Romans 6:9-10 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. (10) For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God.
Jesus Christ destroyed the dominion of death through his resurrection and he will never die again. Sin and death had dominion over the human race under the curse of the law. Christ perfectly fulfilled the law and yet suffered the penalty that the law imposed for not fulfilling it. Therefore, all that are baptized into the death Christ Jesus through faith have had their sin debt paid in full by Christ, and are counted as righteous because of Christ’s perfect obedience to the law. Thus, the dominion of death was destroyed by Christ. This is the amazing grace that leads Paul to conclude that believers are not under law but under grace. Through this grace the wretched man that is captive to the law of sin and death [Romans 7:23] is set free from the captivity and slavery of sin through regeneration and the New Covenant promise of a new heart.
Focus on Christ #127
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
126) Death with Christ
Romans 6:8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
Those that God redeems and regenerates by crucifying the old self will also live in a manner consistent with his new self. Believers will follow the lead of the indwelling Spirit and walk in a new direction. The old self [wretched man] was powerless to keep from sinning. The new man still sins, but lives a life that has been empowered to follow Christ and be conformed to his image [Romans 8:29]. The power of sin has been broken in all who are in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit the power has been given to not sin and live with Christ.
Focus on Christ #126
Those that God redeems and regenerates by crucifying the old self will also live in a manner consistent with his new self. Believers will follow the lead of the indwelling Spirit and walk in a new direction. The old self [wretched man] was powerless to keep from sinning. The new man still sins, but lives a life that has been empowered to follow Christ and be conformed to his image [Romans 8:29]. The power of sin has been broken in all who are in Christ, and through the Holy Spirit the power has been given to not sin and live with Christ.
Focus on Christ #126
Thursday, March 18, 2010
125) God sets the prisoners free
Romans 6:7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
When believers are baptized into Christ by the power of God, they have been set free from the penalty and power of sin. This is NOT speaking of death or the physical act of water baptism, but is speaking of the supernatural act of the new covenant promise of a regenerated heart. It is nothing less than a spiritual heart transplant. The new God given spiritual heart is free from the power of sin. The new creation in Christ is no longer captive to the law of sin and death. While he still sins, he is no longer the wretched man that is powerless to do what is right. The victory that overcomes the world has been achieved through faith in the Son of God [1 John 5:4].
Focus on Christ #125
When believers are baptized into Christ by the power of God, they have been set free from the penalty and power of sin. This is NOT speaking of death or the physical act of water baptism, but is speaking of the supernatural act of the new covenant promise of a regenerated heart. It is nothing less than a spiritual heart transplant. The new God given spiritual heart is free from the power of sin. The new creation in Christ is no longer captive to the law of sin and death. While he still sins, he is no longer the wretched man that is powerless to do what is right. The victory that overcomes the world has been achieved through faith in the Son of God [1 John 5:4].
Focus on Christ #125
Monday, March 15, 2010
124) United with Christ
Romans 6:5-6 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. (6) We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.
Sin was dealt with on the cross as believers who were children of Adam and in bondage to sin are raised in union with Christ. Christ dealt with the penalty of sin on the cross. When believers are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, Christ also deals with the power of sin as the old self is crucified with Christ. The body of sin that was previously enslaved and ruled by sin is brought to nothing by the power of God. Those who are in Christ through faith are no longer enslaved to sin, but have become slaves to righteousness. Paul described his personal enslavement to sin before conversion in Rom. 7:13-25. In Romans 8:2 he described how the Spirit set him free from the law of sin and death. This freedom occurred at the moment he was baptized into Christ’s death and resurrected into newness of life.
Focus on Christ #124
Sin was dealt with on the cross as believers who were children of Adam and in bondage to sin are raised in union with Christ. Christ dealt with the penalty of sin on the cross. When believers are baptized into the death of Jesus Christ, Christ also deals with the power of sin as the old self is crucified with Christ. The body of sin that was previously enslaved and ruled by sin is brought to nothing by the power of God. Those who are in Christ through faith are no longer enslaved to sin, but have become slaves to righteousness. Paul described his personal enslavement to sin before conversion in Rom. 7:13-25. In Romans 8:2 he described how the Spirit set him free from the law of sin and death. This freedom occurred at the moment he was baptized into Christ’s death and resurrected into newness of life.
Focus on Christ #124
Friday, March 12, 2010
123) Newness of life
Romans 6:3-4 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (4) We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Those who are in Christ have been baptized through saving faith into his death. This is not merely a baptism done by men with water, but is a baptism of regeneration performed by God that is immediately followed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. Just as Christ died for sin, believers die to sin when the Holy Spirit makes a new creation out of hearts of stone that were once captive and slaves to sin. Through the power of God in this work of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to walk in newness of life. God gives a new nature to believers that cause this transformation as the old has passed away and the new has come. Amazingly some things they once liked suddenly become unappealing, and things that once were unappealing become things desired. While the old man strives to regain control, those who are in Christ have been set free from the power of sin.
Focus on Christ #123
Those who are in Christ have been baptized through saving faith into his death. This is not merely a baptism done by men with water, but is a baptism of regeneration performed by God that is immediately followed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. Just as Christ died for sin, believers die to sin when the Holy Spirit makes a new creation out of hearts of stone that were once captive and slaves to sin. Through the power of God in this work of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to walk in newness of life. God gives a new nature to believers that cause this transformation as the old has passed away and the new has come. Amazingly some things they once liked suddenly become unappealing, and things that once were unappealing become things desired. While the old man strives to regain control, those who are in Christ have been set free from the power of sin.
Focus on Christ #123
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
122) Dead to sin
Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? (2) By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
After thoroughly explaining justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone in the previous chapters, Paul asks the obvious question about sin. Paul answers his own rhetorical objection by stating that believers have died to sin and can no longer live in it. Why? What has changed and what does it mean to die to sin? This change comes through the power of God in regeneration and the gift of the indwelling Spirit. Believers are new creations in Christ with new desires. The power of sin has been broken in believers by the power of irresistible grace and the wretched man [Romans 7:24] has been delivered from his body of death. Sin is not completely eradicated, but believers are no longer captives to sin.
Focus on Christ #122
After thoroughly explaining justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone in the previous chapters, Paul asks the obvious question about sin. Paul answers his own rhetorical objection by stating that believers have died to sin and can no longer live in it. Why? What has changed and what does it mean to die to sin? This change comes through the power of God in regeneration and the gift of the indwelling Spirit. Believers are new creations in Christ with new desires. The power of sin has been broken in believers by the power of irresistible grace and the wretched man [Romans 7:24] has been delivered from his body of death. Sin is not completely eradicated, but believers are no longer captives to sin.
Focus on Christ #122
Monday, March 8, 2010
121) The fruitless branches are burned
John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
If anyone does not abide in Jesus, he is not in Christ and is not saved. Such a person bears no fruit and is taken away just like a branch that does not bear fruit. Many claim to be fruit bearing branches, but Jesus said you will recognize them by their fruits. Many falsely claim Christ, but only those who are truly in Christ will bear fruit. On that day, Jesus will tell those who falsely claim to be disciples “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Focus on Christ #121
If anyone does not abide in Jesus, he is not in Christ and is not saved. Such a person bears no fruit and is taken away just like a branch that does not bear fruit. Many claim to be fruit bearing branches, but Jesus said you will recognize them by their fruits. Many falsely claim Christ, but only those who are truly in Christ will bear fruit. On that day, Jesus will tell those who falsely claim to be disciples “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Focus on Christ #121
Friday, March 5, 2010
120) All Christian fruit comes from Jesus Christ
John 15:5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
It is impossible to produce any fruit apart from Christ. Grace flows directly from Christ to believers as surely as nourishment from the vine flows directly to the fruit of the vine. Jesus reminds all disciples of all ages in this verse that there is no “I” in the fruit produced by disciples. Grace is the source of all fruit produced by believers. This union with Christ inspires and causes all the fruit produced by his disciples. Believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for them to do [Eph. 2:10]. Believers are created in Christ Jesus! If God creates believers, then how can any fruit production be credited to the free will of man in the slightest way? If human decision apart from Christ is needed in producing fruit then there is reason for boasting in this fruit. Not only is there boasting, but the success of the kingdom of God on earth would be dependent on human decision.
Focus on Christ #120
It is impossible to produce any fruit apart from Christ. Grace flows directly from Christ to believers as surely as nourishment from the vine flows directly to the fruit of the vine. Jesus reminds all disciples of all ages in this verse that there is no “I” in the fruit produced by disciples. Grace is the source of all fruit produced by believers. This union with Christ inspires and causes all the fruit produced by his disciples. Believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for them to do [Eph. 2:10]. Believers are created in Christ Jesus! If God creates believers, then how can any fruit production be credited to the free will of man in the slightest way? If human decision apart from Christ is needed in producing fruit then there is reason for boasting in this fruit. Not only is there boasting, but the success of the kingdom of God on earth would be dependent on human decision.
Focus on Christ #120
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
119) If anyone is in Christ he abides in Christ
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
Without abiding in Christ, there is no fruit. Jesus told this truth to his disciples and it is still valid today. If a person is in Christ, he abides in Christ and if he abides in Christ he bears fruit. Conversely, if there is no fruit in a person’s life that person does not abide in Christ. Such a person is not in Christ and has not been saved. It is folly to think that a person can be in Christ through the power of regeneration and the indwelling Holy Spirit and not abide in Christ. There will be times of apathy and neglect with very little fruit in the lives of believers, but never a time of total failure to abide in Christ. This verse is an exhortation by Jesus for his disciples to continually abide in him, and is not meant to infer that a true disciple may never abide in him.
Focus on Christ #119
Without abiding in Christ, there is no fruit. Jesus told this truth to his disciples and it is still valid today. If a person is in Christ, he abides in Christ and if he abides in Christ he bears fruit. Conversely, if there is no fruit in a person’s life that person does not abide in Christ. Such a person is not in Christ and has not been saved. It is folly to think that a person can be in Christ through the power of regeneration and the indwelling Holy Spirit and not abide in Christ. There will be times of apathy and neglect with very little fruit in the lives of believers, but never a time of total failure to abide in Christ. This verse is an exhortation by Jesus for his disciples to continually abide in him, and is not meant to infer that a true disciple may never abide in him.
Focus on Christ #119
Thursday, February 25, 2010
118) All true believers bear fruit
John 15:3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Because of the word that Jesus spoke to his true disciples, they were clean [pruned]. His word was truth and his true disciples believed his teaching. This knowledge and acceptance of his doctrinal truth meant they were in Christ, clean [pruned], and already bearing fruit due to his grace. The branches that do not bear fruit have obviously been given time to bear fruit, but they didn’t and are removed rather than pruned. These branches are false professors of faith, because the very act of faith is a guarantee of fruit [John 7:38]. Therefore, if they were believers they would have borne fruit and been pruned rather than taken away.
Focus on Christ # 118
Because of the word that Jesus spoke to his true disciples, they were clean [pruned]. His word was truth and his true disciples believed his teaching. This knowledge and acceptance of his doctrinal truth meant they were in Christ, clean [pruned], and already bearing fruit due to his grace. The branches that do not bear fruit have obviously been given time to bear fruit, but they didn’t and are removed rather than pruned. These branches are false professors of faith, because the very act of faith is a guarantee of fruit [John 7:38]. Therefore, if they were believers they would have borne fruit and been pruned rather than taken away.
Focus on Christ # 118
Sunday, February 21, 2010
117) Two kinds of branches
John 15:2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
Many that claim Christ are not truly in Christ. They may appear to be fruit bearing branches of the vine because of their rhetoric and profession, but they are hypocrites and are still dead in their sin. This verse makes a distinction between the fruit of true believers vs. false professors of Christ. The false professors are unregenerate and incapable of bearing fruit, whereas, true believers bear fruit. God removes the false believers who bear no fruit, and the believers who bear fruit are pruned in order for them to bear even more fruit.
Focus on Christ #117
Many that claim Christ are not truly in Christ. They may appear to be fruit bearing branches of the vine because of their rhetoric and profession, but they are hypocrites and are still dead in their sin. This verse makes a distinction between the fruit of true believers vs. false professors of Christ. The false professors are unregenerate and incapable of bearing fruit, whereas, true believers bear fruit. God removes the false believers who bear no fruit, and the believers who bear fruit are pruned in order for them to bear even more fruit.
Focus on Christ #117
Thursday, February 18, 2010
116) The true vine
John 15:1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.”
In this parable Jesus compared himself to a vine and talked about the fruit and branches of that vine. Jesus stated that he is the true vine and that his Father is the vinedresser. The branches of the vine are human beings and the fruit is the good works that are acceptable in the eyes of God. Since only believers can produce good fruit in the eyes of God, the pruning refers to the work of God in believers. Jesus is the true vine; so all other vines are false vines and cannot bear acceptable fruit in the eyes of God. Just as there are not many ways to “get in touch with the divine” as our modern pluralistic world claims, there are not many vines that bear this fruit.
Focus on Christ #116
In this parable Jesus compared himself to a vine and talked about the fruit and branches of that vine. Jesus stated that he is the true vine and that his Father is the vinedresser. The branches of the vine are human beings and the fruit is the good works that are acceptable in the eyes of God. Since only believers can produce good fruit in the eyes of God, the pruning refers to the work of God in believers. Jesus is the true vine; so all other vines are false vines and cannot bear acceptable fruit in the eyes of God. Just as there are not many ways to “get in touch with the divine” as our modern pluralistic world claims, there are not many vines that bear this fruit.
Focus on Christ #116
Thursday, February 11, 2010
115) Peter’s Reminder
2 Peter 1:12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have.
In verse 12 Peter clearly states his reason for mentioning these qualities. It is to remind believers of qualities they already know and have. They are established in the truth and are not like the unbelievers he mentioned in verse nine that profess Christ but are blind and lack these qualities. Peter is reminding them of qualities that true Christians have been given by the power of the new covenant promises through grace. They have been given a new heart and are led by the indwelling Spirit. In this passage [v. 3 thru 15] Peter is not advocating a works salvation through learning and practicing these qualities. He is reminding them of qualities true believers already have and is exhorting them to be diligent in practicing these qualities. The most effective Christians could be more diligent, but the least effective Christians do not lack these qualities altogether.
Focus on Christ #115
In verse 12 Peter clearly states his reason for mentioning these qualities. It is to remind believers of qualities they already know and have. They are established in the truth and are not like the unbelievers he mentioned in verse nine that profess Christ but are blind and lack these qualities. Peter is reminding them of qualities that true Christians have been given by the power of the new covenant promises through grace. They have been given a new heart and are led by the indwelling Spirit. In this passage [v. 3 thru 15] Peter is not advocating a works salvation through learning and practicing these qualities. He is reminding them of qualities true believers already have and is exhorting them to be diligent in practicing these qualities. The most effective Christians could be more diligent, but the least effective Christians do not lack these qualities altogether.
Focus on Christ #115
Sunday, February 7, 2010
114) For in this way
2 Peter 1:11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“For in this way” is referring to those who practice these qualities. It is those who have these qualities that will enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Does this mean eternal life is based on works and depends on whether or not a person practices these qualities? Absolutely not! Peter is just giving the characteristics of Christians. These qualities are present in all that are led by the Spirit of God and all true believers are led by the Spirit [Rom. 8:14]. Christians are not perfect, but they are new creations in Christ that God has made alive even while they were dead in their trespasses and sin. This truth points to the much more excellent new covenant that is enacted on better promises than the old covenant. “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts,” is the way Jeremiah puts it and the author of Hebrews explains in chapter 8. The new covenant gives the power that was lacking in the old covenant. Practicing the qualities Peter cites is not the cause of redemption, it is the result of redemption through the power of God. Praise God that Christianity is an internalized religion of the heart that is powered by God.
Focus on Christ #114
“For in this way” is referring to those who practice these qualities. It is those who have these qualities that will enter into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Does this mean eternal life is based on works and depends on whether or not a person practices these qualities? Absolutely not! Peter is just giving the characteristics of Christians. These qualities are present in all that are led by the Spirit of God and all true believers are led by the Spirit [Rom. 8:14]. Christians are not perfect, but they are new creations in Christ that God has made alive even while they were dead in their trespasses and sin. This truth points to the much more excellent new covenant that is enacted on better promises than the old covenant. “I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts,” is the way Jeremiah puts it and the author of Hebrews explains in chapter 8. The new covenant gives the power that was lacking in the old covenant. Practicing the qualities Peter cites is not the cause of redemption, it is the result of redemption through the power of God. Praise God that Christianity is an internalized religion of the heart that is powered by God.
Focus on Christ #114
Thursday, February 4, 2010
113) An exhortation to be diligent
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
Calling and election are accomplished by God apart from anything a man has done, is doing, or will do. Therefore, there is nothing people can do to affect their calling and election. So, what does Peter mean? In verse 12 [two verses later] Peter stated he wanted to remind his brothers of these qualities even though they were established in the truth. Thus verse 10 is teaching and reminding Christians to continue in practicing these qualities. He is exhorting them to continue doing what their God given new nature has brought about in their lives. Except for knowledge, all of the qualities Peter mentioned in this passage spring forth from regenerated Christian hearts. Peter is giving that knowledge and reminding Christians to be diligent in their love, self control, steadfastness, virtue, etc.
Focus on Christ #113
Calling and election are accomplished by God apart from anything a man has done, is doing, or will do. Therefore, there is nothing people can do to affect their calling and election. So, what does Peter mean? In verse 12 [two verses later] Peter stated he wanted to remind his brothers of these qualities even though they were established in the truth. Thus verse 10 is teaching and reminding Christians to continue in practicing these qualities. He is exhorting them to continue doing what their God given new nature has brought about in their lives. Except for knowledge, all of the qualities Peter mentioned in this passage spring forth from regenerated Christian hearts. Peter is giving that knowledge and reminding Christians to be diligent in their love, self control, steadfastness, virtue, etc.
Focus on Christ #113
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
112) True believers are not blind
2 Peter 1:9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.
In this verse Peter is referring to someone who has professed faith in Christ for a while but is blind and lacks these qualities. Since throughout the NT being unsaved is characterized by being blind, it is unlikely that a born again Christian would be described by Peter as blind and lacking all of these qualities. No, Peter is describing someone who is unsaved and has not been given the gifts of the new covenant listed in Hebrews 8. All who are redeemed by the power of God are given a new nature that includes these qualities although these qualities may be in a stage of immaturity. Even though Christians may backslide from these qualities at times, they still have the qualities and will pick themselves up and press on in their Christian walk through the power of the indwelling Spirit.
Christians never forget they were forgiven and cleansed from their sin. Therefore, anyone who has forgotten the principle of forgiveness from sin was never a true believer. Christians are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, and are described by Jesus Christ as sheep that know Him, hear Him, and follow Him. The solution for those who are blind and lack these qualities is to turn to Jesus Christ in prayer and repentance for mercy, and place their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation. When they do this they will find these qualities bubbling up from their new regenerated heart of flesh. They will not ever approach sinless perfection in this earthly life, but they will grow in grace as they follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Focus on Christ #112
In this verse Peter is referring to someone who has professed faith in Christ for a while but is blind and lacks these qualities. Since throughout the NT being unsaved is characterized by being blind, it is unlikely that a born again Christian would be described by Peter as blind and lacking all of these qualities. No, Peter is describing someone who is unsaved and has not been given the gifts of the new covenant listed in Hebrews 8. All who are redeemed by the power of God are given a new nature that includes these qualities although these qualities may be in a stage of immaturity. Even though Christians may backslide from these qualities at times, they still have the qualities and will pick themselves up and press on in their Christian walk through the power of the indwelling Spirit.
Christians never forget they were forgiven and cleansed from their sin. Therefore, anyone who has forgotten the principle of forgiveness from sin was never a true believer. Christians are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, and are described by Jesus Christ as sheep that know Him, hear Him, and follow Him. The solution for those who are blind and lack these qualities is to turn to Jesus Christ in prayer and repentance for mercy, and place their faith and trust in Him alone for their salvation. When they do this they will find these qualities bubbling up from their new regenerated heart of flesh. They will not ever approach sinless perfection in this earthly life, but they will grow in grace as they follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Focus on Christ #112
Sunday, January 31, 2010
The fulfillment of the New Covenant
The following comment was made by my friend in Christ Mark [AKA Bluecollar] on the previous post. I think it captures the essence of sanctification by grace rather than a legalistic works sanctification that seems to be so pervasive in the American church today:
The fulfillment of the New Covenant is God the Holy Spirit living inside and moving us to walk in God's ways. Where man failed under the Old Covenant God takes up with the "I wills" of the New Covenant. Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, benefit from God's "I wills". Man failed under the Old, God triumphs in the New. I believe that the Church is now at the very appex of redemptive history this side of the eternal state.
The New Covenant is being experienced in an inaugural sense right now as men and women are now temples of God, indwelt by His Spirit, and walking (albeit faultingly) in His ways. He is now working in them both to will and to do for His good pleasure. His Spirit, working in concert with His word, is bearing fruit in lives. New desires arise from that heart of flesh spoken of in the New Cov. Christ-likeness is now the aim of the Christian life, thanks to the indwelling Holy Spirit.
That contrite heart God desires is now a reality. We are now to show forth the praises of Him Who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. We are now His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. The drive to be more like Christ is the product of the Spirit's indwelling.
Living lives to the glory of Christ is what brings on the rewards. In short, we are saved to serve, the Father having crucified us with His Son, that our bodies of sin might be destroyed. We are no longer slaves of sin, but slaves to God, and led by His Spirit. Having been conveyed by the Father into His Son's kingdom, the Son now reigns over us His subjects by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We all will go on to rewards, some having yielded 100 fold, some 60, some 30 - yet ALL will be rewarded. It will be grace upon grace - God having been the One to have enabled, to have led and to have energized the saint all along; and that saint getting the rewards for what God had done through him or her.
The fulfillment of the New Covenant is God the Holy Spirit living inside and moving us to walk in God's ways. Where man failed under the Old Covenant God takes up with the "I wills" of the New Covenant. Christians, both Jews and Gentiles, benefit from God's "I wills". Man failed under the Old, God triumphs in the New. I believe that the Church is now at the very appex of redemptive history this side of the eternal state.
The New Covenant is being experienced in an inaugural sense right now as men and women are now temples of God, indwelt by His Spirit, and walking (albeit faultingly) in His ways. He is now working in them both to will and to do for His good pleasure. His Spirit, working in concert with His word, is bearing fruit in lives. New desires arise from that heart of flesh spoken of in the New Cov. Christ-likeness is now the aim of the Christian life, thanks to the indwelling Holy Spirit.
That contrite heart God desires is now a reality. We are now to show forth the praises of Him Who has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. We are now His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. The drive to be more like Christ is the product of the Spirit's indwelling.
Living lives to the glory of Christ is what brings on the rewards. In short, we are saved to serve, the Father having crucified us with His Son, that our bodies of sin might be destroyed. We are no longer slaves of sin, but slaves to God, and led by His Spirit. Having been conveyed by the Father into His Son's kingdom, the Son now reigns over us His subjects by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We all will go on to rewards, some having yielded 100 fold, some 60, some 30 - yet ALL will be rewarded. It will be grace upon grace - God having been the One to have enabled, to have led and to have energized the saint all along; and that saint getting the rewards for what God had done through him or her.
Friday, January 29, 2010
111) Christians have these God given qualities
2 Peter 1:8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Having been given hearts of flesh to replace hearts of stone, Christians are new creations in Christ. The old has gone and the new has come through their new birth and they have been given new internalized attributes by the power of the Holy Spirit. These qualities are gifts from God. As Christians grow in grace these qualities increase and keep believers from being ineffective and unfruitful. All Christians are different and have different gifts, but they all respond in varying degrees to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. While all Christians sometimes stumble and sin in their discipleship, they have the qualities that Peter lists in verses 5 through 7. When Christians are involved in sin they are anxious and remorseful until they repent. David points to this very condition in Psalm 32.
Focus on Christ #111
Having been given hearts of flesh to replace hearts of stone, Christians are new creations in Christ. The old has gone and the new has come through their new birth and they have been given new internalized attributes by the power of the Holy Spirit. These qualities are gifts from God. As Christians grow in grace these qualities increase and keep believers from being ineffective and unfruitful. All Christians are different and have different gifts, but they all respond in varying degrees to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. While all Christians sometimes stumble and sin in their discipleship, they have the qualities that Peter lists in verses 5 through 7. When Christians are involved in sin they are anxious and remorseful until they repent. David points to this very condition in Psalm 32.
Focus on Christ #111
Monday, January 25, 2010
Christ-likeness
The following was a comment made by Mark [AKA Bluecollar] on the previous post that clearly explains the attitude and motivation of Christians:
Christ-likeness... Something that will never be attained this side of the grave, but is sought after by ALL regenerate folk due to their new nature. When we see Him we shall be like Him, yes; however this side of the grave our flesh gets in the way, yet it is still a prize to stretch yourself for, like a sprinter stretching for the finish line. Like what marks the grave of a certain mountain climber, "He died climbing". That will be said of ALL regenerate persons because their new nature longs for Christ-likeness... They all die while climbing towards Christ-likeness.
Christ-likeness... Something that will never be attained this side of the grave, but is sought after by ALL regenerate folk due to their new nature. When we see Him we shall be like Him, yes; however this side of the grave our flesh gets in the way, yet it is still a prize to stretch yourself for, like a sprinter stretching for the finish line. Like what marks the grave of a certain mountain climber, "He died climbing". That will be said of ALL regenerate persons because their new nature longs for Christ-likeness... They all die while climbing towards Christ-likeness.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
110) Make every effort
2 Peter 1:5-7 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, (6) and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, (7) and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
These verses are an exhortation by Peter for believers to cooperate in their own sanctification. Grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit is the engine that drives sanctification, but believers are not mindless robots that are powerless to act on their own. They are new creations in Christ that are led by the Holy Spirit, but they are in control of their actions and behavior. Therefore, Peter tells believers to, “make every effort” and lists the desired attributes they should cultivate. Notice the list of attributes is not a legalistic do and don’t list, but are qualities that flow from the heart and are a reflection of internal ethical and spiritual character. They are an expression of the new covenant internal religion of the heart rather than the external religion of the Old Covenant. Peter points to the importance of knowledge. This Biblical knowledge enables believers to understand and follow the righteous leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Focus on Christ #110
These verses are an exhortation by Peter for believers to cooperate in their own sanctification. Grace through the indwelling Holy Spirit is the engine that drives sanctification, but believers are not mindless robots that are powerless to act on their own. They are new creations in Christ that are led by the Holy Spirit, but they are in control of their actions and behavior. Therefore, Peter tells believers to, “make every effort” and lists the desired attributes they should cultivate. Notice the list of attributes is not a legalistic do and don’t list, but are qualities that flow from the heart and are a reflection of internal ethical and spiritual character. They are an expression of the new covenant internal religion of the heart rather than the external religion of the Old Covenant. Peter points to the importance of knowledge. This Biblical knowledge enables believers to understand and follow the righteous leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Focus on Christ #110
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