Saturday, May 9, 2020

What we are now in Christ

. . . who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing . . . Ephesians 1:3 ESV 

Christ bestows on His people all the goodness of the past, the present, and the future. In the mysterious ages of the past the Lord Jesus was His Father’s first elect, and in His election He gave us a legal share, for we were chosen in Him from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). From all eternity, Jesus had the prerogatives of sonship as His Father’s only-begotten and well-beloved Son—but He has, in the riches of His grace, also elevated us to sonship by adoption and regeneration. Jesus has given us “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). The eternal covenant, based on a guarantee and confirmed by an oath, is for our strong comfort and security. In the everlasting settlement of predetermining wisdom and all-powerful decree, the eye of the Lord Jesus was always fixed on us—and we can rest assured that in the whole register of destiny there is not a line that militates against the interests of His redeemed. The great marriage promise of the Prince of Glory is ours—He is engaged to us, as the sacred ceremony will soon declare to an assembled universe. The marvelous incarnation of the God of heaven, with all the amazing condescension and humiliation which attended it, is ours. The bloody sweat, the scourge, and the cross are ours forever. Whatever happy consequences flow from perfect obedience, finished atonement, resurrection, ascension, or intercession are all ours by His own giving. Upon His breastplate He is now wearing our names, and in His authoritative prayers at the throne He remembers who we are and pleads our cause. His dominion over principalities and powers and His absolute majesty in heaven are employed for the benefit of those who trust in Him. His high estate is as much at our service as was His condition of abasement. The One who gave himself for us in the depths of woe and death does not withdraw the grant now that He is enthroned in the highest heavens. - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening 

For sure, this last hundred years has been one of selfishness and the looking down on others.  Racial divide. The creation of classes to separate people.  Then, to use that 'diversity' and 'inclusion' to attack the Church.  Decrying that they are the evil of this world because they do not accept all these worldly classes and distinctions. 

Jesus didn't mince words when He said what would become of those who chose to follow Him.  Scripture says "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:14-16

Consider the time of Jesus's ministry. The Jewish leaders claimed to be the embodiment of the word of God and the ultimate authority on it. Yet they did not understand it at all. 

Only those first Apostles knew first hand the Word of God. They were obedient in training and teaching others about a right relationship with Jesus.  They hid nothing from them about how difficult the times would be.  They hid nothing from them no matter what it meant to the numbers of people attending.  Speaking the truth in love they taught all things, the whole council of God.  Today, people who preach can be divided.  Some look to attract people by feel good sermons and services. Some avoid sermons that speak against what the world holds dear.  Very few Pastors stand firm on the Word of God in all its truth. 

But some do.  Regardless of how it's accepted by the world, some certainly do.

Jesus said that if we follow Him it would be difficult. His word says that people would indeed be lovers of themselves. Mocking those who do believe.  Their selfish, pride filled lives defining themselves.  Even Christians today who call themselves that are trying to wage a war against the world over their rights being violated because of what's become of the world due to this man made virus.

The world is becoming just what the Word of God said it would be like and Christians aren't accepting it.  How backwards is that?  The Bible is proving itself true. Yet so-called Christians are rising up to wage war...and are really proving they never really had the Word implanted in their hearts.  Their language and behavior are showing they really never had the change of heart that comes from Salvation. 

Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." Yet these people are brashly attacking with foul language and behavior that is evidence of a heart that has not turned to God. 

We who are in Christ have a job to do alright, let the light of Christ shine forth from us to the world.  What we are in this world are visitors.  This world isn't our home.  It's dying. Our home is in Heaven. Safe and protected by God Himself!

We are to let our light shine in such a way as to attract people TO Christ, not make them wonder what insanity has gripped us.  Standing on the Word of God.  Telling others about what they can have in Christ. Like Andrew, Peter's brother. Showing the way to a new life in Christ Jesus.  That's what we are to be and be doing. 

The world isn't going to get better.  Read more about it in your Bible.  Prophecy is coming true in our time.  It's rather easy to point to worldly reasons for the dangers we face and to react emotionally to them. But the truth of Scripture says that Satan is at work in this world to draw all men to himself.  He wants the worship and glory that belongs to God. He will do whatever he must to discredit and damage the life of the Church, to try to destroy the Bible and all it stands for. He lost at the cross but isn't giving up.  Jesus still is on the Throne.  Satan is not. 

We have a job to do...in being followers of Christ. To be in prayer. To be in the Word of God. To keep our minds on things above not on the things of this world. To love one another as Christ loves us. To be the light in this world, the reflection of Christ Jesus. 

The world will rear its ugly head and fight, but, Jesus said to be of good cheer, He has overcome the world.  Behave as children of the light. Bear fruit in righteousness. 

You will never have trouble finding people these days to argue with concerning this world.  Rather show them Jesus and let Him do the changing of them. 

Beware of those who claim to be Christians who show no fruits of the Spirit.  Don't join with them in their folly. 

Look to Jesus as the author and perfecter of your faith. 

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