Sanctification Through the Promises

Perfect Love

Ken

Nobody’s perfect! has been the defense of humanity throughout the ages. Some might add, If God is so wise, why don’t we see Perfect Love in society? Still others have carefully analyzed, Even if God did require Perfect Love, He knew we would never achieve it, which would only further prove humankind’s sinfulness. Besides, we’ll never see Perfect Love until we get to Heaven, would be the apparent conclusion.

What saith the Scripture? 

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7 KJV). 

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:36-40). 

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God” (Colossians 4:12). 

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1Peter 5:10). 

“But whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him” (1John 2:5). 

“No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us” (1John 4:12). 

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous [literally, weighty]” (1John 5:3).

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit

Ken

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21 KJV). Christians believe in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit for the Scriptures, that the Bible is a divinely inspired book. Amen. We do not normally think of the Holy Spirit inspiring us to be obedient. When we say inspire, we do not think of a slave or robot carrying out a command. An artist, actor, sculptor, poet, or writer is inspired for their art. Christians are inspired to obey God, especially because of the Indwelling Holy Spirit. In the OT, Jehovah promised, “And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and ye shall keep My judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:27). In the NT, Peter preached, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The Holy Spirit “worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13), so we can also say, “We are His witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him” (Acts 5:32). God’s inspiration works in us to cause our obedience, which further testifies we are His children. Hallelujah! Father, may Your Blessed Holy Spirit inspires us to be obedient, just as You predicted. In Jesus’ name, we ask it. Amen. 

Shine or Stumble

Ken

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble” (Proverbs 4:18-19 KJV). Either we are shining or stumbling, but not both, at least at the same time. You cannot be going opposite directions simultaneously. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon [riches]” (Matthew 6:24). Even the world says, You can’t have it both ways. It seems that the Church of Laodicea went back and forth between hot and cold for Christ, so much so, they were characterized as lukewarm — fit only to be vomited out of the mouth of Christ. “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16). 

If we develop the position we are saved-and-sure-to-go-to-heaven, but we’ll simply lose some rewards because of our present sinning, then Jesus disagrees. Why? Any confidence of our salvation based upon past actions and not upon a present walk of obedience with the Lord, lacks the testimony of the Holy Spirit. “He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1John 2:4). How can this be? We confuse our intellectual memory of the past with the Holy Spirit’s testimony. We are dead, if the Holy Spirit says we’re dead. And, we’re only alive, if the testimony of Scripture says we’re alive. “And hereby we do know that we know Him, if we keep [Greek, tēreō, are keeping, i.e., present tense] His commandments” (1John 2:3). I’ve met many Professed Christians living in open sin, who still console themselves with their hope of Heaven, because they remember getting saved. The only way to prove you are a backslider is to “be zealous therefore, and repent” (Revelation 3:19)! 

Father, deliver Your Church from comforting Professed Christians, who are abiding in sin, with any hope of Heaven. May we agree with the testimony of Your Spirit, when there is open and known sin. May Your Church separate itself from the practice of sinning. And, may we gather inspiration from Your Spirit to walk in obedience. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Antichrist Replaces Christ

Ken

If the Antichrist claims to be Christ, then the Antichrist is replacing Christ. The Antichrist is effectively saying, God Almighty never became flesh in the form of Jesus Christ. “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world” (1John 4:3 KJV). The New World Translation from the Jehovah’s Witnesses of John 1:1 allows Jesus to come in the flesh, but limits Him to being only “a god.” This torturing of the Greek text, of course, denies the whole theme of John’s Gospel — God Almighty became human “flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14 KJV). Evangelical Christianity correctly uses Isaiah 9:6 to counter the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ claim that Christ was not God Almighty. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Both the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Jews deny that the title of “The mighty God” (9:6) accurately belongs to Jesus Christ. 

John bolsters our understanding of John 1:1 (KJV) — “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” — with the picture of the Rider of the White Horse at the Battle of Armageddon. “And He [Jesus Christ] was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13). Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus already returned invisibly but ‘not literally’ in 1914, so the literal Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the End of the Tribulation Week will demonstrate the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ belief wrong of denying Jesus Christ as Jehovah God. And, the Antichrist, who not only opposes Jesus Christ, but replaces Christ, will be utterly defeated. “And the beast [Antichrist] was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him [the Antichrist], with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone” (Revelation 19:20). 

Father, we know only Your Blessed Holy Spirit can persuade anyone of the Truth, if they can be persuaded. May we rejoice in Your Son as “The mighty God” (Isaiah 9:6) knowing You have given Him “all power in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Save to the uttermost those who come to You by Him. Save the Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Jews alike. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ all powerful name, we pray. Amen and amen.

Err From Thy Commandments (Psalm 119:21)

Ken

“Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from Thy commandments” (Psalm 119:21 KJV). God rebukes the proud with a curse. Sinful pride is being more concerned about our glory than His. An evil misfortune wished upon someone is only incidental, unless it comes from the Almighty. “But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6). Erring from God’s commandments is not an attempt to obey that falls short, but a lack of heart to do what God requires. We shift the blame from ourselves to God, if we say we are doing the best we can, but only a sinful nature or inopportune circumstances prevented us from fully obeying and complying with His commands. God is a “discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12) and knows if we really are sincere and trying to be obedient. On the other hand, it is easier for us to blame a sinful nature or poor circumstances. 

Theologians have given us the opportunity of laying the blame upon a sinful nature. In Adam’s fall, we sinned all. Popularly put, I can’t help it, I was born this way. Blaming a sinful nature for our sinning is like blaming God for why I am the way I am. It is true, we may be more prone to steal to survive, if we were born poor; but, possessing riches is no guarantee we will not become thieves. Consider this in support of not being born with a sinful nature: “For this is the love of God: that we keep His commandments. And His commandments do not weigh us down” (1John 5:3 NET). In short, God’s commandments are not impossible to obey. If we could plead His commands too weighty, then we are absolved from loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor equal to ourself. God is no man’s fool. Perfect Love must be possible or else God’s Kingdom has no foundation. Father, may we rest in Your Spirit inspiring us to keep Your commandments. And, may we teach and act, as if the laws of Your Kingdom are a joy to be obeyed. Preserve us from misunderstanding Your precepts. May You receive the praise for our obedience, for it is You, who works in us “to will and to do” (Philippians 2:13). Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

All Is Vanity

Ken

“Vanity of vanities [Hebrew, hăbêl, empty, meaningless], saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2 KJV). As in Christ “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9), in man dwells vanity, emptiness, meaninglessness, for apart from Christ, we are nothing. Solomon was the pinnacle of the wisest of men and the richest king of his day. “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days” (1Kings 3:12-13). But, Jehovah used Solomon as a teaching example that education and money alone do not buy happiness, for without Christ, you and I are nothing and “can do nothing” (John 15:5). Father, may Solomon’s example teach us Your lesson. And, may we agree with Solomon’s conclusion to his lesson. “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Lord Jesus, more than ever, we desire to see Your face. Return quickly! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Why Didn’t I Know This Earlier?

Ken

“But when the fulness of the time was come” (Galatians 4:4 KJV). It is no surprise to us that we do not know everything. For that reason, we do not have the ability to understand anything but the truth we have come to understand at this moment. “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it” (1Corinthians 3:2). Our stewardship is to the truth God places before us today, for we do not know what God plans for tomorrow. “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). Since we have been given our present body of understanding, we are responsible to attempt to share it with others. “Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old” (Matthew 13:52). And, whether they receive it or not, is the responsibility of the Spirit of God, who “will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8). Father, bless Your people with a peace that passes understanding concerning our role in handling the truth given to us. Cause us to be as You are, a blessing to those we meet. And, if they cannot be blessed, may they know that a prophet has been among them. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ precious name, we ask it. Amen.

Knowledge of God

Ken

“9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10 KJV).

In the KJV, the expression “knowledge of God” occurs three in the OT and five times in the NT. Paul’s incessant prayer for the Colossians (1:9) is not that they would increase their giving to support the worthy ministry of the Church. Neither was he asking for their evangelistic success in numerically growing the population of disciples in obedience to the Great Commission. But, his petition to God was foremost that the Colossians would “be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (1:9) so that they would “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing” (1:10). He lists “being fruitful in every good work” (1:10) alongside “increasing in the knowledge of God” (1:10).

The reason converts fall away, superficially grow, do not change their conduct appreciably from their former life, do not produce more disciples, or change the Church for better, is they have not been “filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (1:10). How can we tell that they have not been “filled with the knowledge of His will” (1:9)? They are not “fruitful in every good work” (1:10), neither are they “increasing in the knowledge of God” (1:10). 

In the rushed existence of our workaday world, reading this demands more time than most can afford. But, those who can read this both have the benefit of “increasing in the knowledge of God” (1:10), which God deems to be of great value, and your light will shine for others from whom you will not be able to shield from your understanding. Be gentle.

Father, increase our understanding of You for Your benefit and ours. May our understanding of Your will cause great blessing for You, ourselves, and those around us. Increase Your kingdom. Lord Jesus, return quickly. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

How to Enjoy God More

Ken

“These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full” (John 15:11 KJV). Joy is an emotion, which Jesus has placed in us through the forgiveness of our sins. “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement” (Romans 5:11). Our enjoyment of God comes from our appreciation of what He has done for us, which causes us to be grateful. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1Thessalonians 5:18). When we give thanks to God, we enjoy Him more, only to find “the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1Timothy 6:17) gives us even more. And so, we enjoy God “more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18). Father, blessed be Your name, “who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1Timothy 6:17). May our enjoyment of You be returned in praise and service. In Jesus’ wonderful name, we pray. Amen.

Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees

Ken

“Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1 KJV). What were the Pharisees known for? Keeping the letter of the law or a literal interpretation of the law. Take the instance in which “a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted [Jesus], saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (10:25). Jesus said, ‘You, tell me what the Law says,’ or “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” (10:26). The lawyer correctly answers, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (10:27).

Our NT minds immediately react with, ‘The Law cannot save us. It only gives us the knowledge we are sinners.’ But then, Jesus agrees with the Jewish lawyer, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (10:28). ‘Wait,’ our NT mind says, ‘don’t let him get away thinking that! Jesus, aren’t You going to confuse Your NT readers before Paul can teach us ye are not under the law, but under grace (Romans 6:14)?’ 

[This is a bit longer. Scan ahead to pace yourself.]

Let us settle down our NT minds and breathe calmly. Obviously, OT saints were dying and going to be with Yahweh in Paradise long before the earthly ministry of the Messiah, His atoning sacrifice on the cross, and His ascension into Heaven. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17). The Ceremonial Law of offerings and sacrifices was done away in Christ, but not the “Perfect Law of Liberty” (James 1:25), which Jesus endorsed as correct in His statement to the Jewish lawyer, i.e., “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (10:28). 

The Perfect Law, the Moral Law, or the Law of Love, which was summarized by the Jewish lawyer (Luke 10:27), is a synopsis of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil” (Matthew 5:17). Why then were the Pharisees at odds with Jesus? Because Jesus saw through the utter hypocrisy of their claim of obedience — outwardly conforming without giving heartfelt submission to the law. “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). 

Jesus protested: 

(1) the Jews’ ‘loop holes of, who the law was applied to,’ i.e., “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29). 

(2) the Pharisees’ ‘public displays of praying,’ i.e., 

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:5).

(3) the scribes and Pharisees’ high talk and low walk, i.e., “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to His disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers” (Matthew 23:1-4). 

(4) the lack of heart, for which Jehovah always faulted wayward Israel, i.e., “And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [from the heart] is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1Samuel 15:22). 

Messiah Jesus was sent to fulfill prophecy, which looked forward to the Perfect Sacrifice of the Messiah — “not for Himself” (Daniel 9:26) — and, we look back at the Once for All Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10). But, the Sacrifice is only a necessity because of the same root cause — a lack of heart or right heart for obeying God. This was the reason why the Messiah said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not” (Luke 13:34).

Unless we seek God with our whole heart, how are we any different from the Jews, who rejected Jesus at His First Advent? Remember, the Leaven of the Pharisees was a hypocritical heart. They agreed with the requirement of love and obedience, but their ‘displays of giving-to-be-seen-as-giving,’ made their obedience sin and salvation impossible. Couple that with Yahweh progressing to unveil His New Covenant with Israel (Jeremiah 31:31), requiring the suffering and perfect sacrifice of an unblemished volunteer, which would result in the forgiveness of sins of all that would repent (Matthew 26:28), and prepare for the sending of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7) to inspire future and total obedience (Ezekiel 36:27). 

Father, cause us to be Your children in sincerity and in truth. May the sacrifice of Your Son make us holy and without blame before You in love. Inspire us by Your Spirit to walk with You in loving obedience. May Your kingdom come and will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.