Christ Is The End Of The Law For Righteousness, To Everyone That Believes - Part 2572

"Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death ..." (Philippians 3:8-10)

"... to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of Him which believes in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." (Romans 3:26-28)

Before beginning, it's important to recognize that the Lord Jesus chose apostle Paul (formerly Saul) to teach the Gentiles. This is the same Paul that wrote a healthy portion of the New Testament. Paul was also very highly educated -- considered the Pharisee of Pharisees. The other point worth observing is that the Lord planned a brand new thing in the New Testament - not an add-on to the old testament.

"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? And for this cause, He is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, is it of no strength at all while the testator lives." (Hebrews 9:15-18) 

This is why Paul taught that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believes. (Romans 10:4) Because now, in this current dispensation of grace, the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. 

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference ..." (Romans 3:20-22)

As we know, the Lord levelled the playing field between the Israelites and the Gentiles -- "for God hath concluded them all in unbelief." (Romans 9:6-8) Unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference. (Romans 14:23) 

"Knowing this, that he law is not made for a righteous man but for the lawless." (I Timothy 1:9) 

Why? So that the Lord might have mercy upon each and every one of us. (Romans 3:23) In sum then, the law became a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. 

"Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions till the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.. For ye are all the children of God b faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have ben baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye ar all one in Christ Jesus.

And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:19-29) 

"Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ." (Romans 3:22) This is the same Jesus the Christ who said, "I AM the bread of life." (John 8:35, 48) "For the bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and he that believes on Me shall never thirst." (John 8:33, 58) You see, Moses did not give the bread from heaven, but as Jesus said, "My Father gives you the true bread from heaven." (John 8:32, 50) 

The same Jesus who said, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by Me." (John 14:6) 

Why is this important? Because in today's modern day religious culture, there are many that have turned aside from the truth -- unto vain jangling, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.

"Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm." (I Timothy 1:5-7) 

In another place, Paul writes, "but to love one another: for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8) And "therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." (Romans 13:10)

For all the law is fulfilled in one word -- even this -- "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." 

So the message for this day? Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." (Galatians 5:1)

No greater good news message than the greatest love story ever told -- that God Himself loved us so much that He would willingly clothe Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that you and I might experience abundant life in Him.

Stand in the offering plate. 

Lo, Behold, The Lamb Of God! - Part 2571

"Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD. Love the Lord with all of your heart, all of your soul, all of your mind, and all of your strength ..." which is confirmed by Jesus in Mark 12:29-31. 

Jesus' baptism is described in all four gospels as follows:

John 1:29-34 states: "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 cometh 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." And John bare record, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost." And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

Matthew 3:13-17 states, "Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" And Jesus answering said unto him, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becomes us to fulfil all righteousness." Then he suffered Him. And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 

Mark 1:9-11 states, "And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: and there came a voice from heaven, saying, "Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Luke 3:21-22 states, "Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, "Thou art My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased."

Because many people have not studied the scriptures, the general populace misunderstands what really happened at the time Jesus went to John the baptizer to be baptized. This day, we hope to offer some clarification based on the four scriptural accounts from the gospels above. For starters, it is important to note that Jesus was baptized to confirm an earlier prophecy -- "for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." 

Second, John the baptizer was informed by the Holy Ghost - the One and Same Holy Ghost who overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son that when he (John) saw the Holy Ghost LIKE a dove descend AND ALSO REMAIN on Jesus, that He was the prophesied Lamb of God. 

We know this to be true from John's gospel when John bare record -- "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove ... and it abode upon Him. But I knew Him not; BUT HE that sent me to baptize with water the same said unto me, "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, AND remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost." 

Third, the sign of the Holy Ghost descending was LIKE a dove  -- not an actual physical dove descending. This had to happen so that John the baptizer would know Jesus, the lamb of God. Therefore, the Holy Ghost descending like a dove was the confirmation John required, as told to him from afore. Thus, when Jesus came up out of the water and saw the heavens opened, it was for the benefit of John. 

As for the voice from heaven, we need to acknowledge that the voice from heaven was for the benefit of everyone -- so that they too would recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah. Or, as Luke wrote, "My beloved Son, in Thee I am well pleased." As we know from the scriptures, they saw Jesus Only! For purposes of comparison, the same voice is heard in Matthew 17:7-9 (on the Mount). There, the scripture states, "And Jesus came and touched them, and said, "Arise, and be not afraid." And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only." 

Note that John always pointed to Jesus - whose shoes he was not worthy to tie. It is He that will baptize us with the Holy Ghost. (As an aside, we know that when Jesus ascended, He THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3) 

The scripture never mentions Jesus AND the Holy Ghost as separate beings, because the doctrine of Christ described in II John 1:9 clearly states, "Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he hath BOTH the Father and the Son." 

So, back to the Son -- in the beginning, well actually from before the world was formed, the Lord God knew that He would have to come forth as a mighty man (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) Or as Isaiah 7:13 states, "Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name Immanuel." Emmanuel, according to Matthew 1:21-23 is interpreted as God with us. 

Do you remember Jesus' parable, where they want to kill the heir, so they inherit the earth? That parable is telling here. Note also when Jesus said, "I and My Father are One!" in John 10:30, and "If you've seen Me, you've seen the Father and know Him" in John 14:6-12, the revelation was specifically for His disciples. 

But as we know from other scriptures, the disciples only recognized what Jesus was saying to them AFTER His death and resurrection. Why did God have to identify Himself as a Son, clothing Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin)? So that satan would do what had to be done. Hebrews 9 offers particular insights -- that there had to be a sacrifice. (Hebrews 9:1-28) In order for redemption to become available, it had to include the shedding of blood.

Specifically, as Hebrews 9:8 states, "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!" 

Thus, there was no Son prior to the day that the Holy Ghost -- the Great I AM -- decided to be made manifest. This scripture is confirmed in I Timothy 3:16. 

And when the angel of the Lord said, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21-23) 

Indeed, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) 

More to come. Stand in the offering plate.

And He Shall Stand And Feed In The Strength Of The Lord - Part 2570

" ... the God of my rock; in Him will I trust: He is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." (II Samuel 22:3)

"Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us; they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:1)

The last post highlighted a few of the many prophecies pointing to the birth of God our Saviour -- the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, as mentioned previously, the evidence that Jesus is the promised Messiah is overwhelming. Indeed, many associate Micah's prophecy as the most important single prophecy in the Old Testament. 

For example, when Herod the king asked the scribes and teachers of the law about the location of Jesus' birth, they shared Micah's prophecy. (Matthew 2:5-6; Micah 5:2) Herod was likely surprised by the answer, particularly since Bethlehem (the hometown of David) was never considered prestigious, or a city of influence. Even so, God chose Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah -- the place wherein the Saviour would be born. This is confirmed in Micah 5:2, which states, "But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) 

The other point worth noting is that this same Lord (called to be the ruler of Israel) was destined to come forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 7:14) But there is more. This same Jesus was before all things. (Colossians 1:16-17) He was in the world and the world made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) 

For those who are surprised by this, it's important to know that the Lord God Himself appeared to numerous individuals in the Old Testament, including Abraham. (Genesis 16:7-13; Genesis 32:24-32; Joshua 5:13-15; Judges 6:11-24; Daniel 3) Mary the mother of Jesus acknowledged the "holy thing" within her womb as "God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47) And in Revelation, we recognize the risen Jesus as both Lord and Christ; the King of kings and Lord of lords; the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Acts 2:36; Revelation 1:8, 11) 

The Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

In summary then, the first six verses of Micah 5 foretells of the birth of Jesus, and the later adoption and conversion of the Gentiles. The remainder of the chapter speaks to the triumphs of Israel. Similarly, like Daniel's prophecies, Micah speaks of events that will happen both in the near future and off in the distance. We know that God said that Israel would never enter into His rest until the time when Israel would acknowledge His sacrifice on the cross. (Acts 20:28) Thus, we now know why there would be 430 years of silence. We also know why we all need a Saviour. 

Matthew Henry, a Biblical commentator, reaffirms Micah's prophecy as critical to our understanding because "it respects the personal character of the Messiah, and the discoveries of Himself to the world. It distinguishes His human birth from His existing from eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace to prevail through the whole earth in the latter days."

So much more to learn in the days ahead. For now, stand in the offering plate. 

I Will Dwell In Them, And Walk In Them; And I Will Be Their God, And They Shall Be My People. - Part 2569

"And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, "In Bethlehem of Judæa: for thus it is written by the prophet, "And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel." (Matthew 2:4-6)

One of the most notable promises of the old testament is the prophesying of the coming of Jesus.  Indeed, a number of prophets foretold the birth, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. These prophecies include the context and specific details in scripture, so that the naysayers could not dispute the evidence. 

So, when the wise men from the east queried Herod about Jesus (King of the Jews), and where He was to be born, Herod becomes notably troubled. But not just Herod, but also all of Jerusalem. The wise men ask, "Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east, and are come to worship Him." (Matthew 2:2)

It is at this point that Herod gathers all the chief priests and scribes, demanding from them the location where Christ should be born. (Matthew 2:4)

"Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:5-11) 

"And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt: and was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt have I called My son."

Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, "In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." (Matthew 2:1-17) 

Have you counted the number of prophecies that were fulfilled just in this one chapter? 

Did you notice that when the wise men came to see Jesus as a young child, that they worshipped Him?

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life." And he arose, and took the young child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matthew 2:1-23) 

Prophecy after prophecy was fulfilled herein, with many more to follow in the posts to come. For now, meditate upon these wonderful things. Stand in the offering plate. 

Jesus Said, "I Am Come In My Father's Name" - His Name Is JESUS For He Shall Save His People From Their Sins - Part 2568

 "I will praise the LORD according to His righteousness: and will sing praise to the Name of the LORD most high." (Psalm 7:17)

"Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? For Thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and worship before Thee, for Thy judgments are made manifest." (Revelation 15:4)

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour for He has looked on the humble estate of His servant." (Luke 1:47-48) 

Then Peter said unto them, "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 2:38)

"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)

"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." (Acts 10:48)

Jesus said, "I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43)

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God ... and the Word became flesh." (John 1:1-14)In the Name of Jesus, we shall have the victory! 

David the psalmist wrote, "O sing unto the Lord a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His holy arm, hath gotten Him the victory." (Psalm 98:1) It is for this reason that thanks be to God, "...which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Corinthians 15:57) 

Why? Because, as Isaiah prophesied, "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)

How do we know? Because the scriptures walk us through the greatest love story ever told, when God Himself willingly took on the form of flesh (yet without sin!) so that we might have abundant and everlasting life in Him. (I Timothy 3:16)

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)

"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name ..." (Philippians 2:9-11)

"Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:13-15)

"To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:43)

"For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 8:16)

"But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women." (Acts 8:12)

Jesus saith unto him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by Me." (John 14:6)

Stand in the offering plate.

To Him Gave All The Prophets Witness, That Through His Name There Can Be Remission Of Sins - Part 2567

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes -- to the Jew first, and also to the Greek, for therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Moreover, we learn from the scriptures that "neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

When you read the scriptures above, what are these saying to your heart? First, the verses point to the "name" from which salvation can be experienced, and second, these inform us that "no other name" under heaven can bring salvation. (Philippians 2:9; Acts 4:12) 

Not by works. Not through religious catechism. And most certainly, not praying to statues or confessing your sin to priests. 

In this current dispensation of grace, one must believe in our Lord God and Saviour. The same God our Saviour that Mary (the mother of Jesus) rejoiced in. (Luke 1:46) This is why Jesus is the only name given under heaven whereby you and I can be saved.

But if JESUS the Christ is not God manifest in flesh, as many within the modern day religious culture would have us believe, then when, as the scriptures state, did God visit us? When did God -- after His kindness and love toward man appear? (Titus 3:4-7)And when was the God who made the world in the world? (John 1:10-11) In other words, when did God become our Saviour? (Acts 20:28)

Nevertheless, JESUS was the offspring of the Holy Ghost, inasmuch as JESUS was the manifestation of the Holy Ghost. For both SEEDS were of the Holy Ghost. Therefore, the embryo -- the holy thing, as Luke stated -- was God. No other was involved. God Himself coming forth from the innermost being of His holy Spirit, coming forth in a fashion as a man to become man’s only Redeemer and Saviour.

Therefore, we all have a choice, which at the end of the day comes down to us responding to the question -- what are we going to do with Jesus? Will we say yes, and ask Him into our hearts, going onto be water baptized in His precious, holy Name? (Acts 2:36-41) Remember, God had said that He would that we would all come to Him -- as in today is the day of salvation! Today is the day that the Lord hath made, so we can rejoice! 

Please don't delay, for the Lord Jesus has so very much more for you this day. 

Stand in the offering plate. 

God In The Form Of Man Bequeathed All Of His Rightful Inheritance To Us - Part 2566

"And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disanull, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serve the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." (Galatians 3:17-19)

The wages of sin is death. In the eyes of God, there is no distinction between a small sin and sin that is criminal. Indeed, sin is sin. In the beginning, Adam disobeyed God’s Word and as a consequence we all inherit the wage or penalty resulting from Adam‘s disobedience. Prior to Adam’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden, Adam was perfect. However, following Adam's willingness to go his own way, the dark cloud of sin fell over Adam. It did so, even contaminating Adam’s seed. Since we are of Adam’s seed, we also bear the fruit of Adam’s transgression.

Therefore, it may seem like we are in a boxed-in situation, incapable of escape. Because of this, we resort to dressing up sin so that it no longer appears as sin. In today's world, we call it fashionable sin.

In the Garden, God said to Adam, "What have you done?" It was here that humankind inherited a world full of pollution, eternal death and separation from God. It was also within this context that we are able to recognize that we are lost and blind. As the cliche states, when the blind lead the blind, things do not get better.

In this context, the Lord said, "My people perish for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6)

But God, whose earthy image we are by creation, has said that He is not willing that any of His creation should perish. Instead, God devised a plan of redemption -- a plan of salvation whereby we could be saved. God's plan was for He Himself to clothe Himself in flesh and through/by the sacrifice of His own flesh body, purchase redemption on man’s behalf. As we now understand, God purchased our freedom and presented it to us as a gift. Fully paid!

To top it all, God clothed in the form of a Son bequeathed all of His rightful inheritance to us. In short, He became as one of us so that we could be clothed in His righteousness. How can this be? The scriptures state that through Him the unjust and unrighteous would become just, and that the unrighteous could now be classified as righteous.

The bottom line then is that God as a Son won the battle for all the whosoever's seeking salvation. Indeed, God put Himself in the place of men and women - in the place of you and I, and invited us to come into Him.

JESUS, who is God Himself as a Son willingly laid down His prone to sin flesh body, paying the debt of sin. Because of one man’s sin death fell on all men. So by the death of one righteous man the penalty is dismissed (no double jeopardy within God's plan of salvation). And therefore, we are FREE.

Death was the penalty. Corruption was not demanded. The first Adam was made of the earth whereas the second Adam was the SEED of the holy Spirit of God. The embryo was of the Spirit of God. The bones and blood of the embryo having no sin remained unharmed and intact upon the Cross.

Whereas, the flesh which was prone to sin material was provided by Mary, (she being one of the first Adam’s descendants), now willingly served in the role as /of a surrogate mother.

According to the scriptures, JESUS, being put to death in the flesh, was alive in Spirit and similarly quickened by the power of His Spirit. He had said, "Destroy this body (temple) and in three days I will raise it up again." Yes indeed we killed His flesh body, but not the life of His Spirit within!

In the natural, we at conception are seeded as a natural earthly body. 

The genealogy of Adam’s seed. When we are to be raised again as a result of salvation, we are not raised in natural bodies. We are raised in a spiritual body to be just like the second Adam JESUS, for we are members of His body, of His bones and His flesh!

Thus, herein, close to being saved is not sufficient. One has to believe on Jesus Christ as the Saviour of the world, and desire that He be both Lord and Christ in your life. Then be water baptized by immersion, in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ as performed on the day of Pentecost so that the first 3,000 souls could find redemption. (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4)

And don't forget to study His Word daily -- your lifeline which gives eyes to your soul for the rest of the world which are still seeking the gospel truth. Open the new testament and ask the Lord what blessed truth He has for you this day!

Stand in the offering plate.

Praise Ye The Lord; Praise Ye The Name Of The Lord! - Part 2565

"Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwells on high? (Psalm 113:5) 

Let heaven's peace fill your soul with the knowledge that all things created are of God. The same heavenly Father who created you and I in the beginning hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and given to us the ministry of reconciliation. Therefore, as the scriptures state, if any person be in Jesus the Christ, he or she becomes a new creature. Old things are passed away. Behold, all things are new. (II Corinthians 5:17)

As we also read in the scriptures, God was in Christ reconciling the world -- reconciling you and I to the Father according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God ... all things were made by Him ... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:1-14) Moreover, we read, "I, even I, am the Lord and beside Me there is no Saviour." (Isaiah 43:11) 

The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity. (Titus 2:13-14)

Indeed, He did so not to impute our trespasses but rather to commit unto us -- into our hearts -- the Word of reconciliation. In other words, He that hath made Jesus to be sin for us -- the same Jesus who knew no sin -- created a plan of salvation so that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:19-22) Through His precious, holy blood shed on the cross. (Acts 20:28) 

Therefore, as David the psalmist writes, "Praise ye the Lord ... praise ye the name of the Lord." (Psalm 112:1) 

Praise Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we may ask or think, according to the power that works in us -- the power of Jesus. 

Stand in the offering plate.

Which Hope We Have As An Anchor Of The Soul, A Blessed Assurance, A Rock That Can't Be Moved - Part 2564

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16) 

"He was in the world and the word was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

The doctrine of Christ is mentioned twice in the scriptures -- once in Hebrews 6:1-2 and once in II John 1:9.  Indeed, the doctrine of Christ is a foundational doctrine, and according to scripture, the basis for going on unto perfection. 

"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) 

But how many actually know of the doctrine of Christ? When was the last time you heard the doctrine of Christ mentioned from a pulpit? We understand from the prophets (confirmed in I Timothy 3:16) that  a time would come when the Lord God would go forth as a mighty man. (Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6) We also understand from Titus 3:4-7 that after the kindness and love of God, He would become our Saviour. Of course, there are numerous scriptures to confirm the doctrine of Christ., starting with -- in the beginning, God. (Genesis 1:1) 

The confusion in understanding the greatest love story ever told is when the angel said, "And ye shall call His Name JESUS, for He shall save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21) The reason for this primarily is because we don't read these scriptures further where "Emmanuel, being interpreted God with us!" reveals the rest of the story. 

It is in this context that today's blog will expand on the doctrine of Christ, so that we are not spiritually ignorant.

Note first that we have salvation because of the sacrifice of JESUS the Christ. In scripture, He was recognized as "the only begotten" of the holy Spirit of God or, as the scriptures state, God Himself manifest in the flesh as a Son. Do you remember that the Holy Ghost overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son? Luke, having written one of the four gospels, and also a physician referred to the son in Mary's womb as a "holy thing." (Luke 1:35) 

Most certainly, Luke would have recognized the fetus as such -- had the fetus been a normal baby. However, Luke knew the difference. Herein, Luke recognized God in the manifestation of JESUS (God with us), knowing too that He had a plan for all of His creation. This is why it is important to understand that in Jesus did ALL the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9) 

If some of you require an analogy, think of a drop of water from the ocean. Even with only the one drop, you would still be in possession of all the physical elements found in the ocean waters. Still, there remains a vast body of water that is ocean. It is the same with God in Christ. All of the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus. All of the fullness of the Godhead.

This is why Jesus said unto Philip, "If you have seen Me, then Philip you have seen the Father." (John 14:6-12) Or, that I and My Father are one. (John 10:30) He that has seen Me (the Son) has seen the Father. (John 14:6-12) In other words, God fathered All of His children in a Son’s body. 

Surely, natural life as we see it displays this obvious fact. All of man’s offspring are fathered from a son’s body and after the child is born the son who provided the seed is recognized as a father. If this seems confusing, re-read that statement once again before moving on, because it is a key understanding to the Godhead. Know too that we are made in the image of God!

JESUS then was conceived of the Holy Ghost - His Spirit providing the new blood line. God Himself as a Son seeded us for it is written, "We are the SEED of JESUS the Christ." The SEED of JESUS the Christ is the WORD of God. For we have been born again NOT of corruptible seed BUT by incorruptible SEED which is the WORD of God.

JESUS being the very same WORD/WISDOM that indwelt God. Yes, one and the same. JESUS the WORD / the WISDOM of GOD coming forth from the innermost being of God, becoming for our sake God manifest in the flesh as a Son. God was manifest in visible form like unto Adam‘s sin prone race, appearing in such humiliated form to destroy the evil works and destruction of the devil.

The first Adam. The second the Lord from heaven. 

Indeed, JESUS purposely came in this condescended form so that we might have life eternal. JESUS did not descend into our midst to condemn us! Rather, JESUS came that we might have ample opportunity to be brought out from “the bondage of the law of sin and death" being translated by the grace of God into the Kingdom of God in Christ. And likewise, into the Law of Liberty!

Indeed, God has a plan for man, which unfortunately is often obscured and hid from many eyes. Who could entertain the thought that God would lay down His own life as a Son for us? (Acts 20:28) But as we know from reading the scriptures, and similarly, our personal walk with our Saviour, God by Himself provided a way whereby sinful, disobedient, sin prone man could be redeemed.

Even today, with all of the eloquent speeches of men, their words are lame in comparison to the factual WORDS of ETERNAL LIFE spoken and confirmed by God. The same God who was indwelling the man JESUS the Christ who desired from the beginning of time to reconcile fallen man to Himself. As many as received JESUS received life! This is God's promise to one and all!

More to come on this subject. In the interim, take time to meditate on the One and Only who considers us to be the apple of His eye. He has not forgotten our work and labour of love which we have showed toward His name -- His name JESUS in this current dispensation of grace. 

"But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:9-12)

Stand in the offering plate.