Ever Learning And Never Able to Come to the Knowledge of the Lord - Part 1386

Jesus answered and said unto them, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." (Matthew 22:29)

Sadly, as a consequence of believers in Jesus by faith not taking the time to study and search the scriptures, we have become ignorant of the principles of the oracles of God. It is within this context that the Word of the Lord states that "ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that uses milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Hebrews 5:12-14)

Thankfully, there are those believers who wholly understand that the Lord is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Indeed, as the scriptures inform -- "without faith [it] is impossible to please [Him]: for he that comes to God must [first] believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 6:11) 

Therefore, the starting point for salvation must first include repentance from dead works, whereby we recognize that only the Lord Jesus and His gift of grace can save us from sin. That only His precious blood shed on the cross can redeem and sanctify and make us whole.  (Matthew 1:21-23) .

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16)

His Word further states -- "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." (Acts 16:31)

But there is more to being a follower and disciple of Jesus than just believing that Jesus is, and it is critical that we as believers understand this point. In Hebrews, we learn that there are in fact "six principles" of the doctrine of Christ that must be understood, before we can go on unto perfection. Why? Because these collectively make up the foundation -- the one and only apostolic doctrine established in the scriptures for the new testament church -- Jesus being the Head of the body of Christ Church. (Acts 2:36-47) Let me explain.

The sixth chapter of Hebrews begins: "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:1-2)

As stated earlier, the first step is repentance from dead works. The second is having faith toward God. Note that in the scriptures, the word belief is used interchangeably with faith. But the scriptures also tell us that faith is substance. Faith is the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is the confidence that the Lord said what He meant and meant what He said. His promises to us are true.

"The Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you." (Romans 6:11) 

But "without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6) 

This is why we "therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" knowing that Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Almighty God manifest in the flesh. (Hebrews 4:16; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13)

Then there are the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (Hebrews 6:2) Note that the word "baptisms" is plural here, signifying more than one.

We know from the scripture that John baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, and there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. (Mark 1:4-5) In other words, those who were baptized by immersion in the river Jordan admitted that they were sinners.

As we also know, John baptized everyone who came to him because at that time, he did not know who the promised Messiah was. He just knew to tell the Pharisees and Sadducees that the Messiah [Christ] was not him, as he told them to bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.. (Matthew 3:5-10) 

The next day John sees Jesus coming unto him, and saith, "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, "After me comes a man which is preferred before me, for He was before me. And I knew Him not but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore, am I come baptizing with water." (John 1:29-31)

Later, Jesus told the chief priests and the elders of the people, "For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not, but the publicans and the harlots believed him; and ye, when ye had seen [them], repented not afterward that ye might believe Him." (Matthew 21:32)

And when John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." (Mark 1:14-15) 

As we can see, the promised Christ came in due time. In preaching the gospel, Jesus told them to repent and believe the gospel. That is, as John the baptist said -- to believe on Him [Jesus] who would come after John. 

"Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)

The Seed -- the promised Messiah, of whom John said "is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchets, I am not worthy to unloose." (John 1:27) The time is now fulfilled. In due time, Christ came.

John water baptized so that those baptized would be cleansed on the outside, as was the custom of the day. Still, John repeatedly pointed to Jesus, preaching and saying, "There comes One mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. I indeed have baptized you with water: but He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost." (Mark 1:7-8)

What did Jesus tell us to do, just prior to being taken up? "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ... he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16)

But the church folks say that water baptism isn't necessary? Sigh! 

What did Jesus say? " ... he that believes AND is baptized shall be saved!"

And how were new believers baptized in the new testament? On the day of Pentecost, the first 3,000 souls asked Peter (standing with the eleven) what they had to do to be saved. Peter answered and said,  "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:36-47; Acts 10:44-48)

And, as we see, the record of every single person water baptized in the new testament -- after the required purchase was made -- the perfect offering -- Jesus giving His life for us and shedding His blood for our transgressions, was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:15-18) The Word that was with God and was God made flesh. (John 1:1-18; Isaiah 42:13)

Why is baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus critical? When we are buried with Christ in baptism, we are resurrected with Him in His resurrection. (Romans 6:3-4) We are clothed in His righteousness -- His garment -- His name -- the precious name of Jesus. 

"Then they that gladly received His Word were baptized; and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common." (Acts 2:36-45)

And they, continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. (Acts 2:46; Acts 1:14; Luke 24:53; Acts 20:7; Acts 5:14) 

Jesus said, " If ye love me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; [even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in My Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath My commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves Me: and he that loves Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him." (John 14:15-21)

Thus, when we follow His commandments and abide in Him, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38; John 15:7; )  Why? 

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)

His Name be praised for evermore. Stand in the offering plate.

(More to follow on this topic in the days ahead)