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Last Days Prophecy
HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY
www.lastdaysprophecy.org
Welcome to our website
OUR AWESOME TRIUNE GOD
Chapter 1 Bible Backs It Up
Chapter 2 Better Understanding God, The Father
Chapter 3 Better Understanding God, The Son
Chapter 4 Better Understanding God, The Holy Spirit
Chapter 5 Misunderstood Terms
Chapter 6 God, The Father in Salvation
Chapter 7 God, The Son in Salvation
Chapter 8 God, The Holy Spirit in Salvation
Chapter 9 Are You Ashamed of Our Awesome Triune God?
This book is written for those who truly want to delve deeply into the Bible to see what it really states about Our Awesome Triune God. I have listed hundreds of Scripture verses as references that are not printed.
Bible Used [KJV] King James Version
Verses with words in red bold italics is Jesus speaking.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [KJV]
Written and Compiled by:
His servant, Connie Kramer
Revised from original 10-2-2015
THIS BOOK IS NOT COPYRIGHTED,
AND IS NEVER TO BE COPYRIGHTED.
This book is free and not to be sold.
IT MAY BE USED BY “WHOSOEVER”
TO EDIFY THE CHURCH, AND TO
HONOR AND GLORIFY GOD.
Introduction
The awesome God that we serve is mighty beyond our comprehension. His power is absolutely astounding; in that He “spoke” and the Universe was created! I can in NO way
understand this, so there is NO way I could ever explain it in this book. But we are to believe it in faith, for without faith we CANNOT please Him. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [KJV]
To Our Awesome Triune God belong all power, and honor and glory and praise and majesty and victory! There is none other like Him. Isaiah 46:9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, (KJV) . . . We must not forget the things God has done throughout history, as recorded in His Book, for He and He alone is God! He is God, and there is no one else like Him! We must NEVER forget this. We must show Him reverence and respect that is due Him! We must worship Him, and no one else. We must thank and praise Him for all the blessings that He bestows upon us day after day. To God be the glory, now and forever.
I know that there are some who will read this book who are just ‘baby Christians’ and have a strong desire to ‘grow in Christ’. I want to do all I can to make learning easier for them. I believe this is very important, for I vividly remember my days of searching and learning as a ‘babe in Christ’.
OUR AWESOME TRIUNE GOD!
Chapter 1 Bible Backs It Up.
Since all the mysteries of the Bible evolve (unfold or disclose), involve (include), and revolve (center and rotate) around Christ, we should better understand our wondrous and awesome God!
Our God is a Trinity! He is three Persons . . . but He is yet ONE God! Anti-trinity groups say we worship three Gods. They rightly declare that the word ‘trinity’ is not in the Bible. It is not in the Bible, neither is ‘triune’ nor ‘three in one.’ There are other words that are not in the Bible either (rapture, millennium, substitution), yet ALL these doctrines are plainly taught in God’s Word, as is the ‘Trinity.” The Bible will plainly tell us of our ‘three in one God.’
Our three in one God is firmly grounded in Scriptures. Isaiah 11:1-2 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: [2] And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; [KJV] . . . The “Branch” is Christ Jesus. We also see in these verses the “Lord” and His “Spirit.” God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three definite but distinct PERSONS, who make up our ONE Triune God.
2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. [KJV] The ‘grace’ (love and mercy we don’t deserve) of the Son, Jesus; the ‘love’ of God the Father; the ‘communion’ (fellowship, sharing, intimate spiritual relationship) of the Holy Ghost (Spirit). Again all three Persons are mentioned.
Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (KJV) Because Gentiles have become His children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into their hearts, and now they can call God their Father.
Ephesians 2:18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [KJV] If you are not a Jew, you are a Gentile. Jews and Gentiles have the same God (the triune God) made up of three Persons, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. There is NOT a God for each group. There is just ONE True God in the universe. It is through Christ Jesus alone that all must access the Father by the same Spirit.
1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (KJV) . . . Here is still another verse that all three Persons are mentioned. It is a fact that our God is a Trinity!
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (KJV) . . . Long before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. To me, there are so many things I do not and cannot understand in God’s Word. This is just one of the many mysteries we cannot comprehend. God chose us, even before He created the world. If you have trusted Christ to save you, YOU were chosen from before the “foundation of the world.” Why does God “choose” some? And not others? I think God calls many, but only a few respond to Him!
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. [KJV] . . . Have you responded?
We are ‘sanctified’ (set apart) as God’s children by the Holy Spirit, and once we accept Jesus as Saviour, we are “cleansed by His Blood” (1 Peter 1:2). We then have special privileges that unbelievers cannot possess; for instance God’s favor (grace) and a peace in our hearts that we never knew was possible before Jesus!
Scripture clearly shows us the eternal reality of the Father’s great love for us (sinners), and the tremendous price which He paid by giving His only begotten Son as a Sacrifice for us.
John 3:16 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. [KJV] . . . God is the Father. The Father is God.
2 Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
mercies, and the God of all comfort; [KJV] . . . God is the Son. The Son is God. The Son is Jesus, the Christ (Messiah). Time after time the New Testament refers to Christ as the Son of God (over 30 times). Jesus is indeed the ONLY begotten Son of God. There are those who say that Jesus came into the world as a spirit-being, a half-brother to Lucifer. Lucifer was an angel, a created being. NOT ONE PLACE in Scripture does it say that Jesus is or was a “created being.” What it does say is that Jesus is the ONLY begotten of the Father. Jesus is very unique, the ONLY One in His class! Jesus has always been, the same as the Father has always been.
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. [KJV] . . . Any time that Jesus starts a sentence with “Verily, verily” you’d better listen. It’s important! “I AM” is the Name of God. Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. [KJV] . . . The “damnable heresy” that Jesus is NOT God is utterly false!
Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; [KJV] . . . If these verses do not say Jesus is God, I give up! (1) IF Jesus is not God, WHY did God the Father give Him jurisdiction over ALL things? This just would not make any sense at all! (2) This verse states that Jesus created the universe. IF Jesus were not God, HOW could He possibly do that? JESUS IS GOD! Jesus clearly saw Himself as God and said so. John 10:30 I and my Father are one. [KJV] . . . Even after a verse such as this, there are those who absolutely deny that Jesus is God. The old devil is extremely powerful and cunning, and deceitful! He does NOT want anyone to even think about Jesus! Satan hates GOD and he tries everything in his power to make us hate GOD too. Don’t even consider listening to Satan. If you do, he has won, and you do NOT want that!
In His Son Jesus, God revealed His nature and essence in a way that could be seen and touched. In Jesus, God became a Man who lived on Earth. Law and grace are both aspects of God's nature. God's law stresses justice, while Christ Jesus came to reveal God's mercy, love and forgiveness. The nature and will of God were revealed in the law; the nature and will of God are revealed in Jesus, God’s Son. John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? [KJV] . . . Jesus is telling Phillip that he has seen God! In Jesus, there is a real revelation of God. The more we get to know Jesus, the Son of God, the more we will get to know God the Father, for they are ONE!
God inhabits ETERNITY! God is ETERNAL! He always was, and He always will be!
Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (KJV) . . . There is a high and lofty One who inhabits eternity. This Holy One tells us that He lives in that high and holy place with those whose spirits are repentant and humble. He refreshes those who are humble and gives new courage to those with penitent hearts.
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. [KJV]
God rules ETERNITY! Jeremiah 10:10 But the LORD is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (KJV) . . . The Lord is the One and only true and living God. He alone is the everlasting King! He is the “Only true God,” the “Only Living God,” the “Only Everlasting King.” He has reigned in eternity past, He reigns NOW, and He shall reign in the future eternity. His reign never ends! Praise His Holy Name!
Psalm 72:17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed. [KJV] . . . His Name shall endure forever! Men are blessed in Him! And although it is not so today, one day “ALL nations shall call Him blessed.”
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. [KJV] . . . Even before He created the Universe, God existed! And He will continue to exist forever!
Psalm 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. [KJV] . . . These are tremendous facts about our God. His righteousness will not end; and He (and His law) are truth. God cannot lie! God cannot change.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; [KJV]
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (KJV)
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (KJV) . . . IF God could lie, IF God could change, we would never know what or when to believe Him. As it is, we can believe ALL that He says.
1 Kings 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. (KJV) . . . “NOT ONE WORD” He has ever spoken has failed in any respect! We can TRUST Him, absolutely always. If He states something, it shall be!
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [KJV] . . . The Kingdom, the power, and the glory belong to God FOREVER!
2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. [KJV] . . . God’s righteousness will never end. It is an eternal characteristic, as is His love, grace, mercy, purity, goodness and justice. Praise, honor and glory be His always!
The word ‘TRINITY’ is not found in Scripture, as I have already stated, but it is used to express the doctrine of the unity of God as subsisting in three distinct (separate) and different (not the same) Persons. This doctrine expresses: (1) That God is one, and that there is but one God. Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: [KJV]
1 Kings 8:60 That all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else. [KJV]
Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. [KJV]
Mark 12:29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: [KJV]
Mark 12:32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he: [KJV]
(2) The Father is a distinct, Divine Person distinct from the Son and the Holy Spirit. (3) That Christ Jesus is truly God, and yet is a Person distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit. (4) That the Holy Spirit is also a distinct Divine Person.
Mark 1:10-11 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: [11] And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [KJV] . . . The Spirit descended “like a dove” on Jesus, and God the Father proclaimed His approval of Jesus as His Divine Son. That Jesus is God’s Divine Son is the foundation for all we read about Jesus in the Gospels. Here we see all three members of the Trinity together . . . God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [KJV] . . . Jesus’ words affirm the reality of the Trinity.
The doctrine of the Trinity is not ‘made up.’ As we see here, the concept comes directly from Jesus Himself. He did not say baptize in the names, but in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ‘Trinity’ well describes the three-in-one nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Each Person of the Trinity is omnipresent, (meaning God is present everywhere, at the same time.)
Psalm 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? [KJV]
Jeremiah 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord. [KJV]
Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV) . . . The church is His body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His Presence. Each Person of the Trinity is omnipotent, (meaning God is all powerful).
Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (KJV)
Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: (KJV)
Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (KJV)
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (KJV)
Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (KJV)
Each Person of the Trinity is omniscient, (meaning God knows absolutely everything about all things, including you!) There is NO way any of us can hide anything from God. Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. [KJV]
1 Corinthians 2:10-11 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. [11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. [KJV]
Isaiah 42:9 Behold , the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them. [KJV]
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: [KJV]
Ezekiel 11:5-B --- for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them. [KJV]
Each Person of the Trinity is our Teacher.
Isaiah 48:17 Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. [KJV]
Isaiah 54:13 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. [KJV]
Luke 21:15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist. (KJV) . . . Jesus will give you the right words and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to argue.
John 14:26 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, whatsoever I have said unto you. [KJV]
Galatians 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. [KJV]
1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. [KJV] . . . “Unction” is the annointing of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has taught me more (by far) than any book or human teacher.
Each Person of the Trinity is the Creator.
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. [KJV] . . . “Us” means more than one! The “Us” is the “TRINITY;” the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Ghost).
Job 26:13 By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. [KJV]
Job 33:4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. [KJV]
Psalm 148:5 Let them praise the name of the Lord: for he commanded, and they were created. [KJV]
John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. [KJV] . . . By Him, (JESUS).
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [KJV] . . . “In the beginning” God created; called into being, all things out of nothing. This creative act on the part of God was for infinitely wise reasons. The cause of all things exists only in the will of God. The work of Creation is attributed (1) to the Godhead (Genesis 1:1, 26); (2) to the Father (1 Cor. 8:6); (3) to the Son (John 1:3; Col. 1:16-17); (4) to the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 104:30). The fact that He is the Creator distinguishes Jehovah as the TRUE God (Isaiah 37:16; 40:12-13; 54:5; Psalm 96:5; Jeremiah 10:11-12). The one great end in the work of Creation is to show the awesome glory of the Creator (Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11; Romans 11:36). God's Works, equally with God's Word, are a revelation from Him. If we rightly understand the teachings of His Word, and the absolute perfection of His Creation, there can be no denial that we indeed have an AWESOME God!
God did create all things and all life; a truly wonderful Universe. He did not need to create the Universe; He CHOSE to create it. People should stop trying to reduce God’s Creation to scientific terms. God created the Universe by His awesome wisdom and power, and because of His great love for us!
BETTER UNDERSTANDING
GOD, THE FATHER
Chapter 2
We have already seen from Scriptures that God, the Father is eternal, omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (is in all places at the same time), omniscient (knows all things), that He is Creator of the universe, and that He loves us with an eternal love, which we simply can’t understand! Our love varies from day to day. God’s precious, awesome, eternal love is always the same! Praise Him!
The Fatherhood of God:
Exodus 4:22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: (KJV)
Deuteronomy 32:6 Do ye thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he thy father that hath bought thee? hath he not made thee, and established thee? (KJV)
2 Samuel 7:14 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: (KJV)
Psalm 68:5 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. (KJV)
Isaiah 63:16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. (KJV)
These are some wonderful verses from the Old Testament on the ‘Fatherhood of God.’
Believers are called God's “sons”
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (KJV)
Romans 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (KJV)
Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. (KJV)
Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. (KJV)
Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (KJV)
Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (KJV)
Marvelous! If God is watching and caring for what we consider ‘worthless’ sparrows; don’t you know He’s doing much more for us!
God’s children call Him “Father.”
1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (KJV) . . . Do you SEE how much our heavenly Father loves us? He allows us to be called His children, and we really are! But all those who belong to this world do not know God, so they do not understand that we are His children. Comforting words!
1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. [KJV]
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: [KJV] . . . If you have trusted Christ as your Saviour and Lord, you are God’s child! You are “beloved” by God the Father not because of anything YOU have done, but because you are washed in the Blood of Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-19; Rom. 5:1, 9). He gave Himself for our sins, that we might have peace with God the Father. We are no longer God’s enemy (Romans 5:10). Only because of the saving grace of God the Father, can this peace be made possible to us, through Jesus the Son! We have a very awesome God! He has made only one WAY to enter Heaven; that being His precious Son. It is by our faith, and God’s grace that we receive this GIFT!
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [KJV] . . . Our God is wise beyond compare! IF it were possible for us to achieve salvation by our works (or money), think of all the boasting that would be going on. But, as it is, you don’t have to have a dime to your name, nor do you have to do anything . . . except BELIEVE God, by faith! Praise Him!
God is our spiritual Father:
Malachi 2:10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? (KJV) . . . Are we not all children of the same Father? Are we not all created by the same God?
Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. [KJV] . . . Jesus’ words! We should call NO man here on Earth “Father” in a spiritual sense. NONE! NO man is worthy of this honor! Now, or ever! Calling a priest or pope “Holy Father” or “Most holy Father” is blasphemy!
Romans 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: KJV) . . . There is NOT a God for the Jews, and another God for the Gentiles (non-Jews). There is ONE God over ALL mankind!
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (KJV) . . . ONE God, created everything. We exist by and for Him!
Ephesians 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [KJV] . . . Again, there is only ONE God; and He is over us all, and He is in us all, and lives through our entire being.
Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? (KJV) . . . Our Heavenly Father will correct us when (not if) we need it, just as physical fathers do here on Earth. Any time God chastens us, we will greatly benefit from the experience.
1 Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: (KJV) . . . Our awesome God is NOT partial to any person or group of persons. (Deut. 10:17; 2 Chron. 19:7; Job 31:13-15; 34:19; Acts 10:34; 15:9; Ro. 2:11-12; 10:12; Ephes. 6:8-9; Col. 3:25). He loves all people, and He CANNOT be bought or bribed in any manner. He is holy and just always!
We all should have “respectful fear” of God! The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. Anyone who refuses to believe this Truth, is spoken of as one lacking understanding.
Psalm 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. [KJV]
The attributes of God.
Exodus 34:6-7 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, [7] Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. [KJV] . . . Our awesome God is merciful, gracious, patient, overflowing with goodness and truth. His forgiveness is never ending to His own, BUT, He will “by NO means” give unbelievers a ‘not guilty’ verdict. God does not extend His mercy to those who deny Him, reject Him, refuse to believe Him (1 John 5:10) and hate Him by shutting their eyes to their sins. And He will NOT forget or overlook their sins. Some people have trouble understanding why God’s wrath goes on to the third and fourth generation. If a family does not fear and respect God, if they live in sin; their children will grow up with the same attitude as the parents. They do not know God, they do not fear God, sin is simply a way of life to them. The rejection and hatred of God just keeps on and on, down through the generations. Only the grace of God can get these people to change their way of thinking. So, if great grandfather did not know God; grandfather didn’t either, nor did the father; on through the generations. God will not tolerate disobedience from anyone. Each person is responsible for their own soul. I came from a heathen family, so I can tell you there is hope for eternal life in Heaven for ANYONE! When you hear Jesus knock at your heart’s door (Rev.3:20), open up to Him!
Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? [KJV] . . . No other ‘god’ or man, in the Universe can ever compare to our ‘Awesome Triune God.’
Exodus 33:19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. [KJV] . . . Our God is sovereign, meaning that He can do as He wishes! God's attributes are spoken of as absolute.
Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: (KJV) . . . There is NO one, anywhere, greater than our Awesome Triune God!
Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. [KJV] . . . God’s wisdom and power are no match for even a million of the wisest people.
Job 34:12 Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment. [KJV] . . . God will never do evil, never give wrong judgments (sentences).
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (KJV) . . . God will not and CANNOT lie!
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. [KJV] . . . God NEVER changes. He always stays the same! If He could change, we could not trust Him!
BETTER UNDERSTANDING GOD, THE SON
Chapter 3
The life of Jesus on Earth can be divided into two great periods, (1.) His private life, till He was about thirty years of age; and (2.) His public life, which lasted about three years.
In the “fulness of time” He was born at Bethlehem, in the reign of the emperor Augustus, of Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter. His birth was announced to the shepherds. Wise men from the east came to Bethlehem to see Him who was born “King of the Jews,” bringing gifts with them. Herod's cruel jealousy led to Joseph's flight into Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus, where they stayed until the death of this king. They then returned to Nazareth. At the age of twelve years He went up to Jerusalem to the Passover with His parents. There, in the temple, “in the midst of the doctors,” all that heard Him were “astonished at His understanding and answers.” Eighteen years pass, of which there is no record except that He returned to Nazareth and “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” He entered His public ministry when He was about thirty years of age. It is generally considered to have lasted about three years. Each of these years had particular features. of its own. (1.) The first year may be called the year of obscurity, both because the records of it which we possess are very scanty, and because He seems to have been only slowly emerging into public notice. Most of this year seems to have been spent in Judea. (2.) The second year was the year of public good will, during which the country had become thoroughly aware of Him; His activity was non-stop and His fame spread throughout the land. This year was almost totally spent in Galilee. (3.) The third year was one of opposition, when the public favor declined. His enemies multiplied and assaulted Him with more and more persistence. He finally fell victim to their hatred. The first six months of this final year were passed in Galilee, and the last six in other locations. The only reliable source of information regarding the life of Christ on Earth is the Gospels, which present in historical detail the words and the work of Christ in so many different aspects.
JESUS, the CHRIST
‘Jesus’ is our Lord’s personal Name.
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. [KJV]
‘Christ’ is our Lord’s title, corresponding to the Hebrew name ‘Messiah,’ meaning ‘Anointed One.’ There are many names and/or titles which refer to Him in the Bible.
• Adam. 1 Cor. 15:45 • Advocate. 1 John 2:1 • Almighty. Rev. 1:8 • Alpha and Omega. Rev. 1:8 • Amen. Rev. 3:14 • Angel of His presence. Is. 63:9 • Anointed. Psalm 2:2 • Apostle. Heb. 3:1 • Arm of the Lord. Is. 51:9-10 • Author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2 • Beginning and end. Rev. 3:14; Rev. 22:13 • Beloved. Ep. 1:6 • Bishop. 1 Pet. 2:25 • Blessed and only Potentate. 1 Tim. 6:15 • Branch. Jeremiah 23:5; Zech. 3:8 • Bread of life. John 6:48 • Bridegroom. Mat. 9:15 • Bright and morning star. Rev. 22:16 • Brightness of the Father’s glory. Heb. 1:3 • Captain of the Lord’s host. Jos.5:14 • Captain of salvation. Heb.2:10 • Carpenter. Mark 6:3 • Carpenter’s son. Mat.13:55 • Chief Shepherd. 1 Pet.5:4 • Chief corner stone. 1 Pet.2:6 • Chiefest among ten thousand. Song 5:10 • Child. Is.9:6; Luke 2:27; 2:43 • Chosen of God. 1 Peter 2:4 • Christ. Mat. 1:16; Luke 9:20 • The Christ. Mat.16:20; Mark 14:61 • Christ, a King. Luke 23:2 • Christ Jesus. Acts 19:4; Ro. 3:24; 8:1; 1 Cor. 1:2, 30; Heb.3:1; 1 Pet. 5:10, 14 • Christ Jesus our Lord. Ro.8:39; 1 Tim. 1:12 • Christ of God. Luke 9:20 • Christ, the chosen of God. Luke 23:35 • Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 • Christ the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:24 • Christ the wisdom of God. 1 Cor. 1:24 • Christ, the Son of God. Acts 9:20 • Christ, Son of the Blessed. Mark 14:61 • Commander. Is. 55:4 • Consolation of Israel. Luke 2:25 • Corner stone. Ep. 2:20 • Counsellor. Is. 9:6 • Covenant of the people. Is. 42:6 • David. Jer.30:9 • Dayspring. Luke 1:78 • Day star. 2 Pet. 1:19 • Deliverer. Ro. 11:26 • Desire of all nations. Hag.2:7 • Door. John 10:7 • Elect. Is. 42:1 • Emmanuel. Is.7:14 • Ensign. Is. 11:10 • Eternal life. 1 John 5:20 • Everlasting Father. Is. 9:6 • Faithful and True. Rev. 19:11 • Faithful witness.. Rev. 1:5 • Faithful and true witness. Rev. 3:14 • Finisher of faith. Heb. 12:2 • First and last. Rev. 1:17; 2:8; 22:13 • First begotten. Heb. 1:6 • First begotten of the dead. Rev. 1:5 • Firstborn. Ps. 89:27 • Foundation. Is.28:16 • Fountain. Zech. 13:1 • Forerunner. Heb.6:20 • Friend of sinners. Mat. 11:19 • Gift of God. John 4:10 • Glory of Israel. Luke 2:32 • God. John 1:1; 10:30 • God blessed forever. Ro.9:5 • God manifest in the flesh. 1 Tim. 3:16 • God of Israel, the Saviour. Is 45:15 • God of the whole earth. Is. 54:5 • God our Saviour. 1 Tim. 2:3 • God’s dear Son. Col. 1:13 • God with us. Mat.1:23 • Good Master. Mat. 19:16 • Governor. Mat. 2:6 • Great shepherd of the sheep. Heb.13:20 • Head of the church. Ep. 5:23 • Heir of all things. Heb. 1:2 • High priest. Heb. 4:14 • Head of every man. 1 Cor. 11:3 • Head of the church. Col. 1:18 • Head of the corner. Mat. 21:42 • Holy child Jesus. Acts 4:30 • Holy one. Ps. 16:10; Acts 3:14 • Holy one of God. Mark 1:24 • Holy one of Israel. Is. 41:14; 54:5 • Holy thing. Luke 1:35 • Hope (our). 1 Tim. 1:1 • Horn of salvation. Luke 1:69 • I Am. John 8:58 • Image of God. Heb. 1:3 • Israel. Is. 49:3 • Jehovah. Is.40:3 • Jehovah’s fellow. Zech. 13:7 • Jesus. Mat.1:21 • Jesus Christ. Mat.1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 2:38; 4:10; 9:34; 10:36; 16:18; Ro. 1:1; 1:3; 1:6; 2:16; 5:15; 5:17; 6:3; 1 Cor. 1:1; 1:4; 2:2; 2 Cor. 1:19; 4:6; 13:5; Gal. 2:16; Phil. 1:8; 2:11; 1 Tim. 1:15; Heb.13:8; 1 John 1:7; 2:1 • Jesus Christ our Lord. Ro. 1:3; 6:11; 6:23; 1 Cor. 1:9; 7:25 • Jesus Christ our Saviour. Tit. 3:6 • Jesus of Nazareth. Mark 1:24; Luke 24:19 • Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. John 19:19 • Jesus, the King of the Jews. Mat. 27:37 • Jesus, the Son of God. Heb. 4:14 • Jesus, the Son of Joseph. John 6:42 • Judge. Acts 10:42 • Just man. Mat.27:19 • Just one. Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14 • Just person. Matthew 27:24 • King. Mat.21:5 • King of Israel. John 1:49 • King of the Jews. Mat.2:2 • King of saints. Rev. 15:3 • King of kings. 1 Tim. 6:15; Rev. 17:14 • King of glory. Ps.24:7-10 • King of Zion. Mat.21:5 • King over all the earth. Zech. 14:9 • Lamb. Rev. 5:6; 5:8; 6:16; 7:9-10; 7:17; 12:11; 13:8; 13:11; 14:1; 14:4; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7; 19:9; 21:9; 21:14; 21:22-23; 21:27 • Lamb of God. John 1:29 • Lawgiver. Is.33:22 • Leader. Is.55:4 • Life. John 14:6 • Light. John 8:12 • Light, everlasting. Is. 60:20 • Light of the world. John 8:12 • Light to the Gentiles. Isaiah 42:6 • Light, true. John 1:9 • Living bread. John 6:51 • Living stone. 1 Pet. 2:4 • Lion of the tribe of Judah. Rev. 5:5 • Lord. Ro.1:3 • Lord of lords. Rev. 17:14; 19:16 • Lord of all. Acts 10:36 • Lord our righteousness. Jer.23:6 • Lord God Almighty. Rev. 15:3 • Lord from heaven. 1 Cor. 15:47 • Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11; 2 Peter 3:18 • Lord Christ. Col. 3:24 • Lord Jesus. Acts 7:59; Col. 3:17; 1 Thes. 4:12 • Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 11:17; 16:31; 20:21; Ro.5:1; 5:11; 13:14 • Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. Tit.1:4 • Lord of glory. Jam. 2:1 • Lord of Hosts. Is.44:6 • Lord, mighty in battle. Ps.24:8 • Lord of the dead and living. Ro. 14:9 • Lord of the Sabbath. Mark 2:28 • Lord over all. Ro.10:12 • Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:26 • Lord, strong and mighty. Ps. 24:8 • Lord, the, our righteousness. Jer. 23:6 • Lord, your holy one. Is. 43:15 • Lord, your redeemer. Is.43:14 • Man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. 2:5 • Man of sorrows. Is. 53:3 • Master. Mat.23:8 • Mediator. 1 Tim. 2:5 • Messenger of the covenant. Mal. 3:1• Messiah. John 1:41 • Messiah the Prince. Daniel 9:25 • Mighty God. Is.9:6 • Mighty one of Israel. Is.30:29 • Minister of the sanctuary. Heb.8:2 • Morning star. Rev. 22:16 • Most holy. Dan. 9:24 • Most mighty. Ps.45:3 • Nazarene. Mat. 2:23 • Offspring of David. Rev. 22:16 • Only begotten. John 1:14 • Only begotten of the Father. John 1:14 • Only begotten Son. John 1:18 • Only wise God, our Saviour. Jude 1:25 • Passover. 1 Cor. 5:7 • Plant of renown. Eze.34:29 • Potentate. 1 Tim. 6:15 • Power of God. 1 Cor. 1:24 • Physician. Mat.9:12 • Precious corner stone. Is.28:16 • Priest. Heb. 7:17 • Prince. Acts 5:31 • Prince of life. Acts 3:15 • Prince of peace. Is.9:6 • Prince of the kings of the earth. Rev. 1:5 • Prophet. Deut. 18:15; 18:18; Mat. 21:11; Luke 24:19 • Propitiation. 1 John 2:2 • Rabbi. John 1:49 • Rabboni. John 20:16 • Ransom. 1 Tim. 2:6 • Redeemer. Is. 59:20 • Resurrection and life. John 11:25 • Redemption. 1 Cor. 1:30 • Righteous branch. Jer.23:5 • Righteous judge. 2 Tim. 4:8 • Righteous servant. Is.53:11 • Righteousness. 1 Cor. 1:30 • Rock. 1 Cor. 10:4 • Rock of offence. 1 Pet. 2:8 • Root of David. Rev. 5:5; 22:16 • Root of Jesse. Is.11:10 • Rose of Sharon. Song 2:1 • Ruler in Israel. Mic. 5:2 • Salvation. Luke 2:30 • Sanctification. 1 Cor. 1:30 • Sanctuary. Is. 8:1 • Saviour. Luke 2:11 • Saviour, Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. 1:10; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1 • Saviour of the body. Ep. 5:23 • Saviour of the world. 1 John 4:14 • Sceptre. Num. 24:17 • Second man. 1 Cor. 15:47 • Seed of David. 2 Tim. 2:8 • Seed of the woman. Gen. 3:15 • Servant. Is. 42:1 • Servant of rulers. Is.49:7 • Shepherd. Mark 14:27 • Shepherd and bishop of souls. 1 Pet. 2:25 • Shepherd, chief. 1 Pet. 5:4 • Shepherd, good. John 10:11 • Shepherd, great. Heb. 13:20 • Shepherd of Israel. Ps. 80:1 • Shiloh. Gen. 49:10 • Son of the Father. 2 John 1:3 • Son of the blessed. Mark 14:61 • Son of the highest. Luke 1:32 • Son of David. Mat.9:27 • Star. Num. 24:17 • Sun of righteousness. Mal. 4:2 • Stone of stumbling. 1 Pet. 2:8 • Sure foundation. Is. 28:16 • Teacher. John 3:2 • True God. 1 John 5:20 • True vine. John 15:1 • Truth. John 14:6 • Unspeakable gift. 2 Cor. 9:15 • Very Christ. Acts 9:22 • Vine. John 15:1 • Way. John 14:6 • Which is, which was, which is to come. Rev. 1:4 • Wisdom. Pro. 8:12 • Wisdom of God. 1 Cor. 1:24 • Witness. Is.55:4; Rev. 1: 5 • Wonderful. Is.9:6 • Word. Jn. 1:1 • Word of God. Rev. 19:13 • Word of life. 1 Jn.1:1.
CHRIST, the official title of our Lord, occurs over 565 times in the New Testament, indicating that He was anointed or consecrated to His great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest and King of His people. He is Jesus the Christ (Acts 17:3; 18:5; Mat. 22:42), the Anointed One. He is thus spoken of by Isaiah (Isa.61:1), and by Daniel (Dan. 9:24-26), who calls Him “Messiah the Prince.” This is He of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write. The Old Testament Scripture is full of prophetic declarations regarding the Great Deliverer and the work He was to do. Jesus the Christ is Jesus the Great Deliverer, the Anointed One, the Saviour of men. To believe that “Jesus is the Christ” is to believe that He is the Anointed, the Messiah of the prophets, the Saviour sent of God, that He was what He claimed to be. Only believing this by faith can anyone be brought unto God. (1 John 5:1). CHRIST JESUS IS GOD.
CHRIST, OUR REDEEMER
He’s in charge of restoring our rights before Almighty God. He avenges our wrongdoings (Lev.25:48-49; Num.5:8; Ruth 4:1; Job 19:25; Ps. 19:14; 78:35). He redeems us from all evil and wickedness by the payment of a ransom, His Life’s Blood.
Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. [KJV] . . . WE CANNOT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE WITHOUT THE BLOOD OF JESUS! It is only by acceptance of Jesus and His Work on the Cross that God the Father forgives our sins; cleansing us from all our sins through that precious Blood!
Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. (KJV) . . . No matter how deep the stain of your sins, Jesus can remove it!. . . I KNOW! Hebrews 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. [KJV] . . . Because of Jesus, the Son! Exodus 12:13 states: “when I see the blood, I will pass over you.” All blessings that come to sinful man come through Christ’s atoning Sacrifice, who suffered once for sins, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. He is our only Way of Access to the throne of grace, and of our only entrance to Heaven. We should rejoice in the superb blessings of salvation, but we should remember what they cost our precious Redeemer. There is NO escape to those who neglect or reject God’s only begotten Son!
Hebrews 2:3-A How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; - - - - - - - [KJV] Anyone who looks on the PRECIOUS BLOOD of our Saviour, as something repulsive or degrading is a fool! http://www.hisservants.org/hard_heb.10.26_h_s.htm
1 Peter 1:18-19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [KJV]
Hebrews 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (KJV) . . . As I bring forth these solemn words, I pray that you know Jesus for the full pardon of your sins, and that you have not “trodden under foot” the only Son of God. If you have rejected Jesus because of unbelief, God’s Word clearly states you have insulted and enraged God! You can turn around and go the other way (repent). You can admit you are wrong, and God is right! You can BELIEVE God and accept His precious Son. If you do this, when God looks down on you, He no longer sees your sins but sees that precious Blood of Jesus that has washed you and made you white as snow. God will NEVER turn His Back on that Precious Blood!
CONSIDER THE FACTS!
There are those (millions) who deny that Jesus, the Son, is God! Scriptures DO NOT lie! God does NOT lie! Jesus, the Christ (Messiah) is absolutely GOD! He is NOT a created being, He is NOT Lucifer’s brother! He is positively, eternal GOD! If you want to go to Heaven when you die, you MUST go through Jesus, the Son!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
God the Father is in His Home; Heaven. Jesus is the only WAY to get there! Christ Jesus is the second Person of our Awesome Triune God! Jesus IS God!
http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
BETTER UNDERSTANDING
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
Chapter 4
The Holy Spirit is absolutely GOD! Yet, there are those, who stubbornly refuse to believe this! Just as they refuse and reject God, the Son; so too, do people refuse and reject God, the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third Person of our Awesome Triune God. He is a PERSON! He should have reverence attributed unto Him; He should be given high regard. God is HOLY, meaning He is separated from ALL other beings by His eternal existence; His infinite perfection; His wisdom; His power; His holiness; His justice; His purity; His goodness; His truth; and His marvelous glory which fills the Earth.
Isaiah 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. [KJV] . . . Even the holy angels ascribe holiness unto Him (Rev.4:8-11; 16:5).
The Holy Spirit is part of the triune Godhead; He MUST be reverenced and respected as such!
The Trinity is a description of the unique relationship of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Had Jesus stayed on Earth, His physical Presence would have limited the spread of the Gospel, because physically (as a Man) He could be in only one place at a time. After Christ was taken up into Heaven, He would be spiritually present everywhere through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was sent so that God would be with and within His followers after Christ returned to Heaven. The Spirit would comfort them, guide them to know His Truth, remind them of Jesus’ words, give them the right words to say, and fill them with power from God Almighty!
Acts 2:1-4 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV) . . . At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was made available to all who believed in Jesus. We receive the Holy Spirit (are baptized with Him) when we receive Jesus Christ. The baptism of the Holy Spirit must be understood in the light of His total work in Christians.
(1) The Spirit marks the beginning of the Christian experience, and our new life in Christ. We cannot belong to Christ without His Spirit.
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (KJV) . . . We cannot be united to Christ without His Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (KJV) . . . We cannot be adopted as His children without His Spirit.
Romans 8:14-17 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (KJV) . . . For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.
Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (KJV) . . . To show that we are His children, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) . . . We cannot be in the body of Christ except by baptism in the Spirit. All have been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and all have received the same Spirit.
(2) The Holy Spirit is the power of our new lives. This ‘power’ is NOT only strength beyond the ordinary, but ALSO involves: boldness, confidence, courage, insight, discernment, ability, authority, love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, humility or meekness (which is strength under control) and self-control. He begins a lifelong process of change as we become more like Christ.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (KJV) . . . When we receive Christ by faith, we begin an immediate personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit works in us to help us become like Christ (mature, perfect).
(3) The Spirit unites believers in Christ. The Holy Spirit can be experienced by us all, and He works through us all.
1 Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (KJV) . . . It is the Holy Spirit who distributes gifts to God’s children. He alone decides which gift each person should have. “Gifts” are abilities given by the Holy Spirit. You cannot choose your “gift.” The sovereign Spirit grants these gifts at His discretion. The gifts we are given are not for selfish use, but to serve Christ and to edify His church.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (KJV) . . . There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord whom we serve. There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who work through us all. Spiritual gifts are given to each of us, so that we can help the entire church.
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
WISDOM 1 Corinthians 12:8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (KJV)
KNOWLEDGE same verse.
FAITH Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (KJV)
PROPHECY is not always predicting the future as in the Old Testament, it also can be preaching or teaching God’s Word. Romans 12:6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; (KJV) 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (KJV)
DISCERNMENT of SPIRITS 1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (KJV)
ENCOURAGEMENT 1 Corinthians 14:3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (KJV) Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV)
EXORTATION (warning, sermons) Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV) Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. (KJV)
TEACHERS Romans 12:7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; (KJV)
EVANGELISTS Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; [KJV]
RULERS, ADMINISTRATORS Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV) . . . If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.
KINDNESS 1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (KJV) . . . If you have a gift of kindness, do it gladly.
MONEY Romans 12:8
8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. (KJV) If you have money, be generous.
LOVE 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (KJV) . . . There are three things that will last . . . faith, hope and love . . . and the greatest of these is love.
LOVE is extremely important in serving our Lord, and building His church. Most Christians are given the “gift” of love. USE IT! You can NEVER give it all away! The Holy Spirit replenishes it on a daily basis! Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (KJV)
HELPS 1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (KJV) . . . There are many ways of helping others, and building the church: sweeping the floor, serving in the kitchen, greeting people at the door; visiting when one is sick, assisting when one needs help, being there in sorrow or troubles, just showing that you care!
GIFTS OF THE EARLY CHURCH
Gifts were supernaturally bestowed on the early Christians, each one having his own gift for the edification of the body of Christ. These were the result of the extraordinary work and power of the Holy Spirit, as on the day of Pentecost. They were the gifts of speaking with tongues, casting out devils, healing, etc. I believe these special gifts were enjoyed only for a time. They could not, and would not continue always in the Church. These particular gifts were suited to the church’s infancy and to the necessities of those times.
Believers do NOT need to “seek” the Spirit. If you are “born again” (know Jesus as Saviour and Lord), the Holy Spirit of God has been GIVEN to you! Today there are many charismatic churches seeking the Spirit. The Day of Pentecost CANNOT be duplicated, any more than Christ’s Birth or Death can be duplicated! You do NOT have to urge or beg the Holy Spirit to come into your life. If you belong to Jesus, He’s there, forever!
2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (KJV)
2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. (KJV)
Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.(KJV) . . . The Holy Spirit is given to us by God as an earnest (down payment) on what is to come: eternal life in Heaven.
I know there are those who believe in “speaking in tongues” in the church today. I do not. I believe that ‘tongues’ was a very special “gift” only for the early church; especially to evangelize the foreign born Jews who were in Jerusalem for the annual feast at that special (once only) “Day of Pentecost” when the Holy Spirit of God came to the church as promised (Jn.14:16-18, 26; Acts 1:8). There were sixteen different nations (languages) present that day according to Acts 2:9-11. NO ‘unknown’ tongues were spoken; only languages spoken by those who were there (Acts 2:4,6,11).
The gift of tongues is listed in the two early lists found in 1 Cor.12:8-11 and 28-30, and they are at the bottom of both lists. Tongues are NOT listed in the later lists in Ep.4:8-12; Ro.12:4-8. Neither are they mentioned in the “fruits of the Spirit” in Gal.5:22-23. NOT one place in Scripture does it tell us we must ‘seek’ the gift of tongues, and NOT one place does our Lord Jesus tell us we must speak in tongues. IF it were necessary, He would have told us!
1 Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: [KJV] . . . The apostle Paul very plainly stated: 1 Corinthians 14:19 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.(KJV)
MINISTRIES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Created the Universe. Gen.1:2
Inspired writers of the Bible. 2 Sam.23:2; Is.59:19 1Cor.14:37; 1Thes.4:15
Restrains Satan’s power. 2 Thes.2:7-14
Gave birth to the church. Acts 2:1-4; Ep.2:19-22
Warns church members. 1 Tim.4:1
Regenerates believing sinners. Tit.3:5
Baptizes believers. 1 Cor.12;13
Indwells believers. Ro.8:9; Jn.14:16; 1 Jn.3:24; 2 Jn.2
Seals believers. 2 Cor.1:22; Ep.1:13; 4:30
Fills believers. Eph.3:19; 5:18; Col.1:9
Conforms us to the Image of Christ. 2 Cor.3:18
Reveals Biblical truths to us. 1 Cor.2:10
Assures us of salvation. Ro.8:16; 1 Jn.4:13; 5:6
Helps us pray. Ro.8:26
Guides us. Jn.16:13; Ro.8:14
Teaches us. 1 Jn.2:27
Gives us power to witness. Acts 1:8; Lu.12:12
Imparts Christ’s love to us. Ro.5:5
Anoints us. 1 Jn.2;27
Gives discernment. 1 Cor. 2:13-15
Brings to remembrance Christ’s Words. Jn.14:26
Testifies concerning Christ. Jn.15:26
Guides into all Truth. Jn.16:13
Gives life. Jn.6:63
Comforts. Jn.14:16, 26; 15:26
He can be grieved. Ep.4:30
The one specific duty of the Holy Spirit is to testify of Christ; revealing Him to us, and showing us our NEED for Him! ALL the ministries of the Holy Spirit revolve around Christ. Some in the Charismatic movement today place MUCH more emphasis on tongues and miracles than anything else. Too, they seem to attribute more glory to the Holy Spirit than to Christ Jesus Himself. This should not be. We should NOT seek after and glory in ‘fleshly experiences’ but instead, glory in the finished Work of Christ our Saviour! There is NO Scripture anywhere that states that we are to seek after signs and miracles, in fact Christ tells us there will be none. The Holy Spirit is extremely important in our lives. I would never diminish His capabilities; for He is very necessary. But we should never place the Holy Spirit (Ghost) above Christ, our Saviour, whom He has come to glorify. We should always be thankful to the Spirit for His ministry in our hearts! And we should always remember that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of our Awesome Triune God.
MISUNDERSTOOD TERMS
Chapter 5
TRINITY
Belief in the ‘TRINITY’ is one of the basics of true Christian faith. Disbelief is rejection of the one true God of the Bible; rejection of His deity, and rejection of the Personalities of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Spirit is God. And yet there are NOT three gods, but one God. Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance.
The Trinity is hard to understand, and many efforts have been made to try to explain it. Some illustrations follow that may make understanding a little easier.
1. An egg consists of the yolk, white and shell.
2. An apple consists of the peel, flesh and seeds.
3. Water is liquid, ice and steam.
4. Time is past, present and future.
5. A family is father, mother and children.
BAPTISM OF THE SPIRIT
We do NOT have to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit. All who believe and accept Jesus become God’s children. John 1:12-13 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [13] Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [KJV] . . . When you become God’s child, you are baptized into the ‘Body of Christ’ (the one and only true church). 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [KJV] . . . This ‘baptism’ takes place the moment you accept Jesus, and it makes Christ and the believer one.
BORN OF THE SPIRIT
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [KJV] . . . IF we BELIEVE and ACCEPT Jesus, the Son, we are born again spiritually!
SEALED BY THE SPIRIT
When we are baptized by the Spirit, we are also sealed by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit ‘marks’ us for God. I don’t know if this is a particular mark (as in Rev.7:3), or if this seal is the Holy Spirit Himself, or both! To me, it really does not matter. I’m just grateful I am “sealed by the Holy Spirit of God.” Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [KJV] . . . Once God’s children are sealed, NO one can take them away from Him! Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [KJV]
FILLED BY THE SPIRIT
To be “filled with the Spirit” means submitting to Him, and allowing Him to lead and control us. The more room you make available for God’s Holy Spirit, the less room will be left to be filled with things of the world (Satan). Ephesians 5:18-19 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; (KJV) . . . Getting drunk on wine can ruin your life. Instead, we must allow the Holy Spirit to fill and control us.
I think we have all seen those who were “filled with wine” (alcohol), being under control of its power. We as Christians, should NOT be controlled by wine, drugs or by any evil forces; but instead, we should be filled (to the top) with the Holy Spirit! Always let Him lead you in your daily life.
Being “filled with the Spirit” is NOT a once in a lifetime thing, as is being born of Him, baptized by Him and sealed by Him. Being filled by Him is an everyday thing! In a way, it’s like our cars; we must fill the gas tank quite often, if we want to keep going. When you wake up in the morning, even before you step out of bed, go to the Lord and ask Him to “fill you with His Spirit.”
INDWELLING OF THE SPIRIT
1 John 3:24 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. (KJV)
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (KJV)
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [KJV]
2 John 1:2 For the truth's sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever. [KJV] . . . The moment we believe by faith, and accept Jesus the Son, we receive the Holy Spirit of God; who then abides with us FOREVER! We are “indwelt” by Him! When He dwells IN us, we are then “IN CHRIST.”
Acts 14:20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. (KJV)
Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [KJV] . . . We are NOT God’s children without His Spirit! We are “IN CHRIST” if we are indwelt by His Holy Spirit. IF we are NOT indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we are NOT Christians! NOT God’s children!
ANOINTING OF THE SPIRIT
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. [KJV]
1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. [KJV] . . . “Unction” is anointing. This Anointing is from God.
2 Corinthians 1:21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; [KJV] . . . When we receive the Spirit (Anointing), He continually abides within us; He teaches us, and He will NEVER lie to us, ever!
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
When we are “born again” into God’s family, the Holy Spirit gives us a gift (or gifts) to edify (build up) the church (Body of Christ). He endows us with a special talent or quality. We are to use this gift generously, and not be selfish with it. If you are a Christian; and truly believe in our Saviour and Lord, Christ Jesus, you have a gift!
EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT
2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. [KJV]
2 Corinthians 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. [KJV]
Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. [KJV] . . . The Holy Spirit is God’s seal that we belong to Him, guaranteeing that He will do all that He has promised. The Holy Spirit is like a down payment, a deposit, a signature on a contract. The Presence of the Holy Spirit in us demonstrates that our faith is real, proving that we are God’s children, and secures eternal life for us. His power works in us to transform us from the unbeliever bound by sin, to a child of God, who each day matures to become more and more like Christ. The Spirit is the earnest of the believer's destined inheritance. The word is the same as “pledge,” a particular kind of pledge which is a part of the full price of something paid in advance. The Spirit’s gracious Presence and working in believers is just a foretaste of the blessedness of Heaven. It not only pleases God to give pledges (promises) to His children, but it also pleases Him to give us a foretaste of the future bliss of Heaven, of which we shall one day partake.
The Holy Spirit makes Christians firm in the faith of the Gospel: the earnest of the Holy Spirit is a promise of everlasting life; and the comfort the Holy Spirit makes possible is just a down payment on everlasting peace and joy. Any strength and ability we have is owed to our faith; and any love, comfort, peace and joy we possess flows directly from that faith. Thank Him each day for all blessings!
FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. [KJV] . . . Fruits of the Spirit are Christian character qualities; the SAME character qualities that our God has. What does the Bible say are evidences of a Spirit filled life? A lot of people would say: “Speaking in tongues, gift of healing, etc.” Jesus did NOT say “By their ‘gifts’ ye shall know them.” He said: Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. [KJV] . . . One thing we must remember; to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and His ‘fruits,’ we must first EMPTY ourselves of the world. A container will hold just so much. If you first empty it of bad things; you will be able to “FILL” it with good things. When you try to fill your container with both the Spirit and the world, you will be grieving the Spirit; for the Holy Spirit and the world
(Satan and evil) do NOT mix. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby
ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. [KJV]
IN CHRIST
To be “in Christ” is to saved, to have eternal life in Heaven. When we are “in Christ” we are joined to Christ by the baptism of the Holy Spirit and placed into the body of believers; making us God’s children. This union with Christ CANNOT be undone, CANNOT be altered, CANNOT be recalled, and CANNOT be revoked.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV) . . . God places us into the body of believers, we don’t do it!
1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (KJV)
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (KJV)
Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (KJV)
We are one with Christ! Nobody can change this!
We belong to Christ! This is a wonderful accomplishment of salvation! We cannot improve upon this marvelous fact!
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (KJV)
John 3:15-18 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 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. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (KJV)
Romans 8:37-39 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (KJV) . . . These are extremely comforting words to all God’s children!
Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (KJV) . . . If you are NOT “in Christ” (without Christ) you are LOST! You do NOT have salvation. You will not even “see” Heaven, much less go there!
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (KJV)
1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. (KJV) . . . Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God.
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. (KJV) . . . What has God testified? He has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Anyone who has God's Son has life . . . anyone who does NOT have God’s Son does NOT have eternal life.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (KJV) . . . Jesus IS Eternal Life!
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. [KJV] . . . Being “In Christ” is eternal life!
ABIDING IN CHRIST
Abiding in Christ means constant communion and fellowship with Him. We must cleanse our lives of all known sin, daily! 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV) . . . Abiding in Him is to walk in His Spirit, letting Him guide and lead us in all things. The Spirit produces fruit in us when we abide in Christ.
John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV)
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (KJV)
1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. (KJV)
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. (KJV)
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (KJV) . . . We CANNOT be all that our Lord Jesus was (and is). Neither can we do all that He did (or does). But to abide in Him, our heart must be right. We must put Him first in all things. We must walk as He walked, and talk as He talked. We are His feet, His hands, and His mouth while we live here on Earth.
GOD IS IMMUTABLE, (NEVER CHANGING)
Just what is it about God that never changes? It is His attributes, His abilities, qualities and characteristics. It is His compassion, His faithfulness, His gentleness, His goodness, His grace, His holiness, His justice, His love, His mercy, His patience, His righteousness, His being trustworthy, His always being truthful, His being eternal, His almighty power, His unequaled knowledge and wisdom, etc.
Psalm 102:25-27 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. 26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: 27 But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. (KJV)
Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (KJV)
Hebrews 1:10-12 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (KJV)
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. (KJV)
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (KJV)
God’s character NEVER changes; but He does use different ways of dealing with us, such as the dispensations (methods which God uses to carry out His purposes towards men). (1.) Dispensation of innocence (Gen. ch. 2). It fell Gen.3:24. (2.) Dispensation of conscience (Gen.6:5). It fell Gen.7:21. (3.) Dispensation of government (Gen.ch.9). It fell Gen.11:9. (4.) Dispensation of promise (Gen.12:1). It lasted about 400 years. (5.) Dispensation of law (Ex.20). It lasted until Jesus died on the Cross. (6.) Dispensation of grace (Ep.3:2. Romans ch.10 describes it. Ro.11:25-26 tells when it will end). (7.) Messianic dispensation (Rev. ch.20).
Also the Holy Spirit’s work was different in the Old Testament than it was in Jesus’ time, and in today’s time. In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit “came upon men” (Num.11:25; 24:2; etc.) In the time when Jesus was on Earth, the Spirit was “IN” the Person of Jesus. When Jesus ascended to Heaven and sent the Spirit, the Holy Spirit now is “IN” all believers.
UNPARDONABLE SIN
Matthew 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. (KJV)
Blasphemy = speaking evil of God; ridiculing God, His Word, and His children. Our Lord was accused of blasphemy when He claimed to be the Son of God. They who deny His Messiahship blaspheme Jesus. Blasphemy against the Holy Ghost in the time of Jesus, was giving the devil credit for those miracles which Christ performed (by the power of the Holy Ghost). In today’s time, it is the continued and stubborn rejection of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit attempts to convict the hearts of all unbelievers, but as long as a sinner remains in unbelief, rejecting the urging of the Holy Spirit, he voluntarily excludes himself from God’s forgiveness. A person who has committed this sin has shut himself (or herself) completely off from God, so much so that they are not even aware of their sin. They CANNOT be forgiven because they will not admit and repent of their sin.
Can a believer commit the unpardonable sin? NO! Anyone who is afraid that they may have committed this sin, has shown by their fear and concern that they have not committed it. Anyone who fears and believes God has NOT committed this sin. If you are reading this, and you have felt a tugging at your heart, it is God’s Holy Spirit trying to lead you to salvation through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Submit to His urging now! Salvation is available ONLY through Jesus. John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (KJV)
Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
THE CHURCH
Jesus first mentions the ‘Church’ in Mt.16:18. In Acts 2:1-4 we have the record of just how the
‘Church’ began. What is the ‘church’? Is it denominations? NO! I believe denominations are of the devil. When a group of people cannot and/or will not tolerate the Truth of the Bible, they start another ‘denomination.’ The TRUE ‘Church’ is the Body of Christ, made up of ALL true believers who have been washed in the precious Blood of Christ Jesus (1 Pet.1:18-19). The church is the Bride of Christ (2 Cor.11:2; Rev.19:7). The church period will last from the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2) to the Rapture (1 Thes. 4:13-18), date unknown.
When Jesus came to Earth, He came as Messiah to the Jews. He came and they rejected Him. Jesus then turned to the Gentiles. A Gentile is anyone who is not a Jew. Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. [KJV] . . . God has a specific number of Gentiles planned for the ‘Church.’ When the complete number of Gentiles comes to Christ, Jesus will come at the Rapture and take the ‘Church’ home!
MYSTERY
This word is recorded 27 times, always in the New Testament. ‘Mystery’ is something revealed in the New Testament that was concealed in the Old Testament. What is a mystery in Scripture? It is NOT a whodunit or a mystery story, and it is NOT something you wonder about: Was it the butler who committed the crime? A mystery in Scripture means that God is revealing something, that up to that time, He had not revealed. There are two elements which always enter into a New Testament mystery: #1. It cannot be discovered by man, for it is always a revelation from God; and #2. it is revealed at the right time and not concealed, and enough is revealed to establish the fact without all the details being disclosed.
There are fifteen mysteries in the New Testament:
#1. The mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven (Mat.13:3-50; Mk.4:11; Lk.8:10).
#2. The mystery of His will (Eph.1:9).
#3. The great mystery of Christ and His church (Eph. 5:32; Col.4:3).
#4. The mystery of the Gospel (Eph.6:19). ,
#5. The mystery of Israel's blindness during this age (Rom.11:25).
#6. The mystery of the faith (1 Tim.3:9).
#7. The mystery of the translation of living saints at the end of this age (1 Cor.15:51-52; 1 Thes.4:13-17).
#8. The mystery of the N.T. Church as one body composed of Jews and Gentiles (Eph.3:1-12; 6:19; Rom.16:25; Col.4:3).
#9. The mystery of the Church as the bride of Christ (Eph.5:23-32).
#10. The mystery of being in Christ (Gal.2:20; Col.1:26-27).
#11. The mystery of Christ as the incarnate fullness of the Godhead embodied, in whom all the divine wisdom for man subsists (1 Cor.2:7; Col.2:2,9).
#12. The mystery of godlikeness restored to man (1 Tim.3:16).
#13. The mystery of iniquity (2 Thes.2:7; Mat.13:33).
#14. The mystery of the seven stars (Rev.1:20).
#15. The mystery of the woman (Rev.17:5,7).
GOD, THE FATHER, IN SALVATION
Chapter 6
All three Persons of the Trinity are instrumental in our salvation. God the Father planned our salvation (Eph.1:3-6), God the Son paid for our salvation (Eph.1:7-12) and God the Holy Spirit applies that wondrous salvation unto us (Eph.1: 13-14). ALL the Triune Persons are needed for us to be saved.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: [KJV] . . . When we ‘bless’ God, it is a declaration of praise. When God ‘blesses’ us, it is in deeds. When we think of ‘blessed’ we think of happiness and joy. This verse states that God has blessed us with all (every) spiritual blessings in heavenly places because we belong to Christ. This means that when we are “in Christ” we have all the benefits of knowing God. (1.) Being chosen for salvation. (2.) Being adopted as His children. (3.) Forgiveness of all our sins. (4.) Insight (ability to see and understand spiritual things). (5.) Gifts of the Spirit. (6.) Power to do God’s will. (7.) Hope of eternal life with Christ. . . . And because we have an intimate relationship with Christ, we can enjoy ALL these blessings, here and now. “Heavenly places” means that these blessings are eternal, not just temporary. God’s perfect power is available to help you. There is nothing too difficult for Him. God has laid up spiritual blessings for us in His Son, the Lord Jesus; but we are required to draw them out and gather them in by prayer. Even the strongest Christians need our prayers. TRUE believers greatly desire heavenly wisdom. Even the best Christians are at times unwilling to come under God’s yoke, although there is no other possible way for anyone to find rest for their soul. If we would argue less, and pray more, we would see the hope of our calling, and experience the riches of God’s Divine glory. We should want to feel the mighty power of God’s Divine grace, which has begun in us, and is working in our souls. God supplies all the necessities for those who place their trust in Him, and gives us all blessings in abundance.
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [KJV] . . . God “chose us in him” to emphasize that salvation depends totally on God. God PLANNED salvation in His infinite wisdom! We are not saved because we deserve it, but because God is gracious and He freely gives salvation to whosoever! We do not influence God’s decision to save us; He saved us according to His plan. There is no way for us to take credit for our salvation or to allow any room for pride. The great mystery of salvation originated in the eternal mind of God, long before we existed. It is hard to understand how God could accept us, because we all are sinners, and God HATES sin; but because of Christ, we are holy and blameless in God’s eyes. God chose us! We belong to Him through Christ Jesus! God then looks at us as if we had never sinned. God did NOT make many different plans of salvation; just ONE, that being His one and only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ. Charles Spurgeon once said: “God chose me before I came into the world, because if He’d waited until I got here, He never would have chosen me.”
Ephesians 1:4 is one of the most difficult verses in the entire Bible to grab hold of and understand. “Chosen us in Him” is emphasizing God’s sovereignty (simply meaning, He can do as He pleases). Chosen “Before the foundation of the world” absolutely astonishes me. I guess today’s term would be, blows my mind. Why does God choose some and not others? The way I see this is that God has sent out invitations, but how many accept His invitation? “Whosoever” will accept God’s “Way” may come, and that includes YOU! Don’t ever say that God has left you out! He has not! Most just won’t accept His way of doing things.
John 3:15-16 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] 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. [KJV] . . . “WHOSOEVER” means YOU!
D.L. Moody had a very unique saying: “The whosoeverwills are the elect and the whosoeverwon’ts are the nonelect.” God knows who the “elect” are; we do not, so we must preach and teach the Gospel to everyone.
Ephesians 1:5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [KJV] . . . Chosen, elect, predestination! Some think these are scary words. But, friend, if you are “in Christ” these are wonderful words. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: [KJV] 1 Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. [KJV] The ground of this election to salvation is the good pleasure of God. God claims the right to do so.
Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. (KJV) Romans 9:21 Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? [KJV] . . . It is conditioned on the sovereign grace of God. Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (KJV) . . . If they are saved by God's kindness, then it is NOT by good works. IF we are saved by good works, then God's wonderful kindness would not be what it really is . . . free and undeserved. All that pertain to salvation, the means as well as the end, are of God.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV) We are elected “to salvation,” “to the adoption of sons,” “to be holy and without blame before Him in love.” The ultimate end of election is the praise of God's grace (Eph.1:6, 12).
PREDESTINATION means to mark out or set apart before hand. This word is used only with reference to God's plan of salvation. It teaches that the eternal, sovereign, immutable and unconditional plan of God governs all events. The doctrine of predestination or election causes many difficulties and stumbling blocks. We must accept this doctrine with all its mysteriousness, as we do all else in His Word. There are things we will never completely understand, such as the Creation, Christ’s sacrifice for us, etc., but we must believe in faith. This doctrine: (1.) Exalts the majesty and absolute sovereignty of God. It clearly shows us the riches of His free grace and His great displeasure and wrath with sin. (2.) It very plainly shows us this truth; that salvation is entirely of grace. We can neither complain if passed over, or boast in ourselves if saved. (3.) It brings us to realize our absolute hopelessness without our Saviour, and to know we need the free offer of Christ. (4.) This doctrine deepens our humility and worthlessness, and too, elevates our confidence in Christ, that one day we will reside in Heaven. The decrees of God are His eternal, unchangeable, holy, wise and sovereign plans, the act of an infinite, absolute, eternal, unchangeable, and sovereign Person, who is NEVER wrong! Ephesians 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (KJV) . . . Let us praise God for the wonderful kindness he has poured out on us because we belong to His beloved Son. The “Beloved” is none other than Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. John 17:24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. [KJV] . . . When God looks down on TRUE believers, He sees us “in Christ” and He “accepts” us because of Him. God loves us, just as He loves Christ. John 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (KJV) . . . When God planned salvation, He had a three-fold work in mind. (1.) He chose us “in Christ.” (2.) He predestinated us to be His children. (3.) He made us accepted through His Son. All this is done to the glory of His grace. God alone is the One to receive all honor and glory and praise, now and forever more, for He alone is the One who planned salvation. Where would we be without a WAY out of our sinfulness? Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. [KJV] . . . We all would be doomed to the everlasting destruction of Hell without the grace of Our Awesome Triune God!
2 Thes. 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; [KJV] . . . We should thank and praise our awesome God, every day we live, for He devised a Plan to save us from eternal agony of Hell.
GOD, THE SON, IN SALVATION
Chapter 7
God the Father, planned our salvation. God the Son paid for our salvation (Ep.1:7-12) with His life. Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [KJV] . . . Jesus’ Blood speaks of two wonderful and important truths: (1.) redemption (2.) forgiveness. Redemption was the price paid to gain freedom for a slave (Lev. 25:47-54). When Jesus died on the Cross, He paid the price to release us from our slavery to sin; we are set free, we’re liberated. In Old Testament times, forgiveness was granted on the basis of the shedding of an animal’s blood (Lev. 17:11). Since His death on the Cross, we are forgiven through the precious Blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19). His Perfect Sacrifice was perfect and final. Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. [KJV] Leviticus17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. [KJV]
Hebrews 10:10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [KJV] . . . Only through the Blood of Jesus are we sanctified (set apart), as God’s children. Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [KJV]
Jesus died ONCE! Once for all! He now, this minute, is sitting at God the Father’s right hand. WHY is He sitting? Because His Work is done!
Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: [KJV] Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. [KJV]
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [KJV] . . . Jesus paid the penalty on that Cross, for your sins, and mine. Only through that precious Blood can we have “peace” with God the Father. God forgives us when we turn to Christ; the one and only WAY He planned salvation! The Blood of Jesus justifies us. Justify means we’re declared NOT GUILTY in the courts of Heaven! It means complete forgiveness! It means ‘just as if we’d never sinned’ and only by the Blood of Jesus will this happen! So, we have REDEMPTION, and we have FORGIVENESS through Jesus’ Blood “according to” (on the authority of) the “riches of God’s grace.” Just what is “grace”? It is the voluntary and loving favor that God gives to those that He saves (elects, chooses). There is NO way what so ever that any person can earn salvation. We CANNOT earn it through religious rituals of any kind, nor any intellectual or moral effort we could ever devise. Without the grace of God, NO person can ever be saved. We must admit to ourselves that we are sinners, doomed to everlasting Hell without God’s grace, which comes ONLY through faith in Christ Jesus!
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. (KJV) . . . Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 1:8-10 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; [9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: [KJV] God’s grace “abounds” towards us. How wonderful that is! How great is the grace of God, which He gave to us in such large degree. Mystery is something revealed in the New Testament that was concealed in the Old Testament. The “mystery” here is “the Mystery of His will.” “Dispensation” is another word people stumble over. It is simply a way or system of doing things in a certain time period. The “fullness of times” is when the time was right. God’s Plan for the world remained a “mystery” until the time was just right; when Christ Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. It could not be understood until that time. God’s Plan was to unite ALL people (Jews and Gentiles) into ONE body (the church) with His precious Son as the
Head. This is still a mystery to most people, but one day His will shall be done and He shall bring us together with Him. In that day, ALL people shall bow to Christ Jesus as Lord; for one of two reasons: (1.) They love Him, or (2.) They fear His awesome power. But, they SHALL bow to Him! It’s as good as done! Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. [KJV] Philippians 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. [KJV] . . . God has always had just one Plan of salvation! That one method of saving us is His precious, one and only begotten Son “in whom He is well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [KJV] . . . When you bow to Jesus (and you shall), will you bow in love? or fear?
Ephesians 1:11-12 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. [KJV] . . . God’s purpose and plan is to offer salvation to the world. John 3:16 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. [KJV] . . . God is sovereign; He has power unimaginable, and He is in charge of ALL things. When your life seems to hit bottom, let this Truth comfort you: Jesus is Lord, and God is in control. God’s plan to save you cannot be twisted or voided, no matter what Satan may try to do.
Christ unites God and sinful man, in His Work on the Cross, and His own Person. He paid the full and total price, and satisfied God for all the wrongs which caused separation between us and a sinless, perfect God. Through faith and love, we are made one with God. He showers us (believers, the whosoeverwills) with all His blessings, according to His good pleasure, while unbelievers (the whosoeverwon’ts) are left to hate and blaspheme our awesome triune God. One of those blessings is that we have obtained an inheritance! It’s already ours if we are a believer! Just what does God own? He owns it ALL my friend! Everything, everywhere! And we are heirs to it all. Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; [KJV] . . . Part of that inheritance is Heaven, God’s blissful Home! Are you God’s child and heir? If not, you can be!
God does NOT predestine anyone to be lost, (to go to Hell). He does not want anyone to go to Hell, but, IF you refuse to believe Him and keep rejecting His only begotten Son, He has no other alternative but to condemn you to Hell. John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [KJV] John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. [KJV]
John 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. [KJV]
1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. [KJV]
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; (KJV) . . . Forever separated from the Lord and from His amazing loving kindness and glorious power.
If you are God’s child, the moment you die, the angels will “carry” you to Heaven (Luke 16:22). But, if you are an unbeliever, you will go directly to Hades (the present day Hell, or holding place for future judgment). You shall immediately be in torments (Luke 16:24). This torment and agony will never end. It is “everlasting destruction” and you will forever be separated from God and all His goodness and love. You do not want ‘eternal agony’ and you do not have to have it! Turn in faith, to Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, and you shall instead have ‘eternal life’ in Heaven; forever with God and His amazing love. Believe God! Jesus has already paid for your salvation, all you have to do is believe God, reach out and accept it. You do NOT want to hear the verdict: “I never knew you: depart from me.” (Mat.7:23).
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, IN SALVATION
Chapter 8
God the Father planned our salvation. God the Son paid for our salvation. And God the Holy Spirit applies that salvation to us. (Ep.1:13-14).
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, [KJV] . . . The Holy Spirit: (1.) Regenerates us. (2.) Is our refuge. (3.) Gives reality and meaning to our lives. God’s work in planning the church and His work in redeeming the church, through His Son are tremendous truths! Now, in verse 13 we have the Holy Spirit regenerating us. We pass from sinful man to God’s child! God’s work and planning for us now takes place IN US through His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in our hearts, trying to persuade us to turn to Jesus. Once we “hear” (or read) the Word of Truth (Gospel), and we submit to Him, we then trust and believe God. The Holy Spirit then “seals” (identifies) us as God’s children. We are given the Spirit for now and always. John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (KJV) . . . This happens the moment we trust and believe God and accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord. We do NOT have to “tarry” as did the disciples awaiting the day of Pentecost. Since that day, the Spirit is granted immediately upon believing! We are “sealed” with the Holy Spirit of promise.
It is sad that so many listen to the Gospel but do NOT “hear” it. 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (KJV) . . . The Gospel is a “stumbling block” to Jews, and “foolishness” to most people. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom states that our faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (KJV) . . . We must hear (or read) the Gospel to be saved. Does this not place a huge burden upon us? WHO is responsible for bringing the Gospel to the lost souls? Is it just pastors? Chaplains? Teachers? NO! It is anyone who is God’s child! Hopefully it is you!
Romans 10:13-16 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (KJV) Isaiah 53:1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? (KJV)
There are those who will refuse to believe us. Some will actually blaspheme God and His Word, and us. We are not to be concerned about people not believing us. Our job is simply to tell others about Jesus. We CANNOT make anyone believe us. We CANNOT save anyone. That is God’s job! Our job is just to reach out to those who do not know Jesus, and tell them of Him, in hopes that they might believe and be saved.
I think two things happen when we are “sealed” by the Holy Spirit. (1.) He implants the image of God on our hearts. (2.) This sealing marks us as God’s children. We now belong to Him! Just because God has called you to be His child, just because you are secure in Christ, does NOT mean you can live in sin (practice sin). When you take on the Name of Christ (Christian) you must make every effort to stay away from all evil and wickedness. If you do not, and if when you do sin, you have no remorse, there is great doubt that you are a Christian. The Holy Spirit also is our refuge (comfort, strength, protection, help, etc.). And He is showing us that we are God’s children. If we do not have the Holy Spirit, we do not belong to God (Rom.8:9). The Holy Spirit is just the “earnest” (guarantee) of what is to come! So, what God is saying is: “My child, there is much more to follow.” The spiritual blessings just BEGIN with the Holy Spirit!
Four things are demonstrated by the Presence of God, the Holy Spirit within us: (1.) He demonstrates our faith (trust and belief) in God’s Word. (2.) He proves (by sealing) that we are
God’s children by baptizing us into the body of Christ (church). (3.) He demonstrates that God will most certainly fulfill all that He has promised to us in the way of salvation. (4.) His power transforms us into a “new creature.” 2 Corinthians 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. [KJV] If we are “in Christ” and have the Holy Spirit abiding within us, we will change our lifestyles. We must, for it is none other than God Himself within us, and He cannot tolerate sin. We CANNOT fool God, and we must not try to fool ourselves or others. This is hypocrisy!
Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV) . . . We must NOT desire to do the above things. Will we ever do any of them? Sad to say, yes, we will. But when you become a “new creature” you hate it when you stumble and fall. You are filled with remorse. Anyone who willingly participates in the above will not inherit the Kingdom of God. We all make mistakes, we all fall flat on our face now and then, but willingly participating and practicing such evils is completely different.
Our precious Saviour and Lord wants us to produce “fruit,” as He plainly states in the ‘parable of the sower’ in Matthew 13. Yet He clearly tells us: John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. [KJV] I think this is a warning from Jesus. We do have a ‘free will’ and we can make our own decisions, which sometimes turn out to be wrong. When we allow sin in our lives, we are breaking fellowship with our Lord Jesus. He truly desires that we “abide” (remain) “in Him” because if we do not, there is NO way we can produce any of these ‘fruits.’ He is the “Vine” from which we receive our strength and spiritual nourishment. The moment we attempt anything ‘without Him’ we certainly shall fall! God wants us to produce much fruit, like the seed in the parable; some thirtyfold, some sixty and some a hundredfold. To me this means that the closer we get to Jesus, the more fruit we will produce. We, as God’s children, must do all we can to abide in Christ; including Bible study, prayer, fellowship with other Christians, and telling others about Jesus. We must show others we care about them.
We must never forget to honor, thank and praise our Awesome Triune God for every single one of His blessings, every single day of our lives.
ARE YOU ASHAMED OF
OUR AWESOME TRIUNE GOD?
Chapter 9
When the Holy Spirit sanctifies us (sets us apart) as God’s children and heirs of Heaven, it has an extremely comforting influence upon us. And wonder of wonders, this is just the beginning of the blessings (first-fruits) of the holy happiness and joy of which we will experience in our eternal Home. Because of the wondrous love, grace and mercy of our awesome and sovereign God, He chose us as His own; for this reason He redeemed us from the agony of Hell that we may live eternally with Him in His absolute blissful Home. Let us all attribute unto Him the praise of His marvelous glory and power.
When I think of all the blessings God bestows upon us day after day, it simply astounds me. There is NEVER a day goes by that TRUE Christians are not blessed by God in some way. Do you thank Him when He does something for you? Do you thank Him for your salvation? Do you thank Him for His amazing love? Do you thank Him for Jesus? Do you thank Him for true friends? Do you thank Him for forgiving you, day after day? Do you thank Him for answered prayer, even if His answer is “no”? I could go on and on and on! When He does something for you, please THANK HIM, PRAISE HIM!
Do you tell others about Jesus and the salvation that comes only through Him? This is something we MUST do! This is a command from Him. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [KJV] . . . Jesus has been given “complete” authority in Heaven AND on Earth. “Go ye therefore” is His command to ALL believers! A disciple of Christ is one who (1.) believes His doctrine, (2.) rests on His sacrifice, (3.) absorbs His spirit, and (4.) imitates His example. We MUST obey our Lord. We must NOT be ashamed of Jesus! Ashamed means you are embarrassed, you try to hide the fact that you are a Christian. You fear what others may think if you tell them you are born again. It means you do not want any of the persecution associated with being linked to Jesus. We must tell others about Him and what He can do for them. All too often people say: “ I don’t know the Bible well enough to quote Scripture.” Tell them what Jesus has done for you. You cannot go wrong there! Use Him as a role model in all you say or do. We should not disqualify ourselves from service to Christ because we do not have qualified credentials. Being a good disciple is simply following Jesus with a willing heart. Being His disciple is NOT easy. You will give up something to follow Him (friends, habits, family, perhaps a job, etc.). You will be persecuted (annoyed, troubled, afflicted, harassed) because you take a stand for Jesus; perhaps by your own family and loved ones. They may think you are ‘a little off.’ I can verify this. But, we must consider what we will gain. Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. [KJV] . . . God takes care of His own!
Anything we give up to follow Christ will be given back unto us a hundredfold; maybe not in this life but in the life to come. We are the light of the world. We must live for Christ, we must glow like lights, showing others what Christ is like. Don’t hide your light by: (1.) being quiet when we should speak, (2.) going along with the crowd, (3.) denying right and going along with wrong, (4.) letting sin dim our light, (5.) not telling others about our light, (6.) ignoring the needs of others. We should be like a lighthouse in storm, a beacon shining for all to see; don’t shut your light off from the rest of the world, don’t hide it under a basket! Don’t be ashamed of Jesus!
Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels. [KJV] . . . I do NOT want Jesus to ever be ashamed of me. We have a choice. We can reject Jesus now and be rejected by Him at His second coming, or we can accept Him now and be accepted by Him then. Rejecting Christ may help us escape minor shame for the time being, but it will guarantee an eternity of devastating shame later. We must follow Jesus by imitating His life and obeying Him. We must “take up our cross” simply meaning to deny ourselves and put Jesus first! If you are not willing to deny self, and follow Him, your ‘religion’ is in vain! It is lip service and hypocrisy! Following Jesus and telling others of Him should be at the top of your list if you are God’s child. GO YE THEREFORE! Don’t be ashamed of our most treasured Possession!
SALVATION
BELIEVE what God states about His Son.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: [KJV]
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. [KJV]
1 John 5:10-12 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.(KJV) . . . Do you believe this?
RECEIVE the Gift of salvation.
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. [KJV]
You can never ‘grow’ into being a Christian! You can never do enough ‘good’ things to become a Christian. Your name on the church roll, nor your church attendance will never make you a Christian. Belonging to a certain denomination will never make you a Christian. You must be born into God’s family by faith. When you believe God’s Word and receive His Son into your heart and life, then, and only then, are you a Christian. Once you are in the family of God, THEN you will grow as a Christian, and work for our Lord!
Once you make a true heart-felt commitment to Christ, HE makes a life-long commitment to you! He gives you eternal life and a future home in Heaven. You are saved! Once God’s child; His child forever!
Books You Should Read
Blessings and Curses Prophesied
Christ in Psalms
Christ in the Old Testament
Comfort From God
???Does God Really Love Me???
God's Wrath
God Cannot Lie
God Controls His Creation
Heaven vs Hell
Humility
Joseph, the Story of
Messianic Prophecies
Olivet Discourse
Our Awesome Triune God
Privileges of Believers
Rapture, Second Coming
Second Coming, And Other End Time Events
Understanding What Jesus Said
Unfulfilled Prophecies
Home Page
For our other web sites:
http://www.godcannotlie.org
http://www.hisservants.org
Poetry . . . http://www.hisservantsministry.org . . . Poetry
http://www.judgmentcoming.org
http://www.lastdaysprophecy.org
http://www.worldlychaos.org
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