As the scripture points out, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knows us not, because it knew Him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is ..." (I John 3:1-3)
This scripture in and of itself should make us think, particularly the portion that states that when Jesus appears, we shall be like Him. That would suggest, at least to me, that while it doth not yet appear what we shall be, we will become like Him -- for we SHALL SEE HIM AS HE IS. In this context, Jesus can no longer be the human form in which we are so quick to portray Him. Neither is Jesus still on the cross for when that stone to the tomb entrance was rolled away, as attested by the women who followed Jesus, there was no Jesus to be found.
Jesus said, "Yet a little while, and the world sees Me no more; but ye see Me: because I live, ye shall live also." (John 14:19)
Jesus said, "Of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and ye see Me no more ..." (John 16:10)
You see, Jesus Himself told His disciples that you would see Him no more, at least not in the form of a person, as His disciples who walked with Him day in and day out had become accustomed. [Note that Acts 1:2-3 and Peter's message (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 offers further insight and revelation on this point.]
Moreover, as Paul wrote: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. and last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:3-8)
Moreover, as Paul wrote: "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. and last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." (I Corinthians 15:3-8)
Thus, when we study the scriptures for truth, we begin to see the mystery of the Godhead (that was held in the bosom of the Father from the very beginning) unveiled. Not all at once, but in scripture after scripture, building line upon line and precept upon precept, similar to that of a young child building a tower from building blocks. First, there is a firm foundation to construct, and then a structure that holds the tower thereon in place. Each piece of the puzzle fitting together so that one can confidently state -- if the analogy is extended to scripture, that God is not the Author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33; Hebrews 6:1-2)
This is particularly true in John's epistles, wherein we learn the foundation of the church is based (built) solely upon Jesus the Christ, who is also the One and Only Head of the body of Christ church. The Word which was with God and was God made flesh dwelling among us -- motivated by His own abundant love for His beloved creation. (John 1:1-14) His love beyond measure. His long-term desire being to pour out His Spirit upon all His people. Yes, after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7)
Thus, when we repent of our sins and become clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, "... the righteous [become] an everlasting foundation." (Acts 2:36-41; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; Proverbs 10:25) Why? Because the same Lord God who created us in the beginning, who then willingly came into the world in these last times (even though the world knew Him not -- John 1:10-11) desires to pour out His precious holy Spirit -- the Spirit of the Lord Jesus -- which after Jesus was taken up, "He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen" into the hearts of all those who believe in Him. (Acts 1:2-3; Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28-29)
So that we would personally know His love, when He -- the dayspring from on high decidedly and willingly visited His people. (Luke 1:78) The Lord's Christ, as Simeon points out, has now appeared unto men. The shepherds sought to find Him when the star appeared, and the wise men willingly worshipped Him. If Jesus had been just another person in the Godhead, these would have negated the first commandment. But these knew in whom they worshipped, because they, knowing the scriptures waited patiently for that appointed time.
"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:" (Hebrews 9:8)
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you ..." (I Peter 4:20)
Thus, when we repent of our sins and become clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, "... the righteous [become] an everlasting foundation." (Acts 2:36-41; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; Proverbs 10:25) Why? Because the same Lord God who created us in the beginning, who then willingly came into the world in these last times (even though the world knew Him not -- John 1:10-11) desires to pour out His precious holy Spirit -- the Spirit of the Lord Jesus -- which after Jesus was taken up, "He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen" into the hearts of all those who believe in Him. (Acts 1:2-3; Acts 2:17-18; Joel 2:28-29)
So that we would personally know His love, when He -- the dayspring from on high decidedly and willingly visited His people. (Luke 1:78) The Lord's Christ, as Simeon points out, has now appeared unto men. The shepherds sought to find Him when the star appeared, and the wise men willingly worshipped Him. If Jesus had been just another person in the Godhead, these would have negated the first commandment. But these knew in whom they worshipped, because they, knowing the scriptures waited patiently for that appointed time.
"The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:" (Hebrews 9:8)
"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you ..." (I Peter 4:20)
In John's epistles, he submits that as a witness, he can attest to "that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, the Word of life (for the life was manifested, and we have seen [it] and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us) that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship [is] with the Father, and [with] His Son Jesus Christ." (I John 1:1-3)
But wait. Did I not just say that God is One? And this is where most believers stop searching, seeing that both the Father and His Son Jesus Christ are singularly recognized. Perhaps, this explains why John wrote the epistles in the way that he did -- so that our joy may be full. Complete, so that our hearts are never found wanting. And so also, that we cannot be led astray by those who desire to seduce us because we ourselves have searched His Word for truth, and consequently, become grounded in the Rock of Ages, which is Christ Jesus.
For He Himself became the propitiation for our sin, and not only our sin, but for the sin of the whole world as well. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE HATH PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD." (Acts 20:28)
You see, in the Old Testament, God was always referenced as God, Lord God or h/Holy Spirit, and rightly so because God is One. In fact, that message has never changed historically, as confirmed by the very first commandment in both the old and the new testaments -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) But as we also know, this same Lord God Almighty was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
God's Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) And, as Jesus told His disciples -- now He is with them but soon would be in them. How can this be when God sent His only begotten Son (or one and only Son) -- as the modern day revisionist Bibles would have us believe? Wherein these new so-called revisions (and NOT translations) have also changed the 81 scriptural New Testament references from Holy Ghost to Holy Spirit, suggesting that Ghost and Spirit come from the same Greek word, and therefore, that should be that. Somehow, these modern day thinkers suggesting that they might know more than Almighty God Himself?
Nevertheless, the Holy Ghost is New Testament because the New Testament was ushered in when "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8) The Lord planned to do a brand new work in this dispensation of grace which is why He visited His people (having clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh, and yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him.
Still, One Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour but now fully inclusive of His perfect sacrifice on that cross. The church which He hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) The Great Shepherd shedding His precious holy blood on a cross for His enemies so that we might have life everlasting. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.
It is this hope that we have within, wherein the Comforter which Jesus will send after His death and resurrection, the Holy Ghost can dwell in the hearts of men. (John 14:26; John 15:26) This is the doctrine of Christ, wherein when we believe in our hearts on the Name of Jesus, by faith, and continue on in His Word, we can have both the Father and the Son dwelling within -- the Holy Ghost. (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2) Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Jesus told His disciples that if you have seen Me, ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12)
We can also rely on Acts 1:2-3 for further understanding. "Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen ..."
The One and Same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning, but we now know Him through His Name given by the angel before Mary conceived. (Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:31-35)
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:31-33)
Yes, God became our Saviour. "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (Titus 2:10-13)
"Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me ..." (Hebrews 10:5)
For He Himself became the propitiation for our sin, and not only our sin, but for the sin of the whole world as well. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which HE HATH PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD." (Acts 20:28)
You see, in the Old Testament, God was always referenced as God, Lord God or h/Holy Spirit, and rightly so because God is One. In fact, that message has never changed historically, as confirmed by the very first commandment in both the old and the new testaments -- "Hear O Israel the Lord thy God is One!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) But as we also know, this same Lord God Almighty was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. (II Corinthians 5:19)
God's Name in this current dispensation of grace is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) And, as Jesus told His disciples -- now He is with them but soon would be in them. How can this be when God sent His only begotten Son (or one and only Son) -- as the modern day revisionist Bibles would have us believe? Wherein these new so-called revisions (and NOT translations) have also changed the 81 scriptural New Testament references from Holy Ghost to Holy Spirit, suggesting that Ghost and Spirit come from the same Greek word, and therefore, that should be that. Somehow, these modern day thinkers suggesting that they might know more than Almighty God Himself?
Nevertheless, the Holy Ghost is New Testament because the New Testament was ushered in when "the Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing." (Hebrews 9:8) The Lord planned to do a brand new work in this dispensation of grace which is why He visited His people (having clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh, and yet without sin) so that we might have abundant life in Him.
Still, One Spirit of our Lord God and Saviour but now fully inclusive of His perfect sacrifice on that cross. The church which He hath purchased with His own blood. (Acts 20:28) The Great Shepherd shedding His precious holy blood on a cross for His enemies so that we might have life everlasting. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.
It is this hope that we have within, wherein the Comforter which Jesus will send after His death and resurrection, the Holy Ghost can dwell in the hearts of men. (John 14:26; John 15:26) This is the doctrine of Christ, wherein when we believe in our hearts on the Name of Jesus, by faith, and continue on in His Word, we can have both the Father and the Son dwelling within -- the Holy Ghost. (II John 1:9; Hebrews 6:1-2) Jesus said, "I and My Father are ONE!" (John 10:30) Jesus told His disciples that if you have seen Me, ye have seen the Father. (John 14:6-12)
We can also rely on Acts 1:2-3 for further understanding. "Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He [Jesus] THROUGH the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He [Jesus] had chosen ..."
The One and Same Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the very beginning, but we now know Him through His Name given by the angel before Mary conceived. (Genesis 1:1-2; Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 1:31-35)
"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end." (Luke 1:31-33)
The angel gave Mary the Name of Jesus who is now, in His resurrected form King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11) It is for this reason that Jesus could say, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) And, also, that ALL power in heaven and earth is "given unto Me!" (Matthew 28:18) Not one third of God but as the visible image of the invisible God. (Hebrews 1:1-13)
You see, the modern day religious culture has divided God into thirds (lessening Him to persons) because these have compromised the scriptures, replacing the scriptural "doctrine of Christ" with a triad, triune, trinity. But God is not divided into persons, and we also know in our heart, that to worship a God who would send a Son to be sacrificed is not a God who we should even want to love. But as the scriptures clearly declare, for those who want to know the truth -- "the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Christ Jesus." (Colossians 2:9)
Yes, God became our Saviour. "Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ... Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ..." (Titus 2:10-13)
He sent Himself to be a Son, as the prophet Isaiah had prophesied would happen so many years before. And as the New Testament scripture points out, how often He must have grieved, knowing that He Himself had to prepare a body to become the perfect sacrifice in order for us -- His beloved creation -- to take notice. His glory displayed for one and all to see on a cross that He Himself created.
"Wherefore when He cometh into the world, He saith, "Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me ..." (Hebrews 10:5)
"But now hath He obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also He is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who THROUGH the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14)
"How much more shall the blood of Christ, who THROUGH the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14)
Throughout the book of Acts, the apostles were led by the Holy Ghost. His Name is JESUS in this current dispensation of grace. He is both our Lord God and Saviour. But there are those who don't want to acknowledge both the work of the Father and the Son, and therefore, try to carve God up into human portions. For those who wish to be adversaries to the truth, as it was in Moses' time -- "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:29)
Don't settle for religious compromise, or a 20 minute sermon once a week. Rather search the scriptures yourselves for His truth and wisdom and knowledge. Open the Word of God for yourself and ask Him to reveal His fullness to you. The faith journey may seem uphill at times but I can attest too, that when we taste and see that the Lord is good, there is no turning back.
Yes, as Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life!" (John 6:35) He is the Light of this world, and He will never leave us comfortless. "I will come to you." (John 14:18)
Stand in the offering plate.
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