The Remission of Blood

 

The scriptures tell us that without the remission of blood there is no remission of sins. Let’s find out what exactly this means. According to the Bible, remission means in Greek, aphesis, which is forgiveness, deliverance and liberty. In other words, in order to have deliverance which is freedom from bondage or imprisonment, and forgiveness which is , pardoning of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed),  BLOOD MUST BE SHED.

Under the law, a life must be given up for a life. The soul that sins shall die.  Therefore, either you die or else blood is shed for your remission.  A sinner cannot die for a sinner because both would end up in hell any way. This is why the bloodshed must not be tainted with sin from the soul who shed it. God knew this and that is why he provided the perfect sacrifice for us. Jesus, who was without sin, gave his life up for the sinner.

There is one more thing. In order to receive this remission, one must repent. Scriptures tell us in Mark 1:4 that John and Jesus (Luke 24:27) preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. In other words, one must turn from any and all activity that excludes faith in the blood for remission of sins and turn toward God and trusting in his remission of blood through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Scriptures plainly tell us that it is FAITH IN THE BLOOD that brings salvation, to be saved from the penalty of sin. PERIOD!!! NOTHING ELSE!! NOTHING ADDED.

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. Romans 3:25

Paul tells us the same thing. He says that under the law all are condemned to die eternally because of sin unless they turn to Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins. Read all of Romans chapter 3.

In a nut shell I will simplify Paul’s message.

. All are sinners and condemned to die eternally.

• Right standing with God comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as the remitter of sins.
• To be justified (just as if you had never sinned) comes as a free gift through the redemption provided by Jesus Christ.
• God gave Jesus as propitiation (appeasing the law of God) through FAITH IN HIS BLOOD for the remission of sins.
• No one can boast that they earned their salvation by any works of the law whatsoever.
• The law of God is established through faith in the blood of Jesus or in other words the blood of Jesus has fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law.

In conclusion, remission from sins comes by FAITH IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS ALONE without the works of the law. Read the book of Galatians, for confirmation, because Paul specifically says that if you trust any other message then you are trusting in a false message that will result in you dying for your sins, and spending eternity separated from God, in everlasting punishment. So, make sure that you are really saved by calling on God to forgive you from all your sins based on faith (trusting in) the blood of Jesus Christ for your remission.

 

 

 

SABBATH KEEPING IS DONE AWAY WITH IN JESUS CHRIST

The Old Testament SABBATH was a CEREMONIAL LAW, which was a figure of Jesus Christ to come, in whom we now rest for the salvation of our souls. The Bible specifically says that Sabbath keeping is a shadow of Jesus Christ which was to come and since he is come the Bible also tells us that HE IS OUR REST.

This means that we cease from all works for righteousness -all law keeping for righteousness and we now trust completely in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ at the cross!

Colossians 2: 11-29

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power, In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshiping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Hebrews shows that the Sabbath Day was only symbolic of a person’s faith (resting in God)) in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Today, Jesus is our Sabbath. He is the fulfillment of what the Sabbath Day symbolized. There is NO Sabbath Day today. It was nailed to the cross. Jesus has become our Sabbath, and in Him alone we rest for our salvation.

Jesus said in John 5:39 SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

1 John 5:11-13

And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God

If you want to worship on Saturday go ahead as the Bible does not forbid this BUT SABBATH KEEPING TO ATTAIN SALVATION IS A WORK OF THE LAW AND BY THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED IN THE SIGHT OF GOD ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURES!

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Hebrews 4:10

Jesus said “Come unto me …..and I WILL GIVE YOU REST.” Matthew 11:28

FAITH IS COUNTED AS RIGHTEOUSNESS

According to Galatians chapter 3 Abraham’s faith was counted to him for righteousness. In other words faith in God: which means to trust in and rely upon as in a personal relationship (not just to acknowledge as true), made Abraham right with God. Then by this right relationship he offered up his son Isaac as a sacrifice because he knew God and trusted him that he was able to raise Isaac from the dead if need be.

It was Abraham’s faith which justified him and his work was the result of that faith. If one tries to earn favor with God by his deeds he is in sin for all our works are as filthy rags in God’s sight but if we have faith through relationship with God because of Jesus blood covenant we then have the Holy Spirit who is able to empower us to do work for God.

Works in the flesh, even good works are an abomination to God because as scriptures tell us “whatever is not of faith is sin” which means whatever does not proceed through a right relationship with Jesus is an unacceptable work. Just like Cain’s work, it was rejected by God because it proceeded not from faith but from self initiative.

Abel’s work was accepted because it was based on right relationship with God, one that relied on grace through faith in the sacrifice of the lamb. Paul tells us in this same chapter that those who try to be perfect by fleshly or man initiated works are adhering to another gospel. They are bewitched by evil spirits to go back to the Law of Moses for salvation and in doing so they put themselves under the curse of the law. Which means in the end if they do not repent they will be spiritually lost, accursed from God.

Have you received the Holy Spirit by keeping the law? Did you do any good work to receive him? Then why are you trying to be justified or made right with God by keeping the law? By observing days, and weeks, taste not, touch not, etc.

Paul also asks, did you receive a miracle because of any good thing you did? Did the Holy Spirit heal you or did you get blessed with his gifts because you were such a nice person? NO! The gifts of God are gifts and so is the gift of salvation. A gift! Why then are you working to keep your salvation? Nothing you do can earn God’s favor in your life except FAITH in him.

Faith that comes from a relationship of trust and reliance in God and through this faith will come obedience to the Holy Spirit who is the one who will change your heart and cause you to walk in his ways. The Holy Spirit is your teacher and comforter who will guide you into God’s truth, his will and his ways. All you have to do is yield to him!

Yield means to surrender. Let go of doing things your way and through your understanding and ask the Father in Jesus name to release his Holy Spirit to do HIS work in you. Then you will be walking in the Spirit rather than obeying rules and regulations from a lawkeeper (Pharisee) mindset.

For we are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ and have the Holy Spirit living in us. If any have not the Holy Spirit he does not belong to God but is only what the Bible calls a “false believer.” One who is trying to please God by the works of the flesh, or carnal unregenerate nature which has not been born again. For as many as you who have been baptized into Christ (and received the Holy Spirit)have put on Christ. Have his nature in us!

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing OF FAITH?

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

So then they which BE OF FAITH ARE BLESSED with faithful Abraham.FOR AS MANY AS ARE OF THE WORKS OF THE LAW ARE UNDER THE CURSE: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

But that NO MAN IS JUSTIFIED BY THE LAW in the sight of God, it is evident: for, THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.

AND THE LAW IS NOT OF FAITH but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit THROUGH FAITH

Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of PROMISE: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

WHEREFORE THEN SERVETH THE LAW ? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come(JESUS CHRIST) to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded ALL UNDER SIN, that the promise BY FAITH of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED BY FAITH.

BUT AFTER THAT FAITH HAS COME, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOL MASTER (THE LAW)

For ye are all the children of God BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Notice that we are heirs ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE and not according to keeping the law of Moses !

Blessings in Jesus brethren!

THE BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB

The Bible talks about record book(s) in heaven. There is a book which records the deeds which everyone who has ever been born have committed and there is a book called the BOOK OF LIFE OF THE LAMB in which only those born of God have their names written in for eternity.

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books (plural) were opened: and another book was opened, which is THE BOOK OF LIFE: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire. And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15

Those who do not receive salvation will be blotted out of the book of life after the judgment but the book of life of the lamb where the over comers names are written will not be blotted out. Why? Because they OVERCOME BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB AND THE WORD OF THEIR TESTIMONY.

The Bible tells us in many scriptures(refer to my other blogs on the topic) that those who has been saved and born of God are kept by the power of the Holy Spirit until the end.

“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,” Jude 1:24

“But thou hast a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments: and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy. He that overcometh shall thus be arrayed in white garments; and I will in no wise blot his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” Revelation 3:4,5

Who is it that overcomes? “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:5

During the tribulation all those whose names are not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will worship the Antichrist: “And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that hath been slain.” Revelation 13:8

“The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.”Revelation 17:8

Add iniquity unto their iniquity; And let them not come into thy righteousness, Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.” Psalm 69:28

“And all who dwell on the earth will worship [the beast], everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.” Revelation 13:8.

This verse tells us that those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life “from the foundation of the world” will not worship the beast.

“The beast that you saw was and is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, will marvel, when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will come.” Revelation 17:8,

In conclusion, whether there is one book or many books,is unclear BUT what is very clear is that your name must be in the lamb’s book of life to be saved. Those blotted out are those who never receive salvation because scriptures confirm that those born of God will overcome because God is able to keep them from falling !

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should REMAIN: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

JUSTIFICATION : An Act of God’s Grace

JUSTIFICATION is an act of God’s free grace. God pardons all our sins and accepts us as righteous in His sight. Only by the righteousness of Jesus Christ imputed (accredited to our account) to us, and received by faith alone (The faith imparted by the Holy Spirit) without the deeds of the law are we saved.

What then must a sinner do to be saved? He must believe in and rest upon Jesus Christ the Savior who was, by imputation, made sin for us, that we by a similar exchange, might be made the righteousness of God in Him. This saving faith will produce a life of submission to the Holy Spirit bringing forth fruit unto God.

The Pharisee, (law keeper) however, goes about to establish his own righteousness, rather than embrace the biblical way of salvation by submitting to the righteousness of God the Son. The Pharisee adds his work to the cross. He thinks he has to work to be saved and work to keep his salvation too! This is a false teaching.

We can do nothing to earn salvation and we can do nothing to keep it. Those in Christ HAVE BEEN MADE FREE from the law of sin and death for what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God sent his Son who was made in the likeness of flesh to die on the cross and condemn sin in his body of flesh so that we might be MADE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. (paraphrase)

Those in Christ are new creatures. Born from above and created to perform good works for God according to his will for each of us.

“‘It is God that justifieth; who is he that condemneth?’ Rom 8:33-34.

‘And it is Jesus that justifieth all His redeemed, by His blood and righteousness; for He was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification; Rom 4:25.

“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputed not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.” Psalm 32:1-2

“To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:19

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption:” 1 Corinthians 1:30

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” Galatians 2:16

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” Romans 3:24-28

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” Romans 4:6-8

“And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification.” Romans 4:22-25

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” Romans 5:1

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness of everyone that believeth.” Romans 10:3-4

“Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Romans 5:9

“Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:18-19

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2
Corinthians 5:18-21

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10

In conclusion, Justification (to be made right with God) is by faith alone without the deeds of the law. Without any good works at all! To add works or behavior to the cross is to fall from grace. In other words those who are relying on their own righteousness are not in grace and have no salvation. You cannot work to keep your salvation either! IT IS FINNISHED!
https://thegospelofgraceministries.wordpress.com/2014/01/03/knowing-the-true-from-the-false/

Saving Faith

It is God who is the author (originator) of salvation. The Bibles says that Christians are justified by faith alone apart from the deeds of the law.

We are not justified by works of any kind. Salvation is a Gift which means that it is not earned by merit but simply bestowed upon the individual by Grace which means by God’s undeserving mercy because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice at the cross.

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. Galatians 3:11

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Philippians 3:9

The Galatians law keeper rejects “faith alone” (sola fide), misinterpreting James 2:2 4,3 by saying that a person is not justified by faith alone. Their argument is that Paul does not mean faith without works. These law keepers or Pharisees see good works of charity, as essential to justification. What James was saying is that if a man is saved by faith alone he will be benevolent based on a change of nature through the born again miracle and not as a means of justification.

By blending faith and works as a means of salvation the law keepers put themselves under law to be judged by the law and they will never be able to live up to God’s standard of perfection. For Jesus said to think a bad thought is sin. To hate is to kill and to lust is to commit adultery. Thinking is the same as doing according to Jesus Christ.

Saving faith is not mental assent to the gospel but rather a change of heart by the Holy Spirit. Jesus said YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN TO SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD!

Law keeping is the old sinful nature trying in a self righteous attitude to obey God but being born of God is the new creature serving God from a new heart –a changed nature.

Acts 16:14 says that Lydia, like those from Philippi and Ephesus, was a person “whose heart the Lord opened” to the Gospel. The heart (spirit) must be made new by God to be saved.

The reason that it is by faith alone is because Jesus Christ is enough and God’s grace is sufficient. “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace;” Romans 4:16

Saving faith is a gift of God. One cannot drum up faith through his own recognizance. GRACE is the means of salvation and faith is the imputation (ascribing an attribution to another) of God’s righteousness through Jesus Christ.

Maranatha brethren! https://thegospelofgraceministries.wordpress.com/2013/10/24/righteousness-is-of-faith-2/

JUSTIFIED IN CHRIST

Saving faith is made evident by works but faith does not save where their is no evidence of works of the Holy Spirit. When one is truly born again they produce fruit unto God. They are holy because God is holy and God lives in his people to cause them to walk in his ways. However, if you are relying on works as a means of justification you are not saved and no matter how many good works you do they will never be good enough. Why? Because God’s law demands perfection and only a perfect person can keep the law. There is no one good but God. Only Jesus could keep the law and that is why he came: TO FULLFILL ALL THE RIGHTEOUS REQUIRMENTS OF THE LAW.

Now all who have saving faith and are born of the Holy Spirit are justified in Christ and are no longer under the wrath of God or the condemnation of the law! A good work is one done by one of God’s people, for God’s sake, and in God’s will. A “good work” is a “God work.”

Good Works are the fruit of a Spirit filled born again Christian but they do not constitute salvation. Good works do not earn us Kudos with God nor do they keep us in salvation.

Good works are a by product of ones faith and are initiated and embowered by the Holy Spirit. Works done for selfish ambition or the praises of men are self made works and will be burned up by the fire of God’s judgment. Only God works are acceptable to a holy God!

II Corinthians 11:12-15

” For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”

(Notice that false Apostles do works of righteousness but they are not God’s righteousness)

Romans 10:2-4

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

Romans 9:30-33

“What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

Righteousness is only achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by behavior of any kind BUT those who are really God’s children will bear fruit that reveals they are made righteous by grace.

https://thegospelofgraceministries.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/saving-faith-3/

WORKS ARE A GIFT OF GRACE

The Gospel of Grace Ministries

The gift of salvation and the gifts of the Spirit are all gifts in the same sense that they are gifts of grace, they are gifts from God that are not deserved, but which are Sovereignly given to men as the Lord wills.

None of us deserve God’s free gift of grace and that is why we can never be prideful of our achievements. Nothing we do is without the Lord’s grace and endowment.

When Peter rebuked Simon for wanting to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit it was because he thought that he could earn God’s gifts of grace with a payment. Many today still do this by offering a work, or ability, in exchange for God’s unmerited gifts.

Acts 8:14-24
“But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, BECAUSE THOU HAST THOUGHT THAT THE GIFT OF GOD MAY BE PURCHASED with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.” Acts 8:9-24

Jesus Christ is our righteousness according to scriptures: “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. ” 1Corinthians 1:30

We do not and cannot attain a right relationship with God in our own righteousness because our self-righteousness is as filthy rags. We are ALL guilty sinners in the need of God’s perfect righteousness according to the Bible.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jer.17:9

“And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”Mark 7:20-23

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 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.And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. ” Romans 5:5-21

So tell me…..does grace stop after you become a Christian or does it continue throughout your life? According to the Bible we cannot earn salvation and nor we can we keep it by works. We did not deserve it before we were saved and we do not deserve it after we are saved. So those who preach one can loose their salvation are in fact preaching that we must earn our salvation by working to keep it.

If as scriptures tell us , we are all filthy and unclean without Jesus Christ, and become clean only in his righteousness, how can we again turn to beggarly elements for our righteousness? If we are truly saved we will bring forth fruits of righteousness because a good tree CANNOT produce bad fruit, as the Bible tells us because one abiding in Christ has the life of Christ flowing through them and will by God’s power in them grow up in him to the fullness of his stature.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:16

Jesus Christ’s salvation gift is described in the Bible as being eternal and not based on conditions. We become a new creature when we have received Christ and if any have not the Spirit of Christ dwelling in him and produces evil fruit, even if they claim to be a Christian, they do not belong to Jesus as scriptures attest.

However, while sanctification is instantaneous it is also a process. When we have been steeped in sin God cleans us continually from sin, line upon line and precept upon precept.

“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”1 John 1: 5-10

As for rewards based on works, this is not interpreted as our own works out side of Jesus Christ but HIS works in us.

What does the bible actually say about the Christian’s works? It says that God has predetermined before the world began which works he desired for each of us to perform in his power, not our own.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained ( predetermined) that we should walk in them.”Ephesians 2:10

The works of the Christian are also a gift of grace because they are ordained for us to walk in according to scripture. Every one has their own gifts and callings which they are called by the Lord to do. So how can one work be deemed more deserving than another even in works if the Bible says that we each have our gift according to grace?

The evangelist will receive a soul’s winners crown and the martyr a martyr’s crown because of the gift of grace and not one’s own ability. These gifts are predetermined!

The Bible specifically says that we have been created unto good works, which means that God has prepared these works long before we would come into existence. Therefore God prepared the good works ahead of time, so that we would walk in them automatically.

Do we get credit for doing those good works? No!

The Lord has prepared our good works as gift of his grace. Let us take a look at what the Lord says about rewards in scripture shall we?

“Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? “Matthew 19:27

“And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ” Matthew 19:28

“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Matthew 19:29

So according to scripture Jesus called the 12 (BEFORE THEY EVER DID ANY WORKS IN THE KINGDOM) and ordained them to eternally rule with him. He also said that he would give the same reward for those who worked all day as those who worked one hour.

This shows us that rewards are not earned but are gifts of God’s sovereign unmerited grace. The rewards of our work for the Lord will be according to God’s will whether we have worked a long time or whether we have worked a short time for the Lord.

That is why in the Gospel of Matthew the Lord Jesus said in the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, where some have worked long and others have worked short, that all receive the same wage for their work. Jesus Christ’s free gift of grace is not our own ability but his endowment. All good works are not worthy compared to the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Therefore, we shall all receive the same inheritance according to the Lord’s sovereign grace.

“Who will render to every man according to his deed.” Romans 2:6

“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,”Romans 2:7-8

“Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:”Romans 2:9-10

“For there is no respect of persons with God.”Romans 2:11

Those in Christ are working by the Holy Spirit’s grace in the kingdom of God but those outside of salvation are and will be judged under the law.

The only good work is the work done by the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ was the only one who was as righteous as God Himself, because He was God. His work is the only one merited as reward.

“Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”Colossians 3:24

“Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought (worked out), but that we receive a full reward.The reward that we receive is a reward entirely of grace.” 2 John 8

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.”John 15:4

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Romans 4:4,5

Christians who are truly born of God will continue in the faith. They will not turn back. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” Titus 2:11-13

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” Jude 1: 24

“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”Revelation 4:10,11

So be of good cheer for He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day we see him face to face! Sola scriptura! https://thegospelofgraceministries.wordpress.com/2014/06/04/salvation-is-eternally-secure/

Love Fulfills the Law.

What exactly is love, according to the bible, that is? Let’s find out shall we? Depending on its context the word “love” can mean several different things. In Hebrew love can be defined as ‘ahab aw-hab’ or ‘ohab o’-hab which means a friendship love or camaraderie or affection, brotherly love. Love can be ‘Eldad el-dad’ or God has loved, cared for. This word can also mean “at the breast” or provider.

Chabab khaw-bab’ which is similar, is to hide in ones bosom, protect, show fatherly affection. Love can be chashaq khaw-shak’ which means to cling to, rely upon, to delight in. Love can be kamar kaw-mar’ which means to be deeply affected with passion (love or pity) or yearning for. It can mean Agab aw-gab’ which means to dote upon, to love with passion of the senses and egeb eh’-gheb is to find lovely. Then we have agabah ag-aw-baw’ which is to love inordinately or to be strongly attracted or disposed to love, especially sexual love. Another root word of love is racham raw-kham’ which is to have compassion, pity, mercy, tenderness.

So now let’s take a look at the Greek words for love. We have agapao which is to love in a social or moral sense, agape which is to have affection, benevolence, charity which is a giving love. Thelo which means to choose or prefer, to be inclined to, to be willing, be disposed toward, have rather than, desire above others. Then there is philagathos which means to be fond of, promoting goodness and virtue. Philadelphia is brotherly affection and philandros is a love between husband and wife.

Philanthropia is to have benevolence and kindness towards others,philarguria is a greedy love, like idolatry, love of money, phileo means to have a doting affection or sentiment feeling for, based on a matter of principle, duty and propriety. Philoproteuo is to be fond of first or preeminence. And Lastly we have philoteknos which is having affection for one’s children.

Now let’s look at the English word for love: an intense feeling of deep affection, a deep romantic or sexual attachment to someone.

As you can see love in English may not be the same as a Biblical word for love so we had better know exactly what love word is being used within the context of the scriptures to have an accurate meaning, now for my subject. The bible says that love fulfills the law of God.

This word in the Greek is agapē love which is to have affection, benevolence, charity which is a giving love. Jesus said that the greatest love is to lay down our lives for others and we know how short we all fall in this so that is not the love that fulfills the law. The Bible specifically says that we all fall short of God’s glory or perfection so what love fulfills the law? The love that laid down his life for his sheep…..JESUS…..his love fulfills the law of God.

Let me show you using agape love in scriptures.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Romans 13:8

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5: 14

“Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Matthew 5:17-18

After Jesus death and resurrection he fulfilled the law. Therefore the law is abolished for the Christian. ALL OF IT.

“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” Romans 10:4

In other words our righteousness does not depend on keeping the law but on Christ’s fulfilling the law and imputing (accredited to our account) his righteousness, not our own which falls short of perfection. Only perfect love can cast out fear, death, hell, and sin. God’s agape love through the giving of his Son to pay the ransom for those held in bondage to sin is perfect love.

“But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:23-29

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having ABOLISHED in his flesh the enmity, EVEN THE LAW OF COMANDMENTS contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God” Ephesians 2: 11-15

As you can see from these scriptures, God’s agape love through Jesus Christ fulfilled all the righteous requirements of the law. Having said that, what is our position under the new covenant? A new law! Law? Yes, let’s take a look at the meaning of law. This word has two meanings. Law as in rules and regulations is now abolished BUT law as in a statement of fact, deduced from observation, to the effect that a particular natural or scientific phenomenon always occurs if certain conditions are present is in effect.

Let’s check the Bible to find out about this new law.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God
To declares I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus, Where is boasting then? It is excluded, By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith”. Rom. 3: 23

So, faith in God or saving faith is a law! A law is a fact, in the natural we have the law of gravity, what goes up must come down. In the spiritual we have the law of faith. Whosoever believes (has faith) in Jesus Christ will be saved! That is a spiritual law!

Now let’s take a look at one more law.“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. “Rom. 8:1

In other words those in Jesus Christ are not under Old Testament laws of any kind even the 10 commandments but rather are now under the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.

When we become born again by God’s grace and the Spirit of life comes to live in us then he lives through us and therefore because God is perfect love he will lead you and guide you into all truth, help you in your weakness, be your strength, give you faith, develop his fruit and gifts in you so that you will be complete in him, full of his power and grace and walking in his perfect love.

Crucified with Jesus Christ

The Gospel of Grace Ministries

It is God’s grace that saves us, but not by his grace alone. If that were so, then everyone would be saved. To trust in Jesus Christ by faith is given as a gift by God the Father to those whom the Father chooses to bestow his grace .

“All that the Father gives me shall come to me, and he that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. ” John 15:16

Those who have been saved by God’s grace through God’s gift of faith have been crucified with Christ. That is they have put to death the deeds of the body by the power of the Spirit of Christ which dwells within them and they no longer live for their own selfish ambitions but live their lives for God.

What does “put to death” exactly mean? It means that the Christian is positioned in Christ by faith so that…. I….I…I…no longer lives……but Christ who dwells within lives instead. How does this work? The Holy Spirit equips the Christian to live a holy life. How is this achieved? By the faith of Christ. The faith to believe in his ability and power for your life!

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal. 2:20

Aramaic Bible in Plain English says(©2010) “And I have been crucified with The Messiah, and from then on I myself have not been living, but The Messiah is living in me, and this that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of The Son of God, he who has loved us and has given himself for us.” Gal.2:20

This means that it is no longer I who lives. You are not your own, you are bought with a price. No longer bound to sin and the devil but have instead become slaves of Jesus Christ. Many may not like to hear that but it’s in the bible. You are not free to be your own master. You are free from sin and alive to God.

“Paul, the bound of Christ Jesus [the bound of Jesus Christ], and Timothy, brother, to Philemon, beloved, and our helper [and our even-worker]” Philemon 1:1

That means there is no “I.” The self that I reckon myself to be is not I. I am not. Christ is. “It is not I who lives, but Christ lives in me.” Christ lives in me and I am crucified to him.

(NIV Incorrect Version) says “ in the son” ……but this is an incorrect translation…. rather we have to put faith in God’s grace, but the faith that we use isn’t our own human faith. This verse says that faith is the gift of God, not your own head belief. In Ephesians 2:8, Paul says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”

It is the SELF. The ego of man. MIND,WILL,AND EMOTIONS that must be put to death. As Christian we have no rights, no liberties, no free will. If you are born again by the Holy Spirit you have now become A SLAVE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Humanist Christianity exalts the self, “you are special,” they say. “You are blessed in this world.” “You can do it!” But what does scriptures teach? That SELF MUST DIE ! Why must self die? So that Jesus Christ can live through you ! Jesus said, “Without me you can do nothing.”

In the self exalted man is dead religion, works of self righteousness and man exalted exploits. Scriptures tell us that
“ He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5

When the Christian is crucified with Christ then they are no longer living in control of their lives but are living in the Holy Spirit with Jesus doing his will through them by his power! How is this done? By faith, the faith God gives to live for him. As we pray at all times for all things we depend on the Holy Spirit for every little thing. This is called being bound to the Lord.

Do you lack power to live holy? Then reckon your self dead unto sin, dead to the world, dead to self and alive to God, in him, living and moving every moment in Jesus.

Holiness is not in obeying rules and regulations…touch not, taste not , handle not, wear this, don’t wear that ect . Holiness is being consecrated to live for Christ and by faith he lives through us! Pray for the dumanis Holy Spirit power for all things.

“Father give me repentance in this area, Father help me to love my enemy, Father give me faith to trust you, Father help me preach your word, Father heal this person as I pray…ect ect!”

As long as we are on the throne we will live defeated lives, void of power, empty of life, always trying to drum it up by some other way. Jesus Said I AM THE WAY….I AM THAT I AM….CHRIST THAT LIVES IN ME…. Paul said that he would rather rejoice in HIS WEAKNESS! Why?

So that GOD’S POWER WOULD REST ON HIM!! When we are weak then he is strong and when we are SELF-sufficient then his grace will not be sufficient. Do you want to be strong in the Lord and the power of HIS MIGHT? Then get off the throne! Acknowledge God in ALL your way,ALL that you do so that he will lead you and guide you, minister through you and DO HIS WILL …not your will but HIS WILL!

Then you will see great and mighty things which you could never have imagined…..souls will get saved, healing will take place and even suffering for Christ will become a joy ! For when we are weak HE is strong.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” 2 Cor.12: