ARE THE BELIEVER’S PRESENT AND FUTURE SINS AUTOMATICALLY FORGIVEN? [podcast]
MESSAGE RECEIVED/COMMON OBJECTION:
“If Jesus only died for past sins that means He has to ‘die again’ for present & future sins? This is not what the word says. He will not die again because his death fulfilled the law for the believer. Therefore there are no more sins to be forgiven for the believer. But we must still confess sins present & future.”
REPLY:
“He died once” (Romans 6:10). The perfect sacrifice of Jesus is not in question, but the faithfulness of the individual saved person, the recipient of salvation, certainly is. God “cannot deny Himself” – yet “if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:11-13.) Jesus died, offering the perfect sacrifice for ALL sins – past, present, future (Hebrews 9:12, etc.). Yet, the appropriation of His cleansing from sin is contingent upon our continuing to walk in the light with Him (1 John 1:7). It’s not automatic as some have been misled to believe. Jesus taught His own people that they must endure to the end to be saved (Matt 10:22; 24:13, etc.). The Son of God promised that those in Him who do not abide, continue with Him, will be cast into the fire (John 15:6). Jesus died for His church/people “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” He is soon returning “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27). In His Word God has set forth conditions to appropriate His forgiveness. His promises are conditional, not unconditional and if the conditions are not met, the promise will not be given (Isaiah 1:18-20; Hebrews 6:11-12; 10:26-39, etc.).
Excerpt from the book Lie of the Ages
WHERE did God ever promise you that all FUTURE sins are already forgiven, whether you repent and confess them or not? He didn’t. YES, they are all paid for but only remitted as you walk in the light, enduring to the end of your life (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 1 John 1:7, etc.).
QUESTION:
“Regarding Jesus’ atonement, did He or did He not die for all the sins of His people (past, present, future)?”
REPLY:
The question is not only whether Jesus died for all the sins of His saints but also, how are those sins forgiven? What are His conditions to appropriate His forgiveness by accessing the blood of Christ? (See Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 John 1:9, etc.)
Jesus died “for the sins of the whole world” and yet the “whole world” is not forgiven due to the free will He made us with (1 John 2:1-2). God’s conditions must be met in order to appropriate His forgiveness. And, such redemption is given initially upon the repentance and faith of the recipient. That recipient is to abide, to continue, to “walk in the light” in order to continue to be washed from his sins in the blood of Christ (1 John 1:7). All sin must be dealt with – nailed to the cross through repentance and confession as needed by the saint. Those who die with spotted garments will suffer damnation. They will be shut out of the eternal kingdom like the 5 foolish virgins who did not continue/abide with the Bridegroom until the wedding (Matthew 25:1-13). Jesus is coming back for a a people, a “glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:25-27).
“God gives forgiveness of past sins. However, as to future sins, each one procures this for himself. He does this by repenting, by condemning past deeds, and by begging the Father to blot them out.” (Clement of Alexandria, A.D. 195)
The grace-perverting OSAS/eternal security frauds mock at this biblical truth and prove they are counterfeits who refuse to lay down their lives in this sinful world and are the very foolish virgins who will be shut out (Matthew 25:1-13; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Titus 1:16; Matthew 3:7-10; 1 John 2:4, etc.).
“Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
Dear OSAS fairy tale believer: Grace is given to overcome sin and not to justify it.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” Titus 2:11-12
Eternal security/OSAS is diabolically designed to justify sin and lukewarmness, prevent the once saved person from living a repentant life, denying self in this sinful world, taking up the cross, and following Jesus for real! OSAS is the lie Satan uses to steal back the souls he lost. This is the very first lie of Satan which led to the fall of mankind (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
The Condition for Continual Forgiveness
“But IF IF IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. IF we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9
Wow, once again we witness that bone-crushing, lie-leveling two-letter word which haunts every proponent of the unconditional eternal security myth – “if.” Read this again – “if”, “if”, “if” we confess then we are forgiven and cleansed, but not until the sin is confessed. God is without fail faithful to forgive if we will simply and sincerely confess our sins in true repentance.
“IF we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin…IF we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9
The divine promise of ongoing forgiveness is conditional, it is conditioned upon the salvation recipient walking in the light of divine truth and confessing his sins (1 Jn. 1:7, 9). This is saving faith in action (Rom. 4-5). This is a manifestation in the life of every person who possesses authentic saving faith (James 2). The “if” word in this passage (1 John 1:9) and many others should haunt any person who still refuses to discard the OSAS heresy.
It’s not a denial that believers sin but rather an acknowledging of the need for continually returning to Christ in repentance, denial of self, learning the cross, personal holiness by way of the grace of God and the crucified life, and confession of all sin (1 John 1:3-10).
“For IF we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
Only “if” we enjoin the LORD in fellowship, judging ourselves and dealing with our sins and iniquitous tendencies, will we be “chastened of the Lord” and “not be condemned with the world.” Those who die outside of God’s grace will stand before Him at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15). Here the Holy Spirit blesses us to know exactly how to escape being “condemned with the world” at the Great While Throne (Prov. 28:13; Rev. 20:11-15). One who stands before that Great White Throne Judgment Seat is going to be issued a just sentence for his termination into the bowels of hell which will be engulfed in the lake of fire.
The OSAS proponents tout the unfounded myth that the truly saved person is somehow mysteriously exonerated from all liability, penalty and responsibility of all sins, past, present and FUTURE. Is this supposition biblically accurate? Where is this found in the Bible? To the contrary, the Scripture states something much different:
“Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are PAST, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:25
Here the Lord had the perfect opportunity to tell us that all sins, even future sins, were automatically forgiven regardless of whether or not the transgressors heart was repentant or not. The “sins that are past” are forgiven, thank God, but all future sins will be forgiven when and “if” repentance is rendered toward the Lord by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:13; 1 Jn. 1:7, 9). Actually the LORD had 27 books in the New Testament canon alone to tell His people they are unconditionally forgiven of all future sins no matter what they choose to do, and He simply didn’t. The absence of even the hint of such should make it abundantly clear that the forgiveness of the future sins of the individual believer is contingent upon his choice to continue to walk with Christ’s light (1 Jn. 1:7).
What the OSAS proponent doesn’t acknowledge or understand is that all sins, past, present, and future, have been paid for, yet the forgiveness of them is only appropriated by and granted to the individual when and as confession and repentance is rendered (1 Jn. 1:7, 9). We have the Word of God on this truth! As His Word clearly reveals, God set this system up and any person who disagrees can argue with Him if they wish to. Any person who doesn’t acknowledge this plain Bible truth has fashioned in his heart the image of a false god made in his own sinful image and likeness. When we honestly observe His Counsel, we witness that the LORD simply never indiscriminately washes away sins from anyone. There must be confession and repentance and faith.
“But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God” (Heb. 10:12). Salvation was paid for by Jesus “once” on the cross 2,000 years ago (Jn. 19:30; 1 Pet. 3:18). God dealt with all sins once and for all on the cross in the sense of satisfying the claims of His perfect justice (Rom. 3:24-25; 2 Cor. 5:19). The way that applies to the individual’s life is different. The same God who dealt with sin on the cross also equally gave condition for men to receive forgiveness – initially and on an ongoing basis. The LORD draws. No person can come to Him except by being drawn by Him – yet He leaves the final decision up to the individual (Jos. 24:15; Jn. 6:44). His desire is to save and not destroy, to rescue and not condemn (Lk. 9:56; Jn. 3:17). The one who will be in right standing with the Almighty must get in and remain in the relational will of God by repentance and faith in Christ alone (Acts 3:19; 20:21). Peter was rescued again or re-converted after sinning (Lk. 22:31-32). James 5:19-20 speaks of restoring or rescuing a perishing brother who errs into sin and spiritual death (James 5:19-20). Spiritual death is separation from God through sin and must be restored to re-establish the relationship (1 Jn. 1:6-10).
Peter denied Jesus three times and yet had to repent or he would not have been forgiven. Peter had to be reconverted – “when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32; James 5:19-20) There are conditions to appropriating Christ’s salvation – initial and ongoing. Moral cowards hate this truth. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbw 28:13) …. It’s only “IFFFF we confess our sins” that God forgives them – it’s not automatic (1 John 1:9).
If sin can’t separate the saved from God, please explain this from Ezekiel 33:12-13. Who’s lying, God or those God-less wolves who teach eternal security/OSAS?
“Therefore, thou son of man, say unto the children of thy people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression: as for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness; neither shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sinneth. 13 When I shall say to the righteous, that he shall surely live; if he trust to his own righteousness, and commit iniquity, all his righteousnesses shall not be remembered; but for his iniquity that he hath committed, he shall die for it.” Ezekiel 33:12-13
To a defender of Satan’s eternal security/OSAS heresy who was teaching that we are saved by grace and therefore sin cannot separate us from God, this following reply was given:
Saved by grace means one can then live in sin? Wow! Did God cease to be “Holy, holy, holy” in His divine nature because He originally saved high and mighty you? You are clearly teaching the perverted, lascivious (license to sin) version of grace that Jude warned us “ungodly men” would teach (Jude 3-4). Repent sinner. There are several lists of soul-damning sins in the New Testament, warning us that God who is “Holy, holy, holy” will damn all who die in sin (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8; 21:8, 27). You have allowed evil “ungodly men” to poison your mind and disobeyed God by not seeking Him, knowing Him by His Word for yourself (2 Timothy 2:15). OSAS/eternal security is the doctrine of moral cowards, spiritual pansies, who refuse to truly repent, lay down their lives, and follow Jesus for themselves. You are peddling Satan’s OSAS heresy and God is going to judge you if you don’t repent and cease (Genesis 2:17; 3:4).
In many cases, the false security “gospel” is a message received by those who choose to deny Jesus rather than self and still wish to be exonerated for living a life that the Almighty sees as rebellion. In many cases these same people maintain an outward “form of godliness” (2 Tim. 3:1-5). The Word here should be to them an awakening to the reality of getting and staying holy before the living God. The keeping grace of God and a life of repentance are essential to the righteous being preserved to the end (1 Pet. 1:5).
“And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.” Jude 23-24
Sin Breaches
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” Exodus 32:33
Why would any person who truly loves God want a license to live in rebellion against Him by living in sin and not confessing and repenting? Shouldn’t believers “fight the good fight of faith” and “lay hold on eternal life,” overcoming that which offends the One they claim to love? The command to “Fight the good fight of faith” is written to believers. Saints are to violently fight the good fight of faith, laying hold on eternal life. The divine call is not a call to engage in a physical war but rather one to conquer the flesh, enabling the saint to overcome the enemies of his LORD and Savior (Isa. 58; Lk. 9:23-24; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Gal. 2:20; 1 Jn. 3:8). Will He not empower us as we live by faith and obey His Majesty? (2 Cor. 12:9; Phil. 2:12-13; 1 Tim. 6:12; 1 Pet. 1:5)
The Exodus of the Israelites under Moses’ leadership (a type of Christ the Deliverer) represents being brought out of sin and the world system by being birthed into the kingdom of light and translated out of the kingdom of darkness (Col. 1:13-14). After being brought out of Egypt and into the promise land, God’s people were then to fight and overcome their enemies through obedience to the One who is their Deliverer, the very Author and Finisher of their faith (Heb. 12:1-3). Deuteronomy 20:1-4 speaks concerning the people of God fighting after they were delivered from sin, Satan, and the world.
Could it be that the person who seeks to justify sin doesn’t truly love God but rather himself? (See James 1:22; 1 Jn 2:4-5; 3:18.) Do they deny Christ or self in their daily lives? It seems that some would rather live this earthly life in honor of themselves and vainly believe that they are “eternally secure” or “once saved always saved.”
“Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.” Habakkuk 1:13
The absurdity and rebellion of believing that a holy God would accept and bring to Heaven a vile sinner who walks away from Him, is unholy, sacrilegious, unscriptural, and downright blasphemous.
Did you realize that God broke His promise to His own covenant people due to their rebellion? See Numbers 14.
“…ye shall know my breach of promise.” Numbers 14:34
The LORD broke (breached) His promise to covenant Israel due to their disobedience (sins against Him). His people refused to meet His just conditions and so they initiated this breach. All of Holy Scripture testifies to the truth that His promises are conditioned upon the obedience of the recipient.
“But your (God’s own people’s) iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2
God is holy beloved, and sin separates people from Him. This is a basic Bible reality and without the understanding of this simple truth, we are doomed to be deceived. For the human race, it started with Adam and Eve, who were separated from the Lord when they sinned against His clear command (Gen. 2:17; 3:24; Rom. 5:12). Did Jesus shedding His blood somehow now excuse New Testament believers from living holy? Are their blatant and un-confessed sins not counted against them now? In the absence of any hint of such, the answer is obvious. There is no mythical wand waved over God’s people since Jesus came and died for our sins. There is no automatic covering of the willful sins of saved people. Not one Scripture hints that we are somehow excused from living lives separated unto Him.
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16
Did the Almighty somehow cease to be holy? If so, when? If He didn’t, we deceive only ourselves to think He will ever accept sin into His holy Heaven.
There has been no diminishing of the eternal attribute of divine holiness (Lev. 19:2; Isa. 57:15; 1 Tim. 6:16). His attributes are eternal as He is. In fact, because He is holy, He came to die for our sins to make us holy as He is holy. All this He did to initially make us clean and on an ongoing basis as we await our meeting together with Him (Jn. 13:8; Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Thess. 1:10; 1 Jn. 1:3-2:2). This leaves us with no excuse for remaining in our sins.
“The wages of sin is death (separation from the Lord).” Romans 6:23
Didn’t Jesus require Peter to repent and be “converted” or restored, after he sinned? (Read Lk. 22:31-32.) Repentance was a necessity as is the case for any saint who falls away in sin (James 5:19-20).
Sins must be diligently dealt with (Mk. 9:43-49; Rom. 6; Col. 3:5-10; 1 Pet. 2:11). We are told that one must confess and forsake them to receive His mercy afresh. Those who cover their sins without divulging, confessing and forsaking them, will not prosper.
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Proverbs 28:13
LOTS of people already in hell irrevocably for trying to cover/hide their sins with Satan’s OSAS lie.
According to the Word, aren’t “brethren” who “err” in need of being converted or brought back to repentance afresh? In such a case, isn’t one’s soul saved again “from death” and the “multitude of sins” forgiven?
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death (eternal separation), and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20
Again, God’s holiness is an eternal attribute of His. Holiness is the essence of His nature. He is holiness Personified. He who was holy, is holy, and will forever be holy. He cannot be otherwise and demands the same of those who will be His, now and forever.
“Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 20:7
In order to remain in the state of holiness, the believer must continue to humbly acknowledge his sins and obtain the forgiveness of the LORD.
Genuine saving faith includes repentance from sin and total trust in Jesus Christ, which produces a life of seeking the Lord with one’s whole heart, thereby producing Christ-like holiness in daily living (Acts 20:21; Lk. 13:3, 5; Heb. 12:14; 1 Jn. 2:3-6).
The abandonment and refusal of so many of today’s leaders to declare repentance is a mockery of God and an utter affront to His holiness. The modern false gospel peddled by the seeker-sensitive and emergent church business entrepreneurs is completely foreign to the message of the New Testament in which the early Church continued steadfast (Lk. 13:3, 5; 24:47; Acts 2:38, 42-47; 3:19; 20:21). Make no mistake: Only a counterfeit leader would dare remove such an essential component as the very holiness of God and the necessity of His people to fully and continually repent before Him (Lam. 2:14).
Some people are so arrogant that they suppose the Almighty God who is “Holy, holy, holy” somehow ceases to be holy and would not cut them off for their sins due to the fact that He initially saved them (Isa. 1:18-20; 6:3; Amos 9:10; Rev. 4:8). Such a notion reveals the height of blindness caused by pride, arrogance, and a self-serving heart (Isaiah 56:10-12).
Blatant and ongoing sin is the antithesis of divine holiness and that which He ordained His people to experience and walk in (1 Pet. 1:15-16). How can sin and holiness co-exist? We should pray and seek to more thoroughly understand the truth of His holiness and that in lieu of His holiness sin separates people from God and God from His people. To His own people, the Lord said: “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God” (Isa. 59:2). In Heaven, from eternity past, and in eternity future, the Almighty has and will be lauded and exalted with this one word descriptive of His nature, thrice consecutively – holy:
“And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.” Isaiah 6:3
“And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8
While God has revealed to us several aspects of His nature, it is interesting to note that only the word “holy” is used three times successively to solemnly praise Him and to reveal one of the attributes of His nature.
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8
Holiness is the enemy of sin and vice versa. It is the enemy of the antichrists in our midst who hide behind their sham façade teaching of ‘once saved, always saved.’
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, IF ye CONTINUE in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant (of sin) abideth (remains) not in the house (God’s) for ever: but the Son abideth ever.” John 8:31-35
“Whoso privily (secretly) slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer (to remain in His presence)…He that worketh deceit shall not dwell (remain) within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry (continue) in my sight. I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off ALL wicked doers from the city of the LORD.” Psalms 101:5, 7-8
Four times the Bible states that names can be and are blotted out of the book of life – all because God is “Holy, holy, holy.” How important is it to be made holy by Christ’s precious blood and have one’s name written and remaining in the book of life?
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15
It is obvious that those names which are blotted OUT, had to first have been written IN the book of life in order to be blotted OUT of it (Exod. 32:32; Ps. 69:28; Rev. 3:5; 22:19).
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which NO man shall see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14
Space does not permit listing the plethora of Scripture revealing that the Lord will not allow sin into His presence – no matter what His previous relationship with a person was. (Have you closely studied Joshua 6-7 and Ezekiel 33:12-13?)
“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:22-23
“Holiness” is the manifest fruit of “eternal life.” If one doesn’t possess the fruit of personal holiness – a life separated unto the LORD, it is because he does not possess eternal life. The payment for living in sin is spiritual “death” (Rom. 6:23; 8:13). Those who are truly Christ’s are “made free from sin” and are “servants to God” and have their “fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Did you note that in verse 22 there is a clear correlation between “holiness” and “everlasting life?”
Polycarp, an early church disciple who existed before Augustine and Calvin, still held fast to, observed, and maintained the original Gospel given to us by the LORD and His apostles. Such is evidenced in this following statement of his to a fellow saint of Christ:
“Having obtained good proof that thy mind is fixed in God as upon an immovable rock, I loudly glorify [His name] that I have been thought worthy [to behold] thy blameless face which may I ever enjoy in God! I entreat thee, by the grace with which thou art clothed, to press forward in thy course, and to exhort all that they may be saved. Maintain thy position with all care, both in the flesh and spirit.” (The Epistle of Ignatius to Polycarp 1:1)
Polycarp was one of the apostle John’s direct disciples who existed before most of the apostasy from truth occurred. Polycarp still embraced and taught the original Gospel given Him by John. As Christ and His apostle’s instructed, He taught that maintaining ones place with God was essential to final salvation and if one didn’t hold his position, all would be lost.
A Special People
According to His Word, Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that He might redeem and purify unto Himself a peculiar people empowered by His grace.
“…our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar (special) people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:13-14
Why did Jesus come to die for you? According to Titus 2 the Bible says of Jesus Christ – “Who gave himself for us…
- “that he might redeem us from all iniquity”
- “that he might…purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works”
Why would the divinely-breathed truth of this passage ever need explanation? Explanation and defense of this truth is only necessary because there are those who are bent on proving an erroneous, pre-conceived position that is contrary to whole of the Word of God.
How many sins did it take for God – who is holy – to remove the first man and woman from His presence? Just, one right? Was their relationship with Him perfect before they sinned against Him? Yes. Why did Jesus come? Was it not to restore that relationship Adam and Eve knew? (Read Rom.5) What separated them? Sin, right? So, to believe that no sin can separate the saved person from the LORD would be absurd, unfounded and blatantly contrary to what is revealed in Scripture. Did the Almighty cease to be HOLY all because He saved your wretched soul? Do all things now revolve around high and mighty YOU and your self-serving desire to be able to live in sin and still feel secure? That is delusional moral cowardice at best. Hell awaits.
To concoct in ones mind the image of a deity who grants his people freedom to sin with no consequence is to worship at the altar of a false god. Such is completely contrary to what the God of Scripture told us of Himself. He came to die to forgive, deliver and empower us to overcome sin so that we don’t have it in our lives (Matt. 1:21; Jn. 1:29; Tit. 2:13-14; 1 Jn. 3:5). He did not come to free us to live in sin but rather “that he might redeem us from all iniquity…that he might…purify unto himself a peculiar people.” (Rom. 6:1-2, 15; Tit. 2:11-14).
“And ye know that he was manifested to TAKE AWAY our sins; and in him is no sin.” 1 John 3:5
The bottom line truth is that we all still sin against Him and are required to ask the LORD for His forgiveness and stay cleansed, especially in light of Christ’s soon return (Lk. 21:34-36; 22:31-32; Heb. 4:14-16; 2 Pet. 3:10-14; 1 Jn. 1:7-2:2). We have never been told by the LORD that we have a license to sin with no need to confess and repent (Ps 32:5; 38:18; 51:1-17; 69:5; Prov. 28:13; James 5:19-20; 1 Jn. 1:9; 2:1-2).
The LORD granted us His grace – not to live in sin – but rather to bless and empower us to please Him fully now “in this present world” and as we eagerly await His glorious return for His remnant body (Tit. 2:11-14).
Quoting David’s words in Psalms 32, the apostle Paul writes:
“Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:6-8
The “blessed” place to be is where we have a real walk with God, one that is accountable, repentant, and obedient. As we do, we are in His holy light and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin!
Of the true follower of Christ, Andrew Murray wrote:
“He (true believer) to be partaker, not only of the grace, but also of the holiness of his Lord; or rather; he sees that holiness is the chief beauty of grace. To live the life of Christ means to him to be delivered from the life of self; the will of Christ is to him the only path of liberty from the slavery of his own evil self-will.” p. 188 Abide In Christ
The LORD Almighty is a great God who has granted to us this “so great salvation” which He wrought through Christ alone (Jn. 19:30; 2 Cor. 5:19; Heb. 2:3). The LORD is a God of great mercy and forgiveness and yet He requires the participation of the one who is currently and desires to be continually forgiven.
PRAYER: Jesus please cleanse me afresh. I humble myself before You and acknowledge my sins and ask that You wash me clean with Your sinless blood and strike the fear of the LORD in my heart. Bless my inner man that I might never excuse my sins but rather confess and forsake them in godly sorrow. Strengthen my heart with Your Holy Spirit to glorify Your name in fruitful living till the end. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
QUESTION RECEIVED:
“Dear Todd, recently I am hearing on some T B N stations a teaching that I haven’t heard before. It is that one is forgiven all their sins at the onset of salvation, even future sins that might be committed. I never even thought of such a thing. I always remember if one did sin after salvation we have to ask for forgiveness and Jesus would forgive us, if we are truly sorrowful with a Godly sorrow. It seems strange that this is coming up now. I think it is wolves talking. Please let me know what you think and what the Scriptures teach. I am thinking 1 John 1: 9.”
REPLY:
That’s just another heresy being peddled by TBN. Exactly sister 1 John 1:9. Jesus paid for all our sins on the cross and yet the individual appropriation of divine forgiveness is contingent upon abiding, remaining in Christ in order to receive final salvation into glory (John 15:1-6; Hebrews 3:6, 12-14; 10:26-39, etc.).
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Articles
Obedience or Love – Which is Most Important? [podcast]
“IF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
Have you ever noticed the “If” of this statement by our LORD Jesus?
Okay, reread the words of Jesus above and see what comes first in the sentence – “love” or keeping His commands.
“IF you love me, keep my commandments” says Jesus (John 14:15)…. IF we don’t know and love Him there’s no use trying to keep His Word…. He’s not speaking of keeping His Word in order to earn His justification but rather as the fruit of knowing Him in a saving relationship….
“Few seem to understand the huge difference between obedience and legalism. We obey because we love God and we know obedience doesn’t save us. Legalism believes by obeying they are saved by it. We that are born again know only the blood of Jesus saved us but we also know that obedience proves we are saved and keeps us saved. It is joy to obey the Lord as we love what He loves and we hate what He hates. Amen.” Shirley Bruso
—- JESUS IS NOT GLORIFIED BY THE KEEPing OF HIS INSTRUCTIONS/COMMANDS BY THOSE WHO DON’T LOVE HIM …. LOVE COMES FIRST – LOVING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IS MOST IMPORTANT TO GOD. “IF IF, IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.” JOHN 14:15
“Ye are my friends, IF ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15:14
LOVE is the governing factor:
“We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
Of John 14:15 and 15:14, one source notes the following:
- John 14:15: Jesus says, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” He makes keeping His words the direct proof of love.
- John 15:14: Jesus says, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” He shows that friendship with Him requires action and obedience.
- Love is the root: Jesus starts with love as the inner heart motive.
- Works are the fruit: Doing His commands is the outward action that proves the love is real.
- They are not separate: Jesus does not say love replaces works; He says love produces obedience.”
Love begins with God and any relationship requires reciprocating love – love flowing from each of the 2 parties to one another.
“And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, FOR THE LOVE HE HAD TO HER.” Genesis 29:20
Jacob didn’t mind serving a whole 7 years for Rachel, because he loved her so much. The true disciple doesn’t view serving God as drudgery but rather delight – because he loves God supremely!
“A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.” John 16:21
“His commandment are not grievous”
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
IF I don’t love Jesus, do you think He’s honored when I try to obey what He said? No.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God…” Matthew 22:37
“IFFF ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15
IF WE LOVE JESUS, OBEYING HIM IS JOY, JUST AS IT WAS FOR JACOB AS HE SERVED A WHOLE 7 YEARS TO OBTAIN A LIFELONG MARITAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS BELOVED RACHEL (GENESIS 29:20).
Perhaps we are not understanding the divine economy as Christ meant us to understand Him. Jesus says “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) It’s only IF I love Jesus that He is interested in my doing the things He told HIS true people to do, otherwise, my good works are in vain, even if I suffer martyrdom by burning my body – “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2) IF WE DON’T LOVE HIM – truly – with our whole heart, mind, and strength He’s not interested in us obeying Him (Matthew 22:37-39). Now, of course, if I truly do love Him, I will obey Him and yet Jesus doesn’t want us to think we are impressing Him by outward obedience only. In the divine economy, it all begins with LOVE – “God so LOVED the world that He gave ….” (John 3:16) The Bible informs us that “The Lord looketh on the heart” and if He sees that I don’t truly love Him, He’s not interested in my vain outward show (1 Samuel 16:7).
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Those who truly know and love Him do His commandments. They don’t live on their own terms but rather on His. They delight to do His will because they truly seek, know, and love Him who bled to redeem their otherwise hopeless, wretched souls. Yet, obedience saves no one. Keeping His commandments doesn’t save you – the pharisees claimed to do that while refusing to come to Christ whom (John 5:39-40). No, God alone can save and He does so on His terms – initial and ongoing faith “which worketh by love” which is relationship. Yes, “faith … worketh by love.” (Galatians 5:6) Remember that even if a person goes so far as to give their body to be burned and has no love – they don’t love God, their obedience, their sacrifice is in vain (1 Corinthians 13:3).
1 Thessalonians 1:3 speaks to those already saved using the phrases “work of faith, and labour of love.” Please pay close attention to the words “faith” and “love.” “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;” (1 Thessalonians 1:3)
When God initially saves us, He puts a love in our hearts for Him which is manifested by putting our faith in Christ. Jesus taught that knowing the Father and Himself were cardinal in His kingdom. – “And this is life eternal (the whole purpose for it), that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:8
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Philippians 3:10
DID GOD send His only begotten Son to create an army of mechanical law-keepers OR a family who knows, worships, and adores Him? What does the Bible say is the cardinal reason for the whole plan of redemption? Why did God send His only begotten Son to bleed, be buried, and raised again to justify all who would come to Him? Are you familiar with what the LORD told us in Exodus 25:8, Matthew 22:37-40, and Philippians 3:10? We must have anchored in our hearts this glorious truth of knowing Him! Nothing else matters if we don’t relish Him, adore Him, and worship Him. If you name the name of Jesus Christ, it would greatly benefit your life, understanding. and ministry to memorize the words of the very Redeemer Himself as is recorded in John 17:3. More on that later.
If we love the LORD truly and our neighbor we will not steal, lie, covet, bear false witness, hate, commit adultery, OR any of those other sins and be walking in God’s perfect will. It’s really quite simple actually. But first we must examine this day whether or not we truly love Him.
One writer notes:
“Holiness is first and foremost agape love. Unconditional love for all, including enemies of us and enemies of God. This over-emphasis on repentance can make us the initiator and God the responder if we are not careful. God is always the initiator.”
IT IS MY OPINION THAT WE SHOULD BEGIN TO BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO OVER-EMPHASIZE OBEDIENCE WHILE NEGLECTING TO PREACH THE COMMAND TO KNOW, LOVE, AND ABIDE IN CHRIST. ALL OF OUR OUTWARD OBEDIENCE IS IN VAIN IF WE DON’T AUTHENTICALLY LOVE HIM. MANY WHO PREACH SEEM TO BE DOING THIS AND ARE CALLING MANY TO WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF SELF BY PERPETRATING THE FALSE NOTION THAT CHRIST’S ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE WAS NOT ENOUGH. THIS SEEMS TO RESONATE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT TRULY AND UNRESERVEDLY SURRENDERED TO CHRIST AND WHO WANT TO FEEL AS IF THEY ARE HELPING TO EARN THEIR OWN SALVATION WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT DOES ROMANS 4:4-5 TELL US?
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” Romans 4:4-5
So, while it’s absolute that ALL who have saving faith in Christ are obedient and have good fruit in their lives, those good works and good fruit aren’t what saves them. No, good fruit merely evidences that there is a relationship. Christ alone can save and He does that instantly when a lost soul believes upon Him (John 6:47; Acts 16:31; Romans 5:1, etc.). The Great Shepherd of His sheep keeps His people saved as they keep themselves in the love of God, “looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” (Jude 21: 1 Peter 1:5)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 21
The story of Jesus, Mary, and Martha is yet another place in the Scriptures of truth that clearly reveal what God is looking for from us – to love and to worship Him supremely.
“Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42
Jesus speaks to us of an abiding union/relationship with Him where He calls us His friends. I want to encourage you to read John 15 closely this week. In this discourse on the Husbandman (the Father), the Vine (Jesus), and the branches (us), you will note that the relationship precedes the fruit bearing. While the fruit reveals the root – testifies to the relationship – fruit doesn’t save, neither does obedience. God does require us to obey Him by putting our faith in Christ to save us, but it’s He who saves us. Jesus Christ alone can save. Ephesians 2:8-10 reveals that we are saved by His grace through our faith and that we are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works.”
Consider that our LORD was “moved with compassion” toward those in need (Matthew 9:36). The great apostle said “the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14)
At times we quote 1 John 2:4 and yet, let’s look at a wider angle of this passage:
“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:3-6
“But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice…” Matthew 9:13
“And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.” Joel 2:13
Is loving God more important that obeying God? Both are obviously important and yet, in the divine economy, which is most important?
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40
Am I choosing and learning to “love the Lord” with my whole heart?
Andre Alexis writes: “Christianity is more than merely believing and obeying commands and reaping the promises of God. Christianity is not a religion: it is a relationship. And a relationship requires communication. Therefore, prayer is essential, because it is through prayer that you and I communicate with our heavenly Father.” …. This is a simple truth and yet bears stating as brother Andre did above. This is especially important due to the epidemic of charlatans which have promulgated a “what’s in it for me?” self-serving lifestyle upon millions who don’t bother to truly lay down their lives and see with their own eyes the full counsel of our LORD’s Word which actually communicate the very “thoughts of his heart.” (Psalms 33:11). The LORD wants a relationship with each of His children. He’s not just there to answer our every prayer while we commit spiritual adultery by wasting our time/lives in this fleeting world playing games, giving hours to frivolous foolishness, etc. He wants our hearts. Jesus told us the reason the Father sent Him in John 17:3. This was David’s and Paul’s whole goal in their respective earthly lives (Psalms 27:4, 8; Philippians 3:10). Jesus told us He wants an abiding relationship that bears fruit that remains to His eternal glory (John 15:1-16).
After being saved, under the new covenant, it’s not law keeping but rather abiding in Christ, amen? John 15 “Abide in me.”
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
PRAYER: Holy heavenly Father, I come to You impoverished in spirit. For without You dear LORD, we can do nothing. You are love and I am not and yet, I ask You here and now to more deeply imbue my innermost man with and teach me Your love. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Uphold Jesus (audio)
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Abiding
FROM THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT by Jon Crane
By Jon Crane
“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:5
A life surrendered to Christ and led by the Holy Spirit is made able to become a child of the kingdom of God (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-16; etc.).
The grace that saved us: the blood of Jesus Christ at Calvary is our atoning sacrifice and become the entrance into the eternal kingdom of God for the purpose of living from the new creation we have become in Christ (born-again John 3:3-7; John 15:1-5). Putting off our old man with his worldly mindset by washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:3-7).
Let us therefore, press into this inward holy life of living faith.
“But be ye doers of the word, and NOT hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a DOER of the work (Matthew 7:24-25), this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1:22-25
More Thoughts…
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath (vengeance belongeth to the LORD who created us all
9 For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD (actively doing God’s will in their lives; making full proof of the hope of redemption which they have by exercising their faith by works of love – Matthew 22:37-40; 1 Corinthians 13; etc.), they shall inherit the earth.
10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11 But the MEEK shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5); and shalt delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Psalms 37:7-11
When pressed above measure read Psalms. 94.
Remember whose you are …
“And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:23
Take heart…
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Savior yet and would like to make peace with God…
“That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John 3:15-18
Romans 3
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein in ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith unto them who are under the law: that every mouth (Jew, Gentile, Muslim, etc.) may be stopped, and ALL the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God, without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith (Romans 1:16-17) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time (today if you hear his voice: Heb. 3:7,15 conviction in your heart) his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26
Confession made…
“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:8-13
Call upon Jesus Christ according to faith and be saved!
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
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Abiding
“THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND” [podcast]
In Eternity “THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.”
(Isaiah 65:17)
Our LORD Jesus will soon return to “make all things new.”
“And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:5
“For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED, NOR COME INTO MIND.” Isaiah 65:17
“I create – I am about wholly to change the state not only of my people, but to bring a new face upon the world, which shall abide until a new heavens and earth appear, in which shall dwell nothing but righteousness. Not be remembered – That state of things shall be so glorious, that the former state of my people shall not be remembered.” John Wesley
“Behold a new creation, Isa_65:17-25! The present dispensation is ended. Jerusalem, restored to her former glory, sings for very joy; and her rejoicing sends a thrill of joy through the nature of God. Long years of life and security of tenure are granted again to man. The red rapine of the forest is ended, for creation is emancipated from its bondage and participates in the glorious liberty of the sons of God. Peace shall reign in the forest glades, never again to abdicate her throne, Isa_65:25. But, best of all, there shall be such unity between man and God that prayer will be anticipated, and the pleading soul shall be conscious of the listening ear of God. Hasten, O day of days, for which creation groans, and the saints groan with inexpressible desire!” FB Meyer
“65:17 The closing verses of chapter 65 describe millennial conditions. The new heavens and the new earth here refer to Christ’s kingdom on earth; in Revelation 21 they refer to the eternal state. In Isaiah’s new heavens and new earth there is still sin and death; in Revelation 21, these have passed away.” Believer’s Bible Commentary
Of Isaiah 65:17, another commentator writes the following:
a [I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind] Here God declares that He will create or bring into existence renewed heavens and a renewed earth which will be so wonderful that the present ones will be forgotten in the glory and blessing that will then be enjoyed on the earth by the eternal society.
b [new heavens and a new earth] This term, “new heavens and a new earth,” is found only four times in Scripture, being used twice by Isaiah (Isa_65:17; Isa_66:22-24), once by Peter (2Pe_3:10-13), and once by John (in Rev. 21:1-22:5). Making the heavens and earth new will be accomplished at the close of the Millennium after all rebellion is put down on earth, all enemies are destroyed, and God has become all in all again, as before rebellion was started—first by Lucifer and later by Adam (Rom_8:18-25; 1Co_15:24-28; Eph_1:10; 2Pe_3:10-13; Rev. 21-22).
c [former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind]
Great Millennial and Eternal Changes
This could not mean that the former heavens and earth will never be recalled in any way whatsoever. The idea is that comparatively speaking, the new ones will be so wonderful that people will not meditate on, long for, or regret the passing of the old ones. Mentioning the new heavens and the new earth here as an introduction to a passage about the Millennium (Isa_65:18-25) can be best understood in this light—that God’s program concerning the new heavens and the new earth is His ultimate purpose in the work which he begins in the Millennium.
Fifteen Millennial and Eternal Changes:
1. A new earthly and eternal Jerusalem will be created as the earthly and eternal capital of the whole earth (Isa_65:18; Isa_2:2-4; Eze_48:30-35; Joe_3:16-20)
2. Eternal Israel (Isa_65:18)
3. Eternal rejoicing of Israel for their eternal city
4. God rejoicing eternally in Jerusalem (Isa_65:19)
5. God rejoicing eternally in Israel
6. Eternal removal of all weeping and crying in Israel and Jerusalem
7. Eternal change in length of life—no more an infant of days nor an old man who will not fill his days (Isa_65:20). Men will live as long as trees (Isa_65:22) and eternally in natural bodies (Mat_25:46)
8. Change in the appointment of death for the righteous, who will not sin (Isa_65:20; Mat_25:46)
9. Change in the economy—everyone building and possessing his own home, and planting and enjoying his own crops without fear of losing any through debts (Isa_65:21-22)
10. Removal of the curse of hard labor (Isa_65:23)
11. Eternal change in purpose and production of material goods—nothing will be produced for war and trouble (Isa_65:23; Isa_2:2-4; Mic_4:1-13)
12. God’s eternal blessing upon all labor and business (Isa_65:23)
13. Eternal change of results in prayer (Isa_65:24)
14. Eternal change of animal natures (Isa_65:25; Isa_11:6-9)
15. Eternal change in society—none to hurt or destroy in all God’s kingdom (Isa_65:25)
Jesus is Returning to Make Peace by Violence, by Force
“And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.” Matthew 11:12
No one can and will fulfill these words above more perfectly than the One who spoke these words.
“Blessed are the peaceMAKERS: for they shall be called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9
In this fallen world, peace cannot be kept, it must be made – that is, it must be forcefully accomplished by destroying the wicked doers.
“A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.” Matthew 12:20
Jesus will bring forth His judgment unto victory when He returns.
Jesus came to divide between the righteous and the unrighteous.
“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34
Our LORD’s Gospel message which presents the occasion for some to believe and some to reject. This is the “sword” of division that divides between the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The Gospel brings division and strife in families and nations, because some love darkness rather than light (John 3:19-21).
The unrepentant wicked will not repent and change. The LORD will return to crush and to force them into His bowels of damnation, a place of incarceration called hell.
Jesus came as a lamb the first time and will return as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah to dispossess His earth of His enemies.
“A wise king scattereth the wicked, and bringeth the wheel over them.” Proverbs 20:26
All tears shall be wiped away from off the faces of those who choose to be Christ’s!
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:45
In a certain sense it doesn’t matter what has come against you, what you have gone through, what you have suffered and endured. The end is near and this life is not even going to “come into mind” for the righteous when Jesus returns! When the unrepentant wicked are vanquished into the bowels of eternal damnation, the righteous shall reign …..
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)” Romans 5:17
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 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. 11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.” Romans 5:3-11
Future Glory
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. 23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? 25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:17-39
God’s Everlasting Love for His People…..
“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3
In and through Christ – as you are dead with Him and raised up by Him – He makes you to be, He declares us to be “more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Historically the righteous have disrupted the plans of Satan and have therefore been persecuted… a type of what’s called “political prisoners” who are imprisoned and persecuted for disagreeing with the ruling evil doers.
Let us be reminded saints, that it’s how we finish that matters most, not how we began, and not how we may have stumbled along the way. We are “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
No saint of Christ has ever gone unscathed, unscarred in this life! It’s actually proof you are HIS! You have no earthly idea how much Jesus loves you! In fact, are we not warned by our LORD that if we are not receiving persecution, that we are not His?
“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. 24 But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. 25 Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Luke 6:22-26
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him”
“It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” 2 Timothy 2:11-12
Jesus promised us, His people, that we’d suffer for being His (Matthew 5:10-12; 10:22; Luke 6:22-24; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:12-14, etc.).
“They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”
“Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” Revelation 20:6
In this life, you don’t even have the ability to imagine the blessings that await you!
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9
“Joy and Peace in Believing”
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13
PRAYER: Holy Father, I come to You afresh, right now, in the name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Father for filling Your beloved saints in the earth with all joy and peace in believing. Please bless your saints with hope dear LORD as our lives are blessed to be laid down, crucified with Christ our LORD! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
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