The Undisputed Champion

March 18, 2024 at 12:59 pm | Posted in Philippians | 1 Comment
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There is a poetic shift in perspective or a poignant contrast after Philippians 2:8 which segues from the the ideas of condescension and kenosis to exaltation and glory.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:9

The “wherefore” and the initiative of God in doing this – in exalting the Son and in giving Him this uniquely honorable name – lets us see this as partly a “reward” to Jesus for His obedience and self-humbling – for His kenotic life and His sacrificial death. And we can’t deny the reality of that, but we also can’t tip over into a purely ethical application, or else we will see our own glorification by God as a reward for our obedience and see our salvation as something earned rather than freely given.

There is some debate about whether this “name” given to the Son by the Father is “Jesus” or “Kyrios/Lord,” but it seems to me that the very next verse answers that question clearly while also reminding us that Jesus (“Savior”) is a name which was also His by right, and that we are “saved” by Him rather than contributing to our own glorification.

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Philippians 2:10

This bowing is in some sense figurative, if we think of angels and demons as purely spiritual creatures without real, physical, material, anatomical knees, but I would not discount the likelihood that anyone with any kind of a knee will indeed be on them! An abjectly submissive kneeling may not sound, at first blush, all that joyful, but to those of us who rejoice in the togetherness of the Gospel this will be a very willing and joyful kneeling – a kneeling in awe AND love, a kneeling in submission AND joy.

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:11

This confession will be made by those who love to make it, but it will also be made by those who hate it, and it will not be like the false confession of the victim of a playground bully who, arm twisted painfully behind his back, is compelled to say “uncle” despite his utter lack of actual “nephewdom.” No, this will be a true confession, and its veracity will be fully known even by those who will not want to say it. Jesus will truly be recognized as the “undisputed” champion of the world – and of Heaven and hell and all of existence.

The Kenosis

February 12, 2024 at 2:51 pm | Posted in Philippians | 3 Comments
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The doctrine of the Kenosis is a subcategory of the doctrine of the Condescension, which is itself a subcategory of the doctrine of the Incarnation.

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:5

The mind which was in Christ Jesus is a mind which esteems others and looks on the things of others with a view to their ultimate good. It is important to understand that the hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 is not only a doxology, but a didactic hymn, and it is didactic in two ways: It is ethical and it is Christological. It teaches key things about the person and work of Christ, but it also teaches us to imitate Him to the extent that we can. We can not die for the sins of others, and and we can not veil our deity (because we have none), but we can humble ourselves and obey to a sacrificial degree.

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Philippians 2:6

“Form” here does not mean an outward husk, but it means that Jesus had the same essence as God the Father. For Him to grab onto the full expression of this essence would not have been robbery. It would not have been taking something which did not belong to Him. He would have been within His “rights” to express the full spectrum of His Deity.

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:7

This idea of making Himself of no reputation is from the Greek word kenoo, which has the sense of “emptying out.” This is why the hymn is often referred to as the Kenosis, and why that is the name of the doctrine which has to do with Christ veiling, not setting aside, His Deity. In other words, He didn’t fully assert or take advantage of His own Deity. He didn’t boast about it or show it off. Kenoo is typically used in the context of bragging or boasting or showing off for selfish reasons: self-glorying. It is a little difficult to translate because if we merely say that He emptied Himself we will get the false idea that He emptied Himself of His Deity, which is impossible. In the truest analysis, He didn’t empty Himself OF anything. What He did was “empty Himself” by taking TO Himself humanity: the form of a servant.

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:8

This idea of “fashion” as a man is a poetic juxtaposition of the “form” of God. Jesus didn’t just take on the appearance of a man. He actually became a man (while remaining God). He took humanity unto Himself, and lived His life like a man. He was not merely “God disguised as a man.” Ultimately, He stooped so far down, and condescended so low, and emptied Himself of even His human life on the Cross. He was obedient all the way to death (the only way God COULD die was as a man), and not only death, but the most ignominious death of all: Crucifixion. The shame of the Crucifixion was the chief stumbling block to the acceptance of Christianity in the First Century. Even if people were willing to entertain the idea that God “could” somehow become man, for Him to be stripped naked in front of the world, spat upon, mocked,  ridiculed, tortured, beaten, belittled, hung up like a God-forsaken spectacle by His most cruel enemies was unthinkable!

And it truly is astounding. Yet, because He did it, and did it willingly and lovingly and humbly:

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11

One Race, One Savior

January 19, 2024 at 12:50 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment
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After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 7:9

There are people in this world who live in different places, speak different languages, and look differently. However, there is only one “race:” people; human beings; the human race. We are all related to Adam.

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Acts 17:26

As human beings we have many differences, but we are all sinners. Adam was a sinner, and all of us are a part of his family, so we all have sin inside of us.  

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 5:12

Jesus’s obedience made a way for us to change families.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.

Romans 5:19

Only Jesus can change our status from children of Adam to children of God, and He will do it for people no matter how they look, what language they speak, or where they live.

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

I John 4:14

A Mystery Revealed

September 27, 2023 at 12:09 pm | Posted in Ephesians | 2 Comments
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For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,

Ephesians 3:1

Paul called himself a prisoner in two senses. He had been set free from bondage to sin, but he had voluntarily placed himself into the captivity of Christ. He was also literally a prisoner of Rome because of his ministry to the gentiles.

This was the beginning of a prayer, which will be continued in Verse 14, but Verses 2 – 13 are a digression – a pause in the prayer in the form of a long sentence (189 words in the Greek) – in which Paul expounded on the ideas in Chapter 2 concerning the relationship of Jews and gentiles in Christ, and in which he addressed his unique position as the recipient of the revelation concerning this relationship which had been a mystery under the Old Testament, but which was now being revealed.

If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:

Ephesians 3:2

Paul was God’s main missionary to the gentiles.

3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Ephesians 3:3-4

The Book of Ephesians uses the idea of mysteries more than any other book of the Bible. It addresses the revelation of God’s election, the revelation of His predetermined work in Christ and the Cross, the revelation of the true meaning of marriage, and others.

Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

Ephesians 3:5

Paul wasn’t the only one given revelations. Other Apostles and New Testament prophets were used by God to reveal clearly what had been shadowy in the Old Testament, too. The idea is that no one could figure these things out on his own. God had to unilaterally impart this knowledge, but He did not just give it to anyone or everyone. The New Testament Church is built on the foundation first of Christ, and then on Holy Spirit revelation to the capital-A Apostles.

This was the mystery being revealed now:

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

Ephesians 3:6

Paul could not have discovered the revelation of this mystery on his own:

7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

Ephesians 3:7-8 (emphasis added)

A recognition of grace makes people humble, joyful, and responsible. A refusal to acknowledge grace makes people proud, grumpy, and complacent.

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Ephesians 3:9-10

The revelation of the mystery also educates angels and devils.

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

Ephesians 3:11 (emphasis added)

God the Father chose to save sinners; Christ the Son died to accomplish it; and the Holy Spirit applies it.

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:12-13

Here Paul continued the prayer begun back in Verse 1:

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Ephesians 3:14

He Is Worthy

March 21, 2023 at 3:48 pm | Posted in Isaiah | 2 Comments
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Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

Isaiah 53:1 (emphasis added)

God used His fingers in creation (Psalm 8:3): careful, loving, meticulous. He used His hand to deliver His people from Egypt (Exodus 13:3,9,14,16): security in grasping, strength in holding and protecting. But He reveals His mighty arm – something of His true strength – in salvation.

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

Isaiah 53:2

Jesus was the “root of David” (Revelation 5:5). He did not look strong or mighty when He appeared on the scene in His earthly ministry. He looked like a lowly servant. He did not look trustworthy, but He PROVED Himself utterly trustworthy. There was nothing special about His physical appearance, but He clarified the true meaning of beauty. Do not be deceived by paintings, photographs, movies, or any man-made images of Jesus. He is far more magnificent than any artist could ever capture.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Isaiah 53:3

No one recognized His true worth. They hid their faces, both with a prideful detesting of what was perceived as weak and lowly, and with a desire to enjoy their own darkness and not have it exposed by His holy light.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

Isaiah 53:4

In His suffering He was man’s greatest servant, and He made Himself servant to masters who hated Him. Ironically, men were the ones that deserved to be smitten by God, but HE was the one that they believed had been smitten because of the shameful manner of His suffering and death. He carried a lifetime of griefs and sorrows, but He had a mission. He had come for a reason.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:5

He came to suffer for sins He never committed. He was wounded for transgressions: our rebellious breaking of God’s law – not just minor technical offenses, but more like assaulting God Himself across a line He had marked out. These were transgressions, not mere indiscretions. He was bruised for our iniquities – not only our acts, but our CONDITION, our inherited sin nature from Adam, our perverse, bent nature, completely beyond our ability to change. All of this was borne and carried by the perfect, righteous, loving Lamb of God, all through His life.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6

Under the Old Testament sacrificial system animals were sacrificed for sins. Sheep died for their shepherds, and goats were sent to the wilderness to die, a the priest having confessed the sins of the people, and having placed them symbolically on the goat’s head. But now the Good Shepherd would change everything – not by destroying the old system, but by fulfilling it. The Good Shepherd would die for His sheep.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

Isaiah 53:7

Jesus Christ fulfilled this prophecy before the chief priests and elders, before Pilate, and before Herod Antipas when He remained silent under their questioning, taunts, mockery, false accusations, and false judgment. He did not appeal the most unfair trial in the history of the world, because God was fulfilling these prophecies exactly according to His plan.

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

Isaiah 53:8

How are men cut off from the land of the living? They die. The ones taken from prison and judgment are killed. Jesus Christ, who was God in human flesh, willingly lay down His life. This was not suicide. Suicide is stealing life from God. Jesus was God and could not steal from Himself.

And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

Isaiah 53:9

Jesus was buried in a tomb borrowed from Joseph of Arimathea, who was rich. The death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus are all integral parts of the Gospel.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

53:10 

Jesus was crushed under the weight of God’s wrath poured out against our sins. How could a dead man with no children have descendants? By rising again, and by making spiritual children, not physically-conceived children.

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

Isaiah 53:11

God was not satisfied in the sense of taking delight in suffering, but His righteousness, law, holiness, and justice were satisfied by payment in full for the ENTIRE SIN DEBT.

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53:12

His portion with the great means great in number, in quantity, not in earthly prestige.

Jesus is still saving souls today. He Who knew no sin BECAME sign so that we who knew no righteousness could become the righteousness of God in Him. Let us esteem Jesus Christ better today than men did when He came to die for us. Let us look at what those who crucified Jesus esteemed instead of Him, and ask ourselves if we esteem those things more than Him today. He was poor. Do we esteem wealth? He was an outcast and a reject from society. Do we esteem popularity and acceptance? People lied about Him and said vile things. Do we fight for our good reputation with plans and schemes to get even and with our own get-back-at-you gossip? What do we care about more: that we look good to men, or that God looks great to men? He came to serve and to die. Do we dare to try to get ourselves in the position of being served by someone else? He suffered hardship and discomfort and a life of hard work. Will we dare to pamper ourselves? Jesus is rejected today for so many of the same reasons He was rejected back then. He represents everything that carnal men hate. But He is worthy. That’s any easy thing to sing on Sunday mornings, surrounded by affluence in a friendly, non-threatening environment, but do our activities and attitudes and awe prove that He’s our Treasure?

The Most Important Invitation You Will Ever Receive

February 15, 2023 at 1:17 pm | Posted in Isaiah | 2 Comments
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Isaiah 53 shows us what God’s Suffering Servant (Jesus, the Messiah) accomplished for God, for Himself, and for us, in His life, His Crucifixion, and His Resurrection.

In Chapter 55 there is an invitation, based on these accomplishments.

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

Isaiah 55:1

This is an invitation for EVERYONE to receive salvation: not just Jewish people, but gentiles, too. You can see that salvation cost God dearly, but He offers it free to us. We do not have to “earn” it, or “buy” it.

God speaks through Isaiah, and He pleads with us not to let the direction of our lives be about gaining ground in this world: Do not focus on getting wealth, fame, popularity, leisure. Those things won’t “satisfy.” They are not what is truly “good.” 

Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

Isaiah 55:2

God had made a covenant with David. We can have the same promise that he received. God promised David that his throne would be established by God forever. Believers will one day reign and rule with Jesus Christ. If we incline our ear to God and heed and obey Him today, we can reign in life now (Isaiah 55:3). 

God chose the Jewish people to bring blessings to the rest of the world. Our Bible came through them. The Messiah came through them. God’s Holy Spirit was first poured out on them. They rejected Jesus when He first came to them, but they are still God’s covenant people, just as the Church is today. 

Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee.

Isaiah 55:5

Isaiah also gives us a reminder that today is the day of salvation. God’s people have future promises from God, but they do not have to wait until some future “right time” to draw near to Him by faith. 

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Isaiah 55:6

The wicked are on the “way” of destruction, and the unrighteous cannot even control their own thoughts. But God has mercy on the broken and repentant. He will not only “pardon” them – He will ABUNDANTLY pardon them: make them His Own CHILDREN. 

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts:  and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

Isaiah 55:7

Isaiah, in Chapter 55, prophesies to people who will experience joy in returning from “exile” – a time of chastening when the Lord seems to withdraw His presence from us to let us have our own way. We suffer when this happens, but He allows it because it teaches us to value Him, to be like Jesus, and to stay close to Him. It purifies us and sanctifies us, and makes us ready for our home in Heaven.

That’s how the Jewish people felt coming back to Jerusalem from their captivity in Babylon, and there will be even greater joy when Jesus’s Kingdom is established in the Millennium.

Bloodthirsty

February 9, 2023 at 4:30 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments
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If you see a rowdy crowd of people from a distance, worked up, screaming, yelling, and excited or agitated, all facing someone standing before them, you might not be able to tell what is going on until you get closer, but there are at least two possibilities. They could be yelling in adoration, similar to what you would expect to see at a rock concert. However, they could also be raving with anger: what we would call a bloodthirsty mob.

Jesus faced both of these scenarios in His ministry here on earth.

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

John 6:15

When an unruly mob of adorers came for Him, He responded with humility and caution. He withdrew and escaped. But, on another occasion, when He faced a bloodthirsty crowd, He reacted differently:

But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them. And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. Then Pilate said unto them, Why, what evil hath he done? And they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.

Mark 15:11–14

In a way, He reacted to the bloodthirsty crowd by giving them what they wanted: blood. He let them scourge Him and crucify Him. He could have escaped, but He didn’t.

The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

Proverbs 29:10

Some people are going to hate you if you are upright. No matter how popular you try to be, no matter how much like them you try to be, when they hear you proclaim that they are sinners in need of a Savior, they will turn on you before you can tell them the Good News, that Jesus loves them and wants to save them. “Bloodthirsty” is a very evocative adjective, and the people who don’t want to hear about Jesus may not actually be angry enough to want to kill you, but, in a way, those who don’t know Christ are still “bloodthirsty” in the sense that they are thirsty for the blood of Jesus, whether they know it, or admit it, or not.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

I John 1:7

Those who hated Christ wanted His blood, and He graciously gave it to them. Those who truly receive it won’t be bloodthirsty any more.

Past, Present, and Future: The Future

January 12, 2023 at 12:04 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments
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In Psalm 85, after reviewing the blessings of the past, and after the plea, and the lament, of the psalmist in the present, the people would now have to pause and listen for what God would reveal about the future.

For believers, the immediate future may be uncertain but the eternal future is not. For nations, there is no guarantee or promise from God. The Cross of Christ stands far above the American flag.

A. Proximity

I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Psalm 85:8

God’s peace is for those who turn away from folly – foolishness – a lack of fear of the Lord. His “saints” (not deceased believers, but His special people) are sanctified and set apart by and for Him.

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

II Peter 2:20-21

Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.

Psalm 85:9

God’s salvation is as close to His people as a recognition by them of Who He really is. It is near, but not available, to those who insist on a false version of Him. This leads to a conundrum – a problem of apparent contradiction. How will a just and holy God – a God of truth and not make-believe – give mercy and peace to people who owe a debt to truth and righteousness they can not pay, and who have broken laws which require justice?

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

Psalm 85:10

B. Propitiation

Christ Jesus is the propitiation for sinners. He is where these immutable attributes and gifts of God meet together and kiss each other in holy blessed harmony. He is the basis on which God can look to the past and answer the prayers of the present in a glorious future.

C. Prosperity

Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.

Psalm 83:12

This refers to material prosperity, yes, but it is also a greater view of prosperity: an all-encompassing view of prosperity. It is true “goodness” – ultimate goodness – goodness according to God, Who is the Father of Lights, making everything that appeared dark and sinister become bright and beautiful.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

James 1:17

Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.

Psalm 85:13

As we wait in the present for His deliverance in the future, our answer is found in His Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).

Six Stakes which Help Us Hold Fast

September 27, 2022 at 3:17 pm | Posted in II Thessalonians | 3 Comments
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Previously we saw from II Thessalonians 2:15 the need to hold fast to Biblical truth. In order to hold fast, it will help to drive these truths into our hearts and minds – like stakes driven into the ground in preparation for hurricane-force winds:

First stake: The love of God

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

II Thessalonians 2:13 (emphasis added).

Perhaps God could have saved us and merely placed us in an empty place – rescued from wrath but stranded and lonely. Or perhaps He could have made us mere messengers or servants like the angels. In fact, He did make us messengers and servants, but He went so much further than that. He made us His VERY OWN CHILDREN!

Second stake: God chose you

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

II Thessalonians 2:13 (emphasis added)

We do not get credit for choosing God. He is the one Who chose us. He chose us when we were not looking for Him and did not want Him. God loved us enough to save us while we were His ENEMIES, so we can be assured that evil men and evil times can never take away those whom God has chosen. Nobody is stronger than God. Nobody destroys His plans. Hold fast to the hope that God saved you and holds you in His hands.

Third stake: We are destined for glory

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

II Thessalonians 2:14 (emphasis added)

God is preparing a bride for His Son, and He will make it so that the bride is fit for His Son. He is not preparing a sick and faithless and cast-off bride. He is preparing a GLORIOUS bride for His son. True Christians are that bride, and we can endure suffering and hard times and sickness and persecution, and the loss of all our money, and our reputation, and every thing, because we know He will glorify us – and BE GLORIFIED IN US.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

If the sufferings of the Apostles and the First Century Christians – who endured tremendous persecution and suffering – could not compare to the glory to come, then how much less should we be defeated by our puny little sufferings?

Fourth stake: Our sanctification

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

II Thessalonians 2:13 (emphasis added)

Although, salvation “happens” when you are born again, there is a sense in which salvation continues. We WERE saved, we ARE saved, and we ARE BEING SAVED as we are sanctified.

Hold onto this idea that God is sanctifying you. It is a work of the Holy Spirit, but God graciously gives us a part in it. It is the strengthening of holding on when the storm comes. God may be using the storms in your life to blow some of the unsanctifying things away.

Fifth stake: God has called us to this fast-holding

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

II Thessalonians 2:14 (emphasis added)

This image of holding fast almost makes it seem like Christianity is just one big desperate struggle to keep from getting blown away, but God has promised us peace and even joy while we’re holding on.

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

II Thessalonians 2:16-17 (emphasis added)

When God calls us He equips us to do what He’s called us to do. He has not commanded us to hold fast and then made the wind too strong for us to hold on.

Sixth stake:  the Gospel

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

II Thessalonians 2:14 (emphasis added)

Paul could call the Gospel of Jesus Christ “our Gospel” because he had made it such a part of his life – such a part of his BEING – that he felt as if it were his. He not only preached it, not only taught it, not only thought long and meditated upon it, not only sought the Lord about it, not only wrote letters to the churches about it – He LIVED it.

So, while we’re holding on to these stakes, do not get the wrong impression – that we’re in this alone or even that it’s just you and the Lord all the time, although it often will be. The Gospel demands a couple of things of you: One, that you make the Gospel your life. The more you learn of it, the more you love it, and the less and less you find yourself able to leave it out of your conversation. Two, the Gospel demands that you get involved with others. Lead them to Christ, and then help them hold on – hold fast.

Guilty No More

September 9, 2022 at 1:53 pm | Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments
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One time my daughter sang a song in church which contained the line, “We are guilty no more.” We often speak to people about what it means to be “saved,” and, in doing so, we try to get them to admit the guilt caused by their sin. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” they say. “I don’t feel guilty at all about what I’ve done or what I’m doing.”

That may be true, but whether or not you “feel” guilty is not the issue. If you have sinned against God – and we all have – you ARE guilty, whether you feel it or not. Your guilt is a judicial or forensic guilt that exists in the court of God’s justice, and He will eventually punish you as a guilty sinner unless you repent and trust the Savior, Jesus Christ. If you will do that, believing the truth about His life, death, burial, and Resurrection, then your sins will be forgiven, and you will be “guilty no more.”

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:

Romans 3:19-24

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