And Hereby We Know That We Are Of The Truth, And Shall Assure Our Hearts Before Him.- Part 1893

"And He will destroy in this mountain the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations ..." (Isaiah 25:7)

"Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: and not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look to the end of that which is abolished ... But their minds were blinded: for until this day remains the SAME vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 

Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord." (II Corinthians 3:12-18)

Sadly, what we are seeing these days is far too many believers subscribing to the law without ever understanding the significance between the old and new covenants. Yes, for those who may not know, there is more than a blank page. But also, as the scripture states above, we can be blind with the same vail untaken way in the reading of the Old Testament. This is critical to understand, because without understanding the freedom wherewith is Christ, we remain in bondage. As such, we miss understanding that the Lord is that Spirit. We also miss the change that takes place in our heart when we come to know our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ.

This is not to suggest that the first and second commandment is not confirmed in both the old and the new. In fact, Jesus in speaking with the scribe reiterated the two commandments in His response. That is, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might ...

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:29-31)

But there is much more to learn. When we come to the Lord Jesus by faith, we learn from the day of Pentecost that this same Jesus whom was crucified is both Lord and Christ. At the same time, Peter standing with the eleven command the first 3,000 souls saved to repent, and be [water] baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and that they would receive the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36, 38-41) 

This is the starting point for our hearts to yearn after the spiritual things of the Kingdom, and to desire our Lord God and Saviour even more. At this point, some might ask, "Do we have to work for our salvation?' Apostle Paul provides a clear answer, informing believers in Jesus by faith that we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves, for salvation is the gift of God. 

"Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

This is not to suggest that His love should not flow through us, or that we should not reflect the amazing love we received because of His sacrifice on the cross, even while we were still sinners. It just means that when we begin our faith journey, we recognize (as in all things) that there will be a lot to learn. But God our Saviour is faithful in everything we do, and we need to trust Him for our wisdom and knowledge. Here are some New Testament scriptures which should get you started ...

"For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward." (II Corinthians 1: 12)

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ..." (Colossians 1:9)

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5)

Jesus said "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20)

"If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness" (Romans 8:10)

Jesus said, "...and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:20)

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory..." (Colossians 1:27) 

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16)

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" (II Peter 1:19)

Don't forget to walk in His wisdom for those who are without. Stand in the offering plate.