THE ABC'S OF GRACE BY JACKEXUM
This book offers a simple approach - A beginner's view to the subject of GRACE. This foundational concept is an absolute must if we are to avoid the pitfalls of LEGALISM yet remain true to the GOSPEL of Christ.
Dedication:
In our 38th year of marriage, and after writing and publishing some 30 books, the topic that fills this volume best fits the one person in my life. No other could better express the beauty of grace and the marvel of this unrelenting power. She set the pattern and modeled the wonder of this lovely thing. We were blessed and are indebted.
For the children and myself, we do, with deep feeling and full gratitude, dedicate these writings to
ANN
beloved wife, mother, counselor and friend.
(Mom passed away quietly at 5:15 am on June 13 th . Her family misses her smiles, laughter, counsel, and her example of patience and kindness.
(To mom, a true example of a believer in Jesus)
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This book is so important for the church today. because the subject of Grace is truly essential if the church is going to accomplish the mission of Jesus. Reaching the world for Jesus demands the effort of all Christians, unity that stands inspite of differences which have side tracked our efforts. Resulting in ‘in-fighting’ and division, and ‘heresy trials’ while the lost, remain lost. Proper understanding, acceptance and application of the Grace of God, will further the cause of Christ, and bring such unity that even “the gates of hell” cannot defeat.
For too long, this subject has been one viewed with caution instead of being embraced with joy. The fear of the ‘abuse’ of God’s grace has resulted in a loss of BALANCE on the subject. Uncertainty has ‘pushed’ the joy of our salvation to the side in the lives of many Christians. “Are you saved?” Someone asks… A ‘sheepish reply comes back, “I hope so.” or “I just don’t know.” Clouds of discouragement come, as we try to ‘walk the line’, only too often to find ourselves unable to ‘do it as well as expected.’
We need… (No, we MUST) understand God’s wonderful grace. Without it, I hate to think of, where I would be, or where any of us would be.
In taking another look at this grand subject. Take your time, have your Bible open. Get a cup of coffee or tea, and be ready to enjoy what God’s word says. Don’t be afraid of it. Don’t be concerned about what others may say… get excited, because this is a wonderful study.
Now, keep in mind, dad does not, claim miraculous inspiration here, that’s found in God’s word. Dad simply ‘saw a need’ A BIG NEED in the church….. a need to understand the Grace of God. When God spoke through the apostles on this subject, all of heaven surely rejoiced. Because of the “work” of Jesus, we are “…saved by grace through faith…” Ephesians 2:8, or we are not saved at all.
God bless you as you read and study this little book.
(I want to add here, that a good study on the Grace of God can also be found at oneinjesus.info if you want to take the time for an even broader study with Jay Guinn.)
Jack Jr.
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CONTENTS Dedication: Preface-- "Life in Grace" vii CHAPTERS 1. Balance. The Missing Dimension - 1 2. Freedom. The Precious Commodity - 6 3. Foundation Facts Of Grace - 13 4. I Am A Sinner--Lost! - 20 5. God Is Righteous--.Just! - 28 6. God Is Faithful--He Promised! - 36 7. Saved By Grace--Through Faith! - 43 8. Created In Christ .Jesus - .50 9. "And They Sung A New Song" - 57 10. "I Am Barabbas" - 64 11. Hold Fast--Form Of Sound Words - 70 12. Saved! --The Glorious Sound - 77 13. "Be Thou Faithful" - 83 14. Some final thoughts -
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THE NEED - MAN
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Romans 1:21-32 (KJV)
THE ONLY SOLUTION - GOD!
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:16-17 (KJV)
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph 2:4-10 (KJV)
16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone ; 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. Eph 2:16-22 (KJV)
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Preface - Life Of Grace
Satan is a terrible taskmaster. The bondage of sin is a horrible way to live. It is the worst kind of slavery. " For the payoff of sin is death " (Rom. 6:23). Sin separates us from God (Is. 59:1-2). The bondage of sin destroys innocence, and replaces it with the ever- present load of guilt. Little by little it breaks down our ideals and destroys our dreams. Eventually willpower is completely compromised. It is a life of disappointment and futile frustrations.
When we try to "reform”, we accuse ourselves of hypocrisy. "What are you doing, trying to be good?" "Don't you know you are not fooling anyone but yourself?" "How can you think of praying or singing spiritual songs?" "Look what you have done!!" "You're no good-you never have been and never will be!" "How dare you think of yourself as being righteous!"
This is realistic for the Word of God says " Therefore God gave them over in the desires of their hearts to impurity , to dishonor their bodies among themselves .” And were indeed, "by nature, the children of wrath ••• having no hope and without God in the world" (Rom. 1:24; Eph. 2:3, 12).
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love where with he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved)" (Eph . 2:4-5).
The word grace scares us, hushes us, puts us in a closet! PERFORMANCE is our word. We have been born to it, raised in it, and led to believe in our own performance and success. Grace makes us defensive ("not by grace only," we say), and turns us into a "fifth amendment" crowd. The fear of being misunderstood has silenced many voices, and the threat of being "written up" takes away our courage to study, learn and grow.
On the other hand, the last thing we need are "radicals" running around the country giving forth
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(Preface continued)
"uncertain sounds." Words should be the foundation of sound doctrine, not a cover for shifty positions that leave us with unanswered questions and doubts.
The problem has been, and is, and will be, is one of "balance." We sing about grace, and mention it occasionally in sermons and at times, we verbalize it in prayer. We just don't know much about it. We are so "subnormal, when we see someone that's normal, we think they are abnormal!" Our emphasis teeters toward the performance/success syndrome. We are better on specifics than generics, better on commands than the under- girding principles that support them. We are strict on "authority," but rather weak on mercy. When our weakness is exposed, we tend to cover it with a heavier load of doctrine and issues. We amplify words like "commitment," "performance," and "obedience"!
It is rather hard to deny the "out-of-balance" charge when, as a brotherhood we have only produced a handful of books on the subject in the last 50 years. This is an indictment and a rather shameful revelation of a people who speak of restoring New Testament Christianity. Surely GRACE is the Keystone of such a noble project.
Where is the Gospel, the Good News that sets us Free? Where is the spiritual power that frees us from sin and shame and guilt? Where is the grace that's able to reach me? Cleanse me? Save me? Could we have missed the very remedy that we have so diligently sought? Have we turned his grace into a legal system of "performing works" and are we falling under the load of our own weight?
In no way is this study meant to be exhaustive. On the contrary, the very title suggests that this is just a beginner's brief. a concept that attempts to avoid the bondage of legalism yet remains true to the Gospel of Christ.
Enter these pages with anticipated joy. Read these words with an understanding spirit. Think on what is written. Review the scriptures well.
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(Preface continued)
Search, seek out and find that elusive balance that speaks of all sins forgiven and a "life in grace" assured.
On July 8, 1986, after stumbling through a rather pitiful effort to present this subject, I made a vow. "Lord, I will never again be intimidated nor feel threatened or uneasy when speaking on this subject of 'Amazing Grace.' To the contrary, I will pray for humility and boldness, for wisdom and understanding, for balance and biblical credibility."
The life of grace is not a substitute for a holy life and an earth shaking message. It is the foundation for both.
-- Jack Exum
Balance--The Missing Dimension
The word of God is a great book of balance. Some forty writers from every walk of life were chosen by God to reveal his truth. Can you imagine a book , writer over a span of about 1500 years by writers who were shepherds, kings, wine-bearers, lawgivers, priests, scribes, common folks, and that stands today as a model of unity and balance. Like an anvil, it has received the countless ‘blows’ of scoffers, the ‘beating and banging’ of enemies, yet it stands, steady, balanced, and ‘unmarked’.
The believer’s life is a balanced life. God never ‘plows’ without expecting a ‘harvest’. When we leave the old life, new life fills us to overflow. Hear Paul when he writes, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation (life) the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Eph. 4:22-24). Put off the “old man” and put on the “new man” – BALANCE!
But read on and you’ll see that the vacuum created by the emptying process is quickly filled by the fruit of the Spirit. “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” Eph 4:25-32 (KJV) BALANCE!!!
If you bend too far forward or backwards, you’ll loose balance and fall. If you lean too far left or right and loose that vertical center of gravity, you fall. So it is with the Word of God. Any scriptures which are stretched too far in any one direction, falls and often becomes the basis for error itself.
Love becomes false when it is distorted. Peace without honor is no peace at all. Home, truth, baptism, belief, conversion, all loose their meaning when they are adulterated of simply become “accommodative terms”.
Paul says, “Hold fast the form of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13). Take a closer look at the word “CHURCH”. When one says, “I joined the church”, we have him ‘drawn and quartered’, before he gets out of the assembly! But, how do you use the word “CHURCH”? “Go to CHURCH”. “Build a CHURCH”. “Sleep in CHURCH”. “Eat in CHURCH”. “Eat in CHURCH”. “Don’t run in CHURCH”. “Put a new roof on the CHURCH”. Yet we know, the word “church” means “the CALLED OUT”. I am “church”, you are “church”, for we can read, “ Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47) . We abuse and misuse the word “church” in our everyday speech, (and don’t think anything about it), but ‘jump on’ the guy who says he ‘wants to join it’! When we deny “sound words”, we loose balance and meaning.
Another example in the term “BAPTISM”. The word says, “they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12). The term is Biblical. BAPTISM is a command of Christ, (Mark 16:16) and is for penitent believers, “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:37-38; 22:16). Yet when we use the term “he was baptized”, EXCLUSIVELY to represent SALVATION, REDEMPTION, JUSTIFACATION, RECONCILIATION, we ‘loose balance’, and visitors walk away with the false idea, that we believe in “water salvation” or in “baptismal regeneration” . So, on ‘BALANCE’ we would say, “she was SAVED”, “he was REDEEMED”, “she was JUSTIFIED”, “he was
BAPTIZED," "she was BORN AGAIN," "he became a BELIEVER." That's Biblical language. That's balance! We NEED both!
So it is with the word GRACE. In this day in time, the word can mean most anything you want it to mean. It is often defined subjectively in the mind of the speaker. and has become just another accommodative word. We call our daughters "Grace." We see the word in the movements of the ballet dancer. or attribute its virtue to a generous giver. We even speak of being "saved by grace."
The word FAVOR is the nearest Biblical synonym for the word grace. Grace is favor and favor is grace. Grace means pure unrecompensed kindness and favor. To fully study the Bible teaching of grace, equal attention must be given to all passages in which the word grace or favor is found.
The obvious danger in writing a book on grace is the tremendous room for misunderstanding. (I) The writer may leave some "dangling participles" or "split infinitives." Clarity of mind or position is not always expressed clearly when written. (2) The extremes in the brotherhood pose a serious problem for neither (extreme right nor left) will be happy with a balanced view. (3) Then there is a natural bias in the reader to interpret what is read in the light of his own spiritual development and maturity.
On the other side of the coin, there are many blessings in putting thoughts on paper. (1) Materials that are written can be read and reread; studied and then studied again. God didn't give us pictures. He put his will in words. (2) A book can be shared and its influence can be spread like butter on bread. It can be rediscovered after years upon the shelf. (3) The greatest challenge is to be on the cutting edge of changing attitudes. Seeking balance and achieving it are two different things. But if that noble goal is clearly in mind, it will be obvious all through the writing.
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(Balance--The Missing Dimension )
The balance between doctrine and life has always been difficult for those of us who have felt that the purity of truth is vital. How do you maintain doctrinal purity and at the same time give the necessary emphasis as to how that doctrine fits into life.
Case in point. An argument ensued over translations. One liked the King James Version while another contended for the American Standard Version. Three more were introduced until all were quieted when one said, "I liked the version my mother lived!"
That's the balance we're seeking; that final translation that puts truth back into life. Could one be theologically right on every issue and live a life that is withered and impotent? On the other hand. could one live a commendable life and be ignorant of many fundamental truths? Could our religious friends understand the broad principles of truth (grace, mercy, purity). without applying the specifics? Could we apply the specifics (baptism. Lord's supper, vocal music), without comprehending the depth of the power, beauty and goodness in the umbrella type principles? Would we understand the specifics better if we studied the principles more? Would our counterparts understand the principles better if they had a balance on the specifics?
One of my few debates in life was held in a member's home. ‘Leaners’ on both sides had gathered. The topic was "The Identity of the New Testament Church." My opponent was a Jehovah's Witness. He had the first speech. He was an older man with a soft and kindly nature about him.
"What could he say," I thought. We have the "truth" on that, and in the course of study I had committed some fifty scriptures to memory on that specific topic.
He had four points. (1) The New Testament Church was a PRAYING CHURCH . (2) The New Testament Church was a SUFFERING CHURCH . (3) The New Testament Church was a GENEROUS CHURCH . (4) The New Testament Church was
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known because each member went out to TEACH THE WORD . A generous array of scriptures were supplied to support each of these identifying marks.
NONE of the four points he discussed were in my notes . None of the scriptures were in my memory bank. My lesson dealt with where, when, and how the church was established. Christ as head, founder and foundation. Laws of entrance, worship and organization.
Both of us had truth and both of us quoted the Bible. Neither of us were convincing. We both were clearly out of balance and the audience knew it.
So we begin our study of grace with a simple prayer, "God. keep us on balance with both the spirit and revelation of truth! Give us a humble heart. Keep us from arrogance and human pride. Stir our mind with truth. Lead us to new heights of understanding and discernment. Fill our souls with a strong desire to grow, to mature, to be faithful disciples. Help us to receive it in deep gratitude. May we be willing to change and change again and again as we grow in the Grace and knowledge you give."
Blind Spots
Hold two quarters at arms length between the thumb and first finger of each hand. Notice the 3 dimensional effect. You can see both quarters and everything else about them.
Now hold the same coins close to the eyes, just outside the touch of the eyelash. All you can see are the coins.
So it is in life--a balance is lost when any part of life becomes bigger than life itself. When any part of truth becomes so enlarged that it blackens the view of all other truth. balance is lost and truth becomes its own worst enemy. Keep life in perspective. Blind spots get us!
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CHAPTER 2
FREEDOM, THE PRECIOUS COMMODITY
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty (freedom) wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage" (Gal. 5:1). Ah, Freedom, what a beautiful word!
Somehow the word liberty or freedom brings to mind a beautiful, clear, crisp, autumn morning; a walk in the woods, a newborn baby's cry, owning your own home and making your very own personal choices in life. It's the beauty of choosing colors, styles, or stations on the T. V • It's the wonder of imagination put to life where one can stretch and grow to full length and height. It's being an American where the saying fits, "Better to die on one's feet than to live on one's knees." It is the fundamental cry of "liberty or death." It's Gettysburg, Bull Run, the Alamo, and a thousand other places where men gave their lives for freedom to ring.
Yet somehow we tend to lose our childlike dreams and faith when freedom and religion are brought together. It's easier to be told what to think--how to feel--what to do, rather than to think--feel--do for yourself! Cults of various sorts have made advances into the heart of traditional Christianity. "Join us," is the cry. "Turn all your possessions over to us!" "We'll take care of you!" No more thinking. or struggling, or growing. or making decisions! We'll plan your life. We'll feed and cloth you. We'll entertain you. You no longer exist, for you have now been pressed into one monolithic mass. Freedom is promised. but bondage results.
On a much larger scale, one could turn to the corporate cult which places the corporation first, above all--the god of the people. Give your life to this god and when the body is worn out, and the brain grows tired, this god will give you a watch and a plaque for your wall. The corporate god
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7 goes up and falls over!
The communist state is the master cult. The state becomes god and all men live only for the good of the god. The individual is lost in the constant pandering for the state. "The free lunch" is the doctrine--hungry bellies is the result!
Yet communism still flourishes. Cults still come and go. Corporations still play the ladder game, and religious bondage still abounds.
A "new" gospel is being heard in regions of Galatia. Paul is so alarmed at these "uncertain sounds" that he begins with the salvo,
Grace, peace, from Jesus ••• who gave himself for our sins ••• to whom be the glory for ever and ever. I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; bu t there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal. 1:3-8
Paul's gospel is stated in verse four. Christ died for our sins, was buried, and now raised for our justification (l Cor. 15:1-8). Tell the good news (gospel). God's blood has been shed and the awful price has been paid. The proclamation of emancipation has been signed. Those in bondage have been liberated. Those in the chains of slavery have been set free. Liberty is for all who desire it and freedom is an inalienable right for everyone who seeks it.
This is the good news that you are to proclaim.
Without money, one may be set free. Without price, one may cast aside the shackles of an old
8 Freedom--The Precious Commodity life and be born again. The level of education has nothing to do with it. The color of skin makes no difference. The past is of no concern. This gospel is a "from now on" proposition. The good news is men can now be free. Free from sin, and from the guilt of sin. Freedom from self with all its weakness and corruption. Freedom from the world system and its bondage. Ah, Freedom, it's a glorious word.
"For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness ••• But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life" (Rom. 6 :20, 22)
Do those who serve sin have freedom? They are "free from righteousness." They are free to be the slaves of Satan. They are free to jump when he says jump. They are free to serve their own lusts, but the end of this "freedom" is death (Rom. 6:23). This bondage separates you from life, joy, lasting happiness. This is a Jim Jones' freedom to eventually drink out of an evil tub seeking a death "with honor."
The gospel of Christ brings life. It liberates the mind, for that's where God dwells. It frees from an evil conscience (I Pet. 3:21) and gives you a BALANCE that stands the stress and tests of life. It enables you to "live with honor" and accepts life as a constant praise and worship of God.
Paul is concerned, and rightly so, for "another gospel is being taught." Paul's gospel was certified (Gal. 1: 11-12) and "he which persecuted us in times past is now preaching the faith which once he destroyed" (Gal. 1: 23).
Things have changed and false brethren have been imported to spy the LIBERTY (freedom) which is in Christ Jesus, that they might put us in bondage again (Gal. 2:4). Paul made his defense in Jerusalem and he is making this same defense in Galatia "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Gal. 2:5),
Paul is not talking about the "one cup" issue.
Freedom--The Precious Commodity 9
He is not speaking to the "mutual edification" concept. His efforts here speak not for or against the "Bible class" argument, or whether "preachers can locate" or "church buildings can be built." His attacks on the enemies of freedom in Christ have nothing to do with "kitchens in the church buildings" or "volleyball courts in the church yard. "
All subjects are related in some way to the basic principles, yet Paul will not be distracted by any of them. It is a "Give me liberty in Christ, or give me death" plea. This freedom in Christ is for ALL MEN, and when Peter (a Jew) withdrew himself from Gentile brethren when Jewish Christians came around, "I withstood him to his face for he was to be blamed" (Gal. 2:11). There is NO MIDDLE GROUND on this issue of FREEDOM. Either we have it or we don't!!
The single key to Paul's defense is found in twelve words! "FOR BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED" (Gal. 2: 16).
It was extremely hard for Jews to exchange Moses for Christ. They had been under the "LAWWORKS" principle so long it was difficult for them to conceive of the "GRACE- FAITH" power. "Do this and thou shalt live" was the banner that had flown over the nation of Israel for thousands of years. "Grace-faith" declares, "Live and you will do this!" This power is seen in the testimony of Paul when he writes, "I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2: 20).
"Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect in the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3). Are we saved by grace and kept by our human works? If it took grace to save us, will it not take grace to keep us?
"This only would I learn of you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Gal. 3 :2). Only a fool attempts
10 Freedom--The Precious Commodity to do heaven's work with human power!
"Abraham believed God and it was accounted (credited) to him for righteousness" (Gal. 3:6). Abraham had no plan other that to follow Jehovah. Abraham promised God nothing. It was God who had the plan and who offered the promises (Gen. 12:1-4). Abraham moved by faith and went out, not even knowing where he was going. Was this a "Pie in the sky" idea? No, Abraham looked for a city who's builder and maker was God (Heb, 11:8-10 ).
"Therefore it is faith, that it might be by grace: To the end the promise might be sure to all the seed: not to that only which is of the law (Jews), but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all" (Rom. 4:16).
"God preached before the gospel unto Abraham saying, in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gal. 3:8).
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Law of Moses), "for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe" (Gal. 3: 13.21.22).
Those who through faith and baptism come INTO CHRIST find perfect freedom and equality. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male or female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3 :26-29). Freedom for all: Jews, Gentiles, bond, free, male, female, rich, poor, educated and illiterate. Freedom from the past, present and future. Freedom in mind, spirit and body. Freedom to think, reason, grow, trust and to do. Freedom from sin, guilt, fear, prejudice, hate and all other things that weigh us down and hold us back. A lifetime to plumb the depth of this precious commodity.
"TAKE YOUR FREEDOM SERIOUSLY" (Gal. 5:0. "GUARD YOUR FREEDOM COURAGEOUSLY" (Gal. 5:2-12). "USE YOUR FREEDOM LOVINGLY"
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(Gal. 5 :13-14).
When Jews say, "You need Jesus and circumcision," just say, "No thanks." When Gentiles say, "You need Jesus and idols," just say, "No thanks." When Docetics say, "You need Christ but no Jesus," just say, "No thanks."
"Stand fast in the freedom wherewith Christ hath made us free" (Gal. 5: 1). "Christ hath become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you that are justified by the law; YE ARE FALLEN FROM GRACE" (Gal. 5 :4).
"Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh" (Gal. 5:16). "Be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law" (Gal. 5: 18). "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness , goodness , faith " (Gal. 5:22). "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit" (Gal 5:25).
"For they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh and affections and lusts" (Gal. 5:24). That's the answer to all anti-freedom arguments. "If you give brethren FREEDOM they'll be consumed with lustful passions and evil desires of the flesh." That may be true if it wasn't for verse 24. Those free from righteousness live a life of sin (Rom. 6:20). Those FREE FROM SIN (guilt) have BECOME SERVANTS OF GOD (Rom. 6:22).
"Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to who ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered you. Being THEN made free from sin ye became the ser- vants of righteousness" (Rom. 6:16-18).
When I was saved, Jesus broke in me the very PRINCIPLE OF SIN. I died that he might live in me. Death to sin means I no longer live in it, boast of it, or lust for it. I have died to it! (Rom. 6:1-2). Death to sin allows God, in me, to have POWER OVER SIN. I was immersed into the death of Christ. I am raised in the power of
12 Freedom--The Precious Commodity
Christ (Rom. 6:3-5). The "old man of sin" is no more and the "body of sin" is destroyed. "Dead to sin but ALIVE TO GOD through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6: 11) • "Let not sin reign (rule. govern. control). in your mortal body. that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof" (Rom. 6 :12).
I am saved from the PUNISHMENT OF SIN.
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).
A people set free! What a glorious sound.
What a precious commodity!
Take it seriously. Guard it courageously. Use it lovingly! Grace be with you all.
IAMFREE
I am free from sin and guilt and ignorance. I am free from past mistakes. wrong doings and all evil. That freedom has purged my conscience and set my conscience and set it free. I am free to think and reason and read the Word. I am free to pray and develop and grow. Freedom Is responsibility and this allows one to grow on to maturity.
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty (FREEDOM) wherewith Christ hath made us free."
"FREE AT LAST. FREE AT LAST. PRAISE GOD ALMIGHTY. FREE AT LAST."
CHAPTER 3 FOUNDATION FACTS
When I asked "Mama Mitchell" the secret of long life (she'll be 104 on the 10th of November), she simply said, "Never quit breathing, son, never quit breathing!"
Basic grace is the place of beginnings. If you're a PhD, you'll be bored to death with this chapter. This is beginning grace, fundamental grace! If it's new to you, relish in it. If it is "old stuff," refresh yourself with it. Whatever you do, use these 6 points as the parameters for the whole body of truth on which the gospel of Christ stands.
I. GRACE IS NOT WITHHELD BECAUSE OF SIN
Without the sin problem. we wouldn't need his grace. It is the knowledge of sin that makes us smite our breasts with the words, "Have mercy 0 God on me, a sinner." It is our human helplessness that gives grace its greatest triumph and glory. Darkness only makes the light shine brighter. Pure grace cannot enter the picture where HUMAN MERIT exists. "The well have no need of a physician," or never try to give medicine to people who are not sick. Yogi Berra would say. "If it ain't broke - don't fix it!" We will later see how God offers his grace to man. but for now just accept the fact that it was because of man's totally LOST CONDITION that grace appeared.
When Paul recalled his former life, he said, "who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the GRACE of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus" (I Tim. 1:13-14).
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14 Foundation Facts
II. GRACE CANNOT BE LESSENED BECAUSE OF SIN
What grace will do for one, it will do for all.
Jesus died for every man. "He is not willing that any should perish" (II Pet. 3: 9). "Oh, he could never save me" is only a statement of unbelief. To pay one worker the same as you pay another worker is just. But when one only worked one hour, and the other worked the full day. and both get the same pay - that's grace. No one's sin bill is the same. But God's grace is not lessened because of it. The song. "His Grace Reaches Me" or "His Grace is Greater Than My Sin," puts to music the sweetest sounds of Heaven. Grace was offered to both the prodigal son AND his elder brother (Luke 15:11-32). The sin question has been set aside forever and equal exercise of grace is extended to all who come into Christ.
"He that believeth on him is not condemned, but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3: 18).
Grandma was asked, "Which one of your children did you love the most?" The answer was put succinctly, "I loved the one that was sick, and the one that was away from home the most. 0 yes. and I loved the meanest one the most."
God's grace cannot be withheld or lessened because of sin.
III. A DEBT CANNOT BE THE RESULT OF GRACE
Grace is favor that cannot be repaid. I am not "gracious" when I do you a favor and you owe me for it. "Remember. you owe me one." are the words of a "business man's grace."
"Therefore when thou doest thine alms. do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogue and in the streets. that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they
Foundation Facts 15 have their reward" (Matt. 6:2). I find it difficult to give anonymously. It just goes against my human nature. I like the credit and for everyone to know how generous I am. When giving is pure grace, it cannot incur debt nor does it seek praise and merit ,
Is this why Jesus taught "But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth, that thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly" (Matt. 6: 2-4).
Listen to the Lord's teaching in Luke 6. "Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you" (vs, 27); "Bless them that curse you and pray for them that despitefully use you" (vs . 28); "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again" (vs, 30); "Love your enemies - do good - lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the highest" (vs , 35); "Be merciful" (vs , 36); "Judge not-condemn not--forgive" (vs , 37).
"For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again" (Luke 6 :32-34).
God's grace is NOT MAN'S GOODNESS. He loved us when we were his enemies - while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). ANY EFFORT WE PUT FORTH TO COMPENSATE GOD FOR THE GIFT OF HIS GRACE, REGARDLESS OF HOW SINCERE WE MAY BE, WILL SERVE ONLY TO DENY HIS GRACE AND LOWER HIS LOVE AND KINDNESS TO THE SORDID LEVEL OF HUMAN BARTER AND TRADE.
Our service to him should be nothing less than our way of showing deep love, gratitude and devotion. Good works always follow, but with no
16 Foundation Facts thought of compensation. They are the result of the New Birth--not the cause of it.
IV. GRACE IS NOT USED IN THE JUST PAYMENT OF A DEBT
Grace cannot incur a debt, neither can it be used in the just payment of a debt. "Now to him that worketh (meritorious works of man) is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt" (Rom. 4 :4). God promised Abraham and Abraham believed God and followed his directions (Heb , 11:8-10).
If man is righteous within himself (or if one vestige of righteousness is resident in him), God must honor that and salvation would be of his own merit (boastful works) and not of grace.
But the scriptures hath concluded all under sin (see Chapter 2) that our justification might be freely by the grace of God, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:23-24).
Grace means "unmerited favor." "So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which a re commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10). It's God's grace! Don't be afraid of it! You are saved by it and don't you ever forget it!!
V. GOD'S GRACE, (IN REFERENCE TO THE UNSAVED), DOES NOT APPEAR DIRECTLY TO MAN
We often picture God as some affable Santa Claus, sitting in a big chair- up in the sky. giving out various gifts and saying. "Ho, Ho , Ho!" He is always jolly and happy and has a big bag of toys and goodies to distribute to those who desire them.
The love of God is indeed UNLIMITED, for "when we were yet without strength (enemies in our mind) Christ died for" the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6). His love is unlimited (John 3:16) but his grace has conditions.
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ANY PREACHING OF DIVINE FORGIVENESS WHICH PRESENTS GOD AS ONE WHO OVERLOOKS SIN (FORGIVES AND FORGETS IT) IN DIRECT RE- LATION TO THE SINNER IS A FATAL DISTRACTION FROM THE MEANING OF THE CROSS AND A MONSTROUS MISREPRESENTATION OF HIS GOSPEL OF SAVING GRACE. When Christ is left off the cross, and the cross is left out of the gospel. that teaching becomes accursed and anathema. It is "God--through Christ--that salvation is offered." "By grace--through faith" (Eph , 2:8-10). Any other plan is a perverted gospel and falls under the wrath of God (II John 9-11).
The forgiveness God offers sinners is not an immediate act of grace. It is the fulfillment of a plan whereby a judicial pardon is offered to a sinner, because his sins have been paid by another.
“Jesus paid it all--all to him I owe; Sin hath left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
The "wretched man" of Romans 7, is answered in the simple words, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Jesus Christ, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit" (Rom. 7: 24; 8: 1) •
The docetics were those who denied that "Jesus is come in the flesh." They are called deceivers and antichrist. If Christ was not en fleshed (incarnate) he could not have died for the sins of the world. No death, no burial. no resurrection-NO GOSPEL (Rom. 1:16)! Ancient liberalism is little different than modern liberalism!
John concludes. "Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ. hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son.
"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed; for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (II John 9-11).
18 Foundation Facts
God and forgiveness without Christ and the cross is a perverted gospel.
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (For by grace are ye saved)" (Eph , 2:4-5).
VI. GOD'S GRACE DOES NOT DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE SINS OF THE SAVED
Much like the grace that is offered to the unsaved, this grace is extended to the saved, ONLY IN CHRIST. It is because of Grace that "Jesus should taste death for every man" (Heb. 2:9). God planned it--Christ purchased it--the Holy Spirit revealed it. Jesus was the "Gift of God" (Ep h. 2:8). It is in Jesus we are redeemed (bought back again) (Rom. 3:24). He took the sin (past, present, future) of all mankind and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:6).
Our past sins are forgiven when we hear, believe, and obey the gospel (Heb, 5:8). But what about sins that are committed after we are "in Christ"?
Here again, God does not deal directly with them, but hears our cry because we are "in Christ" (Eph.1:3).
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Eph, 4:32). The Father receives his own son. The name of Jesus is above every name (Phil. 2:9). I am in Jesus and God gives me audience because of WHERE I am, not because of WHO I am.
Jesus is our apostle and High Priest (Heb. 4:15). He is the captain of our salvation (Heb, 2:10). Christ is a "son over his own house.
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Whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" (Heb. 3: 6) "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace. that we might obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need" (Heb. 4:16).
God saves us "by his grace" and "keeps us by his grace." But both the SAVING AND THE KEEPING MUST BE DONE ACCORDING TO HIS PLAN.
To Do God's Will
--
'Tis better to weave in the web of life A bright and golden filling.
To do God's will with a ready heart And a hand that's swift and willing,
Than to break the delicate slender threads Of our curious lives assunder ,
And then BLAME GOD for the tangled ends, And sit and weep and wonder.
--Thomas Howell
CHAPTER 4
I AM A SINNER - LOST!
If one thing is clearly taught in the word concerning man, it is the simple caption, "I AM A SINNER -- LOST!" Until one is ready to make such a statement, without excuse or hesitation, salvation cannot be a reality. It calls to mind what Jesus said, "They that be whole need not a physician but they that are sick" (Matt. 9:12).
Paul put it this way, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (II Cor. 4:3-4).
Salvation is not a word that belongs to the world. Sin is a way of life, which is designed to "fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind" (Eph.2:3). Satan rules, as the "prince of the power of the air and is the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2).
If the world admits "sin," they admit a standard of right and wrong. This in turn speaks of authority and authority speaks of one God. This tells of judgment, and the world just doesn't want any authority or God limiting their life style or judging their ways. Paul says,
“And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity: whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, spiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers,
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I am a sinner--Lost! 21
without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful1; who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” Rom. 1: 28-32
The cross of Christ stands diametrically opposed to human wisdom. How could God become man? Why would a "King" be born in a barn? Who can believe "a virgin is with child "? Yet the greatest of all stumbling blocks is the crucifixion. This heinous death was reserved for the vilest criminals. "Do you really expect me to believe that the creatures crucified their creator, and that the blood they shed paid for their sins and the sins of the whole world?"
Paul writes "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (I Cor. I:18).
This is precisely why SALVATION IS "BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, and that, not of self lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-10).
"For it is written. I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world?
"For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom know not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe" (I Cor. 1:19-21).
All of this is recorded that we might understand the statement which follows, "THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY IN HIS PRESENCE" (vs , 29).
Step number one is very simple. It is the verbal reflection of a deep inward knowledge, "I AM A SINNER--LOST." When this level of understanding is reached, it's so easy to cry, "Have mercy 0 God, on me a sinner!"
22 I am a Sinner--Lost!
Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34). The world says DISCOVER YOURSELF. (One did and nearly threw-up ). On the other side of the coin, some seek to DESTROY THEMSELVES. Jesus says, "Deny yourself." Humility isn't when you think too highly of yourself, or when you think too lowly of yourself. True humility is when you DO NOT THINK ABOUT YOURSELF! ‘Get “self” out of the way!’
True humility is self abandonment, a total eclipse, a willing and complete surrender! It is the giving up of self that we resist. It is the big "I" in the middle of the word PRIDE that we must be willing to forfeit.
Why did God use "foolish, weak and base things" in bringing salvation to man? Paul explains it this way,
For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (I Cor. 2:3-5 ).
How could anyone speak of GRACE unless he understood SIN? Grace is that which covers sin, and if all I preach is GRACE, I'm unbalanced and without purpose . On the one hand is the preacher who preaches "Grace, grace, and only grace." On the other hand, another preaches "Sin, sin and only sin." One preaches a salvation from nothing, while the other offers a ‘nothing type salvation’. One seeks peace without the knowledge of sin, while the other finds sin without the knowledge of peace.
One offers joy(?) without the knowledge of guilt, while the other peddles guilt(?) without the knowledge of joy. Both are a "cake half baked, not turned" (Hosea 7:8). What we need is balance!! (See Chapter One).
I am a sinner-- Lost! 23
When I come to realize the bondage of sin, then and not before can I find God's grace to cover it, and deliver me from it.
If I am lost, it will not be God's fault! He has purposed and promised salvation , He promised Abraham that "in thee shall all nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:1- 4). He renewed his promise to Jacob and prepared a people through him that would bring the promised seed--Jesus Christ (Gal. 3).
If I am lost, it will not be the fault of Jesus!
He died for me, and no greater love has any man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend. He "endured the cross, despising the shame and became the author and finisher of the faith" (Heb. 12:1) He sealed his Will with his own blood and invites believers to be immersed into that death (Rom. 6:3). He was raised up--resurrected by the glory of the Father and invites us to share in that resurrection. "For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection" (Rom. 6: 5). If I am lost, it will not be because Jesus failed.
If I am eternally lost, it will not be because of the Spirit's failure. He revealed the gospel in the word and through men "hath given us all things that pertain to life and godliness." (II Pet. 1: 3). He was promised to believers who "Repent and are baptized for the remission of sins" (Acts 2: 38) He is ready and willing to dwell in us, making our body his temple and thus glorifying God through it (I Cor. 6:19-20). He stands ready to "make intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:6). He is the one who will share with us "the love of God" (Rom. 5: 5), and will bear such fruits as love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith in our hearts and lives (Gal. 5:22). The Spirit has certainly done well. and continues to do the work that was assigned to him. John said, "The Spirit and the bride say come."
24 I am a Sinner--Lost!
If I am lost. I will not be able to blame others. My family, my friends, all want the best for me. Angels in heaven "rejoice over one sinner that repents" (Luke 15: 10). We are to bear each other's burdens. but not each other's responsibilities (Gal. 6:1-2).
Lost means losing heaven and finding hell.
Jesus said, “Be not afraid of them that kill the body. and after that have no more they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him. which after he has killed hath power to cast into hell, yea I say unto you, fear him.” Luke 12 :4-5.
You say we need mor e preaching on GRACE!
Another exclaims we need more preaching on HELL!
I say sincerely, we need a better balance for both. HEAVEN doesn't make sense without HELL. Grace is of no consequence without judgment.
Paul says. "Behold the goodness and severity of God: on them that fell, severity. but towards thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shall be cut off" (Rom. 11: 22). The true sadness of being LOST is that it's for eternity. "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous unto life eternal" (Matt. 25:46).
In Luke 15. three noted parables are taught by Jesus. The word "parable" literally means "to cast side by side." So Jesus takes his hearers from what is known to what is unknown. All three stories deal with the question of being LOST and being FOUND.
I am a sinner-- Lost! 25
The first, tells of a shepherd who had a hundred sheep. When one was lost, he left the ninety-nine in the wilderness (open pasture), and went looking for the ONE SHEEP that was lost. When he found it, he rejoiced with his friends and neighbors saying, "1 have found the sheep that was lost" (Luke 15: 1-6).
The second story concerned a woman who had ten pieces of silver. These coins were very precious and represented her inheritance. When one was lost she searched the house until she found it. Then she called her friends and neighbors together saying, "Rejoice with me, 1 have found the piece which I had lost" (Luke 15:9).
The third parable should be called "The Loving Father" rather than "The Prodigal Son." When the prodigal son returned home, he had to first say, "1 am a sinner -- lost!!" He worded it differently. "Father, 1 have sinned against heaven and before thee; I am no more worthy to be called thy son; make me one of thy hired servants" (Luke 15:19).
The robe, the shoes, the ring- they're all for me an unworthy son: yet the greatest of all, the most wonderful thing,
God ran to meet me,
1 saw my father run.
Grace, how sweet the sound, I am a sinner lost, Now I'm a sinner found. We can't deserve it. There is no way to earn it. It is a pure gift and always given to the broken heart (Matt. 5:3). It is little wonder that King David wrote in the long ago,
Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Restore unto me the joy of thy
26 I am a Sinner--Lost!
…salvation and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways: and sinners shall be converted unto thee. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, 0 God. thou wilt not despise. Psalms 51
The grace of God is always available. It's the proud heart that must first be broken.
"Here am I--Send me"
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the Seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face. and with twain he covered his feet. and with twain he did fly.
And one cried unto another, and said, Holy. holy. holy, is the Lord of Hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. and the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried. and the house was filled with smoke.
Then said I. Woe is me! for I am undone: because I am a man of unclean lips. and dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King. the Lord of hosts.
Then flew one of the seraphim unto me. having a live coal in his hand which he had taken with the tongs from the altar: and he laid it upon my mouth. and said. Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord. saying. Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:1-8
CHAPTER 5 - GOD IS RIGHTEOUS - JUST!
“What then? Are we better than they? No. in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are under sin; For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God; being freely justified by his grace th rough the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say at this time his righteousness: that he might be just. and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus.” Rom, 3:9,23-26
When Moses wrote in Genesis 3: 15 that "the seed of woman would bruise the serpent's head," he was giving the first prophecy of God's plan for salvation. Yet, how will a righteous God save sinful man and still retain his righteousness? How can a God of justice forgive the sins of a human race and still be just? This first prophecy (Gene- sis 3:15), announces this plan. God will provide a proper sacrifice and reveal it in due time.
When God appeared to Abraham, he gave him seven promises. (l) "I will make of thee a great nation." (2) 1 will bless thee." (3) I will make thy name great." (4) "Thou shalt be a blessing." (5) "I will bless them that bless thee." (4» "I will curse them that curse thee." (7) "And in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12:1-3),
Underscore the last of the seven promises and you'll begin to see the "faithfulness of God." His plan has been set, his love is unlimited and his grace will be revealed.
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“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out and into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
Heb. 11 :8-10
God is righteous and his plan is working by faith. But how will a just and righteous God save a sinful race of men and still remain righteous and just? Even the prophets who prophesied concerning this grace wondered how such salvation could be affected.
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 before hand the suffering 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 the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven; which things the angels desire to look in to. I Pet. 1:10-12
30 God is Righteous
The prophets wondered--how will God save man? They searched their own writings seeking the answer. Even the angels of God desired to know. How will God's plan work? How will he save fallen man and still maintain his own standard of righteousness?
The Word of God outlines it best: *** "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3: 23). *** “God set forth Jesus to be a propitiation (atonement) through faith in his blood (Rom. 3: 24). *** "To declare, I say at this time his (God's) righteousness." *** "That he (God) might be just. *** "And the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus" (Rom. 3 :24-26).
That's it! That's the plan! Nothing less will do. Anything more would be too much. God purposed a propitiation --- a sacrifice that would atone for the sins of the world.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned --- But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many, Rom. 5:12,15
God is Righteous 31
Through Adam sin came into the world. "I am a sinner--lost!" But not without hope for God devised a plan. "But when the fullness of time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman (Gen. 3:15), made under the law. To redeem them that were under the law that we might receive the adoption of sons" (Gal. 4:4-5).
The death of Jesus was the central event of the Gospel. There would have been no burial, no resurrection, no reigning Messiah (Acts 2: 29-31). No coming again without the crucifixion.
It was the suffering and death that paid the price for the JUSTICE OF GOD, "That he (God) might be just, and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus" (Rom. 3: 26) God's grace does not deal directly with the sins of the unsaved! God's grace is extended to those who receive Christ as their personal savior and thus are "added to the church" (Acts 2 :47). The death of Jesus was an absolute necessity in satisfying the righteous and just standard of God.
Isaiah devoted chapter 53 to Jesus. “He shall grow up as a tender plant. a root out of dry ground. He hath no form nor comeliness, no beauty that we should desire him. Despised and rejected of men. a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. We hid our faces from him. We esteemed him not. He hath borne our grief. He carried our sorrows. Yet, we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was placed upon him; and with his stripes are we healed.
32 God is Righteous
We like sheep have gone astray, turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed. afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. He was taken from prison, from judgment: He was cut off from the land of the living. For the transgression of my people was he stricken. He made his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death. He had done no violence, no deceit in his mouth. He hath poured out his soul unto death. He was numbered with the transgressors. He made intercessions for the transgressors and he bore the sins of many. Isaiah 53
SATISFACTION DEED! THE JUSTICE OF GOD HAD BEEN SATISFIED. Every sin has been paid and man can now be set free! Free from sin! Free from guilt! Free from punishment! "For the wages of sin is death: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).
God's grace will not be withheld because of sin.
His mercy and kindness will be expressed in spite of the enormity of transgressions. His grace is unmerited by man and neither incurs a debt nor is in payment of a debt. God's grace is sovereign and was designed to express his justice and at the same time provide a way to justify man.
This was the "mystery of the ages." How would God bring all nations and all people under his grace? How would the Gentiles be saved?
God is Righteous 33
Paul writes.
If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward; how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery, (as I wrote afore in a few words.) Whereby, when you read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.
Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs and of the same body. and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. To the intent that now unto the principalities, and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Jesus Christ our Lord. Eph. 3:3-11
What a passage! What power, what a pronouncement! Jesus Christ is the grace of God--revealed! He tasted death for every man! He justified God for he alone paid in full the price of sin.
Angels now know it! Prophets can understand it. Preachers can preach it. Sinners can be saved by it. It is to be proclaimed in all nations (Matt. 28: 18-20).
All the blessings of God are in Christ (Eph.1:3).
34 God is Righteous
God foresaw the church (the saved) before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4). In Christ "we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins. according to the riches of his grace" (Eph.1:7). By this grace we are made accepted in Christ (Eph. 1:6).
No Jewish church! No Gentile church! No church for the rich! No church for the poor! God ordained one body (Eph. 1:22-23). The mystery has now been revealed. "The word was made flesh, and d welt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
"The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). Sing it in your songs, "God is just and the justifier of him that believeth in Jesus" (Rom. 3:26).
God planned it--Christ bought it--the Holy Spirit revealed it--and man is to believe it. This is the Grace of God,
“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.
For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, through suffering.” Heb. 2:1-3, 10
God is Righteous 35
We have been, Saved by Grace, through Faith, a workman, to His glory, Praise God, gone to heaven! God is righteous— Just! and Gracious! Amen!
CHAPTER 6
GOD IS FAITHFUL -HE PROMISED!
No one should ever discourage "individual faithfulness." John writes, “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer; behold the devil shall cast some of you in to prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, (even if it costs you your life) and I will give thee a crown of life. (Rev. 2:10).
Paul and Barnabas went about "confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation (struggle) enter into the Kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).
Following God and discipling after Jesus is not an easy task. In fact, it is such a struggle that some estimate one out of two that begin the new life, soon turn back to the old. The saying of Jesus, "Many are called, but few are chosen" illustrates the point well.
The word was "well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord" (Matt. 25:23), "Moreover it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful" (I Cor.4:2).
So, please accept, up front and at face value that this scribe believes that "faithfulness" is desired and expected of every believer and required if we ever echo the words of Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim 4:7-8).
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No one should ever question the fact that a disciple who "gives up" ceases to be a disciple and a believer who "turns back" ceases to be a believer (II Tim. 4:10).
Our problem is one of semantics. It is with the word "faithful" or "faithfulness." Both simply mean, "Full of faith, loyal, or one who endures." Yet, in modern times we classify a faithful brother as one who simply attends the assemblies. If the attendance record is perfect, we exclaim, "Why he is one of the most faithful brothers in the church!" If one attends a few times a month, we whisper, "He's kind of faithful!" A special label is reserved for those who don't attend at all - "He's unfaithful!"
Here again, no one denies the need for assembling (Heb.10:24-25), for exhorting and encouraging each other. Where else would one RATHER be, during an assembly, than with fellow believers?
The point is obvious. Sitting in a building three hours a week hardly qualifies one for the title "FAITHFUL." Sitting in a church house will no more make you a Christian than sitting in a hen house would make you a hen! The "religion of attendance" is not a new doctrine of the church. Since Jesus is the righteous judge, he alone would know those that are his.
But consider the following idea. We are all different. Some are "new" Christians (babes in Christ), while others are mature (perfect) (I Cor. 2:6). Some come from hedonistic backgrounds (Rom.14:1-2), while others were "brought up" by God fearing parents (II Tim. 1:5). Some were grossly immoral (I Cor. 6: 9 -11), while others, like Paul, were strict law-keepers and deeply religious (Phil. 3:4-6). Some seem to develop rapidly, others more slowly. Each is endowed with a different mixture of gifts and will fit into the Kingdom as God, to fill special places (Rom. 12:5-8). Those who seem to be least important may actually be most important (I Cor. 12:23-24).
38 God is Faithful
Often the most "visible" work may prove to be the less valuable while that which is done behind the scenes comes out on top. I mention this to show how difficult it is for humans to "judge righteous judgment." in matters of "faithfulness" (John 7:24). WHAT IS NEEDED IS A SENSE OF BALANCE.
To help us with this, just pause and repeat the following statement five times. "GOD IS FAITHFUL!" Say it again and again and again! Say it out loud--verbalize it! Say it deep within your heart. Open your eyes and see the deep meaning in those three simple words- -"God is faithfu1"--He promised!
Now put both statements side by side. "I am faithful!" -- "God is Faithful!"
It's embarrassing. Who would place themselves equal to the faithfulness of God? I have not promised God anything. I had nothing to offer, nothing to give, nothing to promise.
“In my hand, ought I bring, Simply to the cross I cling.”
He has promised me. God cannot lie. He cannot deny himself. He has promised me "life eternal." I am a disciple. I am a learner. I follow God. Jesus is my Lord. Each day I rise with the song,
My needs are met, my needs are met, my needs are met.
My needs are met, my needs are met, my needs are met.
No more worry, no more fret,
My needs are met. my needs are met, my needs are met.
"For all the promises of God, and in him are yea." (II Cor. 1:20).
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Peter says (and who better should know) "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Pet. 3:9).
The "father of the faithful" was Abraham. A brief look at Romans 4 reveals how God was "FAITHFUL TO ABRAHAM."
As you review the following passage, keep in mind two key words. The first is "MERIT" and the second is "CREDIT" or "CREDITED." I will insert them as reminders.
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works,(MERIT), he hath whereof to glory (MERIT), but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted (CREDITED) unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh (MERIT) is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not,(MERIT) but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted (CREDITED) for righteousness. Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth (CREDITS) righteousness without works, Saying , Blessed (HAPPY) are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Romans 4:1-7
God promised--Abraham believed. God instructed-
-Abraham followed. God directed--Abraham obeyed
(Heb. 11:8-10).
40 God is Faithful
In Romans 4:9-15. Paul argues that the promises of God were received by Abraham before he and his family were circumcised. The promised seed was mentioned way back in Genesis 3: 15. and that promise extended directly to Abraham in Genesis 12: 1-4.
The promise of a Savior DID NOT COME BY T HE LAW. but came by faith. Repeatedly throughout the New Testament text. the thought is given. "NO FLESH is justified by the law in the sight of God" (Gal. 3:11),
"Therefore it is of FAITH. that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law (Jews), but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all" (Rom. 4:16).
Abraham BELEIVED GOD, and it was imputed (CREDITED) unto him for righteousness.
And being not weak in faith, he staggered not at the promises of God but was strong in faith, giving glory to God, And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was also able to perform." And therefore it was imputed (CREDITED) to him for righteousness.
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed (CREDITED) to him; but for us also. To whom it shall be imputed (CREDITED) if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for out offenses. and was raised up again for our justification, (Rom. 4:17-25).
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The message is simple:
BELIEVE GOD!
TRUST GOD! FOLLOW GOD!
GOD IS FAITHFUL!
HE PROMISED!
Don't "believe in yourself"--Believe God! Don't "trust yourself"-- Trust God! Don't "follow yourself"--Follow God! God is faithful (I Cor. 1:9; 10:13). The conclusion is simple: "I am not "faithful"--God is!"
Let me phrase it this way. I am a faithful DISCIPLE! I am a faithful follower! When I fall down, I look to his grace and try again. When I err, I learn and consider that error as a stepping stone in grace. I acknowledge my sinfulness and that God is "faithful and just to forgive it and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness " (I John 1:9) My faithfulness is not mine. It is the response to his grace--the receiving of promises--the "hope against hope" (Rom. 4: 18).
I want to be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law. but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Brethren. I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, fo rg etting those things which are behind, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Phil. 3:9-14
Our faithfulness is our calling of God.
Our faithfulness is pressing toward the prize.
Our faithfulness is laying aside every weight and the sin that besets us (Heb. 12: 1).
Our faithfulness is to be a branch (bearing fruit) on the true vine (Jno. 15: 1-7).
Our faithfulness is the response (loving, but imperfect obedience) to his grace.
Any thought or human effort to EARN THE GRACE OF GOD is only a
"business arrangement" and not grace at all.
42 God is Faithful
Any idea we have of earning our salvation or meriting our redemption is only a strong indication that we are "fallen from grace" (Gal. 5 :4).
It was God in the beginning--He promised! It was God in the middle--He promised! It will be God in the end --He promised! (WOW! What a thought!) (JHEjr.)
“For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless 1 am not ashamed: For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.” II Tim. 1:12
SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, A WORKMAN--PRAISE GOD--GOME TO HEAVEN!
GOD IS FAITHFUL--HE PROMISED! * The Legalist trusts in what he does. * The Liberalist trusts in what he does not do. * Those saved by grace, trust in God.
CHAPTER 7 --- S AVED BY GRACE - THROUGH FAITH!
The heart of the gospel is stated by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace are ye saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
The primary danger of legalism is to establish salvation on a "LAW WORKS" foundation. The questions will always follow the same pattern.
How much do you pray?
How much do you give?
How much do you love?
How many souls have you saved?
How often do you attend?
How many good deeds have you done?
Let me assure you that under "LAW WORKS." ENOUGH IS NEVER ENOUGH! If you pray one hour a day. this will fall under judgment, for in your case you should be praying two hours a day!
How much do you give? Don't tell me--it's not enough! You say you are giving ten dollars--that's bad! You should be giving twenty!
How many souls have you won? Regardless of what you say. I can assure you. the number is insufficient. You say you have won five souls to Jesus this year? That's bad. you should have won ten. Don't you realize how many are born into this world every day?
With ‘law-works’ enough is never enough and the bottom line is "you are judged guilty of not doing enough! "
Run this simple test by the audience. All you need to answer to each question is a "yes" or "no.
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44 Saved By Grace--Through Faith
Could you pray more? Could you sing more? Could you go more?
Could you give more? Could you save more? Could you sacrifice more?
Could you read your Bible more? Could you encourage more?
Could you study more? Could you meditate more?
When you answer "yes" to these and all other questions like them, then there's only one conclusion you can reach--you are a BAD CHRISTIAN!!
James says, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (James 4:17). Gotcha!! Let’s add this verse too, "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all" (James 2: 10). DOUBLE GOTCHA!! !
You are guilty-evil-bad-Iukewarm-half converted -hell-bound!
The law works system makes masochists out of the people. You'll be standing by the church house door and one will stagger up the steps. "And what's the matter with you, sister?" you inquire. "0, Brother, I can't live another week for the Lord without a good beating!!" "Whip up on me Preacher!" "Hit me." "Hurt me." "Make me squirm." "I'm a bad person!" "I need a good beating every week!"
Down deep in our hearts we all have the same feeling. "If you knew me like I know me, there are times when you wouldn't like me!!"
Guilt is the bottom line, and the main source of motivation in the LAW-WORKS system of salvation. Each night you pillow your head with the thought, "I'm not going to make it--I'm not good enough--I don't pray enough--and even today I missed a number of opportunities to do good. I'm a bad person!! I'm guilty, just like I was before I was "saved"! “I might as well give-up.” “I'm not going to make it!” “But then, tomorrow is Sunday and I can go to church and get another beating (pay the price) and I'll feel better again.”
Saved By Grace--Through Faith 45
This LAW WORKS cycle of quilt and rejection has continued in many of our lives for too long, and now many feel uncomfortable without it, and defensive if you threaten it! I can assure you that when you base your hope for heaven on the LAW WORKS SYSTEM, you'll never come to GRACE. When LAW WORKS gets there first, GRACE-FAITH never has a chance!
Now let's take the ten point quiz under the GRACE FAITH attitude.
Again answer "yes" or "no. "
Do you pray some? Wonderful--GROW!
Do you sing some? Tremendous--GROW!
Do you go some? Keep it up--GROW!
Do you give some? Fantastic--GROW!
Do you save some? Praise God--GROW!
Do you sacrifice some? Hallelujah--GROW!
Do you read the Bible some? Great--GROW!
Do you encourage some? It shows--GROW!
Do you study some? You'll make it--GROW!
Do you meditate some? Marvelous - GROW!
GRACE-FAITH is a biblical way of thinking and feeling which is just the opposite of the Human LAW WORKS EFFORT. Under law-works the recipe is "DO THIS AND THOU SHALT LIVE!" Under the New Testament's plan of GRACE FAITH it is just the opposite. "LIVE - AND YOU WILL DO THIS (AND EVEN MORE)! One tries to earn salvation while the other is expressing the spiritual fruits that come from salvation.
I don't pray IN ORDER TO GO to heaven--I pray BECAUSE I am going. I don't sing IN ORDER TO GO to heaven--I sing BECAUSE I am going. "Giving~" "soul winning," "sacrificing," "encouraging," "studying" and "meditating" are not efforts to go, they are the NATURAL (Spirit) FRUITS of one on the way!
Are you saved by grace? You say, "Yes, I am!" Then as you travel you will grow in the GRACE OF GOD in praying, singing, going,
46 Saved By Grace--Through Faith
giving, saving, sacrificing, reading, encouraging, studying and meditating. The Grace that saves you, will be the grace that keeps you. You cannot be saved by the power of God and be kept by the power of man. (WOW!)( JHEjr)
"For by Grace are ye saved through Faith."
One hundred percent of salvation is by grace! We don't deserve any of it. We can't earn it, buy it, or in any way merit it. Grace is "unmerited favor," yet on the other side of the coin, "Grace is God's power to become."
If you accept LAW-WORKS as the basis of your salvation and hope, Paul says, "Ye are fallen from grace" (Gal. 5:4). It is either/or: "Grace-Faith" or "Law-Works." You cannot live under both systems at the same time.
If you begin with "Grace-Faith" you will see how LAW (Rule of Action) and WORKS (Fruits of the Spirit) are used by God in growing disciples. But if you begin with the Human LAW-WORKS foundation, you'll never tolerate the GRACE-FAITH principle in your mind.
I believe some have gone so far into the LAWWORKS syndrome that it is nigh impossible for them to turn around and receive GRACE-FAITH. Paul says, "a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (Gal. 5: 9). He refers to the insidious influence of the Jewish Law Keeping teachers who had invaded the churches in Galatia.
You argue, "Both get the job done!" I must agree that salvation by LAW-WORKS works! But the end result is guilt and bondage, and the feeling of REJECTION. After a lifetime of serving. one is still unsure of heaven. LAW-WORKS does not permit the feeling of complete acceptance and that "blessed assurance, Jesus is mine" concept. It becomes legalistic - forced labor - another kind of bondage.
The "Salvation by Grace" teaching brings full assurance and ready acceptance. It sets us free from guilt and issues the daily exhortation, "But grow in the grace, and in the knowledge of our
Saved By Grace--Through Faith 47
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 3:18).
Let's look at the four words that truly bother us. They are LAW-WORKS-OBEDIENCE- PERFORMANCE. These are biblical words and MUST BE a part of our thinking. They cannot be voided by grace, but must be better understood in relation to grace. To aid this process, think of some other words that would be synonyms to LAWWORKS- OBEDIENCE. Our problem may be more semantics than real. Look at the chart:
GRACE
LAW EQUALS LORD
WORKS EQUALS FRUIT
OBEDIENCE EQUALS GRATITUDE
PERFORMANCE EQUALS SERVICE
What if we used the words LORD-FRUIT, GRATITUDE and SERVICE as synonomous with LAW-WORKS-OBEDIENCE and PERFORMANCE? What would happen to our thinking- our feelings- our attitudes. Just say it out loud.
The LAW of my life is my LORD! The WORKS of my life are the FRUITS OF THE SPIRlT. The OBEDIENCE I give is a joyful response to the will of God from the deep gratitude and love I have for the Lord! PERFORMANCE is my joyful service!
Now relate these terms to Grace. LAW-LORD relates to grace when LAW alone does not. WORKS-FRUIT relates to grace when WORKS ALONE is confusing. OBEDIENCE- GRATITUDE-LOVE expresses grace when obedience alone looks like human effort. Performance relates to grace in the word SERVICE. We often get a mindset, a bias on words that influence our overall concepts.
"THROUGH FAITH"
Everything we receive by grace is accepted on the basis of FAITH. "For without faith it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is. and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Heb. 11:6).
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Faith is a gift of God. This gift is individual. It always comes by the "hearing of the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).
The quality of faith or the quantity of faith are not as important as the OBJECT OF FAITH.
Everything (100%) that we receive from God comes by his grace! Everything (100%) of all we receive by grace is accepted by faith. Our faith is a response to God's grace.
“By faith men subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in figh t, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection…Stoned... sawn asunder... tempted… slain with the sword … and these all, having obtained a good report through faith.” Heb. 11: 33-39
God is the object of our faith and God is powerful. Faith is the passageway to God. We learn about the world through hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting and touching. We learn about God THROUGH FAITH.
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. By whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5: 1-2).
Grace has appeared unto all men (Titus 2:11).
Grace has revealed the gospel (I Cor. 15:1-4).
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Faith comes by hearing what grace has revealed (Rom. 10:17). Through faith we have access to the grace of God (Rom. 5:1-2). Balance!
Grace and Faith -- God and Faith -- God and man! Brought together by the cross. What power! What a salvation! What a God!
No wonder Paul declared, "By the grace of God I am what I am; and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was in me" (I Cor. 15:10) . Saved by Grace, through Faith, a workman, praise God, gone to heaven!
Amazing Grace How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found Was blind but now I see! When we've been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, We've no less days to sing God's praise Than when we first begun. -- John Newton
CHAPTER 8 CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23).
Salvation is "By grace through faith" (Eph. 2:8). Salvation is free--it is the gift of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Salvation is designed for all; "for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). The gospel is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first and also to the Greek (Gentile) (Rom. 1:16).
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph. 2:8-10
God planned salvation through Jesus. He is the rock on which we stand. He is the door into the sheepfold. He is the living water--the bread of life. He is the way, the truth and the life. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He is the Lord of the lamp stand. He is Christ of the candlesticks. He is the life, which was, and which is and which is to come. He is the resurrection and life. He is the one that liveth and was dead, but is alive forever more. He is Apostle, High Priest, Servant. He is the one to whom the Father hath committed all judgment , He is of the root of David, the Lamb of God, the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings.
Paul says he was "made in the likeness of man" and is called "Son of man" and "Son of God."
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In Christ--A Workman 51
Let this mind be in you. which was also in Christ Jesus; who. being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant. and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Phil. 2:6-8
Jesus was the "Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth" (Jno. 1:14). John later wrote of his Master, "that which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes. which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life" (I Jno. 1:1). He is called "the faithful and true witness" (Rev. 3: 14).
Jesus Christ was fully man and fully God.
Born of the virgin Mary (Lk. 1:27) conceived by the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1: 35), he grew up in the nondescript town of Nazareth (Lk 2:50. And "…increased in wisdom and stature. and in favor with God and man" (Lk. 2:52).
The writer of Hebrews sees Jesus "made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God, should taste of death for every man" (Heb. 2 :9).
"Though he were a son. yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made prefect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:8-9).
He understands our weakness and humanity for "he was in all points tempted like as we are. yet without sin." He is a great High priest, for he both understands the justice of God and the infirmities of man (Heb. 4: 15).
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Anyone that denies that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is a "deceiver and an anti-Christ" (II Jno.. 7). If Jesus was not en-fleshed, incarnate, then there is NO GRACE-NO FAITH- NO SALVATION-NO GIFT-NO GOSPEL-NO POWER-NO RESURRECTION-NO SECOND COMING!!
Jesus is declared to be the SON OF GOD. He was not God's son by generation for Jesus spoke of the glory which he had with the "Father, before the world was" (Jno. 17:5). "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made... He was in the world, and the world was made by him and the world knew him not. He came to his own and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (Jno. 1:1-3, 10-12).
Jesus is God's Son by characteristic and essence. He is God and existed from eternity. In the Old Testament we know him as the WORD (Jno. 1:14). This WORD became man and divested himself of glory that he might be the "offering for sin".
Barnabas was called the "Son of encouragement (consolation)". Was he the offspring of encouragement, the birth child of consolation? No, he was the son of encouragement by characteristic and essence. When Jesus spoke of the children of hell (Matt. 23: 15) or sons of the devil, were they really the off-spring, the birth children of the devil/hell? They were identified by character-life-essence!
Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it (is enough for) us. Jesus saith unto him, have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayeth thou then, Show us the Father?
Jno. 14:9-10.
In Christ--A Workman 53
JESUS CHRIST, SON OF MAN, SON OF GOD, SAVIOR OF THE WORLD (Phil. 2: 5-10).
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:9-11
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:10).
According to this passage (and all others bearing on this subject) ALL OF GOD'S CHILDREN ARE CREATED IN CHRIST! This may seem exclusive and be a bit confronting, but it is a straight and simple Bible fact. God has revealed no other way. There is no other propitiation, atonement or sacrifice for sin. Without Jesus, God has no other plan.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation); old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (II Cor. 5:17).
But HOW does one come into Christ? What factors are involved in the new birth? How can one be "washed from his sins" or have the "remission" or "forgiveness of sins"?
Open your Bible and read for yourself! There are numerous examples of the lost being saved and "added to the church."
The first example was multiplied by 3.000. Those on the day of Pentecost HEARD the gospel (Acts 2:14-36).
54 In Christ--A Workman
“They were pricked in their heart and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them. Repent, and be baptized. everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit).” Acts 2:37-38
Those who hear and believe the good news of Christ are to repent (change your mind) and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Some accepted and others refused for Luke records. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). Verse 47 says. "And the Lord added to the church daily. such as should be saved".
Those that were saved were "added to the church". The church (Jesus said "I will build" Matt. 16: 18). is a composite of all the saved. To be "in Christ" is to be "in the saved" and to be "in the saved" is to be in the church. The saved (the church) are also called "THE BODY OF CHRIST." "And (God) hath put all things under his (Christ's) feet. and gave him to be head over all things to the church. which is his body. the fullness of him that fills all in all" (Eph. l :22-23).
Those who are saved "in Christ" (by God's Grace) are members of his body of which he is head and savior (Eph. 5: 23). The 3.000 on the day of Pentecost were saved, in Christ, in his church, members of his body.
That is a Bible FACT!
What would happen to me if when I first heard the gospel (death, burial and resurrection of Jesus), that I believed in Jesus, repented of my sins and was baptized into Christ for the remission of sins. Would I not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and be added to the same church they were added to?
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Paul writes, "For ye all are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:26-27). Jesus said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16).
How could I expect the grace of God to save me outside and apart from the sacrifice of Jesus, who was my sin offering? ALL THE SAVED ARE CREATED IN CHRIST, and to be in Christ is to be in his body, the church. The church (all the saved) "was purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).
BY GRACE! THROUGH FAITH! IN CHRIST! A WORKMAN! There are three kinds of works mentioned in the New Testament. (1) Works of the Old Testament law; (2) Boastful works of man; and (3) Works of faith.
The word flatly states "But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God" (Gal. 3 :11) and "therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight" (Rom. 3 :20). The Law was a curse and Christ in his death, redeemed us from it. The works of the Old Testament Law are not involved in the "works of a believer"!
What about the good moral works of man?
These works are completely rejected in our text-"By grace, through faith, and that NOT OF SELF, NOT BY WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST" (Eph. 2:8-10). It is not of law keeping, or man's morality, but by grace that we are saved.
But there's yet another kind of "WORKS" given in the word, other than the works of the law and the boastful works of men?
THERE ARE THE WORKS OF FAITH. "Created in Christ Jesus unto good works (of faith). For ye are his WORKMANSHIP. (works of faith) which God hath before ordained that ye should walk in them" (Eph. 2:8-10).
56 In Christ--A Workman
"This is the work of God. that ye believe on him whom he hath sent" (Jno. 6 :29). THE WORK OF GOD IS LIVING FAITH (living out your faith). Even the simple act of baptism is an operation of God (Col. 2: 12) and can only be received by a believer (Mk. 16: 16). James says "Faith without works (living out your faith) is dead, like a corpse" (James 2 :26). One could not have LIVING FAITH without obeying the simple command of Christ , anymore than one could live without breathing. SAVING FAITH IS LIVING FAITH (LIVING OUT YOUR FAITH).
Is your LAW THE LORD, AND IS THE LORD. the law of your life? Are your WORKS. THE FRUIT OF THE LORD, and are FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT, THE WORKS of your life? IS OBEDIENCE to God the expression of your LOVE FOR HIM AND YOUR DEEP GRATITUDE FOR HIS GRACE? This is indeed the work of God and no other is acceptable! Is your performance nothing more than your humble service to God!
Then rejoice for your salvation is truly by grace. God is Faithful--He promised!
CHAPTER 9 --- "AND THEY SUNG A NEW SONG"
“After this I looked, and behold. a door was opened in heaven; and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter … And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book. neither to look thereon... AND I WEPT MUCH.”
Rev. 4:1; 5:1-4a
John was discouraged. He longed to be with brethren. He was exiled on the Isle of Patmos , and the Spirit invited John to "come up hither" and witness a great scene. The dilemma left John weeping. No man in that large throng was able to break the seal which bound the book. Angels couldn't do it, and no man was able - so John just broke down and sobbed. Why? It seemed hopeless.
Many had prayed hundreds and thousands of prayers, but prayers could not break the seals nor open the book, nor redeem man's soul. Hopeless.
Others had suffered and hundreds of thousands had been martyred. but neither mans' suffering nor his "faithfulness" could break the seals or open the book. or offer salvation from sin and failure. Hopeless.
Surely the open generosity and gracious giving of believers would be sufficient! But it wasn't! John said, “And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and read the book, neither to look thereon.” Hopeless.
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58 And They Sung A New Song
And one of the elders saith unto me, weep not: Behold, the lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
And they sang a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: For thou was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue and people, and nation … Saying with a loud voice, worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the lamb forever and ever.” Rev. 5:4-5,9,12,13 Only in Jesus, there is hope!
In Adam, all die - in Christ shall all be made alive! Enoch walked with God--Jesus is God! Abraham received a promise that "in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 12: 14). Jesus was that promise and is that blessing (Gal. 3)!
Moses led a nation--Jesus is to be preached to "every nation" (Matt. 28: 18-20).
From Ezra to Isaiah--from Saul "who had killed his thousands" to "David who had killed his ten thousands." NONE WERE WORTHY TO OPEN THE BOOK NOR TO BREAK THE SEALS THEREOF!"
The strength of Samson could not break the seals. The courage of Elijah withers before the task.
The generosity of Joseph was unworthy, the martyred Paul was lacking in power. John wept!!
Who can open the book?
Who can break the seals?
Who can give man back his soul?
And They Sung A New Song 59
Contrast morality! Look again at the pitiful works of man! Take all the programs, organ- izations, church works, sacrifices, prayers, persecutions , human efforts and draw your conclusion from the bottom line and weep with the aged John, "FOR NO MAN WAS FOUND WORTHY TO OPEN AND READ THE BOOK, NEITHER TO LOOK THEREON" (Rev. 5:4).
But wait--there is good news for the hundreds of thousands gathered. The "Lamb" has become the "Lion" and the Son of God steps forth--front and center. HE HATH PREVAILED TO OPEN THE BOOK AND TO BREAK THE SEALS THEREOF."
By Grace - through faith - in Christ - saved!
Praise God! That is Biblical, a beginner's view on the subject of grace. THIS FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPT IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST IF WE ARE TO AVOID THE PITFALLS OF LEGALISM AND REMAIN TRUE TO THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.
God's Grace is behind it all. Putting your arms around this grace would be like putting your arms around the Empire State Building. It's impossible! So God sent his Son, clothed in flesh, that through him we might see and understand the grace of God.
I can put my hand on a doorknob. I am able to identify with Jesus. He was "tempted" like I am. He hungered, grew weary, prayed, asked for water, cried, rested, had feelings and forgave others. He is power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing. Everything I am not-he became! Everything I desire to be--he is!
America is being inundated with "other gospels." Men seek to replace the original with that which is more acceptable to the minds of the masses.
There is the "PSYCHOLOGICAL GOSPEL."
This makes God a "pepper-upper" and literally shutters at the mention of sin. This "gospel" offers a "psycho-religious adjustment."
60 And They Sung A New Song
Then there is the "SOCIAL GOSPEL." This is a good-time lodge type religion with special appeal to those who are not accepted in other clubs or societies.
Today, the "POLITICAL GOSPEL" has made its appearance. This reform movement, which is so busy with surveys, committee meetings, projects, campaigns, funds raising efforts, etc , , to clean up society leaves individuals starving to death for spiritual food.
The "EMOTIONAL GOSPEL" continues to excite disciples. Mystical exhortations, highs, thrills, and "better felt than told" victories are sought. What the Word of God says has little or no effect. subjectivism becomes Lord and master.
Have you ever heard of the "ATAVISTIC GOSPEL"? Those who hold to the beliefs of dead fore-bearers! The Chinese call it ‘ancestor worship’. It is Shintoism, the national religion of Japan. Some may call it ‘tradition’.
Perhaps you have been tempted to consider the SACRAMENTAL GOSPEL. The inward feeling that the power of God is expressed by just "doing the right thing." This speaks to those who "pop by" for the Lord's Supper, before going hunting, fishing, or vacation.
To some, the THEOLOGICAL GOSPEL has a strong appeal. This is a cold scientific acceptance of the abstract truth in the New Testament scriptures. "Be right on all the issues" is the clarion call of this disciple. His straight "diet of doctrine" begins the process of slow starvation.
Just give me that "OLD-TIME-GOSPEL."
By grace-through faith in Christ - a workman - Praise God I’m saved!" This is the original, unique. one of a kind. Fanny J. Crosby wrote,
“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine,
O what a foretaste of glory divine;
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of his spirit, washed in his blood”
And They Sung A New Song 61 This is that blood-bought, apostle brought, devil- fought, people-sought, Spirit filled gospel, This is God's power to save (Rom. 1:16).
THIS GOSPEL IS JESUS! Calvary is the heart and soul of the message. "Jesus and him crucified" is all Paul wanted to know (I Cor. 2:2). Peter preached Jesus crucified and resurrected to the Pentecostal crowd (Acts 2:22-36). These disciples began in Jerusalem and soon spread the message to Judea, then Samaria, and eventually to the uttermost parts of the earth (Acts 1: 8). They rejoiced in "SINGING A NEW SONG."
You don't "grow the church" by preaching the book of Acts. The church grew (multiplied) under the preaching of Jesus and his resurrection (Acts 4: 13). The focus was Jesus. "Good news" was proclaimed. We have one that can open the book, break the Seals!
THE GOSPEL IS GOSPEL EVENTS. It is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The power to live what's in the epistle is found in the gospel. If you're not in love with Jesus, his teachings won't make good sense! The "preaching of the cross is to them foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (I Cor. I :18).
THE GOSPEL IS WITNESSES. Cephas, the other apostles, a crowd of five hundred, the women, the apostles James and Paul are but a few of the credible testimonies of the resurrection (I Cor. 15 :6-7). John said, "We heard him, we saw him, we looked upon him, we touched him, we are witnesses" (I Jno.1:1). This is a gospel of fact, documented by witnesses.
This is the GOSPEL OF PROMISES. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mk. 16:16). Saved with all past sins forgiven (Acts 2:38). All spiritual blessings are "in Christ" (Eph.1:3). This gospel is for all. "Whosoever will" is the word.
We are "GATHERED TOGETHER" in Christ.
Paul writes, "that God might gather together in one, all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him" (Eph. 1:10).
62 And They Sung A New Song
Even when "we were dead in sin, God QUICKENED US, (MADE US ALIVE TOGETHER with Christ" (Eph. 2:5).
Listen to the ‘new song’ Paul ‘sings’ as he writes to a young preacher Titus,
“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 the present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ: who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of his Holy Ghost (Spirit). Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior: that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.”
Titus 2:11-15; 3:5-8
Jesus becomes the new song of every believer.
“This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Saviour all the day long.
Frances Jane Crosby
And They Sung A New Song 63
Sing again the new song of Jesus:
Christ will me his aid afford,
Never to fall, never to fall,
While I find my precious Lord,
Sweeter than all, sweeter than all.
Johnson Oatman, Jr.
Someday it will be:
Face to face with Christ my Savior
Face to face-what will it be,
When with rapture I behold him,
Jesus Christ who died for me.
Mrs. Frank A. Breck
Sing this one now:
I am a priest of my Father on High
My body is His temple so Divine
Sacrifices are offered unto him,
All the time, all the time, all the time.
Jack Exum
CHAPTER 10
"I AM BARABBAS"
The long stone corridor leading to the inner security prison opened with a loud clang. Six guards entered. along with an officer. In strict cadence they began moving toward the isolated cell that held the condemned prisoner. They had corme to take him away for crucifixion.
This was the most horrible death ever devised. It was lingering pain, sometimes lasting a full day. There was no mercy, and little by little the life's blood would drip from the nail wounds. To be impaled to a cross was strictly reserved by the Romans for the worst of all criminals. It was death by suffering! It was slow death by forcing the lungs to gradually collapse from within. It was humiliation. Often naked or stripped to loin cloth, there was no hiding the shame. A public spectacle. for all to witness and shudder at the thought that they themselves might suffer such a death.
The man huddled in the corner of his cell-like tomb. They were corning for him. All appeals had failed. He had had his trial. The verdict was unanimous! The evidence was penetrating and overwhelming. There had been no question from the start. It was an open and shut case. Murder, insurrection. high treason against the Imperial Eagle of Rome. And now the time had come!
"Face it like a man," he had whispered. But there was no manhood in him. According to his upbringing he should have had the heart of a lion. His mother was a saintly Jew. His father was a devoted Rabbi. They had given their life to him. They had trained him in the strict order of Moses. He had committed to memory all of the five books of the Law. He attended synagogue and in his early years showed promise of being a leader, perhaps someday a teacher, a rabbi, a Pharisee.
All the truth of Moses' law had failed to hold his restless soul. Early in his teenage years he seemed destined to answer the call to fight to the death the invaders from Rome. He would show those heathens that raping the daughters of Israel was a crime too great to go unpunished. So he fought the only way he knew how.
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"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" were the only marching orders he knew. A bad man trying to do good in an evil way. The battle had raged within him for more than a decade. Now, a few months before his thirtieth birthday, his crucifixion day had come.
He pressed against the wet stone walls. The noise of his own chains were silenced by the steps of the soldiers.
"I'm not ready," he cried aloud--as if this would cause them to retreat and return another day,
"I'm not ready," he shrieked. The command of the officer to halt brings every foot silent at the door.
He pulled at his chains and pressed himself deeply into the shadows in a futile effort to hide. Oh, to be a little boy again. To run in the meadows, to pick the wild flowers, to lay in the sweet security of mother's arms. Oh, to be innocent, to clean the mind of the sins of the heart. To be able to wash the hands of all iniquity and blood. Where are the dreams I had as a little boy? Where are the psalms and the chants of victory over the enemies of God? Where did all the dancers go, who, arm in arm would joyously leap about to the merry music in the air? Where's my mother and father? O God, please don't let this happen to me!
The cell door was opened and the men approached. "We have come to set you free," the Captain of the guards declared.
"Liar," he screamed. How could anyone be so cold and inhuman to toy with one's life before crucifixion? To verbally assault a mind that is already broken is unforgivable.
"We have signed authority from the governor to set you free. Your sentence has been commuted. You are to receive a full pardon."
- 66- I am Barabbas ---- :l
The words sounded like a beautiful dream of freedom from all the past. It would be a ticket home. Home to the waiting arms of a pious mother, and godly father. Home to the hope of flower-filled fields and new life again. But he knew it could not be!
He knew the Romans and hated them. As the guards unshackled his hands and feet he became as a wild man, struggling against certain fate. It took the strength of all six to restrain him.
They lifted him up, grasping him by arms and legs, as he jerked and kicked and kept screaming the same thing over and over: "I'm not ready, do you hear me, I'm not ready!!!"
They hauled him past the ancient wall of the prison and cast him into the dust of the old cobblestone street.
Without a word they left him lying there. He was dreaming--he knew it was a dream! He squinted in the bright sunlight and the voices of a crowd shocked him into reality. "What's happening?" he asked a passerby.
"See that man coming there,"? the stranger said. "They're taking him away to be crucified!" Now he could hear the chant of the crowd. "Crucify him, crucify him, away with him!" "Maybe he can prophesy who will drive the spikes, or perhaps his God will lift him up on a cloud," others shouted in contempt.
Now he could see him clearly in the midst of the crowd. Look, he's fallen. The Romans have made another bear his cross.
Like a dream turned nightmare he watched-awe struck, as the parade passed. Instinctively he followed as the crowd moved on. They passed the old synagogue "Via De Larose”. They came within a stone's throw of his own house, but nothing could distract him.
"Who is this man." he demanded. "His name is Jesus," one shouted. "He's the teacher from Nazareth." "Why is he being crucified; what evil has he done?"
I am Barabbas 67
"HE'S TAKING THE PLACE OF ANOTHER!" This shot through him like a bolt of lightning.
That which seemed to be an unsolvable mystery suddenly became all too clear.
He knew from his youth of the ancient custom of releasing a prisoner on the feast day. But why would they release him, an avowed enemy of Rome. He was the worst of all prisoners. He was a convicted murderer and insurrectionist! Why would they crucify this teacher, this son of a carpenter?
As they crucified Jesus, Barabbas sat on a nearby hill. He could hear the faint cry of the angry mob. He could see them passing by the cross, wagging their heads, reviling him, mocking him.
"Thou that destroyest the temple, and rebuild it in three days, save thyself," one shouted.
"If thou be the son of God, come down from the cross," another called out.
You could hear the chief priest laughing, "He saved others; himself he cannot save."
"If he be the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross, and we will believe him!" No one was singing the new song!
Two others were crucified with him. A strong darkness began to fill the air.
Three hours of darkness fell on the city. It seemed like an eternity. Barabbas sat long after the darkness passed. Now, only a few are left about the cross. The legs of the other two are smashed with a large iron bar to hasten death.
Barabbas watched, left strangely alone with his own thoughts.
"How could this perfect man die for me?"
Could it have been that Barabbas heard Peter preach on the day of Pentecost about Christ? (Acts 2: 14-36). When Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)" (Acts 2:38).
68 I am Barabbas
Could Barabbas have been the first of the 3,000 that "gladly received the word"? (Acts 2:40.
Could Barabbas, the murderer, the rebel against Rome, have been a charter member of that first New Testament church?
The word simply says, "Then Pilate released Barabbas unto them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified" (Matt. 27: 36) •
In a strange but very real sense of the word, I can say "I am Barabbas!"
Begin with the simple statement, "I AM A SINNER--LOST!" I have gone astray-- become unprofitable! I am lost without God and without hope, and alienated from the mind of God. There is no way that I can save myself.
"GOD IS RIGHTEOUS--JUST!" Jesus did more than just take my place. The death on the cross justified God in saving me (Rom. 3:25-26). It was the plan of God that Jesus should "Taste of death for every man" (Heb. 2:9). God remains righteous, even when he saves the sinner, for Jesus paid it all.
"GOD IS FAITHFUL - HE PROMISED!" Salvation--sins forgiven, remitted, washed away. Grace sufficient for every need (II Cor. 12:9-10). Jesus is coming again--he promised. and heaven will be our eternal home (In. 14:1-4). "All promises in him yea and in him, Amen" (II Cor. 1:20).
"FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED, THROUGH FAITH" (Eph.2:8). Jesus is the grace of God and "he that believeth not (in him) is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (In. 3:18).
"CREATED IN CHRIST JESUS UNTO GOOD WORKS." The works of our life is nothing more that the fruit that Jesus bears in our life. THIS IS THE NEW SONG WE SING. Jesus is power, riches, wisdom. strength, honor, glory and blessing" (Rev. 5: 12), and everything we're not-he is!
It all begins with the stunning realization--I am Barabbas!"
I am Barabbas 69
Put salvation on top priority. Don't just read about Jesus, receive him and crown him Lord and Savior. Then sing the new song,
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing, be to him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.”
CHAPTER 11
"HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS"
What did the Apostle Paul mean when he said "the form of sound words" (II Tim. 1:13)? To ask the question is to answer it. Words that are clearly spoken and fully understood become the primary means of teaching truth. If we lose the "soundness of words," they become confusing and misleading. Words that lose definitive power often come to mean so much that they mean nothing. We call this accommodative language. Words then mean what we want them to mean.
Take a closer look at the word 'church'. In the New Testament it simply means "the called out." The church is the composite of the saved, those called of God. We tend to jump on the one who says, "When I joined the church… " for we believe that when conversion occurs, the saved one is "added to the church" (Acts 2:47), and the same Lord that saves him--adds him to those already saved. Since the church is the "family of God," we rightly reason that when a person. experiences the new birth, he is (in the same process) "added to the family." We would think it strange if a three week old baby knocked at our door and said, "I got born three weeks ago, and I've been looking for a good family to "JOIN"!!
Now stop and reflect on how WE use the word church! We say, "Are you GOING TO CHURCH?" or "I've just COME FROM CHURCH." We "CARPET THE CHURCH" or put a NEW ROOF ON THE "CHURCH." We talk of meeting "AT THE CHURCH," "INSURING THE CHURCH, or talk about that guy "SLEEPING IN CHURCH."
We may know the Bible definition of the word church, but I can assure you, that our use of the word (in an accommodative sense) will totally destroy the spiritual concept for our children.
Now take a closer look at the word GRACE.
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Sound Words 71
It also has become an accommodative word. We name our daughters with the word. We say "grace" over a meal. We speak of the grace of a ballet dancer or the gracious movements of a basketball star on a 340 dunk.
Yet when we use the term in a Biblical way it scares us. Why does this word intimidate us? Why do we associate "soft preaching" with the word grace. We can preach obedience all week and never mention "Grace," but we dare not preach "Grace" five minutes without speaking of obedience!
The truth of it is we have been out of balance on this word for a long time. It scares us because we don't understand it. We have been GREAT on specifics (Baptism. Lord's supper, singing) and have failed to see the power of conceptual words like grace. Grace has not become an accommodative word to us for we seldom use it at all.
Paul ended all of his letters with "Grace be with you." The New Testament is filled with the word. It is true that we cannot EARN it and that we do not DESERVE it. but that's only a part of the definition. Paul says "FOR BY THE GRACE OF GOD, I AM WHAT I AM" (I Cor. 15:10). This is the positive force in the life of Paul that produced all of his works. In effect he said, "I worked harder than all of them, yet it wasn't me, but the grace of God that was in me" (I Cor. 15:10).
Have we been trying to do the WORK OF GOD with the strength of men? The absence of the word GRACE in our preaching and teaching and just daily conversation may have led us into a HUMAN-LAW-WORKS-SYSTEM. Can you produce soul-winners in an atmosphere where SOUL-winning is neither taught nor mentioned? When there is the absence of the term "soul-winning." or "personal work," the lack of emphasis simply produces an out-of-balance life. So we end up making 95% of our converts "believers" and 5% soul-winners!
So what's happened to us in the last 50 years of "NO GRACE"? The benign neglect of the word (concept) has been shameful! We have migrated toward a HUMAN-LAW- WORKS-SYSTEM rather than a GRACE-FAITH concept.
72 Sound Words
This has brought with it many side effects that have proved disastrous.
Because one teaches an extreme--and holds to a position that is faulty, we tend to overreact and take the opposite extreme which is equally unbiblical and untenable. It is a form of "Backlash Theology." Some of our "doctrinal positions" are not espoused in a formal way. but they are there. An "unwritten creed" is just as damnable as a "written creed!" The "unwritten (silent) creed" may be more dangerous. For a written creed can be read, studied, and if desired, "burned up." The silent creed remains. It lies in the shadow of our theology. It is easier denied for it is unwritten and unofficial. Look at a few examples of "Backlash Theology." or "How to react religiously rather than to act spiritually!"
FAITH ONLY. We believe that to be a false and unbiblical teaching. We debate those who teach it and renounce those who believe it. Then we proceed to run to the other extreme and teach "Salvation by human works only." The position is equally unscriptural, if not anti-scriptural.
In order to keep from teaching the error of the Charismatic experience of the Holy Spirit we teach (some do) that the Spirit and the Word are one and the same. One false teaching cannot take the place of another!
Because some teach "once saved. always saved." we have tended to swing the pendulum to the other side and teach "once saved. never saved." or "once saved- always doubt." or "always wonder." The cure is worse than the disease. Neither position is Biblical; both are at total risk! We need to follow ancient instructions. "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love, which is in Jesus Christ" (II Tim. 1:13).
Because of our fear of "Mariology" (worship and adoration of Mary), we often fail to teach her unique role in salvation history.
We seldom pray. "God. spare this life and heal this sickness." We pray for doctors and nurses, and medicines.
Sound Words 73
No one denies that prayer is needed for our feeble hands, but what about the power of God that CAN SPARE US and often does! Could God make an exception if he wanted to?
Why can we freely sing "Filled with Thy Spirit!" but we can't say it! Why sing "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah," when those are not words common to our preaching vocabulary. Why can we sing words that we cannot say?
Listen to J.D. Thomas who writes,
Whereas the Lutherans and Calvanists (Evangelists generally) err by over em- phasizing grace and faith, without really understanding how works and obedience fit into the picture, we in the church strongly appreciate the works-obedience emphasis while failing to fully comprehend the grace aspect. We do not give God's part in the salvation process enough credit, and this causes us to depend upon our own goodness (and our own deeds) rather than upon Christ's saving act (his death upon the cross). This emphasis tends to give us a pharisaical attitude of self-satisfaction, which is repugnant to those who more fully appreciate grace. We tend to emphasize the mechanics, the PLAN of salvation and obedience to it, without thinking enough about Christ's part or the significance of his atoning death. The charge that we are "legalists" is therefore hard to refute in the minds of these other people" (IMAGE, September 1985, p.17).
When words and terms are fuzzy to us, concepts become more and more confusing. I have defended specific doctrines for so long and with such fervor, that we must be careful that we do not……
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(1) Learn to believe in doctrine, rather than Jesus who gave it; and
(2) this image will be projected to the world about us.
Do we believe in "breaking bread and drinking grape juice" or in the resurrection? Do we believe in vocal music or do we express our praise and worship to God through this medium?
We can be so related and associated with these doctrines that the religious world identifies us as "Those who believe in baptism, the Lord's supper, and not having a piano!"
If anybody on the earth believes (trusts) in God and in his son, Jesus Christ, it's the church for whom he died (Acts 20:28).
The old restoration term, "Call Bible things by Bible names" should be taken out of mothballs and put back into circulation. It isn't that we only believe part of the Word of God, it's the fact that we have tended to develop a "sectarian" language by using "catch-phrases," "special words" and unique terms which have developed into a vocabulary that is understood ONLY by our brotherhood. In each split or division, a "new language" is adopted and another paper started. Special "labels" then are used to prove "we" are right (doctrinally) and everyone else is wrong. THERE IS NO SECTARIAN LIKE A NON-SECTARIAN SECTARIAN!
The Restorationists called to lay down all written (and unwritten) creeds of man. To return to the scriptures as our only source of light and truth. Away with "human names" and "human creeds."
The problem is, we are calling for everyone to "return to the scriptures" except us! Why are we excluded? Do we alone "HAVE THE TRUTH?" We didn't write it! We didn't translate it, print it, sell it, or give it away! How then do we have it? We teach it! Jesus said: The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: all therefore they bid you observe. that observe and do; but do not after their works for they say. and do not. Matt. 23: 2-3
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Could we be guilty of the very thing we are in a pitched battle to fight? Could we desire simple New Testament Christianity so much that we become "sectarian" in our quest? Could we be against all written human creeds and be developing a silent creed of our own? (I Cor. 1:10-12).
When Jesus said. "For in vain do they worship me. teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:9). Could this rebuke apply to the modern "institutional" church?
Is brotherhood politics the only game in town?
Do preacher issues draw congregations into the business of back-biting and division? Can brotherhood papers be organized or purchased for purposes of fueling strife. galvanizing positions. and cementing, and maintaining divisions?
Is not our greater need to return to the basics and seek a better balance? To "hold fast the form of sound words" is to return to a simple "Thus saith the Lord." This means. when God has spoken. it is the end of all controversy! Yet. when the word is SILENT OR UNCLEAR, each believer must maintain the right to his/her own Christian conscience, (while others accept him in Christ).
Saved by Grace--Through Faith--A Workman-Praise God--Saved! "Hold fast the form of sound words."
What if we used the following terms synonymously. I believe our concepts would be enlarged and a better understanding of the word would be enjoyed.
GRACE….. GOD'S POWER TO BE
FAITH ….. TRUST
WORKS ….. FRUIT
OBEDIENCE …. LOVE AND GRATITUDE
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DUTY …… PRIVILEGE
PERFORMANCE ….. SERVICE
LAW ……. LORD JESUS
The words in the left hand column are more legal terms. The ones on the right broaden the view and strengthen the understanding. All of the terms are Biblical, but when restricted tend to limit the concept.
Grace is unmerited. un-earnable and un-deservable favor. But it is far more than the negative can express. It is power--God's power to become.
Faith - Belief are used generously all through the New Testament. But trust speaks of a fuller more complete relationship.
"Works" has been a problem since James wrote the second chapter of his book. But when you see works as the fruit of the believer or the "working out of faith," it helps to solve the dilemma that has stopped even the best canon lawyer.
Obedience is the natural fruit of faith. And when we obey because of our deep love and gratitude for what God has done in us and for us. obedience is but another form of "rejoicing in the Lord . "
Duty then becomes a privilege…
Performance is no longer a matter of pride but a point of service,
Then LAW becomes OUR LORD JESUS…
HE leads - we follow
He instructs - we learn
He commands - we obey.
So, go ahead, broaden the concepts. Stretch the mind and see the spiritual and enjoy to the fullest the praise and ser-vice of God.
CHAPTER 12 SAVED!
The foundation is "everything." When you speak of salvation you refer to eternity and for something to be eternal, it will need the right foundation. Paul speaks of foundations in I Corinthians 3.
According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. For other foundations can no man lay that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I Cor. 3:10-11
There has never been any other ground for justification than the BLOOD OF CHRIST. There can never be any other process of achieving it. Justification, salvation, redemption and sanctification are not badges we earn, they are the gift of God. Grace is not the payment of a debt. Man never could, nor can he now, do anything that would /could earn salvation. He can accept it, receive it, appreciate it, enjoy it, be blessed by it, but NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES EARN OR MERIT IT!!
God initiates Grace. Faith is "man's response to God's initiative." God formed the blueprint, drew the plan and laid the foundation. Man has no other choice. It is "By Grace--through faith--in Christ--a workman-praise God" or not at all. This is the foundation that God hath set, and the only one that will last.
The strong temptation is to substitute this basic understanding for a "HUMAN- LAW-WORKS" Foundation. It just sounds reasonable to trust in yourself and to turn God's grace into a "do-it-yourself" plan. This principle is a vital part of our American heritage. If you work hard, put in long hours, and sacrifice, then the business does well and you succeed.
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We reward the laborer for a job well done, and refuse the one who is slow to move and develop.
Translate this into religious jargon, and you come up with a "businessman's grace" salvation. Take a yardstick out of the closet. Color the first 40% with a bright gold tint. Blacken the rest (60%) with a dark color. When you believe or teach that the bright color (40%) represents your works of merit, and that God's grace covers only the remaining (60%) you have fallen from the Grace of God and have replaced it with religious humanism.
"You do this for me, Lord, and I'll do this for you, and with your grace plus my works (church attendance, prayer, giving, SOUL-winning, etc ), I'll make it!"
This is a false belief and teaching. God's grace saves me completely, or it doesn't save at all. God planned it--Christ purchased it--the Holy Spirit revealed it. All I do is RECEIVE IT.
Then what part does obedience play? Much in every way, obedience was, and is, a necessary part of God's plan. Salvation is the free gift of God, but CANNOT BE RECEIVED BY THE UNBELIEVER! It is "By grace through faith" and when one refuses to believe in God and his son, he CANNOT receive salvation. Before one can be saved by grace, he MUST REPENT OF REBELLION and a willingness to be obedient must be manifested. If there is no cry of "I am a sinner-lost" there can be no redeeming power of grace through faith. Peter said to the Jews on Pentecost, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)" (Acts 2:38).
Did they EARN salvation by "receiving the word" and by being baptized? Did they MERIT the blood of Christ when they "gladly received the message"? Could they demand heaven because they simply obeyed the commands of Peter? (Acts 2 :39. To ask these questions is to answer them.
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Some "gladly received the word"--some did not! Some "were penitent"--some were not! Some "were baptized" (about 3,000 souls), some were not! Some were "added to the church "--some were not!!
Read Acts 2. Read it slowly, prayerfully, carefully. See if you can find any works of human merit involved. Humans were there, from many nations. Humans heard of the resurrection of Jesus. Humans were "pricked in the heart." Humans "cried out. men and brethren, what shall we do?" Humans were told to (1) repent and (2) baptized. for (a) the remission of sins and (b) to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Humans gladly received the word. Humans baptized humans, and God added humans to his church. As a result of this divine experience. Humans continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness, and singleness of heart. Praising God. and having favor with all people, and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Acts 2:46-47
By grace--through faith--in Christ--a workman--praise God--Saved--The Glorious Sound!
Why add anything to this! Why subtract anything from it? Why turn aside this way or that? Why not build your hope on the solid rock--the true foundation? The simple truth!
This is the "Seed of the Kingdom" (Lk. 8:11)
In a recent trip around the world (meetings conducted in 25 countries), I was continually amazed, when those who know nothing of denominationalism would come claiming to be just "New Testament Christians." They knew nothing of the Protestant reformation, or the Restoration movement. They learned from the Word about Jesus! They knew nothing of sectarian division!!!
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They only knew that they wanted to be disciples of Christ. They had received the "Seed of the Kingdom" and became citizens of the same simple New Testament Christianity. It's going on all the time.
So how does one "obey the gospel"? Just what does this term mean? Is it simply believing that Jesus is the Son of God, repenting of sins and being immersed (baptized) in water? I think not. To the contrary, I believe "obeying the gospel" begins with simple obedience, and ends with the words. "Well done, Thou good and faithful servant! "
We often hear the term. "0 yes, 1 obeyed the gospel years ago," as if we merit salvation by OUR OBEDIENCE!! Our Lord is our law and his law is our Lord. Our works are his fruits and his fruits are the works of our hands. Obedience both to his initial and on- going commands spring from our love and deep appreciation of his mercy and grace.
The concept that "obeying the gospel" amounts to little more than a few acts frozen in time is spiritually obscene. Does obedience cease because we begin? Does the gospel change because we receive it?
"Obeying the gospel" is the equivalent of "running the race by laying aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us" (Heb. 12:1).
"Obeying the gospel" is being set free from sin, (Rom. 6:16-17) and "finishing the course" (II Tim. 4:7).
"Obeying the gospel" is the work of God begun in us and performing it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil.1:6).
"Obeying the gospel" is the Alpha and Omega (and all the alphabet in between) of discipleship.
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A.S. Croom writes,
"This expression, 'obeying the gospel' is found in II Thessalonians 1: 8 when it is correctly translated and not changed in form from participles to verb in the INDICATIVE MOOD. Literally and unchanged this verse says, Jesus will come 'rendering vengeance to those not know in g God and to those NOT OBEYING THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS.'
The present tense participle gives aid to the important fact that to obey the gospel denotes a continuous way of life, rather than... a thing of fits and starts" (Gospel Light, October, 1985, p.149)
So what advantage is there in mentally moving from "Human-Law-Works" salvation to the Biblical foundation of "Grace-Faith "? Don't both get the job done?
The difference is striking! Under "Human Law-Works (HLW), regardless of how hard you labor or how much you sacrifice, there is the heavy residue of GUILT. Never is enough-enough! ! This is because the sacrifice is fundamentally TOTALLY INSUFFICIENT! If "no flesh is justified by the law (of Moses)," human efforts are even more vain and futile.
The aim and purpose of all religion is to absolve the conscience of all guilt, and to purify unto God a holy people, zealous of good works. Without Jesus, this is impossible, for without the blood there is no remission (Heb. 9:22).
Even the good you do will be discounted because "you're not doing enough!" Guilt will continue to be the rotting albatross around the neck of those who seek human salvation by their works of merit.
Freedom from guilt, from sin, from fear of rejection. This is the result of grace: intial grace, strengthening grace. dying grace.
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Grace accepts you RIGHT WHERE YOU ARE. You don't have to be better or worse, for in Christ one is totally accepted. No second class citizens, no probationary terms. ‘No ifs, no and's, no but's.’ rejection. This is the result of grace: initial grace, strengthening grace. dying grace, His great grace….
Accept his grace and be free from the past !
"There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus. who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8:1).
Accept his grace and let him control the present ! "For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. to them who are called according to his purpose" (Rom. 8:28).
Accept his grace and be unafraid of the future ! "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom. 8:35). Past. Present. Future; all safely within the grace of God.
"By Grace--Through Faith--Gift of God--In Christ--A Workman--Praise God--Saved!"
How can any faithful disciple miss heaven?
I'M UNASHAMED
I'm unashamed of my Savior and Lord.
So unashamed of his wonderful word.
I'm unashamed of his powerf'ul sword,
He mine, yes mine to share.
I I'm unashamed of the heaven foretold
So unashamed to be formed in his mold
So unashamed to be found in his fold
He's mine, yes mine to share.
-- Jack Exum
CHAPTER 13
"BE THOU FAITHFUL UNTO DEATH!"
Stephen had been preaching in the synagogue of the Hellenistic Jews around Jerusalem. He presented Jesus with compelling power as the one who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. His teaching had made many believers.
Opponents who were unable to counter his claims created a stir and brought him before the Sanhedrin. False witnesses said that he was speaking irreverently of the Temple and the Law. As they became angrier in time and louder of voice, Stephen remained at peace. Luke says, "All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel" (Acts 6:15).
The crowd was worked into such a frenzy, that by the time Stephen made his defense before them, it had turned into a lynch mob. Dragging him outside the city, they stoned him to death.
Luke closed the story of Stephen's martyrdom by saying,
While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, Lord do not hold this charge against them. When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 7: 59-60
What was the look on this Christian's face which gave him the appearance of an angel? You would expect someone being humiliated and dragged to his death to show distress and anxiety on his features. We would probably exude both confusion and resentment. But Stephen was not screaming, Whining or cursing. He was serene in the knowledge that all was well with his soul. His very face must have reflected that settled peace which was within him.
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Jehovah rebuked sinful Israel with these words: "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river" Isa. 48:18).
God's peace is not a mystical experience. It comes from living within the will of God. To know his peace, we must trust God's promise and walk in step with him. Peace is a fruit produced in one's life as he lives in the Spirit (Gal. 5:22).
When peace like a river, attendeth my way.
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Stephen's security in the peace of God gave his face an angelic expression which must have confused his enemies. To have such a visage on your countenance, God's Spirit must be allowed to dwell in your heart to bear his beautiful fruit (Gal. 5:25). The Apostle John wrote these words of encouragement:
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison that you may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life. Rev. 2:10
"Faithfulness." like so many Biblical words has lost its meaning. If you attend all the services, we call you "faithful." If you come to some of the assemblies, we say "he's kind of faithful." If you come occasionally. then you are "sort of faithful." If you stop attending then you are "unfaithful."
What a laugh! What an irreverent joke! That we have reduced Jesus to the religion of attendance (sitting) three times a week in a building.
-,
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No wonder we only quote the last fourteen words of Revelation 2:10. The other thirty- one words speak of suffering, trials, prison, and tribulation or literal life threatening situations.
John is equating "FAITHFULNESS" TO THE QUESTION, "FOR WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO DIE?" John is saying, "Hold on to God, even if they put you in prison!" "Don't give up salvation, even if it costs you your life!!"
Don't misunderstand, no one is discouraging attendance. It is in our assemblies where we exhort and edify one another. They are important to help equip and prepare the believer for trials and tribulations (Heb , 10: 24-25). But to imply that "faithfulness" is sitting in a pew three times a week is ludicrous. It is almost " spiritually obscene! "
Take a moment and review Chapter 6, "God is Faithful--He Promised!" God gave me his promises and I received them, embraced them, have my hope in them. I am his disciple. He is my Lord and he is faithful to me (I Cor. 1:9). I am going to heaven when I die! He promised! I am to be a FAITHFUL DISCIPLE. I am to be a FAITHFUL FOLLOWER. My faithfulness is in learning, and following and growing.
Let me die before I quit ‘winning souls for Jesus’. Let me die before I cease to follow him. Let me die rather than cease to love my Lord.
This is the essence of Bible faithfulness. Be prepared to die than to forfeit the FAITHFULNESS OF GOD!!
If you will determine what you are willing to die for, then this will help you to determine what you're willing to live for.
I'm not willing to die for a church building!
I'm not prepared to die for the asphalt on the parking lot. I wouldn't die for the assembly arrangements (3 songs , prayer, song, sermon, etc..) , I would not die for whether you "pass the basket by the congregation," or "pass the congregation by the basket!”
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I would not give up my life for the question. "Should we have a fulltime preacher or should we not?" The question of Bible classes and their arrangements would never force me to the wall. or whether you put a basketball goal up on the back wall of the church house!
Just stop and ponder the question of "either/or." If your life hangs in the balance, what would cause you to give the signal. "I'm ready!" We fight over issues we wouldn't die for. We divide over doctrines that would cost no one his life. We "shoot at each other" with points of doctrine that in a real duel, no one would show up!!
I have said all that, to say this… Revelation 2:10 is not talking about attendance, or church building, or asphalt, or assembly arrangements, or basketball hoops, or full- time preachers, or Bible class arrangements, or whether the church family can come out of the rain to eat in the building. John is talking about LIFE OR DEATH. John relates faithfulness to the last breath of life. You hold on to God--He is the one who promised, and "God is Faithful."
Here again is the tendency to CREDIT ourselves far above the standard of Grace--"If I can just keep attending, keep praying, keep reading the Bible, keep giving, keep trying to win souls, I CAN BE FAITHFUL AND HEAVEN WILL BE MY HOME!!" It's so easy to "fall from grace," to accept a pseudo quasi-type grace, instead of the real thing. It isn't easy on human pride to accept, SALVATION BY GRACE.
Read the Gospel again. At no time did Jesus call his apostles "hypocrites" or his disciples "vipers." He basically said three things to those who would be his disciples, "Trust me," "believe me," "follow me!" This is the equivalent of "man's faithfulness." Grace has no standard--it is the standard, and it is available to all through Jesus Christ.
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Recently. I walked the ancient hill in Palestine where David tended sheep. He was young and innocent. The beauty of the 23rd psalm is the grace that is seen in every line. Not a negative thought in the 118 words. David pictures himself as a sheep and Jehovah as the shepherd. Look at the simple words. the feeling of security. "Green pastures," "still waters," "path of righteousness," "no fear." "rod and staff, they comfort me." "table prepared," "anointing." "cup runneth over," "goodness." "mercy," "house of the Lord forever!"
Each phrase, every turn, the total concept is one of grace, love and acceptance.
But aggravated sin entered the picture.
David is king and "has killed his 10,000’s." He is on top of the world. He has it all. Enter Bathsheba! Look, Like, Lust, and sin lead to murder. Uriah. Bathsheba's husband is dead. David marries the widow. Their first child, conceived on that "night of sin" dies. The web of evil, as always becomes the trap for he who wove it.
Nathan the prophet is standing at the door.
He tells a simple parable of a rich man who stole his neighbor's lamb, and slaughtered it to make merry with a guest. The rich man had many flocks and herds, but he stole the only lamb that the neighbor had.
David's wrath was kindled against such a sin and gross injustice. Nathan said. "Thou art the man!"
David says, "I have SINNED" (II Sam. 12). read Psalm 51. Sin has destroyed innocence and the lofty dreams of the shepherd boy dissolved into the reality of life gone wrong. But not over……
Have mercy upon me, a God … blot out my transgressions …. wash me … cleanse me …. my sin is ever before me … Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow... Hide thy face from my sins … create in me a clean heart…. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit away from me … deliver me from blood guiltiness … The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit … a contrite heart thou wilt not despise. Psalm 51
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Every line speaks of GRACE, but a different kind! No more Goliaths! No more 10, OOO's! Just me and sin and God and Grace!
Now look at David when he's a very old man (Ps. 37:25). David with pen in hand is writing another Psalm.
Don't worry (fret not) …. trust on the Lord …. Delight thyself in the Lord …. Commit thy way unto the Lord…. Rest in the Lord... Cease from anger…. Forsake wrath…. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord…. THOUGH HE FALL, HE SHALL NOT BE UTTERLY CAST DOWN FOR THE LORD UPHOLDEST HIM WITH HIS HAND. Psalms 37
We, who began preaching the wrath of God. End up preaching the Grace of God.
Beginning grace, saving grace, restoring grace, and final grace! "Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the crown of life" (Rev. 2: 10).
Tell me all about it when the undertaker takes over!
Keep in mind, GRACE is not a substitute for holiness. Grace does not take the place of right living, dedication or sacrifice.
Grace is the foundation for all of these.
It fuels them and gives them meaning.
It isn't "GRACE" or "HOL1NESS."
It is GRACE in HOL1NESS--or GRACE then HOL1NESS.
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AFTERTHOUGHTS
The fear of rejection may be one of the most basic fears of the human experience. Dr. Joe Harding tells a heartwarming story of a man who finally decided to ask his boss for a raise in salary. All day the man felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach the employer. To his delight, the boss agreed to a raise.
The man arrived home to a beautiful table set with their best china. Candles were lit. His wife had prepared a festive meal. Immediately he figured that someone from the office had tipped her off. Finding his wife in the kitchen he told her the good news. They embraced and kissed. then sat down to a wonderful meal. Next to the plate the man found a beautifully lettered note. It read,
Darling:
Congratulations! I knew you'd get the raise! You deserve it! You're a good and noble man. I love you,
Mary
While on his way to the kitchen to get dessert, he noticed that a second card had fallen from her pocket. Picking it up off the floor, he read:
Darling:
Sorry you didn't get the raise. You deserved it and more. You’re a good and noble man. I love you anyway,
Mary
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Total acceptance! No failure! No guilt!
Total love.
A love and grace that is not contingent on success or failure. That's family-your family and mine. Yet how much more is this spirit found in God's family. "Deny self"--follow Christ and find the absence of guilt and the blessing of acceptance.
"We love because he first loved us." He loves us "ANYWAY!!"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This book is designed to complement the (84 letter size page) workbook entitled AMAZING GRACE, GOD'S POWER TO BE . This workbook has 620 questions (40 questions per chapter) and a final exercise of about 250 questions. The author recommends that whenever possible, these books be used together.
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Well, this brings to an end, a book that I wish was longer. This is the book in it’s entirety. Due to some ‘crunching’ of a few pages, this copy is a little shorter than the hard back.
It has been a real joy to go through and re-read what I have heard so many times as dad stood before congregations and presented his lesson on grace.
I truly miss him, but it warms my heart so much just to know, that his work can still do good, people be helped. Feel free to write and let me know your thoughts and feelings.
God bless you and keep you.
Jack Jr.