Something to Think About

Romans 5:17-19  - (...For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.

This “one man’s” offense was the act of disobedience displayed in the garden of Eden. True, Eve was the initial perpetrator, but Adam followed her lead for some reason. He knew the rules. He walked with God and had daily communication with Him. God gave Adam the command and Adam passed the information down to Eve. It’s only speculation at this point but perhaps Eve misunderstood. But the fact that Adam didn’t stop her puts him in the position of blame.

So we live in a sin-sick world today because of these actions of disobedience. They chose to disobey, as do many today. Are any of us perfect? No. Even if we have called on the name of the Lord to be saved, we fail daily. We continue in our sins...yet we are also being perfected. That will continue till we die or the Lord returns.

Sin entered the world, and along with it all the illnesses, diseases, anger, hatred, disputes, through one man. Only one Man can change that. It’s why it is important we know this Man, Jesus. It’s why we must call on the name of the Lord to be saved. It’s why He has told us:

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:3,7,16)

Jesus’ free gift of grace is offered to all. It produces righteousness, not deserved by any, but offered. It is a gift! It must be received. It is not just a given that because we call ourselves Christians (because we are not Jewish or Muslim or Buddhist) one is saved. It is not determined by one’s denomination or how long we have attended church. Jesus was not about a denomination. This salvation is for anyone when one confesses that Jesus is Lord. Then comes the act of baptism, to show that one means business!

We’re talking about life here, eternal life in heaven or hell. The soul lives on after death in one place or the other. It will either be glorious or pure agony...eternally. Life does not just end when death comes. The soul lives on. 

We are living in trying times. While the events of today may pass, they may appear again. Many believe, as do I, that we live in the last days. I heard a message (many actually) which stated these days are like birth pains. They start out small and increase in intensity, like when child is born. There are always reprieves. But after a reprieve the next pain becomes more intense. While we might see a reprieve in this Covid19 crisis, more things may occur and intensify. What if...this does happen? We might get upset with government, even see conspiracy theories, but the main thing is to see how this all fits into God's eternal plan and what His Word tells us these days will be like. I'm seeing things I never thought I'd see. I can be anxious for a moment, but ultimately the peace of God comes again and I thank Him that I see what His Word has told us these days would be like. 

This is the time to seek God for His protection. It’s time to be serious about Him. It’s time to understand what His Word says about these days we live in and recognize the prophetic words spoken thousands of years ago of Jesus’ birth, His death, His resurrection, His ability to save spiritual lives, that death is not a thing to fear, unless one is without Christ.

The things of this world truly have no importance: only one thing is important...a life in Christ. Food, alcohol, entertainment, parties, sports or drugs are all distractions to keep us from focusing on God. It’s only a matter of (short) time before Jesus will put an end to all the nonsense. Those whose focus is not on earthly things but have kept their eyes on Him will reap the benefits. Not so much for others. We all have to make the decision or choice for Christ.....

Maybe I seem like a fanatic or am considered to not know anything about anything, but what if I’m right? Why would God have written such an amazing Book? Why has it not been done away with and not been destroyed? Why does God’s Word continue if it is all a lie? His Word, He says, will not return to Him void but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which He sent it. That's about truth, sin, salvation...and end of time. Something to think about. 

Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9  - But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)... For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

One Sacrifice for Another

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God...

Got to thinking early this morning about Adam and Eve. As you know, they were the cause of all the sin in this world that has entered mankind at birth. Are they in heaven, I wondered? It wouldn’t seem right for them not to be but they were, after all, the cause of mankind’s sin!

I googled the question. And immediately was taken to one scripture that solidified the fact they were! And from that scripture others popped into my head. Even as far back as Adam and Eve there was a type of Christ and His forgiveness evident.

Adam and Eve committed the first act of sin and immediately hid from God and were ashamed of their nakedness. And what did God do? He brought about the first blood sacrifice. Also for Adam and his wife the LORD God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:21) As early as Genesis 3!

And life as we know it began. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24)

Adam and Eve accepted the offer of clothing from God which was the first blood sacrifice. God sacrificed the animal. Animals were sacrificed throughout the Old Testament (a type of Christ). Their blood was spilled out.

For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)

Blood during that time was not allowed to be eaten.

Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life; you may not eat the life with the meat. You shall not eat it; you shall pour it on the earth like water. (Deuteronomy 12:23-24)

Life is in the blood. God sacrificed His own Son. His sacrifice; His blood, poured out that we might have life if we humble ourselves before Him.

This is nothing new. As for me I was glad I looked into it. I never tire of hearing about these types of Christ in the Old Testament. I always look forward to rereading the accounts in the early part of the Bible, to look for Jesus in the pages. Right from the start God made a way for mankind to be saved. The Old Testament believers in God had only their faith. They never saw their Redeemer. Hebrews 11 in the New Testament shows that by listing the faith that so many people had; it shows us that our faith must be just as strong. Faith in something we do not see, knowing that one day (maybe sooner than we know) Jesus will return...for those only who have put this faith in Him. That’s why it is so important to know this God. We cannot have faith in anyone or anything else. BUT GOD...

As did Adam and Eve, so must we have faith. We are to humbly go before God and realize our shame and receive the sacrifice of Jesus’ work (not our works) on the cross...be covered by His blood, become clothed by Him in His righteousness.

When we go to Christ and ask for forgiveness of our sins, and we all have them, He will know the intent of our heart and He will either forgive us or He will not. God looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any who understand, who seek God. (Psalm 53:2)

For by GRACE you have been saved THROUGH FAITH, and that not of yourselves; it is the GIFT of God, not of WORKS, lest anyone should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT SEEN. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. (Hebrews 11:1-2)

As Adam and Eve were covered, by God, so He offers the same for us through Jesus. This is a serious thing. It isn’t done your way but His. It’s not about a prayer once said (or repeated many times) because the prayer without a heart change doesn’t count. It’s a change of heart and life. If Jesus is not important every day, that heart has not changed.

Just as God told Adam and Eve not to eat of a particular tree in the garden, He now offers us the Tree of Life:

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)

It’s all about Him. From Genesis to Revelation. The Alpha and Omega. We sacrifice our old lives (become overcomers) for the new one Jesus gives. One sacrifice for another.

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. (John 19:34) 

This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth. (1John 5:6)  

Isaiah 61:10 - I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness...

From Before the Beginning

Revelation 21:6 - And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts."

These words never fail to excite me or cause me to become emotional. It's like I can't breathe. 

The First and the Last, Beginning and the End, Alpha and Omega. All encompassing. God has created all things and provides life; He knows the number of our days also. He knew before the beginning of time when we would be born physically. He knew before the beginning of time He would come to earth as a man to offer us the free gift of eternal life because man would royally mess up the perfect life they had in total communion with Him in the garden. He knew before the beginning of time there would have to be an end. And He is working out His plan. He is the Way, Truth and the Life. He is the only way to heaven.

Just imagine, walking and talking with God...the God of the universe...the First, the Beginning and the Alpha. What a privilege for Adam and Eve. 

He also knew sin and disobedience would enter and what the outcome would be. He knew we would all  fall out of His grace. But He knew, again, that He would offer us a way to return, by grace through faith, not works, in His Son Jesus Christ...who was in the beginning, is now and who will return some day soon. The Beginning...and the End.

He is also the Supreme and ultimate Judge and in the end, for some, there will be an end that does not involve eternal life. 

Jesus made this claim numerous times: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last..." (Revelation 1:11)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Revelation 22:13)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

...who is to come. He was in the beginning. He will be in the end. Every part of His existence from Old Testament to New was that we might be saved, that we might see Him and believe, obey. My mind cannot fathom the Alpha and Omega. 

In the beginning, God...said...and it was...good...for a time. From before the beginning God knew He would have to bring what was supposed to be good, until man botched up perfection, to an end.

Then these words come to mind that so describe an ending: 

In the beginning God created...and it was good. Amen. Done. So be it. 

At His crucifixion Jesus said "It is finished." He gave His life as THE way to overcome sin, temptation and death. He gave us Himself. It is a done deal for those who call on Him, who follow Him. 

Then in a prophetic moment in Revelation, after a time of His judgment upon those who have rejected Him, Jesus will say: ...“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts."

Even in the Old Testament He made this claim:

"Listen to Me, O Jacob, and Israel, My called: I am He, I am the First, I am also the Last. (Isaiah 48:12)

“Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God.'" (Isaiah 44:6)

Do you believe this? Can you wrap your head around the truth that Jesus was, is and is to come? That He is the only way, truth and life? That heaven is only for those who admit they are sinful beings in need of a Savior? Do you hunger and thirst for something only to find when you think you've found it you are not satisfied? In the beginning God...knew you, knew your needs, knew your sins, even knew whether you would seek Him or reject Him. If you do not walk closely with God you do not know Him. You can receive Him and live or put Him out of your mind and...hard word...perish. 

Only Jesus can take your sins away. You cannot do it yourself. His blood washes you of all unrighteousness. His blood cleanses. He will wrap you in a white robe of righteousness. Without Him we are nothing. He has done it to innumerable people. Be counted among them. Receive Christ. You needn't be an addict or hardened criminal. You may believe you are right with God because you go to church. If you have not received Chist and can't say you know you have changed, you may still need to give your life to Him. 

Isaiah 55:1-3 - “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you...”

Just Like in Noah's Day

Genesis 7:1 - Then the LORD said to Noah, "Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation." 

We are familiar with the story of Noah and the ark. We have known it since childhood. But how many believe it? Was it just a story? I believe it because the Bible "told me so." I also believe that history repeats itself...nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). 

If you remember the Noah story, you know that the reason for the ark was to save the lives of Noah, his family and anyone else who wished to be saved from a flood that was to occur. Of course, no flood had ever happened before, so Noah pretty much had to have faith in God alone and in that which was not seen. (Hebrews 11) So we are to believe also.

The world had turned corrupt (Genesis 6:11) Man had turned wicked and every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil. God was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart (Genesis 6:5-6). So He decided to destroy all living things, except those that would enter into the ark He asked Noah to build. He chose Noah because of his righteousness, his trust and devotion to God.

If history repeats itself, could it be this might happen again? I so totally believe this because I've read the Bible and I know how the end of the story will take place! God may not ask another earthly man to build yet another, greater ark, but I know a Man who became the ark. His name is Jesus.

After the flood, life began again...and again it became corrupt and evil, as evidenced throughout His Word. This time God sent His only Son to be born to become that ark in which all mankind would be allowed to enter into, into a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ. Enter into Christ and be saved. Repent, admit your sin and weaknesses and enter into a life of righteousness, like Noah, and no longer have fear of what the evil in this world dishes out. 

Trust in the one true God. Commit your ways to Him. Share the Gospel and do it without being ashamed. Let your light shine in the world. Listen for the prompting of His Holy Spirit. This is all available for anyone who is willing to submit to the Lord. Our religion can't save us. Our goodness can't save us. But Jesus can. He is the Way, Truth and Life (the Door...to the ark). No one goes to the Father but by Him (John 14:6).

I know this hard for some to believe. But read Genesis 6 and 7 for yourself. It's an easy read! See what happened to the people who did not choose to enter into the ark. Jesus saves! Enter in. If you've balked all your life, it's not too late. He will not reject a heart willing to seek Him now. Just as Noah walked with God, so can we all...through Jesus Christ.

Hallelujah! Do you trust God and believe with all your heart? This is for you:

Romans‬ ‭10:8-11‬ ‭- But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

In That Day...It Shall Come to Pass

Isaiah 10:12 - Therefore it shall come to pass, when the LORD has performed all His work...

So many prophecies, so many truths, so many promises. Just in a couple chapters of Isaiah (10-11) we are told just what will happen in that day. What day? When God reveals His glory to the world. When all His work is finally performed. When He is about to reign in righteousness for all to see. When vengeance is His. When the righteous will be avenged. When arrogance will be punished. When remnant believers will be returned to the LORD to live finally in peace and reign with Him on earth. When burdens will be removed. When all the earth will praise the LORD and call upon His name. 

Those who remain faithful to God will undergo troubles in this world for their testimonies and belief in Him. They will be persecuted for their beliefs. Those who believe what the Word says and take it to heart. Look at the long line of martyrs for the Word of God. Those killed for calling themselves Christians in non-Christian countries, and maybe even here some day. Look at those who have been scoffed, thrown into prison, killed. Hmmm, didn't Jesus go through that? Didn't He say that would happen? Remember the word that I said to you ... If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. ... (‭‭John‬ ‭15:20‬)

Those who remain faithful to the end will receive the prize, scripture tells us. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (‭‭2Timothy‬ ‭4:7-8‬)  I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians‬ ‭3:14‬)

Believe me, there is only one way to life in this world. It is through Jesus Christ. No one else. No good works without Him first. One way, truth and life. A church, denomination, pastor or priest, family member (including Jesus' mother), or anyone given special status by earthly men. One way, as Jesus Himself has said. And it's never too late to learn of and accept the truth. 

Just before these verses in Isaiah, there is the greatest of all truths: that For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. (Isaiah 5:25, 9:12,17,21, 10:4, to name a few)  This means there's still time. Still time to know the Lord, admit our weaknesses. Still time to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Still time to set aside arrogance and pride in believing we can go it alone without Jesus. Still time to realize believing our own goodness, which we do not have, will secure our salvation without relying on God's grace. 

Still time! Because as God says, has prophesied, has promised: In that day...it shall come to pass. It will come to pass! Today is a good day to present yourself humbly before the Lord, ask for forgiveness for all unrighteousness. He says come, by faith, not seeing, and If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1John‬ ‭1:9‬)

John‬ ‭14:6‬ ‭- Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

No Sin?

1John 1:8-10 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

There is always a way out. God gives us a way out of the sin nature we have. The Bible has shown in so many numerous ways all our faults. The Word of God reveals them. If we don't know what they are, how can we confess them?

Maybe we don't want to know, don't want to confess our sins. Some like them, as we see in general in the world. But what about me...or you? Do we recognize our sins? Do we take the time to confess them? Who do we confess them to? 

We need not go anywhere to confess. It's why Jesus Christ came down from heaven to live among sinful man, so that if we would believe, trust and confess Him...then confess our sins to Him...knowing He would forgive us of them, He would do just that.

So once we have confessed Christ, we can confess our sins regularly to Him. This can be done from our own home. It can be done immediately when we recognize our sin...in a car, at a baseball game, at work, on the golf course, when a word is spoken that should not have. You get the idea. God knows...

Jesus would like us all to come to Him, let Him save us before the unthinkable happens, death without Christ. Only He can cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Without Him we are in sin. Sin is a sin is a sin. This is His truth.

A decision for Christ is a choice. We are all sinners. We all need Jesus. If we confess Him as our Savior and confess to Him we are sinners and be mindful of confessing sin daily, we are...cleansed of all unrighteousness.   

Romans 3:10-12 - As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; they have together become unprofitable; there is none who does good, no, not one.”

I Am Rich

Revelation 3:17-19 - Because you say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

This is a very hard word from Jesus. From Jesus! If we claim to know Him, love Him, obey Him, but believe what He first says above, we are not of God. 

When the things we have, the money we have accumulated, the things we endlessly want more than need, become prominent in our lives, we do not know what being truly rich is. If we are self-sufficient, I need of nothing else, we lie to ourselves.

Jesus doesn't talk about material wealth. His whole point is spiritual wealth, health and blessings (happiness that only comes from Him). We might be blessed with material things but are they as important to us than He is? He is the pure gold, He offers us the opportunity to be clothed in white robes...of righteousness!

Jesus says those who do not fully know HIM are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked...because they do not have Him. He is not First and Last in those lives. He gives so much more than what the world offers. What He gives does not rust or crumble or get burned in fire. What He gives is like refined gold. And He offers it for free just by knowing most intimately Himself. We do not have to work for it, like we do through a livelihood. It's a gift! All we have to do is receive that gift into our hearts and lives. Jesus opens blind eyes, causes deaf to hear and He heals us spiritually. We are able to taste and see that He is good. He is our all in all. And when we recognize this we become thankful for what He has given us. We also, through this recognition, become obedient to Him because our faith has become stronger that He will supply all our needs.

We can have more of the world's riches than we know what to do with but have absolutely nothing in God's kingdom. We may think we've succeeded, we have it all in our lives, have climbed that ladder, but without God we are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. We can give till we're blue in the face but without God first in our lives it means nothing eternally. 

It's true what they say about not being able to "take anything with you" when we die. We do come naked into this world and we will leave the same way. From cradle to grave, God is in control. If we meet Jesus along our life's journey and take Him as our Savior, we will feel rich even with nothing. If we recognize Him and go with His flow we are in good hands. If we choose our own direction we will have lost everything upon death. 

There's a hymn most people know, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. The refrain goes like this:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

Jesus loves us. As a parent loves and disciplines a child, so does He. It may hurt, like sometimes the truth of His Word hurts, but the discipline is for our good. There was a time I paid no attention to the things of God. They weren't even the slightest thought. But when He began piercing my heart, soul and conscience, I couldn't just push Him aside. I fought Him 
at first. Sometimes that's what we do. But He is persistent. And one day He totally caught my attention and I couldn't walk away. 

Then, we must die in order to live. Jesus did. He is our example. We die to our own beliefs about life, societal matters, right and wrong. Am I perfect? No. He continues to discipline and it's for our own good. But He has been showing me more and more that it is not about all the things we have but who He is. I'm not done. And He's still at work. How I will praise Him for that! 

Philippians‬ ‭3:7-9 - But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which
 is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith...

The Only Requirement for Salvation

Galatians 3:5 - Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

I have been bombarded by this works thing. Scripture after scripture tells us we cannot work for our salvation. I heard that faith is mentioned about 200 times in just the New Testament as the only condition required for salvation. We cannot work or buy our way, or others', to heaven. Salvation comes in believing and having faith in Jesus Christ. It's an individual, personal choice. Only in Jesus, the only way, truth and life. And that comes first by hearing.

No amount of sacrificing, keeping the Commandments, being active in a church or baptized (as a baby), without first the faith after hearing the Gospel, will save us. We can never be good enough for God's holiness. That is why we need His perfect Son as our Savior. Listen to what Jesus said: This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent. (John‬ ‭6:29)

Also in this chapter of Galatians the Apostle Paul cites Abraham, who by faith ...obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country... (Hebrews 11:8-9)  There are many people of faith listed in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews...Abel, Noah, Sarah, Moses, David, Samson, just to name some of the more recognizable individuals. They trusted God. They weren't all perfect people, but they had faith that God would do, supply, encourage, save.

Look at salvation this way, God calls us to go out to a place He has chosen for us. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope ‭‭(Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11). We know in part but not know fully where we will go. We do know the ultimate end is heaven if we heed His call but we can only trust God in our earthly journey. We do know this, that we will suffer, maybe persecution, rejection or death for our faith, but God also tells us that these trials produce perseverance (Romans 5:3) and if we endure to the end, the end will be glorious. Jesus died for us, after all. He knew suffering and He is able to strengthen us while we are in the midst of it.

So why faith and not works? Because it so totally glorifies God. If we could do anything for Him doesn't that put us right up there as trying to be like God?? Not good. He is glorified in how He changes us, not what we think we can accomplish which puts the glory on us. That's not good either. We must trust in Jesus' death to save us. We must give of ourselves to Him, admit our own shortcomings...no, make that sins...and rely on what He did for us, trust Him. Have this faith in One we do not see but have heard about. It has nothing...nada, zero, zip...to do with anything we think we are capable of doing.

Works play an important part once we have received Christ. We are told faith without works is dead (James 2:17). But faith comes first. So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans‬ ‭10:17‬). Almost everyone has heard the Gospel. If anyone has read any of these blogs, they have heard the Gospel. If one has responded, they've done so in faith. If not...they may not have that faith or they may believe their works will save them, or they just don't care. We cannot do enough good in this world (because no one is good enough...not one person. Romans 3:10)

The opening scripture says that the Spirit of God is what gives us faith...which comes by hearing and this Spirit does the work in us to have faith. We must receive Christ without works but in pure trust and faith that what He says, what He represents and believing that He alone died for our salvation.

Everyone knows that good works are, well, good. If our works come before Christ, they do little to please God, but do a lot to please man, to give man credit. But faith in God followed by works, doing for the Lord after receiving Him, is pleasing in His sight. It glorifies Him. How? Because we have been saved by faith in Him, not by the works which are as filthy rags to God. Here we have a truth about our goodness and our attempt at good works...a two-for-one truth! But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags...(Isaiah‬ ‭64:6‬) Hey, this isn't me...this is God! 

People, to truly know God we must let go of our preconceived, worldly ideas of what God wants, what He looks for. He comes to us in our fallen state out of a pure love for the sick sinner. He wants to change us that we might be righteous through His Son. It's the only way. He's the only Way. We cannot attain righteousness on our own. We need a Savior and His name is Jesus. Call on Him and He will make you whole. He will clean up your act. He promises eternal life only if you choose Him, by faith, by hearing His word, acting on it and submitting (in a perfectly good way) to Him. 

Romans‬ ‭1:16-17‬ - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith."

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Imputed Righteousness

Philippians 3:7-9 - But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith...

Imputed righteousness. We had a great discussion at church last night on this issue. Imputed is defined as: any action or word or thing as reckoned to a person. Therefore, the righteousness of Christ is imputed to them that believe in him, or so attributed to them as to be considered their own.

So basically, I can consider myself righteous. I have received Christ as my Savior. I have been reconciled to God. I have responded to God's prompting to come to Him, repent of my sins, trust in Him, follow Him, learn of Him, share Him with others (be a disciple). 

“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2Corinthians 5:14-15,17)

A new person! The sins of my past, all of them, are forgiven. Oh, don't I know I needed to be forgiven! Those sins are not part of my life anymore. I know better. I feel conviction thinking of them, although I don't go there much anymore. I'm a new person! And because I am a new person, as 2Corinthians continues, I have become, as anyone would, an ambassador for Christ, as though God were pleading through us... So it is my/our job, as it were, to implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2Corinthians 5:20-21)

The righteousness of God comes to each person who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ. Forget about religion. Focus on a relationship with Christ. We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are freely justified by His grace through the Lord Jesus Christ alone not by anything we think we have done or what any religion says we must do, apart from what the Bible says...that is, the receiving of Christ as Lord and Savior...being reconciled to God...being born again. Galatians 2:16 - ...knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law [what man tells us] but by faith in Jesus Christ...for by the works of the law [what man tells us] no flesh shall be justified.

Righteousness is imputed to us through Christ. We cannot boast of this in our own abilities/works, but boast in His righteousness given to us. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Galatians 6:14)

Before anyone thinks this is arrogant, it is imputed to anyone who chooses to believe and follow Jesus Christ. Choose being the important word here. These statements are all biblical. They come from God. 2Corinthians 5:21 - For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

God's Word speaks for itself. If you have come into relationship with Jesus Christ, you have received this righteousness. If you aren't sure, maybe you haven't heard His call or have not recognized it as God or are rejecting it. If you have felt His nudge, feel He's trying to reach you, I would not hesitate another day. It is an honor and privilege to be called by the God of this universe. He desires you as His child. If you are rejecting it, I'd think about not doing that. 

The world holds nothing of greater value than what God has to offer...ultimately eternal life. Forget all the treasures of this life. Jesus Christ is a greater treasure. Forget all the accomplishments...He gave His life for you. That meant giving up all for you because He loves you. He came as a servant. He had nothing. He is to be our example. Knowing Him is what is important. Having Him as the center of your life is what matters.

I'm again bringing up the Book of Ecclesiastes. All we have done, do or will do that we view as an important achievement, something that gets the oohs and aahhs of friends and family is vanity and a grasping for the wind. It's all been done before. When we die, it should not be our defining legacy. What is important is did we live for Christ because He above all matters most. (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3,14,12:13-14)  

1Corinthians 1:30-31 - But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

In Christ

Galatians 2:20-21 - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.

Sometimes it's hard to wrap my head around something. 

Some believe that we, on our own merits, are good people and therefore do not need to follow God. After all, we might believe, it's our good works He will recognize and that's how we will be accepted by God. After all, we surmise, most others think like this and often avoid this "relationship" with Him others seem to want to impress upon us.

Wanna know the truth? That's all wrong. I believed that lie just like most people do. 

I got to thinking about how so totally ugly, evil and self-centered man is. This includes myself. But one day nearly 16 years ago that changed. I'm still basically evil and always will be here on earth. But here's the difference. I am now in Christ. In Christ...and He in me. That makes all the difference. God does not see the old me anymore. 

Christ is the Mediator between God and man. Without this Mediator God sees us with all our sin. When we come to Christ, however, and He comes to live in me and I in Him, God only sees that Mediator. He sees Christ first then sees me in Christ. I am nestled within Him spiritually. While I still sin, being in this earthly human body, spiritually I am in Christ. This is what I have trouble wrapping my head around sometimes. He only sees me in Christ. He only sees His only perfect, Holy Son who died for me. 

Jesus shed His blood on the cross for each of us and when we choose to follow Him, to die to ourselves like He died to Himself here on earth, He becomes our righteousness. We cannot be righteous on our own, only through Christ. His blood has covered our sins, has washed away those sins that we be like Christ. 

In the Old Testament the people brought animals to sacrifice for the atonement of their sins. These people would be responsible for slitting the animal's neck that the blood would run out all over their hands. They would become so much a part of this sacrifice...but the animal, for the time being, was the temporary atonement for their sin. 

Does this remind you of anything? Does it remind you of Jesus whose body was bloodied by man's hand? Does it remind you that it is because of our sin that He had to die? Does it remind you that each of us should have died instead of Him? Does it remind you of the purpose for His death, for each of us? Does it remind you that with His death all who would receive Him would also have their sins atoned for by His precious blood? The only difference is His death was once for all unlike the constant animal sacrifices prior to Him. But it's about that blood. 

In Egypt the Jews were told by God to sacrifice a lamb and take the blood and place it on either side and atop the door that He might prevent their deaths when He came through Pharaoh's land to kill all firstborn children as a judgment upon Pharaoh for his treatment and captivity of God's people. That was a prophetic act to the Lamb of God who would one day take away the sins of the world, whose blood would cover the doors of our hearts against eternal death. 

When we receive Christ, not just know who He is, we become one with Him. I in Him, He in me. The righteousness of Christ. God only sees that righteousness. God only sees His Son. He stands between His Father and us, if we have received Him to ourselves. Imagine that if you can....

Colossians 1:21-22 - And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 

anger, Favor, Joy

Psalm 30:5 - For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. (‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭18‬)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (‭1John‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬)

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. (‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭4‬)

For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield. (‭Psalms‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬)

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory...(‭2Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭17‬)

We can claim all these promises when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior, confess our sins, serve Him. His anger subsides when we do this. His favor is then on us. What He does and says is true and just. He does not--cannot--lie.

For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. (‭Psalms‬ ‭47‬:‭2‬)

Abraham Believed

Genesis 15:5-6 - Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. 

Abraham. A barren wife, therefore childless. God named him the father of many nations. God told him his descendants would be more than the stars he could try to count. Abraham believed and as history has shown, it has been done. You will find this throughout the pages of the Old Testament. While Abraham saw the beginning of this promise/covenant, he did not see the final outcome, which is still unfolding. But he trusted God. That was the most important choice he made, to just believe. 

There is another account where we are told to believe. Imagine if all would, like Jesus said, Believe in Me. Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭25-26‬)

Because Abraham believed we are here. And to God it was counted as righteousness. What if we believed in Jesus the same way? What if we put our trust and faith in Him the way Abraham did in God? Aren't we told the same thing...it would be counted as righteousness?

This belief, again, is not just knowing who Jesus is. It's a deeper knowing Him. It's putting faith and trust in Him for everything. Illness strikes, death occurs, job is lost...the bottom of life falls out. What do we do? Panic, fret, lose hope? Or do we go to God and ask for His strength and wisdom to get through this? If we know and believe in Jesus, we trust Him for it all. If we do not know Jesus we can't fathom the notion that He can still provide, heal and comfort, miraculously. 

Believing is a heart change. It's a knowing deep inside when God knows your true intent toward Him and at the time of that giving of your heart to Him, He fills you with His Holy Spirit who begins the process of this heart change. For me it started as a sudden strong desire to learn more about God. I got hooked up early in Bible studies. I took classes because I wanted to know more about Him. That alone doesn't make me better but it gave me a foundation that has shown me from Old Testament to New why it is important to know Christ, God's entire plan of salvation...and most important, why. 

This world will end someday soon, I believe. We see the signs that the Bible has pointed out for the last days. It's in the Word of God. He is Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End. All the days are in His hands. Our days are in His hands and He has the final judgment. He is the Judge who doles out our final resting place in the end...heaven or hell. If that is so why wouldn't one want to trust in Him alone? 

Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭8-11 - Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.