sgys banner books

We who are Saved by Grace through Faith are “His Workmanship”

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

The born again believer is “justified by faith,” sanctified by faith, set apart to the LORD (Psalms 4:3). God deals with the sin and the sinner. He makes us new creatures in Christ upon saving us (2 Corinthians 5:17-18). Following being justified initially, the believer denies self, takes up his cross daily and follows his new Master which has replaced self-rule. The rule and reign of Christ in that  new creature is instituted and established. In the cross life, the crucified life, the old man is put off and the new man put on (Luke 9:23-24; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:21-24; Colossians 3).

Holiness is not manufactured, is not achieved by mere men. No. Holiness is the very nature of the LORD and is the work of God in the life of the yielded, the crucified saint (Romans 6-8).

We are are saved by God through Christ’s perfect sacrifice, by grace through faith, and yet true saving faith ALWAYS produces the fruit of an obedient, holy life. The fruit, the obedience saves no one and yet is the fruit, the proof one truly knows and is known of God. Anyone teaching otherwise is fulfilling the grace-perverting prophesy of Jude 4. Read James 2; 1 John 2:3-6, chapter 3, etc.

Jesus is 100% the One who saves us.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. … We love him, because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:9-10, 19

Jesus saves us we meet HIS stated conditions – repentance, saving faith which always produces good works.

“Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” Acts 20:21

Jesus saves us, not our faith and obedience which simply appropriate His salvation. Saving faith and obedience to Him are always found in each of those who are His. Repentance and faith are the conditions – to the end of ones life on earth (Acts 20:21; Revelation 2:26).

Jesus alone can save. No one saves themself. Jesus “by himself purged our sins.” (Hebrews 1:3) Yes God requires your repentance and faith and yet it’s still Christ that saves you.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7

Understanding the salvation of our God in Christ does wonders to envelope us in His love, to forge sonship in our heart as “we cry, Abba, Father.” (Romans 8:15)

Good works are not the way to Jesus. Jesus is the way to God-glorifying good works. Without being genuinely born again and presently abiding in Christ, in His stated terms, our works are on vain.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

Those who know the LORD, are known of Him, WILL absolutely bring forth the good and corresponding fruit that glorifies Christ (Galatians 5:22-24, etc.).

From the moment Jesus saves us, we “work out” and not “work FOR” our salvation “with fear and trembling.” We walk it out by His divine enabling grace working in us and our own continued agreement with and compliance towards Him.

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

Notice here below in the latter verses of Romans 3, how the “THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD” is appropriated “by faith.” Notice the eternal contrast made here between our own “righteousness” which is as “filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6) and “HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” Life changing! This passage is so very stellar. Pore over it today beloved of God. Ask the Father to open the eyes of your understanding.

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD Through Faith – Romans 3

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 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 HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

We don’t do good works in order to get saved. We do good works BECAUSE we are saved.

Jesus doesn’t save us by our doing good works, yet Jesus did save us by His grace to do good works (Ephesians 2:8-10).

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

If your body of truth, your understanding concerning your view of salvation, soteriology, is not yet built upon the foundation of the whole counsel of God’s Word, you will have an imbalance and very likely go deeper into deception, unless those gaps are filled with biblical truth. With this in mind, let’s learn together as we grow in the grace of our God in Christ (2 Peter 1:2; 3:18).

Is obeying God legalism, works-salvation? Why do we obey the message of the cross? Jesus gave it. If obeying Jesus is trusting our own selves, meriting our own way with God, then Jesus is a liar. His instructions are commandments, not suggestions. All who don’t love Him enough to trust and obey Him are going to hell Matthew 7:21.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21

If obeying God were legalism, were a defiance of the cross, every person heralded in the Word, the heroes of the faith from Abraham on, are self-reliant, wicked, rebellious, devils.

Can’t be both.

“We cannot pray in love and live in hate and still think we are worshipping God.” AW Tozer

The LORD fully expects His people to obey Him and grants us every iota of His grace to accomplish this (Romans 6:14-16, etc.).

The LORD wants obedience, not lip service.

“I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt (sin, the world). 37 Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:36-37 

To worshipfully obey God is pleasing to Him and not just rendering a fake love, fake allegiance to Him.

“And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” 1 Samuel 15:22-23

When we honor God with our words but not with our actions, it proves we are “hypocrites.”

“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” Mark 7:6  

“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

This is not an exhaustive study on this important biblical topic, yet it’s divine food for thought to help the believer in his understanding of the salvation of our God.

This subject is being addressed here because some seem to have a propensity toward the legal and others toward the lascivious, and others simply over spiritualize the Word and/or neglect, put aside, clearly stated biblical truth. There is the positional and there is the practical.

Obeying God by faith, in worshipping Him truly, is the expression of one’s love for Him and not law, not legalism, not works-salvation.

Jesus says “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Then, a few sentences down, He says “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).

True love, genuine saving faith, will always have corresponding action. God didn’t merely just SAY He loves us – He sent His only begotten Son to DIE for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8; 1 John 3:16). There’s always a corresponding action that follows truly loving someone, in this case, God so loved us that He did something, “he gave.” And in loving Jesus, we give ourselves to Him and good works will always result (Ephesians 2:8-10).

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see YOUR GOOD WORKS, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

The idea that one can love Jesus and have no fruit to show it is completely foreign to the teachings of the Bible.

Notice the order below in Jesus’ words – “LOVE” (v12), “LOVE” (v13), “DO” what He commands (v14). And if you truly LOVE Him, you will obey Him.

“This is my commandment, That ye Love one another, as I have LOVED you. 13 Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye DO whatsoever I command you.” John 15:12-14

Jesus laid down His life to save us. Will the true disciple not lay down his life for Christ, his Friend, and for others?

If the “faith” one claims to have doesn’t give, isn’t giving, isn’t obedient, such a man has the faith of devils, who believe there’s a God but have no salvation (James 2:19).

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:19-20

Jacob Loved Rachel

Jacob loved Rachel very much and so working seven long years for her difficult father was nothing to him – because of how much he loved her. This verse captures such a truth:

“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

We all know that “Time flies when you’re having fun,” right? Think about that in light of choosing to love the LORD, that serving Him is a natural overflow and something we love to do because we delight in Him.

Think about your children, your babies. Did you get out of bed at 2 AM to feed them when they were crying because it was convenient or felt good to be awaken out of a deep sleep? No. You did it because you loved them.

Do you always feel a chill bump when you serve your family, when you serve others? No, yet you do it because you are loving and serving the LORD and He commands such.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3

The resurrection after dying and being buried, will ALWAYS result in the manifesting of Christ in our lives, in the form of good works, good fruit.

Bible verses in the New Testament on obedience are mountainous. And, they must not be viewed as doing something to earn God’s favor, justification, or blessings but rather an overflow of gratitude for the LORD and our “reasonable service” to our LORD who saved us to Himself by His grace (Romans 12:1).  … “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us” (Ephesians 2:4).

All relationships hold as a necessity, the need for each party to participate. Relationships come with responsibilities and they simply will not work if those duties aren’t done. Owning up to duty, to responsibility, does not equal seeking to earn or merit salvation. As pertaining to our relationship with the LORD, laying down our lives, taking up the cross and following Him who died and rose again to save us, is our “reasonable service.”

When did complying with the One we claim to love somehow become legalism, works-salvation, or seeking to earn our way with Him?  Obeying God in the cross life is our “reasonable service”/serving – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Romans 12:1).

What would happen if you stopped complying with your wife, stop doing what it is your DUTY to do?

Will God bless rebels? Isaiah 1:19-20 “IF ye be willing and obedient ye shall eat the good of the land: 20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it” – that’s Bible.

So you believe God will bless rebels in a special way so they keep rebelling and stay disconnected from Him? That’s not the God of the Bible who is love. So God blesses what’s against Him? No, the LORD loves all and especially those He chastens, rebukes, seeks to draw to repentance, before it’s too late (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:5-11; Revelation 3:19, etc.).

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

Will “all these things,” these blessings of God, come to those who do not seek first God’s kingdom? Is there no condition? (See Matthew 6:33.) The blessings of God are conditional, not unconditional.

So who does God reward people? If so, who does He reward? He rewards those who diligently seek Him:

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

Believing God requires His people to obey Him and blesses them as they do, is not believing one is meriting those blessings or justification. The two must never be automatically conflated.

Obeying Jesus is not, does not, equal believing that you’re meriting your own salvation or justification.

Once again we see faith and good works produced from that faith in the life of Noah.

“…he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Hebrews 11:6-7

By faith, Noah was moved by the fear of the LORD, and into action. That’s how the ark got built. Genesis 5-10.

Faith moved Abraham forth in his calling, in the calling of God upon his life.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10

Obeying God is fueled by the cross life, the raising up of the LORD in our lives as we are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, etc.). God requires that we die. He commanded it and has locked up His resurrection blessings in it as we comply.

Obeying the LORD is an expression of our love for God.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

1 John is called “the book of absolutes.”

“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 

James 2 – Faith Without Works Is Dead

14  What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 

15  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 

16  And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 

17  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 

18  Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works

19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 

20  But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 

21  Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 

22  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 

23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 

24  Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 

25  Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 

26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 

James 2 – show me your faith WITHOUT good works that glorify God and I will show you my saving faith BY MY WORKS …. Good works are always the product of true, saving faith. Here James challenges all who claim they have saving faith to prove it by obeying God, letting our “light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

We must never remove or ignore Scripture truth and diminish aught from one truth to accommodate another. This will always lead to imbalance, error. May God bless us to compare Scripture with Scripture and to synthesize all His truth into a glorious tapestry as the Holy Spirit enables and teaches us, revealing how all these things of His kingdom are knit together.

While our works do NOT merit our place with God, they are always present, always found in the life of the true believer. We are saved by grace through faith which always produces the fruit of good works.

The works come out of the resurrection and if there are not works, it’s clear that such a person is not submitted to his own death and burial, to the cross life, the crucified life (Luke 9:23-24; Romans 6; Galatians 2:20, etc.).

When God raises a man upward, a crucified man, he will behold things like Paul – “But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10).

Romans 6 is clear proof that grace and the cross life cannot be separated. They are eternally, divinely intertwined, married.

“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” 1 Corinthians 9:16

The faith of the apostles and every true New Testament believer has and does always move him into Gospel action.

This is not a “oh I have to do good works to merit God’s favor and justification.” No. This is a “He must increase but I must decrease” posture (John 3:30).

Paul commands: “maintain good works.”

“This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.” Titus 3:8

Also in Titus, we read:

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16

Jesus told all seven churches of Asia they had to overcome to be with Him (Revelation 2-3).

“And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:” Revelation 2:26

Keeping His “works unto the end” proves one is enduring to the end in true, saving faith, which Jesus says is essential to final salvation (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; 25:1-13, etc.).

If our relationship with God He requires no participation, why do we read such words in the New Testament?

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 

Jesus went to the cross. That was a good work, motivated by His love for the Father. Christ’s apostle Paul declared “the love of Christ constraineth us” and “constraineth” means to compel (2 Corinthians 5:14).

“For the love of Christ constraineth (compels) us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And 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.” 2 Corinthians 5:5:14-15 

Paul and every true, abiding, remnant New Testament saint is seeking God, is full of His love, and “moved with compassion” to bless others (Matthew 9:35-38). –“the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5).

“Your Work of Faith, and Labour of love”

Where’s the phrase “It’s a labor of love” come from? God’s Word.

Knowing and serving God is not drudgery but rather joy!

“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

Our work for Christ must emanate from our “faith” toward Him and our “love” will bear the fruit of “labour” for His glory. You may wish to really grab on to this divinely-inspired phrase – “work of faith, and labour of love.”

The bottom line is that Jesus is not at all interested in you trying to serve and please Him IF YOU DON’T LOVE HIM. Of course, you must repent in order to be His son/daughter to begin with (Luke 13:3, 5). And, repentance is putting your full trust in Him and the beginning of loving Him. The LORD looks upon and wants your heart. – “Rend your heart, and not your garments” (Joel 2:13).

Jesus commanded His people to go and preach and teach His Gospel, His Word (Matthew 28:28-20; Mark 16:15, etc.). That’s the law of Christ – where the disciple loves Him, their “first love,” and delights to obey Him, and is fueled by His resurrection grace.

No matter who we are, how mature we are in Christ, there are holes in all our theology and so we should remain teachable  -searching the Scriptures and asking God to show us (Ephesians 1:16-21).

Since when is a relationship one sided? Stand back and meditate on every vital relationship in your personal life…. Which one doesn’t involve your personal participation? Not one. Yet in participating, that in no way means you are trying to earn the love of the other party, person. When you love, you willingly give. Isn’t that what God did when He gave His only begotten Son? (See John 3:16.) Do we not emulate Him?

“Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:1-2 

We have no divine permission to dismiss or set aside biblical truth that disturbs the doctrinal fortress we build around us. If truth disturbs your doctrine, that’s exactly what God designed it to do and to quicken you to fresh repentance and an allowance for the whole of His Word (Psalms 119; Mark 7:6-10; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.) According to 1 Corinthians 2:13 – all must be compared, considered, collated… line upon line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28).

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” 1 Corinthians 2:13

It’s convoluted theology to speak against, contrary to the whole of the Word of God which among other things says “ALL scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Ignoring known, clearly stated Bible truth to perpetrate a certain view is confusion, a violence against the picture painted by the WHOLE of Holy Scripture and is not a rightly dividing of the Word of truth but instead a deliberate, subjective ignoring of known truth to perpetrate an agenda (1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Good works are not the way to Jesus. Jesus is the way to God-glorifying good works. Without being genuinely born again and presently abiding in Christ, in His stated terms, our works are in vain.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

Those who know the LORD, are known of Him, WILL absolutely bear the good and corresponding fruit that glorifies Christ (Galatians 5:22-24, etc.).

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please teach me Your ways. Integrate in me the whole of Your Word, into a tapestry that brings glory to Yourself. Change my life from this moment forth dear LORD. Please take away the stony places in my heart. Break the wicked unbelief and pride in my heart and grant me to have a heart of flesh. In Jesus’ Name, amen. 

Support | STORE | PodcastsLight of the Word | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the WordCompassion in Light of Christ’s Soon ReturnStriving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast]

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

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.

The Return of Christ | Are you Born Again? -Make Peace with God now, before it’s too late

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Be Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast] At His Feet

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

How Christ’s Kingdom Evangelism Works [podcast]


“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

“The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa_55:11; Deu_32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mat_13:3-8, Mat_13:20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa_11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.” Dake

“God’s word is just as irresistible and effective as the rain and snow. All the armies in the world cannot stop them, and they accomplish their intended purpose. God’s Word never fails to achieve its aims.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

ANY person who doesn’t understand the power of God’s Word, when sown into the hearts of men, has no business pretending to be a pastor or elder in Christ’s body.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The power of God’s Word when it enters the human heart:

“He that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.  29  Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:28-29

The Harvest is Plentiful – So many lost souls hungry to hear the Gospel – the Laborers Few

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36  But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37  Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38  Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Sin separates men from God.

“But your 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

People are born again by the WORD of God which means the Word must be sown in their hearts and germinate.

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. 9  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Faithfully sowing the seed of the Word of God in the hearts of men assures that God will be glorified in saving each of those souls who receive and believe His truth in repentance and faith.

Here’s how evangelism and our LORD’s kingdom work works—layers of Gospel workers. Usually we are the second, third, etc., Gospel labourer, following up on the seed planted in the hearts of the people we minister to. Let’s gain this vision, this illustration from Christ concerning our work for Him, in His kingdom.

Anyone putting off, pushing into the future, evangelizing the lost, is disobeying Jesus Christ. Anyone not evangelizing the lost around them cannot rightly claim to love Jesus. They are full of self and in need of crying out to God in repentance.

John 4:34 – 38

“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. 

35  Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. 

36  And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together

37  And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. 

38  I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours.” 

“In the elderly home we minister in, we met a new resident, that had been there only a few months. When she came to our meeting, she seemed down, so I began to talk with her. She said, “well I don’t leave my room much anymore as my very good friend just passed away.” She stated her name and said, “before she passed I gave her the gospel and she received Jesus.” God is so good, as we had ministered to her friend as well, and seeds were planted, and this new Lady watered! The more I continued to talk with her, I learned she has been preaching the gospel and some residents are getting saved. Alleluia! Next week, we will give her some Jesus tracts.” Karen Cochran

Picture planting a seed in a garden, then standing back and watching the ground you planted that seed in and expecting to see it sprout up visibly from the soil it was planted in. Not wise, right? Right.

The picture our LORD gives here is planting that seed and then moving on, just like anyone who plants seeds to grow some plant, crop.

The Parable of the Seed Growing

Mark 4

26  And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 

27  And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how

28  For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. 

29  But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Mark 4:26-29

“And should sleep and rise night and day – That is, he should sleep by night, and rise by day; for so the words are obviously to be understood. He knoweth not how – How a plant grows is a mystery in nature, which the wisest philosopher in the universe cannot fully explain.” Adam Clarke

In ministry, it’s always seeding, planting. It’s GOD, not us, who brings the increase. This pertains to the invisible work of God in the hearts of men.

“The parable may be intended to encourage the disciples. Their responsibility is to sow the seed. They may sleep by night and rise by day, knowing that God’s Word will not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He has intended it to do. By a mysterious and miraculous process, quite apart from man’s strength and skill, the Word works in human hearts, producing fruit for God. Man plants and waters but God gives the increase.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Psalms 19:7

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

YOUR PRAYER: Holy Father, please break me. Unite my heart to fear Your name. Thank You for choosing and ordaining me to Your kingdom work. Please bear Your fruit in and through this life, this vessel for Your eternal glory. Let that fruit remain dear LORD. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Evangelism | Jesus, Light of the WordCompassion in Light of Christ’s Soon ReturnStriving Together for the Faith of the Gospel [podcast] | Prepared to be Used of God | The Return of ChristChrist’s Compassion Audio | Our Approach to the LostKindness is a Soul Winning Weapon Stop Sinning? Really? How? | Angry Street Preacher Warning | Faithfulness to God

Join Us

We saved a place for you to receive our weekly newsletter.

Please wait...

Thank you for signing up!

Continue Reading

Abiding

Jesus Washes the Feet of His Own [podcast]


What was Jesus demonstrating and teaching us when He washed the feet of His disciples?

The Washed Way – begins with “the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost” – being born again (Titus 3:5-7; John 3:3, 7).

“On the way back from the public bath, a person’s feet would get dirty again. He didn’t need another bath but did need to have his feet washed. ‘He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.’ There is a difference between the bath and the basin. The bath speaks of the cleansing received at the time of one’s salvation. Cleansing from the penalty of sin through the blood of Christ takes place only once. The basin speaks of cleansing from the pollution of sin and must take place continually through the Word of God. There is one bath but many foot-washings.Believer’s Bible Commentary

“If these last words of our Lord had any spiritual reference, it is not easy to say what it was. A common opinion is the following: He who is washed – who is justified through the blood of the Lamb, needeth only to wash his feet – to regulate all his affections and desires; and to get, by faith, his conscience cleansed from any fresh guilt, which he may have contracted since his justification.” Adam Clarke

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

“Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
2  And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him;
3  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;
4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.
5  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
6  Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7  Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8  Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9  Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10  Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11  For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12  So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13  Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14  If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. – John 13:1-17

Those not happy prove they are not humble nor holy (John 13).

“If loving the person in front of you seems like too small of a ministry opportunity, you’ve forgotten the simplicity of the Gospel.” unknown

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet as an Act of Final Sealing of His Mercy, His Will

 “Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end (to the end, to the utmost).” John 13:1

“Before the feast – Namely, on Wednesday, in the paschal week. Having loved his own – His apostles, he loved them to the end – Of his life.” John Wesley

Adam Clarke writes:

 “He loved them unto the end – Continued his fervent affection towards them to his latest breath, and gave them that convincing proof of it which is mentioned Joh_13:5. That the disciples alone are meant here every man must see.”

Of these cornerstone verses of John 13, F.B. Meyer writes:

“John 13:1-11

JESUS GLORIFIES HUMBLE SERVICE

In the Temple the laver preceded the brazen altar. It was kept filled with pure water for the constant washing of the priests; Exo_30:18-21; Lev_16:4. We cannot have fellowship with Christ at Calvary or on Olivet unless we draw near with our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

The Synoptic Gospels tell us that on their way to the feast the disciples had yielded to contention and pride. It was needful that these should be put away, and our Lord’s love was equal to the occasion. He loved them to the end of His life and to the end of love. Only such love could have made saints and apostles out of such material.

Jesus began a work which has never ceased, and which will continue “till all the ransomed Church of God be saved to sin no more.” When we have contracted guilt, we have not to begin our whole life over again, but to go back to the place where we dropped the thread of obedience and begin there.”

May we never forget how merciful our LORD Jesus was to the woman at the well (John 4), the woman caught in the act of adultery (John 8), and the woman with the issue of blood (Luke 8).

It’s of interest to note how this 13th chapter of the glorious Gospel of John begins with Christ’s love to His disciples and closes with His command for them to “love one another” as He taught and personally demonstrated to them:

“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34-35 

“When you fall in love don’t you want to shout it from the rooftops? He, the man you are in love with, is all you talk about! Should be the same with Jesus! You want to tell everyone about this man, the Savior who saved your life! Just as the woman at the well did! She told the whole city. ‘Come, and see a man, which told me all the things that ever I did: is this not the Christ?’ John 4: 28-29.” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: Father, in Jesus’ name, please reduce me to love.

Continue Reading

Categories

donate button round
sgys-books01

Trending