Tag: Eternal Life

A Child is Born, a Son is Given

On By TimIn Creation, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Freedom, Heaven, Isaiah 09, Jesus, Prophecy, Reconciliation, Resurrection, Salvation, The CrossLeave a comment

Here’s something that has occupied the spare processing cycles in my brain when the screen saver is active. In other words, there is something that I have been considering deeply.

For unto us a child is born,
unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is one of those memory verses I learned from years of listening to Handel’s Messiah. In that first line is a distinction that is easy to overlook. A child is born and a son is given. It is a prophetic announcement of the birth of Jesus. A child would be born to us humans. Not just any child, but a Son would be given. That Son would be unique. This announcement clearly shows that Jesus is God, not that He came from God.

In a discussion on the Godhead I just perused, I again pondered this idea. This God-Man… This Son, or Word, that was given to us. The interesting part of the conversation prompted me to write my thoughts down and share them.

The discussion was over the Son or Word and whether saying He is begotten by God somehow darkens the idea of His existence from “eternity past.” It’s precisely what derives from the idea of being begotten means, and sort of considers the hypostatic union. That is the union of God and man that is Jesus.

I want to give a foundation from here. This is what God says of Himself in the final chapters of the Old Testament.

For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no change or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

James 1:17–18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

From these two witnesses, it is clear that God doesn’t change. The writer of Hebrews adds to this.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

How does a God Who doesn’t change incarnate?

It sort of intrigues me that the God Who clearly says He is the same and doesn’t change somehow put on humanity.

It is precisely that idea that I think is too simplistic of an explanation. If He puts on humanity, He changes. Or maybe that doesn’t count as a change.

God has a Unique Relationship with Humans

I think it goes back to something foundational.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26–27 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This idea of God making us in His image. What is that, really?

I know one of my favorite Bible nerds says we are imagers. Meaning we get to make God known to others in unique ways.

What if this image is something profound like it is something that is really a part of God?

No… I am not drifting off into pantheism or panentheism.

I’m not saying we are God. Yet there is something more here. When you read the Bible, you’re going to read some things that you might be tempted to glance over.

Beloved, now are we children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.

1 John 3:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is something so spectacular reserved for humanity. It cannot be put into words.

For those whom He foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.

Romans 8:29–30 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s this imager-thing. We are made in His image initially and will be conformed to His image. There are other texts that iterate these ideas like being a joint-heir with Jesus.

Jesus even spoke of this in some of His last words before the crucifixion.

I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. May they also be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. I have given them the glory which You gave Me, that they may be one even as We are one: I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfect in unity, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.

John 17:20–23— Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I don’t think we can even begin to ponder what is in store for each of us who loves Jesus.

Those Who are Sanctified are All of One

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Encouragement, Eternal Security, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Last Days, Return of Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, SinLeave a comment

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that should come to you have inquired and searched diligently, seeking the events and time the Spirit of Christ, who was within them, signified when He foretold the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, concerning the things which are now reported to you by those who have preached the gospel to you through the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven—things into which the angels desire to look.

1 Peter 1:10–12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember how we discussed previously how our salvation will be revealed in the last time. This is a reference to a time yet future that will be the end of this temporal existence. But this salvation is not hidden from us or others but is continuously being received until its full revelation at the end.

The Old Testament prophets received from God the revelations of the Spirit of the Anointed One, Jesus. Though they didn’t clearly understand the mysteries hidden in the revelations they were given. That is, the grace extended to the gentile nations. Of which we benefit.

Paul also spoke of it. He called himself a steward of God over a commission given specifically to him for us gentiles.

I have been made a servant of it according to the commission of God, which has been given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, even the mystery which has been hidden from past ages and generations, but now is revealed to His saints. To them God would make known what is the glorious riches of this mystery among the nations. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present them perfect in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 1:25–28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was a truth hidden in the past.

Now, it’s almost fully revealed. What I mean is, those old-time Israeli prophets spoke of both a suffering Messiah and a triumphant Messiah. Though the prophets diligently sought to know what we know, His suffering has already been revealed to the world. It is recorded for us to read.

The glories to come are still for some future time when our salvation will be fully revealed. And that to the glory of Jesus!

We know the sufferings of the Messiah and in a similar fashion as they, we look forward to the glorious appearing and consummation of time when all is fulfilled. (The time when the New Jerusalem comes down from God.)

His triumphs and glories, though very real today and being revealed in us His saints… Are yet for a future time when He returns to Earth. When He defeats the evil that preys on humans and the world. He then takes the throne of David and rules Jerusalem and Earth. It will be as God had desired from the beginning, humanity having dominion over creation. After which Jesus will finally and gloriously put an end to the rebellion.

Those prophets knew they were serving a people yet future. Such things have resulted in your salvation. Those first-century Christians shared the testimony of the Jewish prophets who spoke of the sufferings of the Anointed One. They could show them this very same Jesus that was known among them and attested of long ago.

Why would angels want to look into these things?

Angels serve humanity. These are things also revealed by these messengers of God to men. These messengers desire to look in on. It’s salvation. The hope of glory that lives in each of us who are saints.

Considering that humans were made of the dust of the ground, with the breath of God breathed into us, we are not made in the same hierarchy as angels. We are made a little lower and intimately united with the physical reality we occupy. Humans are made of the very dust of which the earth is made.

We also have a spirit that connects to the reality that supersedes ours. Better said, it is the supernatural realm where spirits dwell. Because of sin, that reality has been veiled to us.

It’s these glorious heavenly angels who were assigned to serve the dirt creatures. It’s like that in God’s economy. The older serves the younger, the least is greatest.

That idea has been corrupted, though. When sin entered, the dirt creatures took upon themselves the desire to be like God. They fell away. And corrupted His order by serving their own selfishness. Not serving others, let alone the least.

What is this?

That the very Creator of these dusty men would humble Himself and add that very same dusty nature. He would step that low, placing Himself even under the angels.

I am thinking wholly of the first two chapters of the book of Hebrews and how eloquently it describes the suffering and then triumphant Messiah. This is how the author says it:

But someone in a certain place testified, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?
You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”
For in subjecting all things under him, He left nothing that is not subjected to him. Yet now we do not see all things subject to him.

Hebrews 2:6–8 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This speaks of how Jesus came to us as One of us, made lower than the angels. Yet at the same time, crowned with glory and honor. (Yet to be revealed in the last times and for which we patiently wait.)

It was that sin. Rebellion was taken on by creatures made of dust. That very thing would be used to defeat sin and death.

Sin earns wages paid in blood. The God of all paid His own blood to satisfy the wages of sin. Sin had no claim on Him, but death attempted to master Him.

The enemy, thinking this would be a perfect way to vanquish God, seized Him. He was crucified and died. Being perfect, death really had no claim on Him.

Yet His blood was shed.

His divine-human blood was the perfect payment for an infinite human debt. A debt He didn’t owe, but one that encumbered all of humanity was completely satisfied.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He, by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I can scarcely comprehend that. Even as I write this stuff. It’s above my pay-grade. Yet I know it is true.

There is more.

This Son of God is now (also) a Man. (I am writing it like that for lack of a better way to understand. The Son of God took on humanity. The divine and human United in One. I italicized the One to emphasize not only this but the Unity of Father-Son-Spirit.)

He has wrested the rights to dominion over the creation as God had intended at creation. Men will master it. In this case, One Perfect Man.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the Author of their salvation perfect through suffering. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of One.

Hebrews 2:10–11a — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Things into which angels desire to look.

Now is the time to recall why One is emphasized earlier.

God becomes the Author of salvation by that suffering. The suffering that came by submission to His own creation.

It could only be done with blood. Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.

Blood that only exists in our temporal physical reality. Angels don’t have blood. Blood cannot be shed for them. That is why those fallen spirits tremble at the name of Jesus. Their destiny is sure and there is no hope for them.

Angels were made higher than humans. The Creator made Himself human. He placed Himself lower than them. He died, rose again. Setting humans higher than angels. (Do you not know you are going to judge angels?)

Just as Jesus partook of the nature of humanity, taking it wholly upon Himself… He invites us dirt-creatures to partake of the divine nature. It starts at our salvation when He comes to live in us.

Those who are sanctified are all of One.

We celebrate that every single time that we come to the Lord’s Table. As we hold in our hands the broken bread and the wine, these represent His human body broken for us and His human-yet-divine bloodshed from it. We are to take that inside of us. It’s a typification of what is yet to be revealed. We partake of the divine nature.

But to partake, one needs to be like Him. We all need to humble ourselves.

1. Acknowledge in our minds that the things written about Him are really real.

2. Believe that what He says is really real. That He rose again. That is for us. Trusting in it like you would trust a chair to hold you up by sitting in it.

3. Confess the truth out loud with our mouths. And the. Confess our sins to Him asking Him to remove them completely.

That’s the first step to partaking in the divine nature. You are then given new hope through the resurrection.

A Living Hope

On By TimIn 1 Peter 01, Daily Walk, Encouragement, Last Days, Resurrection, Salvation, Spiritual WarfareLeave a comment

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that does not fade away, kept in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now, if for a little while, you have had to suffer various trials, in order that the genuineness of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom, having not seen, you love; and in whom, though you do not see Him now, you believe and you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving as the result of your faith the salvation of your souls.

1 Peter 1:3–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s the resurrection, really. This is our one hope. But it isn’t a dead hope, it lives. That’s because Jesus Christ lives! If you are truly born again, you are born into a living hope.

This world isn’t our home.

With much of what has happened of late, it makes many hearts heavy, even mine. It seems as if every man is pitted against another, and it even tends to be true for Christians. How sad that.

Brothers and sisters, we have hope in Jesus! We know this world isn’t our home. That’s not an escape fantasy, just the plain truth. Sometimes we pay more attention to what’s plastered in front of us by various media. That tends to make our focus drift to temporary problems. We lose our true objective.

The entire world is careening toward chaos. That isn’t unexpected. All things have been defiled with corruption. Yet what we have reserved for us is pure and undefiled. Why occupy our minds with that?

Some may criticize, saying we Christians are too heavenly-minded to be any earthly good. Yet that isn’t true. What hope can we accomplish with perishing things?

More laws are not the answer. The number of statutes that govern any one of us is mind-boggling now. Adding to them will accomplish little. It certainly cannot change the hearts of men.

Think of it this way. There will be some who might not ever see the hope we have by the way we live. I don’t mean to say we don’t care about things here and now, but let them not occupy our thoughts and weigh us down. Let us point our thoughts to the hope we have. It’s the only hope for a dying world. We witness that daily.

Rejoice in what God has done.

Because you are saved, you are protected by God Himself through believing what He says is true. Though Peter hints our salvation is yet to be revealed, in a future sense, is it ours now?

When the trials come, it is a test of our faith. It is to reveal authenticity. It might be that what each of us suffers demonstrates to those looking at us in the trial, the really real reality of what we believe. It could very well be the impetus that inclines their own heart toward God. More than that, I think the trials are to demonstrate to our own selves our own real genuine faith. They are there to reveal our salvation in the present moments.

We haven’t seen Jesus. But we believe and love Him. We rejoice in Him. To do those things brings joy is unspeakable.

I know as I set out to write this, my heart was heavy with the cares of this world. But this text, and thinking through it right my reality. It brings joy! I have a real Hope!

It’s real joy!

I remember my salvation is real. I have an incorruptible inheritance with Jesus Christ.

Just as Peter said, our salvation will be revealed in latter times. We are continuously receiving it in the present. We are obtaining our salvation as a result of our faith.

Jesus finished the work.

We believe it.

We get the benefit, now.

Especially to Those Who Believe

On By TimIn 1 Timothy 04, Death, Hebrews 02, Reconciliation, SanctificationLeave a comment

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Sometimes, Scripture is very precise in what is being said. Many times, that precision is glossed over. This is one of those things that is passed over, and more often than not argued over.

Paul is teaching his disciple Timothy. He is explaining the reason for suffering reproach. Trusting in the living God will do that. Yet in that Paul states, God is the Savior of all men.

Wasn’t it Jesus Who died?

Let’s find out. Paul is blatantly saying Jesus is God. I love that. It’s a precise statement that might be overlooked.

But what about Savior of all men… Did God save all men?

Let’s see what Paul reveals elsewhere.

For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

Romans 5:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is another place where the precision of what is real is overlooked. For now, I want to focus on reconciliation. We were reconciled to God by the death of His Son. It’s a simple statement. It’s done. That is what Jesus did when He said “It is finished!” You and I, in fact, all humanity was reconciled to God.

That is, Jesus’ death conciliates mercy in the presence of God. It provides the forbearance of punishment to any in sin and such are not immediately cut off from living the moment sin is purposed in the heart. (Did you ever wonder why Daniel said Messiah would be cut off? It’s for this reason. It’s sudden.)

It is why the writer of Hebrews said Jesus tasted death for every man.

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels to suffer death, crowned with glory and honor, so that He, by the grace of God, should experience death for everyone.

Hebrews 2:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He humbled Himself, in this case, made as a man to suffer death for men. The death due for sin is sudden. It’s evident in Jesus. He died suddenly and for sin. In that way He Yates that death for every man.

He didn’t spend time in Hell serving infinite punishment or warring for your freedom. That was done already when He died. “It is finished!”

To Those Who Believe

Look back at our first text. Why would Paul differentiate Who God is from those who believe?

It’s like Paul is saying believers have something extra that not all men have.

Reread the second text. Now, note how Paul differentiates reconciliation from salvation. He says we are saved by His life.

What Paul is concisely explaining is the double nature of atonement taught in the law (Lev 16.) There is a dead offering, one that conciliates mercy. That seated mercy provides a respite from justice, but it doesn’t remove the curse of sin and the condemnation it brings. For that, confession is needed. It is typified in Leviticus 16 by the high priest leaning on the head (think authority) of the live offering. As he does, he confesses sin for the people. That offering is then led away alive and released into the wilderness carrying all the confessed sin away.

We need the resurrected Jesus. We need that authority to Whom we can confess our sin and have it removed… Forever! That is why Paul says especially to us believers.

The death of Christ is effectual for all men. Remission of sin and eternal life are the gifts given to the believer.

This is explained succinctly by one of my mentors.

“All men are commended mercy which preserves from being destroyed immediately and that so they can be and are, led to repentance and by repentance, the forgiveness of sins and by the remission of sins, salvation everlasting. Being led does not mean they will follow.” Jeff Thomas

In Conclusion

I do love how Paul seems to say these things that he would know intimately, being very familiar with the Law of Moses. Its prophetic implications are interwoven into much of what he writes.

My hope for you, as you’ve read this far… Is that you are one of those especially saved by His life. This requires a conscious decision on your part.

Firstfruits of the First Resurrection

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Justification, Last Days, Rapture, ResurrectionLeave a comment

But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came by man, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end when He will deliver up the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

1 Corinthians 15:20–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus is Firstfruits of the resurrection of the dead. As Paul continues to explain the resurrection, we’ve understood from that context before, it is bodily. It is to a new type of body that isn’t subject to sin. (This idea is elaborated upon later in the text.) In his continuing instruction, there is something more for us to understand. Rightly, it points to Jesus. He is the Firstfruits, but of what?

The term firstfruits is significant. But first, let’s explore the significance of this term from one perspective; the feasts established in the Torah, The law is called a schoolmaster.

But before faith came, we were imprisoned under the law, kept for the faith which was later to be revealed. So the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Galatians 3:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It was to bring us to Christ. Therefore the feasts established for Israel in the law would also be a tutor. These feats are patterns to help us identify the Messiah. There were seven established, some of which have been fulfilled by Jesus on Earth.

The first is Passover. In the first Passover we learn that the blood of an unblemished lamb protected the household where it was applied to the doorposts from the death of the firstborn. In the same way, Jesus fulfilled this by shedding His own blood. That when properly applied by the believer, metaphorically on the doorposts of the heart. It protects the firstborn of that house, the believer himself from sudden death. This isn’t protection from any death, but the death that comes as a judgment from God.

The second is The Feast of Unleavened Bread. Biblically, leaven is a typification of sin. The idea conveyed is the haste to escape Egypt. They had no time to leaven their bread. It is also at this time that leaven is also removed from houses. In the same way, Jesus takes away the leaven in our lives. In a sense… We also ought to hurry to believe when we are confronted with the truth.

The third is The Feast of Firstfruits. This is a celebration of the firstfruits and is done at the beginning of the spring harvest. It was signified by waving a sheaf of the first grain harvested to the priest. He would then wave this before the Lord in an offering. In like manner, Jesus also had to be presented before God.

Jesus said to her, “Stop holding on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’ ”

John 20:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

These are the spring feasts, the first three of seven ordained for Israel. All three have been fulfilled by Jesus just as the Old Testament patterns indicate. The fourth feast Pentecost, is also one said to be fulfilled, but I will leave for another time.

I want to talk about firstfruits. Just as the pattern is established in the feasts, this was the first of the entire harvest. What then is the significance?

Paul shows the order of the harvest. “Christ the firstfruits; afterward, those who are Christ’s at His coming. Then comes the end when He will deliver up the kingdom to God the Father.” I think that’s inclusive of the harvest. What I mean is, we have the beginning of the harvest given and the end when Christ comes, which is not the rapture. This is clearly explained to us in another place.

I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and the authority to judge was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness of Jesus and for the word of God. They had not worshipped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection.

Revelation 20:4–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus has to come again to reign on Earth. At His coming, those who died justified (Acts 24:15) will be raised up to reign with Him. “Then comes the end.”

The harvest that Jesus is Firstfruits of began with His resurrection. It will end with the beginning of His Millennial reign. The harvest will continue, meaning there will be multiple resurrections in between. All of which is part of the First Resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14) to life (John 5:29.)

It’s the Resurrection

On By TimIn 1 Corinthians 15, Atonement, Resurrection, Salvation1 Comment

Now if Christ is preached that He rose from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

1 Corinthians 15:12–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is a perfect subject to discuss given this time of year. Just as Paul transitions from demonstrating his own credentials as an apostle born at the wrong time and his preaching of the authentic Gospel, he points to the main thing in that Gospel.

Now, I am going to say something that may seem controversial yet nevertheless important. I do not intend to offend. We Christians (I include myself chiefly) love the cross. We sing if it. It adorns our churches. I am wearing one around my neck right now. The cross is great! By what happened there is bloody and gruesome. It was a transaction involving death. One where our death burden was laid on Another. It was satisfied completely giving all of us a respite from certain death. In a sense, the cross saves all of us.

It’s the resurrection!

That will be made very plain. Pay close attention to how Paul explains it to the Gentiles in Corinth. They were Greeks. Grecian ideas of the afterlife didn’t include bodily resurrection and only spoke of the immortality of the soul. That idea came from Gnosticism which held that all of the human weakness, sin, and death were in the body. Death was freedom from that bondage. Therefore, the idea of a resurrected body meant a return to the bondage of weakness and death.

Paul is correcting the error and explains the reality of a bodily resurrection and most important, the real hope that comes with it.

If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen.

1 Corinthians 15:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s simple… No resurrection… No risen Jesus. The risen and living Savior is essential to the Gospel. It is as essential as the cross, but more important.

If Christ has not risen, then our preaching is vain, and your faith is also vain.

1 Corinthians 15:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The resurrection is of utmost necessity to the Gospel. If it weren’t real, the Gospel Paul preached would be in vain. It could offer no real hope.

It’s a simple progression of logic:

No bodily resurrection, no resurrected Jesus.

No resurrected Jesus, no hope for anyone.

No hope, the Gospel Paul taught would really be a false witness. It quickly progresses to the real problem at the end of denying the resurrection.

Yes, and we would then be found false witnesses of God, because we have testified that God raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up, if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ is not raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins.

1 Corinthians 15:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There is where the canker gnaws. (If I may borrow the line.) Paul is teaching that our sins are not washed away in the resurrection!

If Christ is not raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins.

There is a clear difference between what happened with the Savior’s death… And what happens after His resurrection. It is necessary to have an alive and resurrected Savior to take away our sins.

Don’t get me wrong. The cross is necessary for every human. We need the time it gives and that rest from execution, to seek the living offering and confess our sins. Only then are our sins removed.

It’s the cross, yes. But it’s the resurrection. It’s a living Savior Who can remove sin.

The Wages of Sin

On By TimIn Atonement, Death, Romans 06, SalvationLeave a comment

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The wages of sin is death. It’s that simple.

Think about what Paul is saying. Understanding this critical point is a foundation for everything. To do that, consider the context…

I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for just as you have yielded your members as slaves to impurity and iniquity leading to more iniquity, even so now yield your members as slaves to righteousness unto holiness. For when you were the slaves of sin, you were free from righteousness. What fruit did you have then from the things of which you are now ashamed? The result of those things is death. But now, having been freed from sin and having become slaves of God, you have fruit unto holiness, and the end is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:19–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul is conveying spiritual truth in human terms. Particularly in that when we present ourselves to unrighteousness, it snowballs. That is, more sin leads to the suppression of the knowledge of God, which makes doing sinful things easier. This he spoke of in the opening of the letter.

The other truth is showing that the real fruit of sin is death. There is nothing that comes of it that is going to last. It’s a freedom from righteousness, meaning it is leading to lawlessness. The result of those things is death. He is urging us to present ourselves as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification. There is fruit in that.

Suffice it to say, humans have an appointment with death, The Bible says it is appointed unto men once to die. It also says after that comes judgment. Looking back on the text, we see that there is a dichotomy eternal life is set against death, that is the wages of sin death.

Paul has already conveyed to us that “just as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death spread to all people because all sinned.” (Ro 5:12) This doesn’t mean we are all born sinners as it is easy to say. It means that corruption entered the progeny of Adam and was passed down through his seed. That is death is passed down because all have sinned. Paul is saying we are all born dying which is a transgression of God’s desire for humans. We were made to live with Him forever. But because death entered by one man, and passed to all… All are already in transgression. We will all die of natural causes having lived long enough.

These are the wages of sin death. This is the death Jesus died.

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one died for all; as a result all died. And he died for all, in order that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the one who died for them and was raised.

2 Corinthians 5:14–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Christ died for us. Yes, that is true for us believers. Yet Paul is saying it is for all. The underlying Greek literally conveys “that if one for all died, then the whole died.” Look at the text, the ‘all’ is in noun form. Changing the noun form of ‘all’ to an adjective by claiming it to be ‘all individuals’ impose an idea on the text that isn’t there. Consequently, using a prepositional phrase as an adjective to limit the scope of ‘all’ as in saying ‘all of us’ is also imposing an idea on the text that isn’t there. This does apply to anyone reading this, and even those who do not. Jesus died that death due to sin, and we get to live.

Having been freed from the constraints of that death, live for Christ! How do we do that?

We must be reconciled to God.

So from now on we do not regard anyone according to the flesh. Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet we do not regard Him as such from now on.

2 Corinthians 5:16 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Understand the reality behind this idea. If all have died the death due for the wages of sin in Jesus Christ’s death, the flesh does eventually die. The old things have passed away.

Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away. Look, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Let’s not look at any human in the old way. Those things have passed away, and the grace of God abides upon them. It is a time of mercy. A time in which Paul says each ought to live for Jesus.

All this is from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their sins against them, and has entrusted to us the message of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:18–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

God has reconciled the world to Himself in Jesus. He is not counting their sins against them. The wages of sin is already satisfied.

So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us. We implore you in Christ’s stead: Be reconciled to God. God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Those that know this are now called ambassadors. As Christians, we get to implore others to be reconciled to God. The One Who took on sin to be sin for us, was for us to live for Him. That we could become the righteousness of God in Him.

His death gave a respite of time to all humans. The righteousness of God doesn’t come by His death, though. As people will still die in their sins.

He said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:23–24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus said those who do not believe I am He will die in their sins. They won’t die as a result of them but will die in them. What does He mean ‘I am He?’

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness of what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him. The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:31–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I think the testimony is clear. There is only One Who is above all. Without believing ‘I am He’ one dies in their sin. To close the circle, Jesus says this:

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s a simple idea to be reconciled to the God Who has reconciled Himself to each of us. Yet it is most difficult, as we all must acknowledge the truth in our own hearts. This respite of the wages of sin death is a time of mercy. One where we can seek remission of sins. Yet, remission cannot happen unless we acknowledge the truth, believe the truth, and confess our sins to Him. Only then are they taken away forever.

Genesis 2:17: You Will Surely Die?

On By TimIn Creation, Death, Genesis 02, Romans 02, Romans 03, Titus 01Leave a comment

but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

Genesis 2:17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When you read that verse, what comes to mind?

I offer, most who read the verse won’t really take it at what is written. Instead, the truth might be obscured, understanding it as “you will eventually die.” God is not teaching that sin brings eventual death, but that just death for sin is immediate. Sin, Is a capital offense.

When the recompense for sin was stated to Adam, God did not say, “you will eventually die.” The penalty is clearly stated. It’s immediate death. Let us read this rationally, and not soften what God clearly says. A cursory examination of commentaries on this verse agrees. This is from the conservative Keil-Delitzsch’s Commentary on the Old Testament, “Why then did God prohibit man from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, with the threat that, as soon as he ate thereof, he would surely die?” That clearly delineates what is meant, death is to be expected as soon as one ate. Another more progressive commentary Interpreter’s Bible Commentary says, “Death would follow immediately!” The intent of God’s word is clear. God’s command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil included the assurance of immediate death. It stands in stark contrast to what most believe, and to what was allowed, to eat of any other tree… Including the tree of life.

Humans were created to be image-bearers of God. That means being like Him in all ways. There were things reserved for God, yet the implication of that one tree in the garden shows the will of God. Humans were not to know death.

There might still be an objection

But they did not immediately die when they ate the fruit. But they did eventually die.

Exactly!

The eventual death is evidence of the corruption the fruit did to the physical body. It changed Adam and Eve and not just in a spiritual sense. God gave all the other trees of the garden as good for food. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was therefore not ‘good for food.’ It was the one tree God set aside as something not to eat for food. After the serpent entered and questioned what God had said, Eve had assented to the idea God was holding something from them. She looked at the fruit, and her desire led her away from the truth, believing that the fruit was ‘good for food.’

When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasing to the eyes and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate;

Genesis 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

When she ate, things changed for her. She passed it to her man, and he also ate. He too was changed. Corruption entered humanity. The corruption also had a physical effect on the body. That corruption was passed down to progeny. That is the death from disease and aging we all will eventually die. (There are other ways to die, but all humans will die from the corruption in their own bodies regardless of other factors.)

Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, so death has spread to all men, because all have sinned.

Romans 5:12 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We also know that Adam did not die immediately. It’s not that God changed His mind or backpedaled on His words to them. There is something else in place.

Jesus is The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

He provides the respite from justice that was given to Adam. He was the One Who satisfied what was owed, immediate death.

But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if through the trespass of one man many died, then how much more has the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. The gift is not like the result that came through the one who sinned. For the judgment from one sin led to condemnation, but the free gift, which came after many trespasses, leads to justification. For if by one man’s trespass death reigned through him, then how much more will those who receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:15–17 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The free gift came after many trespasses, meaning it came at a later time than that first trespass that introduced corruption to death. The seeming delay of death is not a delay, but a respite of justice. It’s been fulfilled. We know this applies backward in time to that very first trespass. The righteous act of One is applicable to all.

Therefore just as through the trespass of one man came condemnation for all men, so through the righteous act of One came justification of life for all men.

Romans 5:18 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Therefore, that free gift leads to justification for all. It’s the goodness of God.

But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who commit such things. Do you think, O man, who judges those who do such things, and who does the same thing, that you will escape the judgment of God? Do you despise the riches of His goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:2–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paul would further expound on the idea, that all who have sinned are being justified as they live after it.

being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith, in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins previously committed,

Romans 3:24–25 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This is the reality. Jesus’ death provides. It’s a respite for humans from death. This respite leads to justification for all humans.

Enough about death.

Let’s talk about life. Though we all are foolish, the kindness of God is still there. Just like in the garden at the beginning, His desire has not changed.

We also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various desires and pleasures, living in evil and envy, filled with hatred and hating each other. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of rebirth and the renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, being justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:3–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Back in that garden, amongst those trees, there is another implicit truth. Humans were created to live forever, and not to die. God is demonstrating that to fulfill what it is to image-bear for Him is living with Him as He lives. The ability to live the kind of life God has is not intrinsic to humans. We need that tree of life to give to us what we do not have. God wants us to live the kind of life He has. It’s HIs gift to us, we must take it inside of us for ourselves.

In the garden, God is establishing reality. A reality that He continually tells us.

I call heaven and earth to witnesses against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.

Deuteronomy 30:19–20 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The apostle Paul affirmed that this gift is from the beginning, just as taught in Genesis.

in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began,

Titus 1:2 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are not guaranteed to become heirs of the hope of eternal life. Just like it was presented to Adam and Eve in the garden, we must choose to live forever by partaking in the tree of life. The tree of life is not in our midst to us as we live today, in that we cannot eat of it now. We can have it (eternal life) now.

Jesus says we have it now. That, is because we are heirs to the things of God, including the hope of eternal life.

Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life.

John 5:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give permission to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

Revelation 2:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Justice no longer stands against us. Justice is satisfied to then provide respite from the immediate penalty due. We know looking back, it was done at the cross when Jesus stated, “Tetelestai!” Justice has been done. Justice is done by His grace and all are being justified. Justification is poured out abundantly in Jesus. He is Just and justifier.

to prove His righteousness at this present time so that He might be just and be the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

Romans 3:26 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We are saved by His life.

How much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from wrath through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life.

Romans 5:9–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus has been Gifted Everything

On By TimIn John 05, Resurrection, Salvation1 Comment

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. The Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all men should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

John 5:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Everything the Father has is given to Jesus; just as we see here, Jesus even has the power to raise the dead. More importantly, Jesus has the power to give life!

Maybe you’ve never thought that through. Yet right here… Jesus is making a bold statement. Wait, you’ve never really thought that Jesus is God?

That first statement is an attestation to that simple fact.

The Son Gives Life to Whom He Will

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.

Genesis 2:7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I get it. The Father has to draw. The Father has to grant life. That is also given to Jesus.

He gave life to you! How do I know?

You’re breathing and reading this. He breathed the breath of life into you. Furthermore, the Father wants all of me to honor the Son. So that they may have access to the Father.

He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)
That Judgment Thing

God has even given the authority to judge solely to Jesus. He is the One Who chooses. He is the One Who judges.

Yet Jesus would have you honor Him just as any of us would honor God. Remember, He chooses.

All of us have had the wrath of God on us. Some may still be under that encumbrance. Yet we know the Father and the Son don’t want that for you. Don’t believe me. It’s right there…

“that all men should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. ”

All men is better understood as all humans. He chose to give you life by sending His Son for you to believe and believe in.

The math is simple… Those that want to honor the Father must honor the Son. There is simply no other way.

If you think Jesus was a good man and a great Hebrew, that’s not good enough.

If you think Jesus was a great teacher and an example to follow, that’s not still good enough.

If you think Jesus came to teach us how to love others, that won’t work.

Even if you think Jesus died on a cross thousands of years ago, neither is that good enough.

You must honor Jesus as you honor God. And we do that by first believing He is Who He said He is… God. We can then believe His death was personal… Sufficient for each of us. Proven in that we’re still breathing.

The Father sent the Son to save the world; thus giving everyone enough time to understand these things. All who inhabit the world ought to honor the Son and be given life… Eternal life.

The Everlasting Kingdom

On By TimIn Daniel 07, Heaven, Jesus, Salvation1 Comment

I saw in the night visions, and there was one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. There was given to Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:13–14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

This Son of Man Cloud-Rider is the One given an everlasting kingdom. We know this is Jesus, as Jesus has been given all things by the Father.

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness of what He has seen and heard, yet no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure to Him. The Father loves the Son, and has placed all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life. He who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

John 3:31–36 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus uses this language to identify Himself as the Cloud Rider given all things by the Ancient of Days. There is a default kingdom in which all who can understand find themselves in. There is another one… His.

The carnal kingdom whose master is death by sin leads to everlasting perdition. Perdition isn’t annihilation or soul sleep, but a real eternity away from everything God gives freely to all. Think about that… The air we breathe is His. As is cooling rain, water to quench thirst, food to date hunger, and the fellowship and camaraderie of others. Imagine being conscious without these things. It gets ugly.

The other, better kingdom is eternal and everlasting. It is a dominion given to Jesus. It doesn’t pass away. It is a kingdom of life. Those who enter into it are also everlasting by definition. The only way into this kingdom is to be born again into it.

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’

John 3:5–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Once born into that kingdom, there is no way out.

We are physically born into this carnal kingdom where death reigns over our bodies encumbering our soul and spirit. We cannot leave it. Death isn’t a way out, it is the portal to judgment and perdition.

But we can be born again into this new everlasting kingdom. Just like in that carnal kingdom, where there is no death. This everlasting kingdom also has no way out.

Of which kingdom would you be a citizen?