To Him That Beileves On Him That Justifies The Ungodly; Concludes A Man Is Justified By Faith Without The Deeds Of The Law - Part 2810

"For what saith the scripture?" 

Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Even as David also described the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputes righteousness without works, saying, "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Comes this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had] yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: because the law works wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; " (Romans 4:3-16)

Again, apostle Paul is pointing to the righteousness of faith. Within this scriptural passage, Paul cites two examples - Abraham and David. Paul reiterates here that faith is made void and the promise of none effect when the law supersedes Jesus' abundant mercy and grace which we receive by faith in Him. 

For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. Not in circumcision (under the law) but in uncircumcision -- so that righteousness might be imputed unto them also, who don't believe. But I digress somewhat. 

Apostle Paul continues to write to the Romans -- asking pointed questions like what advantage has a Jew, or what profit is there of circumcision. It is in this context that the Lord had to level the playing field (no respecter of persons) so that we all have an opportunity to come to Him by faith -- both Jew and Gentile.

"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."

You see, when God levelled the playing field between Jew and Gentile, He did so in order that all the world can see that we cannot be saved by the law, but rather, that while we have all come short of the glory of God, we can be justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past. 

Paul continues in his encouragement to Rome. 

"What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God. For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, "That thou might be justified in thy sayings, and might overcome when thou art judged."

But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man) God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my life unto His glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner? And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) "Let us do evil, that good may come?" whose damnation is just.

What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, "There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. " 

Paul continues, "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes."

Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 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: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 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. Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:1-31)

This is the message -- as it is written. Let's not stand outside the liberty which can only be found in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 5:1) 

Stand in the offering plate.

Old Testament Circumcision Is Physical; New Testament Circumcision Spiritual - Part 2809

"For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:29)

Continuing from the last post, apostle Paul is teaching on the old testament law, and how when we  wholly subscribe to the law (Mosaic Law - 613 laws - the tablets of stone) the vail remains upon our hearts. This only changes when we come to the Lord with all our heart. soul, mind and strength to discover glorious liberty in Him. Then is the vail removed, because we have now found the glorious liberty which is in Christ.

Further to this point, Paul herein differentiates between the Gentiles and the Jews (albeit, we later understand that there is no difference) but he does so to show us that when we rest in the law, we miss the glorious gospel which shines in the face of the Lord Jesus Christ. We miss the liberty wherein Jesus has set us free.

Why is this critical? Because regardless of how hard we try to keep the law, we can't. Plus, we are trying to get our salvation through works, and when we do, we miss the fact that Jesus paid the price on the cross for our sins once and for all. He shed His precious holy blood so that we might have abundant life in Him.

But there is more. The law as we know it  -- physical, written, tablets of stone is still required by those who don't believe. Why? Because until unbelievers (uncircumcision) come to the fullness of the knowledge of Jesus Christ -- the glorious good news gospel -- they still need to be governed by written laws. However, for those of us who have asked Jesus to be both Lord and Christ, the law is now written in our hearts. 

There is a scriptural example which may make this point clearer -- from Galatians 2. Herein Peter comes to Antioch. At the time, Peter had been eating with the Gentiles but when the Jews (circumcision) came, Peter would depart and eat with them. When apostle Paul witnesses this, he sees that they were carried away with their dissimulation. [From the KJV Dictionary, dissimulation means the act of dissembling; a hiding under a false appearance; a feigning; false pretension; hypocrisy. Dissimulation may be simply concealment of the opinions, sentiments or purpose; but it includes also the assuming of a false or counterfeit appearance which conceals the real opinions or purpose.]

"But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, lives after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compel thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.: (Galatians 2:14-21)

To the saints in Rome, apostle Paul elaborates on the differences between the Jews and Gentiles -- that when the Gentiles which do not have the law show the works of the law written in their hearts and their conscience also bearing witness, this should be an example to those under the law. For he is not a Jew which is one outwardly but he is a Jew which is one inwardly -- through circumcision of the heart, in the Spirit and not in the letter of the law. Paul does not stop there ... 

"... but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: for there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and make thy boast of God, and knows His will, and approves the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law; and art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. Thou therefore which teaches another, teaches thou not thyself? thou that preaches a man should not steal, dost thou steal? Thou that say a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhor idols, dost thou commit sacrilege? thou that makes thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonours thou God?

For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. "For circumcision verily profits, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision." Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? 

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God." (Romans 2:10-29)

More to come. Stand in the offering plate.

Glorious: Seeing Then We Have Such Hope: The Vail Done Away With In Christ - Part 2808

Apostle Paul continually encourages believers to understand from whence comes our salvation, but at the same time, that we are no longer under the law -- fleshy tablets of stones. Indeed, herein Paul is elaborating on this point -- that even in the reading of the old testament, the vail remains upon our hearts. The vail which is the law -- that could never save us from our sins. But even more so, the law is bondage, wherein we remain in bondage, under the wrath of the law, wherein we always feel guilty.

But this is not the glorious message of the new testament, wherein we understand that when we turn to the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, the vail is taken away. 

Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. This is our hope -- the glorious good news message of the Lord Jesus Christ, wherein He has made us able ministers of the new testament. 

The other point to remember is Abraham (by faith) came before the law. This historical timeline is a critical point of understanding (again, from whence comes our salvation) -- which we will delve into further in the days ahead. For now, let's set the context and foundation of apostle Paul's teaching to the saints and churches in Corinth. 

"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 

And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the Spirit: for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 

But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away: how shall not the ministration of the Spirit be rather glorious? For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excels. For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remains is glorious.

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 3:1-18)

More to come. Stand in the offering plate.

Be Filled With The Spirit; Speaking To Yourself in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Making Melody To The Lord - Part 2807

In the previous blog, we considered the meaning of numbers - specifically, "in the presence of two or three witnesses" and how it relates to other scriptures in the Old and New testaments, and from a broader perspective - within  a just and principled society. This day, we will look to its origins -- where two or three was originally established. If you guessed in Moses time, you are right!

It may be important to interject here -- Mosaic law was intended for the Hebrew nation (Jews) and not Gentiles because Gentiles are under Abraham (who by faith was before the law). (Galatians 3:1-29) But I digress. The correct answer is indeed under Mosaic law: "he that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses" (Hebrews 10:28) 

The scriptures again confirm a matter can only be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses (multiple) -- "for one witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity or any sin." (Deuteronomy 19:15) Later in Deuteronomy 17:6: "at the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is 
worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death." Jesus said, "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." (Matthew 18:16)

And again, "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (I Timothy 5:19)

Repeatedly, we see the underlying premise for true justice -- showing how the he said/she said scenario fails the ultimate test of justice. 

There are also other places in the scriptures where two or three is mentioned. For example, when they returned to Joshua, and said unto him, "Let not all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai; and make not all the people to labour thither; for they are but few." (Joshua 7:3)

Or when "he lifted up his face to the window, and said, "Who is on my side? Who?" And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs." (II Kings 9:32)

In yet another place -- this time a prophecy points to berries (gleaning grapes in fact) -- "Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it, as the shaking of an olive tree, two or three berries in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof," saith the Lord God of Israel. (Isaiah 17:6)

The prophet Isaiah references gleaning later when he writes, "In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction. When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done. They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the Majesty of the Lord, they shall cry aloud from the sea." (Isaiah 24:12-14)

For purposes of clarity and completeness, gleaning is mentioned in several other scriptures. "And [Gideon] said unto them, "What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abi-ezer? God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you?" (Judges 8:1-5; 8:2) But the people wanted more conquered kings. 

And then under Levitical law, the Lord instructs farmers to leave the corners of their fields unharvested so the poor can eat, and the top of the boughs too. (Leviticus 19:9; Leviticus 23:2) However, in Jeremiah 49:9, the Lord God of hosts asks a question. "If grape gatherers come to thee, would they not leave some gleaning grapes?" And then the same Lord God of hosts makes a statement. "If thieves by night, they will destroy till they have enough." (Jeremiah 49:9-10) In other words, the norm (even with thieves) is they don't usually take everything. There is usually something left behind. But not so when it comes to God's judgment against Edom, wherein (if we read further) there is nothing left. No one will remain there, and nor shall the son of man dwell there. (Jeremiah 49:16-22)

   

And then there are firkins which we see when Jesus (the Bridegroom) performs His first miracle of turning the water into wine. As we know there was a wedding but the hosts had run out of wine. Mary lets Jesus know the situation, to which Jesus replies, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." (John 2:4; II Samuel 16:10)

"And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece." (John 2:6) [a firkin is a measure used for measuring liquids; its primary purpose for ceremonial washing] This is also the only time firkins is referenced in the scriptures so we don't have enough context to more fully elaborate, beyond the actual miracle wherein Jesus changes the water at a wedding into wine. (John 2:1-6) 

This is a good transitioning point -- Mary is looking for the old wine kept in bottles (physical) but Jesus is referring to the new wine (spiritual) -- which John the baptizer alludes to when he pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. (John 1:29) 

"Upon whom thou shat see the Spirit descending and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizes with the Holy Ghost." (John 1:33; Matthew 3:11)

Therefore, apostle Paul is moving believers from the letter of the law to the s/Spirit of the law; from the old to the new testament; when he elaborates further in terms of the assembling of the saints. Paul writes, "If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret." (I Corinthians 14:27) 

And then again, "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." (I Corinthians 14:29)

Indeed, as when we come together In His precious holy name, we can "be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" (Ephesians 5:17-19)

So much to be thankful for! Stand in the offering plate.

But By Every Word That Proceeds Out Of The Mouth Of God! - Part 2806

Jesus said, "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20)

As believers, we often hear this scripture cited within congregations. There are others as well, wherein two or three are mentioned in the scriptures. Specifically, the word two is mentioned 708 times and three 511 time; albeit not always together within the same verse.

And there is also times wherein particular words are used more than once -- for emphasis. For example, "Holy, holy, holy" (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Or the word verily --"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness." (John 3:11) Or the idea of two can be expressed in a much different way -- "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also." (Genesis 1:16) Or when apostle Paul ventured for the third time to the saints in Corinth -- from Macedonia - he reiterates that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (II Corinthians 13:1)

Why is this important to understand? "... that every word is established in the presence of two or three witnesses." Because in western culture, this is the underlying precept and foundation of judicial law (and if it isn't, it should be!).-- in that the 'he said/she said' arguments cannot be validated without the presence and evidence of other witnesses.

Know too that the Lord God has used numbers throughout the scriptures. Much like He uses a different name for varying situations and time frames. But I digress somewhat. The point to remember is the scriptures are full of examples which emphasize the same or similar points. We call these confirming so that we know that everything that is written in the old and new testaments fits together. As in, for example, the Word of God is infallible. Incapable of error, but instead written for our edification and learning.

As well, these scriptures help us to understand more accurately that God is not the author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33) Each and every scripture fits together (like a puzzle) so we who believe are never without (never empty or void of) the armour of God.

"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11, 13)

Further, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all written by different disciples and yet each one of these four witnesses validate the very same message; the same situations; the same events; the same life lessons; or circumstances. How many parables did Jesus share, that are written in more than one gospel? Or Jesus teachings, which are foundational and by repetition become embedded in our very being - when we read them?

Another example is Peter, when he stood with the eleven apostles in one accord on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) If Peter had ventured away from the truth of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, he would have had to contend with the eleven.

We can see the same with life lessons. Jesus said, "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (Matthew 18:16) Apostle Paul further clarifies this same point when he is instructing Timothy -- "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." (I Timothy 5:19)

Conversely, the authorities "stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, "This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." (Acts 6:12-14)

All sorts of examples for us to learn. First, the Word of God is our sword. Second, as Jesus explains, the seed which we plant in people's hearts is the Word.

"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11)

"Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him." (Proverbs 30:5)

And this Word, His Word --"...the Word of our God shall stand for ever." (Ephesians 6:17)

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)

Indeed, by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God do we learn to trust and find our purpose. And we know that the scriptures are the Word of God because within them, we find abundant everlasting life. A win-win situation and the Lord's invitation is open to one and all.

It is for this reason that we can have blessed assurance because "the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Isaiah 40:8)

Stand in the offering plate.