Blog Archives - Created through Him

Created Through Him

Deliverance

3/11/2013

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. 20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, 21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now (Romans 8:18-22).

The entire Creation waits for restoration. This restoration is the total healing of the relationship between the Creator and the creation. God delivers the creation then from destruction and decay. And once the creation is delivered there is no more corruption. This is why salvation is a new birth. The new birth is literally a new creation: incorruptible, imperishable and complete.

A need to be rescued

3/10/2013

19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do (Romans 7:19).

Paul is describing the battle that wages within each person. Although the good and evil that each person does might be different for each person, the truth is, when left to our own accord, we often do that which we wish not to do. Paul’s description of this common trait of Man is for the purpose of diagnosing the problem of sin. And the recognition of problem of sin leads to the realization of the need for a Savior. This of course doesn’t release each individual from being responsible for his or her own actions, but merely shows that we need to be rescued.

Covered by grace

3/9/2013

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:1-3).

We are covered by grace. This fact however does not mean that it doesn’t matter what we do. We are commanded to flee from sin. Christ’s actions, on our behalf, put to death the effect of sin. The effect of sin in this case is eternal separation from God. And although our sins will not be counted against us, we are to live a life free from sin. This is of course difficult, but God provides a way for us to avoid sin. All that we must do is simply follow.

The reconciliation

3/8/2013

8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life (Romans 5:8-10).

It is the reconciliation to our Creator that becomes the salvation of our souls. It is God that acted to reconcile and He did so while we were in rebellion against Him. This is the love of God. God’s love is therefore sacrificial and present always. And so our salvation depends on God and God alone. This salvation is not based on our own merit but rather it is based on the work of Christ. The work of Christ literally atones for our rebellion and therefore removes the barrier to a relationship with God. This is the promise of God that we are saved by the Son’s life. Since our Savior lives so do we.

The promise

3/7/2013

18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform (Romans 4:18-21).

The faith of Abraham is a faith founded in the grace of God. Faith that is thus founded is saving faith. And so saving faith has it is origins in the promises of God. Abraham reckoned that if God made a promise it would surely occur. We should realize that the promises made to Abraham are the promise made to us. We, like Abraham, are children of the same promise and therefore should be fully persuaded that God will perform in our lives the same amazing gracious work. This work is the salvation of our souls.

No, not one

3/6/2013

9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Romans 3:9-12).

It is important that we understand our position before God. We all fall short and as individuals have no legitimate right to boast about our own righteousness. The fact is that the righteousness we have is imparted to us and is therefore not of our own doing but rather it is Christ’s work in us and on our behalf that is credited to us. We therefore should be both grateful and merciful. It is only through God’s grace that we are saved. This should cause us to pause and wonder when we condemn others whether we in fact are condemning ourselves by not realizing that it is God and God alone that is truly righteous. We certainly are to avoid sin and should not condone sin, but it does matter how we approach these issues. We should approach on bended knees ourselves, and then with a true sense of humility help others.

Response matters

3/5/2013

3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? (Romans 2:3-4).

There is an important condition on our forgiveness by God. That condition is repentance. Repentance is in many ways is a condition of the heart. Repentance leads to humility and humility leads thankfulness. The opposite of humility in many respects is hypocrisy. The Apostle Paul is warning about hypocrisy. Hypocrisy results when we fail to recognize our true condition before God. It is only through grace that we have been forgiving and rather than lead to judgment on our part should lead to a humble and contrite heart: A heart full of mercy and thankfulness.

Evidence of God

3/4/2013

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened (Romans 1:17-21).

The fact is that the knowledge of God is self-evident to all, and always has been. Both creature and creation were obviously created. The detail, beauty, complexity, intelligence and grandeur of the Creation bear undeniable marks of an all-powerful Creator. However, knowledge of God can be suppressed and it is therefore essential that we walk by faith and not rely on our own understanding. Our understanding at best is partial, and at worst, apart of from God, totally flawed. The proper response to the Creator from the created is worship. Worship is where we submit our entire being to God and in doing so we rely on God rather than our own power and intellect.

Salvation of God

3/3/2013

23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. 25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: 27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it (Acts 28:23-28).

Paul is speaking to Jewish leaders in Rome and trying to convince them of the good news of the Gospel, that Christ has come and is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Some of those present believed Paul and were saved, while others reject his teaching. Rejecting the Gospel has dire consequences including the hardening of the heart and spiritual blindness. Many of Paul’s own people rejected the Gospel, and so the Gospel was and is being spread to the Gentiles. We know that throughout the centuries, millions have come to Christ through saving faith. Our hope is that many, many more will continue to do so.

Fear not

3/2/2013

20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. 21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee (Acts 27:20-24).

In this passage Paul is being transported by ship as a prisoner to Rome to appear before Caesar. The ship however was caught in a massive storm, lasting days, and was facing certain destruction. Paul is trying to comfort the crew and passengers that they will not be killed. Paul knew that he had to go the Rome and as part of God’s mercy, God would spare all those on the ship. There is nothing outside the power of God and God’s plans according to His will are always carried out. We, of course, don’t have the insight that Paul had (an angel appeared to him and told him the plan) but we do know that God is ultimately sovereign. Our temptation might be to say, “Well, I wish I knew the exact future like Paul did”. But it is actually very merciful that God doesn’t tell us what the future holds in terms of our day-to-day lives. The fact is, we, in many cases couldn’t bear the reality of the knowledge of all the details of our earthly future. God in His mercy gives the strength we need to face life’s challenges as they occur. This story in Acts, however, should be comforting to us in that God is in control. God’s grace is always eternal, and though circumstances in life are often painful and full of discord and sorrow, we have a Savior who is acquainted with our circumstances and is mighty to save.

Created Through Him