tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62644861589645365802024-03-06T01:47:46.314-05:00Revelations For Life"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (<i>Matthew 11:29</i>)Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-21488920113246265742024-01-01T13:18:00.002-05:002024-01-01T13:18:44.103-05:00Happy New Year - Again!<p>It's been over four years since my last entry in this blog. Much has happened, like the 2-year pandemic of COVID-19 during which time I wrote and published my first children's book. Much is new, like the new and significant relationship that developed. So, 2024 is not just another year, no. I have entered another stage in life. Allow me to share...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRNMNwE1MQaOQsN19zWtTnlp-5sAh6Ri0B0IoTlV1LehoCsLjQb9lht2TPUmh1CQ-P5QJhZeKlVtczLxzkiZzXaeAYT2YDs-eKiih1ntyxFF5axULESMhKjWK7vAMLtiy8wCuU-3soWGMkabTSD4LziR4VQVPhmXAvn9fJOQ-oky64NSGfvlN9QvaGNo/s1280/Happy%20New%20Year%20without%20the%20Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRNMNwE1MQaOQsN19zWtTnlp-5sAh6Ri0B0IoTlV1LehoCsLjQb9lht2TPUmh1CQ-P5QJhZeKlVtczLxzkiZzXaeAYT2YDs-eKiih1ntyxFF5axULESMhKjWK7vAMLtiy8wCuU-3soWGMkabTSD4LziR4VQVPhmXAvn9fJOQ-oky64NSGfvlN9QvaGNo/s320/Happy%20New%20Year%20without%20the%20Year.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Some things have not changed much, if at all. Some of that is beneficial, such as the continuation of distinctive Bible Study via Word is Truth Christian Church, for which I'm grateful. Although the medium for recording Bible study lessons has changed from audio to video, it has not lost its potency. Some of what has not changed lingers. It is not so beneficial. I will keep them personal, at least for now.</p><p>Do I have any resolutions this year? Yes and no. Basically, they're the same as last year, and the year before that, and the year before that. I've learned I'm weak. That is, I'm not so good at keeping promises I've made even to myself. (Hence, no blog entries.) So, no, resolutions don't necessarily cut it for me. </p><p>Can you relate? Saying you'll work on a good habit every day and it only lasts two, three days? Rather, I need to be passionate about it, like riding my mountain bike every chance I get because I love it.</p><p>Fortunately, these past few years have been good for my own education, especially in regard to writing. I'm here now, writing in faithfully in my faithful blog, because someone wrote about not fearing what others may say or not say. I'm here to write for myself. </p><p>Some Revelations for Life lessons I've learned:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I discovered my wounded inner-child and the source for things not going well, especially in regard to relationships, including the primary one between my reparenting adult-self and my dear inner-child, who is hungry and thirsty for authentic compassion.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I love to write, this I knew, but how to be happy and intentional about showing up is key. I'm honored to have met and worked with Milli Thornton of 'Write More Words'. One product of that relationship is my published book, "Who Else Can Love You? Things to Tell Your Child, Inner or Outer." It contains poetic affirmations of things I wish I'd heard as a child from a compassionate parent. I now am in another course she created called "Lucky Learning."</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mindful self-care is essential for me. I'm not always good at it, but it's mostly working out well. I'm trying to be mindful that similar self-care applies in my relationships. I like words such as wholehearted, authentic, vulnerable, safe space, genuine, real, and loving.</li></ul><div>I do have something like a resolution to make, which is to consciously acknowledge and nurture my writing projects, like this blog and the book that will come from it. What's more, I plan to create a new edition to my already published book beyond the formats of hardcover, softcover, audiobook and eBook (Kindle). It will contain more of my own thoughts on inner-children. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a second in a series of books in progress with variations on answers to "Who Else Can Love You?" I also have a children's book in progress that stretches my imagination by varying the writing to match the mood of the immediate content. Lastly, I plan to create a memoir of church experiences versus Bible study lessons, which didn't always agree, with surprising results.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's more Revelations For Life to come. There's so much more to write about. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, in the words of Arnold, "I'll be back!"</div><p></p>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-43175589471795199432019-08-02T11:09:00.002-04:002019-08-02T11:09:36.232-04:00Married to Christ (Part 6 of 7)<b><i>I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 1:4 ESV)</i></b><br />
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For a long time, I certainly didn't "walk in the truth." Not even near it. I didn't know what the truth was, or why I should care. I was occasionally curious enough to extend some sort of effort to find out. But mostly not.<br />
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Was truth even knowable? If so, who was closest to finding out? Scientists? Philosophers? The classical writers? Ancient civilizations? Religious leaders? Seminary scholars? Spiritual gurus? Mom? Dad?<br />
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Maybe truth wasn't knowable, even though it sometimes tugged on me hard enough that I'd slip into its pursuit. Maybe it wasn't even relevant to life. So what if I found truth? What would I do with it? Would anyone believe me?<br />
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Then one day my older brother shipped to boot camp in preparation for his Navy career. I was given a small box of stuff he brought with him, but couldn't keep while there.<br />
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One of its content items was a Bible. Curious, I picked it up and started reading it, randomly. The book of Proverbs was particularly interesting, very interesting. In fact, at times I felt Someone had been watching me over my shoulder, and they knew me better than I knew myself. Where did such wisdom come from?!<br />
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I opened other books within its covers and had two thoughts as I read: 1) this was incredibly profound, and 2) this was incredibly confusing. I'd have to come back to this, but for now I had young adult issues to deal with. Discovering truth was an on/off, fair-weather friend kind of a relationship, even while at church.<br />
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Fast forward to today. I know now God's Spirit, through His common grace, was convincing me that the light I was seeing at the end of proverbial tunnel was real.<br />
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It's been a twisty, challenging, refreshing, gritty, painful, joyful journey coming to know God, and being saved, all the while struggling to make sense of His place in the world. Why did denominations compete? Why were there still apparently conflicting verses in Scripture? And most of all, having turned to many resources to help me understand, why did I believe what I truly believed?<br />
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Was there more truth beyond the salvation of my soul and visible changes in moral behavior? Was worship more than gathering together on a weekly basis? Mostly, could I prove (to myself) from Scripture, not from among man's many interpretations, that God's word made perfect sense?<br />
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It was with such gladness in my heart that I discovered the positive answers to those questions, especially the latter. Then I recognized my salvation, as great as it was, was merely a door. Far more truths, deeper truths, were awaiting me inside its warm walls and cathedral ceilings.<br />
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God's Spirit Himself would guide me into many rooms, and the whole structure would glory in its exquisite details. I stood at the threshold of a gorgeous mansion when I realized I was neither visitor nor guest. I was home.<br />
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My heart rejoices greatly. And now it brings me such joy to hear when others have gone beyond the threshold and into the mansion, walking in the light as He is in the light. Walking as One in the Spirit.<br />
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Thank you for reading.Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-63868408375253182282019-08-02T11:09:00.001-04:002019-08-02T11:09:24.798-04:00Married to Christ (Part 5 of 7)<b><i>Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalms 37:4 ESV)</i></b><br />
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Sometimes, I just delight in Him. I'm not sure how to describe it. It's like my mind and heart are in harmonious contemplation of His words and His thoughts, and they are so soothing, comforting, and encouraging.<br />
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(If you have one, get out your copy of God's word as I leave a trail of Scripture references below. Or use the Internet, such sites as BibleGateway, or smart phone apps, like YouVersion.)<br />
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I could not have imagined the wonderful things He planned for me from before the ages. Things He planned for all who believe in Him in this church age. (1 Corinthians 2:6-7)<br />
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No one could have asked or thought of what He can do. For it is exceedingly abundantly beyond our capacity. Yet, what no heart has imagined God prepared for those who love Him, He has revealed through His Spirit. (Ephesians 3:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:9-10)<br />
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I delight in knowing who I am, Whose I am, why I'm here, what is my purpose. No, I'm not wealthy, nor am I poor. I have a job, but I'm not wildly successful in business. I have some stuff, but nothing luxurious or exquisite. Yet, I'm perfectly content. In all honesty, however, I have yet to completely conquer complaining. (Philippians 4:11-14)<br />
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Most of all, I delight in knowing these are His words and His thoughts. To me, what this world has to offer is ultimately trash compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus.<br />
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What are the desires of my heart? To delight in Him!<br />
(Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 3:7-8; Psalm 37:4)<br />
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What are yours?Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-62037360120198541672019-08-02T11:09:00.000-04:002019-08-02T11:09:10.790-04:00Married to Christ (Part 4 of 7)<b><i>All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. </i></b><br />
<b><i>(2 Corinthians 5:18-19 ESV)</i></b><br />
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I think one of the most amazing grace salvation passages in Scripture is this: in Christ, God is reconciling the world to Himself, NOT counting their trespasses against them (2 Cor 5:19)!<br />
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Along with passages like Romans 8:38-39 (nothing can separate us from the love of Christ), 1 John 2:2 (He is the propitiation for the sins of the world), and Ephesians 2:8-9 (by grace you have been saved through faith...) it contributes to the foundation of our understanding just how permanent and real salvation is.<br />
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There is nothing 'right' for us to accomplish. It's not about working hard at being good enough. It's about trusting Christ did the right thing for us. In salvation, we learn to trust in His obedience to His Father, now our Father. It's about relying on His work as the only work that could ever secure our salvation.<br />
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It's like spreading out your arms on a warm fall day and falling backwards into a hammock where our only response is refreshing gladness and true rest.<br />
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Salvation is by grace. It is a gift from God. It is not of our effort. None of it. No one, therefore, has anything to boast about. Certainly, there are no grounds upon which anyone can stand to judge others. (Ephesians 2:8-9)<br />
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Reconciliation with God is purely on His terms. I've learned the secret to contentment is to accept His terms. Now I make my marriage to Christ my priority. How can I help but love Someone who loves me so much He would sacrifice everything for me, even His life, and then never let me go?<br />
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I'm happily married now, but I've been married and divorced before. I've been in and out of relationships that were supposed to mean something. I had issues, baggage, etc. In fact, I still use "had" lightly.<br />
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Remember the other day when I admitted I made and make mistakes? Only a few were private. I've hurt people, some deeply. I'm so sorry. I've apologized to some, and don't know where to start with others. Reconciliation seems impossible.<br />
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But, God took the initiative toward reconciliation with me, and with you. Could we have imagined having our many mistakes, or even blatant disregard for God, not count against us? How could this be? Isn't it all based on our behavior?<br />
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Thanks be to God we don't have to prequalify! He did the work us. All He asks is that we believe in His solution for our reconciliation; the sacrifice and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, whom He put forth as a propitiation for us and for our salvation.<br />
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<b><i>In Him, there is no condemnation, at all!</i></b>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-61742975757290984912019-08-02T11:06:00.000-04:002019-08-02T11:06:25.354-04:00Married to Christ (Part 3 of 7)<b><i>For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 ESV)</i></b><br />
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I've made <b><i>lots</i></b> of mistakes in life. Hopefully, I make fewer as time goes on. Partially, because I just don't have the interest or ability to try different things as I age. But, mostly because as I walk by the Spirit I do not gratify the desires of the flesh, for these are opposed to each other (Galatians 5:16).<br />
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Thank God for the Spirit He has freely given me to understand even the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-12)! Even though I may wander away from Him, or even push Him away, He is always ready, willing, and able to take me back in His loving arms.<br />
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To turn back to Him takes genuine honesty and sincere humility on my part. But, He is always ready to forgive me and cleanse me from all unrighteousness, so that I may get back into fellowship with him. (1 John 1:9, 1:6-7) And that's a joyful thing!<br />
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There is a unique kind of intimacy with Him that has no worldly equal. Scripture calls it fellowship, but it is not simply sharing a meal or going bowling with the guys.* It transforms the desires of my heart to delight in Him (Psalm 37:4).<br />
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<i>* Careful: neither is confessing the same as getting back into fellowship. Rather, with humility, continue to diligently seek Him.</i><br />
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I can see now why he uses the analogy of an ideal marriage to help us understand the possibility of this relationship (Ephesians 5:31-32). Most of all, I'm so happy to know that nothing will separate me from this love.<br />
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<b>Nothing at all.</b>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-17872212117707659982019-08-02T11:05:00.000-04:002019-08-02T11:05:49.234-04:00Married to Christ (Part 2 of 7)<b><i>Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23 ESV)</i></b><br />
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What does the "<b>profound mystery</b>" in Ephesians 5:32 (see Married to Christ, Part 1 of 7) mean to me? It means my suspicions as a young adult were right.<br />
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God got my attention (off and on) through my circumstances growing up, even into adulthood. Somehow, I just knew, or at least hoped, that He had more to offer believers than what man's religion, traditions, rituals, humanity, and new age (sometimes "spiritual, but not religious") had to offer.<br />
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Getting married to Christ means becoming one with Him, being of one mind and one spirit.<br />
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What does it mean for me to love my Spouse (who is Christ) from a spiritual sense? It means getting to know Him intimately, taking His word for truth, and not trying to fit Him into my reality.<br />
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What is my reward for marrying Him? Everything! Through loving Him, deep in my heart and soul, I found purpose, comfort, contentment, joy, peace, and love.<br />
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So, not only does He reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Not only does He work all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28, [which is not the prosperity gospel]). He and His Son make their home in my heart.<br />
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<b><i>What's not to love?</i></b>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-3713309688097237482019-08-02T10:36:00.000-04:002019-08-02T10:36:38.137-04:00Married to Christ (Part 1 of 7)<b><i>"Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh." This mystery is profound, and <u>I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church</u>. (Ephesians 5:31-32 ESV)</i></b><br />
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Many marriage books, studies, videos, and seminars were built on verses in Ephesians chapter 5 starting with verse 22, "Wives, submit to your own husbands...", verse 25 "Husbands, love your wives..." Etc.<br />
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Then the lessons start, answering questions such as:<br />
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<ul>
<li>What does it mean for wives to submit to their husbands? </li>
<li>How and when should wives be submissive? </li>
<li>How are husbands supposed to love their wives? </li>
<li>What does it mean to give himself up for her, sanctify her, and cleanse her?</li>
<li>How should they argue and resolve differences?</li>
<li>Who has a say, or the final say, in important family and financial matters, such as which church to attend, education for the children, caring for elderly parents, etc.?</li>
</ul>
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Then the analogies start in order to boost the authority of whatever anwers that particular marriage seminar, workshop, or retreat provides. Instructions about marriage become heavenly, godly, and lifted up with phrases like, "as to the Lord," "as Christ is the head of the church," "as the church submits to Christ," and "just as Christ loved the church." Pray for each other. Pray with each other. Share devotionals. Schedule date nights. Cook for the one. Pay the bills for the other. Etc. Perform your spousal roles and occasionally offer to help the other.<br />
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However, these verses in the context of Ephesians 5 are actually relevant for anyone, married or not. How? Simple. The marriage-seminar-minded have it backwards. Christ and the church is not the analogy for a godly marriage. The godly marriage is an analogy for Christ and the church, and being united with Christ is neither dependent on, nor enhanced by, one's marital status.<br />
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Let us not be so focused and concerned about the earthly roles of husbands and wives. Let us not exclude ourselves or others because we or they are not married. Instead, let us turn our attention to the "<b>profound mystery</b>" that Paul was really talking about: Christ and the church. The two shall become one.<br />
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<i>"In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." (John 14:20 ESV)</i><br />
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<i>"I do not ask for these [my disciples here with me now] only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me." (John 17:20-21 ESV)</i><br />
<br />
<i>"There is one body and one Spirit-just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV)</i><br />
<br />
Verse 33 is an incidental "by the way." Of course, for those who are married, let the husbands love their wives, and let the wives respect their husbands.<br />
<br />
But, let neither husbands nor wives, nor any of us, lose focus of what's really important here, which is the marriage that was truly made in heaven, with Christ. For all who believe are His body and made One with Him. Let us apply the marriage seminar advice and tips to Christ and the church.Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-80658699278605268242019-04-06T19:18:00.000-04:002019-08-15T12:38:57.158-04:00Married to Christ (Part 7 of 7)<b><i>The Apostle Paul worked hard ... that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. </i></b><b><i>(Colossians 2:2-3 ESV)</i></b><br />
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<br />
Has my heart been "knit together in love?" Have I reached "all the riches of full assurance of understanding?" How about "the riches of full assurance of the knowledge of God's mystery?"<br />
<br />
Paul and I are referring to my spiritual, Christian marriage to Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." He is the bridegroom. The church, His body, of which I am a part, is the bride. Together, the two have become one.<br />
<br />
<b><i>“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31-32)</i></b><br />
<br />
In today's verses from Colossians 2, we have the word "mystery" again. In Part 1 of this "Married to Christ" series of posts, I quoted from Ephesians 5, which is often used as marriage seminar material. I attempted to show that earthly marriage was merely used as a metaphor for the "profound mystery," which was the real subject. This "profound mystery" is what Paul was emphasizing in this passage, not the earthly marriage.<br />
<br />
I used to believe that the cliche "God moves in mysterious ways" applied whenever the word "mystery" was used in Scripture. I assume whatever was a mystery was unknown and couldn't be known. More often than not, I'd skip over it, or at least tread lightly thinking I was not going to be enlightened to what it really meant. I'd find out in the next life.<br />
<br />
But, after quite a bit of study, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and sound teaching and reasoning from Scripture, I came to understand how the original Greek word translated as "mystery" applied to the profound thought Paul was communicating. It was not known or even hinted previously, but now it is revealed in its entirety. The hidden treasures of full assurance of the knowledge of God was being revealed, and I was missing it. Until now.<br />
<br />
Unlike the genre of movies where certain knowledge is forbidden and remains shrouded, like a passing shadow, its usage here in Scripture describes something previously hidden but now fully revealed. This is special information that God has been saving up. Now He "desires <b><i>all</i></b> people to be saved <b><i>and</i></b> to come to the [full, accurate] knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim 2:4).<br />
<br />
This mystery is unprecedented unity with God the Father and Christ, His Son, and through all of us sharing the same Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
That is why I say I am married to Christ, whose work, not my effort, made this all possible according to the will of the Father. Am I happily married? You bet!Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-10427028719118276922019-01-26T12:00:00.002-05:002019-08-26T15:46:25.592-04:00My Theme for the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"<i>Don't cling to a mistake </i><i><i>just because<br />you spent a lot of time making it.</i>" ~ Unknown</i></div>
<i>
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<b>Guilty! </b><br />
<br />
But no more! Major changes have recently occurred for the better in my life as a result of letting go. Now my mind is set on moving forward.<br />
<br />
To that end, I've adopted a theme to apply to my life at this stage. It's a combination of choosing and committing. You could say it's <i><b>committing to my choices</b></i>, or <b><i>choosing to commit</i></b>.<br />
<br />
The central theme in both is the same:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Commitment!</b><br />
<br />
What does commitment look like for me? It boils down to these four steps:<br />
<br />
1. Define and clarify my priorities, then set goals.<br />
2. Schedule time in my calendar to work on my goals.<br />
3. Eliminate what does not contribute toward my goals.<br />
4. Strengthen the performance of these steps into habit.<br />
<br />
There are a few areas of my life that need refinement based on my priorities. Let this be the year I focus on those things.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>More to come...</i><br />
<br />
<b>Priorities!</b><br />
<br />
<u>Updated 8/26/2019</u> - So, where have I been? Well, blogging wasn't one of my priorities. I've been relocating due to separation from my wife, and I've going over my priorities, which are:<br />
<br />
<b>Priority #1</b> - My relationship with God, especially through the study of His word (2 Tim 2:15).<br />
<br />
<b>Priority #2</b> - Read & write, especially a) toward the goal of getting published, and b) toward the goal of writing something deeply meaningful to me.<br />
<br />
<b>Priority #3</b> - Health & wellness, especially in the development of daily eating and fitness habits.<br />
<br />
Now that I've set my priorities, I will share my progress with these priorities as well as other areas I deem as important, such as volunteer work on behalf of adult survivors of child abuse.Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-70144483465542084272018-10-27T14:04:00.001-04:002018-10-27T14:14:31.879-04:00My Soul Has a Hole as Big as the Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
My soul has a hole as big as the sea.<br />
<br />
People see through it,<br />
and hence don't see me.<br />
<br />
My parents dug the hole,<br />
a few others picked at it, too.<br />
<br />
They hid the fill from me.<br />
I've been looking for it ever since.<br />
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I am flawed because I've been gnawed.<br />
Wanting to be generous, becoming delirious.<br />
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My heart selfishly perverted,<br />
even when I try to do good.<br />
<br />
My mind plays this trick,<br />
making me think that I'm sick.<br />
<br />
I keep trying to jam the square peg<br />
into that round hole in my soul.<br />
<br />
I say to myself it's good enough to be respected and appreciated.<br />
But what I really desire is to be praised and admired.<br />
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I try to tell myself it's not about me,<br />
but after a while cry out, "Why not? Why not me?"<br />
<br />
"Where am I?<br />
Don't I matter?"<br />
<br />
Then, I forget I even have a soul,<br />
and see nothing but the hole.<br />
<br />
I see the hole as big as the sea.<br />
Then I see the sea is vast in me.<br />
<br />
Vast and huge, deep, complex, fluid,<br />
creative, sensual, essential, full of life.<br />
<br />
My soul doesn't have a hole as big as the sea.<br />
The hole as big as the sea is my soul in me.<br />
<br />
<i>(Dedicated to survivors everywhere.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-13759524358938688252018-08-13T15:45:00.000-04:002019-11-15T11:29:02.198-05:00Know The Love of Christ that Surpasses Knowledge (Eph 3:19)Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,<br />
<br />
<b>Do we all realize just how much God loves us?</b><br />
<br />
He loves us so much that, without any condition whatsoever, He held back nothing to get us. After Adam sinned, God knew the only way to reconcile man to Himself was to send His only Son in the likeness of a man to die for us. God's righteousness demanded a perfect sacrifice, and Jesus Christ executed His Father's plan perfectly. He became sin, though He did not sin, so that we could become perfect children of God.<br />
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<b>Now, nothing stands in our way of reconciliation, not even our personal sins.</b><br />
<br />
That's right! Because of what Christ did, God was completely satisfied this requirement was entirely met. Christ completely satisfied the Father in that He died for all sins, and not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And now, the righteousness of Jesus is simply credited to the accounts of all who believe. All who believe are justified in God's eyes in this way, having done nothing but believe in the name, the person, of His only Son.<br />
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<b>Do we realize God did all the work so that His offer could truly come to us as a gift?</b><br />
<br />
There is nothing you have to do to be acceptable to God for salvation. Reconciliation is all based on the condition of your heart in a moment of time. If at any one time in your life you believed and trusted in Jesus for your soul salvation, it was done. You were saved at that moment. Even if you proceeded to screw everything up immediately after, you're still in God's family. If you have never trusted in Jesus for your soul salvation, you can be saved right now by believing and trusting in Jesus Christ in your heart.<br />
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<b>There are no degrees of salvation. None!</b><br />
<br />
Once saved, you cannot become more saved or less saved. Just like when you are born in the flesh, you cannot be more born or less born. You are saved by grace through faith in Christ. More than that, you are in the body of Christ, which is what the church really is. No one can take you from the Father's grasp! Nothing will separate you from the love of Christ! He is your Father for eternal life, and eternal life is all about knowing the Father and His Son.<br />
<br />
<b>Now that we are saved...</b><br />
<br />
Let's take a little time to rest in Christ, and learn from Him. Let us soak in the assurance of salvation and our guaranteed glorious inheritance in the saints. Let Him tell us all the marvelous things He's done for us, to us and in us, to reconcile us to Himself. What wonderful New Creations He has made of us! And now God, who freely gave us His Spirit, let's us fellowship with Him, to discover what He's really about; again, He holds nothing back from letting us come to know the truth and to know Him. He already knows us, and He loves us just the same. Let us grow into the knowledge of the grace and truth that is in Christ and now imputed to us. Let us speak the truth in love so that we all grow into the fullness of Him who loved us from before the ages began.<br />
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<b>When we understand His plan, we'll understand His plan for us. (Romans 12:2)</b><br />
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Love in Christ,<br />
Dwight<br />
<br />
(Various Scripture verses are referenced above, including John 3:16; Ephesians 1:13-14, 18, 2:8-9; 1 John 2:2; Matthew 11:28-30; John 10:28-29; Romans 8:38-39; 1 Corinthians 2:7, 12; Philippians 2:5-8; John 17:3; Romans 8:3-4; Titus 3:4-7; Romans 4:4-5; Romans 5:6,8), Ephesians 4:13, 15-17, 2 Corinthians 5:17 etc.)Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-35138127958062962012018-01-01T10:47:00.000-05:002018-01-01T11:19:01.534-05:00Harmony, Peace, Good - Goals for 2018 and Beyond (Part 1)<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Live in Harmony with One Another.</b></span> </div>
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<b><u>Live in harmony with one another.</u></b> If two singers sing the same notes at the same pitch, it is not harmony. If one sings melody while another sings bass, it is not quite harmony either. But, if each sings notes, even words, unique to themselves while complementary to the other, that is harmony.<br />
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I must sing as I am able, in my voice range and with tonal quality and dynamic volume, using meaningful and thoughtful lyrics that come from my heart.<br />
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Yet, if all the world's a stage, it is not my time to bellow a solo. Alas, the stage is quite populated. Nor am I the Director who decides who else is on the stage. To seek to harmonize, I must listen carefully to other voices as well. Music is the result of collaboration, be it duo, quartet, or orchestra.<br />
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<b><i><u>Live in harmony with one another.</u> Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:16-21)</i></b><br />
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I believe there is a reason Paul included this advice to the Christians and would-be Christians in Rome. It is simply this:<br />
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<b><i>This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)</i></b><br />
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<u><i>Note to the reader:</i></u><br />
<br />
To <b><i>live in harmony with one another</i></b> is just one of my many goals for 2018 and beyond. My other goals include living peaceably with all, and overcoming evil with good, phrases also found in the same passage above. I will write about those goals in later posts.<br />
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My hope and prayer for you are that God draws you to Himself, and then you diligently seek Him. For God so loved the world (John 3:16a), absolutely, and that includes you specifically.<br />
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If this devotional has touched your heart, please do not keep it for yourself. Share it. Leave a comment if you'd like. But most of all, thank God, the Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-60240930552099571602017-12-03T09:34:00.002-05:002017-12-03T09:35:08.014-05:00Salvation 101 (Part 10) - Is Salvation Permanent?<b>Salvation is absolutely permanent. </b><b>If at anytime you were saved, you were absolutely saved from that moment on. Salvation, therefore, is eternally yours.</b><div>
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<b><i><u>I give them eternal life</u>, and they will never perish, and <u>no one will snatch them out of my hand</u>. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and <u>no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand</u>." </i></b><b><i>(John 10:28-29)</i></b></div>
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Who has the Father given to Christ? All who believe in Him.</div>
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As John MacArthur said, "If you could lose your salvation, you would." In fact, nothing in all creation could cause you to lose your salvation. "They will never perish." (from John 10:28)</div>
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<b><i>For I am sure that <u>neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation</u>, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)</i></b></div>
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And finally, what could be better than a guarantee of your salvation from God, the Creator of all things, who designed salvation from before the ages?</div>
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<b><i>And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and <u>given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee</u>. (2 Corinthians 1:21-22)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has <u>given us the Spirit as a guarantee</u>. (2 Corinthians 5:5)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were <u>sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance</u> until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13-14)</i></b></div>
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Remember, salvation is a gift, not of works. It is by grace one is saved, through faith (trusting God instead of yourself for your soul salvation). Works cannot earn salvation, nor can they maintain salvation. Christ did the work, all of it.</div>
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<b><i>For <u>by grace you have been saved through faith</u>. And this is not your own doing; <u>it is the gift of God</u>, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)</i></b></div>
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Once saved always saved? Absolutely! Guaranteed!</div>
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<i>(See previous post on <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/11/whats-become-of-you-in-christ-36-things.html">What's Become of You in Christ?</a>)</i></div>
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Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-1822005081933853812017-12-02T12:54:00.000-05:002017-12-03T08:36:09.481-05:00You Know Me, Yet You Love MeDear Father,<br />
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You know me by name, O God. You know my thoughts. You know my words before they are formed in my mouth. You know the desires of my heart. You know the intents and thoughts deep inside my heart.<br />
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And yet You love me.</div>
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I love You, Lord.</div>
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I want, I desire, and I delight to know Your thoughts and the abundance of Your heart, Father.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Your Son,<br />
Dwight<br />
<br />
<i>(Oct 23, 2012, edited)</i>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-25808992934352986112017-11-26T08:25:00.000-05:002017-12-03T08:27:57.306-05:00I Hate the Sin Nature, I Desire More of GodDear Father,<br />
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I hate the sin nature (even though I'm not a slave to it). Rather, I want to know You more. I want rest in Christ. Father, reveal more of Yourself to me. Give me more of the light and wisdom of Your thoughts and ways in Your word. Grant me courage to always pursue You with all my heart.<br />
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Love,<br />
Dwight<br />
<br />
<i>(Oct. 21, 2012, edited)</i>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-85601655505327806842017-11-20T13:08:00.001-05:002017-11-20T15:08:44.830-05:00What's Become of You In Christ<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>What's Become of You In Christ:</b></div>
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36+ Things at the Moment of Salvation</div>
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<b><i>"The old has passed away; </i></b></div>
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<b><i>behold, the new has come." </i></b></div>
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<b><i>(2 Cor 5:17b)</i></b></div>
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<b>1. A believer is in the Eternal Plan of God, sharing the destiny of the Lord Jesus Christ. As such the believer is:</b><br />
Foreknown: Acts 2:23; Rom. 8:29; 1 Pet. 1:2<br />
Elect: Rom. 8:33; Col. 3:12; 1 Thess. 1:4; Titus 1:1; 1 Peter 1:2<br />
Predestined: Rom. 8:29,30; Eph. 1:5,11<br />
Chosen in Christ: Matt. 22:14; 1 Pet. 2:4<br />
Called: 1 Thess. 5:24<br />
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<b>2. The believer is Reconciled:</b><br />
By God, 2 Cor. 5:18; Col. 1:20<br />
To God, Rom. 5:10; 2 Cor. 5:20; Eph. 2:14f.<br />
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<b>3. The believer is Redeemed:</b><i> (purchased from the slave market of sin)</i><br />
Rom. 3:24; Col. 1:14; 1<br />
Pet. 1:18; Eph. 1:7.<br />
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<b>4. The believer is removed from Condemnation: </b><br />
John 3:18; 5:24; Rom. 8:1.<br />
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<b>5. The believer is under Grace and not under Judgment:</b><i> (doctrine of Propitiation)</i><br />
Rom. 3:24–28; 1 John 2:2.<br />
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<b>6. The believer's sins are judged by the spiritual death of Christ on the Cross: </b><br />
Rom. 4:25; Eph.1:7; 1 Pet. 2:24.<br />
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<b>7. The believer is made dead to the old life and alive unto God. He/she is:</b><br />
Crucified with Christ: Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20<br />
Dead with Christ: Rom. 6:8; Col. 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:24<br />
Buried with Christ: Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12<br />
Risen with Christ: Rom. 6:4; Col. 3:1<br />
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<b>8. The believer is free from the law: </b><br />
Rom. 6:14; 7:4,6; 2 Cor. 3:11; Gal. 3:25.<br />
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<b>9. The believer is adopted:</b><i> (placed as an adult heir in the family of God)</i><br />
Rom. 8:15; 8:23; Eph.1:5.<br />
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<b>10. The believer is justified:</b><i> (declared righteous)</i><br />
Rom. 3:24; 5:1,9; 8:30; 1 Cor. 6:11; Titus 3:7.<br />
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<b>11. The believer is regenerated:</b><i> (born spiritually into the family of God)</i><br />
John 13:10; 1 Cor. 6:11;<br />
Titus 3:5. In regeneration the believers are:<br />
Born Again: John 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:23<br />
Children of God: Gal. 3:26<br />
Sons of God: John 1:12; 2 Cor. 6:18; 1 John 3:2<br />
New Creations: 2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:10<br />
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<b>12. The believer is made acceptable to God: </b><br />
Eph. 1:6; 1 Pet. 2:5.<br />
To make a believer acceptable to Himself, God sees to it that the believer is:<br />
Made righteous: Rom. 3:22; 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9<br />
Positional Sanctification: 1 Cor. 1:30; 6:11<br />
Perfected forever: Heb. 10:14<br />
Made qualified: Col. 1:12<br />
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<b>13. The believer is forgiven all trespasses: </b><br />
Eph. 1:7; 4:32; Col. 1:14; 2:13; 3:13<br />
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<b>14. The believer is made nigh:</b><i> (heavenly citizenship based on Reconciliation)</i><br />
Luke 10:20; Eph.2:13,19; Phil. 3:20<br />
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<b>15. The believer is delivered from the kingdom of Satan: </b><br />
Col. 1:13; 2:15<br />
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<b>16. The believer is transferred into God's Kingdom: </b><br />
Col. 1:13<br />
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<b>17. The believer is placed on a secure foundation: </b><br />
1 Cor. 3:11; 10:4; Eph. 2:20<br />
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<b>18. The believer is a gift from God the Father to the Lord Jesus Christ: </b><br />
John 10:20; 17:2,6,9,11,12,24<br />
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<b>19. The believer is delivered from the power of the Sin Nature: </b><br />
Rom. 2:29; Phil. 3:3; Col. 2:11<br />
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<b>20. The believer is appointed as a priest unto God: </b><br />
1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6<br />
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<b>21. The believer is under the care of God as a chosen generation and a protected people: </b><br />
Titus 2:14; 1 Pet. 2:9<br />
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<b>22. The believer is given access to God: </b><br />
Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:18; Heb. 4:14,16; 10:19,20<br />
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<b>23. The believer is within the much more care of God; as such we are:</b><br />
Objects of His love: Eph. 2:4; 5:2<br />
Objects of His Grace: for salvation, Eph. 2:8,9;<br />
for keeping, Rom. 5:2; 1 Pet. 1:5; for service,<br />
John 17:18; Eph. 4:7; for instruction, Titus 2:12<br />
Objects of His power: Eph. 1:19; Phil. 2:13<br />
Objects of His faithfulness: Phil. 1:6; Heb. 13:5<br />
Objects of His peace: John 14:27<br />
Objects of His consolation: 2 Th. 2:16<br />
Objects of His intercession: Rom. 8:34; 7:25; 9:24<br />
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<b>24. The believer is part of Christ's inheritance:</b><br />
Eph. 1:18<br />
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<b>25. The believer is a beneficiary of the inheritance from God:</b><i> </i><i>(an heir of God and a joint-heir </i><i>with the Lord Jesus Christ)</i><br />
Rom. 8:17; Eph. 1:14; Col. 3:24; Heb. 9:15; 1 Pet. 1:4<br />
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<b>26. The believer has a new position in Christ: </b><br />
Eph. 2:6; Col. 3:4; 1 Cor. 1:9; 3:9; 2 Cor. 3:3,6; 5:20; 6:1,4<br />
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<b>27. The believer is the recipient of eternal life: </b><br />
John 3:15; 10:28; 20:31; 1 John 5:11,12<br />
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<b>28. The believer is a member of the family of God: </b><br />
Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19<br />
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<b>29. The believer is Light in the Lord: </b><br />
Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:4<br />
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<b>30. The believer is united with the Father: </b><br />
1 Thess. 1:1, cf. Eph. 4:6<br />
He is united with Christ: John 14:20, cf. Col. 1:27<br />
A member of His Body: 1 Cor. 12:13<br />
A Branch in the Vine: John 15:5<br />
A Stone in the Building: Eph. 2:21,22<br />
A Sheep in the Flock: Eph. 2:21,22<br />
A part of His Bride: Eph. 5:25-27<br />
A Priest in His Kingdom: 1 Pet. 2:9<br />
He is united with the Holy Spirit Rom. 8:9; 8:29<br />
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<b>31. The believer is the recipient of the ministry of the Holy Spirit:</b><br />
Born of the Spirit: John 3:6<br />
Baptized by the Spirit: 1 Cor. 12:13<br />
Indwelt by the Spirit: John 7:39; Rom. 5:5; 8:9; 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19; Gal. 4:6; 1 John 3:24<br />
Sealed by the Spirit: 2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 4:30<br />
Recipient of Spiritual Gifts: 1 Cor. 12:11; 12:27-31; 13:1,2<br />
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<b>32. The believer is glorified in Christ: </b><br />
Rom. 3:20<br />
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<b>33. The believer is made complete in Christ: </b><br />
Col. 2:10<br />
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<b>34. The believer is the possessor of every spiritual blessing: </b><br />
Eph. 1:3<br />
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<b>35. The believer is the recipient of a human spirit: </b><br />
Rom. 8:16; 1 Cor. 2:12; 2 Cor. 7:13; 1 Thess. 5:23; Eph. 2:5<br />
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<b>36. The believer has access to all Bible truth through the Grace system for Bible understanding</b><br />
<b>and Christian growth: </b><br />
Col. 2 and Eph. 4<br />
A Saint of the new species: 2 Cor. 5:17<br />
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<i>(Credit for this list goes to Lewis Sperry Chafer.)</i>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-90263960498270752322017-11-12T17:32:00.001-05:002017-11-12T17:32:21.513-05:00Salvation 101 (Part 9) - How Does Getting Saved Differ in the Old and New Testament Periods?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span id="docs-internal-guid-cd1dc0e0-b203-aa2c-3373-fea12084922a"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Question:</u></b> </span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How does getting saved differ in the Old and New Testament periods?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTluHtzHL9ddpfciWpSgUIGun6KIa5htc9zyqJHj4A88C4sNXR6WOmU9YwNuqzFZq8zL0EnrkaFoK6s9HggP7ioVFd8p7v5EpB8UcCQZfvO54revV1Q73FBjMqsfphk6vPIZB0o1nSCbI/s1600/Old-Scrolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="960" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTluHtzHL9ddpfciWpSgUIGun6KIa5htc9zyqJHj4A88C4sNXR6WOmU9YwNuqzFZq8zL0EnrkaFoK6s9HggP7ioVFd8p7v5EpB8UcCQZfvO54revV1Q73FBjMqsfphk6vPIZB0o1nSCbI/s320/Old-Scrolls.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Quick Answer:</u></b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How one gets saved does <i><b>not</b></i> differ in <b><i>any</i></b> period. </span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)</b></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u>Longer Answer:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you have read and understood the previous parts of this '<a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/search/label/Salvation%20101">Salvation 101</a>' series, you might be at the point where the Q&A here is obvious. Of course, how one gets saved is the same because it's about trusting God for His gift for the salvation of your soul. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's not about behavior modification, an emotional or physical response, nor any need for additional sacrifices. Salvation can and does only come from God as a gift. It only happens that after Jesus was born that we could know His name. (<i>PS: 'Christ' is His title, not His last name.</i>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">All throughout the Psalms, for instance, King David trusted and exclaimed that salvation only comes from the Lord.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salvation belongs to the LORD; your blessing be on your people! Selah </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Psalms 3:8 ESV)</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. </i></b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>(Psalms 119:81 ESV)</i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>...and many, many more.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In fact, even in the New Testament, we can read about Paul holding up Abraham's salvation as an example to the Jews to clearly show it was 1) apart from the law and 2) due to Abraham's trust in God that the righteousness of God was credited to Abraham.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Romans 3:21 ESV)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Romans 4:3 ESV)</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This 'Scripture say' verse is quoted from...</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Genesis 15:5-6 ESV)</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><u>Final Note:</u></b> There is a tremendous difference between salvation in the church-age and salvation in other times. But <b><i>how</i></b> one gets saved and what it means to <b><i>be</i></b> saved is absolutely the same - by grace through faith, for the righteousness that comes from God. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The difference is in the church itself, by which I mean the body of Christ, not just "a called out assembly." God has done something extraordinary in the church-age, which will the topic of future posts in another series, plus sprinkled messages here and there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-23912921731682627312017-11-11T18:51:00.000-05:002017-11-11T18:52:14.488-05:00And This is Eternal Life...<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Ultimately, God wants, and even longs for, fellowship with us. </b></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Intimate</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Personal</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Deep</span></div>
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<i><b>And this is eternal life, </b></i></div>
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<i><b>that they know you the only true God, </b></i></div>
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<i><b>and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. </b></i></div>
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<i><b>(John 17:3)</b></i></div>
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<b><i>...these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>(1 Corinthians 2:10)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Jesus answered him, "</i></b></div>
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<b><i>If anyone loves me, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>he will keep my word, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and my Father will love him, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and we will come to him </i></b></div>
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<b><i>and make our home with him. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>(John 14:23)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, </i></b></div>
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<b><i>that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>(Ephesians 3:19)</i></b></div>
Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-32041244096860476432017-11-05T09:27:00.000-05:002017-11-05T09:27:14.036-05:00He is In Me (Journal Entry September 25, 2012)<b>In me.</b><div>
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The One and Only Holy Spirit is dwelling <b>in me</b>. Christ, the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world, God's only begotten Son, is <b>in me</b>, as I am in Him. </div>
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If I love Him, which I do, He and the Father, my Brother and my Father, will come and make their home in my heart. I do love Him so. </div>
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But, my flesh is weak; though the tapes are old.</div>
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I cling to my will until I realize it is as vapor in the air. I'm scared, Father. I want to pray, "Help me die to myself and live for You!" But, I fear, as a result, as a means of helping me do just that, all that is comfortable and familiar to me in this world will be stripped away, perhaps violently. </div>
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I'm scared to lose worldly things, Father.</div>
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Because You love me, You will show me, even convince me, Your grace is sufficient. I don't need "things" to know the joy, peace, and love that only can You give. I can safely detach from the lustful idea and shallow desire that material "goods" will ultimately satisfy me. </div>
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I can let go. I can detach. For You are with me. You are <b>in me</b>.</div>
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Then will I fully appreciate Your goodness and Your kindness. You have not given me a Spirit of fear. Rather, You have given me a Spirit of adoption as a son, by which I can cry out, "Abba! Father!"</div>
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The truth is, when I believed in Your Son, Jesus Christ, and trusted Him for my soul's salvation, You gave me a gift beyond compare: Yourself. The very Spirit inside You is now <b>in me</b>.</div>
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<i>Journal Entry Sept 25, 2012</i></div>
Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-11911021428841669682017-11-04T17:52:00.000-04:002017-11-04T19:20:06.597-04:00O God, What Must I Do? (Letters to My Father - May 15, 2012)O, God, let me call out to You in praise and thanksgiving always. Let me continually know joy and peace in my heart that comes from You alone, and know the deep love of Christ that surpasses worldly knowledge.<br />
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Yet, I do not want to be where I am. My financial burden is much greater than I can bear. Help me to trust in You. Help me to know what I must do.<br />
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<br />
<b><i>I know what I must do...</i></b><br />
<br />
Seek Your kingdom and Your righteousness first, love You, and believe in Him who You have sent.<br />
<br />
Amen!<br />
<br />
<i>(May 15, 2012)</i><br />
<br />
<b><i>For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6:32-34)</i></b>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-57050891159507749922017-10-29T16:30:00.003-04:002017-11-01T20:09:00.150-04:00Salvation 101 (Part 8) - What Are the Prerequisites for Salvation?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<b>Me:</b> What must I do <i><b>before</b></i> I can be saved?<br />
<br />
<b><u>God:</u></b> Hear me out.<br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> That's it?<br />
<br />
<b><u>God:</u></b> Yes. Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Salvation is a gift from Me for you to believe and accept by faith. Whoever believes in My Son, Jesus Christ, will have eternal life. But, how are you to believe in Him of whom you have never heard?<br />
<br />
<b><i>So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)</i></b><br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> But, I've done some bad things in my life. Plus, I know I'm not perfect and will likely offend You in the future as well. Don't I have to somehow make up for that first?<br />
<br />
<b><u>God:</u></b> No. Christ died for your sins, all of them: past, present, and future. Your personal sins are not an issue in salvation, nor can your future sins undo the salvation I give by My grace. I am completely satisfied in the work of Christ on your behalf to make you utterly righteous and justified in My eyes.<br />
<br />
<b><i>He [Jesus Christ the righteous] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us [Paul and fellow believers, even today] to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, <u>not counting their trespasses [sins] against them</u>, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. </i></b><b><i>(2 Corinthians 5:18-19)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. </i></b><b><i>(2 Corinthians 5:21)</i></b><br />
<br />
<b>Me:</b> {<i>Later that day...</i>} Awesome! Now I get when and why I was lost and condemned. I could do <u><i>nothing</i></u> about my condition, and <u><i>nothing</i></u> is what I did.<br />
<br />
The "Bad News" is awful. I saw my need for a Savior only You could provide, and provide Him You did. I heard how He did everything You would ever require so I could be reconciled to You. I could rest my weary soul in Him, forever. Amen!<br />
<br />
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<br />
What happened before I was saved? I heard the word of Christ.<br />
<br />
I learned enough about salvation from God's perspective in His word to know there was nothing I could do. I did not need to do my best, or anything for that matter, to become salvation-worthy. I believed in Him whom He sent, and salvation was gifted to me.<br />
<br />
Even if I behaved perfectly, I could do nothing about my sin nature. Salvation had to be on God's terms because anything done from my sin nature was unacceptable. His terms were simple: turn from thinking I could do things my way and instead trust and rely solely on Christ for my soul salvation.<br />
<br />
<b><i> Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)</i></b><br />
<br />
Previously, I had followed plenty of theories about what God required, spoken confidently by religious men in religious buildings, or written by sophisticated theologians. These same stated in so many words of tradition and of their own imaginations that if I was to be saved, it was going to be by the skin of my teeth.<br />
<br />
Or, I'd seek an easier message of grace and love for anyone who said they believed, backed with contemporary music and stylish stages to maximize an emotional response. Yet, these messages lacked knowledge and authority from God, and were simply based on acceptance, tolerance, and acts of compassion.<br />
<br />
Eventually, I finally understood salvation from God's perspective when I was taught exclusively from His word. Only then could I see the contrast in His thoughts and ways versus man's. Only then could I understand just how much love He expressed and power He exerted for our salvation. It was <b><i>all</i></b> Him. I had nothing to offer. Nothing.<br />
<br />
<b><i>as it is written: "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." (Romans 3:10-12)</i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ ~ ~</div>
<br />
I so desire to share with you some of the things I learned about God's perspective of salvation from His word in this blog series, <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/search/label/Salvation%20101">Salvation 101</a>:<br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/02/salvation-101-part-1-saved-saved-from.html" target="_blank">Saved? Saved From What?</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/02/salvation-101-part-2-why-do-i-need-to.html" target="_blank">Why Do I Need to Be Saved?</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/03/salvation-101-part-3-how-can-i-be-saved.html" target="_blank">How Can I Be Saved?</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/06/salvation-101-part-4-what-does-it-mean.html" target="_blank">What Does It Mean to Be Saved?</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/09/salvation-101-part-5-what-does-it-mean.html" target="_blank">What Does It Mean to "Work Out Your Own Salvation?"</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/09/salvation-101-part-6-who-can-be-saved.html" target="_blank">Who Can Be Saved?</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/2017/10/salvation-101-part-7-what-about.html" target="_blank">What About Personal Sins?</a><br />
<br />
<u><i>In summary, hearing the word of Christ is about listening to God's perspective on:</i></u><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>1. Realizing our lost state and seeing our need for a Savior (the Bad News).</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>2. Hearing the Gospel, the provision of a Savior, the Good News of the message of reconciliation.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>3. Accepting the gift of salvation through faith, trusting Christ for the salvation of your soul.</i><br />
<br />
<b><i>More to come...</i></b>Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-27730526147615736352017-10-14T14:11:00.000-04:002017-10-14T14:31:55.821-04:00Salvation 101 (Part 7): What About Personal Sins?What about our personal sins in regard to salvation? <b>Nothing.</b> Nothing at all.<br />
<br />
<i><b>He [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)</b></i><br />
<div>
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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<br />
There is no regard for our personal sins in regard to salvation.<br />
Personal sins do not count against us.<br />
Personal sins are not counted against anyone.<br />
None of our personal sins are counted against us.<br />
<br />
<b>No, not one!</b><br />
<br />
To be saved, don't we have to stop sinning? <b>No!</b><br />
Don't we need to at least <i>promise</i> to stop sinning? <b>No!</b><br />
<br />
<b>Why not?</b><br />
<br />
Because personal sins are <b><i>not</i></b> an issue in salvation. <b>Not at all!</b><br />
<br />
<b>How is this possible?</b><br />
<br />
We know God's perfect righteousness demanded complete justice, and someone had to pay the price of sins. Well, Jesus Christ fulfilled that requirement perfectly, once and for all. It was paid once, and it was paid for all.<br />
<br />
All personal sins that were ever committed or would ever be committed were counted to Christ when He suffered and died on the cross. Christ paid the entire price in full for the sins of the whole world, even for sins that haven't even been committed yet.<br />
<br />
Therefore, <b><i>anyone</i></b> can be truthfully told, "Christ died for your sins," because He did, whether they believe it or not. That is, even if sinners do not believe Christ died for their sins, it's still a fact that He did die for their sins.<br />
<br />
<b><i>However, ...</i></b><br />
<br />
"I knew it! There's a catch." No, not exactly. There's no catch, just a point of clarity. Christ dying for the sins of the world does not automatically result in individual reconciliation with the Father. The sacrifice Christ made completely satisfied the Father's justice and righteous requirements. But, sinners remain lost if they resist the Holy Spirit's testimony that Jesus is the Christ. Individual reconciliation with the Father is a result of belief (trust and reliance) in Jesus Christ as Savior.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Scripture references:</u></b><br />
<br />
How do we know from Scripture (not opinion) that the Father was completely satisfied with the sacrifice Christ made for the payment of the sins of the whole world?<br />
<br />
<i><b>He [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2)</b></i><br />
<br />
What further evidence do we have that this means our personal sins are not being counted against us?<br />
<br />
<i><b>All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, <u>not counting their trespasses against them</u>, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Cor 5:18-19)</b></i><br />
<br />
When or how are we saved and reconciled to the Father? Salvation is as simple as John 3:16. (See other posts in this blog series, Salvation 101.)<br />
<br />
<i><b>"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)</b></i><br />
<br />
How do we know that those who resist the Holy Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ remain lost?<br />
<br />
<b><i>Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18)</i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Final Comments...</b><br />
<br />
The Gospel is not just Good News, but really Great News because of this, because personal sins are not an issue. Christ destroyed that barrier for reconciliation with the Father.<br />
<br />
Salvation, as a result, is simple; simple, but not always easy. It's our sin nature that begs to have a part in being justified. Surely, we must do something to please God whom we've offended. But, righteousness does not come from us or anything we do, it comes from God as a gift. It's what He has accomplished through Christ. We only need accept the work He has done. Believe and be saved.<br />
<br />
<b><i>For <u>by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight</u>, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now <u>the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law</u>, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- <u>the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe</u>. </i></b><br />
<b><i>(Romans 3:20-22a)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are <u>justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus</u>, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, <u>to be received by faith</u>. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. </i></b><br />
<b><i>(Romans 3:22b-26)</i></b><br />
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><i>Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>(Romans 4:4-5)</i></b></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><div>
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. </div>
<div>
(Ephesians 2:8-9)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</i></b></div>
Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-83868998766172473882017-09-19T20:54:00.002-04:002017-09-20T08:28:09.645-04:00Salvation 101 (Part 6) - Who Can Be Saved?<div>
<b>Question: Who can be saved?</b></div>
<div>
<b>Answer: Anyone! Anyone in the whole world.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By this time, I hope it only makes sense, from Scripture, that anyone can be saved. I hope I've demonstrated from God's word, not my imagination, that Jesus Christ has executed all the work required. Salvation is not by works. Salvation cannot be earned. I hope it is also clear from the word of God that no one, no not one, has any advantage for being saved (Romans 3:9-12).<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
I've already addressed many objections and reasons why. Yes, I have a few more questions I'd like to address in future posts for this '<a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/search/label/Salvation%20101">Salvation 101</a>' series. But, the solid foundation has been established; Jesus Christ has completed all the work necessary. It is finished. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>He [Christ] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2 ESV)</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The end result of looking at more of what God's word says about salvation will be an even greater understanding and assurance regarding His message and method of permanent reconciliation. </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>There is no wiggle room. </li>
<li>There is no margin of error. </li>
<li>There are no other sacrifices required.</li>
<li>There is no other name by which we can be saved.</li>
<li>There are only absolutes regarding salvation.</li>
<li>Neither Jews nor Gentiles have any advantage.</li>
<li>There is no distinction among all before salvation.</li>
<li>There are no contradictions about salvation in Scripture.</li>
<li>If the context is not about salvation, don't make it about salvation.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Click here to see all the '<a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/search/label/Salvation%20101">Salvation 101</a>' posts so far. If you're new to this blog, you may also be interested in "<a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/search/label/Why%20Scripture%3F">Why Scripture?</a>" and "<a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/search/label/Scripture%20Q%26A">Scripture Q&A</a>."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Note: In this post, I'm addressing the question "Who can be saved?" Not, "Who will be saved?" While it's true anyone can be saved, not everyone will be saved. Why not? Because there will be those who reject Christ as God's solution to condemnation, which was His judgment after Adam sinned. </i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i>There will be those who will resist the Holy Spirit. (Acts 7:51) That is, no one is incapable of receiving the grace of God as a gift except those who would disqualify themselves by refusing to accept God's gift. To phrase that another way, if one is capable of rejecting Christ, they are also capable of receiving Christ. </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Consider these verses and phrases from God's word to be sure His word says that anyone can be saved (ESV unless otherwise noted):</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that <b><i>whoever believes in him</i></b> may have eternal life. (John 3:14-15)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that <b><i>whoever believes in him</i></b> should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that <b><i>the world might be saved through him</i></b>. (John 3:17)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Whoever believes in him is not condemned</i></b>, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. (John 3:18)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b><i>Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life</i></b>, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. (John 3:36 NIV)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ <b><i>for all who believe. For there is no distinction</i></b>: (Romans 3:21-22)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; whereas <b><i>God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself</i></b>, not imputing their trespasses to them, and putting the word of reconciliation in us. (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<b>So, who can be saved? </b></div>
<div>
<b>Anyone! Anyone in the world.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>That definitely includes you.</b><br />
<b>That definitely includes me.</b></div>
Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-7946402630007506782017-09-09T09:29:00.000-04:002017-11-04T17:53:09.529-04:00How a Misfit Like Me Fits In (Letters to My Father - August 28, 2017)Dear Father,<br />
<br />
This world is both confusing and confused. The complexity of human-generated problems in the world is beyond my comprehension.<br />
<br />
Much of what the world praises doesn't make sense to me anymore. At one time it did because I didn't think much on it. Now, it amazes me how upside-down our priorities can be.<br />
<br />
<b>What am I to do? </b><br />
<br />
Conformity is not my specialty if I don't understand why and agree with the reasons. You've given me so many reasons and validation for believing in You.<br />
<br />
Yet, I've wasted so much time trying to fit in to this world, teetering between feeling like a misfit and trying to conform to the patterns of this world, which are simultaneously particular and peculiar.<br />
<br />
<b>There is no fitting in. </b><br />
<br />
There is no place for me here. I am no longer of the world. Rather, my goal is to stop being conformed to the patterns of this world and be transformed by the renewing of my mind (Romans 12:2*).<br />
<br />
<b>Of course I'm a misfit! </b><br />
<br />
I'm a sojourner in this world. But, my sojourn is not a vacation where I lie in a hammock in the tropical sun sipping piña coladas to my heart's desire. It's more like a tour of duty overseas where I risk getting my heart ripped out.<br />
<br />
<b>Am I giving up? Not at all!</b><br />
<br />
Quite the opposite, in fact. I consider Your rewards in Christ, Father, for example, there's joy, peace, love, and freedom - and all for eternity, versus the temporary satisfaction and pleasures of the world.<br />
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At the very least, there's striving to reduce the painful experiences of poverty, ill health, suffering, and loss. There's a time for everything under the sun, including fun and pain. Yet, all is vanity and striving after the wind if I simply try to fit it all in before I die.<br />
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<b>I'd rather take at least some time to store up treasure in heaven...</b><br />
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I'd rather search Your word for the unsearchable riches that are in Christ (Eph 3:8). I'd rather know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge and filled with Your fullness (Eph 3:19). I'd rather learn from You who can do exceedingly abundantly more than I can ask or think (Eph 3:20).**<br />
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I'd rather discover Your secret and hidden wisdom that was destined for my glory before time began (1 Cor 2:6-10).***<br />
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<b>What a perfect fit!</b><br />
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Love,<br />
Dwight<br />
<i>Aug 28, 2017</i><br />
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<b><i>* </i></b><b><i><u>Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind</u>, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. </i></b><b><i>(Romans 12:2 ESV)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>** </i></b><b><i>To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles <u>the unsearchable riches of Christ</u>, </i></b><b><i>(Ephesians 3:8)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>and to <u>know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge</u>, that you may be <u>filled with all the fullness of God</u>. </i></b><b><i>(Ephesians 3:19)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Now to him who <u>is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think</u>, according to the power at work within us, </i></b><b><i>(Ephesians 3:20)</i></b><br />
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<b><i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3&version=ESV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3&version=ESV</a> </i></b><br />
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<b><i>*** </i></b><b><i>Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But <u>we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory</u>. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, "What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him"-- these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. (1 Cor 2:6-10 ESV)</i></b></div>
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Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6264486158964536580.post-74838758549756830222017-09-04T20:02:00.001-04:002017-10-29T12:29:18.166-04:00Salvation 101 (Part 5) - What Does It Mean to "Work Out Your Own Salvation?"<br />
Salvation, all of it, is by grace. None of it, is by works. It is a gift of God.<br />
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This phrase, "work out your salvation," comes from Philippians 2:12 which reads...<br />
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<i><b>Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, <u>work out your own salvation</u> with fear and trembling, (Philippians 2:12 ESV)</b></i><br />
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Work out our salvation? It's not done? Fear and trembling? Fear of what? Condemnation? Fear of bringing up this verse because it doesn't seem to fit a salvation that is by grace?<br />
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<b>Yikes!</b><br />
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Salvation by works? It can't be!<br />
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Salvation is a gift of God. Isn't it?<br />
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Salvation is not of works. Is it?<br />
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Yet, here is Scripture that seems to indicate works are involved, heavily involved, with fear and trembling no less. So, how do we resolve this phrase with a salvation that is by grace? Does this mean salvation requires at least some personal effort? Is grace conditional based on something I perform? Are we supposed to work for a gift? Is it initially given by grace as a gift, but then somehow maintained by works?<br />
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<b>By no means!</b><br />
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This verse does not contradict with my opening assertion and previous lessons. It was the intent of this <a href="http://www.revelationsforlife.com/search/label/Salvation%20101">Salvation 101</a> series to show that, according to Scripture, salvation is indeed by grace, completely. In fact, grace and works cannot co-exist. Work earns wages, which cannot be counted as a gift.<br />
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<b><i>Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness. (Romans 4:4-5 ESV)</i></b></div>
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Salvation is a gift of God, plain and simple, it is not of works (Eph 2:8-9). Jesus Christ already completed the work when He pronounced, "It is finished." (John 19:30) What began in the Spirit by hearing with faith cannot be perfected by the flesh (Gal 3:2-3).<br />
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So, why does Paul tell us to work out our salvation here?<br />
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What can this possibly mean?</div>
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Paul is communicating about having the proper attitude as a Christian in this chapter to the Philippians. An attitude doesn't get one saved, it gets changed and matures over time. Salvation is not even the subject, sanctification is.<br />
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That is, the subject is growing up in Christ. Now that you are saved, which does not require works, the goal is to grow up in Christ, which does require works: show up teachable to God's word.<br />
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<u>First comes salvation by grace...</u><br />
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<b><i>For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)</i></b><br />
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<u>Then we learn why we were saved...</u><br />
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<b><i>For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)</i></b><br />
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If you don't work, or you work on the wrong things, you're still saved.<br />
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That doesn't change.<br />
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<b><i>If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:14-15 ESV)</i></b></div>
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But, there is treasure far beyond comparison to anything in this world in knowing Christ Jesus and the One who sent Him. That doesn't just happen at salvation. You need to grow into it. Just because you were born in the flesh doesn't automatically mean you'll mature as an adult. It takes effort.<br />
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In the same way, just because you were born of the Spirit doesn't automatically mean you'll mature to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ (Eph 4:11-14). This is all about walking in the Spirit once you have the Spirit in you. And if you have the Spirit in you, you also have Christ and the Father in you.<br />
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Think of it this way. Salvation bought you a permanent membership at the fitness center. Use it! You won't lose your membership if you don't. But, you will miss out on the unimaginable benefits of regularly getting a cardio and muscular good workout.</div>
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We'll address the topic of sanctification another time, perhaps <u>Sanctification 101</u>. There's much to be said about this process, this spiritual journey. Most of what Paul wrote in the NT is about growing in grace: leaning forward in the chair, as it were, to focus more intently on the Instructor's voice, while eliminating the unproductive behaviors of the flesh that only grieve the Spirit.<br />
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For now, let's just know that when we're saved by grace, we're completely saved by the One who did all the work on our behalf. There is no other sacrifice required. Even if there were, there would be none qualified to do it. Only Christ could execute the Father's plan. The work of Jesus Christ completely satisfied the requirements of reconciliation with the Father, not only for us, but for the whole world, so that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have everlasting life.<br />
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<b><i>This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-12 ESV)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2 ESV)</i></b><br />
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<b><i>All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20 ESV)</i></b></div>
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<b><u>Amen!</u></b> <i>And...</i><br />
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<b><i>Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25 ESV)</i></b></div>
Dwighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05718480509481117745noreply@blogger.com2