Only One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism - PART 211

THERE IS ONLY ONE LORD, ONE FAITH AND ONE BAPTISM.

This scripture catechism over rules all the ISMS. Most declare that there is only one God but it is what follows that muddles the head. Let's go over the historical progression of the world as stated in the scriptures. This might provide you with an understanding of why God became man so that we might be saved. Beginning with Abraham in the Old Testament, we learn that Abraham had two sons Ishmael and Isaac.

Ishmael came forth from a bondwoman and Isaac came forth from Abraham's wife. From these two sons, two religions emerge. In this context, the Jew and Muslim religions. Ishmael and his mother were sent away but Isaac remained at home. Ishmael was in attendance at his fathers' death. Ishmael went on to have twelve sons.

Out from this relatively naturally (or conversely, perhaps odd) lifestyle, another religion comes forth called Christianity. Now we have three religions sprouting out of Abraham. Later, after Sarah's death, Abraham remarries and has six more children. Thankfully, none of these offspring are attributed to producing another religion. But I digress.

None of these man made religions are really of any value, inasmuch as they were/are derived from a sinful fallen race. Remember the example in the scriptures. This race being Adam's offspring. Just think of Abraham's mindset at the time. Here he was going to sacrifice his son as an offering to God. But as we read, it was God who corrected his weird thinking. Even Isaac said, "Father where is the sacrifice?"

Surely as one reads this display of weirdness you must ask yourself to what extreme will some people go? Notice also that God steps in and provides an innocent offering. The same analogy can be applied to salvation today. Salvation is not of works as some might have you believe. No, salvation is a gift from God.

Here we may seem to be repeating what has appeared in previous issues but this is the message laid on my heart today. I pray that this message will mean that you will no longer try to find peace apart from God's way. Being caught up in Abraham's dilemma, God promised the Seed of a woman would bruise the serpent’s head (Satan’s authority). Consequently, the Seed of promise passed from Eve into Seth and continued on through the generations as recorded in the genealogy of Jesus the Christ.

A pause occurs when the promised Seed arrived in Sarah. Why? Because previous to this, Sarah was barren. She could not have children. And yet, through Sarah, cunning Ishmael was born. Abraham 100 years of age at the time was no longer capable of reproduction. But God resurrected Abraham's capabilities as a man at the same time as He was opening Sarah's womb. God implanted into Abraham the SEED of Promise. For God had promised to Abraham a child through Sarah.

As indicated earlier, Isaac came forth. However Isaac was not the seed of promise. Isaac was as we all are - Adam's sinful offspring. What did happen was that the promised Seed of the woman and the promised Seed to Abraham --- the promised Seeds of the Holy Spirit --- would now dwell in the seed bank of Isaac. The promised Seed then continued its journey until the appointed time of the promised Seed visitation to earth.

The promised SEED is God Himself as a Son, and apart from JESUS (the SEED), there can be no Salvation. God provided the Lamb JESUS - as a Son for sacrifice! This is the gospel message that we need to adhere to. What does this mean? Escape the religious world today for the Lord our One God has become the Saviour of ALL men. Apart from JESUS the SEED of Promise, there is no other sacrifice for sin. JESUS -- God Himself is the only one who can reconcile you to Him. Indeed, Jesus is the Prince of Peace. JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH and THE LIFE! God sacrificed Himself for you!