Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Once and For All
You’ve probably noticed how I love to recite truths found in God’s guide book for believers – his word. I repeat these scriptural truths constantly, for my own spiritual benefit and well-being, as well as yours. I find the word of God is vital and indispensable for living life here on this earth; for without them I can do nothing. His word should be just as important to you. What truly awesome words of life they are. Embrace them.
Let’s begin…
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
1) What’s the point of putting on this new man?
2) Why do we need to see who we are in Christ?
3) Why do we need to wear the new man?
4) Why do we need to slip into this new garment of salvation, as I brought you last week?
If you think about it, it really makes sense to put on the new man. It’s really not much different from, say, a worker in a nuclear power plant, or chemists in an unsafe biological testing laboratory. The suit they wear protects them from harmful exposure to everything dangerous within their environment; those things which pose great danger if they were not protected. The world we live in is similar in every way. Just look around you. What do you see? There is spititual danger everywhere.
Illustration…
Have you ever watched a documentary of a battle; perhaps the D-Day invasion comes to mind, and noticed any of the soldiers casually strolling up and down the beachhead, picking up sea shells? Certainly not! They’d be dead in a heartbeat if they did. They’re in a war zone where great destruction is all around them and their friends are dying by the thousands. No, they’re constantly on the lookout for signs of any danger and prepare themselves to face the onslaught of the enemy around them seeking to destroy or maim them. You would rightfully conclude that they’d be wise to practice extreme caution, and I would agree.
Unfortunately, most Christians have absolutely no concept of the spiritual dangers surrounding them. Most don’t even accept the fact that they are in any kind of danger at all. As a result, they’re constantly suffering at the hands of their enemy, because of their unpreparedness. Some are wounded while others lives are destroyed.
I wonder why churches never teach this vital truth to their members. If you really loved someone enough, wouldn’t you want them to understand how they can effectively prepare for survival, and even to become victorious over every onslaught of the enemy? I would think so.
Can you think of what some of dangers are that face the children of God? As I said, there are many dangers. Unfortunately, the dangers we’ll encounter in our lives are numerous, some even unknown, to be able to write them all down here. Fortunately, they are not unknown to God, who is our protector in times of need.
Here are but a very few…
1) We are constantly exposed to human failure.
2) We are constantly exposed to criticism, judgments, and much disapproval from others.
3) We are constantly bombarded by the negative actions of others, especially those closest to us.
That is why it is absolutely imperative that you put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. It is our insulator from an undegenerated world; one which seeks to destroy you and I because of what we believe and the God we serve.
Here’s an example…
If my only way of relating to God was through my performance, self-effort, religious dogma, etc.,then I would surely be depressed and defeated every single day of my life. Why, because any kind of performance on our human part merits nothing with God. Only faith pleases our Father in heaven. Religion obviously does not like to hear that. In fact religion thinks they are ‘tight’ with God, because of their ritualistic and human performances.
Look around your own church and you’ll see what I mean. There are defeated Christians everywhere. It’s a building full of wounded and dying saints. Not only are they defeated, but they are most miserable. They’re caught in limbo of trying to serve both masters; the flesh, religion, and God. Scripture tells you that it utterly impossible to do so, but most are never taught this. Matthew 6:24 KJV - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Either God is your master, or religion is; plain and simple. Salvation and its benefits are easy enough to grasp and understand, ask any child, but religion tells you it’s impossible to know Almighty God outside of church dogma.
I’m reminded of the temple leaders during the time of Christ. They got it wrong in the worst possible way and missed the very one sent to deliver them – Jesus Christ. Remember how they used to puff themselves up, strutting around the street corners and temple like peacocks, so everyone could see how “holy” they were? They thought God was pleased with their silly antics, or efforts at “holiness”. They observed the law (Ten Commandments) religiously, but their lives were hypocritical. God was not pleased, so much so, that his Son confronted them about it. He called them what they were... Matthew 23:27 KJV - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Their righteousness was complete foolishness to God. And look where it got Jesus – nailed to a cross.
Christians, by way of their religious teachings, love God as long as it fits within the realm of their intellect and church dogma. If they can’t figure it out intellectually, they’ll dismiss it as a bunch of nonsense, relegated to “weak minded” people and “fanatics” who claim to know Christ and God outside of formal religion.
Know this…
Anything considered intellectual is not faith. The things of faith do not require the intellect, or your minds ability to reason the things of God; rather, it is a more sure thing to believe God by faith only.
Scriptural proof… 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 KJV - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
When I finally realized the grace of God, I was able to then understand the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love for me, and it change me forever. Something marvelous and wonderful happened to me when I became filled with the fullness of God, as stated in this scripture.
Eph 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Knowing the love of Christ which passes, or as implied, surpasses knowledge (your intellect), that we will be filled with all of the fullness of God, is a glorious thing. What child of God wouldn’t want that?
That word “to know” in the above scripture is the very same word used in the book of Genesis when it tells us about Adam “knowing” his wife, Eve. Intimacy is always born out of relationship. It brings oneness to both parties – spirit, soul, and body.
The most intimate relationship known to man is the same word used by God in Ephesians, “to know” the love of Christ.
When I finally realized the love of God, and what he did for me, so that I could be accepted in his Beloved (Christ), it transformed my life forever. What did he do in this transformation? He changed my spirit forever more.
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
My spirit was recreated at that exact moment of time when I invited him to be my Lord and Savior; in righteous and truly holiness. He made in my spirit man, the exact representation of himself, pure and holy.
I John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Christ now lives (resides) on the inside of my spirit man in fullness. My new man and Christ have become one and the same, where there is no distinction.
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
My born again spirit is united with Christ. I am now one with him – one spirit.
How many people would readily accept this truth, except that they can’t seem to get past the last sin they committed, as though their sin needed to be atoned for, or placed “under the blood” again, before they can believe they’ll be restored as a son or daughter?
So, does that mean that blood has to continually flow as it continuously did in the Old Testament? No! Don’t forget, grace replaced the law. We are no longer restricted from God because of sin. Sin definitely affects us, and needs to be repented of quickly, but it does not change the born-again nature of the new man, which was created in righteousness and true holiness – sealed in this perfect state by the Holy Spirit. If this is not enough, then remember that scripture also tells us that before the law existed, man’s sins were not imputed to him. Romans 5:13 KJV For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. In other words, sin did not restrict their access, or communion with Almighty God. Neither does it restrict us today. We have complete and total access to God, at any time of the day or night, because of Christ’s sacrifice.
If we’re to be penalized for every infraction (sin) that might take place tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even years from now, then according to the common belief of modern religion, the flow of sacrificial blood would never stop. That doesn’t sit real well with this next scripture.
Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
I hope this is making sense to you. Christ entered in once and obtained eternal redemption. Period! To confirm this action, scripture tells us that God rent the curtain in the temple, from top to bottom when Christ said, “It is finished”. The blood stopped flowing at that moment and will never flow again. Bloodletting is over.
Think about this…
Can you imagine what the religious rulers must have thought when the curtain was ripped in half. It probably scared them to death to see such a thing. I’ll bet they said to those around them, “We’ve got to fix this problem. God won’t be pleased if we don’t get things back in order and get the sin sacrifices back on the altar”. They probably got out the needle and thread and went to work “fixing the problem”. The religious leaders of today are no different. They can’t imagine the sacrifice of Christ as being sufficient for absolutely every sin today. In their eyes Jesus simply must do it again, and again, and again, because of our constant sinning ways. “We’ll make you presentable to God”, they claim, “Just do it the same way we’ve always done it and taught you to do it. Get your sins under the blood so God will be pleased and grant you a visitation”. It makes me sick to think of what is going on around us today in religious circles. No wonder we need to put on this new man, so we can withstand the onslaught of their religious teaching.
What do these scriptures tell us?
Eph 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Col 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
They tell us that redemption has been obtained for us – all of us, equally – that the forgiveness of our sins has been obtained eternally – once for all; forever. What an awesome and convincing truth.
More proof…
Heb 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Our relationship with God is not based upon performance.
Neither are we required to maintain our salvation according to any religious dogma. The work is finished friends. Now is the time for rejoicing and thanksgiving. No more sacrifices.
It just keeps getting better…
Heb 9:24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Here’s the word of God as it specifically contrasts the Old Testament with the New Testament. The Old Testament was but “a shadow of things to come”. The New Testament is the promise of God fulfilled in Christ.
Heb 9:25-28
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
There is absolutely no doubt about what these scriptures tell us. The prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that Christ went into the holy place once and by the presentation of his blood before Almighty God, obtained for all of us, equally, eternal redemption. This sacrifice redeemed the child of God from all past, present, and future sins.
Perhaps, someone might rise up and say, “This is quite ridiculous. How can you be forgiven a sin before you even committed it”? Even a simple minded person would recognize that this type of person knows nothing about scripture, or the things of God.
The sacrifice of Jesus was both adequate and eternal, by God’s standards, not ours. We must accept this by faith, or be reduced to fools. Psalms 53:1 KJV - The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.
If Jesus didn’t deal with your sins before you were born, then your sins would still remain, and with no means of redemption. There would be absolutely no hope for you. You would, in fact, be eternally lost.
Jesus is never going to die for any one’s sins again, I don’t care who tells you so. Religion wants you to believe he will, but it is a lie from the devil himself. Continue with your rituals and church traditions till you fall over from exhaustion, but it won’t happen again. Read a great history lesson from Elijah – 1 Kings Chapter 18 and you’ll see the very foolishness of which I speak.
Christ has finished dealing with sin. Thank you Lord!
1 Pet 4:1
Forasmuch then 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;
Two thousand years ago Christ submitted himself as the sacrificial lamb and became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Here’s another revelation…
Roman 4:6-8
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
The scripture you just read from Romans originates in…
Psalms 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Once again…
Romans 4:8 AGAIN
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Simple English tells us the words “will not” is a “future tense” statement; anything from that point forward - past, present, and future.
When you come to Christ, submitting your life to him, all sins you ever commit have already been dealt with (forgiven).
Most churches still preach an Old Testament relationship with God. If you go to such a church, then I encourage you to find one that preaches the good news of the gospel. Grace has replaced the law and we are redeemed. This is the New Testament, a place where hope springs eternal.
Grace replaced the law. Jump and shout for the glory of God and the sacrifice of his son and our Savior, Jesus, the Christ. I am doing it here, right now! Join with me!
Putting On The New Man
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
ONCE AND FOR ALL
You’ve probably noticed by now that I love to repeat the truths found in God’s guide book for believers – his word. I repeat these scriptures constantly, for my own spiritual well-being, because I’ve found them to be indispensable for me as a born-again child of God, here on the earth. It should be just as important for you. What truly awesome words of life they are.
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
What’s the point?
1) Why do we need to put it on?
2) Why do we need to see who we are in Christ?
3) Why do we need to wear the new man?
4) Why do we need to slip into this new garment of salvation, as I brought you last week?
It’s actually simple when you think about it. Like a worker in a nuclear power plant, or chemists in an unsafe biological testing laboratory, the suit they wear protects them from the harmful exposure to everything in their environment, which poses great danger if they were not protected. The world we live in is similar in every way. Just look around you. What do you see? There is danger everywhere.
Illustration…
Have you ever watched a documentary of a specific war or battle, say the D-Day invasion, and noticed any of the soldiers casually strolling up and down the beachhead, picking up sea shells? Absolutely not! They’d be dead in a heartbeat if they did. They are in a war zone where great destruction is all around them and their friends are dying by the thousands. No, they’re constantly on the lookout for signs of any danger and adequately prepare themselves to face the onslaught of the enemy around them. You might say they’re wise to practice caution, and I would agree.
Unfortunately, most Christians have no concept of the spiritual dangers surrounding them. Most don’t even accept the fact that they are in any danger at all. As a result, they constantly suffer at the hands of their enemy, because of their unpreparedness.
What are some of dangers that face the children of God? First of all there are many dangers. Sadly, the dangers we encounter are far too numerous and even unknown, to be able to write them all down. Fortunately, they are not unknown to God, who is our protector in times of need.
Here are but a few…
1) We are constantly exposed to failure.
2) We are constantly exposed to criticism, judgments, and much disapproval.
3) We are constantly surrounded by negative actions from others, especially those closest to us.
That is why it is absolutely imperative that you put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. It is our insulator from an undegenerated world; one which seeks to destroy you and I at every turn.
Example…
If I had to go back to relating to God through my performance, self-effort, religious dogma, then I would surely be depressed and defeated every single day of my life. Why? Simply stated, performance of any kind merits nothing with God. Only faith pleases our Father in heaven.
Look around your own church and you’ll see defeated Christians everywhere. Not only are they defeated, but they are most miserable. They’re caught in limbo trying to serve both masters; the flesh/ religion, and God. Scripture tells us that it utterly impossible to do so, but most are never taught this. Matthew 6:24 KJV - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Either God is your master, or religion is; plain and simple. Salvation and its benefits are simple to grasp and understand, ask any child, but religion tells you it is impossible to know Almighty God outside of church dogma. I’m reminded of the temple leaders in the time of Christ. They got it wrong in the worst possible way and missed the very one sent to deliver them – Jesus Christ. Remember how they used to puff themselves, strutting around the street corners, so everyone could see how “holy” they were? They thought God was pleased with their efforts at “holiness”, as exhibited by their lifestyles. He was not. It was nothing but foolishness to God and his Son confronted them about it. Look where it got him.
Christians, by way of their religion, love God as long as it fits within the realm of their intellect and church dogma. If they can’t figure it intellectually, they’ll dismiss it as a bunch of nonsense, relegated to “weak minded” people who claim to know Christ and God outside of religion.
Note…
Anything intellectual is not faith. The things of faith do not require the intellect; rather, it is a more sure thing to believe by faith only.
Scriptural proof… 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 KJV - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
When I finally realized the grace of God, I was able to then understand the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love for me, it changed me forever. Something marvelous and wonderful happened to me when I became filled with the fullness of God as stated in scripture
Eph 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
To know the love of Christ which passes, or as implied, surpasses knowledge (intellect), that we will be filled with all of the fullness of God. What child of God wouldn’t want that for themselves?
That word “to know” is the very same word used in the book of Genesis when it tells us about Adam “knowing” his wife, Eve. Intimacy was born out of relationship. It is the most intimate act that brings oneness to both parties - heart, soul, and body.
The most intimate relationship that is known to man or woman is the same word used by God in Ephesians, “to know” the love of Christ.
When I realized the love of God, and what he did for me so that I could be accepted in his beloved (Christ), it transformed my life forever. What did he do? He changed my spirit.
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
My spirit was recreated in a moment, in righteous and truly holiness. He made me, in my spirit man, exactly the same as he is.
I John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Christ now lives (resides) on the inside of my spirit man in fullness. My new man and Christ have become one and the same, where there is no distinction.
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
My born again spirit is united with Christ. I am now one with him – one spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Questions…
How many people would readily accept this truth, except they can’t get past the last sin they committed; as though it needed to be atoned for, or placed “under the blood” once again, before they can be restored as a son or daughter?
Does that mean that blood has to continually flow as it did in the Old Testament? No! Remember, grace replaced the law. We are no longer restricted from God because of sin. Sin definitely affects us, and needs to be repented of quickly, but it does not change the born-again nature of the new man, which was created in righteousness and true holiness – sealed in this perfect state by the Holy Spirit. If this is not enough, then remember that scripture also tells us that before the law existed, man’s sins were not imputed to him. In other words, sin did not restrict their access, or communion with Almighty God. Neither does it restrict us today. We have complete and total access to God, at any time of the day or night, because of Christ’s sacrifice. Romans 5:13 KJV For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
If we’re to be penalized for every infraction (sin) that might take place tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even years from now, then according to the common belief of modern religion, the flow of sacrificial blood would never stop. That doesn’t sit real well with this next scripture.
Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
I hope this is making sense to you. Christ entered in once and obtained eternal redemption. Period! To confirm this action, scripture tells us that God rent the curtain in the temple, from top to bottom when Christ said, “It is finished”. The blood stopped flowing at that moment and will never flow again.
Imagine this…
Can you imagine what the religious rulers must have thought when the curtain was ripped in half. I’ll bet they said to those around them, “We’ve got to fix this problem. God won’t be pleased if we don’t get things back in order and get sacrifices on the altar”. They probably got out the needle and thread and went to work “fixing the problem”. The religious leaders of today are no different. They can’t imagine the sacrifice of Christ as being sufficient for absolutely every sin today. In their eyes Jesus simply must do it again, and again, and again, because of our constant sinning ways. “We’ll make you presentable to God”, they claim, “Just do it the same way we’ve always done it. Get your sins under the blood so God will be pleased and grant you a visitation”. It makes me sick to think of what is going on around us today in religious circles. No wonder we need to put on this new man, so we withstand the onslaught of religious teaching.
What do these scriptures tell us?
Eph 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Col 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
They tell us that redemption has been obtained for us – all of us, equally- that the forgiveness of our sins has been obtained eternally – once for all; forever. What an awesome and convincing truth.
More proof…
Heb 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Our relationship with God is not based upon performance.
Neither are we required to maintain our salvation by any religious dogma. The work is finished friends. Now is the time for rejoicing and thanksgiving. No more sacrifices.
It just keeps getting better…
Heb 9:24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Here the word of God specifically contrasts the Old Testament with the New Testament. The Old Testament was but a shadow of things to come. The New Testament is the promise of God fulfilled in Christ.
Now follow this…
Heb 9:25-28
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
There is absolutely no doubt about what these scriptures tell us. The prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that Christ went into the holy place once and by the presentation of his blood before Almighty God, obtained for all of us, eternal redemption. This sacrifice redeemed the child of God from all past, present, and future sins.
Perhaps, someone might rise up and say, “This is quite ridiculous. How can you be forgiven a sin before you even committed it”?
Even a simple minded person would recognize that this type of person knows nothing about scripture, or the things of God.
The sacrifice of Jesus was both adequate and eternal, by God’s standards, not ours. We must accept this by faith, or be reduced to a fool. Psalms 53:1 KJV - The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.
Think about this…
If Jesus didn’t deal with your sins before you were born, then your sins would remain, with no means of redemption. There would be no hope for you. You would be eternally lost.
Jesus is never going to die for any one’s sins again. Religion might tell you he will, but it is a lie from the devil himself. Continue with your rituals and church traditions till you fall over from exhaustion, but it won’t happen again. Read a great history lesson from Elijah – 1 Kings Chapter 18 and you’ll see the very foolishness of which I speak.
Christ has finished dealing with sin. Thank the Lord!
1 Pet 4:1
Forasmuch then 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;
Two thousand years ago Christ submitted himself as the sacrificial lamb and became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Here’s another revelation…
Roman 4:6-8
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
The scripture you just read from Romans originates in…
Psalms 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Again…
Romans 4:8 AGAIN
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
The words “will not” is a “future tense” statement; anything from that point forward - past, present, and future.
When you come to Christ, submitting your life to him, all sins you ever commit have already been dealt with.
The church still preaches an Old Testament relationship with God. If you go to such a church, then I encourage you to find one that preaches the good news of the gospel. Grace has replaced the law and we are redeemed.
Jump and shout for the glory of God and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus, the Christ. I’m doing it here!
Putting on the new man
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
What’s the point?
1) Why do we need to put it on?
2) Why do we need to see who we are in Christ?
3) Why do we need to wear the new man?
4) Why do we need to slip into this new garment of salvation, as I brought you last week?
It’s actually simple when you think about it. Like a worker in a nuclear power plant, or chemists in an unsafe biological testing laboratory, the suit they wear protects them from the harmful exposure to everything in their environment, which poses great danger if they were not protected. The world we live in is similar in every way. Just look around you. What do you see? There is danger everywhere.
Illustration…
Have you ever watched a documentary of a specific war or battle, say the D-Day invasion, and noticed any of the soldiers casually strolling up and down the beachhead, picking up sea shells? Absolutely not! They’d be dead in a heartbeat if they did. They are in a war zone where great destruction is all around them and their friends are dying by the thousands. No, they’re constantly on the lookout for signs of any danger and adequately prepare themselves to face the onslaught of the enemy around them. You might say they’re wise to practice caution, and I would agree.
Unfortunately, most Christians have no concept of the spiritual dangers surrounding them. Most don’t even accept the fact that they are in any danger at all. As a result, they constantly suffer at the hands of their enemy, because of their unpreparedness.
What are some of dangers that face the children of God? First of all there are many dangers. Sadly, the dangers we encounter are far too numerous and even unknown, to be able to write them all down. Fortunately, they are not unknown to God, who is our protector in times of need.
Here are but a few…
1) We are constantly exposed to failure.
2) We are constantly exposed to criticism, judgments, and much disapproval.
3) We are constantly surrounded by negative actions from others, especially those closest to us.
That is why it is absolutely imperative that you put on the new man, which is created after God in righteousness and true holiness. It is our insulator from an undegenerated world; one which seeks to destroy you and I at every turn.
Example…
If I had to go back to relating to God through my performance, self-effort, religious dogma, then I would surely be depressed and defeated every single day of my life. Why? Simply stated, performance of any kind merits nothing with God. Only faith pleases our Father in heaven.
Look around your own church and you’ll see defeated Christians everywhere. Not only are they defeated, but they are most miserable. They’re caught in limbo trying to serve both masters; the flesh/ religion, and God. Scripture tells us that it utterly impossible to do so, but most are never taught this. Matthew 6:24 KJV - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Either God is your master, or religion is; plain and simple. Salvation and its benefits are simple to grasp and understand, ask any child, but religion tells you it is impossible to know Almighty God outside of church dogma. I’m reminded of the temple leaders in the time of Christ. They got it wrong in the worst possible way and missed the very one sent to deliver them – Jesus Christ. Remember how they used to puff themselves, strutting around the street corners, so everyone could see how “holy” they were? They thought God was pleased with their efforts at “holiness”, as exhibited by their lifestyles. He was not. It was nothing but foolishness to God and his Son confronted them about it. Look where it got him.
Christians, by way of their religion, love God as long as it fits within the realm of their intellect and church dogma. If they can’t figure it intellectually, they’ll dismiss it as a bunch of nonsense, relegated to “weak minded” people who claim to know Christ and God outside of religion.
Note…
Anything intellectual is not faith. The things of faith do not require the intellect; rather, it is a more sure thing to believe by faith only.
Scriptural proof… 1 Corinthians 2:12-14 KJV - Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
When I finally realized the grace of God, I was able to then understand the breadth, length, depth, and height of God’s love for me, it changed me forever. Something marvelous and wonderful happened to me when I became filled with the fullness of God as stated in scripture
Eph 3:17-19
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
To know the love of Christ which passes, or as implied, surpasses knowledge (intellect), that we will be filled with all of the fullness of God. What child of God wouldn’t want that for themselves?
That word “to know” is the very same word used in the book of Genesis when it tells us about Adam “knowing” his wife, Eve. Intimacy was born out of relationship. It is the most intimate act that brings oneness to both parties - heart, soul, and body.
The most intimate relationship that is known to man or woman is the same word used by God in Ephesians, “to know” the love of Christ.
When I realized the love of God, and what he did for me so that I could be accepted in his beloved (Christ), it transformed my life forever. What did he do? He changed my spirit.
2 Cor 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
My spirit was recreated in a moment, in righteous and truly holiness. He made me, in my spirit man, exactly the same as he is.
I John 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Christ now lives (resides) on the inside of my spirit man in fullness. My new man and Christ have become one and the same, where there is no distinction.
Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
My born again spirit is united with Christ. I am now one with him – one spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:17
But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
Questions…
How many people would readily accept this truth, except they can’t get past the last sin they committed; as though it needed to be atoned for, or placed “under the blood” once again, before they can be restored as a son or daughter?
Does that mean that blood has to continually flow as it did in the Old Testament? No! Remember, grace replaced the law. We are no longer restricted from God because of sin. Sin definitely affects us, and needs to be repented of quickly, but it does not change the born-again nature of the new man, which was created in righteousness and true holiness – sealed in this perfect state by the Holy Spirit. If this is not enough, then remember that scripture also tells us that before the law existed, man’s sins were not imputed to him. In other words, sin did not restrict their access, or communion with Almighty God. Neither does it restrict us today. We have complete and total access to God, at any time of the day or night, because of Christ’s sacrifice. Romans 5:13 KJV For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
If we’re to be penalized for every infraction (sin) that might take place tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or even years from now, then according to the common belief of modern religion, the flow of sacrificial blood would never stop. That doesn’t sit real well with this next scripture.
Hebrews 9:12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
I hope this is making sense to you. Christ entered in once and obtained eternal redemption. Period! To confirm this action, scripture tells us that God rent the curtain in the temple, from top to bottom when Christ said, “It is finished”. The blood stopped flowing at that moment and will never flow again.
Imagine this…
Can you imagine what the religious rulers must have thought when the curtain was ripped in half. I’ll bet they said to those around them, “We’ve got to fix this problem. God won’t be pleased if we don’t get things back in order and get sacrifices on the altar”. They probably got out the needle and thread and went to work “fixing the problem”. The religious leaders of today are no different. They can’t imagine the sacrifice of Christ as being sufficient for absolutely every sin today. In their eyes Jesus simply must do it again, and again, and again, because of our constant sinning ways. “We’ll make you presentable to God”, they claim, “Just do it the same way we’ve always done it. Get your sins under the blood so God will be pleased and grant you a visitation”. It makes me sick to think of what is going on around us today in religious circles. No wonder we need to put on this new man, so we withstand the onslaught of religious teaching.
What do these scriptures tell us?
Eph 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Col 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
They tell us that redemption has been obtained for us – all of us, equally- that the forgiveness of our sins has been obtained eternally – once for all; forever. What an awesome and convincing truth.
More proof…
Heb 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Our relationship with God is not based upon performance.
Neither are we required to maintain our salvation by any religious dogma. The work is finished friends. Now is the time for rejoicing and thanksgiving. No more sacrifices.
It just keeps getting better…
Heb 9:24
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Here the word of God specifically contrasts the Old Testament with the New Testament. The Old Testament was but a shadow of things to come. The New Testament is the promise of God fulfilled in Christ.
Now follow this…
Heb 9:25-28
Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
There is absolutely no doubt about what these scriptures tell us. The prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that Christ went into the holy place once and by the presentation of his blood before Almighty God, obtained for all of us, eternal redemption. This sacrifice redeemed the child of God from all past, present, and future sins.
Perhaps, someone might rise up and say, “This is quite ridiculous. How can you be forgiven a sin before you even committed it”?
Even a simple minded person would recognize that this type of person knows nothing about scripture, or the things of God.
The sacrifice of Jesus was both adequate and eternal, by God’s standards, not ours. We must accept this by faith, or be reduced to a fool. Psalms 53:1 KJV - The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God.
Think about this…
If Jesus didn’t deal with your sins before you were born, then your sins would remain, with no means of redemption. There would be no hope for you. You would be eternally lost.
Jesus is never going to die for any one’s sins again. Religion might tell you he will, but it is a lie from the devil himself. Continue with your rituals and church traditions till you fall over from exhaustion, but it won’t happen again. Read a great history lesson from Elijah – 1 Kings Chapter 18 and you’ll see the very foolishness of which I speak.
Christ has finished dealing with sin. Thank the Lord!
1 Pet 4:1
Forasmuch then 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;
Two thousand years ago Christ submitted himself as the sacrificial lamb and became sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Here’s another revelation…
Roman 4:6-8
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
The scripture you just read from Romans originates in…
Psalms 32:1-2
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Again…
Romans 4:8 AGAIN
Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
The words “will not” is a “future tense” statement; anything from that point forward - past, present, and future.
When you come to Christ, submitting your life to him, all sins you ever commit have already been dealt with.
The church still preaches an Old Testament relationship with God. If you go to such a church, then I encourage you to find one that preaches the good news of the gospel. Grace has replaced the law and we are redeemed.
Jump and shout for the glory of God and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus, the Christ. I’m doing it here!
Putting on the new man
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