Tag Archives: Romans 5:1-11

Are You Re-Deemed??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 06

03 Sunday Jul 2022

Posted by in A Father's Love, Abiding IN Jesus or the World?, Are you ready?, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Redeemed By HIS Blood, Redemption Through HIS Blood

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 19 No. 06. Are You Re-Deemed???

Redeemed: to buy or payoff….to buy back, as from a pawn shop… to recover by payment or other satisfaction….to obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom… Theologically:  to deliver from sin and its consequences by means of a sacrifice offered for the “sinner”. 

Deemed:  a set value, assumed or judged of value… 

Have you received the payment for sin that Jesus came to be, and IS?  We were ‘deemed’ valuable by God when He created us, we chose sin, but GOD “re-deemed” us through the blood of Jesus—HE bought us back!  All because HE deemed YOU/ME valuable enough to HIM to send Jesus to RE-deem all who will come to HIM through faith!!!

“Giving thanks

unto the Father,

which hath made us meet

to be partakers of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”         Colossians 1:12-14

God created us (read Genesis 1-3), we chose to sin, and all died spiritually losing our intimacy with God.  We died, just as God told Adam he/we would (See Genesis 2:17), and while it was immediate ‘spiritual death’ the physical death was not immediate, but certain (See Hebrews 9:27).  Yet, praise God in His mercy and grace He had already provided a way of redemption—Jesus, His “only begotten Son”, who would pay for our sin—buy us back from the slavery of sin and death we had sold ourselves into.

It’s like we ‘sold the farm’ to Satan, and he holds the mortgage—Jesus paid that mortgage in full at Calvary for those who will come to Him in repentance from our sin and faith in HIS substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for SIN!  He’s paid off the mortgage, he has just not taken (or re-taken) possession of HIS world YET!  But HE’s on the way!  Has your debt been paid or are you still planning on paying your own debt?

“For all have sinned,

and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely

by his grace

through the redemption

that is in Christ Jesus:

25 Whom God hath set forth

to be a propitiation

through faith in his blood,

to declare his righteousness

for the remission of sins that are past,

through the forbearance of God;”  Romans 3:23-25

And the amazing picture Paul painted as he continued his letter to the Romans:

“For the wages of sin

is death;

but the gift of God

is eternal life

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

I love this picture—the picture of sinners falling prostrate before The Holy God–Father, Son, and Holy Ghost–for the mercy that can forgive sin—pay the debt we owed–receiving HIS grace, mercy, and forgiveness of our sin; and receiving the “righteousness” which only God can impart, to every repentant, believing sinner.  It is what the word “propitiation” means—meeting God at the “mercy seat” with a proper sacrifice!  And Jesus, my friend, IS the proper, appointed, and perfect sacrifice which will save, deliver, and REDEEM you and me from our sin.

“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

And just when did God come up with this plan?  Scripture tells us!

“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation of the world,

but was manifest in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him do believe in God,

that raised him up from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”  1 Peter 1:18-21

Before He created us, God knew we’d blow it—yet HE created us any way, knowing it would cost Jesus HIS life’s blood for all who would believe and receive HIS RE-deeming grace, even as John records in his gospel:

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

 but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh,

and dwelt among us,

(and we beheld his glory,

the glory as of the only begotten

of the Father,)

full of grace and truth.”  John 1:12-14

Just in case you’re still not sure about being “re-deemed”, bought back from the brink of death by the “buying back” of our soul by the Savior; then let us consider the picture that Paul paints of the most profound transaction, if you would, of grace and love in all of scripture!  I pray that it will reach to the depths of your/my soul and draw us nearer to the Savior in gratitude and love—either in restoration if you have drawn away from your Redeemer, in a deeper intimacy with HIM, or in salvation if you don’t know Jesus.  I invite you to join me and ponder this message of the beauty and truth of this REDEEMER who gave Himself for all who will believe and receive Jesus!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice in hope

of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified

by his blood,

we shall be saved

from wrath through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

And if you you don’t know the One who made “the atonement” for you, who loves you more than anyone else ever could, please know that He is waiting for you now!

“Behold, I stand at the door,

and knock:

if any man hear my voice,

and open the door,

I will come in to him,

and will sup with him,

and he with me.”  Revelation 3:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Who’s Serving Who??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #722

16 Friday Apr 2021

Posted by in All About Jesus!, All Sufficient God!, Almost But Lost, Amazing Grace, Choices And Consequences, Choose You This Day!, Hearing God, Heaven or Hell, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, How much goodness is enough?, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Power of The Cross, Seeing Truth, Servanthood, Service, Speaking The Truth In Love, Spiritual Procrastination, Stand Fast!, Still Will I Trust HIM

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #722  Who’s Serving Who???

 

We often wonder why so many are so confused, frustrated and dissatisfied around us; well, one reason why is that many who “claim” the name of Jesus are walking in direct opposition to HIS Word.  We change the name of our “pet” sin, we listen to the world that says there is ‘NO” sin, or we follow the crowd that is going on that broad way to destruction.  But who am I?  Well, I am a Bible toting, Bible believing, Jesus trusting woman who still believes that God means what HE says!  He created Adam and Eve, He called their sin sin, and He had already provided a Redeemer to restore us to relationship and fellowship with God if we will but “repent” of our “sin” and give our all to Jesus.  Or, if you would, be willing to die to self and live to, for and through Jesus’ Holy Spirit which he has given to all who believe!  Paul said it much better than I can.

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

 in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more, being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

We want heaven but we don’t want to get there God’s way!  Kind of like the old song says, “Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die…” (Lester Flatt words in the Bluegrass version of a country song written by Jim Collins and Mary Dodson, as best as I can ascertain), especially die to self!  Paul describes a different relationship with his LORD!

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live

in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”   Galatians 2:20

And last but surely not least is Jesus’ warning to us all about divided loyalties.  Who are you serving?

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,

where moth and rust doth

corrupt,

and where thieves break through

and steal:

20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,

where neither moth nor rust doth

corrupt,

and where thieves do not break through

nor steal:

21 For where your treasure is,

there will your heart be also.

22 The light of the body is the eye:

if therefore thine eye be single,

thy whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if thine eye be evil,

thy whole body shall be full of darkness.

If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness,

how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one,

and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one,

and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”  Matthew 6:19-24

Jesus also told us the way to be a faithful servant to The Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore take no thought, saying,

What shall we eat?

or, What shall we drink?

or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

32 (For after all these things

do the Gentiles seek:)

for your heavenly Father knoweth

that ye have need of all these things.

33 But seek ye first

the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness;

and all these things

shall be added unto you.

34 Take therefore no thought

for the morrow:

for the morrow shall take thought

for the things of itself.

Sufficient unto the day

is the evil thereof.”  Matthew 6:31-34

So, what will you do with Jesus?   Will you be born again (and if you are born again, will you live in obedience to Jesus and HIS Word?) and follow Jesus, or will you follow that “broad way…. that leads to destruction”?  Are you serving HIM?  Or expecting HIM to serve your lusts?  Just a few questions to pique your “thinking hat”:

What comes out of your mouth regularly?

Who are you sleeping with?

How are you treating those under you?

How are you parenting (and by that, I mean are you leading your children to Jesus or turning them over to a world that will take them straight to hell-post haste?)

How are you using your resources—for God or for self?

Who are you trusting?  Jesus or self?

What are you entertaining yourself with?

You get the idea; I pray that God will open our eyes and ears to see and hear HIS truth, and order our lives, our steps accordingly.  My prayer is that God will be “delighted” in me?  How about you?

“The steps of a good man

are ordered by the LORD:

and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall,

he shall not be utterly cast down:

for the LORD upholdeth him

with his hand.”  Psalm 37:23-24

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?”  2 Corinthians 13:5

And as Paul said so concisely, God knows!  Do you?

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them

that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

Amen and Amen!!!

Because God’s Still God!!! Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 14

27 Sunday Dec 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, All Sufficient God!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dependence, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's Judgment, Sovereignty, Speaking The Truth In Love

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 16 No. 14  Because God’s Still GOD!!!

 

I’d simply like to give us a boost to lift our spirits into the coming new year.  I know that we are all praying for a better year than the one we’ve experienced—with Covid, quarantine, distancing, political upheaval, and chaos all around us—but I pray that we all remember WHO is in charge and it is NOT the W.H.O. or any other entity or organization; but The Lord God Almighty still reigns!

“And a voice came out of the throne, saying,

Praise our God, all ye his servants,

and ye that fear him,

both small and great.

6 And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

 7 Let us be glad and rejoice,

and give honour to him…. ”  Revelation 19:5-7a

The prophet Isaiah declares:

“Therefore my people shall know my name:

therefore they shall know in that day

that I am he that doth speak:

behold, it is I.

7 How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him

that bringeth good tidings,

that publisheth peace;

that bringeth good tidings of good,

that publisheth salvation;

that saith unto Zion,

Thy God reigneth!”  Isaiah 52:6-7

And the Psalmist proclaims the sovereign rulership of our God—you can rest assured that God hasn’t been asleep or said “oops”!  He knows what is going on and we can trust HIM and HIS timing!!!

“Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering,

and come into his courts.

9 O worship the LORD

in the beauty of holiness:

fear before him,

all the earth.

10 Say among the heathen

that the LORD reigneth:

the world also shall be established

that it shall not be moved:

he shall judge the people righteously.

11 Let the heavens rejoice,

and let the earth be glad;

let the sea roar,

and the fulness thereof.

12 Let the field be joyful,

and all that is therein:

then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

13 Before the LORD:

for he cometh,

for he cometh to judge

the earth:

he shall judge the world

with righteousness,

and the people

with his truth.”   Psalm 96:8-13

“The LORD reigneth,

he is clothed with majesty;

the LORD is clothed

with strength,

wherewith he hath girded himself:

the world also is stablished,

that it cannot be moved.

2 Thy throne is established of old:

thou art from everlasting.”  Psalm 93:1-2

God is God—He is good—He is ‘Truth’, and HE will accomplish HIS work in HIS TIME!  Don’t lose heart—our God reigns, no matter the opposition.

“Why do the heathen rage,

and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth

set themselves,

and the rulers

take counsel together,

against the LORD,

and against his anointed,

saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder,

and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens

shall laugh:

the Lord shall have them in derision.

5 Then shall he speak

unto them

in his wrath,

and vex them

in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king

upon my holy hill of Zion.”  Psalm 2:1-6

Man rebelled against God and disobeyed in Eden, and we have carried on the resistance against God ever since—but Jesus came that we could be restored to relationship and fellowship with The God who created us; but woe to those who reject His grace!  Contrary to popular belief, there is only One Way to God—and HIS name is JESUS!  What are you depending on?

“For, behold,

the day cometh,

that shall burn as an oven;

and all the proud,

yea, and all that do wickedly,

shall be stubble:

and the day that cometh

shall burn them up,

saith the LORD of hosts,

that it shall leave them

neither root

nor branch.

2 But unto you that fear my name

shall the Sun of righteousness

arise with healing in his wings;

and ye shall go forth,

and grow up

as calves of the stall.

3 And ye shall tread down the wicked;

for they shall be ashes

under the soles of your feet

in the day

that I shall do this,

saith the LORD of hosts.”   Malachi 4:1-3

Praise God for the work of Jesus Christ on our behalf!  Have you received the greatest gift of all?  Today IS the day of salvation—remember there is a test; so, choose wisely!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace wherein

we stand,

and rejoice

in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”  Romans 5:1-11

Paul painted a most alarming picture of those who choose to oppose God, so we must faithfully stand until HE comes with “righteousness” in His wings, but note that it’s His time, His might and His work!

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ:

for it is the power of God

unto salvation

to every one that believeth;

to the Jew first,

and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God

revealed from faith

to faith:

as it is written,

The just shall live

by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed

from heaven

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who hold the truth

in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God

is manifest in them;

for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him

from the creation of the world

are clearly seen,

being understood

by the things

that are made,

even his eternal power

and Godhead;

so that they are

without excuse:

21 Because that,

when they knew God,

they glorified him not as God,

neither were thankful;

but became vain in their imaginations,

and their foolish heart

was darkened.”   Romans 1:16-21

God never said we would serve Him without opposition, knowing that if they opposed God Himself, why would they not oppose us who follow HIM!  Jesus also warned us, His followers, that we would stand as sheep amongst wolves—but we are called, equipped and saved to “stand”!  (See Matthew 10:16)

“If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me

before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are

not of the world,

but I have chosen you

out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things

will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him

that sent me.”  John 15:18-21

And in closing, to stand, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, keep our armor on, pressing on with and for Jesus.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong

in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to stand

against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not

against flesh and blood,

but against principalities,

against powers,

against the rulers of the darkness of this world,

against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you

the whole armour of God,

that ye may be able to withstand

in the evil day,

and having done all,

to stand.

14 Stand therefore,

having your loins girt about

with truth,

and having on the breastplate of

righteousness;

15 And your feet shod

with the preparation of the gospel

of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of

faith,

wherewith ye shall be able

to quench all the fiery darts

of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet

of salvation,

and the sword

of the Spirit,

which is the word of God:

18 Praying always

with all prayer and supplication

in the Spirit,

and watching thereunto

with all perseverance

and supplication

for all saints;”  Ephesians 6:10-18

Amen and Amen!!!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying,

Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”  Revelation 19:6

Erasure Or Experience??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #675

12 Wednesday Aug 2020

Posted by in Encouragement, Erasing The Past?, Past-Present-Future, Pursuing Excellence?, TODAY, Trusting Jesus, Truth, Truth is True

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Bible Ballistics: BBs #675       Erasure Or Experience???

 

I want us to consider some things today in the way of not only current issues in our nation and our world; bur eternal issues that are the ones worth considering.  There are voices demanding that we erase our history, but our history is what has contributed to not only our past, but our present and if we disregard the things of the past, our future will be doomed to repeat the worst of history.  But if we will take the time to look at our cumulative past and measure it by the truths of The Word of God, it can help us discern some precepts of truth that are lacking in our culture today and make good progress to affect change in our world!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith

into this grace

wherein we stand,

and rejoice

in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

 hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God

commendeth his love

toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified

by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”   Romans 5:1-11

The issue is our sin; yours and mine, and without the redemption of Jesus we all walk in our own view of things, rather than God’s.  While our history in America (or any country in the world) is checkered with good choices as well as bad ones, we must look forward, with the past in mind, and pursue righteousness rather than more wrong choices, evil or chaos.  We are to seek God’s face rather than the lies of the enemy of men’s souls, learning to know truth and recognize the lies of the devil.  But by the same token, we must recognize the sinful nature of man—our own included.  We are all sinners, and if we choose to live in our flesh, we will see more and more wrong choices prevail; rather than the fruit of the spirit of God, which is the only thing that can, or will minster change in our world. (See Galatians 5:18-24)

Jeremiah shared God’s opinion of the difference—and there is a vast difference.  I so long to see the fruits of righteousness begin to shine through God’s people; and revival break out in churches all across this nation and the world, that the truth would be recognized, appreciated and lauded as “truth”! May we receive God’s truth as such and act accordingly—biblically!  And to act biblically, we must know what The Bible says!

“Blessed is the man

that trusteth in the LORD,

and whose hope the LORD is.

8 For he shall be as a tree

planted

by the waters,

and that spreadeth out her roots

by the river,

and shall not see

when heat cometh,

but her leaf

shall be green;

and shall not be careful

in the year of drought,

neither shall cease

from yielding fruit.

 9 The heart is deceitful

above all things,

and desperately wicked:

who can know it?

10 I the LORD search the heart,

I try the reins,

even to give every man

according to his ways,

and according to the fruit

of his doings.”  Jeremiah 17:7-10

For you see, it’s not just about me—it’s about “choices”—to try and erase—or to pursue excellence by considering the past, and choosing to do right, to do better than before—to choose wisely between good and not good (evil)!  For you see if it’s not good or of God, it is evil—for sin is sin, and God will reveal truth in HIS time.  So, we can try to erase the past, or we can grow from it, pursuing God’s excellence to do better today, and the next “today”, to make a difference in my/your circle of influence.  I can’t change the world, but I can yield to God’s work in me and change what “I” can, leaving the rest to The GOD who reigns!!!  By HIS redeeming grace and for HIS glory—all because of Jesus substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin—my sin and yours!

“And that ye put on the new man,

which after God

is created in righteousness

and true holiness.”  Ephesians 4:24

Put up your eraser and put on your thinking cap, and be a reflection of God’s truth, glory and grace to a lost and desperate world!!!

Amen and Amen.

One, Two, One??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 17

28 Sunday Jun 2020

Posted by in Abundant Life In Jesus, Amazing Grace, By Him We Live, Consider Your ways, Conviction, God Is In Charge, God's Faithfulness, God's provision, Repentance, Resting In Jesus, SIN, Sovereignty

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Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 17    One, Two, One???

 

This may be a short post, or it may grow as we go along, but I feel it’s a message that we need to consider.  We have choices in this life—and God has made it clear that while He has given us the freedom to choose, He also tells us that each choice has consequences.

“Be not deceived;

God is not mocked:

for whatsoever a man soweth,

that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh

shall of the flesh reap corruption;

but he that soweth to the Spirit

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary

in well doing:

for in due season we shall reap,

if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity,

let us do good

unto all men,

especially unto them

who are of the household of faith.”  Galatians 6:7-10

God’s standard/salvation is the only ‘way’ that provides eternal life, and, unlike man’s ways—HE hasn’t changed—nor will HE ever.  What HE says is true; just like HIS Son, who is truth!  The “One” way—the “Only” way (from before the foundation of the world)!

“Jesus Christ

the same yesterday,

and to day,

and for ever.”   Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”   John 14:6

Just as Paul told the Galatians, we have the freedom to choose, but not to set the consequences; yet even when we make wrong choices, God’s grace reaches down, through the sacrifice of Jesus at Calvary—the “blood of the Lamb” that “cleanseth us from all sin”!  Jesus is our only hope!  The world has gone crazy and many (even believers) are fearful, and alarmed, but God gives us the assurance that HE is accomplishing HIS purposes in HIS time!  Godly people will pay a price for following Jesus, yet even when evil men prosper in their ways, God provides for HIS own!

“Yea, and all that will live godly

in Christ Jesus

shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers

shall wax worse and worse,

deceiving,

and being deceived.

14 But continue thou in the things

which thou hast learned

and hast been assured of,

knowing of whom

thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child

thou hast known the holy scriptures,

which are able to make thee wise

unto salvation

through faith

which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable

for doctrine,

for reproof,

for correction,

for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God

may be perfect,

throughly furnished

unto all good works.”  2 Timothy 3:13-17 

Even when evil abounds around us (and surely it is rampant today) we can be confident in God’s faithful work, ever learning HIS Word so that we can truly obey and have comfort in our Lord, our God, our KING!

“And I heard as it were

the voice of a great multitude,

and as the voice of many waters,

and as the voice of mighty thunderings,

saying, Alleluia:

for the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth.”   Revelation 19:6

Amen and Amen!  The Psalmist gloriously declares that even when the heathens rage, and the crowds revel in vanity, God laughs—for HE IS in control!!!

“Why do the heathen rage,

and the people imagine a vain thing?

2 The kings of the earth

set themselves,

and the rulers

take counsel together,

against the LORD,

and against his anointed,

saying,

3 Let us break their bands asunder,

and cast away their cords from us.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens

shall laugh:

the Lord shall have them

in derision.

5 Then shall he speak unto them

in his wrath,

and vex them

in his sore displeasure.

6 Yet have I set my king

upon my holy hill of Zion.”  Psalm 2:1-6

Our Lord reigns, and His day of vengeance will come!  Will you be one of those who “rage” at God and HIS Son?  Or will you be one who calls upon the name of the Lord, and receives HIS salvation IN Jesus?

“But what saith it?

The word is nigh thee,

even in thy mouth,

and in thy heart:

that is,

the word of faith,

which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess

with thy mouth

the Lord Jesus,

and shalt believe

in thine heart

that God hath raised him

from the dead,

thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth

unto righteousness;

and with the mouth

confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the scripture saith,

Whosoever believeth on him

shall not be ashamed.

12 For there is no difference

between the Jew and the Greek:

for the same Lord over all

is rich unto all

that call upon him.

13 For whosoever shall call

upon the name of the Lord

shall be saved.”  Romans 10:8-13

Jesus Himself declared clearly what the issue is—and to make clear the title of this post—the ONE issue is SIN,  there are only TWO choices—believe/receiveJesus for salvation, or reject Him and pay for your own sin; yet there will be only ONE result– the consequences of your choice!  It’s your choice but choose wisely—there is a test!

“And whosoever was not found written

in the book of life

was cast into the lake of fire.”  Revelation 20:15

There is only “One” issue—SIN!  There is only “One” choice-although there are two options, believe or reject– but remember the consequence will be an eternal one!  To use Jesus’ own words:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent

in the wilderness,

even so must the Son of man

be lifted up:

15 That whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world,

that he gave

his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son

into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil

hateth the light,

neither cometh to the light,

lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth

cometh to the light,

that his deeds

may be made manifest,

that they are wrought in God.”  John 3:16-21

Every “ONE” is free to choose; but of the “TWO” choices only “ONE” leads to God; the other “ONE” leads to hell!  The choice is yours and mine.  God said that evil men shall “wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived”, and we are surely seeing that happen before our very eyes.  Sad, but true!  Will we be brave enough to shine the light everywhere we go?  Will we be diligent to learn God’s Word so that we can share it with confidence and integrity?  Will we be swayed by the rhetoric of the day—the media (social and national), the politics, the false prophets and leaders, the desire for popularity and to go “viral”?  Or will we “stand fast in the evil day”—and, my friends, it is upon us!  It won’t be “one, two, three, go”; it will be a “yes” or a “no” to Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin!  It’s why HE came—to “BE” the way, and save us:  “…he shall save his people from their sins…”!

The bottom line is that there are only two kinds of people—the lost without Jesus, and the saved who have been “born again” by the blood of Jesus.  It’s God’s work not ours—but when we receive Jesus, we are compelled to share it with all we encounter.

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe

on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”  John 1:12-13

Have you come to Jesus?  Have you been “born again” into the kingdom of God?  I’d like to close with one of my favorite passages of Paul’s which so concisely reveals what we receive when we receive the “WHO” of salvation—JESUS!

I ask that you spend some time pondering these truths—it will bless and encourage your heart if you will receive it!

“Therefore being justified by faith,

we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2 By whom also we have access

by faith into this grace

wherein we stand,

 and rejoice

in hope

of the glory

of God.

3 And not only so,

but we glory in tribulations also:

knowing that tribulation

worketh patience;

4 And patience,

experience;

and experience,

hope:

5 And hope

maketh not ashamed;

because the love of God

is shed abroad in our hearts

by the Holy Ghost

which is given unto us.

6 For when we were yet without strength,

in due time

Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man

will one die:

yet peradventure

for a good man

some would even dare to die.

8 But God commendeth his love

toward us,

in that,

while we were yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

9 Much more then,

being now justified by his blood,

we shall be saved from wrath

through him.

10 For if,

when we were enemies,

we were reconciled to God

by the death of his Son,

much more,

being reconciled,

we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so,

but we also joy in God

through our Lord Jesus Christ,

by whom we have now received

the atonement.”   Romans 5:1-11

May God bless you and open your eyes to see His truth, that we may “stand fast in the evil day”!  It is upon us!

Amen and Amen!!!