“The Voice Of Him That Crieth In The Wilderness”
“A Voice Crying In The Wilderness Of Our
Denominations and Religions”
END OF FALL 2005
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Author: Oneil McQuick Read: Foreword See Key Before
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Go To Notices
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Preface | Go To Table of Content | Go To Further Reading
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Bibliography
DISCLAIMER:
"The Voice..." is For Sale and offered as such, however, the purpose
is not a commercial output, where it maybe offered for sale is done so you may
get a paper back copy if you please, otherwise it can be freely downloaded and
printed or reproduced unaltered. Any proceeds received are mainly to cover the
cost of doing so, to the third party publishers, promoter, admin. and book
designer (cost of production, no profits); the author (Mr. McQuick)
takes/receives no money as an author. Any copyright materials used were done so
under the standard allowable, for instance, short exerts or extracts were used
with credits to the source and not their entire work; mainly for
expository/reference reasons. Moreover, any copyright infringement would only
take effect on commercial outputs,
which this is not. Also, please read the Notices.
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parties, from any liability that might arise from it's use. IF YOU DO NOT
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BOOK
NOTICE: In order to accomplish
the goal of outlining the true tenets of salvation, this book follows a
specific theological method from chapters 1 to 13 known as "interrogative
theology", which is intended for the exploration and presentation of
truth, not for the defending of an already established theology; thus an
unbiased presentation so to speak. Then chapter 14 goes heavy into defending
what was exegetically explained and is composed of several FAQ’s. We “received
the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether
those things were so” (Acts 17:11).
IMPORTANT
NOTICE: All other copies, work-in-progress,
unedited, unpublished versions, etc, prior to this copy is obsolete and should
be treated as such. References can only be given from this copy, as it is the
completion of years of research and study. References can only be made “when we
had finished our course…the will of the Lord be done” (Acts 21:7-14). This
Important notice is encouraged to be on all copies.
COPYRIGHT
NOTICE: © Copyright 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, etc, by
Oneil McQuick; also in accordance with international regulations on
Intellectual Property and Author's Rights. All rights reserved. The author
grants permission to non-commercially and commercially distribute the book if
you feel led to (please use tact and let it not be beyond affordability). You
can do so by hard copies, soft copies, downloads, prints, photocopy prints,
e-books and any format or method you wish, in any language, without my further
permission. The only condition is that it is not altered in anyway, including
the cover, titles and this copyright notice. This is not for profit; the sole
purpose is spreading the truth. You are free to quote as much, copy as much,
extract as much, make shorter booklets from chapters and other innovation in
the way of distribution, only keep it un-altered. There is a free PDF
copy online for you to do so; publishers, get the whole pack here http://www.threeq.com/zip/voicepublisherspack.zip.
Though I spent many hours and years in study, research, re-reading, re-writing
and waiting on the Lord for revelations, you don’t even have to give me credit,
just preach the word; “The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those
that published it” (Psalms 68:11). Nevertheless, this Copyright notice should
be on all copies at the front of the book, as to further give others the
right to distribute the truth. Though I release the right to publishing the
book and you have the right to do so, even commercially, “there is a man whose
labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath
not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and
a great evil” (Ecc 2:21). So keep me in your prayers that God may sustain me
financially. Nevertheless, I release the rights because I really want the truth
distributed unhindered. That it might be reckoned, “In that day shall the deaf
hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of
obscurity, and out of darkness...They also that erred in spirit shall come to
understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine” (Isa. 29:18-24).
NUMBER
NOTICE: As stated on the cover, they are over 2000
questions asked and answered in this book, but they are only nearly 500
detailed FAQ’s put together in Chapter 14. Altogether, according to the word
processor, they are 2070 bible questions about salvation that are directly
answered and many more indirectly, so that anyone “seeking,” God may use this
to cause them to “find.” So, like Strong’s Concordance, this is exhaustive and
if God be willing, you should not be left with one single question about
salvation not answered. These FAQ’s are “expert in all customs and
questions…wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently” (Acts 26:3).
NAME NOTICE:
Our concern in this book is to defend the Principles of the Doctrine of Christ,
not to attack personalities. Some names have been cited in this book, but this
is because these individuals have made their position known in their
published and public writings/works, which have been cited for examples and
references. "As
much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). This
name notice is encouraged to be on all copies.
ANCIENT LANGUAGE NOTICE: While researching, I found that many
theologians have resorted to the ancient languages as their “backative;”
especially when cornered by a presumed “lesser.” Unaware to many, is that any
resort to Greek, Latin or early English can’t really prove anything solid over
against what already is. Reason being, the bible was translated into these
three languages, thus none were the original oral or written language the bible
was recorded in; and to an extent, not even Hebrew. The original language is
undisputable Aramaic and it has several forms, one prominent biblical one is
GEEZ. The grammaticism and idioms are not the easiest to translate.
Unfortunately we might not be left with a proper Aramaic Bible or English
translation, though we have the peshitta and peshitto. Reason being, Devils
went ahead and mess things up, knowing that if a true translation occurred,
many truths would be revealed. To see what I’m saying, go to FAQ # 424.
However, “There is no speech nor language, where…[God’s] voice is not heard”
(Psalms 19:3).
SERIES NOTICE: They are twelve books in this Truth Series,
because twelve is the number of government or foundation. They are ten books
for various faiths and two books for all. The ten books outline salvation,
which should lead you in becoming saved or strengthened therein. The other two
books are for growth, after receiving and being grounded in Salvation; one is
on demonology, for greater spiritual awareness and the other outlines your
survival kit after receiving salvation. All the books are seven chapters
because seven is the biblical number for completion or perfection. All except
one, “The Voice…” or the version for Christians, of the ten. It has 14
exhaustive chapters 7+7 (1 Kings 8:65), which represents double perfection,
needed for the most diverse sect of people on earth. The one for Christians is
called “The Voice…;” the ones for the other faiths (9 books) are called “You
Believe, Now Receive…;” the one for greater spiritual awareness is called
“Demonology Revealed;” and your survival kit is called “Fasting and Prayers.”
Twelve books in all, undoubtedly the most profound truthful exegesis on the
Bible ever. After reading it, you can’t admit that you don’t know how and what
it means to be save, how to survive and have not gained all proficiency in all
knowledge of spirituality. Let these “book[s]…shall not depart out of thy
mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe
to do according to all that is written therein” (Josh. 1:8).
TESTIMONY NOTICE: They are many testimonies to this work of
God, “The Voice…” and the entire Truth Series, but here is just one:
Part 1, Found out much - “The book is fantastic I am reading
it rather slow so that I can figure
everything out and I am praying while reading it so it is helping a lot. There
are so many things I wasn't aware of and I am glad I am getting to understand
them now. One of the things was the importance of the water baptism. I mean I
know that water baptism is important however I grew up in a religion that
preaches and practices infant baptism-sprinkling water on the infant’s head-
and considering that to be enough. In addition, in our teens we are encouraged
to be confirmed so after baptism and confirmation everything is fine... well I
am reading chapter 4 at the moment and I have an open mind. However there are
so many things I have to consider at the moment, but I am glad I have your
book, I had a few questions in mind but I am finding that the more I read, the
more the questions are answered and new questions arise. I am going to write
them down and send the outstanding ones when I have finished reading the book.”
Part 2, The results – “Yes,
yesterday was my day and I got baptized in [his] name, praise God and you know
what, it felt like I was being buried with the Lord. I will always remember
this day. Now, I will need your prayers to remain in my faith till the Lord
comes. By the way, I am still reading your book, it is great” (Sheila. K,
Accountant with Citi Group, Uganda, Africa).
True testimonies
of the actual truth being done and accomplished is a sign that you are sent and
doing the will of God; though it is not to be banked on by you. "He that
hath received...[this] testimony hath set to...[My] seal that God is true. For he
whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God" (John 3:33-34).
DISCLAIMER:
"The Voice..." is For Sale and offered as such, however, the purpose
is not a commercial output, where it maybe offered for sale is done so you may
get a paper back copy if you please, otherwise it can be freely downloaded and
printed or reproduced unaltered. Any proceeds received are mainly to cover the
cost of doing so, to the third party publishers, promoter, admin. and book
designer (cost of production, no profits); the author (Mr. McQuick)
takes/receives no money as an author. Any copyright materials used were done so
under the standard allowable, for instance, short exerts or extracts were used
with credits to the source and not their entire work; mainly for
expository/reference reasons. Moreover, any copyright infringement would only
take effect on commercial outputs,
which this is not.
What amazes me about God is that there is no set time to make a
decision to believe in him or to be saved. Neither is there a set time to
strengthen or straighten what we believe of him.
It wasn’t appointed at the ages of 5, 13, 18, 21 or the big 4-0.
It isn’t before or after marriage, school or achievements. Neither is it by our
feelings. God gave us one time across the board,
“Today If You Hear My
Voice Harden Not Your Heart” (Ps. 95:7-8).
If you are the type of person that loves answers to your
questions, this book is for you. If you’re usually not satisfied with the norm
and desire to know without a shadow of doubt the true tenets of salvation, you
have begun to read the right book. I believe God has chosen such a method to
speak to our hearts.
Its title is taken from the book of Isaiah 40:3 and Matthew 3:3,
which speaks of John The Baptist and his ministry.
Before the start of Jesus’ public ministry, John the Baptist, his
forerunner, “prepared” his coming. That is, he was the first radical preacher
of righteousness since the times of the Old Testament; he announced the coming
of the Messiah. He was the person God would use to turn the hearts of the
people back to him from riotous living and undoctrinal claims. Matthew 3:3
states, “the voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of
the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for the Lord.”
Why?
Between the time of the Old and New Testament the people of God
were sunken away from true reverence. John the Baptist, in opposition, preached
repentance and a return to truth and righteousness. His preaching prepared the
hearts of the people for the one that shall come after him. Similarly, from the
inception of the church until now, many truths have been put aside. However,
the time is now that truth will spring up fervently again. This book intends to
uncover some truths that have been put aside on the general scenes, but kept
quite among the remnant scattered across our denominations. These truths are
essential to salvation and therefore must be known.
This book is to be read by every professing Christian and anyone who really
desires to be assured salvation.
John 1:8 said this about John, “He was not that light, but was
sent to bear witness of that light.” Similarly, this material or the physical
writers alone is not the light. This is simply an instrument used by the Holy
Ghost to bring that light.
Many in that time, listened to the “voice of him that crieth in
the wilderness” and was changed. Moreover, they accepted Jesus Christ when he
came on the scene, or he accepted them. The same result will happen to anyone
who adheres to the ring of truth that embodies these pages: For the word of God
states, “he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey
him” (Heb. 5:9).
This book is for those who desire to learn, without a shadow of a
doubt, the true principles of the doctrine of salvation. Knowing that
“doctrine…shalt both save thyself
and them that hear” (1 Tim 4:16). Be
sure that you are saved! It is not a feeling, fanaticism or flamboyant
church-inanity; it must be based on the rightly divided word of God.
In all love and truth, ‘today if you hear his voice harden not
your heart.’ May the Lord touch your heart, and lead you in all truth, unhindered, in the name of Yahoshua Ha
Mashiah, affectionately called Jesus Christ of Nazareth.
Oneil McQuick, Author.
(My
Christian name will be changed to Othniel or Yahothniel, if God be willing).
TABLE OF CONTENT
Chapters on left |
Pages on right
INTRODUCTION – WHAT IS FAITH? PAGE 7
W H
Y
?________________________________________
WHAT’S THE REASON FOR BEING
BORN AGAIN? PAGE 19
WHAT DOES JUSTIFICATION
MEAN? PAGE 30
W H O
?________________________________________
H O W
?________________________________________
REALLY, WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
PAGE 66
IS THE HOLY GHOST NECESSARY? PAGE 79
W H E
N
?_____________________________________
B U T
. . . ?_____________________________________
CULT, HERESY, A LITTLE HISTORY? PAGE 91
DOCTRINE, DENOMINATION AND RELIGION? PAGE 103
TRUTH, FABLE AND THE BIBLE? (FAQ) PAGE 121
INTRODUCTION
– WHAT IS FAITH?
“To you is the word of
this salvation sent.”
~Acts 13:26
Many biblical truths concerning salvation are
not being taught and therefore not known in the world today. One of its worse
results is spiritual and/or doctrinal Anarchy. In other words ‘everybody doing
his or her own thing.’ However, everything surrounding human existence and
destiny must be rooted in the word of God. This is the basis for all scriptural
judgment concerning salvation.
Salvation as it pertains to the saving of your
soul is vital in human existence; everyone needs to be saved unless a perilous
judgment awaits. The word of God tells us, “And whosoever was not found written
in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:15).
On the other hand, God loves every human being
and he wishes that we all might receive salvation and be saved; he is “not
willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9). Thank God for this free gift of
salvation!
God’s
word boldly tells us that salvation only comes by grace, “by grace are ye saved
through faith” (Eph 2:8). And grace implies obtaining something that one did
not earn or cannot earn. It is a favor, something freely given. Also, Eph 2:8
carefully noted that this grace could only be attained through faith. In other words, it is for anyone who believes
in it and consequently receives it.
How
do we obtain this faith?
By
hearing the word of God! “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the
word of God” (Rom 10:17).
Faith,
then, should be built on the complete belief and consequential obedience to the
word of God. Without a doubt, faith and obedience are inseparable. The Bible
made it clear in this verse:
“Even so faith, if it had not works, is dead,
being alone” (James 2:17).
‘Works’ here does not imply earning something by
doing. However ‘works’ are a product of faith, faith is not a product of works.
It is recorded in scriptures that Abraham
believed God and it was counted or accredited to him for righteousness (Gen
15:6). Belief pushes to do, if it is real belief. It wasn’t enough that Abraham
said, “I believe God” and stood still. But that belief led him to do God’s will
– offer Isaac. To further elaborate, take Psalms 106:30-31,
“Then stood up
Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. And that was counted unto him for righteousness
unto all generations for evermore” (Ps 106:30-31).
One might say, ‘how is it Abraham believed God
and it was counted unto him for righteousness, while Phinehas did something
good or righteous and he was credited with righteousness as well?’ Abraham
believed God and offered Isaac, Phinehas also believed God and did what God
said to do – execute judgment on the “men that were joined unto Baalpeor” (Num
25:1-15). Therefore, both Phinehas and Abraham did the same thing, they
believed God; and belief always leads to doing or else it is not belief (James
2:17). The thing is, in one verse Abraham’s faith was highlighted, while in
another, Phinehas ‘doings’ or works were emphasized. However, initially, they
both believed God! Then they did what God say do! The Apostle James clarified
it by saying,
“Ye see then how that
by works a man is justified, and not by faith only”
(James 2:24).
In other words, obedience is a product of your
faith in Jesus Christ and not the reverse. Therefore, if one has faith in Jesus
Christ, then experiencing the principles of the doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1-2,
Acts 2:38) should automatically follow, by one’s obedience.
After believing on Jesus Christ (faith), he then
becomes the one who authors your salvation through obedience. The Apostle Paul
tells us, “he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey
him” (Heb 5:9). Your salvation is then dependent upon your obedience to the
author of it. This obedience can only
be achieved by faith. No wonder you first have to believe in him by receiving
him as your personal savior.
Faith usually involves the incomprehensible, but
a belief on the implied or expected results. The bible, in many ways, to our understanding
seems foolish. However, by faith, it reveals the power of God, “For God has
chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise” (1 Cor. 1:27). By
your faith, the ‘foolish things’ can be obeyed. Even “the preaching of Jesus
Christ which is according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept
secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the scriptures
of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made
known to all nations for the obedience of
faith” (Rom 16:26).
Simply saying you believe in Jesus Christ isn’t
enough for salvation. If you believe in him, obey him; and if you obey him,
obey his Prophets and Apostles! If he and his Apostles say you must be born
again to be saved, then you must be born again to be save, according to the
revealed word (John 3:5, Acts 2:38).
The
Revealed Word…
Because
of the importance of salvation, it should not be confused with ones own belief,
following a pattern laid down by your parents and/or fore parents, attending a
congregation, being moral, being affiliated with people who you perceive to
have salvation, form or partake in a religious ritual or a ceremonial shrine.
Healing, so-called luck, monetary gain, financial prosperity, alms, favor or
being blessed does not truly signify that one is saved. Nor is it by feelings,
dreams, or a perceived visitation of God. Sincerity, goodwill, charity,
kindness, education, arbitrary information, “doing what is right,” avoidance of
certain sins and even being affiliated with a church alone cannot save anyone.
Salvation or being born again shouldn’t be what one thinks,
perceive or logically ‘figure out;’ it must be derived from the complete belief
and obedience to the revealed word of God. Miracles, signs, wonders, theological
studies, degree (s) of divinity and supposedly great works for God alone can
not save anyone.
Any person that believes for miracles in Christ
will have them. God honors faith, not only of the born-again Christian or the
doctrinally sound, but anyone who believes. So then, if the alleged Notorious
Bin Laden truly receives Jesus Christ and believes whole-heartedly on Christ
for the healing, without a doubt he will receive it. No matter what, God is
always moved by faith!
These things are good and available to all. For
instance, the book of 1 Peter 2:24 speaks of healing to everyone who believes.
However, knowing that you possess salvation should be the utmost thing in your
life.
It should also be understood that many people
helped Noah built the Ark but only Noah and his family went in (saved). I am sure when they saw the outpouring of
the rain, they banged on the door while the water begun to rise. They became
believers after seeing the evidence, not faith! Too late!
Similarly, many shall come crying, “Lord, Lord”
who have done great and many things for the kingdom, but Christ said he shall
say, “depart from me” I know you not (Matt 7:23). This quote from Jesus makes
it clear that these men were alleged evangelists, apostles, preachers and miracle
workers; not the ordinary Christian (if there is such a thing). So it is a fact
that many and I mean many, can have a ‘big ministry’ but yet be unsaved; or a
well know evangelist, prophet or preacher and yet lost. Yes I know there are
still questions in your mind, like how, how comes, why and so on. It’s only
intelligent to ask these questions.
Allow
Jesus’ narration from the book of Matthew 20:20-23 to make this clear and it
reads,
“Then came to him the
mother of Zebedee’s children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a
certain thing of him. And he said unto her, what wilt thou? She saith unto him,
Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other
on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye
ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized
with the baptism that I am baptized with? They said unto him, we are able. And
he saith unto them, ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the
baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand and on my left, is
not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my father.”
The above scripture shows that many can suffer
for Christ sake and even be graced to work miracles, signs
and wonders, by asking. However, you can ask for all that and he will give it,
by your faith; but to sit on his right hand and on his left hand in heaven, is
for all those “whom it is prepared.”
Those that obeyed the mandate set down in God’s word for salvation. God cannot
do anything contrary to his word. In fact, heaven and earth shall pass away
before any of God’s words are moved or altered (Matt. 24:35 and 5:18).
So then, to be saved and thereby assured a place
in heavenly paradise, one’s faith must be rooted in the word of God and thereby
adhering to his doctrine; not being “good” or having a flawless record of
Christian greatness.
The Apostle Paul writing to Titus said, “Thou
has known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (Titus 3:15).
Here we see that salvation is influenced by
having a revelation of God’s word, “thou has known the holy scriptures, which
are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” “Thou hast known,” he already know
the scriptures; but a revelation is “able to make thee wise unto salvation.”
Why?
When one
reads the bible one of two things can be gained, information and/or revelation.
Someone can be informed about salvation through a familiarity with God’s word,
yet still unsaved, though having an outward show.
“How
comes,” one might ask?
The word
is not revealed.
For
instance, one of Jesus’ disciples, Phillip, met an Ethiopian reading from the
Old Testament book of Isaiah. Phillip quickly revealed the scripture to him,
which resulted in a water baptism.
Guess
what?
The
Ethiopian was coming from “church” (synagogue) and possessing a piece of the
scripture in those days, meant he was a learnt religious man (Acts 8:26-29).
However, the scripture was not revealed to him. Only a revelation of the bible
can save you. For you shall know the truth and a revelation of the truth shall
set you free!
The
Gospel Entices, But The Revealed Word Saves
This *gospel (the promise) will lead you to a
relationship with Christ but it is the *doctrine (obeying him) that will save
you; Paul wrote, “take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine;
continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself and them that hear” (1 Tim 4:16).
Most people are enticed by the good news about
salvation: - freedom, riches, glory and celestial status (gospel), but rarely
anyone wants to learn how to get it (doctrine).
For instance, one might exclaim, “Wow, there is
a medical cure for Aids (gospel)!” “But the medicine (doctrine) tastes like
rubber, yak!”
What matters, merely knowing (gospel) that there
is a cure and freedom from the disease called sin or using the medicine
(doctrine) to cure it? Of course, using the cure (doctrine)! However, over the
years that medicine has been tampered with, therefore, it will not yield the
intended benefits and serious side effects have developed (Lk 11:23).
Paul rightly said, “For the time will come when
they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap
to themselves teachers, having itching ears: And they shall turn away their
ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
Max Lucado gave a most enticing outlook of the
gospel in his book, “No Wonder They Call Him The Savior.” Excellent reading, it
will make you want Christ as never before.
However, if one is aware of the life, purpose
and promises of Jesus Christ and need to know how to apply it for salvation,
read within this book. It behooves you to know without a fraction of a doubt
that you are saved.
The chapters entails: The definition of
salvation and its necessity; the facts about being born-again and or
regenerated; what it means to be justified; The divine nature of God and Jesus
Christ, which must be known; the real meaning of repentance; finalizing the
issue of water baptism; key issues about the Holy Ghost; the Conclusion or what
is to be done; the pit fall of naming calling and deadly deceptions; who’s
doctrine is correct and what doctrine is to be followed; and frequently asked questions.
Basically, it entails the principles of the
doctrine of Christ (Heb 6:1); which seals salvation altogether.
My friend, if “you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent”
(Acts 13:26).
_______________________________________________________________________________________
End Notes:
1. * denotes, Gospel and doctrine are the same, in the sense that
they are teachings. However, they are different in the sense that one teaches
for information (gospel) and the other teaches for instruction (doctrine). Both
are inseparable and indispensable. Teaching about what having money can do
(gospel) and teaching someone how to obtain money (doctrine) are two different
things. Nevertheless, one has to be enticed by the first teaching to seek or follow
the second teaching. Most often, the
first teaching (gospel) is known inherently.
Please See FAQ:BACK TO TOP
Chapter 2
WHAT IS SALVATION?
“How shall we escape,
if we neglect so great salvation?”
~Heb. 2:3
Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? What
happens after death? Do I believe in what should be believed? Am I doing what
is to be done? Should I do anything? How? What? When? Where? Why?
Questions often fill our minds (both saved and unsaved) when
it comes to the unknown and the reality of one’s eternal state. The principles
of salvation are no different; it’s man’s ultimate desire, whether it’s
out-rightly admitted or unknowingly channeled through some other means.
That’s the reason someone stated this fact, “Man is a
credulous animal and must believe in something, in the absence of good grounds
for belief they will be replaced by bad ones.” Why? God gave us “a measure of
faith” (Rom 12:3). Though this verse was used while addressing Christians, it
has its bearing on the rest of humanity.
In other words, every
man was made with a belief system (a craven or capacity for faith). If it is
not channeled to the correct belief, it will be consumed with a lie.
Unfortunately, “there is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end
thereof is death” (Prov 14:12). From the fall of man due to Adam and Eve’s
disobedience, men have always tried to fill that void or spiritual vacuum
(belief system) with something greater than him or herself; whether it was a
cause, an idol, or an overriding ambition.
In
the bible days, we see a group of people at a city called Babel deciding to
build a tower that would reach the heavens (Gen. 11:1-9). One would say their
intention was good, they wanted to reach to heaven; “let us build us a city and
a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven” (Gen. 11:4). Though their intentions
might have been good and instinctive because of our void belief system, the
channel or method was not of God so their efforts would have been wasted, being
unguided by their maker.
In essence, you either possess salvation or not. You either
make it into heavenly paradise God’s way or no way. Christ made this clear, “he
that is not with me is against me” (Lk 11:23) and to be with Christ one has to
be born again. There is no in between.
This can become difficult because salvation involves the recognition of and
relationship with a higher source of being than one’s self, in order to escape
the ‘hell’ of one’s environment at present and thereafter. Therefore,
generally, many have tried reaching that summit by their own methods; through
self-realization, yoga, eastern philosophies, ‘contacting the inner you,’
observing of times, animism, consulting of familiar spirits, using divination,
enchantments, charmers, witches, wizards and other mediums. Some have tried an
angel, person, achievement, human innovation, religious principle, altered
state of mind, cause/effect, education and other things to replace true
salvation; sometimes inadvertently.
The not so bold
amongst us have made our jobs, spouses, monies, extra-curriculum activities and
other exploits our god by placing more emphasis on them and unknowingly putting
God secondary; most often inadvertently.
Rather than think
contemptuously about such folks, he or she should be commended for his or her
courage to reach out. The mere fact this has happened, shows that despite the
money, influence, religious plateau and all our earthly achievements, we need a
savior, in whose hands is true salvation. Attaining that salvation can only be
achieved by what the savior says – Bible.
A computer cannot be assembled without reading the
instruction manual. Similarly, one cannot attain salvation without knowing the
savior’s biblical principles - Bible.
Again, Salvation
Only Comes From God!
Salvation is only of the Lord as this verse states,
“Salvation belongeth unto the Lord” (Ps. 3:8). Another verse says, “Salvation
is of the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). Christians often quote, “the Lord is my light and
my salvation” (Ps. 27:9).
Who is the Lord?
The Lord is God (Due 6:4)
He is our savior and salvation. God himself stated, “I,
even, I am the Lord and beside me there is no savior” (Isaiah 43:11). What
great emphasis the Lord makes, “I, even I.” In other words, he is saying that
he and nobody else can be your Lord and savior.
Not me and putting self, a man, a woman or an angel first:
Not me and the witch doctor, wizard, physic, fortuneteller and other mediums:
Not me and one’s education, achievements, dreams and aspirations: Not me and
one’s money and one’s collateral: Not me and one’s emphasis on theological
studies, religious office or years of service: Not me and one’s science,
philosophies, rudiments of the world and traditions.
“I, even, I am the Lord and beside me there is no savior.”
In essence, without God only, there is no salvation.
No wonder the great
King David said, “O God, thou God of my salvation,” (Ps. 51:14). He went on to
say, “In God is my salvation and my
glory” (Ps. 62:7). Therefore, first, our salvation and second, all glory
should be in God. David knew that “From him cometh … salvation” (Ps. 62:1). The
prophet Isaiah himself said, “Behold, God is my salvation” (Isa. 12:2).
Then from him, we see Jesus. He being a savior meant that he
is salvation. Upon seeing baby Jesus Simeon had this to say, “For mine eyes
have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all
people” (Luke 2:30-31). If that wasn’t bold enough, Acts 4:12 said this
about the name of Jesus, “Neither is there salvation in any other.”
Christ is our savior and he alone is salvation. The book of
2 Timothy 2:10 assure us that, “salvation … is in Christ Jesus with eternal
Glory.” In other words, we can only “obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ”
(1 Th 5:9).
Have you noticed the numerous amounts of bible scriptures
above that relates to salvation. Have you noticed the millions of Christians
and other faith based groups around the world. Have you noticed that most wars,
if not all are religiously oriented.
So evidently, it is of a fact that we need salvation; not
only that, but we need to know the truth concerning the principles of
salvation: for “broad is the way, that lead to destruction, and many there be
which go in … because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth
unto life, and few there be that
find it” (Matt. 7:13).
Why must I mention
that if this book is for “believers”?
On May 31, 1997, Robert Schuller interviewed the famed Dr. Billy Graham. From
this interview, a most dangerous lie has been reveal. I am not the bit least
afraid to say that no true ‘Man of God’, who is baptized in the spirit of God
can come to the following conclusions:
SCHULLER: Tell me, what do you think is the future of Christianity?
GRAHAM: Well, Christianity and
being a true believer--you know, I think there's the Body of Christ. This comes
from all the Christian groups around the world, outside the Christian groups. I
think everybody that loves Christ, or knows Christ, whether they're conscious
of it or not, they're members of the Body of Christ. And I don't think that
we're going to see a great sweeping revival, that will turn the whole world to
Christ at any time. I think James answered that, the Apostle James in the first
council in Jerusalem, when he said that God's purpose for this age is to call
out a people for His name. And that's what God is doing today, He's calling
people out of the world for His name, whether they come from the Muslim world,
or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world or the non-believing world, they
are members of the Body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may
not even know the name of Jesus but they know in their hearts that they need
something that they don't have, and they turn to the only light that they
have, and I think that they are
saved, and that they're going to be with us in heaven. [As against Mark 16:16 and John 3:3]
SCHULLER: What, what I hear
you saying that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into human hearts and
soul and life, even if they've been born
in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct
interpretation of what you're saying?
GRAHAM: Yes, it is, because I
believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal
situations, that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, and never
heard of Jesus, but they've believed in their hearts that there was a God, and
they've tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding
community in which they lived. [As against the prophetic verse of Isaiah
66:19]
SCHULLER: [R. S. trips over
his tongue for a moment, his face beaming, then says] I'm so thrilled to hear
you say this. There's wideness in God's mercy.
GRAHAM: There is. There definitely
is.
Such
statements by both leading men of popular ‘Christianity’ are inexcusable. This
was not a slip of the tongue but was clearly premeditated. Such statements
cannot come from the mouth of truly regenerated believers; especially knowing
that “the New Testament affirms 1100 times that there is salvation in no
other”- Jack Van Impe.
“The
doctrine that Dr. Graham expressed to Dr. Schuller is exactly what the Pope and
the Ecumenical Institute in Rome have been teaching for years. This is the idea
that any pagan, practicing idolatrous worship, having no slightest knowledge of
the Bible, the gospel of grace, or the Person and name and redeeming work of
Jesus Christ-if he is a ‘good person’ and if he is sincere in whatever he may
believe-is automatically ‘redeemed by the blood of Christ’."
“No doubt
the Pope shares this view. He was cited as saying, ‘The plan of salvation also
includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are
the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us,
they adore the one, merciful God, mankind's judge on the last day’ (Agence
France-Press, 1/18/2000).”
“Billy
Graham has proudly held this belief for years; he said, ‘I find that my beliefs are essentially the same as those of orthodox
Roman Catholics (McCalls Magazine, Jan. 1978).” Who are Orthodox Roman
Catholics? The fathers or shapers of Roman Catholicism themselves; orthodox
here means Original Catholicism when it became prominent. One source from a
site that exposed the false teaching of these supposedly church fathers, which
you will learn more about in Chapter 12, reads:
“The earliest Christian teachings held that the Holy Spirit
exerted an influence upon the un-evangelized by means of reason, and that those
who lived pure, upright lives before God might be called, justified and saved. Justin Martyr, Clement and still later Zwingle, taught this doctrine, and
believed that the moral and pure among the heathen might be accepted for the
sake of Christ’s finished work and atonement.”
“This
incorrect doctrine of salvation is clearly seen and explicitly asserted in
Schuller's connection with paganism, it becomes clearer when we review his
stance on transcendental meditation and his promotion of Hindu teachings. He
says, ‘It is important to remember that meditation in any form is the
harnessing, by human means, of God's divine laws.... We are endowed with a
great many powers and forces that we do not yet understand.... The most
effective mantras employ the 'M' sound. You can get the feel of it by repeating
the words, 'I am, I am' many times over... Transcendental Meditation or TM...
is not a religion nor is it necessarily anti-Christian.’
It may be
important to note, however, that in fact TM is a religious practice, one that
is used in Hinduism, and that the repetition of "I am, I am" over and
over is a direct replication of Hindu meditation, which is the very first step
in the Hindu attempt to find the universe within oneself.”
More
alarming, this is teaching a New Age doctrine! Be warned!
The Catholic reverend
also appeared on Larry King Live on
Christmas Eve 1999. Some of his comments leave no room to interpretation. Here
are some excerpts:
King
[asking why he met the Grand Mufti-leading Muslim Leader] "And why are you
here?" The idea of bringing religions together, right?"
Schuller
"Absolutely.... We're in a totally new era...the age of being able to
indoctrinate people is finished..."
King
"Does [this visit], Robert Schuller, give you encouragement...?"
Schuller
Oh, absolutely...the Grand Mufti said...'religion is like rain that falls...
the extremists...pollute the pure water'.... I predict we're going to focus in
the next millennium as religious leaders to clean up the pollution in
religion...
No wonder
“40 percent of Christians in America believe there are other ways to God.” This
is the initial steps to the great falling away spoken of in the bible (2 Th
2:3); not only that, but if you read FAQ number 17 in Chapter 14, it will show
you that this is a well-orchestrated conspiracy.
Nevertheless,
without getting into any more popular personalities and arguments, Christ will
speak for himself on the false notion that they are more than one way to
salvation:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
He went
further to say this about the New Testament salvation, “He that believeth not,
shall be damned” (Mark 16:16); this include Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, secular
humanists and everybody that reject this gospel and doctrine by not becoming
born again!
Why does
everyone need salvation?
Here is what the dictionary says about salvation: “act of
saving or being saved, especially from sin and its consequences.” The same
dictionary describes the word save as “rescue or preserve from danger or harm.”
Then the question arose, what am I being rescued from?
Let us look at this illustration:
When an outlaw becomes tired of being a
fugitive from justice, he goes direct to the Sheriff’s office, identifies
himself and gives up. He confesses all the crimes he has committed and answers
truthfully every question, regardless of how bad it is against him, or who it
implicates, be it his own brother, or best friend. He withholds nothing.
When the Law is thoroughly convinced
that he has made a full and honest confession, after certain legal procedures,
because he has turned State’s evidence, they mark off the penalty of his guilt
against him according to the nature and seriousness of his crimes.
Sometimes he is given a light sentence,
maybe a fine, or, complete freedom, whereas life imprisonment or the gallows
might have been his fate had he not voluntarily surrendered. He now can meet
the nation’s police force without fear of apprehension for his slate is clean.
Likewise, when a sinner decides to no
longer be an outlaw against God and a fugitive from Divine justice, he goes
without hesitation to Jesus and in heart-broken repentance confesses his every
sin and wrong and humbly begs His forgiveness.
In other words, because of sin we are sentence to life
eternal in a lake of fire (Rev 21:8).
Why?
Firstly, everyone is born in sin because of Adam’s
disobedience. Romans 5:12 shows this, “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.”
In other words, just being born one needs a savior.
Miraculously, it took one man, Jesus, to rescued us from the Lake of fire, “for
if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the
gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:15).
One would be guilty before God for his inherent and personal
sin if there was no salvation. And we know that Justice has to be satisfied in
any court.
Secondly, when Adam eat the fruit in the garden of Eden it
severed his relationship with God. Unbelievably, one of God’s utmost desires is
not to make one wealthy, famous and comfortable, but rather to have a personal
relationship with his most glorious earthly creation. He loves us and desires
to have a personal relationship with us.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life” (John 3:16). God came in the cool of the day to speak with Adam, he has
always desired that with you.
Without this relationship with God on earth one cannot have
real joy, peace, goodness,
faith, meekness, temperance (self-control), be gentle or feel loved. One might
possess wealth, beauty, education, status, influence and other cherished
fabricated necessities, but still feel unloved and therefore cannot give love.
Look at it: - a big
expensive empty house occupied by an empty aristocrat, married but unable to
trust each other, educated but depressed and suicidal, theological sound but
doctrinally incorrect, religious but unsure about heaven, well-known musician
but lonely and do not know God.
Another nightclub, nothing; another drink, nothing; another
drug, nothing; another sexual relation, nothing; another wayward attendance to
church service, nothing; another book given to read, nothing; another day to
live, nothing. And the cycle goes on. That’s why Jesus came. That’s why we need
a savior. Yes, there is the lake of fire, but a Christ-less life is hell on
earth.
One might even refute and say, I have all that and I am no
way deficient in any of the above ways or any known way. That might be so now
but later on with or without sudden misfortune one will soon realize that one
is empty. A leaf does not start decaying the moment it falls from the tree to
the ground.
The truth is, one cannot live without some of these
necessities. Nevertheless, there are godly principles involved and it is summed
up in Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Therefore, there are two main benefits to salvation; one, to
save your soul from burning in the lake of fire forever. In order to do this,
the sins that would sentence you to death and the lake of fire must be pardon
or waived; plus your ‘spirit’ and soul has to come alive. Jesus Christ came and
did that for those who are born again.
Second, we need salvation from our present situation, though
we seem physically, economically, socially and “morally” sound, a life without
Christ is only hell on earth. It is sometimes full of pleasure, though worldly,
which will only lead to hell’s torment. Even if one is poor and possesses
salvation, one is much better off than the rich, for “a little that a righteous
man hath is better than the riches of many wicked” (Psalm 37:16).
Also, do not be fooled, if one is not with Christ in
covenant relationship, one is with the devil, whether one knows it or not (Luke
11:23). Here is a way to distinguish it, Jesus said, “the thief cometh not, but
for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). You will posses the
exact same relationship that Adam had with God when he came in the cool of the
day to talk with him (Gen 3:8). There you will find perpetual joy, peace, love
and an experience beyond your wildest imagination. You will be drinking living
waters and eating heavenly bread. In other words, Jesus came to give you
eternal and abundant life.
In order to receive
this, one must first know how to be saved. But first…
So what if I
don’t want to be save?
How does an eternal lake of fire sounds?
God’s words are very clear, “And whosoever was
not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev.
20:15). As blunt and as harsh as that sounds, it is true.
Why should we pamper the truth; it has been
watered down so much that there is hardly any dread of doing wrong. Even worse,
a theory of one’s own perception, which determines what is wrong and what is
right, has lately been developed. Or, the ends justify the means.
In other words, if I can justify my
anti-biblical act or unrighteousness then it is not sin. The bible clearly
outlines what is sin. All unrighteousness is sin (1 John 5:17), even if a
believer does anything out of faith it is sin (Rom. 14:23). We were born in sin
and shaped in iniquity (Psalm 51:5); to the extent that everyday one commits a
multitude of sins. So regardless of how ‘good’ one may be, one sins everyday.
That’s the reason we need a savior and salvation. For the bible clearly states
that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23) and “the sting of death is sin” (1
Cor. 15:56).
Death here refers to a spiritual death.
Nevertheless, if one dies spiritually it will consequently lead to all other
deaths, which includes the physical and the second death.
What is the second death?
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the
abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and
all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and
brimstone: which is the second death”
(Rev 21:8).
We can understand how some very bad people like
Hitler and Stalin should spend time in the lake of fire. On the other hand,
though it seems harsh, even Aunt Marie (who never darkened the door of a church
but was generally a pretty good-hearted woman, even talked about God) is also
destined for ‘that place,’ without salvation.
Of course, it's mind boggling, trying to justify
burning Marie in the lake of fire forever. But the bible said that even the
“fearful and unbelieving…have their part in the lake.” We still have to depict
this with a God who is patient, quick to forgive, slow to anger, gentle, kind,
and loving. Nevertheless, justice demands satisfaction; that is the reason,
through Jesus, an escape was made to all those who would only believe it and
consequently receive it.
Jesus went through all the trouble of leaving
eternal splendor, suffered and died on the cross for you and me. He went
through all the trouble of making atonement for our sins before God so that you
and I might escape judgment.
Then “how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation”
(Heb. 2:3)?
Moreover, we who are saved “joy in God through our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:11).
What is the atonement?
The Oxford dictionary states, "to make amends for
wrongs." In other words, you and I are destined for the lake of fire if
there was no atonement.
One might even say, “no, I am not baptize, nor ‘in so deep’,
but I do go to church occasionally and I don’t do anything wrong, really. I’m
going to heaven.”
No man alive can meet up to God’s standard for perfection.
So, he did us a favor and placed the emphasis on what he did at the cross and
his resurrection. In essence, no one can be saved or enter heavenly paradise
unless he or she follows the savior’s principles laid down for salvation; and
consequently, if one doesn’t want to, the lake of fire awaits. The pressing
question should now be…
How do I become
saved?
After a jailer witnessed the power of God
through the Apostle Paul and Silas, he quickly became convicted and asked,
“What must I do to be save?” In an attempt to answer this age-old question, the
following scriptures have been used by many preachers, teachers, evangelists
and numerous believers in Christ who have a sincere desire for anyone to be
saved. You have probably heard them before or used them yourself.
1) By grace ye are saved --- Eph. 2:5
2) For we are saved by hope --- Rom. 8:24
3)
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. --- Acts 16:31
4) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should
not perish, but have everlasting
life --- John 3:16
5) Whosoever shall call upon the name of the
Lord shall be saved --- Rom. 10:13
6) Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish --- Luke 13:3
7) 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 --- Rom. 10:9
8) Except a man be born of water and of the
Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God --- John 3:5
9) Even baptism doth also now save us --- 1
Peter 3:21
10) He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved, he that believeth not shall be damned
--- *Mark 16:16
11 ) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost --- Matt. 28:19
12) Repent and be baptized everyone 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
13) Not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the
washing of regeneration, and the
renewing of the Holy Ghost --- Titus 3:5
14) 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 --- Romans 5:9-10
15) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in
doing this thou shalt both save
thyself, and them that hear thee
--- 1 Timothy 4:16
These verses are 100% correct; however, each
scripture has a context to which it fits into. One scripture verse standing
alone is not enough to form a doctrine. It must be applicable in all such
occurrences of the said thesis. Each verse must be read, explained and used in
its context. In addition, the revelation of each verse, within its context,
must be applied. No wonder the bible tells us to study to show ourselves
approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15).
The following chapters will outline not only the
revelation of these verses, but will also outline the truth about the
principles of salvation; which are not being practiced extensively today, to
the detriment of many.
Why is it detrimental?
Because if it is not known and preached as
outlined by the bible, it will not yield its intended benefits.
It is imperative that you know, that you know,
that you know you are following the savior’s word - bible.
One T.V. preacher said that a sinner (unsaved
person) is like a blind man, in a dark room, looking for a black cat.
Get the picture?
A Christian who has not followed biblical
principles for salvation is like the same blind man, however, the room is lit
and he is still looking for that black cat. So the question still is, how do I
become saved or born again?
You can jump right to the conclusion (chapter
11); but for clarity, let us first start with the next chapter on what is being
born again and the reasons for being born again.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
End
Notes:
1. * denotes, Many modern
theologians assert that this verse isn't in the original scriptures, clearly a
plot by satan to undermined it's usage. Such notions should be rigorously
avoided. "Phillip Schaff's Companion to Greek New Testament, page 190 proves
the passage is included in 500 ancient manuscripts! Schaff says: "The
section is found in most of the uncial and in all the cursive manuscripts and
on most of the ancient versions, in all existing Greek and Syriac lectionaries
as far as examined; and Irenaeus, who is a much older witness than any of our
existing manuscripts quotes vs. 19 as part of the Gospel of Mark."
Please See FAQ:
Chapter
3
WHAT’S THE REASON FOR BEING BORN AGAIN?
“Marvel not that I
said unto thee,
ye must be born
again”
~John
3:3
Can I enter in my
mother’s womb and come out a new person? What is the meaning behind
‘born-again’? Who was the first man to have the born-again experience and why?
After believing, how do I become born-again? Is this for everybody? How does it
work? Could it be explained from the Bible? I’ve accepted Christ, isn’t that
being born again?
According to 1
Corinthians 15:45, Christ is the “Last Adam;” which links greatly with his
resurrection, purpose and why every one needs to be born-again.
Back Ground
It is recorded that
Adam, the first man, was made a “living soul.”
How could this be?
Living refers to a
earthly life and life meant a beginning and an end. Soul refers to that which
is eternal; for example, angels. Adam was formed from the earth; that’s the
life part of him. It wasn’t until God blew his spirit in him that a soul was
created or placed in his body. One would say our flesh is a coat for our soul
and spirit. The earthly part of him was live or living, but when God blew in
him, he became ‘a-live’. Something can be living and not ‘alive.’
He was what we call, born from above.
Man is made up of
body, spirit and soul; many times the soul and spirit are used interchangeably,
but they are different, a distinction is seen in Heb. 4:12. The body being the
flesh, the soul being the real you, and the spirit belongs to God (Ecc 12:7);
it’s apart of God that is built in you to function godly (Acts 17:27-28). Every
man that was born was lighted upon being conceived in the womb (John 1:9), or
given a measure of God’s spirit; separate and apart from the function of the
“breathe of life.”
Unfortunately, the
scenario with the “tree of good and evil” which Adam ate from was used to kill
the spirit’s (or light) function and thus breaking fellowship with God. Even
God told Adam he would “surely die” if he ate from the tree he ate from.
However, God wasn’t
speaking of an immediate death, but rather it was spiritual, physical and
eternal. The only death that was instantaneous was spiritual, in other words
man lost fellowship with God at the same instance. That’s why many theologians
sometimes refer to spirituality as God-consciousness.
From then, man
basically acted based upon his body and intellect (mind- the central thinking
part of the body). His relationship was lost so man lived based on what he
understood and sensed. This resulted in murder, proud heartedness, lust,
dishonesty and so on. In other words,
he became ‘egotistic’ or a mindset that everything centered on him; or, that
everything should be “self-gratifying.”
One preacher had this
to add from a book I had in my archives since I was teen:
Now, the tree
of the “knowledge of good and evil” had to go with the mind. God made man a
spiritual being. God made man’s soul to be supreme over his mind and body
[through his spirit].
God didn’t make man physical; he just gave him a body. God didn’t make man
mental; he just gave him a mind.
The devil knew
if he ever got man to die spiritually, if he was successful in disintegrating
the inner part of man that he could cause the spiritual likeness of God to
disappear from …man. Then … man would be left with a [soul] and a body, with
the ashes of his spirit scattered around him.
Adam and Eve
saw that the tree had to do with their intellect; it had to do with their
minds. They chose to eat, so in other
words they were thinking, I’m going to elevate my mind and make the pursuit
or knowledge the main thing in my life. The bible said, “they knew…”
God set about
to redeem man. He would take the seed of Eve, and that seed would bruise the
devil’s head (Gen. 3:15): “And I will put enmity between thy seed and her seed;
it shall bruise thy head…”
Notice that
God said when the Messiah would come that he would deal with the HEAD of the
devil. He would deal directly with intellect of the devil. Then, God said also
to the devil, “and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gen 3:5). Or, in essence you’ll
be able to kill him-referring to Jesus’ death on the cross.
The Come Back
“For since by man
came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as Adam all
died, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor 15:21-22). Notice the
word ‘a-live’!
Spiritual death led
to all other deaths, including the second death (Rev 21:8); which is the soul’s
torment in eternity. All mankind was destined for eternal death, because of
Adam’s disobedience.
However, through
Christ’s spirit there is salvation to everyone that believes.
How?
“The first Adam was
made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit” (1 Cor
15:45). The word “quickening” means to
give life, as against our church belief, which associates it solely with
shaking, rolling, ‘get-into-spirit’ and other bodily expressions. No. The word
quickens means to give life.
Christ was like Adam
before he ate the fruit, faultless and without sin. He was spiritually alive
and in connection with God 100%. Like Adam, Christ represents soul and spirit
covered in flesh, with the spirit ruling over and/or guiding the entire ‘being’
(body and soul).
The book of Matthew
records that he was not born of natural birth, but that the Holy Ghost
overshadowed Mary. Christ, then, was simply the Holy Ghost or ‘word’ covered in
flesh, waiting like a fine wine to burst open to its drinkers. When the body
was ripped away at Calvary, his spirit resurrected on the third day and that
‘quickening spirit’ was now available to mankind. That is, a life giving
spirit.
Adam birthed humans
in the earth without a connected spirit to God. However, the second Adam,
Christ, came and birthed living souls (1 Cor 15:21 & 45). Souls that when
regenerated will be revived as Adam was and pre-enjoy some of its qualities
(Acts 9:40, Acts 5:15, Acts 28:8).
It can then be argued
that man was initially made to live forever and his flesh also. How is it then
his flesh was ‘live’, which suggests a beginning and end? The fact is, when one
so call dies, the body or flesh does not just vanishes; it lives on. When the
soul is removed upon death, the body goes back to the soil in a different
state. That’s why scientists have discover that the same chemical make up that
is in the soil exists in man. Your body is then still ‘alive’ in the ecosystem
of the world. No wonder we say from ashes to ashes and from dust to dust. The life
cycle goes on. But when it’s an earth suit, or human body for a soul, it
remains intact until that soul departs. Man was probably made to live in that
earth suit forever and manipulate it at will; for instance moleculization, as
seen with Jesus walking through the wall in flesh (John 20:26). Or even
reconstruct it if it decays, as seen with his resurrection and the purpose of
the “tree of Life” (Gen 3:22). However, all this along with the essential
relationship with God was lost.
Fortunately, Jesus
Christ (quickening spirit) came to be an example for us and to give us the
power to overcome death, hell and the grave. He came to set the captives
(Humanity) free. Through him, we can all become like Adam and fear death no
longer but inherit the resurrection power, with a unique fellowship with God.
How?
We have to be
born-again.
Did you know that the
Greek rendering for the English translation ‘born-again’ literally means ‘born
from above?’
Who before the day of
Pentecost (Acts 2:2) was born from above?
Adam!
God blew his breath
in him and he became alive. Similarly, when someone is baptized with the Holy
Ghost he is born from above just like Adam. Adam’s birth was new because he
wasn’t conceived in sin nor was he born any other way, he was the first man.
Christ became the
first in fallen humanity to be born this way; therefore, becoming the second
Adam or the second man that ever really lived – ‘alive’.
St. John 3:8 records
what will happen when someone is born of the spirit, “the wind bloweth where it
listeth, and thou hearst the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it
cometh, and whither it goeth, so is everyone that is born of the spirit.”
Look at the composite
that is used to describe someone who is being born of the spirit – wind.
Where else could that
be found, besides the day of Pentecost?
When God blew his
breath on Adam to make him come alive. In fact, the
very word spirit means breathe; both the Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma, used for spirit, means breath
and/or wind.
Remember, God is not
a human that breathes in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. So he made Adam
come alive and somehow its nature (the process) is similar to wind.
And, the bible said,
“so is everyone that is born of the spirit.”
This point alone
should show how important the Holy Ghost is for every human being. What a
privilege to have the same thing done that was done to Adam, the first man,
thousands of years ago. It might be noted that this new birth was different
from Adam’s creation, simply because he was the first man to experience it and
was completely made by it. To us, this process will make us “awake to
righteousness” (1 Cor 15:34) and is called the ‘Second Birth’.
Many Born-again
Christians don’t even realize what they have.
After being born
again, the Holy Spirit acts not only as a person, but is also the expressed
power of God. God used his express power to make Adam come alive (quicken). In
the same way, Jesus resurrects our spirits plus we still have his express
power, his word and his exemplary life to prevent our spirits from dying again
indefinitely. This makes us imperishable, unlike Adam and Eve.
Satan is still around
seeking whom he may devour. However, the expressed power is still with us, to
prevent us from ‘sinning’ and walking out of fellowship with God; and even if
it occurs we can be resurrected by the Holy Ghost that is still in us. *Paul knew this and wrote, “I die
daily” (1 Cor 15:31); how could he die daily, except through the Holy Ghost he
was resurrected daily. Something that is already dead cannot die again.
This is a mechanism
Adam couldn’t utilize.
What a blessing and
gift to mankind. It would be the first time since Adam, God can now live
fruitfully in us; and at the last resurrection, with him being in ‘physical’ form.
Therefore, without
the baptism of the Holy Ghost one is only a dead man walking. Have you ever
heard the term, the ‘the living dead,’ it can be applied here. No wonder Christ
could have said, “let the dead bury their dead” (Matt 8:22).
Remember also, one is
not born-again unless he is also born of the water (John 3:5).
John
And The Last Adam
Remember
we said that Jesus is the last or second Adam. In that, He was the first ‘man’
after Adam who was like Adam before Adam fell; that is, perfectly joined to God
with an upright soul; so to speak. This verse then puzzled me when I first read
it, “he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb” (Lk
1:15). This spoke of John the Baptist, the only man in the bible that was
recorded as having this happen to him.
I then pondered, how
is it he wasn’t the second Adam, seeing that the spirit in him was
alive, making him also ‘a-live’ just like Adam? Why wasn't he the second
Adam?
Because though he was
‘a-live’ like Adam, he couldn’t produce more ‘a-live’ humans; like how Adam
could with Eve, if they had not eat the fruit. In other words, though he was
filled with the spirit from birth, which makes his spiritual nature born again,
he couldn’t make anybody else born again. That’s why he said, “I indeed baptize
you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me … he shall baptize
you with the Holy Ghost” (Matt 3:11).
Now, Jesus Christ the
man was not only ‘a-live’ but he could give life through the quickening spirit.
Not only that, but everyone who he has made ‘a-live’, can make others ‘a-live’
too! The power that Adam had with Eve to create more beings with the image of
God, fully humans, spiritually alive and connected with God, has been restored.
In other words, you, granted you’re truly born again, have the power to create
life! Now the devil has worst than a bruised head or headache, he has a
nightmare.
Being Born Again
When Adam lost his
relationship with God, he also lost his likeness. That is, he had the ability
to call things into being, the ability to see the end from the beginning and
the privilege to name his wife; that’s where we get the custom of women taking
the last name of their husband.
When the regeneration
first came to man, at the day of Pentecost and downwards to us, our likeness
with God was revived, spiritually.
This resurrection
brought about some dynamic gifts. In the book of Acts ‘ordinary men’ who were
Holy Ghost filled had the ability to see terrible famine coming ahead (Acts
11:28) and even the death of prominent Christian figures (Acts 21:10), without
spirit mediums.
A born-again believer
can know the end from the beginning; not only in general bible prophesies, but
even our own personal lives. One doesn’t have to go to the physic or
fortuneteller, the Holy Ghost will reveal all things unto you and teach you of
things to come,
“Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth,
is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself;
but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things
to come” (St. John 16:14).
Christ, by his Holy
Spirit, has made us men equal to God on earth through son ship. “Impossible,”
you might say! Well, we know that Christ is our master and by revelation we
also know that he is God. Then it is a fact that God is our master. So then,
what does this bible verse say about us and God, “The
disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his
master.” In
other words, we are not about God, but we share his authority through son-ship.
For instance, if I have a son and I tell him to go and tell the neighbors kid
to get out my yard. He would say, “my father said you all must get out here
now.” He used my authority and they recognize him, because he is my offspring.
He is not the father and never will be, but being the son I can authorize him
to use my authority. By this equal-ness, a born-again believer can even
call things into being, “we shall have whatsoever we saith” (Mark 11:23).
Sicknesses and
diseases have to be in obedience to a born again believer, making a faith-full
believer operating in the realms of the supernatural. They are many cases of
persons being raised from the dead, even locally. I personally spoke to the
wind and rain on two occasions, it was trying to prevent me from getting to my
break through destination and it obeyed and ceased, instantaneously.
There are numerous
testimonies of men calling wealth into being, stopping bullets at point blank
range, dead coming to life, incurable diseases cured, court charges dropped,
supernaturally breaking out of physical confinement and many, many, many more
witness of the gifts and help of the Holy Spirit.
One of the greatest
effects of being born-again is the ability to overcome the former things that
held us bound. St. John told us, “whatsoever is born of God overcometh the
world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1
John 5:4).
In other words,
nothing on earth or in heaven, neither any devil or flesh can have a born-again
believer bond; even if one is in literal chains, one is free. One is also free
from the devil’s strong hold of fornication, lying, stealing, pornography,
hate, cursing, swearing, all addictions and the world of sin.
I was so shock to
realize that awesome power on an oversees outing, after recently being born
again. A female acquaintance came to my hotel room, I knew what she wanted, but
somehow by the power of the Holy Ghost I overcame and even after other
instances with her, I still overcame; I never knew men could have this power.
I couldn’t believe
it, as tight as one can be with money, me, taking up $500.00 and giving it to
retailer at my high school; after years of robbing him blind in credit.
Surprisingly, I found out he was born-again too and attending an apostolic
church near by. No wonder I couldn’t resist the voice that told me to repay him
of my debts; robbing God’s serving all these years. He came back and told me he
gave a testimony in church how God answered his prayers for a financial
breakthrough and he was delivered from certain calamity. At that time, I was
even unfamiliar with a church testimony or testimony service. Regardless of
what you’ve been told, this new birth is instantaneous.
Here is a good one. I
was in a difficult jam, nowhere to live and no money. I kind of landed this
freelance job with a realtor/business owner. Lo and behold he was so generous
he gave me the key to his business, code to the alarm and even a three-bedroom
house he owned for me alone to stay. I thought what a blessing.
Then I realized the
enemy’s device of setting me up. I hardly came to church or witnessed; all I
was doing was his work with only gas and food money. When I wanted to go I
couldn’t, indirectly. The mystery of iniquity began to work.
The
Friday night they called me to give a word, who told them to do that. He
insisted that I stay. Knowing the outcome, with other things involved, I
voluntarily said NO! Indirectly, I told him I couldn’t do his work anymore,
just because he’s 'putting me up' and all. So he said I should go, asking for
his key, in a manner that he wanted me to beg him to return.
Wrong person, wrong
Christian! I said I am out of here and I don’t care if I’m on the streets; I’m
not going to sell out this Christian faith for no money, car, secure financial
future or anything for that matter. Someone paid too high a price for my
salvation.
How did I do that?
I’m born-again, and
whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. I am more than qualified by
experience alone to write detail books on spiritual warfare -occultism,
Satanism and witchcraft- and they would sell millions. But that doesn’t make
one born again after reading it. However, being born again automatically makes
you more than equipped and knowledgeable in spiritual warfare.
In fact, one doesn’t
have to listen to all the ‘how-to’ sermons and teachings to make it or war a
good warfare, by being born again it becomes automatic. God herald it and it
must come to pass, “ye shall receive power…” (Acts 1:8).
One will have power
to change an environment, power to live righteously, power to refuse political
favors and bribes, power to resist sin, power to say yes and to say no, power
to get wealth, power to tread upon serpents and adder, power to eat any deadly
thing and it has no effect, power to overcome satanic inserts and devices,
power to overcome mind control, power to trample all the wiles of the enemy,
power to fix one’s marriage, power to get your mind focus, power to love your
“enemies”, power to be the head and not the tail, power to live, walk and talk
as God being his son. Remember, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy
Ghost is come upon you.”
If I were to write of the experiences of the born-again believers, it would be
innumerable; “taste and see that the Lord, he is good.”
Further On Why We Need It
It can be seen that
our bodies are provision grounds or rich soil for the spirit, which is capped
in the soul, the spirit being the seed (1 Cor 15:37-38). God could have made
our bodies from anything, but it was symbolic that he made us from earth. The
body represents the soil and his spirit represents the seed (1 Cor 15:37-38).
What happens in the
biological or natural world when a seed is placed in the ground, achieving its
potential?
It becomes a plant
and grows towards the sky. We will also break forth and grow to God, by his
seed that he revived in us – resurrection!
“But some will say,
how are the dead raised up? And with what body they come. Thou fool, that which
thou sowest is not quickened, except it die” (1 Cor 15:35-36).
When a seed goes in
the ground, it dies and what results break the ground and shoot up. This can be
interpreted that when our body dies it represents the breaking of the earth and
our soul, propelled by God’s spirit, goes back to God. What came from above
goes back above.
We were first
natural, and then we became spiritual, in respect to the first and second Adam
(our fall and rise). Because of this anticipated fact, we now live heavenly
(righteously) and not earthly, as we now await our redemption; in other words,
“we also now bear the image of the heavenly” (1 Cor 15:49).
According to my pass
biology class, a plant needs three things to grow: sunlight, water and
chlorophyll (this process is called photosynthesis). We also need three things
to grow to God, which are:
Sunlight
1.
Repentance. After seeing the light one
turns (repent) to it. With its radiance, one will be pulled towards it.
Water
2.
Water Baptism
Chlorophyll
3.
Holy Ghost baptism, like chlorophyll,
is apart of us that is used by the sunlight and water to generate growth. It’s
always there, however, inactive without the sunlight and photosynthesis.
This should spark
life in every believer, which should result in daily prayer, daily reading of
the bible and daily worship.
According to the
bible, Christ said he would demolish the man-made temple worship
(John 4:23-24). Our bodies are now the temple of God (1 Cor 3:17) and
we worship anywhere.
In the ancient Old
Testament days, the temple had three parts: outer court, holy place and the
most holy place. That can be rendered as, “outer courts”-body, “holy place”-mind, and “Holiest of holiest”-spirit.
The high priest has
to be in the “Holiest of holiest” when the glory of God comes to receive the
word. Similarly, our souls and spirits have now been resurrected and we possess
the freedom to worship, pray, think and live either through the body (outer
courts), mind (holy place) or spirit (holiest of holiest).
If we live solely
through the body, we’ll produce the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19) and thereby
omitting ourselves from the kingdom of heaven.
If we operate through
the mind, we will also be against God, for this might produce carnality and we
know the carnal mind is enmity against God (Rom 8:7).
We have to stay and
worship through the spirit (holiest of holiest), that is where the priest’s
sacrifice is accepted and where God shows up. Not only show up for blessings,
personal word and other delights; but ultimately the “rapture” at Christ
return. Being in the spirit is not mere bodily vibration with tongues, it’s
been led by the Holy Ghost 24/7 in all matters; “for as many that are led by
the spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rom 8:14).
Of course without
being born-again we have no chance of entering the holiest of holiest; only a
high priest could enter there. And, according to the bible, born-again
believers are now that priest (Heb 7:26, Rev 1:6).
Leviticus 8:20 tells
us that for the priests to enter in the temple of God or to be sanctified as
priests they were to be sprinkled with sacrificial blood and oil. Not only
them, but we also see in Leviticus 14:25-28 that for a leper to be presented
cleanse, blood and oil had to be placed on him.
This is a classic
‘type and shadow’ of being born again.
Blood represents the
washing or remission of sins (atonement). For “without the shedding of blood
there is no remission of sins.” Remission of sin or the sprinkling of the blood
of Jesus, is applied through faith in water baptism (Acts 22:16; Acts 2:38).
This is **being born of the water.
And oil here
signifies the anointing or the Holy Spirit, which is **being born of the
spirit.
Therefore, God had
this in his forethoughts while the children of Israel were going through the
ritual of temple worship. If God had it planned from then and reveals it to us
now, how important it must be for everyone to personally experience it. Let us
therefore be less explicit to fleshly exploits, but awake to righteousness,
spiritual awareness and progression, for the great harvest of our souls
“draweth nigh.”
Only those souls who
are born again or regenerated will make it in eternal life.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
End Notes:
1. *
denotes, It can be noted that when Paul said “I die daily,” he was referring to
the physical dangers he faced, however the next scripture after he repeated his
daily dying (“for to morrow we die” verse 34) show us that he was talking of
sin. It reads, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not” (1 Cor
15:33-34). In other words, though I die daily (sin) don’t be fooled, sin
corrupts, do righteous deeds and do not presumptuously sin.
2. ** denotes, will explain
later in its own chapter; PLEASE READ IT.
3. New Concise Bible
Dictionary had this to say on the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of heaven
“There is no distinction between the two terms.” “The kingdom is present. For
Jesus the kingdom was already present in his own person and ministry, and
appeared visibly in the casting out of demons, satan’s power had been broken
(Lk 11:17). It was also signified by the many other works which Jesus did, as
he reassured John the Baptist (Mt. 11:2). This proclamation of the kingdom and
is also a reality offered now, not just in the future (Mk 2:11).”
Please See FAQ:
Chapter 4
WHAT IS
REGENERATION?
“Except
a man be born-again
he
cannot see the kingdom of God”
~John
3:3
What does
regeneration means? Who has to be regenerated? Is it for me? How do I become
regenerated? Can it be explained biblically? Why is it so important to be
regenerated?
Regeneration is a
popular word among Christians. Nevertheless, it is most often confused. If you
have read the previous chapter, you have already covered what it means to be
regenerated.
According to the
dictionary, regeneration means, “Generate again, bring or come into renewed
existence; invest with new or higher spiritual nature 2. Spiritually
born-again, reform.”
What does born again
literally means?
Born :- existing as a result of birth; being by
nature.
Again:- another time
Isn’t it safe to then
say that regeneration and being born-again is the same thing? Being born again
or regeneration is really a rebirth of one’s self. And unless one is born-again
he cannot see God (John 3:3), though he is near to all of us (Acts 17:24-31).
Therefore, it is also safe to say that this is the ‘New Birth’ that every
believer should experience; and without being regenerated, you are only living
a dead life, even if you have a good ‘Christian’ background.
Titus 3:5 is the
scripture often quoted when speaking of regeneration; it reads, “Not by works
of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us,
by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
We are saved
“according to his mercy.”
How?
“By the washing of
regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
The text stated that
we are saved according to his mercy. In other words, by grace (Eph 2:8).
However, it didn’t stop there, it went further to state how this mercy is
applied to us, “by the washing of…and the renewing of…” In other words, after
mercy is given it must be received by obedience.
For instance, someone
bought you a pair of sports tickets (grace/mercy). So, now you have two free
tickets. However, you have to go to your friend to get them or the other way
around (gospel/relationship). You also have to prepare and get dressed
(doctrine) or you won’t be allowed in the stadium without clothes; and, you
have the option to find someone to take with you to the game (evangelism). So
again we see that being saved is more than just saying, “I believe in Jesus and
accept him.”
Two
Things
Regeneration involves
the “washing of regeneration” and the “renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
First, regeneration
washes you and second, it effects a change in your spirit by the Holy Ghost.
Where else in the
bible such events are spoken of to save one’s soul?
Being born again!
John 3:3 states,
“except a man be born-again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
It was then further
broken down in verse 5, “Except a man be born of the water and of the
Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
Again, we see two
composites for entering the Kingdom of God or receiving the free gift of
salvation. Illustrated below side by side:
REGENERATION
(Titus 3:5) BORN
AGAIN (John 3:5)
1) Washing of Regeneration 1) Born of the water
2) Renewing of the Holy Ghost 2) Born of the Spirit
How
Can It Be Applied?
It
is universally accepted that being ‘born of the Spirit’ and ‘the renewing of
the Holy Ghost’ are referring to the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
However,
we have to define what is meant by ‘being born of the water’ and/or ‘the
washing of regeneration.’
1. Is
it the washing of the word?
2. Is
it the washing away of the old you, with all its bad habits and nature?
3. Is
it remission of sins, or washing away of our sins?
4. Is
it water baptism?
5. Is
it the washing of the mind?
If
it were the washing of the word, which means not just reading or hearing, but
also obedience to the scriptures, then it would take a while to be born again,
for we would first have to know the word, rightly divided. The high priests,
Ethiopian Eunuch, disciples of John and other men then and now knew the word.
Why weren’t they born again by ‘the washing of the word’?
Because
only the spirit baptism can take care of the word in us. God said, “I will put
my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my
judgments and do them” (Ezek 36:27). Even Christ said, “But the comforter,
which is the Holy Ghost whom the father will send in my name, he shall teach
you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance” (John 14:26). Paul
confessed, “For this is the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws
into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God,
and they shall be to me a people” (Heb 8:10).
Also,
the book of Proverbs gives detail instructions from the wisest man that ever
lived. Yet he failed to follow these words of wisdom himself. For example, in
the book of proverbs were many warnings against adultery, but he himself was
adulterous.
Why
can’t we, in and of ourselves, follow God’s word?
Because,
in this flesh there is no good thing (Rom 7:18). God has to put his spirit in
us and cause us to perfectly follow his word (John 8:31-32). Therefore, only
the Spirit Baptism can be the washing of the word. When Eph 5:26 refers to
“washing of the water by the word,” it has nothing to do with baptism or
regeneration directly. It was only giving an analogy that involves Christ and
the church; see FAQ # 46 for a full explanation.
The
spirit baptism will also take care of the old you, “if any man be in Christ he
is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new” (2 Cor 5:17); and to be in Christ, one has to be baptized by his spirit
into his body (1 Cor 12:13). Three options are now left of the five possible
questions.
Is
it remission of sins?
Well,
born of water and washing of regeneration signifies that something is to be
cleansed. What could possible fit that criteria? What could be so serious that
for us to be regenerated or born-again it must be washed away?
Of
course, SIN.
Sin
is what separated us from God and cause man to die in the first place. Sin is
what caused our minds to be marred with carnality and guilt.
How
are sins washed away or remitted?
Acts
2:38 says, “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.”
The
prophet Ananias also told the newly converted Saul to be baptized so that his
sins maybe washed away. He said, “Arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins
calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:16).
So
then, water baptism in his name not only washes away our sins but also
represents being born of the water; and it also washes the mind, for Peter
correctly said, “baptism doth also now save us … [but it is also] the answer of
a good conscience towards God” (1 Peter 3:21). That is, faith. Faith is what
saves and present a good conscience towards God, evident by one’s decision to
be baptized.
Yes,
I know, how could this earthly act commanded by Jesus produce such significant
results? That is, satisfying these three outset:
3. Is
it remission of sins, or washing away of our sins?
4.
Is it water baptism?
5.
Is it the washing of the mind?
Remember,
“God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise” (1 Cor
1:27).
At
one point, baptism in Jewish history was used for ritual cleansing or as an
initiation to become a person’s disciple, amongst other things. Nevertheless,
God chose this foolish thing of the world to put at naught man’s wisdom. We
must not forget that “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Cor 1:25).
As
a result, only a true believer can be regenerated. One who truly believes in
the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ will follow anything
he is commanded, whether or not it is understood; much more seems foolish, that
takes faith! And we are saved by faith!
Only
a believer will be sorry for his or her sins and openly repent (change) to God;
and only a changed mind will follow God all the way, regardless of possessing
deep understanding - faith. That’s the reason the bible said to believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be
saved. In essence, only a true believer can be saved. So then, the “washing of
regeneration” and “being born of the water” is water baptism in Jesus’ name for
the remission of all your past, present and future sins.
We
also need something that will prevent us from continuously sinning and revive
the likeness of God we had before Adam sinned. Only the spirit baptism can
produce this result. In other words, what is re-born by the Holy Ghost is our
spiritual nature; or what was effected by being born of the spirit is your very
‘spirit’ and not necessarily your flesh.
Meaning,
the spirit man that once lusted, murdered, lied and cheated is now renewed;
once reconnected to God’s spirit again. So then, though the devil puts evil
thoughts within, the spirit will cut it out before the opportunity arises to
execute it. Whilst in the pass the spirit man lacked this mechanism and thus
‘the flesh’ ruled. But now, through the spirit, your mind (central thinking
part of you) is revived and/or washed to follow God.
That’s
the reason it is impossible for someone who is genuinely born-again to continue
in a life of unwed sex, adultery, lying, stealing and other sins: which only
results in self-hurt, lack of peace, sicknesses, diseases, separation from God
and all deaths. Christ made it clear that when the comforter or the Holy Spirit
comes in us, it will reprove the world of sin (John 16:8): Which will reprove
the continuance of the former life. This is the essence of being born again or
regenerated!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
End
Notes:
1.
Please read the chapter on water baptism.
2.
New Concise Bible Dictionary had this to say on the Kingdom of God and the
Kingdom of heaven, “There is no distinction between the two terms.” “The
kingdom is present. For Jesus the kingdom was already present in his own person
and ministry, and appeared visibly in the casting out of demons, satan’s power
had been broken (Lk 11:17). It was also signified by the many other works which
Jesus did, as he reassured John the Baptist (Mt. 11:2). This proclamation of
the kingdom and is also a reality offered now, not just in the future (Mk
2:11).”
Definitely
See These FAQ:
1. FAQ
# 45, "Is … water baptism and
spirit baptism works…?" and FAQ # 40, “Was the water referring to our first birth, being in
our mother’s womb surrounded by water?” and FAQ # 52, "Was the ‘water’ in John 3:5 speaking of the
‘water of salvation’ or ‘Christ's belly’ or lastly, another metaphor for
Spirit?"
BACK TO TOP
Chapter 5
WHAT DOES JUSTIFICATION MEAN?
“Their
righteousness is of me saith the Lord”
Isaiah 54:17
Does it matter how
God sees us? What does being righteous in God’s eyes have to do with one’s
salvation? Can one be saved today and not saved tomorrow? What really are the
signs and benefits of a person who is saved (righteous)? How do I know for sure
I’m righteous or justified? In fact, did you know I’m saved; actually, I’m
‘very’ saved? Did you know that
I’m forever saved? Am I more saved than I think? What am I talking about,
anyway?
“Have you ever
considered what it would mean to you if you could only live a sinless life?
Yes, I know it is generally considered impossible, but then how do we
understand the biblical record on people like the mother and father of John the
Baptist: “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest
name Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of
Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking
in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Lk 1:5-6).
Living the sinless
life would mean that you would be a happy person. It would mean a clear
conscience. You would never have to be ashamed. You would be above reproach.
You wouldn’t have to endure reproach from things you deserve. It means freedom;
and also liberty from oppression. Your companions will be God-fearing people.
It will mean that you are a person with uncommon judgment and justice. It would
mean that you are a person of uncommon wisdom and understanding. You would have
great peace of mind and heart. It would mean you never hurt anyone. And would
never have to apologize. It would bias life in your favor.
So, with all this in
its favor of living the sinless life, who would not want to live that way? So
why don’t we? Because it isn’t possible? That doesn’t make lot of sense. Not
only do we have the example of Zacharias and Elisabeth, Paul says much the same
thing of himself: “Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any
other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin,
an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching
the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the
righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phi 3:4-6).
So what is our
excuse? Well, by his own admission, we know that Paul was not really blameless.
He wrote to Timothy, “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of
whom I am chief” (1 Tim 1:5).
Now this is all
rather confusing, but the Sermon on the Mount can shed a lot of light on it.
Jesus made it clear enough that one can keep the letter of the law blamelessly
while still falling far short of the sinless life. He said, for example, “Ye
have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and
whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment” (Matt 15:21). Most of
us have little difficulty in keeping these laws. The problem is that Jesus went
on to explain that this was not all there was to it.
So what is the answer
for the person who wants the benefits of living the sinless life? Why is the
law of God so complicated? Because, the law describes life and life is very
complicated.
But the doctrine of justification dissuades [the curse of] the law of God and
undoubtedly makes a born again believer live the sinless and blessed life.
First, let me call
your attention to Galatians 3:8, 9: "And the Scripture, foreseeing that
God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the Gospel unto
Abraham, [saying] In thee shall all nations be
blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham"
(R. Dart, A postal mail newsletter he sent to me while living in Lauderhill).
Notice that
justification precedes blessing. Remember, Jesus did say, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness
[justification]; and all these things shall be added unto you.” It can
also be noted that without attaining knowledge of and faith in justification,
one cannot be truly bless; regardless of having wealth. Because only
righteousness exalts a nation or individual, but sin is a reproach to anyone
(Prov 14:34).
The word
justification, justifieth, justified, justifying and justify are seen 59 times
in the New Testament and related hundreds of times elsewhere. Its true essence
can be seen by reading the book of Hebrew and Romans, very timely. The meaning
hold the keys to freedom from fears, insecurities, personal chaos, torments,
and doubts, among other self-defeating hindrances.
Why self-defeat?
Self-defeat is the
most often used weapon of the devil, because of its success relative to other
evil traps. By this, he causes us to defeat ourselves, because he cannot (1
John 5:18).
Crosswalk.com Greek
lexicon defines justification as, “the act of God declaring men free from guilt
and acceptable to him.” Strong’s Concordance defines justification as an
“acquittal”.
What is acquitted?
A born-again
Christian is acquitted of all his or her past, present and future sins, making
him or her forever holy and righteous before God. In other words, by being born
again one has attained all righteousness (Eph 5:9).
The Apostle Paul puts
it nicely, “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days,
saith the lord; I will put my laws into their hearts, and their minds will I
write them [spirit baptism]; And their sins and iniquities I will remember no
more [water baptism]. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering
for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the
blood of Jesus” (Heb. 10:16-19).
Men might not see a
born-again Christian as righteous or holy, but in God’s eyes, one is holy and
that’s what counts. One dictionary defines holy as, “of high moral or spiritual
excellence; belonging to God.” The same dictionary states righteousness as,
“being virtuous, upright and just.”
Therefore,
justification not only means that one is saved, but also make it plain that one
can never be condemned in this life and the life to come for anything.
Why is that
important?
The bible describes
the devil as an accuser of the brethren; even the very word devil, means
accuser.
These devils can only
have legal right to torment an individual because they are condemned before
God, because of sin: Justice always demands satisfaction.
On the other hand,
the devil can only torment born-again Christians when they are ignorant of
and/or lack faith in Justification.
When someone becomes
saved, God puts a hedge around him/her. One cannot be touched by the devil.
When a believer staggers at accusations of pass and present sins, he or she
falls prey of doubt and fear, the devil’s key tools; where fear is, there is
torment (1 John 4:8). With it, a believer can seem to be rendered powerless and
thus lifeless.
Faith is lost and so
is God’s hedge too, so to speak.
The bible book of Job
will note that the devil has some legal dominion over humans. It is usually in
the confines of God’s own word, meaning, a violation of an ordinance, law,
inherent principles or spiritual rule set up by God, so he has to honor it. God
often works within the confines of his own words. Therefore, when the devil
goes in accusation against a human, he or she is doomed because of personal or
inherent sin (John 9:31). He or she is then taken captive.
However, when he
comes to accuse a born-again believer, Jesus stops him and shows him the blood
stains from Calvary’s cross, which purchase our redemption. In other words, we now have an advocate with God (1 John 2:1);
every charge that is taken against us or ever can be taken against us is
acquitted.
Now, if a believer is
ignorant of or consequently doesn’t believe the above, he or she is also doomed
with self-inflicting torments.
Breast
Plate Of Righteousness
The word of God
declares that we must put on the whole armor of God that we may be guarded
against the wiles of the devil (Eph 6:11).
It went further to
say that by being born-again we are automatically in the line of fire from the
evil powers of the air, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual
wickedness in high places and principalities.
These are organized
high-ranking agents of satan’s evil regime. If you are a born-again believer
without believing in Justification, you can fall prey to any of the above;
their subordinate demons will carry out numerous attacks in all areas of your
life.
However, the Apostle
Paul gives us the formula for standing against these forces.
He said,
symbolically, in Eph 6:14-17,
- Our
loins should be girt about with truth. God’s
word is truth (John 17:17) and it’s available to most people throughout
the world and obeyed fully by his spirit (Eze 36:27).
- Our
feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
As a believer always be prepared to tell of the salvation experience in
peace; also possessing that peace as a witness of one's conversion (Isaiah
32:17).
- Carry
a shield of faith. Of course, a believer must
have posses this in the first place, for we are saved by faith. We are also given a measure of faith (Rom12:3).
- Wearing
the helmet of salvation. This involves
knowing without a doubt that you are saved. Any element of doubt can bring
captivity. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Each piece of amour
fitted with the appropriate word has a specific meaning.
The piece that was
left for last, is the,
5. Breastplate of righteousness.
This involves
Justification. Being justified is being righteous. Not only are sins acquitted,
but also, a born again believer is completely pure and spiritually unspotted.
Your former and future sins are hid with Christ. In other words, when God sees
a born-again Christian, he doesn't see the pass, present nor future sins. He
doesn’t see any blemishes, whatsoever. He sees moral and spiritual excellence;
which is holiness and/or righteousness. Therefore, a born-again Christian is
always accepted by God and doesn't need to fear approaching the throne of God,
no matter what they have done.
The bible said Christ
died unto sins once (Rom 6:9-10). Not just your sins, but sins in general, so
that anyone who believes in him can be as if they had never sinned.
Justification,
represented by the breastplate of righteousness, provides us with a defense to
stand against high-ranking devils (accusers); who not only orchestrated one’s
fall, but also condemns one before God. They are both the collaborator or
leading ‘partner in crime’ and the prosecutor.
When a believer puts
on the “breast plate of righteousness,” he has made an impenetrable stand
against unforeseen forces of evil.
The breastplate is
the area that covers the chest and heart. If this area is uncovered, then the
heart, which represents the core or life, will be attacked: If shut down, no
more life will flow to the other areas.
Similarly, an attack
against a born-again believer who doesn’t have his or her breastplate on, can
cause serious damage to one’s faith. Granted the shield of faith wasn’t swung
in place, which left other areas open. Yes, this is real warfare.
No
More Works
One preacher stated
that Justify or Justification means, “just as if you’ve never sinned.”
A born-again believer
not only has to accept this, but he or she has to continue to believe it. Faith
in justification makes one no more a convicted sinner, ever, Paul tells us,
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth, on him that justifieth the
ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Rom 4:5).
Look what a man had to do to be justified:
“But
if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right, And hath not eaten
upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house
of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath come near to
a menstruous woman, And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor
his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry,
and hath covered the naked with a garment; He that hath not given forth upon
usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from
iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man, Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my
judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the
Lord GOD” (Eze 18:5-9).
This
was not burdensome, but a difficult task, even for the best of us and none can
be this ‘good’ at all times. Therefore, Jesus, through his death, burial and
resurrection has made all born again believers complete in him (Col 2:10). Or
in essence, “just.”
This
completeness or justification was prophesied by the Prophet Habakkuk in Chapter
two, which was to come in Jesus’ time; he even confirms this by saying, “the
vision is yet for a time” (Hab 2:3).
Now, verse four of chapter two said, “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is
not upright in him:” Pointing to the ‘unjust’ and/or humanity today. Verse five
sealed this by listing a few things that was done, “he transgresseth by wine,
he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell,
and is as death….” However, notice the “but” in verse 4, “his soul which is
lifted up is not upright in him: but
the just shall live by his faith.”
This is very powerful! In other words, though he
(us today) is wicked, with faith he can be just. And faith is the substance of
things hoped for the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1). In other words,
the physical manifestation of being justified is not altogether seen, but with
faith one is just: And even with failings we remain just, because now the just
shall live by faith, or live righteously by believing rather than by always
“seeing.” This faith is the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus. That is
why the scripture says, “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that
justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Rom 4:5). No
more works in exchange for justification! It’s a free gift through Christ
Jesus.
Being justified is
the cornerstone of what salvation is all about; it’s being righteous or holy
for free on our part. It’s the privilege to come before God acceptable, holy
and never to be condemned; the veil of the temple was torn in two. In other
words, without justification, one has no boldness to come before God and thus
has no relationship with him. One has no mechanism to deal with the dread of a
great God. Coming before God in his fullness in heavenly places, without being
hid in Christ would result in a sure fiery consumption. Whilst me, being born
again, get up in the morning and greet God with a “what’s up Dad?” Normally,
will a father ever kill or throw his son in a fire because of offence? He will,
of course, chasten and beat you out of love, but he’ll never utterly forsake
his son or won’t allow any devil to for long. In other words, Christ made it
available for you and I to now freely communicate and fellowship with the one
who created us. Adam destroyed this for us, but Christ came and regained it for
all: “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” (Rom 5:18).
How can this be
applied?
By faith, “knowing
that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus
Christ, even we who have believed in Jesus Christ” (Gal 2:16).
Basically, doing what
is right in the sight of men will not justify anyone. One’s “good hearted” man
disposition or “living a fairly good life” will not justify anyone. It can only
be achieved by faith in Christ and especially what he did for you as a
born-again believer. One is therefore righteous, holy and without condemnation
before God, angels and men. The word verifies this by strongly stating, “there
is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 1:8).
A popular gospel song
has these lyrics, “I’m coming up on the ruff side of the mountain, and I’m doing
my best to make it in.” Nice song and I love it. However, the meanings I derive
from the lyrics are incorrect biblically.
Why?
One cannot do
anything more to be more righteous or “make it in” after being born-again.
One is “sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph
4:30) after being born again. Seal here suggests that you’re stuck with
salvation until Jesus returns and you can’t do nothing more to be more sealed;
you’ve already made it in! In other words, over the bridge, no turning back,
fat lady has sung, over, done, finished!
God knows everyone
before they are born and he already placed it in him or her (“such as to be
saved”) to conform to or believe in Jesus Christ. Having done that, he will be
the same person to justify these ones. Trying to be a good person on your own
won’t help: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestine to be conformed
to the image of his son [Jesus]. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he
also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified,
them he also glorified” (Rom 8:29-30).
Don’t be fooled, not
that avoidance of sin or good works aren’t good. It’s just that it won’t
justify nor save anyone. In fact, it’s after one becomes save, real good works
will follow (Gal 5:22).
This is one of the
most glorious things as a born-again believer; being completely sinless and
spiritually unspotted. Your praise and worship are always accepted with God no
matter how frail, tired or weak it might seem. There are also no more
requirements to meet up to God’s standard for anything, whether praise, prayer
or worship. It is always accepted with God, because he ‘wills’ it in you
(Php 2:13). Therefore, no matter what happens from the point of one’s
conversion, one is assured a place in heaven; even if one is killed by God
himself. We are forever saved because of Jesus Christ, no matter what!
“For by one offering
he hath perfected for ever them that
are sanctified” (Heb 10:14). Two verses before said, “But this man, after he
had offered one sacrifice for sins forever,
sat down on the right hand of God” (:12).
So should we, as it
pertains to fretting over our sins: Including past, present and even future
sins; though not making provision for the flesh. Being born again is as far as
righteousness goes. Because a born again believers' righteousness is based on
the Lord (Isaiah 54:17) and not themselves; which is the highest righteousness.
In fact, a born-again believer is just as holy as God. Let me write that again.
A regenerated saint has equal holiness as God, through Jesus Christ; only
because it is his holiness that has embalmed us from our sinful nature. You
could say that we are wearing his clothes (righteousness). What a privilege!
Once
Saved, Always Saved?
“Since our works
[one’s own godly efforts] had nothing to do with meriting grace in the first
place, there is nothing we could do that would cause us no longer to merit it
and thus "fall" from it.”
One might then
exclaim, sarcastically, ‘Wow, justification gives me licenses to sin.’
No.
“Be not deceived;
neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers
of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were
some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified,
but ye are justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor 6:10).
According to the
dictionary, sanctification means, “consecrate, make as holy; purify from
sin.” In other words,
JUSTIFICATION
= SANCTIFICATION = PURIFICATION
The three are just
terms for the same thing. Therefore, a justified person is also a sanctified
one, which means he or she is righteous
and holy before God; the same is
also purified. If one were truly saved, they would not be in the sinning
business “being sanctified by the Holy Ghost” (1 Cor 15:16).
Why?
That’s one of the
main purposes of the Holy Spirit (Ezek 36:27). The Holy Spirit makes you do the
things that are pleasing in the sight of God; he gives you the grace to stay
unspotted from the world; “Whosoever is born of God sinneth not, but he that is
begotten of God keepeth himself” (1 John 5:18). Keeping yourself, relatively
speaking, is the result of being begotten of God or born again; and not
necessarily the reverse.
The suffix “eth” means
a continuance. In other words, “sinneth not” means not to continue in sin. For
example, you’ll not find a born-again believer clubbing every weekend, making
off with one-night stands for years on end without true conversion.
One might even ask,
“I’ve seen Christians continue in the most heinous acts of sins, what’s up with
that?”
Well, all that
glitters is not refined gold. Even the word of God said, “He that saith, I know
him, and keepeth not his commandment, is a liar, and the truth is not in him”
(1 John 2:4).
In other words, once
a person is saved we must be able to see the fruits of that salvation. After
all, born-again believers are the ‘live and direct’ epistles to the world, read
by all men. There must be a change in life-style, a change from sinning, a
desire for the word of God, the fruits of the spirit and other godly
attributes.
“Let no man deceive
you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous” (1 John 3:7, 8). Knowing “that
every one that doeth righteousness is born of him” (1 John 2:29). Not that one
does righteousness to become righteous. Rather, being justified by being born
again brings fruits of righteousness.
Similarly, faith
without works is dead. Not that works bring about faith; rather, as a result of
your faith, works appear. One believes for a house (faith), one gets a house
(works). Without the house (works), your faith is not real - dead - it hasn’t
been proven; which is the purpose for believing in the first place. You believe
in Jesus Christ (faith), obey him (works). In other words, ‘works’ are results
of your faith.
Likewise, living
righteously is a result of you being justified. In other words, because of
justification, righteous and godly living will automatically develop.
Otherwise, one may not be born-again, because “the
fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Eph
5:9).
How could you say
such a thing?
I didn’t, the word of
God did,
“Whosoever is born of
God doth not commit sin, for his
seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are
manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever, doeth not righteousness is
not of God” (1John 3:9-10). Also, “He that doeth good is of God: but he that
doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John 1:11). So then, you cannot have a true
born again believer living a presumptuous life of sin, and yes those who do
weren’t save in the first place; as the above scripture makes clear.
The Apostle John went
further to say, “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he
in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John
3:24).
John knew that
because of the Spirit Baptism this was all possible to every believer.
Why?
God said, “I will put my spirit within you, and cause
you to walk in my statues, and ye shall keep my judgments and do them” (Eze.
36:27). In other words, I will make it happen in you!
So then, a seasoned
born-again sister would not carry herself in a manner to expose her cleavage to
other men, especially after marriage. Dressing sexy is to dress for sex or to
entice the opposite sex to have sex. A justified person would never feel
comfortable in this position. The spirit of God that is in one would
automatically reprove, quicken and awake one to righteousness. It’s apart of
God’s born-again plan (Heb 10:16).
For instance, you
might take a flop-eared mule and try to make a racehorse of him. You could feed
him the finest food, run him around the track everyday, and house him in the
finest stable. But on the day of the race when the gun sounds, all he’ll do is
lope off down the track – because he’s a mule. It’s just not in him. Yet you
can take a racehorse, and not give him as good care, but when you put him on
the starting line, and the gun sounds – he’s gone! It is his nature, what he
does is the result of what he is. He is born that way. In order for that old
mule to be a racehorse, he would have to be re-born – and that is impossible.
Man, however, who is
a soul, living in a body, can be re-born. His nature can be changed. He can
become a new creature in Christ Jesus. He won’t flip flop when he’s save. When
the gun or rather the trumpet sounds – he’s gone (present life and raptured
when Christ returns).
Therefore, imposing
strict church rules for hair, clothing and other outward adornment is good, but
it won’t save anyone. When one is saved, it will automatically happen. Of
course, one has to be genuinely saved.
On the same note,
“What doth it profit,
my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save
him?” (James 2:14)
As it pertains to
justification, how vain it is, if one says he’s justified and there are no
fruits of righteousness. Can a belief in justification alone save him?
“Was not
Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon
the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith
made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed
God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the
Friend of God.
You see then
how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).
Abraham
believed God before he offered Isaac, but unless he offered Isaac he wouldn’t
have believed – as complex as that sounds. In other words, unless there are
fruits of righteousness (‘godly’ living), though you proclaim to be saved or
righteous, you are not – for faith without works is dead. And by the
consequential automatic ‘works of righteousness’, a man is deemed justified.
Hence, there is no license to continue in sin, because you simply cannot (1
John 3:9-10)!
We Are Purchased
Well, I don’t feel righteous or they don’t look and always act righteous to me.
That
might seem so, but born-again believers are far more holy than even most
realize. Born-again believers sit far above every being and we are positioned
next to God, figuratively. Nevertheless, on the outwards we bear the traits of
a pass life. Reason being, this can only be attained by faith.
“For
yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now
the just shall live by faith: but if
any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of
them [other righteousness] who draw back unto perdition; but of them [Christ’s
righteousness] that believe to the saving of the soul” (Heb 10:37-39).
In
other words, the just or the justified Christians are justified because they
believe it, “the just shall live by
faith;” and of course, “faith is the
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1).
These
two verses are often misunderstood. They are popularly used among Christians
when in need of a financial blessing, spiritual breakthrough, healing, miracles
and other supernatural things from God. However, these two verses are strictly
speaking of justification, as they even follow one after another.
The
full text reads,
“Cast
not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For
ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might
receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come,
and will not tarry. Now the just shall
live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in
him. But we are not of them [other claims to righteousness] who draw back unto
perdition; but of them [Christ righteousness] that believe to the saving of the
soul. Now faith is the substance of
things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 10:35-39 &
11:1).
The
Apostle Paul, in this text, addressed the same sore point among believer of not
feeling justified.
Why?
It is
not a feeling, it’s a belief. And without this belief one might fall prey of
the enemy’s attacks and who knows what will happen.
He
assured us that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen. In other words, justification involves a solemn belief in what
the creator says you are, though the born-again believer or an onlooker does
not see an outward celestial adornment of it.
We were
purchased, but our redemption is not yet completed. Yes, many believers and
songs used the phrased, “I am redeemed.” But we sing and say it by faith.
Knowing that we are “sealed unto the day of redemption.”
In other words, we
are sealed or born-again, with a guarantee by the Holy Spirit that we will be
redeemed.
Redemption, by the
dictionary’s definition, means, “reclaim or to fulfill a promise.”
God made us a promise
of glory beyond our wildest imagination; however, it cannot be realized or
reclaimed in this corruptible earth suit called flesh. We have to take off the
flesh before we can see the extent of our justification.
Nevertheless, born
again believers are “sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, which is the
earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession”
(Eph 1:14).
In other words, we
were bought but not redeemed. We were already paid for, by Christ’s death,
burial and resurrection. However, we have not been taken off the shelf as yet.
For instance, I went
into Family Thrift store to look around and speak with the owner as I’m the one
who had managed his website. While in the store I saw a nice stereo that
appealed to me. I pondered the price and asked a fellow gentleman. He was also
interested in the stereo and didn’t know the price. He turned it on and I
realized the person who had it before loved reggae music. Before we could ask
an assistant the price, we both saw on the top of it “SOLD.” We both gasp, and
then sight in disappointment.
This situation allowed
me to realize Eph 1:4, “until the redemption of the purchase possession.” It
shows that we are already bought but not taken out of the store (earthly
vicissitudes) as yet.
So we look like the
other ‘merchandise’ and actually have marks of the former owner, but we are a
“purchased possession” not yet redeemed. When the enemy comes to get a
born-again Christian, all he sees is SOLD. He might be able to turn some of us
on, but we are still SOLD. He cannot take us off the shelf to his place, Hell’s
fire, because we are SOLD. “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify
God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's” (1 Cor 6:10).
For another example,
someone played an arcade game and won many tokens.
Can he spend the
tokens? No.
But he has the cash’s
worth. When he completes winning all the tokens from the game box he goes to
the counter and turns them into cash or reclaims them.
“And not only they,
but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we
ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the
redemption of our body” (Rom 8:23). In other words, we are like those tokens
(mortals) waiting to be turned into real money (immortals)!
One might say, though
being born again seals me, can I not be redeemed?
We are “seal unto the day of redemption.” God
is not so careless to drop the tokens from his hands.
“Moreover, whom he
did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also
justified: and whom he justified, them
he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things [doubts of not being redeemed]? If God be
for us, who can be against us” (Rom 8:30-31).
No Condemnation
One bible teacher
taught that without justification she suffered internally, though on the
outside she was an ideal church person;
“For many years, I
tried to please God with my works. It seemed as if I was living on a
performance treadmill—always trying to do something to feel good about myself
and feel like I was in right standing with God. In the process, I became weary
and worn out, lacking peace, joy and power in prayer.”
Since born again
believers are saved, no one can ever point their finger at him or her for
conviction of any personal sins or near-sin experiences: Neither can a charge
be brought against them by the household of faith for inadequacies,
inconsistencies and often failures. No matter what, a born-again believer is no
better off, or worst, in anything he or she does or doesn’t do.
Don’t you dear, as a
born-again believer allow guilt to choke your joy, peace, happiness and
consequently, your life, because someone ignorant of the grace of God points
their finger at you. God paid too high of a price for your justification. Hold
your head up high.
Don’t you dear, as a
born-again believer allow fear to fester because of old wives fables and
someone supposedly through the Holy Ghost pronounced condemnation to hell,
because you have sinned.
Didn’t the salvation
author said, “the son of man [Jesus] is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to
save them” (Lk 9:56).
He went onto say,
“Whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were
better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were
drowned in the depth of the sea… for the son of man is come to save that which
was lost. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone
astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains,
and seeketh that which is gone astray?” (Matt 18:6-12).
In other words, even
though they might “seem” to do
things out of the will of God, leave them alone, for they’re still his. One
should be very careful about offending a true born-again believer. Even an
inexperience preacher should also be careful of bringing condemnation
accusations against a congregation with a frequently called, "judgment
message." A believer must also be careful of ‘Judgment messages;’ having
one’s mind exercise to discern between good and evil.
If a message utterly
condemns the assembly of believers and even go as far as to hint a born again
believer going to hell, it is not of God. If death is pronounced it should be a
general utterance and not vehemently targeted to the saints. These are not the
days of the Israelites under the law, we are sons and daughters. Fear that
brings torment is not of God; goodly sorrow is what should develop and it will
lead to change (2 Cor 7:10).
In the book of Acts,
Ananias died because he lied to the Holy Ghost. The Apostle Peter didn’t
pronounce his death (Acts 5:1-9). He stated the offence and God did the rest.
Is his soul going to hell? If he was born again, no! The same thing happened to
Ananias wife. Peter knowing that they were ‘one flesh’ and by interrogation
found out she was a partaker in this evil deed, knew she would suffer the same
faith of her dead husband.
With Moses, he was
taken out of the way because he struck the Rock; however, this man of God is
nowhere in hell’s torment. He was justified and once justified always
justified. God was the one who dealt with him; moreover, his tenure was over as
a deliver. Joshua, the conqueror, was to take over. The same can be said of
King Saul, he even tried to kill himself (1 Sam 31:4), but God didn’t allow it
(2 Sam 1:9) because it would probably seal his afterlife to torment, so he
preserved his life and allowed an Amelekite to kill him. The same “Amelekites”
that he should have taken care of that brought him this curse in the first
place.
Even further, Aaron
the Jewish high priest and Miriam came against the man of God, Moses (Num 12).
Moses might have been wrong, but one dares not come against God’s authority.
Because of this,
Miriam (the initiator) became leprous.
How is it Aaron seems
to get away?
He was the high
priest (righteous) and it was forbidden for a leper to be an high Priest. Aaron
represents the born-again believers and Miriam represents the unsaved; the
unsaved without regeneration will suffer judgment. Born-again believers, on the
other hand, are priests (1 Peter 2:9). But our priesthood doesn’t require periodical
fasting and praying for remission of sins. Neither do we have to undergo the
popularly acclaim, “Consecrations”. We were washed in the priceless blood of
Jesus once and it took care of all our sins; past, present and future.
“For such an high
priest became us [born-again folks], who is holy, harmless, undefiled,
separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up
sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did
once, when he offered up himself” (Heb 7:26-27).
One should not be
weakened because someone has accused you of sin or being a sinner or going to
hell’s fire. Such an accuser is playing the role of a devil. It is forbidden
for a justified man to go to hell’s fire!
Notice Acts 2:24:
"Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was
not possible that he should be holden of it."
Why was it not
possible for death to hold Jesus?
Because of His faith
and Divine Justification IN THE SPIRIT! The bible said that Jesus was
“justified in the spirit” (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus overcame death by faith and
believing God's Word. Gloriously, for believers in Jesus Christ, it is not
possible for eternal death to hold us either!
John 5:24 tells us
this, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come
into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life."
Judgment does begin
at the house of the Lord (1 Peter 4:17). However, God knows how to sharply
rebuke his children. Those he loves he chastens and chastises, but never to
utter destruction of hell’s fire (1 Cor 3 9-15). If the Judgment of God is
announce in a particular area by a preacher, prophet or an apostle, the unsaved
will be feeling the bite of it, as a show of God’s wrath, as in the example of
Aaron and Miriam.
One might even say
that Aaron the high priest died somewhere later when he ‘took off’ his priest
robe. However, born again believers are made high priests after the order of Melchizedek and Christ (Heb 6:20). In other words, our
priest-hood has no ending.
The Apostle Peter
having a revelation of our sure seal said this,
“The
Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be
punished” (2 Peter 2:9).
A born-again believer
should never be frighten, become fearful or feel insecure at accusations. It
has no bearing or record with God. Fear can be extremely harmful, and the same
goes for guilt. Why fear men and devils, who can only wound the flesh, to their
own destruction (Matt 18:6-12)?
If an unsaved person
accuses a born-again believer, he or she should not become fearful, doubtful,
insecure, feel threaten or astonished. One should be at peace for the Apostle
John assures us, “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hates you” (1 John
3:13).
However, I’m sorry
for the ones who bring these things on a born-again believer - the Lord’s
anointed. As Christ himself even warned, “whoso shall offend one of these
little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were
hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt
18:6).
Why?
Saved or unsaved, one
should know this about any born again believer,
“You must
treat them as holy because they offer up food to your God. You must consider
them holy because I, the LORD, am holy” (Lev 21:18).
On the other side,
the worse accusation and feelings of doubt can be brought on by one’s self.
Regardless of what you may have done, before or after being born-again,
remember, “If our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth
all things” (1 John 3:20).
In essence, a born
again believer should quit trying to beat up on one’s self because of direct,
indirect or near sin experiences and inadequacies. Many of these scenarios were
planned and executed by devils to cause one’s down fall. God know exactly what
took place and he most of all know your heart; so if you as a born again
believer fell down, get back up and finish your course. You are washed, you are
sanctified and you are forever saved as a born again believer.
This grace and
freedom from guilt, fear and insecurities was promised long ago and it’s
forever imparted; made plain by this verse:
“In
righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression;
[because] thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near
thee.
Behold, they
shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together
against thee shall fall for thy sake…
No weapon that
is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against
thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of
the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:14-17).
With this outstanding
vocal from God, who dears bring an accusation against God’s people.
Who dears, being
born-again, would walk with their heads down or be afraid of men’s words or
faces? He or she has no need for shame,
one is sanctified/justified: Far above principalities and powers, even satan
himself. One is in the presence of the Most High God.
What status! What
amazing grace that pardons sins, takes away guilt and makes a born-again
believer higher than the heavens!
Born again believers,
think it not robbery to be equal with God in his holiness, being in his form
(Php 2:6), regardless of how you might feel or what others may say or think.
In slight jester, God
is saying, this one is on me (Isa 54:17).
How Are The
Righteous Then Judged In The After Life?
It is not that
born-again Christians do not sin, because the words of God warns us, “grieve
not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye
are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Eph 4:30).
In fact, every disobedience
receives a just recompense (Heb 2:2). Those he loves he chastens and chastises,
though it is never to utter destruction (1 Cor 3:9-15). Moreover, “if ye be
without chastiment, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not
sons” (Heb 12:8). He even said to Daniel that his Son, Solomon, will sin and
for that he will be chastised, but he will never take his mercy away: “I will
be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten
him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my
mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away
before thee” (2 Sam 7:14-15). How much more us?!
This scourging
doesn’t cut off your inheritance, this would contradict the scriptures; in
fact, it was meant to help you. In Moses days, though an Israelite fell prey to
the Mosaic laws and suffered because of it, that doesn’t make him un-Jewish.
Similarly, after being saved we fall prey to sin and inadvertently
suffer because of it, but we are still apart of the divine nature. We are still
“sealed unto the day of redemption.” Or, in essence, we are still saved.
For example, in a
normal case, will a father shoot his six year old son with a shot gun for the
sole purpose of utterly destroying him, because he eat too much sweet? No.
Though the boy will inadvertently suffer from eating too much sweet, this
doesn’t make his father destroy and disown him. Think, isn’t God’s love much
deeper than this?
It’s at this point
that justification is most needed, for the enemy can rendered a believer
powerless with lies, causing a believer to be stagnant or become Luke warm. And
of course the Lord then spits that ‘believer’ out, theoretically; or refuses
him (Rev 3:16), so to speak. So then, you see that all the devil tries to do is
cause you to kill yourself, because he cannot. That’s the only man God cannot
help or reach, a man without faith (Heb 11:6). Regardless of what you have done
and all the lies the devil told you, you can begin again, you are washed;
forever believe it!
Born-again Christians
are not judged in heaven for any thing except their motives for godly service.
They shall stand before God in judgment, prior to the judgment of the world,
only this judgment is not for heaven or hell nor life or death; but rather to
see if one’s motive for singing on the choir, preaching the word, giving out
tracts, writing Christian books, giving food to the poor, being a deacon,
bishop, pastor, or evangelist and other ministries were of a good godly heart
or for reputation and vain glory.
The born-again
believer is judge according to his works. If they come back good, he shall
receive a reward. If they come back not ‘good’, he shall be in shame but his
soul shall be saved, being justified forever; any argument for being judge for
works as a born again believer alludes only to this.
The text reads,
“For we are laboures
together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building… For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any
man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay,
stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it,
because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work
of what sort it is. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss:
but he himself shall be saved” (1 Cor 3:9-15).
In any case, a
born-again believer should not presumptuously live or speak contrary to the
leading of the Holy Ghost, just because he or she is forever saved. Every
disobedience, do receive a just recompense (Heb 2:2); true and long lasting
obedience is usually learnt this way (Heb 5:8). Paul himself writes after
listing a few sins, “Let no man deceive you with vain
words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the *children
of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes
darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light”
(Eph 5:6-8).
The apostle Peter
also warns us to be careful of this freedom we have, taking heed not to sin
though we are forever sinless:
“As free, and not
using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God” (1
Peter 2:16).
In other words, as
having no sin or cannot be condemned thereby, but do not use this liberty to
sin, but give yourself over to the things of God.
Born-Again
Believers Are Higher Than Angels (Please See FAQ Also)
Born-again believers are of the highest spiritual excellence
and/or righteousness. Actually, though this maybe shocking, born-again
believers are more righteous than angels.
How?
Jesus was “made so much better than the angels, as he hath
by inheritance obtained a
more excellent name than they” (Heb 1:4). In other words, this righteousness or
status is gained by inheritance. We, like Jesus, would have inherited it. The
Psalmist David hinted at this in the 17th Psalms verse 15, “As for
me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied when I awake
with thy likeness.” So, it is after we put off this mortal flesh we shall truly
see it.
You might say Heb 1:4 was only talking about Jesus! Well
this verse says other wise and includes all born again believers:
“For both he that
sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one” (Heb 2:11).
Meaning, the same righteousness or holiness that Jesus has,
who is far above all angels and powers, is the same exact holiness we as
born-again believers posses. In fact, this verse made it even plainer, “Of his
own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (James
1:18). “Creatures” here mean man, angels, cherubim, seraphim and all other
creature. I also checked out the Greek word used for “firstfruits,” which is ‘Aparche.’
Did you know that it means “persons
superior in excellence to others of the same class.” In other words, born
again believers are far higher, not only than angels, but all creatures, being
second to God!
Even further, a popular preacher was expounding
on this text and it sanctioned what I just said, “Beloved, now are we the sons
of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he
shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John
3:2). He said that in the language it was translated from the word “shall” was
added for clarity, being italicized. It should then read, “it doth not yet
appear what we be: but we know that, when he appears, we be like him.” In other
words, it’s a now action already enforced, but clearly seen when Christ appears
the second time. We already have that status of superiority, but plagued with
finite understanding cannot attain to it until the finite (flesh) is taken off.
When I first realized this while doing research at my school
library, I was so blown away I exclaimed loudly. Me, greater than the angels;
you got to be kidding.
No wonder the devil wants to keep born-again Christians in
ignorance.
Six-form History teaches us that the abolition Act of 1833
freed the slaves throughout Great Britain’s Empire, but only education could
secure it; which actually did happen.
The ex-slaves in 1833 had to reprogram
their minds that they weren’t inferior livestock, but are human beings just as
their former masters, regardless of whatever state they’re in. Likewise, a
born-again believer has to reprogram his or her mind that he or she is no
longer inferior to angels, spirit, imps and devils, but in fact, higher than
them through Jesus Christ. In reality, we are second to God.
You might say, “we are greater in
status than even the ‘good’ angels.” Yep, we are second to God. This verse
clarifies it, “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right
hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb 1:14-15)? In other
words, none of the angels at any time will have the privilege we have.
Because Jesus “is gone into heaven, and
is on the right hand of God: [all] angels and authorities and powers being made
subject unto him” (1 Pet 3:22). We are there too, by faith (Heb 2:11); Christ
being the first example.
One of the best things about this is to know that one is
right next to God. So anything one says, he hears and ‘will’ do; “And this is
the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:
And we know that we have the petition that we desired of him” (1 John 5:14).
The prayers of a born-again believer, in both petitions and
commands, will always be answered as long as it is in God’s will. Having the
knowledge of this increases one faith tremendously. Wouldn’t you pray more and
take authority over every situation if you knew you were heard and backed by
God himself?
After full assurance, faith and knowledge of Justification,
one will be glorified as an authorized son or an authorized agent of God.
Without it, a born again believer cannot function effectively in any capacity
of ministry, though possessing the power and probably an outward show.
One bible teacher noted, “A believer that is lacking this
understanding [Justification] is like a jumbo jet on the runway with no
gasoline – he has all the equipment but is going nowhere” (J.M).
That is why it is elementary that one develops faith and
knowledge in justification/sanctification before one becomes an authorized user
of the word of God. Baker’s evangelical dictionary of bible theology had this
to say,
The generic meaning
of sanctification is "the state of proper functioning." To sanctify
someone or something is to set that person or thing apart for the use intended
by its designer. A pen is "sanctified" when used to write. Eyeglasses
are "sanctified" when used to improve sight… things are sanctified
when they are used for the purpose God intends. A human being is sanctified,
therefore, when he or she lives according to God's design and purpose.
If a born again believer knows that he is higher than angels
while walking in justification, and remembers it, no devil or demon can
mishandle him or her in anyway.
Christ said, “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my
Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions [6000 or 6000´12]
of angels” (Matt 26:53). As Christ is, so are the born-again believers (Heb
2:11) and consequently our usage authority.
Be very careful at this privilege, we can cause
catastrophes. Christ had this power on earth, but he limited himself so that he
might give unto men the same power to overcome all things, including the
unconquerable sin and death. To the born again believer, use it wisely, knowing
that our mission is to save souls as he did for us. In fact, exercise all our
authority only by the leading of the Holy Ghost (Prov 16:33).
Because, “as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm
yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh
hath ceased from sin” (1 Peter 4:1).
However, “if ye suffer for
righteousness’ sake, happy are ye” (1 Peter 3:14).
The Book Of Job
Did you know that the entire book of
Job was talking about Justification, unequivocally? I was so blown away when I
first realized it, because I’ve heard almost every preacher touch on Job but
I’ve never heard Justification preached; and that’s what the book is about. In
fact, the book use the word ‘justify’ more than any other book that I had previously
read from Genesis (I was currently reading the bible from cover to cover).
What had happen was that Job’s friends had accused him of secretly sinning
because of all the stuff that had happen to him; not knowing God’s prior
meeting with satan. And guess what? Most folk are still like that today, some
can’t even wait to see you fall.
Job’s friends gave dozen of instances of men who
suffered because of sin and their wickedness and therefore not being “right
with God.” Job answered them by showing men in sin who lived and died
peacefully, enjoying all the blessing of the Land; so to speak. He also showed
them men of good character and godliness who suffered even though they were
godly (it’s still like that today).
In other words, Job’s friend and some of us
believed that all calamities that one faces are caused by personal, inherent or
congregational sins. Not only that, but it is also believed that because of
this “you are not right with God,” or to a lesser extent, have out rightly
sinned.
By the way, by this time I’m assuming that you
have read or know about the “Book of Job”; if not, it’s a wonderful book right
after the “Book of Esther” and it’s the 18th book from Genesis in most Bibles.
Now, Job showed his friends this paradox of how
some men of good standard suffered and some evil men live wonderfully, as
against their notion that all men who suffered, as he did, was because they are
“not right with God” or to a lesser extent, have sinned. This took up 38
chapters until Elihu’s answered; that’s majority of the book (42 Chapters in
total).
From these 38 chapters we see that God allow
this to happen to talk about the coming savior and what it means to be born
again or in essence, Justified. In other words, from these passages we could
see a clear cry for justification because man then and now had it all wrong; we
saw a cry for a definite way man could know for sure that he is right with God
regardless of…, because this suffering thing had fail, as was seen in Job’s
experience. Job himself exclaimed, “I am full of confusion” (Job 10:15),
because he also thought he was kept from calamities because he was good and
justified.
Then after the toss back and fro, Bilad, one of
Job’s friend, spoke out his confusion as well and said, “How then can man be
justified with God? Or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?” (Job
25:4)
That was what the entire book was trying to
bring out, a need for justification and a way to know it, because all earthly
wisdom had failed.
Job himself cried, “Neither is there any
daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both” (Job 9:33). Or, “O
that one might plead for man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbour!”
(Job 18:21).
Who were these two verses talking about? Jesus
Christ of course, “for there is one mediator between man and God, the man
Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5). In other words, Job didn’t know that he was used to
speak of the Justification to come, though he knew he was speaking under
inspiration, because he said, “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they
were printed in a book!” (Job 19:23).