good works

Walk Worthy, part 7 (as we ought).

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I believe I have come to the end (at least for now) of the Walk Worthy series of writings.  Long time coming  🙂  We as believers in this dispensation of God’s free grace are called to a vocation, an ambassadorship, while we exist here in this earthly vapor (James 4:14).  Paul, again and again, exhorts us to walk worthy, specifically because of what God in Christ has “worked” on our behalf.  By now we know for certain that our salvation is not by any works we have done; that being under the law brought us only to the knowledge of our sin condition and worked death in us, as the penalty of sin is death.

Romans 7:5… “For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.”

We who are saved into the body of Christ have believed and trusted the glorious gospel of Christ; and thus sin and the law have no dominion over us.

Romans 6:14… “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”

Romans 6:17-18… “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 unto you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”

We are now the servants of righteousness, no matter how we act here in this world.  As our good works do not gain us favor with God, nor our evil works can separate us from God.

Romans 8:38:39… “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Our salvation in Christ, the cross-work of Christ, has made us such.  We are absolutely and perfectly complete in Him (Colossians 2:10).  The law has come to a temporary end.  Christ has nailed the law, the old covenant, to His cross…

Colossians 2:14… “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross;”

…in favor of the new covenant for Israel; and absolute liberty and freedom for those in the body of Christ (Galatians 5:1).  Let’s examine that a bit more closely as I AM saying that the body of Christ is NOT a part of the new covenant (and that will sound strange to most).  To Israel, the new covenant is written in Christ’s blood and put into effect at His death.  The writer of Hebrews (God) says to the Hebrew believers:

Hebrews 9:15-17… “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”

The new covenant states that no longer will Israel have to attempt to rely on themselves in the following of the law to “become” righteous as they did in time past (Deuteronomy 6:25); but that God will “write the law in their minds and hearts” by way of Holy Spirit empowerment, that they will be made able by God to follow His law perfectly!  The law in all its perfection will return with the return of Gods Israel.

Hebrews 8:8-11… “For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued NOT in my covenant, and I regarded them NOT, saith the Lord.  For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will PUT my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: FOR ALL SHALL KNOW ME, from the least to the greatest.”  See also Jeremiah 31:31.

We see this beginning to take place in the early Acts period in the Jerusalem church.  Amazing things were taking place because of that Holy Spirit empowerment!  Yet, when national Israel ultimately failed to recognize their prophesied Messiah, God cast them temporarily aside (Hosea 1:9-10, Romans 9:25-26) and called the Apostle Paul to try to talk some sense into them; AND to reach out to the heathen, whom were left without any pathway to God in the world by Israel’s apostasy and their blaspheming (rejection) of the Holy Spirit, whose work was made manifest to them in myriad signs and wonders committed by the twelve Apostles AND Paul.  Indeed, so severe was the law program and the following of commandments that if Israel did not “bring forth fruit” (ultimately, converts (repentant’s) to the Christ of Israel – God) they would be cast into hell.  John (the greatest prophet – Luke 7:28) says to Israel in:

Luke 3:7-9… “Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.  And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth NOT forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

Praise God that we are not under such covenant agreements!  Should I, in my current ambassadorship, NOT bring forth fruit, I do NOT have hell to fear, but lack of reward.  Paul speaks to us, the body of Christ, in:

1 Corinthians 3:14-15… “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

We will all (all those saved by Paul’s gospel of grace) be purified by this saving, cleansing “baptismal” fire at the judgement seat of Christ after we perish from this world.  But no matter our effectiveness here (as we are all different), we shall be with Him in eternity simply because we obeyed that form of doctrine, the gospel as revealed unto Paul.  Amen.

As one saved by grace and come unto the knowledge of the truth of all Christ has done on my behalf; and seeing that I am NOT under the law, how OUGHT I to walk (not, MUST I walk) in order to bring forth fruit (or converts, believers) to the Christ, NOT of Israel and the law (who will return someday in wrath and vengeance) but in this period of grace and reconciliation to the whole world (2 Corinthians 5:19)?  The differences in the aspects of Christ to these two groups (1: Nation Israel/Gentile nations and, 2: body of Christ, neither Jew nor Gentile) is as different as the effect of the law versus the effect of grace upon a man.

Romans 7:6… “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”

Grace is an “inside out” transformation of a man, while the law has an “outside in” effect.  Coming to realize what God in Christ has done (through Bible study), a man begins to allow the Holy Spirit to work within himself and starts to desire internally to serve his Lord.  While the law commanded that “ye must“, grace says “ye ought“…!  Desire comes from within and the law comes from without.  We serve in newness of spirit and NOT by the letter of the law!

Jesus says to Israel in Matthew 6:15… “But IF ye forgive NOT men their trespasses, NEITHER will your Father forgive your trespasses.”  Outside – in.  Law commands.

While Christ through Paul says to the body in 2 Corinthians 2:7… “So that contrariwise ye OUGHT rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”  Inside – out.  Grace compels.

Such is a rather stunning difference, no?  How do we (the body of Christ) “get away” with such?  We are completely forgiven of course!

Colossians 2:13… “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your fleas, hath He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses.”

How else does Paul say we OUGHT to be engaged with the world?

1 Thessalonians 4:1… “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”

As we have received the gospel of our salvation from Paul, to please God today, we ought to follow him!

2 Thessalonians 3:7… “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.  For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

We ought to work for a living.  Why would Paul say such a thing to these otherwise very faithful Thessalonian believers?  Lets examine what Jesus told His earthly followers, Israel.

Matthew 6:31-33… “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

These men did not have to concern themselves with necessities such as food.  As God fed the church in the wilderness (Acts 7:38) with mana from heaven, so too did He miraculously feed the multitudes of Israel with bread and fish.  If these men would seek first the Kingdom of heaven, which was Christ among them (Luke 17:20-21), their father in heaven would miraculously provide them their daily requirements of food, water and clothing!  God is not working in this way with believers today… today we must work if we desire to continue to exist.

Paul says the stronger brother in the faith ought to bear the weaker brothers infirmities.

Romans 15:1… “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

WE OUGHT TO SPEAK THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST…

Ephesians 6:19-20… “And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Colossians 4:2-4… “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;  Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”

How SHOULD we behave ourselves?

We should walk in newness of life (Rom 6:4).

We should not serve sin (Rom 6:6).

We SHOULD NOT be ignorant of the mystery (Rom 11:25).

No flesh should glory in His presence (1 Cor 1:29).

Our faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Cor 2:5).

He that preaches the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Cor 9:14).

We should keep under our sinful bodies and bring them under subjection (1 Cor 9:27).

We should not lust after evil things (1 Cor 10:6).

We should not have fellowship with devils (1 Cor 10:20).

We should care for one another (1 Cor 12:25).

We should not trust in ourselves (2 Cor 1:9).

We should not live unto ourselves but unto Christ (2 Cor 5:15).

Our minds should not be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Cor 11:3).

We should do that which is honest (2 Cor 13:7).

We should please God and not men (Gal 1:10).

We should remember the poor (Gal 2:10).

We should obey the truth (Gal 3:1).

We should glory only in the cross of Christ (Gal 6:14).

We should be (are) holy and without blame (Eph 1:4).

We should be (are) to the praise of His glory (Eph 1:12).

We should not boast in ourselves (Eph 2:9).

We should walk in good works (Eph 2:10).

We should be (are) fellowheirs with Christ (Eph 3:6).

We should understand Paul’s estate (Phil 1:12).

No man should beguile us with enticing words (Col 2:4).

We should suffer tribulation in this world (1 Thes 3:4).

We should abstain from fornication (1 Thes 4:3).

We should know how to possess ourselves in honor (1 Thes 4:4).

We should (will) live together with Him (1 Thes 5:10).

We should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12).

We should be: “looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from ALL iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”  Titus 2:13-14

This, my brothers and sisters, is not a comprehensive list of all the things Paul would have us do.  I don’t think such is possible to collect.  How could one collect and name all human behavior?  It is but a beginning of what will begin to happen to a person when once he realizes all Christ has done on his behalf.

The keyword here is LET; we SHOULD be humble and…

Philippians 2:5-16… “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.”

Note carefully that Paul is NOT telling us to “work” FOR our own salvation, as He is speaking to the already saved Philippian believers.  He is showing them how to “work out” the salvation they already possess with fear (awesome respect for) and trembling (to consider that the unsaved will spend eternity in hell) toward God.

Walk worthy indeed.

Amen and amen!

Next Post: “Repentance / Atonement“

Walk Worthy, part 4 (Armed With the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ).

/ grace country pastor / Leave a comment

Colossians 1:10… “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

2 Timothy 2:3-4… “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please Him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”

Philippians 3:8-9… “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith OF Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:”

Paul was a soldier and as such, he was encouraging Timothy to follow along in the difficult path ahead, enduring the hardness which had come to those standing for the free grace of God to all men.  Any who stand for such will have to learn to endure the same, as the vast majority of men insist that Christ is somehow not enough… that there MUST be something upon which they can stand within themselves; some inherent goodness or action (baptism, keeping commandments, being kind, saying a prayer, etc…) which must make them somehow “worth saving” before a Holy God.  Internal value.  To say to another person that there is not, is an insult to their very humanity; prideful as it thus proves to be.  People generally feel they are naturally worth saving (we are not) rather than naturally worthy of damnation (which we are on account of sin).  Note carefully that Paul is very clear to say that the righteousness he does in fact possess is NOT his own, but the righteousness OF Christ Himself which is OF God, by faith and trust in what Christ has done on Paul’s behalf.

Simply and personally put… as a saved man I have NO righteousness, none at all, in and of myself.  There is not a thing in the world I can do in my human condition to please God.  I can be the most gracious, kind, generous, helpful, sweetest most wonderful person on the face of the earth; and it would be naturally worthless to God: if I were not found in Christ.  Without Christ I, and all men, are already eternally damned due to the natural fallen condition of humanity itself.  Indeed, Paul counted ALL THINGS but loss (and all that but dung) compared to the EXCELLENCY of the KNOWLEDGE of Christ.  Again, that is the excellency of the KNOWLEDGE of Christ.  Knowledge is something we can gather, something we can attain to.

Paul is telling us that it is the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, which empowers completely, the worthy walk in Christ.  If a saved man does not know all that Christ has done for him, he has missed the excellency of the knowledge of Christ and therefore his worthy walk WILL be stunted.  Knowing all that Christ has done in this age of FREE GRACE is above all else in Paul’s life, and that is what he tries so hard to communicate to the world throughout his 13 epistles; and what the world tries so hard to NOT believe.

2 Timothy 1:15… “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me;…”

The key to the worthy walk therefore, is knowledge.  The ONLY way to grasp such knowledge is through the study of what our Lord communicated to and through the Apostle Paul; as only to the Apostle Paul was free grace given.  Free grace, today’s gospel, was not given to Peter or the twelve.  Bible study is of such critical import and so lacking in today’s worldly societies; it is the reason the world finds itself in the near perfectly backward state it is in fact in.  Good has become evil and evil become good… and satan just smiles.  This is why Paul commands us to:

2 Timothy 2:15… “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

God has given mankind the Truth in the form of His Word.  We divide that Word between the good news given to Israel and the Gentile nations, and the good news given to the body of Christ.  That same Word WAS God in Christ when He walked this earth.

John 1:1-3… “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”

That Word today we may hold in our hands in the form of the King James Bible, God’s Perfect Word, “Purified Seven Times“.  As Paul explains to the Corinthian believers when Gods Written Word was not yet complete:

1 Corinthians 13:8-10… “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophesies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  For now we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

That which is perfect is Gods perfect (completed) word to mankind.

Peter, detailing the eyewitness accounts of himself, James and John at the Transfiguration of Christ Himself, to those Jews who were saved in the Kingdom program; says of Holy Scripture:

2 Peter 1:19… “We have also a MORE SURE word of prophesy; whereunto ye do well to take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”

Peter is DISCOUNTING his own testimony, his own words, detailing his own experiences, in favor of Holy Scripture.  What would a “good” catholic, those who hold to papal infallibility, say about this?  Likely: “I know that’s what scripture says, but that’s not what scripture means.”  To which Peter (the first pope??? – not…) replies:

2 Peter 1:20… “Knowing this first, that no prophesy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”

Scripture means exactly what scripture says.  Knowledge is the key to walking worthy and we gather knowledge from Holy Scripture alone.  Not private interpretations of Holy Scripture (NIV, ASV, ETC), but Holy Scripture itself as found in the King James Bible for English speaking people like us.  Bibles in other languages which were translated and preserved from the majority text, Textus Receptus or received text (all one and the same) are very likely equally as reliable.  (If I could speak other languages I’d be sure.)

How many believers are there in the world who are not walking worthy simply because they are studying the wrong Bible?  Allow me to present a single example (of which there are countless others – simply locate Acts 8:37 in your NIV…) comparing the KJB to the NIV.  Regarding the excellency of the knowledge of Christ, Paul, to the believers at Philippi says:

Philippians 2:5-7 (KJB)… “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV)… “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

In one verse (KJB) the very mind of God Himself is made available to me (God’s own thoughts), if I but allow myself to comprehend it.  I can comprehend it through study.  In the other (NIV) my “attitude” should be like Christ’s who is God yet somehow unequal with God.  In the KJB, Christ does it all on my (a lowly man’s) behalf; in the NIV I must alter my own attitude to be that of a servant, which Christ became.  In the KJB, Christ (God HIMSELF) becomes servant; in the NIV I must become a servant like all “good” humans are supposed to be.  In the KJB, Christ does something otherworldly for me; in the NIV I must do something for Christ.  Ask yourself seriously; what is truly going on here?  Who or what is being served by this intentional misdirection?  Make no mistake, it is too perfectly incorrect to be unintentional.

The point of this post is to enable the believer to walk worthy of his high calling in Christ Jesus.  The worthy walk is enabled through correct knowledge.  He has been made a soldier in an all volunteer army whether he knows it or not.  The only way to enable the believer to fight the soldiers battle is by studying Gods very Word to that believer; and those words are found in the epistles of Paul sent by Jesus Christ to that believer as found in the King James Bible.  Period.  They exist in no other location for an English speaking believer.

If you want to serve God you must be aware of what God is doing today.  You, dear reader, would no more build an Ark than stone your own children.  Why?  Because you know God is not today instructing you to do either.  Why then would you follow Christ as Peter followed Christ, when you are supposed to follow Christ as Paul followed Christ?  Why?  Because incorrect Bible teaching is far more common that correct Bible teaching.  Knowledge is severely lacking.  Paul writes:

1 Corinthians 14:37… “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”

That’s not subtle.  Neither is:

Galatians 1:20… “Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.”

Romans 11:13… “For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:”

2 Timothy 2:7… “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.”

1 Corinthians 11:1… “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

Paul was not magnifying himself in any way, shape or form.  He was magnifying the office he was placed in by the risen and glorified Lord Jesus Christ; he is magnifying the information, the dispensation of free grace, which Christ delivered personally to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9); that he would then deliver to others.

1 Corinthians 9:17… “For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.”

He was magnifying the information that we need to know if we are to walk worthy of the position Christ has placed us in; but we have to be aware of that position in order to walk therein!  We must study the KJB rightly divided to become aware.

As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we wrestle NOT against flesh and blood (against other men).  We wrestle against those “things” which keep people from knowing and understanding all that has been done, and all that has been placed onto our account by the Savior of humanity.  Comprehending the full extant and scope of the amazing grace of God in Christ that the Spirit will reveal through the study of Gods Perfect Word, IS the excellency of the knowledge of Christ that we are to be armed with!

Ephesians 6:12… “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

And how do we, as good soldiers, but merely human, effectively wrestle against such powerful evil?  We listen to Paul as always…

Ephesians 6:13… “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

The armor of God is made available to us!  Look closely… we are to STAND for something:

Ephesians 6:14… “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;”

Our loins are our tender parts and they are to be girt about (circled and/or surrounded; protected) by the truth.  What is the truth?  God’s very Word of truth is the truth.  Christ is Truth and He is to girt about our most tender parts.  Gods instructions for us today are the Truth.  Christ, as Paul describes Him, is our Truth for today.  The KJB rightly divided is the Truth.

We are to have on the breastplate of righteousness.  The breastplate covers the heart and lungs from where we live and breathe… the seat of emotion, life and feeling.  This is not any righteousness we have in ourselves.  This is the very righteousness of Christ Himself!  Gods own righteousness imputed to our account by the faith OF Christ to the work His Father sent Him to accomplish on our behalf.  I myself have no righteousness; yet I have available to me the righteousness of God Himself in Christ, that will cover my heart and lungs by which I live and breathe!  Such amazing knowledge is found ONLY in the epistles of Paul.

Ephesians 12:15… “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;”

Again, we today KNOW not to go and build an Ark; but to Noah, his truth, his “good news” gospel, WAS to go and build an Ark, as that is the message God had for him in his day.  A believers “good news” gospel message for today comes from Paul and Paul alone.  To Paul was given the gospel of grace and peace which God has declared to the whole world!  His every epistle opens with so much more than a salutation of grace and peace; but the very doctrine of grace and peace does he declare!  Our sin is no longer the issue; belief in what God has done about our sin, is.  As written many times here before, that simple gospel of peace is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and on our Simple Salvation page.

Our feet carry us wherever we want to go.  If the Truth of today’s gospel of peace is worn about our hearts and lungs, we will be prepared at all times to be able to speak that clear and simple gospel presentation to anyone and everyone we meet.  We walk with our feet and we stand upon them as well.  The excellency of the perfect simplicity of the gospel of peace is made manifest in the freedom to all believers from eternal guilt and worry.  We stand upon the gospel of ultimate peace.  Absolutely zero condemnation!  Grace and peace to you from God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Ephesians 6:16… “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

As we see Philippians 3:9 it is the faith OF Christ to the cross-work His Father sent Him to, that we place our trust and belief in.  Praise God it is NOT the faith I wield, my faith IN Christ, as weak as it is, to carry me forward into battle.  (Check your NIV once again here; as there, it is MY faith IN Christ!  Totally incorrect and perfectly misleading.)  It is my KNOWLEDGE of Christ’s faith to His Father that I hold as a shield while I stand in defense of the gospel of grace and peace.  If Christ has performed it, what can possibly penetrate such?

Ephesians 6:17… “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

That helmet covers the head and brain, the seat of knowledge and reason.  The saved Christian has absolute knowledge of absolute salvation, knowing that if Christ accomplished the same on my behalf; nothing in heaven or in earth; inside or outside of time; nothing I or any creature can alter; nothing at all can separate me from that which Christ has done on my behalf.

I am BOUGHT with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23); not rented for a season.

In my hands is the sword of the Holy Spirit; the very Word of God as I can in fact possess in my King James Bible.  I wield it in truth, not deceitfully, with dignity and in love.  This sword is sharper than most imagine or are prepared for.

Hebrews 4:12… “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

This sword cuts people and cuts them badly.  It cuts me.  Why?  Because the human heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9).  This is what it is created to do as that is what we prideful people need.  When we inform people that they are of no intrinsic value to God outside of Christ, that cuts them badly.  Most want to be good and useful to God and that’s good.  The belief that they are inherently good, and not deceitful and wicked, is what misleads them.  satan loves for people to believe that they are good; as why would a “good person” ever need a Savior?  Truth hurts.  Tell the truth anyway.  Perhaps they will listen.  Only by the truth of Christ as given to Paul will eternal salvation come today.  People are not good in Gods eyes.  They need a Savior.

Finally…

Ephesians 6:18-20… “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

…we are to pray for all the saints (all saved men and women) and especially for those who are prepared for and enter into battle on behalf of the gospel of grace and peace.  We are to speak boldly that gospel which was kept secret since the world began and that satan and his world try so very hard (and successfully) to keep concealed.

Let us prepare ourselves by way of serious Bible study; and walk worthy of the ambassadorship to which we, as those who are the bought and paid for saints of Jesus Christ, have been called.  Amen.

Next Post: “Walk Worthy, part 5 (Walk Circumspectly…).“

Walk Worthy, part 3 (Rewarded!).

/ grace country pastor / Leave a comment

Ephesians 4:1-3… “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

When we last examined what the worthy walk would encompass, our Apostle Paul was enduring afflictions as he performed the work of the ambassadorship he was called unto and warning Timothy that the same trouble would be coming his way as he did the same.  Nonetheless, Paul was encouraging Timothy (as he encourages us) to persevere through these afflictions.

2 Timothy 2:2-3… “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Here, Paul likens the ambassadorship to which all true Christians are called, to a soldier enduring the hardness of battle.  Why, if this work is so difficult, did Paul continue therein, and why is it so important that we do the same?  As we have seen previously, it is the love of Christ which constrains the believer (2 Corinthians 5:14); knowing what was done on his behalf, he is thus motivated to share the Great News of the gospel of Christ with others.  Indeed, knowing what I have been made “in Christ” excites me no end to share such with others, even though most others are not at all interested, with some (even blood relations) becoming downright hostile in the process.

Where does a soldier usually find himself?  In hostile territory of course.  To the soldier of Christ (a soldier of Truth), this world is hostile territory through which he must battle.  This present world, controlled by the god of this world, does not “appreciate” the Truth.  At the war’s end however, there is great reward.  The basic concept of “reward” inherently implies judgement of ones actions.  How can a reward be accorded without acknowledgement of some success or failure in action?  While there are several impending judgements of God coming to all men in the world, we turn our attention here, to the judgement members of the body of Christ will receive at the personal hand of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul speaks to the body in:

2 Corinthians 5:10… “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

This is NOT Gods final judgement of the world for sin (that comes later)… this is the heavenly judgement of today’s “body of believers” in the gospel of grace.  Since sin was paid for (JUDGED) at the cross to those who accept Gods form of payment; this is judgement of the ambassadors actions here on earth; not TO condemnation, but FOR reward.  Paul, again speaking to those saved by the gospel of grace, says:

1 Corinthians 3:13-15… “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Examine carefully what God through Paul is saying.  The believers work will be tried by fire.  Some work will survive the fire and some will be consumed by it.  The fire is true judgement, determining which work shall stand to receive reward and which will not.

Note especially well that even the saved man whose work is consumed by fire, remains saved and his place in heaven with the Lord, secured.  This man will suffer loss of reward, not eternal death.

The work which will receive reward is that work which Paul began, the ambassadorship of the grace of God to which he (and we) are called by God to continue.  Christ, through Paul alone, laid the foundation upon which we are to build.

1 Corinthians 3:9-10… “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.  According to the grace of God which is given unto ME, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereon.”

We take heed to build correctly because of Christ’s love for His own and for the potential of eternal reward, over and above a place with the Creator in eternity.  The careful builder studies to shew himself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed (2 Timothy 2:15)…  It is here at Christ’s judgement seat that shame may come to the fore in the face of the believer.  At Christ’s judgement seat the believer will learn the eternal value of his work in the Lord, post salvation (as the unsaved can do no work for the Lord).  Whether these works were built upon the right foundation; “doctrinally correct” (Paul’s gospel for today) or ” doctrinally incorrect” (another gospel for another time, past or future), a foundation laid by another; Moses or Peter for example.

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, Paul uses the example of gold, silver and precious stones to describe “good” works effective toward how God is working in the world today; and wood, hay and stubble to describe works not appropriate to today’s message of the free grace of God given to the entire world.  Fire will consume the wood, hay and stubble reducing it to worthless ash; yet at the same time, fire will refine the impurities out of the gold, silver and precious stone leaving only perfection in its wake!

While all saved men have safe passage to heavenly places in eternity with God, judgement and reward inherently establish a hierarchical standard by which these saved will be established in and for eternity.  One will necessarily somehow receive more than another based upon what he was able to accomplish for God in this world.  Let us carefully qualify this statement; as Paul writes to the Roman believers:

Romans 8:17… “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.  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Clearly, as believers crucified with Christ and suffering with Him through this present evil world, we are joint-heirs with Christ.  Joint-heirs of what?

Colossians 1:16-18… “For by Him were ALL THINGS created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him, and for Him: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist.  And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence.”

If all believers are joint-heirs in “all things” with Christ who is our Head, where then does this reward hierarchy come into play?  How will one receive more than another?  Since Christ is the Head of all things, let us examine the nature of those things He is head of.  Things both visible (things physically present in this 3 dimensional world) and things invisible (things present outside of the physical world we inhabit); whether they be thrones, dominions, principalities or powers.  Thrones, dominions, principalities and powers are “governmental” positions of authority.  These exist in this present AND the invisible world.  In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul further clarifies who these holders of invisible positions are.  They are the “gods” of this world whom we wrestle against.  satan and his fallen angels.

Ephesians 6:12… “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the RULERS of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

In the future, when Christ sits on His earthly throne, He will be surrounded by the twelve He chose during His earthly ministry to Israel; these will be the head of Gods earthly heavenly government (Matthew 19:27-28).  Thy Kingdom will now have come to earth as it is in heaven.  As God has a two-fold plan for His creation: a plan to redeem the earth (via Israel) and a plan to redeem the heavens (via the body of Christ); since both have fallen by way of pride thus sin; both places will need to be eventually and effectively “governed” prior to the dispensation of the fullness of times, when all things are gathered together in one under Christ the Creator Himself (Ephesians 1:10).  As Israel will rule this earthly place with Christ (thy Kingdom come) over the Gentile nations; the saved in this dispensation of free grace will rule and govern the heavenly places AS the body of Christ, while Actual Christ is seated on His earthly throne.

Note that a full one third of the angels (stars) followed satan’s prideful lead and revolted against Gods perfectly created order.

Revelation 12:3-4… “And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born.”

Michael the Archangel then does battle in the fallen heavenly places, prevails, and casts satan and his minions out of the heavenly places forever.

Revelation 12:7-9… “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”

With one third of the angels gone, this creates a gaping hole in the governmental structure of the heavenly places (not to mention a really big problem for the earth at this time, since all those evil, banished, fallen beings are cast down unto it).  One third of the thrones, dominions, principalities and powers are fallen, removed and thus emptied.  satan was created to be the covering cherub (Ezekiel 28) to be in charge of these principalities… Gods finest creation.  he is now no more.  Today’s believers will fill those positions.  (My own personal hunch is that Paul will be number 1 up there and I can’t wait to meet him in person!)

As the earth is currently without a Righteous Leader, so too are heavenly places without Righteous leadership.  The god of this world, satan, has been given control of each by Adam, who forfeited the control and dominion God gave him (Genesis 1:26-28).  As the earth will one day have Christ as King, so too will the heavens have Christ in charge in the form of His body, the church… us.

Ephesians 1:3… “Blessed be the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:”

Colossians 1:27-28… “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”

Perfected/Completed in Christ (though remaining in sinful flesh while here on earth) we will do the work of Righteous Christ in heavenly places in our Glorified Life to come!

When Christ came to earth He was made lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:7-9).  With Christ now glorified above the angels seated at God the Father’s right hand; and we, who are crucified and risen with Him (Colossians 2:12), in the same judicial standing; we too, in our “new creature” form are also placed above the angels; judicially now, literally and physically in the future!  Indeed we shall judge them in those heavenly places!

1 Corinthians 6:2-3… “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?  Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?”

It is therefore here that our full reward is realized; in the governmental structure of the heavenly places.  While all saved men have an equal inheritance of all things in Christ, not all will have an equal position in Gods heavenly government.  It is these positions which will be offered to those whose works were of gold, silver and precious stone.

When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.  Not with an All Powerful Creator God though  🙂

Brothers and sisters in Christ; if the simple salvation of Christ alone was not enough to motivate you into action for our Savior, here is further motivation in a position of higher authority in heaven itself, where we will serve and reign AS Christ (we are His body after all), as we are in Christ.  What a stunning realization, what a stunning reward!  Walk worthy indeed…!

To Paul, Christ was all in all.  The preaching (sharing) of the gospel of the greatest news ever given to man, that of free grace, became Paul’s entire world.  Indeed, it was more important to him than even his own life and certainly anything material contained within that life.  Paul is the true Christians pattern (1 Timothy 1:16).  How will we measure up to such?  We will find out at the judgement seat of Christ.

Philippians 3:8-14… “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.  Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.“

Next Post:  “Walk Worthy, part 4 (Armed With the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ).“

Walk Worthy!

/ grace country pastor / 2 Comments

Ephesians 4:1-3… “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye WALK WORTHY of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

“Vocation?  Isn’t that like a job of some sort?”

Colossians 1:10… “That ye might WALK WORTHY of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

“Work?  I thought grace was not about works…!”

Ephesians 2:8-9… “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.”

“See, I told you… no works!”

Wait for it… we all love Ephesians 2:8-9; but verse 10 does follow.

Ephesians 2:10… “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

Why should we, under free grace, walk worthy?

The saved man is created in Christ Jesus UNTO good works.  That’s why.  Works can have absolutely nothing to do with our salvation as Christ is all sufficient toward that end, but we were saved (created in Christ) in order to perform a function; work.  If this is not the case, why did God save us and NOT bring us directly into His world?  What are we still doing here?  Being “in Christ” we are judicially perfected and seated with Him in heavenly places, right now.  Why not simply make it physically so as well?  The reason is, that God has a purpose for all saved men.  We learned in the last post that Gods simple will for all men is for them to be saved and to then come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:3-4).

Allow me to ask: How is that to happen when Christ is not personally, physically present in the world and God has declared a period of grace and peace; whereby He is not imputing men’s trespasses unto them, and therefore, has left us all to our own mostly wicked devices?  Sure, He has left us with His completed Word, but how are people supposed to become aware of what it says?  True, people have the free will to either explore the Bibles pages or to ignore them.  Everyday experience shows however, that the vast majority are way too preoccupied with worldly things to bother.  satan loves that, satan encourages such preoccupation tirelessly.  Therefore God asks His own, those saved (and at least somewhat learned) in the dispensation of free grace, those who ARE His body in the world, to occupy a certain position while He is away.  Let’s examine:

2 Corinthians 5:18-21… “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

The saved man, reconciled to God in Christ, has been given something (all things in fact – Romans 8:17) by God, to whom ARE all things.  He has given us specifically a ministry, which is defined as “the office, duties or functions of a subordinate agent of any kind” according to Websters 1828.  This ministry is one of reconciliation which Websters defines as: “the means by which sinners are brought into a state of favor with God after natural estrangement or enmity; the atonement.”  That (since God has, in this dispensation of Grace, reconciled the sinful, fallen world back to Himself) we, as men in recognition of our sinful state and reconciled back toward God, now have OWNERSHIP of this ministry of God toward the world.

We have ownership of this ministry IN Christ’s STEAD (“instead” of Christ Himself) since He is not currently in the world.  Christ is not in the world today as much of the world awaits His second coming.  He has left us here to make the world aware of what God in Christ has done on its behalf, in His place.  These verses call those He has saved and left on earth “ambassadors”.  Webster defines an ambassador as: “a minister of the highest rank employed by one prince or state, at the court of another, to manage the public concerns of his own prince or state, and representing the power and dignity of his sovereign.”

The cross-work of Christ then, as commissioned by God, has made us ambassadors of God the Father, that, in Christ’s stead, we are to beseech those around us to be reconciled to God as He has reconciled Himself in Christ to all men.

Note carefully and make no mistake here: just because God has reconciled Himself to mankind, does not mean mankind has in turn reconciled itself back to God.  Mankind is an extremely stubborn creature and reconciliation is a two way street.   See “Simple Salvation” to learn how a man is reconciled back to God.  God in grace has CHOSEN to reconcile Himself back to mankind.  An opening (a way back to God who forsook all men at the tower of Babel – Romans 1:18-32) has been made for mankind.  Mankind must now CHOOSE to reconcile itself (each man individually) back to God.  The death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the pathway to reconciliation.

When the saved man attempts to fulfill his vocation and help to reconcile an unsaved man back to God, presenting to him the gospel of his salvation; it is as if God Himself in that ambassador is speaking to that man (as long as that ambassador is functioning properly with the proper gospel message – the word of reconciliation and NOT another gospel – 2 Corinthians 11:4, Galatians 1:6-7).  Comprehend fully these words: “As though God (God Himself) did beseech you by us…” to be reconciled back to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  God today speaks through the body of Christ… saved man, to unsaved men.  Wow!

See how Paul regarded this calling upon his own life:

Acts 20:24… “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

This ministry of the grace of God was to Paul more dear than his own life.  I ask you in all candor… could there be a higher calling for a man then to represent his Sovereign Creator in this foreign world?  How then ought a man in such a position to walk or conduct himself daily in this foreign land, this world without Christ?  Paul provides counsel:

Titus 2:11-14… “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; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

Clearly we are to daily conduct ourselves in a manor pleasing to the one who sent us; denying ungodliness and our worldly lusts, which are far too numerous in this sinful flesh to mention.  This is difficult as the flesh is naturally sinful.  It is the full understanding of what Christ has done for us working inside us; the absolute grace and mercy we have been shown, that, as we reckon (internalize) this knowledge unto our selves, we will eventually be enabled to, more and more, put our sinful carnal desires aside.  They will mean less and less as we learn more and more (through Bible study) what Christ has done on our behalf.

We are to look forward with anticipation to the glorious appearing of the Lord that we might be caught up together with Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and perfected physically; but until then, His desire is that we are to remain here and be a “peculiar people” zealous of the good works He ascribes to us.

I’d like to end this first part of “Walk Worthy” with this, Paul’s prayer (Gods desire) for all saved men:

Colossians 1:9-17… “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might WALK WORTHY of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Ephesians 1:17-23… “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 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, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.”

What more is there to say on this prayer for the believer that the Holy Spirit in Paul did not say?

Next post: “Walk Worthy, part 2 (cheap grace?)!“

Nobody’s perfect…

/ grace country pastor / Leave a comment

…except God of course, so let us for a moment examine the condition of “perfection”.  Websters 1828 Dictionary defines perfection as the state of being perfect or complete, so that nothing requisite is wanting.

1)  Physical perfection, is when a natural object has all its powers, faculties or qualities entire and in full vigor, and all its parts in due proportion.

2)  Metaphysical or transcendental perfection, is the possession of all the essential attributes or all the parts necessary to the integrity of a substance.  This is absolute, where ALL defect is precluded, such as the perfection of God; or according to its kind, as in created things.

3)  Moral perfection, is the complete possession of all moral excellence, as in the Supreme Being; or the possession of such moral qualities and virtues as a thing is capable of.

4)  A quality, endowment or acquirement completely excellent or of great worth.

5)  An inherent or essential attribute of supreme or infinite excellence; or one perfect in its kind; as the perfections of God.  The infinite power, holiness, justice, benevolence and wisdom of God are denominated His perfections.

6)  Exactness; as, to imitate a model to perfection.

Must I ask how we measure up to such?

What takes place when imperfection makes any contact whatsoever with perfection?  Is imperfection improved… or is perfection tainted?  Analogous question: what happens when a clean white shirt makes contact with a mud puddle?  Does the mud puddle become clean or does the shirt become dirty?  Regardless of the argument one might construct that imperfection and mud puddles may be regarded ever so slightly more favorably than they were before making contact with the other, it is obvious that perfection immediately becomes imperfect and that clean white shirt is immediately soiled.

God, as THE Perfect Being, therefore MUST maintain Perfection as His ultimate standard that Perfection remains Perfect.  It is not possible for an imperfect being to behold perfection and survive.  Moses requested of God that he see Him…

Exodus 33:18-20… “And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.”  And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.  And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.”

Perfection must stand completely alone and unpolluted by imperfection.

If Gods literal and actual standard is perfection, as perfection annihilates imperfection and imperfection makes perfection necessarily imperfect; how can a man ever hope to be “good enough” to meet Gods standard of Holy Perfection?  Imperfection is implied within our understanding of good “enough”.  Good enough, by definition, is NOT Perfect and that is Gods requirement.

A man cannot meet that standard.  It is not possible.  A wise man finds himself in a perfectly hopeless imperfect condition.  One single sin in life mars perfection completely and irrevocably.  God says:

Romans 3:23… “For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Romans 3:19… “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them that are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.”

Romans 6:23(a)… “For the wages of sin is death;…”

Death is the necessary result of imperfection.  God created perfection and gave it to man.  Man, in lust, destroyed the perfection God created, by choice… we wanted even more.  In infinite love, infinite wisdom and with infinite purpose in mind and heart, God makes a way for the imperfect man to once again be perfectly justified in the sight of Himself.

Romans 6:23(b)… “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

God gives us His Perfect Son that we, us pathetic and imperfect humans, might be made the very righteousness of God Himself, in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21… “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Made the righteousness of God in Him!  How can we ever be thankful enough to a Creator God who makes His Sinless Son into our sin nature itself (Christ BECAME sin FOR us) takes the universal punishment for OUR sin upon Himself (My God, my God, why hast thou FORSAKEN me?); and then, to whomsoever chooses to accept such an infinitely graceful gift, provides His Own Perfect Righteous Nature to us; that we are made Perfect in Him, that we may be with Him in life for all eternity, if we but trust in that Perfect Gift and not in ourselves?

Colossians 1:21-22… “And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:”

My mind reels trying to conceive of such…  Looking at the condition of sinful humanity, how is it possible that we were even remotely worth it?

Infinite love, infinite wisdom, infinite purpose… can be the only answer.

John 14:6… “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Nobody’s perfect.  Nobody.  Unless Christ stands in your place by grace through faith.  At that very moment a perfect eternity awaits.  Why would anyone wait a moment longer?  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and what He did for you and be saved right here, right now!

Romans 8:38-39… “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Amen.

Next Post: “Gods perfect original creation!“

Saved…! Now what?

/ grace country pastor / Leave a comment

Glory, I’m saved…

Glory, I’m saved…

My sins are all pardoned, my guilt is all gone!

Glory, I’m saved…

Glory, I’m saved…

I’m saved by the blood of the crucified one!

What a wonderful song to be able to sing in grace and truth!  I pray that you, dear reader, can sing the same; and if so… well, now what?  Are we now free to live a life without regard for consequences, knowing as we do that heaven is the surest thing in the universe for us?  This is, after all, exactly what our legalistic brethren, clinging as they do to religious bondage, accuse us grace believers of.  If they only read what Paul wrote in their Bibles…  What does our apostle, sent directly by Christ to us, have to say about this?

Romans 6:1-2… “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

Of course we are not freed in order to sin.  Now that, by the light of our quickened spirit (Col 2:13), we are far more conscious of sin in ourselves, it actually becomes far more disturbing to us; and while it is not possible to stop sinning as long as we are living in these bodies of flesh; the more we come to understand all that Christ has done for us, the less we seek to knowingly live in a way that would be displeasing to our Lord.

Note carefully that Paul says we are dead to sin.

Romans 6:11…  “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

It is certainly easier for the mind to logically conclude the truth of these words, than the will of the flesh to follow suit.  While none of these early posts are exhaustive dissertations on any particular subject, in Paul’s epistles are found the means by which we come to live victorious lives in Christ, despite the battle our flesh will provide along every step of the way.  Paul explains the frustration (read slowly and carefully):

Romans 7:15-24… “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.  If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.  Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”

Of course it is the cross work of Jesus Christ who saves Paul (and us) from this body of sin and death!  The saved man will find himself in a battle with his worst enemy (which satan takes full advantage of); himself.  The “reckoning” then, the completely conscious understanding that one IS indeed DEAD unto sin, is the key to true Christian living.  We will sin.  We can’t not sin.  Yet sin is not the issue in our lives any longer.  Christ dealt sin its fatal blow on the cross to any and all who will place their faith and trust in Him.  The punishment for sin is past and placed upon our Lord for us.  We, being in Him through faith, have been judicially crucified by God with Him.  God is so very good.  Amen.

This thought, taken to its logical conclusion, begs a good question.  If we have been freed from sin and death, and we are secured a place in heaven already, currently judicially seated with Christ at the right hand of God the father…

Romans 6:3-7… “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  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.  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.”

…thought continued below the lines…

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Point of clarification… this is NOT baptism with water.

As the Jewish believers were baptized with water AND baptized BY Christ WITH the Spirit (whose power demonstrated itself through them); we are baptized BY the Spirit INTO Christ’s body, which is the one true church today (note: it is NOT a denomination).  Ours is a spiritual baptism which takes place at the moment of salvation, as a man places his trust in the completed work of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:13-14… “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”

1 Corinthians 1:17… “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”

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…the question then becomes, what are we still doing here?  Why does God not take us immediately out of this world as we have come to saving knowledge of Him?  The answer is: that, AS He has bought us with the price of His own blood…

1 Corinthians 6:20… “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

…and we belong to God as His purchased posession, He has given us a job to do.  The Lord Jesus Christ is not here on earth.  He is currently seated at Gods right hand in the third heaven.  How are those around us to come to saving knowledge as we have, unless someone in Christ’s stead, should show them?  Some of my personally favorite scripture…

2 Corinthians 5:17-21… “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

As saved men and women, we are, in Christ’s absence, and without Israel yet functioning as prophisied; His earthly ambassadors.  The ministry of reconciliation is given to you and I.  God has reconciled us (all people) to Himself; no longer imputing our (anyone’s) trespasses unto them; formally declaring grace and peace to us (and all people everywhere) by way of the apostle Paul; and asks that we in turn inform people of this abundant grace which He has shown.  This blog and this church is my way of doing what He asks me to do.  If you appreciate what you read, please share it with those you know AND those you don’t.

Christians seem to be very confused by what the “will of God” is for their lives, AS IF God wants something very unique for each and every one of us.  He does not.  He wants the same thing for all people everywhere.  What is that good and acceptable will of God for all?

1 Tim 2:3-4… “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”

Right there, in one single verse, is the will of God for all people everywhere.  God does not “work in mysterious ways” at all (though He did keep a secret until He sent Paul).  His will is to have all men saved and then to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  Saving knowledge is easy.  “Christ died for your sin.”  Further knowledge requires study.  More specifically it requires us to study what God told Paul.

1 Tim 2:15… “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, RIGHTLY DIVIDING the word of truth.”

So, once saved, we are to begin to study Gods word in order to begin to more fully comprehend His Truth.  Why?  Because we are saved UNTO good works.

Ephesians 2:10… “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus UNTO good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”

We are NEVER saved BY good works.  We are saved UNTO good works.  What then is a “good work”?  Helping an elderly lady cross the street?  If I help several million safely cross, have I accomplished anything eternal?  Have any come to the saving knowledge of Christ?  No.  A good work then is a work that brings someone into the will of God for today, and, as we just learned, Gods very will is that all men should be saved and then come unto the knowledge of the truth.  This then is the saved mans ultimate function in this world.  Bringing people unto the saving knowledge of Christ and teaching them what Christ has done for them is the answer to the question; now what?

Ephesians 4:1… “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

Colossians 1:10… “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

2 Tim 2:24-26… “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.”

Most professing Christians will suggest you begin studying by reading the 4 “gospel” accounts of Jesus life.  This is a tragic mistake as the 4 “gospels” are not written TO us and can only lead us into more confusion, dishonesty and ultimate failure as we try to do things we are not capable of doing.  We can certainly learn valuable things about our Lord and what He is doing for Israel and for the Gentile nations in the future in them and they are therefore very important to us.  Believers today however, should begin to study the book of Romans, keeping in mind that chapters 9, 10 and 11 are written about the nation Israel.  Who they were, where they are now (they ARE not) and who they will be in the future.  Open His Book and start learning what God hath wrought for you, for us.  It is sure to alter your very existence.  Peace…

Next Post: “Israel’s future; but first, rapture, anti-christ!?!“