The Plan of Redemption, the Gospel and Missions

Ephesians 1:3-6

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love

5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. NASB

The Plan of Redemption, the Gospel and Missions

Consider then how God, in His infinite Wisdom, has planned the outworking of History to achieve this great end of displaying the Glory of His Name! As we look at Scripture we see that even from the earliest sections of Scripture, God is speaking of His plan to “save and redeem”.

Genesis 3:15 – 15 And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel. " NASB

We see over and over how God is working out His plan for the ages. Consider how the Scripture plainly teaches that it was always God’s plan for mankind to Fall, for Jesus to die upon the Cross, and for God to redeem for Himself a company of people whom He has “destined for Glory.” Many of the events were said to have been “predestined according to God’s purpose” and done by the “predetermined plan” of God. The Bible is replete with such texts!

Ephesians 1:11-12 – 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. NASB

Acts 2:23 – 23 this Man, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. NASB

Acts 4:27-28 – 27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Thy holy servant Jesus, whom Thou didst anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Thy hand and Thy purpose predestined to occur. NASB

Ephesians 1:3-6 –  4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. NASB

Ephesians 3:11-13 – 11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ

Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. NASB

Titus 1:1-2 – 1:1 Paul, a bond-servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the faith of those chosen

of God and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2 in the hope of eternal life, which

God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago, NASB

2 Timothy 1:9-10 – 9 who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity NASB

If these things be true, and they are, consider how God’s plan must have a means by which it is carried out. Now this could not be more clear in Scripture. The Bible plainly declares that the Gospel message is the means by which God’s purpose to redeem is carried out in this late age. This is why the church is charged with the great task of evangelizing the nations(missions), for the sake of God’s great name, and for the Lamb to receive the reward of His suffering. Since God has created both mankind and angels as morally capable, He has also made them subject to His standards of morality. Therefore both mankind and angels will stand in judgment before God, and are accountable to God’s Sovereign Authority.

2 Peter 2:4 – 4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment; NASB

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 – 13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. NASB

God expects His creatures which He has made for His own purposes, to live according to God’s own moral character, perfect, pure and Holy. Because mankind has fallen short of the glory of God(His perfect moral character), this has brought about the great need of redemption, which God has planned for long ages past. This we call the “Plan of Redemption.” In this late age, the Plan of Redemption is now coming to pass by the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, (who is the perfect sacrifice for the sins of mankind and God’s required redemption price), as the purpose of God in redemption is accomplished by His calling out of His people from every tribe and nation.

Romans 3:23 – 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, NASB

Romans 16:25-27 – 25 Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.  NASB

Through this gospel(the message of the person and work of Christ), the judgment of God for the sins of mankind has been cancelled, for all who believe. By this faith they enter into a state of redemption having the debt of sins paid, as God’s wrath and judgment were satisfied at the cross, Christ Jesus Himself having fulfilled the law of God(God’s perfect moral character) and paid the just penalty for the wages of sin. This we call “Justification by Faith.”

Romans 3:21-27 – 21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. NASB

Because of this great work, God has exalted Christ Jesus the incarnate Son of God and the man, to be the Sovereign King and Judge of the living and the dead. Therefore all people in every age and generation, all nations and peoples will be subject to the Sovereign Authority of Christ and will bow the knee before Him in judgment at the consummation of God’s plan for the ages.

Ephesians 1:20-23 – 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church,

2 Timothy 4:1-2 – 4:1 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: NASB

Philippians 2:9-11 – 9 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. NASB

This message of the Gospel then is the means by which God is bringing to pass His eternal purpose in Christ to redeem. This is why missions is a key element of God’s glory in the church. We must bring the Gospel to the far corners of the earth to fulfill the command of God in missions. Consider how the following Scriptures relate to this matter.

Mark 16:15 – 15 And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. NASB

Ephesians 3:8-11 -8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the

unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery

which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things; 10 in order that the manifold wisdom of

God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

11 This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our LordNASB

Matthew 24:14 – 14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come. NASB

Romans 10:14-15 – 14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!" NASB

So then God fully intends to save all those whom He has planned or purposed to save. This He will accomplish by His great missionary people, the Gentile Church. But consider the certainty of the salvation of God’s people. If God has planned to save all of the people whom He will save, what do you suppose will be the result? Consider that He will save all of the people whom He has intended to save, and will not lose one, but every last one WILL be saved.

John 6:37-39 – 37 "All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. 38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. NASB

Revelation 5:9-10 – And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. 10 "And Thou hast made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth." NASB

Christ did indeed SECURE the salvation of His church.

John 19:30 – 30 When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished !" And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. NASB

In all of this great plan to redeem, God’s people magnify the glory of His grace in salvation. All of God’s redemptive works throughout history are working to the end OR the ultimate purpose of the praise of the glory of God’s Excellency and nature as God our Savior.

2 Corinthians 4:15 – 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. NASB

Ephesians 1:4-6, 11-14,18 – 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, 12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation —  having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory. NASB

Even the very state of being to which God’s people are destined is said to be “glory!”

Ephesians 1:18 – 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,

Romans 9:23-25 – 23 And He did so in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles. NASB

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

God’s Knowledge

Psalms 139:4

Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all. NAS

Knowledge

God knows everything. Because God is the source of all things, making everything from nothing, He is therefore the source of all knowledge and wisdom. Let us examine a definition of Omniscience to try and understand how complete God’s Knowledge is…AW Tozer writes.…

“God knows all that can be known. And this He knows instantly and with a fullness of perfection that includes every possible item of knowledge concerning everything that exists or could have existed anywhere in the universe at any time in the past or that may exist in the centuries or ages yet unborn.”

We could add to this that God knows all of the data of every possible cause and effect, feeling and desire, creature, event, and every other thing that can be named. His knowledge is complete and eternal. The Scripture plainly declares that God knows everything….

1 John 3:20 – 20 in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart, and

knows all things. NASB

Isaiah 40:28 – 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. NASB

Psalm 147:5 – 5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite. NASB

Rarely would someone argue that God does not know the past, but what about the future. Does God know the future? The Scripture plainly declares that God knows the record of the future, in fact the future is the outworking of God’s decrees made from before He created the world. He knew in eternity past the entire record of history for all eternity. Predictive prophecy proves this again and again. God speaks about future events before they come to pass. Consider how many prophecies in the Bible have already been fulfilled!

Isaiah 46:9-10 – 9 "Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no

other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning

And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; NAS

Isaiah 44:7-8 – Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come– yes, let him foretell what will come. 8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." NASB

In Psalm 139 the Scripture speaks of God knowing our thoughts and words “before there is a word on our tongue.”

Psalms 139:2-4 – 2 Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up; Thou dost understand my thought from afar. 3 Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down, And art intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all. NAS

There is nothing that escapes His notice, and nothing can be hidden from Him. He is aware of the events of the past, present, and future as if they were all laid out before Him. As His being is perfect, so is His knowledge. Being perfect in knowledge, He is therefore all-knowing and never confused, misled or surprised.

Hebrews 4:13 – 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. NASB

Nothing escapes the attention of God. He see all things even the inner thoughts of man. Jesus said that “all of the hairs of our head where numbered,” (Luke 12:7) and that not a sparrow falls to the ground apart from His attention (Matt 10:29). Our very thoughts and intentions of our hearts are “open and laid bare before the Lord.” He knows our thoughts(Eze 11:5) before we even express them. Indeed there is no place where we can hide from God, He sees every hidden thing in full view, and He even understands the intentions of our hearts better than we do. He is God!

1 Kings 8:39- 39 then hear Thou in heaven Thy dwelling place, and forgive and act and render to each according to all his ways, whose heart Thou knowest, for Thou alone dost know the hearts of all the sons of men, NASB

1 Chronicles 28:9 – 9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. NA

Proverbs 5:21 – 21 For the ways of a man are before the eyes of the LORD, And He watches all his paths. NASB

AW Pink writes of God’s knowledge of our sins;

“Neither the darkness of night, the closest curtains, nor the deepest dungeon can hide any sinner from the eyes of Omniscience. The trees of the garden were not able to conceal our first parents. No human eye beheld Cain murder his brother, but his maker witnessed his crime! Sarah might laugh derisively in the seclusion of her tent, yet was it heard by Jehovah. Achan stole a wedge of gold and carefully hid it in the earth, but God brought it to light. David was at much pains to cover up his wickedness, but ere long the all-seeing God sent one of His servants to say to him, “You are the man!” And to writer and reader is also said, “Be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23)

Proverbs 15:3 – The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Watching the evil and the good. NAS

             Job 34:21-22 – 21 "For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, And He sees all his steps. 22 "There

is no darkness or deep shadow Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. NASB

Psalms 90:8 – 8 Thou hast placed our iniquities before Thee, Our secret sins in the light of Thy presence.

NASB

S Lewis Johnson summarizes God’s knowledge like this…..

·   Intuitive –  God knows everything by default, His knowledge exists within Himself

·   Simultaneous – God knows everything in one simple act, instantaneously, not gradually

·   Independent – God knows everything apart from any learning, He cannot learn, because He knows all things from eternity, His knowledge comes from Himself

·   Distinct – God knows everything clearly, without ambiguity, specifically not generally, absolute

·   Infallible – God’s knowledge is unfailing, certain, accurate in every detail

·   Immutable – God’s knowledge never changes because He learned a new fact, it is not subject to anything outside of Himself

·   Complete – God’s knowledge is infinite, the scope or extent of it is exhaustive, He knows all things actual and possible, all events, all creatures of the past, present and future

Consider how God’s knowledge is related to His Sovereignty. If God be All-Knowing, than nothing can escape His attention or somehow surprise Him. He is intimately aware of everything at all times, knowing it all from before He ever created the world. God knows everything FREELY because He has willed them to be and has providentially brought them about.

Ephesians 1:11 – 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, NASB

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

God’s  Sovereignty and Power

Psalm 103:19

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens;

And His sovereignty rules over all. NASB

In order to lay some groundwork for the upcoming lessons on God’s Purpose and Decrees, we need to understand a few things about God’s Decree, His Providence, and His Nature.

• God has many attributes that make up His character and nature. These attributes of God are impossible to be fully comprehended by human beings, but can be to some degree understood.
• God’s attributes all function in perfect harmony with all His other attributes. You cannot separate one attribute of God from His person. God never does anything that denies His own character, but what God does is an expression of who He is. It is impossible for to violate His own nature.
• God made the creation, (angels, the physical universe, mankind), in order to fulfill a grand design or purpose. We call this eternal purpose His “Decree.” The creation is like stage upon which God is working His plan for the ages.
• God’s creation exists in time, and thus the outworking of all things in time or history, are managed by God’s Providence to achieve His purpose.
• God uses different aspects of the creation as means to achieve certain purposes within His grand design, but they all work together for the one great goal and objective of God’s eternal plan. These means of God can be categorized as; Creation, Providence, Redemption, and Damnation.
• History is therefore the outworking of the eternal purpose(s) of God, His Decree, which is carried out by Him through the means of Creation, Providence, Redemption, and Damnation.

In order to get a basic understanding necessary for understanding God’s Decree, we must grasp a few basic things about God’s Sovereignty, Power and Knowledge. Although God is Sovereign, All-Powerful and All-Knowing, these attributes never function independently of totality of His character. God always uses His Sovereignty, Power and Knowledge in accordance with His Holiness, Wisdom, Righteousness (Justice), and Goodness and Love.

Sovereignty

God is Sovereign. But what does this mean? The word “sovereignty” means “Supreme Authority” and in earthly realms speaks of one who holds the highest place of authority such as a Monarch, or President or Ruler of a province or territory. But consider that when this term is applied to God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, that the meaning takes on a much fuller sense. God is in heaven and having made the world by His own power out of nothing, and is even now sustaining everything by His powerful Word, God is The Sovereign King above all earthly and heavenly powers and authorities. As the Scripture says……

Psalm 103:19 – 19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens; And His sovereignty rules over all. NASB

God possesses absolute dominion and authority over all things. So He is said to sit on a “throne” in heaven! Just think how ridiculous it would be to say that God created the universe, but He is not in control of what takes place in it. Well the truth is God not only controls nature and history, but He literally sustains the entire universe by his power, and orders the events of his entire creation to accomplish His own purposes and plans. Friends, we must understand that what is happening in the world is happening at the express purpose and will of God, who rules the world and all who are in it. He is "the Lord of Heaven and Earth"(Acts 17:24) and whatsoever happens in the world, happens because God has permitted, indeed He has decreed it to happen (The Decrees of God). Although there is much evil in the world, which God hates, He is allowing these things to achieve His eternal purposes which will, without a doubt, comes to pass. God not only permits the events of human history, but has ordained them from eternity past (Foreordination), and is furthermore actively involved in seeing that they all come to pass (Providence), fulfilling all of His plans and purposes.

Proverbs 16:4 – 4 The LORD has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil. NASB

That the divine purpose could meet with frustration is unthinkable, for then it could not be the divine purpose! Failure of God’s purpose is failure of His sovereignty. God cannot be God and NOT be Sovereign, for then He would NOT be God. Scripture is very clear about this!

Ephesians 1:11 – 11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, NASB

Even Satan was created by God to achieve the very purpose for which God made him.

Isaiah 10:15 – 15 Is the axe to boast itself over the one who chops with it? Is the saw to exalt itself over the one who wields it? That would be like a club wielding those who lift it, Or like a rod lifting him who is not wood. NASB

Isaiah 54:16 – 16 "Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, And brings out a weapon for its work; And I have created the destroyer to ruin. NASB

Consider all the aspects of God’s Sovereignty in 1 Chronicles 29:11-13.  

1 Chronicles 29:11-13 – 11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Thine is the dominion, O LORD, and Thou dost exalt Thyself as head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from Thee, and Thou dost rule over all, and in Thy hand is power and might; and it lies in Thy hand to make great, and to strengthen everyone. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. NASB

Power – Omnipotence

Consider how God’s power is related to His Sovereignty. If God be All-Powerful, than He has the ability to do as He pleases and is therefore by default the Supreme Authority.

Job 23:13 – 13 "But He is unique and who can turn Him? And what His soul desires, that He does. NASB

Isaiah 43:13 – 13 "Even from eternity I am He; And there is none who can deliver out of My hand; I act and who can reverse it?" NASB

Psalm 115:3 – 3 But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. NASB

Let us see then how the Scripture speaks of God’s mighty power, indeed it describes Him as Omnipotent or All-Powerful. The Scripture plainly declares that God can do anything and nothing is too hard for Him.

Jeremiah 32:17 – 17’Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee, NASB

Matthew 19:26 – 26 And looking upon them Jesus said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  NASB

Job 42:2 – 2 "I know that Thou canst do all things, And that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted. NASB

In fact, God had the creative power to make the universe from nothing, and He sustains the same universe by His power. He made the world for His own pleasure and by His own will.

Revelation 4:11 – 11 "Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created." NAS

His creation is just a small example of his mighty power. In the creation of the universe, God’s resources were not depleted in any way, they are infinitely vast! Since God therefore created all things, He also transcends them, and His power and dominion are infinitely greater than everything He created! God is actively sustaining everything in creation, He exercises His power in every moment of time, being sure to bring to pass “all His good pleasure.” He made all things with a very purposeful will, and He possesses the power to execute His divine will and bring His intentions to an expected end. He began alone, and created all things out of nothing, and by this great truth is known as “The Almighty.”

Isaiah 40:26 – 26 Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power Not one of them is missing. 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. NASB

John 1:1-3 – :1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being NAS

Colossians 1:16-17 – 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created by Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. NAS

Because of this truth it also follows that any power that is in the creation is granted by God. If God made everything out of nothing, than nothing has power unless it has been delegated by God. In fact the Scripture plainly declares that God’s power is far above all earthly powers.

Ephesians 1:19-21 – 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. NASB

Consider, if someone were more powerful than God, than they would have authority over Him, but this is in fact impossible. Therefore, because God is Omnipotent, He is also Sovereign.

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

In Christ Alone

Acts 4:12

"And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven

that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." NASB

Christ alone and His perfect finished work on the cross is the object on which our faith is founded. He has satisfied the divine requirements of justice for our sins and lived a perfect sinless life for us that we could never live. The scripture says that He has become for us our righteousness and sanctification. There is no other way to be reconciled to God the Father except through the finished work of God’s own Son. All other ways of salvation are in fact false and do not lead to reconciliation with God.

1 John 5:12 – 12 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. NASB

John 3:36 – 36 "He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." NASB

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 – 30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 that, just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." NASB

2 Corinthians 5:21 – 21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. NASB

Here now is the reason why Jesus is the only way to the Father, as He states in…

John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. NASB

There is NO OTHER sinless perfect man to die for the sins of others because all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God(Rom 3:23). Therefore, no one is worthy to pay the price for the sins of others. Either Christ will pay the penalty for your sins or you will. And this price is the cost of death, eternal separation from God (2 Thes 1:9). Mankind cannot be righteous through works or deeds, but only through the imputed righteousness of Christ.

Romans 3:20 – 20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin. NASB

You see the problem is that mankind has sinned against God incurring the penalty that God’s justice demands which is death (Rom 6:23).  In order for you to pay the penalty for your sin, you would have to die spiritually, (be separated from God forever), that is the just penalty for sin.

Therefore there is no other way to be saved from the consequences of sin except through the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary.

Acts 4:12 – 12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved." NASB

Here then is the great good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ! Jesus has done the work, He has merited the favor of God, whom we have offended. We now simply have to trust in and rely upon the finished work of Christ to be saved from the penalties of our sins.

John 6:29 – 29 Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent." NASB

More than this, Christ has purchased for us access to every promise of God.

2 Corinthians 1:20 – 20 For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. NASB

We sinned against God and earned death, God offers to us the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord!

Romans 6:23 – 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NASB

Jesus Christ and His sinless life, death and resurrection is the only exclusive way to be reconciled to God. His death is the only atoning sacrifice worthy in God’s sight to propitiate God’s wrath for sins, and remove our guilt before God. His life is the only way to have perfect righteousness in God’s sight because He alone fulfilled all of the perceptive requirements of God’s holy Law. His resurrection is the only clear and powerful victory over death, and the obvious guarantee of its power over death to give us hope beyond the grave.

Romans 10:9-10 – 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the

dead, you shall be saved; 10 for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in

salvation. NASB.   

If you would like to know how to know Jesus Christ and be ransomed from your sins and enter into eternal life…..click here to find out how….. http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/2425

Or read more about the Christian Gospel here:  http://www.ligonier.org/welcome_whatisthegospel.php

If you have comments or questions, please do respond to shaan@heavenslight.org

The  Work of the Holy Spirit

In Illumination

1 Corinthians 2:14

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him,

and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. NASB

Praise be to the Most High God for the blessing of His Holy Spirit, whom He has given to us. In His great mercy, Christ has not orphaned us, but in fact abides in us through the blessed Holy Spirit of God, the third member of the Holy Trinity.

Last time I was with you, we discussed the Person of the Holy Spirit, looking at both the deity and also the personality of the Holy Spirit. In the Word we saw that the Holy Spirit was fully God, possessing all of the divine attributes of God and we also saw that He is ascribed in Scripture as third person of the Godhead, possessing His own unique personality and ministry in the great work of redemption.

Today, we will be discussing the Work of the Holy Spirit. I will briefly mention the various works of the Holy Spirit which are spoken of in scripture, but I will focus specifically on His work of illumination, His teaching and revealing ministry to us.

It is important to recognize that after Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit is now the primary manifestation of the Godhead to us in the New Covenant age. He is said to be the One who convicts the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.

John 16:7-11 – 7 “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. 8 “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; 11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. NASB

He is said to indwell the believer and live inside of us as we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. God has come to dwell in this temple not made with hands, that is, the human soul, by the person of the Holy Spirit.

When we speak about the work of the Holy Spirit in the plan of redemption, it is important to note that He is the One who applies redemption to us. The Father planned it, the Son purchased it, and the Spirit applies it to us. Of course the primary way He does this is through regeneration (John 3:3-7, 6:63, 1 Pet 1:3, Tit 3:5). Regeneration is a sovereign act of God by his Spirit in which the sinner is given the capacities needed to understand, believe, and lay hold of the kingdom of God, by the gift of faith, and granted eternal life. His/her mind, will and emotions are divinely enabled to comprehend sin and righteousness and judgment. His/her spirit is resurrected from its natural dead state, restoring communion with God who is Spirit. It is a fundamental change in the nature of mankind having the very nature and eternal life of God infused into the human soul. At this time the Holy Spirit enters into the being of mankind performing this transformation eternally.

Even though regeneration is the primary work of the Spirit in applying redemption to us, it is only one of many works attributed to the Holy Spirit in scripture. He is also said to…

·        Baptize us into the body of Christ – 1 Cor 12:13

·        Indwell us – 1 Cor 6:19

·        Effectually call us unto salvation – Rom 8:28-30

·        Sanctify us – Rom 8:13, 8:29, 1 Cor 6:11, 2 Cor 3:18, Gal 5:22-23, Phil 2:12-13, 2 Thess 2:13, 1 Pet 1:2

·        Empower us for living and ministry – Acts 10:38, Rom 7:6, 8:4, 8:15-16, 8:26, 15:19, 1 Cor 12:7-11

·        Seals us unto the day of redemption – Eph 1:13-14, 2 Cor 1:22

·        Inspires the text of Scripture – Heb 3:7, 1 Pet 1:10-12, 2 Pet 1:19-20

·        Reveals and teaches us divine truth – John 14:26, 16:13-14, 1 Cor 2:9-16

Of course there are many other ways in which the work of the Holy Spirit is described in Scripture. But for the purpose of today’s brief study, we will move on to the topic of focus which is the Spirit’s work in illumination.

When it comes to the spiritual discernment and understanding of the mysteries of divine truth and the Kingdom of God for the Christian believer, the Holy Spirit plays a key role. It is in fact His work to reveal and illumine our minds to truth. The Holy Spirit is said to be the One in Scripture who “teaches” us “all things.” The revelation of truth to us by the Holy Spirit is not said to be about some things, but rather “all things.”

John 14:26 – 26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. NASB

When describing the scope of this teaching Jesus went on to say that the Spirit will “guide us into all truth.” This guidance, Jesus said was into “all truth.” As He described that guidance, Jesus said the Spirit will “disclose” the truth to us. The Greek used here for “disclose” is anaggello, meaning; to announce (in detail):–declare, rehearse, report, show, or speak.

John 16:13-14  – 13 “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. 14 “He shall glorify Me; for He shall take of Mine, and shall disclose it to you. NASB

John also wrote of the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit describing it as very comprehensive in its scope.

1 John 2:27 – 27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. NASB

Here John tells us that “you have no need for anyone to teach you,” because “His anointing teaches you about all things.” Here the “anointing” is a clear reference to the Holy Spirit, whose gifts and graces are frequently seen in relation to the sacred anointing oil of the Law and prophets. John is not saying that we don’t need human teachers in the church to serve us and help to explain and clarify God’s truth, but that ultimately it is the work of the Holy Spirit to give us that divine insight that only He can give, for human insight only serves to help us see, but the light of the knowledge of the truth comes from the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 2:10).  

In fact, the Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth who will “bear witness” of Jesus unto His disciples.

John 15:26-27 – 26 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of Me, 27 and you will bear witness also, because you have been with Me from the beginning. NASB

This is in fact one the great ways in which the Helper helps us, He bears witness of the God’s eternal heavenly truth. As the text says, “He will bear witness of me.” Jesus is the truth, and the Spirit bears witness to us revealing the glory and preeminence of Jesus. He is the ultimate revelation of truth, and the Spirit bears witness of this to us. This is also how John tells us that we know the Spirit of God, by this testimony and witness of Christ.

1 John 4:2-4 – 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. NASB

And so we have seen here that it is the Holy Spirit who “teaches” us all things concerning God’s truth and His kingdom, and that He is the One who gives specific testimony of the person and work of Christ to us. Moreover, it is important to realize that the very revelation of divine mysteries is the work of the Spirit. He is the one who illumines our minds or brings light to the “eyes of our heart.” This is what Paul prays for concerning the Ephesians in

Ephesians 1:17-18 – 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, NASB

Consider with me that we do not have physical eyes in our hearts. What then is the meaning of the Apostle’s words, “eyes of the heart?” Obviously, he speaks of our spiritual eyes, the eyes with which we see the spiritual realities of God’s truth and His kingdom, and discern heavenly mysteries which cannot be understood in the earthly natural mind of man. This is what we sing in that great hymm “Holy, Holy, Holy,”…. “thought the eyes of sinful man, thy glory may not see.” This is because only the Spirit of God can give us illumination to divine mysteries. And the natural man, the unbeliever, has not received the Holy Spirit through regeneration, that is what makes him a natural man. This of course is in contrast to those who have been born again by the Spirit, having become regenerate, and been made new creations in Christ by the might power of God’s Spirit. This is the discussion of the Apostle in 1 Corinthians  2:9-16. There He writes…

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 – 9 but just as it is written, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. NASB

Here the Apostle speaks of things which have never entered into “eyes,” or “ears” or even the “hearts” of the natural man which he describes as “all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” Surely here he is describing the heavenly mysteries of God’s eternal Kingdom, our union with Christ and the riches of the grace of God which are ours eternally because of Christ, world without end. And he further describes why we know these things, in contrast to those who have never, see, or heard, or thought of these mysteries. It is because “to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.” Consider that God has “revealed them through the Spirit.” Here see the work of the Spirit in illumination. He has revealed with light to the eyes of our hearts divine truth which we could have in no other way seen, except by this work of the Holy Spirit. Light is “that which causes the eye to see.” Illumination is to have things exposed to one’s eyes by the means of light. Here see how the Spirit shines the light of the truth into our hearts to “see” even “all that God has prepared for those who love Him.” He allows us to see “even the depths of God!” What glorious light is this that we received by the work of the Spirit? The Apostle goes on.

1 Corinthians 2:11-13 – 11 For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, 13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. NASB

See here that because we have been given the Spirit of God, we can now know the very thoughts of the Most High God. And he explains the purpose of the giving of the Spirit here, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God.” The very purpose of the giving of the Spirit in this context is for illumination of the “things freely given to us by God.” Let us learn here, that revelation knowledge of the divine mysteries of God comes to us only by the power of God’s Spirit to enlighten our minds to His truth. This Paul describes as being “taught by the Spirit,” when he says, “which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.” Again we see the teaching and revealing ministry of the Spirit to us, and how these things are not according to “human wisdom,” but “spiritual thoughts and words, taught” to us by the Spirit. Praise God for His blessed Spirit! The Apostle continues showing the great contrast then between the born again spiritual man in Christ, compared to the fallen natural man who has not received the Spirit by regeneration.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16 – 14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. 15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. NASB

See here, that “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, they are foolishness to Him.” Note the fallen state of man is darkness, he does not accept the things of God because his eyes are blinded to those realities until he is born again. See here regeneration precedes faith. A man “does accept the things of the Spirit of God” until the Holy Spirit has worked the His mighty power of illumination in the eyes of His heart and cause him to see the divine realities. And this the Apostle says, is not a question of WILL not, but that he “cannot.” Seeing things of the Spirit of God is not a matter of man’s will, but of his ability. The Apostle writes, “they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.” Why are the things of the Spirit “foolishness to him?” Because he “cannot understand them.” It is not a question of willing ness, but a question of ability. The natural man does not have the ability to ascend to the knowledge of God because of his foolish darkened heart which CANNOT see the glory of Christ. He being dead in his transgressions and sins, needs the powerful, life giving and illuminating work of regeneration in his heart in order to see (Eph 2:1-6). Learn then also, that those of us who have received the Spirit of God, are by His power able to appraise the things of the Spirit, having our eyes opened to the heavenly majesties of Christ. This the Apostle says, “But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. 16 For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Here the Apostle has even attributed to us the very “mind of Christ.” Here he explains that we have insight into divine spiritual knowledge that we could otherwise no way have, except that God has imparted His mind to us by the Holy Spirit’s work of illumination. What wondrous love is this? What heavenly gift has been bestowed upon us? Praise Him who makes a New Creation in Christ!

The scripture continues…..

who called us by His own glory and excellence – First here, it is He who called us! He who called……us! Why did you come Christian? Because He called you, that’s why? Think you not so highly of your own intellect in choosing Christ. The reason you came is because He called you, He drew you, and He, as it says in Ex 19:4, bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Himself!

And this He did by His own glory and excellence! What is meant by this? It is that our salvation, God’s calling and choosing us was not something wrought by the work of men’s hands, but rather it was by His own purpose and grace! Salvation is the work of God! The creation, the cross, all that is in the world was created by God and for His purposes, and this was all done for the praise of His own glory and excellence! 

His own glory and excellence!

Here…. is cause to take off our shoes! Here is cause to hold our hands over our mouths in holy fear! To bow our heads in reverence for His majestic name! His own glory and excellence…! How can we speak of such a thing with mere human words!…. Make no mistake about it friends, God is glorious and He is excellent!…. He is most worthy of praise!

Look with me then at verse 4;

2 Peter 1:4 – 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. NAS

He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises – Here the apostle speaks of the wonderful promises of God contained in the scriptures! Promises here is another word for the scriptures! Here is an apt description of the promises of God, they are precious and magnificent!

The word “precious” here is the Greek “timios” and means valuable, costly, honored, esteemed and most precious! And the word for “magnificent” is the Greek “megistos” and means very great or exceedingly great or magnificent!

In what other manner could we describe the promises of God! They are the very food for our souls that give us the life of God within. They are to us like they were to Job who said;

Job 23:12 – 12 “I have not departed from the command of His lips;

I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. NAS

They are to be treasured and considered precious, valuable, costly and highly esteemed!….and indeed they are by all who have been born again!

Just how many promises has God made unto man! Is not the Word full to the brim with such promises! Indeed it is! And they are precious and magnificent!

Think of what more precious a promise could be made to a mortal, dying man than that of eternal life!!… Or what more great a promise to a poor, filthy sinner to be forgiven and washed clean from his sins!!…. Indeed these are magnificent!

Or what of the promises of peace and lasting joy!…. Or that of help and deliverance in time of need, or the provision of daily food…. Indeed we could speak all day and not recount the half of the promises that God has made to us! Hear you then what the scripture says my friend….

2 Corinthians 1:20 – 20 For as many as may be the promises of God, in Him they are yes; wherefore also by Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. NASB

But look here verse 4 to the result of such promises….

so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature – That through these promises of God’s Word you may become like Him! A partaker of His very nature! Now how powerful is that?….

God gives us His Word and it changes us into His image!…….

We read of His glory and excellence and we are changed!….. How can we not be! How can we be enlightened to the beauty of His holiness and not desire earnestly to be like Him?

So here the scripture says that it is by the Word of God that we become like Him! Now can there be a greater priority for our lives than the great and precious promises of God! May it never be!!!!……It is here that we learn of God, that we learn of His wonder and virtue and are CHANGED… It is here that His grace and peace are multiplied to us…. When we meditate on the Word we are…

Colossians 3:10 – 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him NASB

It continues verse 4….

having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. – Here I prefer the NIV rendering of this statement… “and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires”… The word “lust” here is the Greek “epithumia” and means to long for what is forbidden, to lust. It describes that part of every person, which we call the flesh or the sinful nature.

But here it is through the Word that we escape the corruption in the world by lust. That as we behold the face of Christ in the Holy Word, we become like Him. As it says in…

Romans 12:2 – 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. NASB

As we are renewed by the Word in our minds and our thinking, we take on God’s very nature by the Holy Spirit who is in us!

Ephesians 4:23-24 – 23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. NASB

The Word is powerful to change us. Even to change the evil desires of our hearts into the pure and lovely desires of God! As we meditate on God’s Word, we are cleansed, we are washed, we are sanctified through and through. Let us be like that blessed man is Psalm 1;

Psalm 1:1-3 – 1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season, And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. NASB

So here to sum these up we have seen;

·        That grace and peace are ours in abundance by our knowing God through his Word.

·        That by His great power He has given everything that we need for life and godliness or to be like Him.

·        And through His great and precious promises in the Word we can take on His very nature and escape the corruption of evil desires.

Dear Friends, if there is anything lacking in our lives it is a knowledge of God and His all sufficient Word!

And of all the things to be in lack of, this should not be it!

What is needful for us is to have a very high view of God and the sufficiency of his Word to address every issue in our lives! It is a complete resource, having everything that we need!

Let us therefore be found faithful in this most profound and important aspect of our life!