 8:7-8; James 4:4). Pride gets in the way. The fallen nature of man has set itself up against God, and until the proud heart is broken, God will oppose it (James 4:6)
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Dead in Sin. (Ephesians 2 part 1).
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
Ephesians 2:1-4 NASB
This is the state of fallen mankind; spiritually dead in trespasses and sin. Look at the evil that is so prevalent in the world around us. Everywhere you look you see people walking in the ways of this world, indulging in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). There is a spirit behind this disobedience, a mystery of lawlessness that is at work in this world (2 Thess 2:7). It boils down to the fact that as sinful human beings, we are selfish, giving in to our selfish desires. Casting off restraint, we cave in to the temptations around us, with no regard for how our actions affect others, or God.
We read in Romans, "There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one. Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving, the poison of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:10-18 NASB)
This is the picture of spiritual darkness. We see today a complete lack of spiritual understanding. We are witnesses of the fact that no one seeks after God. To the contrary, it is every man for himself. People choose to live and believe in a way that allows them to pursue moral filth without fear or shame. Our speech, lying, gossip, backbiting, cursing and bitterness, are all indicators of a lack of spiritual life. We live in a violent world with wars and killings all around us. It is summed up with the fact, "There is no fear of God before there eyes." People do not fear God!
This is the diagnosis, as given us by God. Man, apart from God, is wicked at heart, and deserving of His wrath.
Ephesians 2:1-4 NASB
This is the state of fallen mankind; spiritually dead in trespasses and sin. Look at the evil that is so prevalent in the world around us. Everywhere you look you see people walking in the ways of this world, indulging in the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). There is a spirit behind this disobedience, a mystery of lawlessness that is at work in this world (2 Thess 2:7). It boils down to the fact that as sinful human beings, we are selfish, giving in to our selfish desires. Casting off restraint, we cave in to the temptations around us, with no regard for how our actions affect others, or God.
We read in Romans, "There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one. Their throat is an open grave, with their tongues they keep deceiving, the poison of asps is under their lips; whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood, destruction and misery are in their paths, and the path of peace they have not known. There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:10-18 NASB)
This is the picture of spiritual darkness. We see today a complete lack of spiritual understanding. We are witnesses of the fact that no one seeks after God. To the contrary, it is every man for himself. People choose to live and believe in a way that allows them to pursue moral filth without fear or shame. Our speech, lying, gossip, backbiting, cursing and bitterness, are all indicators of a lack of spiritual life. We live in a violent world with wars and killings all around us. It is summed up with the fact, "There is no fear of God before there eyes." People do not fear God!
This is the diagnosis, as given us by God. Man, apart from God, is wicked at heart, and deserving of His wrath.
Monday, August 24, 2015
God's Purpose.
From sin, then, in every sense and aspect, God is calling us. As exceeding sinful, the abominable thing which He hates and will avenge, He warns us against it. He speaks to us as "shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin," carrying evil about with us, nay, filled with it and steeped in it; not merely as diseased and requiring medicine, or unfortunate and requiring pity, but as guilty, under law, under sentence, dead in trespasses and sins, with inevitable judgment before us. He neither palliates nor aggravates our case, but calmly tells us the worst; showing us what we are, before calling us to be what He has purposed to make us. From all unholiness, from all uncleanness, from all unrighteousness, from all corruption, from all crooked ways, from all disobedience, from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, He is calling us, in Christ Jesus His Son.
Horatius Bonar (2010-04-14). God's Way of Holiness (Kindle Locations 231-237). . Kindle Edition.
The Bible tells us that it is God's purpose for us to be holy, blameless, and irreproachable before Him. (Eph 1:4, 5:26-27; Col 1:22-23). Holiness is separation. As sinful humanity, we are filled with wickedness. Evil dwells within our hearts, and we act upon it. Jesus tells us that it is out of the heart that evil actions proceed (Mark 7:21-23). As stated above, this sin is an abomination to God, and instead of being poor unfortunate sinners deserving pity, we are vile guilty offenders of God's law, and deserve His wrath. Harsh words indeed, but it is the painful truth that we need to know if we are ever to be delivered from ourselves. As stated, God's ideal for us is to be holy, separated out of evil, and dedicated to the service of God. He calls on us to "Come out and be separate." (2 Cor 6:17). This is the call of God to renounce sin and self, to give it all up; to make a clean break, and to offer ourselves up into the service of God. We are called to follow Christ; to walk as Jesus walked, in holiness, love, and compassion. This is only made possible to us through Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that we might be forgiven our sins, and set free to walk in the purity He has called us to. He is able to keep us from stumbling, and to make us stand in the presence of His glory,blameless, with great joy (Jude 1:24).
Horatius Bonar (2010-04-14). God's Way of Holiness (Kindle Locations 231-237). . Kindle Edition.
The Bible tells us that it is God's purpose for us to be holy, blameless, and irreproachable before Him. (Eph 1:4, 5:26-27; Col 1:22-23). Holiness is separation. As sinful humanity, we are filled with wickedness. Evil dwells within our hearts, and we act upon it. Jesus tells us that it is out of the heart that evil actions proceed (Mark 7:21-23). As stated above, this sin is an abomination to God, and instead of being poor unfortunate sinners deserving pity, we are vile guilty offenders of God's law, and deserve His wrath. Harsh words indeed, but it is the painful truth that we need to know if we are ever to be delivered from ourselves. As stated, God's ideal for us is to be holy, separated out of evil, and dedicated to the service of God. He calls on us to "Come out and be separate." (2 Cor 6:17). This is the call of God to renounce sin and self, to give it all up; to make a clean break, and to offer ourselves up into the service of God. We are called to follow Christ; to walk as Jesus walked, in holiness, love, and compassion. This is only made possible to us through Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that we might be forgiven our sins, and set free to walk in the purity He has called us to. He is able to keep us from stumbling, and to make us stand in the presence of His glory,blameless, with great joy (Jude 1:24).
Thursday, August 6, 2015
A Cry For Revival: Broken Cistern Christianity.
A Cry For Revival: Broken Cistern Christianity.: "For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, bro...
Your Can't is Your Won't.
Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,
and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:11-14 NASB
There are many individuals who look at the sinful habits they are enslaved to, and long to be free. They convince themselves that they hate their sin, that they want to be free from it, that they are willing to be saved, but their sin has them bound. They may pray and ask for God's help, they tell God they want to be free, they want to quit, they want to repent, but they can't. Many of these individuals find comfort in the fact that they are so bound. They feel that the responsibility for their sin is not theirs; God sees their heart, knows of their willingness to repent, knows of their desire to be saved, and now it is up to God to act on their behalf. They somehow believe that since God allows them to remain bound up in sin, they are safe, the responsibility is now on God.
In dealing with the "inability" of sinners to repent, Charles Finney told them, "Your can't is your won't." In other words they were making excuses. They perhaps felt bad about sin, maybe they wanted some assurance of heaven, and were hoping that God would somehow, in a sovereign way, make them quit sinning. The truth is, many people do not actually want to give up sin, They say they want to repent, but they can't, it is too hard. It is an excuse; they really love their sin too much to actually part from it.
We just read from Romans chapter six where Paul speaks of making a complete break from sin. He tells us to consider that we are dead to sin. It is impossible for dead men to have plans and purposes, to make choices, and to act upon those choices. Likewise, if we are dead to sin, we are done with it; we have made a complete break with it.
It is true that sin has men bound, but it is just as true that God commands us to repent. If God has called us to repentance, He expects us to repent. He does not command it just to watch us struggle with the "inability" to repent. If you truly desire freedom from the sin that has you bound you can find that freedom in Christ Jesus. If the Son sets you free you are free indeed (John 8:34-36). He asks us to repent, that is give up our sin and self, and surrender our lives to Him by faith. It is not a matter of waiting God's time, for now is the day of salvation, and if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart further, by clinging to your sin. If you mean business, if you are serious, God will then meet you where you are, and set you free.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
A True View of Sin.
But that which God calls sin is something infinitely terrible, far beyond our ideas of misfortune and disease, something to which even Sodom and Sinai gave but faint expression. It is something which the Law curses and the Judge condemns; something which needs a righteous pardon, a divine Savior, and an almighty Spirit; something which can destroy a soul and ruin a world, which can, from one single drop, overflow earth for six thousand years, and fill hell eternally. It is that of whose hatefulness the blood and smoke and fire of the altar speak, which is "exceeding sinful," whose wages is death, the first and second death, and of whose balefulness the everlasting darkness is the witness. He who would know holiness must understand sin: and he who would see sin as God sees it, and think of it as God does, must look at the cross and grave of the Son of God, and must know the meaning of Gethsemane and Golgotha.
Horatius Bonar (2010-04-14). God's Way of Holiness (Kindle Locations 198-205). . Kindle Edition.
Sinful man is guilty of holding a false view of sin. It is easy for us to downplay it; to believe that it really is not that bad. We tend to as the question "What does it matter, it is not hurting anyone?"
But what does god think about sin? Read the above quotation by Horatius Bonar. Sadly, many of the preachers and evangelists of the past had a greater insight into the evils of sin, and all of its deadly consequences, than what the preachers of today are teaching. Sin is the destructive force behind all of the evils and injustices that have plagued the world throughout the ages. It lies behind wars, murders, hatred, dishonesty, immorality, broken marriages, and broken homes. It will destroy your life on this earth, and then lead you to an everlasting hell. It is more than a "mistake," it is rebellion against God Himself.
When we see sin for what it truly is, and come to grips with the fact that we stand guilty before a holy God, deserving of the awful consequences of our disobedience; our despising of God and His law; when we see that it was our sin that put Jesus Christ to death, broken and bleeding on a cruel Roman cross; when we see that Jesus loved us in spite of our sinfulness, loved us enough to die for us; to bear our sins in His body; How can we refuse to humbly cast ourselves down in repentance, and give our lives to follow Him?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)