Calling is the gracious work of The Holy Spirit, whereby He causes The Regenerated Man to embrace The Lord Jesus Christ, as He is offered, in The Gospel--
2 Thessalonians 2;14-''For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus; for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews;''
The Gracious Work of the Spirit, in Regeneration, causes the individual, to respond to The Call.
The Holy Spirit operates on man's will, not forcibly bending it, but making it pliant and tender, from within.
Calling addresses itself, to Man's consciousness.
Regeneration works from within; Calling works from without.
Calling is The Divine Summons; which appeals to the Principle of life; that causes the will, and the understanding, to begin, to act.
Now get this; Regeneration and Calling differ in this respect;
Regeneration occurs independently of understanding, while in Calling, understanding and will begin to act.
Regeneration enables one, to hear and understand;
thus, with the inclined will, he is willing to go out, to the light.
Regeneration is the begetting of new life.
Calling is the bringing forth, of that life, by Divine summons, into the light of The Gospel.
Now, observe the order in; 2 Timothy 1;9-10; 2 Thessalonians 2;13-14-[Turn].
Effectual Calling presupposes life;
thus, regeneration precedes calling.
NOW LISTEN, The Call of the Regenerate is something more than The General Call, going forth by the preaching of the Gospel.
While the preaching of The Gospel is General, to all nations, the content of the preaching is
Particular.
The Bible teaches that men are brought to believe on Jesus Christ, but, it is God, not man, Who sends the messengers, and determines the recipients.
Now, when The Gospel is proclaimed to any audience, that audience, from one point of view, is undifferentiated in this respect-all the members are alike, in their depravity.
There is no spiritual receptivity.
But, from another viewpoint, those, who hear The Word, are indeed, differentiated, for, it is God, Who gives the hearing ear--Proverbs 20;12-''The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD hath made even both of them.''
There are many called, that is, by the external preaching of The Gospel, but, few chosen.
And, the few chosen, are effectually called.
Matthew 22;14-''For many are called, but few are chosen.''
Now, in this verse, we have 2 views;
The Undifferentiated in the first part of the text, and The Differentiated, in the latter part.
In Regeneration, the sinner is dead to spiritual life.
He is like a corpse, but his first passivity, and his subsequent co-operation, in the effectual call, must not be confounded.
The Elect, but unregenerate sinner, can do nothing;
And that which is wrought in him, must be by God.
Now this is, the 1st work of grace;
but after that is accomplished, the sinner is no longer passive.
But, then, he is made active, in spiritual things, by the power of The New Life.
Now, THIS DOES NOT MEAN, However, that The Elect, and The Regenerated Sinner is able to do anything without God.
Now, get this truth; ALL SPIRITUAL GOOD FROM REGENERATION TO GLORIFICATION, IS OF GRACE.
You see, he that is called, must be able to come;
and he is made able, by Regeneration.
Again, Get this truth; The Divine Summons is not merely calling a person, telling him, or her, something, but it implies the command to come.
There's something determinate, about the effectual call-Romans 8;28-[Quote].
A Summons, issued by The Court, does not of itself, empower us, to appear in Court.
But our appearance depends upon our strength and will.
It might become necessary, for an officer of the court to apprehend and compel us to appear, because we lack the will to appear.
But the elect sinner, has already been apprehended by Regeneration, BEFORE THE CALL COMES TO HIM-Matthew 22;1-14 -Turn].
Luke 14;15-24-[Turn].
Philippians 3;12-13-Turn].
God's peopled are made willing, in the day of His Power-Psalm 110;3.
The Effectual Call is from darkness to light-I Peter 2;9-[turn].
[We will continue this in our next post
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Thursday, May 15, 2008
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE AGENT IN CONVERSION-Part 2
John 3;14-21
Last time we saw, that The Lord said, that His departure was for their advantage.
Now, Get this truth; WE SHOULDN'T BE HASTY AT ACCEPTING THINGS AT FIRST
SIGHT.
Expediency implies suitability of action to circumstances, and of means, to accomplish an end, that end being what seemed meet unto Christ.
Man recognizes the meaning of the Word, and thinks, he acts upon it;
but, being evil, he often forgets moral principles.
He is so ignorant, that he chooses wrong means.
But, there are no mistakes with God. You see, absolute righteousness is in Him; He does right, with right motives, in the right way, and at the right time.
He sees The End from The Beginning.
Christ sent Another Comforter, for the disciples' advantage. The Subjective Spirit gives a clear understanding, of The Objective Christ.
As it was with them, so it is, with us Today.
Now, I ask you, Is Holy Spirit conviction, to be interpreted, as referring both to The Elect, and The Reprobate/
If we view, John 16;8-11, as belonging to The Elect, in the work of their conversion, not regeneration, the words contain the method of bringing about this work. The Holy Spirit is said, to accomplish three things;
[1] He convinces of Sin. [The Sin Nature, and its actions].
How does the Spirit do this/ By revealing to those, who possess the Spirit, their total depravity.
The Holy Spirit is the immediate cause, of this conviction. Without His influenced, we may hear
The Law Preached, all our lives, and not once, be affected by It.
Romans 7;9-11--''For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.''
The Holy Spirit causes God's Word, to come to the regenerated person, and The Word effectively enters the very center and heart, of his life.
The One, who hears that call of The Gospel, is often heard to say, ''That was preached directly, at me''. Instead of becoming angry, he feels deep shame and remorse.
Now, Get this truth; Only The Spirit of Regeneration can convince. Conscience can't. Public opinion can't, and The Mosaic Law can never bring Divine Conviction.
But The Spirit's Application of The Word can.
[2] The Holy Spirit convinces of righteousness, I.E. Christ's Righteousness. His Righteousness includes both that of His Person, and His Work.
Now, notice, The Order of The Spirit's Work. There must be a righteousness, since we are accountable, to A Righteous God.
No unclean thing can ever come into Heaven; thus, we must be made righteous, in The
Righteousness of Christ.
This Righteousness is revealed, to the regenerated person, by the indwelling Spirit.
Now, Get this truth; NO ONE WILL EVER DESIRE RIGHTEOUSNESS, UNTIL HE IS
CONVINCED OF SIN.
One may acknowledge some fruit of sin, while being ignorant of sin's root. The unregenerate have a false view of righteousness.
But, The One, Who has been regenerated, embraces The Biblical view of Righteousness, imputed in Justification, and imparted in Sanctification.
[3] The Spirit convinces of Judgment. He convicts of judgment in Religion, with the object, or, with things employed.
All judgment is committed to Jesus Christ.
The Prince of this world has been judged-John 12;31-33-[Turned].
Sin is conquered, and shall pass away.
God's Judgment is Righteous--Rom. 2;3-[Turn].
But don't forget, that Conviction is the fruit of Regeneration.
--END--
Last time we saw, that The Lord said, that His departure was for their advantage.
Now, Get this truth; WE SHOULDN'T BE HASTY AT ACCEPTING THINGS AT FIRST
SIGHT.
Expediency implies suitability of action to circumstances, and of means, to accomplish an end, that end being what seemed meet unto Christ.
Man recognizes the meaning of the Word, and thinks, he acts upon it;
but, being evil, he often forgets moral principles.
He is so ignorant, that he chooses wrong means.
But, there are no mistakes with God. You see, absolute righteousness is in Him; He does right, with right motives, in the right way, and at the right time.
He sees The End from The Beginning.
Christ sent Another Comforter, for the disciples' advantage. The Subjective Spirit gives a clear understanding, of The Objective Christ.
As it was with them, so it is, with us Today.
Now, I ask you, Is Holy Spirit conviction, to be interpreted, as referring both to The Elect, and The Reprobate/
If we view, John 16;8-11, as belonging to The Elect, in the work of their conversion, not regeneration, the words contain the method of bringing about this work. The Holy Spirit is said, to accomplish three things;
[1] He convinces of Sin. [The Sin Nature, and its actions].
How does the Spirit do this/ By revealing to those, who possess the Spirit, their total depravity.
The Holy Spirit is the immediate cause, of this conviction. Without His influenced, we may hear
The Law Preached, all our lives, and not once, be affected by It.
Romans 7;9-11--''For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.''
The Holy Spirit causes God's Word, to come to the regenerated person, and The Word effectively enters the very center and heart, of his life.
The One, who hears that call of The Gospel, is often heard to say, ''That was preached directly, at me''. Instead of becoming angry, he feels deep shame and remorse.
Now, Get this truth; Only The Spirit of Regeneration can convince. Conscience can't. Public opinion can't, and The Mosaic Law can never bring Divine Conviction.
But The Spirit's Application of The Word can.
[2] The Holy Spirit convinces of righteousness, I.E. Christ's Righteousness. His Righteousness includes both that of His Person, and His Work.
Now, notice, The Order of The Spirit's Work. There must be a righteousness, since we are accountable, to A Righteous God.
No unclean thing can ever come into Heaven; thus, we must be made righteous, in The
Righteousness of Christ.
This Righteousness is revealed, to the regenerated person, by the indwelling Spirit.
Now, Get this truth; NO ONE WILL EVER DESIRE RIGHTEOUSNESS, UNTIL HE IS
CONVINCED OF SIN.
One may acknowledge some fruit of sin, while being ignorant of sin's root. The unregenerate have a false view of righteousness.
But, The One, Who has been regenerated, embraces The Biblical view of Righteousness, imputed in Justification, and imparted in Sanctification.
[3] The Spirit convinces of Judgment. He convicts of judgment in Religion, with the object, or, with things employed.
All judgment is committed to Jesus Christ.
The Prince of this world has been judged-John 12;31-33-[Turned].
Sin is conquered, and shall pass away.
God's Judgment is Righteous--Rom. 2;3-[Turn].
But don't forget, that Conviction is the fruit of Regeneration.
--END--
Thursday, May 8, 2008
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE AGENT IN CONVERSION-Part 1
JOHN 3;14-21
To start with, Today, I want you to get this Truth;
There is a difference, in the working of external providence upon the non-elect, and the internal working of The Spirit, in The Elect, Who have been Regenerated.
Lost men and women may know The Way of Righteousness--
2 Peter 2;21-''For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.''
Lost men and women may rejoice, in the light of God's Word, for a season--
Luke 8;13-''They on the rock are they which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.''
Lost men and women may make great sacrifices--
I Corinthians 13;3-''And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.''
Lost men and women may perform great works--
Matthew 7;21-23-''Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name/ and in thy name have cast out devils/ and in thy name done many wonderful works/ 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.''
Thus, We see, that many deeds may be performed, and many things may be wrought, in the mind, by the Dispensation of The Gospel, apart from Regeneration.
Now, Get this truth; There is a two-fold darkness-objective and subjective.
Darkness is a metaphorical expression, denoting the natural state, of every man.
Objective Darkness consists of the want of those means, whereby men may be enlightened, in the knowledge of God-
Psalm 19;7-11-''The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold,yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward.''
Psalm 119;10-[Turn].
2 Peter 1;19-[Turn].
Now, The Holy Spirit alone, can dispel the darkness of depravity-Acts 6;6-13-[Turn].
Subjective Darkness is that, of The Unregenerate-John 1;5-[Turn]. Whatever light man might have by nature, or may gather from Creation, will not enable them, to comprehend the light of
God, shining in the face of Jesus Christ--2 Corinthians 4;4-6--[Turn].
This Subjective Darkness can be dispersed only, by the work of the Holy Spirit, in Regeneration.
The Regenerated Person is called out of darkness, into light-[Ephesians 5;8]. This light is not produced by a fire, of man's own kindling. Men may sit in the light of The Gospel, and yet not know their own true condition.
In calling men to the saving knowledge of God, and faith in Christ Jesus, The
Holy Spirit convinces them of sin, righteousness, and judgment [John 16;11].
The Holy Spirit is the great convincer. . .
John 16;7-''Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.''
Our Lord's purpose, on the eve of His departure was to encourage the disciples.
They were saddened by Christ's announcement that He was going back to His
Father.
During Christ's absence, the disciples were to be engaged in a difficult ministry.
They would be hated, opposed, and persecuted.
The Lord assured them, that the Holy Spirit would comfort, strengthen, and draw
the elect to God.
How could human sight perceive that, it would be expedient, for the Lord Jesus, to depart from His disciples' presence/
We are short-sighted, and judge by whatever is within the range of our vision.
The Lord said that His departure was for their advantage.
To start with, Today, I want you to get this Truth;
There is a difference, in the working of external providence upon the non-elect, and the internal working of The Spirit, in The Elect, Who have been Regenerated.
Lost men and women may know The Way of Righteousness--
2 Peter 2;21-''For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.''
Lost men and women may rejoice, in the light of God's Word, for a season--
Luke 8;13-''They on the rock are they which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.''
Lost men and women may make great sacrifices--
I Corinthians 13;3-''And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.''
Lost men and women may perform great works--
Matthew 7;21-23-''Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name/ and in thy name have cast out devils/ and in thy name done many wonderful works/ 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.''
Thus, We see, that many deeds may be performed, and many things may be wrought, in the mind, by the Dispensation of The Gospel, apart from Regeneration.
Now, Get this truth; There is a two-fold darkness-objective and subjective.
Darkness is a metaphorical expression, denoting the natural state, of every man.
Objective Darkness consists of the want of those means, whereby men may be enlightened, in the knowledge of God-
Psalm 19;7-11-''The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold,yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward.''
Psalm 119;10-[Turn].
2 Peter 1;19-[Turn].
Now, The Holy Spirit alone, can dispel the darkness of depravity-Acts 6;6-13-[Turn].
Subjective Darkness is that, of The Unregenerate-John 1;5-[Turn]. Whatever light man might have by nature, or may gather from Creation, will not enable them, to comprehend the light of
God, shining in the face of Jesus Christ--2 Corinthians 4;4-6--[Turn].
This Subjective Darkness can be dispersed only, by the work of the Holy Spirit, in Regeneration.
The Regenerated Person is called out of darkness, into light-[Ephesians 5;8]. This light is not produced by a fire, of man's own kindling. Men may sit in the light of The Gospel, and yet not know their own true condition.
In calling men to the saving knowledge of God, and faith in Christ Jesus, The
Holy Spirit convinces them of sin, righteousness, and judgment [John 16;11].
The Holy Spirit is the great convincer. . .
John 16;7-''Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.''
Our Lord's purpose, on the eve of His departure was to encourage the disciples.
They were saddened by Christ's announcement that He was going back to His
Father.
During Christ's absence, the disciples were to be engaged in a difficult ministry.
They would be hated, opposed, and persecuted.
The Lord assured them, that the Holy Spirit would comfort, strengthen, and draw
the elect to God.
How could human sight perceive that, it would be expedient, for the Lord Jesus, to depart from His disciples' presence/
We are short-sighted, and judge by whatever is within the range of our vision.
The Lord said that His departure was for their advantage.
Conversion is The Result of Regeneration-Part 2
Last time we ended the post by saying that, Repentance gives to the mind, a just sense of one's sins, and also, an appreciation, of The Redemption and Grace in The Lord Jesus Christ.
Now, what are the evidences of repentance unto life/
Now, we aren't forgiven upon repentance, because it, in any way compensates, takes away, or diminishes the desert of punishment;
but, because of the respect, that repentance has to compensation, already made.
Now, get this truth; ALL SIN IS AGAINST GOD.
It is infinitely heinous because it is against The Infinite God.
Sin, therefore, has infinite demerit, and stirs up, within the infinite Saviour, an infinite indignation for sin.
There can be no repentance answerable, to the heinous demerit of sin, and there can be no infinite sorrow for infinite sin, by the finite sinner.
God does not forgive the sinner on the grounds of his finite sorrow, but on the basis, of the infinite punishment of man's infinite sin in The Death of The Infinite Saviour, and the repentant sinner's respect, for that infinite sacrifice.
The soul of the repentant man is careful, to discriminate between good and evil, light and darkness.
His soul struggles against every unholy propensity, every sinful habit.
He exercises himself, to have a conscience, void of offense toward both God and Man.
This is no temporary change in his life.
His whole course of life, is one of repentance, and will not be completed, until he is made perfect, in Glory.
The Will to Repent, is subject, to God's turning of one.
God's turning of one, is not subject to the sinner's will to repent.
Now, I want to clearly state that, Conversion is as natural, to The Regenerated Person, as motion is to a living Body.
A Principle of Activity will produce Action.
Therefore, the principle of grace, wrought in the heart, in Regeneration, produces a condition of life, that reflects his position in Christ.
Holy Ghost Conviction is part of a conversion experience, which is, the fruit, of the work of
Regeneration.
Without Holy Spirit Conviction, the sinner cannot see, that his sin, is against God.
Damnation may scare him, but pollution does not.
Hell may scare him, but offending God does not.
Now, get this truth; WHATEVER ARISES FROM SELF, ALWAYS AIMS AT, AND ENDS IN SELF.
Now that, all sinners are not completely insensitive to God's Word, may be seen in these examples, from the Bible;
[1] 2 Peter 2;20-22-[Turn].
[2] The soil of Matthew 13 produces stalks, but no fruit-
[3] Acts 26;27-38-''King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets/ I know that thou believest. Then
Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.''
[4] Ezekiel 33;30-33-[Turn].
[5] Natural security of the lost man-Luke 11;21-''When a strong man armed jkeepeth his palace, his goods are in peace;''
--END--
Now, what are the evidences of repentance unto life/
Now, we aren't forgiven upon repentance, because it, in any way compensates, takes away, or diminishes the desert of punishment;
but, because of the respect, that repentance has to compensation, already made.
Now, get this truth; ALL SIN IS AGAINST GOD.
It is infinitely heinous because it is against The Infinite God.
Sin, therefore, has infinite demerit, and stirs up, within the infinite Saviour, an infinite indignation for sin.
There can be no repentance answerable, to the heinous demerit of sin, and there can be no infinite sorrow for infinite sin, by the finite sinner.
God does not forgive the sinner on the grounds of his finite sorrow, but on the basis, of the infinite punishment of man's infinite sin in The Death of The Infinite Saviour, and the repentant sinner's respect, for that infinite sacrifice.
The soul of the repentant man is careful, to discriminate between good and evil, light and darkness.
His soul struggles against every unholy propensity, every sinful habit.
He exercises himself, to have a conscience, void of offense toward both God and Man.
This is no temporary change in his life.
His whole course of life, is one of repentance, and will not be completed, until he is made perfect, in Glory.
The Will to Repent, is subject, to God's turning of one.
God's turning of one, is not subject to the sinner's will to repent.
Now, I want to clearly state that, Conversion is as natural, to The Regenerated Person, as motion is to a living Body.
A Principle of Activity will produce Action.
Therefore, the principle of grace, wrought in the heart, in Regeneration, produces a condition of life, that reflects his position in Christ.
Holy Ghost Conviction is part of a conversion experience, which is, the fruit, of the work of
Regeneration.
Without Holy Spirit Conviction, the sinner cannot see, that his sin, is against God.
Damnation may scare him, but pollution does not.
Hell may scare him, but offending God does not.
Now, get this truth; WHATEVER ARISES FROM SELF, ALWAYS AIMS AT, AND ENDS IN SELF.
Now that, all sinners are not completely insensitive to God's Word, may be seen in these examples, from the Bible;
[1] 2 Peter 2;20-22-[Turn].
[2] The soil of Matthew 13 produces stalks, but no fruit-
[3] Acts 26;27-38-''King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets/ I know that thou believest. Then
Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.''
[4] Ezekiel 33;30-33-[Turn].
[5] Natural security of the lost man-Luke 11;21-''When a strong man armed jkeepeth his palace, his goods are in peace;''
--END--
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
CONVERSION IS THE RESULT OF REGENERATION-Part 1
John 3;1-21
The Act of God in Regeneration is followed by The Act of Man, in Conversion.
The Bible teaches Regeneration, but it doesn't teach Re-regeneration.
JOHN 13;9-10-''Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith unto him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.''
God's Act in Regeneration initiates action in man, which is conversion.
Now, Conversion is a spiritual Act; but there can never be a spiritual act apart from spiritual life; wrought in the sinner's heart, in Regeneration.
Conversion takes place, not in the Subconscious, but in the conscious life of man.
This doesn't mean, that it is not rooted, in the subconscious life, but it brings out, the close connection between Regeneration and Conversion.
You see, Conversion marks the conscious beginning, not only, the putting away of The Old Man,
But, also, The Putting on, of The New Man.
The converted man consciously forsakes the old life, and turns to the new life of communion with God, through Jesus Christ.
The two words, Regeneration and Conversion, are used synonymously by some;
yet, in most cases, they refer to different, but closely related matters.
Logically, Conversion follows Regeneration.
Conversion, which is the activity of man, always results from a previous work of God in man.
Lamentations 5;21-''turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.''
Philippians 2;13-''For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.''
The fact, that man is active in conversion, is evident in The Bible--
Isaiah 55;7-''Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.''
Jeremiah 18;11-''Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you; return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.''
Ezekiel 18;23, 32-23-''Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die/ saith the Lord God;
and not that he should return from his ways, and live/
32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.''
Acts 2;39-''For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.''
Acts 17;30-[Turn].
Now, to show that, man isn't passive in conversion--
Jeremiah 31;18-21-''I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me,and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke; turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. 19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh; I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. 20 Is Ephraim my dear son/ is he a pleasant child/ for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still; therefore my bowels are troubled for him;
I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. 21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps; set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest; turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.''
According to this passage, Grace must first enter into a man's heart, before it can be discovered in his life, in conversion.
The God of All Grace, first of all, draws us, or, we would never move towards Him.
Now, get this truth; QUICKENING GRACE OPENS THE HEART TO GODLY SORROW, AND
THIS ALWAYS ISSUES IN EVANGELICAL REPENTANCE.
Repentance is an abiding principle, or characteristic, of the New Heart.
By nature, the heart is hard and impenitent.
It has a natural fitness to sin, and is without shame, or sorrow.
The Heart is by Grace, Penitent, broken, and contrite.
It has a fitness to repent, an attitude to mourn over sin and sins.
Now, this is a permanent principle, or source, of sorrow for sin, and turning from it, to holiness.
Repentance is God's Gift--
Acts 5;31-[Turn].
Acts 11;18-''When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.''
Man is without power to repent-Jeremiah 31;18-19-[Turn].
The Truly Saved do not spring in one leap, from the rebelliousness of a sinner, to the rejoicing of The Saint.
Instruction and Application follow the turning of a repentant sinner.
The effect of instruction made Ephraim say, ''I was ashamed'' [Verse 19].
Repentance gives to the mind, a just sense of one's sins, and also, an appreciation of the Redemption and Grace in Christ Jesus.
The Act of God in Regeneration is followed by The Act of Man, in Conversion.
The Bible teaches Regeneration, but it doesn't teach Re-regeneration.
JOHN 13;9-10-''Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith unto him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit; and ye are clean, but not all.''
God's Act in Regeneration initiates action in man, which is conversion.
Now, Conversion is a spiritual Act; but there can never be a spiritual act apart from spiritual life; wrought in the sinner's heart, in Regeneration.
Conversion takes place, not in the Subconscious, but in the conscious life of man.
This doesn't mean, that it is not rooted, in the subconscious life, but it brings out, the close connection between Regeneration and Conversion.
You see, Conversion marks the conscious beginning, not only, the putting away of The Old Man,
But, also, The Putting on, of The New Man.
The converted man consciously forsakes the old life, and turns to the new life of communion with God, through Jesus Christ.
The two words, Regeneration and Conversion, are used synonymously by some;
yet, in most cases, they refer to different, but closely related matters.
Logically, Conversion follows Regeneration.
Conversion, which is the activity of man, always results from a previous work of God in man.
Lamentations 5;21-''turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.''
Philippians 2;13-''For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.''
The fact, that man is active in conversion, is evident in The Bible--
Isaiah 55;7-''Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.''
Jeremiah 18;11-''Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you; return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.''
Ezekiel 18;23, 32-23-''Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die/ saith the Lord God;
and not that he should return from his ways, and live/
32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.''
Acts 2;39-''For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.''
Acts 17;30-[Turn].
Now, to show that, man isn't passive in conversion--
Jeremiah 31;18-21-''I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me,and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke; turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God. 19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh; I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. 20 Is Ephraim my dear son/ is he a pleasant child/ for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still; therefore my bowels are troubled for him;
I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD. 21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps; set thine heart toward the highway, even the way which thou wentest; turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.''
According to this passage, Grace must first enter into a man's heart, before it can be discovered in his life, in conversion.
The God of All Grace, first of all, draws us, or, we would never move towards Him.
Now, get this truth; QUICKENING GRACE OPENS THE HEART TO GODLY SORROW, AND
THIS ALWAYS ISSUES IN EVANGELICAL REPENTANCE.
Repentance is an abiding principle, or characteristic, of the New Heart.
By nature, the heart is hard and impenitent.
It has a natural fitness to sin, and is without shame, or sorrow.
The Heart is by Grace, Penitent, broken, and contrite.
It has a fitness to repent, an attitude to mourn over sin and sins.
Now, this is a permanent principle, or source, of sorrow for sin, and turning from it, to holiness.
Repentance is God's Gift--
Acts 5;31-[Turn].
Acts 11;18-''When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.''
Man is without power to repent-Jeremiah 31;18-19-[Turn].
The Truly Saved do not spring in one leap, from the rebelliousness of a sinner, to the rejoicing of The Saint.
Instruction and Application follow the turning of a repentant sinner.
The effect of instruction made Ephraim say, ''I was ashamed'' [Verse 19].
Repentance gives to the mind, a just sense of one's sins, and also, an appreciation of the Redemption and Grace in Christ Jesus.
Monday, May 5, 2008
CONVERSION IS DESCRIBED-JOHN 3;14-21
The transition from Regeneration to Conversion, is by a special operation of The Holy Spirit.
Now, Get this truth; Conversion may be a marked crisis in one''s life, or, it may be in the form of a gradual process.
In The Old Testament, 2 words are used for conversion.
The 1st word serves to express a deep feeling of sorrow, or, of relief.
It is used, not only of men, but of God-
Genesis 6;6-7-''And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.''
Exodus 32;14-''And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.''
Judges 2;18-''And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.''
The 2ND Word, which means, to turn, to turn about and return, is commonly used for conversion, in The Old Testament.
This word is most prominent in The Prophets, in referring to Israel's Return to The Lord.
In The New Testament, 3 words come into consideration, in the study of Conversion.
The One, most commonly used, refers to man's conscious life, when his mind is changed.
The change, indicated by this word refers to;
Number 1-The Intellectual Life-2 Timothy 2;25-[Turn]. This is identical with the action of faith.
Number 2-The conscious volitional life, a turning from self to God-
Acts 8;22-''But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jaews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the very Christ.''
Number 3-The Emotional Life-
2 Corinthians 7;10-''For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death.''
This Change is accompanied by godly sorrow, and opens new fields of enjoyment, for the repenting sinner.
Now, get this truth; to be converted is not merely to pass from one conscious direction to another, but, to do so, with a clearly perceived aversion, to the former direction.
Conversion, therefore, has both a negative and a positive side. It looks backward and forward.
The converted person becomes conscious of his ignorance and folly.
Titus 1;15-[Turn].
The 2nd word used in The New Testament indicates the final act of conversion-
Acts 3;19-23-''Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the LORD; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which was before preached unto you; Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.''
In Acts 3;19, the 1st and 2nd words I have mentioned, are used, side by side.
At times, the 1st word, carries the idea of Repentance only, while the 2nd, always includes the element of faith.
The 3rd word is used only, as a verb in The New Testament, and literally means to become distressed afterwards.
It is used only 5 times, in The New Testament, Matthew 1;29, 32; 2 Corinthians 7;10-[Turn].
Hebrews 7;21-''[For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec;]''
You see, Repentance doesn't always mean true repentance.
Now, The Bible does not always speak of conversion, in the same sense.
The nation Israel repeatedly turner her back on God;
and after experiencing God's Displeasure, repented of her sin and returned, unto The Lord.
This is NATIONAL CONVERSION.
Another Biblical Example of it, is found in Jonah 3. There was an outward reformation of life, of the Ninevites, at the preaching of Jonah.
Also, There are what can be called, TEMPORARY CONVERSIONS. The Conversion of
Individuals, that represents, no change of heart, falls into this category.
It couldn't be said, that they turned to Jesus Christ.
People, who have been converted from one false Religion to Another, and not, to Jesus Christ, have only, a temporary conversion-
Matthew 13;20-21-''But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation, or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.''
I Timothy 1;19-20-''Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck; Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.''
2 Timothy 2;17-18; I John 2;19-[Turn].
Hebrews 10;38-39-''Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition;but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.''
But, Thank God, there are those, who are truly converted to truth and Jesus Christ. . .
Examples;
1. Naaman-2 Kings 5;5-15
2. Zacchaeus-Luke 19;8-9.
3. The Samaritan Woman-John 4;28, 39.
4. Ethiopian Eunuch-Acts 8;30-39.
5. Saul of Tarsus-Acts 9;5.
6. Cornelius-Acts 10;44.
7. Lydia-Acts 16;13-14.
In The Bible, We have also many references of repeated conversions, which only manifest The
Restoration of God's People-
Luke 22;31-32-''And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.''
Revelation 2;5, 16, 21-22--[Turn].
Revelation 3;3, 19-[Turn].
Now get this truth; REGENERATION IS NEVER CALLED A BIRTH, BUT IT ISSUES IN MANY EXPERIENCES, CALLED CONVERSIONS.
Conversion is one part of the saving process, but, it is a vital part of an organic process.
There can never be be an act of conversion without a previous work of grace, by the Holy
Spirit in Regeneration.
Conversion doesn't alter man's position, but it alters man's condition before God.
END
Now, Get this truth; Conversion may be a marked crisis in one''s life, or, it may be in the form of a gradual process.
In The Old Testament, 2 words are used for conversion.
The 1st word serves to express a deep feeling of sorrow, or, of relief.
It is used, not only of men, but of God-
Genesis 6;6-7-''And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.''
Exodus 32;14-''And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.''
Judges 2;18-''And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.''
The 2ND Word, which means, to turn, to turn about and return, is commonly used for conversion, in The Old Testament.
This word is most prominent in The Prophets, in referring to Israel's Return to The Lord.
In The New Testament, 3 words come into consideration, in the study of Conversion.
The One, most commonly used, refers to man's conscious life, when his mind is changed.
The change, indicated by this word refers to;
Number 1-The Intellectual Life-2 Timothy 2;25-[Turn]. This is identical with the action of faith.
Number 2-The conscious volitional life, a turning from self to God-
Acts 8;22-''But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jaews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the very Christ.''
Number 3-The Emotional Life-
2 Corinthians 7;10-''For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death.''
This Change is accompanied by godly sorrow, and opens new fields of enjoyment, for the repenting sinner.
Now, get this truth; to be converted is not merely to pass from one conscious direction to another, but, to do so, with a clearly perceived aversion, to the former direction.
Conversion, therefore, has both a negative and a positive side. It looks backward and forward.
The converted person becomes conscious of his ignorance and folly.
Titus 1;15-[Turn].
The 2nd word used in The New Testament indicates the final act of conversion-
Acts 3;19-23-''Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the LORD; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which was before preached unto you; Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.''
In Acts 3;19, the 1st and 2nd words I have mentioned, are used, side by side.
At times, the 1st word, carries the idea of Repentance only, while the 2nd, always includes the element of faith.
The 3rd word is used only, as a verb in The New Testament, and literally means to become distressed afterwards.
It is used only 5 times, in The New Testament, Matthew 1;29, 32; 2 Corinthians 7;10-[Turn].
Hebrews 7;21-''[For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of
Melchisedec;]''
You see, Repentance doesn't always mean true repentance.
Now, The Bible does not always speak of conversion, in the same sense.
The nation Israel repeatedly turner her back on God;
and after experiencing God's Displeasure, repented of her sin and returned, unto The Lord.
This is NATIONAL CONVERSION.
Another Biblical Example of it, is found in Jonah 3. There was an outward reformation of life, of the Ninevites, at the preaching of Jonah.
Also, There are what can be called, TEMPORARY CONVERSIONS. The Conversion of
Individuals, that represents, no change of heart, falls into this category.
It couldn't be said, that they turned to Jesus Christ.
People, who have been converted from one false Religion to Another, and not, to Jesus Christ, have only, a temporary conversion-
Matthew 13;20-21-''But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while; for when tribulation, or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.''
I Timothy 1;19-20-''Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck; Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.''
2 Timothy 2;17-18; I John 2;19-[Turn].
Hebrews 10;38-39-''Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition;but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.''
But, Thank God, there are those, who are truly converted to truth and Jesus Christ. . .
Examples;
1. Naaman-2 Kings 5;5-15
2. Zacchaeus-Luke 19;8-9.
3. The Samaritan Woman-John 4;28, 39.
4. Ethiopian Eunuch-Acts 8;30-39.
5. Saul of Tarsus-Acts 9;5.
6. Cornelius-Acts 10;44.
7. Lydia-Acts 16;13-14.
In The Bible, We have also many references of repeated conversions, which only manifest The
Restoration of God's People-
Luke 22;31-32-''And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat; But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not; and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.''
Revelation 2;5, 16, 21-22--[Turn].
Revelation 3;3, 19-[Turn].
Now get this truth; REGENERATION IS NEVER CALLED A BIRTH, BUT IT ISSUES IN MANY EXPERIENCES, CALLED CONVERSIONS.
Conversion is one part of the saving process, but, it is a vital part of an organic process.
There can never be be an act of conversion without a previous work of grace, by the Holy
Spirit in Regeneration.
Conversion doesn't alter man's position, but it alters man's condition before God.
END
Sunday, May 4, 2008
INTRODUCTION [CONTINUED]
As we stated last time, one cannot study John 3;13-14 without studying the Brazen Serpent of Numbers 21..
The Brass Serpent typified Judgment. The Serpent and Brass together portray Sin Judged.
The fiery serpents, that swarmed Israel, were publicly exhibited by one, made of brass, which was sting-less and dead.
Now, When I look upon The Lord Jesus Christ, I see Him enduring sin, in all its fierceness and burning pangs.
But, I also see the ugly reptile of Sin, publicly exhibited, as helpless and dead.
Its power over me, is completely broken.
The Sting is removed from Death. The sting of Death is Sin-I Corinthians 15;54-57-[Turn].
Next, We see that, The Serpent of Brass was the only remedy provided. God's Plan was not that some should be saved one way, and some another.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and Men-I Timothy 2;5; Acts 4;12-
[Turn].
Next, We see The Serpent was made of Brass, an inferior metal. The Lord Jesus was a root out of dry ground-
Isaiah 53;2-''For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.''
Now, the phrase, ''A Root out of a dry ground,'' considered in connection with Isaiah 11;1, shows that, it sprung up out of the stump of Jesse-
Isaiah 11;1-'' And there shall come forth a root out of the stump of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots;''
Men are represented as turning away in disappointment, from this tender plant, springing out of such compromising surroundings.
This is why, some said, ''can there any good thing come out of Nazareth/'' [John 1;48].
Now, Get this truth; BOTH THE SERPENT AND THE CROSS, WERE PRESCRIBED BY GOD;
THEREFORE, THE CROSS IS THE DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS OF OUR SALVATION.
The Israelites were bitten by a serpent, and by a serpent, they were to be healed.
Thus ''By man [Adam] came sin, and by man'' [Christ] salvation comes to God's people.''
Now, GET THIS TRUTH; THE LORD JESUS IS THE NEAREST RELATIVE ANY CHRISTIAN CAN HAVE.
He suffered ''SYMPATHETICALLY WITH'' men, in His Public Ministry, ''VICARIOUSLY FOR''
Men, in His Death, and ''SUBSTITUTIONALLY FOR'' Men, when He bore the wrath for God's
Elect.
The Lord Jesus must be lifted up;
Sin must be punished;
God's Righteousness must be upheld;
and all its demands met.
Jesus Christ Alone, could meet, and did meet, all these demands.
A Look at The Serpent, brought physical healing, soon to be interrupted by death.
From a look at Christ, exercised by faith, wrought in the heart at Regeneration, flows soul healing unto Salvation.
Now, The Serpent represented The Curse, which Sin entailed;
The Brass portrayed God's Judgment falling on The One, made a sin offering.
Now, if the Lord Jesus Christ had been a mere creature, He would have been consumed;
But, He was more than, a mere creature.
He is The Eternal Son of God;
and therefore, The Infinite Son was not consumed.
As The Redeemed Israelites were to look upon The Serpent of Brass for deliverance, so
Regenerated Sinners, by the power of The Holy Spirit, look upon and embrace Jesus Christ for
deliverance.
Through faith, the power to live, is realized;
through faith The Regenerated Person becomes conscious of Justification.
This faith is God's gift-Ephesians 2;8.
Notice, those who were converted, didn't look unto Moses, their wounds, or, the Tabernacle.
And, they didn't manufacture some cure of their own.
Neither did they minister unto others, in order to get relief.
They didn't even fight the serpents.
Thus, those converted to Christ, do not look at some preacher, their wounds, or to a denomination.
They don't even believe they can destroy sin;
but through faith, the gift of God, They embrace Christ, Who has won the victory for them.
Those converted to Christ, say, ''Greater is He that is in US, then he that is in the world.''
Now, the incidents recorded in Numbers 21 are great spiritual landmarks.
[1] Their Conversion resulted from looking at The Serpent of Brass-They had already been delivered by blood, and by power-Exodus 12;12-14-[Turn].
[2] They turned toward The Sunrising; in this we see Israel's Pilgrimage.
[3] The Conflicts, which were The Wars of Jehovah, Verse 14, reveal their warfare.
[4] The Song, which came from inward satisfaction [Verse 17], manifests the subjective experience of The Holy Spirit expressing Himself in testimony.
Believers must defend themselves, but not be the aggressors, when attacked-Numbers 21;33-35
Israel went forward, but, they were not yet in the land; Wells are found in the bleak wilderness.
They were healed, walked, and sang the Song of Praises with joy.
They met people with whom, they didn't wish to have war;
but their enemies didn't allow them, to pass peaceably.
Now, get this truth; OUR WARFARE IS WITH THOSE WHO OPPOSE OUR INHERITANCE BEYOND JORDAN.
[5] They experienced victory-[Verses 21-35].
It's a wonderful thing for God's people to possess all their possessions.
God intended us, to live in constant victory-over the world, the flesh, and the devil.
-End-
The Brass Serpent typified Judgment. The Serpent and Brass together portray Sin Judged.
The fiery serpents, that swarmed Israel, were publicly exhibited by one, made of brass, which was sting-less and dead.
Now, When I look upon The Lord Jesus Christ, I see Him enduring sin, in all its fierceness and burning pangs.
But, I also see the ugly reptile of Sin, publicly exhibited, as helpless and dead.
Its power over me, is completely broken.
The Sting is removed from Death. The sting of Death is Sin-I Corinthians 15;54-57-[Turn].
Next, We see that, The Serpent of Brass was the only remedy provided. God's Plan was not that some should be saved one way, and some another.
The Lord Jesus Christ is the only Mediator between God and Men-I Timothy 2;5; Acts 4;12-
[Turn].
Next, We see The Serpent was made of Brass, an inferior metal. The Lord Jesus was a root out of dry ground-
Isaiah 53;2-''For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground; he hath no form nor comeliness, and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.''
Now, the phrase, ''A Root out of a dry ground,'' considered in connection with Isaiah 11;1, shows that, it sprung up out of the stump of Jesse-
Isaiah 11;1-'' And there shall come forth a root out of the stump of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots;''
Men are represented as turning away in disappointment, from this tender plant, springing out of such compromising surroundings.
This is why, some said, ''can there any good thing come out of Nazareth/'' [John 1;48].
Now, Get this truth; BOTH THE SERPENT AND THE CROSS, WERE PRESCRIBED BY GOD;
THEREFORE, THE CROSS IS THE DIVINELY APPOINTED MEANS OF OUR SALVATION.
The Israelites were bitten by a serpent, and by a serpent, they were to be healed.
Thus ''By man [Adam] came sin, and by man'' [Christ] salvation comes to God's people.''
Now, GET THIS TRUTH; THE LORD JESUS IS THE NEAREST RELATIVE ANY CHRISTIAN CAN HAVE.
He suffered ''SYMPATHETICALLY WITH'' men, in His Public Ministry, ''VICARIOUSLY FOR''
Men, in His Death, and ''SUBSTITUTIONALLY FOR'' Men, when He bore the wrath for God's
Elect.
The Lord Jesus must be lifted up;
Sin must be punished;
God's Righteousness must be upheld;
and all its demands met.
Jesus Christ Alone, could meet, and did meet, all these demands.
A Look at The Serpent, brought physical healing, soon to be interrupted by death.
From a look at Christ, exercised by faith, wrought in the heart at Regeneration, flows soul healing unto Salvation.
Now, The Serpent represented The Curse, which Sin entailed;
The Brass portrayed God's Judgment falling on The One, made a sin offering.
Now, if the Lord Jesus Christ had been a mere creature, He would have been consumed;
But, He was more than, a mere creature.
He is The Eternal Son of God;
and therefore, The Infinite Son was not consumed.
As The Redeemed Israelites were to look upon The Serpent of Brass for deliverance, so
Regenerated Sinners, by the power of The Holy Spirit, look upon and embrace Jesus Christ for
deliverance.
Through faith, the power to live, is realized;
through faith The Regenerated Person becomes conscious of Justification.
This faith is God's gift-Ephesians 2;8.
Notice, those who were converted, didn't look unto Moses, their wounds, or, the Tabernacle.
And, they didn't manufacture some cure of their own.
Neither did they minister unto others, in order to get relief.
They didn't even fight the serpents.
Thus, those converted to Christ, do not look at some preacher, their wounds, or to a denomination.
They don't even believe they can destroy sin;
but through faith, the gift of God, They embrace Christ, Who has won the victory for them.
Those converted to Christ, say, ''Greater is He that is in US, then he that is in the world.''
Now, the incidents recorded in Numbers 21 are great spiritual landmarks.
[1] Their Conversion resulted from looking at The Serpent of Brass-They had already been delivered by blood, and by power-Exodus 12;12-14-[Turn].
[2] They turned toward The Sunrising; in this we see Israel's Pilgrimage.
[3] The Conflicts, which were The Wars of Jehovah, Verse 14, reveal their warfare.
[4] The Song, which came from inward satisfaction [Verse 17], manifests the subjective experience of The Holy Spirit expressing Himself in testimony.
Believers must defend themselves, but not be the aggressors, when attacked-Numbers 21;33-35
Israel went forward, but, they were not yet in the land; Wells are found in the bleak wilderness.
They were healed, walked, and sang the Song of Praises with joy.
They met people with whom, they didn't wish to have war;
but their enemies didn't allow them, to pass peaceably.
Now, get this truth; OUR WARFARE IS WITH THOSE WHO OPPOSE OUR INHERITANCE BEYOND JORDAN.
[5] They experienced victory-[Verses 21-35].
It's a wonderful thing for God's people to possess all their possessions.
God intended us, to live in constant victory-over the world, the flesh, and the devil.
-End-
Saturday, May 3, 2008
INTRODUUCTION
John 3;1-21 deals with 2 subjects;
Verses 1-13 deal with Regeneration;
Verses 14-21 deals with Conversion.
Now, to the untutored mind, conviction seems to be the same as Regeneration.
But, to the one, who studies The Bible, he will learn to distinguish the difference.
Regeneration is the sole act of God, in the heart of the sinner, and is described in The Bible, by such terms as;
1. The New Birth--
John 3;3, 5-[Turn].
2. God's Workmanship--
Ephesians 2;10-''For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.''
3. A New Creature--
2 Corinthians 5;17-18-''Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.''
Conversion, however, is the turning of the regenerated, or quickened, or awakened sinner to
Christ, by the influence of God's Grace.
Now, get this truth; TRUE CHRISTIANITY INVOLVES A CHANGE, THAT IS COMPARED TO
BIRTH.
When Nicodemus staggered at that teaching, Christ unveiled What makes The New Birth possible-The Incarnation.
He also spoke, of the end of The Incarnation-Christ's Death on The Cross.
In speaking of the subjective work of Christianity, Christ mentioned only The New Birth.
When speaking of the CAUSE of the subjective work, Christ refers to His objective work upon
The Cross.
Thus, The Regenerated Person does not rest upon anything ''WITHIN'' himself.
He is led by The Indwelling Spirit to look ''outside'' of himself to embrace The Objective Christ in
Conversion.
The New Birth is given by The Sovereign Spirit, applying the merits of Christ's Death.
Knowledge of Salvation is obtained by faith, in the sacrifice of The Lord Jesus Christ.
We must learn to rest upon the risen and glorified Christ.
He is the object of our love and adoration.
I. CONVERSION IS HISTORICALLY ILLUSTRATED
John 3;14-[Turn].
Throughout His earthly ministry, our Lord used many illustrations. In John 3, He borrowed one from human life birth;
One from Nature-The Word;
And One from The Old Testament-The Serpent of Brass.
The illustration of the Serpent of Brass is taken from Numbers 21.
When studying John 3;14-15, one must not ignore Numbers 21.
One should never make the mistake of isolating a few verses from the context of Numbers 21.
Now, Get this truth; OUR LORD JESUS DID NOT, IN HIS DISCOURSE WITH NICODEMUS,
USE A CONVERSION EXPERIENCE, IN THE LIVES OF REDEEMED PEOPLE, AND APPLY IT, AS A MEANS OF REGENERATION.
Israel's Sin is recorded for the admonition of God's people, for all ages-
I Corinthians 10;11-''Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.''
Now, types, or institutions are intended to deepen, expand, and ennoble the circle of thoughts and desires, of God's People.
Thus, Paul appealed to the experiences of The Fathers.
Israel complained about being brought out of Egypt, to die in The Wilderness.
She also complained about The Bread and Water, the two means of her sustenance.
This sin of Israel caused God to send fiery serpents among the people.
They bit the people, and many died.
The bite of The Serpent is the Divine Conviction of what the flesh truly is, in the source of his being.
Thus, God brought Israel to the place, where she would judge the very root of the mischief.
Now, Why did God send fiery serpents/ The Serpent would call to mind What took place in
The Garden of Eden.
There, we have the record of The Fall of Man.
The serpent first stung Mankind with the fruit of the tree, and it is, by the fruit of another tree, that man is converted-I Peter 2;4-[Turn].
All of Adam's progeny have been so inflicted with the serpent's venom, as to be called, ''A Generation of Vipers''-
Matthew 3;7-8-''But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee the wrath to come/ Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance;''
Please notice, in Numbers 21, God did not remove the serpents, but He did give the remedy for their sting.
Romans 8;3 is the fulfillment of this-''For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh;''
Sin is not abolished; but it is condemned.
That which brought Death upon Mankind, wrought Death in mankind--
Romans 5;12-''Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned;''
The venom of the serpent terminates in Death, in spite of Man, or the help of Man.
Now, We all sinned in Adam, and Adam continues to sin in us.
The Brazen Serpent foreshadowed The Lifted-up Christ on The Cross.
The Serpent was an emblem and reminder of the curse.
On The Cross, The Lord Jesus was made a curse for His people-
Galatians 3;13-''Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree;''
The Atonement is the ONLY Healing Balm. Penances, Moralities, and all other substitutes are vain.
Now, The Atonement is as descriptive of sin, as it is, of salvation.
The Awesomeness of Sin was exhibited at The Cross.
The Brazen Serpent actually resembled the fiery serpent in appearance, as Christ was made in the likeness of sinful flesh [Romans 8;3].
Now, as The Brazen Serpent was without venom, so Christ was without sin. The Bible clearly sets forth, the great truth of our Lord's Impeccability.
We'll continue this in our next post
Verses 1-13 deal with Regeneration;
Verses 14-21 deals with Conversion.
Now, to the untutored mind, conviction seems to be the same as Regeneration.
But, to the one, who studies The Bible, he will learn to distinguish the difference.
Regeneration is the sole act of God, in the heart of the sinner, and is described in The Bible, by such terms as;
1. The New Birth--
John 3;3, 5-[Turn].
2. God's Workmanship--
Ephesians 2;10-''For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.''
3. A New Creature--
2 Corinthians 5;17-18-''Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.''
Conversion, however, is the turning of the regenerated, or quickened, or awakened sinner to
Christ, by the influence of God's Grace.
Now, get this truth; TRUE CHRISTIANITY INVOLVES A CHANGE, THAT IS COMPARED TO
BIRTH.
When Nicodemus staggered at that teaching, Christ unveiled What makes The New Birth possible-The Incarnation.
He also spoke, of the end of The Incarnation-Christ's Death on The Cross.
In speaking of the subjective work of Christianity, Christ mentioned only The New Birth.
When speaking of the CAUSE of the subjective work, Christ refers to His objective work upon
The Cross.
Thus, The Regenerated Person does not rest upon anything ''WITHIN'' himself.
He is led by The Indwelling Spirit to look ''outside'' of himself to embrace The Objective Christ in
Conversion.
The New Birth is given by The Sovereign Spirit, applying the merits of Christ's Death.
Knowledge of Salvation is obtained by faith, in the sacrifice of The Lord Jesus Christ.
We must learn to rest upon the risen and glorified Christ.
He is the object of our love and adoration.
I. CONVERSION IS HISTORICALLY ILLUSTRATED
John 3;14-[Turn].
Throughout His earthly ministry, our Lord used many illustrations. In John 3, He borrowed one from human life birth;
One from Nature-The Word;
And One from The Old Testament-The Serpent of Brass.
The illustration of the Serpent of Brass is taken from Numbers 21.
When studying John 3;14-15, one must not ignore Numbers 21.
One should never make the mistake of isolating a few verses from the context of Numbers 21.
Now, Get this truth; OUR LORD JESUS DID NOT, IN HIS DISCOURSE WITH NICODEMUS,
USE A CONVERSION EXPERIENCE, IN THE LIVES OF REDEEMED PEOPLE, AND APPLY IT, AS A MEANS OF REGENERATION.
Israel's Sin is recorded for the admonition of God's people, for all ages-
I Corinthians 10;11-''Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.''
Now, types, or institutions are intended to deepen, expand, and ennoble the circle of thoughts and desires, of God's People.
Thus, Paul appealed to the experiences of The Fathers.
Israel complained about being brought out of Egypt, to die in The Wilderness.
She also complained about The Bread and Water, the two means of her sustenance.
This sin of Israel caused God to send fiery serpents among the people.
They bit the people, and many died.
The bite of The Serpent is the Divine Conviction of what the flesh truly is, in the source of his being.
Thus, God brought Israel to the place, where she would judge the very root of the mischief.
Now, Why did God send fiery serpents/ The Serpent would call to mind What took place in
The Garden of Eden.
There, we have the record of The Fall of Man.
The serpent first stung Mankind with the fruit of the tree, and it is, by the fruit of another tree, that man is converted-I Peter 2;4-[Turn].
All of Adam's progeny have been so inflicted with the serpent's venom, as to be called, ''A Generation of Vipers''-
Matthew 3;7-8-''But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee the wrath to come/ Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance;''
Please notice, in Numbers 21, God did not remove the serpents, but He did give the remedy for their sting.
Romans 8;3 is the fulfillment of this-''For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh,God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh;''
Sin is not abolished; but it is condemned.
That which brought Death upon Mankind, wrought Death in mankind--
Romans 5;12-''Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned;''
The venom of the serpent terminates in Death, in spite of Man, or the help of Man.
Now, We all sinned in Adam, and Adam continues to sin in us.
The Brazen Serpent foreshadowed The Lifted-up Christ on The Cross.
The Serpent was an emblem and reminder of the curse.
On The Cross, The Lord Jesus was made a curse for His people-
Galatians 3;13-''Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree;''
The Atonement is the ONLY Healing Balm. Penances, Moralities, and all other substitutes are vain.
Now, The Atonement is as descriptive of sin, as it is, of salvation.
The Awesomeness of Sin was exhibited at The Cross.
The Brazen Serpent actually resembled the fiery serpent in appearance, as Christ was made in the likeness of sinful flesh [Romans 8;3].
Now, as The Brazen Serpent was without venom, so Christ was without sin. The Bible clearly sets forth, the great truth of our Lord's Impeccability.
We'll continue this in our next post
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