There is some good counsel from continuing in the faith grounded and settled and not moving away from the hope which can only be found in the good news gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:23) Indeed, the first commandment of the Lord (both in the old covenant and in this current new testament dispensation of grace) clearly states:
When we seek the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, (and study His Word for understanding, showing ourselves approved unto God) what happens? Scripture states that our eyes are opened and the veil that held us captive and bound removed. We turn away from the darkness -- from the power of satan unto God, so that we might receive forgiveness of sins and the inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith in Jesus. (Acts 26:15-18)
Moreover, we begin to understand the depth and the breadth that can only be found in the love and kindness of God our Saviour when He toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)
This is why "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new. And ALL things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-20)
Therefore, when we are in Christ, having repented and been water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, we become/are a new creature. The old things have passed away and all things going forward are become new. This transformation that emerges as a consequence of loving the Lord with our all is reported repeatedly in the scriptures.
For example, our minds are renewed.
"And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." (Colossians 3:10)
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new S/spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26; Jeremiah 17:9-10)
This is why "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are become new. And ALL things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-20)
Therefore, when we are in Christ, having repented and been water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, we become/are a new creature. The old things have passed away and all things going forward are become new. This transformation that emerges as a consequence of loving the Lord with our all is reported repeatedly in the scriptures.
For example, our minds are renewed.
"And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him." (Colossians 3:10)
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)
Our strength is renewed.
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
Our bodies are renewed as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service." (Romans 12:1)
We are given a new heart, whereby the deceits and innermost thoughts of our hearts are made pure.
Our first love for Jesus -- who is both Lord and Christ -- is renewed in Him daily. (Acts 2:36) Our faith restored and sustained by His love.
"Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation; and uphold me [with Thy] free Spirit." (Psalms 51:12)
As we seek Jesus, we are prompted to think upon the heavenly.
" ... whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8)
And when we do, there is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made us free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
Not because of our own good works, but because of the salvation plan decided by the Lord of hosts before our world was ever formed. He decided to be victorious over all the principalities and powers of this world!
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-20)
His Word.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Stand in the offering plate.
"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation." (II Corinthians 5:17-20)
His Word.
"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)
Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment