His loving mercy endures forever

Does God love His children only in this life time, or forever? The Bible says, "...for His loving mercy [endures] forever" (Psalm 136, 118), (1 Corinthians 13:13)  

If His love is forever, it endures beyond man's death -- even if he still had not turned back to Him.

So then while suffering the torment of "hell" God still loves each one the same as those in heaven.

And if His mercy endures forever, how is the mercy shown to the ones He loves still? Abandonment or salvation?

Some insist it comes down to free will of man that sends him to hell, so don't fault God.

But is it really free will that saves man or God's grace that offers faith? And is it really free will if it can be taken away? Left in our own flesh, will anyone choose God? 

No, it is the mercy of God that chooses and saves man by allowing him to see mercy and freely choose grace.

For what is mercy but an open heart and open arms waiting for the lost son either in life or in death; however long forever is, however long the father awaits. 

And if it is pride that keeps man from choosing grace, how is it man keeps his pride when suffering in hell, knowing what he didn't know, seeing what he didn't see?

The first thing that burns away in hell is pride, like the lost son who came to himself while feeding swine. 

Will we ever be outside God's mercy or live beyond forever? If not, then repentance is not rejected even if there is a hell. 

God is ever patience, and make His face shine upon one and all whom He created. (Deuteronomy 6:25)

The love of Christ is for all, and He draws all to Him when He is lifted up (John 12:32).  

To man salvation is for himself, but to a sovereign and loving God His work of Salvation is incomplete if one remains in hell.

Amen

We should often ask of ourselves

The question every believer must ask often of him or herself is not "What have I been doing for Christ?" but "Do I truly believe I am completely forgiven of all sins?"

If the answer is "No," then one is still under bondage of law, trying to earn forgiveness.


But if it is "Yes," then one is free from law and now in the spirit of grace.


Law is of no use to this believer anymore because it is the obedience to the spirit that leads not into sin.


Knowing you are totally forgiven as a child of God will not cause you to sin more, just as we won't steal even without a security guard present.


It is not the presence of safeguard that restrains us but the inner voice of God who keeps.


But if it takes the presence of law to keep from sin, then one is not yet of the spirit of grace.


The faith of a Christian is not being saved only to be put under the yoke of law again, but in that he is empowered by the complete forgiveness of grace.


Being saved is being completely forgiven by God. If one does not believe in having received total forgiveness he has no faith in the salvation of Christ.


Amen

Soar to the deep blue sky

God has already placed the spirit of the law in our hearts and our minds (Jeremiah 31:33). These are the spiritual muscles God wants us to rely on in our walk of holiness.


It was a promise He made to man of a new covenant to come -- the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ　(John 1:17). And we have received it by being born again under the baptism of His blood.


Now live by the spirit (grace) and not flesh (law) lest our faith grow weak. For like muscles of the flesh a spirit unused wastes away. If we rely on others to help us go about we lose the ability to do it ourselves.

A crutch or training wheels have their purpose, but we are meant to walk in the health and maturity of spirit. A constant reliance on these aids to reach the goal of holiness ultimately fails because the path is steep and rugged.


The law is only such aid to help and guide us, but cannot be the strength to forge ahead and carry us to victory. It is only in the letting go of law can we fully depend on the God-given spirit inside to take flight.


We naturally fear lawlessness, equating it as abandonment to sin. But let us trust that God will not forsake and have equipped us with the wings of every spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) to overcome. In holding desperately to law we remain lame and grounded.


Only when the mother eagle pushes her chicks out of the nest falling to the ground, will the babies extend their wings to reach that deep blue sky. So it is God who wants us to take that leap of faith and trust in His loving grace.

Amen

Watched by angels

I once heard a pastor say,"Think of an angel always watching you and what you do, then you will think twice before committing sin." I am sure many have heard of a similar advice.


Very well, this will make us sin less. But, is this kind of obedience pleasing to God?


If we need being watched over and monitored (the principle of law) to not sin, are we really sinless? Even if we don't commit sin, doesn't the sinful thought within count as sin?


Can law guard the heart of man? Paul said, "...commandment came, sin sprang to life..." (Romans 7:9) Sin act is from sin thought, sin thought from sin nature, sin nature is aroused by the presence of law. Even if there is no sinful behaviors there still rages sinful thoughts and the nature of sin in us -- if law is not removed from the conscience.


Adam and Eve had no thought to sin until the commandment was spoken. We all have witnessed a child minding his business, but when told not to do something the curiosity and impulse gets the best of him. He isn't intending on disobeying, but the rebellion wells up inside from the command.


Yet it is not that we want to disobey God in this nature, but have no ability to while under the restrictions of law (Romans 7:19). This is so because our sense of free will is immature.


And only by receiving the spirit of Christ to completely transform and remake the flesh nature can we live in the realm where sin is not stirred by the temptations about us.


This is impossible by our effort to obey law, and may even have a reverse effect. Only trusting Jesus and living in constant grace revelation is it possible to be holy from the living waters of the holy spirit that truly pleases God.


With such faith the angels no more monitors, but look with approval the glory of our purity in Christ!


Amen

Lonely in heaven?

Summary: "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. " Matthew 5:20. A few verses prior, Jesus told the people that He had not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it. Many believers today take that as Him saying not to do away with law but follow His example to fulfill it on their own. I say it is fine to interpret in such a way, but let's be consistent and include verse 20 as literal truth in denying anyone whose righteousness does not exceed that of the Pharisees and Scribes. By comparing to these law experts Jesus was referring to obedient behavior, not intent. It is the literal knowledge and adherence of the law we need to excel at beyond the gatekeepers of law.

Keep the law; but do it perfectly or entry to heaven will not be granted you. Good news? If it is not so that heaven will be denied for falling short of perfection, then neither do you believe in keeping the law as commanded by God -- even though your mouth speaks of the contrary. This is double-speak. By grace or by law? Make a stand and not be ashamed. But never place faith in wishy-washy commingling of covenants.

If God says the only way for us to enter heaven is beating Michael Jordan at basketball, is that good new to us?

What if we need to score higher on a science test than Albert Einstein in order to be saved? What are our chances of that?

If one believes unequivocally that just because a command is found in the Bible it must be followed no matter what, this often clouds from the real intent of a scripture, having been taken out of its context.

For those who insist on teaching the Ten Commandments as still an integral part of new covenant faith, the sole reason for -- even in light of contrary scriptures -- is because it is God-spoken and cannot be done away, there is often found irreconcilable contradictions of doctrines.

They will cite Bibilical references such as Jesus from His sermon on the mount. In Matthew 5:17 & 18 He said, "Think not that I have come to destroy the law..., I am not come to destroy but to fulfill..., til the heavens and earth pass, not one jot or one tittle shall in no way pass from the law until all be fulfilled."

They point to these passages and proclaim that law must be even more so prominent in a believer's faith; and as Jesus Himself fulfilled the law we must follow the same -- even redoubling effort to fulfill the law of ourselves.

They forget that when these words were spoken Jesus had not yet gone to the cross, and that the work of salvation by grace is still to come. Jesus was simply preparing the way for the new covenant of grace to replace the impossibility of law-keeping as the only way to the kingdom of heaven.

If verses 17 & 18 is to be considered justification for keeping law as part of the new covenant, then verses 19 and 20 (and indeed the remainder of chapter) must also be followed to the letter as commanded. No exception. Jesus did not say that only certain teachings need literal obedience, but others are just for illustration purposes.

If we are to obey law and commandments of God, we do exactly that or else the purpose is disingenuous. These are not Ten Suggestions and more options, and if we fail there is still grace. And by the word of Jesus the new standard of law is as described in Matthew 5. Follow all perfectly or forget about heaven.

Verse 19 says that only perfect obedience and teaching such can we be great in heaven, but even allowing one tiny infraction he is considered the least -- that is, if one can even enter heaven. For verse 20 requires a believer to exceed the righteousness of Pharisees and Scribes to have any chance for heaven.

These people were law experts, most skilled in the art of boundary seeking and obedient following by the letter of the law. They were the Jordans and Einsteins of keeping the commandments. And Jesus said we have to beat them in order to qualify for heaven?

But Jesus was dead serious: if we intent on keeping law, we have to keep the entire law. Trying our best is simply not good enough. 

Some believers agree. They take the word of Christ literally...,well maybe not. I haven't seen anyone in church missing an arm or eyeball for offending and lusting, yet there is plenty of sin among even the greatest of law-keepers.

Being required to obey law we no more have any part of grace, for then it can only be by our obedience we are judged, not His. Good news? For some, maybe. It is a chance for them to shine and show God how capable and holy they are. 

In that case congratulations is in order for having righteousness exceeding that of the Pharisees and Scribes, and even equaling that of Chris in fulfilling the law. The rest of us fail miserably for regularly committing murder, adultery and not loving enemies, and having no hope of salvation.

But then, heaven must be a very lonely place.

Ignoring Paul

Summary: Many justify teaching of law by applying "Legalism" only to salvation, and ignore Paul's teachings of forbidding self-righteousness of obeying law as only for an unbeliever. Ironically, they take the teaching of Christ before His death as wholly applicable to a believer's walk after being saved. It should be reversed.

The time line is this: Jesus, cross, Paul. The gospel of grace was not birthed until the resurrection of Christ. Jesus taught the unbelievers and Paul taught the believers. Jesus taught repentance by elevating the impossibility of law (self-righteousness) so one may come to grace. But Paul has already repented from law (his previous identity) and into the light of grace. What he teaches is for ones already saved on how to live out the victorious identity Christ has already given them by grace. Every bit of Paul's teaching is applicable to our lives as believers -- and he spends an extraordinary amount of time and writing to expound on the danger of law for a Christian.

No, according to Paul, legalism is not only unacceptable before salvation, it continues to be unacceptable after, and actually voids faith and frustrates grace. Let's not ignore the central message of this great man of God.

Paul's teaching is plain and clear on the ineffectiveness -- even detriment of obeying law to be justified. This is indisputable, and in agreement by those who say that obeying law is necessary (required) for a believer.

How can such apparent contradiction exist in the minds of these believers as non-conflicting, and embraced as the complete gospel to teach obedience to law?

It is because they define "Legalism" as a no-no only in term of salvation, but not for personal sanctification. They proclaim correctly that salvation is only the work of God, and nothing of man's work can earn Him a place in heaven. The righteousness Isaiah counted as "filthy rag" and Paul as "dung" are rightfully applied when it comes to trying to be saved.

However, once saved this is no longer the case, they say, and that it is then a believer needs to walk even closer to the Lord by obedience to the law and personal holiness. Grace then becomes the justification for ever more stringent requirement of law (discovering boundaries), making it a favor we need to pay back with effort, and the support that "helps" one's walk toward holiness. (These are not found anywhere in the writing of Paul or New Testament.)

When one thinks about this a little more it becomes evident that, by turning back to obedience of law as central to one's "practical" Christian walk, grace is no longer pillar of one's faith but man's work, and that Jesus living inside is not the end goal of rest for us, but still a mean to help us get better and sin less. 

The focus then (both long term and daily) is not anymore on the finished work of Christ, but by the constant reminder and teachings of sin and obedience it shifts ever so imperceptibly toward overcoming sin and achieving holiness on our part -- essentially "finishing" the work for Christ.

For those who see no problem with this "balancing" of law and grace, they conveniently justifies the inconsistency with Paul's teaching by shoveling the illegality of legalism to pre-salvation times that applies only to those needing repentance from sin and good works to be redeemed.

Although there is not one shred of Biblical support for balancing law and grace or adding man's effort to God's finished work under the new covenant, they continue to teach such by ignoring Paul's warning as no longer applicable after salvation, and only glean those scriptures that paint a holy picture of what God had already accomplished in man as a standard to live up to.

Yet they often go back to Jesus in quoting scriptures that justifies keeping the law. It is a bit ironic, that the words used to dilute grace is taken from the One who shed blood and died a most horrible death to birth it.

Nevertheless, let me point out the irony: Paul came after the death of Jesus Christ. All the warnings of law and judgment were spoken by Jesus to bring one to the end of himself for having no ability to live up to such high standards, and repent of self-reliance in an exchange for receiving grace. It was all law and no grace in His direct teachings (although grace is implied richly), for Christ had not yet gone to the cross.

It is true then that legalism has no part in our salvation, and we must repent not from sin (Jews have been doing that for thousands of years) but from trying to justify salvation with our own righteousness so that grace can be received by the mind and heart. This part we are all in agreement.

And if the majority of of Jesus' teachings were to bring an unbeliever (of grace, the Messiah) to repent from law -- not to continue living by his own righteousness, how then can these be used to justify a believer's walk now that grace is given? It only brings confusion when the teachings of Jesus is not put into the context of bringing one to grace, but once we are under grace these cannot be applied any longer.

Jesus said He didn't come to bring peace (agreeing with the law) but division (grace overtaking law), and caused such division among the Jews that it drove them to persecute Him on the cross. He did not destroy the law but fulfilled (died for our transgression of law, not just obeyed fully) it on behalf of man so that we might not taste death.

Christ fulfilled the requirement and terms of the law, and by it He tore up the contract (veil) on our behalf, so we must not go back under it again!

Remember Paul came after Christ? He is now a leader for believers, and his teachings have direct application to anyone who have already received the gift of grace. And by such one cannot say that the legalism Paul refers to is only for pre-salvation unbelievers. Paul is a dramatic example of repenting from law and into grace. Repentance is to turn away completely and not just partially. For someone like Paul to come to grace it is not a balancing act but total transformation into the light of grace.

And what Paul tries to say over and over again is to not come under the bondage once again under law. He is referring to the Christian walk of pure grace, no law. And one cannot conveniently shove his teachings to before accepting Christ as savior; but by the gospel of grace be not ashamed of living solely the life of Christ, no longer under the ministry of condemnation and death in constantly monitoring oneself of sin.

This is the essence of kingdom living -- no more bondage by the freedom in Christ. Let us throw away the crutches of reliance on law, and be lame no more, but stand up and walk the grace walk!

Amen

Bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh

"And Adam said: "This [is] now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh." Genesis 2:23
" 那 人 ( 亞 當 ) 說 、 這 是 我 骨 中 的 骨 、 肉 中 的 肉 、"  創世紀 2:23

We, the church, is part of the body of Christ, He is the head. Jesus Christ is holy and blameless, so then His body should　be of the same holiness, not being separated -- having no spot, nor wrinkle. (Ephesians 5:27)

Many interpret this as another opportunity to teach obedience to law to deserve or qualify being the body of Christ. But is this Biblical or even logical?

How does one qualify to be body of Christ, new bride of the beloved, the holy one? Only also herself being holy and without blemish, by which the blood of the groom had already made her.

And are we already His body, or only becoming so one day in a future when we achieved our own holiness? Since the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus on the cross He had cleansed us with His blood, and we are at once His body by being made a new creation.

We then have been presented to Him and accepted as a perfect bride, clean and virginal. How can we be part of the body of Christ if we are not so sanctified?

Therefore if we are already part of His body, we are now spotless and without wrinkle as well; but so long as a believer still sees himself sinful he must then honestly not be qualified to be a part of Him, and never will because Christ is not to shed His blood again.

Christ has already made us clean. Now it is up to us to believe His words of promise made true, or not believe because our eyes still see imperfection in the "real"?

So, be assured that we are holy by the acceptance into His body, being once and for all time cleansed by His blood, and remaining forever clean by the washing of His loving words (Ephesians 5:26).

This is the continuous hearing of grace that strengthens a believer's faith in the spirit. If so believed we remain perfect (having no spot) and beautiful (having no wrinkle).

And in such faith we draw strength as a church, from holiness by grace not works we are transformed as one body with Christ in marriage, receiving His spirit in the perfect union of love.

Christ cannot marry an imperfect bride for He is perfect; but for love, He first made perfect the bride to be married. How joyful the good news!

Amen.

How was Abraham righteous without obeying the Ten Commandments?

Many insist that we still "need" to keep the Ten Commandments because it is by law we know right from wrong, and that we can only be righteous by continuing to obey the law even while living in grace.

If so, many great men in the Bible had no chance to be righteous because the Ten Commandments were given after their time.

Enoch wasn't righteous, Noah wasn't righteous, Abraham wasn't righteous, Isaac wasn't righteous, Jacob wasn't righteous, and even Joseph couldn't have been righteous. They didn't have the Ten Commandments to follow!

But is that so? Certainly not! God counted them righteous by their faith and in His grace (Hebrews 11). Were they perfect? No. But did they have a heart to obey God? Yes! Their true obedience is not in any set of laws, but by only their faith in the goodness of God. 

And in such intimate connection they knew in their hearts and minds right from wrong even without the written law. (Genesis 39:9)

They did not obey because they felt they had to (law), but because their faith brought them to an union with God (spirit).

This is the essence of grace, pure grace. And it was only possible because they didn't have "the law" on their minds. Today, God also wants us not to be under the bondage of law in order to live fully in grace.

Before the law the Israelite complained in the wilderness but still were blessed, and not one died. After the Ten Commandments were given each time they murmured they died. 

This is the fate of man's bondage to law. If we are under law we suffer the consequences of not keeping it; and in breaking just one we break them all, the Bible tells us.

But by the grace of Christ we no longer are under the curse of the law (Galatians 3:10,13) -- yet it is only up to us to believe or not. 

If we have a mind for righteousness by both grace and law we become double-minded and confused as to how we stand with God, and always have a fearful expectation of judgment. Otherwise we become like the pharisees being so self-righteous and full of pride in their own works of "obedience."

No. The law was given to show man up as to how inadequate he is to achieve holiness on his own (by obeying law). Once we come to that realization (repentance) law has already done its job, for it brought us back to the grace of God.

We then must return fully to only faith in grace and God's goodness evidenced by the cross that we are made eternally righteous in the blood of Christ. And for our faith to grow the law (believing we must obey or else) must be lifted, never again to judge and condemn a believer that he is not good enough.

The world will be judged, not for sins but the singular sin of their unbelief (John 16:8 & 9). If we still hold on to law as having anything to do with our righteous standing with God we still do not believe that grace has fully restored us back to the glory of His righteousness.

Therefore we have forfeited the gift of righteousness by such lack of faith..., even if we keep perfectly the law.

Rebellious Mary

Jesus is the son of Mary, but Mary is not a nice name.

According to Strong's Concordance, Mary (Maria or Miriam) in Hebrew means "Their rebellion," or a rebel.

Names have significance for God, and His choosing Mary as the mother of Christ was no accident. We can have a deeper understanding of God's will by meditating on it.

Mary symbolizes man's rebellious nature needing the indwelling of God's holy presence in order to give birth to a new and perfect being.

Of the flesh we are rebellious even in our obedience, for by it the work is not of the spirit.

Unlike Abraham and Sarah whose names were changed by God to reflect their new identity in grace, Mary remained the same name even after giving birth to Jesus Christ.

She remained a rebel, but this time for the gospel and not just representing man in his sinful state.

Jesus is the son of a rebel, He came not to uphold or enforce the law, but to overthrow the requirement and bondage of law toward man by fulfilling it Himself on the cross.

His was a divine rebellion!

There are several Marys of importance in the Bible: Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the sister of Martha.

According to Scripture these three women went against the moral code or common convention of the time.

Mary the mother of Jesus had a child before wedlock. Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. Mary the sister of Martha did not serve Jesus as guest but sat at His feet listening to Him.

All were subject to condemnation for not following moral and proper conducts by supposed God-loving and fearing people of high value and service to the Lord.

Yet the Marys were touched by grace, and their seeming "rebellion" was then not of the flesh but the spirit.

And they all pleased Christ more than the sincerely pretentious pharisees and even Martha busy and angry in the kitchen.

In the spirit we are obedient even when rebellious, for today it is against the flesh we wage war.

The spirit of grace is rebellion against law that enforces dead works and exultation of man's pride.

In Christ we are now rebels fighting against the old flesh nature that wants to obey, work and serve for glory instead of allowing grace to transform us from glory to glory.

Mary was the first church. Let us also be Marys in a church of one and many that first rebelled against sin in repentance, and now rebel against flesh by living purely in the freedom of grace, to overthrowing the tyranny of law.

Amen!

Identity of a pencils can

Zig Ziglar is a famous motivational speaker and sales guru. He once mentioned about a downtrodden man with an empty can in one hand, and in the other a can of pencils to sell. 

Many people came by and dropped a dollar in the empty can, having compassion for him, and just walked on.

A businessman also walked by, saw him, and dropped a dollar into the can, then continued on his way.

After a few steps, the businessman stopped, turned around, can came back to the downtrodden man and picked up a couple of pencils.

He then apologized to the man saying, "I took you for a beggar, but you are a businessman like me. That is why I need to get my pencils for the money I paid."

After some time went by, the businessman was at a social function. A neatly dressed man went up to greet him and said, "I am the one you gave back my self-respect with a few words, and reminded me of my true identity."

The beggar is now a successful businessman.

This is the power of identity. It can bring one down, and also lift one up. How man is told who he is becomes his identity. This is especially when the person telling so is one of authority and respect.

This is true of parents with their children; and this is even more true with God and His own creation.

In the gospel, God tells us we are not sinful, but holy by His blood. Like the beggar with a can of pencils He drops into one can His grace, and takes from the other can our faith.

We no longer beg for mercy, we receive righteousness by our faith. We are no longer slaves to sin but sons of glory.

Therefore do not fall for messages that continue to tells us how sinful we are to God, how unworthy in His eyes, and need to continue groveling by confession His forgiveness from sin to sin.

Therefore know now the gospel is God telling us to stand tall in His spirit that we are forever righteous, holy and worthy in His sight, for we receive by faith His forgiveness from grace to grace.

God says, "Live not in an identity of a sinner, but live in my identity of a saint,"

"And wander no longer by the poverty of obedience to law, but flourish in the riches of faithfulness by grace." 

Amen!

Wings to godliness

Grace is not a path to holiness of our walk, it is the wings of our souls to godliness.

Love is not a call to Christ in our response, it is the song of our hearts to His voice.

Christian boundary and WWJD

Many say that law is still necessary to learn the boundary of Christianity, so as not to cross it. It is as if without the law we are deaf, dumb and blind to what is righteous living.

But is that so? Does grace not also teach us and in fact is the Teacher Himself, Jesus Christ, and not just a set of commands?

In Titus 2:11-12 it says, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,..." 

Grace is not just a blessing from God, it is even more the knowledge and power to lead a holy life, for it is Holiness Himself living in us when we completely yield to grace.

The popular acronym WWJD (What Would Jesus Do), from a book written by Charles Sheldon in the 1890s, is eagerly embraced by many Christian as a model for Christian living. But that is the essence of legalism to imitate Jesus instead of Him living through us by our faith in pure grace.

In the attached video, Mr. Len Baker of Growing in Grace Ministries suggested that we change it to "Watch What Jesus Does." So true! We don't need to learn more about ourselves in what we do, but just see Christ in the work He accomplished on the cross, and continues to work in us.

Only then can our faith grow for it is grace we entrust our lives in, and from grace our faith yields true fruits of the spirit.

Amen!

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Hope you enjoy this video and let the revelation of grace come into your heart. This is the last of a five-part sermon on "law and grace."

 

 

Publish Post

What is love

God is love.

What is love? God's spirit.

What is in the heart of God's spirit? Redemptive forgiveness.

What is there to forgive? Disobedience to God's spirit.

What is disobedience to God's spirit? Sin.

What is sin? Evil desires.

What is the cause of evil desires? man's pride and shame.

What is the source of man's pride and shame? Man's work.

What is man's work? Obedience to law.

What is wrong with obedience to law? It voids faith.

What is faith? Belief in redemption of righteousness only by His blood.

What is righteousness? Seed of true spiritual fruit.

What is true spiritual fruit? Work of the spirit.

What is the work of the spirit? Grace.

What is the fruit of grace to us? A gift.

What is the gift of grace? Unearned, unmerited favor.

What is ours to do with this favor of grace? Receive by faith.

What is the receiving of grace? Living by grace and only in grace.

What is living in grace? Believing we are righteous by the eternal forgiveness of His blood.

What is believing we are eternally forgiven? Obedience to God's spirit.

What is God's spirit? Love.

What is love? Love is God living in us; love is our living Godly.

Love is God.

Amen!

Be holy, for I am holy

1 Peter chapter 1 spells out the gospel clearly. It speaks of the prophecy of salvation, suffering and perseverance, good work and judgment, grace, faith, and lastly -- holiness.

Particularly, verse 16 is often quoted to encourage believers to "lead a holy life." It quotes, "Be holy, for I am holy." from Leviticus 11:44.

What is holiness? The Biblical definition is "Set apart to God." But what does this mean? That holiness is only counted when it is a walk in (and not like) God's spirit, which is all grace. We are not set apart when we obey out of the flesh, which is only law.

Even in verse 2 it says, "God the Father knew you and chose you from long ago, and His spirit has (already) made you holy,..." Therefore, holiness is not of any work of ours but only of the work of the spirit -- grace.

Verse 16 does not mean "you have to be holy like me." For holiness is the essence of God, it is who He is and how He is.

There is only one definition and standard for holiness -- God. Can we really be holy like God is holy, even with the best of intentions and greatest of effort? 

The answer is a definitive "No!" And that is the way God intended, for He is not interested in our becoming holy through our effort, but only by the grace of His son's sacrifice redeeming our holiness in Him.

He made us this way, and planned our salvation accordingly.

We are holy not because we make ourselves holy (not even with the "help" of grace!) We are already made holy only because of grace and entirely the great work of Christ.

Therefore it is from holiness we live out our remaining days, and not in using the rest of our lives to become holy.

By the blood of Christ, we are holy, for He is holy.

Amen

Forgiveness was already given since the beginning of time

Forgiveness is not given only when we believe in Christ, and neither just for confessing of our sins. Forgiveness was already given since the beginning of time.

God didn't change His mind from unforgiveness to forgiveness even with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Forgiveness is always in His heart.

All man -- believing and unbelieving -- are forgiven, but it is only in believing that the grace by which we are forgiven produce faith, hope and love.

Christ planned to die for man because He forgave us already. It was not the sacrifice that forgave, but in the sacrifice is the foundation of forgiveness and washing away of sins. 

The cross is divine evidence and our assurance that we are completely forgiven -- even for sins we have not yet committed. 

Therefore it is not with our repentance as an unbeliever that we are forgiven, nor our confession of sins as a believer, but by the revelation and acceptance of grace; realizing the kind of love that forgives all sins we come to true repentance and sincere confessions. Such are not the conditions required to be forgiven.

We never need again to ask for forgiveness, for our faith is in grace, the foundation of having been eternally forgiven of all sins, no matter how short of His holiness we fall; and not believing in this truth takes away our faith.

Holiness -- the common goal of grace and law

As the debate goes on between those for the necessity of law even in having divine grace, and those who believe that in grace we already have the spirit of law toward holiness, a misunderstanding remains by those who deem proponents of pure grace as promoting a license to sin.

If such is the view unchanged, there can never be found a common ground, let alone any possibility for conciliation between the dissenters under one truth.

Let's underline the primary motive of either view, and the fear each camp holds of one another in consequence: those upholding the boundaries set by law fear rampant disregard of holiness and condolence of sin. Those promoting grace fear believers not resting in the eternal righteousness brought about by His divine forgiveness.

The assumption from the other side is that those under the grace camp do not want holiness, wants very much to sin, and are only using grace as an excuse to sin by doing away with God's justice (law). We see no such accusation from this side toward those of the law. We believe they are sincere in wanting to be holy for God.

But is this fair? The only way for two sides to come to an agreement is if there be a common goal. If the objective is different, then there is no way -- and no need, really -- to talk. If one side thinks the other side doesn't want the same thing in living a holy and Christ-like life, then there is no understanding possible for the grace perspective.

Can we accept that all sincere Christians of all beliefs want very much to lead a righteous and holy life as our natural and loving response to the Lord?

Let us not forget that one can be holy without the law. The law was given to show those who think they are holy (and those who are not aware) how sinful they are. Holiness is a law unto itself, and needs not the law to  remain holy. We love our children and obey our parents even not knowing the law, and so it is that by our willing invitation of Christ into our hearts we also live out the love and not just the perfunctory requirement of the law.

We are holy not because of the law but the spirit of Christ living inside. When we love we don't need the law, for the love of Christ constrains us to obey (law) and compels us to serve (command). (2 Corinthians 5:14)

If so, the argument for necessity of law to curb sin falls by the wayside. Those who desire not to sin will not sin more for the gift of grace, and the ones not concerned with the gravity of sin will not, by the teaching of law, come to repentance of the heart, nor continue in obedience. Such faith is based on the threat of punishment, and not from receiving of forgiveness a love that moves the heart.

Only in our constant inspiration by, and response to grace, can the obedience truly come from the transformation by the holy spirit, so that the flesh cannot boast. The teaching of law does not eliminate sin, but will only increase sinful desires and behaviors. (Romans 5:20, Romans 7:8)

Not fearing the punishment of disobeying law will not lead to more sin, but to have the true rest in the grace of total forgiveness that is His divine purpose.

And this is the truth of the gospel -- all grace, no law.

what is a lie 3

In discussing the gospel, I insist on God's perspective. The reason many fear that the message of grace may lead to promulgation of sin is that they see the gospel from man's point of view. Yes, the flesh is want to give in to sin, and in a society removed of law and the threat of punishment, it can only expect rising crime rate and even anarchy. However, once believing in Christ as our savior, we no longer belong to the flesh but the spirit. Though even as one with the spirit of Christ, a believer still cannot break the bondage of sin by obedience to law, but only by the righteousness redeemed in grace can we be blameless and intimate with God. This is the gospel view of God.

God has such faith -- to first grant us total clemency (grace), and man shall repent (reject the flesh) to follow Him. Then if even in our flesh, by grace we believe in His forgiveness, repent and receive His righteousness, are we to still worry about the temptation of flesh in grace? God believes we won't give in, but do we? The church constantly exhorts us to believe. But why? If we need to be often reminded, then the thing to believe in is by reason hard to believe in the first place. And what is it we are to believe? Is it obedience? Is it self-examination so as not to sin? Do these require great faith? I think not. Then what requires strong faith if not our obedience and holiness? It is that we are truly forgiven for all time, and by such righteousness of forgiveness in grace we not only will we not indulge in sin, we will not desire to sin.

This is the Gospel Truth! We all agree that God does not lie. His will is the truth, and what He says has no regret. His faithfulness is the foundation of our rest.

Then what is a lie from God's point of view? It is something expressed that does not fully comply with His word and will. This is rightfully the highest standard in God. Man can accept misunderstanding and mistakes, but to God even the smallest deviation is a lie. To man, falsehood with intention becomes a lie, but even the unintended is a lie in God's eyes. I truly hope that by the "lies" mentioned in these youtube videos we are not so sensitive as to conclude that the purpose is to accuse anyone, man or church. And that we are careful not to be so confident (especially me!) in telling the truth of God, think what we say IS the truth. The Biblical advise for "self examination" is not to dig up every sin in our hearts, but to be vigilant of the message we receive and accept, that they are as close to the truth as possible. If so we will find that, what we often thought to make sense become lies when measured against God's standard.
Let us not be careless in the truth, and never to compromise. Because only in understanding the truth can we truly be free. But what is the truth? Where is it? The Bible tells the story of truth, the Old Testament laid the foundation for truth, the New Testament explains the truth, and the gospel is the message of truth. But none of it is the truth, but only Jesus Christ Himself. It is not His teachings, but His very person. Truth is a life, the fountainhead of life. Truth is love, the heart of Christ.

What says the heart of Christ to us? He says, "I love you, I have already forgiven you completely. I washed you clean with my blood, and will never rebuke you. I believe, living in me, you will love me, follow me, depend on me. I will wait for you, and will never leave you." Amen

Publish Post

James

what is a lie 2

A lie can be mostly truths.

A lie can be truth taken out of context.

A lie can be something that once was true but not anymore. 

A lie can be truth replacing other truth. 

A lie can be truth untold.

A lie can be mixing of truth to make false.

A lie can be mixing false to make truth. 

A lie can be truth elevated in importance.

A lie can be truth reduced in importance. 

A lie can be truth misunderstood. 

A lie can be truth unaccepted.

A lie can be truth omitted partly or entirely. 

A lie can be a matter of unbelief.

A lie can be a matter of not understanding. 

A lie can be a matter of forgetting.

A lie can be more logical than truth. 

A lie can be more real than truth. 

A lie can be more immediately beneficial than truth. 

A lie can be more immediately relevant than truth.

A lie often sounds better than truth. 

A lie is often what we prefer than truth. 

A lie can be told with full sincerity. 

Jack, and the love of God

Today we said goodbye to our dog, Jack. He had been with us for twelve loving years, just being himself...the honesty, the loyalty, and just his plain silliness colored our lives with so much joy and laughter; and he was such a good companion growing up along with the kids. From a tiny puppy of weeks this was the only home he ever knew, a family who loved him back. A fully grown male Labrador Retriever weighing more than ninety pounds is more than a handful, but he was a beautiful pale golden color with big, ebony eyes that beg to be petted and hugged. His gentle nature and loving disposition were matched only by a voracious appetite and endless drooling and shedding! But to all he was a great pet and a trusted friend.

Over two years ago Jack was diagnosed with diabetes that needed special care and specific diet/medication. Charlene diligently cooked his food with healthy ingredients,  gave him the required insulin shots twice daily, and faithfully walked him to get the necessary exercise. The doctor said that most likely he would have gone blind within six months from discovery, but even until his last day Jack was able to see. It was a deep kind of love that kept him, both in the routine but even more so in the unseen bond. Jack also suffered from arthritic conditions and nerve impairment that affected his mobility; and when his legs pretty much gave out, and could only walk with a harness being held up by one, then turning to two persons, it was only a matter of time before we had to say goodbye. One can only imagine how difficult it is to care for a 90 pound dog that can't stand, yet it was love that sustained the effort. In the end it wasn't the trouble taking care of him that led to a decision to let go, but to keep from suffering by the rapidly declining health.

Parting is such sweet sorrow, the pain made even sharper by the love in one's heart. Much tear was shed not wanting to let go, and continues to flow with each reminder of him. I have already had to say goodbye to my father and little sister, and know first hand the knife that cuts so deep; but it was the first time for Charlene and the kids losing someone they love dearly. And such an irony in loving -- greater the love, greater the pain. The experience is so wrenching that, if not for faith in God to somehow make sense of it all, the heart is want to never love again for the suffering.

All this I said is not just about a dog, but even more so to think about God and how the love we share connects to the love that is He. Does love suffer? It is an unequivocal "YES!" But love is also worthwhile and restores -- only in and by the source and love Himself. God lives one moment and every moment for all eternity; he suffers with and for us, experiencing each pain in His heart and keeps it forever in His love. And this love restores us, not in fading memory nor healing scar, but literal restoration of all that we have lost in wiping away every last tear upon His coming.  So great is this love that He takes all of our pain upon His body and soul, and suffers them forever in exchanging for our everlasting joy. This is a love unimaginable.

Ours is already such reluctance to part from a loved one, how much more a God who loves all in infinite depth not wanting to depart from even one! Many are blinded by justice to God's love, believing God judges man like so much sorting through beans, picking out the good ones and discarding the less than perfect. Even for man that, at the moment of death all trespass is forgiven in making memories of him sweeter, how can a God who had already forgiven all keep a grudge against His child's imperfection? In our deep mourning is seen the true heart of God, that He is not vengeful against the lost but merciful, and the blood that flowed once on the cross has not dried up, but continues to wash clean the memory of sins against Him -- all to bring back that most precious of commodities, His sons and daughters, saying, "You are forgiven."

No, do not elevate justice above love, for love will not allow justice to get in the way of salvation, the clearest evidence of which is seen on the cross where nails drove through flesh. And neither does God's holiness need protection from sin by cold justice, for He does not reside in two tablets of stone on Sinai, but in a living, breathing and beating heart of Zion. God does not need man to guard Him from sin by the condemnation of other men.  To many believers justice guards God's holiness like one who shy from becoming dirty for the love of cleanliness. Yet such love of hospital sanitation is empty of emotion like a polished silver cup emptied of wine. No, holiness in and of itself deprives of truth and meaning, but is only fulfilled embracing the one He loves even in filth.

I recently heard the account of a sister who discovered vomit filled to the brim in two church bathroom sinks. With her natural love of cleanliness and aversion to such thing she couldn't bring herself to clean out the mess. It is certainly understandable, and there is no justification for criticism of her perceived "failure" to perform what she thought was a Christian duty. For in all situations where we may be measured for service or absence, obedience or sin, sacrifice or escape, the spotlight is not on us but on Christ. Our failure is not about ourselves, but in it do not fail to see Christ, who willingly gives and does not fail, may He be glorified.

So often the preaching paints God in the same manner as this dear sister in that He avoids sin like the plaque, and can't stand to be touched by a sinner -- let alone embracing him. But is that the gospel account of Jesus Christ? To me, God is the holier for going against his holy nature and the restraint of justice to not only embrace His sinful and sin-filled children, He wades waist-deep in filth to save each and cleans one child at a time with His holy spirit, and counts him righteous by His blood. God does not demand we first clean ourselves of sin before coming to Him and to remain with Him. Yet, today's church is filled with such primary teaching of personal sanctification as not to sully the pristine temple of God. If so, then go back to the Old Testament, for that is not the God who willingly dies on the cross and freely spills His blood.

Like any man who loves and mourns the loss of love, more so our God that loves and mourns for one not home with Him. His justice is to protect us, not to reject us. And the performance of salvation is His, not ours, that whosoever believes not in themselves to overcome the sin not of their own cause, but in their resignation from pride of good work, may turn to God in complete faith and appeal to grace. Like our love for Jack, His love for us is from beginning to end, and how we are the joy in His eyes even in mischief. For in Him the end is just the beginning, and by grace a death is the start of new life. His humanity cries with us, His divinity dries our eyes. His tear is real weeping over our death, but also His command true in calling the asleep to "come forth!"

Yes, He even calls for Jack! Amen

James

Free will and Christian Universalism / Hell is a state of lonely separation from God

Hi Exxx,

Haven't forgotten about our conversation. But I assure you that the justification for universal reconciliation is more than just wishful thinking, discarding of God's justice or making void the gift of free will.

I found one interesting observation made about your personal difficulty with the lake of fire. So you don't think it is a literal place of burning as many good Arminians believe. Instead you think it is a symbolic interpretation of eternal separation from God. From this I believe there may still be a closet Universalist in you! Except you just can't get over the problem of free will. But curiously, if it is separation from God, shouldn't hell be freezing cold instead of blazing hot? For God is a burning fire that not only nurtures but also refines. If hell is where God doesn't exist (is that even possible?) then neither shall it be eternally burning.

I will get to free will later, but may I first ask: removing your understanding of the Scripture, How is your most natural initial reaction to a assumed confirmation that ultimately all will be saved -- does it make you love God more in such assurance, or is it upsetting and makes you lose faith in Him for abandoning justice? I believe an answer to this reveals one's core belief and true intent.

Regarding free will, I am sure you agree that it is one of God's gifts for man out of His virtue. But it is not the only virtue from His heart accorded man. First and foremost there is love, and all other gifts are from love and cannot contradict love. There must be a purpose to, and higher purpose for God's gift of free will, which means it must serve a purpose for the good of man if it was given out of love. 

But we seem to think it as separate from a purpose of love but more of a test of sincerity and even just a game to play to determine winners and losers. And not only does it serve no constructive purpose to the plan of salvation, it may even be an obstacle to God's will to bring back all of His loved ones. Viewed this way it seems the most logical explanation of God and free will is like a store vender wanting us to buy his goods but we are free to buy or not buy, take it or leave it. Whatever the choice it really doesn't matter so much as to break the heart of God, and the entire exercise is simply a process elimination to Him.

However, God's plan is not merely a choice of business transaction. The free will given man is to allow him opportunity to learn of God's heart and to trust in Him for all man's needs. It is limited free will that operates within the will of love, just like as parents we also give our children freedom in our relationship not to worry about punishment beyond loving correction, but will not allow them to suffer the consequences of action outside our protection (such as a toddler running out in the street). For when freedom is given to that extend then it is not an act of love but mere tolerance of indifference. Yet within the protection of love there is still freewill to be who we are -- and to hurt Him who loves us. Yet love forgives all our transgressions from lack the of faith and knowledge. 

And such unlimited (and purposeless) free will contradicts the love of God. Many will say that in saving all it contradicts with God's justice. And that is where all the logical dead ends evolve from -- the incorrect relationship between God's love and His justice. God is  love. Nothing else. Justice, mercy and even free will are all manifestations of love and only to serve love. Justice is not equal to love, for without love justice is meaningless and becomes only as a control mechanism. But if we believe that God is above all else -- love, then we can accept and understand the purpose of free will to draw ourselves closer to Him, and may even for a time stray away. There can be allowed seeming contradiction for now in our growth, but love wins in the end that will not compromise nor be compromised by free will. And the meaningful exercise of free will is in seeing God's heart, and understanding His sacrifice that we choose from loving Him to return to Him who loves us first.  

Some more food for thought: There is no free will in unbelief, neither does it exist without the possibility of doubt. Think about it. Until next time...

Answer to "Aren't the sinners who do not fear God or believe in Him deserving the justice of hell?"

For this I just want to remind that many a people rejecting God are even better in character and charity than an average Christian. It is often not the evil in man's heart that hardens but the goodness he takes pride in. And why worry about God's justice to turn away from people who don't yet know Him? Be satisfied that His justice was paid for on the cross so that ALL may come to Him. To think certain people not deserving of salvation because of sin or unbelief is still having judgment in our hearts. See sin as separate from the sinner as God see us in grace, and our hearts will also open to salvation for all.


Do not be deceived by the traditional teaching of hell that was devised out of ignorance or malice to control faith and force confessions. But we all know (and certainly God knows) that true repentance cannot come from force nor threat. It can only be the kindness, mercy and forgiveness all in love that melts the heart of each one not yet believing. And that love is also the consuming fire that purifies the tare from the wheat in the Lake of Fire, which is not forever but until the end of that age when each soul turns towards God from His tender correction (though not pleasant). All have already been redeemed by the blood of Christ, but sin is not just covered up, it is completely destroyed from man and even angels (Col 1: 15-20) in full reconciliation.


Some people may be disappointed that there is no hell for unbelievers to burn forever in, but when one's heart is filled with love and forgiveness, salvation for all is the only outcome he desires. How much more our all-loving God? Please know that God's justice is not ignored in this but its demand fully paid for by the sacrifice of Christ; for even justice is not above love, and true love will always be just.

Answer to "Isn't it the purpose of the holy spirit to remind us of our sins?"

Let us see ourselves as God sees us -- sinless and righteous. If we continue to dwell on the "sins inside us" we remain in the world and under the bondage of guilt and shame. To think we have to deal with the problem of sin is not having faith in our victory through the gift of grace. Great faith is in believing we are already made holy and righteous in Christ and not trying to live up to His holiness and righteousness. And in that faith we are empowered to live out the true obedient life that is obedience to the holy spirit. Obedience in grace is not to a set of commandments but to the spirit. Sincerely as one may be, thinking it is our part to make the effort is trying to justify grace, which voids it and makes it powerless to help us bring about the change we want in the first place. In our effort to obey we go back to the law.

A Christian is not to be reminded by the holy spirit of our sin and trying to do better.we don't need the gospel for that. The law does a great job of convicting us of sin all by itself. The holy spirit only convicts us of our righteousness in Christ, which is the power of God unto salvation in grace. And grace is not to convict us of sin but to take it away. We must filter all commandments through grace once Christ died and was resurrected. The holy spirit can't contradict Himself by convicting us of both sin and righteousness. We have to believe one or the other. And if we believe He constantly reminds us of sin then we are hopeless for then He is in agreement with the devil who never tells us how good we are in Christ! No, a believer does not need more reminders on how sinful he/she is, but the entire church is impoverished of faith in how holy and righteous she is in the sight of God!

"Victory in the Lord" in the new covenant is literally letting the holy spirit do all the work, and we just trust Him to do it in us. That is why faith in grace is so important because we are not called to do anything on our own anymore. In the Old Testament we earn (try to) righteousness by our good works, but in the New Testament we receive through faith the righteousness Christ gave us by grace to live out the holy life. If that is the case then it is not about our trying and doing anymore but trusting and hearing the gospel, for faith comes from hearing only the word of Christ.

We don't do good by the motivation of being a testimony for Him, but the testimony naturally witnessed by the good results of only listening to the message of grace (words of Christ). And it is not our obedience in behavior that testifies to His resurrection and salvation, but the obedience of faith we hold on to no matter the accusation of the world, the church, other believers -- and even our own conscience -- that we have been made, and always will be, holy and righteous. For it is not only the right behaviors seen, but the joy in the righteous behaviors felt that moves hearts and minds, and testifies for Christ. And no amount of effort to do right can earn us the true joy of Christ but only resting in Him and His grace.

Under grace -- and all grace -- we serve out of the overflowing joy in our hearts, and by such no need to be reminded to serve but only listen,... listening to the heart of God.