The Publican and the Pharisee in Prayer

Luke 18:11-14 KJV

(11)  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

{This is a story people often use to teach that "no one is righteous" and that when you are asked to 'humble and accept yourself as a sinner" and you refuse, you are a called Pharisee. But is that really the point here?}

(12)  I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
{That will mean it's teaching us not to fast or give. So will that be correct?}
(13)  And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
(14)  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

The point isn't that God wants us to come "as a sinner" and make a lifestyle out of that, everyday smiting our breast saying "God,I'm a sinner, I'm a sinner", just like he's not saying, "stop giving in church". We need to really see what is wrong in the right conducts.

"The Pharisee stood and prayed thus {pros} with himself"

The word translated "with" there is "pros" which could be better translated as "by".

The Pharisee stood BY himself

He prayed BY himself

He stood BY his merit

He stood and prayed by his own works and credentials

The Mystery of the Word “Abba Father”

Here's something about "Abba Father" we need to know.

 

It's twice mentioned by Paul.

 

(Romans 8:15 KJV)
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, ABBA, FATHER.

 

And

 (Galatians 4:6 KJV)
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

 

Abba Father…

 

Now in the mouth of TWO witnesses, every word shall be established (John 8:17, Deut 17:6, Deut 19:15, 2Cor 13:1)

 

So God is saying, take note, this concept is TRUE: ONLY SONS have the capacity to cry "Abba Father".

 

In other words, you cannot cry "Abba Father" except you are a Son.

 I simply call it, "the language of sons" which non-sons cannot speak or learn to speak. No one ever learns it: it's the SPIRIT that you simply receive.

 

So if you can cry "Abba Father" and it will be accepted by the Father (because anyone can mention it), you must be a son. Correct?
Good.

 

Isn't it amazing that before the Epistles/Acts, (that is, before Jesus' death and resurrection), only one occurrence of "Abba Father" is seen in the Bible?

 

And Guess who said it?

Jesus

 

And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said...
..ABBA, FATHER…

(Mark 14:35-36 KJV)

 

 

Only Jesus at this time was recorded to speak the language of sons. No other record.
It was "scarcely heard".

So is it ok to sing at this time, "Jesus na (is) the only Son of God o… eh o…"?

It is.

Jesus was the only one who could cry "Abba Father".

 

But in the post-Gospels, Paul says we (believers) ALL have now received the spirit of son and now we do cry "Abba Father"

 

We thus must be sons of God in the class of Jesus. We speak the language of sons just like Jesus speak. The Father listens and attends to us like He does to Jesus. We are sons with Jesus. We are God's family! We are nigh now! He's our Father now!

 

When next you pray, say "Abba Father..." And He'll answer "my son".
Oh what a glory! Will you cry now? Shout it loud! "Abba, Father"

 

What a honour we have today to call the God of the universe by a personal filial appellation, and we will be right! You can never be too thankful for the price Jesus paid. Will we ever comprehend to the fullest what we have in redemption?

 

that the works of God might be made manifest

The Works of God
John 9:1-4
(1)  And as [Jesus] passed by, he saw a man which was blind from [his] birth.
(2)  And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
(3)  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
(4) I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
This seems to look like Jesus is saying
“God made him blind, so Jesus can have some miracles to perform on earth that people might believe him”
Or that
“This is not the kind of problem caused by sin, it is a SPECIAL kind of problem that God put there so He can be showing Himself, otherwise people won’t serve Him.”
But that’s far from the message!
Please notice what Jesus did not say. He didn’t say
“He was CREATED blind”, or “He was made blind”
So Jesus cannot be talking about God as the reason for that situation. But the fact Jesus admitted was that “he was blind, but… the works of God shall be manifest”. It therefore means that hitherto, the works of God has not been manifest in his life.

Jesus simply said, ‘Hey! what you people are about to see now is “the work of God”’,
“I must work the works of him that sent me”, and we saw what?
…a healing
Therefore, his blindness is not “the work of God” is the simple message: his healing is the work of God.
It is only one person Jesus told us does nothing but is come to steal, to kill, and to destroy – the thief (John 10:10) and God is not a thief.
Therefore, don’t make a false doctrine out of this: that God maketh sick and then healeth. Don’t say “God has made me sick so He can heal me again that I can know that He is powerful”.
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: James 1:13
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
(1 John 1:5)
Peace to you.

Which Law or Laws Actually Passed? #AcceptingTheRealityOfMatthew5:17 - Part 3

There had been questions from Christians, "which of the law/laws actually passed? All, or some? When I read the old testament, how do I know which one to follow and which one to obey? There is 'thou shall not commit adultery' there; there is 'thou shall not lie' there; there is tithing and firstfruits law there; there is 'woman must not wear what pertains to the man' there: some have condemned some of these laws as past old testament: how do I know which I must keep?".

Some have provided quick head answers like "it's only the sacrifices of goats and rams the bible says we should not keep there". Some say "it's sacrifices and 'trousers' issue that is cancelled out there" because they don't like the 'trousers' issue (maybe). Some say "it's sacrificing and circumcision that is past". People just hastily imposing their opinions on the truth without carefully finding out what the bible says. Hmm… will you like us to see this together?

Yes!  We'll do!

But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under THE LAW. (Galatians 5:18 KJV)

So, what passed? What are we not under?
"the law"

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. (Romans 6:15 KJV)

What did this say passed? "the law"

But before faith came, we were kept under THE LAW, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore THE LAW was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (Galatians 3:23-25 KJV)

Again, the above text keeps putting it as "the law". So what passed?
THE LAW passed. What are we not under? THE LAW!

Don't add to it; don't remove from it. If any ask you what passed? Simply say "the law".

Now, it didn't say "some laws". It didn't say "a law". It didn't say "sacrificial laws" like some people have singlehandedly coined. What did the bible call it?
"the law"

We are safer to leave it like that even if it is not clear except until we later find another portion of the bible to give us examples. Don't try to clarify where the bible did not clarify by adding your own impressions to it: you're safer leaving it the way it is. You don't have to make people feel you are a know-it-all by answering everything even if it means 'scripturalising' your opininons. Be humble.

So what passed again, some laws? Hard laws? Easy-to-keep laws? No! no! no! but……. "the law".

What then is "the law"?

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Joh 1:17

So we can safely say "the law" is that which came by Moses since it was not given by anyone else.

Did not Moses give you the law Joh 7:19

So the law is that which was gotten through Moses, so it is always called the law of Moses, and never called the law of Joshua or Abraham. So that which came by Moses today is what is passed in Christ Jesus. It's not only sacrifices and offerings that came by Moses.  It's not only tithes and offerings. It's not only 'trousers'. But "ALL" that came by Moses Jesus fulfilled to be our sanctification and righteousness.

Hmm… "ALL" Yes! Oh Jesus said it in Matthew 5:18 that not "one jot or tittle" will pass but "till ALL be fulfilled". And finally before He left, he announced their fulfillment.

And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that ALL THINGS MUST BE FULFILLED, which were written in THE LAW OF MOSES, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44 KJV)

ALL "the law" passed: sacrificial, ceremonies and even that which had to do with morals. The whole system had to be abolished.

And not as Moses, [which] put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of THAT WHICH IS ABOLISHED:
(2 Corinthians 3:13 KJV)

By ABOLISHING in His [own crucified] flesh the enmity [caused by] THE LAW WITH ITS DECREES AND ORDINANCES [which He annulled]; that He from the two might create in Himself one new man [one new quality of humanity out of the two], so making peace. (Ephesians 2:15 AMP)

Please note that "the law" that is passed is that which came through Moses. Therefore whatever came before Moses is not what is (perhaps) referred to. There were things we can call instructions for certain men or societies before the law came. The Lord passed instructions to Noah; spoke to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob etc. That the Law is passed today does not mean you cannot have instructions in the New Testament. It also does not mean "now, you can sin". (Learn from Sodom and Gomorrah). We have admonitions from the epistles. In fact, Jesus COMMANDED us to go and preach the gospel (Matt 28:19-20), and to love one another (John 13:34).

So, we are not ruling out these: Jesus cannot fulfill preaching the gospel for us. These ones are not "the law": they are simply a reminder to us of our kingly responsibilities.

1Jn 2:21 I have not written to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth.

Also there are certain principles (laws) which pre-existed Moses. Examples are the law of sowing and reaping.

WHILE THE EARTH REMAINETH, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night SHALL NOT CEASE. (Genesis 8:22 KJV)

This is not that which come by Moses, so be expectant to reap whatever you sow, good or bad.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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. (Galatians 6:7-8 KJV)

Sow respect, get the same. Sow hardwork and diligence, reap it. Sow laziness: reap hunger. Invest your time watching ungodly scenes and careless talks; sorry, you'll get it back in form of ungodly meditations and sinful habits. It's basic.

Principles pre-existed Moses and remain. But that which came by Moses was until Christ.

And so the Law was in charge of us until Christ came, in order that we might then be put right with God through faith. Now that the time for faith is here, the Law is no longer in charge of us. (Galatians 3:24-25 GNB)

In conclusion, it is in fact one of the most important admonitions for us in the new testament to stand in the liberty of grace and we are STRONGLY charged to REJECT any form of the law. You must receive it! Remember, to God, obedience is better than sacrifice, to hearken is better than the fat of rams. (1Sam 15:22)

IN [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off]. (Galatians 5:1 AMP)

Accepting The Reality Of Matthew 5:17 Part 2

We are not under the Law

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17)

In the previous part, we saw how the above verse is not passing an instruction for the Christians to "keep the law", but rather Jesus stating His earthly mission. Today, we see church people whenever they want to "spoil" the Christian through the instrumentality of legalism, and they are tackled "sir, but we are not under the law", they quickly respond "even Jesus said He did not come to destroy the law…" and they usually don't complete the statement because it does not favour them. We saw in the previous part how that a FULFILLED law means a FINISHED law and dispensation. It's real and true! We are not under the law!

Whether you like it or not; whether you wish it were so or you feel bitter with it; the fact remains: we are not under the law but we are also not under lawlessness and licentious living: we are under grace. Alleluia! We are not under lust; we are not under addiction; we are not under any beggarly element of the world: we are under grace. He didn't leave us under futility, but under where His exceeding love and forgiving power glows in us and through us causing us to blaze in holiness and righteousness PERMANENTLY.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under grace. (Romans 6:14 KJV)

…because WE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under grace? (Romans 6:15 KJV)

But if ye be led of the Spirit, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW. (Galatians 5:18 KJV)

Choose one please: "led of the Spirit" or "under the law". You cannot be led of the Spirit and still be under the law. And also stop claiming to be a son if you are still under the law: because the spirit of His Son is sent by Him made under the law to redeem them that were under the law and create a new people no more under the law.

We are not under the law! Let everyone who finds it hard to swallow that truth remember he is rejecting God's concluded decision. "If ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart" (Hebrews 3:7-8)

When Stephen said of how he saw the heavens open and Jesus standing when he was being stoned, the bible said the people "stopped their ears". Stopping your ears at the truth does not stop the truth from being true. Let us cooperate with God and accept and enjoy the reality of Matthew 5:17. Alleluia!

Accepting the Reality of Matthew 5:17

JESUS NOT DESTROYING BUT FULFILLING THE LAW - Part 1

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill" (Matthew 5:17)

Many do not understand what this above bible verse is saying. Do you think it is instructing you to KEEP THE LAW? After now, you won't ever use this verse to instruct Christians to keep the law, because that's not what it's saying. Because the next verse says:

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:18 KJV)

So is Jesus saying ALL jot or tittle of the law will be kept when He said all will be fulfilled?

Some others have said He is saying He has come to "enforce" or "raise the standard" of the law. Please stop twisting scriptures. Jesus said "fulfill"! Please let "fulfill" be "fulfill"! Now even if I don't know what "fulfill" means, since Jesus said HE (not me) has come to do that word, and He has come and gone now, then He must have done whatever that word means because He said on the cross "it is finished" (John 19:30).

When Jesus rose from the dead, this is what He said:
And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be FULFILLED, which were written in THE LAW OF MOSES, and [in] THE PROPHETS, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. (Luke 24:44)

So He must be referring to Matthew 5:17 when He said "the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you" becaue that is where He said "ALL things (jot and tittle) must be FULFILLED, which were written in THE LAW OF MOSES, and [in] THE PROPHETS concerning me". So that Matthew 5:17 was never about me, but about Jesus' mission statement. Jesus said, "I did not come to destroy, but I (not you) WILL fulfill it" So whatever Jesus did in His lifetime on earth must be the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.

If that is understood, we must accept the reality that today over 2000 after the life and death of Christ that the law is long fulfilled and thus past. Hmm… this is where people run away. When something is fulfilled, then it means it is no longer required. Simple! "fulfilled" means "accomplished". The demands of the law have been satisfied today! Stop acting like Christ never ever came to this earth! Stop ignoring the impact and difference Christ made by His coming!

"[Therefore, I do not treat God's gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favor) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the ritual of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous.]" (Galatians 2:21 AMP)

Shocking! The Prequalification for Grace is Ungodliness

Basic! Contrary to what most of us will teach about grace, the prequalification for Grace is not godliness but ungodliness.

You don't say "before God can approve you, before God can declare you righteous, before God can have mercy (grace) on you, before you can find favour with God, you must be godly, holy or at least 'trying'". How laughable is such assertion. The speaker is contradicting himself without knowing. It's like a man who goes to a sorcerer to get rituals for wealth and the sorcerer tells him, before you can get this wealth rituals to work, you must bring some millions of naira, and then, each day you must keep paying some millions into so and so account to "renew" it. If you had such huge amount of money, why will you seek a charm for the same? The same thing applies to righteousness. If you had righteousness, why will you seek God to declare you righteous. Grace is not for "able" men!  The kingdom of God is for the poor in spirit, not the rich.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3

Bible teaches that the man God justifies is the ungodly man.

Romans 4:5 KJV
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY, his faith is counted for righteousness.

BBE But to him who without working has faith in him who gives righteousness to the evil-doer, his faith is put to his account as righteousness.

So don't wait to drop all your sins before accepting Jesus: you bring them all along with you to the cross. Don't drop your sinful habits please lest you get proud and feel you don't really need Jesus anymore. Jesus is sent to turn you away from your sins (Acts 3:26). No matter how much sins you may have felt you have dropped, there is one thing that must not just be dropped but crucified: the old man.

Romans 6:6 KJV
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him , that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

You cannot crucify that old man, you can only receive the crucifixion from Christ. This is far more than "I dropped lying; I dropped adultery; I dropped this; I dropped that" so don't claim godliness to receive grace. Romans 3:26 calls God "the justifier": that is God's duty. Let grace have her perfect work to justify you and to turn you from your sins. With this God is pleased.

Why God has been so merciful to you, to us, and to our lands

Most people already can see that God has been so merciful to our unrighteousness. For instance, everyone seem to agree already that unlike the era of the law, God is not punishing people for sins: it's quite clear and without controversy! You hear of Sodom and Gomorrah and compare with what we do today... You see people blaspheme God anyhow today.. robbers even enter churches today to rob, and we can clearly see there's a big difference between the law era and this grace. Everyone believes it's of the Lord's mercy we are not consumed. They say daily "it's not because I'm this. not because I know how to pray..." But not many people understand why this is so. The difference if anyone knows it is enough to get an unsaved saved. The difference is Christ Jesus, the price paid and the grace purchased.

It will be injustice for God to just be passing over the same transgressions He punished people for under the law, except there's a cause. Yes! There's a cause! Jesus is the cause!

In plain terms, this is why God has been so merciful to our unrighteousness.

Hebrews 8:12 KJV
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more..

Glory!

Hebrews 10:12, 14, 17-18 KJV
But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; [14] For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. [17] And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. [18] Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

Jesus offered the sacrifice we ought to offer to appease God for those sins and it was to be valid and effective for ALL TIMES. He did this and afterwards went to SIT DOWN because He is too sure He has done a perfect job for sins, and He is never afraid wrath for sins might ever come, unlike the priests under the law who must ever be at alert in case God is angry again.

Verse 18 says Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
So there's no more offering to appease for sin. That is why this grace era is just too peaceful because Christ is our peace. If any man sin today, He is the propitiation for the sins of the world. (1 John 2:1-2)

So friend, God declaring you a righteous man is not ordinary. God is not "storing your sins in a cooler" waiting when your cup is full to pour heavy wrath on you. No! GOD WILL NEVER PUNISH YOU FOR YOUR SINS! Why? Jesus cup was filled with it.

*[[Mat 26:39]] KJV* And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou will

*[[Isa 53:5]] BBE* But it was for our sins he was wounded, and for our evil doings he was crushed: he took the punishment by which we have peace, and by his wounds we are made well.

So God isn't finding it hard to forgive you: in fact, He will be unjust to hold any sin against you.oh Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. [Rom 4:8]

Forgiveness is now your right. Mercy now your right! Peace with God is now your right! You must never have to be again punished for your sins Jesus was punished for them. This is what the sinner must believe if he will be saved. Appreciate Jesus!

God loves that you call Him your righteousness

*[[Jer 23:6]] KJV* In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

It has pleased our Lord that Him alone should be our righteousness. It is not a pain to Him that you are "lazily" resting in His righteousness and that alone is enough for you. He is pleased that you have decided you're not going to hold on to your good works to be saved on that day.

...that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
*[[Col 1:18-19]] KJV*

That you brought nothing in your hand but simply clinging to His cross. That you decide to know nothing save Jesus and Him crucified. God is so pleased with this. He isn't seeing it as weakness on your side, no! It's pride to Him to be our righteousness. That you've decided to approach the Father in the name, authority and person of Jesus' accomplished righteousness and that alone is all you'll trust; that you make no boast of yourself but to glory in the Lord

*[[Isa 45:24]] KJV* Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed

*[[1Co 1:30]] KJV* But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:

God wants you to rest carelessly on Jesus. He wants all your thoughts, belief and confession of our faith henceforth continually be about His extravagant love for you.

Now what can happen if you adopt this lifestyle?
His purchased work becomes real on you. Healing for your body, provision for your needs, wealth etc.

Have a Christ-consciousness today and see how enjoyable life can be in Christ.

Therefore, through him let us always bring God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess his name. *[[Heb 13:15]] ISV

God wants you to be forgiven-conscious

My beloved brother/sister, if there's one thing the Lord wants you to keep remembering, it is His love for you. He doesn't want you to remember this once a year (during Easter) as it's often practised. God wills that you meditate, that you contemplate, that you keep mutterring to yourself His love for you how He wiped off your sins forever.

Titus 3:5-8 KJV
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; [6] Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; [7] That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. [8] This is a faithful saying, and these things I WILL THAT THOU AFFIRM CONSTANTLY...

In fact, Peter said people are "unfruitful" when they are quick to forget how they were cleansed from sins, how they were forgiven. In other words. the more you keep this in mind to meditate and to confess, the more you're fruitful in the knowledge of the Lord.

2 Peter 1:9 KJV
But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

So he likewise charged us
2 Peter 1:12 KJV
Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in REMEMBRANCE of these things, though ye know them , and be established in the present truth.

though you may be saying "I know it already! I know it. It's not new to me. Go to the unsaved and tell them and not me anymore", that shouldn't stop you from confessing it over and over again if you heard what Peter said. 2 Peter 1:12 KJV

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, THOUGH YE KNOW THEM , and be established in the present truth.

Hmm..

I'm keeping this apostolic charge by telling you this. Let's see if you will go and do likewise.

This is a faithful saying, and these things I WILL THAT THOU AFFIRM CONSTANTLY...

I will not be negligent to put you always in REMEMBRANCE of these things THOUGH YE KNOW THEM..

I'm simply devoted to You oh Lord... for to me to live is Christ..

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God punishes no one for sins anymore!

True! God does not punish anyone for sins anymore!

Sound strange and heretic?

But we are under grace!

*[[Rom 6:14]] KJV* ... for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

*[[Gal 5:18]] KJV* But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Please What then will be the difference between Grace era and the law era if sins are still being punished?

If it's still not clear, then let's try this. Simple language interpretation: you just said this is GRACE, how come the sinner will not go unpunished of his sin penalty before God? Okay. Grace is like mercy, right? You said you're having mercy on an offender, yet he will still be penalized? Aren't you contradicting yourself? Mercy and grace, are they not alike? And if there is any difference, it's surely not in the area of their undeserved kindness property. We are under mercy (a close substitute for grace), means the offender will be allowed and shown mercy.

Knowing this therefore, your sickness when or if they come, stop saying it is perhaps because you have sinned and God is punishing you with the sickness: it's mercy era. Don't look at your fellow brother going through hard times despite his devotion to God and say "brother check your life well o, there may be an unconfessed sin somewhere. Maybe it's your failure to tithe; maybe it's this or that."Don't see earthquakes, plane crashes, economic meltdown or any natural disaster where political office holders or citizens of a place lose their lives as judgment from God o: we are under grace era where God doesn't punish anyone for sins.

Now did I say you cannot face the consequence of your action or inaction? What a man sow he reaps. Mismanage funds that pass through your table in your office "under grace", your boss isn't God of grace, remember. Fornicate about and acquire sexually transmitted diseases, this is not hand of God, you know. As you lay your bed, you will lie on it, it's a basic principle.

*[[Gal 6:7-8]] KJV* Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 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.

*[[Job 4:8]] KJV* Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

*[[2Co 9:6]] KJV* But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

"well done, God punishes no one for sins. Won't this teaching promote iniquities? No. Bible teaches that this is where your power of righteous living lies.

*[[2Pe 1:9]] KJV* But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath FORGOTTEN that he was purged from his old sins.

*[[Rom 6:14]] KJV* For sin shall not have dominion over you: (why? because) for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Being under grace breaks the hold of sin on a life. Receive your being under grace as being under grace: and enjoy His true rest.

The Father sees no sin in you - Part II

You may scroll back to our previous class - Part I of this topic for better understanding. There we saw how the Father assumed a "good" view of us because of Jesus' eternal sacrifice, such that when He looks at us, it's no longer our works of righteousness (which Isaiah describes as filthy rag) anymore, but if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, he is not known after the flesh but in Christ's work of righteousness. This is why Paul had to abandon his St. Holiness and Moses' unshaking adherence Synagogue to join the Circle of Grace Family Church of Christ.

Philippians 3:9 KJV
And be found in him, NOT HAVING MINE OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS (filthy rag), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

This is the eye with which we are reckoned before God. The Father is never seeing an unworthy sinner trying to approach Him for mercy. He is always seeing a perfect and worthy man not approaching Him, but always living with him!

Now is God blind? Doesn't He see and know the innermost of my being? "If I deceive myself, is God also deceived?" No. No. No! We settled this in the previous part: God isn't blind, rather God is only seeing rightly!

*[[Psa 94:9]] KJV* He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?
God is only being just in calling you who has chosen to live by faith of Christ equally just. Jesus paid for your sins: so God will be unjust in making you pay for the sins again. This payment must not even be in form of Him depriving you of His presence for one moment. He must not judge you a sinner again or punish you if He will not be unjust.

See,
It must be you who is getting it wrong by relying on your poor eyes and senses! You know this is a world people are given freedom of opinion: so everyone want to stick to his own opinion. As for me, I think God's opinion must be the sovereign truth, and that's what I choose to rule my life with.

We saw Hebrews 8:12 in the last part,

*[[Heb 8:12]] KJV* For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

And we saw how it's true God does not keep account of our sins. In a past article we asked DOES GOD ISSUE A LAST WARNING OR QUIT NOTICE ON GRACE? You know you only talk of "last warning" if and only if you have a "first". The question should have been "Does God issue a warning at all on grace?" Now, I didn't say "Does God give a warning on sin?" because He has actually done that! Grace is God's warning for sinners.

...now commandeth all men every where to repent: [[Act 17:30]] KJV
(Also Colossians 1:28)

But on grace, it's God's gift which He (not your conscience) will not "upbraid" you for, not for once.

Hebrews 8:12 tells us He no longer "remembers" it. Oh! Last warning so called, can only come into play because you have been keeping a record and numbering the sins. You'll tell him, "this is sin number 1, 2, 3... then the last warning". "Remember the last time you spoke and I corrected you on pride. REMEMBER the last time I WARNED you on anger, are you getting angry again? See, the next time you get angry, I'll take my grace". If He doesn't remember your sins, there can not be "last warning" because there is no "first".

Let's see scriptures quickly before you squeeze that face.

*[[Psa 130:3]] KJV* If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

No, Read again.

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities...

What does that mean? The Lord does not "mark" iniquities.

The Lord does not "mark" iniquities, otherwise the world would be desolate by now. So the Lord doesn't mark your iniquities against your name. Tell everyone that is alive today he is alive, not because he keeps the law but because God has not been marking his violations of the law against him. There is forgiveness and it is with God. You know what that means? God is not going to have to search if He can find forgiveness for you. He gives you forgiveness because it is WITH HIM. License for more sin? Certainly not. That's because You didn't read the next verse: ...that thou mayest be feared. (v4)

Thus, it is not a license to sin, but license to be feared. When you see His abundance of forgiveness, you will be afraid! "Who is this infinite forgiver?" and the shackles of sin will be broken.

We close this here. Appreciate this mercy of God that Jesus made available. The Father isn't unaware that you're not perfect, but He doesn't hold them recorded anywhere. Alleluia.

Does God issue a "last warning" or "quit notice" on Grace

Under grace, everything is FREE! ABSOLUTELY FREE! I must emphasize this because some of us might have gone into terrible times in the name of FREE OF CHARGE: where con people tell us an item is free, we stretch our hands for it only to discover awkward "terms and conditions apply": hence it's always said "no free thing in Freetown".

I must first clear your minds of these biases and let you know the integrity of Him with whom you have to deal: this is God not man. And what difference does this make? ALL THE DIFFERENCE!

He lacks the ability to LIE or DECEIVE

*[[Num 23:19]] KJV* God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

*[[Tit 1:2]] KJV* In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

2. He cannot change. He cannot repent. He CANNOT HAVE A RETHINK, not on anything!

*[[1Sa 15:29]] KJV* And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

That is why whatever He gives or does is forever.

*[[Ecc 3:14]] KJV* I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.
*[[Rom 11:29]] KJV* For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

He does not do a thing and say, "sorry, that was a mistake".

3. God is Infinitely rich. In fact, to say He is rich is an insult: He owns the rich as well as the poor. God is the Creator: He is above ALL! Who is like Him? Who is beside Him?

4. He is TOO GENEROUS. It's one thing to be rich, it's another to be willing to release. God gives liberally.
When He blesses, He gives RICHLY.

*[[1Ti 6:17]] KJV* Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

So He not only gives but He gives you in ENJOYABLE quantities, He delights in your enjoyment of His gifts.

*[[1Ti 6:17]] ISV* Instead, let them place their confidence in God, who lavishly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
*[[Psa 35:27]] KJV* Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

That settled, the question comes now. "Does God issue a 'quit notice' on His 'all things to enjoy'? That is, God having given you a thing (eg the gift of righteousness, the gift of the Holy Spirit etc.), does He give you what is called "the grace of one more trial" after which He "withdraws" His gift?

By now, the answer should have been clear. He gives all things FREELY. There can only be 'quit notice' if there are terms and conditions or if it has an expiration date. Then you know it's not absolutely free. But God doesn't repent. To repent means to have a change of mind; to have a rethink. God cannot have a rethink. You know why? He already can see that thing that will come up later, so He has already taken care of it before that decision is announced to you. So if He gives you life, He won't go back on it. He won't go back to the drawing board to do a redesign. He cannot make mistakes. He couldn't have made mistake in giving you what He gave you. He cannot regret: He doesn't operate on the word of knowledge or wisdom or prophecy to predict the future disobedience: He is the giver of those spiritual gifts, much more He is OMNISCIENT.

See this verse again.

*[[Jas 1:5]] KJV* If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
*[[Jas 1:5]] ISV* Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously WITHOUT A REBUKE, and it will be given to him.

What's a quit notice? A rebuke. What's a "last warning"? An upbraiding. He unlike men gives without strict "follow up" and monitoring and stringent requirements and quit threats. This obviously has been abused by many. yet God did not change His plan.
For, not to be regretted, are the gifts and the calling of God  [[Rom 11:29]] EBR

You'll enjoy grace until you "come to yourself" like that popular bible prodigal son as long as you live. But delay is dangerous too, so don't take salvation for granted. If God keeps loving you, blessing you, making all things work well for you, He is aiming at your salvation.

*[[Rom 2:4]] KJV* Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

So beloved, enjoy God's limitless grace.What we are saying here is, God's ability to forgive is limitless. God's mercy unto you is limitless. God doesn't want you to continue in sin. True! But also do not let anyone deceive you by telling you God's eye of mercy has been blinded, and that you have reached the forgiveness limit or that before God can forgive you now, you'll have to do something extra. No. Nothing extra is required for forgiveness but that one and selfsame blood of the precious Lamb of God - Jesus Christ. No. God will not let go of you. He loves you still. Alleluia!

If you don't want Christ death to be in vain over you...

A serious message for you dear reader! If you don't want Christ death to be in vain over you, you must check this fast to be sure you're safe.

Now when can we say Christ death and resurrection is in vain over a man's life? This is always the clause of correction for Christians and non Christians alike. But who is it supposed to be meant for? And when is it supposed to be used? Let's investigate biblically.

This is a term used by Paul in the Bible. To whom was it referred to?

Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4 KJV

Really?

Those who are justified by the law, Christ is of zero effect to such. Those who want to be righteous by their keeping of the commandments.

Next,..
Who are the ones justified by the law?

1. Those who ask for the Spirit because they think they've done and abstained from some things to be perfect by their keeping of the law. (Gal 3:2)

2. Those who seek divine approval by what they do.
*[[Luk 18:12]] KJV* I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

3. those who resist the liberty of Christ (Gal 2:4; 5:1)

4. those to whom the way of faith is despicable and insufficient
1 Peter 2:6-8 KJV
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. [7] Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, [8] And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

5. those to whom salvation remains incomplete without a human input. Those who believe its their own work that makes salvation whole.
Acts 15:1 KJV
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said , Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

All the above five categories are trying to make Christ's work of none effect on their lives. Carefully investigate this in that book of Galatians and you will see this is true.

Salvation is complete without your works says the Bible. Abraham had boastable good works but he was never justified by them: he was justified when he was still in sins and that justification remained valid and unchanged by his latter works..Therefore simple faith is ENOUGH for salvation: if something else is asked, then that must be a post-salvation demand, the kind which can never come from God but you see, a heavy demand of holy lifestyle is asked by your community which you should try to meet.

Walk in holiness! Celebrate the completeness and eternality of Christ's work! Don't try to make Christ of none effect to you. Give thanks!

Shut out on grace: Open up on Sin. The Power of the Liberty of Christ

There's a fear in church today which is the fear of sin abundance or revival. Preachers are afraid Grace teachings may lead to more sin. To us, Grace sounds too loose and weak to produce a morally disciplined life and make a "sound" doctrine or "powerful" sermon. But how differently the Bible teaches:

1. that sin revival is a result of the law
*[[Rom 7:9]] KJV* For I was alive without the law once: but WHEN THE COMMANDMENT CAME, sin REVIVED, and I died.

2. that the abundance of sin is a result of the law (thou shall not, thou shall...) and that grace came to undo the trend much more
.
*[[Rom 5:20]] KJV* Moreover THE LAW ENTERED, that the offence might ABOUND. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

3. that sin's strength is the law
*[[1Co 15:56]] KJV* The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

4. that the law CANNOT make its hearers and DOERS perfect even though perfection is the desire of every law preacher.

*[[Heb 10:1]] KJV* For the law... can NEVER with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto PERFECT.

But what does grace teach and do?

1. it builds. It blesses.
*[[Act 20:32]] KJV* And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his GRACE, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
*[[1Co 15:10]] KJV* But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
2. It SAVES
*[[Eph 2:8]] KJV* For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

It means as "weak" or loose it may seem, an exposure to Grace teaching is an exposure to SALVATION.

It's not "strong teaching", yet it's the only one that can save, whereas the wise one cannot save.
*[[1Co 1:21]] KJV* For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Therefore if this is what the Bible says, and if the Bible is objectively true, then the mind that tells us Grace teachings won't work must be fallacious. Shut out grace, open the door for more sins. Then it will be upon you like Job: *[[Job 3:25]] KJV* For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

Twice in Proverbs the Spirit sounded this:

*[[Pro 14:12]] KJV* There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
*[[Pro 16:25]] KJV* There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Should you not then cease from your own wisdom? After all, it is written:
*[[1Co 1:25]] KJV* Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

If God seem foolish to have told us to preach what seemed to us as freedom to sin, we will be a false messenger if we deliver a different message. But it is good for you my brother if you remain "faithful" to the message
*[[1Co 4:2]] KJV* Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

And what is faithfulness? Doing as instructed; staying where you are placed.
*[[Luk 19:13]] KJV* And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
Stay in the word! Contend for the faith!

That settled, let's see how your refusal to preach grace as grace has been the fertilizer of iniquity within your flock.

*[[Gal 2:18]] KJV* For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a TRANSGRESSOR.

What did we destroyed that we must never build again? The Law.
He is saying if after verse 16 "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ [thus destroying the law], that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." we BUILD again our justification by the works of the law, we make ourselves a TRANSGRESSOR.

See this! It's God's plan that it's by LIBERTY and rest you'll learn of Christ.

*[[Isa 30:15]] KJV* For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and REST shall ye be SAVED; in quietness and in confidence (as typical of faith) shall be your STRENGTH (recall that the strength of sin is the works of the law) and ye would not...

To God, your liberty precedes service. So He first worked out the freedom of the Israelites from Egypt in order to avail for free service of God.
*[[Exo 7:16]] KJV* And thou shalt say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may SERVE me...

He doesnt like service under yoke. So Jesus gave this:

*[[Mat 11:28]] KJV* Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Today, you'll be shortchanging your "service" of God if you trim down the liberty of the Spirit in anyway, because He prefers you doing service in liberty so much He had to leave His throne to come and die: and if you as His witness preach an abridged liberty, you will be doing Him a displeasure.

Knowing this, Paul orders:

*[[Gal 5:1]] KJV* Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

And Jesus came as the liberty Giver

*[[Luk 4:18]] KJV* The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor... to set at LIBERTY them that are bruised,

And he that the Lord has set at liberty, let no man bring to bondage again!

Let's reset the system if needs be, and make no more room for hypocrisy. It is only in this liberty atmosphere we can have TRUE holiness. (Eph4:24). A grace liberty atmosphere CANNOT be an atmosphere of sin, rather, an atmosphere of true righteousness. Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under the atmosphere of grace? No. Because Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. *[[1Jn 3:9]] KJV*

Don't resist the liberty of the Spirit, that's when genuine service can be evident. In it, the children of God and that of the devil are manifest (1 John 3:10). We'll excel more in our ministry if we run the Master's work the way He made it and stop being wise in our own understanding.
I leave you with the verse again:

*[[Pro 14:12]] KJV* There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
*[[Pro 16:25]] KJV* There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Listen to God!

Which sins could God has forgiven: Past, Present or Future?

Let's investigate this together. Which sins could God has taken away in Christ? What do we tell our converts? That Christ forgave PAST sins? And what do we tell them happens if they sin afterwards? Is this belief from our minds or from the Bible? Let's see it together here: your Bibles

Isaiah 53:6 KJV
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

for the transgression of my people was he stricken. *[[Isa 53:8]] KJV*

The best way to understand this is to answer this question: which sin is being referred to here? Which sins did Jesus suffered for?

A. ALREADY COMMITTED SINS
B. YET UNCOMMITTED SINS

What's your answer?

Well it is both the already committed and yet uncommitted sins Jesus was punished for! And these we're not His own sins but our sins.

*[[1Pe 2:24]] KJV* Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Maybe this will be softer: which sickness did Jesus took stripes for? past sickness? No! You can see the emphasis of Jesus work is more on the future and not just our past as most preachers were afraid to tell us. They were afraid to tell us if we sin afterwards, we remain forgiven; we remain righteous; we remain JUST: for the just shall live by FAITH and not by SIGHT! They thought telling us this will make us "freed into sin". But oh how they refrained our liberty and by that brought us into bondage again (Gal 2:4).

Beloved, let us look at it this way. Why will Jesus wait till everybody sin before He forgive them? Without being a prophet, I can correctly predict two things about you when you'll be born. First, any man that will be born into this world (in Adam) will be mortal and will be a sinner.

*[[Psa 51:5]] KJV* Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

*[[Rom 5:19]] KJV* For as by one man's disobedience many were made SINNERS

You were not going to be born righteous but into SIN. Besides, mine is only a prediction: God knew you perfectly and accurately before you were formed in the womb (Jer 1:5), so if He concludes you will need a remission, then don't argue!

*[[1Jn 1:10]] KJV* If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Second, I predict that you will break God's law at least once before you die. Hear! Before you were born there had been disciplined and determined people who have tried to keep the law, they all failed, you won't be an exception, I predict. Unfortunately the blood of bulls and goats are a failure to take away your sins (Hebrews 10:1). So what's the point in Jesus having to wait for you to actually commit the sins before He comes to die for them for you? Will He combine His first and second coming into one? You see why He should die for uncommitted sins?

He died for my sins, it's not my past sins, it's not my present sins: they were all FUTURISTIC then! So as a convert, I appreciate redemption better when I know and believe Christ died for me even before I was born. And why could He have done this? Always remember Jeremiah 1:5
*[[Jer 1:5]] KJV* Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee..

God already knows you will need Forgiveness, so He made it for you. Appreciate redemption!

You have Good Works to your Account

Not only did God declare you righteous by mere word of mouth, you have righteous works to your credit all by the same faith of Christ Jesus. In as much as righteousness is having done some very good works according to the law qualifying you to stand unchallengeable before the Father, to say you too are righteous is to say you are good enough, holy enough, obedient enough, law-keeping enough before the Father. You are clean enough to not only enter the holies of holies but to PERMANENTLY dwell there! (Hebrews 10:19)

Enjoy The accepted time! Serve the Lord

When we say you're accepted in Christ, it should not be too hard for you to receive. But you know many people will be quick to check the law and point to one thing or another that will not make God to accept them. "You know you have to be holy, but I'm not. You have to be righteous, but I am not. I have not kept the commandments of God. I cannot be accepted". While it is good to live holy and righteous, you're not accepted because of it. Your acceptance is not because you have promised to "be a good boy", but because God decided without any man's advice to declare an "accepted time".

Now what is "accepted time"?

All your troublers and hinderers be accursed in Jesus name

This day I pray that all your troublers be cut off in Jesus name.
I pray that all that "hinder" you be accursed in Jesus name.
I pray this day that them that trouble you bear their judgment whosoever they are.

Ahh.. Are you surprised I suddenly turn to prayers on "enemies" today? Did you say "amen" to it?

Well, it's not me praying. It's the apostle Paul who has been praying.

The Holy Spirit doesn't want you to put yourself into "trouble"

Acts 15:19 KJV
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

You see, the Holy Spirit does not want you troubled. He doesn't want you burdened. no! Not in any way. Now what is "trouble"? What is "burden"?
The law is "trouble": to "command to keep the law of Moses" is "burden". It is yoke and a tempting of God to try to do this. Did I singlehandedly promulgate this? No. Scriptures did.