God Was In Christ, Reconciling the World Unto Himself - Part 950

"And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first testament -- they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." (Hebrews 9:15) Indeed, "a new covenant, He hath made the first old." (Hebrews 8:13)

For those new to the faith journey, there are two covenants in the Holy Bible. The first covenant is the old covenant and focusses primarily on the Law. The second covenant -- which in reality is a testament -- or the last will and testament of our Lord -- is one of grace. After Jesus died and rose again, the Law which served as a schoolmaster for right and wrong was fulfilled through the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. But we are getting ahead of ourselves. 

Abraham (in the old covenant) believed God and because Abraham believed, God attributed Abraham's believing faith to righteousness. You see, it is not a matter of believing that there is a God. It matters immensely that one wholly believes in God! There is a difference. For without faith, it is impossible to please God. (Hebrews 11:6) Indeed, he or she that comes to God must first believe that God is, and that God rewards all persons who diligently seek Him.

The scriptures -- His Word -- describes our love for God in this fashion. In God we all live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) So, in effect God is present with us at all times. Even though we were born into sin -- all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God -- He is still for us. (Romans 3:23)  It is because of His love that He created an intricate plan of salvation so we could choose to serve our Lord God and Saviour in every thing that we do. 

And this we do so "that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ." (II Thessalonians 1:12)

But in order to be clothed in His righteousness, we first need to seek the Lord God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. And as the scriptures point out, in that same hour that one directs their life toward Him, in that very same hour you will find Him! His name is Jesus. Believe on Him and receive the many gifts and promises that He wanted to bestow upon men and women from the beginning. 

But as we know, God is a Spirit. (John 4:24) No one can see Spirit. Therefore, in order to reach out to His human creation, God visited us in a form that we would understand. And God has a name. If one were to call upon His name -- the name of JESUS -- the very light of God would instantaneously arise within our inner beings even though at the time, we might not understand what is happening. However, relax and know that all is well. It just means the Lord of Glory has touched you!

You reached out and God reached in. His is not church in the institutionalized, organizational sense but rather, He reaches out until you let God take your hand. In that simple act of faith, He will direct your path through life.

There is a chorus that goes like this ... "Take my hand precious Lord, lead me on in this light, take my hand, precious Lord, and lead me on." Faith arises within people by you first hearing the gospel and then secondly, receiving the Word of God. This is why it is so important to read the Word - which is your Bible.

For truly the entrance of God’s Word into your mind and heart waters the seed of faith which God planted within you when you called upon His Name with sincerity. Only believe, and in so doing, do not lean to your own understanding! Why? Because God has promised that He Himself will teach us how to remain steadfast in the apostle's doctrine.

The other message that is equally important in seeking Jesus and asking Him into your life, is that you will begin to see and know the unseen God in the face of Jesus. The same Jesus who is God Himself manifest in the flesh as a son. "In JESUS did all the fullness of God dwell bodily." (Colossians 1:26)

Jesus purchased your salvation so that we could be set free to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Jesus -- who is the wisdom and glory of God. Stand in His offering plate.