The Bible is very clear. In Matthew chapter seven, the scriptures state: "Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit." (Matthew 7:15-24)
As Jesus points out to believers, "wherefore by their fruits you shall know them." Many will come to Jesus saying 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?" Jesus responds to the query saying, "And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you. [Indeed] depart from me you that work iniquity."
For many, reading the Word has not been a daily endeavour, and unfortunately, as a consequence, we are being misled big time. This should not come as a shock. The Bible states that in the last days there would be false prophets. "But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction." (II Peter 2:1) Matthew 24:11 makes a similar statement about these latter times. That is, "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."
This is why reading the Bible is so important in our journey of faith. First of all, we learn that "there is no other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." That name is Jesus -- the prophesied Christ. Second, we know that when persecution came in Jesus' time, it was because everything that the apostles did (in both word and deed -- including baptism re: Acts 2:38) was in the name of Jesus.
In the same context, there are doctrinal foundations that we should know. For example, Thomas, when he identified Jesus said, "My Lord and my God." Mary, the mother of Jesus shared a similar experience. She said, "My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."
You see, this same Jesus who is the Second Adam is also the Lord Himself - Jesus. The very same God who had visited the first Adam in the cool of the evening. However, earth was not the second Adam’s residence. For as the scriptures indicate, Heaven is His throne and earth His footstool. Indeed, in this context then, God Himself is the second Adam -- our holy Redeemer, who we have only known as JESUS the Son of God whose blood reconciled us.
Why is this? Because God is Spirit. And even though we have been redeemed, we cannot go into the spiritual realm unless we are born again. The New Testament speaks of Jesus and Nicodemus and the need to be born again. In fact, Jesus told Nicodemus that in order to be saved, one had to be born again. The reason for this is that flesh is flesh and that which is Spirit is Spirit. This is why Jesus said not to marvel because I say to you that you must be born again.
Up until this point, the disciples had witnessed all that had come to pass, beginning with the Passover supper on through to the resurrection. Jesus appeared and disappeared, going in and out among them for a period of 40 days and 40 nights, after which Jesus ascended up into Heaven. The work of redemption was complete. At this time, Jesus told the disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait there until they received power.
Interpreted, Jesus was referring to the power of His Spirit that would come upon them so that they could become His witnesses throughout the world. The gift of the promised Holy Spirit had as yet not been given. (Why not? Because Jesus was not yet glorified!) As we read in the Bible, the disciples did as they were bid and stayed there 10 more days (120 persons) until that time which is known as the day of Pentecost was fully come! (Acts Chapter 1 and Leviticus Chapter 23)
Jesus being man’s only high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Jesus was appointed of God to be a high priest (not after the order of Aaron). Jesus is a faithful and compassionate high priest who is touched with the feelings of our infirmities. Jesus sacrificed His pure, holy, sinless life as a once and for all offering. Yes, Jesus offered up Himself. Jesus being God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Leviticus 23. Fifty days after the sacrificial offering of Himself, once again offers, and again the offering is accepted, and the Holy Spirit of God in man begins. No longer Jesus externally with us, but Jesus now dwelling within us.
This is why the council in Acts 17 conferred among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name."
But as we know, nothing can hold down or restrain a born again believer who has the Lord God and Saviour -- who holds the universe in His hands -- on their side. Because their mind and heart are on a totally different page. No longer conforming to this world. Love Jesus today. Praise Him for His peace that passes all understanding. Stand in the offering plate/
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