Throughout the Old Testament -- in the first [covenant] -- there were ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first wherein was the candlestick and the table and the shewbread, which is called the sanctuary. And after the second veil, there was the tabernacle which is called the holiest of all. (Hebrews 9:1-2)
But once the Holy Ghost did signify that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was still standing, we knew there had to come a high priest of good things -- a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building. Not physical in the sense of constructed buildings either. Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us all. (Hebrews 9:8, 11-18; Acts 20:28)
From this monumental point in history, the salvation message was extended to one and all. The same Lord God who made us was reaching into our hearts, having written His laws in our hearts whilst we were still in our mother's womb. His free gift of salvation offered to both Gentiles and Jews, wherein we can now be saved by grace. This grace however is not of ourselves but from God, who loves us beyond measure. This means that in this current dispensation of grace, we can't be saved by good works or chores. Rather, we have to believe on the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ, and to be water baptized (in answer of a good conscience toward God) in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:44-48; I Peter 3:22-23; Romans 6:1-2)
Consequently, we have been set free from bondage, our sins forgiven because of the precious, holy blood shed on the cross. After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. (Titus 3:4-7) This is why we who believe can rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (I Peter 4:13)
But somewhere along the way, the burdens of the Law are creeping back into the church, and we have (mis)placed our trust in the overseers of faith communities. In preference for tickle the ears sermons, we have allowed the wolves in sheep's clothing to come in and preach to us a lie. We have handed over the work of the Lord to overseers of the church -- to imposters -- who have no interest in speaking the truth. And sadly, the churches are being saddled with heretic leaders whom have no understanding of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In fact, their coats are not washed, as the scripture points out, because these are still naked. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them they are equally determined to bring others to perish with them -- because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (II Thessalonians 2:10-11)
But there is only ONE Head of the body of Christ church on the New Testament side, and we need to understand that His Spirit leads and guides us into all truth. He -- Jesus establishes our steps, and brings His wisdom and knowledge, His commandments, His instruction to our remembrance so that we do not fall short. He is our hope and joy and peace, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross has set us free. The One and Only Spirit of the Lord God who moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning is still bidding us to His most elaborate wedding feast.
This is why He -- the risen Jesus who is both Lord and Christ -- has set us free. And His desire is to not only call us His children but His friends. Yes, the same Good Shepherd who paid the price for our sins is calling us into a "higher" calling, wherein the truth of the gospel will set us free. Thus, don't become followers of those overseers in the church who profess to be pastors and teachers. Instead search the scriptures and be assured that there is only one Lord -- His Name is JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins ... Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23)
But ye have not so learned Christ; if so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." (Ephesians 4:17-23)
Stand in the offering plate.
No comments:
Post a Comment