Receiving of the Gift of Righteousness

For he hath made him be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

 We've begun a study of Righteousness. What Righteousness means and how we receive it. We've seen that those who believe are the Righteousness of God in Christ.

 

 What is Righteousness? Righteousness is perfect right standing with God Almighty. It's the gift to be able to stand in the presence of God without any sense of shame, guilt, insecurity, condemnation or inferiority. It's the gift of complete acceptance and approval with God our Father. 

Some Righteousness facts

 We cannot earn Righteousness. There are no charitable deeds we could do enough of to obtain Righteousness. We can't practice enough spiritual disciplines to gain Righteousness. We can't abstain from sin enough to achieve Righteousness. Righteousness is a gift. It is a gift we receive not a work we acheive. 

 We cannot grow in Righteousness. We can't become more Righteous. Either you are completely Righteous or you're not. We may grow in our understanding of Righteousness and how it affects each and every aspect of the Christian life but we can't grow in Righteousness. We do grow from Faith to Faith and glory to glory but never from Righteousness to Righteousness.

 As we have seen that we who have believed are Righteous and this is our irrevocable position in Christ, now is the time we grow in our understanding of this amazing gift Jesus paid so highly for us to receive. The more we see how powerful and complete this gift is we will see more and more victory in our lives. Paul reveals this to us in Romans.

 For if by the offense of the one, death reigned through the one, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:17 NASB

 What a powerful promise the Holy Ghost made through the Apostle Paul. We will reign in this life because we receive His Grace and of the gift of Righteousness. The Greek word here to reign is βασιλεύω. It means to possess regal authority. That is kingly rule and reign. It connotes the idea of one who predominates and prevails. 

 This reigning in life means we predominate and prevail against the lies and schemes of the enemy. That we aren't held back by religious tradition. That we dare take our place as the accepted and approved sons and daughters of the King of Kings. This Righteousness means we exercise kingly authority in all areas of our Christian life. It goes without saying that this isn't about domineering and running over people. The Kingdom of God is about Love not ego and being conceited. 

 

  It is glorious good news that this Righteosness means we rule and reign in this life. However, in order to do this we must first receive of this gift of Righteousness. Paul declared only those who receive of this gift of Righteousness reign in life. What am I saying?

 For instance, an extravagently wealthy person could write you a check for $100 million, but guess what? If you never deposit that check and actually use the funds, it is a useless piece of paper. It's like a child being excited that they got a bicycle for Christmas, but we know if they never ride it, it they will never gain any benefit from the gift.

 We who believed have been given the greatest gifts of all. We have Eternal life. That is the God kind of life. It's not just life never ending, those who die without Christ will live forever just not in Heaven, it's a quality of life that comes from God.

 We've received the precious Holy Spirit. God Himself lives within us. When we believed He came to abide within. He baptized us into the Body of Christ the moment we received Jesus. When we desire, ask in Faith believing, we receive the fullness of the Spirit as Jesus fully immerses us into the Spirit and we walk in the supernatural power of God with the ability to pray in a beautiful heavenly love language. 

 We have received the Grace of God. The unearned, undeserved and unmerited favor of Almighty God. Grace produces empowerment when fully received. It's full assurance we are forever His and nothing will change that, not even ourselves.

 We have received the perfect gift of Righteousness. Again, this great gift gives us the ability to stand before God without any sense of guilt or shame or condemnation. Yet if we don't fully receive of this gift, we won't walk in all God has for us. We must receive of this gift.

 We must not merely receive this gift of Righteousness but actually open it, partake of it and walk in it. We see believers who battle with guilt and shame. We see believers who listen to traditional religious nonsense that tells them that God is angry with them and this world and that they are so unworthy. That is not reigning and ruling in this life. 

 In summation, it's time we fully receive this amazing gift of Righteousness. It's time to receive of the gift of Righteousness so we can reign as kings in this life. Over the next few studies, we will open and unpack this gift of Righteousness and see how we can receive of it in all aspects of our walk with God. 

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Got Righteousness: Who you are in Him

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 5:21 KJV

We have begun a new series studying the Righteousness of God. Yes, it's true when we do a study on this site it tends to go long but there is a simple reason. My heart's desire above all else is that all would see clearly without obstruction the absolute goodness of God. That all would know and experience the amazing Love of Almighty God, and that all would know He isn't mad at anyone and that He isn't a harsh taskmaster, but a Good Father.

 In our last study, we saw that we who believe are Righteous. So today it seems good to go further in revealing our identity in Christ. Instead of asking who you are, I want to reveal who YOU are in Christ. 

 Many people go through life struggling not really knowing who they are. They look for their identity in career, in education, in achievements and some sadly seek for their identity in the bottom of a bottle or in something they are smoking or injecting into their veins. Some go through relationship after relationship hoping to find fulfillment and identity in another person.

Nothing is wrong with you

Who we are, what are our gifts, talents, and personality, our peace is only found in Christ. Through tradition, a fallen world, and the achievement syndrome, we tend to not always have a good opinion of ourselves. What's really the root cause of this sense of not measuring up is sin consciousness. 

 

 Sin consciousness is a never waning awareness of our shortcomings, flaws, and failures. This is why we look at Christ as one who is so perfect and holy (and He absolutely is) and ourselves as lowly worms in the dust who never get it right. We see ourselves and our imperfections and begin to use those outward actions as our source of identity. 

 That's not the Gospel way. That's not God's way. your identity doesn't come from what you do. It doesn't come from how much you sin. It doesn't come from any charitable deeds done either. Your identity is only found in Christ alone. So there is nothing wrong with you. 

 The Cross was a success. The Finished Work worked. Jesus' work of redemption was a triumph. Christ not only gives us eternal life and forgiveness of all our sins, but this perfect work also includes the great exchange. He took our old sin nature, our dead spirit, and recreated our spirit and gave us His very life. We are Righteous, New Creations with the very life and nature of God our Father within. 

 You may say no way. Did you know what I did last week? Did you know I was drunk last weekend? Did you know I slept with someone a month ago? Did you know I masturbated to porn last night? Did you know I lied to my boss last Friday just to go home early? Did you know I lost my temper and cursed someone? I used "F-bombs" in abundance when I did. How can you say there is nothing wrong with me?

 Our sins and shortcomings no matter how dark, dirty, and downright despicable cannot revoke or remove the permanent work of the Cross from our hearts. Christ bore all our sins, even the worst and most wicked, paying the full payment for the cleansing, removal, and total forgiveness of them all. In the Finished Work, He exchanged our old and imperfect with His New and perfect. We have been made the very Righteousness of God in Christ. He gave us His Righteousness. That's who we are now!

 Truthfully, we've all blown it. We have all been guilty of walking out of love. All guilty of sexual immorality in some form or fashion (Christ declared even looking at someone with lust was adultery). All guilty of being selfish and self-focused. Here's the truth, feeling bad, experiencing shame, being guilt-ridden over our sins will never cause us to stop these habits and actions. The Law is merely a mirror to reveal our failures. It will never empower or enable us to overcome our failures.

 Living from our true identity is where we will find true peace and victory. Sin's appeal begins to wane when we know who we and whose we are apart from our performance. When we try to use discipline or avoidance to stop sin we are merely using willpower and that's the flesh and the flesh will burn out and give up. 

 Become Righteousness conscious not sin conscious. Become accepted and approve conscious not failure and shrink back conscious. Become Right standing conscious not imperfection and failure to measure up conscious. 

 In summation, who are you? You are the Righteousness of God in Christ. You have the very life and nature of God within. You are a New Creation in Him, the old is gone behold the New is here now. You are accepted and approved perpetually with the Father. You are complete in Him. 

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Our inheritance in Christ: Made Equal with God

to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

In recent weeks we've been studying the inheritance we have in Christ. Many are unaware we even have an inheritance in Christ. They regulate any victory or fulfilled promise till the saints finally make it to Heaven. As for the here and now, let's hope we have good insurance, a good job, and a good doctor because we are in essence stranded here in this fallen world without aid or support from Heaven. 

 When we examine our inheritance closer we see that we are not alone. We are more than equipped to live this life on Earth in triumphant victory. We have seen in this inheritance we have the gift of no condemnation, no separation, and complete acceptance with God. We have received the blessing of the Lord. 

 Today, it seems good to share a rather controversial aspect of our inheritance in Christ. That is our sonship with God. The truth that those who believe are the children of God. Paul revealed it was God's design that we become the children of God. 

 What could be controversial about the truth that we are the children of God? The religious leaders of Jesus' day knew the full implications of sonship. See their words in John 5.

 The religious leaders knew sonship implied more than just having a Father in Heaven;

Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God John 5:18 NKJV (emphasis mine)

Sonship brings with it equality. This is understandable when we think of earthly fathers and their children. When we attribute this towards our Heavenly Father it rattles so many minds of Christians everywhere.

 Wait brother John are you dare to suggest we are equal with God? Before you stone me allow me to elaborate further.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:5-7 NKJV

 Jesus when He came to earth, manifested as God in the flesh, but didn't take His equality with God, humbled Himself and came in the form of a man and served. This same mind should be in us. We have dominion and authority based on our sonship and we should serve one another in love.

 When it comes to mankind, we are all created by God, saved and unsaved. There is no one superior and no one inferior. No one based on their ethnicity or national origin is "better" than or "more equal" than anyone.

 Yet even among us humans, there are those who excel in things others do not. There are those who exceed many others' abilities in athletics, science, mathematics, creativity, and talent. Does that make the star athlete better than say minor league talent? It makes them superior in skill level but not in identity. 

 What am I saying? I am declaring in this inheritance we are made the children of God. This sonship gives us certain rights and privileges in Christ. None of this is based on our performance or doing. It's all based on the redemptive work of Christ.

 In Christ, we have been made partakers of the divine nature. God has given us His Spirit to dwell within. We are the children of God by Faith. We are not just mere sinners who have been given mercy from a Holy God. We are now the very children of God, with God Himself indwelling us in the person of the Spirit. We are not inferior, worthless beings, we are the children of God.

 Let this mind be in you. It is not robbing God of His eternal glory and truth that He alone is God Almighty, the only One worthy of all praise and adoration and worship, to take our place as sons and daughters. We are not inferior worms in the dust. Because of sonship, we can come into the presence of God freely, without shame, guilt, or any sense of inferiority or worthlessness. 

 As a son, we have the privilege and right to feast at the King's table. We have freely been given all things that pertain to life and godliness. It's not that we are bringing God down to man's level. No, God has brought us up to sit with Him in the heavenly places. 

 In summation, we are made in the image of God. We are recreated as born-again children of God, made alive in Christ. This loving Father accepts us as His own. He made us partakers of the divine nature. He made our hearts his home. He has made us new. His Spirit is within. 

 He now accepts us as His kids and we have been made joint-heirs with Christ. 

16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8:16-17 NKJV

 We are joint-heirs with Christ. This means how God sees Jesus is how He sees us. How He loves Jesus is how He loves us. How much Jesus is in right standing with the Father is how much we are. We are not inferior but in equal standing with Jesus. We have equality with God because of Jesus, celebrate it. 

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Our Inheritance in Christ: Accepted

 to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

 We've been in a series studying our blessed inheritance in Christ. When Christ died and rose again He granted us a generous inheritance that is available to all who believe right now. We don't have to die and get to Heaven to experience it. We can experience it and enjoy it here and now.

 We have seen so far that we have received the gift of no condemnation in this glorious inheritance. We saw last time we are no longer separated from God ever again. Spiritual death simply means separation from God. We were separated and now because of Jesus we are forever His and He will never leave or forsake us. We will never be apart from Him. 

 Today, it seemed good to continue this amazing study looking at our perfect acceptance in Christ. In the first chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, he speaks of our inheritance in Christ. We who believed have obtained an eternal inheritance. 

 In this inheritance, we can see that we are found accepted in the beloved. Christ's work has made us acceptable to the Father. 

 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6 NKJV

  To the praise of the glory of His Grace. His glorious Grace has made us accepted. This word accepted means to be honored and to be highly favored.

 God has bestowed divine favor upon us, His Church, His people. He has favored us and bestowed honor on us. We may not always feel so honorable or favored but nevertheless, we are favored.

 In this world system, to be accepted or honored we must achieve much. We have to also conform to their ways of doing things. The stepping on others to get ahead, the seeking the favor of only those the world system already esteems. We must keep striving and doing more and more even if it means neglecting friends and family to achieve favored status.

 Under traditional religion, we had to work harder and keep all the rules to be found worthy and favored. We struggled and strived to achieve a sense of acceptance from God and the ministries we were a part of. We sought acceptance and accolades from men by our works and performance.

 We didn't understand we were already highly favored and honored by God the moment we believed. We were trying to earn what was free. We were trying to achieve what was already ours in Christ.

 In our dealings with man, there is always someone who comes in the last place. Someone who is chosen last. Someone who won't qualify. In Christ, we are always picked first to be on Jesus' team. In Christ, we are never disqualified, we are chosen, we are loved, we are accepted eternally in Him.

 In Christ, we are accepted. We aren't rejected. We aren't disqualified. Even in our worst, we are still accepted. He isn't accepting our misdeeds or mistakes, He isn't accepting our sins and shortcomings because He reminds us those deeds aren't who we are, that's not our identity, He accepts us. He reminds us of who we are and whose we are. We are always found acceptable to the Father because of Jesus. 

 In summation, rejoice in the Good News. See yourself as He sees you. Highly favored. Loved. Honored. Acceptable to the Father. The enemy works overtime to get you to think you are unacceptable to God. He brings his shame and points to your sins and shortcomings. Resist the enemy and reject his lies. When he points you to your sins and shortcomings you point him to your Savior whose work is superior to any achievements of man. Child of God you are accepted in Him, it's yours in this glorious inheritance Christ procured for you. 

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Our Inheritance in Christ: No Separation

to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

We began a new study looking at our inheritance in Christ. In this New Covenant, child of God you have an inheritance in Christ. Some believers really don't know what belongs to them because of Christ. 

 In the Old Covenant, God cut a covenant with man. Mankind was consistent in only one aspect of this covenant. They could never uphold their part. In the New, Jesus represented mankind and cut the covenant with the Father on our behalf. So in essence this New Covenant was made between the Father and the Son and we who believe are the beneficiaries. 

 We have seen that our inheritance includes the gift of no condemnation. Today, I want to reveal another aspect of our inheritance. There is no more separation for the child of God. 

 Sisters and brothers, there is nothing you can do to be separated from the Father. You're eternally sealed with the Holy Spirit. You been given the Spirit as an earnest down payment on your complete redemption and once for all salvation. Good news for those who have been taught we can lose or forfeit our salvation. This makes it clear it is eternally secure.

 Our society, due to the fall, is conditioned on separation. What do we do with children who misbehave? We put them in a corner for a "time out". What about when they get older? We suspend them from school for a short duration. What about when they are adults? If it's really bad we separate them by placing them in Jail or prison. Even in prison if they can't behave with the rest of the inmates they are separated further by placing them in a disciplinary segregation unit. 

 My point is not to rail against these institutions. It's not to tell parents don't put their kids in time out. In a fallen fractured creation, we need some methods to control unruly behavior to instruct and even to protect others. That said let's stay focused on the main point I want to make. That separation is conditioned in our minds. 

 When we see actions or performance that isn't up to the standard of perfect righteousness and holiness, we default to separation. Let me explain further by illustration.

When Jesus used Peter's boat and blessed him with a boat sinking harvest, here, what was Peter's reaction to the blessing?

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” Luke 5:8 NKJV

 Peter saw the power of God, the Goodness of God which revealed to himself his own insufficiency. That is his own imperfections and shortcomings. His first response? Separation. He wanted to be separated from Jesus. He felt so unworthy. 

 When we sin or blow it, what do we do? We run from God. We run from the local church. We stay away from ministry friends and those we see as committed believers.

 Why? Because we are going back to the default. Separate. I am wrong so I must separate. Or the idea comes from the religious. Oh brother or sister you've sinned your sins have separated you from God.

 Many ministers teach that our sins stop God's hands from healing or providing or delivering or protecting us. Yet when Jesus encountered the sinner lost in their sin His response was to go towards that person. Jesus said He must needs pass through Samaria, where He ministered to one woman who was living in adultery. Jesus is what qualifies us to receive from God not ourselves. Our behavior isn't our savior, or provider or healer or protector, Jesus is!

 Child of God there is nothing you've done, are doing, or will do that will cause you to be separated from God. Paul declared that there is nothing that can separate us from the Love of God. No action from the enemy or from ourselves can separate us from God. 

 Christ's perfect shed Blood perfectly purchased and procured complete and total redemption. New life and peace have been made available to whosoever will accept this free love gift. Upon reception, perfect redemption, total peace, complete acceptance approval, and right standing are theirs forever. Never to be disconnected, separated, or out of fellowship with the Father. All of this because of Jesus and His great Love.

 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 NKJV

 There is no more separation. There is no putting the leper out of the camp. God is not breaking away or disconnecting from you. 

 You may be thinking, brother this sounds too good to be true. What about 1 Corinthians 5 brother? It does appear on the surface I am contradicting Paul or that Paul is even contradicting himself. 

 Let's use context to understand what Paul is saying here. Paul is addressing a specific issue. Paul is speaking Apostolicaly and Pastorally concerning a brother whose behavior is hindering the work and testimony of the ministry. The reason for strong words is because the brother was unrepentant and rebellious. In other words, he knew his actions were wrong and he was apathetic to the results.  

 For a short season, Paul instructed the brethren to not go down the same path he was on. In truth, God was never separated from him, but he was separating himself from God and His ways. What were the results when people refused to go down the same path he was on? He had a sudden change of mind. What people seem to overlook in this event is that not one place did Paul suggest he had lost his salvation or was in "time out" and God wanted nothing to do with him. 

 Let's rejoice in our inheritance. In Christ, we have no separation or disconnection from the Father no matter what. God is never going to leave us or forsake us. God is always with us, even at our worst. God sees all of our faults and flaws and failures and still He embraces us as His own. God is a Good Father and will never separate us from Himself. 

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Our inheritance in Christ

  to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18 MEV

 The Word of God records from the first breath of man until the time of Jesus' triumphant return, God's dealings with man. That is how God has dealt with and will ultimately deal with mankind. God gave man this Earth but Adam bowed the knee, committed high treason, if you will, and turned the Earth over to satan.

 Since the fall, God initiated covenants to allow Himself access to this Earth. To legally intervene in the affairs of men. Though we can see individual covenants, such as the one Noah made, there are really only two main Covenants. These two Covenants divide the entire Bible. 

 The Old Covenant was a covenant cut between God and man. The major issue was God always upheld His end, man on the other hand always failed. All was not lost though. God had foreseen this before He even created the Earth and breathed life into man. 

 With the Old Covenant, God gave man insight into his need for a Savior. There is nothing man can do to save Himself. There is no amount of works anyone can do to earn eternal life. This is why we see Heaven rejoicing at the first coming of Jesus Christ. Because with Jesus there was about to be a New Covenant ushered in that would change everything. 

 The Abrahamic covenant was a type and shadow of the New to come. Genesis 15 records it in detail. A furnace of smoke and a lamp of fire passed through the animal sacrifices. This was a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus. God literally made the covenant between Himself with Abraham being the beneficiary. So it is with the New.

 The New Covenant is a Covenant agreement made between the Father and the Son. God the Son, bore all the guilt, the shame, the sins, the sickness and disease, the poverty and lack, the sin and unrighteousness of mankind, the perfect, and Just taking the place of the guilty. The Father was pleased with and accepted and approved once for all time this once for all sacrifice forever. This is the Good News.

 The good and glad news of the Gospel is this New Covenant is not dependant upon mankind. Our works, our performance, and our behavior have nothing whatsoever to do with its blessings and benefits. We are never factored into any equation. This New Covenant is rooted in Christ's Faithfulness and the Father's acceptance and approval of Jesus, never us. 

With such Good News of this New Covenant, we can also see through Jesus Finished Work, we who believe have now obtained an inheritance. This inheritance is incorruptible. No action on our part can disqualify us from receiving and walking in this glorious inheritance.

 What then is our inheritance? This is one of the main reasons why we go to church. We go weekly to hear the reading of the will. The difference between hearing the will of a deceased man and the reading of this Heavenly will is Jesus is the only man to die and rise again to ensure all He left in the will is carried out and received by all who simply trust in Him.

 This inheritance in Christ is all-encompassing over every area of life. Spirit and soul and body nothing is neglected. Let's begin to see what we have in Him. 

  “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16 MEV

 First and foremost in this inheritance we have new life. When we first trust in Christ, we become a New Creation in Him. Our old man is dead and God literally recreates our spirit. We are completely clean and holy. 

for you have been born again, not from perishable seed, but imperishable, through the word of God which lives and abides forever. 1 Peter 1:23 MEV

 We are born again when we believe. We are brand new. The past is gone, the new has come. We are made alive in Him, partaking of eternal life.

 In summation, there is so much more to discover in who we are, and what we have in Him because of the Finished Work. This inheritance in Christ is priceless. Rejoice in this glorious New Covenant as we continue uncovering all we have inherited because of Jesus.

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The Gospel Paul preached: Radical Grace

 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 We've been in an extended study examining the Gospel Paul preached. We've stated with all the voices in the wind speaking of the Gospel, claiming to know what it is and what it isn't, wouldn't it be great if we could find an Mp3 or CD of one of the original Apostles sermons? The good news is we don't have to wonder what Paul preached, God's Word records one of Paul's messages, and we can see clearly what the Gospel message is.

 Acts 13 details the Gospel Paul preached. We've seen that Paul proclaimed the faithfulness of God, that Jesus is alive and salvation is found in Him alone. Paul proclaimed Good News. He declared the forgiveness of all our sins in Christ. In our last study, we saw that Paul revealed only Grace redeems and makes us Righteous not the Law, or human efforts, performance, or good deeds. 

 Today, we want to conclude the series with the final word Paul gave his listeners. 

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. Acts 13:42-44 NKJV

 Paul proclaimed the Good News. He proclaimed Newness of life can be found in Christ apart from works. Conspicuously absent are any words of condemnation. Condemnation kills. Condemnation doesn't draw the masses. It turns away the masses. Preaching the Goodness of God is what draws men toward God. Proclaiming His great Love and Grace is what changes men's minds and hearts.

 Take note of the reaction to Paul's words. The people begged to hear this message. People's hearts were hungry to hear more of God's Word. The people's hearts were glad. Their thinking was changed. They heard the Good News. They wanted to hear more of this Loving Savior. 

 As for the final word Paul proclaimed let's look again at the passage.

Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. Acts 13:43 NKJV

 Paul told the people to continue in the Grace of God. Not that Grace was for the entryway into salvation and the rest of the Christian walk is about earning and striving and achievement. He proclaimed the Radical Grace of God and urged them to continue in Grace, not Law. To continue in Grace, not human works, efforts, or performance. 

 Paul told the people to continue in Grace. If we are to continue in Grace then that means Grace is the Gospel and the center of the Christian life. This means our attempts to merit God's Goodness and favor and acceptance is not continuing in the Grace of God. Paul is essentially proclaiming that we can't earn what is only freely given.

 People have tried to use Paul to declare that works and performance and behavior are the only means by which we obtain the promises of God. They will take his words out of context along with Peter to rearrange the Gospel message. Traditional religion proclaims a gospel of works that is no gospel at all.

 Certainly, our behavior matters, don't misunderstand me. Paul simply showed the way we grow up into good works and good behavior. We continue in the Grace of God. We know because of Grace and the gift of Righteousness we are forever accepted and approved. This removes the shame of our misdeeds and failures and sins. We can get back up when we fall. We can freely admit our flaws without shame or fear of punishment from God. We can freely make amends to those we may have hurt. Why? because shame and fear have been done away with in Christ.

 In closing allow me to address one point Paul made. Paul did declare a warning to these listeners. But this warning was not condemning nor was it spoken in anger. Paul was pleading with the people. Don't reject this Grace in favor of your works and performance. And that has been the case throughout the early days of the birth of the Church. People wanting to mix Law and Grace. To get people to keep striving and attempting to earn God's Love. 

 In summation, Paul preached the Gospel of Grace. He proclaimed the forgiveness of all our sins. That the Law can't redeem or make Righteous. Only His Grace makes us accepted and approved with the Father. Embrace Grace and continue in Grace and don't try to earn or achieve what is only freely given by Grace through Faith, purchased by His precious Blood. 

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The Gospel that Paul preached: Good News

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret for long ages past, Romans 16:24-25 MEV

 We've begun a new study examining the Gospel that Paul preached. With the various voices speaking about the Lord and what the Gospel is, it would be nice to actually hear one of the Apostles actually preach the Gospel. The good news is that the book of Acts records a sermon, a message Paul proclaimed. In this passage, we can see what Paul really preached. 

 So far, we've seen the first two things Paul proclaimed. The Faithfulness of God and Jesus Himself. He proclaimed Jesus, the most important aspect of the Gospel. Let's continue this journey and see more of what Paul preached.

The word of Salvation, Good News

“Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those of you who fear God, the word of this salvation has been sent to us. Acts 13:26 MEV

Paul goes on to proclaim this word of salvation. That is Good News. Salvation is Good News not bad news! Think about it. Paul right here is letting the people know that salvation has come. Paul is heralding glad tidings.

 Salvation gives the invitation to partake of a new life in Christ. To receive a new heart. To have all your past wiped away and to begin again. To have your present and future forever secured in Him. To be made alive in Him. Salvation is Good News.

Jesus is alive

 30 But God raised Him from the dead, 31 and for many days He appeared to those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people. Acts 13:30-31 MEV

Paul then proclaims Jesus is alive! Again this is good news. We aren't speaking of a dead figure. We aren't speaking of a good man who taught to be kind to one another but is rotting in a grave somewhere just as other poets, philosophers, and purported prophets and messiahs are. 

 Jesus is alive! Jesus is the risen victorious King of kings! Jesus is the only One who wrote a will, sealed it with His own blood, and rose again to ensure that all that is written in the will is carried out exactly as He proclaimed. We serve a risen Savior, not a dead poet or philosopher or pretend prophet. 

Good News

“We preach to you good news: The promise which was made to the fathers, Acts 13:32 MEV

 Now we come full circle to the main point of this study. Paul preached the good news, not bad news. This proves beyond doubt, as Paul himself confirms it, the Gospel is Good News! 

 In the Gospel, there is no place for any bad news. There is no place for mad news or sad news. That is, the Gospel isn't a message proclaiming God loves you if, or God loves you but, that is bad news. The Gospel isn't sad news, that is, God loves you now you must live in misery and subjection to all this world and the enemy brings your way. That you are powerless to overcome in this life. The Gospel isn't mad news, that is God loves you but doesn't like you. That He is angry at you when you miss it or blow it. 

 The Gospel is Good News! The Gospel is the hope for this world. It is the light for a darkened world. It water to the thirsty soul. 

 In summation, Paul proclaimed the Good News Gospel of Jesus Christ. He proclaimed Christ Jesus is alive. He proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation in Christ. He heralded good news. That is what we should be proclaiming today, good news! God's not mad at anyone. He isn't sending the earthquake but He heals the heartbreaks! Good news.

Image by Jeff Jacobs from Pixabay 

Reigning in Life

What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, Psalm 8:4-6 NASB

17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 5:17 AMPC

 Who do you think you are? That seems to be the theme and question we are exploring as of late. Too often the world system likes to tell us who we are. That we are people of hate and narrow mindedness because we don't indulge in sinful lifestyles. 

 The enemy likes to tell us who we are. The enemy says we are either too far gone for God to help or save us. Or that we are powerless. Through fear, the enemy cunningly tries to convince us he is more powerful than the Cross and what Jesus accomplished. 

 Religious tradition also tries to tell us who we are. Tradition will tell us we are mere worms in the dust. That we are so unworthy. That God sometimes likes us but at other times He doesn't. That we disappoint Him. That He is in control of all things, whatever happens in this life is because He has ordained it or caused it. We are just pawns in His hands.

 This is who the world and the devil and religion tells us who we are. Who does God tell us we are? What does God say about us? 

 God declared to us in Genesis that He made us to have dominion and authority. He said in Psalms that He crowned us with glory and honor and gave us dominion over the works of His hands. Paul reveals to us, that in Christ, we have been made the very Righteousness of God in Christ. 

 We are overcomers in this life because of what Christ did for us in the Finished Work. We don't have to be victims of circumstance. We don't have to just sit idle as the enemy comes to steal and kill and destroy in our life. We can stand victorious in the complete triumphant work of Christ Jesus. We have authority over all the work of the enemy. We've been redeemed from darkness and defeat and are now seated with the risen Christ. 

 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness. Psalm 17:15 MEV

 Who do we think we are? We are the Righteousness of God in Christ. We are recreated in Christ, brand new, accepted, and approved. As He is so are we in this world. 

 We are Righteous, approved, and accepted. We stand before God just as Jesus does. Perfect and whole. We are just as Righteous as Jesus. We have the same standing as Christ. We've been given this dominion and authority to walk victoriously. How is this authority seen or released?

Words

 Authority and dominion are expressed through our words. Think of it, how did Adam have dominion over the animal kingdom? He couldn't fly with the birds. He couldn't swim with the fishes of the sea. How was his dominion exercised? Words. He spoke the will of God over them.

 You will also declare a thing, And it will be established for you; So light will shine on your ways. Job 22:28 NKJV

“I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” Says the Lord, “And I will heal him.” Isaiah 57:19 NKJV

Our authority and dominion are released through our words. Our words are powerful. They create life or death in all areas of our life. Words are containers. They can contain hope and life and peace and love and goodness and healing. Or they can contain anger, strife, doubt, unbelief, death, or agreement with the world system, or the enemy and his schemes. 

 Traditional religion says God controls all things, so no matter if one is speaking death, disaster, doom, and gloom. No matter if one is a "Debbie downer". Surely unbelief and negative thinking and speaking have no bearing on what happens in your life. Your words surely have nothing to do with what you experience in life. It's all God's doing and controlling.

 I trust you are seeing how powerful words are. How your authority and dominion are released through your words. So learn to tame your tongue. Speak life, not death. Speak in line with what God has said about your situation or circumstance.

 In summation, again we ask who do we think we are? We who've believed are the very Righteousness of God in Christ. We are just as Righteous as Jesus. We are just as accepted and approved and loved as Jesus is. As He is so are we in this world. Our words, therefore, have power.  As we grow in this New Creation reality, of who He made us, we will grow stronger and stronger in this new identity and take dominion over all areas of our life. We have peace and we reign with Christ as kings in this life. 

Image by 272447 from Pixabay 

Lies Religious Tradition Taught Us: There is no such experience as the Baptism In the Holy Ghost

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2 Timothy 3:5 KJV 

13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” Mark 7:13 NKJV

 We've been an ongoing study looking at the lies the religious tradition of men have taught the Church. Ideas, concepts, and views that seem to be so right that it almost seems blasphemous to question them. Teachings that have been heard for so long they have formed and fashioned strongholds in the minds of many.

 We want to take the Scriptures and pull down these strongholds. So far we've exposed the insidious lies that God makes people sick or disease-ridden. That He is the creator of storms and disasters. That He is ordaining all things for our good, that He desires our poverty and to live in insufficiency and lack. 

 Today, I want to expose an age-old lie from traditional religious mindsets. This idea that there exists no such experience as the Baptism in the Spirit. If you've been with this blog for some time you may recall we've studied the Baptism in the Spirit in light of Grace. Today, we are going to go further and expose this lie that there is no "subsequent experience" after initial salvation. 

 In the Gospels, we see the first mention of the Baptism in the Spirit. Then in the book of Acts Jesus, Himself speaks of this Baptism in the Spirit. So this begs the question, what is the Baptism in the Spirit? Is it another name for the salvation experience? 

 No, it is not just another name expressing salvation. For how do we explain this passage?
21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22 NKJV

 If the Holy Spirit was not given until Pentecost what happened here? Was Jesus merely saying, "hey when the Spirit comes be welcoming and hospitable to Him"? No, Jesus breathed on them. What does that remind you of? Genesis! When God made Adam He breathed upon him and life came. These disciples were born again at this moment. Jesus had died and rose again and therefore New Covenant salvation was made available to all who would receive. 

 So, with this understanding, what did Jesus tell the Apostles in Acts 1? Did He say wait in Jerusalem to be born again? Wait in Jerusalem until you be converted? Wait in Jerusalem until you get saved? No, He said to wait for the promised Holy Ghost, wait for the promise He had spoken of. 

 If the disciples and Apostles needed to wait for conversion, then we have another problem. How will any future generation know for certain they too were saved when they believed? There was no rushing mighty wind, no cloven tongues of fire. Nothing spectacular. No, this event was the first time the Spirit came and filled God's people to the overflow. 

There is no such subsequent experience as the Baptism in the Spirit? Then how do we explain these passages?
6 And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Acts 8:6,12 NKJV
 So we see here, the Gospel preached, Jesus and His great Grace is shared, the result? The masses are born again and baptized in water. So according to tradition, we get all there is at initial salvation, no subsequent experience, no filling with the Spirit. No Baptism in the Spirit, no need to receive the Spirit. Let's keep reading.
14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 NKJV 
 Wait, why did they need the Apostles to come to lay hands on them to receive the Spirit? I thought we got it all at initial salvation? I have seen explanations used to excuse away what was clear and obvious that these believers were saved already and had the Spirit within but the Apostles came to pray they receive the Spirit upon.

 Some religious leaders say because the Samarians had an unfriendly relationship historically with the Jews they needed the Apostles to come and lay hands to receive the Spirit. Wait, wasn't Philip a Jew? He already won the hearts of the people. He was one of the seven chosen in Acts 6. So this explanation falls short. Again, this opens up doubt that some today may not genuinely be born again, no Apostle laid hands on them, 

 Let's look at Paul. Surely he who wrote 2/3rds of the New Testament would know what salvation entails. 
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples 2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”                Acts 19:1-2 NKJV
 Paul, come on brother, don't you know you get it all at initial conversion? Why did Paul even ask this then? Didn't he know the truth of it all comes at once? 

 The obvious conclusion we must reach with these two passages is that there is, in fact, a subsequent experience called the Baptism in the Spirit. Still unconvinced? Let's look at Paul's conversion experience. Paul acknowledges the Lordship of Christ, lost people don't do that. Let's continue reading.
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17
 Why does Ananias need to lay hands on Paul for him to be filled with the Spirit? Again I thought we got it all at initial salvation?
When we lay aside bias, preconceived notions, traditions of men, and personal experience and just read the Scriptures we are opened to a whole realm of relationship with God that is so freeing and fulfilling. 

 If one was never exposed to traditional religion and just read the New Covenant, they'd come away believing God is good all the time. That healing is for all, and God isn't the author of evil. That the infilling of the Spirit is a valid experience for all, and the Gifts of the Spirit are for today. 

 I am certain some reading may be objecting on the basis of the New Covenant and the fact that we are complete in Christ when we are saved. I have addressed this concern in an entire study here. 

 What is this Baptism in the Spirit? The Baptism in the Spirit is when Jesus immerses the believer into the Spirit for the purpose of empowerment for works of service. These works are for the advancement of the kingdom. To further the Gospel message with power and demonstration. 

 Look at Peter, when Jesus was led away to be crucified, he denied Christ three times. He couldn't even name the name of Jesus to a little maid warming herself by the fire. The fear of Roman persecution and death was greater than his faith in Jesus. Yet, after Peter's conversion and being filled with the Spirit, he proclaimed Jesus in front of thousands and saw many believe. Bold, demonstrative Faith was his testimony.

 In summation, relinquish the lies of the traditions of men. Men make excuses for their lack of spiritual power and timidness in the eyes of this fallen world. They demote Faith and spiritual power and exalt unbelief and skepticism. If they can explain away the Baptism in the Spirit, and the Gifts of the Spirit, they can excuse away their powerless proclamation of Christ. Don't align with tradition, align with all God has for you and receive His present power in your life. 
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