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!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
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.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Divine Revelation from God is ministered to the heart of man (pt.2)
Prophecy reveals the basis of our faith…
· 1 Peter 1:10-13…Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
How does prophecy reveal the basis of faith? Two ways; first, it reveals a suffering Savior; second, it reveals what man is. In light of Christ, prophecy shows man his natural rejection of a Savior’s love. Rejection of Christ not acceptance is man’s natural inclination toward Christ. Faith comes to man by hearing the Word of God. Prophetic truth stirs the soul of a natural man. The Word gives evidence. So, how is prophecy the basis of faith? The suffering of Christ reveals to man what he really is. Man recognizes what he is in light of a Savior’s love for humanity through suffering and death on the cross. Man is thus enlightened to the truth. Man realizes his helplessness and need. Consent of the human will is thus given to God at repentance. Natural understanding is surrendered when man trust’s in Christ’s death and redemptive work on the cross. When man trusts in a suffering Savior’s love for the sinner…he is granted the forgiveness of sins through God’s Justification. Sin is therefore renounced as the believer is given a new desire to quit practicing sin. That desire is initiated by the power of the Holy Ghost, at repentance. Faith is established in the Word of God. Faith can therefore be built upon when evidence is given from the Scriptures.
Revelation of the suffering Christ sways the heart of man...
Many Old Testament prophecies point to death, burial, and resurrection of a Savior. Prophecies also reveal inherited depravity and rejection of the human heart. Prophecies reveal the truth about what man really is. Prophecies prove why man naturally rejects the truth about redemptive power given through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross. In light of hearing the true Gospel of a Suffering Savior, sinful men are led to repentance by the work of the Holy Spirit within the human soul. Sinful men that hear the Gospel are called to God through the Spirit’s work of truth. Truth about Christ (based on prophecy) gives the hearer something to exercise and place faith into. After Salvation is revealed and accepted, believers are kept by the power of God through faith.
· 1 Peter 1:5…Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
How does Divine Revelation affect the human being (soul, spirit, and body)?
The make-up of the human being consists of three parts; soul, spirit, and body. Within the human makeup, man is naturally self-centered where only the Spirit of God can change man from his natural inclination and rejection of a Savior. After the Revelation of Christ is acknowledged in the new birth, the Spirit of God unites with the spirit of man. Man’s consciousness toward God is thus changed from an inherited self centeredness, to a God given Christ centeredness. God consciousness is revealed to the spirit of man through the union of a new birth in Christ. A God given inclination to do right is given to the penitent after he receives the forgiveness of sins. This inclination sways the soul’s consciousness of self, toward the spirits consciousness of God in Christ. The spirit of man gains control over mans self inclination of the soul because the Word of God*(the basis of our faith) has divided the spirit, from the soul’s natural possession. This operation of God that reveals the person of Christ to the human soul… is Divine Revelation.
· 1 Cor 2:11-12…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. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God
*The truth of the Word of God divides the soul and spirit of man from self inclination to Christ centeredness. The truth of the Word of God affects to will of man enough to do right instead of wrong. The truth of the Word of God also distinguishes the difference between what man thinks and the intentions of his heart.
Divine revelation ministered to the human soul through evidence given in the Word…
· Heb 4:12…For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The revelation of God’s word through the Gospel message affects the soul of man and enhances God consciousness in the spirit of man. Divine revelation from the Word of God divides the soul and spirit of man and distinguishes the difference between mans thoughts and intents of the heart. The Bible instructs us to have the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus”. The mind of a child of God thinks differently than the mind of the unsaved. A child of God glorifies God in the body because his actions and decisions are changed by the Grace of God. Why? After union is made between the Spirit of God and the human spirit, the child of God’s mind, will, and intellect are governed by the Spirit of God. The power of the Holy Ghost within the child of God’s inner being takes control of the physical body (unlike the past life governed by the flesh). The conduct of a believer in the sight of God is likewise different than the conduct of an unbeliever. The difference between a “believer and unbeliever” is, “The believer has accepted Christ for the forgiveness of sins and forsakes sin in his daily walk. The unbeliever hasn’t”. The Word of God reveals and teaches this very distinction.
Unregenerate man is enlightened to the truth about Christ’s redemptive work through Divine Revelation…
Revelation from God stirs the soul of an unregenerate and causes him to reach Christ through repentance. The penitent unites with God “when” he believes. Belief is consent of the human will to God. In belief man’s understanding is surrendered to the redemptive work of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. When man trusts in Christ’s redemptive work and receives the forgiveness of sins a renunciation* from all sinful conduct in the sight of God will thus begin the life of holiness. The unregenerate man’s inner being is thus regenerated by the manifested power of the Holy Ghost.
· 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;
*The believer’s sins are not only forgiven in the new birth, a new desire is given to “forsake” sinful conduct in the new life.
Revelation comes by the word of faith…
The truth about Christ is prophetically revealed through preaching God’s Word. This word is called, “the word of Faith”. Believing comes from within the heart of man that has heard and received the truth of the Gospel message. Believing stems from the mind, will, and understanding of a man to whom God reveals the truth of the Gospel. Confession is made in both, word and conduct.
· Rom 10:8-9…But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved
Hearing reveals the Gospel…the Gospel calls men to God…and the Gospel gives man something to place his faith into…until the Rapture.
· Rom 10:16-17…6 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
What is the Gospel? It was a mystery in times past but is now revealed to us by the Spirit. Paul was separated unto the Gospel by the Grace of God.
· Rom 1:1-6…Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Revelation from the Gospel calls men to God through Christ. When believers take hold of Christ, holiness of heart and obedience of conduct begin. A heartfelt relationship in the Spirit of God begins as God continues giving revelation to the heart. Faithfulness is always carried out in the life of a believer. Sin doesn’t live there anymore as the child of God is ashamed of the past life. The hearts and minds of believers are kept by the power of God revealed to the human soul. Through our revelation of an invisible Christ whose coming back to take this Church out in the Rapture; contentment and peace that passes all understanding is given to us everyday of our lives… this side of Heaven.
· Phil 4:7…And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
· 1 Peter 1:10-13…Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.
How does prophecy reveal the basis of faith? Two ways; first, it reveals a suffering Savior; second, it reveals what man is. In light of Christ, prophecy shows man his natural rejection of a Savior’s love. Rejection of Christ not acceptance is man’s natural inclination toward Christ. Faith comes to man by hearing the Word of God. Prophetic truth stirs the soul of a natural man. The Word gives evidence. So, how is prophecy the basis of faith? The suffering of Christ reveals to man what he really is. Man recognizes what he is in light of a Savior’s love for humanity through suffering and death on the cross. Man is thus enlightened to the truth. Man realizes his helplessness and need. Consent of the human will is thus given to God at repentance. Natural understanding is surrendered when man trust’s in Christ’s death and redemptive work on the cross. When man trusts in a suffering Savior’s love for the sinner…he is granted the forgiveness of sins through God’s Justification. Sin is therefore renounced as the believer is given a new desire to quit practicing sin. That desire is initiated by the power of the Holy Ghost, at repentance. Faith is established in the Word of God. Faith can therefore be built upon when evidence is given from the Scriptures.
Revelation of the suffering Christ sways the heart of man...
Many Old Testament prophecies point to death, burial, and resurrection of a Savior. Prophecies also reveal inherited depravity and rejection of the human heart. Prophecies reveal the truth about what man really is. Prophecies prove why man naturally rejects the truth about redemptive power given through Christ’s suffering and death on the cross. In light of hearing the true Gospel of a Suffering Savior, sinful men are led to repentance by the work of the Holy Spirit within the human soul. Sinful men that hear the Gospel are called to God through the Spirit’s work of truth. Truth about Christ (based on prophecy) gives the hearer something to exercise and place faith into. After Salvation is revealed and accepted, believers are kept by the power of God through faith.
· 1 Peter 1:5…Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
How does Divine Revelation affect the human being (soul, spirit, and body)?
The make-up of the human being consists of three parts; soul, spirit, and body. Within the human makeup, man is naturally self-centered where only the Spirit of God can change man from his natural inclination and rejection of a Savior. After the Revelation of Christ is acknowledged in the new birth, the Spirit of God unites with the spirit of man. Man’s consciousness toward God is thus changed from an inherited self centeredness, to a God given Christ centeredness. God consciousness is revealed to the spirit of man through the union of a new birth in Christ. A God given inclination to do right is given to the penitent after he receives the forgiveness of sins. This inclination sways the soul’s consciousness of self, toward the spirits consciousness of God in Christ. The spirit of man gains control over mans self inclination of the soul because the Word of God*(the basis of our faith) has divided the spirit, from the soul’s natural possession. This operation of God that reveals the person of Christ to the human soul… is Divine Revelation.
· 1 Cor 2:11-12…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. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God
*The truth of the Word of God divides the soul and spirit of man from self inclination to Christ centeredness. The truth of the Word of God affects to will of man enough to do right instead of wrong. The truth of the Word of God also distinguishes the difference between what man thinks and the intentions of his heart.
Divine revelation ministered to the human soul through evidence given in the Word…
· Heb 4:12…For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The revelation of God’s word through the Gospel message affects the soul of man and enhances God consciousness in the spirit of man. Divine revelation from the Word of God divides the soul and spirit of man and distinguishes the difference between mans thoughts and intents of the heart. The Bible instructs us to have the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus”. The mind of a child of God thinks differently than the mind of the unsaved. A child of God glorifies God in the body because his actions and decisions are changed by the Grace of God. Why? After union is made between the Spirit of God and the human spirit, the child of God’s mind, will, and intellect are governed by the Spirit of God. The power of the Holy Ghost within the child of God’s inner being takes control of the physical body (unlike the past life governed by the flesh). The conduct of a believer in the sight of God is likewise different than the conduct of an unbeliever. The difference between a “believer and unbeliever” is, “The believer has accepted Christ for the forgiveness of sins and forsakes sin in his daily walk. The unbeliever hasn’t”. The Word of God reveals and teaches this very distinction.
Unregenerate man is enlightened to the truth about Christ’s redemptive work through Divine Revelation…
Revelation from God stirs the soul of an unregenerate and causes him to reach Christ through repentance. The penitent unites with God “when” he believes. Belief is consent of the human will to God. In belief man’s understanding is surrendered to the redemptive work of Christ for the forgiveness of sins. When man trusts in Christ’s redemptive work and receives the forgiveness of sins a renunciation* from all sinful conduct in the sight of God will thus begin the life of holiness. The unregenerate man’s inner being is thus regenerated by the manifested power of the Holy Ghost.
· 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;
*The believer’s sins are not only forgiven in the new birth, a new desire is given to “forsake” sinful conduct in the new life.
Revelation comes by the word of faith…
The truth about Christ is prophetically revealed through preaching God’s Word. This word is called, “the word of Faith”. Believing comes from within the heart of man that has heard and received the truth of the Gospel message. Believing stems from the mind, will, and understanding of a man to whom God reveals the truth of the Gospel. Confession is made in both, word and conduct.
· Rom 10:8-9…But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved
Hearing reveals the Gospel…the Gospel calls men to God…and the Gospel gives man something to place his faith into…until the Rapture.
· Rom 10:16-17…6 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
What is the Gospel? It was a mystery in times past but is now revealed to us by the Spirit. Paul was separated unto the Gospel by the Grace of God.
· Rom 1:1-6…Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
Revelation from the Gospel calls men to God through Christ. When believers take hold of Christ, holiness of heart and obedience of conduct begin. A heartfelt relationship in the Spirit of God begins as God continues giving revelation to the heart. Faithfulness is always carried out in the life of a believer. Sin doesn’t live there anymore as the child of God is ashamed of the past life. The hearts and minds of believers are kept by the power of God revealed to the human soul. Through our revelation of an invisible Christ whose coming back to take this Church out in the Rapture; contentment and peace that passes all understanding is given to us everyday of our lives… this side of Heaven.
· Phil 4:7…And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Link to Hubert Lindsey and Rick Roehm preaching audios
This beautiful link Scroll and select audio (that I plan to include often on this Blog) has been made by dear Brother in Christ...Jim Allen. Jim is a faithful attendee at the Upper Room, our New Testament Church in Williamsburg, Ohio. Jim started this ministry posting Brother Lindsey's archives of teaching and preaching material a few weeks ago. By the Grace of God another door has been opened to publish our own Sunday Night Service and Thursday Bible Study from the Upper Room. God has opened the door for Rick Roehm, the author of this Blog and preacher at the Upper Room to publish his own Gospel Message at this same link along with my dear Brother in Christ, Hubert Lindsey. By the Grace of God we are getting this "Rich Gospel Message" outside the confines of the Four Walls at our local body...The Upper Room. Christ has made the way. All Glory is given to Him. We magnify the Christ we preach because He has blessed our lives richly. Again here's the link to those beautiful audio recordings...that include The Beatitudes, The fruit of the Gospel message, Rightly dividing God's Word, and The two Biblical crucifixions.
How does God see the heart of man?
When God looks upon the heart of man from Heaven...He sees two types of man.
One man is a believer in Christ the other man is an unbeliever. A believer is a man who trusts in the death of Christ (alone) for the forgiveness of sins (accepts Christ). The unbeliever (rejects Christ) and has no forgiveness for his sins. God knows those who belong to Him.
2 Tim 2:19...The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
God’s forgiveness for sin saves the human soul from Hell and damnation. God’s forgiveness for sin also allows the heart of man to be clean and thus provides man with the power to do right. A believer is justified by God's Grace. A believer in Christ “minds” or “obeys’ the Spirit of God. Obedience to God 24-7 is the desire of a Christian.. Forgiveness allows the power of God's Grace (in Salvation) to change the moral make-up of a believer in Christ.
Titus 2:11-12...For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Here's what God's Word says about the unbeliever...
Rev 21:8...But the fearful, and "unbelieving", and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Jesus said more about Hell than He did Heaven...
As for children and those who do not know...
Rom 5:13 says...sin is not imputed when there is no law.
One man is a believer in Christ the other man is an unbeliever. A believer is a man who trusts in the death of Christ (alone) for the forgiveness of sins (accepts Christ). The unbeliever (rejects Christ) and has no forgiveness for his sins. God knows those who belong to Him.
2 Tim 2:19...The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
God’s forgiveness for sin saves the human soul from Hell and damnation. God’s forgiveness for sin also allows the heart of man to be clean and thus provides man with the power to do right. A believer is justified by God's Grace. A believer in Christ “minds” or “obeys’ the Spirit of God. Obedience to God 24-7 is the desire of a Christian.. Forgiveness allows the power of God's Grace (in Salvation) to change the moral make-up of a believer in Christ.
Titus 2:11-12...For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Here's what God's Word says about the unbeliever...
Rev 21:8...But the fearful, and "unbelieving", and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Jesus said more about Hell than He did Heaven...
As for children and those who do not know...
Rom 5:13 says...sin is not imputed when there is no law.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
John the Baptist...and his Divine Commission to Israel
John the Baptist was "foretold in the Old Testament Prophets" by Malachi and Isaiah. John was foreknown by the determinate council of God. The birth of John was spoken of by an angel of the Lord.
Luke 1:13-15...But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
When John appeared and began his ministry in Israel Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled. John the Baptists' ministry prepared Israel for the coming Messiah. How" His baptism allowed them to repent from a backslidden state and worship Christ as the promised Messiah. John's service within Israel was confirmed in the records of the Four Gospels.
God spoke through Malachi the Prophet saying that He would send His messenger before the Lord. The messenger that came before Christ was John the Baptist.
Mal 3:1...Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
John declared he was a prophetic voice for God that cried in the wilderness.
Matt 3:1-3...In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John the Baptist was God's forerunner to the Messiahship of Christ. John's Baptism was God's way for Israel (who had gotten away from the moral requirements of the Torah) to accept and worship Christ as Israel's promised Messiah. This was prophesied by Isaiah the Prophet.
Isa 40:3...The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
John the Baptist was sent by God
John 1:6...There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John was sent by God to carry out the Divine commission of water baptism in Israel. John's commision as a Levite Priest allowed backslidden Israel to be purified with waters of purification which in turn allowed backslidden Israel repentance, remission of sins, and eligibility to worship Christ as the Promised Messiah.
John 1:33...And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost
The reason; John's baptism separated and purified Israel from the tradition of the Elders that tainted Israel from keeping the Torah.
Matt 15:2-3...Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
John's baptism specifically pointed to Christ as the Messiah. John's service as a Baptizer (sprinkling waters of purification according to Numbers 8) came from the Law of God..the Torah.
Num 8:7...And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them,
John the Baptist prepared Israel for the Messiahship of Christ. John's service as a Baptizer also baptized Christ to carry out His earthly ministry according to the Law of God.
Within John's Divine commission he was also sent by God to preach the Kingdom of Heaven message in Israel.
Matt 3:1-2...In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Kingdom of Heaven was the promised restoration to Israel where Christ would reign as King from His earthly Throne in Jerusalem.
Jer 23:5...Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Zech 8:3-8...Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
John the Baptist had a legal right according to Law to sprinkle waters of purification because he was a Levite by bloodline and birth. Christ called John the Baptist a reed shaking in the wind.
Matt 11:7... And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
A reed (hyssop) was an instrument used by a Jewish minister to sprinkle waters of purification and/or blood for the use of ceremonial cleansing under the Law of Moses. Hebrews 9:19
John was the son of Zacharias who was a Levite. John's bloodline was of Levitical descent. According to the Torah firstborn sons of Levites were set aside by God to minister to the congregation of Israel. Levites were thus chosen by God to do a Divine service for the children of Israel.
Deut 18:6-7...And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose; Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD.
John's baptism was a Divine commission given from the council of God
John 1:33... And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me,
John's baptism superseded traditional washings and the customs of Pharisee's and Elders that made the commandment of God of none effect. Because of the attitude of these unbelieving Pharisee's they rejected the council of God (The Torah).
Luke 7:30...But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
The Sanhedrin and synagogues were also products of the tradition of the Elders which stemmed from Talmudic teachings. Talmudic teachings (which would take a lifetime for any scholar to understand) were derived from Israel's interpretation of the Torah. The Talmudic writings originated while Israel was in captivity during the Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Babylonian captivities.
John the Baptist was recognized by his disciples as a Rabbi, which means teacher of the Law.
John 3:26...And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
Christ called John the Baptist...more than a Prophet.
Matt 11:9-10...But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee
John's preaching allowed all of Israel and Judea to repent and accept the Messiahship of Christ. Mark 1:4, 5 John's baptism separated many in Israel from the tradition of the Elders that deviated Israel from the moral standard of the Law. Tradition and customs blinded the eyes of Israel from the purity and holiness of the Torah. John's ministry opened blind eyes and showed Israel a way to receive the coming of Christ. When Israel received the baptism of John they were able to accept and worship Christ as the promised Messiah.
John's baptism was commissioned by the Council of God. John's baptism set apart those in Israel who received the waters of purification, acknowledged the Law, and recognized the coming of the Messiah. John's Baptism was received in Israel as an act of faith by those who accepted the Messiahship of Christ.
John's baptism was moral purification from the uncleanness of tradition and Israel's interpretation of Law...to cleanness according to the moral requirements of the Torah.
Repentance and confessions of sin were wrought in people throughout Israel because of John's Baptism.
Mark 1:4-5...John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
John's preaching and his baptism enlightened Israel enough to turn them from the tradition of the Elders and mans interpretation of the Law through the Talmud. The Word of God came unto John in the wilderness.
Luke 3:2...the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness
This Word was according to the authority of Law, not the tradition of the Elders or man's interpretation of the Law through Talmudic teaching's.
John baptized Christ according to Law. The Law required Christ first to be thirty years old; second to be sprinkled with waters of purification before he could minister in the Temple, do service for the Lord, and teach the Torah.
Num 4:3...From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Num 4:30...From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Christ had to obey the Torah in every detail in order to be without sin. Christ could not disobey the Law of God in any respect. Why? To be a perfect sacrificial offering for the sins of humanity Christ had to be in perfect obedience to the Law of God. If Christ didn't keep the Law to the letter, he would have sinned against God! Christ was the only man that ever lived that was without sin.
Ps 1:1-2...Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
John's baptism allowed Christ to do the work of the ministry and preach the Kingdom message to Israel, according to Law. That's why Jesus said, "Suffer it to be so, now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness".
Matt 3:15...And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
John's baptism of Christ fulfilled all righteousness through the requirements of Divine Law.
Questions arose between John's disciples and the Jews concerning John's Baptism and waters of purification.
John 3:25...Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Why questions about purification? Israel's interpretation of Law through tradition and Talmudic teachings had led them into religious rituals, diver's washings, and various Jewish customs that were not taught in the Torah. From the Babylonian captivity Israel had deviated from the Law of the Torah. By not keeping the moral demands of the Law Israel was blinded and rejected the truth about Christ. John's baptism made Israel accountable to Divine Law thus turning them toward acceptance of Christ as the promised Messiah. John's Baptism had Divine purpose to sway Israel to an acceptance of the Messiahship of Christ. Many in Israel acknowledged the authority of John's baptism as a fulfillment of prophecy. Many in Israel knew John the Baptist was a Levite and had a legal right to minister waters of purification. Many in Israel knew John was a Prophet sent by God to prepare the way of Israel's promised Messiah.
John's baptism confirmed the truth of the Word written and spoken by the Prophets. John's baptism made Israel accountable to Law of God. Accountability to the Law of God enabled the common Jewish people to repent, to confess their sins, and prepare the way for Israel to accept Christ as the Messiah. Remember Isreal was backslidden from the Law of God! The Law of God required even more from the Pharisees and the Lawyer's who had pledges and ties to the Levitical order of Judaism. That's why John first warned the Pharisee's and Lawyer's of the Wrath to come and second told them to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. If John's Baptism was something "new" to the Pharisee's and Lawyer's, God would not have held them accountable for their lack of knowledge. The Scriptures teach the Pharisee's rejected the council of God in John's baptism. John's baptism through the Council of God was "not something new" to the Pharisee's and Lawyer's. It was according to Law!
Luke 7:30...But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
That's the reason why John treated the High Priests, Pharisee's, and Sadducee's whom he called Vipers different than the common Jewish people. He strongly admonished these leaders of the Jews, "Who hath warned you to flee the Wrath to come". Unlike the common people He told these Elders in Israel to bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
Matt 3:7..But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Luke 3:2-7...Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness; And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come
All the land of Judea and Jerusalem went out to be baptized of John.
Mark 1:5...And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
"All of Israel" recognized that John was a Prophet sent from God. That's why the Pharisee's were nervous when Christ asked them if John's Baptism was from Heaven or men. The Pharisee's refused to admit that John's Baptism was Heaven sent. On the other hand they were afraid the people would want to stone them if they admitted that John was truly a prophet sent by God.
Luke 20:4-8...The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
John's Divine commission to preach and baptize was to "all of Israel and the land of Judea". John the Baptist was the last record in the Bible of a Levite priest. There are no records found in the Bible that John ever baptized a Gentile.
Luke 1:13-15...But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
When John appeared and began his ministry in Israel Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled. John the Baptists' ministry prepared Israel for the coming Messiah. How" His baptism allowed them to repent from a backslidden state and worship Christ as the promised Messiah. John's service within Israel was confirmed in the records of the Four Gospels.
God spoke through Malachi the Prophet saying that He would send His messenger before the Lord. The messenger that came before Christ was John the Baptist.
Mal 3:1...Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in:
John declared he was a prophetic voice for God that cried in the wilderness.
Matt 3:1-3...In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand". For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John the Baptist was God's forerunner to the Messiahship of Christ. John's Baptism was God's way for Israel (who had gotten away from the moral requirements of the Torah) to accept and worship Christ as Israel's promised Messiah. This was prophesied by Isaiah the Prophet.
Isa 40:3...The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
John the Baptist was sent by God
John 1:6...There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
John was sent by God to carry out the Divine commission of water baptism in Israel. John's commision as a Levite Priest allowed backslidden Israel to be purified with waters of purification which in turn allowed backslidden Israel repentance, remission of sins, and eligibility to worship Christ as the Promised Messiah.
John 1:33...And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost
The reason; John's baptism separated and purified Israel from the tradition of the Elders that tainted Israel from keeping the Torah.
Matt 15:2-3...Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
John's baptism specifically pointed to Christ as the Messiah. John's service as a Baptizer (sprinkling waters of purification according to Numbers 8) came from the Law of God..the Torah.
Num 8:7...And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them,
John the Baptist prepared Israel for the Messiahship of Christ. John's service as a Baptizer also baptized Christ to carry out His earthly ministry according to the Law of God.
Within John's Divine commission he was also sent by God to preach the Kingdom of Heaven message in Israel.
Matt 3:1-2...In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The Kingdom of Heaven was the promised restoration to Israel where Christ would reign as King from His earthly Throne in Jerusalem.
Jer 23:5...Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Zech 8:3-8...Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; There shall yet old men and old women dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand for very age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets thereof. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If it be marvellous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvellous in mine eyes? saith the LORD of hosts. Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country; And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.
John the Baptist had a legal right according to Law to sprinkle waters of purification because he was a Levite by bloodline and birth. Christ called John the Baptist a reed shaking in the wind.
Matt 11:7... And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
A reed (hyssop) was an instrument used by a Jewish minister to sprinkle waters of purification and/or blood for the use of ceremonial cleansing under the Law of Moses. Hebrews 9:19
John was the son of Zacharias who was a Levite. John's bloodline was of Levitical descent. According to the Torah firstborn sons of Levites were set aside by God to minister to the congregation of Israel. Levites were thus chosen by God to do a Divine service for the children of Israel.
Deut 18:6-7...And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the LORD shall choose; Then he shall minister in the name of the LORD his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the LORD.
John's baptism was a Divine commission given from the council of God
John 1:33... And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me,
John's baptism superseded traditional washings and the customs of Pharisee's and Elders that made the commandment of God of none effect. Because of the attitude of these unbelieving Pharisee's they rejected the council of God (The Torah).
Luke 7:30...But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
The Sanhedrin and synagogues were also products of the tradition of the Elders which stemmed from Talmudic teachings. Talmudic teachings (which would take a lifetime for any scholar to understand) were derived from Israel's interpretation of the Torah. The Talmudic writings originated while Israel was in captivity during the Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Babylonian captivities.
John the Baptist was recognized by his disciples as a Rabbi, which means teacher of the Law.
John 3:26...And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
Christ called John the Baptist...more than a Prophet.
Matt 11:9-10...But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet.For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee
John's preaching allowed all of Israel and Judea to repent and accept the Messiahship of Christ. Mark 1:4, 5 John's baptism separated many in Israel from the tradition of the Elders that deviated Israel from the moral standard of the Law. Tradition and customs blinded the eyes of Israel from the purity and holiness of the Torah. John's ministry opened blind eyes and showed Israel a way to receive the coming of Christ. When Israel received the baptism of John they were able to accept and worship Christ as the promised Messiah.
John's baptism was commissioned by the Council of God. John's baptism set apart those in Israel who received the waters of purification, acknowledged the Law, and recognized the coming of the Messiah. John's Baptism was received in Israel as an act of faith by those who accepted the Messiahship of Christ.
John's baptism was moral purification from the uncleanness of tradition and Israel's interpretation of Law...to cleanness according to the moral requirements of the Torah.
Repentance and confessions of sin were wrought in people throughout Israel because of John's Baptism.
Mark 1:4-5...John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
John's preaching and his baptism enlightened Israel enough to turn them from the tradition of the Elders and mans interpretation of the Law through the Talmud. The Word of God came unto John in the wilderness.
Luke 3:2...the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness
This Word was according to the authority of Law, not the tradition of the Elders or man's interpretation of the Law through Talmudic teaching's.
John baptized Christ according to Law. The Law required Christ first to be thirty years old; second to be sprinkled with waters of purification before he could minister in the Temple, do service for the Lord, and teach the Torah.
Num 4:3...From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.
Num 4:30...From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Christ had to obey the Torah in every detail in order to be without sin. Christ could not disobey the Law of God in any respect. Why? To be a perfect sacrificial offering for the sins of humanity Christ had to be in perfect obedience to the Law of God. If Christ didn't keep the Law to the letter, he would have sinned against God! Christ was the only man that ever lived that was without sin.
Ps 1:1-2...Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
John's baptism allowed Christ to do the work of the ministry and preach the Kingdom message to Israel, according to Law. That's why Jesus said, "Suffer it to be so, now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness".
Matt 3:15...And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
John's baptism of Christ fulfilled all righteousness through the requirements of Divine Law.
Questions arose between John's disciples and the Jews concerning John's Baptism and waters of purification.
John 3:25...Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
Why questions about purification? Israel's interpretation of Law through tradition and Talmudic teachings had led them into religious rituals, diver's washings, and various Jewish customs that were not taught in the Torah. From the Babylonian captivity Israel had deviated from the Law of the Torah. By not keeping the moral demands of the Law Israel was blinded and rejected the truth about Christ. John's baptism made Israel accountable to Divine Law thus turning them toward acceptance of Christ as the promised Messiah. John's Baptism had Divine purpose to sway Israel to an acceptance of the Messiahship of Christ. Many in Israel acknowledged the authority of John's baptism as a fulfillment of prophecy. Many in Israel knew John the Baptist was a Levite and had a legal right to minister waters of purification. Many in Israel knew John was a Prophet sent by God to prepare the way of Israel's promised Messiah.
John's baptism confirmed the truth of the Word written and spoken by the Prophets. John's baptism made Israel accountable to Law of God. Accountability to the Law of God enabled the common Jewish people to repent, to confess their sins, and prepare the way for Israel to accept Christ as the Messiah. Remember Isreal was backslidden from the Law of God! The Law of God required even more from the Pharisees and the Lawyer's who had pledges and ties to the Levitical order of Judaism. That's why John first warned the Pharisee's and Lawyer's of the Wrath to come and second told them to bring forth fruits meet for repentance. If John's Baptism was something "new" to the Pharisee's and Lawyer's, God would not have held them accountable for their lack of knowledge. The Scriptures teach the Pharisee's rejected the council of God in John's baptism. John's baptism through the Council of God was "not something new" to the Pharisee's and Lawyer's. It was according to Law!
Luke 7:30...But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
That's the reason why John treated the High Priests, Pharisee's, and Sadducee's whom he called Vipers different than the common Jewish people. He strongly admonished these leaders of the Jews, "Who hath warned you to flee the Wrath to come". Unlike the common people He told these Elders in Israel to bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
Matt 3:7..But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Luke 3:2-7...Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness; And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come
All the land of Judea and Jerusalem went out to be baptized of John.
Mark 1:5...And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
"All of Israel" recognized that John was a Prophet sent from God. That's why the Pharisee's were nervous when Christ asked them if John's Baptism was from Heaven or men. The Pharisee's refused to admit that John's Baptism was Heaven sent. On the other hand they were afraid the people would want to stone them if they admitted that John was truly a prophet sent by God.
Luke 20:4-8...The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
John's Divine commission to preach and baptize was to "all of Israel and the land of Judea". John the Baptist was the last record in the Bible of a Levite priest. There are no records found in the Bible that John ever baptized a Gentile.
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