Chapter One
¹² "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
¹³ From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
¹⁴ For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified." Heb. 10: 12- 14
We which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4:3
Once Jesus had offered himself on the cross for our sins, He sat down, resting believing He had accomplished a perfect salvation for whosoever believeth whosoever meaning just that from the first man unto the last all mankind of all ages.
Those who believe are sitting with Him expecting the enemy to be put under their feet.
According to the word of God by the Apostle John the last words of Jesus upon the cross were "it is finished"
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30
Some might be saying wait a minute in Hebrews 4: 3 it says "the works were finished before the foundation of the world. Now you are saying Jesus said it is finished when He died at calvary. Which is true? both.
Beloved Peter explains.
1 Peter 1
¹⁸ 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;
¹⁹ But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:⁰ Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was MANIFEST in these last times for you,
The crucifiction of Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world. It was promised by the Father therefore the same has accomplished already.
Paul explains according to the faith of God's elect.
God who cannot lie promised.
The elect chose to believe their Creator, Omnipotent, Holy God who promised to give His only Begotten Son, and Eternal Life.
The Apostle Paul explains in Titus chapter one.
¹ Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
² In the hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Our Heavenly Father is so wise and gracious
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
⁴ According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
⁵ Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, Ep.1: 3- 5
I am so glad it was His will to adopt us into the family
of God.
Don't fret about these words elect and
predestination our Heavenly Father went out of His way to give us a free choice, in fact He insists that we chose. People are continually saying they want a free choice when in reality they ride the fence
¹⁵ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, death and evil;
¹⁹ I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: Dt. 30 : 15 and19
It is too easy to ignore the need to choose. By not choosing they are saying we are content to go on in our lost condicion.
God did not just randomly chose but He called all, "many were called but only a few were chosen." Ma.22: 14
The promise of Eternal Life was for all who believe and come to repentance.
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
The apostle Peter explains how we were chosen.
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.” 1 Peter 1:2
We have been chosen "according to His foreknowledge " In His assume ability to see everything from the beginning, He was able to see those who choose Him in faith. He therefore choose them because of their faith in His promise.
Like most fathers they want the one who loves his daughter to be the groom. How much more our Heavenly Father is looking for those who love Christ for laying down his life for us. I love Him because He first loved me.
Chapter Two
It helps to understand that two men are predestined by God the first Adam and the last Adam. Then we choose who we want to go with. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
⁴⁶ Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
⁴⁷ The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
⁴⁸ As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
⁴⁹ And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 1 Cor 15:
Those who choose the Last Adam (Christ) will bear the image of Christ Jesus.
Adam and Eve choose sin, they partook of the tree which they were told would be death to them, they did indeed die and all their children were born with the same sinful nature. There is always consequences to our actions, The whole human race went down with them.
(Our Saviour suffered for the fallen humanity before He created him. Our Lord is well prepared and nothing takes Him by surprise.) He is called the Last Adam. To be adopted into this new family you must acknowledge that you are a sinner, repent and believe the promise of Eternal Life in Jesus Christ.. In so doing you will be born again and take on the Godly nature of the Only Begotten Son of God. Therefore "Sit Thou Here" you are invited to come and rest in His promises.
By all means don't try and make yourself worthy. Come as you are, no one is worthy. Jesus didn't come to save the righteous He came to save sinners. Follow the lead of Jesus who has made the way for us and sat down at the right hand of the Father. Henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. Join him in faith and you can expect Him to bring your enemies under your feet.
The promises of the believers are so great.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Christ in you is your hope of glory.
Paul prayed the Ephisians could come to this enlightenment.
“The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”
Ephesians 1:18
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;”
Ephesians 1:7
The promise for resurrection power.
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken (make alive) your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Romans 8:11
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
These terrific promises once you meditate on them and keep them in your heart they become your own. Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.Ro.10: 17 The word of God is so powerful upon hearing (in your heart) these promises you are ready to sit down with Jesus.
If you choose to just go on with fallen humanity you can but you certainly don't have to; Christ has made the way to be free from the curse of sin. Therefore the choice is yours to make.
. In the first Adam all that are in him are predestined by God to eternal punishment.
If however you have chosen the last Adam (Christ ) You you will be predestined to be conformed to the image of Christ Jesus.
“For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29
The first Adam sinned and the wages of sin is death. Therefore all those in the first Adam may now choose to be partakers of Last Adam. If not they will go where all the rebellious sinners go. Hell was not created for man it was created for satin but if one chooses to follow him he will be there with him for eternity.
Perhaps you are wondering about the practical aspect of all this. Where is this place found? In a Church? Do I need to call a Pastor or Priest?
The best place is the place of your own choosing. Wherever you like to meet the Creator of the universe.
Your business is with Him, Your mediator
is already sitting at the right of the Father and He is waiting for you to come and sit with Him.
Your destiny is in your court. The omnipresent God is not afar off in fact in Him we live and move and have our being
You may need to shut off the TV or lay your phone down.
Take a walk,get up early, or call upon Him in the night.
The time or the place doesn't matter. You may get on your knees to show respect and honor. The pride in the heart is what makes it difficult to sit down with Him.
My family and I spent many years on the mission field. We have always enjoyed it when people would come knocking at our door. Our custom is to invite them in and offer them a seat, and serve them water,coffee, or food. Doing our best to make them feel welcome in our home. In Mexico we would say mi casa es su casa (my house is your house).
Some would accept the invitation and come in, others wouldn't. It's understandable when a total stranger is reluctant, they don't know our motive. It requires faith in the one who is inviting. To come into your home they know they are going to be asked questions about themselves, they will be expected to talk about themselves or hear their neighbor discuss who knows what. We have seen all types of response. Over the years Francille and I have had the blessing to make some real good friends this way; and many became Christians. All Christians are ambassadors for Christ it is understood that an ambassador should somehow reflect the one who sent him. One of the qualifications to be an Elder (overseer) in the Church is, he must be hospitable. Jesus is extremely hospitable, He loves serving people even washing the feet of His disciples. First impressions are so important perhaps some of you have been offended by one who calls himself a Chritian. It's easy to take His name but to live the life of Christ can only be done by Christ dwelling in the professor of the faith.
Therefore don't allow the ignorance of others to mislead you. If you have not ever in faith set down with Jesus
you don't have any idea just how graciosos our Lord Jesus is. Don't worry about what you will say, there is not a special prayer to memorise. This however is a very special time for you. It's very important to speak from your heart this is what Jesus wants to hear.
You may start out thanking Him for what He did for you at Calvary if you indeed are thankful. Of Course your biggest concern is your sin. If you are truly thankful for His dying on the cross to pay your penalty of sin. Then what's left for you to do is confess your sin. The scripture says:
1 John 1
⁵ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
⁷ 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.
⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Once we have made this initial meeting with Our loving Savior we are on our way in developing a personal relationship with God Almighty. How terrific is that? Not a famous celebrity, not an Important political figure. Once you learn to sit in His presence we are in a place where we can truly know God. He that has Christ, has Life Eternal.
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” John 17:3
Thanks be to our Creator who changes not because He has recorded in the bible the lives of many faithful people who have had tremendous relationships with God Almighty. One of them being Moses who was chosen to lead his people out of slavery. It is written in the word of God the conversation between God and Moses.
Exodus 33
¹³ Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
¹⁴ And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
¹⁵ And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
¹⁶ For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
¹⁷ And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name."
There was a process of events in the life of Moses to bring him to this point in his life. At first he did not know God and was reluctant to converse with Him.
You can read about this in book of exodus.
“Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.”
Exodus 3:6
Then later you read
“And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. Exodus 33:11
Things had changed drastically. The same happened to me. I didn't know God and rarely spoke to Him. Until I heard the good news (gospel) and learned to come to Him and trust Him. Now, I can say, I speak to God upfront and personal, like Moses did. Moses did not physically see a face, for God is a Spirit. It is explained this way so you and I can understand the personal relationship they had. This wonderful relationship is what makes us different from all other people on the earth like we read before.
“For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.”
Exodus 33:16
In our travels around the world we have met a lot of people from many different religions. The ones that have a personal relationship with God stand out noticeably. In many cases you don't even need to ask, like Jesus said, you shall know them by their fruits. Like trees are known by their fruits so is man.
In Galatians chapter five it explains what the fruit of the Spirit is. ( notice it doesn't say fruits pl. But fruit singular.
Only one fruit with many flavors however if one is missing its noticeable a person with no peace will manifest it the same is true with the rest.)
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
²³ meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The ones who are dwelling in the Spirit and are manifesting the fruit are beautiful people who are being conformed into the image of Our Savior.
Chapter Three
Walking with God.
We have been discussing sitting with God now let's consider walking with Him.
I think you figured out already, these are metaphors.
To sit with God basically means resting in His presence.
For example I love praying while walking, driving, laying in bed or driving, operating farm equipment, this is the great privilege of sitting with Jesus, I have rest even when I am working. I confess to you I don't always rest with Him. As you well know life can bring bundles of problems, sometimes I am tempted to work them out on my own. I will start worrying, getting a little cranky with my wife. Trust me at these times the fruit of the Spirit is not so readily seen, all of a sudden I am doing like I did before, unfortunately it's easy to fall back into my old ways. I leave off sitting with Jesus but praise Him for His loving grace for He will remind me, if I give Him my bundles He will take them. It is a process of learning how to rest in Him. Genuine faith brings real results.
The one who learns sitting the fastest is the one who will learn to walk with Our Lord Jesus . Walking employes moving not remaining in the same place. In the book of Roman's we find very helpful instructions.
Romans 8
¹² Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (you don't need to worry if you will give to Jesus your problems, in faith)
¹³ For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: ( live after the flesh means to walk in the flesh) but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
¹⁴ For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
¹⁵ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
We like little children must learn to walk, and like children, it takes a lot of falls before we learn to walk.
The bible gives a lot of encouragement to walk with God.
“Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33
It seems to me that once a person is walking with Our Lord, he is a good testimony, therefore useful for bringing in more souls, therefore his life is prolonged.
Then in Micah.
“He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” Micah 6:8
This is how to walk with God, do justly, you know whatever is the right thing to do, do it, we love mercy when it is given to us but He loves for us to give mercy unto others with the same pleasure we have when mercy is given to us.
Then most importantly "walk humbly with thy God." God does not keep company with the proud. He hates the look of the proud. However He came to save us from our sins, believe me every now and again I am confessing pride and I am so thankful for His complete forgiveness.
I learned a good lesson from King David. In Psalms 51
Psalms 51
² Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
³ For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.
⁴ Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
⁵ Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
⁶ Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
⁷ Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
This is a godly prayer of a humble servant of God, let us remember to be as honest and humble before Him.
Our pride is what deceives us, we think, oh I'm not so bad as others we must not compare ourselves with others. If we are thinking about the faults of others we fail to see our own.
David was wise and humbled himself and his own sins became obvious to him. At the same time he was able to see what he needed and asked for it in faith.
Psalms 51
⁹ Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
¹⁰ Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
¹¹ Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.
¹² Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
¹³ Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Praise be to God for He has had many faithful people from all generations that have walked with Him. We read how He called Moses to lead His People out of slavery.
From every generation there has been a remnant of those who walked with God in all different situations, their faith in the finished work of Christ Jesus is what made them different and gave them the mind of Christ.
It says in the book of Amos,
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3
Normally people enjoy walking with those whom they love, Husband Wife, Mother Daughter or Father and Son.
The longer the relationship goes on the more they enjoy it. We have in the scriptures the unusual story of a man who walked with God about 300 years.
“And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:”
Genesis 5:22
“And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:” Genesis 5: 23
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Genesis 5:24
I would say this man pleased the Lord greatly, so much our Father took him to heaven without dying.
He lived in a lawless world that soon would be destroyed, but found grace to walk with God, of which I will speak more of later.
I pray that our Heavenly Father will bestow upon us a little of this kind of grace. There is only one other account in the bible of a man going to heaven without dying, the prophet Elijah.
If you have never read about him it is a very fascinating account of man who also walked before the Lord. But his testimony takes another aspect, he was known as a man who stood before the Lord God. This metaphor has the connotation of one who is very sure of his relationship with God. He was not inconsistent he had matured to where he knew he would remain firm as a messenger of God almighty. What a precious example of absolute maturity. He was obviously ready as ready can be to go into heaven with almighty God.
Perhaps you have read about Elijah before but you might consider reading it again. You find it in the books of the Kings.
“And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” 1 Kings 17:1
“And Elijah said, As the LORD of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will surely shew myself unto him to day.”
1 Kings 18:15
I won't elaborate on what this is about, You will enjoy it more to read yourself. For now it suffices to say, He boldly declared that he stood before the Lord.
The following verse tells of his glorious taking up into heaven in a chariot of fire pulled by a horse of fire.
Very unique indeed, a very special taxi for a servant of the Almighty God.
“And it came to pass, as they (he was walking with another prophet Elisha) still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." 2 Kings 2:11
Chapter four
Because of an academic approach,I am afraid that not enough bible students have been understanding a lot of things we have been looking at? The academic approach is more concerned with getting every dot and title in place, which has merit, there is a time and place for this approach. However, in the zeal of getting everything in place, they want to direct everything, you know putting things in order. For example the Holy Scripture in the beginning had no chapters or verses. We all agree that having the bible in chapter and verse has made it much easier to find the account that you are choosing to read, it helps a lot. However a lot has been lost in doing this. Context is very important to get the best understanding of any text. I do believe the ones who put in the chapters and verses were somewhat aware of this. However not enough, too many times they
put the chapter in the middle of the context, therefore the context is lost. I really suggest that when you are reading and you want understanding just ignore when the chapter ends keep reading to the end of the subject. You will gain a lot. The Holy Scriptures are written with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The creator who loves us enough to be made flesh and dwell among us and be offered up for our sins. Is giving that same heart of love in the word of God. Instead of approaching the bible like a lawyer . We need to remember who inspired the writing of the scripture and by reading His love letter we can come to know Him better. All the believers we have been reading about had the remarkable quality of seeking after Him. We read about Moses let's look at it again.
¹² And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
Please note that God himself is saying that Moses has found grace in His sight. God's speaking to Moses was a personal relationship and He wanted Moses to understand that Moses personally had found grace in His sight. Like many believers today read God's word but fail to hear when God is speaking to them personally. Perhaps because they are distracted with their thoughts on the idea of Moses finding grace.
Because it goes against the modern teaching that we in our day are living in the age of grace.
The term "age of grace" is not found in the word of God. God has always been gracious, unto those who seek Him. Our God is not a respecter of persons. Moses found grace not the law. The law came later but not for Moses but for the rebellious, and it is still here for all who fail to find His grace.
The Almighty Creator made it known this grace was not just for Moses. (But for all John 3: 16. Who so r believeth)
“And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.”
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and GRACIOUS, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Ex. 34: 5...
God Eternal does not change He is forever the same.
Then Moses prayed.
¹³ Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
Moses wanted to know the way and he found the way to know the Father. Let's fast forward to New Testament “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
Jesus always has been the way, He is the Eternal Word of God. The word that was made flesh in the times of the Apostles is the same WORD speaking to Moses.
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
John 1
¹ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
² The same was in the beginning with God.
³ All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.
⁴ In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
God's answer to Moses.
¹⁴ And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
¹⁵ And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
¹⁶ For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
¹⁷ And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
Due to too much emphasis on times of grace and law etc there has been a lack of understanding that ...
¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. 3: 16
Scholars divided the Holy Scriptures in two major parts, Old Testament and the New Testament? Seems innocent enough however if we are going to divide something as Sacred as the Word of God we better make sure we are rightly dividing.
The Old Testament is understood to be the time of the covenant of the Law, before Jesus Christ. The New Testament being the time of Christ or the age of grace.
This is not correct because the law written by the hand of God never existed until four hundred and thirty years after Abraham.
Galatians 3
¹⁶ Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
¹⁷ And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
¹⁸ For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
According to historical calculations, it was approximately 1,300 BC that Moses received a list of laws directly from God. These laws were known as the Ten Commandments and were transcribed as part of the Book of Moses, which are part of the Bible.
Most scholars believe that there were about 4000 yrs
from Creation to the birth of Jesus.
This means there were a lot of lawless years. Is this rightly dividing?
No one has ever been saved by the keeping of the Law.
The Apostle Paul under the anointing explains:
Galatians 3
⁹ So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
¹⁰ For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
¹¹ But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
No one is able to keep all the law..
¹⁰ For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
¹¹ For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. Ja. 2
The purpose of the Law is to make sin exceeding
sinful. Sin is very deceitful and appears to be innocent the law exposes sin for what it is. Paul explained this well in Roman's three.
¹⁹ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
²⁰ Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
We find more explanation in Romans.
Romans 7
¹² Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
¹³ Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.
¹⁴ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
I for one can say this has been true in my life. I didn't become saved until I was twenty eight years old.
My mother and I were baptized into the mormon religion when I was a youngster. This religious cult knows nothing about salvation by grace. It however knew about the mosaic law and were real thorough teaching me the do's and don'ts I mostly did the don'ts. Therefore I quit going to their religious services and went out sowing my wild oats. All the time feeling exceedingly guilty.
Until I was saved by God's grace, when I surrendered myself to my Lord and Saviour the burden of quilt was taken away. It was a marvelous day that I will never forget. I won't take the space at this time to explain the events of my salvation. I do want to make clear that the law that could never save me di of making me aware of my need to be saved.
Due to the errs of men with the help of the enemy of our souls, satin, who is known as the god of this world;
the goodness of our Lords' mercy has been camouflaged to the degree that many judge God as harsh dictator, who has given laws to generations of people with no hope of salvation. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The preconceived ideas has hidden the truth that is written in the word of God and people read it again and again and fail to believe it. For example in Ro.5: 18
Romans 5
¹⁸ Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life." That is plain English.
Grant you the first part of the verse is readily accepted for what it says. " the offence of one (Adam) judgement came upon all men" this is understood to mean what it says.
But then the last part is not always understood to mean what it says. "even so by the righteousness of one (Christ) the free gift came up on all men unto justification of life.
The word of God is very clear even so the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. Beloved there has never been one generation where the free gift was not available for those who would believe. Our loving Saviour is so merciful He
That is not simply my opinion but the Holy Word of God.
“How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation.” Daniel 4:3
“One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” Psalms 145:4
“And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and thy seed after thee.” Genesis 17:7
Like the Apostle Peter said:
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Ro.5: 19
Chapter five
Jesus the Son of God was made flesh and dwelt among us. Without question He was the greatest teacher that ever lived. Below you will see one of His most famous teaching, "Ye must be born again."
John 3
³ Jesus answered and said unto him, verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
⁴ Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
⁵ Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God
⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh [all are born when the water breaks); and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
⁷ Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
My question is do you believe what He is teaching? Do you believe that only born again people will be in the kingdom of God? Will Abel be there or Moses, Noah, Elijah, Enoc etc and etc? The scripture declares that Abel was righteous, it also declares that Noah found grace in the sight of the Lord. Enoc was highly privileged he went to heaven without dying.
Rest assured our Savior, eternal God has been saving people from the beginning of time.
The Apostle Paul understood clearly the teaching of the Master.
“That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.” Romans 9:8
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal 3: 19
He also explained in Romans 8.
¹⁶ The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
¹⁷ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
We are heirs according to the promise of Abraham.
Galatians 3
²⁶ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
²⁷ For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
²⁹ And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
The author of Hebrews along with John bring even more clarity for us.
But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
¹³ From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
¹⁴ For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified.
We which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.” Hebrews 4:3
1John 3
⁷ Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
⁸ He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
⁹ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
¹⁰ In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
The key is being born of God,Jesus is the way the truth and the life. The Word that was made flesh has been very busy since men began to multiply on this earth.
Those who believed Him were born of the Spirit.
According to Paul if they don't have the Spirit of Christ they are none of His.
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9
The wisdom of God was manifested strongly in the prayer of Moses.
“For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.”
Exodus 33:16
The people of God are separate from all the people of the world. The word church means "called out ones" the church is also called the body of Christ, or the bride of Christ. In Matthew Jesus said " I will build my church
Our Lord Jesus is calling us unto Himself to be partakers in His body of Saints, the word saint means set apart or sanctified.
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 2 Corinthians 6:17
I said before that I would speak more about the time of Noah. Unfortunately the time of Noah in the Bible is one of the most seriously misunderstood scriptures.
Genesis six exposes how that mankind could develop into a race of people that our very Creator would decide worthy of destruction.
We have seen that in every generation there existed righteous people. In the scripture we learn that the righteous are the salt and light of the world. Salt is used as a preservative of meat and it was especially important before refrigeration came into the world. However Salt that loses its savor is good for nothing.
Light is an important element when one finds himself in the dark. You cannot mix light and darkness, darkness flees from the presence of light.
Our Lord Jesus taught
¹³ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Ma.5:...
Up until the time of Noah there was a separation between the Children of God and the people of the world. But unfortunately this changed in Noah's day. When the believers started inter marrying with unbelievers.
We read in Genesis.
¹ And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
² That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
⁵ And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
⁶ And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
⁷ And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
⁸ But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Because of the Church marrying unbelievers the salt lost her seasoning, and corruption set in to the point of every imagination and thoughts of the heart of men were continually evil.
Noah found grace , not only Noah but the millions of his offspring. Man was given another opportunity, for a few thousand years man managed pretty good. The believers have carried the gospel around the world as the incredible promise to Abraham was stated and now the time is growing short soon this great multitude will come with the Lord Jesus when He comes to set up His kingdom on earth.
According to the promise, the number of believers is great.
“And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” Genesis 15:5
Evidently there is still a need to continue reaching the nations, for Jesus said He will come again when all nations have a witness of the gospel. The labour of love that is needed to fulfill the work that has been given us to do is the exercise that our Father will use to bring the Church into the image of His dear Son.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14 (Even so come Lord Jesus and receive the reward of your suffering.)
The Lord God has harvested millions of souls in the many generations when the Church remained separate from the world. Showing her strength by sending forth the gospel unto the heathen.
A Church that is engaged in getting the gospel unto the nations is strong because it is eating the same meat that Christ Jesus ate.
“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.” John 4:34
Many believe they are receiving meat because they are being taught, they are able to quote scripture and even teach what they have been taught. But the one who is feeding on meat is actively doing the will of God and is of the mindset to help in the completion of the Commission. Jesus taught the word well but He was not satisfied in just teaching He was always training. The best way to train is by example and making sure they are getting it by sending them out on assignments. Knowledge puffs up, we have a lot of plump believers who have never eaten meat.
“Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge PUFFETH UP, but charity edifieth.
² And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, HE KNOWETH NOTHING YET as he ought to know.
³ But if any man love God, the same is known of him.
I Cor.8:1..3
When someone loves God He doesn't have to tell you because many are already telling you.
Unfortunately things have changed the emphasis of taking the gospel to the lost has been replaced by inviting the lost to come and "worship" with the believers. They learn to worship and be religious, they might even have a gift of the Spirit. Gifts of the Spirit are not evidence of salvation, but the fruits of the Spirit are the proof. Because they went to the altar and come somewhat regular it is assumed they are born again. They know the doctrine of salvation however this means nothing if they are not bearing the fruit of the Spirit.
In Ma. 7 Jesus teaches how to know the true believers.
¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
²¹ 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.
²² 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? ( these can be religious works, done in the flesh sometimes even helped by the enemy of our souls)
²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Not the right fruit)
²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
²³ Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
²⁴ And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
²⁵ If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
²⁶ Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Gal.5:
The emphasis has changed to having good worship services and the more that come to the services is misunderstood to be the proof of the blessing of God. There is little is said about the preaching of the gospel to the lost because the lost are now worshiping with them. Jesus taught us about worship.
“But the hour cometh, and NOW IS, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.”
John 4:23
In order to worship in Spirit and truth it is required of the worshipers to know who they are worshiping. Many today are worshiping who have very little revelation of God. Some in the congregation have revelation and may even be worshiping in Spirit. The visitors join in and learn the way of worship unfortunately many of them have never come to know the God they are worshiping.
In this way the unbelievers look much like believers. The unbelievers are not the only ones learning, the fact that unbelievers are comfortable to be with believers signifies that the believers are learning the way of the heathen. Darkness flees from light. This fact is why believers changed (inorder to bring in the lost)
to make everyone comfortable. (We will speak more of the changes later.)
(“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:”
— Revelation 2:26 (KJV))
The Church is not just people who have a religion and hope to go to heaven. It is literally the living body of Christ Jesus in which He will dwell eternally. As God has said,
"for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God." This is reality, obviously the chosen vessels have an important life to live which can only be lived by those who have been born again in whom dwell the life of Christ.
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Romans 8:9
2 Corinthians 6
¹⁴ Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
¹⁵ And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
¹⁶ And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
¹⁷ Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
¹⁸ And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
There has been much mingling of the righteous with the unrighteous. Everyone speaks about how evil the world is becoming. But seem to be ignorant of the Church losing its savor. The result being like salt, salt that has lost its savor has no conservative ability. This is why the world is becoming so evil . Jesus warned us:
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” Matthew 24:37
History is about to repeat itself however we know that the judgement won't be a flood. According to God's promise
Genesis 9
¹¹ And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth.
¹² And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:
¹³ I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.
¹⁴ And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud:
¹⁵ And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more be a flood to destroy all flesh.
The manner in which our Heavenly Father will bring His
judgement has been discussed by many theologians. Leaving us with numerous conclusions. Therefore I encourage you to be a person of the word of God and not a follower of men. All teaching of man is just that including my own and should be examined under the light of the word of God. When it comes to prophecy and the interpretation of it we need to be careful. It is said that prophecy fulfilled is much easier to be understood than unfulfilled. I personally take that as a word of wisdom, one shouldn't be in a hurry to interrupt rather keep in mind what has been prophesied and watch for the fulfillment. Grant you the Holy Spirit Is able to reveal the interpretation. However zealous believers are easily deceived, especially when the motive for wanting the interpretation is not pure. It would be wise to examine the heart prior to asking for enlightening especially in the light of how God is always ready to give a man according to the fruit of his doing.
Jeremiah 17
⁹ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
¹⁰ I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Even sincere people who trust in their own abilities can be lead astray.
Proverbs 3
⁵ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
⁶ In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
⁷ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
Beware when you hear someone say something like, it only takes common sense to understand what the prophet means.
Matthew 24
³⁸ For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
³⁹ And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
⁴⁰ Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
⁴¹ Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
⁴² Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
⁴³ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
⁴⁴ Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
mlk
²⁰ Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
²¹ That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Genesis 6
¹ And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
² That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.
³ And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” Genesis 6:8
“And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.” Genesis 7:1
I am sure you have heard about Noah. He built the ark that was used to preserve humanity from being annihilated.
Whenever God has an important job to do he will take the right man for the job.
“These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Genesis 6:9 He walked with God that means that Noah had similar qualities. You know what they say, "show me who you walk with and I will show you who you will become."
“And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:” Genesis 9
Genesis 17
¹ And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
² And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
³ And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
⁴ As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
⁵ Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
⁶ And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
⁷ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
“So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.” Matthew 1:17
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;” Deuteronomy 7: 9
“(Psalm of David.) The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.” Psalms 110:1
³⁴ For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,
³⁵ Until I make thy foes thy footstool.
“And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:11
Jacob (grandson) to Abraham
“And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.” Genesis 17:19
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:” Ephesians 2:6
“That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:” Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:”
— Ephesians 3:6
“And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29
“For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.” Malachi 1:11
“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” Acts 2:36
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.”
— Revelation 3:21 (KJV)
Comments