Hello To All:
What choice have we made this day? Have we chosen, in the words of Christ, to "abide in Me;" or, have we chosen, in the words of Christ, to "abide not in Me?" It is a choice that we make each day of our lives. To "abide," in the context of John chapter fifteen, essentially means to remain or to continue: it always involves choice! Choice always involves believing and obeying: "thou shalt not eat of it" - "a blessing if ye obey" - "a curse if ye not obey" - "choose you this day whom you will serve" - "we will serve the Lord." The full text, containing these quotes, can be found at the posting titled: "If a man abide not in Me: part two." Again, we must ask: what choice have we made this day?
In our text (John 15:1-8), the Lord our God makes a choice, that, not just should, but better get our attention. If we ignore the choice that God our Father makes - we may find ourselves amongst those who were once followers of Jesus Christ; but now, are amongst the lost! As we consider God's choice, let us also consider these words of Jesus Christ, recorded in Matthew 12:30, where we find written: "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." Please note - there are only two positions, in this life: we are either with Jesus Christ or we are against Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground. There are only two choices to make. Let us be reminded, once again, of those words of Joshua: "Choose you this day, whom you shall serve."
We find written, at John 15:1-2 (New King James Translation of the King's Book), the following: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
He takes away. That action, on the part of the Lord our God, is an act of judgement. In this context, judgement involves eternal consequences. Look to verse 6: "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." The branch that does not bear fruit (verse 1) is also the branch that does not abide (verse 6). The Father's judgement is to "take away" and "cast forth as a branch."
That branch that no longer abides, that is - the branch that no longer bears fruit: this is the one that is no longer in union with Jesus Christ. This is the branch that "withers." It withers, because it has chosen, in the words of Christ, to: "abide not in Me." That branch, that is, the withered branch is "gathered" and "cast into the fire" and "burned." This is a terrifying picture of eternal judgement and separation from the Lord our God. This is a picture that should strike us deeply and compel us to say: Lord have mercy - Christ have mercy - Lord have mercy! This is a picture, that should cause us to cry out: Lord Jesus Christ - empower me to make right choices - keep me as an abiding and fruit bearing branch. Keep me, as your abiding disciple, for all of eternity. Amen and Amen and Amen!
It is written (John 10:27-28): "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."
The time is at hand for us to bring some closure to this question of: Can we loose our salvation? The evidence, thus far presented, from the King's Book, says yes. And then we come to the above passage, from John chapter ten; and the wonderful promise: "...they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." This is an absolute promise, from our Lord Jesus Christ; and an absolute statement, regarding the eternal realities of our "abiding" in Jesus Christ. It would seem, at first look, that the answer of yes, to the question, is invalid. It would seem, at first look, that the evidence presented, from the King's Book, to support the answer of yes, has been one sided; and has failed to include the whole counsel of God.
If I have presented a biased view of the King's Book - then surely I have sinned. And, I must admit, that as we look at the wonderful promise - "neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" - it would seem, at first look, that there is strong evidence to support the view that I have sinned in presenting a, supposedly, biased view of the truth, regarding the question at hand. But, if we limit ourselves to first looks, we increase the possibility, that we will be deceived.
We often come to the King's Book, pre-disposed to a certain viewpoint; and because of our predisposition, we will only see what supports our view. If we are to be set free, by the truth of God's Word, then we need to leave our biases on the throne room floor; and then look to Jesus to show us the truth.
Let us take a closer look, at our text, from John chapter ten, and look to verse 27: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me..." The ones who can claim the wonderful and eternal promise, are the ones who: hear His voice - are known by Him - and they follow Him. Let us be reminded, that to "follow Him," is a matter of choice; and choice, necessarily demands the freedom to choose.
The Lord our God, sovereignly promises, that no one can take us from Him - but, we cannot claim the promise unless we are following Him. Here, once again, we are challenged with the tension, from our perspective, between the sovereignty of God and the freewill of man. But, my beloved, here is the most wonderful of realities: From God's perspective, there is no tension. The Lord our God, understands how it is possible for Him to be absolutely sovereign, that is to say: God is able to be absolutely in control of all things and still give us the ability and the freedom to choose. And, in that God given freedom, we can choose to, in the words of Christ: "abide in Me." We can also choose to, in the words of Christ: "abide not in Me." With one choice we have life. With the other choice - we have lost our salvation.
It is not necessary for us to be able to understand the how of this. This is a mystery that we must accept and rejoice in. It should be enough for us, that God understands this. It should be enough for us, that the how is not a problem for Him. In God's understanding we can and should find peace. In God's understanding, we can and should rejoice in the promise of eternal life that is made to all who "follow" Jesus Christ. In God's understanding, we can further rejoice, because He not only gives us the promise of eternal life, in and through His Son Jesus Christ; but, He also empowers us, in and through His Son Jesus Christ, to follow Him; and thus, to be able to claim that promise of eternal life. Can we say: Thank you Jesus!
In closing, let us return to our text, and look, once again, at verse five: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that aideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
If a man abide not in Me: part two
Hello To All:
This matter of "abide in Me" and "abide not in me," has hopefully, gotten our attention. If the contrast between these two positions, has not impacted us, in some significant way - then, perhaps, we are in very deep trouble. This is a matter of choice. Choice necessitates the freedom to choose. The freedom to choose is only viable when we have the will to choose, and the opportunity to choose. The will to choose is part of the created reality of who we are; and of whom we always have been. The opportunity to choose is always provided by God.
Adam and Eve were given a choice: (Genesis 2:16-17) "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." They made the wrong choice and sin and death entered into the world.
Here, already, at the very beginning, we are confronted with the deep mystery of God. The question must be asked: Why would God allow the wrong choice to be made? There is an answer, but it is shrouded in the deep mystery of who God is, and how He has determined to cleanse His creation, of all that is evil. But, this one thing should be clear to all: The freedom of man to choose, was given by the Lord our God, at the very beginning of our creation.
This reality of choice, continues throughout the entire narrative of the King's Book. In Deuteronomy 12:26-28, we find recorded, the choice that God set before the people of Israel: "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known." In Joshua 24:15, we find a similar choice set before the people of Israel: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua made the right choice - Israel, often, did not.
Choice: blessing or curse: abide in Me or abide not in Me. Always - God sets a choice before us: and He gives us the freedom of will to make that choice. That freedom, to choose, is clearly stated, in the examples given, in the previous paragraph. If you would, my beloved, take the time to search the whole of the King's Book; then you would find the same choice set before all people; and in all places: Choose you this day whom you will serve - choose the blessing or the curse - choose to continue with God or to turn away from God - choose to (in the words of Jesus Christ) "abide in Me" or "abide not in Me." What is your choice - my beloved brethren?
We shall continue in our examination of this matter of choice; and how it relates to our deep consideration of the answer to the question: Can we loose our salvation? But, for now, we shall close with this from the King's Book: (Psalm 25:12) "What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
This matter of "abide in Me" and "abide not in me," has hopefully, gotten our attention. If the contrast between these two positions, has not impacted us, in some significant way - then, perhaps, we are in very deep trouble. This is a matter of choice. Choice necessitates the freedom to choose. The freedom to choose is only viable when we have the will to choose, and the opportunity to choose. The will to choose is part of the created reality of who we are; and of whom we always have been. The opportunity to choose is always provided by God.
Adam and Eve were given a choice: (Genesis 2:16-17) "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." They made the wrong choice and sin and death entered into the world.
Here, already, at the very beginning, we are confronted with the deep mystery of God. The question must be asked: Why would God allow the wrong choice to be made? There is an answer, but it is shrouded in the deep mystery of who God is, and how He has determined to cleanse His creation, of all that is evil. But, this one thing should be clear to all: The freedom of man to choose, was given by the Lord our God, at the very beginning of our creation.
This reality of choice, continues throughout the entire narrative of the King's Book. In Deuteronomy 12:26-28, we find recorded, the choice that God set before the people of Israel: "Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day: And a curse, if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which ye have not known." In Joshua 24:15, we find a similar choice set before the people of Israel: "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua made the right choice - Israel, often, did not.
Choice: blessing or curse: abide in Me or abide not in Me. Always - God sets a choice before us: and He gives us the freedom of will to make that choice. That freedom, to choose, is clearly stated, in the examples given, in the previous paragraph. If you would, my beloved, take the time to search the whole of the King's Book; then you would find the same choice set before all people; and in all places: Choose you this day whom you will serve - choose the blessing or the curse - choose to continue with God or to turn away from God - choose to (in the words of Jesus Christ) "abide in Me" or "abide not in Me." What is your choice - my beloved brethren?
We shall continue in our examination of this matter of choice; and how it relates to our deep consideration of the answer to the question: Can we loose our salvation? But, for now, we shall close with this from the King's Book: (Psalm 25:12) "What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
"If a man abide not in Me"
Hello To All:
Today marks a day, that, most probably, is destined to get me into a lot of trouble. The Spirit of God compels me to deal, in a very direct manner, with a subject that is very polarizing; and often, very divisive. It is a subject, that, perhaps, I would rather avoid. But, our Lord Jesus Christ has caused me to recognize, that unless this subject is properly dealt with, and properly understood: we will not make progress in our journey, towards victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ. We cannot rightly believe - unless we rightly understand!
There are many competing perspectives, in the Christian communtity, particularly in the West. I say perspectives - because I do not believe that you can rightly call something, from a Christian perspective, a teaching or a doctrine from the King's Book - if it does not accurately present the revealed truth of the King's Book. Many of these perspectives, as presented by various Christian groups (read for groups: institutional/ denominational positions), are fundamentally in conflict with one another. And yet, each group takes the position that they have the true understanding; and that their position is the one to follow.
This positional attitude and this positional conflict is the greatest source of unbelief, in the lives of all who call themselves Christian! The stronghold of unbelief (see posting of 7/25/11, titled: "The Oppression of Unbelief"), feeds from this conflict and grows strong because of this conflict! We will not be victorious, unless we submit to God's way of freeing us from this conflict. God's way is in and through His Son Jesus Christ. God's way demands that we submit to and embrace the Truth! Can we say Amen and Amen and Amen!
Now we come, to one of the most troublesome of the issues, that visibly divides the Church: The Body of Christ. The question, that the Spirit of God compels me to address, on this day; and to begin to answer, on this day, is this: Can we, that is, those of us who are converted to Jesus Christ; and follow Him as His disciples; and are amongst those who can rightly be called Christian: Can we loose our salvation? Can we turn our backs on Jesus Christ? Can we follow after our sinful nature; and thus, be amongst those upon whom the wrath of God will fall? The simple answer - the straightforward answer - the correct answer, from the King's Book - is this: YES!
Please, my beloved brethren: I beg you: Please do not click away from this posting? Your very life may depend on staying with me, in this, and reading and comprehending what is written. If you are at all familiar with this blog - then you know, that I do not write, unless I believe it is the truth. But, you also must be reminded, that I make no claim to having a perfect understanding. If I am in error - then: Please correct me? Let us, together, call a Berean council (see posting of 12/13/09. titled: Discipleship: The Berean Principal); and let us, together, search the King's Book, to see if what has been written, in this blog, on this day (and for that matter - on any other day) is true!
Let us continue, then, in our examination of this most difficult of questions: Can we loose our salvation? Our title, for today's posting, comes from John 15:6, where we find written: "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." This is a portion of the text, from yesterday's posting titled: "Abide IN Me, and I IN you."
As we compare yesterday's title to today's title; we should recognize two opposing possibilities: two opposing attitudes. One is a command, from our Sovereign God Jesus Christ to: "Abide." The other is a statement of condition, identified by our Sovereign God Jesus Christ: "Abide not."
Both conditions, are the result of an act of will, on the part of "a man." Here, once again, we are confronted with the tension between the Sovereignty of God and the free will of man.
We have, in previous postings, been reminded of this tension. It is this tension, that has created the conflict in the Body of Christ. Our limited and finite human intellect, cannot reconcile these seemingly conflicting positions. We are compelled to find a rational perspective, that we can get our "pea brains" around: a position that we are comfortable with: a position that we can call truth. Our rational approach has caused us to either embrace the Sovereignty of God and reject the free will of man; or to embrace the free will of man and diminish the impact of the Sovereignty of God. We have come to this place, especially in the West, where we have convinced ourselves that truth must be rational, and comprehensible by our natural intellect. We are not comfortable with, nor are we tolerant of, any mystery, regarding our relationship with and our understanding of: our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Mystery is outside of our comfort zones!
Enough said for a beginning. In preparation for our next posting, I invite and encourage you to consider the opposing realities of the command to "abide;" and the stated position to "abide not."
As you ponder these opposing realities, consider these Holy Spirit inspired words, from the great teacher, raised up by Jesus Christ - the apostle Paul. We find written (1 Corinthinians 4:1): "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God."
Until next time, by beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Today marks a day, that, most probably, is destined to get me into a lot of trouble. The Spirit of God compels me to deal, in a very direct manner, with a subject that is very polarizing; and often, very divisive. It is a subject, that, perhaps, I would rather avoid. But, our Lord Jesus Christ has caused me to recognize, that unless this subject is properly dealt with, and properly understood: we will not make progress in our journey, towards victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ. We cannot rightly believe - unless we rightly understand!
There are many competing perspectives, in the Christian communtity, particularly in the West. I say perspectives - because I do not believe that you can rightly call something, from a Christian perspective, a teaching or a doctrine from the King's Book - if it does not accurately present the revealed truth of the King's Book. Many of these perspectives, as presented by various Christian groups (read for groups: institutional/ denominational positions), are fundamentally in conflict with one another. And yet, each group takes the position that they have the true understanding; and that their position is the one to follow.
This positional attitude and this positional conflict is the greatest source of unbelief, in the lives of all who call themselves Christian! The stronghold of unbelief (see posting of 7/25/11, titled: "The Oppression of Unbelief"), feeds from this conflict and grows strong because of this conflict! We will not be victorious, unless we submit to God's way of freeing us from this conflict. God's way is in and through His Son Jesus Christ. God's way demands that we submit to and embrace the Truth! Can we say Amen and Amen and Amen!
Now we come, to one of the most troublesome of the issues, that visibly divides the Church: The Body of Christ. The question, that the Spirit of God compels me to address, on this day; and to begin to answer, on this day, is this: Can we, that is, those of us who are converted to Jesus Christ; and follow Him as His disciples; and are amongst those who can rightly be called Christian: Can we loose our salvation? Can we turn our backs on Jesus Christ? Can we follow after our sinful nature; and thus, be amongst those upon whom the wrath of God will fall? The simple answer - the straightforward answer - the correct answer, from the King's Book - is this: YES!
Please, my beloved brethren: I beg you: Please do not click away from this posting? Your very life may depend on staying with me, in this, and reading and comprehending what is written. If you are at all familiar with this blog - then you know, that I do not write, unless I believe it is the truth. But, you also must be reminded, that I make no claim to having a perfect understanding. If I am in error - then: Please correct me? Let us, together, call a Berean council (see posting of 12/13/09. titled: Discipleship: The Berean Principal); and let us, together, search the King's Book, to see if what has been written, in this blog, on this day (and for that matter - on any other day) is true!
Let us continue, then, in our examination of this most difficult of questions: Can we loose our salvation? Our title, for today's posting, comes from John 15:6, where we find written: "If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." This is a portion of the text, from yesterday's posting titled: "Abide IN Me, and I IN you."
As we compare yesterday's title to today's title; we should recognize two opposing possibilities: two opposing attitudes. One is a command, from our Sovereign God Jesus Christ to: "Abide." The other is a statement of condition, identified by our Sovereign God Jesus Christ: "Abide not."
Both conditions, are the result of an act of will, on the part of "a man." Here, once again, we are confronted with the tension between the Sovereignty of God and the free will of man.
We have, in previous postings, been reminded of this tension. It is this tension, that has created the conflict in the Body of Christ. Our limited and finite human intellect, cannot reconcile these seemingly conflicting positions. We are compelled to find a rational perspective, that we can get our "pea brains" around: a position that we are comfortable with: a position that we can call truth. Our rational approach has caused us to either embrace the Sovereignty of God and reject the free will of man; or to embrace the free will of man and diminish the impact of the Sovereignty of God. We have come to this place, especially in the West, where we have convinced ourselves that truth must be rational, and comprehensible by our natural intellect. We are not comfortable with, nor are we tolerant of, any mystery, regarding our relationship with and our understanding of: our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Mystery is outside of our comfort zones!
Enough said for a beginning. In preparation for our next posting, I invite and encourage you to consider the opposing realities of the command to "abide;" and the stated position to "abide not."
As you ponder these opposing realities, consider these Holy Spirit inspired words, from the great teacher, raised up by Jesus Christ - the apostle Paul. We find written (1 Corinthinians 4:1): "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God."
Until next time, by beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Abide IN Me, and I IN you.
Hello To All:
If we are to go deeper in our understanding, of the relationship between believing and obeying, then we must, first, go deeper in our comprehension and apprehension, of our union with Jesus Christ.
This forum seeks to promote victorious discipleship IN Jesus Christ. I have capitalized IN, both here and in the title, for this blog - because it is the IN part that is the most difficult to comprehend and to apprehend. Most of us are very uncomfortable, when we are confronted with the deep mystery of: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). But, we cannot be victorious, without first embracing, the very pervasive and much spoken of truth, contained in the King's Book, regarding our eternal union with Jesus Christ.
For those of you who might be regular readers of this blog, you will recognize, that the truth of our union with Jesus Christ, is often referenced - especially with regards to its importance in our quest for victorious discipleship. At this point, in your reading of this posting, it might be helpful to review some of the earlier postings. I recommend the following:
1. (1/25/10) "Christ in you: the hope of glory."
2. (1/28/10) "The mystery of Jesus: Indwelling and Manifesting."
3. (2/8/10) "The transcendental reality of victorious discipleship."
Our text, for today's posting, is recorded at John 15:1-8 (The word "in," when it appears with regards to our union with Jesus Christ, will be capitalized): "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2) Every branch IN me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (3) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (4) Abide IN me, and I IN you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide IN the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide IN me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth IN me, and I IN him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not IN me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide IN me, and my words abide IN you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
I count ten times, when the word "in" is used to reference, some aspect of our union with Jesus Christ. Hopefully, this has your attention - I know that it has mine. I struggle with the same realities, that you, my brethren, struggle with. This matter of our union with Jesus Christ, is a great mystery for all of us - including those who have gone before us. But, be encouraged - it is not our understanding that brings us victory. There are many, who claim to understand the things of God; and yet, they do not have any significant victory. Our limited understanding, must be completed by believing. Victory comes by believing! Jesus understands every aspect of our union with Him - that should be sufficient for us. Our task is to understand, that our union with Him, is a reality; and then, our task is to submit to this reality; and then, our task is to embrace this reality: This is the road to victory!
This would be a good place to stop. We need time to pray about and give serious consideration to the "IN" aspect of our victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ. While we ponder this "IN" reality - let us do so with the help of another quote, from the King's Book, found at First Corinthians 3:16, where it is written: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth IN (emphasis added) you."
Until next time, by beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
If we are to go deeper in our understanding, of the relationship between believing and obeying, then we must, first, go deeper in our comprehension and apprehension, of our union with Jesus Christ.
This forum seeks to promote victorious discipleship IN Jesus Christ. I have capitalized IN, both here and in the title, for this blog - because it is the IN part that is the most difficult to comprehend and to apprehend. Most of us are very uncomfortable, when we are confronted with the deep mystery of: "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). But, we cannot be victorious, without first embracing, the very pervasive and much spoken of truth, contained in the King's Book, regarding our eternal union with Jesus Christ.
For those of you who might be regular readers of this blog, you will recognize, that the truth of our union with Jesus Christ, is often referenced - especially with regards to its importance in our quest for victorious discipleship. At this point, in your reading of this posting, it might be helpful to review some of the earlier postings. I recommend the following:
1. (1/25/10) "Christ in you: the hope of glory."
2. (1/28/10) "The mystery of Jesus: Indwelling and Manifesting."
3. (2/8/10) "The transcendental reality of victorious discipleship."
Our text, for today's posting, is recorded at John 15:1-8 (The word "in," when it appears with regards to our union with Jesus Christ, will be capitalized): "I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2) Every branch IN me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (3) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (4) Abide IN me, and I IN you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide IN the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide IN me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth IN me, and I IN him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not IN me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide IN me, and my words abide IN you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
I count ten times, when the word "in" is used to reference, some aspect of our union with Jesus Christ. Hopefully, this has your attention - I know that it has mine. I struggle with the same realities, that you, my brethren, struggle with. This matter of our union with Jesus Christ, is a great mystery for all of us - including those who have gone before us. But, be encouraged - it is not our understanding that brings us victory. There are many, who claim to understand the things of God; and yet, they do not have any significant victory. Our limited understanding, must be completed by believing. Victory comes by believing! Jesus understands every aspect of our union with Him - that should be sufficient for us. Our task is to understand, that our union with Him, is a reality; and then, our task is to submit to this reality; and then, our task is to embrace this reality: This is the road to victory!
This would be a good place to stop. We need time to pray about and give serious consideration to the "IN" aspect of our victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ. While we ponder this "IN" reality - let us do so with the help of another quote, from the King's Book, found at First Corinthians 3:16, where it is written: "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth IN (emphasis added) you."
Until next time, by beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Monday, October 24, 2011
God...commands all...to repent!
Hello To All:
Our title for today's posting, comes from Acts 17:30-31, where we find written (New King James Translation): "Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
Our Sovereign God commands that we repent; and we are, once again, confronted with this great mystery of our freedom to choose and God's absolute control of His creation. Our limited human intellect cannot reconcile this, seemingly, contradictory reality: God is in control - but, we can choose. God commands us to repent; and then He gives us the freedom to obey and to believe; and He gives us the freedom to say no; and He gives us the freedom to continue in our sinful ways. If we choose to not obey, then, when we are "judged in righteousness by the Man (Jesus Christ) whom He has ordained": we shall not be delivered "from the wrath to come," (First Thessalonians 1:10).
It is written (First Peter 4:17): "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" If we are to avoid God's judgment and His wrath, then we must obey the gospel of God.
Let us examine ourselves. Let us ask ourselves the question: Do we obey? When judgement comes - will we be judged as being righteous, by virtue of our having believed and obeyed Jesus Christ? Beloved, our answers to these questions, directly relates to how victorious our discipleship in Jesus Christ is, in our daily lives. This is not just entry-level believing and obeying. This is everyday - here and now - believing and obeying. If we are to be victorious, then we must obey. Jesus says, in one place (John 15:14): "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
Let us all, ask ourselves the question: Are we obeying Jesus Christ? Are we repenting? Do we believe?
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
P.S. In order to avoid any confusion, regarding how we are saved, let us be reminded of the following, from the King's Book. It is written (Ephesians 2:8-9): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."
Our title for today's posting, comes from Acts 17:30-31, where we find written (New King James Translation): "Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
Our Sovereign God commands that we repent; and we are, once again, confronted with this great mystery of our freedom to choose and God's absolute control of His creation. Our limited human intellect cannot reconcile this, seemingly, contradictory reality: God is in control - but, we can choose. God commands us to repent; and then He gives us the freedom to obey and to believe; and He gives us the freedom to say no; and He gives us the freedom to continue in our sinful ways. If we choose to not obey, then, when we are "judged in righteousness by the Man (Jesus Christ) whom He has ordained": we shall not be delivered "from the wrath to come," (First Thessalonians 1:10).
It is written (First Peter 4:17): "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" If we are to avoid God's judgment and His wrath, then we must obey the gospel of God.
Let us examine ourselves. Let us ask ourselves the question: Do we obey? When judgement comes - will we be judged as being righteous, by virtue of our having believed and obeyed Jesus Christ? Beloved, our answers to these questions, directly relates to how victorious our discipleship in Jesus Christ is, in our daily lives. This is not just entry-level believing and obeying. This is everyday - here and now - believing and obeying. If we are to be victorious, then we must obey. Jesus says, in one place (John 15:14): "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you."
Let us all, ask ourselves the question: Are we obeying Jesus Christ? Are we repenting? Do we believe?
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
P.S. In order to avoid any confusion, regarding how we are saved, let us be reminded of the following, from the King's Book. It is written (Ephesians 2:8-9): "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."
Friday, October 14, 2011
"Repent ye and believe the gospel"
Hello To All:
The question regarding the condition of our believing, is frequently asked, in a variety of ways, in this forum, and in the continuing reality of our daily lives. It is an important question; and, in fact, you can rightly argue, that it is the ultimate question - the question of do we believe? - especially when it is directed to our standing with Jesus Christ. And, in the light of this question, it is good to remind ourselves, that we will not begin to become victorious disciples in Jesus Christ, unless we believe.
Thus, the time is at hand, for us to ask the next question: What does it mean to believe? As we seek to answer this question, it would be good to be reminded, that we are looking at believing, both in its entry-level context, at the time of our conversion; and in its on-going context of: victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ.
The title for this posting, comes from Mark 1:14-15, where we find written: (14) "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." This is the first sermon, recorded, that Jesus preached. It is simple, straight forward and to the heart of our condition and our need. In its essentials, Jesus is commanding us: to repent and to believe.
It is my most fervent hope, that the last statement, in the previous paragraph, did not just slide by, without getting your immediate attention; as well as some sort of significant reaction. Let, what the Spirit of God, compelled me to write, be repeated: "In its essentials, Jesus is commanding us: to repent and to believe."
If you are having trouble with this statement; please, just pause for a moment and consider the following: If I, or someone else, cries out to you and says: repent and believe the gospel - we can only compel you to repent and believe. We do not have the authority to command you to repent; nor, do we have the authority to command you to believe. But, because Jesus is the Son of God, and thus, Sovereign God in every way: He has the authority to command us to repent; and He has the authority to command us to believe.
Thus, when Jesus says: "repent ye and believe the gospel" - He is demanding that we obey. If we do not obey we will perish! Once again, we are confronted with the tension of the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. Jesus commands - we must choose to obey. In the deep mystery of who God is - we are given the option of saying yes or of saying no - of believing or of not obeying. Consider this, from John 3:36, where we find written (New American Standard Bible Translation): "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." We can either believe or we can not believe; and, in the context of John 3:36, the not believing one, is referenced as the one: "who does not obey the Son."
It should be clear, that there is a relationship between believing and obeying, that needs to be understood. It also needs to be made clear, that this believing/obeying cannot be accomplished in the natural realms and by our natural abilities. In answer to the often asked question: "Do we believe?" - the answer must be: Apart from Jesus Christ I cannot believe and I cannot obey! Consider this: (John 15:5) "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - That is to say: apart from Jesus Christ, we can do nothing!
As we continue on our journey, towards victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ, we will take some time, perhaps some significant time, to examine this relationship between believing and obeying. It is also my most fervent prayer, that we will come to understand this relationship in a deep and abiding way; in a way that will cause us to be able to say, in response to the question: Do we believe? - Yes, because of Jesus Christ, I do believe!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
The question regarding the condition of our believing, is frequently asked, in a variety of ways, in this forum, and in the continuing reality of our daily lives. It is an important question; and, in fact, you can rightly argue, that it is the ultimate question - the question of do we believe? - especially when it is directed to our standing with Jesus Christ. And, in the light of this question, it is good to remind ourselves, that we will not begin to become victorious disciples in Jesus Christ, unless we believe.
Thus, the time is at hand, for us to ask the next question: What does it mean to believe? As we seek to answer this question, it would be good to be reminded, that we are looking at believing, both in its entry-level context, at the time of our conversion; and in its on-going context of: victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ.
The title for this posting, comes from Mark 1:14-15, where we find written: (14) "Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, (15) And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." This is the first sermon, recorded, that Jesus preached. It is simple, straight forward and to the heart of our condition and our need. In its essentials, Jesus is commanding us: to repent and to believe.
It is my most fervent hope, that the last statement, in the previous paragraph, did not just slide by, without getting your immediate attention; as well as some sort of significant reaction. Let, what the Spirit of God, compelled me to write, be repeated: "In its essentials, Jesus is commanding us: to repent and to believe."
If you are having trouble with this statement; please, just pause for a moment and consider the following: If I, or someone else, cries out to you and says: repent and believe the gospel - we can only compel you to repent and believe. We do not have the authority to command you to repent; nor, do we have the authority to command you to believe. But, because Jesus is the Son of God, and thus, Sovereign God in every way: He has the authority to command us to repent; and He has the authority to command us to believe.
Thus, when Jesus says: "repent ye and believe the gospel" - He is demanding that we obey. If we do not obey we will perish! Once again, we are confronted with the tension of the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. Jesus commands - we must choose to obey. In the deep mystery of who God is - we are given the option of saying yes or of saying no - of believing or of not obeying. Consider this, from John 3:36, where we find written (New American Standard Bible Translation): "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." We can either believe or we can not believe; and, in the context of John 3:36, the not believing one, is referenced as the one: "who does not obey the Son."
It should be clear, that there is a relationship between believing and obeying, that needs to be understood. It also needs to be made clear, that this believing/obeying cannot be accomplished in the natural realms and by our natural abilities. In answer to the often asked question: "Do we believe?" - the answer must be: Apart from Jesus Christ I cannot believe and I cannot obey! Consider this: (John 15:5) "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - That is to say: apart from Jesus Christ, we can do nothing!
As we continue on our journey, towards victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ, we will take some time, perhaps some significant time, to examine this relationship between believing and obeying. It is also my most fervent prayer, that we will come to understand this relationship in a deep and abiding way; in a way that will cause us to be able to say, in response to the question: Do we believe? - Yes, because of Jesus Christ, I do believe!
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
"Behold How He Loved Him"
Hello To All:
The title for this posting, comes from verse 36 of John chapter 11: "Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!" This statement was made in response to verse 35, where it is recorded, that: "Jesus wept." The Jews were looking at the outward appearance. They did not know the heart of Jesus. They, much like many today, assumed that Jesus was weeping for the same reasons that everyone else was weeping. They were wrong. They, like many of us, were only viewing their circumstances in the natural realms. They could not see beyond the calamity, of their own condition. They were not able to comprehend the possibility, that God would bring victory to their lives and deliverance from their calamity. They did not believe!
Earlier in the chapter, at verse 5, it is written: "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister and Lazarus." The fullness of the love of God, directed towards us, is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. We are too quick to think, that if God truly loved us, then He would immediately respond to our perceived needs. Our tendency, regarding delays, is to come to a rationalized conclusion, that says that God's answer to our prayers and our needs is no. It is rare, for us to consider the possibility, that the reason for no apparent response, on God's part, is directly related to the fact, that we do not believe. Let us be reminded of what is recorded in verse 15: "...to the intent ye may believe..." God's intent is that we might believe. God's perceived delays, are always related to His "intent."
What the Jews did not comprehend, was the tension and the relationship between God's wrath and God's love. We often have, the same problem. We began to look at this tension, in our previous post: Jesus: "He Groaned In The Spirit." We need to go deeper in our understanding. We are very inclined to think of God's love for us; but, we rarely consider the fearfulness of God's wrath. It is written (Hebrews 10:31): "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Ultimately, God's wrath falls on those who have not repented and have not turned to Jesus. Those of us who belong to Jesus, are spared the ultimate wrath of God. It is written (First Thessalonians 5:9): "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." It is also written, at Romans 5:8-9: (8) "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (9) "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." God's love for us, manifested through His Son Jesus Christ, and received through His Son Jesus Christ, spares us from the wrath to come.
In our previous posting, we came to recognize, that the "groaning," of Jesus, was directly related to His wrath, directed towards sinners. We also came to recognize, that His wrath was tempered, and thus internalized ("He groaned in the spirit"), because of His love for those involved. Ultimately, in God's dealings with those who come to Him, in and through His Son Jesus Christ, His love for us triumphs over His wrath. This is made possible, because, at the cross, the full wrath of God was directed towards Jesus! It is written (First Thessalonians 1:10): "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." We, that is those of us who belong to Jesus, are spared the wrath to come, because of God's love for us, manifested through His Son Jesus Christ.
We began this series of essays, on John chapter eleven, with the posting: "Jesus wept: because of unbelief." We conclude this series, with this posting: "Behold How He Loved Him." Even though, the Jews were looking on the outward appearance, nonetheless, they did speak the truth, for Jesus truly did love Lazarus and He truly does love us.
We began by stating that Jesus wept because of unbelief. We end by stating that He weeps, even today, because of our unbelief; and He weeps over our unbelief, because He loves us; and because He loves us: His intent is that we might believe! Let us, once more, ask ourselves the question: Do we believe?
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
The title for this posting, comes from verse 36 of John chapter 11: "Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!" This statement was made in response to verse 35, where it is recorded, that: "Jesus wept." The Jews were looking at the outward appearance. They did not know the heart of Jesus. They, much like many today, assumed that Jesus was weeping for the same reasons that everyone else was weeping. They were wrong. They, like many of us, were only viewing their circumstances in the natural realms. They could not see beyond the calamity, of their own condition. They were not able to comprehend the possibility, that God would bring victory to their lives and deliverance from their calamity. They did not believe!
Earlier in the chapter, at verse 5, it is written: "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister and Lazarus." The fullness of the love of God, directed towards us, is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. We are too quick to think, that if God truly loved us, then He would immediately respond to our perceived needs. Our tendency, regarding delays, is to come to a rationalized conclusion, that says that God's answer to our prayers and our needs is no. It is rare, for us to consider the possibility, that the reason for no apparent response, on God's part, is directly related to the fact, that we do not believe. Let us be reminded of what is recorded in verse 15: "...to the intent ye may believe..." God's intent is that we might believe. God's perceived delays, are always related to His "intent."
What the Jews did not comprehend, was the tension and the relationship between God's wrath and God's love. We often have, the same problem. We began to look at this tension, in our previous post: Jesus: "He Groaned In The Spirit." We need to go deeper in our understanding. We are very inclined to think of God's love for us; but, we rarely consider the fearfulness of God's wrath. It is written (Hebrews 10:31): "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Ultimately, God's wrath falls on those who have not repented and have not turned to Jesus. Those of us who belong to Jesus, are spared the ultimate wrath of God. It is written (First Thessalonians 5:9): "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ." It is also written, at Romans 5:8-9: (8) "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (9) "Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him." God's love for us, manifested through His Son Jesus Christ, and received through His Son Jesus Christ, spares us from the wrath to come.
In our previous posting, we came to recognize, that the "groaning," of Jesus, was directly related to His wrath, directed towards sinners. We also came to recognize, that His wrath was tempered, and thus internalized ("He groaned in the spirit"), because of His love for those involved. Ultimately, in God's dealings with those who come to Him, in and through His Son Jesus Christ, His love for us triumphs over His wrath. This is made possible, because, at the cross, the full wrath of God was directed towards Jesus! It is written (First Thessalonians 1:10): "And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come." We, that is those of us who belong to Jesus, are spared the wrath to come, because of God's love for us, manifested through His Son Jesus Christ.
We began this series of essays, on John chapter eleven, with the posting: "Jesus wept: because of unbelief." We conclude this series, with this posting: "Behold How He Loved Him." Even though, the Jews were looking on the outward appearance, nonetheless, they did speak the truth, for Jesus truly did love Lazarus and He truly does love us.
We began by stating that Jesus wept because of unbelief. We end by stating that He weeps, even today, because of our unbelief; and He weeps over our unbelief, because He loves us; and because He loves us: His intent is that we might believe! Let us, once more, ask ourselves the question: Do we believe?
Until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Friday, October 7, 2011
Jesus: "He GROANED In The Spirit"
Hello To All:
Our beginning text, for today's posting, is found in John 11:33-38, where we find written: (33) When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he GROANED (emphasis added) in the spirit, and was troubled, (34) And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. (35) Jesus wept. (36) Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! (37) And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? (38) Jesus therefore again GROANING (emphasis added) in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
We now come to a place, in the King's Book, where we are offered a view into the deep mystery that is God; a view that we are not, often, privileged to see; a view that dramatically shows us, the juxtaposition of the wrath of God, directed towards sinners; and the love of God, also, directed towards sinners. In this particular perspective, of the mystery that is God, we should be reminded, that for the sake of Jesus Christ and because of Jesus Christ, the wrath of God is turned aside from those sinners who have turned to Jesus Christ. Have you, my beloved, turned to Jesus Christ; and asked Him to take control of your life?
Now some of you, might be thinking, that Theophilus has lost it, on this one. You are asking yourselves: How could this text, speak to us, regarding the wrath of God; especially, when we consider, that Jesus is about to raise Lazarus from the dead? Where is the wrath of God evident? Please bear with me, my beloved; and, together, we might just gain some insight, that will serve us well, as we travel, together, on the path of victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ.
The Greek word, that is translated as "groaned" and "groaning," in our text, only appears three other times in the New Testament portion of the Kings's Book:
1. (Matthew 9:30) "And their eyes were opened; and Jesus STRAITLY CHARGED (emphasis added) them, saying, See that no man know it."
2. (Mark 1:43-44) "And he STRAITLY CHARGED (emphasis added) him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man..."
3. (Mark 14:5) "For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they MURMURED AGAINST (emphasis added) her."
Take a close look at these three additional occurrences of the word translated as "groaned" and "groaning," in our text. In each instance (pay attention to the words emphasized), the context of the word usage is a firm stand, taken against a certain type of behaviour.
In examples one and two, Jesus is emphatically commanding someone to not undertake a certain behaviour. He is telling them to keep quiet about what had happened; but, the people commanded, did not obey. In Matthew 9:31, we find written: "But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country." In Mark 1:45, it says of the healed leper, that: "...he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter..." Jesus took a position against the possibility of their disobedience; by straitly charging them to obey. He anticipates the possibility of their future sin; and positions Himself, firmly against that sin. (I use the word possibility, because of the tension between, and juxtaposition of, the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and the free will of those that He is commanding. That tension, will have to be further examined, in future posts.)
In the third example, the disciples are very much opposed to what someone had done; and they "murmured against her." A woman had come and anointed Jesus with a precious ointment. This was contrary to their own interests; and they were very much opposed to this; never mind that it was Jesus who was being anointed. The disciples had their own agenda; and they were emphatically set against what the woman had done. Thus, with the disciples usage of the word translated as "groaned" and "groaning," in our text, we get an additional sense, that the person or persons, using this word, would be most emphatically and firmly against the behaviour, that would be specific to their circumstances.
Returning to our text, we find that Jesus had internalized His reaction to what was happening: "He groaned in the spirit" (verse 33); "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself" (verse 38). Let us be reminded, that throughout this chapter, our Lord Jesus Christ has sovereignly intended for people to believe (please see previous posts). Every word that He spoke; and every action that He took was done with the intention of causing people to believe. Nonetheless, because He is God, His very nature causes Him to stand against sin. Thus, He internally groans, against the sinful behaviour of those around Him.
Jesus is surrounded by sinners. No one believes. But, because He is Jesus, the One who redeems us from our sins; His wrath, against sinners, is held in check. (It is recorded at First Thessalonians 1:10: "And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.") Instead of His wrath being manifested against the sinners: against the unbelievers; He internalizes that wrath; and He groans. He holds back His judgement. He works to cause people to believe. His love for us, provides us an opportunity to repent and believe. We need to ask ourselves: Have we repented? Are we allowing Him to work in our lives, so that we might believe?
This would be a good place to close, for now. So, until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
Our beginning text, for today's posting, is found in John 11:33-38, where we find written: (33) When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he GROANED (emphasis added) in the spirit, and was troubled, (34) And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. (35) Jesus wept. (36) Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him! (37) And some of them said, Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died? (38) Jesus therefore again GROANING (emphasis added) in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it.
We now come to a place, in the King's Book, where we are offered a view into the deep mystery that is God; a view that we are not, often, privileged to see; a view that dramatically shows us, the juxtaposition of the wrath of God, directed towards sinners; and the love of God, also, directed towards sinners. In this particular perspective, of the mystery that is God, we should be reminded, that for the sake of Jesus Christ and because of Jesus Christ, the wrath of God is turned aside from those sinners who have turned to Jesus Christ. Have you, my beloved, turned to Jesus Christ; and asked Him to take control of your life?
Now some of you, might be thinking, that Theophilus has lost it, on this one. You are asking yourselves: How could this text, speak to us, regarding the wrath of God; especially, when we consider, that Jesus is about to raise Lazarus from the dead? Where is the wrath of God evident? Please bear with me, my beloved; and, together, we might just gain some insight, that will serve us well, as we travel, together, on the path of victorious discipleship in Jesus Christ.
The Greek word, that is translated as "groaned" and "groaning," in our text, only appears three other times in the New Testament portion of the Kings's Book:
1. (Matthew 9:30) "And their eyes were opened; and Jesus STRAITLY CHARGED (emphasis added) them, saying, See that no man know it."
2. (Mark 1:43-44) "And he STRAITLY CHARGED (emphasis added) him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man..."
3. (Mark 14:5) "For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor. And they MURMURED AGAINST (emphasis added) her."
Take a close look at these three additional occurrences of the word translated as "groaned" and "groaning," in our text. In each instance (pay attention to the words emphasized), the context of the word usage is a firm stand, taken against a certain type of behaviour.
In examples one and two, Jesus is emphatically commanding someone to not undertake a certain behaviour. He is telling them to keep quiet about what had happened; but, the people commanded, did not obey. In Matthew 9:31, we find written: "But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country." In Mark 1:45, it says of the healed leper, that: "...he went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter..." Jesus took a position against the possibility of their disobedience; by straitly charging them to obey. He anticipates the possibility of their future sin; and positions Himself, firmly against that sin. (I use the word possibility, because of the tension between, and juxtaposition of, the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and the free will of those that He is commanding. That tension, will have to be further examined, in future posts.)
In the third example, the disciples are very much opposed to what someone had done; and they "murmured against her." A woman had come and anointed Jesus with a precious ointment. This was contrary to their own interests; and they were very much opposed to this; never mind that it was Jesus who was being anointed. The disciples had their own agenda; and they were emphatically set against what the woman had done. Thus, with the disciples usage of the word translated as "groaned" and "groaning," in our text, we get an additional sense, that the person or persons, using this word, would be most emphatically and firmly against the behaviour, that would be specific to their circumstances.
Returning to our text, we find that Jesus had internalized His reaction to what was happening: "He groaned in the spirit" (verse 33); "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself" (verse 38). Let us be reminded, that throughout this chapter, our Lord Jesus Christ has sovereignly intended for people to believe (please see previous posts). Every word that He spoke; and every action that He took was done with the intention of causing people to believe. Nonetheless, because He is God, His very nature causes Him to stand against sin. Thus, He internally groans, against the sinful behaviour of those around Him.
Jesus is surrounded by sinners. No one believes. But, because He is Jesus, the One who redeems us from our sins; His wrath, against sinners, is held in check. (It is recorded at First Thessalonians 1:10: "And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.") Instead of His wrath being manifested against the sinners: against the unbelievers; He internalizes that wrath; and He groans. He holds back His judgement. He works to cause people to believe. His love for us, provides us an opportunity to repent and believe. We need to ask ourselves: Have we repented? Are we allowing Him to work in our lives, so that we might believe?
This would be a good place to close, for now. So, until next time, my beloved brethren, in Christ Jesus, I continue to be:
Your servant and your fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus
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