Greatly rejoice that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 1:3) Further, 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.
Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. The one who has given us an inheritance that is incorruptible, and undefiled, and never fades away. The one who has reserved a place in heaven specifically for you and I, just because we willingly call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, and seek His righteousness. (Romans 10:13)
Jesus -- the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved. The one who has given us an inheritance that is incorruptible, and undefiled, and never fades away. The one who has reserved a place in heaven specifically for you and I, just because we willingly call upon the name of the Lord Jesus, and seek His righteousness. (Romans 10:13)
Moreover, as believers, we can be assured that we are kept by His power through faith unto salvation. We can rejoice in Jesus Christ whom we have not seen but we instinctively love. The one in whom we can believe and trust. And respond to His mercy and grace with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
While we receive this blessed faith freely -- even the salvation of our souls -- the old testament prophets could only enquire and search diligently for the blessings that were to come. They could only prophesy of the grace that should come unto us in this time dispensation, testifying beforehand of the sufferings of Christ. They could only dream of the peace that we experience -- the peace that passes all human understanding -- when we ask Jesus into our lives.
Still, the prophets' hearts longed for the glory that should follow which may explain why they continued to minister these things. The glory of the Lord -- the Word -- God Almighty in the flesh. The revelation that was intended solely for us. Revealed not unto themselves but unto us they did minister these things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.
While we receive this blessed faith freely -- even the salvation of our souls -- the old testament prophets could only enquire and search diligently for the blessings that were to come. They could only prophesy of the grace that should come unto us in this time dispensation, testifying beforehand of the sufferings of Christ. They could only dream of the peace that we experience -- the peace that passes all human understanding -- when we ask Jesus into our lives.
Still, the prophets' hearts longed for the glory that should follow which may explain why they continued to minister these things. The glory of the Lord -- the Word -- God Almighty in the flesh. The revelation that was intended solely for us. Revealed not unto themselves but unto us they did minister these things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.
Therefore, as Peter writes, take hold of the promises. Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that was brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Purify your souls and obey the truth through the Spirit. See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently. Be born again, not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, and by the Word of God which lives and abides forever.
Remember, in all things, it is the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot who was foreordained before the foundation of the world -- that was manifest in these last times for you and me. Who by Him do believe in God, that raised Him up from the dead, and gave Him glory so that your faith and hope might be everlasting. Rejoice that the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. The same Word which by the gospel is preached unto you through the scriptures. Indeed, salvation more precious than gold. Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment