The Answer to this Question May Shock You … more on that in a moment….
“The good of the land” speaks of the salvation of God in Christ which covers each and ever part of your life beloved! Christ’s payment for your sins and therefore His salvation is complete, total, nothing was left out! Yet, you must appropriate it by faith! You must eat thereof saint of Christ to enjoy. You must be “willing and obedient.”
“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.” Isaiah 1:19-20
The contact of His precious blood awaits your confession!
As His child, when you confess your sins, the divine and infinite force of the blood of Jesus comes crashing down and it’s all washed away! In Christ, you have “sure mercies of David.” (Acts 13:34)
So, “What To Do ‘IF’ You Sin Against God”? is our question…
In short, the answer to the question posed … If we sin, we are to:
Admit it, return to the LORD in repentance, honestly confess the sin transparently, and get back to the cross – lay down your life afresh and march forth – “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)
Firstly, we must recognize that our sin is primarily against God who is “Holy, holy, holy.” (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8)
“Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.” Psalms 51:4
God is also “love” and merciful, “NOT willing that ANY should perish.” (2 Peter 3:9; 1 John 4:8, 16)
God will forgive us if we choose to sin, then choose to repent, confessing the sin for what it is (1 John 1:9). Yet we must all reap what we have sown because “the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7-8). King David’s sins, his adultery with Bathsheba, and having her husband murdered is one example. God forgave him when he repented and yet as a result of his sin, great tragedy was brought upon his life and lineage to come (2 Samuel 11-16). The LORD was with David in the reaping.
God the Father did not send and crucify His only begotten Son not to grant His salvation, mercy, His forgiveness, His blessings to His people. Catch this:
“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?” Romans 8:32
Evading truth, glossing over, whitewashing our sin is sure damnation (Proverbs 28:13).
SIN, we ALL have it to deal with. WHO will we love most-self or Jesus (Romans 6:16).
The Scripture exhorts us, God’s people, to “forget not all his benefits.”
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” Psalms 103:2
“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” Psalms 116:2
The stated reason the apostle John wrote to the body of Christ, is that we “sin not.” Yet that’s not all he says…
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And IF (not when) any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 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 2:1
“IF any man sin.” (1 John 2:1) The Bible tells us that sin is a choice and of our own lusts and not of God at all (James 1:13-15). Yet, God made full provision for His people if they sinned after He saved them (Psalms 103:2; 1 John 1:6-2:2, etc.). The intercessory work of Christ didn’t stop when He bled on that cross to pay for our sins (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:24-26, etc.).
“In him is no sin. 6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not.” 1 John 3:5-6
We know from this passage above that as we are truly abiding in Christ, we are not living in sin.
Simply knowing the truth is very important and yet, to walk in victory over the flesh, the world, and the devil, divine virtue must fill our lives – and that occurs through the daily cross life.
“SINNERS VS. SAINTS: The sinner and lukewarm practice and justify sin. The saint is at war with sin, has remorse, and repents. He goes to the throne room of grace for cleansing and grace (divine enablement), from that which defiles one’s garment, often…” Erik van Niekerk
If you somehow believe that you have reached a place of sinless perfection, there is no need to read this article, but there is the need to read 1 John 1:8-10 and Proverbs 20:9.
What should a born again Christian do after he sins? Here’s the answer: Repent (turn back to the LORD), receive God’s forgiveness in confession through Jesus Christ and go help someone else! To this, some may respond with: WHAT are you talking about?!?! Are you crazy!? Go do ministry?! Are you crazy?! How can a person who recently sinned do ministry or show God’s love?!
“When we sin we must never bare it but rather ask forgiveness for it Amen! Only God can take away the sins of the world – through Christ! Amen!” Brother Charles Pray
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (atoning sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God.” Romans 3:24-25
Remember when Peter was going to deny Christ, even with cursing, etc.? What did Jesus say for His child Peter to do after he had sinned and was restored back to rightful relationship with Him? Check this out:
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Luke 22:31-32
Jesus told Peter what to do after he was recovered from that fall. Note initially here that Jesus didn’t instruct Peter (nor does He instruct anyone) to go do some kind of catholic penance to work off his sins and display some kind of outward work of false humility, but rather the refreshing command to “strengthen thy brethren.” What a freedom! We are to go and pour out God’s mercy to others as it has been abundantly poured out on us! Remember that one day Jesus spoke to a sinful woman and said: “Her sins, which are many, are forgiven (freely); for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.” As we realize how much undeserved mercy has been shown to us by God, we will naturally rejoice to share this unspeakable gift with others. Our sins were/are many and His mercy is enormous and endures forever to those who fear Him (Psalms 103:11).
Here are some of the things we glean from the words of Christ in this passage (Luke 22:31-32):
- Satan seeks/desires to “Sift you as wheat” away from God – to cause your fellowship with God to be interrupted. This is how the devil works. Yes, there is a real devil and he hates God and you because you are the Lord’s. If the leadership of your church doesn’t acknowledge a real devil and a real spiritual battle that rages daily, let me encourage you to either talk to them about it or find an honest fellowship where God’s Word is truly honored.
- Jesus is praying for each of His saints (YOU) – “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not” (see also Hebrews 7:25; John 17:9).
- “When thou art converted”
-
- – When we sin, we are to be restored to fellowship with our Lord who loves us and has our best interests in His heart and is
- “ready (postured) to forgive”
-
- (Ps 86:5,15).
- “Strengthen thy brethren”
-
- – Strengthen the brothers and sisters around you when you are restored – and consequently refreshed – (Acts 3:19-21). Nothing could be more important than your vital union and communion with your Lord. Rejoice in His goodness toward you! Rejoice that He has shown you mercy and ponder sharing that same mercy with others as you have received such.
- “Freely ye have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Comfort others who have fallen or are in a season of difficulties with the comfort you have received from God (2 Cor. 2:1-4).
Nothing could be more important than your vital union and communion with your Lord. Rejoice in His goodness toward you today!
Chris Sitter writes:
“I can relate to that scripture that says Satan hath desired to sift you as wheat (Lk. 22:31-32). But, because of His mercy and blood, and longsuffering, and merciful kindness, I must share what He – in his great grace, has chosen to share with me – with His sheep. For only He, can make me accepted in the beloved. Oh, that I can share a part in the Savior’s blood. A thousand hymns will not be able to capture the greatness of HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT! Let us press on towards the mark – one moment at a time, for there is no promise of tomorrow. Grateful for Calvary.”
Wait just a minute!! What about the people who know I sinned? What will they say? What if they condemn me and call me a hypocrite because I am seeking God afresh, putting the past behind me, and serving Him by ministering His grace, love, and truth to others – after I sinned?
“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? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. 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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” Romans 8:32-35
When we lapse in our faith for some reason or the other, perhaps we shouldn’t wallow in the mire of that experience, but get right back to being about our Father’s business. After Peter had sinned many times, Jesus told Him to “Feed my sheep.” (Jn. 21:16-17)
“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16
It’s no time to wallow in the mire of past sins, but rather to rise up (yes again) and seek the infinitely beautiful face of the LORD. This one thing is what is needful.
“Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.” Psalms 27:4
ORIGIN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
“The woman caught in adultery.. Those who WOULD stone her, COULD NOT. The One who COULD, WOULD NOT! There is no condemnation to those in Christ Jesus. When you are touched by GRACE, your desires shift away from darkness and you become a light. You have been forgiven child of God. Now go out and tell the world and sin no more!” Charles Halieus
Every false religion in the world has some type of penance or asceticism (personal works or torment to earn God’s forgiveness or favor). Christians stand alone, placing all of their trust and hope in the Son of God for full and complete forgiveness for all of their sin. Scores of true believers have given their lives for this very truth, which is at the very heart of the Gospel. Jesus Christ + nothing = total forgiveness and eternal life. Now this is a good moment to verbalize our thanksgiving to our heavenly Father of this unspeakable gift!
“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; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7
Please allow me to strongly urge you to memorize this text above.
For the record: God is the only really holy One and we are made holy only by being in communion with Him. So, when we have truly repented, turning fully back to Him, He makes us holy again, instantly!
Friend, as a believer, you may struggle within with the fleshly temptation towards doing penance – trying (after sinning) to do enough good works to somehow satisfy the claims of God’s holy justice and regain His favor. Nothing could be more antichrist. Nothing could strike at the heart of the Gospel more than such unbelief in the hearts of those who call themselves His children. There could be no more severe denial of the blood of Christ than this, whether one realizes it or not. Such is a clear denial of the precious propitiatory blood of the Savior, and reveals a complete misunderstanding of the Gospel. Either Christ’s blood was the full payment for all of your sins, AND/OR 1) God is a liar, 2) His whole Word (the Bible) is not true, and 3) You should immediately give up playing the part of a Christian because there is no amount of perfect works you can do to pay for your own sins.
“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6
Let me encourage you to study Romans 1-5 at least 7 times. Get this essential Gospel truth deep down in your heart. Pour over this text. Hi-lite, outline and cross reference. Write down on index cards select texts the Holy Spirit puts His finger on and memorize them.
“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.” Romans 3:10
No person can begin to understand divine forgiveness until he first understands the utterly depraved and sinful state of unredeemed men and the ultimate righteousness and sinless perfection of Christ Jesus. Listen and let your heart be blessed by this life-changing passage from Romans:
“Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 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. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 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: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 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; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:19-26
WHEW! Does this truth not lift the heavy and vain burden of self-righteousness? Read this last part of Romans 3 until it does. Pour over this passage until it saturates you heart, mind and thoughts.
Is our righteousness based on self-works, goodness or merit, OR the one supreme work of the Son of God? Such is a matter of life or death. Any person who leaves this earth trusting in any of there own righteousness instead of Christ’s, is going to certain damnation. There is no neutral ground – “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” (Phil. 3:9)
If you are going to try to be justified by your own works, instead of relying completely upon Christ’s work on the cross to make you righteous, you better not make even one slight mistake of sin:
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2:10
Saints, have we not all lusted, coveted, hated (heart murder), and committed adultery by entertaining evil thoughts? How can we repay Him? What are we going to do to merit His forgiveness and righteousness? What have we to offer the infinitely holy God of all that is? What are we in comparison to His Majesty?
We owe a debt we cannot pay
He paid a debt He did not owe
Friend, is it time for you to put away the notion or practice of self-dependence? If you are ready to repent of all traces of self-reliance and self-works for righteousness, then it is time to get excited and rejoice in the Savior who came from glory to pay the full price for all of your sins – to make you free to love and serve Him now and forever!
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
Let’s get something straight: As a believer, living in this sinful world, we do not proclaim or declare our own goodness or righteousness – we have none other than what is imparted from God through Christ, the perfect One. Hello! No, rather, we declare Christ Jesus the LORD, the One who said “It is finished”, as He drew His last breath in dying and becoming the supreme and only sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the world (Jn. 19:30; 1 Jn. 2:2). Yes, we ”worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Phil. 3:3)
“And he is the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:2
We should not sin again with “an evil heart of unbelief” by not accepting God’s forgiveness through Christ who lives forever to make intercession for us at the Father’s right hand (Heb. 3:12-15, 4:14-16, 7:25). The fact is that we were never personally worthy to be forgiven in the first place, but God did such on the basis of Christ propitiatory sacrifice.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.…My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 1:9; 2:1-2
What do you think? Do you have a testimony of forgetting those things which lie behind you and getting back up and running the race – full speed? Will you accept His mercy and forgiveness in faith without which you cannot please the LORD? (see Heb. 11:6) Is your sin greater than Christ’s divine, holy, sinless blood and the power of His divine grace to break all shackles in your life?
“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:21-23
Maybe something you say could strengthen another believer. The LORD truly is working and orchestrating all things together for the good to those who truly love Him. In conjunction with their obedience to Him, God is conforming their lives to the image of Jesus (Rom. 8:28-29).
Remember that YOU have a personal “advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous”, who restores your soul in the green pastures of His grace as you present yourself before Him in love. What a SAVIOR!!! What a Counselor!!! What a Shepherd!!! What a God of Restoration!!! What words could possibly do justice to His majesty?!
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee…But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:5,15
Jesus is coming soon saint of the Most High. Remember to be about your Father’s business so that Christ will find your hand to the plow of worshipping Him supremely and feeding His sheep, helping others come to repentance and place all their trust in “the great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Heb. 13:20)
Restoration is the aim of the Father. Sin is wrong because God (not men) determines what is sin – it is a violation of the holiness of the LORD (1 Jn. 3:4). No excuse can be made for our sins (Rom. 6). Yet, the past sins of others should never ever be utilized by other sinners (forgiven sinners) to manipulate or control that person. Jesus did no such thing with Peter, nor anyone else. To in any way use another person’s sins against them, is unmitigated witchcraft and actually happens in local fellowships. If this is going on with people you are in relationship with, send them this article and lovingly call them to repent. If they don’t, run for your life beloved (see 1 Tim. 6:3-5 KJV). Also, for more in-depth study on this topic of control, order a copy of Deceivers and False Prophets Among Us. Two whole chapters are dedicated to exposing the control of other men and its detrimental effects.
Have you considered getting some Gospel tracts and beginning to sow the seed of God’s Word? Visit the TRACTS page on this site for more information.
Blessings In Christ,
todd tomasella – less than the least of all saints (Eph. 3:8).
Christ Lives to Provide what He Died to Purchase
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Abiding
It’s not all Going to be Pretty [podcast]
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3
One of Paul’s resumes of the sufferings he endured as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:3-10
“3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;
6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,
7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;
9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;
10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.”
You are His. Cling to Him. The LORD Jesus is going to bring you through, not matter what you face (Deuteronomy 13:4).
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2
“Hated”
“And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22
“Ye shall Laugh”
“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. 22 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.” Luke 6:20-22
“Through much Tribulation”
“Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22
Eternity with Christ, “with Joy”
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
“To Make them White”
“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32-35
“Made white … the wise shall understand”
“Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel 12:10
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Articles
7 Sayings of Jesus on the Cross [podcast]
What Final Statements Did Jesus Make on the Cross and What Did They Mean?
Our LORD Jesus Christ said 7 things while as He was offering His body and precious, sinless blood to buy us back to God. He was suffering for the sins of mankind and for no sin of His own (2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 3:18). He was shedding His blood to Re-deem (buy us back) and that’s what Jesus did for “the whole world” when He died on the cross, was buried, and raised again from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 John 2:2). Do you know Him?
1. “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me” (Matt. 27:46; Mk. 15:34; Ps. 22:1).
This concerned those who hung Him on the cross and how He became the sin bearer, the sin sacrifice and how the Father could not look on sin, so temporarily turned His head. Jesus was forsaken so that we might be forgiven (Isaiah 53).
Application to us: Job 19:6-10; Psalms 139:8; 2 Corinthians 12:7-12; Hebrews 13:5-6
2. “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Lk. 23:34).
He asked the Father to forgive them – a token of what His shed blood would pay for and facilitate – forgiveness of sin for all who come to Him on His terms to be saved. The sacrificial death of the Son of God satisfied the claims of the Father’s justice to justify mankind (Isaiah 53:11).
Application to us: As God forgave us due to Christ’s perfect sacrifice, He mandates, without exception, that we freely forgive all others, from our hearts. Matthew 5:44; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25-26; Ezekiel 36:24-26; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-14
3. “Verily, I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
This promise of forgiveness and eternal comfort given to the thief who believed on Christ in his final moments is the same promise for all who come to Him and are saved (John 6:47).
Application to us: Immediate glory, comfort, and bliss with our LORD at the moment of death. Luke 16:19-31; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Revelation 21:4; Luke 21:28
4. “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Lk. 23:46).
Jesus closes with the prophetic words of Psalm 31:5, speaking to the Father. We see His complete trust in the Father (John 5:30, etc.). Jesus entered death in the same way He lived each day of His life on earth, offering up His life as the perfect sacrifice and placing Himself into the Father’s hands (Luke 22:42).
Application to us: This is a great prayer! Stephen emulated his Savior when being stoned to death for Christ (Acts 7:51-60). “Commend” means to submit. Personally I find these words, while in prayer, rolling off my lips – submitting afresh, daily, and asking the LORD to take full control.
5. “Woman, behold thy son … Behold thy mother” (Jn. 19:26-27).
Jesus, looking down from the cross, was still filled with the concerns of a son for the earthly needs of his mother. None of his half brothers or sisters were there to care for her, so He gave this task to the apostle John (Mark 6:3). Here we see Christ’s humanity.
Application to us: We must take care of earthly responsibilities according to the counsel of the written Word of our God (Psalms 119; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
6. “I thirst” (Jn. 19:28)
Jesus refused the initial drink of vinegar, gall, and myrrh offered to alleviate his suffering (Matthew 27:34 and Mark 15:23). But here, several hours later, we see Jesus fulfilling the messianic prophecy found in Psalm 69:21. By saying He was thirsty, Jesus prompted the Roman guards to give Him vinegar, which was customary at a crucifixion, thereby fulfilling the prophecy which showed that everything was happening according to God’s plan.
Application to us: We must endure hardness, bitter sufferings and seasons (Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:3; James 1:2-4, 12, etc.).
7. “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30).
This means “paid in full.” The sin debt for all was fully satisfied in the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus Christ, the ultimate price was paid to satisfy the claims of the Father’s justice to redeem fallen mankind (Isaiah 53:11). He is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Application to us: Jesus accomplished our salvation single handedly, satisfying the claims of divine justice to redeem fallen mankind. He died to abolish law-keeping for righteousness and so we must “walk by faith and not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:4; Colossians 2:14-19; Hebrews, etc.) Read Romans 3-5; Galatians.
Making Peace with God | It is Finished! | Discipleship | The Gospel Centers Upon Christ’s Blood | Christology | The Gospel: What is It?
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Abiding
Counting the Cost – Following Jesus to the End of Your Life [podcast]
The Cost of Discipleship
“But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24
Those who count the cost refuse to count their own life dear to themselves and this is the only way not to be derailed, to finish our course, enduring to the end.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Revelation 12:11
Those who balk at and ignore that Jesus says you MUST “endure to the end” to be “saved” into eternal glory, simply do not love Him (Matthew 10:22; 24:13, etc.). Jesus is not worth their life. They were worth His life which He gave for them on the cross, yet the Son of God is not worth giving up their own life in this fleeting world. Counterfeits. These are the frauds who hide behind the eternal security sham.
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33
EARTHLY FAMILY DOES NOT COME FIRST – THE LORD DOES
By divine design, there’s an order of priority in the Ten Commandments. Here’s the first of the ten:
And the fifth:
“Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.” Exodus 20:12
Honoring God supersedes even the love we have for our husband/wife.
“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 22:37-39
Jesus knew that if we don’t love Him supremely, we will allow other relationships to interfere and circumvent our relationship with Him.
If we don’t hate those other relationships compared to our love for Him, our decisions will be affected, will be to please them and not Him. When we love the LORD supremely, His will takes precedence, priority over all others.
“If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:26
We must love the LORD so much that our love for others is near to being hate in comparison. If we don’t love God supremely, others will without exception, drag us downward and away from Him.
Of this passage in Luke 14, FB Meyer wrote:
“Our love must be greater than the ties of family affection, Luk_14:26; must be greater than our love for our own way, which must be nailed to the Cross, Luk_14:27; must be greater than our love of possessions and property, Luk_14:33. Christ has done more than any other teacher to cement the relationships of human love, but He always asks that they should be subordinated to the claims of God. Oh, for the love that Paul had! See Php_3:8.”
“What a comfort it is to realize that God counted the cost before He set about the task of redemption, whether of a world or of us as individuals. He knew all that it would cost, and surely He did not begin what He cannot complete!”
In Matthew 10, after speaking of the essential of enduring to the end (v22), Jesus gives warning concerning those things most likely to derail and prohibit our enduring to the end in His will.
“And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:36-37
Of this Adam Clarke wrote:
“He that loveth father or mother more than me – He whom we love the most is he whom we study most to please, and whose will and interests we prefer in all cases. If, in order to please a father or mother who are opposed to vital godliness, we abandon God’s ordinances and followers, we are unworthy of any thing but hell.”
Of Matthew 10:34-42, FB Meyer writes profoundly:
“RECEIVING CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVES
In Jesus Christ we acquire a new affinity, stronger than that of family ties. When we enter into the family of God we belong to all His children. They are our brethren and sisters in the most intimate sense. See Mat_12:48-50. The new love that floods our nature does not make us less but more tender and sympathetic toward our own kith and kin; but if we are compelled to choose, then we must stand with the children of God, though it should rend us from the old happy family life in which we were nurtured.
As to the closing paragraph, may we not illustrate it thus? When the widow who sustained Elijah at Zarephath entered Paradise, she found herself standing amid the great prophets of Israel. When she asked the attendant angel whether there was not some mistake, he replied, ‘Certainly not. In treating the prophet as you did, you proved yourself to be of the same spirit and temper as he; and it is but right that you should share in the prophet’s reward.’”
To those who are entangled with earthly family, namely unbelievers who are not repenting, it would be spiritually beneficial to get free, to cease your dependence on them and to sever the soul ties and cease basing your emotional well-being on them and how they view you and your decisions. Lay the axe to the root as you denounce false obligation to them. “Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Read Matthew 10.
“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole FAMILY in heaven and earth is named,” Ephesians 3:14-15
Jesus Addressed the Excuses
Jesus addresses excuses, diversions concerning obeying Him, asserting our highest priority – the LORD, not family. The point becomes even clearer – that we are to be captive to the LORD, our “first love,” supremely, and not family (Revelation 2:4-5).
“And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father (wait till parents die). 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:59-62
Jesus further establishes that He is to be supreme in our lives and those who are His – not natural familial bonds. The body of Christ, its members, are our eternal family.
“And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Luke 11:27-28
The harshest of biblical truth is the delicacy, the delight of the true disciple of Jesus. He runs to all of it and never from any of it. He embraces the cross, never evading it. He delights in the sword of the Spirit that cuts to the core and carves the image of Christ into his life – into the fabric, the innermost core of who he is in Christ! Christ and Christ alone is his sole identity and he counts not his own life in this world dear unto himself so that he is able to finish his course with great joy – hearing from His Savior the sweetest of all words “Well done, thou good and faithful servant … enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:21; Acts 20:24; Romans 8:29; Galatians 2:20; 6:14; 2 Timothy 2:3).
Militancy is essential in our abiding relationship with Christ (Matthew 11:12). Heartfelt love also.
So many today who claim Christ view salvation as something they did in the past and not a present relationship with Christ on His stated terms (John 15; Titus 1:16).
Jesus commands His very own to “endure unto the end” to be “saved,” and unless one becomes deliberate, absolute, militant, he will not make it “unto the end” with Christ (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 9:43-49; 2 Timothy 2:3, etc.). 
“And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage (a messenger to negotiate peace), and desireth conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:25-33
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:5-7
Striving Lawfully – That is, According to the Rules, the Terms
Denouncing the crippling, corrupting comforts of Laodicea. Grasping for the obedient love of Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-22).
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:3-5
May God bless each of His people to “endure hardness” as good soldiers of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 2:3). Take note that “there is no respect of persons with God” (Romans 2:11). The LORD made His servant Jeremiah obey Him on His terms. God never bends or modifies, bends the rules (2 Timothy 2:5). We must not deceive ourselves and must “strive lawfully” which means according to HIS terms, not our own or any other.
“And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” 2 Timothy 2:5
“Be Not Weary in Well Doing”
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9
SATAN tempting you to give up? Who wins if you do? Where shall you turn? Turning away from God means we are without Him in our life and trials, right? The LORD, who is your Potter, has a plan. He will absolutely bring you through the floods of water and fire! (Isaiah 43:1-2; Jeremiah 18:1-6) After saving us, God has to bring us to an end of ourselves and that happens through “much tribulation” (Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 4; 12:7-12, etc.). Read 2 Corinthians 4. When Jesus had fed the flesh of the multitudes, they turned and walked away from the Savior. But…
“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” John 6:67-68
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