This study on the First Epistle of John was made in 2004 to bring clarification to the truth of the Bible and to the truth about the holy heart and holy living. Throughout life I have met many people that use John's First Epistle to condone sin rather than to condemn it. They say that the Bible contradicts itself. Not so!
The New Testament was not written to condone sin. John's First Epistle will not contradict itself if studied in the right context. This First Epistle of John when kept in proper context brings to light the power and victory that all Christians can experience in 2009. Without contradiction! It will cut your thinking away from tradition, imagination, and religion. God's Word is rich, true, and teaches holiness of heart and sin free living. May this study (pt. 1) bless your personal life in Christ and your personal studies of the Bible, especially the New Testament records.
I thank God for the Apostleship of Brother Lindsey who was used by God to leave behind beautiful doctrines of holiness (like this foundation in First John) for all to learn from. I thank God for the technology that has made it possible to keep alive Brother Lindsey's teachings as well as his timeless audios that were made for the edification of the saints in Christ across this nation. Google makes this possible on this Blog! Sermon.net makes it possible on the Internet...but most of all God makes it possible through the willing heart of his servants for Christ. Glory to the name of God through Christ our Saviour! Glory to the name of Christ!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Getting people to Christ...as God wills
There is no format! God ministers to people severally as He wills. God uses men just like you and I to be His mouthpiece. God uses people just like you and to "win" people to Christ. We win...but God does the converting.
Jim Denton and I had an inspirational conversation last night about Hubert Lindsey and how Hubert's ministry for Christ was so affective to reach the hearts of men and women for Christ. It came to my attention that Brother Lindsey operated in many different offices to reach people's hearts and lives. Christ's ministry of Apostles, Prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers came to mind. I recognized how Brother Lindsey operated in these different offices to reach people for the cause of Christ. I was touched by Brother Lindsey's minstry and I have also advocated his teachings since day one.That ministry (the four fold ministry) still exists today! Christ still "gives" some to do this work! Why? To perfect the saints for the work of the ministry.
During the days of Berkeley (through the 60's and 70's) God used Brother Lindsey as an Evangelist. When Brother Lindsey started the Church in Birmingham (in the 80's) God used him as a teacher of teachers. The audio ministry that I am presently publishing on the Internet and in my personal ministry was made and published at that location. There was a radio broadcast called the Churches on Trial (which this Blog was named after). There were services 3-4 times a week. There were in depth Bible teachings (without limitations of denomination). God used Brother Lindsey in a different way in the 80's but Christ still gets the glory today.
I am a product of the ministry that God used Brother Lindsey to make public in those years. I trusted those teachings enough that God was able to operate through this writer and Preacher up to this present hour. Brother Lindsey's endeavors for Christ were true and on the mark. His teachings likewise meet that same standard.
I am thankful today that God has opened doors for this man to continue the Apostles doctrine of the teachings of the New Testament. This Blog is a work of beauty. My ministry for Christ (at the Upper Room) is work of beauty. My fellowship with others like Brother Denton in Pontiac Mi (who was influenced by Brother Lindsey's teachings) is a breath of fresh air.
This is my story and the story for Christ goes on and on. Glory!
Bible Study tonight...7:00 PM at the Upper Room.
Could this be Joy Unspeakable?
Jim Denton and I had an inspirational conversation last night about Hubert Lindsey and how Hubert's ministry for Christ was so affective to reach the hearts of men and women for Christ. It came to my attention that Brother Lindsey operated in many different offices to reach people's hearts and lives. Christ's ministry of Apostles, Prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers came to mind. I recognized how Brother Lindsey operated in these different offices to reach people for the cause of Christ. I was touched by Brother Lindsey's minstry and I have also advocated his teachings since day one.That ministry (the four fold ministry) still exists today! Christ still "gives" some to do this work! Why? To perfect the saints for the work of the ministry.
During the days of Berkeley (through the 60's and 70's) God used Brother Lindsey as an Evangelist. When Brother Lindsey started the Church in Birmingham (in the 80's) God used him as a teacher of teachers. The audio ministry that I am presently publishing on the Internet and in my personal ministry was made and published at that location. There was a radio broadcast called the Churches on Trial (which this Blog was named after). There were services 3-4 times a week. There were in depth Bible teachings (without limitations of denomination). God used Brother Lindsey in a different way in the 80's but Christ still gets the glory today.
I am a product of the ministry that God used Brother Lindsey to make public in those years. I trusted those teachings enough that God was able to operate through this writer and Preacher up to this present hour. Brother Lindsey's endeavors for Christ were true and on the mark. His teachings likewise meet that same standard.
I am thankful today that God has opened doors for this man to continue the Apostles doctrine of the teachings of the New Testament. This Blog is a work of beauty. My ministry for Christ (at the Upper Room) is work of beauty. My fellowship with others like Brother Denton in Pontiac Mi (who was influenced by Brother Lindsey's teachings) is a breath of fresh air.
This is my story and the story for Christ goes on and on. Glory!
Bible Study tonight...7:00 PM at the Upper Room.
Could this be Joy Unspeakable?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Fish Fry today at work...a witness for Christ
The beautiful thing about being a Christian is the fact that contentment is found that can be found nowhere else in life but through Christ. This contentment I speak of... the unsaved world never experiences. Being a Christian is an every minute, every hour, everyday life in Christ. It's a life totally dependant on Christ to meet every need of your life.
Christianity doesn't cease to exist or go cold if you're truly a Christian. It is lived out... at the work place, in your domestic life, in your personal life, or no matter where you're at. That's why I'm happy today having a Fish Fry with the co-workers.
I appreciate and treasure this life in Christ. I believe in faithfulness to Christ everyday of my life. I am not a part time Christian nor am I religious sinner. I practice what I preach and preach what I practice.
This Blog is a great Blessing and tool for Christ. The web site that Brother Jim Allen uses to post Hubert Lindsey's and my own audios on, is a blessing. It is this preachers desire to keep spreading the Word of Truth, Preaching the Gospel , recording and publishing audios, growing the Upper Room, and most of all keeping a clean heart. My mission is to teach others this same truth. Glory!
I'll close for now and have some fish. God bless you all! Thanks for your support! Stay faithful to Christ, testify to His Blessings. Glory to the name of Christ!
Christianity doesn't cease to exist or go cold if you're truly a Christian. It is lived out... at the work place, in your domestic life, in your personal life, or no matter where you're at. That's why I'm happy today having a Fish Fry with the co-workers.
I appreciate and treasure this life in Christ. I believe in faithfulness to Christ everyday of my life. I am not a part time Christian nor am I religious sinner. I practice what I preach and preach what I practice.
This Blog is a great Blessing and tool for Christ. The web site that Brother Jim Allen uses to post Hubert Lindsey's and my own audios on, is a blessing. It is this preachers desire to keep spreading the Word of Truth, Preaching the Gospel , recording and publishing audios, growing the Upper Room, and most of all keeping a clean heart. My mission is to teach others this same truth. Glory!
I'll close for now and have some fish. God bless you all! Thanks for your support! Stay faithful to Christ, testify to His Blessings. Glory to the name of Christ!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Why perfection in the Bible? (pt.#2)
After the new birth is experienced a conflict begins between the carnal and the divine natures. This conflict arises between a newfound state of holiness and the selfish old nature of man that has always gone its own way. As the Holy Spirit reveals the person and presence of Christ to the human conscience the Old man is exposed to the delivering power of the Holy Spirit. This enlightenment shows man what he really is in the presence of a Savior. This enlightenment becomes man’s path to end the conflict or struggle within. Through the perfect work of the Holy Spirit all believers in Christ are led to the crucifixion of self which is the human side of Sanctification.
• Gal 5:24…And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
• Rom 6:6… Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him
• Rom 6:7…For he that is dead is freed from sin.
As the revelation of Calvary is made known in the heart of a believer death to self is also made known through the Holy Spirit’s presence. When the Old Man is finally put to death, the body of sin can be destroyed through the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. The word, destroy in the Greek katargeo means: to put away…at one stroke which implies an instantaneous act of the Spirit of God and deals particularly with the carnal nature of man.
• Rom 6:6…Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
• Col 2:11…in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
• Gal 5:24-25… And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
This Baptism which follows the new birth cleanses and purifies the hearts desire from the old life, the old ways, and the old habits. The cleansing work of the Holy Spirit destroys the body of sin and is not a progressive work. It’s an instantaneous and perfect work of God’s purity and holiness. It deals specifically with the inherited carnal nature that conflicts with the Divine nature received at the new birth.
• James 4:8…purify your hearts, ye double minded
• Acts 15:8-9…giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
• 2 Cor 7:1…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
After the Old Man is crucified the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire instantaneously purges the heart from the inherited root of sin. This allows the Holy Spirit to take full possession of mans being and thus eliminates double mindedness. This perfect work of the Holy Spirit and fire is freedom from the conflicting bondage of a carnal nature. This Divine operation of the Holy Spirit is called, “Entire Sanctification”.
• 1 Thess 5:23-24…And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly (entire); and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
• James 1:4…that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
• Rom 8:3-4…God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit
Why is perfection taught in the Bible? The purpose of God’s perfection is to fully equip the child of God with everything needed to go to heaven but perfection also helps the child of God to stand against sin, temptation, or the problems of life. The blessing of perfection builds a believer’s assurance in God. How? After the moral make-up is changed man becomes more dependent on God for all his needs. Dependency enables the believer to deal better with many of the outer circumstances of life. The Greek word katartizo deals with another side of perfection which is not just the changed moral make-up of man. In this context, it equips the saints and makes them thoroughly complete to stand strong against outside problems or various circumstances of life. Confidence and total trust in Christ is developed through God’s perfection.
A Christian’s growth has no relation to spiritual maturity or the process of maturing gradually into salvation, but rather deals with growing in the Grace and knowledge of Christ. Maturity was never mentioned in the Bible or the Greek text. Growth relates to faith and knowledge, which can increase throughout the life of a believing Christian. Granted, a Christian can be a babe, a son, a young man, or a father but he is still a Christian. The stages of a Christian life can vary concerning knowledge, but will never vary concerning salvation of the soul. There is no greater or less of a child of God. A child of God is a new creature created in holiness at the new birth. A sinner does not grow gradually into God’s holiness. Forgiveness is received by trusting in the death of Christ alone and man is made perfect by God’s workmanship through an instantaneous work of salvation. Teleios…Greek for perfect means…of full age. Growth is not implied here.
• Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight,
• Eph 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.
A believer in Christ cannot gradually be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible proves that filling is an instantaneous work through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. On the Day of Pentecost the baptism in the Upper Room was an instantaneous filling in the hearts of those believers who were already saved. Likewise today this same baptism fills the believer’s heart when one is emptied of self … instantaneously. Nowhere in the Bible does the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire imply a progressive Sanctification.
Sanctification, Baptism, Holiness, and Perfection one in the same, are all Biblical terms used to describe the operation of God’s Grace in the heart and life of a believer. Perfection is a complete work of heart purity performed by God and not the process of spiritual maturity performed by man. Contrary to many teachings perfection will always be the true and holy language of New Testament and should be carried out in the life of the believer. Why? God’s perfection is the only way man can find satisfaction in Christ. Perfection is the only way contentment is provided for the children of God. Only the perfect work of the Spirit God endues men with power from above and makes them effective witnesses for Christ. Biblical perfection is… the fullness of God’s blessing in the life of a believer.
• God, who is perfect, created a perfect church in order to morally change the make-up of unholy man to holy. This Divine act of perfection produces holiness, righteousness, and obedience in the moral character of man. It is imputed to the soul through the Spirit of God. The fruit of Biblical perfection is love for God and love for humanity.
• Gal 5:24…And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
• Rom 6:6… Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him
• Rom 6:7…For he that is dead is freed from sin.
As the revelation of Calvary is made known in the heart of a believer death to self is also made known through the Holy Spirit’s presence. When the Old Man is finally put to death, the body of sin can be destroyed through the sanctifying power of the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. The word, destroy in the Greek katargeo means: to put away…at one stroke which implies an instantaneous act of the Spirit of God and deals particularly with the carnal nature of man.
• Rom 6:6…Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
• Col 2:11…in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
• Gal 5:24-25… And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
This Baptism which follows the new birth cleanses and purifies the hearts desire from the old life, the old ways, and the old habits. The cleansing work of the Holy Spirit destroys the body of sin and is not a progressive work. It’s an instantaneous and perfect work of God’s purity and holiness. It deals specifically with the inherited carnal nature that conflicts with the Divine nature received at the new birth.
• James 4:8…purify your hearts, ye double minded
• Acts 15:8-9…giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
• 2 Cor 7:1…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
After the Old Man is crucified the baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire instantaneously purges the heart from the inherited root of sin. This allows the Holy Spirit to take full possession of mans being and thus eliminates double mindedness. This perfect work of the Holy Spirit and fire is freedom from the conflicting bondage of a carnal nature. This Divine operation of the Holy Spirit is called, “Entire Sanctification”.
• 1 Thess 5:23-24…And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly (entire); and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
• James 1:4…that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
• Rom 8:3-4…God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit
Why is perfection taught in the Bible? The purpose of God’s perfection is to fully equip the child of God with everything needed to go to heaven but perfection also helps the child of God to stand against sin, temptation, or the problems of life. The blessing of perfection builds a believer’s assurance in God. How? After the moral make-up is changed man becomes more dependent on God for all his needs. Dependency enables the believer to deal better with many of the outer circumstances of life. The Greek word katartizo deals with another side of perfection which is not just the changed moral make-up of man. In this context, it equips the saints and makes them thoroughly complete to stand strong against outside problems or various circumstances of life. Confidence and total trust in Christ is developed through God’s perfection.
A Christian’s growth has no relation to spiritual maturity or the process of maturing gradually into salvation, but rather deals with growing in the Grace and knowledge of Christ. Maturity was never mentioned in the Bible or the Greek text. Growth relates to faith and knowledge, which can increase throughout the life of a believing Christian. Granted, a Christian can be a babe, a son, a young man, or a father but he is still a Christian. The stages of a Christian life can vary concerning knowledge, but will never vary concerning salvation of the soul. There is no greater or less of a child of God. A child of God is a new creature created in holiness at the new birth. A sinner does not grow gradually into God’s holiness. Forgiveness is received by trusting in the death of Christ alone and man is made perfect by God’s workmanship through an instantaneous work of salvation. Teleios…Greek for perfect means…of full age. Growth is not implied here.
• Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight,
• Eph 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.
A believer in Christ cannot gradually be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible proves that filling is an instantaneous work through the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire. On the Day of Pentecost the baptism in the Upper Room was an instantaneous filling in the hearts of those believers who were already saved. Likewise today this same baptism fills the believer’s heart when one is emptied of self … instantaneously. Nowhere in the Bible does the Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire imply a progressive Sanctification.
Sanctification, Baptism, Holiness, and Perfection one in the same, are all Biblical terms used to describe the operation of God’s Grace in the heart and life of a believer. Perfection is a complete work of heart purity performed by God and not the process of spiritual maturity performed by man. Contrary to many teachings perfection will always be the true and holy language of New Testament and should be carried out in the life of the believer. Why? God’s perfection is the only way man can find satisfaction in Christ. Perfection is the only way contentment is provided for the children of God. Only the perfect work of the Spirit God endues men with power from above and makes them effective witnesses for Christ. Biblical perfection is… the fullness of God’s blessing in the life of a believer.
• God, who is perfect, created a perfect church in order to morally change the make-up of unholy man to holy. This Divine act of perfection produces holiness, righteousness, and obedience in the moral character of man. It is imputed to the soul through the Spirit of God. The fruit of Biblical perfection is love for God and love for humanity.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Why perfection in the Bible?
The controversial subject of Biblical perfection is probably misunderstood more than any other topic in the Bible. When regarding the fact that words such as perfect, perfection, perfecting, and perfected are used 120 times in the Bible this subject raises many eyebrows. What’s misunderstood is that people feel they can change themselves morally and/or gradually without the power of Christ or accountability to God. This has led many away from imputed righteousness and truth concerning Biblical perfection. Many verses in the Bible concerning perfection are frequently misused and wrenched out of proper context. The reason for misuse in most cases is simply a means to justify sin or wrongdoing in the personal life. Bible language concerning perfection is often dodged because it points the fact that Christians can and should live without sin. Very few teachings will agree to the fact that Christians can live without sin. People naturally believe living without sin is impossible but, both the Spirit of God and the language of the New Testament prove this lifestyle as… the sacred theme of the Bible.
Often statements are made such as, “Christians are not perfect”, “I’m striving to be perfect”, or “I’m growing into maturity”. These statements are out of scriptural context and totally unbiblical. Nowhere in the Holy Scriptures are these statements confirmed. Nowhere is the word imperfection found within the contents of the Bible. Only the opposite is true. The word perfect in Greek teleios relates to the changed moral character of man as a result of the power of God. Teleios is defined: of full age…complete …and completeness. The Greek text indicates Christians are complete or of full age at the new birth when they become a child of God by trusting Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Adam the first man was created in a divine image. So likewise is a penitent sinner that accepts Christ as Savior and redeemer.
To say a Christian cannot be perfect denies all New Testament truth concerning the work of the Spirit in the heart and life of a believer. The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are perfect in Christ which simply means…made complete by the Spirit in love, holiness, and obedience to God.
· 1 Cor 2:6…Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:
· Col 1:27-28…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
· Col 2:10…and ye are complete in him, which is the head
Biblical Perfection deals with the changed moral make-up in man by the operation of God. It’s the perfect work of God’s righteousness imputed to the heart of a believer at the new birth. When a penitent sinner makes confession to God for all past sins; he believes with his heart that Christ is God; the mind, soul, and strength are regenerated with a holiness and righteousness given from God. Its God’s Grace that produces a changed being and new nature. By the power of God unregenerate man can be morally restored to a right, holy, and obedient state of being. God’s perfection enables any believer to live without sin and to stay right with a consciousness of His Divine presence at all times.
· Phil 1:6…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
· Phil 2:13…For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
· Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.
The moral make-up of a natural man is sinful, unholy, and disobedient to God.
The moral make-up of a believer in Christ is righteous, holy and obedient to God.
When man is saved by Grace he becomes a new creature in Christ. This new creation is created with a divine nature in the image of Christ. The moral state and nature of man are changed by the power of God. Only a Divine act of God changes the moral make-up of a sinful man and this operation is not a gradual process. It is an instantaneous and perfect work of the Spirit which comes through regeneration in the new birth.
· 2 Cor 5:17…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
· Titus 3:5…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
· 2 Peter 1:4…ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
Man cannot achieve, advance, or work toward a God given state of holiness. God’s holiness is only imputed to the heart of man through trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Regeneration of the Spirit creates a holy heart and gives man an ability to live right. How? A believers desire to commit sin is taken away by the Spirit of God through faith in Calvary. The Holy Spirit gives the believer a new desire to stop sinning. Biblical perfection thus becomes reality through a believer’s holy conduct in the sight of God. Holiness is experienced not only beyond the grave on the other side, but now in this side of life by walking in the Spirit. Holy conduct was purposed by God in the body of Christ to present all members perfect… in love, holiness, and obedience.
· Heb 12:23…To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect…
· Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.
· Col 1:27-28…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Often statements are made such as, “Christians are not perfect”, “I’m striving to be perfect”, or “I’m growing into maturity”. These statements are out of scriptural context and totally unbiblical. Nowhere in the Holy Scriptures are these statements confirmed. Nowhere is the word imperfection found within the contents of the Bible. Only the opposite is true. The word perfect in Greek teleios relates to the changed moral character of man as a result of the power of God. Teleios is defined: of full age…complete …and completeness. The Greek text indicates Christians are complete or of full age at the new birth when they become a child of God by trusting Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Adam the first man was created in a divine image. So likewise is a penitent sinner that accepts Christ as Savior and redeemer.
To say a Christian cannot be perfect denies all New Testament truth concerning the work of the Spirit in the heart and life of a believer. The Bible clearly teaches that Christians are perfect in Christ which simply means…made complete by the Spirit in love, holiness, and obedience to God.
· 1 Cor 2:6…Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:
· Col 1:27-28…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
· Col 2:10…and ye are complete in him, which is the head
Biblical Perfection deals with the changed moral make-up in man by the operation of God. It’s the perfect work of God’s righteousness imputed to the heart of a believer at the new birth. When a penitent sinner makes confession to God for all past sins; he believes with his heart that Christ is God; the mind, soul, and strength are regenerated with a holiness and righteousness given from God. Its God’s Grace that produces a changed being and new nature. By the power of God unregenerate man can be morally restored to a right, holy, and obedient state of being. God’s perfection enables any believer to live without sin and to stay right with a consciousness of His Divine presence at all times.
· Phil 1:6…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
· Phil 2:13…For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
· Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.
The moral make-up of a natural man is sinful, unholy, and disobedient to God.
The moral make-up of a believer in Christ is righteous, holy and obedient to God.
When man is saved by Grace he becomes a new creature in Christ. This new creation is created with a divine nature in the image of Christ. The moral state and nature of man are changed by the power of God. Only a Divine act of God changes the moral make-up of a sinful man and this operation is not a gradual process. It is an instantaneous and perfect work of the Spirit which comes through regeneration in the new birth.
· 2 Cor 5:17…Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
· Titus 3:5…Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
· 2 Peter 1:4…ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world
Man cannot achieve, advance, or work toward a God given state of holiness. God’s holiness is only imputed to the heart of man through trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Regeneration of the Spirit creates a holy heart and gives man an ability to live right. How? A believers desire to commit sin is taken away by the Spirit of God through faith in Calvary. The Holy Spirit gives the believer a new desire to stop sinning. Biblical perfection thus becomes reality through a believer’s holy conduct in the sight of God. Holiness is experienced not only beyond the grave on the other side, but now in this side of life by walking in the Spirit. Holy conduct was purposed by God in the body of Christ to present all members perfect… in love, holiness, and obedience.
· Heb 12:23…To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect…
· Heb 13:20-21…Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.
· Col 1:27-28…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
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