God Is Not the Author of Confusion - Part 843

"What? Came the Word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant ... Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order." (I Corinthians 14:36-40) 

Yesterday, apparently, people couldn't wait to get ashes put on their forehead as a profession of their faith. But the question is this -- a profession of what faith? The practice of putting ashes on one's forehead certainly does not have its basis in the scriptures. 

Moreover, Jesus did not ask us to wear ashes on our forehead. Never! In fact, Jesus only gave us two commandments to follow -- in this current dispensation of grace. That is, to love Him with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength, and to love one another. (John 13:34-35; John 15:12-17; Romans 12:10; Romans 13:8)

Indeed, Paul takes this premise one step further, instructing us to stand in the liberty from whence comes our salvation, so that we do not become entangled again in the yoke of bondage, and religious culture(s) that are only too willing to impose even more burdens upon us. Remember, Jesus threw the money changers -- the greedy irreligious, the ungodly and the heretical traders of the day -- out of the temple with a whip for doing everything BUT preaching the good news gospel of Jesus and His kingdom. (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15) 

Unfortunately, the "religious culture" of this day is still trying to enslave us with teachings that do not accurately reflect the gospel. Indeed, these are still running to and fro, seeking to devour whom they may by making gain from the piety and devoutness of believers in Jesus by faith. 

But none of these practices can be found in the gospel that Jesus and the apostles taught. Thus, it's time for us too -- as believers in Jesus by faith -- to wholly reject these man-made, added and onerous religious duties that are not a part of Jesus' salvation message. This includes the practice of putting ashes on one's forehead.

While the religious might still claim that Ash Wednesday serves as a catalyst for "a period of preparation, and historically, the instruction of persons for baptism and the profession of faith on Easter Sunday," it will not save you from eternal damnation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." (Ephesians 2:8)

Therefore, our timely response should be repentance, and then baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (according to Acts 2:38-42). And, in so doing, we our Lord God and Saviour will begin to reveal to us how much He loved us -- in that He who knew no sin would become as one of us and shed His precious blood on a cross. 

So, as the scriptures state, do not become embroiled once again in the bondage that is inherent in the religious culture of this day. Instead, revel in the fact that Almighty God became flesh and dwelt among us so that you and I would be set free. (John 1:1-18) Embrace His truths today. Study His Word daily for understanding. Let His Spirit lead you into all truth. 

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. Ye did run well. Who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of Him that called you. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.  I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. I would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Galatians 5:1-13)

Jesus said in the book of Revelation, intended for these last days, "Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Blessed are they that do His commandments that they may have right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." (Revelation 22:12-14) Stand in the offering plate.