Pensacola Helene Jefferson's Blog, page 3

GOD IS A GOD OF JUSTICE. HE WOULD WHETHER SAVE YOUR SOUL THAN FOR YOU TO PERISH!

GOD OF JUSTICE

“MAKING THINGS RIGHT AGAIN”

“...He is the Rock, his works are perfect,and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...”(Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV).

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       The God of JUSTICE is LOVING, RIGHTEOUS, and ALL HIS WAYS are JUST. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…everything he (God, the Holy Spirit) does is right and all his ways are just....” (Daniel 4 NIV). “...He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he...”(Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

God’s WORD governs righteous behavior. God’s JUSTICE judges unrighteous behavior. “...the government will be on his (Jesus, the WORD’s) shoulders...” (Isaiah 9:6 NIV). “...judgment and justicewill be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). God’s WORD is the system of government in God’s Kingdom. God’s JUSTICE is the system of judgement in God’s Kingdom.

God, the Holy Spirit is responsible for making laws for the citizens of HIS kingdom. God, the Holy Spirit, manages their OVERALL well-being in all domains, and controls the supplying of their needs. “...He (God, the Holy Spirit) careth for you...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… [God, the Holy Spirit] ... will supply all your [need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

God’s redeemed people are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. “…[God’s people]... are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. [They]... are members of God’s family. …” (Ephesians 2:19-20 NLT). “...[their]...citizenship is in heaven...” (Philippians 3:20 NIV). “...you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household...” (Ephesians 2:19 NASB).

In, addition, “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

God’s JUSTICE doesn’t simply punish sin and wrongdoing, but it includes treating “all” people with FAIRNESS, PROTECTING the vulnerable, showing CARE or CONCERN for all people equally,  taking a stand against INJUSTICES, and requires RIGHTEOUS behavior that reflects kindness, mercy, and compassion. “...But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out. The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror...” (Psalm 10:14-18 NIV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) loves justice...” (Psalms 11:7 NIV).

“...He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous...” (Psalm 146:6-8 NIV).

It is the God of JUSTICE who will acquit the innocent, condemn the guilty, expose lies and corruption. “...The Lord is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror...” (Psalm 10:14-18 NIV).

God does NOT like those who DISTORT justice by favoring the rich and oppressing the poor. “...Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly...” (Leviticus 19:15 NIV). “...He appointed judges in the land, in each of the fortified cities of Judah.He told them, “Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for mere mortals but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict.  Now let the fear of the Lord be on you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery...” (2 Chronicles 19:5-7 NIV). “...he (God, the Holy Spirit) loves justice...” (Psalms 11:7 NIV). “...the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV). “... the holy God will be proved holy by his righteous acts...” (Isaiah 5:16 NIV).

God is a God of JUSTICE he SEES everything and he SEES when leaders and his people DO NOT “ACT” JUSTLY by not looking out for the weak and helpless. “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB). “…He hath shewed thee, O man (woman), what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV). “…O people, the Lordhas told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right (hate injustice),to love mercy (justice), and to walk humbly with your God…” (Micah 6:8 NLT).  

God’s word also warns: “...Don’t pass on malicious gossip. Don’t link up with a wicked person and give corrupt testimony. Don’t go along with the crowd in doing evil and don’t mess up your testimony in a case just to please the crowd. And just because someone is poor, don’t show favoritism in a dispute...” (Exodus 23:1-3 MSG). King David prayed for King Soloman: “...Endow the king with your justice, O God, the royal son with your righteousness. May he judge your people in righteousness, your afflicted ones with justice...” (Psalm 72:1-2 NIV).

God is a God of JUSTICE and he encourages his people to DO RIGHT and ACT JUSTLY while upon earth. “...Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow...” (Isaiah 1:17 NIV).

Job was an example of one who EXACTED God’s JUSTICE.
“...I put on righteousness as my clothing; justice was my robe and my turban. I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame. I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger...” (Job 29:14-16 NIV).

A TRUE disciple, follower of God, citizen of Heaven, NEW CREATION in Christ, or redeemed child of God WORSHIP God by extending God, the Holy Spirit’s, LOVING JUSTICE to all!

God’s JUSTICE will STAND against INJUSTICE. “...I (God, the Holy Spirit) know how many are your offenses and how great your sins. There are those who oppress the innocent and take bribes and deprive the poor of justice in the courts....” (Amos 5:12 NIV). “...People hate this kind of talk. Raw truth is never popular. But here it is, bluntly spoken: Because you run roughshod over the poor and take the bread right out of their mouths, You’re never going to move intothe luxury homes you have built. You’re never going to drink wine from the expensive vineyards you’ve planted.I know precisely the extent of your violations, the enormity of your sins. Appalling! You bully right-living people, taking bribes right and left and kicking the poor when they’re down...” (Amos 5:10-12 MSG).

“…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB).

“...This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other...” (Zechariah 7:9-10 NIV).

“…He hath shewed thee, O man (woman), what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8 KJV).

God’s JUSTICE was HIGHLIGHTED in Jesus’ teaching and ministry upon earth. JUSTICE was NOT to be ignored or neglected! “...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me...” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV).  “...Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone...” (Luke 11:42 NIV).

God as a God of JUSTICE may be a hard concept to comprehend when SO MUCH evil continues. Many believers and non-believers have asked “...If God is SUCH a LOVING God why does he allow and tolerate wickedness and evil?...”

God led me to Habakkuk for the answer. Habakkuk had the SAME complaint.“...How long, Lord, must I call for help,but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted....” (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NIV).

“...God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, “Help! Murder! Police!” before you come to the rescue? Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head...” (Habakkuk 1:2-4 MSG).

Habakkuk like so many of God’s people didn’t KNOW how to reconcile God’s JUSTICE and GOODNESS with the wickedness and evil they were SEEING and EXPERIENCING in the world. “...What’s God going to say to my questions? I’m braced for the worst.I’ll climb to the lookout tower and scan the horizon. I’ll wait to see what God says, how he’ll answer my complaint[s]...” (Habakkuk 2:1 MSG).

This is HOW the God of JUSTICE answered Habakkuk. “...Look around at the godless nations. Look long and hard. Brace yourself for a shock. Something’s about to take placeand you’re going to find it hard to believe. I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon, grabbing up nations right and left, A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes. Their horses run like the wind, attack like bloodthirsty wolves. A stampede of galloping horses thunders out of nowhere. They descend like vulturescircling in on carrion. They’re out to kill. Death is on their minds. They collect victims like squirrels gathering nuts. They mock kings, poke fun at generals, Spit on forts, and leave them in the dust. They’ll all be blown away by the wind.Brazen in sin, they call strength their god...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).

God ALLOWED the Babylonians to be IN CHARGE, for a while, to PUNISH “his” rebellious children that had been taken into exile. “...I am raising up the Babylonians (Chaldeans), that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own...” (Habakkuk 1:6 NIV). “...I’m about to raise up Babylonians to punish you, Babylonians, fierce and ferocious—World-conquering Babylon, grabbing up nations right and left...” (Habakkuk 1:5-12 MSG).

The Babylonians were wicked, terrible people, who made up laws that benefitted themselves, but God USED them to discipline his people. “...They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor...” (Habakkuk 1:7 NIV).  “...A dreadful and terrible people, making up its own rules as it goes...” (Habakkuk 1:7 MSG).

“...He careth for you (his people)...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “...For whom the Lord loveth he CORRECTETH…” (Proverbs 3:12 KJV).   

 “...If you are not disciplined – and everyone undergoes discipline – then you are notlegitimate, not true sons and daughters at all” (Hebrews 12:8 NIV).

God disciplines his children so “…that [they] might be partakers of his holiness….” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…Be holy, because I am holy…” (1 Peter 1:16 KJV). “…I am the Lordwho makes you holy…” (Leviticus 20:8 NLT).

“… [God allows corrections]…for [their] profit...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV). “…No chastening (discipline) for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised (trained) thereby...” (Hebrews 12:11 KJV).

This is, part 2, of HOW the God of JUSTICE answered Habakkuk. God, the Holy Spirit, assured Habakkuk that the Babylonians would definitely face his JUSTICE. “...Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it...”(Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV). “...And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it....” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV).

Then God, the Holy Spirit, SAID: “...See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness—indeed, wine betrays him; he is arrogant and never at rest. Because he is as greedy as the grave and like death is never satisfied, he gathers to himself all the nations and takes captive all the peoples. “Will not all of them taunt him with ridicule and scorn, saying, ‘Woe to him who piles up stolen goods and makes himself wealthy by extortion! How long must this go on?’  Will not your creditors suddenly arise? Will they not wake up and make you tremble?Then you will become their prey. Because you have plundered many nations, the peoples who are left will plunder you. For you have shed human blood;you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, setting his nest on high to escape the clutches of ruin! You have plotted the ruin of many peoples, shaming your own house and forfeiting your life. The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.  “Woe to him who builds a city with bloodshedand establishes a town by injustice! Has not the Lord Almighty determined that the people’s labor is only fuel for the fire, that the nations exhaust themselves for nothing? For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. “Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring it from the wineskin till they are drunk, so that he can gaze on their naked bodies! You will be filled with shame instead of glory. Now it is your turn! Drink and let your nakedness be exposed! The cup from the Lord’s right hand is coming around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory. The violence you have done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and your destruction of animals will terrify you For you have shed human blood; you have destroyed lands and cities and everyone in them. “Of what value is an idol carved by a craftsman? Or an image that teaches lies? For the one who makes it trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak. Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.” The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him...” (Habakkuk 2:4-20 NIV).“...Then the Lord replied: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay...”(Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV).

“...And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry...” (Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV).

God basically TOLD Habakkuk that the RIGHTEOUS, in the days of trouble, would be the ones who will CONTINUE to live by faith.  “..Behold, his soul (the wicked soul) which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith...” (Habakkuk 2:4 KJV). “..For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “...But that no man (woman) is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith...” (Galatians 3:11 KJV).  “...Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man (woman) draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him...” (Hebrew 10:38 KJV).

The righteous will CONTINUE to trust and depend upon God, the Holy Spirit, and his WORD no matter what they SEE. “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV).

The righteous are empowered and strengthened by the indwelling Holy Spirit to SEE, through FAITH, beyond the present circumstance with confidence in the God of JUSTICE. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

“...He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord , He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust ...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

“...Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler...” (Psalm 91 KJV).

The righteous are the ONES that know their righteousness is a GIFT given to them through the blood of Jesus. “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “...God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

The righteous, through Jesus, are in right standing with God, the Holy Spirit. ... God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God ... through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…[He sent the] …one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…[salvation]… IS THE GIFT OF GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…[God’s people ARE] ... Saved by grace through faith (trust in & dependency upon God)… NOT OF [them]SELVES ... not of works , that no man (woman) should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

 “...his gift of righteousness ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…it is the blood [of Jesus] that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

In the Old Testament when God sent a tenth and final plague upon the Egyptians which caused the death of the firstborn of both people and animals. ALL the firstborn of Egypt died on the same night, even King Pharaoh’s son. All died, except the righteous who were COVERED by the BLOOD. (READ Exodus 11:1-12:36). “…This is what the Lordsays: At midnight tonight I will pass through the heart of Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on his throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest servant girl who grinds the flour. Even the firstborn of all the livestock will die. Then a loud wail will rise throughout the land of Egypt, a wail like no one has heard before or will ever hear again. …” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

The children of Israel (God’s people, the righteous) that painted their door posts with the sacrificial blood of an animal did not lose their firstborn to death. “… But among the Israelites it will be so peaceful that not even a dog will bark. Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites…” (Exodus 11:4-8 NLT).

This created a FEAR in the hearts and minds of the Egyptians. “… All the officials of Egypt will run to me and fall to the ground before me. ‘Please leave!’ they will beg. ‘Hurry! And take all your followers with you.’ Only then will I go!” …  The Lordcaused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth!” (Exodus 11:4-8, 12:34 NLT).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the [Israel, his righteous, was delivered out of the house of bondage] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought  [Israel, his righteous] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, DELIVERED thousands that night. “…That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children…” (Exodus 12:37 NLT).

The Israelites, God’s righteous people, had been in slavery, in the land of Egypt, for over 430 years. “…The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for 430 years.  In fact, it was on the last day of the 430th year that all the Lord’s forces left the land. On this night the Lordkept his promise to bring his people out of the land of Egypt. So this night belongs to him, and it must be commemorated every year by all the Israelites, from generation to generation…” (Exodus 12:40-42 NLT).

“…I will rid you out of their bondage...” (Exodus 6:6-7 KJV). “…I will redeem you with a stretched out hand...”(Exodus 6:5:6-7 KJV). “…The Lord bought [Israel,  his righteous people] out with a mighty hand and redeemed [them] out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of…Egypt. … (Deuteronomy 7:8 KJV).

God was TOTALLY aware of the Babylonian’s wickedness and evil ways. “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB).

However, God USED the Babylonians to CHASTISE his people. God was also completely aware of the Babylonians many wrongdoings/sins, greedy excesses, and evil ways. His “WOES” were a warning of the coming JUDGEMENT upon them.

God allows the wicked, whose intention is to benefit themselves while harming others, in order to fulfill his GOOD PLAN. Satan and his evil followers “…intended to harm[God’s people], but God intended it for ...[their]...good...” Genesis 50:20 NIV). “…The plans [God has]…for you…. [are]…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). “…all things work together for GOOD to them that LOVE GOD, to them who are THE CALLEDto his purpose” (Romans 8:28 KJV).

 “…[You]…will receive NOW in return (in this life) a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).“….If God is for us, who [or what]... can be against us?”(Romans 8:31 NIV).

The God of JUSTICE’s intentions are ALWAYS pure, HOLY, good and JUST. “...For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to giveyou an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV).

God is a God of JUSTICE. He SEES the wickedness of ALL his creations and they will not go unpunished. “...whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. ..” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB). “...For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

Joseph was UNFAIRLY treated, but one day, “...Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I’ll take care of you and your children.” He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart...” (Genesis 50:20-21 MSG). “...Fellow Israelites, listen carefully to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man thoroughly accredited by God to you—the miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him are common knowledge—this Jesus, following the deliberate and well-thought-out plan of God, was betrayed by men who took the law into their own hands, and was handed over to you. And you pinned him to a cross and killed him. But God untied the death ropes and raised him up. Death was no match for him. David said it all: I saw God before me for all time. Nothing can shake me; he’s right by my side. I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.I know you’ll never dump me in Hades; I’ll never even smell the stench of death. You’ve got my feet on the life-path, with your face shining sun-joy all around... (Acts 2:23-28 MSG).

God’s righteous people are ASSURED, no matter what is happening, that HIS is “…[thei]r deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I AM WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

God is a God of JUSTICE, so no matter what YOU SEE; STAND FIRM! “…Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIMEWE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “... the faithful followers of the Lord ...keep their promises [to God]... even when it hurts...” (Psalms 15:4 NLT).

Watching WICKED and EVIL people prosper and “seemingly” get away with their many crimes could put a righteous person on the BRINK, BORDER, or EDGE, of utter DESPAIR. “...I [would have]... fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living...” (Psalm 27:13-14 KJV).

During TROUBLING times, the PATH of righteousness gets MIGHTY narrow sometimes, but at the end of the day, God’s people should, willingly choose, to continue to walk by faith and NOT to give up!“…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are few who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).  “…Let us NOT become weary in doing good, for at the PROPER TIMEWE WILL REAP A HARVEST if we do not give up...” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). “...The just shall live by faith...” (Romans 10:17 KJV). “…He willkeep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV).

“... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord....” (Psalm 27:13-14 KJV).

The God of JUSTICE says:  “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is [Y]ours (his righteous ONES) through Christ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

 

GOD'S PRESENCE BRINGS LIBERTY TO YOU & YOUR SITUATION: IT NEVER LEAVES YOU

 

GOD’S PRESENCE LIBERATES AND FREES AND IT NEVER LEAVES YOU

“ “…God has said “Never will I leave [my people]; never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). 

“…Behold, I AM WITH… [my people] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [them] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

 “… Behold, I am with … [my people, faithfully] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

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If God’s people are “IN” God’s presence it means they are in the SAME place as God is and are close enough where he can HEAR them, SEE them, and LOOK them in the FACE.“...Thou God seest me...” (Genesis 16:13 KJV). “...You’re the God who sees me!...” (Genesis  16:13 MSG).

“...My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret...” (Psalm 139 NASB). “…Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes…” (Hebrews 4:13 NLT). “...You are a God who sees me...” (Genesis 16:13 NASB).

On the other hand, if God’s people are “IN” God’s presence it means God is in the SAME place as they are and they are also close enough to HEAR him, SEE him, and LOOK into the FACE of his GLORY too.

THEY HEAR HIS VOICE through jesus: “...if anyone hears My voiceand opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him (her), and he(she) with Me...” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day:” (Genesis 2:8-11 KJV).

“...a voice came from heaven…” (Daniel 4 NLT). “...I heard thy voice in the garden...” (Genesis 2:8-11 KJV). “...we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he (she) liveth…” (Dueteronomy 5:24 KJV).

“...He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out...they follow him because they know his voice...” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

THEY SEE HIM (god, who is SPIRIT) THROUGH JESUS: “…The invisible [Spirit]…from the creation of the world is …clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE …” (Romans 1:20 KJV).

“The Son is ... the EXACT representation of his being (which is SPIRIT)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto him… he that hath SEEN ME HATH SEEN the Father (his presence or GLORY) …” (John 14:9 KJV).

THEY witness HIS GLORY OR PRESENCE THROUGH CREATION AND THROUGH JESUS:  “… The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples have seen His glory…” (Psalms 97:6 NASB). “..Behold, the Lord our God hath SHEWED [his people]... his GLORY …” (Deuteronomy 5:24 KJV).

“...[When]... the Word (God, through Jesus, the speaking SPIRIT) became flesh, and dwelt among us ...[mankind]... saw His glory...” (John 1:14 NASB). “The Son (God, through Jesus, the speaking SPIRIT) is the RADIANCE of God’s glory...”  (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit wanted his people BACK in his presence. So, God sent THE ONE (Jesus, his WORD) to reconcile their LOST and spiritually dead souls and his Holy SPIRIT back together again. “… [He (God, who is SPIRIT) sent the] …one  (his WORD, which is also God who becomes the speaking SPIRIT through Jesus)… who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

The lost and spiritually dead soul is RESTORED to God’s Holy Spirit again. “…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son (his WORD) “INTO” [Y[OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT).

The lost and spiritually dead soul was MADE whole again. “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).  “..…your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV).

“... and man (woman) became a living soul (soul AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  The LIVING is God’s indwelling SPIRIT and the soul, which means the ONCE lost and spiritually dead soul shares an intimate “covenant unity” with God, the Holy Spirit.  

There is NO LONGER a barrier or chasm between your soul and God, who is SPIRIT. “... And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

“…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you offfrom God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

“… [So God, the Holy Spirit sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus (through whom God becomes the speaking SPIRIT)…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Each one of God’s people, who have accepted Jesus, his WORD, by faith, into their hearts, have the PRESENCE of God within them through the indwelling Holy Spirit.

“…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God; NOT OF WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).

“….ye shall receive the GIFT of the [indwelling]...Holy [Spirit]…” (Acts 2:38 KJV).

“…God...[the Holy Spirit SENDS]... the Spirit of His Son (his WORD) “INTO” [Y[OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).“…He (she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

“...your life is hidden with Christ in God...” (Colossians 3:3 NASB). The butter blends into the CAKE batter becoming HIDDEN until there is NOTHING left but ONE single, undivided,  NEW CREATION called a CAKE.

“...[Thus]...any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...This makes it clear that our great ... [indwelling]...power is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…the Spirit of God dwell in [New creation]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “….the Spirit of God dwelleth in [new creations]..” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…[The New Creation’s]... body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in [them], which [they] have [received]... of God, and [they]... are not [their[... own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV).

“…God hath said, I will dwell in [new creations], and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in [New Creations]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (his WORD) is IN [New Creations]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “ …[New Creations]... have this treasure  (the indwelling Holy Spirit) “in” earthen vessels…” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV).

“…God [is]...with [his people]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).

God’s people often FAIL to realize that being in the PRESENCE of God, the Holy Spirit means to BE in the presence of GREATNESS. “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…You are veryGREAT; You are clothed in SPLENDER Covering Yourself with LIGHT as with a cloak…”(Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“…His radiance is like the sunlight; He has rays flashing from His hand…” (Habakkuk 3:4.NASB).

“… Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness,Awesome in praises, working wonders?...” (Exodus 15:11 NASB).

“…God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all…” (1 John 1:5 NASB). “…the BEAUTY of … [god’s] … holiness…” (2 Chronicles 16:29 KJV).

“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… I, the LORD, am the first, and with the last …[of HOLINESS] ... I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “… I am the first and I am the last, And there is no … [HOLY] … God besides Me…” (Isaiah 44:6 NASB). “… there is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “… Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come…” (Revelation 4:8 KJV).   

“… You set [your people]... in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…YOU MAKE [your people]... “MOST” BLESSED forever … in YOUR PRESENCE…” (Psalms 21:6 NASB).

“…Jesus Christ is in [God’s people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Christ in [God’s people] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in [God’s people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “...[God’s people are].... crucified with Christ: nevertheless [they[... live; yet not [them], but Christ liveth in [them]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…if Christ be in [God’s people]… [then] …the Lord …[is] … in [their]... presence…” (Romans 8:10 KJV &Exodus 33:16-23 NIV).

It is the REDEEMED, RECONCILED, and RESTORED soul, made WHOLE, through Jesus, that is allowed to enter into the most holy of holies, which is God’s PRESENCE. Jesus is the WAY. “…Jesus saith unto him, I amthe way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14 6 KJV). “…This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).

“...let [God’s people]... come boldly to the throne of our gracious God (to HIS PRESENCE). There [God’s people]... will receive his mercy, and [they]... will find grace to help [them when [they]... need it most...” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT).

“… [God]...you set [your people]... in Your presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “… because THEY BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).

“…[god’s people]... are a chosen people. [They]... are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession.As a result, [they]... can show others the goodness of God, for he called [each of them]... out of the darkness into his wonderful light…” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT).

From the moment the lost and spiritually dead soul comes INTO God’s PRESENCE, through Jesus, their lives are NEVER the same. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB). God “….is …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).

God, who is SPIRIT, becomes the LIVING WORD who becomes the speaking SPIRIT. The WORD or speaking SPIRIT is “…the [becomes the POWERFUL working SPIRIT] ...of God [that SAVES everyone who trusts in and depends upon his WORD to do what it says it will do]…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…God sent ... his Son (his WORD through Jesus) ... that the world THROUGH HIM (god, the speaking spirit) might BE SAVED…” (John 3:17 KJV).

“... I, am the Lord (the word of god, who is spirit); and beside me (God’s word) there is no saviour. I (God, who is Spirit, through Jesus) have declared, and have saved …the Lord (the word of god, who is spirit “is”), your redeemer…: (Isaiah 43:10-15 KJV).

“… [THE WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT]...It [also]... is the [working]...power of Godat work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes (trusts and depends)…” (Romans 1:16 NLT).

“….TO [THOSE]…WHO ARE SAVED, [THE WORD of god, who is spirit] IS [also]...THE POWER OF GOD….” (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV).

“…UNTO THEM, WHICH ARE CALLED…[THE WORD of god, who is spirit IS]…THE POWER OF GOD…” (1 Corinthians 1:24 KJV). It is the POWERFUL WORD of God, who is SPIRIT that becomes the powerful working SPIRIT that results in salvation.

” “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (god)…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word [is]...God … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

If you could have obtained salvation, by your own efforts, then Christ would NOT have had a need to die upon the cross. “… The life which [God’s people] now live in the flesh [they]... live by the [indwelling fruit of]... faith [produced and empowered by] ... the Son of God (the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT) … for if righteousness come by the law (self-effort, self-autonomy, etc.), then Christ... [...also the atoning sacrifice]... is dead in vain…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV).

“…the Father (God, who is SPIRIT) that dwelleth in me (Jesus), he doeth the [powerful]...works…” (John 14:10 KJV).“…Apart from Me (Jesus, his WORD), [God’s people]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).     “… if keeping the law (self-effort, one’s own power) could make [them]... right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…Who will free [the lost and spiritually dead soul] from this life that is dominated by SIN (self-effort, self-autonomy etc.)? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT and becomes the speaking SPIRIT and the powerful working SPIRIT through JESUS)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“For [it is] Christ …[who]…. died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us... [BACK]... to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the SPIRIT…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ... he was buried, and …he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).

What HAPPENS when the lost and spiritually dead soul comes FACE to FACE with God’s PRESENCE? They “…RECEIVE (obtain, accept, etc.) ... theengrafted WORD, which is able to SAVE [their]. souls…” (James 1:21 KJV).  GOD’S PRESENCE SAVE.

“…everyone who asks receives (obtains, accepts, etc.)…” (Matthew 7:8 NIV). GOD’S PRESENCE OFFERS SALVATION TO ALL THAT ASK AND RECEIVES.  

“... AS MANY as received (obtained, accepted, etc.) him (the WORD of GOD), to them GAVE HE [INDWELLING] ... POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, even to them that believe (depend upon) ...his name (the WORD of GOD)…” (John 1:12 KJV). GOD’S PRESENCE MAKES THOSE WHO RECEIVE HIS OFFER OF SALVATION HIS CHILDREN.

 “…BY GRACE have ye been saved through… FAITH (through dependence upon the WORD of GOD); and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). GOD’S PRESENCE OFFERS SALVATION AS A “FREE” GIFT.

Salvation is the FIRST manifestation of God’s PRESENCE to the lost and spiritually dead soul, which is OFFERED “through” his WORD and  experienced through the WORKING POWER of his Spirit. “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“… [New creations]… are HIS workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works …” (Ephesians 2:10 KJV). “…it is God which worketh in [new creations]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…NOT that [new creations]… are ADEQUATE IN [THEMSELVES]… to consider anything as coming from [themselves]… but [THEIR]… ADEQUACY IS FROM GOD…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB).

“…Now GOD GIVES [new creations] many kinds of special abilities … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The ... Holy Spirit ... is the source of ... all ... [special abilities done by new creations]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…There are different kinds of service to God …but it is the same GOD WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH ... [new creations]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“…The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGHeach [new creation]… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is the ... Holy Spirit who gives [new creations]... all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of [them] should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

“… [Because of God’s presence, God’s people are] ... ...NEW creature[s] …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…old things are passed away…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).   “…ALL THINGS are become NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).  

“…God has given [his people] HIS [HOLY] ...Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [them]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (the WORD of God, who is SPIRIT) “INTO” [their]… HEARTS (in seed form)…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…The Spirit of God dwell[s] in [his people. They are reconciled to God, restored to his SPIRIT, and made WHOLE again)…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT (God)…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…the Word was [and is]... God… (John 1:1-4 NASB).

“… [The WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT]... liveth in [his people]…” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…[New creations]... can do all things through Christ  (the word of God, who is spirit) which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

“… [God, the Holy Spirit] grant[s]… [new creations]… to be strengthened with might by his [holy] ... Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV).

“… The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] [new creations]... with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [new creations]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

“…NOW UNTO [THE WORD OF GOD, who is SPIRIT]... THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO… according to the [HOLY]... POWER that worketh in [new creations]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).

“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).

“….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit), [new creations]... can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…[A new creation’s]... great power is from God [who is SPIRIT]…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [God’s people are INDWELLED with the PRESENCE of God’s GREAT POWERFUL GLORY]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…His divine ... [indwelling] ... power hath given [new creations] ... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…All things [COME] into being through Him (the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT), and apart from [the WORD of GOD, who is SPIRIT] nothing [COMES] into being that [WILL or HAS] come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “... O TASTE and “see” that [Word of GOD, who is SPIRIT]... is GOOD...” (Psalms 34:8 KJV).

“...BLESSED (happy, nourished) is the man (woman) that trusteth in him (and depends upon him)...” (Psalms 34:8 KJV).

God the Holy Spirit’s  PRESENCE surrounds his people with FAVOR, spiritual blessings, and untold GIFTS. “…You surround … [your children] … WITH FAVOR (blessings and gifts) as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB).

”…  ye [are]…saved through faith…it is the GIFT of God…” (Ephesians 2:8 KJV). “…The GIFTby grace……” (Romans 5:15 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). “…the GIFTof righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…God has given us different GIFTSfor doing certain things well…” (Romans 12:6 NLT). “…every man hath his proper GIFT of God...” (2 Corinthians 7:7 KJV). “…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFT(S)…” (2 Corinthians  9:16 KJV).

“…his divine power hath given unto [his people].. ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV).

“…you will fill [your people] with JOYin your presence…” (Psalms 16:11 NIV).

“…God[‘s PRESENCE) has said “Never will I leave [my people  without MY WORD]; never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM (my presence is) WITH [my people]... ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). 

“…Behold, I AM (my PRESENCE is) WITH… [my people] … and  … I WILL NOT LEAVE [them] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“… Behold, I am (my presence is) with … [my people, faithfully] and will keep … [them] whithersoever [they]… goest…I will not leave [them] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

“…[God, who is SPIRIT]... will fill [his people]... with JOY in [his] PRESENCE …” (Psalms 16:11 NIV). “… The LORD thy God (who is the PRESENT SPIRIT)…will not fail [his people], nor forsake the[m]…” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).

“….The JOY of the Lord, [that comes from god’s presence]... is [the] strength [of God’s righteous people]…” (Nehemiah 8:10 KJV).

THE FAITHFUL ONES "SHALL" WEAR A CROWN!!

THE FAITHFUL "WILL" WEAR A CROWN

 “…You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL [CHOOSE OR DECIDE TO] ...DEPART FROM the [CHRISTIAN] ... FAITH !!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV). “...Take heed, BRETHREN, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “...If ye continue in the faith ... and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

*

         When a divorce happens it means a marriage has been terminated. It also means the legal duties and responsibilities of each spouse have been canceled and the vows, under the rule of law, are no longer binding.

In order to obtain a divorce, the married couple, must go through a legal process, according to their state or country, which will require the involvement of a court to decide on issues such as distribution of properties, child support, alimony, sharing of debt, and the splitting of material possessions.

The reason for divorce, varies, but could entail anything from incompatibility to infidelity. In the instant of divorce either both parties want the divorce, or one party wants the divorce and the other concedes to the other parties wishes.

The bottom line is that a DIVORCE is the dissolution of a marriage and it requires a LEGAL PROCESS to END it.

When APOSTASY happens it means the covenant relationship with God has been terminated. “... You “WERE” SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).

THE WORD SAYS: “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you offfrom God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). God says, “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“…MY WORD …that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). Therefore, “... the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

BECAUSE OF WHAT THE WORD SAYS: “... the word of God ...piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).“…you have been cut offfrom Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

It also means the spiritual duties and responsibilities of the redeemed man or female had toward God, the Holy Spirit, have been rejected and the beliefs (vows), based upon hisHoly law, have also been forsaken and abandoned. “… [YOU]… FORGOT all about ME,” says the Lord…” (Hosea 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “...people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching....” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).“...They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).

“...some will turn away from the true faith;...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

“...they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

“...These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

 “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

In order to achieve APOSTASY, the redeemed man or woman, goes through a spiritual process of renouncing and disassociating him or herself from God, the Holy Spirt. “... a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT).

“...Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead...” (Hebrews 4:1-2 NLT).

“...the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

 “…my people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

The redeemed man or woman has willfully CHOSEN to fall away from the covenant relationship with God and return to a life without HIM. “...For if, after they (those who were in a covenant relationship with God) have escaped ... they (those  who were in a covenant relationship with God) are AGAIN entangled in them (their former sinful lifestyles practices) ... it would be better for them (those who were in a covenant relationship with God) not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from (by choice) the holy commandment ... It has happened to them (those who were in a covenant relationship with God) according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).  “... EVERYONE (NO EXCEPTIONS) who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ... the one who practicessin is of the devil ... No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ (the Word of TRUTH) with Belial (the DEVIL or Father of LIES)? Or what part hath he that believeth (depends upon God) with an infidel (one who doesn’t depend upon God)?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

 “…My people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their [OWN] evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

 “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God. …” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “......piercing ... asunder ...soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).“…you have been cut offfrom Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

They have also CHOSEN to abandon previously held beliefs (vows) and have decided to defy or rebel against the practice of those same beliefs.“...dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God...” (Hebrews 3:12-13 NLT).

“...God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it...” (Hebrews 4:1 NLT).

The reason for APOSTASY, varies, but could entail anything from a desire to continue to practice a sinful lifestyle to spiritual infidelity. “... They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).  “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (other objects of faith)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT).

In the instant of spiritual APOSTASY against God, the Holy Spirit, only one party wants to forsake or abandon the covenant relationship. God, the Holy Spirit concedes to the other party’s willful CHOICE. "… I hate divorce (APOSTASY)," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “…[Yet]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “…, …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “… my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).

The redeemed man and woman can willfully CHOOSE to depart from God, the Holy Spirit, but God, the Holy Spirit, doesn’t depart from them. : “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).  “…Behold, I am with … [you] and will keep … [you] whithersoever [you]… goest…I will not leave [you] ..." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

However, God, the Holy Spirit, concedes, to your CHOICE to leave or depart from HIM. “...The Lord said, My [Holy]...Spirit shall not always strive with man…” (Genesis 6:3 KJV). “…They DID NOT like to retain God in their knowledge (MINDS), GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind (wicked, unrepentant mind)…” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “...God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them...” (Romans 1:24 NASB). “...God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper...” (Romans 1:28 NASB). “....I gave them over to worthless decrees and regulations that would not lead to life...” (Ezekiel 20:25 NLT).“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“… I will remove thy candlestick out of his place…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).“… the dividing asunder of soul and spirit…” (Hebrews 4:12 KJV).“…you have been cut off from Christ! …” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).“…You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

The bible presents the scenario, in regard to, human relationships, which says if you are married to someone who is NOT believing STAY committed to them.  However,  “...if the unbelieving one leaves, let him (her) leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?” (1 Corinthians 7:15-16 NASB).

Similarly, God, the Holy Spirit, concedes to the man or woman’s willful CHOICE to depart from him, yet he REMAINS faithful to his covenant promises to them. “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit’s, LOVE also remains UNCONDITIONALLY. “…[Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God,which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…”(Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

God, the Holy Spirit, will NEVER let his covenant partner perish or let anyone SNATCH them out of his hands as long as THEY CHOOSE to abide in him. “...I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me...” (John 10:28 NLT).

However, they are to choose to “...Remain in me, and I will remain in you...” (John 15:4). “...Abide in me and I in you...” (John 15:4 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). …If a man (woman) abide NOT in me, ‘he (she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned…” (John 15:6 KJV).

God’s FAITHFUL and LOVING role in the covenant relationship with the redeemed man or woman is UNCONDITIONAL, but the redeemed man or woman’s ROLE is “NOT.” “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “...[My Word to you].... is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). However, “…Choose you (through human will)this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Every vow and promise God makes, to the redeemed man or woman, is SOLID. “…MY WORD …that goeth forth out of my mouth: it SHALL NOT return unto me void, but it SHALL ACCOMPLISH that which I please, and it SHALL PROSPER in the thing whereto I sent it…” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). God says, I “…am WATCHING over my word to PERFORM it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…He has granted to [his people]… His precious and magnificent promises…” (2 Peter 1:4 NASB). “…As many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes…also … Amen …” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB). “…Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made … failed; all came to pass…” (Joshua 21:45 NASB).

 BUT, because of HUMAN WILL, the redeemed man or woman’s vows and promises to God are NOT SOLID. “... You, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight (THE NEXT VERSE REQUIRES HUMAN WILL OR HUMAN CHOICE) “If” ye (CHOOSE TO) continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister...” (Colossians 1:21-23 KJV). “... Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters (BELIEVERS)...” (Hebrews 3:12 NLT). “...Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, (THE NEXT VERSE REQUIRES HUMAN WILL OR HUMAN CHOICE) “if” we (CHOOSE TO) hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end...” (Hebrews 3:12-14 KJV). .“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” ENDURE (THROUGH HUMAN WILL OR HUMAN CHOICE) UNTO THE ENDSHALL BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

The bottom line is that  APOSTASY causes the dissolution of the covenant relationship and it requires a man or woman to willfully CHOOSE to FORSAKE or ABANDON the relationship in order to END it.“…If you love me, you will (CHOOSE TO.) keep my commandments…” (John 14:15). However, “…My people would not listen to me. They kept (CHOOSING TO DO) ...whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “… The people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to (CHOOSE TO) live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…Thus saith the Lord; ‘Cursed be the MAN (or woman) ... whose HEART (WILLFULLY) departeth from the Lord…” (Jeremiah 17:5 KJV) Thus, “…They (MY PEOPLE) broke [THEIR] ... covenant [WITH ME BY CHOICE], though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).

“… to ... those who were once enlightened— AND THEN TURN AWAY…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT). “… repent and DO the first works (CHOOSING to ABIDE with God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Revelation 2:5 KJV).

 “…Choose you (through human will) this daywhom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

“... REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB). “ ... Return ... to the Lord ... [your] ... God... [AND HE] ... will heal [your] ... apostasy ....” (Hosea 14:1-4 NLT). “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

IT WILL BE THE 'FAITHFUL" ONES, WHO ENDURED TO THE END, THAT WILL WEAR A CROWN!  

 

THE SOUL WAS "NEVER" MEANT TO BE ALONE WITHOUT GOD!

I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU OR FORSAKE YOU

NOT GOOD TO BE “LEFT ALONE”

“…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

 

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“… By faith we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command...” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “….God saw everything he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit had made a magnificent creation. “….Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters…[In the beginning was the WORD. Therefore,] God said (SPOKE), “Let there be light,” and there was light (the Holy Spirit CREATED)….God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” …God madethe vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day. God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” …God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. …God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.  …God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”  …God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind.  …God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. …God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds…” (Genesis 1 KJV).

THEN God, the Holy Spirit said: “….let us make man in “our” image, after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…”(Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life(SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “…The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a helper suitable for him…” (Genesis 2:20 NASB).

 “…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, put Adam in “…a deep sleep... [took] one of his ribs...[made him] a [physical] woman, and … [bought] her [to him]” (Genesis 2:21-22 KJV). “…So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place…” (Genesis 2:21 NASB). “…The LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man…” (Genesis 2:22 NASB).

 “…my companion and close friend…” (Psalms 55:13 NLT).

God, not Adam said it was NOT GOOD for man to be alone. It was God, not Adam who MADE him a suitable companion. “…Neither was the man created for the woman; but the womanfor the man…” (1 Corinthians 11:9 KJV). “…For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man…” (1 Corinthians 11:8 KJV). “…For Adam was first formed, then Eve…” (1 Timothy 2:13 KJV).

Two REASONS stand out as WHY God created Eve. He said it wasn’t GOOD for Adam to be ALONE and he needed a SUITABLE HELPER. SO, “…the LORD God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man…” (Genesis 2:22 NASB).

“….God saw everything he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). However, God said: “…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

In the spiritual realm GOOD is equivalent with God. There is NONE GOOD, but GOD, the Holy Spirit.  “… there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). So can we say: “…It is not good (godly) that the man should BE ALONE…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

Adam had LIFE and LIVING creatures ALL around him and he was communing with God, the Holy Spirit.

There was NO indication or implication that Adam felt ALONE since God was his companion, but God, the Holy Spiritis omniscient.

Research shows that ALONE can also be translated to mean “separated” or “segregated” from. God KNEW that even though Adam wasn’t alone yet, he would be. “…Your INIQUITIES (sins) … [can separate] … you and your [spiritual companion]... God [the Holy Spirit]…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  

Adam and Eve were both originally CREATED WHOLE (body, soul, and God’s Spirit (the breath of life)). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

Then SIN separated them from God, the HOLY SPIRIT leaving them ALONE without HIM. “...Wherefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and (spiritual) death (alone, separated from God) through sin, and so (spiritual) death (alone, separated from God) passed to all men, for that all sinned (all are born alone without the HOLY SPIRIT)—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “...For all have sinnedand fall short of the glory (presence) of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

People FEEL physically ALONE with someone dies, leaves, divorces them, or gets a long-term illness, but spiritual ALONENESS is death.“…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

Adam and Eve died, but it was not a physical death where the soul is separated from the body, but it was a spiritual death where the soul is separated from the “Holy Spirit” within the body. They and their descendants were LEFT ALONE without God.

When someone’s physical presence is GONE, we miss them, but keep on living physically. But when God’s spiritual presence is GONE, we usually don’t miss him, but keep living physically while being spiritually dead.

Being LEFT ALONE physically makes the separation extremely HARD to endure, but being LEFT ALONE spiritually is WORST!

“…It is not good that the man should be alone…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).  “…I will make …a helpmeet for him”…” (Genesis 2:18 KJV).

HOWEVER, the Holy Spirit says: “… I am God, and there is none else… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV).  “… there is NONE like unto thee, O LORD; thou artgreat, and thy name isgreat in might.…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

“…“God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…God has said “Never will I leave you (without my PRESENCE); never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV).

People LEAVE us ALONE PHYSICALLY all the time, but if you have God, the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, you are NEVER alone.

Separation from God, the HOLY SPIRIT is the ultimate state of being LEFT ALONE! 

 

SPIRIT GIVES BIRTH TO SPIRIT. WATER THE SEED !

“…God hath said, I will dwell in them , and walk in them…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

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“…The Spirit of God dwellin you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

“…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (God, the thinking Spirit), the Word (Jesus, the speaking Spirit), and the Holy Ghost (the working Spirit): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV). God, the thinker informs or directs. Jesus, the speaker speaks the information or direction out loud. The Holy Spirit does what he is informed or directed to do.

In other words, God commands; Jesus “SPEAKS” what God commands; the Holy Spirit “DOES” what Jesus SPEAKS and God commands. “…The Father (God), the Word (Jesus), and the Holy Ghost (Spirit)…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

God is the Sovereign Father. Jesus is the Word of the Sovereign Father. The Holy Spirit is the Power of the Sovereign Father. “…THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

God INFORMS or DIRECTS. Jesus SPEAKS the INFORMATION or DIRECTIONS. The Holy Spirit DOES what is INFORMED or DIRECTED.

The FATHER’s (God, the informer or director) WORD (Jesus, the speaker) is POWER (Holy Spirit, the doer) and they are ONE. “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

HERE IS AN EXAMPLE: “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB). “…Then God (God, THE FATHER commanded), SAID (Jesus, the WORD spoke his command); “Let there be light” AND THERE WAS LIGHT (The HOLY SPIRIT, the POWER, did God’s command spoken through Jesus) …” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

The commanding, speaking, and doing is all happening immediately and simultaneously (altogether), not separately. : “…Then God SAID, “Let there be light”; AND THERE WAS LIGHT…” (Genesis 1:3 NASB).

“…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

The FATHER’s (God) WORD (Jesus) is POWER (Holy Spirit) and they are ONE. “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

Therefore, “…There is ONE … God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all….” (Ephesians 4:4-5 KJV). “… There is but ONE GOD…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV). “….The LORD is our GOD, the LORD is ONE…” (Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV). “…There is no God, but ONE…” (1 Corinthians 8:4 KJV).

One day God commanded, “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

Which part of MAN was MADE in God’s “image” and “likeness?” “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).   “…And the LORD God … breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Himself=SPIRIT)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[ed] … in … [the male and female]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).

Thus, “…man (woman) became a living soul…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

The PRESENCE of God, his Holy SPIRIT, was ONE ( or IN uninterrupted UNION) with man’s SOUL within the BODY. The BODY and SOUL was spiritually ALIVE and it was very good!!  “….God saw … it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

God created man with a body, soul, and his SPIRIT! “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).“….Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

AGAIN: “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit);and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw … it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

The RELATIONSHIP between God and the man he’d created “….was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). ALL WAS WELL!! God informed and directed MAN by SAYING: “…of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: BUT of the tree of the knowledge of good and evilTHOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

However Satan came along with his LIES SAYING:  “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV).

 “…The woman was convinced. She sawthat the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wantedthe wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The woman’s decision was MAJOR. Her decision was CATATROPHIC. Her decision ALTERED her path. Her decision KILLED her UNION with God. “….God saw … it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). Thus, “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). SATAN said: “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV).

Nonetheless, Adam and Eve DIED spiritually at “THAT” very moment as God HAD said. … Thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

 “… [Their] … iniquities … [immediately] … separated [them]… from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…Every man (or woman) is tempted, when … [they are] … drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

 THAT day “…Sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). Sin was INVITED into Adam and Eve’s environment and spiritual DEATH come along with it. “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…The wages (payment) of sin is death (spiritual death)…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).

GOD said through a SPOKEN WORD to Adam and Eve: “…THOU SHALT NOT EAT OF IT …[or] … thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…[Their]... INIQUITIES … separated … [them]... and [their]... God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  Even through, “…And the LORD God ...breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). Adam and Eve’s soul were “... SEALED ...WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE (the breath of life).…” (Ephesians 1 NLT).  YET, “... the word of God... thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV)]...  is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,....” (Hebrews 4:12 NASB).

In addition, “... Everyone who practices sin also practiceslawlessness; and sin is lawlessness...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...   anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

Adam and Eve were ONE SPIRIT with God, the Holy Spirit, but the WORD said they WOULD “die” IF they ate of the forbidden tree. The SOUL AND SPIRIT separated Adam and Eve from God. The PRACTICE of SIN will CUT you OFF from God, the Holy Spirit. “…You have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “…Your INIQUITIES … separated … you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

God NEVER changes. “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). . “…Your INIQUITIES … [will separate]… you and your God…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…what fellowshiphath righteousness with unrighteousness? [NONE]...And what communion hath light with darkness? [NONE]...And what concord hath Christ (the Word of TRUTH) with Belial (the DEVIL or Father of LIES)? [NONE]...Or what part hath he that believeth (depends upon God) with an infidel (one who doesn’t depend upon God)? [NONE]...” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15 KJV).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?”(Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed] … MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “… [They were] …separated… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). They were NOW “…DEAD in trespasses and sin (sinful nature)…” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). “…Through … [Adam and Eve] … sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). NOW “…All have sinned (have a sinful nature only) and fallen short of the glory of God (do not have the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23).

 “…The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wantedthe wisdom it would give her …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

 “…So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  IMMEDIATELY, Adam, Eve, and ALL of mankind became “…separated from the (spiritual) LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

God commands. Jesus Speaks, and the Holy Spirit does what God commands and Jesus speaks. God, the Father commanded Jesus, his Word to say this: “…in the daythat thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). God, the Father commanded the Holy Spirit, his POWER, to separate soul and SPIRIT. “… [They] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “…At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“…At that moment their eyes were opened (to an existence without the indwelling PRESENCE of the Holy Spirit of God)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They immediately became] … separated from the [spiritual] LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). The Holy Spiritseparated from mankind. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… [Their] … iniquities …separated [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

God, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit SEPARATED from mankind. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (Body) … [but] … the breath of life (Spirit) … [separated] … and man became a … [dead] … soul (Soul) …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).  “… MUCH GOOD … [was destroyed]…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

What can MAKE mankind WHOLE again and RESTORE them to God, the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT? Who can return mankind BACK to God’s original, created “image” and “likeness” that was ONCE so VERY good? “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body),and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

God WANTED “YOU” back in UNION with him (the HOLY SPIRIT). “... God so loved the world, that HE GAVE his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16 KJV).

GOD expressed, demonstrated, and informed YOU of his LOVE through JESUS’ Word and the Powerful Holy Spirit’s actions. The FATHER’s (God) WORD (Jesus) is POWER(Holy Spirit) and they are ONE. “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

 “…God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…God ….GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).   “…NOT that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “….HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).

The PROOF of God’s loving desire to restore mankind to himself is this: “…notthat we loved God, but that he loved usand SENT HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

GOD “…SPARED NOT his own Son, but DELIVEREDhim up FOR US ALL…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…God SHOWED HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US by “SENDING” Christ to die for us WHILE we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…There is no GREATER LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

God’s LOVE is enough to COVER over ALL that separates YOU from him. “…Love COVERETH a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV).

God’s LOVE is enough to forgive you for every single sin, big or small and cleanse (FREE) you from them all just to bring you BACK to HIMSELF again through the covenant relationship. “…If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV).

God’s LOVE is enough to ERASE and ERADICATE your record of wrongs and NEVER remember them again. “…love …keeps NO RECORD of wrongs. …” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…For I will … remember their sins NO MORE…" (Hebrews 8:12 NIV).  

God’s LOVE, for YOU, is enough to last your WHOLE life and ALL eternity. He has “….loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love …[that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). God’s LOVE, for you, NEVER weans, wavers, or is faithless. “… The … FAITHFUL love of the Lord, [for you],NEVER ENDS...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).

God’s LOVE, for you, is so GREAT that he created a begotten SON; to be a living sacrifice in order to bring you BACK to him. “…there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit (Father), and the water (Holy Spirit), and the blood (the Word): and these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).

God MADE Jesus, his WORD, flesh as a WAY to express his love, demonstrate his loving care, and reveal himself to mankind. “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH (made into human form or flesh, or into an earthen vessel) ...” (JOHN 1:14 KJV).

“… He (Jesus, who was made flesh) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). 

Jesus “IS” “The WORD of god.” (Revelation 19:12-13 KJV).  “…The only begotten (specially MADE) Son (Jesus, was God’s WORD)…” (John 1:18 KJV).

Jesus was a special MADE work of God, the HOLY SPIRIT. “… [Jesus, the WORD made flesh]...which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God…” (John 1:13 KJV).

“…The Holy Spirit shall come upon you (Mary, the human mother of Jesus), and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God…” (Luke 1:35 NLT).

“…The only begotten (specially MADE) Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (expressed, demonstrated, REVEALED, etc.,) HIM (God, the Holy Spirit) [to mankind]…” (John 1:18 KJV).“…Christ also hath once SUFFERED for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US … [back] … to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit wanted his people BACK in the covenant relationship with HIM. So, God sent THE ONE (Jesus, his WORD) to reconcile their LOST and spiritually dead souls and his Holy SPIRIT back together again. “… [He (God, who is SPIRIT) sent the] …one  (his WORD, which is also SPIRIT)… who can (through his POWER which is also Spirit) reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “...the Father (GOD), the Word (JESUS), and the Holy Ghost (POWER): and THESE THREE ARE ONE.…” (1 JOHN 5:6-8 KJV).

The lost and spiritually dead soul is RESTORED to God’s Holy Spirit again when, “…he (she) ...is joined unto the LORD [and becomes]... ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God … sent forth the Spirit of His Son (his WORD) “INTO” [Y[OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE …” (John 3:6 NLT).

The lost and spiritually dead soul is MADE whole again. “...Therefore if any man(woman) be in Christ, he(she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... and man (woman) became a living soul (soul AGAIN)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be preserved blameless…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 KJV).

A person is SAVED” when they become a believer or follower of Christ who has been MADE WHOLE. They have been FREED from SIN, the sinful nature, its affects, its influences, and its consequences. “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (RESTORES YOU AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “... [You have been] made free from sin….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed...” (John 8:36 KJV). “…where the Spirit of the Lord (God’s Word is Spirit) is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

“…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I (Jesus) SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (god)…” (John 6:63 KJV).

Being made FREE also means you recognized you were a sinner, asked God for forgiveness, and decided to REPENT by changing your mind about sin, sinful practices, and the sinful lifestyle. "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing (restoral to wholeness) may come from the presence of the Lord (the presence of HIS indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).  “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV).

REPENTANCE is a very important and necessary part of being MADE WHOLE because a change of mind, about sin, sinful practices, and the sinful lifestyle, will result in a change of thinking and actions about sin too. “…REPENT YE (Change your mind, practices, actions, etc.), AND BELIEVE the Gospel (depend upon the power of God’s Word to empower you to live FREE from sin)…” (Mark 1:15 KJV). “…REPENTANCE TOWARD GOD…” (Acts 20:21 KJV). "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).

REPENTANCE is the change of MIND that LEADS to becoming MADE WHOLE in ALL that you are and all that you do. “…REPENT ye (change your mind, practices, actions, etc.) therefore, and BE CONVERTED (SAVED/MADE WHOLE), that your sins may be blotted out (that you may be DELIVERED from your sins and RESTORED to wholeness again)…” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

“… [YOUR] … iniquities (sin) …separated [YOU]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (SAVES, RESTORES , AND MAKES YOU WHOLE YOU AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “….Apart from [Jesus or DEPARTED from HIM, YOU can]… do nothing (you cannot be SAVED or inherit ETERNAL LIFE)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Becoming SAVED or MADE WHOLE is the WAY mankind GETS the INDWELLING SPIRIT back, which will also RESTORE the original, created “image” and “likeness” of God. “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…For WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made UNTO SALVATION…” (Romans 10:10 KJV).  “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19 KJV).

HALLELUJAH, “…Christ hath REDEEMED us … That the “BLESSING of Abraham” might come on … [US] … through Jesus Christ; that WE MIGHT receive the promise of the Spirit through faith…” (Galatians 3:13-14 KJV). “…The Lord is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

“… AS MANY as received him (JESUS), to them GAVE HE … [BACK] … POWER (THE INDWELLING SPIRIT) TO BECOME THE “SONS” (“DAUGHTERS”) OF GOD (children of God) … [AGAIN]……” (John 1:12 KJV).  “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR]… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…The Lord (his WORD) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS ....they ARE SPIRIT (too)…” (John 6:63 KJV).

“…[God said:]... my righteous servant (Jesus, his WORD) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he...[bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…God, in his grace, freely MAKES US RIGHT in his sight…” (Romans 3:21-26 NLT). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth …I DELIGHT in these things…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). “…HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV).

“…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were STILL sinners…” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “… [Jesus came]…TO GIVE His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). Jesus “… present[ed his body as]... a living sacrifice …” (Romans 12:1 KJV). “… [Jesus]…humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” (Philippians 2:8 KJV).“…Father, …not My will, but Yours be done…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV).

Jesus’ righteous works and spiritual fruit drew the LOST, OPPRESSED, SPIRITUALLY DEAD, and NEEDY “BACK” to God. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV).

“...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV).

“...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [to him]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELT within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

The righteous works and displays of spiritual fruit came through Jesus, but were performed by the POWER of God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is also the working POWER of God and DOES the WORK he is commanded, by the Father, to do. “… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus was also the slain sacrifice called the Lamb of God, who was killed in your place and therefore becoming the atoning sacrifice for your sins. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).

Jesus’ sacrificial death was the atoning sacrifice for mankind’s sins. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

All, who accept, can NOW enter freely into the new covenant relationship with God THROUGH Christ. “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood …which is poured out for you…” (Luke 22:20 ASV).

Jesus’ death was like the death of the slain animal sacrifices in the Old Testament blood covenants. His blood is now the blood of the new covenant, which is an everlasting covenant (Ezekiel 37:26). “...This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins...” (Matthew 26:28 KJV).

Jesus is mankind’s permanent and once-for-all substitute for sin, which allows lost and spiritually dead souls to enter into an everlasting covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. again. “...For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK]...to God, having been put to death in the flesh (as the atoning sacrifice), but made alive in the Spirit...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus is both the sacrificial lamb (atoning sacrifice) and the RECONCILER, between the lost and spiritual dead souls and God, the Holy Spirit. “...For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit...” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus enters the relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, as the representative for lost and spiritual dead souls and opens the way, for them, to become reconciled with God. “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus saith…I amthe way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV).

“… [He sent the] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

Thus,“… [His] … GRACEis sufficient for [you]...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).  “…For God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…NOT THAT WE LOVED, God, but that HE LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “…God ….GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).   

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is the sameyesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13 :8 NIV). GOD’S “…Love is patient, loveis kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Lovenever fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

 “… [Nothing] … will be able to separate … [you] … from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). God, through Christ, has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “….CONTINUE IN MY LOVE….” (JOHN 15:9 KJV).  “…Love … the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is God. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ [his WORD, which is Spirit too]... is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is PROOF of a restored soul. “….He restoreth my soul….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “…I will restore…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).  God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “…the Holy Spirit gives birth to SPIRITUAL LIFE…” (John 3:6 NLT).

The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is PROOF of a restored covenant RELATIONSHIP with God. “…The believers were filled WITH … the … [INDWELLING] … Holy Spirit…” (Acts 13:51-52 NLT). “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord isONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).

“…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I WILL GIVE you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT).

Therefore, “…May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together …[again]… —spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG).

 The indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is God. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The … [ indwelling] … Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is … [indwelling] … you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

You may EXIST, you may be physically ALIVE, and you may be BREATHING, but you are and can ONLY be spiritually ALIVE when you are reconciled, restored, and made WHOLE through the INDWELLING Holy Spirit!!! “…the body without (apart from the indwelling Spirit) the spirit is dead!!!…” (James 2:26 KJV).

SPIRIT GIVES BIRTH TO SPIRIT. IF YOU WANT TO DISPLAY THE SPIRITUAL FRUIT. WATER THE SEED, WITHIN YOUR HEART, WITH LIVING WATER (THE WORD OF GOD)

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF REPENTANCE

 

“… For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened — those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

*

 

The “ONCE SAVED; ALWAYS SAVED” debate can go on and on until the day of redemption, but for THOSE in Hebrews 6:4-8 it is TIME to REPENT while you CAN!

This is a perspective of the ONCE SAVED; ALWAYS SAVED I want to say this doctrine is called CALVINISM and focuses on the preservation of believers.

CALVINISM does not SUPPORT the
falling away from God’s grace or the departure of “true” believers from the “Living God.” “…You have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “...Take heed, BRETHREN (fellow believers), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

CALVINISM says it is IMPOSSIBLE for “true” believers to LOSE their salvation. I agree, they don’t LOSE it, but they can DEPART from it on they own volition. “… it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—thosewho haveexperienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and whothen turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such peopleback to repentance;…” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

In all honesty, the book of Jude very explicitly talks about the “preservation” of the believers “IN” Jesus Christ. “..preserved in Jesus Christ....” (Jude 1:1 KJV).

Preservation of the believer, in Jude 1:1, is an ASSURANCE that they “WILL,” without a DOUBT, be SAVED from spiritual death. Thus, they are SAFE and SOUND from falling away or losing their salvation EVER. “... Now unto HIM (Jesus Christ) that is ABLE to KEEP you from falling (away), and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” (Jude 1:24 KJV).

While it is true that Jesus Christ, the Word of God, “IS” more than capable of “keeping” you or “guarding” you, or “protecting” you from falling away, yet and still, there are THOSEwho will fall away ANYWAY? “... IN LATTER TIMES “SOME” SHALL DEPART FROM the FAITH!!!!...” (1 Timothy 4:1-3 KJV). “... For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them...” (2 Peter 5:4 KJV). “ ... continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

The PRESERVATION of the believer is about God’s protection and how he keeps a loving WATCH over his people that ABIDE in him. “…… I am God, and there is none like me…" (Isaiah 46:9-10 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). indw  “… [God] … is Your rockand Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…Then you will know that [GOD is] the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).  “…Behold, I AM WITH… [YOU] and … I WILL NOT LEAVE … [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).

God, the Holy Spirit, is the believer’s PROTECTOR, for sure and when his people choose to ABIDE with him, he FOREVER watches overthem: GUARANTEED.

A believer’s PROTECTION or PRESERVATION, however, is “NOT” forced upon them; nor are they HELD captive against their human wills.

ABIDING with Jesus Christ is a CHOICE and the believer won’t EVER LOSE their salvation, but they are FREE to DEPART from it any time “THEY” CHOOSE. “...Take heed, BRETHREN (fellow believers), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

A believer CAN choose “NOT” to be transformed by the renewing of their mind and can instead develop an “evil heart (mind) of unbelief” If an “evil heart (mind) of unbelief” was NOT possible, there would NOT have been ANY need, whatsoever, for this scriptural admonition:“...Take heed, BRETHREN (fellow believers), lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief,..” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV).

Like it or not, UNBELIEF, can invade the mind (heart) of the believer, just like it did the Israelites in the wilderness. They willfully and voluntarily LEFT their faith.

God WILL keep you from FALLING away as long as you choose to ABIDE with him. STAYING within the covenant relationship with God, the Holy Spirit is the guarantee that HE WILL KEEP watch over your SOUL. “... Now unto HIM (Jesus Christ) that is ABLE to KEEP you from falling (away), and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” (Jude 1:24 KJV).

“…[YOU CHOOSE]...  this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…[You choose to] ... abidein me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…If a man abide NOT in me (or chooses “not” to abide 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…” (John 15:6 KJV). “…apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

There is NO DOUBT many scriptures that SUPPORT ETERNAL SECURITY where the FULL responsibility rest UPON God “keeping” the believer.

 The SECURITY of SALVATION and ALL that it promises is BASED on the ROLE of God’s IMMUTABLE love and his IMMUTABLE, HOLY nature. “... Nothing]…will be able to separate us from the love of God (WE ARE SECURE IN HIS LOVE), which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…[God’s] ... love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He [ALSO]… remains faithful (WE ARE SECURE IN HIS HOLY FAITHFULNESS)…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

THE SECURITY OF SALVATION IS ALSO BASED ON "YOU" SIMPLY CHOOSING TO ABIDE WITH GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND "YOU" DEPENDING UPON "ALL" THE FINISHED AND "LOVING" WORK OF CHRIST UPON THE CROSS.

"... he said, IT IS FINISHED…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).  “…HIS divine power hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…[ IT IS] … SO GREAT … [OF A] … SALVATION … with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST, according to his own will (HIS OWN HEARTS DESIRE)...” (Hebrews 2:3-5 KJV).“ THEREFORE, …abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV).

Even with ALL the “ONCE SAVED; ALWAYS SAVED” scriptural support, there is a willful, voluntary, and personal responsibility of the human will to CHOOSE to depend upon and abide with God, the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…[YOU CHOOSE]...  this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…abidein me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV).

The personal responsibility for the believer is to CHOOSE to DEPEND upon and ABIDE with God, the Holy Spirit. “…[YOU CHOOSE]...  this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

CHOOSING to DEPEND upon and ABIDE with God, the HOLY SPIRIT is a life-long intimate, covenant commitment where a mutual, enduring, continual relationship, with the believer, moves, develops, and grows them spiritually during the journey toward eternal life. “... continue in the faith (continue to depend upon God’s word) grounded and settled, and be not moved away ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

“... Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...  No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

“... Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... who he is. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous. But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s [SPIRITUAL] ... life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God. So now we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone (NO EXCEPTIONS) who does not live righteously and does not love other believersdoes not belong to God...” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT).

The book of JUDE also discusses the HISTORY of those who CHOSE willfully and voluntarily to DEPART from God, the Holy Spirit. “...Dear friends ... some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. So I want to remind you, though you already know these things, that Jesus (the Word) first rescued the nation of Israel from Egypt, but later he destroyed those who did not remain faithful. And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged.God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment. And don’t forget Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with immorality and every kind of sexual perversion. Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT). 

“... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did. As the Scriptures say, “The people celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.  And we must not engage in sexual immorality as some of them did, causing 23,000 of them to die in one day. Nor should we put Christ to the test, as some of them did and then died from snakebites. And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death. These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).

“...For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“... it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment ......” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

“...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A dog returnsto its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB).

These passages are TALKING about converted or saved believers. After a person is SAVED, they choose to “….WORK OUT [their]… own salvation…” (Philippians 2:12 KJV). Becoming SAVED, alone, is NOT a FREE pass to ETERNAL LIFE. Being SAVED IS A PROCESS, which is THE PATH to ETERNAL LIFE.

“… Jesus opened a new and life-giving WAY  ... into the Most Holy Place (ETERNAL LIFE)…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am the WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are FEW who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB). Working out your own SALVATION (the being saved process) includes: “…[Choosing to put]… aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to SAVE YOUR SOULS….” (James 1:21 NASB).

 It is actively “…[choosing to] …throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life…” (Ephesians 4:22 NIV).

“…You must [also choose to]…put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor…” (Ephesians 4:25 NLT).

It is “….[choosing to]…let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice…” (Ephesians 4:31 KJV).

“….Ye also [choose to]…put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth….” (Colossians 3:8  KJV).

“…Wherefore [choose to lay] … aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings…” (1 Peter 2:1 KJV).

How can you do these things in order to work out your OWN salvation (work out "being" saved)? “…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ (the Word of God)which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). .“…it is God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) which worketh in [me]… both to will and to do...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “….Apart from Me (the Word of God), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

Working out your OWN SALVATION (the being saved process)  is a CHOICE. “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [You]… are given...exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be PARTAKERS of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance PATIENCE; and to PATIENCE godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ…GIVE DILIGENCE TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND “ELECTION” SURE; FOR IF YOU “DO” THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL...” (2 Peter 1: 4-9 KJV).

“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

“… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way  ... into the Most Holy Place (ETERNAL LIFE)…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; walk in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE, and there are few who find it…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).

This BLOG is NOT written to get into the DEBATE with the refuters or supporters of ONCE SAVED; ALWAYS SAVED, but to broaden the perspective on the topic and make believers aware there is a group called THOSE in Hebrews 6:4-8.

The book of Hebrews was written “to the Hebrews” “brethren,” “saints,” and Jewish Christians who lived in Jerusalem at the time. Therefore “THOSE” were a part of the audience the author of Hebrews was writing to in this letter.

The SECURITY of your SALVATION is based upon God’s IMMUTABLE LOVE and your CHOICE to continually DEPEND upon and ABIDE with God, the Holy Spirit, to the end of this earthly life.

ETERNAL LIFE is a destination, but JESUS is the way or path to that destination.

If you believe ONLY in ETERNAL SECURITY that requires NO personal responsibility of “your” human will in CHOOSING to DEPEND upon and ABIDE with God, the Holy Spirit, you may be SURPRISED on the day of redemption.

“…Apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…[YOU CHOOSE]...  this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…abidein me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…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…” (John 15:6 KJV).

You can CHOOSE to get into or remain in the DEBATE with the ONCE SAVED; ALWAYS SAVED supporters and refuters who are concerned with one of two perspectives. Perspective 1: The SAVED “will” make it to heaven, because God, the Holy Spirit, does ALL the work of sustaining their SALVATION. Perspective 2: The SAVED “will” make it to heaven, because God, the Holy Spirit, ALREADY did everything for them upon the cross, through Jesus Christ and they CHOSE to CONTINULLY depend upon and abide with him to the END. “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

“… it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,  who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).

Obviously, there is a third perspective, which is about THOSE in Hebrews 6:4-8. It is better to be AWARE of THOSE, from a BROADEN VIEW, than to get to the END and God, says he doesn’t even know you. “…Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity…” (Matthew 7:22-23 KJV). “…For thou art Not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity…” (Psalms 5:4-5 KJV).

Your SALVATION is determined when you REPENT and are CONVERTED by GRACE through FAITH in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

BECOMING SAVED IS A ONE-TIME DECISION TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST INTO YOUR HEART.

BEING and REMAINING SAVED is a LIFE-LONG decision also to remain or abide with Jesus Christ until the end of the earthly process. It is a LIFE-LONG PROCESS which culminates unto ETERNAL LIFE for the one who ENDURES to the END of this earthly life. “... it is this Good News that saves you “if” you continue to believe the message...” (1 Corinthians NLT). “…abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “... continue in the faith... grounded and settled...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “...be not moved away ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).“... “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV). “... by faith (by depending upon God, the Holy Spirit) ye stand (endure)...” (2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV).

Regardless of the position you DECIDE to take in the ONCE SAVED; ALWAYS SAVED discussion, a continual, uninterrupted FAITH in or DEPENDENCY upon and ABIDING with God, the Holy Spirit, must be part of the journey to the end of this earthly life, which culminates in ETERNAL LIFE. “... it is this Good News that saves you IF' you continue to believe the message...” (1 Corinthians NLT).“…abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). “... continue in the faith... grounded and settled...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV). “...be not moved away ...” (Colossians 1:22-23 KJV).

“... by faith (by depending upon God, the Holy Spirit) ye stand (endure)...” (2 Corinthians 1:24 KJV). “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).

“…[Have]... you have been cut off from Christ! [IF SO] ...You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT).

However, “…REPENT YE (Change your mind), AND BELIEVE the Gospel (depend upon the power of God’s Word)…” (Mark 1:15 KJV).

"… REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).

ARE YOU A WORKER OF INIQUITY OR DO YOU "REALLY" KNOW GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, THROUGH THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP IN A PERSONAL WAY?

STUDYING THE BIBLE, TO BE LIKE JESUS, IS IMPORTANT IN A FALLEN WORLD

STUDYING THE BIBLE

IN ORDER TO BE LIKE JESUS

IS IMPORTANT IN A THE FALLEN WORLD

 “...We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “...Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; With hard labor you shall eat from it All the days of your life...” (Genesis 3:17-19 NASB).

                               *

All of mankind exists in a fallen world, which means they live in a world that has fallen into spiritual and moral decade and depravity. The reason it is called a “fallen” world is because it LOST its former GLORY and has descended into a LESSOR more DARKER condition. “…In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth …” (Genesis 1:1-3 KJV). “...God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1 NASB).  

However, “...The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the LordGod had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced (persuaded). She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“…So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

 “…The woman was convinced (persuaded). She sawthat the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she tooksome of the fruit and ate it. …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

God WARNED them: “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). Adam and Eve CHOOSE to eat it anyway. “…At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “… [They immediately] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT).

The GOOD world, at that time, included Adam and Eve, the planet, and the BLESSED living situations, internal and external. “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).They and ALL those who have come after them, live in the fallen world and constantly suffer with the effects and consequences of its sinful realities. “… [They had] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).

“….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).  “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spiritis goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “… there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “….Apart from Me (God, the Holy Spirit, who is the SOURCE of GOOD) … [they could]… do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

So mankind struggle, today, with the effects and consequences of a fallen world on a daily basis. It is witnessed through mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and financial heartaches and pains, losses, injustices, inhumanities, lies, discords, troubles, and multiple natural disasters.

The effects and consequences of the fallen world are experienced by one person or another every day and is commonplace. “….it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). This was NOT God’s original plan. EVERYTHING was ONCE “VERY” GOOD. “...God blessed them (Adam and Eve), saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, …God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1 NASB).  “...The Lord God took the man (Adam) and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it...”(Genesis 2:15 NIV).

To work the land meant that one of the duties of Adam was to take care for God’s world. Adam was blessed and given special dominion skills, from God, to do this kind of work. “...God blessed them and said to them, “...Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it ...RULE OVER (have dominion over).... Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food ...And it was so...” (Genesis 1:28-31 KJV).

But, Adam GAVE or yielded his God-given dominion, of the world, over to the EVIL ONE when he became his servant.  “…Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death,or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).

The WHOLE world, in which mankind lives, is a FALLEN world and is NOW under the dominion of the EVIL ONE. “...We know that we are God’s children, and that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

After mankind GAVE or yielded his God-given dominion OVER to the EVIL ONE, the whole world FELL under a CURSE. “...Then to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree about which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat from it’; Cursed is the ground because of you; With hard labor you shall eat from it All the days of your life...” (Genesis 3:17-19 NASB).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, the whole world, is FALLEN and dysfunctional. Equity of provision is misappropriated and the concentration of resources has become discriminatory against some, but not others. Did God create evil? YES, but NOT in the way you might think he did. “...I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things...” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Evil is not necessarily or exclusively a person, or thing, or even something tangible at all; it is the absenceof God. Just like darkness is the absence of light and cold is the absenceof heat. God’s JUSTICE is the opposite of unrighteousness. Evil is the absenceof God.

At one time, Adam and Eve lived in the presence of God until they CHOSE “SIN,” which CREATED his absencewithin them and within the world they lived in.

God takes full responsibility for creating evil since he created MANKIND and he gave them human WILL.  “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

“….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

God created mankind with the ABILITY to exercise human will. They can CHOOSE to go their OWN way, but they can’t CHOOSE the consequences. Adam and Eve’s choices separated them from God’s presence. “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated (or they became absent) [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). The absence of light is darkness; the absence of God is evil. “… I …createevil…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Evil is the absence of good. If good is not present, it CREATES evil, which is the absence of good or God. “…I… create evil: I the Lord do all these things” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV). “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated (made them absent) [them]… from God……” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). The absence of one thing creates the presence of another. If God, who is LIFE, GOODNESS, and JUSTICE, is not presence; it CREATES DEATH, EVIL, and INJUSTICE. “…I… create evil: I the Lord do all these things…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

Mankind REAPS death, darkness, injustice, that they themselves, on their own volition, has SOWN. They often judge God when it is their OWN choices that have resulted in destruction, decade, and depravity. “...Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a person sows, this he(she) will also reap. For the one who sows to his (her) own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit...” (Galatians 6:7-8 NASB).  “...You have plowed wickedness, you have harvested injustice, You have eaten the fruit of lies. Because you have trusted in your way, in your many warriors...” (Hosea 10:13 NASB). “...So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way, And be filled with their own schemes...” (Proverbs 1:31 NASB). “...One who sows injustice will reap disaster, And the rod of his fury will perish...” (Proverbs 22:8 NASB).

God created man in his image. Image is supposed to be a carbon copy. “….let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  As the bible informs, God “…does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “… [God]… does as he pleases… No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “…Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish…” (Isaiah 46: 9-10 NLT).

Thus, God gave mankind human will. “….let us make man … after our LIKENESS…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV).

Mankind was created, with a human will, in order to make choices and decisions Adam FREELY made multiple choices before “THE FALL.” “…The LordGod formed from the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and the man “CHOSE” A NAME for each one. He gave names to all the livestock, all the birds of the sky, and all the wild animals. …..She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man…” (Genesis 2:19-20, 23 NLT).

Part of being created in God’s image is the ability to exercise the human will and make choices. “… choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

The ability to make righteous or JUST choices, however, becomes challenging and limiting WITHOUT the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. “…I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “….apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus FREES and RESCUES the human will from being dominated by SIN? “… Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“… I have set before you LIFEand death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT, and they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “….apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…[You] … can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth [you] …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

If you are NOT choosing LIFE, which is God’s WAY: you are CHOOSING DEATH.  “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV).

Adam and Eve, willfully, picked between two choices: LIFE and DEATH. “….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE LIFE…” (John 6:63 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death … choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

God MADE each of his people with a human will to CHOOSE to live as you please. “….let us make man … after our LIKENESS…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  They are FREED to CHOOSE life or death. “… I have set before you life and death, … therefore choose life …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “… Choose [for yourselves]this day whom you will serve…” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Without God, the Holy Spirit, the CHOICES are only DEATH. “…I want to dowhat is right, but I can’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Mankind often judge God, instead of themselves, when their OWN choices result in death, darkness, evil, injustice, etc,. “… Choose ...[for yourselves]…” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is WIDE for the many who choose that way …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). 

Yet God’s absence in their lives, their families, communities, societies, and countries is a decision of their very own choosing and CREATES evil in ALL those entities and places. “…I (my absence)… create evil: I the Lord do all these things…” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV).

  In the Old Testament, when “…there was no king (absence of a King) in Israel: every man (woman) did that which was right in his (her) own eyes” (Judges 21:25 KJV)…Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily …the HEART of the sons (daughters) of men is fully set in them … to do evil (choose death) ….” (Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV). “… [they]... FORFEIT the grace that could be theirs…" (Jonah 2:8 NIV). “…THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION, that light is come into the world, and MEN LOVED DARKNESS RATHER THAN LIGHT, because THEIR DEEDS (choices) WERE EVIL. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved…” (John 3:18-20 KJV).

“…The Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt (disrespect)?” (Daniel 14:11 NIV). “…my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted (choosing death), following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts (choices). They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires (choices)…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “…He who trusts in his own heart is a fool…” (Proverbs 28:26 NASB).The heart “…is deceitful ABOVE ALL THINGS and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “…For it is from within, out of a person’s HEART, that EVIL THOUGHTS (choices) come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.… All these evils come from INSIDE, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 NIV).

Satan exercised his OWN will and was kicked out of heaven. He made a choice (choose death) to do what HE wanted to do. “How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! …For you said to yourself, ‘I will (I choose)…” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

“How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will (I choose to)ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will (I choose to) preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will (I choose to)climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

Satan, “the shining star, son of the morning” was cast out of heaven and separated from the presence of God (Revelation 12:4, 9; Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12).

Satan exercised his WILL and made an independent choice: “… [I choose to]…climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High…’ ” (Isaiah 14:12-15 NLT).

When God said “….let us make man … after our LIKENESS…” the POTENTIAL for evil pointed to the ability of mankind to exercise human will and CHOOSE life or death (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). Instead, “…through one man sin entered into the world, and DEATH through sin, and so DEATH passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

Once you have raised your children and they become adults, the POTENTIAL for a bad life verses a good life rests on their ability to use their human will to make decent, equitable, sound, and ethical choices. “ … the deeds (CHOICES) of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “…I want to do what is right, but I can’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“….For from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder,  adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful DESIRES (emotions, passions), envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN; they are what defile you…” All of mankind exercise their OWN human wills and make their OWN CHOICES.

Mankind judge God for creating them with human will to make their OWN choices. Nonetheless, they “… Choose ...[for yourselves] …” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God did not make mankind a robot nor does he FORCE them to do what he wants them to do. Instead, the loving God said “….let us make man (woman) … after our LIKENESS…”(Genesis 1:26 KJV). “...Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him” (Psalms 115:3 NIV).

The person to, fairly, judge is yourself for the CHOICES you personally make that effect your life and the life of others. “…EXAMINE YOURSELVES, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, EXCEPT YE BE REPROBATES (sinners)?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).

Wherever God is absence from the CHOICES you make for your life, family community, or society there will be death, darkness, evil, and injustice, but YOU CHOOSE. “…Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.I am the vine, you are the branches … apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

Everything God created was GOOD, even human WILL. “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFEand death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose youthis day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things...” (Isaiah 45:7 KJV). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

The FALLEN world is PROOF of mankind’s original SEPARATION from God, the Holy Spirit. Mankind’s estrangement from HIM ended in spiritual death,  separation from HIM, living in a FALLEN  world, put enmity between HIM and mankind, created rebellion and evil, and made it INPOSSIBLE to be reconciled or restored to God again.

God is a God of JUSTICE, which means he is JUST, so he sent Jesus. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus CAME to reconciled and restored the FALLEN people and FALLEN world to HIMSELF. “...the crowds learned about it and followed him (Jesus). He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing...” (Luke 9:11 KJV). “...And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed...” (Mark 6:56 KJV). “...Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there...” (Matthew 19:2 KJV). “...the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all...” (Luke 6:19 KJV).

“… God  … work[ed] … in … [Jesus] … what is pleasing to him [God, the Holy Spirit]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within JESUS]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“...[Jesus] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; (HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?)... GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).

(WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE LIVING WORD, EMPOWERED, BY THE HOLY SPIRIT, able TO DO?) “…[HE WAS]... anointed (empowered) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus and his people, did the WORK of restoring and reconciled the FALLEN back to HIMSELF. “…Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and POWER (the indwelling Holy Spirit), performed great wonders and signs among the people…” (Acts 6:8 NIV).

“…God did extraordinary MIRACLES (by the indwelling Holy Spirit) through Paul…” (Acts 19:11 NIV).

“…I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and MIRACLES (the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 12:12 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

“…God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those].. who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s [power and fruit]... THROUGH each of us …… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“...HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY…” (Micah 7:18 KJV). “..come boldly unto the throne of GRACE ...[and] ... obtain mercy…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV).

God is“... RICH IN MERCY…” (Ephesians 2:1-5 KJV). (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB). “...[Thankfully]... it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it...” (Romans 9:14-16 NLT).

Who God’s people BECOME, through Jesus, empowers them to DO SAME works of reconciled and restoring the FALLEN to God like Jesus DID. Jesus “CAME DOWN’ to do God’s will. “... he (JESUS) ... came down from heaven...” (John 3:13 KJV Jesus CAME “…to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “…Christ ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us [back] to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

The Holy Spirit empowered and anointed Jesusto go about DOING good and HEALING the oppressed. “…God anointed (empowered) Jesus of Nazareth (HOW?) with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER:  (WHAT DID JESUS, THE WORD OF GOD, DO?) [HE] ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; [HOW WAS HE ABLE TO DO THOSE THINGS?]... GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV). (WHAT ELSE WAS JESUS, THE WORD, ANOINTED TO DO?) “…[HE WAS] ... anointed (empowered) to preach the gospel to the poor; ... to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).

God’s people are to BE like Jesus by doing the works of restoring and reconciling the FALLEN world BACK to God, the Holy Spirit. “…In this world [God’s people] are like Jesus…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitators of[Jesus, the Word of God]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ (the word of god)…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT).

“…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).“…Ye shall know [those being conformed to his image]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

Jesus said: “… the works which the Father has given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent Me...” (John 5:36 KJV). “...For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him who sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV). "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work...” (John 4:34 NLT). Again, Jesus did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).

God is a God of JUSTICE and so are HIS people WHO  are sent to earth to BE his WITNESSES. “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He (she) that believeth on me (God the Holy Spirit, through Jesus), the works that I do (Jesus did) shall he (she) do also; and greater works than these shall he (she) do; because I go unto my Father...” (John 14:1 KJV). 

 

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRISTYOUR LORD! “….The Word beca...

 

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRIST

YOUR LORD!

“….The Word became flesh…” (John 1:14 NASB). “…[AND] “…he became [THE] author of eternal salvation unto ALL …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

*

The MIRACLE of Jesus Christ is that he was especially created to be the atoning sacrifice. “…the Word …the only begotten (specially created) from the Father....” (JOHN 1:14 KJV). “…he became [THE] author of eternal salvation unto ALL …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

 

God provided a way to bring mankind back into harmony with him through a new covenant relationship. “…For [it is] Christ …[who]…. died for sins ONCE for all,the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 

God desired to reconcile himself to mankind. SO HE DID. “…God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV).

 

In the Old Testament atonement was an animal sacrifice necessary for removing the stain of sins and reconciling man back to God through the forgiveness of those sins. “…Without [the] shedding of blood (an atoning sacrifice) [there] is no remission (or forgiveness of sins)…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV)…”

 

The holiness of God is uncompromising and cannot/will not mix with sin on any level. In order to commune with or connect with God holinessis absolutely necessary.

SIN creates a BARRIER between sinful man and the HOLY God. “… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (barrier) has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

This barrier will ALWAYS cause a SEPARATION, because HOLINESS can NOT and will NOT “EVER” MIX with SIN. “… And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm(barrier) has been set in place…” (Luke 16:22-25 NASB).

SIN and HOLINESS SEPARATES; just like oil and water. “…Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separated between you and your God (holy) …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God (who is HOLY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT).

That’s why God SENT Jesus, his son, who became like an EMULSIFIER in order to enable the mixture or emulsion of two unlikely substances. “…He that is joined [by Jesus] is ONE spirit… [OR united, through emulsion, with the HOLY God]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

If an emulsifier is added to oil and water it will miraculously enable them to MIX together. “…He that is joined (MIXED together) [by] the Lord (Jesus) [becomes] ONE Spirit… [OR is miraculously united, through emulsion, with the Holy God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).“…. Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Jesus miraculously enables the HOLY God and SINFUL mankind to MIX together and become ONE [unbreakable] SPIRIT again. “…What therefore God has joinedtogether, let no man separate…” (Mark 10:9 NASB). “…Love … is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He that is JOINED unto the Lord is ONE Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…Let no one split apart what God has joined together…” (Mark 10:9 NLT).  

The emulsion happens through reconciliation, which is enabled by means of an atoning sacrifice. An atoning sacrifice can remove the barrier of sin that causes the separation between man and God in the first place. “…Without [the] shedding of blood (an atoning sacrifice) [there] is no remission (or forgiveness of sins)…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). “…Behold the Lamb of God (Jesus), which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “… [There is] … one … who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

 

The main purpose of an atoning sacrifice is to cleanse a person from ALL their sins. “…He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). 

Cleansing a person from sins also SAVES their lives from eternal death. …EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV). “…BY GRACE … [you are] …saved …not of WORKS, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).  

 

Further, cleansing a person from sins restores the covenant relationship between God and his people. “…He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanseusfrom all unrighteousness…” (1 John 1:9 KJV). “…He that is JOINED unto the Lord is ONE Spirit (restored to the covenant relationship)…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).

 

Restoring the covenant relationship between God and his people requires a return to holiness through the atoning sacrifice for sins. “…God hath not called us for uncleanness, but unto holiness…” (1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV). “…that we might be partakers of his holiness...” (Hebrews 12:10 KJV).  “…for I the Lordam holy,. …” (Leviticus 20:26 KJV). “...[SO] put on the new man, which after God is created in …true holiness...” (Ephesians 4:2 KJV). 

 

The wages of sin is death. “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). An atoning sacrifice was required for the offense of sin to avoid the punishment which is death. “…Without shedding of blood [or an atoning sacrifice, there] is no remission [or forgiveness of sins]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

 

An atoning sacrifice meant that a person’s sins were completely removed. “…Behold the Lamb of God (Jesus), which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).

An atoning sacrifice allowed the offender to enter into a closer relationship with the Holy God. “…By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).

Jesus Christ was especially sent by God and created for the sole purpose of becoming the atoning sacrifice for us all. “….the Son of Man came (was sent and created) ….TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “…he became [THE] author of eternal salvation unto ALL …” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

Who needs Jesus’ sacrificial life? “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).

 

Let’s look at the MIRACLE of Jesus Christ as our atoning sacrifice. In the Old Testament animal sacrifices provided ONLY a temporary covering for sins. “…in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

 

The shedding of blood was required by God as an atoning sacrifice for the removal of the stain of sin and for the forgiveness of sins. “…Without [the] shedding of blood [or an atoning sacrifice, there] is no remission [or forgiveness of sins]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

 

This atoning sacrifice, though temporary and limited, satisfied God for the offenses of sins committed by his people. “…Without [the] shedding of blood [there] is “NO” … [forgiveness of sins]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV).

 

The animal, representing the atoning sacrifice of the day, was temporary. The animal’s shed blood (life), removed the sins of the people and freed them from the consequences of those sins.

 

This is not complicated and it is a very small synopsis of this vast topic. Animal sacrifices took place thousands of years ago and was simply a method God used as the atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. 

 

Animal sacrifices, of course, have LONG stopped. “… BUT the life … [is STILL] in the blood: and [God provided the life and gave] it to [his people to put] upon the altar to make an atonement for [their] souls: for it is the blood (life) that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).

 

Thus, during ancient times certain animals died to serve as temporary substitutes for the people’s sin. 

 

It was a temporary substitute only and since it was temporary the animal sacrifices had to be repeated over and over every year. 

 

The animal sacrifices, therefore, were a small tedious sample of the ultimate and permanent sacrifice predicted in Jesus Christ, who was to come!!!

 

“For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

 

Sin separates God from his people. “… [Their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from [their]… God (holy)… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).  Jesus Christ became the atoning sacrifice in order to restore God’s people BACK to Him. “…He (Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).  “For Christ … died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 

The relationship with God through Christ is a blood covenant between God and the believer. This covenant relationship is witnessed between Jesus and God. “… I and my Father are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV).

 

A blood covenant is usually between two parties however, one or both of those parties can be a representative for an entire family or a group of people. 

 

If one of the parties of the blood covenant is a representative of a group of people, he or she totally represents every single person, equally, in the group. 

 

The representative also is the guarantee that every responsibility or binding agreement of the covenant will be kept by those he or she represents.

 

The representative, therefore, acts on behalf of everyone in the entire group. The representative is considered the “voice” and the “guarantee” for each individual member of the group. 

 

In other words, each individual member of the group is represented “IN” him or her. 

 

For instance, when the representative walked through the bloodied bodies in the Old Testament, he “sealed” the blood covenant for every single member of the entire group. This is a very basic explanation of a blood covenant.

 

Thus, in the New Testament, Jesus is both YOUR representative and atoning sacrifice in the NEW covenant relationship with God. 

 

Jesus is the slain, Lamb of God, that was punished, with death, in your place and therefore is the atoning sacrifice for your sins. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).

 

In order to be an atoning sacrifice, the animal had to be alive, unblemished or innocent, and available to sacrifice their lives for another.

 

In order for God, through Jesus Christ, to become an atoning sacrifice he too had to experience being truly ALIVE in human form. And he had to keep himself freed and unblemished from sin while living in a cesspool of sin.

 “…We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus was human in every way except for sin; He lived a completely sinless life…” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). “…ye were … redeemed … with the precious blood (life) of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…” (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV).

 

He had to also be willing and available to be the atoning sacrifice. .” Jesus definitely did “…not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His lifea ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV).   

 

Animals, however, could ONLY serve as temporary substitutes, who died in the place of sinners.

 

Because they were ONLY temporary, animals had to be sacrificed year after year after year.

 

The MIRACLE is that Jesus Christ became a PERMANENT sacrifice and died ONCE for all sin. “For Christ … died for sins ONCE for all,the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 

 “…God so loved the world that HE GAVE his only begotten (specially created) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and SENT His SON to be the [substitute] for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

 

God came down from heaven and became FULLY human through Jesus Christ to become “YOUR” atoning sacrifice once and for all!!! “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slaveand was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form (through Jesus Christ]…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT).

 

God, himself, came in human form to become the atoning sacrifice for the stain of SINS upon mankind and in order to FULLY forgive or make amends for their sins.

God, therefore, took the JOB of becoming the atoning sacrifice upon himself. “… God works … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [Jesus], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God came in the flesh through Jesus Christ. “… If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God…” (1 John 4:2 NLT).   

 

“… Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist…” (2 John 1:7 NLT). “…Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written…” (John 21:25 NIV).

 

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). 

 

“…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14). “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). 

“….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the Word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV).   

 

“…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14).

 

God’s truths can only be understood “IF” God reveals them to you, through his HOLY SPIRIT. “….When we tell you these things, we DO NOT use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words GIVEN TO US by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual CAN’T RECEIVE these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and THEY CAN’T UNDERSTAND IT, for only those who are spiritual CAN UNDERSTAND what the Spirit means…” (1 Corinthians 2 NLT).

 

God, the Father and Jesus the Son are ONE. “…I am in the Father, and the Father in me…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV).  

 

 “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth…” (John 1:1-14 KJV).  “…God so loved THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16).

 

 “…Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God…”(Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…he …died a criminal’sdeath on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). 

 

“…Who, being in the form of God …was made in the likeness of men … And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “… he … was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). 

 

As you can see, God, through Jesus Christ, came in human form to sacrifice himself, out of love for you in order to remove and forgive your sins!! Jesus’ sacrificial death was the atoning sacrifice for your sins. “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). 

 

You can NOW enter freely into the new blood covenant relationship with God THROUGH Christ. “…This cup is the new covenant in my blood …which is poured out for you…” (Luke 22:20 ASV). 

 

Jesus’ death was like the death of the slain animal sacrifices in the Old Testament blood covenants.

His blood (his human life) is now the blood of the new covenant, which is an everlasting covenant (Ezekiel 37:26). “This is my blood (my life) of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 KJV).

Jesus is our permanent and once-for-all substitute for sin. His sacrificial death allows you to enter into an everlasting covenant relationship with God through your representative, JESUS CHRIST. “For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

Jesus is both your atoning sacrifice and your representative in the covenant relationship with God. “For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us [BACK] to God…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). 

 

Jesus enters the relationship with God as your representative. We, who are “IN” Christ and are represented by Him, enter into the relationship, through him, too. “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

 

Now, through Christ, we are able to keep the obligations and responsibilities of the covenant. “..For it is God who worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…I can do all things through Christwhich strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). SHOUT!!!

 

In addition, Jesus becomes the “guarantee” that the covenant with God is kept. “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV).

 

When you choose to depend upon what Jesus Christ has done for you, you can enjoy the covenant relationship with God THROUGH HIM! Jesus said, "I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV).  

 

Therefore, the bible says, “…that “they” may ALL BE ONE; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may BE IN US, so that the world may believe that You sent Me…” (John 17:21-23 NASB).

 

Jesus Christ was sent by the God of love and was especially created to become a ransom for many by his sacrificial death. He “IS” the atoning sacrifice for YOUR sin.

 

What did the human Jesus Christ have to go through in order to become the atoning sacrifice for your sins? “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).

 

“…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).

 

“..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

 

“…The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced…” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

 

“…And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.  Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand…” (John 19:38-42 KJV).

 

 “…Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you…” (JOHN 20:19-21 KJV).

 

What motivated God, through Jesus Christ, to suffer and die on the cross for YOU? “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED USand sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

 

Not only was God willing, through Jesus Christ, to become your atoning sacrifice, but he was JOYFUL about providing you with the GIFT of SALVATION.  “…keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT).

The sacrifice he was making for YOU held a greater VALUE for Jesus than the temporary shame of the cross. “…What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone…” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT). 

 

The JOY of providing mankind with the GIFT of SALVATION far outweighed anything else or any other agenda as far as God was concerned. “… [He] spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV).

 

God knew what the future held for Jesus, the Word of God. “…[Jesus, the Word would be]…“crowned with glory and honor.” …” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “… [Jesus, the Word would be]…elevated …to the place of highest honor …” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT). 

 

God knew “…when he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he [would] … be satisfied. And because of his experience …[he would] … make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

 

“…The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT). “…At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit….” (Luke 10:21-22 NLT). 

 

While on earth, God, through Jesus, was faced with deep grieves and sorrows, but his purpose of becoming the atoning sacrifice incited his JOY in spite of his trials and tribulations. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). 

 

The MIRACLE of Jesus Christ is that he willingly and voluntarily became the ATONING SACRIFICE for SIN and the RANSOM for many.  “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

 

He “IS” your LIVING SACRIFICE, your GIFT of SALVATION, your ETERNAL LIFE, the INDWELLING SPIRIT, and your EVERLASTING LOVE. “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…he …died a criminal’sdeath on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).

 

Mankind needed a SAVIOR and God, came down from heaven, and supplied their NEED for an atoning sacrifice. “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want …” (Psalms 23:1 KJV). “… You will always have everythingyou need  …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). JEHOVAH –JIREH means: "The Lord Will Provide."

 

The need for an atoning sacrifice originated with God; not man. God, himself, CREATED Jesus Christ as an acceptable, once and for all sacrifice for the removal and forgiveness of sin!

 

Before God sent and created Jesus to become the RANSOM for us all, there was NO permanent sacrifice for the removal or forgiveness of mankind’s sins.

 

God, through Jesus Christ, SENT a miraculous atoning sacrifice. 

 

This MIRACLE stands above ALL the rest as a SIGN of God’s love and his heart’s desire to be reconciled to mankind. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Herein is ...[REAL]…love, notthat we loved God, but that HE [first] LOVED US...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners (made amends for us sinners) …God showed his great LOVE … by sending Christ to die (to made amends) …” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). 

“…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten (specially created) Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).“…God … reconciled us to himself through Christ …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). “… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

 

This MIRACLE serves as a personal message to YOU.WHY? “… so [YOU WILL] know that [HE is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….Then [you] will know that [he is] the Lord [your] God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…[YOUR] god is the one who provides [your  atoning sacrifice]…” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).

 

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).

 

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [Jesus is your atoning sacrifice] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…He is the atoning sacrifice for [y]our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

 

 “…All things  (including the ATONEMENT for sins) came into being through [the WORD], and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).

 

“…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER …—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (Jesus, the ATONEMENT for your sins)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). 

 

 “…Peter said to them, "REPENT, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB). “…REPENT YE, AND BELIEVE the gospel…” (Mark 1:15 KJV). “….God …now commandeth all men every where to REPENT…” (Acts 17:30 KJV). “… [I]…kept declaring ….that they should REPENT and TURN TO God…” (Acts 26: 20 NASB). "…Therefore REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV). 

 

 “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [Jesus is the ATONEMENT for your sins] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…He is the atoning sacrifice for [y]our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

 

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRIST IS THAT HE IS THE ATONING SACRIFICE FOR THE REMOVAL AND FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS.

 

BY CHOOSING TO DEPEND UPON HIS MIRACULOUS SACRIFICE UPON THE CROSS YOU ARE IN A “RIGHT” RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ALMIGHTY GOD!“…walk by faith (by depending upon God)...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). 

 

 “…A right relationship with God that comes by faith (by depending upon god)…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “…A person is made rightwith God by faith in (or by depending upon) Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). 

 

THE MIRACLE OF JESUS CHRIST!

 

WHEN YOU TRUST GOD, HE WILL DIRECT YOUR EVERY STEP THROUGH HIS WORD

INSIDE THE STORMS: herod’s dungeon

Peter slept

“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPINGBETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE...” (ACTS 12:6 niV).

                                                                              *

What was Peter’s SECRET of PEACE and CONTENTMENT as he sleeps between two soldiers “WAITING” for his trial? Did he know what Paul SAID? “…[Had Peter]... learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [Did Peter know]… what it ,,,[was]... to be in need, and …what it ...[was]...to have plenty... [Had Peter]… learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV).

All of God’s people are encouraged by Apostle Paul to“…BE PEACEFUL and CONTENT. “...God has said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “... BE STRONG and of good courage, FEAR NOT, “NOR” BE AFRAID of them (problems, issues, trials, tribulations, concerns, divorces, or any of life’s sudden stresses, etc.): for the Lord thy God, he it is that DOETH GO with thee; he SHALL NOT FAIL thee; “NOR” FORSAKE thee...” (Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV).

No matter what God’s people FACE, they can FACE it with Christ who PROMISES to strengthen them. “…[They]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). The indwelling Holy Spirit EMPOWERS them“…to be strengthened (empowered) with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). THEY “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [THEM]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV. “….Apart from [jesus], [they]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).  “…[It is]...the God of PEACE … that great Shepherd of the sheep...[who will]... equip (empower) [his people]… with everything good for doing his will, and may he work IN [his people]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…according to the POWER that worketh IN [god’s people]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “…HE WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [his people]… “WILL” “PERFORM” IT “UNTIL” the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV).

WHY WILL GOD DO THESE THINGS FOR “HIS” PEOPLE?“…[God] … careth for[them]… (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).  “…I … will comfort them and give them joy for their sorrow…”  (Jeremiah 31:13 NASB).   “…You, O Lord, have helped me and comforted me…” (Psalms 86:17 NASB). “…This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me…” (Psalms 119:50 NASB). “…O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant…” (Psalms 119:76 NASB). “..The Lord has comforted His people  And will have compassion on His afflicted…” (Isaiah 49:13 NASB). “…For the Lord has comforted His people…” (Isaiah 52:9 NASB). “… Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death…” (Genesis 24:67 NASB).  “…All his (Jacob) sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him…” (Genesis 37:35 NASB). “…So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them…” (Genesis 50:21 NASB). “…I have found favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me and indeed have spoken kindly to your maidservant…” (Ruth 2:13 NASB). “…David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her…” (1 Samuel 12:24 NASB). “…Ephraim mourned many days, and his relatives came to comfort him…” (1 Chronicles 7:22 NASB). “…Then all his brothers and all his (Job) sisters …they consoled him and comforted him...”  (Job 42:11 NASB).  “…Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted…” (Matthew 5:4 NASB). “…They took away the boy alive (healed), and were greatly comforted…” (Acts 20:12 NASB).

Going through situations and circumstances can ROCK and SHAKE the strongest of God’s people. When they’ve done ALL they do to STAND, sometime STANDING can become challenging. “…I will instruct [them] and teach [them] in the way which [they] shalt go: I will guide [them] with mine eye…” (Psalms 32:8 KJV). “…The Lord helps them, …” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “…Blessed are those who wait for his help…” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you …” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “…He guided them  …with a pillar of cloud, and … with a pillar of fire.  …” (Exodus 13:20-22 NLT).

However, the story of Peter, sitting and sleeping, PEACEFULLY and CONTENTLY, between two soldiers was written for ENCOURAGEMENT so that God’s people, TODAY, might continue to HOPE in his promises through the STORMS of life! “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4 KJV). “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come...” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

God’s people can have HOPE, as they continue to trust in and depend upon the ALMIGHTY God, to cause ALL THINGS to work together for their personal GOOD. “...ALL THINGS work together for good …” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

God’s people are empowered by indwelling PEACEand CONTENTMENT while they WAIT upon the LORD, during the trials and tribulations in life, that often come to disturb them with physical fear, fatigue, anxiousness, and overwhelming concern about what their future will become. “…The plans [God has]…for you… [are]… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future...” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

 “…I am leaving you with a GIFT- peace of mindand heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…The fruit of the [invisible indwelling Holy]… Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).  “...The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…Ye shall know them by their fruit…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV).

God-given PEACE is a BESTOWED GIFT “…I am leaving you with a GIFT—peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing…” (Romans 15:13 NASB). “…the God of peace…” (1 THESSALONIANS 5:23 NASB). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?...”(1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT).

“…The Kingdom of God is …a matter of … living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…” (Romans 14:17 NLT).

“..I have told you all this so that you may have PEACE IN ME. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have OVERCOME the world…” (John 16:33 NLT).

INSIDE Peter’s STORM he slept double-chained between two of Herod’s soldiers in a prison which was then like a dungeon. There was several other quads of guards stationed outside of the dungeon, at the iron gate, which was securely fastened to hinder any attempt to escape. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue thatshall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV). “…What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Who...[or what]... will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to giveyou an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…He willkeep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).

The following morning, Peter would face trial, which would result in his death. Yet Peter slept peacefully in the trusting hands of God, the Holy Spirit, depending upon his love and promises while his fellow sisters and brothers prayed through night for him. “...the church was earnestly praying to God for him...” (Acts 12:5 NIV). “…I am leaving you with a GIFT - peace of mind and heart...” (John 14:27 KJV). “…letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

God gave Peter PEACE and desired for him to rest, sleep and NOT to worry. “….God is leading you away from danger …to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food. But you are obsessed with whether the godless will be judged.Don’t worry, judgment and justice will be upheld…”  (Job 36:16-21 NLT). “...he giveth his beloved sleep...” (Psalms 127:2 KJV). “…The LORD (the indwelling Spirit) “WILL” accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need (INCLUDING “HIS” PEACE during the STORMS of life)…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).

One of the reasons Christ died upon the cross was to SECURE our PEACE. “…He [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed (freed from WORRY, FEAR, SHAME, etc.)…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “...Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV). .“...my peaceI give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).

Getting back to imprisoned Peter, we see him in a dungeon, restrained and chained between two soldiers, behind securely fastened iron gates, waiting for his morning trial, which would, under normal circumstances, end in his death. Peter was guilty for being holy, living righteous, and belonging to the church (body of Christ). “...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

 INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison, what can CALM the troubled, human heart? GOD’s indwelling PEACE. “...Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV)..“...my peaceI give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).

“…He that is joined (fused) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…God has sent forth the Spiritof His Son “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…Christ [the Word of God, is]…in you…” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you … they ARE spirit…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell[s]… in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The fruit of the SPIRIT is love... peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…The Holy Spirit producesthis kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control….” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of PEACE]…” (1 Corinthians 12: 4-11 NLT). “…It is God who works ... [peace]... IN YOU…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…May …God … work in … [you, his peace, which] … is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The Holy Spirit producesthis kind ...peace…” (Galatians 5 NLT).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison, GOD’s indwelling PEACE is ABLE to CALM the troubled, human heart that has been fiercely disturbed with the terrors of processing through difficult trials and tribulations. “...my peace ...give I unto you … [Christ [the Word of God, is]…in you]  ... [Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV & Colossians 1:27 KJV).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison; GOD’s HELPS when, his people, find themselves in the LION DENS, FIREY FURNANCES, JOB TRADEGIES, and PETER DUNGEONS of life. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helpsus in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

 “..Therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that [you]… may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need…”(Hebrews 4:16 KJV). He will “…strengthened [you]… with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen you]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “… God  … work[s] … in … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within YOU]… he doeth the works…”(John 14:10 KJV).

“...my peace ...give I unto you … [Christ [the Word of God, is]…in you]  ... [Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV & Colossians 1:27 KJV).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the lion’s den, INSIDE the fiery furnace, INSIDE Job’s tragedies, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison - GOD ASSURES his people, through his WORD, through other Christian Warriors, and through the PRAYERS of the SAINTS - he is the GREAT DELIVERER!

The WORD says: “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good (overwhelming victory) to them (the redeemed; God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called(purposely chosen by God, the Holy Spirit) ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

God will SEND Christian Warriors that will encourage and build you up:  “... Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing...” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).

God empowers the CHURCH to pray for you: “...the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (Peter)...” (Acts 12:5 NIV).

God sent his WORD to speak to HIS people:  “…These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world…” (John 16:33 KJV). “...Peace I leave with you...” (John 14:27 NIV)..“...my peaceI give unto you...” (John 14:27 NIV). “...my peace...not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ...[Therefore,]... let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 NIV).

The WORD, CHRISTIAN WARRIORS, and the PRAYING church strengthens, the WEARY, and assures them God, the HOLY SPIRIT, is the GREAT DELIVERER, who will FIGHT for them!

 “…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD ...in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOURstronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). . “…If God isfor us, who is against us? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “...No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper...” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).

“...God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High.God dwells in that city (God dwells in his people); it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth.He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress...” (Psalms 46 NLT).

“….Then you will know that I am the Lordyour God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).

INSIDE the STORMS of life, INSIDE the frightening situations we face, INSIDE the wearisome PROCESS of tribulations, INSIDE the lion’s den, INSIDE the fiery furnace, INSIDE Job’s tragedies, INSIDE the dungeon, INSIDE the prison – though you may FEEL anxious, though you may not know where you are going or what will happen; TRUST and DEPEND upon God to continue to DIRECT your steps.

“…Trust in (DEPEND UPON) the Lordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto (DON’T DEPEND UPON) thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord: …” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Yourfortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…BY THE WORD of the Lord  [YOU are delivered from ALL trials and tribulations with OVERWHELMING victory] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

“...It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison...” (Acts 12:1-5 NIV).

“THE NIGHT BEFORE HEROD WAS TO BRING HIM TO “TRIAL”, PETER WAS SLEEPINGBETWEEN TWO SOLDIERS, BOUND WITH TWO CHAINS, AND SENTRIES STOOD GUARD AT THE ENTRANCE. (ACTS 12:6 niV).

Peter, through the Word, through other Christian Warriors, and through the Praying Church, entrusted himself to God. Only God could help him OVERCOME every PROBLEM he faced. “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT).

Peter was INSIDE or in the MIDST of a TROUBLESOME TRIAL where he had been arrested, put into prison or the dungeon, was double-chained between two of Herod’s soldiers, was securely fastened behind iron gates, he had quads of guards watching over him, and he was facing a pending trial that threatened to lead to his death by the sword, “...We must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV).

“...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Peter’s VICTORY represents the FAVOR of God upon the lives of HIS PEOPLE, which REVEALS God’s love and desire to show his GLORY (presence, goodness, and power) to them! “…the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). “...Be still, and know that I am God ... the God of Israel is our fortress (defense, stronghold, place of protection, etc.).” (Psalms 46 NLT). “…BLESSINGS are on the head of the righteous…” (Proverbs 10:6 NASB).  “…You surround [your people] ... WITH FAVOR as with a shield…” (Psalms 5:12 NASB). “...overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

 “…I’ve also done it … so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

Peter was able to SEE, with his OWN eyes, the GLORY (God’s presence, goodness, and power) of God and his FAVOR upon his life, because of the GREAT THINGS he did for him. “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists. Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.  Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutchesand from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

Peter witnessed and experienced, first hand, the LOVE and FAVOR of God. God REVEALED his GLORY to Peter through his presence in the angel (could be a Christian Warrior), his goodness in directing his steps (through his Word), and his power to deliver him out of Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory)!  “...Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel (this could be a Christian Warrior) and rescued me from Herod’s clutches (overwhelming victory) and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus, the WORD), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the works of bringing overwhelming victory to his people that trust and depend upon HIM) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

“… at God’s [miracle-performing WORD) … what we now SEE (everything witnessed and experienced) did not come from anything that can be SEEN (it came from the WORK of the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God (the miracle-performing POWER of God)…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).

“... When this had dawned on him ... [Peter realized] ...  “he (God, the Holy Spirit)...hath done marvellous things…” (Acts 12:7 NIV & Psalms 98:1 KJV). “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV).

“...the chains fell off Peter’s wrists...They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him. Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has ... rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen...” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

REMEMBER: “...The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

INSIDE the difficult trials and tribulations, we face, in life such as the death of a loved one, a divorce, the loss of a lucrative job, unexpected diagnoses, fear of going to prison for a crime you didn’t commit, the loss of material possessions,  unjust treatment, false accusations, and other sudden life changes; follow Peter’s LEAD. “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

Like Peter, many of God’s people, are FACING things that cause the heart to be flooded with troubling stresses such as dread, anxiousness, discouragement, weariness, questions of faith, fear of the unknown, having no control of the situation or the outcome, etc., BUT TRUST and DEPEND upon God ANYWAY.

“...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours  (and Peter’s) through Christ, who loved us (and him)...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). 

WHY should you SLEEP during these troubling TIMES? “...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV). “...If God is for ...[peter]... who...[or what could be]... against ...[peter]? ... …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…Who...[or what would]... separate ...[peter]... from the love of Christ?…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “....Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...[separate you or peter from god’s love]? …” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “ ... [NO] … [NOTHING] …will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB).

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to giveyou an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV). “…Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency isof God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV).  “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “...ALL THINGS work (PROCESS) together for good to them (the redeemed; God’s people) that love God, to them who are the called ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE…” (ROMANS 8:28 KJV).

“...Peter was sleeping....” (Acts 12:6-11 NIV).

 

NEW CREATIONS ,HAVE THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, CAN BE "LIKE" JESUS WHILE UPON EARTH

 

NEW CREATIONS, BECAUSE OF THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, CAN BE LIKE JESUS

HOW is the lost and spiritually dead soul made alive? “…[God]... the [Holy]...SPIRIT gives [them spiritual]... LIFE…” (John 6:63 NASB). “……God [makes them]... ALIVE with Christ...[and he forgives them]… all [their]… sins…” (Colossians 2:13 NIV).“…He (she) that is joined unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE spirit… [with God again]” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…. old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

“…apart from [Jesus] [sinful mankind]... can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“…[New Creations]… are [not]... ADEQUATE IN [THEMSELVES]… to consider anything as coming from [themselves]… but [THEIR]… ADEQUACY IS FROM GOD (the Holy Spirit)…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 NASB). “…Now GOD (the Holy Spirit) GIVES [New Creations] many kinds of special abilities … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… The ... Holy Spirit (dwells within New Creations and) ... is the source of ... all … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…There are different kinds of service to God …but it is the same GOD, (the Holy Spirit,) WHO “DOES” THE WORK IN AND THROUGH ... [new creations]... who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The Holy Spirit “displays” God’s power THROUGHeach [new creation]… … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…It is the ... Holy Spirit who gives [new creations]... all these gifts and powers, deciding which each one of [them] should have… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

 “…It is God (the powerful, indwelling Holy Spirit) who works IN [new creations]…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). NEW CREATIONS can say: “…by the grace of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, ALONE, makes each one of his people spiritually “...alive together with [Christ]…” (Colossians 2:13 ASV). “…apart from [Jesus] [the lost and spiritually dead soul]... can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).

“… [He sent the ] …one… who can reconcileGod and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).

SIN is “not” just a collection of behaviors based on what you do or don’t do; sin is a symptom of what YOU ARE; a sinful nature. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Who will free mefrom this life that is dominated by [the sinful NATURE]? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

Sin, therefore, is the symptom of an INNATE CONDITION of the sinful nature. Every male and female is born with one. "…That which is born of the flesh is flesh…” (John 3:6 KJV).

This sinful nature was inherited from Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve could ONLY reproduce what they had become, FLESH, because they were SEPARTED from God, the Holy Spirit. Thus, “… all have sinned (all have this nature), and come short of the glory of God (all come short of God’s indwelling presence)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).

“,,, [Therefore,] ...through one man sin entered (physical life without the indwelling Holy Spirit entered) into the world, and [spiritual] ...death through sin, and so [spiritual] death passed to all men [and women], for that all sinned (all have been born with a sinful nature]—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “….I was born a sinner (I was born without the indwelling holy LIGHT)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

However, when a person becomes a NEW CREATION in Christ, “…old things (old information that came from the sinful nature is) ….passed away…”

However, in order to build FAITH in the NEW CREATION, God’s people choose to READ GOD’s WORD, which RENEWS their THOUGHTS (MINDS) with the new information STORED or planted within their hearts by the Holy Spirit. “…be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:1 KJV)  

Your old information that informed your thought patterns, emotions, habits, identities, and behaviors are still there, is NO LONGER in control over you.  “…God declared an end to sin’s control over [his people] by giving his Son   (the Word, new information) as a sacrifice for our sins..” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

God’s people as NEW CREATIONS “in” Christ can walk in their new GOD-ESTEEM and live FREE through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…[God’s people]... can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

If God’s people have a “fixed perception” of self, accepting God’s love and their new identity well be a struggle. . “…When I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

“…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “… lean not unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).  “ … In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [his people], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit dwells within ALL of his people. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Christ in [his people] …” (Colossians 1:27 KJV). “…The Lord (Jesus Christ) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). . “...I and the father are one...” (John 10:30 KJV). 

Too often, God’s people struggle, for years, trying to reconcile the NEW created-in-Christ SELF through the eyes of their long established, “fixed perception of their old self.”

The long established, “fixed perception of their old self” is DEAD. The NEW created-in-Christ self is spiritually ALIVE. “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there…” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20-21 KJV). ).“… [Your lost and spiritually dead soul was]…. DEAD and [you have been made SPIRITUALLY]… ALIVE AGAIN; [you were]… lost and [have been]… found…” (Luke 15:24 NIV). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

The NEW CREATION does not and will not operate on OLD information stored in the heart. “...old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

The NEW CREATION NEEDS the new information planted in the heart by the indwelling Holy Spirit in order to empower God’s people to live HOLY and FREE.  “…Thy word is truth (new information)...” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).  “…Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life …” (John 14 6 KJV). “…This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV).

Trying to be a NEW CREATION using old information, stored in the heart, LEADS to more defeat then victory. “….Apart from [Jesus, his WORD, new information], you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

After years and years of the STORED information, in the heart, and the FIXED perception of self in the thoughts our example about believing “…you are bad…,” because HARD to change.

God’s people CHOOSE to receive and accept HIS truth about WHO they have BECOME in Christ. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

Keep the old “perception of self,” which is loaded with old information, from the heart, that will become a stronghold and hindrance against the new identity. “…The sinful nature ...And the [Holy] Spirit ...These TWO FORCES  (of old information and new information) are constantly fighting each other, so [God’s people]... are not FREE  to carry out your good intentions.… …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”(Romans 12:2 KJV).

The MIND has KEPT the “perception of self” informed by the heart and it became FIXED before Christ. But now God says, “….the old things are passed away...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

God’s people are NEW CREATIONS, which means by God-given faith in God’s Word, his new information, they choose to WALK in GOD’s TRUTH about WHO THEY ARE in CHRIST.

Every time God’s people respond by faith to God’s truth about who they are RIGHT NOW; they are rejecting their old identity. “...For in him [God’s people]... live and move and have [their]... being [identity]. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring(children)...” (Acts 17:28 NIV).

The indwelling Holy Spiritstarts working to enable his people, through the new information stored (planted) within their hearts, to become transformed to the image of God’s Son. The NEW created-in-Christ identity. “...But ye are not [identified] in the flesh [anymore], but in the Spirit (NEW CREATION), if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man (woman) have not the Spirit of Christ, he (she) is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness...” (Romans 8:9-10 KJV).

Therefore, believing you are a new creation becomes an exercise of God-given faith. Just like you accepted Jesus by faith; accepting your new identity by faith is the same kind of CHOICE.

When God’s people described themselves, in the past, they may have made negative statements such as “ I am mean” “I am weak,” I am prideful” “I am ugly,” “I am bad,” “I am poor,” “I am dumb,” “I am an addict,” “I am a cheater,” “I am sexually immoral,” or any of a number of identities. Nonetheless, “…If any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW CREATURE …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

You have the right to identify yourself any way you choose. However, when you become a “child of God” your identity changes automatically and your description of self is based on God’s Word.

Why? “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members...” (1 Corinthian 12:27 KJV).You are “right now” God’s offspring and “…in him [you] live, and move and have [your] being (identity, reality)….” (Acts 17:28 KJV). You now describe yourself based on God’s description of you in his Word.

In the above example, the person learned to THINK of themselves as “bad,” but reads this scripture, “…There is therefore now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). This verse conflicts with the fixed perception they had of themselves; “you are bad”

The scripture informs them that when you belong to Christ, there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus, which means the stored information, in your heart, “you are bad” no longer applies (Romans 8:1 KJV).

God’s people are completely cleansed from ALL sin, past, present, and future, which leaves them FREE to LIVE “HOLY” as NEW created-in-Christpeople. “…And the God of peace himself sanctifyyou wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 KJV).

There is, “…now NO condemnation…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). As a saved, sanctified, and justified child of God, his people are NEW CREATIONS. Thus the old perception of self (“you are bad”) is no longer true.

God’s people can trust the information STORED (planted) within their hearts, through new information IN Christ, which brings them out of the darkness of their old identity into the light of their new identity! “... [For He]… hath delivered [you]… from the power of darkness …(Colossians 1:12-13 KJV).

“... In him we live (have spiritual life), and move (produce spiritual fruit), and have our being (have a spiritual identity as a new creation) ...For we are ... his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV).

In order to WALK and LIVE in the new identity they have “in” Christ, God’s people CHOOSE to respond with God-given faith.

The example person can now say “I am NOTbad because I am not condemned (Romans 8:1). I can now do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). Therefore, “if God says I AM holy; I AM holy” (Hebrews 10:10, 14 & 1 Corinthians 1:30).

This is how God’s people respond by God-given faith to God’s truth in order to walk in their NEW created-in-Christ identity.

The Word (new information stored in the heart through the indwelling Holy Spirit) is Spirit and God says be “…filled with the Spirit…” (Ephesians 5:18 KJV).  

Being filled, with the Spirit, is not like filling a glass of water. The glass may already be filled with water, but it becomes infused with lemons, cranberries, or watermelon or something like that, which transforms the water into something altogether different.

When God says be “…filled with the Spirit…” he is actually saying let it totally transform you. It’s not complicated (Ephesians 5:18 KJV).  Simply, “…Let the WORD of Christ (new spiritual information) dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16 KJV).  God’s people do not respond to feelings, but to spiritual truth through God-given faith.

It’s simple, like my sister/friend, Linda Wilson says, but not easy.

When God’s people say “I AM” they are either speaking of self-esteem or God-esteem. Self-esteem describes, evaluates, and reduces them to a limited perception of self.

When God’s people say “I am” in Christ. They are utilizing God-esteem to describe, evaluate, and elevate themselves to God’s unlimited created-in-Christ perception of them.

“In” Christ, when God’s people say “I AM,” they are allowing the powerful indwelling Holy Spirit to store information in their hearts that proceed OUT into their minds until it destroys every “fixed perception of the old self.” “...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 KJV). “...The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work...” (1 John 3:8 NLT).

Out of the NEWLY INFORMED heart PROCEEDS God-given thoughts about the NEW created-in-Christ SELF. Describing one’s self with the God-given information, planted within the heart, is powerful!

I AM is one of God’s names and means he IS the source of all being.

God’s people can say I AM a new creation, which means God is the SOURCE of their NEW created-in-Christidentity!

I AM a new creation, because of the SOURCE, who brings my new REALITY into existence. “ ... All things (including God’s people’s new identity) came into being (existence) through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being (existence) that has come into being…” (John 1:3 NASB).  “…we existthrough Him…” (1 Corinthians 8:6 NASB). “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

The old perception of self relied mostly on the physical realm, the rational, the logical, what is seen, or scientific proof.

 It requires the exercise of God-given faith to receive and accept the NEW created-in-Christperception of self.“…WALK BY FAITH...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). “…live by faith, not by sight….” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV).

 The NEW perception of self relies mostly on the spiritual realm, the WORD, the measure of faith, what is unseen, or the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The old perception of self was created from the OUTSIDE where people and environments help store information into the heart.

The NEW perception of self is created from INSIDE where God, the Holy Spirit stores (plants) information in the heart.

The old perception of self CONFORMS a person into a FIXED pattern of fleshly behaviors gleaned from the flesh.

Whereas the new perception of self TRANSFORMS a person into a NEW CREATION pattern of spiritual behaviors gleaned from the SPIRIT.

An exercise of faith helps God’s people experience their God-esteem gifted to them through their new identity in Christ. They experience their new identity by fixing your eyes“…not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen…” (2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV).

Here is a list of who God’s people are, by faith, as NEW CREATIONS.

1.      I AM chosen (Ephesians 1:11).

2.      I AM forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).

3.      I AM light (Ephesians 5:8).

4.      I AM a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)

5.      I AM gifted(2 Corinthians 7:7)

6.      I AM hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3).

7.      I AM the righteous of God in Christ (Romans 5:17).

8.      I AM part of a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)

9.       I AM God’s child (John 1:12).

10. I AM made spiritually ALIVE in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:22)

The identity of God’s people is now INFUSED with the indwelling Holy Spirit, which made them ALIVE with Christ and into NEW CREATIONS!

God’s people can actively accept their new identity by exercising their God-given faith in their NEW created-in-Christ selves. “…[God’s people] may glory through Christ….” (Romans 15:17 KJV).

God’s TRANSFORMING LOVE has freed his people from the old perception of self and its identity. His people can says: “...I AM my glorious, NEW CREATION, self “in” Christ!!...”

The old perception of self NO LONGER has power over God’s people UNLESS they, personally, choose to hold onto it “...Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer at sin’s every beck and call! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did...” (Romans 6:6-11 MSG).

“...[God’s people]...know that [their]... old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been set free from sin...”(Romans 6:6-7 NIV).

God’s people’s “perception of self” is determined by their NEW created-in-Christ perception of self, which is a SPIRITUALL identity.  “...[God’s people]...however, are not in the realm of the flesh but [they]...are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in [them]... (Romans 8:9 NIV).

God’s people are now FREE to live a SPIRITUAL LIFE. Every time God’s people CHOOSE to walk in their new created-in-Christ identities, they put to death the old perception of selfand are truly start living a TRANSFORMED life.  “...if Christ is in [his people], then even though [their]... body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in [God’s people], he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to [their]... mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in [them]. Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live...” (Romans 8:10-13 NIV).

God’s people are meant to become “...the light of the world... (Matthew 5:14 KJV). They are to, “….let [their]... light so shine before men, that they may see [their]... good works and glorify [their]... Father which is in heaven…”

Becoming a LIGHT is the way God’s people CHOOSE walk in God-esteem. “...[God’s people were NOT made to be LIGHTS to be) ...put ...under a bowl...[but to be]...put ...on [a] ...stand, and ...[give] light to everyone in the house. [They are to let their]... light shine before others, that they may see [their]... good deeds and glorify [their]... Father in heaven...” (Matthew 5:15-16 KJV).

God-esteem, through Jesus Christ, is the highest, healthiest, and most elevated perception of self that exists. If God’s people “…hold onto [his] teaching…” they will FREELY live as NEW CREATIONS while upon earth. “...If [God’s people]... hold to [his]... teaching, [they]... are really my disciples.Then [they]... will know the truth, and the truth will set [them]... free...”(John 8:31-32 NIV).

 “In” Christ God’s people are NOW “…God’s masterpiece [since] he has created [them] anew…” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV). By walking in God-esteem God’s people “…can [now] do the good things [God] planned for [them] long ago….” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV).

God says, in Christ, his people are “new creatures”, then leads them to “…walk by the Spirit…” and enables them to demonstrate that“...the Spirit of God dwell[s] in [them]...” (Galatians 5:24-25, Romans 8:9-10).

True transformation becomes evident through the revelation of spiritual fruit in lives of God’s people. “...love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, [and] self-control…” (Galatians 5:22-23 ASV).

Out of the REDEEMED heart proceed “spiritual thoughts” that transforms God’s people into who they ALREADY are “in” Christ. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...This is love: not that [God’s loved God, but that he loved [them[...” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “… [Nothing]…will be able to separate [God’s people] from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). He has “….loved [his people]...with an everlasting  … love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater  … LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). One of the fruit of the SPIRIT is “...love…” (Galatians 5:22-23 ASV).

GOD’S LOVE IS A TRANSFORMING LOVE. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son (HIS expression and demonstration of LOVE) “INTO” OUR HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “..Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV).

Anyone “IN” Christ, “...he (she) is a new creature...” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). A NEW CREATION, THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT, CAN BE "LIKE" JESUS, UPON THIS EARTH!