" ... but this one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are
before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Phil. 3:13
The mature Christian cannot stand still in the faith, but is compelled (at the urging of the Holy Spirit within) to "go forth" from the camp; we will "go forth unto Him," and choose to go on to the perfection of truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, to become fully grown up as we take in the meat of the Word, leaving the milk and baby bottles behind.
"I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." 1 Cor 3:2 Why is that that few are able to bear the meat, the truth of the Word of God? "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions." 1 Cor 3:3.
When did you last hear the word 'carnal?'
Just like the Israelites before the final plague in Egypt, all we have is this: "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." Our rapture, salvation and eternal life depend on our faith in that fact. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body..." Philippians 3:20.21
In the spiritual realm we cannot trust in our feelings or experiences. These are carnal, and of the flesh. It's not about our views, opinions, feelings or thoughts. In the spiritual realm it's a question of truth, of facts. In whom do you place your trust, your faith, your belief? Only the Creator of the universe, Jesus Christ the Lord, is worthy of faith. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
I love this explanation by E.W. Bullinger:
"If a firstborn son had asked his father whether he had sprinkled the blood on the doorpost, and he believed the answer when his father said he had done so, the child's peace and enjoyment would have been "according to his faith." But his security would not! For if the father had omitted to do so: though the son might have peace, he would not be secure from the work of the destroying angel.
"But, if on the other hand the father answered yes, and the blood had really been sprinkled on the lintel, but the son doubted the father's word, he would know no peace. His doubt would surely cause him to be in fear and misery the whole night through! But he would be secure! The Destroyer's hand would be averted!"
The faith of the one who believed what was not true would not have made him secure. The doubt of the other, who did not believe what was true, would not have affected his security. He would have been spared.
The former would have had a false peace and died a violent death. But the latter, who doubted, would have had no peace, but would have been redeemed from destruction.
Why? Because our security depends on God's Word, but the enjoyment of it rests on our own faith - in believing the Word that God has spoken. That is why our words and our feelings are immaterial and of no avail in the spiritual realm. "When I see the blood" are the Words of Jehovah; not "when I see your faith, or your doubt, or your feelings or what you experienced." In that case what you are saying is "Lord, I can't simply believe what you're saying unless I have some evidence within me..." This is why Jesus said that an evil generation seeks signs and wonders.
Misery is always the result of looking within and placing faith in your own thoughts and feelings, and that misery comes from unbelief.
There is only one source of truth - only one basis of peace and rest. And it is the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who voluntarily came to earth, died on the cross and was resurrected, to pay the penalty for the sins of the world, once for all time and space, for those who would accept His offer of salvation, follow him and gain eternal life.
Christ's work is finished. It is the only foundation of salvation, and faith in Jesus Christ and His Word are the source of peace and grace in this world, and for all eternity.
Getting this right is all that matters - and time is short.
Be sure your faith is grounded in truth.
The mature Christian cannot stand still in the faith, but is compelled (at the urging of the Holy Spirit within) to "go forth" from the camp; we will "go forth unto Him," and choose to go on to the perfection of truth, guided by the Holy Spirit, to become fully grown up as we take in the meat of the Word, leaving the milk and baby bottles behind.
"I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." 1 Cor 3:2 Why is that that few are able to bear the meat, the truth of the Word of God? "For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions." 1 Cor 3:3.
When did you last hear the word 'carnal?'
Just like the Israelites before the final plague in Egypt, all we have is this: "When I see the blood, I will pass over you." Our rapture, salvation and eternal life depend on our faith in that fact. "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body..." Philippians 3:20.21
In the spiritual realm we cannot trust in our feelings or experiences. These are carnal, and of the flesh. It's not about our views, opinions, feelings or thoughts. In the spiritual realm it's a question of truth, of facts. In whom do you place your trust, your faith, your belief? Only the Creator of the universe, Jesus Christ the Lord, is worthy of faith. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
I love this explanation by E.W. Bullinger:
"If a firstborn son had asked his father whether he had sprinkled the blood on the doorpost, and he believed the answer when his father said he had done so, the child's peace and enjoyment would have been "according to his faith." But his security would not! For if the father had omitted to do so: though the son might have peace, he would not be secure from the work of the destroying angel.
"But, if on the other hand the father answered yes, and the blood had really been sprinkled on the lintel, but the son doubted the father's word, he would know no peace. His doubt would surely cause him to be in fear and misery the whole night through! But he would be secure! The Destroyer's hand would be averted!"
The faith of the one who believed what was not true would not have made him secure. The doubt of the other, who did not believe what was true, would not have affected his security. He would have been spared.
The former would have had a false peace and died a violent death. But the latter, who doubted, would have had no peace, but would have been redeemed from destruction.
Why? Because our security depends on God's Word, but the enjoyment of it rests on our own faith - in believing the Word that God has spoken. That is why our words and our feelings are immaterial and of no avail in the spiritual realm. "When I see the blood" are the Words of Jehovah; not "when I see your faith, or your doubt, or your feelings or what you experienced." In that case what you are saying is "Lord, I can't simply believe what you're saying unless I have some evidence within me..." This is why Jesus said that an evil generation seeks signs and wonders.
Misery is always the result of looking within and placing faith in your own thoughts and feelings, and that misery comes from unbelief.
There is only one source of truth - only one basis of peace and rest. And it is the blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God, who voluntarily came to earth, died on the cross and was resurrected, to pay the penalty for the sins of the world, once for all time and space, for those who would accept His offer of salvation, follow him and gain eternal life.
Christ's work is finished. It is the only foundation of salvation, and faith in Jesus Christ and His Word are the source of peace and grace in this world, and for all eternity.
Getting this right is all that matters - and time is short.
Be sure your faith is grounded in truth.
ROYAL HEIR
Posts
