Faith is taking God at His word.
Faith is the only condition upon which justification can be obtained, and faith includes not only belief but trust.
1 Timothy 2:4 "Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance."
Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.
We need to trust God's promises as quoted above and realize that He wants all to be saved and He is patiently knocking on the door of your heart begging you to let Him come in and dine with you and show you just how much He loves you and wants you to be saved, He doesn't want any to perish but all to repent of their sins and be saved. Faith is trusting His promises to save you and 'He will save to the uttermost all that come to God through Jesus Christ.' Hebrews 7:25. Grandma Joan
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Born Again
When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life...The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God...Its mystery exceeds human knowledge; yet he who passes from death to life realizes that it is a divine reality.
How, then are we to be saved? 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,' so the Son of Man has been lifted up, and everyone who has been deceived and bitten by the serpent may look and live.
'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29. The light shinning from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Savior. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul.
'One thing you lack,' said Jesus. 'If thou will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.' Christ read the ruler's heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered.
The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not rise to newness of life in Christ.
The born-again experience necessitates a complete surrender, a dying to self, before a new creature can be born by the power of God. We had no choice in the first birth, but the new birth must be by our choice.
Joshua 24:15 "Choose you this day whom you will serve...." Grandma Joan
How, then are we to be saved? 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,' so the Son of Man has been lifted up, and everyone who has been deceived and bitten by the serpent may look and live.
'Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29. The light shinning from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Savior. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul.
'One thing you lack,' said Jesus. 'If thou will be perfect, go and sell that you have, and give it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.' Christ read the ruler's heart. Only one thing he lacked, but that was a vital principle. He needed the love of God in the soul. This lack, unless supplied, would prove fatal to him; his whole nature would become corrupted. By indulgence, selfishness would strengthen. That he might receive the love of God, his supreme love of self must be surrendered.
The new birth is a rare experience in this age of the world. This is the reason why there are so many perplexities in the churches. Many, so many, who assume the name of Christ are unsanctified and unholy They have been baptized, but they were buried alive. Self did not rise to newness of life in Christ.
The born-again experience necessitates a complete surrender, a dying to self, before a new creature can be born by the power of God. We had no choice in the first birth, but the new birth must be by our choice.
Joshua 24:15 "Choose you this day whom you will serve...." Grandma Joan
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Surrender
I've brought this word up quite a few times, but this time it's the real meaning of surrender. Let's take it to heart!
There are some who are seeking, always seeking, for the goodly pearl. But the do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not ie to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl.
Implicit belief in Christ's word is true humility, true self-surrender.
When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.
The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, an temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be over come. Surrender and death to self equal the same thing.
This is victory over sin, written in simple language for me and I hope that you get it too. Ask God to help you with understanding any of these posts that seen cloudy to you, He knows your heart and will assist you in your understanding and give you the victories that your need. Grandma Joan
There are some who are seeking, always seeking, for the goodly pearl. But the do not make an entire surrender of their wrong habits. They do not ie to self that Christ may live in them. Therefore they do not find the precious pearl.
Implicit belief in Christ's word is true humility, true self-surrender.
When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature. The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.
The only defense against evil is the indwelling of Christ in the heart through faith in His righteousness. Unless we become vitally connected with God, we can never resist the unhallowed effects of self-love, self-indulgence, an temptation to sin. We may leave off many bad habits, for the time we may part company with Satan; but without a vital connection with God, through the surrender of ourselves to Him moment by moment, we shall be over come. Surrender and death to self equal the same thing.
This is victory over sin, written in simple language for me and I hope that you get it too. Ask God to help you with understanding any of these posts that seen cloudy to you, He knows your heart and will assist you in your understanding and give you the victories that your need. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Death to Self
This is a major event in our life, so read carefully!!
When self is crucified and Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, we shall reveal, in thought, word, and deed, the reality of our belief in the truth.
Words cannot describe the peace and joy possessed by him who takes God at His word. Trials do not disturb him, slights do not vex him. Self is crucified.
Romans 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
2 Corinthians 4:10-12 "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus; sake, that the live also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you." (speaking of death to self)
Surrender of self to die in Christ, sounds easy, but some of us who are older have a lifetime of ingrained habits and thoughts that are not easy to give up, but if we truly love the Lord with all our hearts and want to please Him and be ready to live with Him forever, it is important that we learn this lesson and persevere in our surrender to Him and as Paul tells us, 'He dies daily', so it is a daily matter and a daily surrender. May God help all of us to put this death to self in our daily routine. Grandma Joan
When self is crucified and Christ is formed within, the hope of glory, we shall reveal, in thought, word, and deed, the reality of our belief in the truth.
Words cannot describe the peace and joy possessed by him who takes God at His word. Trials do not disturb him, slights do not vex him. Self is crucified.
Romans 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
2 Corinthians 4:10-12 "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus; sake, that the live also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death works in us, but life in you." (speaking of death to self)
Surrender of self to die in Christ, sounds easy, but some of us who are older have a lifetime of ingrained habits and thoughts that are not easy to give up, but if we truly love the Lord with all our hearts and want to please Him and be ready to live with Him forever, it is important that we learn this lesson and persevere in our surrender to Him and as Paul tells us, 'He dies daily', so it is a daily matter and a daily surrender. May God help all of us to put this death to self in our daily routine. Grandma Joan
Friday, October 27, 2017
Imparted
Dictionary Definition - 'to give, convey, or grant from or as if from store.'
Christ imparts His righteousness to those who consent to let Him take away their sins. We are indebted to Christ for the grace (His character) which makes us complete in Him.
The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven.
In sanctification Christ's character is imparted (or conveyed to the believer and becomes a part of his person). Thus his personality is changed.
This is so real for me, as soon as I surrendered up my sin or shortcomings, Christ changed me into a lovable, loving Christian, this doesn't mean I'm perfect or anything like it but He is changing me day by day into what He will be able to take into His kingdom when He comes. It's not a one time thing and we are made whole, it happens over the length of our lifetime and I am anxious to see what He will do next for me. It is a wonderful experience to go from a gossip, critical, faultfinding individual into someone whom most people love, I'm still working on the others. Have won a few but there is still more. I just flat love people now, it's amazing even to me. I just praise the Lord for His forgiveness, and making me as if I had never done those things. If satan brings them to your mind after God has changed your heart, just tell him you have been forgiven and resist the thoughts. Grandma Joan
Christ imparts His righteousness to those who consent to let Him take away their sins. We are indebted to Christ for the grace (His character) which makes us complete in Him.
The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven.
In sanctification Christ's character is imparted (or conveyed to the believer and becomes a part of his person). Thus his personality is changed.
This is so real for me, as soon as I surrendered up my sin or shortcomings, Christ changed me into a lovable, loving Christian, this doesn't mean I'm perfect or anything like it but He is changing me day by day into what He will be able to take into His kingdom when He comes. It's not a one time thing and we are made whole, it happens over the length of our lifetime and I am anxious to see what He will do next for me. It is a wonderful experience to go from a gossip, critical, faultfinding individual into someone whom most people love, I'm still working on the others. Have won a few but there is still more. I just flat love people now, it's amazing even to me. I just praise the Lord for His forgiveness, and making me as if I had never done those things. If satan brings them to your mind after God has changed your heart, just tell him you have been forgiven and resist the thoughts. Grandma Joan
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Imputed
Webster's dictionary defines 'impute' as 'to credit to a person or a cause.'
Among the great mass of professed Christians, the grievous character of the transgression of the law of God is not understood. They do not realize that salvation can be obtained only through the blood of Christ, through His imputed righteousness, but this alone will avail to make fallen man what he should be, and exalt him to become a member of the Royal Family of heaven.
In justification, Christ's character is imputed (credited to the believer's account). Thus his standing before God is changed.
I think this is explained pretty plain, don't you? I am sure you want your standing before God to be 'just as if you had never sinned'. I can't think of anything better than that, can you? Grandma Joan
Among the great mass of professed Christians, the grievous character of the transgression of the law of God is not understood. They do not realize that salvation can be obtained only through the blood of Christ, through His imputed righteousness, but this alone will avail to make fallen man what he should be, and exalt him to become a member of the Royal Family of heaven.
In justification, Christ's character is imputed (credited to the believer's account). Thus his standing before God is changed.
I think this is explained pretty plain, don't you? I am sure you want your standing before God to be 'just as if you had never sinned'. I can't think of anything better than that, can you? Grandma Joan
Monday, October 23, 2017
Sanctification
Sanctification is nothing less than a daily dying to self, and daily conformity to the will of God. Paul's sanctification was a constant conflict with self. Said he, 'I die daily'. His will and his desires every day conflicted with duty and the will of God. Instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature.
Sanctification means habitual communion with God.
We should consider the words of the apostle Paul in which he appeals to his brethren, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies, 'a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.' Romans 12:1. This is true sanctification. It is not merely a theory, an emotion, or a form of words, but a living, active principle, entering into the everyday life.
'Learn of Me', says Jesus; 'for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest.' Matthew 11:29. We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn from Him meekness and lowliness. Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained for heaven. This training means a knowledge of Christ. It means emancipation from ideas, habits, and practices that have been gained in the school of the prince of darkness. The soul must be delivered from all that is opposed to loyalty to God.
Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. We are to spend our entire life from the time we are justified by Christ's blood till the time we rest in the grave or if we live until Christ comes, living for Him and the only way we can do that is to surrender our lives to Him and let Him live out His life in us. Grandma Joan
Sanctification means habitual communion with God.
We should consider the words of the apostle Paul in which he appeals to his brethren, by the mercies of God, to present their bodies, 'a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.' Romans 12:1. This is true sanctification. It is not merely a theory, an emotion, or a form of words, but a living, active principle, entering into the everyday life.
'Learn of Me', says Jesus; 'for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest.' Matthew 11:29. We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn from Him meekness and lowliness. Redemption is that process by which the soul is trained for heaven. This training means a knowledge of Christ. It means emancipation from ideas, habits, and practices that have been gained in the school of the prince of darkness. The soul must be delivered from all that is opposed to loyalty to God.
Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. We are to spend our entire life from the time we are justified by Christ's blood till the time we rest in the grave or if we live until Christ comes, living for Him and the only way we can do that is to surrender our lives to Him and let Him live out His life in us. Grandma Joan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)