Abraham's Sacrifice

     I would like to share some thoughts today from the biblical account of Abraham and Isaac found in Genesis 22:1-19. In this account God tests Abraham's faith and obedience by asking him to offer up his son Isaac, the heir promised him by God.

     The first point is found in God's command, Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you (Gen 22:2 NASB). Compare this verse with John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. 

     Abraham was asked to sacrifice the one thing he held most dear, the son whom he had longed and waited for. This was the son of promise, and now he was asked to offer him up to God. Likewise, God offered up His one and only Son Jesus for us. Because of His great love for a sinful, lost world, He was willing for Jesus to die as a sacrifice for our sins, so that we could be reconciled to Him. 

     Next I see that Abraham took a three day journey and then he saw the mountain in the distance. He asked the men travelling with him to wait while he and the boy went to worship, then they would return (Gen 22:4-5). This is faith. On day one Isaac was as good as dead in Abraham's eyes. He had already determined in his heart to obey God as they set out. Now three days later he says we will worship then return. We read in Hebrews 11:17-19 that Abraham offered up Isaac in faith, believing that God is able to raise the dead. Therefore he received him back as a foreshadowing of the resurrection. Jesus was crucified on our behalf, was buried, then on the third day He arose from the dead and lives forever more. 

     I see God's provision of the perfect sacrifice in the substitution of the ram (Gen 22:13-14). At the last moment the angel of the LORD stops Abraham. He then sees a ram caught in a thicket and offered that up instead, naming that place "The LORD will provide". As for us, there is no one to make sacrifice for our sins. There is absolutely nothing you or I can do to become right with God, except for the atoning sacrifice of the lamb of God, the sinless Savior Jesus Christ. He died to make atonement for our sins against a holy God, and was risen to prove to the world that He is God in the flesh and His sacrifice was perfect, acceptable to the Father. We deserve the death that Jesus died, but He was the substitute for us. Truly the LORD will provide! 

     It is up to us to believe this; to surrender our lives to Jesus by faith, and from here on live only for HIM! He will cleanse us from our sin, change our hearts, and reconcile us to God. 

     

Knowing the Way

Jesus said unto him, "I am the way, and the truth,

and the life; no one comes to the father 

but through Me.

John 14:6 NASB

People everywhere are looking for peace. Eternity looms in the minds of the masses of humanity who will one day stand before God and be judged for their deeds (2 Cor 5:10, Rev 20:12, 22:12). 

Multitudes are counting on their good deeds somehow outweighing their bad deeds on the scales of God's justice. People are going through religious rituals, hoping that God will be pleased by this and allow them entrance into paradise.  In spite of all this effort however, their is no peace, no assurance, no certainty of heaven, in the hearts of countless numbers of searching souls. 

The various religions of the world offer very little in the way of assurance. The Hindu hopes that through cycles of reincarnation he can finally achieve a better life. The Muslim religion teaches that Allah will judge them according to their deeds, so hopefully the good outweighs the bad. Yet there is no concrete assurance of heaven. The Qur'an states in surah 46:9, "I am nothing new among the prophets; what will happen to me and my followers, I do not know; I am only a plain warner."

Mohammed did not have assurance for his own salvation, and that of his followers as well. He does not hold the answer either.

It is Jesus Christ who knows the way to the Father. It is through his atoning sacrifice that we can be made right and have peace with God (Rom 5:1). His death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead vindicated His claim of deity (Rom 1:3-4), and satisfied God's justice (Isaiah 53:5-6). In a world of many false religions He is the absolute truth and way to eternal life!

He will forgive you, cancel your debt of sin, and give you a new life of victory over your sinful past. Won't you surrender to Him today? He whom the Son sets free is free indeed (John 8:36)!

                                                          

Gospel Tension.

We see throughout the New Testament a tension between faith and works. There are numerous passages dealing with the subject of salvation through faith, and there are also those passages that pertain to the necessity of works in the life of a believer if he ever hopes to safely reach heaven. On the one hand we must beware of legalism, the futile attempt to be saved through works, and on the other, we must steer clear of antinomianism, the idea that salvation frees us from obedience to God; that it doesn't matter how we live once we are saved.

Let's look at several of these passages, starting with some statements that Jesus made concerning salvation.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:14-16 KJV

This is a well known portion of scripture that teaches us the concept of salvation by faith. Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about the need to be born again if one is to enter the kingdom of heaven. In this passage we are the emphasis placed upon our belief in Him as the requirement to find eternal life. There are similar statements Jesus made in other occasions as well.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is past from death into life. John 5:24 KJV

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:40 KJV 

Again, we see the emphasis Jesus placed upon faith in Him. But Jesus placed as much emphasis on obedience to His commands as well, as we see in passages such as these,

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets:  I am not come to destroy, but fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matt 5:17-20 KJV

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:21-23 KJV

And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and so not do the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: he is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock: but he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. Luke 6:46-49 KJV

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter, that he may abide with you forever. John 14:15-16 KJV

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and unto the world? Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that livery me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. John 14:21-24 KJV

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taken away: and every branch that beseech fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. John 15:1-6 K KJV

These are just a few of the passages of scripture in which Jesus emphasizes obedience to Him. There are others in which he lays out in no uncertain terms what is required of one who would be a disciple of His.

We find the disciples fulfilling the great commission in the book of Acts. In it we see emphasis placed on belief, as well as on obedience.

And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:21, 38 KJV

This is from Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost. In it he makes it as simple as calling on the name of the Lord, but he also exhorts his listeners to turn from their sins in repentance. Repentance was also a theme of John the Baptist's preaching, as well as that of Jesus Christ's. Simply put, repentance is giving up sin, and embracing obedience to Christ.

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 5:32 KJV

Peter makes these statements to the household of Cornelius, a Roman centurion  desiring to know the way of salvation,

But in every nation he that heareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 

To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Acts 10:35, 43 KJV 

We read of the ministry of Philip in Samaria,

But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 8:12 KJV

When asked by the Ethiopian eunuch what hindered him from being baptized, he answered him, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." Acts 8:37

Paul makes this statement in Acts 13:38-39,

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness is sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39 KJV

A careful search throughout the book of Acts would reveal many more instances where people were urged to believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation. So we see that the first Christians placed an emphasis upon faith, yet they also understood that their can be no salvation apart from obedience to Christ as well.

We find the apostle Paul placing great importance upon grace and faith in his writings. Some of the most loved and encouraging verses found in his letters are ones like these,

For what sayeth the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to Him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to Him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 4:3-5 KJV

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 KJV

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man boast. Eph 2:8-9 KJV

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 2:3-7KJV

We could find others as well in Paul's epistles, but these will suffice to show that Paul, as well as Jesus, preached a gospel of grace. But again, we see that there is no hope of salvation apart from an obedient  walk with the Lord.

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Romans 6:16 KJV

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:13-14 KJV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10 KJV

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. Eph 5:1-7 KJV

In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 1:8 KJV

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 them that obey him. Heb 5:8-9 KJV

Salvation is a radical life change. We tend to focus on God's forgiveness of our sin, which is a vital part of our salvation, but often fail to understand the power of the gospel to set us free from the dominion of sin in our lives. An individual claiming the grace of God, while living in disobedience to God, is in rebellion, still lost in sin. John states,

If we say we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:6-7 KJV

If we really believe in Jesus, we will follow Jesus. How can we say we are sorry for our sin, desire Christ to forgive us, and yet refuse to give it up? James tells us that real saving faith will express itself in obedience to Christ. If it does not, it is a dead faith.

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou dost well: the devils also believe and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the Spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James 2:14-26 KJV

This is how we reconcile these two contradicting concepts. They are really two sides of the same coin. Faith in Christ will always obey Christ. Faith without obedience to Jesus is no faith at all. It is merely a license to sin. One who holds to this idea has no real salvation. To have obedience without faith is just as grave an error, leading one into a legalistic, works based Christianity that also cannot save. What really counts is faith working by love (Gal 5:6).

Romans 6.

1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?                        

 2. God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7. For he that is dead is freed from sin. 

Today is no different than the time Paul wrote his epistle to the Romans. There are those who believe that because of grace, it does not matter if we continue in sin. Paul's answer to this is no different today either. He portrays the Christian as one who is dead and buried concerning sin.

To be baptized into Christ is to be baptized into His death. It is an outward sign of being dead and buried, just as Christ died and was buried. What does this signify? It is the outward sign of the inner reality that we are dead to sin, that sin no longer has dominion or control over our lives. And just as Christ arose from the grave, we also are raised up to walk in newness of life. (See Col 3:1-3).

It a crucified life. The old man with all of his sinful passions and lusts has been crucified with Christ, thus breaking the power of sin in the believers life (Gal 5:24). Paul also wrote, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who lived me, and gave himself for me." ( Gal 2:20 KJV) 

There is power in the gospel of Christ. Through the new birth we can be cleansed and set free from the power of sin in our daily lives. We read in Romans 7 of the dominion of sin in one's life. It is a cycle of defeat, desiring the good, but giving in to the evil. Apart from the deliverance of the cross of Christ, we find that we are quite controlled by our sinful desires. Through Christ we find victory, but we must walk in it by faith, submitting ourselves to the will of God.

8. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 

9. Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

10. For in that he died, he died into sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 

11. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive into God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

We must consider ourselves to be dead to sin and alive to serve God. It is a line drawn in the sand that we have determined not to cross. It is a reality for us, but does us no good if we remain passive in our faith, and fail to walk it out in our lives. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is working out His will in our lives (Phil 2:12-13).

12. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

13. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness into sin: but yield yourselves into God as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

14. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

It is up to us to decide. Do we choose to live a life filled with sinful choices, or to yield ourselves up to God? God, in His grace, has made it possible to do what the law could not. By His grace, we can do what is right, serving Him in righteousness. The law shows us the just requirements of God, but cannot enable us to live them out. This is what grace does for us. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Titus 2:11-12 KJV)

 15. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 

16. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

17.  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 

18. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 

There are many who believe that somehow God's grace has set aside the law, and as a result we are no longer required to obey it. This cannot be farther from the truth. Jesus taught that he did not come to do away with the law, but to fulfill it (Matt 5:17-18). His fulfillment of the law was to show us through His teaching, and by His example how to live to please God. Throughout the new testament you read that God does have requirements for His people, and they can be found in the law. Ultimately the law is summed up in two commands, supreme love towards God, and loving our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matt 22:37-40).

It is ludicrous to think that somehow because we are covered by grace that it is okay to sin, that God does not expect us to be honest, to be faithful in our marriages, that it does not bother Him if we steal, or kill. Yet those who hold that the moral commandments found in the law are no longer binding upon the believer, are in effect saying this. The truth is that under the new covenant the law is now written upon our hearts, and yes, we will obey it if we truly love Jesus (Heb 10:16, John 14:15).

We are the servants of what we yield to, either sin, or righteousness. We cannot claim grace, while living in sin. Jesus stated that the one who commits sin is the slave of sin, but He came to set the slave free (John 8:34-36).

19. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 

20. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 

21. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 

22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 

23. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  

Who are you going to serve? To live for one's self leads to spiritual death. It does not matter if you consider yourself a Christian, if you are not living in obedient submission to Jesus Christ, you are in a path headed to death. God's gift of eternal life is for those who will yield to Him. We not only need the grace of God to cover our past, but we also need His grace to live day by day in service to Him.

Scripture quoted from the King James Version.

Upholding the Biblical Standard of Salvation.

It has become a common place practice to graciously place a person in heaven at their death. This is especially true whenever a celebrity passes. It does not seem to matter what the lifestyle of the individual was like during their time on earth, well meaning evangelicals will almost invariably claim that the individual was a Christian, and is now in heaven. In fairness, I believe that many Christians do not wish to appear judgmental or uncharitable. Yet, by doing so, we run the risk of lowering the biblical standard of salvation, and what it truly means according to God, to be a Christian, a follower of Christ.

What does the Bible have to say about salvation, and the Christian life? Let's look at a few scriptures to find out.

• It is a narrow road (Matt 7:13-14; Luke 13:24). Jesus tells us to strive to enter the narrow gate, for many will seek to enter, and not be able. The way of salvation is a narrow road of surrender and humility, brokenness and obedience, walking against the current of this world. The scriptures plainly teach that the multitudes are on the broad path to destruction, while few are found travelling the narrow road to life.
• It involves repentance (Luke 13:3; 2 Cor 7:10). Repentance is a turning around, a change of the course of our lives resulting from the knowledge that we have sinned against the holy God who created us, and loved us enough to send His Son Jesus, to take our sin upon Himself. A truly repentant individual loathes not only his sin, but his very self, for what he has done to God by his rebellious actions. Without repentance, there can be no salvation.
• Jesus tells us that we must be born again (John 3:3-7; Titus 3:4-5). As spiritually dead individuals, it is not enough to become "religious", or to decide we are going to be a Christian now. We are in need of the inner transformation that takes place when one is born again. Just as a baby is conceived and then born, so also we need to be created and born again through the power of the Holy Spirit within our inner man. A new creation in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).
• A new creation (2 Cor 5:17). To expand upon the last point, as those who are born again, our lives are no longer the same. The old habits of sin are gone, and we now live a new life of righteousness, serving God. John tells us that the one born of God does not practice sin, because His seed abides in him, and as a result of the new birth, he cannot sin (1 John 3:9). This is a total change of life. It is radical, a complete transformation from what we were in the past as sinful people in rebellion toward God, to those who now lovingly obey Him. 
• Jesus calls us to a radical discipleship (Luke 14:26-27). Following Christ is what we are called to do if we are Christians. To follow Jesus means that we give up all to follow Him. We will go and do What He bids us to do, no matter the cost. Jesus is not interested in becoming a "part" of your life. He will either be all or nothing. It is that simple (Mark 8:34-35).
• Jesus calls us to a life of obedience (Matt 7:21-23; Luke 6:46-49). Again, we were once living for ourselves in disobedience to the will of God. Upon our repentance and conversion, we gave up sin, and embraced the will of God as the rule and practice of our lives. The one who truly loves Jesus will obey Him. The one who lives in disobedience is not a true Christian, no matter what they may say about it (John 14:21-24; 1 John 2:3-5). 
• What is true saving Faith? We like to quote John 3:16 where it mentions believing in Jesus for eternal life, but it is of vital importance that we come to realize what true faith is. To believe in Jesus in the biblical sense of the term is to take on the cause of Christ. It is to follow Him, to do what He says, to submit to Him, to love and cherish Him. This goes way beyond mere head knowledge, a mental assent to some historic truths about the Savior. Real faith is lived out in our day to day lives, in all of the choices we make, in all of the events we experience, in all of our actions. Faith in Christ will find fulfillment in doing the works of Christ, or it is a dead faith (James 2:14-26)

A Christian is led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14). Those who belong to Christ will be driven by the Spirit. As a result, their lives will reflect this. their attitudes  and actions will be the opposite of those who live to gratify their fleshly desires (Gal 5:16-25). Paul tells us in this passage that those who belong to Christ have crucified, that is put to death, the flesh with its passions and desires. Is that your testimony? Again, many claim to be Christians, but the proof of it is in the life they live. These points have not been exhaustive by any means, but they should serve to show us that we must be careful to uphold the biblical standard of Christianity. Our very souls depend upon this, as do the souls of those who view our lives as respecting our testimonies (1 Tim 4:16).

Is the Law Written in Your Heart?

Many people profess to be Christians while disregarding God's law. They believe that under the New Covenant the Law has been done away with; that Christ has abolished the Law, and it is irrelevant to our lives. To these people obedience is an optional thing, it is up to us if we obey or not.

The Apostle Paul however, states that instead of making the law void through faith, we establish it (Romans 3:31). The problem with us is our sinful rebellious nature. Apart from Christ, we do not want to submit to God's law in obedience to Him. The answer to this is found in the New Covenant.

The law of God reveals God's standard of righteousness to us. It shows us how God expects us to live, but it does not enable us to live according to its standards. We read that, 

For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
(Romans 8:3-4 NASB)

The problem is not the Law of God, but as I stated above, it lies within us. We read in Hebrews, that this is why the New Covenant was necessary.

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, says the LORD, when I will effect a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not like the covenant which I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not care for them, says the LORD.
(Heb 8:8-9 NASB)

The fault was found in the people. They were the ones who disregarded the Law of God, and failed to continue in the covenant God had made with them. We see a perfect picture of what God desires in the Psalms. He desires us to delight in His statutes (Psalm 119:16), to long after His commands (Psalm 119:20), and to willingly walk in obedience (Psalm 119: 34-35). We read in this last verse that the Psalmist desired God to make him walk in the way of His commandments. He understood his weakness and failures, and saw the need for a heart change.

God, seeing this need as well, foretells of a coming day when this would be accomplished in His people,

"Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.
(Ezekiel 36:25-27 NASB)

"But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel in those days," declares the LORD, "I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
(Jeremiah 31:33)

This last verse is repeated in Hebrews 8:10, and Hebrews 10:15-17. This is the New Covenant. God's standard was not changed. He still desires us to live in obedience to His commands. Holiness of heart and life is not an option, for we read that without holiness, no one will see the Lord (Heb 12:14). A vital characteristic found in those redeemed under the New Covenant is that of the law of God written upon the heart. These individuals have a love for God's law. Instead of disregarding it as unimportant, or as a non essential, they will go to great lengths to obey Jesus Christ at any and all cost. The difference is found in the change of heart that took place when they experienced the new birth. 

Are you like so many who call themselves Christians, but have no real desire to follow Christ in the the daily choices they make? Does the law of God seem unimportant to you, is it something that seems like a good idea, but does not matter if it is obeyed or not? If so, I would question the validity of your profession by the above quoted verses dealing with the New Covenant. Either God has performed a work in your heart, or He has not. The New Covenant provides what the law could not; the willingness and power to obey God, and live in a manner that pleases Him. God is not only willing to forgive our sin, but He also provides us the means to escape its grip, and live in victory over its power, if we are willing to give it up for Him.

Where Is Your Heart?

     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?

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.

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). 

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.
     
     
     

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 ...

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.
     
     

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.

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...

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!
     

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."
     
     

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). 
     

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)

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.