Bible Study - Beyond Belief (6) - GOD Is Faithful - Hebrews 6:17-20; 10:19-23 - July 6, 2014

Bible Study – Beyond Belief (6) – GOD Is Faithful – July 6, 2014

This is our sixth and final lesson in our series entitled “Does What I Believe about GOD Change Anything?”

GOD does not change according to the latest fad. HE is consistent. HE loves you and that is a fact that never changes. HIS desire is for us to be in a personal, dynamic relationship with HIM. But HE leaves that up to us. HE does not override our right to choose. The Bible is very clear about the attributes of GOD. So, if you want to know GOD, study the Bible and ask HIM to reveal truth to you as you obediently serve HIM.

CHRIST in you is the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27:

27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Our focus scripture is Hebrews 6:17-20; 10:19-23.

GOD’S past faithfulness ensures that a Christian’s future is secure.

We are living in interesting times. Making vows or promises and breaking them are a frequent part of our society. Our president and other leaders tell us one thing and they do another, yet the vast majority of Americans seem to let it go by. There is no accountability. We take wedding vows and break them. We are fast becoming a society where lying is okay.

We have extended lying to religion. Keep in mind that religion is manmade. This is why those searching for a genuine relationship with GOD must consider the truth of GOD revealed throughout the ages. GOD Keeps HIS Vows and Covenants – HIS covenant with the Israelites in the Old Testament and HIS new covenant with the world through the death and resurrection of HIS only Son JESUS. JESUS, the promised Messiah, was prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament. The Bible is the revelation of GOD on an ever ascending scale culminating in CHRIST, GOD’S only Son Who willingly came to earth in the flesh as a baby and grew as a human.

When we look back in scripture, we see the handiwork of GOD revealing Himself to the Israelites, HIS chosen people. We see HIS promises regarding the coming and life of the Messiah. We see that GOD warned the Israelites of HIS wrath if they did not repent and return to HIM. When they didn’t repent, HE did what HE said HE would do. Was keeping HIS Word wrong? No! HE still keeps HIS Word and HIS covenant of salvation through forgiveness and faith in CHRIST. GOD is faithful and keeps HIS promises.

How do we know that GOD keeps HIS promises? We look back. We look back over history and we look back over our lives. Yes, we get false notions about GOD because HE is love and we get notions about how HE is supposed to respond in certain issues in life. When HE does not respond, as we think HE should, we get angry with HIM. We must keep in mind that HE is sovereign and HIS ways are not our ways and HIS thoughts are above our thoughts. We have to trust in HIM and in the fact that HE is omnipotent, omnipresent, omnificence and omniscient.

As we study scripture, we see that HE says what HE means and means what HE says. But when we are surrounded by those we trust and that trust is violated, we often extend that mistrust to GOD.

Keep this fact in mind, GOD is trustworthy. I have found in my journey with HIM that I have had misconceptions about HIM, which led me to question HIM. Once I saw truth, although not liking the outcome of an issue, to trust in HIM.  Let’s explore!

The writer of the book of Hebrews is not known. Many suspect that it was the Apostle Paul. It was written mainly to Jewish Christians. It bridges the gap between Judaism and Christianity. It reveals how CHRIST fulfills the practices and rituals Jews were taught and practiced in Judaism.

Hebrews 6:13-16:

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He had no one greater to swear by, He swore by Himself: 14 I will indeed bless you, and I will greatly multiply you. 15 And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham obtained the promise. 16 For men swear by something greater than themselves, and for them a confirming oath ends every dispute.

Verses 13-16 introduce the promise GOD made to Abraham. GOD swore by Himself that the promise HE made to Abraham would be fulfilled. GOD considered Abraham as righteous because of his faith in GOD. Faith in CHRIST makes a person righteous before GOD. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Abraham and Sarah had to wait for GOD’S promise of a son, Isaac, to be born to them. They had to wait until they knew that it was GOD Who provided their son. GOD promises but the timing is completely in HIS hands. During the time of waiting, we must trust. But we live in a society of instant everything. We have a, “want it now attitude.” Seek and you will find. JESUS revealed in Matthew 7:7-8:

7 “Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

We may ask, “Why the process of seeking?” Often, we have to ponder and explore Spiritual matters to bring us to the point of realizing that we cannot figure them out for ourselves. We may have to exhaust all of our human efforts before we can take a step of faith and trust CHRIST to reveal truth to us. I have heard others say that they have explored/searched Spiritual matters by reading the Bible and somewhere along their journey they realized the truth of CHRIST. Sometimes salvation comes in a very stark moment and other times it is like the dawning of a new day. We seek and keep seeking until truth dawns on us that CHRIST is the promised Messiah.

Let’s read Hebrews 6:17-18:

17 Because God wanted to show His unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, He guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to seize the hope set before us.

GOD’S desire is to reveal Himself to all people. HE chose the Israelites and the Israelites, in turn, agreed to be HIS chosen people. Yet, many choose to ignore HIM or to question HIS existence. The two unchangeable things are GOD and HIS Word which began with Abraham and culminated in the birth of JESUS, the promised Messiah through the ancestry of Abraham.

Who are the heirs of the promise? Christians! Why should Christians trust the promise? It is impossible for GOD to lie. Therefore, Jews have fled from the Mosaic Law, the old covenant, to take refuge in the hope of the new covenant established by CHRIST. Thus, Christians seize the hope that is in placing their faith in CHRIST and HIS passion. What does this hope in CHRIST do for us?

Let’s read Hebrews 6:19-20; 10:19-21:

Hebrews 6:19-20:

19 We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. 20 Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

This hope is JESUS CHRIST. HE is the anchor of every Christian. When the storms of life come into our lives, our faith in HIM and HIS faithfulness, anchors us securely until the storms pass. Hope, CHRIST, enters into the Holy of Holies, which is behind the curtain in the temple where GOD is present. JESUS entered into the presence of GOD because HE was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to pay in full the penalty for sin. HE willingly gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood for all who will place their faith in HIM. They will be forgiven for their sins, receive salvation and eternal life through the miracle of rebirth.

CHRIST came to earth, was born as a human and experienced life as a human. HE was GOD in the flesh. HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted, yet HE remained sinless. HE was the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD to satisfy the judicial sentence of eternal death which resulted from the original sin. HIS shed blood opened the path between GOD and mankind. JESUS was the perfect sacrifice Who gave HIS life to atonement for the sins of all who will accept HIM as their Savior.

The shed blood of JESUS does more than satisfy the penalty for sin. HIS shed blood sustains every Christian through the miracle of rebirth until he or she exits his or her earthly body and meets the LORD JESUS face to face in heaven. When we see HIM, we will be like HIM.

CHRIST came to earth and lived as a human. HE was 100% flesh, yet 100% GOD. Because HE lived a sinless life in the flesh, HIS shed blood made ready the human body of all who place their faith in CHRIST to follow HIM into the Holy of Holies into the presence of GOD. JESUS was the forerunner. JESUS revealed in John 14:6:

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

JESUS is the path to GOD: period. When we place our faith in HIM, we experience rebirth in our spirit. Christians are born into GOD’S family. They become the Sons and Daughters of GOD, thus, they can follow CHRIST, their Brother, into the presence of GOD their Father.

The author of Hebrews then wrote “because He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Who was Melchizedek or Melchisedec? He first appeared in Genesis 14:18-20. He was a priest of GOD and a king. Abraham gave him a tithe or a tenth. He existed hundreds of years before the Levitical priesthood was established. He was called the King of Righteousness, which was the interpretation of his name and King of Peace which was a title given to him in Genesis. Thus, the coming together of righteousness and peace which are attributes of JESUS. JESUS’ ministry is different from that of the Levitical priests. The Levitical priests were bound to or authorized by the Law. JESUS’ priesthood is eternal and patterned after Melchisedec – righteousness and peace.

Hebrews 10:19-21:

19 Therefore, • brothers, since we have boldness to enter the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way He has opened for us through the curtain (that is, His flesh), 21 and since we have a great high priest over the house of God,

Since JESUS was the forerunner into the presence of GOD, Christians have the boldness to enter into the very presence of GOD by this new and living way. Christians no longer have to go through an earthly priest. JESUS was resurrected from the dead and Christians serve a living Savior. CHRIST opened the path to GOD by giving HIS life to redeem all who will place their faith in HIM. When JESUS gave HIS life upon the cross, the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies, tore from top to bottom as recorded in Matthew 27:50-51:

50 Jesus shouted again with a loud voice and gave up His spirit. 51 Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom; the earth quaked and the rocks were split.

The curtain separated the Holy of Holies from other areas of the temple. The priests could only go into the Holy of Holies once per year. CHRIST broke the barrier between GOD and mankind.

Christians have a new High Priest, JESUS, Who intercedes in behalf of all Christians when Satan accuses them before the Father. JESUS is our advocate before the Father. Satan is eager to sift GOD’S chosen but he cannot harm a Christian unless GOD allows him. Of course, we can take ourselves out of the circle of GOD’S protection by making bad choices. GOD allows bad things to happen to get our attention and to guide us in the right direction. JESUS is the great high priest over the house of God. The house of GOD encompasses the entire spiritual realm, including GOD’S chosen.

Let’s read Hebrews 10:22-23:

22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, our hearts sprinkled •clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in pure water. 23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

The term “draw near” carries the idea of continually drawing near to GOD with a true heart. Christians are to draw near to GOD every day. JESUS said to take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23)

Christians are to draw near to GOD with “true hearts in full assurance of faith.” True hearts are honest hearts. What the person professes is in harmony with what he or she thinks. Their actions match their true inner being.

Hearts sprinkled clean likely refers to the cleansing nature of the blood of the sacrifice. This referred to the inner cleansing through the atoning work of JESUS shed blood.

Some say that the statement “our bodies washed in pure water” likely refers to baptism. I think of the pure water referring to being washed with the living water which comes from the internal presence of the Holy Spirit. The living water flows from the inside and flows over the outside of the Christians body. The Christian’s body is thoroughly cleansed, inside and out, by the shed blood of CHRIST to come into the presence of GOD.

The faith of Christians, especially the Jewish Christians, was being challenged and the writer of Hebrews wanted the Christians to remain firm in their faith. Wavering means “to cause to fall back.” “Without wavering” meant to remain firm and unswerving. When Christians are in right relationship with CHRIST, they are firm and rest upon the foundation of CHRIST.

If you have doubts, it is never wrong to reveal them to GOD and ask HIM to help you find the truth. In this six week study, we have explored the character of GOD – Holy, Loving, Just, Wise and Faithful. What you believe about GOD is important. But what you believe about GOD must be based upon truth. Seek truth and seek a personal, intimate, loving relationship with GOD by placing your faith in HIS only Son, JESUS. JESUS gave his life just for you. Will you accept HIM as your Savior? Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Beyond Belief (5) - GOD Is Wise - Proverbs 2:1-6; 3:5-7 - June 29, 2014

Bible Study – Beyond Belief (5) – GOD Is Wise – June 29, 2014

This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Does What I Believe about GOD Change Anything?”
 

Our focus scripture is Proverbs 2:1-6; 3:5-7.

GOD will give us wisdom when we humbly seek it.

The source of wisdom is GOD. The beautiful part of being a Christian is that we can know the mind of GOD – 1 Corinthians 2:10-16:

10 Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have not received the spirit of the • world, but the Spirit who comes from God, so that we may understand what has been freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. 14 But the unbeliever does not welcome what comes from God’s Spirit, because it is foolishness to him; he is not able to understand it since it is evaluated spiritually. 15 The spiritual person, however, can evaluate everything, yet he himself cannot be evaluated by anyone. 16 For who has known the Lord’s mind, that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

James the brother of JESUS wrote in James 1:5:

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.

King Solomon wrote a large portion of Proverbs. He wrote it to instruct his son and others regarding the source of wisdom and how a person can obtain wisdom. Let’s explore!

Wisdom is knowledge applied to GOD’S plan.

1 Corinthians 1:20-25:

20 Where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? 21 For since, in God’s wisdom, the • world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached. 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. 24 Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom, 25 because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
It is vital that the teacher/parent know GOD, not just know about GOD but to know GOD by having an intimate, personal knowledge of GOD through his or her experiential relationship with GOD through CHRIST. Christians are to study GOD’S Word, ponder it and apply it as the Holy Spirit leads and directs their lives. Are Christians to wait until they have gained all knowledge of GOD before they teach others? No! They are to teach when GOD calls them and they are given the opportunity.

Let’s read Proverbs 2:1-6:

1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding; 3 furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the • fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

This Proverb is directed to Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, who eventually succeeded him to the throne. But Solomon wrote these proverbs to all who sought to seek wisdom from GOD and to teach others how to seek wisdom. “My son” could reference a father or mother instructing his or her child, son or daughter or a teacher instructing a student. It also conveys a positive relationship between the teacher and the student or the parent and child. The instructor is serious about conveying knowledge in hopes that it will benefit the person receiving the instruction by taking it seriously and applying it.

There is a vital element that must not be overlooked and that is the instructor/parent is taking the time to invest what he or she knows into the life of another. Great care must be taken to pass along truth as learned from experience and not just book or head knowledge.

Not speaking of the things we learn in school or the university but the things that are only taught by GOD to reveal Spiritual truth by the Holy Spirit.

In last week’s lesson, we encountered the conditional word “if.” In this week’s study, we see that the student has to be willing to accept the teacher’s words and not just accept them but to remember them and apply them. The student is to listen carefully, ponder what the teacher has uttered and apply it, to achieve understanding. Once a person comprehends truth and personalizes it, it sticks but it is a process that gets us to truth and understanding.

Verses 1, 2, 3 and 4 state the evidence and verse 5 gives, “the then.”

The student or child must have the desire to listen learn and apply. When he or she has this desire, it establishes the right attitude within the student for the instructions to produce the desired results, which comes by revelation from GOD:

-         1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

-          2 listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding;

-         3 furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding,

-         4 if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure,

-         5 then you will understand the • fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.

What is insight in verse 3? Insight is related to understanding and carries the idea of discernment. Insight is drilling below the surface of matters or issues. It is learning through application. It is exploring the depths of issues. It is seeking to find and prove the truth. It is seeking truth by asking and listening. It is personalizing truth based upon due diligence. Christians have the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead them to truth and to explore the depths of wisdom through the instruction of GOD when they look to HIM for answers.

In this lesson, we are seeking knowledge from GOD and speaking out loud reveals our earnest desire to obtain insight and understanding. Once found, let it be known. When we reveal insight and understanding, it will be tested and evaluated to ensure its validity.  

When a person seeks insight and understanding which comes from GOD, he or she needs to comprehend the value that will come from such a quest. The lady in the parable of the lost coin knew the value of the coin and that determined the intensity of her search for the coin. She was likely poor and in need of the things the coin would provide for her. GOD reveals that the search for knowledge and wisdom from HIM is beyond any material discovery. The person seeking knows the value of taking time to search for material things of value, such as, precious metals or hidden treasure. Wisdom from GOD is an extremely valuable treasure which will serve a person throughout life when it is understood and applied. Remember, wisdom is knowledge applied to GOD’S plan. It is building an intimate, personal, loving relationship with GOD through CHRIST. GOD ensures the value.

Christians have the indwelling Holy Spirit to enlighten them as they seek, search and build an intimate relationship with GOD through CHRIST. When they seek and search, the then of verse 5 is realized - 5 then you will understand the • fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.

As you recall “fear” is not to be afraid of GOD but to honor and respect and seek to really know HIM. It is not to just know about HIM which can be gleaned for study but know HIM through experience. The only way to know HIM is to trust HIM, which leads us to our next scripture. I suggest memorizing verses 5 and 6.

Let’s read Proverbs 3:5-6:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths. (Holman)

5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (KJV) [I learned these verses many years ago and the King James Version still rings in my heart.]

What is trust? Trust and faith are related. We build trust with GOD through CHRIST. Step one is for a person to trust GOD that HE sent HIS only Son to earth in the flesh to give HIS life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin, which is eternal death. Once a person experiences the miracle of rebirth by accepting CHRIST as his or her Savior, he or she begins a Spiritual journey of experiencing GOD through his or her relationship with CHRIST. GOD sanctifies every Christian, that is, sets him or her aside from the world to obediently serve HIM. But Christians still have a choice whether or not to surrender their will to GOD. GOD’S goal is for every child of HIS to be made into the image of CHRIST. The Holy Spirit accomplishes this makeover through the renewing of the mind.

But in order for our minds to be renewed we must be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to lead and direct or lives. That is dying to the flesh or self and allowing GOD to take control of our lives.

Verses 5 and 6 reveal important information regarding this journey. The foundation is to “trust” or completely rely upon GOD. Building trust is a journey on its own. It is foundational in building the right relationship with GOD through CHRIST. If a Christian cannot embrace CHRIST fully, he or she cannot fathom GOD. CHRIST is the path to understanding and comprehending GOD.

Verse 5 is very clear, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;” Christians are to “trust” in the LORD with “all” of their heart. That leaves no room for them to second guess GOD by trying to insert human wisdom and understanding. This is a journey. I know I have asked for wisdom in certain areas of my life and then experience what I thought was failure. I have asked why this did happen when I looked to YOU for wisdom. Keep in mind that each of us are unique and wonderfully made and come with baggage. The answer I received was “How else will you learn wisdom?” You see I am very stubborn and GOD deals with me in certain ways and often by letting me run into a brick wall. Ouch! And it is not fun but sooner or later I get HIS message.

It is all about trust. Do we, as Christians, really trust GOD and HIS leadership or are we more comfortable leaning or relying upon our own understanding?

Verse 6 - think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

When we trust HIM, we stay focused upon HIM as we take steps of faith. I think of Wallenda crossing Niagara Falls June 15, 2012. He stayed focused on the LORD as he carefully walked on the wire cable. Yes, there may be angry waves dashing around us but do we waiver or do we trust in HIM or do we switch back to our own ways. When we maintain the course, “HE will guide us and keep us on the right paths and in the right direction to accomplish HIS plan for us.”

We must stay focused upon HIM especially when going through difficult times and when we have asked HIM for wisdom to trust HIS leadership.

But when we do and we experience success, what can often happen?

Let’s read Proverbs 3:7:

7 Don’t consider yourself to be wise; • fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

We can take the success GOD has given to us to be our success. That can be a recipe for trouble and Spiritual arrogance. The world may honor us for our great wisdom and cunning. We may start to believe that “after all I had to take the steps and that proves I am wise.” Caution!

GOD tells us to watch out when we begin to think ourselves wise because all wisdom comes from GOD. HE is the source and we are wise because we looked to HIM. We asked HIM for wisdom and HE gave it to us. We are to stay focused upon our LORD and Savior JESUS CHRIST. Success often breeds the opportunity for evil to attempt to come into our lives. We are to turn away from evil. We are to maintain our focus upon JESUS and look to HIM for the strength to resist evil by saying “NO!”

The scripture is very clear 1 Peter 5:8-9:

8 Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. 9 Resist him and be firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.

I understand that a roaring lion is a hungry lion, so be vigilant!

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Beyond Belief (4) - GOD Is Forgiving - 1 John 1 - 2:2 - June 22, 2014

Bible Study – Beyond Belief (4) – GOD Is Forgiving – June 22, 2014

This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Does What I Believe About GOD Change Anything?”

Our focus scripture is 1 John 1:5-2:2

GOD always forgives when we truly repent because that is light or truth from HIM. HE is the source of truth regarding forgiveness and HE knows our hearts.

The Apostle John wrote First John to Christians because they were facing challenges to their faith because of false teachers. The false teachers were likely teaching Gnosticism. Gnosticism comes from the Greek word “gnosis” which means knowledge.

Gnostics thought they possessed knowledge or secrets revealed only to them. Generally, they believed that all matter, including the human body, was evil. Thus some inflicted punishment upon themselves. Some believed and taught that what they did in the flesh had no influence to their spirit. Therefore, they lived as they wished.

One view that the So-called Christian Gnostics had of JESUS was that HE was divine and did not have a flesh and blood body. They denied the humanity of JESUS. The Apostle John challenged these false teachings and wrote to fellow Christians to enlighten them to truth and to restore truth regarding the message of CHRIST. John was a personal witness to the teachings and life of JESUS, as we read in 1 John 1:1-4: (Intro and Background)

1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have observed and have touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life— 2 that life was revealed, and we have seen it and we testify and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we also declare to you, so that you may have fellowship along with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

The Apostle John was with CHRIST. He walked with HIM, talked to HIM, touched HIM, saw HIM hungry, saw HIM cry, witnessed all that HE did while HE was upon earth, and fellowshipped with HIM. John knew for a fact that JESUS was real. He witnessed the crucifixion of JESUS, HIS death upon the cross, HIS burial, HIS resurrection, HIS ascension, the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the miracles performed in the name of JESUS. Yes, JESUS is real today and still performs miracles.

The Apostle John was likely between 85-100 years old when he wrote First John and he likely wrote First John while he was in Ephesus.

Let’s read 1 John 1:5-10:

5 Now this is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in Him. 6 If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we • walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

In verses 1-4, the Apostle John established the fact that he had up close and personal knowledge of JESUS CHRIST. He testified to HIS genuineness.

John makes it clear that what he was writing was truth as he learned and witnessed from CHRIST Who came from GOD and was GOD in the flesh.

CHRIST was 100% GOD and 100% human. This is referred to by Bible scholars as “hypostatic union” or that which only GOD can accomplish. It is the joining of two natures into one person; human and deity. Such a union is difficult for the human mind to comprehend. I contend that yes, JESUS was GOD but HE chose to restrict HIS power and Glory such that HE lived upon earth as the first true Christian totally committed and dedicated to GOD in every way. HIS life upon earth depicts what life would be like for Christians if they totally surrendered our lives to GOD as CHRIST did.

CHRIST was and is eternally equal with the Father. HE left HIS Glory in heaven and willingly came to earth to live as a human. HIS mother was the Virgin Mary and HIS Father was GOD. HE had access to the power of GOD and could have used that power at any moment HE chose. HE always consulted with the Father before HE said or did anything. HE was completely obedient. I think one of the great temptations in HIS humanity was to use HIS divine power when HE had to deal with earthly issues that needed to reveal that power. That power was revealed in the resurrection and will be revealed in HIS second coming and the final days.

John used “we” and ‘us” or a literary plural to include others who had witnessed the presence and glory of CHRIST in the flesh upon earth in conjunction with him. Thus “we” means “I” and “us” means “me.” John was an eyewitness along with many others including fellow disciples. John was part of the inner circle of JESUS and witnessed things others did not.

In the Greek, verses 6-10 begin with the word “if.” “If” is conditional. It often refers to a cause and effect. That is verses 6, 8 and 10 state truths in a negative way whereas verses 7 and 9 state truths in a positive way. Here, we have to be careful because this could lead us to think that works could lead to salvation.

The writer of the Senior Adult Leader Guide, Ronnie Floyd, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0175 for this series of lessons states on page 54, “Since the construction in all five verses is the same, it is best to explain them all the same way as evidence-conclusion. The “if” part of the sentence provides evidence of what someone says or does, and the “then” part (“then” is implied) shows what conclusion can be drawn from the evidence. This string of conditional sentences begins with a negative, which also forms a warning to those who are guilty of doing this: If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we • walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth.”

Fellowship comes from the Greek root word “koinonia” which means common. Here we have to be careful not to conclude that if a person has fellowship and enjoys the company of true Christians that in turn makes him or her Christian. As I have stated many times, it is CHRIST in you that makes you a Christian.

Associating with Christians can give the person seeking a genuine salvation experience the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to reveal his or her need for salvation. But each person must make his or her own decision whether or not to ask CHRIST to forgive him or her for his or her sins and for HIM to come into his or her life. When a person takes that step of faith, he or she will then experience true fellowship with fellow brothers and sisters in CHRIST in harmony and unity.  

The Apostle John began with a statement “GOD is light.” What is “light?” When “light” is used in reference to GOD it means “truth” as manifested by GOD’S Holiness, Purity, Glory and Majesty. Truth is revealed in the light. Darkness hides truth and gives rise to speculation and fears. I have heard Dr. Vance Havner say “What you learn in the light you have to practice in the dark.” Truth does not change in the dark or when dark times come into our lives. Dark times in the lives of Christians are exactly when they must rely on the light of truth.

The Greek word John used meant that there was not an iota or scintilla of darkness in GOD. GOD is Holy and Pure. This carries over to verses 6-10 regarding our walk with CHRIST.

The word “walk” refers to conduct or lifestyle and includes the attitude and Spiritual nature of the heart. Does a person live his or her life as GOD directs him or her or live according to his or her dictates or will?

Truths stated in a negative manner: (Verses 6, 8 and 10)

6 If we say, “We have fellowship with Him,” yet we • walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. Darkness often is related to sin. But we generally think of evil deeds but people can deny truth and refuse to acknowledge truth and that is darkness. Darkness is the absence of light. In the Spiritual realm, darkness results from the absence of GOD.

8 If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. The Apostle Paul makes it clear in Romans 3:23, “23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

10 If we say, “We don’t have any sin,” we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. Again, Paul tells us in Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. When we say we have “no sin”, who are we comparing ourselves to? Do we compare ourselves to another Christian or do we compare ourselves to GOD’S standard as revealed through CHRIST and the indwelling Holy Spirit? GOD’S desire is for all Christians to be made into the image of HIS only Son JESUS and it is the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit that accomplishes that goal when we yield our will to HIM.

The shed blood of JESUS is vital to the salvation for all people. We need to jump over to 1 John 2:2:

2 He Himself is the • propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

We considered the word “propitiation” in last week’s lesson. It is a very important word. It emphasizes the appeasement or averting of GOD’S wrath and justice through CHRIST’S death. GOD made it clear in the Garden of Eden to Adam that he could eat from any tree in the garden except from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If he did eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he would die.

Adam disobeyed GOD and the judgment of GOD was enacted. The death penalty was imposed upon mankind. The only way for the judgment of GOD to be satisfied was for a perfect acceptable sacrifice to be given to remove that judgment. The shed blood of GOD’S only sinless Son, JESUS, was and is the only perfect sacrifice that GOD accepted to satisfy the debt for sin and to pay it in full. Thus, the wrath of GOD toward sin satisfied the judicial consequence of sin for all who place their faith in CHRIST.

JESUS’ shed blood satisfied GOD’S judicial requirement and restores the fellowship for all who place their faith in CHRIST as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Once the judicial requirement has been met through faith by accepting CHRIST as our Savior, we experience the miracle of rebirth. Through the miracle of rebirth, Christians become a child of GOD and then the shed blood of CHRIST maintains our familial relationship with GOD as we confess our sins as needed and as we walk with GOD, as led by the Holy Spirit. Christians continue to sin or miss the mark of GOD’S standard. Christians confess their sins to restore and maintain right relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

LifeWay also publishes a Bible Commentary entitled “Advanced Bible Commentary.” In the summer 2014 issue, page 43, Dr. Bryan Beyer wrote, “We must understand our need to call on Jesus for salvation if we are to receive salvation. God’s judicial forgiveness brings us into fellowship with Him, and once we are saved, our regular confession of sin brings God’s parental or familial forgiveness and restores our fellowship.”

Let’s continue to examine the truths the Apostle John stated in a positive manner: (Verses 7 and 9)

7 But if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

As Christians have fellowship with GOD, who is the source of truth or light, they have fellowship with fellow Christians. The shed blood of JESUS continues to maintain our salvation and gives us opportunity to stay in fellowship and relationship with GOD and fellow Christians as we confess our sins. GOD’S desire is for HIS children not to allow anything to come between HIM and HIS children or between HIS children. Confessing our sin keeps the air clear and maintains fellowship with GOD and each other. So what do Christians do?

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Christians confess their sins. Confession is agreeing with GOD that what they have done is or was wrong. It could be thought or deed against GOD, fellow Christians or people. It could be sins of commission or omission. The point being once done and recognized as sin, it needs to be confessed or else it gives Satan opportunity to use it to defeat. GOD’S part is to forgive and cleanse, which is HIS way of restoring full fellowship and relationship with us. GOD’S desire is for us to be completely honest with HIM.

Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23-26:

23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

24 They are justified freely by His grace through the •redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

25 God presented Him as a • propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed.

26 God presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus.

And in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

In essence, our sin was poured into or placed upon CHRIST and HIS righteousness was poured into or placed upon all who place their faith in CHRIST.

In GOD’S eyes Christians are righteous and justified before HIM.

Let’s read 1 John 2:1-2:

1 My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an • advocate with the Father —Jesus Christ the Righteous One. 2 He Himself is the • propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world.

As stated earlier, the Apostle John was between 85-100 years old when he used the words “my little children” he did so to expresses his fatherly concern and care for those to whom he was writing and instructing. John did not want any fellow Christian to be led astray by these false teachers. Truth stands the test of time. John knew that sin blocks fellowship between GOD and fellow humans. As Christians, we all must be vigilant because Satan is roaming around seeking whom he can devour. Un-confessed sin is like bait that draws predators of all kinds. All of which have the desire to capture and kill the Christians.

The Apostle John knew that Christians sin and when they did, they did not lose their salvation. Christians can allow sin to weight them down because they do not confess them and seek restoration and fellowship with GOD.

JESUS was real and HE gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood, once and for all for those who will place their faith in HIM. GOD resurrected HIM from the dead as the firstfruits of those who will be resurrected bodily from the dead at HIS second coming because they have placed their faith in HIM. First John 1:9 is very clear:

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

During a Christian’s walk upon earth he or she needs to know that JESUS is his or her advocate in heaven. An advocate is one who comes along the side of another. It is like an attorney comes along the side of a person to represent that person before the judge.

Christians are saved by the shed blood of CHRIST and Satan is their great accuser before GOD in heaven. CHRIST stands before GOD as their advocate to say, bug off Satan because this person belongs to ME and GOD. He or she is covered by MY shed blood and is secure in ME, secure in the Father and sealed by the indwelling Holy Spirit until the day of redemption.

The shed blood of CHRIST makes the Christian pure, Holy, righteous and justified before GOD.
As a Christian, if you are in an uncomfortable situation, claim the blood of JESUS out loud, if necessary, because you belong to GOD. You are HIS Son or Daughter and precious to HIM. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Beyond Belief (3) - GOD is Just - Ezekiel 18:21-32 - June 15, 2014

Bible Study – Beyond Belief (3) – GOD is Just – June 15, 2014

This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Does What I Believe About GOD Change Anything?”

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Our focus scripture is Ezekiel 18:21-24, 30-32

GOD is always just because HE is Holy and the source of love and truth. This does not mean HE is namby-pamby. HE treats sin as sin and that is why Christians must confess their sins. Un-confessed sins are like shackles holding a Christian back from obediently serving GOD as the Holy Spirit leads him or her. Sin is a barrier between GOD and mankind which was broken by the shed blood of JESUS. As proof that it was broken and the penalty for sin was paid in full GOD raised JESUS from the dead and because HE lives, so do all who place their faith in JESUS.

So far in our study we have considered:

GOD’S Holiness, GOD’S Love and GOD’S Justice

Our study this week is amazing and again reveals the heart of GOD from the beginning to the present.

Our study is about justice. Human nature is very revealing. When we are wronged, we want justice done but when the shoe is on the other foot, we want mercy.

Our scripture is found in the Book of Ezekiel. Ezekiel was a younger contemporary of the Prophet Jeremiah. The Babylonians had conquered Jerusalem and took some of the Jews captive to Babylon. The Prophet Jeremiah ministered to the people still in Judah/Jerusalem area, whereas the Prophet Ezekiel ministered to those held captive and already exiled in Babylonia. Ezekiel was taken to Babylonia about 596 B.C.

Those were dark days in Israel’s history. The Israelites believed they were being unjustly treated for the sins of their fathers by GOD. GOD’S message through HIS prophet Ezekiel was designed for them to see that they were being punished because of their sins, not the sins of their fathers.

In our focus scripture, GOD’S message through Ezekiel was that all of them were responsible for their own sins. Yet, they tried to blame their plight on their fathers sins. GOD is just and does not allow the righteousness or unrighteousness of one person to dictate another person’s relationship with HIM. Bottom line, everyone is responsible for his or her sin and is accountable to GOD. This has not changed.

Since CHRIST’S coming to earth to reveal GOD in human form through HIS life and passion, humans today have a clear picture of the love GOD has for all people and to the extent HE goes to reach out to all people. All people have a choice. Today their choice is do they accept or reject JESUS? There will be judgment day one day.

GOD gave the Israelites the same choice before CHRIST came to earth: who will they obediently worship and obediently serve: GOD/CHRIST or something/someone else?

We all live in the present. What happened a split second ago is in the past and the future second is yet to come. All humans live in the present. Decisions are made in the present. Now is the exact moment to repent of your sins, Christian or non-Christian because the next second is not certain. Keep that in mind as we study our lesson.

This lesson reveals the heart of GOD toward all people and HIS love and concern for them. But each person has a choice then, as revealed in the Old Testament, and now, as revealed in the New Testament. GOD’S message to all people has been made clear: salvation is through faith in CHRIST.

Background: During the period the Israelites were held captive in Babylon, some believed in GOD, some do not trust HIM and others had false notions about GOD and truth:

In Ezekiel 12:21-24:

21 Again the word of the Lord came to me: 22 “Son of man, what is this proverb you people have about the land of Israel, which goes: The days keep passing by, and every vision fails? 23 Therefore say to them: This is what the Lord God says: I will put a stop to this proverb, and they will not use it again in Israel. But say to them: The days draw near, as well as the fulfillment of every vision. 24 For there will no longer be any false vision or flattering • divination within the house of Israel.

Again, some of the Israelites believed things would not change regardless of GOD’S promises and the warning espoused through HIS prophet Ezekiel.

In Ezekiel 12:26-28:

26 The word of the Lord came to me: 27 “Son of man, notice that the house of Israel is saying, ‘The vision that he sees concerns many years from now; he prophesies about distant times.’ 28 Therefore say to them: This is what the Lord God says: None of My words will be delayed any longer. The message I speak will be fulfilled.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.

Some of the Israelites believed that years would pass before GOD would do anything for them.

In Ezekiel 13:1-7:

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: Hear the word of the Lord! 3 This is what the Lord God says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing. 4 Your prophets, Israel, are like jackals among ruins. 5 You did not go up to the gaps or restore the wall around the house of Israel so that it might stand in battle on the day of the Lord. 6 They see false visions and speak lying • divinations. They claim, ‘This is the Lord’s declaration,’ when the Lord did not send them, yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message. 7 Didn’t you see a false vision and speak a lying divination when you proclaimed, ‘This is the Lord’s declaration,’ even though I had not spoken?

Some of the Israelites embraced the teaching of false prophets rather than the truth from the true prophet of GOD.

As we approach the later days as Christian’s, we will be enticed to embrace false teachings with such cleverness that even the elect (true Christians) can be fooled. Christians must study GOD’S Word, the Bible and build the right relationship with GOD so they will not be misled or deceived as we read in Matthew 24:21-24:

21 For at that time there will be great tribulation, the kind that hasn’t taken place from the beginning of the world until now and never will again! 22 Unless those days were limited, no one would survive. But those days will be limited because of the elect. 23 “If anyone tells you then, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Over here!’ do not believe it! 24 False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

GOD had warned the Israelites what would happen to them if they did not repent before they were defeated and led captive to Babylon. They thought that since they were GOD’S chosen and lived in Judah/Jerusalem near the area of the temple, GOD would spare them from any enemy take over. We studied this about a year ago. They did not repent and they were captured. GOD is just and the rain falls upon the just and the unjust. Matthew 5:45:

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (KJV)

There are times when GOD allows bad things to come into our lives to get our attention and for our good. In our study, we see that GOD was still trying to get the attention of HIS chosen people to see that HE is sovereign and in charge of the present as well as the future. The group was impacted but each person was responsible and accountable to GOD. Their choices and refusal to repent determined their future.

Let’s read Ezekiel 18:1-4:

1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel: The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge? 3 As I live”—this is the declaration of the Lord God —“you will no longer use this proverb in Israel. 4 Look, every life belongs to Me. The life of the father is like the life of the son —both belong to Me. The person who sins is the one who will die.

The Israelites were quoting the proverb in verse 2, which in essence they were saying that it was the sins of their fathers that resulted in their plight. GOD set them straight through HIS message delivered by the Prophet Ezekiel. They were to stop hiding behind that proverb because every life belongs to HIM; the father and the son. The person who sins is accountable for his or her sin and will die.

“Die” refers to the broken relationship between the person who sins and GOD. Sin blocks the communication and potential relationship between GOD and mankind. That is why CHRIST came to earth. HE broke the sin barrier by willingly giving HIS life through the shedding of HIS blood to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. HE paid the price for our sins but there is a vital step each person must take and that is to ask HIM to forgive us for our sins and to accept HIM as our Savior. HIS shed blood redeems the lost person from the consequence of sin, which is death when they place their faith in HIM.

If you have not taken that step of faith now is the present moment for you to take that opportunity. We are not promised the next second. Ask JESUS to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your life. HE will and you will experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit, be born-anew into GOD’S family, receive eternal life, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and become a permanent citizen of Heaven. That is guaranteed by GOD and JESUS.

Let’s explore our focus scripture!

GOD’S Justice Toward the Repentant.

Let’s read Ezekiel 18:21-23:

21 “Now if the wicked person turns from all the sins he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is just and right, he will certainly live; he will not die. 22 None of the transgressions he has committed will be held against him. He will live because of the righteousness he has practiced. 23 Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “Instead, don’t I take pleasure when he turns from his ways and lives?

GOD set the record straight. Salvation is not complicated for any person. The wicked person has hope when he or she turns to GOD and keeps all of HIS statutes. The wicked person will not die but live:

-         Transgression will not held against him

-         He will live because of the righteousness he has practiced

-         GOD takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked

-         GOD takes great delight when he turns from his wicked ways and lives.

Keep in mind that GOD’S desire is for people to focus on the present. What has been done is in the past and the future has not arrived, therefore, now is the opportune time to take action on your Spiritual needs: confession, repentance and salvation.

The wicked refers to those who do what is morally wrong, un-Godly, condemned or hostile to GOD. GOD referenced the wicked in contrast to the righteous.

The present instant is the opportunity for the vilest person to ask CHRIST, in faith, to forgive him or her for his or her sins and for HIM to come into his or her life. CHRIST in you is what makes you a Christian and it is your faith in HIM that results in you receiving eternal life. Salvation is the beginning of building an intimate, loving, personal relationship with GOD through CHRIST.

Today is the day of salvation. In GOD’S eyes what is in the past is just that -gone. Satan will use your past in an effort to defeat you but the scripture reveals Hebrews 10:16-17:

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; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (KJV)

When we confess our sins and we repent, HE forgives, restores us back in fellowship with HIM and forgets our sins. (1John 1:9)

We have to be careful when considering verse 22. It seems that good deeds are all that it takes for a person to get to heaven. We need to consider the word “righteous.” Righteous as used in this verse refers to specific deeds prescribed by GOD in HIS Law and carries the idea of conforming to GOD’S standards. The Apostle Paul addresses this somewhat in Romans 2:12-16:

12 All those who sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all those who sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For the hearers of the law are not righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be declared righteous. 14 So, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, instinctively do what the law demands, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts. Their consciences confirm this. Their competing thoughts will either accuse or excuse them 16 on the day when God judges what people have kept secret, according to my gospel through Christ Jesus.

GOD’S message to the people is that HIS desire is for all people to repent, obediently follow HIM and live. This is captured by the Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:9:

9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

GOD loves all and HIS desire is for all to come to HIM and obediently serve HIM because HE loves them. But each person has a choice as described in the Old Testament or today as described in the New Testament. Have you made your choice?

Justice Toward the Rebellious.

Let’s read Ezekiel 18:24:

24 But when a righteous person turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same detestable acts that the wicked do, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. He will die because of the treachery he has engaged in and the sin he has committed.

In verses 21-23, GOD’S message was the promise of life to the wicked person who repented and obeyed HIS statutes. Now GOD has a message for the outwardly appearing righteous person who turns from practicing GOD’S written laws and practices iniquity and detestable acts. Detestable acts are “abominations”, which includes idolatry and child sacrifice.

The person who appears to be righteous, based upon outward actions, but stops and turns to do the things that the wicked do, he or she will die because the person has been living a deceptive life of treachery. Treachery connotes strong opposition to GOD and HIS ways. Such a person will die because they have tried to live according to their own dictates and not GOD’S.

It is all about the heart. True faith endures. Any Christian may stray but they will come back and GOD has waited on them to return with open arms to welcome them back into fellowship with HIM. WOW!!! What an amazing Father we have. Remember the parable JESUS told about the prodigal son. That is a wonderful picture of GOD and HIS desire for all who stray to return.

We, as fellow humans, cannot see the heart of another person. We only see the actions of a person. Some people can fake being righteous/Christians but GOD knows our hearts. GOD does not keep an account of the good versus the bad a person does. It is clear that all the good, this apparent righteous person had done, GOD does not remember. He was doing his own thing and was giving eye-service to those around him but GOD knew his heart.

The Good News is that faith in CHRIST results in the miracle of rebirth. Once Christians are born-again in their spirit, they will never become unborn but they can lose their rewards. Christians can allow sin to come into their lives and when they do it blocks the Holy Spirit from leading and guiding them, which compromises their walk of obedience.

The Apostle Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15:

11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire.

All Christians are sinners saved by grace and live under grace. But some people deceive themselves as JESUS recorded in Matthew 7:21-:

21 Not everyone 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. 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? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (KJV)

So sad! Do you know that you have been born-again? If not, now is the present and you can.

GOD’S Way Isn’t Fair or Is It?

Let’s read Ezekiel 18:25-29:

25 “But you say, ‘The Lord’s way isn’t fair.’ Now listen, house of Israel: Is it My way that is unfair? Instead, isn’t it your ways that are unfair? 26 When a righteous person turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, he will die for this. He will die because of the iniquity he has practiced. 27 But if a wicked person turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will preserve his life. 28 He will certainly live because he thought it over and turned from all the transgressions he had committed; he will not die. 29 But the house of Israel says, ‘The Lord’s way isn’t fair.’ Is it My ways that are unfair, house of Israel? Instead, isn’t it your ways that are unfair?

Neither the Israelites nor Christians get a free pass when it comes to sin. Sin has consequences for all. GOD’S chosen are accountable to GOD and must confess their sins to maintain their relationship with GOD. Sin blocks the relationship even though we are HIS children. Christians do not lose their salvation but they will lose their rewards because they are out of relationship with the LORD and do not respond to HIS call for obedient service. Un-confessed sin compromises the joy of our salvation.

GOD continued HIS message to the people through Ezekiel and gave them something to ponder.

GOD’S Justice Calls for a Response.

Let’s read Ezekiel 18:30-32:

30 “Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each one of you according to his ways.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes your punishment. 31 Throw off all the transgressions you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “So repent and live!

GOD’S message to the people was, now is the time for each of you to take a Spiritual inventory. Are you faking your relationship with ME or is it genuine. If you come up short, now or the present instant, is the time to repent. Another second is not guaranteed, so respond while you have the opportunity.

Often, we think we can hide behind religion but notice the message from GOD to the Israelites in verse 30. HE addressed the “House of Israel” as a whole but HE goes immediately to the fact that HE “will judge each one of you according to his ways.” This is the declaration of the Lord God.” GOD will not judge people as a group but as individuals. The only coattails we can ride into heaven on are the LORD JESUS by placing our faith in HIM.

GOD has made it plain. So what can a person do about it? GOD’S message is straight forward, “Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so they will not be a stumbling block that causes your punishment.” Repent means to stop and go in the opposite direction.

When you discover a transgression, throw it off violently as you would a venomous snake. Get rid of it immediately. Do not let it linger because sin is designed to capture you and take control of you. The flesh battles with the Spirit and the nature of a person’s heart will determine who will win. The heart focused on GOD for his or her strength, will win.

To get a new heart and a new spirit confess your sins, repent and seek a genuine, active, dynamic relationship with GOD. The determination and strength of a person is not adequate to create within him or herself a new heart; it requires the power of GOD. It is a partnership between the individual and GOD. Certainly when a person asks CHRIST for forgiveness and for HIM to come into his or her life, the miracle of rebirth happens in an instant. The Apostle Paul recorded in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come.

The LORD asks a pointed question directed to the Israelites “Why should you die, house of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death.” This is the declaration of the Lord God. “So repent and live!”

If you remain stubborn and refuse to repent you will die. You will separate yourself from the very source that’s provides life, cares for you and empowers change in your life. GOD stated very clearly that HE takes “NO Pleasure” in anyone’s death. The choice is for each person to make but he or she must choose wisely because his or her decision is eternal.

It is amazing the extent GOD goes to be just.

The Apostle Paul recorded in Romans 8:9-11:

9 You, however, are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God lives in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. 10 Now if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, then He who raised Christ from the dead will also bring your mortal bodies to life through His Spirit who lives in you.

Do you have the Holy Spirit? Romans 8:15-16:

15 For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, “ • Abba , Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children,

To me this has been an amazing study and an opportunity to compare GOD’S message to the Israelites through Ezekiel and the message of CHRIST. GOD truly loves all people and desires for all to come to HIM for salvation through CHRIST and to dwell with HIM for eternity as HIS Son or Daughter. My prayer is that you have made that decision and are living for HIM. The present is now and GOD is just and desires for no person to perish. Blessings!!!