Reaching Toward The Goal (1 of 5)

Reaching Toward the Goal – Phi 3:10-14

At the New Year many may think of a resolution.  I guess they are good but for the most part we don’t stick with them.  I was thinking about this for myself as well what would be one thing I would want to accomplish this year?  I want to know Christ better – I want to come closer to God through Jesus.  I have been teaching on the doctrine of justification by faith alone – for the past few months.  Mainly on Sunday and Wednesday nights – justification is God declaring the sinner righteous by grace through faith.  It is the imputed righteousness of God by faith in Jesus Christ – it’s ESSENCE is grace – SOURCE is God – MEANS is faith – FOUNDATION is the blood of Jesus Christ – SPHERE is Jesus Christ – AGENT is the Holy Spirit – EVIDENCE is works.  Paul says in (vv. 7-9) that his old life was discarded as useless garbage – after He met Jesus.

He rejected any righteousness of his own achievements – Paul now knew Christ.  In Christ he possessed the righteousness of God.  You see justification is a free act of God’s grace – and in NO WAY dependent on human actions of works – “not of works.”  The Bible says – “God is the justifier.”  There are three aspects to salvation – first is what I have just described – justification.  There is also “glorification” – that is the final aspect – that when the believer leaves this old world behind – puts off this earthly tabernacle – and goes to be with Jesus – he will be glorified.  You see none of us arrive here in this world – there are no PhD’s in Christianity or life – or what I want to talk to you about in this post.  That is the middle aspect of salvation – sanctification – it is this aspect that you and I are given the power by the indwelling Spirit of God to accomplish – but we must cooperate in it.

Paderewski was a concert pianist – at one time he was also the prime minister of Poland – and he talks about an unforgettable concert. The concert hall was packed to capacity – and the audience waited in anticipation for this master musician to appear. While he was back stage a mother with her young son came in – she brought him to encourage him – and he was all eyes.  Staring at everything – especially the majestic grand piano on center stage.  His mother began talking to one of her friends – and while she was talking – the boy slipped out of his seat. The sound of the piano was suddenly heard by the audience – this caused the room to grow quiet – to their surprise – the figure at the piano that was banging away at the keys was not Paderewski – it was this woman’s son. He was innocently playing twinkle twinkle little star – when his mother saw him – of course she gasped. The crowd thought it was funny at first – but after a while they grew impatient – and began to shout – get him off the stage.  But before his mother could retrieve him – Paderewski was backstage – and summarized the scene.  He slipped through the curtain – and moved toward the piano – as he got closer – he began to whisper to the boy – don’t quit – keep playing. And then leaning over the boys shoulder – Paderewski with his left hand = began to play – and then his right hand began to play.  He did this just above the little boys fingers – and then TOGETHER they began to play this magnificent piece – all the while Paderewski is whispering – don’t stop – keep playing.

Do you ever feel like giving up? – I guess we all have or at least do from time to time. In our own lives, unpolished though we may be, it is Christ who comes along side us and surrounds us  and time and time again whispers in our ear – “don’t quit – keep playing.”  None of us are accomplished none of us master life.  Instead we play wrong notes at the wrong time, we get distracted and our hearts become discouraged by a very impatient world.  But in all our experience and all our attempts and in spite of our ignorance and weakness, Jesus Christ has a way of placing His sovereign hands beside ours adding to the music – whispering – “don’t quit – don’t give up – keep playing.”

I want to talk on the subject of reaching toward the goal.  Well in order to reach the GOAL – we must first know the goal.  Think of a race – in particular a running race. You have a starting line,  then there is the race.  It may have obstacles in it and it will be exhausting at times.  You may feel like throwing in the towel – and then there is the finish line.  If you do well in the race – you will receive a reward.

The goal is our sanctification – the starting point is our initial salvation experience – when we are declared righteous by God.  Think of a marriage – there is the wedding ceremony – but that is just the beginning of a growing and knowing and sharing relationship.  So how does all this work? – first  we give our feeble little effort – while Jesus is right there by our side – encouraging us – and adding his majesty to it all.

The Dawn of a New Day

God Breaks His Silence: The Dawn of a New Day!

Luke 1:5-25

It is impossible to discuss – or study the events that precede the birth – as well as the actual birth of Christ – without encountering angelic visits.  In these scenes the angels are scurrying about – on mission for God – as God fulfills His plans and purposes – regarding His glorious plan of redemption – the redemption of our lost souls.  There are some who say – angels are just imaginative things – and then others over-exaggerate angels – they look for them under all the bushes.

Herbert Locklear – in his book – “Angels all around us” – talks about a time when he went to Nairobi Africa – on mission – to a missionary school.

In the service one day he was preaching – a native man – who later that afternoon would accept Christ as Savior – came over to Dr. Locklear.  He told him what had lead him to this service – it was several months earlier – he and some other thugs – planned to climb the hill – to the school – and kidnap and kill some of the children.  In the cover of darkness – as they made their way up the hill – they approached the school – to find surrounding the facility – men dressed in white robes – and they were holding swords – the swords were on fire.

I would agree with the great Puritan theologian – John Owen – who wrote in the 1600’s – “to ignore the angels – is the height of ingratitude – we should search after what may be known of them – God hasn’t revealed them for nothing – but as in all things – He expects and demands the praise and the glory.”

We could say to deny angels – denies the declaration of the gospel of grace – sent that first Christmas.

In our text – an angel plays a significant role – God tells the angel Gabriel – “Go tell the old man the gospel – the Messiah is on His way!”

May I tell you with all the gumption God gives me in my soul – that the Messiah has already come – the gospel is available – if you desire to be forgiven – right now you can take God at His word – by faith say NO to self – and YES to Jesus!  Let’s take a trip back in time  as we celebrate the birth of our Savior – Jesus Christ – and study one of the events of the pronouncement that Messiah will soon be in their midst!  For what must have seemed like an eternity to the people of God – there was a silence from heaven – for 400 years.  From the time Gabriel comes to visit Zechariah – and the last time a Prophet of God spoke “what thus saith the Lord” – there was 400 years that lapsed.  Can you imagine that? – I wonder if God isn’t silent today – in this country – in many of our churches – in our lives – in our homes.  The prophet Amos prophesied that there was coming a day – a day when there will be a famine – this famine will not be for food or water – but rather a famine of the HEARING of the words of the Lord.

God’s word is settled for eternity – forever – so there is no famine for the word of God – but a HEARING of the Word of God.  You see – very few are preaching it – even more don’t want to hear it.  So in our text – the 400 year silence of heaven – is finally broken – it is the dawn of a new day – I want us to look at this scene around what this old faithful man of God experienced.

ECSTATIC CHARGE

This may seem like an odd point – you’ll get it in a moment – look @ (vv. 5-10).  Zechariah is serving God in very difficult days – the ruler of the land is a paranoid wicked killer – King Herod.  At this time Herod is about 70 years old – he has already killed his sons – out of jealousy for his throne.  The Roman Emperor and Senate loved him – in fact they gave him the title – King of the Jews.  You can only imagine when the wise men came to him – inquiring of the one “born king of the Jews.”  Not long after that – he ordered every child in the area under the age of 2 – killed – to get rid of Christ.  People have been trying to get rid of Jesus for 2,000 years – He isn’t going anywhere – in fact he’s coming again – just as sure as he came the first time.  These were not easy days to serve God as a priest – one thing Herod wanted – was the approval of the Jews.  He built them the finest building in the land – the temple – the temple was so brilliant and laden with gold – they say you couldn’t look at it – when the sun was coming up.  There is a piece of it left today – it is the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.  You see the hopes of the people were the coming Messiah – Malachi prophesied 400 years earlier – “The Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in His wings”.  We have in our text the dawning of the light of God’s splendor.  We read (v. 5) – “priest after the order of Abijah” – that is significant.  I will discuss that in a moment – Zechariahs wife of many years – was Elisabeth – they both walked in holiness before God (v. 6).  The glory of their walk is magnified by the statement – “they had no child” – Elisabeth was barren – they were in their 90’s and had not had any children.

In spite of this – they walked in obedience with God – they served God faithfully.  You see – for Orthodox Jews at this time – barrenness was considered the rebuke of God.  This must have brought much pain through the years for them – in fact during this time – it was grounds for divorce – Oh how they must have felt and been treated.  Yet they remained faithful to God – I couldn’t help but ask myself – “Would I have served God as they did?” – “Would you have served God as they did?”  Why do we serve God? – because He’s good to us – so that He will be good to us – OR like these – in spite of the fact He didn’t SEEM to be good to them.  Not only were they childless – they really had no hope – due to them being very old.  I noticed this week – Gabriel brings news that one who couldn’t get pregnant – and one that shouldn’t be pregnant – were going to be pregnant.  Look @ (vv. 8-9) – alright here is where the scene really gets good.  The scene is this – it is early in the morning – the massive temple gates swing open – and there is a three-fold blast from the silver trumpets of the priests.  The echoes of this blast would echo through the city – down the valley of Tyropoen – up the slopes of the upper city.  It was as if the voice of God – echoes through the land – to announce the dawn of a new day.  In reality – very soon the dawn of the new day will be announced from heaven – to the ears and heart of Zechariah.  At this time there were 24 “divisions” – in each division there were about 1,000 priests.  So in the land there were about 24,000 priests.  One of the divisions – was that of Abijah – it was this divisions turn at serving in the temple – this division was the one Zechariah was a part of.  One priest was on the pinnacle of the temple – waiting on the sun to reach the horizon – then he would give the signal – that is was ready to begin the sacrifice.  Each day there was about 50 priests on duty – by now they had washed according to the ordinance.  The individual ministries were given – by way of LOT – this prevented any carnal zeal.

The first duty of the day – was done way before dawn – that was the stirring of the red coals on the altar of burnt offering.  Then they would cast lot again – to determine who would take part in the sacrifice itself.  They would make ready the altar of incense – and trim the candlesticks – in the holy place.  When this was done – they would then bring out the lamb – one year old – without blemish.  Then as this was being prepared – they would cast lots once more – this one would tell who would be the one honored – with the highest mediatorial act – the offering of incense.  This represented the prayers of the people – ONLY once in a lifetime – would one enjoy this privilege.  Here is this old man – the snows of over 60 winters have fallen – as he served God – never was he able to do this.  Friends understand today – that God has never once taken a break as sovereign of the universe – this was designed by God.  It was Zechariahs turn – to be honored to offer the sacrifice of incense this day!  This old faithful farmer – from the hillside of Judea – who was married to a woman from the lineage of Aaron.  This was a time of celebration for Zechariah – but I can imagine he was nervous at the same time – going into the holy place!  The time to go in was come – the others were praying outside…

So this was an ecstatic charge from the Lord….

EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCE

This is really a big day for Zechariah – we are told in (v. 10) that he went into the holy place – WOW can you imagine the thrill!  Allow me to paint the scene for you once more – here was Zechariah – he had the golden censor in his hand – alone in the holy place – the only light was from the 7 branched candlestick.  Just before him was the golden altar of incense – the red coals glowing – and just beyond that – the heavy veil.  On the north side was the table of showbread – on the left was the candlestick – and he stood waiting on the signal – for the time to spread the incense on the altar.  The time came – and Zechariah – reverently and fearfully approach the altar of incense – which was very close to the veil and the holy of holies – oh how he must have felt.  Then there rose from that altar – a sweet fragrance – and cloud – and deep silence would fall on the temple.  The prayers of the people – would have been of thanksgiving – and for the Messiah to come.  And just as the cloud – look @ (v. 11) – DO WHAT!! – here is a 90 year old man – served God faithfully his whole life in spite of difficulties.  As a priest for over 60 years serving God – FINALLY his lot was drawn to offer the incense offering in the holy place.  To top it all off – the Angel Gabriel appears to him – standing next to the altar of incense!!  This is the same Gabriel who Zechariah knew of (Dan 10) – wearing linen robe – garment of the high priest – solid gold belt.  A body that was chisled and blue – face like lightening – eyes glowing with fire – hands and feet like polished brass – a voice like the multitude.  No wonder (v. 12) – that is the understatement of the year!  Look @ (vv. 13-14) – some say this is the prayer he has just prayed = I disagree – I think it is the prayer he and Elisabeth prayed for year – to have a child.  Then Gabriel describes him – notice the alcohol and filling of the Spirit – used together – (vv. 15-17).  He will perform his ministry in the same power of the Holy Spirit – as Elijah did.

He job is to be the forerunner – for the Lord Jesus Christ – the Messiah – rolling the carpet out for Jesus.  Look @ (vv. 18-19) – Zechariah lacks some faith – he says – “how is an old man and old woman who is barren going to have a child.”  “I am an old man!!” – Gabriel says – “I am Gabriel!” – Zechariah – “I stand in the very presence of God!!” – he has sent me to deliver to you – “glad tidings” – euangeleon – the GOSPEL.  Zechariah – it is the dawn of a new day! – Messiah is coming.

However you want a sign – I will give you one.

EXTENDED SILENCE

Look @ (v. 20) – this was both a sign and judgment for lack of faith.  It was time for Zechariah to go back out – and address the people – once in his lifetime – he goes into offer incense in the holy place.

With that privilege – came the obligation of bringing a word to the people that waited outside.  Zechariah cannot speak!! – look @ (vv. 21-23) – they all knew something was going on – he completes his priestly duty – the rest of the week – and then heads back to the country.

Look @ (vv. 24-25) – both he and Elisabeth were silent.  Here is the first to hear the gospel – can you imagine being a spokesman for God for years – and now you have the SCOOP – and you can’t tell anyone!  How about you and I – who have the gospel – and the ability to spread the word – yet sit silent week after week!  Elisabeth will break her silence – when Mary comes to visit – because she has been given good news – from Gabriel as well.  Do you personally know Jesus – whom Mary has been told – do you know the Jesus John the Baptizer was born to announce?  The Jesus who is God’s Son – the Messiah!

Marriage: How to make it work

Illustration of Christ and His Church:  The Marriage relationship

We are in a crisis in America.  This crisis we find, not only in the secular arena, but it is just as bad in the Christian.  There is a loss of order in the family.  We have lost any idea of authority in the family.  There is very little understanding about what God has to say about authority in the family; divine order in the family.  In Ephesians chapter 5 Paul is discussing the walk of the believer.  He mentions the vital importance of the believer being “filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18).”  Yes, the believer is indwelt with the Spirit when He is justified, but there is a process of yielding to the Spirit in his walk.  The yielding can bring a filling of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life.  This enables the believer to walk according to God’s will.  Then as a Spirit filled believer we acting as such in our conversations, actions, and dealings with others (v. 19-20).  From this point Paul moves into the portion where he deals with family life – marriage.  He does so by illustrating the husband wife relationship as that of Christ and His Bride. 

In order for the marriage to be successful there must first be a submission to God which is made possible only by one who is born again.  Then he points out that both husband and wife are to be in submission to one another as they walk with God (v. 21).  After all that Paul gives one verse to the wives.  They are to submit unto their own husbands just like they are to the Lord (v. 22).  Too many men take this to mean that they are to demand respect from their wives.  In others words, the wife submits because the husband tells her to.  That is contrary to what God says.  God says this is voluntary on the part of the wife.  Just like God doesn’t force us as believers into submission to Him, the husband doesn’t force the wife into submission to him.  This is something that is earned out of following the pattern God has set forth.   This does not at all imply inferiority. It speaks to her willingness to be obedient to God’s order for the family.  This is not a command that the man orders – this comes directly from God to the wife.  It is the wife being obedient to the Lord – in response to the husband’s leadership.

 The key word in respect to the wives is submit.  However there is also a key word for husbands.  Look @ (vv. 25, 28, 33) – verses that speak directly to the husband.  They (we) are to love your wife.  You see the key to leadership in the home is LOVE – it is the man who is to initiate and permeate the home with LOVE.  I would like to use a little outline I worked on to illustrate this love – it is a:

1. I.                    Sacrificial Love (vv. 25-27)

It was a sacrificial love that put Jesus on the cross.  It is a sacrificial love that will make our homes and marriages.  This is the kind of love that is selfless and also a love that sanctifies the wife.  Husbands are to agapate taV gunaikaV.  That is specifically saying “a love that is irrespective of merit, even to the undeserving (Hoehner 747).”  Yes we will get on each nerves from time to time, but we love like Christ loves us.  God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.  The husband should be willing to die for his wife, and that should permeate the home.  This will bring the wife to the place God would have her be – in submission.  I also mentioned this love sanctifies.  It always builds up and never drags down.  Too many men in this country that like to act the role of the “tough guy” but in reality they are nothing but wimps.  Build your wife up.  It is the husband’s job to be the spiritual leader in the home as well. 

1. II.                  Personal Love (vv. 28-30)

Society says to love yourself first and others come after you are taken care of.  Yet God calls us to put others first.  That is essential in the home and marriage.  The husband is to love his wife just like himself.  Problem is too many men act like they are still in high school. 

1. III.                Mystical Love (vv. 31-33)

Paul borrows from Genesis 2:24 and says “the two become one flesh.”  That is mystical.  John Stott calls this unity of one flesh like that of the believer and Christ – baptized into the body of Christ (231).  That is a mystery indeed.  Now Paul touches on the Genesis passage and it may help to mention the “leave and cleave” of marriage.  A new home is begun, and husband and wife need to stop running home to mommy and daddy every time there is a problem.  Work it out in love together.  The husbands first loyalty after Christ is to his wife.  The wife’s first loyalty after Christ is her husband.  Mom and Dad do not run your new home.  When the husband loves his wife it is not something he will lose.  While Paul uses the church and the Lord illustration it may help to look at what Jesus said.  “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left they first love (Rev 2:4).”  He doesn’t say lost he says left.  It is easier to admit we lost something than left it.  Then in (v. 5) Jesus says “remember – repent – repeat.”  I will leave the specifics to your imagination. 

John Phillips summarizes well in saying: “a capable strong willed woman who is married to an incompetent, passive man certainly has a problem, but it is not too difficult a problem for God to solve.  If she will seek the Holy Spirit’s filling, if in the power of His enablement she will reverence her husband, build him up, and help him where he is weak and she is strong, her husband will develop the masculine qualities that command her reverence.  If she refuses to reverence her husband, she will dominate him and cause him to become resentful.  Or she could cause him to develop feminine characteristics that are most unlovely in a man, while she develops masculine characteristics that are most unlovely in a woman (171).”

Mary Did You Know?

Mary did you know?

Christmas is coming or is here, and the goose is getting fat! However, Christmas is coming and profits are down, how about that? The world seems to be in survival mode, have you noticed? Many drift through the holidays wishing Christmas would be here sooner, not get here at all, or wish it was over. Some have good memories, some do not. The world and many believers get most of their information about Christmas from cards, manger scenes, plays, songs, etc., which are not usually very biblical. The Christmas season should be a really wonderful time to reflect on what a loving Father has done for sinful man by giving him the greatest gift of all, His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also a wonderful time of the year to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ, i.e. Who He is and what He did. The believer can use it as a vehicle to get out the good news. More than anything else, the believer can rejoice that the eternal Son humbled Himself to take on humanity. What is also very important is correct biblical information concerning the gift of the Son of God.

Many years ago a young virgin was told she was going to have a child, a very special child. This child was the eternal Son of God literally taking on human flesh to become the Savior of the world. “The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:30-33). Mary understood this would be a fulfillment of all that was told to her by the angel. However, Mary asked in faith ‘how can this be, for I am a virgin?’ (1:34). This was a valid question, and the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:35). In Mary’s womb would be the God-man. It is important to note that Mary is not the mother of God i.e. God’s mommy. God has no mommy!

While Mary would know shortly whether or not she was pregnant, a greater issue was the biblical prophecy concerning this child (Luke 1:30-33). If all that was spoken concerning this child were true, then not only is Mary the mother of Jesus, this confirms Jesus as the true Messiah of Scripture (24:26-27), Jesus the Christ. Mary was given a sign concerning all that had been spoken to her. Mary believed, for she took God at His Word. Mary was a great woman of faith. Mary’s response to this whole event is of great value as she said, “for nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Mary, by faith, believed all that has been said to her. This proves that faith is simply taking God at His Word. Mary did exactly this.

What is interesting with all the hype about Christmas, there is virtually very little or nothing of the biblical Christmas story. The Christmas story is played out every year in so many ways, yet it is only in two chapters of the New Testament and at most three. The baby in Bethlehem was the God-man who came to die. The Father has given His Word and the greatest gift of all, His own Son. He gave His life for all men. Have you accepted this choice and precious gift? All you need to do is one thing, believe. Believe that He is the Son of God (God in the flesh), that He died for YOUR sins and was raised on the third day (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The gospel is simple; all you do is believe in Him according to the Scriptures.  Now if you have already done that, this is a really merry Christmas. For there is no true Christmas story without knowing that God gave man the greatest gift one can ever have (John 3:16). Christmas exists because of Who He is and what He did for us. The cross is where man did his worst, but God gave and did His best.

Great White Throne vs. Matthew 25 Judgment

     Is there a difference in the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:11 and Matthew 25?    

      In the Revelation chapter 20:11-15 is found the most awesome scene in the entire bible.  The Great White Throne judgment is enough to sober the most frivolous mind.  It is an extremely frightening scene that presents an event that will take place in the future.  There is coming a judgment day for all who have never received the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior.  John says to us that he sees a great white throne and the One who sat upon it His face the heavens and earth fled away.  Is this judgment that is presented here synonymous with that of the “sheep and goat” judgment presented by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 25?

          The bible teaches that there will be more than one judgment.  There is first of all, the judgment where Christ died on the cross for the sins of the world.  On the cross of Calvary the one time sacrifice for mans sins was made.  It was there on the cross, where the wrath of God was poured out on His Son, Jesus Christ.  “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness (1 Pet 2:24).”  Jesus Christ bore an infinite amount of judgment on the cross in a finite period of time – for me!

          The bible also teaches that one day there will be a judgment for born again believers.  This will be a period of examination which is referred to as the judgment seat (Bema) of Christ.  Paul writing to the church (‘believer’s’ 1 Cor 1:2) at Corinth says: “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet as by fire (1 Cor 3:14-15).”  This judgment is not to see whether or not we are going to heaven, rather an examination of what we did in our body (Rom 14:10).

          The bible also teaches that there will be a judgment of the nations one day.  The Lord Jesus discusses this in the third section of the Olivet Discourse (Matt 25:31-46).  These words are the closing words of Christ in His last official sermon on earth.  He pulls His disciples together for some intimate teaching prior to His going to the cross.  At this point it is literally hours before the Lord Jesus Christ is going to be judged, and yet the Lord in these verses in Matthew is telling about sitting one day and judging all the nations of the world.  This particular judgment that Jesus teaches of in Matthew 25 is going to occur before the literal millennial reign of Christ on this earth.

          Jesus says in (v. 34) “come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”  This judgment has to do with entrance into the millennial reign of Christ, not occurring outside or after the millennial reign of Christ.  The bible seems to give us the setting for this particular judgment in the Old Testament book of Joel.  In Joel chapter 3 there seems to be a prediction which coincides with the teaching of Christ in Matthew 25.  Joel says (3:2) “I will also gather all the nations and will bring them down in the valley of Jehosophat and I will plead for them…(literally means he will judge for them there)…for my people and for my heritage Israel whom they have scattered among the nations and parted my land.”  Then the bible says (v. 12) “Let the heathen be wakened and come up to the Valley of Jehosophat for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.”  These words in the passage in Joel are inspired as well as spoken directly from the Lord (3:1). 

          There will come a day when Christ will come as judge in His glory throne, and all the nations will be gathered before Him.  This judgment is not the Great White Throne judgment.  This judgment in Matthew 25 takes place after the battle of Armageddon (Joel 3:2-14) and before the millennial reign of Christ.  There is no indication of a resurrection here, so the ones being judged are living.  The primary purpose of this judgment is to show the treatment of the gentile nations of the Jews during the great tribulation.  John Walvoord makes a great comment:

“Those described her are people who have lived through the great tribulation, a time of unparalleled anti-Semitism, when the majority of Jews in the land will be killed.  Under these circumstances, if a gentile befriends a Jew to the extent of feeding and clothing and visiting him, it could mean that he is a believer in Jesus Christ and recognizes the Jews as the chosen people.  The gentiles described as sheep are those who are children of God by faith in Christ…the goats being cast into the lake of fir is in keeping with the previous prediction of Christ in the parable of the wheat and the tares.”

          The Great White Throne judgment is distinct in and of itself from other judgments. The “Great” in that it is universal in scope.  “White” in that the throne is one of absolute purity and says to us that the One who sat on it was pure and holy.  The One is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.  “God hath appointed a day in the which He (Jesus) will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31).”  Jesus Himself said “For the father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son (John 5:22).”  Through the ages men have ridiculed Him, ignored Him, and denied Him.  The truth is that one day all will face Him.  Jesus Christ is the inescapable personality of eternity and human history.   

          We are told in (Rev 20:11) “there is no place found for them” and that ties together with 2 Peter 3:7-10.  There will be no place to stand, no hiding place, and no place to run.  Just like in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve tried to hide from God – God knew exactly where they were and what they needed.  Jonah hit the high sea on the run from God, yet God sent a fish after him.  In that day of the Great White throne judgment there will be no place to run, those there will be suspended in space, all supports gone, all religions collapsed, and pride will melt away.

          We are then told in (v. 12) that “all the dead will be there.”  Some interpret this incorrectly because it says “all.”  This is why it is vital that the whole context of the scripture be taken into account.  This is reference to all those who have died outside the Lord Jesus Christ.  We are told very clearly that there is no more condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1).  Jesus Himself said that whoever believes on Him would not come into condemnation (John 5:24).  The great white throne judgment is not for believers but rather “the resurrection unto shame and everlasting contempt.”  Everyone throughout the ages who did not believe God by faith will be present here.  The great and the small – Caesar, Stalin, Hitler, al the rock stars and movie stars that polluted our culture with such filth.  Also present will be even the little people.  Maybe some who mocked God and His Son, even good people will be present there. 

          In contrast to the judgment of Matthew 25 where the gentiles are judged according to their works, “here (Rev 20) the works evidently are such that salvation is not the issue but rather the degree of punishment, and there is no indication that any righteous are found in this judgment (Walvoord).”  Although both are judgments and Christ is clearly judge, the characteristics are different.  The people present are different and the judgment is for a specific purpose in Matthew 25, whereas in the Great white throne judgment it is an all encompassing judgment.  We also must note again that the judgment in Matthew 25, the people are alive and in the tribulation period and the great white throne judgment the peoples are all the dead outside of Christ who are resurrected and brought before the Judge – Jesus Christ.

         How are they judged at the great white throne judgment?  We are told (v. 12) that the books were opened and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things written in the books.  It appears there are three books, two of which are mentioned here in this text and then also in (21:27) there is another.  The first of which is the book of life.  This seems to be the book that contains the names of all those who have been born on this earth.  The second book is God’s record book.  God is keeping perfect records of every action, deed, thought, word; anything and everything we have ever done.  This book will be present at the great white throne judgment.  Then there is the third book which is the Lamb’s book of life.  This is the book of all who have received the Lord Jesus Christ as personal Savior. 

          When one is brought before the great white throne judgment the first book that will be brought out is the book of works.  “The absolute justice of God is revealed in this judgment of works.  Even those who have spurned the Lord Jesus there is a differentiation in degrees of wickedness and apparently variation in punishment (Walvoord).”  Not any indication that any amount of works would merit even a mille-second in God’s heaven, but there will be various levels of everlasting punishment.  This seems to be what Dante’s Inferno seems to allude to in an allegorical fashion.  The bible does seem to indicate that the ones who have clearly heard and refused a clear presentation of the gospel will top the list in the role call in hell (Rev 21:8).  The other book that will be there is the book of life.  If one dies outside the Lord Jesus there name seems to be erased from the book of life.  The last book is the Lamb’s book of life.  When one receives Christ as Savior their names is written in this book.  I guess that is why the Lord Jesus told His disciples rejoice because your name is written in heaven.

          What makes the great white throne judgment so terrifying is that if you are present there you will not have another word to say.  God has been patient and He has been working for many centuries.  There will come a point in time when His patience will run out.  There will be no jury and no defense; a sentence but no appeal; a Judge and a final judgment (v. 14).  Jesus will say something to the effect of: Depart from Me I never knew you.  In closing the words of Charles Ryrie:

“The result of this judgment is that all of those who are in it are cast into the lake of fire.  This is the second death – eternal separation from God.  Even death (which claims the body) and Hades (which claims the soul) are cast into the lake of fire, since their work is now done.  The death people die on earth is only temporary.  All will partake of resurrection.  The prison of the soul at death , Hades, is only temporary; for the final and eternal separation, the second death is the lake of fire.”

The truth of future judgment is written on the psyche of man; man knows instinctively judgment is coming one day.

Thanksgiving – the day

“WHEREAS, It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor;

WHEREAS, Both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now, therefore, I do recommend next, to be devoted by the people of the states to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be, that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country.”

 George Washington – first president and one of the founding fathers of the United States of America

Magnificent Grace – Ephesians 1.7-8

Magnificent Grace – Ephesians 1:7-8

This is the third part of our series – “To God be the Glory.”

I was reading a story the other day – a man tells of a car accident he was in with his mother – it was before seat belts were installed – a car hit them head on – and he remembers afterwards – being covered in blood.

He soon realized it wasn’t his blood – but his mother’s – in a split second – she grabbed him – and curled around him – to take the IMPACT – for him.  It took almost two years for her to recover from that –we need to know and believe – that JC took the IMPACT of the penalty of our sin on the cross.  In our text the wonderful doctrines of – redemption and forgiveness and grace are wonderfully shown to us.  God’s grace is truly magnificent – words cannot describe all that God did for us in our redemption – praise God this morning if you have been saved by God’s redeeming grace.

Look @ (Tit 2:11-13; 3:4-7) – the grace of God is surely mysterious – I can’t tell you why God left heaven and died in my stead  other than His love for me was overflowing – but yet I can’t fathom that either.  You may recall that as I began this study – Paul introduces Himself  and then immediately breaks into this doxology – praise to God.  He praises God for every spiritual blessing He has given to us in Christ  and it is here that he talks about some of those blessings – that flow out of the matchless grace of God.

Those blessings are contained in the truth that….

I.                     BELIEVERS ARE RANSOMED

“In whom we have redemption through His blood.” – there were 60 million slaves in the Roman empire – they were often brought to market – and sold as merchandise.  However a man could purchase a slave and set him free  and that is what Christ did for us when He redeemed us.

It was at the cross – that JC went to the slave market of sin – and with His precious blood paid the satisfactory payment – for our sins.  He was the high bidder for our lost souls  and the payment was his life for ours.  Look @ (v. 14) – also (Col 1:14) “In whom we have redemption through His blood – the forgiveness of sins.”

Here is a man on death row – he has been sentenced – and is awaiting the execution – but at just the right time – someone pops in and says – “Someone else is going to take your execution – you are free to go.”

You may have picked up on this when I discussed our election and adoption – and talked about how that was handled in eternity past.  Well these blessings of redemption and forgiveness move us into the realm of TIME and history.  This is a present reality – and it is bound up in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Paul writes with a degree in OT law – the picture he uses here is that of Israel being delivered from the bondage of Egypt.  You see as we look back – Egypt is a picture of the world and sin and bondage.

The lost person is standing in the quick sand of sin – and sinking deeper every hour and it is not until the quickening power of the Spirit of God and the Word of God – that we are removed.  All made possible because of the HORRIFYING self sacrifice of Christ on the cross.  It was there that he could have called down the arsenal of heaven – and the folks would have been launched into hell.  Yet He chose to willingly and loving lay down His precious divine life – that calls for a shout of praise.

Our pardon has come down from God – and by faith we are redeemed by His love and grace – which means we should be liberated from our pride and our passions.  Look @ (Heb 9:11-15) – (1 Peter 1:18-21) – God cannot and could not treat sin lightly  unlike we do today – we change the names – dumb it down – look over it – “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.”

God did the work – all of it – all He tells us to do is BELIEVE Him!  So we are talking about these blessings that outflow – from the matchless grace of God – and they are contained in the truth that – Believers are ransomed…..

II.                    BELIEVERS ARE RELEASED

Redemption is always equated with forgiveness – look @ (v. 7a).  So there we were – imprisoned by the grip of sin – and Jesus comes – gives His life a ransomed for ours – and releases us from bondage.  In the OT – (Lev 16) we are told of the Day of Atonement.  It was there the priest would sacrifice for his own sins – but then two goats were brought – he would then kill the one – and take the blood and sprinkle it on the mercy seat.  It was his clean hands and pure heart – on the basis of the bloodshed for his own sins – that he was able to go into the Holy of Holies.  Then it was on the basis of the blood shed – and applied to the mercy seat – that he was able to then confess the sins of the people of Israel.  When he confessed the sins of the people – he would lay both his hands on the live goat.  That goat was then sent out into the wilderness – far far away – until it was lost – never to return.

Christ died – to carry away our sins – (Ps 103:12) “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

(John 1:29) there was John the Baptist baptizing in the river Jordan – he looked up and saw one coming – “BEHOLD.”

You see the scapegoat was symbolic of the transfer of sins – it was all temporary – and needed to be done every year.  But friends the bible says “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree – that we being dead to sins – should live unto righteousness – by whose stripes ye are healed.”  There is nothing symbolic about that – Christ LITERALLY bore our sins – on the cross Jesus took all our sins – “what sins are you talking about” – gone gone yes my sins are gone.  All of it appropriated by faith – believing all this – let me ask you this – how is that people can read a bunch of junk in a magazine – and believe it – and yet don’t believe the glorious truths of God great salvation wrought in Christ – written in the Bible.

Look @ (Heb 13:11-12) – believers have been released.  You see the idea of forgiveness – is losing someone from what BINDS him.  It literally means to send away – when God deals with our sin – he dispatches it out into the wilderness – like the scapegoat.  Before we move on – I want us to clearly understand WHAT is forgiven – OUR SINS.

In our culture we like to say that is our little mistakes – God doesn’t call SIN a mistake – He makes it very clear that SIN is active willful rebellion against Him – conscious rebellion against the holiness and righteousness of God.  Human beings are responsible for these treacherous acts against God – and sin needs to be punished.  If sin went unpunished – God would topple from His throne – and when one dies outside of Christ – they go off into eternal torment and punishment.  You see the result of redemption – Christ’s shed blood – God has cancelled – He has forgiven – and the necessary punishment that goes with them.  Redemption is the cause and forgiveness is the effect – Not that God is lenient with sin – because sin had to be paid in order for the sinner to be set free.  The effect of this payment – is the RELEASE – from all obligations caused by sin.

The blessings that outflow from the matchless grace of God – are contained in the truths that – Believers are ransomed & released.

III.                  BELIEVERS ARE RICH

Psalm 68:18 “blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits even the God of our salvation.”  Friends we are ransomed and released – all “according to the riches of His grace.”

The unmerited favor and merciful kindness – that God exerts His holy influence – which first of all – turns people to Christ – then keeps them and strengthens them.  Look @ vv. 7b – 8 – do you see there how redemption and forgiveness is according to God’s grace?  But then Paul expounds on that grace – folks it is ONLY by the grace of God – that you and I are sitting here – holding the living Word of God in our hands – and the HS opening our understanding – and rejoicing.  The word “abounded” is great – it literally means “more than enough” – it comes to us in great quantity.  But then “toward” indicates to us that not only is this an action of God that took place in the past – but God continues to unload grace on us.

If you are born again – God has lavished his amazing grace on you – but not only that – he keeps lavishing.  God has provided for all of us – an overabundance of blessings and grace – “Blessed be God.”  God is never cheap in allocating his grace – he gives it unsparingly as needed – John says it comes “grace on top of grace on top of grace.”  Then he says “in all wisdom and prudence” – Paul says in 1 Cor 1 that the wisdom of men is foolishness.  You see human reformation cannot change people – this wisdom here could only be that which is revealed by God – it is ONLY the crucified Christ – who is the wisdom of God – that generates the power to transform people.

Then “prudence” – which is really understanding – the two words really do go together – prudence is discernment.  So “wisdom” is insight into the true nature of God’s revelation – and prudence is God given “common sense” in the present time – practical wisdom.  Do you feel sometimes like you just don’t get it? – it is God’s grace that provided redemption and forgiveness of sins – but that same grace lavishes on us – insight and wisdom.  With the benefits of grace – comes the benefits of understanding and wisdom – which is essential to live the life God has called you to live.  It is the understanding – that your new freedom in Christ – is NOT for self-indulgence – but rather the freedom to serve the risen exalted glorified Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.  So it is “in Christ” we have been accepted (v. 6) – and (vv. 7-8) it is “in Christ” we have – redemption – forgiveness – and have had lavished on us wisdom and discernment – to know the things of God – and serve Him in such a way – He is glorified – and others are drawn to Him.

Watch and Pray…

Oops these aren't logs

Jesus very pointedly tells the believer to always be on alert – no napping! – or else….

Attack

 

Living as….

I thought this quote goes well with the sermon I preached yesterday at our church.

I resolve to never do anything that I would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life – Jonathan Edwards

Gods Grand Plan – Eph 1.4-6

God’s Grand Plan – Eph 1:4-6

Series: To God be the Glory (2 of 5) 

Look back @ (v. 3) – as believers you and I have been blessed with EVERY spiritual blessing – IN CHRIST!  Let us never forget – that when we approach the things of God –it is the finite approaching the infinite.  All the finite can comprehend of the infinite – is what the infinite reveals to them.  Life to you and I is presented is little packages – we live moment by moment – the future lies before us – but we cannot touch it except for that fleeting moment it brushes by us – then the present receded instantly into the past.  Yes we can anticipate the future – and recall the past – but the present is one flickering moment.  With God – the past present and future are all swallowed up into the present.  You see when we read “God has chosen us from the foundation of the world” – we must realize that the HS is stating the issue from our perspective.  Now please do not allow that explanation of what is unexplainable – or distort the fact that it is God who chose us in Christ – do not allow that to lesson your perception of God’s grace – for God’s grace is surely a mystery!!!

“Why did He love me?  I never can tell; Why did He suffer to save me from Hell?  Nothing but infinite grace from above – could have conceived such a story of love.”  (unknown author)

That said – everyone finds the doctrine of election difficult – (like Stott points out) someone says – “Yeah, but didn’t I choose God?” – we would answer – “yes you did, and freely, but ONLY because God – in eternity first chose you.”

It seems to me that the difficulty is not so much in the doctrine of election – but rather the doctrine of the depravity of man. 

With that in mind I first want to talk about….

I.                     GODS GOAL (v. 4)

As I mentioned in the previous post (v. 3) – believers have been given every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.  Those blessings include our being chosen from the foundation of the world – predestined to Sonship through the redemption in the sacrificial death of Christ – we have forgiveness of sins – and none of that can be taken from us. These blessings represent the past, present, and future – not only that they involve the Trinity.  You see our election is of the Father – our redemption is of the Son – and our seal is of the HS.

That being said – our blessings involve the Triune work of God – for every spiritual enrichment.  Now in (v. 4) we are told “He chose us” – those words ought to be very comforting to the believer.  What of this doctrine of election? – God is the subject – you see God didn’t choose us as the best of the options available to Him.  He chose us out of the whole human race – and there is no indication of dislike of those not chosen.

For example God’s choice of the Levites over the other tribes as priests – doesn’t indicate negative of the other tribes.  “He chose us” – also indicates a personal interest in the one chosen – you see God chose with great personal interest – rather than random impersonal selection.

Look @ (Rom 3:10-11) – if one is chosen by God – it wasn’t because God owed them anything – all are sinners – and deserve rejection.  There was no obligation on God’s part to do any choosing at all – the point is if God had not taken the initiative no one would have everlasting life – ALL would go to hell.  You see the problem is simply – NOT why did he choose some – but why did God choose any at all.

Now God does this individually – but our text says us – in the broad context of this book – it is the church that is being discussed.  “Us” is a group of believers – in particular the Ephesian church – are now the body of Christ – just like you and I who are born again – we are in the same family – in the body of Christ.  “In Him” – you see friends – God cannot bring sinful man into His presence – without Christ having paid for sin.  God’s choosing of believers is in connection with the redeeming work of Christ on the cross.   Jesus Christ – before the foundation of the world was the Lamb led to the slaughter – just as you and I as believers were chosen from the foundation of the world.  Here’s where the rubber meets the road – why did he do all this?

To start with – to bring glory to Himself – also “that we should be holy and blameless before Him.”

“Should be” is the PURPOSE of election – the “we” are the subjects.  The word “holy” is agios – which in the plural sense is “saints”- just as God is holy – you and are to be holy.  In other words saved people are to be different – just as Israel (not that there isn’t a distinction) was called out to be different than the other nations.  Don’t misunderstand – God didn’t choose anybody because they were holy – He chooses that we might BE holy.  The doctrine of election forbids sin – God has saved us to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.  Conformed doesn’t happen overnight – folks he’s still working on me – it is a process of growing – to one glorious day we will be glorified in Christ – look @ (5:27).

He says “without blame” – prior to being saved we were WITH blame – just as one day Christ will present believers before the Father without fault – even so now are we to walk – spiritually and morally – live unblemished lives before unbelievers (Phi 2:15).  We are to do all this “before Him” – looking unto Jesus – walk each day in the presence of Jesus.  There are too many today talking the talk – but very few walking the walk.

You see it is in Jesus and before Jesus – that we will be able to stand in the judgment.  Then he says here – this is all done “en agape” – in love – Paul uses this word agape here to go along with “chosen.”  This love of God – toward sinners – is not a love of the worthy – it is not a love that desires to possess.  It is a love that seeks to give – you see God extends His love – to undeserving sinners – this love of God seeks the highest good in the one loved.  What is the highest good for the believer?  – the will of God for their life – “that we should be holy and walk before Him blameless.”

“In love” – balances out holiness and blameless – they are effected by love – God chose us that we might stand in His presence holy and blameless – before Him in love.

That is God’s goal…..

II.                    GODS DELIGHT (v. 5)

Better reads – “having predestined us to adoption as sons.”  This word predestined means to mark out before hand – the voice indicates that God did it – in other words God chose you – and determined your destiny beforehand.  That should be enough discussed about that – how about adoption? – we must be careful to interpret culturally correct here.  Is the illustration a Greek one or a Roman one – there is a big difference.  The Ephesians were under Roman rule – Paul was born a Roman citizen – and the process of adoption was common.  In the Roman family – the father had absolute power – even to the point he could kill a child and it not be considered murder.  The process of adoption had two steps – the son had to be released from control of his natural father – release was done by way of a sale – the son would be sold as a slave.

The natural father no longer had control after this – the adopter would then have full control – and the adoptee was no longer responsible to natural father.  The purpose was that the adoptee would take the position of a natural son – in order to continue the family line. Are we doing what God has adopted us to do? – we no longer are to be under the control of the prince of the power of the air – we were children of wrath – but now adopted into the family of God.  Then he says “By Christ” – in other words “through Christ” – you pass through Christ in the adoption or not at all.  All it according to the good pleasure of His will – PERIOD!! – that should end your search into the cause of salvation.

III.                  GODS GRACE (v. 6)

God’s grace is wonderful and glorious – look @ (Ps 50:23).  Literally – “to the praise of the glory of his grace with which grace he has bestowed on us in the beloved one.”

All of the actions of the Father – have as their goal – the praise of God – you see we are talking about the manifestation of God’s gracious – undeserving action of election – and predestination – whereby He has adopted us as His children.  He did all this for His own good pleasure!! – When God saved me – He did it for His glory and His pleasure – it pleased God.  It is exciting – because there is no English verb for grace – and this is speaking of action – it is saying that God’s grace took the initiative and visited us – the gracious acts of God – election and predestination.

You see it is all about God’s choice – and not our acceptability – IN the beloved one – which speaks of Christ.  You see our relationship with the Father – is in close relationship to Christ.  Friends – we are to praise God – for every spiritual blessing – which includes the electing work of God in eternity past – and the redeeming work of Christ on Calvary’s cross.  All of this – that we might walk before Him – holy and without blame – as an adopted son of God – with all the benefits afforded to a natural son – for God’s good pleasure.  Friends – you should shout a glorious shout of praise today – if you are born again – God chose you out of the masses of humanity.