Apostle Paul did not want anyone to be ignorant of spiritual matters. We see that often in his epistles to those who believe and name the Lord Jesus the Christ as their Lord and Saviour. But he also did not mince words when it came to those who would preach or teach another gospel, than the one established and confirmed by the Holy Ghost. In fact, at one point, Paul said, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?" (Galatians 5:1)
Certainly, Paul (an apostle not of men, and neither by men, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead, who gave Himself for our sins that He might deliver us from this present evil world) marveled that so many would believe another gospel, and be so soon removed from Him that called them into the grace of Christ. The One and Only Lord God and Saviour who willingly purchased them (and us) by His precious holy blood. (Acts 20:28; Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16)
Paul said, "Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have received, let him (or her) be accursed." And a second time also, so say I [Paul] now again, if any man preach any other gospel to you other than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)
"For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man but by the revelation of JESUS the Christ." (Galatians 1:10-12)
There is more. When Peter and John, who seemed to be pillars amongst the brethren, perceived that God’s grace was imparted to them, they gave to me (Paul) and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship so that we should go preach to the Gentiles, and likewise, they would preach to the Jews.
Now to Abraham and to his seed (the Seed of promise) were the promises made. Note that God did not say "And to seeds." Abraham's natural seed as in numerous or many. But rather as of one SEED. And to thy SEED, the promised SEED saith the scriptures, which is the Christ.
In this context, Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness. In today's world, understand this. That those who do believe and have faith, these believers are the children of Abraham. The scripture prophesied that God would justify the Gentiles through faith, for it is recorded that the gospel was first preached to Abraham. God saying to Abraham that, "In your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." It is this confidence that we can be assured of our salvation. Like the scriptures state, Brethren, we which embrace faith are blessed even as Abraham was."
And thus, when the fullness of the time was come for the promised Seed to be manifest, it was then that God sent forth His Son, clothed in prone to sin flesh of a woman - Mary's natural being under the dispensation of the law. But whether Mary knew it or not, the SEED -- the holy thing that was inside her womb -- was the free.
God’s plan was to redeem men from under the law. Rescue us from the law. So that through redemption, mankind would have an opportunity to become God’s son’s through God’s adoption plan of redemption.
Through faith in God's redemptive plan we are now sons and daughters. God has sent forth into us the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying "ABBA, Father." Therefore brethren, we are no more servants. Instead, we are sons and daughters - heirs of God through redemptive faith in JESUS the Christ. Indeed, brethren we are even as Isaac was promised and likewise the children of God’s promise. We are the children of God by faith in JESUS the Christ. This is God's promise to us.
For as many of you as have been "baptized into JESUS" and have put on Christ, the promise is to you and your children and those who are afar off. And as a consequence, there is now no difference between a believing Jew or a Greek. There is neither a difference between a slave nor free. There is neither male nor female. For we are all one now in JESUS the Christ!
And if we are believers in JESUS the Christ, then we are also the offspring of the promised SEED. Scriptural references for this post can be read in the Book of Galatians from the Bible. Peace to all the brethren. Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment