"study The Scripture"

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

It was part of Satan's ruse with the disciples to bring them all down, but he only succeeded with Judas.
Luke 22:31
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Jesus' powerful intercession for Peter gained him the grace of recovery, and then Jesus asked to strengthen the others;
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Peter went on to be seen as the leader of the 12 as he was in Luke 5:1-11; even tho the passion shook him violently.

Luke 5
1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
2And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.
3And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
8When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.
9For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:
10And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.
11And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

For the most part Peter was unaware of the testing ahead, boasting of loyalty, but Jesus, knowing better, refers to him still as "the rock"
Still the "old man" (incomplete in his conversion)

Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

relying on himself. unaware of his response to trials. The new man, Peter, will emerge after the fall of the old man, when repentance does it's cleansing work. Then, relying completely on the grace of God, and strengthened by Jesus' forgiveness, acceptance and love:

John 21:15-17
15So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

he will be able to lead the flock and strengthen the brethern. Unlike Judas, Simon's faith does not fail him in the violent test.

Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

(Just to kinda finish up the study of the disciples walk (LUKE) and tie it in with this.)


The mystery of the freedom of human choice. Trust in Jesus Himself vs rejection on preconceived ideas.

Luke 23:39-43

39And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.


The good thief accepts Jesus' notion of Kingship while the other didn't. Even during His exodus Jesus still brings in the strays off the street into His eternal banquet.



Jesus has carved a new and living way to have access to God.

Hebrews 10:19-22
19Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
20By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
21And having an high priest over the house of God;
22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

End of the 6 month journey, beginnning of the spiritual journey.

(The blood on the doorpost was for a sign to God.
The strength of the eating of the lamb gave the strength to escape from Egypt and get out of Pharoah's grasp.)

The two disciples on the road of Emaus (one was Jesus' uncle and quite propably the other His aunt since He went with them to their house) were so absorbed in the cares of life and that they weren't aware of Jesus at their side.

Point #1. We find the Lord on our journey but we must recognize Him. Lack of faith and prayer blinds us to Jesus' presence and leaves us in an apparently abandoned state.

Since salvation comes to us thru God's initiative Jesus begins the dialog. Asked what the problem was they answered " Our own hope was that he would be the one to set Israel free, but now he is dead" Their problem lay in their own perception of Jesus. They were so far removed from where Jesus is, that He must take them on a journey from the darkness of unbelief and incomprehension of God's ways, to the light of faith.
The tomb was empty but of him "they saw nothing". They couldn't accept theories of ressurection, they wanted Jesus Himself.

Answer #1. We find the Lord on our journey thru life. Now He to take us on a second journey thru the scriptures, for ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of the Christ, whom the scriptures speak about. Those on the spiritual journey must be fed with the right food and He now points this out:

Luke 24:25-31
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ[a] have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

The journey thru the scriptures leads to Jesus as the Messiah, the one who feeds us with the Eucharist, which symbolises the covenent in His own blood, an ingestion of Himself into our lives. He wants us to draw life from Him as He drew life from the Father.

John 6:57
Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me.

The third journey is into table fellowship with Him and each other. It is from the feeding of the table of the Word of God (priest's bread) that we are made ready for the recognition of Jesus' risen but unseen presence at and in the sacred meal.
Instead of acting as guest Jesus Christ becomes the host " He took the bread and broke it..." Only Jesus could open their eyes to the truth of His presence. He immediately vanished but His presence is with us always, ya till the end of the age.


In these 3 examples of disciples (in these last 3 posts) I think we see the outline of (a) the kings (b) the citizens (c) the priests
who will be the New Jerusalem dwellers.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

A TONGUE IN CHEEK TESTAMONY WITH INTERPRETATION TO FOLLOW....PART 3 of 14 (Regeneration)

Depravity

I was born as bad off as I could get. I couldn't stop doing things totally wrong and I knew that before I'd really lived, I knew I was condemned to die. That old wicked one that ruled this world had me rocked to sleep in his arms. I had no idea how lost I really was. I mean, I lived in the material world and my whole self moved in the physical, yet half of me was dead. I couldn't have pleased God if I'd tried b/c I was totally unable to. I was not only spiritually dead, but I was accountable for sins of mine and also sins I'd inherited. But the most fearsome thing of all was that I was under the control of Satan. I needed help desperately.

Grace

It was at this time that I looked up and saw Jesus standing there, reaching His hand toward me. He said he to wanted to show me the way to safety and this way was now mine. It made me feel so good when He said that in this "gracious state" He would be with me to supply all my needs.

Regeneration

I began to wonder how all of this was possible and must have asked out loud b/c Jesus said that He would tell me of "our Father's" plan. He actually said that He's my Father, too. Am I awake? Anyway, our Father has a plan to bring His children home. Jesus called it a "new birth". He said our Father had made the plan for us and Jesus made it happen by laying aside His heavenly power to come live among us. Then when the creation (in actuality) killed the creator, God rose Jesus up, along with His human body, up from the dead. And the Holy Spirit carries on the work Jesus began. (This Holy Spirit is apparently also responsible for the wake-up call on my spiritual self) (I'm beginning to see how important that is)
But for the most it was getting way over my head. And being a wee baby christian, over my head was not high up.
So, He continued on, in His loving voice, to tell me that to have a new nature I needed to have a new father. (What! Satan gets the boot from my life?) My Father wasn't giving me a new body, but He was giving me a new life.
The Holy Spirit awakens new areas in my life as God speaks His Word into it. He says it's like a soda pop that grows larger as bubbles are blown into it. I think I actually understood that.
And so, know what I did? I just looked at Jesus and reached out my hand to Him. And He did the most amazing thing! He put my hand in my Father's Hand! I couldn't believe my ears when my Father said "On the basis of Jesus' shed blood on the cross, you may now call me Father."

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

The Doctrine of Regeneration (Born Again)

John 3

The New Birth
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”
5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”
10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.[a] 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
18 “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.


Ephesians 2
By Grace Through Faith
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,


We'll look next at the 5 aspects of Regeneration
1)God the author
2)Holy Spirit the agent
3)Word of God the means
4)Begotten by faith the instrument
5)Precious blood of Christ the basis.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

The Doctrine of Regeneration


1)Author- Born of God
(God is the author of the plan of salvation and Jesus is the wisdom of God)

John 1:12-13 (New King James Version)
12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

1 Corinthians 1:30
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption

2)Holy Spirit is the active agent
(we must have a new father to give us a new nature)(Holy Spirit begets not a body but a life)(the life of God is in possession of the child of God)

John 3:5-6
Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.



3)Word of God is the means
(Where the Word of God is not preached, there can't be the miricle of new birth, for the Word of God is the means that the Spirit of God uses to accomplish the new birth)

1 Peter 1:23
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever,

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.


1 Peter 1:3
A Heavenly Inheritance
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

(the greatest demonstration of God's power)
(new birth=manifestation of God's great power)




4)Faith is the instrument
(hand outstretched to recieve)(response to facts of the gospel presented by the Word of God)
(Facts recieved and believed=new birth)

Galatians 3:26
children of God and Heirs
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

John 1:12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:


5)Precious blood of Christ is the bases
(basis of calling on the Father)

1 Peter 1:17-19
And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

John 3:14-15

John 3:16-17

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

A TONGUE IN CHEEK TESTAMONY WITH INTERPRETATION TO FOLLOW....
PART 4 of 14 (Imputation)(Set down to one's account)

Depravity

I was born as bad off as I could get. I couldn't stop doing things totally wrong and I knew that before I'd really lived, I knew I was condemned to die. That old wicked one that ruled this world had me rocked to sleep in his arms. I had no idea how lost I really was. I mean, I lived in the material world and my whole self moved in the physical, yet half of me was dead. I couldn't have pleased God if I'd tried b/c I was totally unable to. I was not only spiritually dead, but I was accountable for sins of mine and also sins I'd inherited. But the most fearsome thing of all was that I was under the control of Satan. I needed help desperately.

Grace

It was at this time that I looked up and saw Jesus standing there, reaching His hand toward me. He said he to wanted to show me the way to safety and this way was now mine. It made me feel so good when He said that in this "gracious state" He would be with me to supply all my needs.

Regeneration

I began to wonder how all of this was possible and must have asked out loud b/c Jesus said that He would tell me of "our Father's" plan. He actually said that He's my Father, too. Am I awake? Anyway, our Father has a plan to bring His children home. Jesus called it a "new birth". He said our Father had made the plan for us and Jesus made it happen by laying aside His heavenly power to come live among us. Then when the creation (in actuality) killed the creator, God rose Jesus up, along with His human body, up from the dead. And the Holy Spirit carries on the work Jesus began. (This Holy Spirit is apparently also responsible for the wake-up call on my spiritual self) (I'm beginning to see how important that is)
But for the most it was getting way over my head. And being a wee baby christian, over my head was not high up.
So, He continued on, in His loving voice, to tell me that to have a new nature I needed to have a new father. (What! Satan gets the boot from my life?) My Father wasn't giving me a new body, but He was giving me a new life.
The Holy Spirit awakens new areas in my life as God speaks His Word into it. He says it's like a soda pop that grows larger as bubbles are blown into it. I think I actually understood that.
And so, know what I did? I just looked at Jesus and reached out my hand to Him. And He did the most amazing thing! He put my hand in my Father's Hand! I couldn't believe my ears when my Father said "On the basis of Jesus' shed blood on the cross, you may now call me Father."

Imputation

Then, as I stood open-mouthed, God took a huge book marked "accounts" and said He was going to record our transaction. I didn't understand what He meant but as I peered at what He was doing it began to make sence. First I saw that my account had a huge debt going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Then I saw Him cross off all my debts and transfer them into Jesus' account. Jesus is now responsible for all of my debts!! And if that isn't amazing enough, He also transfered all of Jesus' credit into my account!! I knew that gave me the right to get into heaven itself! I couldn't believe it!! Me, a nobody, and here's this Jesus saying to the Father " She has sinned. I don't plead for leniency. I don't ask you to ignore her sin. But" Jesus said to Him "I offer you a full and complete payment. Charge it all to my account" And the heavenly Father accepted. I must be in heaven!!!

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

The Doctrine of Imputation (setting down to one's account)

Hebrews 10
Animal Sacrifices Insufficient

1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
Christ’s Death Fulfills God’s Will

5 Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“ Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
But a body You have prepared for Me.
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
You had no pleasure.
7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come—
In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
To do Your will, O God.’”[a]

8 Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them ” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.


DEBIT
(God views us in our position with Adam, sees us as spiritually dead, therefore spiritual death is reckoned to our account.)
(The first great fact of imputation is that Adam's sin is imputed to the whole human race)

Romans 5:12
Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—


CLEAN SLATE
(The sin of the race (imputed by God the Father) is imputed to God the Son.) (He set down to Jesus' account what was not His but rightfully ours)

Isaiah 53:5-6
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

(Here is the transfer of accounts)
(The scapegoat who bore away all the sins of the people.)

2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

(It wasn't Barrabas' cross He was on. It was mine.) (Yet we both went free)

CREDIT
(The righteousness of Christ imputed to sinners)
(Gives us the right to come into the presence of God)

Romans 1:16-17
The Just Live by Faith

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,[a] for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Romans 10:3
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.


So...
step #1= Adam's sin reckoned to the race
step #2= God reckoned over the sin of Adam's race to Christ
step #3= God reckoned righteousness of God to sinners
(this was an act of free grace)

Philippians 3:8-9
8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

VEIWING THE DIVINE TRANSACTION

Hebrews 10:14
14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

Hebrews 9:14
14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

1 Corinthians 1:30
30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

(All that is in Jesus is set down to our account)

Colossians 2:9-10
9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

(Thru faith, His Righteousness is given to us. God accepted the payment)

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

A TONGUE IN CHEEK TESTAMONY WITH INTERPRETATION TO FOLLOW....
PART 5 of 14 (Substitution)

Depravity

I was born as bad off as I could get. I couldn't stop doing things totally wrong and I knew that before I'd really lived, I knew I was condemned to die. That old wicked one that ruled this world had me rocked to sleep in his arms. I had no idea how lost I really was. I mean, I lived in the material world and my whole self moved in the physical, yet half of me was dead. I couldn't have pleased God if I'd tried b/c I was totally unable to. I was not only spiritually dead, but I was accountable for sins of mine and also sins I'd inherited. But the most fearsome thing of all was that I was under the control of Satan. I needed help desperately.

Grace

It was at this time that I looked up and saw Jesus standing there, reaching His hand toward me. He said he to wanted to show me the way to safety and this way was now mine. It made me feel so good when He said that in this "gracious state" He would be with me to supply all my needs.

Regeneration

I began to wonder how all of this was possible and must have asked out loud b/c Jesus said that He would tell me of "our Father's" plan. He actually said that He's my Father, too. Am I awake? Anyway, our Father has a plan to bring His children home. Jesus called it a "new birth". He said our Father had made the plan for us and Jesus made it happen by laying aside His heavenly power to come live among us. Then when the creation (in actuality) killed the creator, God rose Jesus up, along with His human body, up from the dead. And the Holy Spirit carries on the work Jesus began. (This Holy Spirit is apparently also responsible for the wake-up call on my spiritual self) (I'm beginning to see how important that is)
But for the most it was getting way over my head. And being a wee baby christian, over my head was not high up.
So, He continued on, in His loving voice, to tell me that to have a new nature I needed to have a new father. (What! Satan gets the boot from my life?) My Father wasn't giving me a new body, but He was giving me a new life.
The Holy Spirit awakens new areas in my life as God speaks His Word into it. He says it's like a soda pop that grows larger as bubbles are blown into it. I think I actually understood that.
And so, know what I did? I just looked at Jesus and reached out my hand to Him. And He did the most amazing thing! He put my hand in my Father's Hand! I couldn't believe my ears when my Father said "On the basis of Jesus' shed blood on the cross, you may now call me Father."

Imputation (setting to one's account)

Then, as I stood open-mouthed, God took a huge book marked "accounts" and said He was going to record our transaction. I didn't understand what He meant but as I peered at what He was doing it began to make sence. First I saw that my account had a huge debt going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Then I saw Him cross off all my debts and transfer them into Jesus' account. Jesus is now responsible for all of my debts!! And if that isn't amazing enough, He also transfered all of Jesus' credit into my account!! I knew that gave me the right to get into heaven itself! I couldn't believe it!! Me, a nobody, and here's this Jesus saying to the Father " She has sinned. I don't plead for leniency. I don't ask you to ignore her sin. But" Jesus said to Him "I offer you a full and complete payment. Charge it all to my account" And the heavenly Father accepted. I must be in heaven!!!

Substitution

When the shock of this most amazing thing had worn off I was left with only one question. "WHY?" I was then led to understand (thru the Spirit, I guess, I don't know, but I suddenly just knew) the neccesity of accepting payment from Someone else. From Someone like me, yet unlike me, sinless, as a substitute for my debt. Because if He didn't pay for them, then I was going to have to pay for them myself and the price was beyond description.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

DOCTRINE OF SUBSTITUTION (WHY?)

Isaiah 53:1-12 (New King James Version)
1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
2 For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
And as a root out of dry ground.
He has no form or comeliness;
And when we see Him,
There is no beauty that we should desire Him.
3 He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He opened not His mouth;
He was led as a lamb to the slaughter,
And as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
So He opened not His mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment,
And who will declare His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;
For the transgressions of My people He was stricken.
9 And they[a] made His grave with the wicked—
But with the rich at His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was any deceit in His mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him;
He has put Him to grief.
When You make His soul an offering for sin,
He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
And the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand.
11 He shall see the labor of His soul,and be satisfied.
By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,
For He shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great,
And He shall divide the spoil with the strong,
Because He poured out His soul unto death,
And He was numbered with the transgressors,
And He bore the sin of many,
And made intercession for the transgressors.

(The neccesity for substitution arises out of the righteous and holy demands of a righteous and holy God that sinners should be punished for sins)

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(God delights in bestowing Grace on those who only deserve his wrath)


Something for another's good.

Luke 22:19-20
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

1 Timothy 2:6
who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Titus 2:14
who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

1 Peter 2:21
For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us,[a] leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:



FOUNDATION AND FRAMEWORK OF SUBSTITUTION
A) Christ's incarnation among mankind
B) His identification with mankind
C) His separation from mankind
D) His substitution for mankind


A)Relationship of Jesus Christ to mankind
(He who redeems must be a human so He can represent mankind)

Hebrews 2:14
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

Hebrews 2:16-17
For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

B)Identified with mankind

Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
(death before dishonor)

Heb 2:18
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
(He became tired, hungered, thirsted, He knew sorrow and rejection)

C) Jesus Christ separated from mankind
(His disciples testified that He did no sin, neither was guile found on His lips)

Hebrews 7:23-27
Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who isholy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

D) Substitution for mankind
(Adam's substitute was a lamb. Abel and the priesthood were anticipating God's lamb)

John 1:29
The Lamb of God

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!


Pilate and Herod said "We find no guilt in Him"
Barabbas said " There hangs another in the place that was rightfully mine. I was judged guilty, and yet he is there instead of me"
(Barabbas went away a freeman not b/c he was innocent but b/c another took his place)

Will we accept God's substitute? Refusal= exacting a payment.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

A TONGUE IN CHEEK TESTAMONY WITH INTERPRETATION TO FOLLOW....
PART 6 of 14 (REPENTANCE)

Depravity

I was born as bad off as I could get. I couldn't stop doing things totally wrong and I knew that before I'd really lived, I knew I was condemned to die. That old wicked one that ruled this world had me rocked to sleep in his arms. I had no idea how lost I really was. I mean, I lived in the material world and my whole self moved in the physical, yet half of me was dead. I couldn't have pleased God if I'd tried b/c I was totally unable to. I was not only spiritually dead, but I was accountable for sins of mine and also sins I'd inherited. But the most fearsome thing of all was that I was under the control of Satan. I needed help desperately.

Grace

It was at this time that I looked up and saw Jesus standing there, reaching His hand toward me. He said he to wanted to show me the way to safety and this way was now mine. It made me feel so good when He said that in this "gracious state" He would be with me to supply all my needs.

Regeneration (Born again)

I began to wonder how all of this was possible and must have asked out loud b/c Jesus said that He would tell me of "our Father's" plan. He actually said that He's my Father, too. Am I awake? Anyway, our Father has a plan to bring His children home. Jesus called it a "new birth". He said our Father had made the plan for us and Jesus made it happen by laying aside His heavenly power to come live among us. Then when the creation (in actuality) killed the creator, God rose Jesus up, along with His human body, up from the dead. And the Holy Spirit carries on the work Jesus began. (This Holy Spirit is apparently also responsible for the wake-up call on my spiritual self) (I'm beginning to see how important that is)
But for the most it was getting way over my head. And being a wee baby christian, over my head was not high up.
So, He continued on, in His loving voice, to tell me that to have a new nature I needed to have a new father. (What! Satan gets the boot from my life?) My Father wasn't giving me a new body, but He was giving me a new life.
The Holy Spirit awakens new areas in my life as God speaks His Word into it. He says it's like a soda pop that grows larger as bubbles are blown into it. I think I actually understood that.
And so, know what I did? I just looked at Jesus and reached out my hand to Him. And He did the most amazing thing! He put my hand in my Father's Hand! I couldn't believe my ears when my Father said "On the basis of Jesus' shed blood on the cross, you may now call me Father."

Imputation (setting to one's account)

Then, as I stood open-mouthed, God took a huge book marked "accounts" and said He was going to record our transaction. I didn't understand what He meant but as I peered at what He was doing it began to make sence. First I saw that my account had a huge debt going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Then I saw Him cross off all my debts and transfer them into Jesus' account. Jesus is now responsible for all of my debts!! And if that isn't amazing enough, He also transfered all of Jesus' credit into my account!! I knew that gave me the right to get into heaven itself! I couldn't believe it!! Me, a nobody, and here's this Jesus saying to the Father " She has sinned. I don't plead for leniency. I don't ask you to ignore her sin. But" Jesus said to Him "I offer you a full and complete payment. Charge it all to my account" And the heavenly Father accepted. I must be in heaven!!!

Substitution (Why?)

When the shock of this most amazing thing had worn off I was left with only one question. "WHY?" I was then led to understand (thru the Spirit, I guess, I don't know, but I suddenly just knew) the neccesity of accepting payment from Someone else. From Someone like me, yet unlike me, sinless, as a substitute for my debt. Because if He didn't pay for them, then I was going to have to pay for them myself and the price was beyond description.

Repentance


Suddenly I was standing face to face with the truth. My thoughts began to move in a different direction. I realized what my former status was; that thru accepting help I had accepted God's offer to meet the need in my life. I no longer saw things in the same light. Once I was lost and didn't know I needed a Savior. I hadn't known how guilty and helpless I was. Thank You God, Jesus has found me. Thank You God that You found me Jesus.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Lord I pray that everyone will see the pivotal point in the last 2 posts and will act upon it to Your benifit, Lord. praise Your name and what You have done for us. All You ask is that we accept You and Your way. I pray for the workers in Your harvest feilds, Lord, the time is ripe and Your heart cries to us.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Doctrine of Repentance

1 Thessalonians 1
1Paul, Silas and Timothy,
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you.
Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' Faith
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
3We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
4For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,
5because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake.
6You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit.
7And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,
9for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.


Satan confounds the mind with addition, not subtraction.

Belief is the central issue and basic plan of redemption. Period.
Repentance is not remorse. Repentance is a change of mind and direction.

The very simplicity of the salvation God offers:

Acts 16:31
So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

1)CONCEPT OF REPENTANCE

The Parable of the Two Sons

28 “But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go.

2)OBJECT THAT PRODUCES REPENTANCE

(change of mind in respect to revealed Word of God)
(Product= change of direction in word, thought and deed)

2 Timothy 2:24-25
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

Teaching=Word of God

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.


Luke 24:46-48
Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise[a] from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things.

(Jesus said" Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah must suffer and die and rise again on the 3rd day. With My authority, take this message of repentance to all nations... There is forgiveness in sins to all WHO TURN TO ME. You are witnesses of all these things")

(Change of mind concerning sin, concerning righteousness, and concerning the need for a personal Redeemer)

Matthew 5:20
For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

(change of mind as to the source of righteousness)
(change of life is the result of change of mind)

Acts 3:19
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

(change of mind, identifying with Christ, with a view to recieving forgiveness of sins)
(Separating oneself from the world under judgement)

Romans 4:5
David Celebrates the Same Truth

5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,

3)REPENTANCES' PART IN SALVATION

(Ye turned to God from idols)
( no turning from idols w/o turning TO God)
(Believing involves repudiating false teachings and holding to the revealed truth of the Word of God)

1 Thessalonians 1:9
For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,


FROM SCRIPTURE
- salvation is predicted on faith
- faith involves turning from falsehood and accepting God's gift

THE ONE WHO TURNS
- accepts God's judgement on sin
- accepts the fact of the need for a personal savior
- sees his guilt, his lostness, his helplessness
- turns from selfrighteousness to the Lord Jesus
- accepts Jesus as judged for him

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

A TONGUE IN CHEEK TESTAMONY WITH INTERPRETATION TO FOLLOW....
PART 7 of 14 (REDEMPTION)

Depravity

I was born as bad off as I could get. I couldn't stop doing things totally wrong and I knew that before I'd really lived, I knew I was condemned to die. That old wicked one that ruled this world had me rocked to sleep in his arms. I had no idea how lost I really was. I mean, I lived in the material world and my whole self moved in the physical, yet half of me was dead. I couldn't have pleased God if I'd tried b/c I was totally unable to. I was not only spiritually dead, but I was accountable for sins of mine and also sins I'd inherited. But the most fearsome thing of all was that I was under the control of Satan. I needed help desperately.

Grace

It was at this time that I looked up and saw Jesus standing there, reaching His hand toward me. He said he to wanted to show me the way to safety and this way was now mine. It made me feel so good when He said that in this "gracious state" He would be with me to supply all my needs.

Regeneration (Born again)

I began to wonder how all of this was possible and must have asked out loud b/c Jesus said that He would tell me of "our Father's" plan. He actually said that He's my Father, too. Am I awake? Anyway, our Father has a plan to bring His children home. Jesus called it a "new birth". He said our Father had made the plan for us and Jesus made it happen by laying aside His heavenly power to come live among us. Then when the creation (in actuality) killed the creator, God rose Jesus up, along with His human body, up from the dead. And the Holy Spirit carries on the work Jesus began. (This Holy Spirit is apparently also responsible for the wake-up call on my spiritual self) (I'm beginning to see how important that is)
But for the most it was getting way over my head. And being a wee baby christian, over my head was not high up.
So, He continued on, in His loving voice, to tell me that to have a new nature I needed to have a new father. (What! Satan gets the boot from my life?) My Father wasn't giving me a new body, but He was giving me a new life.
The Holy Spirit awakens new areas in my life as God speaks His Word into it. He says it's like a soda pop that grows larger as bubbles are blown into it. I think I actually understood that.
And so, know what I did? I just looked at Jesus and reached out my hand to Him. And He did the most amazing thing! He put my hand in my Father's Hand! I couldn't believe my ears when my Father said "On the basis of Jesus' shed blood on the cross, you may now call me Father."

Imputation (setting to one's account)

Then, as I stood open-mouthed, God took a huge book marked "accounts" and said He was going to record our transaction. I didn't understand what He meant but as I peered at what He was doing it began to make sence. First I saw that my account had a huge debt going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Then I saw Him cross off all my debts and transfer them into Jesus' account. Jesus is now responsible for all of my debts!! And if that isn't amazing enough, He also transfered all of Jesus' credit into my account!! I knew that gave me the right to get into heaven itself! I couldn't believe it!! Me, a nobody, and here's this Jesus saying to the Father " She has sinned. I don't plead for leniency. I don't ask you to ignore her sin. But" Jesus said to Him "I offer you a full and complete payment. Charge it all to my account" And the heavenly Father accepted. I must be in heaven!!!

Substitution (Why?)

When the shock of this most amazing thing had worn off I was left with only one question. "WHY?" I was then led to understand (thru the Spirit, I guess, I don't know, but I suddenly just knew) the neccesity of accepting payment from Someone else. From Someone like me, yet unlike me, sinless, as a substitute for my debt. Because if He didn't pay for them, then I was going to have to pay for them myself and the price was beyond description.

Repentance

Suddenly I was standing face to face with the truth. My thoughts began to move in a different direction. I realized what my former status was; that thru accepting help I had accepted God's offer to meet the need in my life. I no longer saw things in the same light. Once I was lost and didn't know I needed a Savior. I hadn't known how guilty and helpless I was. Thank You God, Jesus has found me. Thank You God that You found me Jesus.

Redeemption

You know, I really see Jesus as a kinda big brother to me. I'll be honest with you. I was on the slaveblock of the world. Now I know a purchase was neccesary. Big Bro accomplished that for me. And it wasn't so easy for Him to make it so that I never see that slave market again. The price was blood and the method of payment was thru death. He's my redeemer and He says the destination He's bringing me to (and my body as well, in a better form) is a glorious inheritance. Can you believe this? All for free!

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

The DOCTRINE of REDEMPTION

1 Peter 1:3-20
A Heavenly Inheritance

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen[a] you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.
Living Before God Our Father

13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”[c]
17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you

(The bible looks on mankind in sin as being in slavery)
(under a conquering master who can bring on greater bondage)
(no will of their own, doing only what satan demands)

CHRIST CAME INTO THE SLAVEMARKET IN ORDER TO PURCHASE THOSE IN SIN"S CHAINS AND SET THEM FREE
THE REDEEMER PROVIDES REDEEMPTION

1)REDEEMED A purchase necessary and accomplished

1 Peter 1:18-19
knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.

(an act of of liberating has occured)
(God didn't bring us into glory by creation, but by purchase)
(We are doubly His, by creation and and also purchased redemption)

Revelation 5:9
9 And they sang a new song, saying:

“ You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,


PURCHASE= Accomplished
Method= Slain Redeemer
Price= Blood

2)SECURITY To purchase out of so it can never return

John 10:28-30
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. 30 I and My Father are one.”


(The SECURITY of being purchased by the father and given as a love-gift to His Son)

3) DESTINY of one who is redeemed

Romans 8:23
Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.

(The body as well as the soul has been redeemed from slavery to sin. Even tho we live in an unredeemed body now God has promised us complete redeemption)
(Body, soul and spirit made alive to Him)

1 Corinthians 1:30
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption

Ephesians 1:14
who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

REDEEMER

A) Provision of kingsman redeemer
Hebrews 2:14-15
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.


B) Able to pay redemptive price

Acts 20:28
Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God[a] which He purchased with His own blood.

C) To be willing to sacrifice
"I come to do Thy will"

D) Only a freeman could free a slave

1 Peter 2:22-24
22 “ Who committed no sin,
Nor was deceit found in His mouth”;[a]
23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

A TONGUE IN CHEEK TESTAMONY WITH INTERPRETATION TO FOLLOW....
PART 8 of 14 (Reconciliation)

Depravity

I was born as bad off as I could get. I couldn't stop doing things totally wrong and I knew that before I'd really lived, I knew I was condemned to die. That old wicked one that ruled this world had me rocked to sleep in his arms. I had no idea how lost I really was. I mean, I lived in the material world and my whole self moved in the physical, yet half of me was dead. I couldn't have pleased God if I'd tried b/c I was totally unable to. I was not only spiritually dead, but I was accountable for sins of mine and also sins I'd inherited. But the most fearsome thing of all was that I was under the control of Satan. I needed help desperately.

Grace

It was at this time that I looked up and saw Jesus standing there, reaching His hand toward me. He said he to wanted to show me the way to safety and this way was now mine. It made me feel so good when He said that in this "gracious state" He would be with me to supply all my needs.

Regeneration (Born again)

I began to wonder how all of this was possible and must have asked out loud b/c Jesus said that He would tell me of "our Father's" plan. He actually said that He's my Father, too. Am I awake? Anyway, our Father has a plan to bring His children home. Jesus called it a "new birth". He said our Father had made the plan for us and Jesus made it happen by laying aside His heavenly power to come live among us. Then when the creation (in actuality) killed the creator, God rose Jesus up, along with His human body, up from the dead. And the Holy Spirit carries on the work Jesus began. (This Holy Spirit is apparently also responsible for the wake-up call on my spiritual self) (I'm beginning to see how important that is)
But for the most it was getting way over my head. And being a wee baby christian, over my head was not high up.
So, He continued on, in His loving voice, to tell me that to have a new nature I needed to have a new father. (What! Satan gets the boot from my life?) My Father wasn't giving me a new body, but He was giving me a new life.
The Holy Spirit awakens new areas in my life as God speaks His Word into it. He says it's like a soda pop that grows larger as bubbles are blown into it. I think I actually understood that.
And so, know what I did? I just looked at Jesus and reached out my hand to Him. And He did the most amazing thing! He put my hand in my Father's Hand! I couldn't believe my ears when my Father said "On the basis of Jesus' shed blood on the cross, you may now call me Father."

Imputation (setting to one's account)

Then, as I stood open-mouthed, God took a huge book marked "accounts" and said He was going to record our transaction. I didn't understand what He meant but as I peered at what He was doing it began to make sence. First I saw that my account had a huge debt going all the way back to Adam and Eve. Then I saw Him cross off all my debts and transfer them into Jesus' account. Jesus is now responsible for all of my debts!! And if that isn't amazing enough, He also transfered all of Jesus' credit into my account!! I knew that gave me the right to get into heaven itself! I couldn't believe it!! Me, a nobody, and here's this Jesus saying to the Father " She has sinned. I don't plead for leniency. I don't ask you to ignore her sin. But" Jesus said to Him "I offer you a full and complete payment. Charge it all to my account" And the heavenly Father accepted. I must be in heaven!!!

Substitution (Why?)

When the shock of this most amazing thing had worn off I was left with only one question. "WHY?" I was then led to understand (thru the Spirit, I guess, I don't know, but I suddenly just knew) the neccesity of accepting payment from Someone else. From Someone like me, yet unlike me, sinless, as a substitute for my debt. Because if He didn't pay for them, then I was going to have to pay for them myself and the price was beyond description.

Repentance

Suddenly I was standing face to face with the truth. My thoughts began to move in a different direction. I realized what my former status was; that thru accepting help I had accepted God's offer to meet the need in my life. I no longer saw things in the same light. Once I was lost and didn't know I needed a Savior. I hadn't known how guilty and helpless I was. Thank You God, Jesus has found me. Thank You God that You found me Jesus.

Redeemption

You know, I really see Jesus as a kinda big brother to me. I'll be honest with you. I was on the slaveblock of the world. Now I know a purchase was neccesary. Big Bro accomplished that for me. And it wasn't so easy for Him to make it so that I never see that slave market again. The price was blood and thew method of payment was thru death. He's my redeemer and He says the destination He's bringing me to (and my body as well, in a better form) is a glorious inheritance. Can you believe this? All for free!

Reconciliation

Oh this is weird. I could hear someone speaking to me in the Spirit. God was saying that according to him the world is out of balance and needs to conform to the standards he has set. So, what did that mean to me? Well, I knew that Adam had provoked ALL my priveles originally and Jesus had given them back to me...so...I listened carefully. He was sating that He'd been right all along and that now I was back on His wavelength, not Him on my wavelength. I knew this was a new dimension brought on by what jesus did. People need to be told about this or how will they know that's it's here. God has the way for the world to return to Him. He didn't need to return to me but I needed to return to Him.

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

Doctrine of RECONCILIATION PART 1 of 2

2 Corinthians 5:14-21
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.
16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.


(Conformity to a standard.)
( A balancing of the bankbooks to CONFORM to bank statements)
(According to God the world is out of balance and does not conform to the standard which God has set)

1) God, Himself, is the standard by which He tests men)

2 Corinthians 5:19
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
(Adam lost priveleges for all, of face to face encounter with God)
( Warfare exists on the part of man against God)
(Jesus Christ covered over sin, made propitiation for the world's sin)
(God could turn His face manward)
( God wasn't reconciled to the world, the WORLD was reconciled to God)

2) The individual reconciled to God

2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

(Need of imatating of fellowship with God)
(Adjusting to his standards, conformed to Him thru Jesus Christ)

3) Reconciliation accomplished thru Christ's death

Romans 5:10
For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

4)Reconciled by the cross

Ephesians 2:16
And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

5)Reconciled by blood (atonement)

only time in NT:
Romans 5:11
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

6) Based on Christ's Identification with sinners (in place of)

2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

tbc

 

[Citizen of the Kingdom]

RECONCILIATION Part 2

The Lord's death accomplished a great change. It was a positional change. The relationship of the world to God was changed; and the world was rendered savable.

The second great change by Jesus Christ's death on the cross is not positional.It is experimental.
The change of the wordling to God.
The child has been intrusted with a message, the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ *NOTE*, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God WAS IN Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and *notice* has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.

(Apart from the ministry of reconciliation; for those whom reconciliation has been provided, will never be adjusted to God's standard)
(GOD WANTS US TO TELL PEOPLE (SINNERS) they can come to Him b/c Jesus Christ has met the righteous demands)
(They may be conformed to God's standards)
(Point to Jesus, God's agent in reconciliation)
(They don't need to know why they need to be saved, they need faith (comes thru hearing) to accept Him as personal savior)

A person may be redeemed but not reconciled to God

Exodus 19:4-6
‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

Romans 5
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have[a] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Hebrews 6
The Peril of Not Progressing
1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,

-the fuller and further blessing

Ephesians 2:13-14
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Christ Our Peace

14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation,

-abtainable by all

Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him,
And He will show them His covenant.

Psalm 34:2
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.


Hebrews 11:40
God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

Colossians 1:23
if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.


Romans 8:19
19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

Romans 8:22
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.

Psalm 145:15-16
The eyes of all look expectantly to You,
And You give them their food in due season.
16 You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.



-Ex 10:21-23 (Egypt dark, all Israel had light)
Eph 1:21 ( Name above all names)
1 Cor 15:24,27 (Kingdom handed to God)

- RECONCILIATION COMPLETE

Rev 21:5-6 (I am making all things new...It is done)
Phil 2:9-11 (every knee bow, every tongue confess)


SUMMARY

1 John 2:6
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Exodus 26:31-33
“You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim. 32 You shall hang it upon the four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be gold, upon four sockets of silver. 33 And you shall hang the veil from the clasps. Then you shall bring the ark of the Testimony in there, behind the veil. The veil shall be a divider for you between the holy place and the Most Holy.

Hebrews 10:20
by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,