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“If he would only love me as Christ loves the church…”

Posted: January 10, 2018 in Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
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PREFACE

At a time when so much is rapidly happening in the world and everyone is trying to keep up and figure it all out, it is this message that God has put on my heart to share with His people. Because the only two things that ultimately matters is that God so loved the world that He made our redemption and reconciliation possible, and in response to that we are appropriately loving Him back. For with this age coming to its end means the Marriage of the Lamb is at hand; that the King of Glory is coming back for His reward, a glorious church; and He fully expects to be glorified in His saints. However, there will be many on that day who will awaken with overwhelming horror with the realization that they are not standing among the overcomers Jesus is coming for, and in desperation will cry out, “But Lord, Lord, did we not in Your name…?” Don’t be in that group.

“If he would only love me as Christ loves the church…”

Have you ever heard a woman say that about her husband? It is usually in response to her being presented with the scripture which states, “Wives, submit yourselves unto you own husbands, as unto the Lord.” More than once I have heard women state how easier it would be to obey the scripture if only their husband did truly love them like Christ loves the church. It is not undeniable that the biblical admonition concerning wives submitting to their husbands to many has become a huge stumbling block nowadays. So much so, that it has actually become generally dismissed as an outdated thing, the relativity of which was “back in that culture and time,” yet no longer applicable for our present evolved culture.

Now, before I continue, I want to stress that the first portion of this article is a prelude to “how” Christ loved the Church; which will be examined through the light of His letters sent unto the seven churches in Revelation. So, while the primary focus of this article is not about wives needing to submit to their husbands, such must still be mentioned since it is part of the context of this passage of scripture that with equal clarity and simplicity admonishes husbands to love their wives “even as Christ also loved the church.” So, stick with me as we wade through this and a few other passages till we get to where we have a biblical plateau from which we can more thoroughly examine Christ’s love for His church as revealed in His Holy Word.

But first, please take a minute to seriously pray that your heart might be opened up before God, that He may be able to speak to your heart as you read the entirety of this exhortation of scripture. For we all need to humbly acknowledge how this is His word written for His people; given for both our benefit and His glorification in His saints.

Ephesians 5:21 – Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the savior of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; 26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

At the beginning, along with the title of the article, I mentioned how some wives might express, venting as it were, how easier it would be for them to submit if only their husband would indeed love them like Christ loves the church. But let’s be honest here, this kind of response actually exposes one’s heart; because such a statement for many women is nothing more than a reactionary and feeble excuse defensively given to justify why they aren’t resolutely trying to obey this exhortation specific to wives professing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. It is important that wives are honest with themselves here, because that’s often what it really is, right? An excuse that says, “I would if he did,” or maybe, “I could if he would?” Furthermore, if submission is mentioned or even lightly alluded to by their husband, some women become exasperated and resentful to their husband; for to even mention submission is too often received as a declaration of sin and condemnation against them.

Nevertheless, this particular instruction for wives does not come from their husband, but from the Holy Scriptures which were given unto us via God’s Holy Spirit. Yet, like the piercing sword of the spirit that exposes the heart and its true intents, this passage has been the cause of division and much contention among many professing Christians. This contention has actually led some to openly accuse Paul of being chauvinistic and an oppressor of women who regarded them as inferior beings. This assault on Paul’s authority as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ has actually been utilized by the adversary to convince some preachers to literally reject the whole of the Pauline Epistles as true Holy Writ given by God. Yet, listen to the words of the Apostle Peter, “Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands… For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husband. Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.” And here again, it must be openly acknowledged how some women will not only become incensed, or sarcastic, but even exasperated at the idea of calling their husband “lord.” Why is that? Perhaps the following verse will shed some light.

Romans 7:8 – But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.

Perhaps, the New King James says it clearer for some readers –

 (NKJV) But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all [manner of evil] desire. For apart from the law sin [was] dead.

What Paul is saying is that because flesh is carnal and the law “which was ordained for life, [being] holy, just, and good,” is spiritual. Thus, when confronted by the spiritual, the flesh becomes reactionary and pulls away from the truth contained therein. That should be enough evidence in itself for a woman truly seeking to be a godly wife, who as Peter put it, will so “adorned themselves” out of a true desire to be an heir together with her husband of God’s grace of life.

Titus 2:10 – Not purloining [or keeping back], but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

So, let’s read Peter’s exhortation to wives and husbands as well. But first, let me make just one more observation, which is how the Holy Spirit first speaks to the wives in both Paul and Peter’s epistles, and then He addresses their husbands. Perhaps that was to help the seeking woman see that her role as a wife is first as unto the Lord, and secondly for her husband. For are we not all, whether male or female, first His bride if we are truly His body and church, and whatsoever we do is to be for His glory?

1 Peter3:1 – Likewise, you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. 3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, as long as you do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, you husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

Now, as I mentioned earlier, as this subject matter was impressed upon me today, I was directed to examine Jesus’s love for His church by reviewing His words to the seven churches in Revelation. However, before that, let’s first finish here by quickly reviewing some significant points Paul made concerning Christ’s love for the Church in his Epistle to the Ephesians.

 Christ’s love for His church

Emotional thinkers, who at times have a tendency to be self-centered, tend to view being “loved” as having someone that is eager to give them the things they want, who would always try to make them happy. But in reality, that perspective sharply contrasts with God’s view of love as revealed to us through Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:25 – …even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; 26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

In this passage we are given six definite truths worthy of our prayerful consideration; (1) the commitment of Jesus Christ’s love; (2) His purpose or determination; (3) to be accomplished through a specific method or process; (4) His motive; (5) the scope of the labor of His love; and (6) His reasonable expectation.

  • The Commitment: “…even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it.”

Here we can see that true, godly love is a commitment and not a mere emotion. However, this righteous and godly love, which in some scriptures is referred to as “charity,” will both endure and enjoy a wide range of emotions. For a righteous and godly love can be excited and joyful as well as disappointed and sadden; it can even be provoked to anger, though not easily. Furthermore, love, even God’s love, can be received in vain and thus frustrated to the point of its exhaustion; bringing it to a dangerous crisis point just like God’s sufficient grace which is an extension of God’s love and freely given.

Now, I am sure some won’t understand what I’ve just stated, since this is rarely taught in churches nowadays, but nonetheless is still biblical. Perhaps, this verse of which I am certain most have never heard a sermon preached from will shed some light on godly love being brought to a critical point.

Deuteronomy 28:63 – And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and you shall be plucked from off the land to which you go to possess it.

Many might attempt to dismiss the verse above and its hard message as a no longer relevant part of the Old Covenant by insisting that we are now under the New Covenant. But regardless, old or new, a covenant is a mutual agreement determinedly established upon defined terms and principles. So, let’s compare some of those old and new covenant constraints.

Isaiah 1:18 – Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 19 If you be willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD has spoken it.

Hebrews 10:28 – He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose you, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him that has said, Vengeance belongs unto Me, I will recompense, says the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge His people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Hebrews 12:24 – And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you refuse not Him that speaks. For if they escaped not who refused him that spoke on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from Him that speaks from heaven: 26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now He has promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:  29 For our God is a consuming fire.

I have often stated that you can replace the word “love” in most passages of scripture where it is mentioned with the word “commitment” and not do any damage to the spirit of the text.  True commitment is not lawless, but rather adheres to specific guidelines and is made evident in that it will both guard and benefit others; either intellectually, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Is this not how we are to love, even our enemies? Not a love of warm fuzzy emotions, but with an actual commitment that ministers to other’s true needs.

But concerning Christ’s love for His church, we can see in Ephesians that the commitment of His love was absolute, for “He gave Himself for His church.” But we must realize that this act of love, which compelled Jesus to go to the cross for our sins and die in our place, was both carefully choreographed and orchestrated to accomplish a specific desired end. Christ death wasn’t just a grandiose display of love done merely to impress the angels and us, nor to give us artsy ornaments for our necks and church buildings. No, and furthermore, it must be noted that greater than Christ’s love for the church was His love for the Father, which is evident in His following words.

John 10:17 – Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again. 18 No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of My Father.

John 14:31 – But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

  • Purpose or determination: “…that He might sanctify and cleanse it [the church]”

It was Jesus intent, yea even the Father’s intent through His Son, to sanctify a people unto Himself. Sanctify simply means to “set apart as holy for God,” which also requires “cleansing.”  Thus, we can see both the purpose and method of sanctification, to set apart and cleanse.

John 17:14 – I have given them Your word… 17 Sanctify them through Your truth: Your word is truth. 18 As You had sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

II Thessalonians 2:13 – But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God from the beginning has chosen you to [obtain] salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

 II Peter 1:2 – 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.

  • Method or process of cleansing: “…with the washing of water by the word.”

Faith comes by hearing, and that hearing of the word of God. But without FAITHfulness, or belief evident by response showing commitment to truth, God’s word cannot do anything other than define us as sinners who are dead in our trespasses and sins. This is why James states “as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Can a dead body bathe itself? No, yet through a belief which is evident by our response to God’s word releases His Spirit which enables us to both cleanse our hands and purify our hearts and souls.

John 15:3 – Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

John 17:8 – For I have given unto them the words which You gave Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from You and they have believed that You sent Me. 14 I have given them Your word… 17 Sanctify them through Your truth: Your word is truth.

I Peter 1:22 – Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently: 23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever.

  • Motive: “That He might present it to Himself a glorious church…”

Surely, the ultimate force behind Christ’s motivation to endure the cross was His love for the Father; for faith works by love. But in the sense of achieving a goal, His motive was to attain for Himself a glorious bride. However, to complete all this requires the submission of the bride of Christ which both permits and enables Him to be unto her a refiner and sanctifier. For only when the people of God yield to His Spirit of Truth can He bring them to that place of having an unfeigned love for Him and each other.

Matthew 23:37 – O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, yet you would not!

Psalms 78:36 – Nevertheless, they did flatter Him with their mouth, and they lied unto Him with their tongues. 37 For their heart was not right with Him, neither were they steadfast in His covenant. 38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath. 39 For He remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passes away, and cometh not again. 40 How oft did they provoke Him in the wilderness, and grieve Him in the desert!  41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

Our salvation, the work of our sanctification, even our becoming “a glorious church,” is built upon the sole foundation stone of atonement; that by Jesus’s death and the shedding of His blood, we have a propitiation for our sins whereby we can be forgiven. But, though he clearly laid out this foundation, the Apostle Paul firmly admonishes all would-be teachers to take heed how they would build thereon.

I Corinthians 3:9 – For we are laborers together with God: you are God’s husbandry, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Now at this point, some learned readers might be tempted to jump ahead, feeling they know all this already. But please, stay with me here. For again, while Paul laid the foundation, which is the only foundation for a saving faith; which is Jesus Christ crucified for our sins, we must not ignore the importance what was built thereupon. For three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected alive “for our justification.”

Romans 3:24 – Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past [no longer presently being exercised], through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Romans 4:25 – Who [that is, Jesus] was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.

Now the verse above is important because it presents two absolute truths. First, Jesus was delivered to judgment for the penalty of our sins; and second, He was quickened by the Spirit and rose again for our justification. Now some might conclude that the final result of His judgment, death and resurrection is a packaged done deal; that simply since He died we’re forgiven, and simply because He rose from the dead we’re also justified. However, that is not what the verse is stating. Rather, we are being informed as to why He died, and why He was raised from the dead. For our forgiveness and justification, though inseparable, are still two distinct functions in the life of a believer working towards their glorification in Christ. Otherwise, there would be no necessity of the Spirit correlating forgiveness to Jesus’s judgment and justification to His resurrection.

Romans 5:8 – But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him [Who now forever lives]. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His [resurrected and Spirit] life. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the [foundation of] atonement.

I Corinthians 15:17 – And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; you are yet in your sins.

Hebrews 5:8 – Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered; 9 And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

So, what does this have to do with our being His “glorious church?” Everything. It is not God’s desire to merely forgive us, but to totally transform us. That we might no longer be wretched men, who like Paul attested he was when he was yet but a Pharisee and persecutor of Jesus Christ and those that believed in Him. For consider Paul’s testimony in Romans Chapter 7 where he states “I am carnal, sold under sin” and “for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that I do.” Is he not writing specifically here “to them that know the law,” his Jewish brothers who were maintaining a confidence in the law? Does he not ask them “who shall deliver me from the body of this death” and then declares “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord?”

Paul continues expounding upon his freedom from his previous “body of this death” in Chapter 8 of Romans. Paul straightway declares boldly that “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from [both] the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Are we therefore to believe after those words that the Apostle Paul was still a “wretched” man? He has just confidently declared his freedom from the law of sin and death, and that by the resurrected life of Christ he has now been enabled to obediently walk after the Spirit without condemnation? If so, then why does Paul state when defending himself before the high priest, Ananias, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day?” Does this sound like a wretched man? Or later when he is taken before the governor Felix and he declares “herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men,” does that sound like a wretched man? Paul clearly declares “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Now wives, think of your walk with your husbands, is it flesh or is it spirit? Husbands, remember that you too are part of the Bride of Christ; so, is your walk in the flesh or the spirit? For walking after the Spirit equals no condemnation, which equals justification. For the foundation of our justification rests in Christ’s death in obedience to the Father; yet the procuring of our justification comes to us via His Resurrected Spirit. Again, Jesus was delivered for our offenses, yet raised for our justification. With these truths, and what Jesus told the disciples before He was crucified, we can discover why and how His resurrection works toward our justification.

John 16:7 – …I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you. 8 And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:  10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you see Me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth: for He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify Me: for He shall receive of Mine, and shall show it unto you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore, did I say that He shall take of Mine and shall show it unto you.

How could we walk after the Spirit of Truth if Jesus (who is the Truth) had not risen from the dead? But since Jesus did rise from the dead, He sent His Spirit specifically to lead those who would follow Him into all truth. Therefore, if we walk after His Spirit by obediently following, are we not walking and living as did Jesus Christ?

John 5:19 – Then answered Jesus and said unto them, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do: for whatsoever things He does, these also the Son does likewise.”

As Christians, we are called to walk even as Christ walked, yet we can only do so by the empowering of His Spirit abiding within us. Therefore, if we are so doing His will, who then can condemn us? For it is He that justifies us in what we do because of our FAITHfulness; yet He could not place His resurrected empowering Spirit within us without the foundation of our atonement purchased through His death.

Romans 8:9 – But you [the true Christian following Christ] are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man has not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead [or will die and be replaced] because of sin; but the spirit is [alive] life [*and will be clothed with a new body with immortality] because of righteousness.  11 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 [empower] your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwells in you.  12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, [but debtors] not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, [but debtors to His Spirit within us]. 13 For if you live after the flesh, you shall die: but if you [being a debtor unto Christ] through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.

* (RSV) Romans 8:10 – But if Christ is in you, although your bodies are dead because of sin, your spirits are alive because of righteousness.

* II Corinthians 5:1 – For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle [our body] were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we [our spirit] shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.

*I Corinthians 15:47 – The first man [Adam] is of the earth, earthy: the second man [Jesus] 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.

*I Corinthians 15:52 – In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Thus, for us to become His “glorious church,” it is both a necessity and Christ’s desire that we are transformed and renewed in our minds so that in this life we might become partakers of the divine nature revealed to us through His incarnation.

John 1:14 – And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

I Peter 1:21 – Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 Seeing you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently.

II Peter 1:3 – According as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the [faithful] acknowledgment of Him that has called us to glory and virtue:  4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by them you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

However, we can only be so changed by yielding to and walking after the Spirit of Christ; only then can He cause the fullness of His stature to be formed in us if we faithfully walk according to the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus. This is the call to be “overcomers” that Jesus admonished the believers of the seven churches in Revelation to become, and in so doing inherit all the promises given therein.

  • Scope or extent: “…not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing…”

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:  7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my grace 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness [holiness; divine nature], which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

  • Expectation: “…but that it should be holy and without blemish.”

The glorious news of the Gospel is that God gave us His Son that we might be forgiven and freed from our sins, thus suitable for the indwelling of His Holy Spirit to teach, lead, and enable us in the understanding and execution of His will, that the very divine nature of His Son might be formed in us. For there is no other way for us to be holy even as He is holy.

Ephesians 4:13 – Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

 “Unity of the faith”; works of righteousness, to fruit unto holiness, to unity with God and all other holy beings. All only through Jesus Christ’s atonement and Spirit working within us to bring us unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

I Peter 1:3 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you… 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15 But as He which has called you is holy, so be you holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be you holy for I am holy.

We must be holy, because God is holy. But this holiness is not just imputed holiness such as that which was attributed to inanimate objects like the utensils used in priestly duties within the tabernacle and temple. No, this holiness is the virtue of the Spirit that is to grow in our lives via our labor of love and faithful obedience to our Saviour. Now before reacting to all this sounding like salvation by works, read the following passage.

Romans 6:16 – Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, His servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as you have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had you then in those things whereof you are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. 22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

The evidence of the resurrected Christ’s Spirit working in us is that we having been “made free from sin” have “become servants to God” and thus have “fruit unto holiness;” the end of which is “everlasting life.” This is the reason why Jesus warned His disciples that “except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Their righteousness was not yielded His Spirit, nor their fruit unto holiness, for “they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and [were therefore] going about to establish their own righteousness, having not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.”

Yet for us who believe, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believe” because He being the Lamb of God became our propitiation and the securer of our atonement, that He might dwell in us by His Spirit; not just so we can be forgiven, but that we could become justified and partakers of His very nature.

II Peter 1:3 – According as His divine power has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that has called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the earnest expectation of Jesus Christ for all wives and husbands; for this is His earnest expectation for His Bride, that she should be “holy and without blemish.”  Then shall it be said of them, “These are they that feared Him and faithfully served Him. These are the overcomers. These are the holy people of God.”

Revelation 21:3 – And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6 And He said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7 He that overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.

Malachi 3:16 – Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name. 17 And they shall be Mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that served him. 18 Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that served God and him that served Him not.

 

God’s people need to redeem the time and settle it in their hearts to be the living sacrifices that God’s called us to. We are not our own, we have been bought with a price so that we can literally be the Children of God and partake of all His divine virtues. So whether we are wives, husbands, daughters, sons, servants, masters, bond or free, let us serve our Redeemer acceptably. The Lamb deserves His full reward.

Live for the King!

 

Note: I am working on the letters to the seven churches and I hope to post soon. Stay blessable, on fire, and unburnable.

Black and White

Posted: December 27, 2017 in Shared Thoughts
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Black and White.

There is a sharp and blaring contrast that divides the blackness of the deceitfulness of sin from the bright white of truth which alone serves as a sure foundation for virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, kindness, godliness, and charity, or the defining characteristics of true and living righteousness which comes through faith in, and faithfulness to, the living God. For faith without faithfulness is merely a personal deception.

When men fail to see the sharp and distinct line, which is unmistakable to the seeing, it is for one of two reasons. Either they are ignorant or they have allowed their own hearts for self-serving reasons to mingle the two together. Like it or not, only in Truth can men truly be free. But that becomes the defining point of when, where, and why evil in the hearts of men compel them to reject the truth of what freedom is, triggering in them a desperate need to redefine it into something it is not.

Black and White Gradient

Freedom is not the liberty to do whatsoever one may want, for in a world where two or more motivations exist, strife and contention would abound and anarchy would rule. No, true freedom exists in the knowledge and ability to do what pleases the Creator who established harmony and not chaos, by defining righteousness as opposed to the unrighteousness of sin. Thus freedom is the “white” power of knowledge and understanding that clearly exposes the “black” deception that kills through sin. It is an understanding that empowers one to walk in righteousness, living by and through oneness with God. But this freedom, true freedom, is only obtainable through a surrendered heart to Jesus who redeems men from sin.

Jesus warned us, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” That narrow path can only be navigated when one sees the sharp contrast that divides the blackness of the deceitfulness of sin from the bright white of truth, for when they are allowed to be mingled in a doubled minded heart, man will always walk in the grey thickness of fog and lose their ability to see whether the ground upon which they stand is surefooting or not.

Therefore, let him who thinks he is safe where he stands take heed lest he fall. For in Christ, everything falls to one side or the other, into the white or the black. There is nothing neutral, nothing, where things of God and the things of the world have merged together into agreement and harmony.  Such is why we pray, “Lead me not into temptation” and “Deliver us from evil,” for unless He guides us by His Spirit of Truth we will surely fall.

This is why we are warned, “There is a way that seems right to man, but the end of it is death.” If you have to ask, or make feeble attempts to defend things in your life with the age old argument of “What is wrong with…?” Then you probably are already deep into the grey fog and should stop and pray that God might graciously restore you to the path of righteousness. For only there can you answer with conviction of truth “What is right with” what you are saying and doing.

Does this offend you? If so you need to ask yourself why.

Fog

.“The one who is not with Me is against Me, and the one who does not gather with Me scatters.”

The Strait Gate

Posted: November 3, 2017 in Shared Thoughts, Uncategorized, Wake Up!
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Jesus taught us that “all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.” This is one of the great distinctions from those of other belief systems clarified by Jesus’ teachings on the oracles of God. Many religions out there aggressively preach messages of constraint, i.e., don’t treat people the way you don’t want to be treated. Often such religions and institutes affix to their messages oppressive obligations of repetitious prayer, have vain ceremonies and require their followers to maintain a cultural appearance of (perceived) piety.

Here Jesus takes us immediately into servitude to others, “Do for others what you would want them to do for you.” All those out there who continually harp on the difference between the law and grace, they would do well to pause and consider Jesus words here “for this is the law and the prophets.” Jesus wasn’t throwing away the law and saying, “From now on, this is what we do.” He was actually warning everyone not to get caught up in mere religion, that this is what God has always really required.

In the Old Testament when Balak, king of Moab, consulted with Balaam what he needed to do that he might know the righteousness of the LORD. Being ignorant to the righteousness of God, he asked what was it he had to give. Listen to his question and Balaam’s reply –

 Micah 6:6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? Should  I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?  7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?  8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what the LORD requires of you, do justly and love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.

Sadly, because the churches are no longer teaching from the whole Bible, many people nowadays fail to understand the distinction between the two separate aspects of “The Law,” that part which was fulfilled and done away with, and that part of which not one jot or tittle will pass away until after all is fulfilled.  Let’s look at Jesus words –

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Transplanted…

Posted: October 28, 2017 in Shared Thoughts
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Just a quick observation while reading Psalm 1 –

1 – Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper.
4  The ungodly are not so…

It is both interesting and noteworthy that the Hebrew word “planted” in verse 3 actually has the suggestion of being “trans-planted.” In Psalm one, we see it as the grace and mercy of God literally taking the sinner, who was living in a parched placed and deprived of the refreshing grace and mercies of God, being now transplanted “by the rivers of water, that [the “sinner” now having been made “saint” may] bring forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither.”

All this we know from the first 2 verses is true, the rebellious sinner repented and now having affection gives glory to his God. For clearly, such affection has one who has acknowledged his sins and turned from them; and now being upright of heart hungers and thirsts for God’s righteousness. This is incontestably evident in that his “delight is in the law of the LORD” and by his separation from the sinners among whom he did once walk, stand, and sit.

But please, bear with me as I ask for your consideration, should we preach only the goodness of God and not the severity? No, God forbid. May we never so fail as to not give the whole counsel of God to sinner and saints alike.

Romans 11:21 – For if God did not spare the natural branches, know then that He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness. That is if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Please note that huge word, I dare say even the biggest word found in Holy Writ (apart from the various holy names given of our God and Savior). That word being “if,” signifying a term or condition not unlike all those in Deuteronomy 28, or I John 1:7,8. For where there is an “if” there is always a “then” –

I John 1:7 -But IF we walk in the light as He is in the light, [then] we [us and God] have fellowship with one another, and [then] the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 IF we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

For I often tell people, it does not matter how powerful the detergent is you take down to the pig pen, you will never get the pig clean until you take them out of the mud. All you accomplish is making the mud sudsy and wasting the detergent. Grant it, you might manage to get a few pigs to tear up from the soap in their eyes, but a “crying pig” doesn’t translate to a “clean pig.” Therefore, we must acknowledge our sins for what they are, an offensive odor in the nostrils of God and assault on His sovereignty. Only then, after we have confessed our sin in wholehearted agreement with His righteousness, will He forgive us and free us from its bondage so we can begin to walk Him and learn of Him.

We see all this in God’s desire to “trans-plant” His people who cried out unto Him, out of their slavery in Egypt and plant them in the Promise Land. Hence also, Jesus exhortation for us to take His yoke upon us that we might walk with Him, learn of Him, and ultimately become like Him; meek and lowly of heart. But, with many of those, who by the blood of the lamb to the door posts and lintel, that were brought out and baptized unto Moses in both the cloud (spirit) and the Red Sea (water), that many of them still failed to enter in because of their unbelief and murmuring hearts. “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11.

So, is there a flipside to this being “transplanted,” where contrasting with the goodness of God we can see His severity? Yes.

Ezekiel 19:10 – Thy mother was like a vine in thy blood, planted by the waters: she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters. 11 And she had strong rods for the sceptres of them that bare rule, and her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches. 12 But SHE WAS PLUCKED UP in fury, she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit: her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them. 13 AND NOW SHE IS PLANTED IN THE WILDERNESS, in a dry and thirsty ground.

Brothers and sisters, our joy in the Lord is inseparable from our fear of Him; for it is based on the unchanging truth that God will do all that He has said. It is like one coin with two sides; joy/fear. One side with judgement that leads to mercy; hence goodness and joy. The other side being judgment that leads to His wrath for having His goodness and forbearance frustrated. Hence, fear and severity of judgment.

It is an incredible thing to fall into the mighty hand of God, for He alone can save men from their sins and enemies. But we must never forget, our God is a consuming fire. So beware of the divine end-time delusion sent upon the religious hypocrites which have no true delight in the law of the Lord; but rather delightfully walk in the ungodly counsel of false teachers, and stand with popular heretics who not only fear not God, but arrogantly sit in scorning judgment against the righteous.

Isa 66:4 – I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did evil before Mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not. 5 Hear the word of the LORD, you that tremble at His word; Your [false] brethren that hated you, that cast you out for My name’s sake, saying, “Let the LORD be glorified.” But He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Malachi 3:15 – And now to us the men of pride seem happy; yes, the evil-doers are doing well; they put God to the test and are safe. 16 Then those in whom was the fear of the Lord had talk together: and the Lord gave ear, and it was recorded in a book to be kept in mind before Him, for those who had the fear of the Lord and gave thought to His name. 17 And they will be mine, says the Lord, in the day when I make them My special property; and I will have mercy on them as a man has mercy on his son who is his servant. 18 Then you will again see how the upright man is different from the sinner, and the servant of God from him who is not.

 

Bottom line? Prove all things and live for the Resurrected King of Glory… it will make it easier to die for Him.

 

Are Christians Truly Only “Wretched Men?”

Posted: October 14, 2017 in Devotionals, Shared Thoughts, Wake Up!
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There was a time when I honestly thought I was a Christian, meaning, that I was a real “follower of Christ.” But like so many others professing Christ nowadays, I believed what so many religious leaders nowadays teach as the Christian’s dilemma, that we will always be stuck in doing those things we hate and many times completely unable to do those right things we want. My question was and still is, just how is that being “free indeed?”

John 8:31 – Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed ;32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Romans 7:19 – For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.  21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.  22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:  23 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.  24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

So, how are we supposed to reconcile those words of the Apostle Paul with the words of Jesus? Are we “wretched men,” or are we “free indeed?” Like so many, I was taught that Bible states sin was in me, and therefore, evil was always going to present with me. Thus, like Paul himself supposedly admitted, I too was always going to be sinning, and that like it or not, I am therefore incapable of ever becoming the person I pray to in Christ. That if I want any real peace of mind and heart, I just needed to accept all that as fact and quit being so hard on myself’ I simply need to just accept who I was “in Christ,” otherwise I would never have any peace. To this day I am continuing meet believers who wholly accepted it as sound doctrinal fact  and therefore teach it as so. Consequently, many of these have absolutely no real motivation to be “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” To me, that is both alarming and frightening, since without holiness no man shall see God on favorable terms.

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Holding the truth in love

Posted: October 2, 2017 in Shared Thoughts
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Many sincere Christians have been provoked into righteous indignation by those who reduce what Paul referred to as “the Power of God unto salvation,” the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to nothing more than mere theology. In doing so they rendered it a non-effectual redemption message, because it allows people to hear about God in the flesh dying on the cross for their sins without clarifying the necessities and biblical requirements for a personal willingness to change, obey, follow, and even die to self.

When for the sake of “unity” and “harmony,” true believers make concessions with others  who make a profession of Christ, they allow the Gospel of Jesus Christ is reduced to a mere theology. However, the end result can only be that people will most likely just become members of a congregation rather than maturing members of the Body of Christ. What a snare we fall into when men care about people’s feelings and how big, “successful” and “growing” the congregation is growing, if the precepts of righteousness are having to be cast aside, the Kingdom of God is neglected, and the righteousness of God is not being properly adorn by the body of Christ?

The answer is, carnal people care, people seeking acceptance by other people care, selfish and egotistical people care.

The purpose God has committed the Gospel into the hands of His people is that they might bring the glory due His name through its power to set captives free. However, it is the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH of the Gospel that sets men free. For if a person truly believes and obeys the Gospel, it places them in the “congregation of the righteous” and makes them members of the Body of Christ. Thus, true Christians are to be as the Apostle Paul said “faithful stewards” of the Gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:1 – Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1 Peter 4:17 – For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

Yet, today there are many liberal preachers who are growing mega churches by generating feel-good-about-yourself religious social centers. Such men, and the growing number of women preachers too, are guilty of allowing the biblical requirements of true discipleship to become lost or discarded historical facts instead of present-day necessities for godly Christian lifestyles and fellowship with God.

John 8:31 – Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If you continue in My word, then are you My disciples indeed; 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33 They answered Him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: why do You say, You shall be made free? 34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abides not in the house for ever: but the Son abides ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed.

Luke 14:27 – And whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple.

Unless believers become true disciples of Christ, (or willingly come under the discipline and chastisement of Christ,) we are not children of God, but bastards (Heb. 12:5-8). Now this is not merely my personal commentary or opinion; this is what the Word of God says, and if we are not disciples, then we’re bastards which have no rightful inheritance to God or His Kingdom.

Hebrew 12:5 – And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks unto you as unto children, My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked of Him: 6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He scourges every son whom He receives. 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the Father chastens not? 8 But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are you bastards and not sons.

Now consider also these words –

Matthew 23:13 – But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for you neither go in yourselves, neither suffer you them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore you shall receive the greater damnation. 15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

In Jesus’ statement, we can sense His disgust towards the hypocrisy of that the leaders of that present day religious system. It was a corrupt system whose leaders were failing as mediators and intercessors for people unto God, and that because its primary concern was to further their ministries at the expense of other people who were seeking God. Listen carefully to the certain fate of such hypocrites who keep back the truth – theirs is a greater damnation. And please, don’t be so naive as to think that the same hypocritical system isn’t flourishing today in the world’s present religious systems?

Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ who find themselves frustrated with this facade of Christianity being promoted by this pseudo religious system should find some relief in those words of Jesus that such “shall receive the greater damnation.” Although God is indeed long-suffering with the misplaced sincerity of the ignorant, He is “angry with the wicked every day” (Psalm 7:11). “For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be” (Psalm 37:9, 10).

While true believers will often be provoked to anger by these hypocrites who keep others from coming to a saving knowledge of the truth, God’s word tells us not to “fret” over these wicked, (Psalm 37:7).

Psalm 37:7 – Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

However, we must not “give place to the devil” in our frustrations.

Ephesians 4:26 – Be you angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil.

We give place to the devil is we engage in open slander or attack these hypocrites in a personal manner. That is not to say we shouldn’t mark these people as those “transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, [and therefore] have not God” (II John 9). But we need to be cautious because there is a point when flippant comments become nothing more than a person attack on others. At that point, such words not only cease to benefit the body of Christ, they can and often do cause damage to those who are young in the Lord.

Therefore, don’t neglect your responsibilities as a mature Christian to both God and His Church. As true believers and disciples of Christ we must both in wisdom and with restraint “mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). BUT careful not to do so with any form of self-gratifying, personal vengeance such as slander or even an abusive rebuttal — even though you are correct. Truth must never to be used as a means of personal vengeance for the enemies of the Gospel are actually opposed to Jesus, not us. Their seeming opposition to us is only because they in opposition to the true God – just as they should only receive you IF they truly receive Jesus.

Jesus said, “If the world hate you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love his own: but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for My name’s sake, because they know not Him that sent Me” (John 15:18-21).

We must hold forth the truth in love and only use it as a weapon “against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). We are never to use the truth to viciously lash out at flesh and blood. Yes, many who hear it will discover the truth is in opposition to what they are doing, but we should never stand in physical opposition waving as it were the truth as a sword in the face of our neighbors. Remember, the truth is for men is intended to be a lamp unto their feet and a light for their path. For it is given to be the power of God unto salvation for those that believe  and follow it. It is meant to bring life through redemption and deliverance available in Jesus Christ.

Therefore, let’s earnestly, yet humbly, contend for the faith and expel the lies by presenting the truth in love for the King who has saved us, and in love for those who have yet to hear and believe.

Live for the King!

 

 

Walking with God – Richard Baxter

Posted: August 8, 2017 in Shared Thoughts
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Are you looking to improve your walking with God?

Here is an old book called “Walking with God” well worth reading. It was written Richard Baxter and first published in 1825. I had ordered this book since I was familiar with Richard Baxter’s work, having read “The Reformed Pastor,” a book which in my opinion is a must read for every man who has taken to himself the position of a “pastor,” or aspiring to be a leader or watchman in the church.

1Timothy 3:1 – This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

However, when I got my copy of “Walking with God,” the print was very small and poor, making it difficult to read. So, I determinedly searched, found, and downloaded the book in order to have ease of reading. Naturally, the book, due to its era of being written utilized words and scriptural references in archaic formats, which I have no issue with. But wanting to make the book available to others which might be burden down by such, I slightly edited these aspects so as to provide family members, friends, and other readers a more contemporary format. Don’t worry, the book is in common domain.

Examples of editing: knocketh/knocks;  obeyeth/obeys;  shalt/shall;  seeketh/seeks;  saith/said/says; etc., etc.

Again, I lightly edited the book solely for added ease of reading and studying and can assure you that Richard Baxter’s original message and intent remains spiritually unchanged, solid, and intact. I know this book will greatly benefit, convict, instruct, challenge, and generally will just greatly bless anyone truly desiring more “meat” in their spiritual diet.

You should be able to download the PDF to your own device for further convenience.

WALKING WITH GOD

Format for your iPhone or other smart phones.

WALKING WITH GOD for Phone

Enjoy!

Hallowed Be Thy Name

Posted: July 30, 2017 in Uncategorized
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A timely re-share:

Hallowed Be Thy Name

This was a message God laid on my heart concerning the deity of Jesus the Christ, the Lord’s Prayer and its exhortation for us to petition that God’s name to be hallowed, revered and feared in this fallen world. God’s people need to recognize the necessity to daily seek first His kingdom and righteousness while the long-suffering of God’s waits as with one hand he holds His love and mercy while with the other hand holding back His coming wrath and judgment on a wicked world.



If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ…

Posted: July 15, 2017 in Shared Thoughts
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A short sermon I preached from about 5 years ago…

 
“If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.” (1 Corinthians 16:22)

Why God Created Us Male And Female

Posted: July 10, 2017 in Shared Thoughts, Study!
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Whom shall God teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand doctrine? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breast. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little. (Isaiah 28:9, 10)

In order for anyone to understand anything, they must first be made aware of some basic principles. In math, for instance, one could not very well understand multiplication without first understanding addition.

True understanding can only come from knowledge founded upon God’s precepts. Therefore, this post is an effort to present those precepts that are necessary to know in order to understand the role of male and female, and “why” God created us such.

God created humanity to be both male and female so they could “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” In Titus chapter 2 there are many examples for this are given, husbands and wives, masters and servants, and the young with their elders. We can especially see it in children honoring and obeying their parents according to the commandment, the only commandment with a promise, and that of a long life, and the way it easily reflects how we as God’s children through our faith do honor and obey Him and likewise have the promise of eternal life.

To begin, we must first acknowledge how it was the male who was first created in the image of God with a position on the earth similar to God in the heaven. Even nowadays, when in a right relationship with God, a man will faithfully represent God in all his dealings, both in his own household and with his neighbor.

Since true love and commitment must be of one’s free will, God designed humanity with the ability to choose to be either His glory or His shame in the earth. When a man (male) humbles himself and chooses to submit to the precepts of God, he becomes the glory of God in the earth. His life will then both affirm and reflect both the righteous judgments and attributes of God.

Next, we need to acknowledge how the Bible teaches that the foundation for woman was taken from man and then perfectly made for the man. By God’s Royal design the woman should be to man what man was meant to be to God, his glory.

“But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man,” (1Co 11:3-9).

Since woman was created for the man, when a woman aligns her life with the principles that God established to guide the role of a wife, she truly does becomes the glory of her husband. However, if she rejects God’s order and challenges her husband’s position of authority as established by God, it only results in her becoming a shame unto him, for as it says in Proverbs, “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that makes ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.”

When a woman is resolved in her heart to serve God by faithfully tending to her husband’s home and personal needs, she then represents that part of humanity (the true church) which has resolved to fear God and to keep his commandments. “This is the whole duty of man,” (Eccl. 12:13). Through her relationship with her husband the righteous woman literally preaches through her actions and life to all humanity the personal relationship God desires each of us to have with Him. The proof of our love is absolute trust and submission. The result of our love will be true and total intimacy.

In Ephesians we see how our role of man and woman, husband and wife proclaim the gospel.

“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, EVEN AS Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify it and cleanse it by the washing of the water by the word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious church. Not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth it and cherisheth it, EVEN AS THE LORD THE CHURCH. For we are member of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.” (Ephesians 5:22-30)

At this point I believe it would be profitable for the sake everyone’s understanding the point I am trying to make to go to Genesis.

“So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He HIM, male and female created He them. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and the man became a living soul. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and the Lord God took the man and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat of it: for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a help meet.’ And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called each living creature, that was the name thereof. But for Adam there was not found a help meet for him. And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and God took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof. And the rib which the Lord God had taken FROM MAN made He a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is bone of MY BONES [not God’s], and flesh of MY FLESH: she shall be called woman, BECAUSE she was TAKEN OUT OF MAN.”

By these scriptures we can see it was the man, who was created in the image of God, and is symbolic of God. It is also very important to point out here that, while even in the midst of a creation full of living creatures, man was alone. The woman was taken FROM man and is for the man. Therefore, if man is symbolic of God, the woman is symbolic of humanity and should rightly represent humanity.

But here is a question that needs to be asked, why didn’t God create man and woman at the same time?  No doubt God could foresee Adam’s need. Why therefore was woman taken from man and not made from the dust like man?

Because it was God’s intention to placed the male in a position parallel to His own–with an authority over his (man’s) kingdom and alone with no suitable mate. God did this so Adam could identify with God, both positionally and emotionally. God brought all the animals to Adam not only to name them, but so he could see that among all of them there was no suitable helper for him. Because God in His realm of the heavens, like Adam in the earth below, found none among the angelic beings suitable to be His helper. It was only after Adam realized just how alone he was, after his naming all those animals, that God finally created for him the woman. From a place close to his heart woman was taken. For it was man’s heart, and not his strength, that was incomplete.

The creation of humanity was prompted out of a yearning of God’s heart for His own bride, a suitable helper and mate. Adam being created first and living among all the animals alone, and then God creating Eve gives us a great picture into the whole divine purpose of humanity and why we must be holy. It even reveals why the greatest commandment God has ever given to man is to love God with all his heart, soul, strength, with the entire essence of man’s being, for this is the same commitment God requires a wife to have toward her husband. For the husband, God’s requirements are that he loves, protect, cherish and provide for her, honoring her as the weaker of the two, for such is God’s commitment toward man. “Therefore” as both Adam prophesied and Paul wrote, “for this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24, Eph. 5:3 1).

Becoming “one flesh” reflects the merging of two hearts and minds in an endeavor to live as one through the covenant of marriage. This covenant is sealed and confirmed by the physical joining of a man and woman together through sexual intimacy. By Royal design the male and female bodies fit together as one, with the male (representing God) entering into the female (representing humanity), face to face and heart to heart. Then the man imparts his corruptible (able to perish) seed into the woman and life springs forth. But God causes us to be “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” Yet this union of male and female is lawful only when the two have agreed to enter into a covenant, for better or worse, to be mutually committed to each other for the rest of their lives.

Humanity’s union with God can only be obtained alter there’s a heart resolve to serve God, as God has instructed the woman to serve her husband (Gen. 3:16). Without a commitment to pick up our cross and deny ourselves daily, we cannot be His disciples; true oneness can never be obtained.

The importance of this commitment was given by Jesus Himself, “He that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him and will manifest Myself unto him and We will come and make Our abode with him” (John 14:21,23).

Jesus said” “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many [so-called Christians] will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you, depart from me ye that worked iniquity”‘ (Matthew 7:21-23).

Should Jesus one day say to us, “I never knew you,” He won’t be saying, “I’m sorry, I don’t believe I’ve made your acquaintance.” Jesus knows every person who has ever lived and has all the hairs on our heads numbered. What Jesus meant by “knew” was “total intimacy and oneness”. It’s in this manner that the Bible refers to how Joseph “knew” not Mary till alter Jesus was born Matthew 1:25).

We know this intimacy (spiritually) is Jesus’ desire by His prayer to the Father –

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they ALL may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be ONE IN US, that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou hast given Me [the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit] I have given them; that they may be one, EVEN AS we are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in oneness]; that the world know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, even as We are one,” (John 17:20-23).

In regards to the marriage of man and women we do well to remember that their intimate sexual union is only a shadow of the greater spiritual intimacy God desires. The intimacy God desires with His church is infinitely greater and rewarding than a man and women’s mere physical union of flesh because it’s the fulfillment of God’s desire and man’s purpose. In Ephesians we see this confirmed, “A man . . . shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall be ONE flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning (Jesus) Christ and the church!!!” (Eph. 5:31, 32).

Because of the churches their failure to clearly teach the righteous precepts of God and just saying “no sex before marriage” that few nowadays realize what it is sexual intimacy prophetically represents and why exactly God hates fornication, or “free sex.” Fornication is man’s vain attempt to satisfy that void without making a commitment which can only be satisfied by God Himself. Nevertheless, humanity foolishly attempts to satisfy that void through their sexual misconduct, or as they profess, “their sexual liberties.”

Because man’s true needs are spiritual, and not physical, his sexual endeavors can never accomplish more than a momentary gratification of his flesh. His sin will only worsen his state while true need remains unfulfilled. Therefore, his momentary gratification soon fades and he returns to his unsatisfied condition. Like an addict, seduced by today’s reprobate morality, man becomes a hopeless slave to this vicious cycle.

Yet, like the scriptures ask us, “Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals and his feet not be burned?” Can a man be fulfilled by casual sex with another which no commitment? No. Not only does he commit sin by neglecting God’s precepts, but he then becomes accountable for contributing to the other person’s sins as well.

One major problem preachers have had in presenting AIDS as the judgment of God when it first became an epidemic was the lack of infection in the female homosexual community. Way back in 1988 a lesbian wrote to a religious columnist pointing out Romans 1:26: “Even their women exchanged the natural relations for unnatural ones.” She then asked, “If AIDS is the judgment of God, then why are there so few reported cases of AIDS among us?” This was a question which stumped both the columnist and me as well for some time. But God is faithful and He’ll enlighten any man who diligently seeks understanding. Just let him ask God with the intention of embracing His wisdom and faithfully obeying it, (James 1:5-7).

To understand and explain the error in the homosexual’s sin it is necessary to review so as to understand the true purpose for God creating man. Otherwise we will never recognize that the sin God is judging is not the homosexual’s sexual perversion, rather it’s their misrepresentation of God as men created in His image. Likewise the lesbian’s error is their failure, as women, to represent the church’s uncompromising love for God by their lack of affection to the male.

Romans chapter 1 exposes the foundation of the homosexual’s of error in sin.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men [the male part of the species], who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, BECAUSE WHAT MAY BE KNOWN OF GOD IS [is to] MANIFEST IN THEM [the male], for God has shown it to [or through] them. For the invisible things of Him [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made [the male and female roles], even [God and] His eternal power and Godhead [are made apparent], so that they [male and female] are without excuse: because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were they thankful [for the glorious life God gave them and called them to], but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing themselves to be wise they became fools, and CHANGED THE GLORY OF THE INCORRUPTIBLE GOD into an image made like corruptible man and birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies between themselves, who changed the TRUTH OF GOD INTO A LIE, AND WORSHIPED AND SERVED THE CREATURE MORE THAN THE CREATOR, who is blessed forever. Amen,” (Romans 1:18-25).

The “truth of God” that males homosexuality changed into a lie is how “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). God loves the world so much He gave His only Son to die for its redemption. Yet when men reject their natural passion for women and turn to other men to satisfy their God given desire for “oneness through intimacy,” their actions present to the world the lie that “God has no affection for humanity! God only loves Himself!” This is blasphemy!!!

There’s no greater love than a man laying his life down for his friends, and Jesus laid down His life on the cross for all humanity; homosexual, straight, black, white, and green!! There is no greater love anywhere than God’s love or His commitment to man!!!

“For this cause God gave them [men] up unto vile passions: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another; men with men working that which is unseemly [anal intercourse], and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet,” (Romans 1:26,27).

Again, the error of the homosexual is not their profane method of sexual intercourse. That is only a “fruit” of their error. The “root” is their failure to correctly represent God as a lover of the weaker vessel. By Royal design, man’s role in life is to be that of affectionate concern for woman–loving her, cherishing her, protecting and providing for her. The woman in turn, is to return her love through willful and uncompromising service to the man, even as unto the Lord, thus adorning “the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

Homosexuals fail in all these areas. But that still doesn’t explain why the female counterparts of the homosexual community have not contracted AIDS in like proportion, if indeed AIDS is a judgment of God.

Let’s review Romans 1:20: “For the invisible things… are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are…” Now please bear with me, I’m not taking this scripture out of context, rather I’m using the principle of the scripture for understanding. The principle is this; a man (male) when in a right relationship with God will be a righteous representation of God in the earth. This will be evident by his effectiveness as both a covering and instructor of righteousness to his wife and children. The woman, in turn, will happily love her husband with submissive service. The children, if properly instructed in righteousness from their youth, will not depart from it when they grow old (Proverbs 22:6).

However, when men who are to be the image and glory of God, reject God as their covering and forsake the natural affection they should have toward God–then “even their women” will “change the natural use into that which is against nature.” Although bearing like fruit of error, the female’s error is merely evidence of the man’s. And yet, though the man’s error may blasphemously misrepresent God, the lesbian’s life-style sadly proclaims the truth about humanity, they have become lovers of their own selves instead of lovers of God! On the other hand, God does not afflict the lesbian because in the midst of her sin she does accurately represent today’s mass of humanity.

Still, it is very important that as Christians we understand that AIDS is God’s judgment and not His wrath, there is a difference. God has so judged the male homosexual for the reproach they’ve brought to God’s glory, both on earth and in heaven. The fallen angels rejoice at the lie of the homosexual’s lifestyle, mocking and accusing God of being a lover of “self” more than a lover of humanity.

Nevertheless God stands justified. Yes, “great is the mystery of godliness; God was manifested in the flesh [and became obedient to His own precepts of righteousness, even to the death of the cross redeeming humanity back to Himself. By the cross, [God] was justified [of angelic and human accusation] in the Spirit, [His unselfish love was confirmed by His death] seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, [because God loves man so much, He left His throne to become clothed with human flesh to die for our redemption and therefore He was] received up into glory!” (I Timothy 3:16).

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Eph. 3:8-11).

“Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into,” (II Pet. 1:2).

I know by now those who have read this far are asking the question, “If AIDS is the judgment of God on the homosexual, then why do heterosexuals get AIDS?” The answer is found in II John 6-11.

“And this is love, that we walk after His commandment. This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed): for he that biddeth him God speed is a partaker of his evil deeds.”

When liberal minded heterosexuals stand up for the “rights” of homosexuals who improperly “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior,” they too will be identified with the homosexuals. We cannot stand up for the unrighteousness of the wicked and still stand with Jesus. The two are opposed to each other. We are either with and for Jesus, or we’re against Him.

God has allowed AIDS to take its course in the heterosexual populace because they demanded their government to “protect” the “rights” of homosexuals. God has warned us, “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Nevertheless, there are in fact many AIDS patients who are indeed truly victims, just like the casualty of a Red Cross worker in a war zone. They are not at fault; rather they are victims of another man’s sin. God knows it and will do what is right by the victim.

Still, we must be careful how we sympathize with those whose affliction of AIDS is brought on by their sin. While we are always to be compassionate and labor in love to recover the sinner back to God, sympathy can cause us to feel that their affliction is unfair. Remember, God in His righteousness has rewarded the sinner according to their sin. To side with the sinner in feeling that their “reward” is unfair would foolishly put us in the position of judging God. With God there is no “fair” or “unfair,” only justice and mercy. Let us always be compassionate to all men, but let us reserve our sympathy for the true victims of the HIV virus, the hemophiliac, the health care worker, the policeman, the patient infected because of a HIV positive doctor or dentist, etc.

Nevertheless, we must be compassionate, for compassion has divine redemptive qualities. With AIDS, effective compassion can only be a humble presentation of the truth, that they might see their error, repent, and be reconciled to God. “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,” (Tim. 2:25,26).

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, which walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart! They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. You have commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Oh, that my ways were directed to keep your statutes! Then would I not be ashamed, when I look into all your commandments. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Thy word. With my whole heart I have sought you; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against You, (Psalm 119:1-6, 9-11).

Live for the King!

Jesus Christ the man

Posted: April 29, 2017 in Shared Thoughts
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Christ in you, the hope of glory.

What does it mean, Jesus went and preached unto the spirits in prison?

Posted: April 16, 2017 in Deity of Jesus Christ, Shared Thoughts
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It’s that time of year again when beleivers celebrate the Lord’s resurrection and the events ocurring there about. One of the techings that seems connected with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is how “he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” However, many believers miss what Peter was actually referring to in that verse, and that my firends is the topic of this post. But first, let’s start this topic off with looking at a few verses concerning God’s prophets and the Spirit of Christ for some context and supportive references –

II Peter 1:21 – For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

I Peter 1:10 – Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

“Holy men of God” were “the prophets” through which “God… spoke” as they “were moved by the Holy Ghost,” and they were only speaking that which “the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify.”

Such is why the Apostle Paul made his statement to the Galatians that, as a minister of the Gospel, he was crucified with Christ and thus Christ lives in and through him. But Paul doesn’t stop with applying this principle only to himself, for later he stresses how this principle applies to all who are Christ’s. For if we are truly “in Christ Jesus,” it is only because His Spirit lives in us; and if we are ever to truly be ministering life through the Gospel, it is because Christ is ministering it through us.

Galatians 2:20 – I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.

Galatians 5:24 – 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.

For this reason, Paul testified to both the Thessalonians and the Corinthians that what he preached unto them was not merely the word of a man, but rather the very word of God. For Paul testifies what he had spoken was through the leading of the Spirit of Christ that dwelt within him.

I Thessalonians 2:13 – For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

II Corinthians 13:3 – Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you. 5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Below another passage further establishes this truth that it was Jesus Christ himself, who by His Spirit, was ministering through the prophets of old. Unfortunately, this passage has also been greatly misunderstood by many throughout the centuries. Sadly, this confusion has given way for many erroneous teachings to creep into the church about Jesus, His death, and the completeness of the work of the cross.

I Peter 3:18 – For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which [Spirit] also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

The “popular” understanding of this verse is that after Jesus died, He then went to hell and preached to the spirits/souls that were in prisoned there; and some believe and assert/teach that of those in hell that “believed” what Jesus preached unto them were then set free. Added to these interpretations are other assertions such as Jesus had to die spiritually, taste hell itself, and be born again in order to defeat the devil on his ground, all this so that Jesus could take back from the devil the keys of death and hell. All of which are false.

Many believers raised in traditional churches assume these beliefs to be credible because they lack an understanding of the scriptures and the Nicene or Apostles’ Creed they may have been compelled to memorize. For when it states that Jesus was “crucified, buried, descended into hell and rose again the third day,” they assume it means Jesus literally went to hell, the place prepared for the angels that had sinned. However, this reference to the death, burial, and resurrection which is a true tenet of the Christian faith actually refers to Jesus’ body being crucified, prepared for burial, and placed in the grave for three days after which He resurrected.

Psalms 16:10 – For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

This psalm is speaking about the physical body of Jesus not being left in the grave to decay, or “see corruption.” It is not speaking about Jesus going, either physically or spiritually, into the hell which was prepared for the devil and his fallen angels. The word here translated “hell” in English is the Hebrew word “sheol” which was used sixty-five times in the Old Testament; thirty-three times implying the “grave” and thus correctly translated.

Adding to the confusion is how many people falsely believe that Hell is the headquarters of Lucifer, when actually it is a prison God made for the fallen angels and those who would imitate their lawlessness. The fallen angels and demons are terrified of hell. For when Jesus cast out demons out of the possessed Gadarenes man, they were terrified of hell and fearfully inquired if He had come to torment them before their time by sending them there.

Matthew 8:29 – And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time?

Except for those fallen angels which were long ago cast down for their particular sins and are already bound in chains of darkness in Tartarus, the remaining principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkness of this world are still loose and share the sentiments of demons having a fear for the torment of hell, for they know this prison was created for them.

II Peter 2:4 – …God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.

Since Jesus created all things it would be foolish to assume He needed to go to hell in order to get the keys of death and hell, for He has always possessed them.

Psalms 68:20 – He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.

Revelation 1:18 – I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

One only needs to listen carefully to what Jesus is saying to correctly discern what He is not saying. For many have become so affixed by popular theology that they can only read the Holy Scriptures in the light of the theology they were taught: rather than proving their theology by the light of the scriptures.  For in Revelation 1:18, Jesus clearly says “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore.” That is because once again to “confirm the covenant” He tells us that it is He who has “the keys of hell [meaning the grave] and death.”  After His death, Jesus ripped the veil of the Temple in two and “the graves were opened.” However, it was not until after His resurrection that “many bodies of the saints… came out of the graves… and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.”

Matthew 27:50 – Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; 52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, 53 And came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Ezekiel 37:12 – Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O My people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 And shall put My spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.

While there are conflicting opinions on just who those saints were that “came out of the graves… and went into the holy city and appeared unto many,” I do not believe that these were the old patriarchal saints. The scripture plainly states that “many bodies of the saints which slept arose,” making it evident that not all of “the saints which slept arose.” Thus, I am persuaded these were probably saints who had recently died; for the patriarchal saints would not have been known by their appearance as there were no photos of them whereby the townspeople would have readily recognized them. Rather these were saints who like Lazarus were brought back to life in their mortal bodies. Incontestably, Jesus was the “firstfruits from the dead,” which means that all those who have died in faith are still awaiting the fulfillment of the covenant to be resurrected with their own glorified, immortal bodies at His return.

Hebrews 11:39 – And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

So let’s look afresh once more at that greatly misunderstood passage in I Peter and see if we cannot properly discern the apostle’s meaning.

I Peter 3:18 – For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19 By which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

First it is clear how Jesus suffered and “was put to death in the flesh,” but was then “quicken by the Spirit.” That phrase means His body was not resurrected by the power of that earthen vessel of humanity, rather by the Spirit of Christ that dwelt within. Paul had stated virtually the same thing in his Epistle to the Romans, which again can also be viewed as “confirming the covenant.”

Romans 8:11 – 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 your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Next, take notice in I Peter 3:18 how Peter states “by which also He went and preached unto the spirits in prison.”  What Peter is saying is that it was by the Spirit that Jesus once went and preached to the spirits in prison and not in His bodily form. This reveals that it was not Jesus the “Son of man” which went somewhere and preached, but rather the Spirit of Christ.”

Also, unless we pay careful attention to just whose “spirits” these are that are “in prison,” then like so many others have we too will run the risk of jumping to all sorts of erroneous conclusions; which is completely unnecessary since Peter clearly states who they are. These are the spirits of those “which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.”

Therefore, these spirits are not all the lost souls of humanity which died from the time of Adam to Christ; rather these are only the spirits of those who were alive during those the days “while the ark was a preparing.” This is an excellent example of how we must be careful not to apply content beyond what is written to the scriptures. So why then does it say it was Christ who preached to those souls which were alive in those last days of Noah while the ark was being built? Perhaps it will help to review what Peter said earlier in the context of this very epistle.

I Peter 1:10 – Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: 11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Not only was Noah a preacher of righteousness, he doubtlessly was one of these prophets Peter was referring to who preached by “the Spirit of Christ which was in” him. Thus it was Noah who preached unto them “which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,” but the people rejected what the Spirit of Christ had preached to them through the Prophet Noah and therefore they perished; their bodies decayed and returned into the earth but their “spirits” are now “in prison.”

No, Peter wasn’t saying after Jesus died that He went to hell to preach, for anyone entering into hell and offering any hope to those spirits would immediately find everyone grasping at any possibility of escape. Rather, Peter was affirming the omnipotence of Christ, that though He was a man who suffered and died in the flesh, He was much more, He was a quickening Spirit in Noah through which He warned the world that then was to flee the wrath to come, of which only the few righteous were spared while the disobedient perished.

Thus, we have a sound scriptural account of Jesus preaching before Israel was a nation or there was a Holy City of Jerusalem and Temple, even before the time of His own incarnation. Why then would we fail to believe that the Spirit of Christ will again be there in like power and authority via the Two Witnesses at the next coming end of the world which is now cresting our own horizon?

II Peter 3:5 – For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: 6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: 7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

These Two Witnesses will know exactly who they are; and by “the Spirit of Christ which is in them” they will testify in the last days how they are going be martyred and how they too, just like Jesus, will be raised from the dead. Though their ministry and testimony of Jesus the Christ will absolutely infuriate the world and most of the Jewish people, a remnant of the Jews will nonetheless believe and having been pierced in their hearts and convicted by the Sword of Truth will be watching there slain bodies and witness their resurrection from the dead. This remnant are those who will give glory unto God after their resurrection once again confirms the covenant of God, perhaps for the very last time before the whole world.

Revelation 11:7 – And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth. 11 And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. 13 And the same hour was there a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand: and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

The only way these Jews, or any one, can give glory unto God is to honor the Son, even as they would honor the Father. Thus, this remnant gives glory unto the Son as their Redeemer, Christ the Lord. The fulfillment of this will be the prophesied in-grafting of the Jews back into the vine, resulting in the completion of the angel Gabriel’s prophecy to Daniel by ushering in the fulfillment of the covenant, the resurrection of the dead.

Romans 11:15 – For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

It’s time to be looking up, for our redemption draws near…

 

(Sadly, many are completely ignorant of the extent of the various rebellions and sins of the fallen angels, including their taking daughters of men for wives and their offspring, the nephilim; a subject far too vast to cover here. I would simply recommend two books on the subject which are available online in PDF format for those interested. The first would be “The Fallen Angels and the Heroes of Mythology” by Rev. John Fleming, A.B., published in 1879. The second would be “Earth’s Earliest Ages” by G.H. Pember, published 1889.)

Why judgment must begin in the Lord’s house, with those who are called by His name.

Posted: April 2, 2017 in Devotionals, Uncategorized, Wake Up!
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A timely repost…

Sadly, what is mostly offered to the world as “The Church of Jesus Christ” is in truth nothing more than an apostate whoring religious system which, though naming the name of Jesus Christ, has succumbed to the worldly wisdom of marketing experts in order to increase their numbers. To avoid offending the attending ignorant, they eagerly embrace the latest fashionable watered down translations of Holy Writ reducing God’s word into a flimsy weapon useless against the adversary and too dull to pierce the heart of unrepentant sinners . . . many who already proudly boast in their illusion of “salvation.” Have they forgotten the warning “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life?” Or are they just so arrogant and lacking of fear?

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Worthless salt crushed under foot by men…

Posted: April 2, 2017 in End Times, Wake Up!
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Another timely repost….

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You are the salt of the earth
But if its taste goes from the salt, how will you make it salt again?
It is then good for nothing but to be put out and crushed under foot by men.

As I sat down to write this article I am heavy in spirit.  I have felt the Lord impressing upon me the severity of the judgment that about to come upon those who call themselves “Christians.” I am acutely aware of the criticism that will be directed my way by proud “born-again believers” who are claiming to be “saved by grace” that I would even dare to write this article. But I have not rushed into this article by any means; rather I have been hesitant for a while to approach the subject myself by writing knowing it places me firmly in front of the mirror whereby as we judge others, so shall we be judge. Nevertheless, my convictions to obey the Lord has set me before my keyboard praying for God’s people and humility, grace and wisdom to address this subject as the Lord would lead.

The world is as full of those professing to be Christians as the rainbow is diverse in colors and hues. Today, Christendom encompasses a contrasting spectrum of thousands of denominations from archaic orthodox churches all around the world steeped in tradition to America’s modern social lounge churches settings with couches, subdued lighting and contemporary music and music videos playing on huge screens while some cool guy or gal assures everyone of the greatness of God’s love for them “just as they are.”

Thanks to the Mother of Harlots there is no shortage of places of “worship” and even more reasons that people go to them. Some go regularly out of cultural religious obligations, while others actually go mainly for business reasons. Many people go to church solely for acceptance, though not by God but socially by others, reasoning that at church others as a minimum will have to act like they love them. The prideful go in order to feel important, so they can routinely impress others with their superior knowledge of the bible and philosophy. Then there are the patriotic church goers that go routinely simply accepting it as their religious duty and to boldly declare their faith before men though often having little true charity for others or love and faithfulness to the one they claim to serve.

Sadly, unless they repent, many of these people are destined for a rude awakening when one day they hear the Lord Jesus say unto them, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” and “I never knew you. Depart from Me for you who practice lawlessness!” Such strong words as these should sober up with fear those who claim “The Law” has been done away with “through grace,” Many of people who say such don’t even have the slightest idea what they are affirming as divine truth, and are like mimicking parrots endlessly chattering confidently their position with ignorant boldness.

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The Destruction of the Temple… Will there really be a third?

Posted: December 12, 2016 in End Times, Prophecy
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NOTE: This is an old post which still generates traffic. However, in 2015 I wrote a Book on America in Prophesy called “THE EIGHTH BEST” which was updated in 2022 and includes more info and better quality audio files, all of which you can link to the Table of Contents >HERE<
The book is free to read on line, but also available on Amazon >HERE<

Note, the following is Chapter 15 of The Eighth Beast

As was stated in Chapter 7, “after the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans under Titus, both Israel as a nation and their religion of Judaism as defined and practiced under the stringent guidelines of the Levitical Law “was not.” From that time forward it was impossible for the Jews to lawfully offer sacrifices, for the priests were killed or dispersed and the priesthood record of genealogy forever lost, and the sanctuary, the altar and the Holy of holies with all its furniture were lost or destroyed.” I believe all this was the mercy of God in His judgment towards the Jews; destroying a dead system which sole purpose was to point them to Jesus Christ, but could by no means save them. Thus the destruction of the Temple, along with all that was mandatory under the Levitical Law pertaining to the performance of its prescribed sin-offerings, sacrifices and oblations, has left the Jews obligated to look elsewhere for their salvation to be wrought by God.

Because of these things I am persuaded the words “He shall make it desolate” refers to what Jesus’ prophesied regarding the destruction of the Temple. However, this destruction of the Temple was said to be “even until the consummation,” which is a most interesting word for the translators to have elected to use. For “consummation” can literally mean two different things, as its definition can imply either the act of completing, as in fulfilling something, or the bringing it to conclusion to be no more, which are polar opposites. This is why this Hebrew word that was so translated “consummation,” has been translated in other parts of scripture to signify “a full end.”

Jeremiah 46:28 – Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a full end of all the nations whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.

Ezekiel 11:13 – And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Lord GOD! wilt thou make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

Clearly we can see that this word can be used to imply “to utterly destroy so as never to arise again.” This is verified by Nahum’s use of the word below where it was translated “an utter end.”

Nahum 1:2 – God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies. 3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. 4 He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. 5 The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. 6 Who can stand before His indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. 7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him. 8 But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue His enemies. 9 What do ye imagine against the LORD? He will make an utter end: affliction shall not rise up the second time.

Since the Hebrew word in Daniel’s vision which was translated “consummation” has elsewhere been translated a “full end” and “an utter end” to imply never to rise again, then what are we to believe regarding the destruction of the Temple which was obviously brought to “a full” and “utter end?” Ignoring all the religious chatter of religious zealots out there, the question of whether the temple will or will not be rebuilt can only be truly answered by the scriptures and not popular opinion or the goal of men.

There are two main reasons why many people believe a third temple will be built again. One reason would be because of Ezekiel’s Temple which many believers holding to the popular theology insist must be a “Third Temple.” Many of these believers confidently state that there has been no temple ever built with its descriptive size. However, Adam Clarke writes, “This is the measurement of the sanctuary, or holy of holies. This also was the exact measurement of Solomon’s Temple, see I Kings 6:20. This, and the other resemblances here, sufficiently prove that Ezekiel’s temple and that of Solomon were on the same plan; and that the latter temple was intended to be an exact resemblance of the former.”

Likewise, the commentary of Jamieson – Fausset – Brown and that of Patrick – Lowth – Whitby – Lowman, both acknowledge the dimensions of Ezekiel’s temple comparable with those of Solomon’s Temple which was destroyed fourteen years prior to Ezekiel’s vision. Regarding this issue of the temple’s size I cannot speak authoritatively. Nevertheless, there is much discord among believers who clearly have given exhaustive time endeavoring to substantiate their positions on whether Ezekiel’s temple was intended to be literally rebuilt or if it was intended to spiritually represent the Body of Christ of which the believers are said to be its “lively stones.”

Ephesians 2:21 – In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

I Peter 2:5 – Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 3:6 – But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house [temple] are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

Since Ezekiel speaks of animal sacrifices occurring in this temple, I fail to see how that could be acceptable to God in the present Christian Age, for scripture clearly reveals to us such sacrifices were but prophetic types and shadows of Christ’s sacrificial death pointing to that which was “to come.”

Colossians 2:17 – Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Hebrew 10:1 – For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5 Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me: 6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin Thou hast had no pleasure.

Plus, in light of 1st Peter 2:5 mention earlier, it is evident that the believers are now that “holy priesthood… [who] offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Which would seem to be in disparity with Ezekiel’s reference to “the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, which come near to the LORD to minister unto Him.”

Thus when considering whether God would once again permit animal sacrifices to be reinstated and routinely offered as holy offerings unto Him, the concept to many believers seems to be a radical change of direction; a going backwards towards death and not forward towards life. Such a change would appear presently to only detract from the present glory that has been wonderfully revealed in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 9:28 – So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Hebrews 10:10 – By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Christ was offered to bear the sins of many, once, and for all; that is for all sin, for all mankind, for all eternity. Providing atonement and redemption for all that would confess all their sins and repent by turning from all their wicked ways and calling upon the Lord in broken surrender and humility. But for those who refuse, the Lord is coming “To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him,” (Jude 1:15). This is the sure promise and judgment of the New Covenant; for scripture clearly states regarding the Old Covenant which was adjoined to the last temple with all its sacrifices, oblations and priests of men, “In that He saith, A new covenant He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Yet there are still those who adamantly insist a third temple must be constructed, even if it is later in the millennium; though that too disagrees with scripture.

Revelation 21:22 – And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Regretfully concerning Ezekiel’s Temple, I cannot speak with any more certainty or conviction about it except to say I do not believe it will ever literally be built as the anticipated “third temple” for the reasons mentioned and others to be addressed shortly. However, when examining the amount disagreement that exists regarding the subject, I get the sense it is a winding mystery which the Lord has not called me to solve or untangle. It is best to wait on the Lord till He sheds the light necessary to make apparent the things He has concealed.

The other main reason why people believe the Temple must be built again is because of the temple reference regarding “the man of sin… the son of perdition,” which we discussed in Chapter 2.

II Thessalonians 2:3 – Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

As was noted in Chapter 2, this temple Paul speaks of appears to be a reference to God’s people and not a structural building, as shown in an opinion which also was succinctly stated by Commentator Adam Clarke below.

“After the death of Christ the temple of Jerusalem is never called by the apostles the temple of God; and if at any time they make mention of the house or temple of God, they mean the Church in general, or every particular believer. Whoever will consult 1Co 3:16, 17; 2Co 6:16; 1Ti 3:15; Re 3:12; will want no examples to prove that, under the Gospel dispensation, the temple of God is the Church of Christ; and the man of sin sitting implies this ruling and presiding there; and sitting there as God implies his claiming Divine authority in things spiritual as well as temporal; and showing himself that he is God, implies his doing it with ostentation.”

Although there is much discussion and planning in the works about rebuilding a third temple, I remain persuaded it will never be allowed by God. For the force of scripture and history both testifies to God’s making a full and utter end of the Temple made with hands, and therefore it is my strong belief that together they serve as credible witnesses that He will never again allow it to be rebuilt. In fact, I have become strongly persuaded that this very belief now held by so many, that a third temple must be built, is actually being used by the adversary to cause many Christians to stumble by its serving as a false milestone or erroneous eschatological marker of the end times. Because of these theologies, I believe there are way too many procrastinating Christians nowadays who are looking for the fulfillment of such “prophetic signs” as indicators for when they are going to have to really “get serious with God.” The fact that there is indeed so much planning and preparations occurring these last days to rebuild a temple, only speaks to me of the shortness of time till the Lord returns to smite the nations and rule them with a rod of iron and tread them as in the winepress with the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. For surely if the adversary of God is promoting erroneous doctrines in these last days to which “believers” are looking and believe, he will surely endeavor to confirm them with rumors and the plans of fallen men as well as lying signs and wonders. But does that mean they are going to come to pass?

I Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Ephesians 5:30 – For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

Doubtless, marriage is a covenant. As a matter of fact, it is the greatest of all forms of covenants that exist among humanity. For by marriage a husband and wife are to literally adorn the Doctrine of God our Savior. This we see in Titus chapter two where Paul speaks of the many roles in life where this doctrine can be adorn, husbands and wives, masters and servants, the young with their elders. We can especially see the adorning of this doctrine in the Fifth Commandment where we are all exhorted to honor our parents with the attached promise being given us of a long life; thus we as God’s children, if we honor Him through our faithfulness have the surety of His promise of eternal life.

Titus 2:4 – That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands… 10 …that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

In marriage we witness the adorning of the doctrine of God our savior in that it was the male who was first created in the image of God in a position of dominion on earth similar to God’s own in heaven. When in a right relationship with God, a godly man will faithfully exemplify God in all his ways, whether in his own household or with his neighbors.

Since true love and commitment must be given of one’s free will, God designed His covenant so that all who have ears to hear will have the ability to choose whether to continue in their fallen shame or be reborn and restored as a light of His glory on earth. Thus when a man (male) humbles himself and by God’s grace yields himself to the holy precepts of God, he truly becomes the glory of God in the earth; his life is made new and increasingly begins affirming and reflecting both the righteous judgments and holy attributes of his God.

Similarly, the scriptures reveal that the substance for the woman was taken from man and perfectly made into a woman for the man; teaching us that by God’s royal design the woman should be to the man from which she was created, that which man was intended to be to God, His glory.

I Corinthians 11:7 – For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.

(See article on above verse here “Because of the angels” )

Since woman was created for the man, when she chooses to align her life with those principles God established to guide her role as a wife, she becomes the glory of her husband. On the other hand, if she rejects God’s word and defies her husband’s authority as established by God, she will become a shame and hindrance unto him.

Proverbs 12:4 – A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Thus through prophetic action, when a woman is resolved in her heart to serve God by faithfully honoring her husband, she represents that part of humanity (the true church) which has settled it in their hearts and are resolved to fear God and keep His commandments. Through her godly relationship with her husband the righteous woman will literally reveal through her actions that personal relationship God desires each and every one of us to have with Him; for her life will literally preach the Gospel of God’s love. For the proof of our love is witnessed by our trust and submission. The result of such love will be true and total intimacy.

Concerning the man, although he was created in the image of God, even in the midst of a creation full of other living creatures, it was still acknowledged by God that man was “alone.” For this reason, the substance for the woman’s creation was taken from man’s own flesh and made into a living soul-mate for him. Thus through the covenant of marriage, man’s role is intended to imitate that of God’s, while the woman’s role imitates that of the church, the Bride of Christ.

It is evident that God could have created man and woman at the same time, for surely God foresaw all Adam’s needs. Rather in His infinite wisdom God intentionally created the man first, placing him in a position parallel to His own; with authority over his, (that is man’s) kingdom, yet alone with no suitable mate. God wanted Adam to be able to fully identify with Him, both positionally and emotionally; for even amongst all the angelic beings, God’s desire was for something even grandeur with which He would share both His image and glory. Thus, it was only after naming all those animals when Adam fully realized just how alone he was that God created Eve for Adam from that which was close to his heart. For it was man’s heart and not his strength that was incomplete.

Through this we can see that the creation of humanity was the result of a yearning of God’s heart for what we in our frailty might best understand as a bride, a suitable helper magnificently designed so as to share His glory with Him for all eternity. This is why the greatest commandment God has ever given is to love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and the entire essence of our being. “Therefore” as both Adam prophesied and Paul wrote, “for this cause shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” (See post “Why God created us male and female“)

This becoming “one flesh” reflects the merging of two hearts and minds in an endeavor to live as one through the covenant of marriage. This covenant is consummated, sealed and confirmed by the intimate joining of a man and woman together through sexual intimacy. By Royal design the male and female bodies fit together as one, with the male (representing God) entering into the female (who represents humanity), face to face and heart to heart, as the man then imparts his seed into the woman and life springs forth. And so it is that God causes us to be “born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.”

And so it is more than thought-provoking, that in this vision the Angel Gabriel reveals to Daniel one who comes confirming a covenant and was then cut off. These points, each in their own measure, lend foundation to my conviction that this last “seventieth week of Daniel,” begins the period of time in which God tabernacled with men via the man Jesus Christ to “confirm the covenant with many.”

Summary

Two undisputable events transpire during this seventieth week according to the vision: first, is the beginning Messiah Jesus Christ comes and He is then “cut off, but not for Himself.”

John 12:27 – Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.

John 18:37 – …To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Ephesians 5:25 – …Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; 26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

The second event, and most likely a consequence of the first, is that the seventieth week is divided in half by a specific event that demands clarification, which we will look into in the next chapter, for “…in the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease…”

The events which transpire within the Seventieth Week led to the destruction of the Temple, bringing it to a full and utter end. However, that is not how the Holy Spirit led the translators to write it; rather they wrote “even until the consummation.” And so, wondrously, this phrase in the prophecy can actually have two layers of meanings that point to undeniable truths:

First, the last temporal prophetic temple that was made with men’s hands, was decaying, waxing old, and through its destruction vanished away. Just as the sacrifices and oblations, the Temple too, having fulfilled their purpose was brought to a full and utter end.

Hebrews 8:13 – In that He saith, A new covenant, He hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Second, when at the glorious consummation of the marriage of the Lamb, “then face to face” the Bride of Christ will intimately know her lover even as she is known.

I Corinthians 13:12 – For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Hebrews 9:5 – And for this cause He is the mediator of the new testament [or covenant], that by means of death [being cut off], for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise, [and the confirmation] of eternal inheritance.

See also Chapter 17 – He Shall Confirm the Covenant with Many

 

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