Grow In Grace and In the Knowledge Of Our Lord And Saviour Jesus Christ: To Him Be The Glory Both Now And Forever - Part 1705

Many argue that with so many different religious persuasions in the world today, and a strong "traditions of men" culture displayed in our churches/temples/mosques, believers in Jesus Christ by faith could not reach a place of one accord as displayed on the day of Pentecost. For those who do not know, three thousand souls gathered together when the day of Pentecost was fully come, wherein Peter (standing with the eleven) told them that Jesus was both Lord and Christ. This led to their hearts being pricked. When these asked the apostles what they must do to be saved, Peter told them to repent, and be water baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and these would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ being an answer of a good conscience toward God. (I Peter 3:21-22) This teaching in the first two chapters of Acts providing a good doctrinal foundation for body of Christ believers, who understand Jesus the Christ to be the Rock -- the same Rock which was Christ who parted the Red Sea for the Israelites. (Acts 2:36-39; I Peter 3:21-22; Acts 10:44-48; Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 10:1-4; Hebrews 6:1-2)

But I digress. Why do I believe that one accord can again be achieved? For two reasons. First, I believe there is a promise from the Lord Jesus in Revelation 3:8-9 that has not yet been realized. And also, because the new testament church began on the day of Pentecost, after the Lord Himself paid the ultimate price for our redemption.

"Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:22; Acts 1:2-3)

This is critical because without the shedding of blood, there could be no last will and testament.

"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, which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices that could not make him that do the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience ..." (Hebrews 9:8-9)

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, He purchased us with His shed blood on a cross, so that we might be saved. Our sins forgiven by His own blood He entered in once and for all into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Hebrews 9:11-14)

Therefore, our wisdom and knowledge and understanding of the perfect sacrifice cannot be found in the world, but instead from the Lord God Almighty who loved us enough to take on sin prone flesh and become as one of us -- so that we could behold His glory. We need to understand that 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. (Hebrews 9:15-19)

Indeed, "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11) God was manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16)

The good news being that Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time, without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:28)

In other words, this whole world (and you and I as well) were created for His good pleasure! But our redemption becomes evident only when we realize that it was because of His love and kindness that God became our Saviour. We could do nothing in and of ourselves. We cannot be righteous of our own doing, but what we can do is be clothed in His righteousness through water baptism in His precious Name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus.

The veil that hid God from us was ripped in two -- from top to bottom, heaven to earth so that His love would be clearly evident for all the world to see. Yes, He obtained eternal redemption for us. He paid the price with His life, being slain while we were still His enemies. Still, we need to respond to His love. We need to accept His invitation of love in our hearts.

This is why He took away the first [the old covenant] that He Himself may establish the second [testament], by the which we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once and for all. And, consequently, we are invited to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus -- by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us; through the veil, that is to say, His flesh, and having an high priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

The Lord has done in this current dispensation of grace a new thing. The dayspring from on high has visited His people.

Therefore, take hold of the only message that will give you peace and joy in your soul. And as members of the body of Christ, let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering (for He is faithful that promised;) and able to bring those who worship Jesus as both Lord and Christ into one accord.

Indeed, believe in the Lord Jesus to the saving of the soul. Press toward the mark that is eternal, filling your lamps with oil. Pray without ceasing; rejoice evermore. And, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwells righteousness. Wherefore beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless .... and account the long suffering of our Lord salvation.

 Stand in the offering plate.