Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Grace, Faith, Salvation and the Cross in Christianity

Grace = Divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life. [1] [2]

Faith = Trusting God and yielding oneself to God’s influence whole heartedly. [3]
 
“Saved by grace through faith” [4] is the cooperative dynamic resultant in a human being having been transformed from the inside out. The Scriptures describe this transformation as a new birth using phraseology such as:

being born again [5]
being quickened [6]
being refreshed [7]
God’s law being written upon the heart and in the mind [8]
being a new creation in Christ [9]
the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ [10]
 
The result is, in their daily life, an individual producing the following [11]:
 
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Gentleness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Meekness
Self Control

The Cross in Christianity is emblematic of dying to one’s old life of sin service in order to be raised up to a new spiritual life of love service. [12]

The cross in Christianity is also the means by which Jesus was put on display for all humanity [13], wherein “sacrificing one’s life” (Jesus could not give anything more) [14] was demonstrated as the ultimate EXAMPLE of righteousness. [15] It was upon this EXAMPLE and standard of righteousness (God's righteousness) that a “New Covenant” was established [16] by which sinners (rebels against God and His righteousness) could be reconciled to their Creator. [17] A “covenant” or “testament” is made effectual through a death. [18]

The reconciliation involves not only a complete pardon for past rebellion, [19] It also provides the life of the Spirit IN Christ [20] for the individual ensuring both safety and protection for the soul.
God cannot provide a license for ongoing wickedness and rebellion. Such a thing would undermine righteousness.

God does provide a way of escape and pardon for those who will take it. This way is narrow and FEW choose to take it [21] because it involves forsaking ALL wickedness [22] and the vanities of life. [23] Hence the “cross” (and resurrection) being the central theme of Christianity, a death and a resurrection. [24]

The physical death of Jesus also provided the opportunity for the physical resurrection of Jesus. Jesus being raised up demonstrates that even death is conquered through Christ. [25] The resurrection of Jesus also affirms the Father's affirmation and confirmation of His message. [26] Evil men murdered the righteous Son of God/Man [27] and God the Father raised Him back to elevate Him that He would reconcile a lost people back to God [28], thus Jesus is the great mediator between God and man.

This life is both a test and a refining fire. Will we truly repent, forsake all known evil and turn wholly to God and enter into the life of Jesus Christ and thus be quickened, refreshed, made new in Christ through the power of God working within us?

Do we truly value our souls enough to make the good and right choice?

God is calling.


References
[1] Titus 2:11-12 - For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

[2] Strong's Concordance - Grace- G5485 - χάρις - charis - khar'-ece
From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).

[3] Faith in God is inclusive of trust, obedience, belief, faith and fidelity.

Heb 11:8  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Rom 4:11  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Rom 4:12  And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Joh 8:39  They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

Strong's Concordance - Faith -  G4102 - πίστις - pistis - pis'-tis
From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.

[4] 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.

[5] John 3:3-8 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

[6] Ephesians 2:5-6 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

[7] Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

[8] Hebrews 10:16-17 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
 
[9] 2Corinthians 5:17  Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

[10] Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

[11] Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

[12]  Romans 6:6-7  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Galatians 5:24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Mark 8:34-35  And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

[13] Romans 3:25-26  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 which believeth in Jesus.

[14] John 15:13  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

[15] 1Peter 2:21-25  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

[16] Romans 3:26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Hebrews 9:15-17 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

[17] Hebrews 9:14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 10:16-18  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

[18] Hebrews 9:15-17 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

[19] Hebrews 10:17  And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.

[20] Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

[21] Matthew 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

[22] James 1:21  Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

[23] 1John 2:15-17  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

[24] 1Co 15:1-4  Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

[25] Hebrews 2:14-15  Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

[26] Act 13:33-37  God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

Luke 24:44-48  And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

[27] Matthew 26:45  Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Mark 9:31  For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

[28] 2Corinthians 5:19-20  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.








Saturday, April 8, 2023

WHY THE BLOOD?

 

The reason for the blood is this...

Heb 9:16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
Heb 9:17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
Heb 9:18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
Heb 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
Heb 9:20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
 
Notice this has nothing to do with any sort of ''debt paid.'' Rather it has everything to do with establishing a covenant. The blood is kind of like a signature, something used to acknowledge and seal a deal. God has chosen to establish His covenant with His people via the means of the shedding of blood. That is very clear in scripture.
 
The reason for this is typology, ie. the physical being a type and shadow of spiritual things.
The life of the flesh is in the blood (Lev 17:11) physically and the life of the spirit is in the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ (Rom 8:2). Hence the blood is representative of the Spirit by which we are cleansed of our past sins (Acts 3:19).
 
Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, WHEN THE TIMES OF THE REFRESHING SHALL COME from the presence of the Lord;
That makes perfect sense to me.
 
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he QUICKENED TOGETHER WITH HIM, HAVING FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES;
It's very clear.
 
Heb 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Heb 10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
Heb 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
Heb 10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
 
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 
 
The love of God is shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost and sins and iniquities being remembered no more is connected to having God's laws written upon the heart and mind.
 
See the connection? The quickening of Colossians 2:13 and the refreshing of Acts 3:19 and the law being written upon the heart and mind in Hebrews 10:16 is one and the same thing.
 
Jesus pouring out His blood/life for humanity certainly declared the ultimate example of love, being that love according to Jesus, is sacrificial in nature and what more can one give than their very life?
 
Joh_15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Jesus lay down His life for His enemies as well as His friends. There is no greater example of righteousness/love that could be made. Is it then any surprise that the Apostle Paul would write...
 
Rom 3:25 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;
Rom 3:26 TO DECLARE, I say, AT THIS TIME HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
 
The sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross was a declaration of God's righteousness, a declaration of God's love.
 
Read the above passage carefully. The righteousness of God was declared before the whole world. God set forth Jesus Christ, His Son, to declare God's standard which is genuine love, genuine righteousness.
 
Now carefully consider...
 
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT IS IN Christ Jesus:
 
Remember that verse.
 
Now look at this...
 
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are IN Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life IN Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
 
''No condemnation'' is connected to the Spirit of life IN Jesus Christ. The life of the flesh is in the blood (literally) and the life of the spirit is in the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ.
 
Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul
 
There is no condemnation to those to them whom are IN Jesus Christ (abiding/walking/living) because there has been a quickening/refreshing unto a newness of life in which God grants His people a fresh start not counting their past rebellion and unrighteousness against them.
 
Redemption or being ''set free'' is IN Jesus Christ. Remember the quickening/refreshing from Col 2:13 and acts 3:19. Well that's wrought by God's grace...
 
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
 
Again...
 
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT IS IN Christ Jesus:
 
Now connect...
 
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the FAITH OF THE OPERATION OF GOD, who hath raised him from the dead.
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath HE QUICKENED TOGETHER WITH HIM, HAVING FORGIVEN YOU ALL TRESPASSES;
 
and...
 
Rom 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom 3:25 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; 
 
''Faith in His blood'' and ''faith of the operation of God'' and ''redemption that is in Christ Jesus'' are all congruent principles and represent entering into God's life through the Spirit. A real and manifest reality which is why the saints of God are described thus...
 
1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 
 
Now read...
 
1Jn 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1Jn 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1Jn 4:13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1Jn 4:14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD.
1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
 
Do you abide walk in the perfect love of God? If not why not?
 
The good news of the Gospel is that we can be reconciled to God through the living Word of His Son, the Spirit of His life, the sprinkling of the blood, wherein we are made clean, pure and truly righteous. Union with God, He in us and us in Him.
 
Joh 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Joh 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
Joh 17:23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
 
Now here is something a little more cryptic to reflect upon after considering that which is written above...
 
1Jn 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
1Jn 5:9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.
1Jn 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.
1Jn 5:11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
1Jn 5:12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 
 
Repent and believe!

Friday, April 7, 2023

Debt Paid?

 

The Bible doesn't teach anywhere that Jesus' died on the cross to pay anyone's sin debt.
 
Why did Jesus die on the cross?
 
Firstly, Jesus died on the cross in order to establish the New Covenant (Heb 9:16-17) that our conscience may be purged of dead works (Heb 9:14) in that all our works/doings be made alive through the Spirit (2Cor 3:6). Secondly, Jesus died physically that He be resurrected from the dead thus delivering His people from the fear of death (Heb 2:15).
 
Thirdly, and most importantly as it pertains to this April 7th 2023 article, is that Jesus died as an EXAMPLE to be followed.
 
The Apostle Peter taught that Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps (1Pe 2:21). The example being "doing no sin,'' having "no guile" (1Pe 2:22), not seeking revenge (1Pe 2:23) and entrusting ourselves to God (1Pe 2:23). In other words, ''that we should live unto righteousness'' (1Pe 2:24).
 
Jesus ''bearing of our sin'' (1Pe 2:24) is figurative in the sense of our past life of wickedness dies with Jesus (in repentance). This is why the Apostle Paul would write...
 
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
 
Our ''old man'' is the ''old us,'' so to speak, the unrepentant sinner walking apart from a righteous life (ie. living an immoral selfish life).
 
Just like the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Paul NOWHERE taught that Jesus paid anyone's sin debt. God FORGIVES the sins of those whom truly repent, those whom both confess and forsake (Pro 28:13, Luke 15:18-21, Act 3:19) their sinful lives. No debt payment required. A debt forgiven and a debt paid for are two completely different concepts. God is willing to forgive the debt of those whom forsake their wickedness', those whom turn to FOLLOW the EXAMPLE of Jesus.
 
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
 
Even Jesus Himself associated His very death with that of being an EXAMPLE which was to be FOLLOWED wherein one would lose their old life...
 
Joh 12:23 And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
Joh 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Joh 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
Joh 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
 
The concept that Jesus died to pay people's sin debt is an elaborate redressing of Satan's very first lie, that one can sin and not surely die (Gen 3:4). If one believes that their sin debt is already paid for then logically that debt cannot be held due a second time and thus all accountability for ongoing sin and rebellion is thrown right out the window.
 
This one false doctrine is one of the reasons that so many church congregations are worldly and full of sin. Nice friendly people perhaps, but rebellious worldly sinners nonetheless. They never ESCAPED the corruption that is in the world through lust (2Pe 1:4) having NEVER died to sin (Rom 6:7), therefore never suffering WITH Christ and therefore NEVER ''ceasing from sin'' (1Pet 4:1), thus NEVER no longer living the rest of their time in the flesh to the lusts of men (1Pe 4:2). The sin NEVER stopped (2Pe 2:14) and isn't that exactly what we see today in the lives of most professing Christians? 
 
It's both sad and tragic.
 
Is it any wonder Jesus would warn people that in the future He would reject MANY whom profess His name as ''workers of iniquity''?
 
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
 
A ''worker of iniquity'' is the very opposite of being found IN Him (ie. abiding/walking in the Spirit - Rom 8:2) without spot and blameless.
 
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
 
Therefore let us all abide and walk in love, the love of God, wherein as He is (God's character), so are we in this world.
 
1Jn 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
 
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Friday, December 30, 2022

The Struggling Christian

Exo 12:8  And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it. 


Would it be acceptable for an adulterous husband to say to his wife…


“I’m very sorry but I’m struggling to be faithful to you. I try but I keep falling into extra-marital sex. “

To which the wife would reply…


“It’s ok, I understand, you’re only human and nobody’s perfect. I still love and accept you anyway.”


Is that acceptable?


If that isn’t acceptable in a human marriage why would people think the same would be acceptable with God?


Is it possible for a husband to remain faithful to their spouse?


Of course it is, if he truly loves her.


Then why would it not be possible for a Christian to remain faithful to God?


True belief and true faith is inclusive of faithfulness and fidelity. It’s the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things (Tit 2:10).



A single-mindedness is involved wherein one’s treasure is in the object of faith/belief (Mat 6:21-22) Whether that object be God or the lusts of the flesh (Mat 6:24, Rom 6:16, 1Joh 2:15-17).


We cannot treasure both anymore than a husband can treasure extra-marital affairs and at the same time love and treasure his wife.


We either serve God or we don’t. We either love God and His ways or we don’t. We either walk in the light as He is in the light or we don’t (1Jn 1:7, 1Jn 2:5).


It’s a hard truth for many. It’s all in or nothing at all.


Joh 6:53  Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

Joh 6:54  Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 6:55  For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

Joh 6:56  He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

Joh 6:57  As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

Joh 6:58  This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Joh 6:60  Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 


    

Sunday, December 18, 2022

Increasing Centralised Power

 

Authorities seldom ever let a crisis incident go to waste.
 
Federalising any power away from the states makes it more difficult for individual states to make their own determinations. Whether it be on firearm laws or anything else.
 
An increase in centralised power further erodes the power of the individual people subject to that power.
 
Notice that in the call to federalise state gun laws under a uniformity contract there is no explanation as to how such a thing would actually keep people safer. It’s just an unwritten assumption of “more centralised power = better.” Is it really?
 
It’s much easier for people, through their representatives, to effect change at the state level as opposed to the federal level.
 
Centralised power is one size fits all power. Imagine if State Premier Daniel Andrews was President of the World and implemented his vax mandate and lockdown policies for the entire planet. Would that be a good thing? There would have been no unmasked and open Sweden. No open and unmasked Florida. Just a one size fits all stay in your local bubble, no visitors, destroy small business, expanding government debt, government as your parent policy for the planet.
 
A one size fits all approach negates competition and comparisons. If the one size fits all policy is flawed there is no better policy to compare it to.
 
Did Florida suffer the mass death predictions prophesied by the authoritarians in other jurisdictions? No it didn't. Neither did Florida small business suffer the same fate as small businesses in Melbourne, Australia. The people of Florida did not become dependent on bailouts from an increasing indebted state government either.
 
Decentralisingg power to the edges where it is localised is far more effective and responsive to the individuals being governed. It's far easier to petition a local state representative than a federal representative and it far easier for a local state representative to effect any needed change than that of a federal representative.
 
Yet the authoritarian minded will always push in the other direction every opportunity they get. Why? It makes it easier to exercise and retain power.
 
Calls to reform gun laws after Queensland cop shootingg
https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/calls-to-reform-gun-laws-after-queensland-cop-shooting/news-story/e4c7c255e5f8047f97b3e214b6545a36

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

The Virtuous Woman of Proverbs 31


Types and shadows

They teach us to search

The virtuous woman

Is that not the Church?


The virtuous woman,

The church is it not?

As Peter described,

Without wrinkle or spot.


The traits of her character,

Her love for the groom,

Surely that is the Church,

Correct to assume?


Loving her family,

A home so secure,

Saints loving each other

with hearts that are pure.


Many seem to focus on

the virtuous woman alone,

Yet there’s a deeper lesson,

Hence I wrote this poem.


Let’s examine our hearts,

Whether a boy or a girl,

Apply that hidden treasure,

That greatly priced pearl.


For the virtuous woman,

She applies to us all,

To truly be Christian,

To follow Christ’s call.

Friday, November 25, 2022

Disarming the People

 <<< These shootings, among many others, have put the US on an ominous track of making 2022 the second-highest year for mass shootings on record, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit that began tracking the instances in 2014.>>> https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/25/us/chesapeake-virginia-walmart-shooting-friday/index.html

<<<“The idea (that) we still allow semiautomatic weapons to be purchased is sick, it’s just sick. It has no social redeeming value, zero, none. Not a single, solitary rationale for it,” Biden told reporters during a brief gaggle outside the Nantucket Fire Department in Massachusetts, where he greeted first responders.>>>
https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/24/politics/biden-assault-weapons-mass-shootings/index.html

So President Joe Biden wants to ban all semi-automatic firearms, just like what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is actually doing in Canada presently. The problem Joe Biden has is the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, an amendment which specifically states that the fundamental ''right" of the people to keep and bear arms "shall not'' be infringed.

That Second Amendment is certainly a problem for those whom seek to empower government with a monopoly on the use of force and violence. In order to combat this problem they have to utilise massive propaganda and spin a fear narrative in order to divert the minds of the people away from the real reason for the existence of an armed populace, that it being a deterrent to state tyranny over the people. A massive propaganda campaign is therefore necessary to gain enough consent to override the Second Amendment's '''shall not be infringed'' limitation.

It's the common people's perception of the law that matters, not the law itself.

It's this same perception of law that allowed government officials to get away with the arbitrary and illegal exercise of power during the Covid pandemic. There were no laws allowing bureaucrats to lock people in their homes, force close their businesses, mandate mask wearing, issue fines for breaches of health orders etc. That was all colour of law and illegal. People just went along with it due to propaganda and fear.

A narrative of fear was promoted alongside the magic word of ''emergency'' to bypass actual law. There is no real fundamental difference between that fear based propaganda narrative and the one surrounding disarmament. Both narratives are designed to gain consent from a naive and all too trusting public whom wouldn't give it otherwise. This is why those in power, whom seek more power, love fear based narratives. Climate change anyone?

So why the increase in mass shootings?

Could it be due a society becoming more and more openly hostile to Godly values?

Could it be due an increase in family breakdowns leaving children lacking parental authority and guidance?

Could it be social media induced “look at me” narcissism?

Could it be the increased use in psychotropic drugs being used to deal with loneliness and depression? 

Could it be due the over stimulation and related dopamine release related to screen addiction and how that negatively effects impulse control and a loss of patience in people?

Could it be the increased coverage of shootings in the media which then implants a motive for copy cats?

I think all the above and more.

Combine the above with easy access to firearms and I think it is inevitable for such incidents to occur.

Is disarming the public the answer? Consider that as gun restrictions have incrementally increased over the years so have mass shootings. That is clear. Yet doesn't that appear to contradict a propaganda narrative of ''increase restrictions to decrease mass shootings''? Why? Well, it's because we ought not take data points in isolation thus removing them from their context.  The specific points made above combined with the easy access to firearms have produced an increase in mass shootings, not merely easy access to firearms in isolation.

The propaganda aimed to convince the people to disarm themselves is the "solution in a vacuum" much as "vaccine only" was the propagandised ''solution in a vacuum'' for the Covid Pandemic. The people are steered towards a singular focus solution (ie. civilian disarmament) which in reality is something to their complete detriment (monopolistic state power/authoritarianism). 

Therefore is disarming the people really a good idea? Is providing the state with a monopoly on the use of violence really the answer? A state apparatus consisting of people prone to the same increasing narcissism, godlessness and drug use as everyone else. Furthermore, combine all that with the additional trait of a desire to exercise power and impose one's will upon others.

Give those people a monopoly on the use of violence?

That’s just stupid!

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'' John Adams, To Massachusetts Militia, 11 October 1798
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3102