Much could be said about the Kingdom message of Jesus, the Messiah. Arguably, the Kingdom message was the focal point of Jesus' recorded ministry. Jesus, as the divine son of God, came into the world with a profound message for all, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". The implications of such a message are far-reaching and utterly poignant. The perfect plan of salvation for fallen mankind was not simply about how individuals can be 'saved and go to heaven', although it includes that.
God's plan is to restore earth and humanity (whosoever will) to His ways. For His commandants are not grievous and are for our well-being (Proverbs 3 for example). Jesus spends much time explaining this new Kingdom, how to enter into it, and how to remain in it. The long awaited redemption of Israel was fulfilled in Christ, the Messiah. Jew and Gentile alike can now experience the blessing of God's righteousness in the fulfilling of the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 15). The Apostles continued the Gospel, or "good news" that Israel's redemption and long-awaited Lord has arrived with power and authority, ready and willing to establish a people for Himself.
Not all the Jews realized this was their God acting in dramatic and unanticipated fashion. In Thessalonica in Acts 17, the unbelieving Jews brought "the brethren" to the Roman rulers of the city and cried saying, "These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also...and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another King, one Jesus".
A true follower of Christ must firmly grasp that this Kingdom is not of this world nor of a particular nation or land with man-made boundaries. Rather, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1). The Kingdom of God is universal, within the true believer, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. To be Kingdom-minded is also to be very aware of fallen man's carnal kingdoms, marking them, and striving to give allegiance solely to Jesus, the Lord and King of God's new Kingdom. For this new Kingdom truly "turns the world upside down".
The Word of God provides the redeemed with guidance and counsel on how to live within earthly kingdoms and yet be fully vested in God's Kingdom. The principles and applications impact nearly all areas of life. Whether we reside in an earthly kingdom that is tolerant or full of persecution and hatred, the believer must give total obeisance to God and remain faithful to the covenant blessing of His Kingdom.
Consider what Peter states in 1st Peter 2:7-12 (and really the whole chapter):
"7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, 8 and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation."
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Believe and Confess
It is common for Romans 10:9-11 to be read very narrowly, as if it is some sort of formula for instant and unconditional eternal security.
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
True faith from the heart in the Lord Jesus is the requirement for vindication (God in His love stating "you are right") and then confession of our mouth is made unto salvation and the scripture saith "whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (v. 11). The confession of our mouth is a life-long calling. Hence, Jesus is quite serious when he says he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13) and no man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). The Apostle Paul states, "if we deny Him, He will deny us" (2nd Tim. 2:12). Yet, if we abide in Christ, obedient to the New Covenant purchased for us with innocent blood, we look forward to the crown awaiting us (2nd Tim. 4:6-8).
As disciples of Jesus, we must yield ourselves to the Spirit after we have been purged from our former life of sin and rebellion (2nd Peter 1:9) and therein bear much fruit that the Father may be glorified (John 15:8).
A mere profession of faith is no faith at all unless accompanied by the power of the Spirit to mortify the deeds of the flesh and overcome sin, Satan, and the world. It is far too easy to claim the title of a Christian in this day and time, deceiving oneself that the Gospel is more like a permanent vaccine against hell than a glorious message of individual and corporate redemption.
Zion's Harp #175 - The Faith of the Fathers
v.1 Spirit by whose operation faith and holiness proceed, source of heavenly conversation, strength in weakness, help in need; Spirit, by whose inspiration Prophets and Apostles spake; martyrs bled and tribulation saints endured for Jesus' sake.
v. 4 Give us Joseph's chaste behavior when the world with crafty wiles seeks to draw us from the Savior to herself with frowns or smiles. Give us grace and strength for shunning this ensnaring Potiphar, wisdom to elude her cunning, strength her open hate to bear.
v6. Arm us with Thy true discernment as Elijah, in these days when men, led by superstition, to false idols altars raise. Let us shun a mere profession common in our days and land, witnessing a good profession, even if alone we stand.
Jesus Christ says "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23)
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
True faith from the heart in the Lord Jesus is the requirement for vindication (God in His love stating "you are right") and then confession of our mouth is made unto salvation and the scripture saith "whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (v. 11). The confession of our mouth is a life-long calling. Hence, Jesus is quite serious when he says he who endures to the end shall be saved (Matthew 24:13) and no man putting his hand to the plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). The Apostle Paul states, "if we deny Him, He will deny us" (2nd Tim. 2:12). Yet, if we abide in Christ, obedient to the New Covenant purchased for us with innocent blood, we look forward to the crown awaiting us (2nd Tim. 4:6-8).
As disciples of Jesus, we must yield ourselves to the Spirit after we have been purged from our former life of sin and rebellion (2nd Peter 1:9) and therein bear much fruit that the Father may be glorified (John 15:8).
A mere profession of faith is no faith at all unless accompanied by the power of the Spirit to mortify the deeds of the flesh and overcome sin, Satan, and the world. It is far too easy to claim the title of a Christian in this day and time, deceiving oneself that the Gospel is more like a permanent vaccine against hell than a glorious message of individual and corporate redemption.
Zion's Harp #175 - The Faith of the Fathers
v.1 Spirit by whose operation faith and holiness proceed, source of heavenly conversation, strength in weakness, help in need; Spirit, by whose inspiration Prophets and Apostles spake; martyrs bled and tribulation saints endured for Jesus' sake.
v. 4 Give us Joseph's chaste behavior when the world with crafty wiles seeks to draw us from the Savior to herself with frowns or smiles. Give us grace and strength for shunning this ensnaring Potiphar, wisdom to elude her cunning, strength her open hate to bear.
v6. Arm us with Thy true discernment as Elijah, in these days when men, led by superstition, to false idols altars raise. Let us shun a mere profession common in our days and land, witnessing a good profession, even if alone we stand.
Jesus Christ says "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." (John 4:23)
Friday, February 10, 2017
Much more then,...
The glorious plan of salvation for mankind involves two interwoven truths. First, man is incapable of earning forgiveness from God because of a fallen, sinful nature. The death and shedding of Christ's pure blood become the basis for anyone who gladly receives the Gospel. The second truth, which cannot be separated from the first, is that the new believer is given full access to God's grace and a new life in Christ Jesus through His advocacy and intercession. After reconciliation by the blood of our Savior, God's children are given a new nature and actually live in Christ, separated unto God's Kingdom for His purposes and pleasure.
Romans 5:1-11
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
Commenting on Philippians 3:10, S.H. Froehlich states, "To be found in Christ is the same as being found in the book of life. But on that day no one can be found in Christ who here and now has not become a new creature in Christ, to keep God's Law, and also to walk as Christ did when he was on earth."
By God's grace through Christ, with access to resurrection power, the called of God can remain faithful unto their end. It is only possible by the two inseparable truths of God's merciful forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice and establishing a new life with the very much alive Redeemer.
Romans 5:1-11
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
"Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement."
Commenting on Philippians 3:10, S.H. Froehlich states, "To be found in Christ is the same as being found in the book of life. But on that day no one can be found in Christ who here and now has not become a new creature in Christ, to keep God's Law, and also to walk as Christ did when he was on earth."
By God's grace through Christ, with access to resurrection power, the called of God can remain faithful unto their end. It is only possible by the two inseparable truths of God's merciful forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice and establishing a new life with the very much alive Redeemer.
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