Salvation is Tranformation

There is a salvation that many profess, but in reality is no salvation at all. Tragically the emphasis is often placed on the forgiveness of sin, which is a key part of our salvation, to the neglect of sanctification, the process by which we are changed from sinners to saints.

At risk of sounding redundant I will put it this way. So many teach and claim a salvation from the guilt and penalty of sin, while ignoring the issue of on-going sin in one's life. I want to be clear here, as Christians we all face moments of weakness and temptations, and yes, we do sin on occasion. We can thank God that there is grace for these occasions. 

1 John 1:9 is written to believers encouraging them to confess their sin instead of concealing it, and offering them the assurance that God will forgive them if they do so. But this should be the exception not the rule.

Can there be justification without sanctification? Justification simply means to be in right standing with God. When we turn from our sin and surrender our lives to Jesus in an act of faith we are forgiven and are now considered to be right with God. That is a basic explanation of justification, just to keep it simple.

But what doctor would treat your symptoms, give you something to make you comfortable, but ignore the tumor that is killing you?

Let's look at sanctification. The word means to be set apart from the world, for God's use. It is a consecration and a purification of heart and life. Sanctification and holiness are similar words and are often used interchangeably. It goes beyond a mere declaration by God that we are "sanctified" or holiness is credited to our account. Holiness or sanctification is a lifestyle. It involves our conduct (1 Peter 1:15). It is God removing the sin out of our lives and bringing us into conformity with His will. It is impossible to claim justification while rejecting sanctification. The two are vital parts of salvation, and one cannot be saved without both of these elements working. 

I will attempt to show this from scripture. Several New Testament passages speak of this process, and I will quote them.

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB 

The term salvation means rescue or deliverance. Again, we need the sin that has separated us from God, and placed us under His wrath to be forgiven. We must be in right relationship with Him. But are we in a right relationship with God if we are still persisting in our old lifestyle of sin, the sin that was forgiven? To refer back to the medical analogy I used above, the root of sin must be removed.

This verse speaks of "salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth." This is God, through the Holy Spirit cleansing the heart of the sinner who has given Him his or her life. In his second epistle to the Thessalonians Paul makes a distinction between those who reject the truth and are destined for destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12), and those who believe the truth, and allow it to shape their lives. 

Titus speaks of this same thing and calls it the "washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit" and ties it in with Justification (Titus 3:4-7). 

In 1Peter we see this concept explained again. He is writing to scattered Jewish believers who were chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: may grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

1 Peter 1:2 NASB 

Again we read of the purifying work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, bringing such a one into obedience to Christ. Once we were disobedient, separated from God, but through His Spirit working in us, we are brought into a relationship of loving obedience. The thing that estranged us from God (Sin, our selfish rebellion) is not only forgiven, but removed from our lives as well. Compare this to 1 John 1:7.

But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

As we walk in obedience Christ's blood covers us. As we grow in our Christian walk we discover things in our lives that we must turn from. Our sanctification is a growing process that lasts a lifetime. A true believer will confess revealed sin and move forward in their walk with Christ. This is the opposite of someone who claims that sin doesn't matter if you have accepted Christ. But scripture refutes that claim.

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.

Hebrews 10:26

An individual who is looking for an escape from judgement that allows him or her to live in sinful pleasure is not experiencing the salvation that is described in the Bible. They are deceived. Their heart is not cleansed, their selfishness remains, excluding them from fellowship with God.

Paul, in Romans 6 makes an incredible argument refuting the idea that a Christian can remain in sin. He states, "How shall we who died to sin still live in it?"  In baptism we identify with Christ's death and resurrection. We are dead to sin, crucified with Christ and raised with Him to a new life of righteousness.  We have a choice to make. We, as believers, must chose to obey Christ. We are slaves of whom or what we choose to serve. Will we be slaves of sin, or righteousness? We have been set free from sin through Jesus Christ, so why would we become enslaved to it again?

As Paul presents his argument he ties it in with sanctification.

I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. 

For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 

Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death

But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

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

Most of us are familiar with this last verse but look at how this flows, especially as we consider the context of this entire passage. When we surrender our lives to Christ we are freed from enslavement to sin. The grip it has on us is broken and we are now free to live in righteousness. 

When we unite ourselves with Jesus He, through the continuous working of the Holy Spirit, sanctifies us, cleansing us from sin. The final outcome is eternal life, the opposite outcome of a life devoted to sin. 

This is what salvation is. It is a cleansing of not only the guilt of sin, but also of the heart. It is a lifelong transformation that affects our actions.

Psalm 15:1-5  declares that an individual must walk in integrity and live a righteous lifestyle if he is to dwell with God. Similarly if we are to stand in the presence of God we must have clean hands (actions) and pure hearts ( the origin of our actions) these are the ones who will be blessed by the LORD (Psalm 24:3-6). Only the pure in heart will see the Lord (Matt 5:8). 

As followers of Christ we are exhorted to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). Many Christians are puzzled by this statement. Salvation is a free gift right? But this is our salvation. The very next verse tells us that God is working in us to do His will. This is what the New Covenant does for us. It is the writing of the law upon our hearts and in our minds. The Holy Spirit is at work in our lives bringing us into obedience (Jeremiah 31:33, Ezekiel 36:25-27). To work out our salvation is to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as He leads us into righteousness. We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) created for good works ( Ephesians 2:10). A life transformed is the proof of our right standing with God.

 

     

The Narrow Way

"Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction,  and many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it."

Matthew 7:13-14 NASB 

The gospels record several "hard" statements that Jesus makes concerning the cost of following Him. This is one of them. 

In this passage Jesus contrasts the way to spiritual destruction and the way leading to spiritual life. I fear that many professed Christians today do not grasp what Jesus is actually saying in these few verses.

Growing up I considered that those who "accepted" Jesus had passed through the narrow gate, and were on the narrow path. Everyone else was traveling the broad road to destruction.  This interpretation is probably pretty common, but it really misses the point that Jesus is trying to make.

When one looks into the original Greek that our New Testament was translated from we can get a good idea of what this passage really means.

The wide gate and broad road are exactly that. The gate is wide, easily accommodating everyone who wants to enter. The way is broad and spacious, allowing for easy travel. There is room for everybody, and Jesus states that many are traveling this way.

The narrow way however, is more narrow than we might think. It is a tight squeeze to enter, and the way is compressed and difficult to travel.

The Amplified version puts it like this.

Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it.

But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.

And in a similar passage we read of great conflict just to enter. 

"Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able."

Luke 13:24

The word "strive" speaks of strenuous effort to achieve victory in the athletic games. It is where we get our word "agonize." 

Jesus warns us that we must earnestly strive to enter, and that many who attempt will not be able. If we look at the immediate context of this verse we see that it is in response to a question that the disciples ask concerning how many people will actually be saved. According to the following verses we can gather that mere "familiarity" with Jesus is insufficient. It's not the many who succeed, but the few. This should cause us to pause and think.

Jesus is telling us that a mere profession, outward appearance, religious rituals and traditions are insufficient in and of themselves. True salvation demands an inner change of heart.  It involves repentance (Luke 13:3) and total surrender of our lives (Luke 24:27-33). The way to life is a way of holiness of life and conduct (Titus 2:11-14). Obedience is essential. I am not talking legalism here. Many individuals confuse a works based salvation with an obedience that flows from a cleansed heart. Jesus, again speaking of the many, states that not everyone who calls Him Lord will enter the kingdom. Only those who obediently do the Father's will may enter (Matthew 7:21-23).

The way is constricted. It is often difficult, filled with trials and temptations. Persecution naturally arises when our faith is real and evident to a lost world. Jesus assures us of that (John 15:20).  He tells us that even family will betray us, and hatred on account of His name can be expected. The one who endures all of this to the end is the one who will be saved (Matthew 10:21-22). When persecution comes do we confess Jesus before men, or deny Him (Matthew 10:32-33)? 

Are we beginning to see the picture? Yes, salvation is a free gift, graciously offered to all, but at the same time it requires our response, and will cost us everything to make it to the end. If our road is too easy, what road are we on?

The Beatitudes

I think for many, the Sermon on the Mount is a set of high ideals that Jesus set forth as something nice to aim for, but not necessarily vital to our Christian life and walk. But I disagree with this thought. The teachings found in this passage of scripture are vital to us as Christians, in fact, Jesus warns us at the end of His discourse that failure to act upon these teachings, and to become the embodiment of these principles and graces, will bring catastrophic consequences in the end (Matthew 5:24-27). 

What I wish to focus on here is the first section, found in Matthew 5:1-12. These teachings, known as the "Beatitudes", are foundational to our walk with Christ. Without them there can be no fellowship as we will see.

This section begins as Jesus, seeing the crowds, goes up on a mountain, and begins to teach His disciples.  

3. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

5. "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

6. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

7. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

8. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

10. "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

11. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

12. "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Matthew 5:3-12 NASB

Brokenness and humility lie at the very heart of these teachings. I see a progression, but also a bit of overlap in several of the qualities presented here.

We start with the poor in spirit. These are the broken. They have come to the end of themselves.  The poor in spirit deeply feel their spiritual poverty. They have reached a level where all pride has been swept away. They are destitute, unable to attain to a life pleasing to God. They recognize like Isaiah, that they are undone (Isaiah 6:5). They can relate to the apostle Paul, who in his struggle with sin cried out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?" (See Romans 7:18-25)

The revelation of our inability to live a righteous life in our own strength will bring us to a place of mourning. We will grieve over our sin that holds us captive. We will mourn over our rebellion against a holy God whom we  have offended. It is one thing to look at those around us and compare ourselves with them. We will never see us for who we really are deep down inside. When we are confronted with God's absolute holiness however, we can do nothing but fall on our faces in deep sorrow. 

This is the opposite of the Laodicean Church who were wealthy, and self sufficient. They could not see the truth. In reality they were "wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked" (Revelation 3:17). This pride had to be demolished. We all must come to a place of humility, where we submit ourselves to God.

James tells us this,

6. But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

7. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

8. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. 

9. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.

10. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. 

James 4:6-10 NASB

Without humility we can have no relationship with God. He stands in opposition to pride. Throughout scripture we see pride condemned in no uncertain language. Grace is only given to the humble. It is the meek who will inherit the earth.  

Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; and you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. 

But the humble will inherit the land and will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. 

Psalm 37:10-11 NASB

Instead of an insatiable hunger for pleasure and selfish desires, a soul made subject to God and His will hungers and thirsts after righteousness. It is a longing to be righteous in our conduct as well as in our standing before God. You cannot separate the two.  

Little children, make sure no one decieves you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 

1 John 3:7 NASB 

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious; anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.

1 John 3:10 NASB

Ultimately to hunger and thirst after righteousness is to possess a deep longing to be like Jesus, the very embodiment of righteousness. That is the desire of every true child of God, as well as the purpose of God in the salvation of our souls. He intends to form us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:2-3).

Jesus' life was marked by compassion. In several places we read where He was moved with compassion. He was moved with compassion when He reached out and touched the leper, healing him by this action (Mark 1:41). Scripture records other instances as well.

Matthew 9:36, when He saw the multitudes, lost without a shepherd. 

In Mark 6:34, again, the large crowds, lost with no shepherd. This is when He fed the five thousand. 

Matthew 14:14 records the same event, and adds that He healed the sick among the crowd as well.

Matthew 16:32, is the account of the feeding of the four thousand. The people had been with Jesus for three days with nothing eat. He did not want to send them away hungry.

Luke 7:13 Jesus felt compassion for a widow who had just lost her son. As a result He miraculously raised her son back to life.

Matthew 20:34 records that Jesus was moved with compassion and restored the sight of two blind men. 

Jesus' love for others led Him to reach out to the marginalized people of society.  He touched the untouchable, associated with the deplorable. On one occasion after eating with some who were considered outcasts, He was confronted by the religious leaders who were obviously upset by His choice of company. His answer to them was this,

"It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.

"But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Matthew 9:12-13 NASB

Jesus is quoting Hosea 6:6 in His reply. All of the religious trappings that we can wrap ourselves in are nothing in the sight of God. What He considers is how we treat those around us.

Different versions of the Bible use various words to express the idea of mercy in these verses. Words like loving kindness, steadfast love, and compassion all convey the meaning behind the word translated from the original biblical text. When we read of Jesus being moved with compassion we are seeing something that goes far beyond mere sympathy. The original Greek behind this term portrays the idea of an overwhelming feeling from deep within oneself that leads to action. 

In Hebrews we read of Jesus our great High priest.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15 NASB 

Looking at the Greek behind this text we discover that Jesus feels what we feel. He can relate to our struggles, He can "put Himself in our shoes." The term for this is empathy,  a word that is considered dirty in some Christian circles today. I would only ask, "Do you really want to be like Jesus?"

The merciful, like Jesus, share this compassion for others. They show loving kindness to others, even to the "least of these." Jesus gave us the example that no one is undeserving of love. He tells us that the merciful are blessed. The opposite is true as well,

So speak and act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 

For judgement will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgement. 

James 2:12-13 NASB 

Purity of heart is essential. We read that the pure in heart will see God. In the Psalms we find this passage, 

3. Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? And who may stand in His holy place?

4. He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully, 

6. He shall receive a blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

7. This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face—even Jacob. 

Psalm 24:3-7 NASB

A pure heart is a heart cleansed from sin and renewed by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). 

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB

Clean hands and pure hearts cannot be separated.  What fills our hearts comes out in our actions.

20. And He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. 

21. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

22. deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. 

23. "All of these evil things proceed from within and defile the man."

Mark 7:20-23 NASB

In our unregenerate state, this is what fills our hearts. Our hearts are defiled, and therefore we are defiled. As stated above, we must be brought to the end of ourselves. We need to come to that place of brokeness where we humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. Quoting this passage again we read, 

7. Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

8. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded. 

9. Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 

10. Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. 

James 4:7-10 NASB 

We have the responsibility to give up, to turn from our sin, and allow God to remake us from the inside out. David, after his sin with Bathsheba, cried out, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10). He cried out to God not only to forgive his sin, but out of a deep awareness of his sinfulness, he knew he needed an inner change as well. 

Regeneration, the "new birth" is an act of God as we read in Titus 3:5. 

He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. 

It is Jesus "Who gave Himself to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds (Titus 2:14).

We must walk in this purity. We are admonished in proverbs, 

23. Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.

24. Put away from you a deceitful mouth and put devious speech far from you.

25. Let your eyes look directly ahead and let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.

26. Watch the path of your feet and all your ways will be established. 

27. Do not turn to the right nor to the left; turn your foot from evil.

Proverbs 4:23-27 NASB

Diligence implies serious effort. We must be careful to guard our hearts and to walk in obedience to the will of God.

9. How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. 

10. With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me wander from your commandments. 

11. Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.

Psalm 119:9-11 NASB 

Do you want to see God? Only those with clean hands and pure hearts will enjoy intimate fellowship with Him now, and literally see Him face to face in eternity. 

Hebrews 12:14 links purity of heart and life with being a peacemaker. 

Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.

James shows us that ultimately strife and disorder flow out of arrogance or pride, while the peacemaker, in gentleness or humility sows righteousness. 

13. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

14. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 

15. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

16. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

17. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 

18. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:13-18 NASB

What is inside a person will come out in their actions. The works of the flesh include such things as enmity and strife, outbursts of anger and division,  while the fruit of the Spirit consists of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:19-23). When we are living fleshly, selfish lives, we can expect jealousy. strife, and disorder. It is the peacemaker who not only seeks to avoid such conflict, but even to bring healing to that which already exists.

Paul urges us to do whatever is in our power to be at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). This can be easier said than done, as it involves the humbling of ourselves at times if peace is to be maintained. Jesus' kingdom can be considered "upside down" in the  sense that it's principles run contrary to the world's methods. While the world runs on pride and power over others, the kingdom of God's way is that of meekness and selflessness. As one continues on in the Sermon on the Mount we find that seeking reconciliation, forgiving others, turning the other cheek, and going the extra mile are how God's children are to live in this world. 

Meekness has been described as power or strength under control. So much more can be accomplished for Christ when we are meek, when we are peacemakers.  James states that we must be quick to hear and slow to speak, because man's anger does not achieve the righteousness of God (James 1:19-20). This involves submission, putting others first.

5. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 

6. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.

7. Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

1 Peter 5:5-7 NASB

When conflicts arise in your life let go and give them to God. Then, by His grace, be a peacemaker. 

As previously stated above, the way of Jesus is opposite of that of the world around us. We are sent into this world to shine as lights ( Matt 5:14-26), and this enrages a world who is convicted by what they observe in a true follower of Christ. Jesus warns us that just as He was persecuted, his disciples will be as well (John 15:20). If we live and look like Jesus in our daily conduct can we expect any less?

18. "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.

19. "If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.

20. "Remember the word that I have said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 

21. "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake,  because they do not know the One who sent Me."

John 15:18-21 NASB

Jesus encourages us to rejoice and be glad when persecution arises on account of Him. It is proof of our allegiance to Him and His cause. Scripture shows us instances where this came to pass. After the disciples were arrested and beaten by the religious leaders in Jerusalem they went on their way rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer for Jesus (Acts 5:40-41). Likewise Paul and Silas after being beaten and cast into prison sang songs and praised God. This led to a miraculous intervention by God, and the salvation of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:22-34).

Unfortunately here in the west we see a different thing. Perceived persecution consists of imagined attacks on "christmas" or being forced to endure a lewd superbowl halftime show. So many professed Christians demand their rights and expect "respect" from the lost around them. They turn to the politicians to save them from persecution instead of just following Jesus. As He tells us, we are not greater than Him. If we are truly living for Him, with the eyes of the world on us, we will be persecuted. We live in this world for a purpose. Not to be of it, but to reach it.

23. And He was saying to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

24. "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.

25. "For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits himself?

26. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels."

Luke 9:23-26 NASB

Jesus sets a standard for us in His Sermon on the Mount. How do we measure up? These are not high ideals that are unattainable, but principles that He has set forth for those who would enter the kingdom. It's not only found in the Beatitudes, but in the entire sermon Jesus corrects the misunderstandings and wrong teaching of the religious leaders. He restores the law to its correct meaning. He condemns hypocrisy and proclaims the way of love. As He transitions from the Beatitudes into the rest of this sermon He states,

13. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men

14. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;

15. nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 

16. "Let your light shine before men in such away that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5:13-16 NASB 

We are called to be different. How can we challenge a evil world system based upon pride and power if that is what our lives look like as well. How can we shine a bright light so that a sin darkened world can see Jesus in us when we are as dark as the world we claim to have come out of?

 

All Nations

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

Revelation 7:9-10 NASB

For several years now we as American Christians have had an unparalleled opportunity to reach the nations with the gospel of Christ. Most of us don't have to leave the cities we live in, as the nations are coming to us. In fact, people from some of the most dangerous countries to proclaim Christ in, are coming here. They would be otherwise unreachable, but God has opened up a marvelous way for those who would otherwise never have a chance to hear the good news, to not only hear, but live as followers of Jesus in security.

I urge everyone who calls themselves a Christian to take advantage of this while the door is still open. Even now as I write this the door is closing on this great opportunity. While many view the vast numbers of people entering our country as a problem to be dealt with, I view it as God making it possible for everyone to have a chance to hear the gospel ( see Acts 17:26-27).

Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were astonished at you, My people, so His appearance was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men. Thus He will sprinkle many nations, kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; for what had not been told them they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand.

Isaiah 52:23-15 NASB 

But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sins of many, and interceded for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53:20-12 NASB

Jesus, the Lamb who was slain will receive the reward for His suffering. He did not die in vain. There will be a multitude out of every nation, purchased by His blood, who will glorify Him throughout eternity.

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the book and break its seals: for You were slain, and purchased for God with your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom of priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Revelation 5:9-10 NASB

And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. And they sang the song of Moses and the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God the Almighty; righteous and true are your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy; for all the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

Revelation 15:2-4 NASB

Jesus has commissioned his followers to go into all the world, to make disciples of all nations. Again, at this time in history, multitudes from some of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian are here, where we can reach them without traveling more than a few miles. God has given these people an amazing chance to hear the gospel, and those of us who follow Him an amazing opportunity to participate in the "harvest."  It would be tragic to allow this opportunity to slip away without becoming engaged, and worse yet, to find in the end that we were actually denying the Son the reward of His suffering by our resistance to the foreigner in our midst.

Are you Living the Crucified Life?

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me."

Matthew 16:24 NASB

"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple."

Luke 14:27 NASB

Much of what is passed off as Christianity today is not Christianity. As a result many are decieved into following a false gospel, and others are turned off by the hypocrisy that they observe in those who are not living according to the Biblical standard.

Jesus describes two gates. One is small, the entrance to a narrow path leading to eternal life. The other is a wide gate and a broad path. The majority of people will find themselves on this broad path that ultimately leads to destruction. Sadly few find the true way. He warns us to beware of false prophets who come to lead people away from the truth. Unfortunately many who consider themselves Christians will discover that they were on the wrong path someday. It is not enough to call Jesus "Lord" if you are not living an obedient lifestyle (Matt 7:13-23).

The issue according to Jesus is lawlessness, a life not surrendered to His control. An individual may pick and choose what areas of his or her life to hold back, or they may have their own personal priorities that they are living for, God however, demands our all, our absolute commitment.

Jesus describes this as taking up our crosses and following Him. A man on his way to be crucified carried the heavy upper beam of the instrument he was to die on. This individual was as good as dead at this point. He no longer had any plans of his own. All of his hopes and dreams were over. 

We are invited to follow Jesus into this death to self. When we surrender our lives to Him we are giving up our plans and purposes in exchange for His will for our lives. Nothing we possess, none of our relationships, can stand in the way of our service to Him (Luke 14:26-33). This is what Jesus is teaching us, and this is what He requires of those who would follow Him. It is a narrow gate to squeeze through if we truly desire to be a follower of Jesus.

This death to self is necessary if we are to experience a resurrection to a new way of life.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

Romans 6:5-7 NASB

It isn't as simple as just saying a prayer but living your life according to how you want to live it. Self on the throne is the problem to start with.

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 

Romans 8:5-8 NASB

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another so that you may not do the things that you please.

Galatians 5:16:17 NASB

There are two paths to take, pursuing the flesh or following the Spirit. What does this look like?

Now the deeds 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, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Galatians 5:19-26 NASB

So look at what so many pass off as Christianity today. So much of what is seen is described in the first section of this passage. The deeds of the flesh are quite evident, with very little love, patience, gentleness, self control, etc. I do not mean to be judgemental, I am sounding an alarm. This passage tells us plainly that those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh! There are many on the broad path and few on the narrow. 

The cross is a barrier between the follower of Christ and the world (Galatians 6:14). If we have truly been crucified with Christ we are no longer the ones living our lives out. It is Jesus, living through us as we follow Him by faith (Galatians 2:20). And if Jesus is living through us our lives will bear the fruit of that reality. 

     

Faithfulness

But Christ was faithful as a Son over His house - whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.

Hebrews 3:6 NASB 

In my previous post I examined what true saving faith consists of. It is more than a head knowledge, and more than agreeing with some biblical facts about Jesus. True saving faith is a faith that moves us to obey Christ. We become those who follow Him in a loving submission to His will for our lives. 

This faith is expressed in a loyalty to Jesus. It's not a matter of doing some good things, but a faithful, ongoing lifestyle. Habakkuk 2:4 defines faith as faithfulness. To paraphrase it we could say, "The just shall live by their faithfulness." 

To continue with this topic I would like to look at a passage in Hebrews that expresses the same concept of ongoing faithfulness and how it is a vital part of saving faith.

     Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME." For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses? And with whom was He angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest , but to those who were disobedient? So we see that they were not able to enter because of unbelief. 

Hebrews 3:12-19 NASB

The first point I would like to make is that unbelief and disobedience are used interchangeably in this passage. We read how God had led the people out of Egypt, yet they sinned and fell in the wilderness. 

The story of the exodus should give us warning. They saw the miracles and power of God. They experienced His presence with them along the way. They were at Mount Sinai when God descended in fire and the mountain quaked. They should have believed right? 

Hebrews 4:2 tells us that they had the good news preached to them, just like we have. The problem was that they did not unite faith with what they heard. Those who had heard the good news of the promised land failed to enter in because of disobedience (Hebrews 4:6).

Those who were disobedient failed to enter in because of their unbelief. This is the exact opposite of faith. Faith and obedience are two sides of the same "coin," while disobedience and unbelief are the two sides of a "coin" as well. 

My second point is this. True saving faith is ongoing. One may stumble, but he or she will get back up and press on. The text we have looked at admonishes us to hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end. One well known Christian author wrote that once you have received Jesus you are eternally secure. Every sin, past present and future is now forgiven. He goes on to say that even if you fall away into a sin such as drunkenness or even apostatize and become an atheist, you are still secure in Christ. 

But look at the example we have here in Hebrews. We are to encourage one another daily so that we do not fall into unbelief as ancient Israel did. Faithfulness is a lifetime thing. Our allegiance to Jesus Christ is not something to try for a while, but we are still good if we quit. That is not faithfulness, but fickleness. 

It doesn't matter what side of the eternal security debate you fall into. A true Christian will live a consistent life of obedience to Christ. An individual who does not must question the validity of their faith.

 

Saving Faith

Salvation, God's gracious gift, comes to us through faith (Ephesians 2:8). This is something that I would assume most of us who claim to be Christians believe. John 3:16 is a verse that we hold dear. It speaks of God's love for a sinning world; a love that sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins, so that whoever believes in Him could be set free from death, and have eternal life. 

Our definition of faith then becomes vital. If we miss this, we miss it all. And tragically I fear that a large number of Christians have indeed adhered to and propagated a faulty definition of saving faith.

Countless gospel tracts have been distributed, sermons preached, and altar calls given that instruct the sinner to only believe. The belief required involves something to the effect of believing that Jesus is the Son of God, or believing that He died on the cross and rose again. While these facts are indeed true, and belief in them is important, is that enough?

Is it sufficient to mentally assent to some facts about Jesus?

You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe and shudder.

James 2:19 NASB

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are-the Holy One of God!"

Mark 1:23-24 NASB

I am quite certain that none of us would consider these "believing demons" to be Christians. But yet it leaves us with a point to grapple with. The demons believe! That is, they are very much aware of Jesus, and who He is. They believe it, they know it to be true.

There is also emphasis placed upon works. Instructions are often given to individuals seeking salvation to cease from their works and place their trust in Christ's perfect righteousness. Now there is truth to this. Any attempt to earn our salvation by our good works is futile. Christ was our perfect sacrifice, and there is no amount of good works that we can do to earn our way to heaven. Unfortunately people are led to believe that good works have nothing to do with our salvation, that although it's fine to do good things, and God desires us to do good works, an absence of good deeds has no bearing on our salvation. As a result faith and works are pitted against each other, and for many, there is no real effort put forth when it comes to living a sanctified lifestyle. 

The issue goes much deeper than a mere assent to some biblical truths about Jesus and and His death and resurrection. That kind of faith is not only inferior, it is also misplaced. What I have described is often referred to as "easy believism" or "cheap grace." It is taught by many popular pastors and Bible teachers. 

It is easy to focus on verses such as Ephesians 2:8-10 
    

      For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast, for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

This passage affirms the truth that God's salvation comes to us as an act of His grace. We don't deserve it, neither can we achieve it by our own efforts. and it also affirms that God has created us to live a righteous and obedient life for Him. But for many the emphasis is on the grace and faith without works, and the good works that should follow are an afterthought.

Compare this passage found in James with the one quoted above,

     Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works." You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.

James 2:17-24

Instead of standing in opposition to each other, faith and works are part of the same process. What begins as a belief culminates in obedience. As it states in Galatians 5:6, faith expresses itself through love. Works done out of obedience to Christ are not an "afterthought," but an essential part of our faith in Him. If we love Him, we will obey Him (John 14:23-24).

Jesus calls us to follow Him. Nowhere in the Bible do we find a place where absolute submission to His will is a good idea, but optional. But that is what we so often hear taught. I remember sitting in a service once where the pastor proclaimed that you can accept Jesus as Savior, and decide later if you want Jesus to be Lord. There are those who teach that "Lordship salvation" is a heresy. They claim that it involves "works" and negates faith. 

In Romans we read about the faith we are to profess.

     But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, in your mouth and in your heart" - that is the word of faith which we are preaching, that is if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED."

Romans 10:8-11 NASB

This involves more than a mental assent to some facts about Jesus. It is a surrender from the heart to the rule of Jesus Christ over one's life. To confess something is to express our agreement with that thing. If we believe that Jesus has been vindicated, all of His claims and teachings validated by His resurrection from the dead, and He is therefore now the living Lord, we are faced with two things. Do we put it off as some nice but unnecessary step to take in our Christian journey, or do we fall to our knees in humble submission? Jesus agrees with Paul, or to properly put it, Paul is in agreement with the words of Jesus.

     And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? For what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with  the holy angels.

Mark 8:34-38 NASB

We are starting to see what true saving faith consists of. In Romans 1:17 Paul, quoting from Habakkuk 2:4 states that the righteous man shall live by faith. It is important to understand the definition of faith here. The Hebrew word translated faith in Habakkuk 2:4 speaks of fidelity, faithfulness, a loyalty to the one you have faith in. This is so much more than a mere head knowledge, or a profession to save oneself from hell, whithout a change of lifestyle. The one who puts their faith in Jesus as Lord, is faithful to Jesus as Lord. It is a submission of ourselves, a commitment of all that we have and are, to Him and His service. 

As we have seen faith finds it's fulfilment in obedience. We read this in Hebrews 5:8-10,

     Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

And again we see salvation linked with a faithful walk in holiness described in 1 John 1:5-7,

     This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin

Our faith must work itself out in our actions if it is a real saving faith. If our commitment to Jesus is not whole hearted, and we are not faithfully following Him with loving obedience, then we must question if our faith is real at all.

     

 

True Saltiness

25. Now large crowds were going along with Him; and He turned and said to them,

26. "If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.

27. "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

28. 'Or which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to complete it?

29. "Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who observe it begin to ridicule him,

30. saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' 

31. "Or what king, when he sets out to meet another king in battle, will not first sit down and consider whether he is strong enough with ten thousand men to encounter the one coming against him with twenty thousand?

32. "Or else, while the other is still fat away, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.

33. "So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

34. "Therefore, salt is good; but if even salt has become tasteless, with what will it be seasoned?

35. "It is useless either for the soil or for the manure pile; it is thrown out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

Luke 14:25-35 NASB

Over the last few years there has been a lot of talk of "engaging the culture", of being salt and light. However, a lot of what we have been seeing has very little to do with being salt and light compared with the expectations of the one we are supposed to be following, Jesus.

Context is important. When we read the words of Jesus stressing the importance of saltiness we must consider the whole passage if we want to understand just what Jesus is teaching.

From this passage we see several things or requirements that Jesus sets down as conditions for those who would follow Him.

1. Our allegiance to Jesus must surpass all other relationships. Family must not stand in the way of our obedience to Christ. In fact our very lives are no longer our own to live as we please. In actuality our allegiance belongs to Christ alone, no one else.

2. If we are to follow Jesus we must be willing to follow Him even unto death. A disciple is called to deny himself, take up his cross and follow the Lord (see Mark 8:34-35). As stated above, we are not our own. Our plans and purposes in this life must be put aside for the greater plans and purposes of Christ. That is self denial. 

A man carried his cross on the way to a certain death. At that moment he was as good as dead. He had no plan or purpose from that point on. Only one thing was certain, he was going to die. Jesus is painting a picture here of an individual whose only purpose in life or death was to serve Him. 

3. It is vital that we count the cost. How many people who profess to be  Christians have actually sat down and seriously considered the weight of passages like these? You know, denying self, following Jesus at all cost, including family relationships, and even the inclusion of all our possessions? I fear many start out without realizing the true cost and commitment involved in being a disciple of Jesus Christ. And what is the result of this? There are many false Christians out there, Christians in name only, and this is what is so tragic.

To be able to "engage the culture" with any degree of success we must be like Jesus in our speech and actions. The world is not fooled by a Christian who lives, talks and behaves in the same way they do. To live a life that is drastically different from the life Christ has shown us by example, will negatively impact the very world we are trying to engage. In fact it will repel them.

In His sermon on the mount Jesus stresses the importance of brokeness, humility, a hunger for righteousness, showing mercy, heart purity, being a peace maker, and a willingness to suffer persecution for one's faith. Again, this is the context leading up to another statement concerning our being salt and light (Matthew 5:2-16).

How much selfish behavior, pride, anger and division do we see Jesus allowing us if we are to be effective in reaching the world with the gospel?  

Our being salt depends upon these things set forth by Jesus in His sermon on the mount. There is a correlation between our conformity to Christ and our ability to be salt to a lost world. If the salt has lost its taste it has become useless. A Christian's testimony ruined will turn others away from the savior. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

Test Yourselves

Test Yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you- unless indeed you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5 NASB

Not everyone who professes faith in Jesus Christ is truly following Him. God has seen fit to include this warning in the scriptures to cause us to examine ourselves and consider if our Christianity is real or not. 

It is easy to claim to be a Christian. We can fool others, and even ourselves, but when our attitudes and actions are placed alongside the "plumb line" of God's standard the truth is plain to see.

... But when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:12

I will not attempt to make an exhaustive list, but I will put down some key points to look at as we determine the reality of our faith.

1. True faith results in action.

Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

James 2:17 NASB

Faith is much more than agreeing with some biblical facts about Jesus. An individual who believes in the biblical sense of the word places their confidence in Christ to take full control of their very lives. They commit to follow and obey in all things. To say that I believe Jesus died and rose for me, therefore I am a Christian, while my life remains identical to the atheist's who lives next door, is a denial of truth. Is your faith accompanied with the proof that it is real?

2. Are we purifying our lives in anticipation of Christ's return?

And everyone who has this hope fixed upon Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 

1 John 3:3 NASB

In the same way that a bride adorns herself for her wedding day; for the moment that her groom will see her enter the sanctuary, a Christian looks to the day that he or she will see Jesus face to face. A believer does not want to be ashamed of standing before Jesus in soiled garments.

Christ gave Himself up for the purpose of sanctifying the Church. Through the "washing of the word" we are being cleansed so that someday we will stand before Him without spot or wrinkle ( Ephesians 5:25-27). In response we keep ourselves pure through obedience to His word (Psalm 119:9).

3. A lifestyle of sin, or one of righteousness?

In 1 John 3:4-10 we see two lifestyles placed before us. One is marked by the consistent practice of sin. That individual resembles the devil who has sinned from the beginning. The other is a life marked by the practice of righteousness. A person who consistently does what is right and pleasing in the sight of God resembles Christ who is righteous. 

The difference between the two is the new birth. A change has taken place in the life of one who has surrendered their lives to Jesus, who has come to destroy the devil's work.

By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious; anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother 

1 John 3:10 NASB

4. Are you fulfilling the law?

One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?"

And He said to him, " ' You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the prophets."

Matthew 22:36-40 NASB 

God never intended the Law to be a checklist. It's not something where we can open our Bibles to the first page and mark off each command as we find them and obey them. God wants our love. We are called to love Him first and foremost of all. 

To love God is to be passionate about Him. It means we desire His plans and purposes to be fulfilled in the earth, even at great cost to us. If we love God we will make the advancement of His kingdom our priority in life (Matt 6:33). We will avoid the things that compromise and distract us from that mission. An individual who claims to love Him will obey Him. How can we say we love God if we are disobedient? That is a contradiction, it is impossible to love Him while we thwart His plans and purposes, His will, to be done in and through us. 

Likewise, we are called to love one another. Jesus makes it simple for us. We are to treat others in the same way we wish them to treat us (Matthew 7:12). Love is the fulfillment of the Law. When we love someone we will not do things that harm that person. All of the commandments find their fulfillment in us when we "love our neighbor as ourselves" (Romans 13:8-10). 

James warns us against breaking this royal law of love. In a letter where he confronts favoritism in the Church, he states that this particular sin is a violation of the law. In fact, he likens this particular sin to murder. How we treat our fellow man matters to God. Judgement without mercy will be shown to the unmerciful (see James 2:2-12). Do you love God first and foremost of all? Do you treat others in the same way you would like them to treat you? The two commandments are bound up in each other. You can't keep one and break the other. It doesn't work that way.

I could go on with many more points, but these are sufficient to make the point. Search the word, test yourself. How does your Christianity line up with the scriptural standard? 

Salt and light

Jesus tells us, His followers, that we are to be salt and light to an unsaved world. We read this in Matthew 5:13-16,

13. "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

15. "Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lamp stand; and it gives light to all who are in the house.

16. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

The apostle Paul also states that we are to be lights before the world. 

14. Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

15. that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

16. holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Philippians 2:14-16

To state it plain and simple, if you claim the name of Christ, the world is watching you. Does your life mirror the teachings of Jesus, or do you look more like the lost world around you? You are either bringing glory to God by your life and conduct, or causing His name to be blasphemed. How quickly our salt can lose its ability to season the world around us by compromising with the ways of this same world.

At what point is a Christian's testimony ruined beyond repair because of sin? This is a question that we should all ponder. I understand God's forgiveness and grace, but yet we can lose our credibility before a world that sees no difference between us and them.

When the world views us they should see Jesus. We should be kind-hearted, compassionate, humble, treating others as we would have them treat us. I could go on, but you get what I mean. Pride, arrogance, anger, hatred, and selfishness are the ways of the world that we have been saved out of. These we must put off.

James warns us,

You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

James 4:4

A similar passage is found in 1 John 2:15-17. Again we find that we cannot have worldly pursuits and represent Jesus at the same time. The two are incompatible.

15. Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone  loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

17. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.

And we read this in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18,

14. Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?

15. Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?

16. Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, "I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 

17. "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "And do not touch what is unclean; and I will welcome you.

18. And I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me." Says the Lord Almighty.

When we as Christians align ourselves with unbelievers we are forming unions between two completely opposite things. It cannot work. We as followers of Christ cannot "touch what is unclean" and expect to remain clean ourselves (see Haggai 2:12-14). And even worse, we are dragging Jesus into our sin, our partnership with unrighteousness, our fellowship with unbelievers.The world, as a result sees a different Jesus, a Jesus who looks completely different than the Jesus portrayed in Scripture. His name is reproached. 

Instead of conformity to the ways of a corrupt world, we must maintain our separation from it. We are in it, but not meant to be of it. Our mission is not to fix it, but to represent Christ to it. It is His kingdom we are to build, one soul at a time. 

 True Christians obey Jesus. They allow His teachings to shape their life. In fact they are being transformed into the image of Christ, more and more each passing day. This, and only this, is what it means to be salt and light.

(Scripture quoted taken from the New American Standard Bible 1977 text)

 

Paul and a Theology of Martyrdom

As I have previously written, I believe that the Church today desperately needs to recover a "theology of martyrdom." Here is a link to that post.

Recovering a Theology of Martyrdom

In this post I would like to look specifically at the life and writings of the apostle Paul and elaborate on what he has to say about building the kingdom of God in the face of persecution and martyrdom.

The story of Paul begins in the book of Acts with the stoning of Stephen. The men who stoned him laid down their garments at the feet of a man named Saul (Acts 7:57-60). This event sparked a great persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, with Saul as a driving force behind it ( Acts 8:1-3). 

In his zeal to destroy the Church, Saul left for Damascus looking for any Christians that he might arrest and bring back to Jerusalem. It was on this road that he was stopped by Jesus Himself,

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:4-6 KJV

This event led to the conversion of Saul, who we also know as Paul. He was led to the house of a man named Judas on Straight street in Damascus where Annanias, who was sent by Jesus, placed his hands on him so that his sight would be restored and he would be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:8-18). In a vision Annanias was told this, about God's calling upon the life of Saul,

"Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."

Acts 9:15-16 KJV 

Previous to this event, as Saul persecuted the Church, he was likely    deeply convicted by the Holy Spirit, by what he witnessed when Stephen was martyred. To kick against the pricks was to resist guidance. Pricks (KJV) or goads were used to guide oxen. If one rebelled against this they were said to "kick against the goads."  According to Robertson's word pictures this became a proverb of that time period to refer to one who was rebellious. It is not a stretch to consider that Saul's rabid drive to stamp out the Church was at least in part, his attempt to shut out the voice of the Holy Spirit. I know from my own life, when I came under conviction, I ran long and hard in the opposite direction, trying to drown out my conscience. 

From the very beginning of Paul's Christian life hardship was a normal part. Indeed, he was to see how much suffering he was to endure for the sake of Christ. Within days of his conversion he openly proclaimed Christ to the Jews in Damascus. As a result, a plot was formed to kill him and he was lowered over the wall to escape this threat (Acts 9:19-25). The man who once persecuted the Church was now persecuted himself.

In 2 Corinthians 11:24-33 we read a list of Paul's physical suffering in his service to Christ. He was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, faced dangers in his travels, faced hunger and the elements. He endured all of these things for Christ with a willingness that I fear is lacking among many professing Christians today in this country.

As he was on his way back to Jerusalem he sent for the elders from Ephesus to see them one final time. He had this to say to them,

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me,neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify of the grace of God.

Acts 20:22-24 KJV

And the next chapter records a prophetic word warning Paul that he would be bound and turned over to the Gentiles when he arrived in Jerusalem (Acts 21:19-12). Here is his reply,

     Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and break my heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 21:13 KJV

Look at the boldness and determination in the heart of the apostle. His was a life thoroughly transformed by the Holy Ghost. His focus was on one thing, the completion of his service to God. Nothing else mattered, he would let nothing stand in the way, even willing to die in the process, if it came to that.

He elaborates more on this theme in his epistles to various Churches he established during his time of ministry. By looking at some of these we get a glimpse into his heart, and can see the depth of his commitment to Jesus.

     According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Philippians 1:20-24 KJV

Paul's unwavering purpose was to magnify Christ in everyway possible. He desired to show Christ to the world by his actions, attitudes, and speech. He had a calling to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles as we saw in Acts 9:15-16. So in life his passion, the mindset that drove him, was to glorify Christ. To remain alive in the flesh was the opportunity to continue pressing on in his desire to make Christ known to others. Yet death, even violent death for the sake of the gospel, was still yet another way to magnify Christ. 

Persecution has a way of encouraging others to become more bold in the faith. Paul brings this out earlier in this epistle. This letter was written to the Church in Philippi while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. He states that the very fact of his imprisonment has become an opportunity for the furtherance of the gospel. Many fellow believers have become confident due to Paul's bonds, and now speak the word boldly, without fear (Philippians 1:12-14).

So to Paul it did not matter if it was by life or by death, only that Christ was magnified. In fact, he states that he would rather depart and be with Christ. That is the ultimate thing for each one of us. Death, for a believer is only the doorway into the presence of Christ. If we know and love Jesus we have nothing to fear. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 Paul speaks of groaning for our heavenly bodies, desiring the day when death is swallowed up by life everlasting. He is confident, and willing to be absent from the body (to die) so that he can be in the presence of the Lord.

In the famous passage found in Philippians 3:7-14 where Paul counts all things as loss for the sake of Christ, we read this,

     That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Philippians 3: 10 -11 KJV

Again, we see that the apostle does not shrink from suffering and even death for the sake of Christ. In fact he embraces it. He desires to partake of the sufferings and even the death of Christ. Just as Jesus suffered and died for us, Paul, in his love for Christ is willing to suffer and die for Him as well. Ultimately Paul realized the truth of the resurrection. Physical death in this life was not the end.

We read this in Colossians 1:24,

     Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.

We, as the body of Christ now take up the mantle so to speak. Just as Jesus suffered afflictions, even to the point of death, now it is our turn as we carry out the mission He left us with. And yet when we suffer persecution for the cause of Christ it is Christ Himself who is persecuted. When Jesus spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus, he asked, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of he Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

We having the same Spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18 KJV

This passage alone sums up the entire point I am trying to make. The Apostle Paul, as a follower of Christ, we, as followers of Christ, are called to carry on the work of Jesus in our lives. Yes, it is hard work. Persecution is an inevitable result of our visible and active testimony. Why did Jesus ordain that this work should go forward, carried by individuals in fragile, mortal bodies? To show the excellency of the power of God in us! As we die to ourselves in humility, and begin to depend on Christ in our weakness, He becomes strong in us. God has taken what the enemy meant for evil, and turned it into good. This is how Christ continues the work he began. He does it through us, even in the midst of suffering.

Our job is to be faithful in obedience to the great commission, no matter the cost. If we believe, we must speak. And that, will cause a reaction. Like Paul, each one of us must be confident in the truth of the resurrection. Our bodies here are only temporary. They are already wearing out. We are not meant for self preservation, but to be offered up in service to Christ. Whether that ends in martyrdom or not is up to God. Our purpose, like Paul's, is to go, looking at the eternal instead of the temporal. What we face here is minor, compared to the glory of eternity with Jesus. 

For millions of Christ followers down through the centuries persecution and death has been a normal part of serving Jesus. Even today a vast number of Christians suffer and die for their faith. They also consider it normal. 

I recently listened to a radio program where an individual was recounting meeting with some persecuted believers in China. He was asked if he had ever been in prison, to which he replied that he had not. These persecuted believers at first seriously doubted his Christianity. To them it was normal to be persecuted for their faith as well.

Here in America it is kind of unusual. Yes, we have what we call "freedom of religion." We can meet without fear of arrest, and worship whatever we want to worship in freedom. Is this a blessing? Maybe, but I sometimes wonder. If people were more bold with their witness would things change some? I think so. And our freedom today may be gone tomorrow. In fact, the day is coming when there will be no "safe" place to openly proclaim Christ. Will we be willing to shine as lights in a perverse generation when that day comes (Philippians 2:15)?

What we have seen in the life of Paul is an example for us to follow as well,

     For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Philippians 1:29-30 KJV

     

     

 

A Wise Builder In Uncertain Times

Towards the end of His earthly ministry Jesus told a parable of ten virgins. (Matt 25:1-13). The context of this parable is the teaching of Jesus on the end times events leading up to His return. The purpose is to promote watchfulness among His followers.

In this parable we see several things. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. The foolish took their lamps, but no extra oil, while the wise had extra oil along with their lamps.

It is interesting to note that as the bridegroom tarried they all became drowsy and slept. This was true for the wise as well as the foolish virgins.

When the cry went out at midnight, "The bridegroom is coming, go out to meet Him", they woke up and trimmed their lamps. Unfortunately the lamps belonging to the foolish virgins had gone out, and they had no extra oil.  Asking the wise to share oil with them, they were told to go and buy some, as there was not enough to share. 

While they went out to buy more oil, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went in to the feast, and the door was shut. It was too late for the foolish virgins who were not prepared 

What can we learn from this parable? As I have recently shared, I believe that the Church is about to be blindsided by end times events. It is as though we are for the most part asleep. In a previous post which can be read here, I elaborate on this briefly. 

Although there are many end times teachers, and just as many end times theories, it seems like for most of us the last days and the return of Jesus Christ are something seen as far down the road. I believe the Church to some degree is asleep. Far too many of us are unconcerned about future events. Perhaps many of us have been burned out by all of the "Left Behind books"  and end times movies that we have been inundated with for the last several decades or so. There has been a lot of hype and a lot of failed date settings, and that just turns people off I'm afraid.

Anyway we find that the wise as well as the foolish both fell asleep as the bridegroom delayed His coming.

There is a day coming upon the whole world as a trap (Luke 21:35). Someday these events will be upon us and we will all be forced out of slumber. Whether or not we have a sufficient supply of oil then will be a matter of spiritual life and death.

One can know all of the end times events, the signs and timelines, but to know these things is no guarantee that one will survive spiritually. We need to cultivate our relationship with Jesus, and we need to be doing that now.

I believe that this is the difference between the wise and foolish virgins referenced in this parable. Oil is used symbolically of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. To be lacking "oil" in this sense when we reach the point of no return in the last days will be tragic. 

A saving relationship with Jesus is more than correct understanding of biblical doctrine. While studying the scriptures and discovering the doctrines found therein is fun and exciting, head knowledge by itself is insufficient. If what we learn does not transform our lives it is all in vain.

If ye love me, keep my commandments. 

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;

even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you.

John 14:15-17 KJV

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself unto him.

John 14:21 KJV

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come into him, and make our abode with him.

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

John 14:23-24 KJV

Here we see it, or rather hear it in the very words of Jesus. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is dependent in a large measure upon our obedience. Don't misunderstand this. This is not about a checklist that we can cross off every time we have obeyed a commandment, as if we can somehow earn the presence of the Holy Spirit. We receive the Spirit by faith, not by the works of the law (Gal 3:1-3, 14), yet salvation is a deliverance from sinning. We must take these words of God to heart as well,

     We are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Acts 5:32

Obedience flows out of our love for Christ. It is the outflow of our faith (Gal 5:6). 

Through a careless, disobedient lifestyle we can grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph 4:30). Think of the example of Sampson in the Old Testament. He flirted with sin, presuming that his strength would always be there. One day he woke up, only to discover that the LORD had departed from him, and his strength was gone ( see Judges 16:4-20). 

Jesus questioned if He would find faith on the earth at His return (Luke 18:8). He gives this warning in His Olivet discourse,

     "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved."

(Matt 24:12-13)

Days are coming when the deception and treachery will be unparalleled.  The Bible warns of a great falling away in the last days (2 Thess 2:3-12). It will take everything to stand firm in our faith. We do not want to wake up like Sampson, and find out our strength is gone. If it is imperative that we are filled with the Holy Spirit in our lives today, how much more when that day arrives.

I firmly believe that scripture interprets scripture. Earlier in His ministry Jesus spoke of another pair of men (see Matt 7:23-27). One was wise, and the other foolish. They both built houses, the wise man built upon a rock, and the foolish man built his house on sand. When disaster struck we can guess what happened. The wise man's house stood firm, while the house of the foolish man collapsed.

Jesus likened the wise man to one who hears His teaching and puts it into practice, while the foolish man is one who does not obey. We can see by this that obedience to Jesus is foundational to maintaining our relationship with Him. An open channel allows the "oil" of the Spirit to flow through our lives and give light to those around us. Sin in the life of a believer will block this flow, hinder our fellowship, and weaken our faith. Confession and repentance is the way to restoration. 

Keep the channels open. Do not allow disobedience to block the flow of the Holy Spirit in your life. The day will come when there will be no time to "buy" more oil. The bridegroom will come and the door will be shut. When disaster comes will your house stand?