Redeemed and Forgiven

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;  Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;--Ephesians 1:7-8

Paul begins this chapter praising His God for the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ.  Throughout the first 14 verses he lists some of these riches.  In verses 4-6 (and in previous studies) we saw that we, who are in Christ, are:

1. Chosen by God

2.  Predestined by God to be His adopted sons and daughters

3.  Accepted by God in His Son, Jesus.

Looking at the next two verses (7-8) we see that we have redemption through his blood and forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace which is made manifest in all wisdom and prudence.  That is quite a mouthful... so let's look an them separately.

Our God has redeemed us!  In Him, the bible says, is plenteous redemption. The Greek word for redemption is apolutrosis.  It means "a releasing effected by payment of ransom."  "To let one go free on receiving the price."  "Deliverance as a result of the payment of a ransom." This redemption implies freedom from the guilt, the punishment and the power of sin.  My Jesus gave His life as a ransom for me! Paraphrasing Zechariah 9:11:  By the blood of His covenant he has brought me out of the pit where there was no water

John 8:34  Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Romans 7:14  For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Galatians 3:13  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

It is in Christ that we find our true liberty.

John 8:36  If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Our redemption is through His blood.  The book of First Peter tells me that I was not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold but with the precious blood of Christ as a lamb slain.  The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ was the purchase price paid to redeem us from our helpless estate.  By His death Jesus paid the price to deliver us from the bondage of sin into the glorious liberty of children of God.


Revelation 5:9,12  And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;....Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Only through His Son can sinners like you and me be a people who are holy and without blame before Him in love.  Only through His Son can we be adopted as sons unto Him.  Truly we are not worthy, but He is!

We also have forgiveness in Christ.  My God has forgiven me ALL my past, present and future sins. I am justified before Him when I believe.  This is an amazing statement.  Let's look at the meaning of the word forgiveness in the Greek.  The Greek word is aphesis and it means to release from bondage or imprisonment, forgiveness or pardon of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed),
THAT is a pretty good deal!

What is sin? Again, here is the meaning in the Greek (paraptoma):  to fall beside or near something; a lapse or deviation from truth and uprightness,  a sin, misdeed, or trespass...unintentional (error) or willful (transgression)  

All of us sin and fall short of the glory of God...there is no one good, the Bible says, not one.  It is only through Jesus that we can obtain pardon for our sins.  Blessed are we whose transgressions are forgiven and whose sin is covered.  Blessed is the man whom the Lord does not impute iniquity and in whose spirit is no guile!  My God is good, ready to forgive and plenteous in mercy to all that call on Him in truth!

Verse 7-8 tells us that the basis for both redemption and forgiveness is according to the riches of our God's grace which He made abound to toward us.  It is the riches of His goodness, forbearance and long-suffering that lead us to repentance.  It is by God's mercy and grace that we are justified.  This wonderful grace is made manifest in all wisdom and prudence.  God knows all things...He knows how to apply his knowledge to the best advantage and attain the highest goals.  His wisdom is unsearchable and His ways past finding out!  My God is prudent...He ponders, He considers carefully all that He does so...with much thought...He chose to show His grace toward us.  


But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.--Ephesians 2:4-7

For next study in Ephesians go here

Ask with a Believing Heart....

James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.  ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. ⁹ Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. ¹¹ For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. ¹² Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.--James 1:12

Dear Suzanne, Rebecca, Anna and Mikayla,

Continuing in the first chapter of the book of James we are looking at  today at the fourth attitude necessary to help us triumph in trials, asking for wisdom with a "believing heart."  Here are verses 5-8.
 
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."--James 1:5-8


I am laughing at the first part of that verse....which one of us does NOT lack wisdom.  I am always asking for it and am grateful that it is divine wisdom that I receive.  The wisdom from the world is constantly changing and is filled with "agendas".  The wisdom from above and the wisdom from this world are contrasted in James chapter 3. These verses are good ones to hide in your heart.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Wisdom is the practical aspect of intelligence.  It is the understanding and skill needed to live this life for His glory.  It is the practical application of the Word of God in our lives.  By design, God uses trials to wean us away from dependence on the things of the world to total dependence on Him.  He wants us to cry out to Him in prayer for wisdom. Jesus Christ contains all the wisdom and knowledge of God.   He wants to pour it on us abundantly.

Look at the next verse, however.  It tells us to ask in faith with no doubting.  I have said it before and I will say it again: the book of James is where the rubber meets the road.  Where do you really and truly place your faith or your trust--In the wisdom of man or in the wisdom of God?  Are you only hedging your bets when you ask God for help or are you truly and willingly putting all your eggs in His basket and waiting on Him for your answer?  If your loyalty is divided...if you are double minded...maybe not completely convinced that God's way is best or even of His loving care -- than James tells you will receive nothing from the Lord.

According to John MacArthur, the definition of double-minded in the Greek is literally  having one's mind divided between the world and God.  Girls, we are not to go back and forth like the tides between the world and God.  Truly that is the picture of spiritual immaturity and instability.  God does not want equivocators....He does not want lukewarm...He does not want our occasional belief.  He does not want us to go to Him for wisdom if we are reserving the right to disobey if we don't like His answer.  He wants a heart united for Him.   A believing heart that knows that He is sovereign and does all He does for our good and His glory. He wants our wholehearted devotion, trust and commitment. This is the man that God will give to liberally and without reproach.

How does God answer when we ask with a believing heart?  He responds through His people, through His word and through what I call heart direction.

Proverbs tells us that there is much wisdom in many counselors and where there are no counselors the people fall.  As we discuss issues on our hearts with the people of God, His light will shine through and perhaps give us some guidance.

The second way God answer's is through His word. God's will is revealed to us in His word. Christ is wisdom incarnate...He is the Word. In Him lay all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Psalm 119:105 says "Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:130 says "the entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple."  How perfect is that.  The heart David had for God's word is the heart we are to have.  Search His word daily and allow Him to light and guide your path...His word is His gift to us.

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.--Psalm 119:97-104

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. ¹³ And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. ¹⁴ Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.--Hebrews 4:12-16

The third way God answers us is by heart direction. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path."  Basically, I pray and acknowledge His sovereignty and  my own inadequacy in knowing what to do or what path to take.  I then ask the Lord to direct my steps even if and when I misstep! I ask Him to guide me through His word and His people...to open and shut doors as I walk.  In another words, He walks the path with me. The key is to acknowledge that He knows better than me the direction I need to take and that MY DESIRE IS TO FOLLOW HIM!

So let's once again put it all together to see the big picture that James is painting. We can COUNT it all joy and make a conscious effort to face our trials with joy because we KNOW it is HE working in us and through us and HE loves us and has our best interests at heart.  Therefore, we can LET HIM work knowing we have nothing to fear.  When we do that we become perfect and complete and lack nothing.  Mature.  If we do not know how to respond in a trial God tells us to ASK Him for wisdom with a believing united heart and He will give to us liberally and without reproach.

Love
Mom


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Sin Makes You STUPID!

Dear Suzanne, Rebecca, Anna and Mikayla,

 Lamentations 1: 9 ..She did not consider her destiny; Therefore her collapse was awesome; 

Here is the fourth reason not to sin...

Sin makes you stupid - For Judah the warnings were loud and clear...several prophets preached to her of coming judgment...Jeremiah for 40 years.  God's people, however, played with fire and they got burned. They refused to believe that their rejecting the word of God and living according to their own desires would bring God's punishment. Sin always eventually or sooner rather than later brings judgment.

Now all of us know that judgment is coming...both believers and unbelievers.  I was an unbeliever for 35 years, and I knew that judgment was coming; but I kept putting off coming to the Lord.  I thought I had to clean myself up to go to God...or I thought my life would be boring as a Christian and figured I would have fun while I could...but the bottom line was I did not want to admit my need...I thought I could fix whatever situation I got myself into. The things I did were so stupid...I knew they would have consequences later on but I did them anyway...Sin really does makes you stupid. AND it never starts off big...it starts off small and as your heart becomes hardened against the conviction of the Spirit it increases until you find yourself doing things you would have never thought possible. You begin to be blind to consequences and you lose the ability to see around corners, so to speak.

Finally, the Lord in His goodness, mercy and compassion, allowed my heart to be broken over a situation and I KNEW I had nowhere else to go.  Romans 6:23 says that the wages of sin is death...but the gift of God is eternal life in His Son. The ultimate judgment is hell and it is reserved for those who go all their lives refusing to look up and acknowledge God.  The Bible tells us that even the demons believe and tremble...but knowing with your head and believing with your heart are two different things.  When your heart believes something your actions will follow...You can believe something intellectually and do nothing about it.  Romans 1 tells us that we are all without excuse.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes 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, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.--Romans 1:18-23

When I think of sin making us stupid, I think of the story of Moses lifting the serpent up in the wilderness...the very story Jesus was telling Nicodemus in John 3. Here is what Jesus said in John 3 and the story from Numbers follows:

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.--John 3:14-17

⁴ Then they journeyed from Mount Hor by the Way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; and the soul of the people became very discouraged on the way. ⁵ And the people spoke against God and against Moses: “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and our soul loathes this worthless bread.” ⁶ So the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and many of the people of Israel died.
⁷ Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD that He take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.
⁸ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and it shall be that everyone who is bitten, when he looks at it, shall live.” ⁹ So Moses made a bronze serpent, and put it on a pole; and so it was, if a serpent had bitten anyone, when he looked at the bronze serpent, he lived.--Numbers 21:4-9

Would you believe that many refused to look at the serpent on the pole and died! It seems like such an easy thing...just look at the serpent on the pole and be healed...don't look and die! Many, many many of us do the same thing.  We refuse to lift our eyes to the cross and believe and be saved. We know in our heart of hearts that judgment is coming and  yet refuse to look. God does everything He can to get our attention...just like he did for Jerusalem, but He will not force belief on anyone.  If we continue in that refusal, we will ultimately die in our sins and live eternally separated from God.

Even after coming to God through belief in His Son, we can still resist the Spirit of God. Maybe we start to make a practice of a certain sin and continue in it, despite God's warnings to us...knowing that God will not allow us to get away with it forever...knowing  the law of sowing and reaping...knowing there will be a day of reckoning.  Yet in our pride we refuse to acknowledge it, because we are loving our sin at the moment more than we are loving God, or we are allowing offense and unforgiveness to cloud our vision.  Now, no one, not even us (John 10:28) can snatch us out of His hand, but we miss out on so many of His blessings this way and have to be led around like a mule rather than guided with His eye.

I don't know about you but I do not want to have to be harnessed and led around like a mule...I would much rather God be able to guide me with His eye.  What is the remedy? James says it best in Chapter 4 beginning in verse 7.

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

There is your prescription and it is filled with humility...Girls, when we draw near to God and receive with meekness the implanted word which is able to save our souls; He changes us and conforms us into His image.  We see ourselves as sinners in need of a Savior and readily put off our sin knowing the price that was paid for it.  We put off our offenses and forgive knowing HOW VERY MUCH we have been, are and will be forgiven!! The Word, girls, "ARIGHTS" our thinking.  Going any length of time without it causes our mind to become clouded...He wants us to seek Him daily...The Bible is your sword of the Spirit...it is your only offensive weapon.  If you do not use it, you are defenseless against the wiles of the enemy.  As you saturate yourself with the Word...it washes the filth of the world away...As we  keep our minds on Him by keeping in the Word, we are transformed daily into His image.

Our sin does make us stupid...but the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and with Him is knowledge of the Holy One.  I will end with the last half of Proverbs 1 starting in verse 20.

²⁰ Wisdom calls aloud outside;
      She raises her voice in the open squares.
       ²¹ She cries out in the chief concourses,
      At the openings of the gates in the city
      She speaks her words:
       ²² “ How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity?
      For scorners delight in their scorning,
      And fools hate knowledge.
       ²³ Turn at my rebuke;
      Surely I will pour out my spirit on you;
      I will make my words known to you.
       ²⁴ Because I have called and you refused,
      I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded,
       ²⁵ Because you disdained all my counsel,
      And would have none of my rebuke,
       ²⁶ I also will laugh at your calamity;
      I will mock when your terror comes,
       ²⁷ When your terror comes like a storm,
      And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
      When distress and anguish come upon you.
       ²⁸ “ Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
      They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
       ²⁹ Because they hated knowledge
      And did not choose the fear of the LORD,
       ³⁰ They would have none of my counsel
      And despised my every rebuke.
       ³¹ Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
      And be filled to the full with their own fancies.
       ³² For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
      And the complacency of fools will destroy them;
       ³³ But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
      And will be secure, without fear of evil.”--Proverbs 1:20-33

Love
Mom who is done with reasons not to sin even though Lamentations gives many more...