Remission of Sins

 God is a Spirit. (John 4:24).

God prepared Himself a body when He overshadowed Mary and she conceived.

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." - Luke 1:35 KJV

God came in His name of salvation - JESUS. (Acts 4:12, Acts 2:38).

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV

The Son of God is the flesh and blood body of God. (Luke 1:35).

It was necessary that God Himself put on flesh and blood to save humanity from sin - sin required blood without sin to be shed for remission of sins, and only God is without sin. (Hebrews 10:4).

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." - Hebrews 9:22 KJV (Leviticus 17:11).

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:" - 1 Peter 2:22 KJV

"And from Miletus he [Paul] sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church...Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:17, 28 KJV

"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us" - 1 John 3:16a KJV

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength

 

Happy Father's Day!

 

For he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever

There is a psalm that gives thanks for the LORD'S goodness to Israel. The psalm has twenty-six verses, all of the verses ending with, “for his mercy endureth for ever.”

The psalm begins with,

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." - Psalm 136:1 KJV

When we think of where the Lord brought us from, and all that He has brought us through, we can truly give thanks to Jesus, for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved...

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." - Colossians 3:12-13 KJV

"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." - Colossians 3:12-13 NLT

 

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

God called Peter to go to the Gentiles and preach the Gospel to them.

When Peter went into the house of Cornelius, he had “called together his kinsmen and near friends.”

Peter began preaching to them Jesus. He preached the gospel to them.

"And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;" - Acts 10:39-40 KJV

"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." - Acts 10:43 KJV ["He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name."" NLT]

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." - Acts 10:44-46 KJV

Peter and the Jewish believers that came with Peter knew the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost because they heard them speak with tongues.

"Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." - Acts 10:46-48 KJV

Why did Peter immediately COMMAND them to be baptized in the name of Jesus?

The Gentiles had received the promised GIFT of the covenant without entering into the covenant. The covenant is entered into when we are baptized in the name of Jesus and His blood is applied to our life. Peter preached about the promised gift on the Day of Pentecost:

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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 2:38-39 KJV

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding

We can trust in Jesus. When we continually acknowledge Him, praying about everything in our day-to-day life, He will direct our paths.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

In every situation we need to remember to pray. We can trust in Jesus. We need to remember not to worry because He is directing our paths. We need to remember to give thanks as we pray, recalling all the times Jesus answered our prayers and rescued us out of situations. We can find peace in Jesus thinking on how good God is and how much He loves us.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

When we are in situations or trials, going through things, we remember,

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 KJV

ALL things…for good…according to His PURPOSE. This gives us peace. And this is why we can

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

Is it important to believe that Jesus is the Father revealed in flesh?

Jesus said, “for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

Yes, it is important to believe that Jesus is the Father ("I AM") revealed in flesh. (John 14:6-11, John 8:58).

This is what the Bible says:

The Pharisees said to Jesus,

"Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also." - John 8:19 KJV

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." - John 8:24 KJV

In the verse above, “for if ye believe not that I am he” the “he” is italicized. This means that the translators added the word in because they thought it made a better translation. The verse is actually saying, “for if ye believe not that I am, ye shall die in your sins.”

One translation says, “I AM” (all capital letters). Another translation has a notation, “Most authorities associate this with Ex 3:14, I AM WHO I AM.”

Exodus 3:14 is:

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you." - Exodus 3:14 KJV

Thus, Jesus is telling the Pharisees that He is the Father, known to Moses and the children of Israel as “I AM,” and if they don't believe this, they shall die in their sins.

What do I need to do to be saved?

If we truly love Jesus, we are going to want to do what pleases Him.

Jesus suffered and died on a cross for us to be saved. He was buried, and on the third day rose to life again. (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This is the Gospel. The first step is to believe the Gospel.

Jesus is our Heavenly Father manifest in flesh. He is the Creator of the universe, that became the savior of the world. He was born of a virgin, holy and without sin. Because of this, He was able to pay the price of death for our sins. (1 Timothy 3:16, 2 Corinthians 5:19, Matthew 1:23, John 4:42, John 8:19,24/Exodus 3:14).

If we love Jesus, we will repent of our sins, and turn to Him with all of our heart and soul. Repentance is being sorrowful for and asking Jesus to forgive us for the bad things we have done in our life. Repentance is a commitment to change and to put Jesus first.

Being baptized by immersion in water with the name of Jesus called upon us is a lifelong covenant and commitment. In baptism, we are given the name of Jesus. All our sins are washed away by the blood He shed for us. We have turned our back on sin, and have chosen Jesus. Like a marriage, we become part of the Bride of Christ. With our commitment, Jesus promises to give us the gift of His Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:25-27 the word=the gospel).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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 2:38-39 KJV

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ... we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God." - Acts 2:4, 11 KJV

When we have been baptized in water in the name of Jesus and filled with His Spirit, we have been born again. We have entered into the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5, Romans 8:9, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:16). We have a clean slate and the power of God within us to live a holy life. This is how we are saved. To stay saved, we remain faithful to Jesus.

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14 KJV

Church!

 

"Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing." - Psalm 100:2 KJV

 

Have a Blessed Sunday!

The Rest and Refreshing of the Promised Holy Ghost

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

Isaiah prophesied of the rest in the Holy Ghost.

"For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing..." - Isaiah 28:11-12 KJV

The Holy Ghost is our refreshing.

"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;" - Acts 3:19 KJV

When we receive the Holy Ghost, we speak in tongues as the Spirit gives us utterance.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

Jesus promises us rest when we come to Him and take His yoke upon us. His yoke is the Gospel. (See part 1).

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls." - Matthew 11:28-29 KJV

Peter preached the Gospel on the Day of Pentecost. The yoke of the Gospel is what Jesus calls us to take upon us. (See part 1; Revelation 17:14).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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 2:38-39 KJV

"And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious." - Isaiah 11:10 KJV

Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost is glorious! (2Corinthians 3:8, Romans 6:4).

Jesus said, "Take my yoke"

The Jews call their covenant with the Law as taking upon themselves “the yoke of the commandments.” There are 613 commandments in the Law that they covenant to keep.

The yoke of Jesus is His New Covenant of the Gospel.

Jesus said,

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

Jesus brought the New Covenant of the Gospel when He died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day rose again. The Gospel is His death, burial, and resurrection.

We take His yoke upon us when we learn of Jesus and obey His Gospel.

On the Day of Pentecost, when the Church began, Peter preached how to obey the Gospel to enter the New Covenant.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

At first all the church was Jews. Then Gentiles began to be converted. (Acts 10, Acts 15:3).

"But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses." - Acts 15:5 KJV (Also Acts 15:1).

"And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter." - Acts 15:6 KJV (Acts 15:28-29).

Peter spoke about the yoke of the Law.

"Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?" - Acts 15:10 KJV

Paul also spoke of the yoke of the Law.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." - Galatians 5:1 KJV (Matthew 23:4).

To be continued…

Upon this Rock I will build my church

 The Bible says that the Rock in the wilderness was Christ.

"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." - 1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV

The Bible records that Moses smote this Rock on two different occasions. Each time that Moses smote the Rock, water flowed out, supplying life sustaining water to the thirsty Israelites.

The first time that Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type and shadow of water baptism in Jesus name;

When God told Moses to smite the Rock, God told him to smite the Rock with the rod that had turned the Nile river to blood. (Exodus 7:20,17:5-6).

Thus, there was the remembrance of blood when Moses struck the Rock with his rod and the water flowed out.

Blood and water flowed from Jesus the Rock for water baptism:

"But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water." - John 19:34 KJV

When we are water baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins, there is the remembrance of blood that Jesus shed for us for the remission of sins.

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." - Acts 2:38 KJV

The second time Moses smote the Rock, appears to be a type and shadow of Spirit baptism of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.

"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. ...But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." - John 4:10, 14 KJV

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" - John 7:37-39 KJV

God told Moses to SPEAK to the Rock for water to flow out. (Numbers 20:8).

When we receive the Holy Ghost we must speak and believe God for His sanctifying Spirit. (Mark 16:16, Romans 15:16).

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

Moses did not speak and believe God the second time when the Rock gave forth His water. Instead he struck the rick twice with his rod.

"And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them." - Numbers 20:12 KJV

Thus, when Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” He was speaking of building His church upon Himself, the smitten rock out of which would flow water and the Spirit. (John 3:5). The gospel.

The gates of hell cannot withstand it!

Jesus Commands His disciples

 

Having therefore these promises

 

"And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 6:16-18, 7:1 KJV

Church!

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." - Psalm 122:1 KJV

Dead to sin - Alive to God (Part 2)

 Part 2

Jesus paid the price of death so that we would no longer be separated from Him by our sin.

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them;" - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

In order for us to enjoy eternal life and peace with Jesus that He dearly paid the price for, we must become dead to sin. (Romans 6:2, Romans 6:11).

Remembering that death is separation, we become separated from sin when we become dead to sin.

To be dead to sin means, “To become wholly alienated from a thing, and freed from all connection with it” {Thayer’s Greek Lexicon}

“True Christians are said simply as ‘you have died’, having put off all sensibility to worldly things that draw them away from God:” {Thayer’s Greek Lexicon}

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1 KJV

The Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Ghost, is the promise we receive when we obey the gospel.

"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:10

It was on the day of Pentecost that man was reunited with God: God poured out His Spirit for the first time since the Garden of Eden.

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached the gospel – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – and then what we must do to obey the gospel.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

“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 2:38-39 KJV

Sin separates us from God - Jesus made peace by the blood of His cross

When the Bible speaks of life and death there are times when it is speaking of natural life and death, and times when it is speaking of spiritual life and death.

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God's commandment in the Garden of Eden, both physical death and spiritual death came upon them. While they did not immediately physically die, they no longer had eternal life. (Genesis 5:5). They did, however, immediately die a spiritual death.

"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:" - Romans 5:12 KJV

Spiritual death is separation from God.

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face [mercy] from you, that he will not hear." - Isaiah 59:2 KJV

Sin brings spiritual death and separation from God.

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [evil desires], and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin [evil desires give birth to sinful actions]: and sin, when it is finished [allowed to grow], bringeth forth death. " - James 1:14-15 KJV

Our Heavenly Father, out of His love for His creation, chose to robe Himself in flesh so that HE could suffer and die FOR US to bring PEACE and reconciliation between us and Him.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself... And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions.] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;" - Colossians 1:20-23 KJV

The gospel -

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

To be continued…

Jesus brought life

Our heavenly Father robed himself in flesh to bring life to the world.

"(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)" - 1 John 1:2 KJV

"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men." - John 1:3-4 KJV

In the beginning He breathed life into man.

"And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." - Genesis 2:7 KJV

When Adam sinned, death entered into the world. (1 Corinthians 15:22).

"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:" - Romans 5:12 KJV

Jesus brought life by the gospel - His death, burial, and resurrection. We receive life (eternal life) when we obey the gospel by repenting of our sins, being baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins, and receiving the gift of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. (1Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 6:1-11, Acts 2:38).

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:" - 2 Timothy 1:9-10 KJV

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:23 KJV 

"Before Abraham was, I AM."

 "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.

“Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM.

“Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by." - John 8:56-59 KJV (Exodus 3:14).

The arm of the Lord - power, redemption, and salvation

The Father is Spirit. Throughout the Old Testament, God uses metaphors to describe His power, redemption, salvation, omnipresence, acceptance, mercy, judgement, and authority.

These metaphors include the arm, eyes, ears, nose, face, back, and hand. God uses these metaphors so we can better understand and relate to God, as we are physical beings.

God’s arm is a metaphor of His power, redemption, and salvation. The Bible says God redeemed the children of Israel from Egyptian bondage with His arm.

"Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments:" - Exodus 6:6 KJV (Deuteronomy 9:29, Psalm 44:3).

All of humanity needed a redeemer. More than redemption from Egyptian bondage, mankind needed redemption from the bondage of sin and death. (Hebrews 2:14-15).

The Bible says that God saw there was no man that could redeem mankind from sin. Why? Because all are born in sin. Only God Himself – our Heavenly Father – could step in and redeem mankind from sin and death. Only our Heavenly Father could be our Savior. (John 8:24). The Bible describes God’s salvation as His arm.

"And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him." - Isaiah 59:16 KJV

Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 53 that the arm of the Lord would be revealed.

"Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? ...He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief...But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." - Isaiah 53:1, 3, 5 KJV (John 12:37-41, Romans 10:13-16).

"The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God." - Isaiah 52:10 KJV