Guilt and shame are God-given tools to move people to confession and repentance before Him. Too many times, however, feelings of condemnation are tolerated and justified in the life of a Christian who has repented of a sin. To those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation for those who have repented and forsaken their sins. Old sins need not weigh us down, for the blood of Jesus is sufficient to atone for them. The justice of God has been satisfied through His sacrifice, and we are free of all guilt and shame by grace through faith.
God has chosen to remember the sins of His people no more, but the devil is only too happy to remind us of our transgressions. His accusing voice rings in our heads, and because we agree we have done wrong there may be a temptation to allow his venomous attacks without resistance. When we wander from Christ, He calls us to return to Him. There is no waiting period for God's forgiveness, some penance that first must be endured before we will be accepted back into fellowship with God when we truly repent. The scripture says without reservation in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." "That's too easy," some might complain - like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son who returned to his father. Was the cross too small a payment in your estimation? That is what it cost God for man to be forgiven of a single sin. The devil and men alike want men to pay with guilt and shame for their sins when Christ has paid already.
When the book of the Law was read in Nehemiah's day, the people wept when they heard it. They were remorseful and contrite for their wrongs. They had sinned greatly against God and without atonement His great wrath would be upon them. Fresh out of captivity and they had entered into sins that were the cause of their captivity for 70 years! If man was God, he might be satisfied for people to remain in their guilt and shame a bit longer, to make sure they really knew how great their transgressions were! God is not like a man. Those who repent and humble themselves before God in faith and repentance will be accepted by His grace. Nehemiah 8:9-12 says, "And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.
10
Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
11
So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."
12
And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them." Amazingly, the people were commanded not to weep. Instead they were to rejoice because the joy of the LORD was their strength. Their tears of sorrow were turned to tears of joy. Their sins were great, but the atonement, forgiveness, grace, and acceptance of God was greater still.
If we practice sin, the absence of guilt and shame should be very concerning indeed. This shows our hearts have been hardened and deceived, perhaps even unregenerate! But if you are a Christian who has repented and forsaken sin, you should no longer bear the weighty yoke of guilt and shame for transgressions Christ has cleansed. We do well to remember our faults so we will not repeat them. Instead of drowning in sorrows and shame, and sinning further by pitying ourselves, let us choose to rejoice in the assurance of Christ's forgiveness through the promise of the Word. Do not delay to come to Christ and be reconciled to Him through repentance. Those who come to Christ He will by no means cast out (John 6:37). May the joy of the LORD be your strength as you consider all your Saviour has done for you!
15 June 2014
12 June 2014
Passing the Spiritual
Before immigrating to Australia, our family needed to complete physicals in the United States to qualify for a visa. It included a basic physical examination, bloodwork, vision, and drug testing. Had we failed the physical, we would have been denied a visa and entrance to the country. After we lived in Australia for two years, again the whole family was required to undergo a physical to obtain a permanent resident visa. Praise the LORD we each passed the physical and this potential hindrance to obtaining the visa was removed. God gave us favour with our application and now we remain grateful permanent residents of Australia. Since we have completed the physicals and have continued to live in-country, we should not need to have physicals when we apply for citizenship next year God-willing.
Paul wrote concerning Christians in Philippians 3:20-21: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Similar to how immigration to a different country requires a physical, to become a citizen of heaven requires a "spiritual." Only those who are completely righteous and holy meet God's requirements for heavenly citizenship. Heaven is open to everyone, but the problem is there is not one person aside from Jesus Christ who meets God's strict standards according to His Law. Not one person today can pass this spiritual physical. Polluted by sin, we all fail and will be denied entrance.
But God, in His mercy toward us, sent Jesus to suffer and die on our behalf. He has risen from the dead, proving His saving power. God's Word teaches us the effect of Christ and the Gospel in John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name..." Whosoever will repent and trust in Jesus Christ, receiving Him as LORD, the righteousness of Christ will be imputed to us (Romans 4:8-11). Our sins are atoned for by the blood of Jesus through faith, and we receive a life-providing transfusion of Christ's righteousness. We are holy, even as He is holy. Only then can we pass the spiritual requirements to gain access into heaven, for we have already received Him in our hearts by faith.
This is good news! Christians are made citizens of heaven by the grace of God, and have assurance of eternal security through His Word. Praise God for the way He has made through His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life!
Paul wrote concerning Christians in Philippians 3:20-21: "For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself." Similar to how immigration to a different country requires a physical, to become a citizen of heaven requires a "spiritual." Only those who are completely righteous and holy meet God's requirements for heavenly citizenship. Heaven is open to everyone, but the problem is there is not one person aside from Jesus Christ who meets God's strict standards according to His Law. Not one person today can pass this spiritual physical. Polluted by sin, we all fail and will be denied entrance.
But God, in His mercy toward us, sent Jesus to suffer and die on our behalf. He has risen from the dead, proving His saving power. God's Word teaches us the effect of Christ and the Gospel in John 1:12, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name..." Whosoever will repent and trust in Jesus Christ, receiving Him as LORD, the righteousness of Christ will be imputed to us (Romans 4:8-11). Our sins are atoned for by the blood of Jesus through faith, and we receive a life-providing transfusion of Christ's righteousness. We are holy, even as He is holy. Only then can we pass the spiritual requirements to gain access into heaven, for we have already received Him in our hearts by faith.
This is good news! Christians are made citizens of heaven by the grace of God, and have assurance of eternal security through His Word. Praise God for the way He has made through His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life!
10 June 2014
A More Sure Word
Life is filled with amazing experiences. The greatest and most memorable experiences occur when a man has an encounter with the Living God who created him. Whilst experiences do much to build faith in the life of a Christian, they can never be repeated. We cannot feel how we felt at that time, nor can we re-create the situation upon our whim. Look back all you want, but you cannot go back. This is a good thing, or else a lot of Christians might be tempted to remain at Elim (an oasis in the wilderness mentioned in Ex. 15:27) when the inheritance God has given to us remains unclaimed over Jordan.
Peter had such an experience when Jesus was transfigured before him. Peter was overwhelmed as he saw Jesus in glory, conversing with Moses and Elijah on the mount. Unsure of what to say, Peter made a suggestion that if Jesus agreed, they should build three tabernacles on the mountain: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He wanted to establish a memorial of this miraculous scene before his eyes. He never wanted to forget what he saw. But then something happened. Matthew 17:5-6 tells us, "While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid." It is clear that Peter's suggestion was not led by the Spirit, for as he was going on about constructing these tabernacles the voice of God the Father boomed, "The is My beloved Son!" The disciples fell on their faces, rising only after Jesus touched them and invited them to stand. They headed down the mountain, having had an encounter with God. God's will was not that they build monuments to their experience, but having been changed by their unforgettable encounter to head down the mountain, serving God and others.
Peter would later write of his experience in his second epistle, and he said something which I find amazing. 2 Peter 1:16-21 reads in the KJV: "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." One might think that the experience of the transfiguration would be heralded among the greatest spiritual experiences. To see Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah on the mount, and to hear the audible voice of God speak forth His approval and pleasure in His Son Jesus, would have been stunning proof of Jesus as Christ and His divinity. That is not what Peter says. He did not write this in a hope to recreate the glory of that night - or with the wish that others could have experienced it as well. He was an eyewitness of God's glory, and he heard with his ears the voice of God. Yet Peter says, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy...." Allow that to sink in for a moment. More trustworthy than Peter's ears, more established than the audible voice of God from heaven, is the surety of the scriptures written for us, dictated through men by the Holy Spirit. Wow.
There are no shortage of people who are convinced they have heard God speak. There are many people who are hailed as prophets by their loyal followers. We have sure words of prophecy concerning Christ all throughout the Bible, the Word of God. Peter says, "Ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place..." The scriptures are sure and steadfast. It is God-breathed and through the Bible we can know with full assurance truth from error. Do not think that I am minimising the importance of experiences. We are to experience the presence and fullness of God every day! When we have experiences - even if we see God's glory and hear His voice audibly - we are not to idolise such manifestations. May we all have them as He wills! God desires we fall before Him in reverent worship, and to rise at His leading and come down from that mountain top so we might be of use to Him in the foothills and valleys, in all seasons of life. For the rest of his life Peter was greatly enriched by his experience on the mountain with Jesus. But he viewed the scriptures as a more sure word of prophesy than his own eye-witness account.
May experiences of the power and glory of God and the sure words of prophecy committed unto us have their rightful place in our lives! We live in a dark place, and His Word is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our paths. Through God's Word we see Jesus, the Hope of Glory, in everlasting light and power. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus did not appeal to the signs and wonders of the reality of the resurrected Messiah, but went to the authority of the scriptures. Interesting, isn't it? Jesus could have turned stones into bread, healed an illness, or told the men exactly what was hidden in their hearts or past. He chose to affirm His resurrection and presence with the Word. Luke 24:25-27 says, "Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." No bright light, no booming voice from heaven. Jesus used the light of God's Word and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit to appeal to the hearts and minds of those grieving men. Jesus would ultimately reveal Himself to the men in His way of breaking bread. The way Jesus broke the loaves was one thing, but how much more wonderful was the way He pulled apart the Words of Life and gave to each as they had need through expounding the scripture. Does not God's Word satisfy?
Peter had such an experience when Jesus was transfigured before him. Peter was overwhelmed as he saw Jesus in glory, conversing with Moses and Elijah on the mount. Unsure of what to say, Peter made a suggestion that if Jesus agreed, they should build three tabernacles on the mountain: one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He wanted to establish a memorial of this miraculous scene before his eyes. He never wanted to forget what he saw. But then something happened. Matthew 17:5-6 tells us, "While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid." It is clear that Peter's suggestion was not led by the Spirit, for as he was going on about constructing these tabernacles the voice of God the Father boomed, "The is My beloved Son!" The disciples fell on their faces, rising only after Jesus touched them and invited them to stand. They headed down the mountain, having had an encounter with God. God's will was not that they build monuments to their experience, but having been changed by their unforgettable encounter to head down the mountain, serving God and others.
Peter would later write of his experience in his second epistle, and he said something which I find amazing. 2 Peter 1:16-21 reads in the KJV: "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." One might think that the experience of the transfiguration would be heralded among the greatest spiritual experiences. To see Jesus speaking with Moses and Elijah on the mount, and to hear the audible voice of God speak forth His approval and pleasure in His Son Jesus, would have been stunning proof of Jesus as Christ and His divinity. That is not what Peter says. He did not write this in a hope to recreate the glory of that night - or with the wish that others could have experienced it as well. He was an eyewitness of God's glory, and he heard with his ears the voice of God. Yet Peter says, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy...." Allow that to sink in for a moment. More trustworthy than Peter's ears, more established than the audible voice of God from heaven, is the surety of the scriptures written for us, dictated through men by the Holy Spirit. Wow.
There are no shortage of people who are convinced they have heard God speak. There are many people who are hailed as prophets by their loyal followers. We have sure words of prophecy concerning Christ all throughout the Bible, the Word of God. Peter says, "Ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place..." The scriptures are sure and steadfast. It is God-breathed and through the Bible we can know with full assurance truth from error. Do not think that I am minimising the importance of experiences. We are to experience the presence and fullness of God every day! When we have experiences - even if we see God's glory and hear His voice audibly - we are not to idolise such manifestations. May we all have them as He wills! God desires we fall before Him in reverent worship, and to rise at His leading and come down from that mountain top so we might be of use to Him in the foothills and valleys, in all seasons of life. For the rest of his life Peter was greatly enriched by his experience on the mountain with Jesus. But he viewed the scriptures as a more sure word of prophesy than his own eye-witness account.
May experiences of the power and glory of God and the sure words of prophecy committed unto us have their rightful place in our lives! We live in a dark place, and His Word is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our paths. Through God's Word we see Jesus, the Hope of Glory, in everlasting light and power. On the road to Emmaus, Jesus did not appeal to the signs and wonders of the reality of the resurrected Messiah, but went to the authority of the scriptures. Interesting, isn't it? Jesus could have turned stones into bread, healed an illness, or told the men exactly what was hidden in their hearts or past. He chose to affirm His resurrection and presence with the Word. Luke 24:25-27 says, "Then He said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?" 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself." No bright light, no booming voice from heaven. Jesus used the light of God's Word and the still small voice of the Holy Spirit to appeal to the hearts and minds of those grieving men. Jesus would ultimately reveal Himself to the men in His way of breaking bread. The way Jesus broke the loaves was one thing, but how much more wonderful was the way He pulled apart the Words of Life and gave to each as they had need through expounding the scripture. Does not God's Word satisfy?
06 June 2014
Need Hard Times?
The rest Jesus promises us as we follow Him is not in place of the storms, but in the midst of them. His presence will bring a calming influence on winds, waves, and hearts, yet we are promised tribulation. God is not interested in giving us easy victories. Walking and jumping is easy in a zero-gravity environment, but it doesn't take long for atrophy to set in and cause muscles to weaken. Some of the life lessons from Naval Admiral William H. McRaven in his speech to the graduating class at the University of Texas could be easily applied to the Christian walk. Being a United States Navy SEAL is a tough job indeed, and physical ability and fitness is only part of the deal. One must be mentally strong and determined to endure the stressful rigours of training alone! Following Christ faithfully in this world is no easier. There are few indeed who face with joy the spiritual rigours of denying the flesh, taking up our cross daily, and following Jesus.
When God allows hard times in our lives, it is because in a sense we need them. Why a Navy SEAL need be buried up to his neck in mud for 15 hours as part of training, I can't say for sure. For six days they are not permitted to sleep, and the whole time drill instructors use every tactic imaginable to dare prospective SEALs to quit. Once we decide to follow Jesus, the devil uses every tool at his disposal to influence us to walk down any path but that of righteousness. As in the book of Job, God might even allow Satan himself to take away our goods, children, and health, turning even our friends and spouse against us. Will we stay resolute? Or will we quit?
In a message I recently heard by David Guzik, he quoted from Hosea 10:12: "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you." The point he emphasised is how God's people are told to "break up your fallow ground." He related how as a missionary he often heard people talk about how "hard" the ground was in the place where they were ministering. He made the valid point that if the ground where you are ministering is hard, it is because there is something in that hardness you need to break up your own hard heart. The place where God has us can be the means He provides to plow up our fallow, unfruitful ground. The people God has around us - like King Saul who threw spears at David - can be the very instrument used by God to transform us. Like Gene Edwards communicates masterfully through his book A Tale of Three Kings, God uses the outer Saul to kill the inner Saul that lives within each one of us.
God knows what He is doing, and to us it may look like He has missed some important points in relation to our needs, comfort, and growth. Again, God knows what He is doing and He is in control. We are called to follow Jesus, sow for ourselves righteousness, reap in mercy, break up our fallow ground, and seek the LORD. When times grow difficult will we quit or press on in faith? Praise the LORD that He will never leave or forsake us, whether we are tempest-tossed on the sea or are buried to our necks in mud. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." God knows what we need. Some seeds require the heat of fire to germinate. Periods of drought and fierce wind can strengthen and broaden the root structure of trees. Our muscles grow when they are strained, and our faith grows when it is tested. Will you see the test through to the end and hear God say "Well done, good and faithful servant?" Or will we decide we didn't really want to follow Jesus after all?
When God allows hard times in our lives, it is because in a sense we need them. Why a Navy SEAL need be buried up to his neck in mud for 15 hours as part of training, I can't say for sure. For six days they are not permitted to sleep, and the whole time drill instructors use every tactic imaginable to dare prospective SEALs to quit. Once we decide to follow Jesus, the devil uses every tool at his disposal to influence us to walk down any path but that of righteousness. As in the book of Job, God might even allow Satan himself to take away our goods, children, and health, turning even our friends and spouse against us. Will we stay resolute? Or will we quit?
In a message I recently heard by David Guzik, he quoted from Hosea 10:12: "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you." The point he emphasised is how God's people are told to "break up your fallow ground." He related how as a missionary he often heard people talk about how "hard" the ground was in the place where they were ministering. He made the valid point that if the ground where you are ministering is hard, it is because there is something in that hardness you need to break up your own hard heart. The place where God has us can be the means He provides to plow up our fallow, unfruitful ground. The people God has around us - like King Saul who threw spears at David - can be the very instrument used by God to transform us. Like Gene Edwards communicates masterfully through his book A Tale of Three Kings, God uses the outer Saul to kill the inner Saul that lives within each one of us.
God knows what He is doing, and to us it may look like He has missed some important points in relation to our needs, comfort, and growth. Again, God knows what He is doing and He is in control. We are called to follow Jesus, sow for ourselves righteousness, reap in mercy, break up our fallow ground, and seek the LORD. When times grow difficult will we quit or press on in faith? Praise the LORD that He will never leave or forsake us, whether we are tempest-tossed on the sea or are buried to our necks in mud. Philippians 4:19 says, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." God knows what we need. Some seeds require the heat of fire to germinate. Periods of drought and fierce wind can strengthen and broaden the root structure of trees. Our muscles grow when they are strained, and our faith grows when it is tested. Will you see the test through to the end and hear God say "Well done, good and faithful servant?" Or will we decide we didn't really want to follow Jesus after all?
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