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I am somewhat reticent to post such a fundamental truth, but I think there are times when we need to be reminded of some of the basics.

Ephesians 1:22, et. al., reveal to us that we are the BODY of CHRIST. We are not an organization, but an organism. We are NOT catholic, protestant, or any denomination.

We are the living and visible expression of the Lord Jesus Christ who is the HEAD, and only He builds this Church and directs its activities on this earth.

Before His resurrection, there was no body of Christ. It was only after Pentecost with the Advent of the Holy Spirit that the Church came into existence.

We become a member of the Body of Christ when we are born again. It is then that the Holy Spirit BAPTIZES(not water) us into the body of Christ. (1 Cor 12:13) We are ALL baptized into ONE body.

aw

Posted like a true Independent.

Thank you,and I am willing to "Lay down my life for the brethren," and to help anyone bear their burden to fulfill the law of Christ. As long as we have love for one another but it is at the same level as Christ loved us. Helpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp!

aw

Really, then why does the church have a board just like a corporation?  

And why does the church have a tax status, like a corporation,  which can be issued or revoked by the governenment?

What is the saying:  If it quacks like corporation and walks like a corporation, then it must be a coporation. A corporation is a

Who was on the board at the time of Christ?

You didn't finish this, so I thought I'd finish it for you:

A corporation is an organisation that exists to make a profit for its owners (shareholders).

So, if the Church exists to make money for its owner (Christ), then yes, I guess it's a corporation.  Somehow, I don't think that makes a lot of sense though.

Well, Aw, how do you think the church should be run? Everyone just hangs out in drum ciclers and home groups, each group studying and interpting things their own way? ::) :-\

     ???

The Lord's Church is NOT an Organization it is His body...

(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/aktion/action-smiley-033.gif)

My point, friend, is that we are NOT RUN. We are the BODY of Christ and, as such, we are to be fitted together BY HIM. We are to work together as the "HEAD" directs the body.

Unfortunately, most go running after some man or institution that happens to be convenient, meets their social needs as some club, is prestigous, has a charismatic preacher, or is full of wealthy, influential people- ALL of which are dead WRONG! Some may be called to do as you said because tyhat is exdactly how the early church functioned; ie., in small groups meeting in private homes.

There is absolutely no scriptural or apostolic authority for constructing large buildings and attempting to generate large numbers so the various PROGRAMS can be financed. There is no prohibition against it, but there is nothing wrong with meeting in small groups either.

I have seen the Lord present where there were 2 or 3 gatherd in His name and totally absent from the midst of hundreds.

aw
aw

Let me just start by saying AMEN AW[/b][/u]!!!  :D

The church is not a building.  It is a body, both locally and universally, as is illustrated in the bible.  Yet, this body does act corporately in certain matters.  Just read through Acts to see this.  So in that Tibby, I would agree.

However, I don't think AW is trying to argue church polity, nearly as much as he is trying to point out that whether you are a saved Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist or Non Denominational believer, then you are a member of the one body of Christ called the church.  God's not going to sanction off sections for those who think otherwise in Heaven like the old Baptist joke relates!  :D

As American believers, we miss this.  We do not view the church down the road, though of like faith an practice, as our brothers or sisters in Christ.  Nor do we even dare to view the church down the road that is not of like faith and practice as our brethren!  Rather, we try to convert eyes to be ears, or feet to be hands.  Shame really.

I agree AW my brother.  Good post.   :)

Just like in the times of the Scriptures, if you don't run your church/corporation according to the dictates of the ruling authority they take your authority to run your church/corporation.  No tax free tax status means, No right off on the "faithful's" income tax then the "faithful" stop funding your church/corporation.

Joh 11:48 - "If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

When did Christ sign up to be "tax free"?

Correct. I am just trying to get us to focus on who we are- "THE FAMILY OF GOD." WQe are never referred to in scripture as some particular building, name, person, or doctrine.

We are supposed to be a close- knit community of people who love each other in an atmosphere of acceptance and support whrein spairtual maturity can occur. Concuurrently, we are to be a Beacon of LIGHT to a lost and dying world.

aw

aw said "Concuurrently, we are to be a Beacon of LIGHT to a lost and dying world."

I was just wondering how brightly this beacon is shining when the "faithful" are asking for an undeserved, double blessing?  Since the "faithful" send in records of their charitible donations (church, poor, etc) to Caesar to get a monetary gain from him, why would the "faithful" expect to get another  gain (blessing) from God?  How is that being a "beacon"?

Matthew 6:1-4  "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, *****they have their reward in full*******. "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving  will be in secret; and your  Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

I'm sorry, but I think you are missing the point by comparing the church to an "ORGANIZATION." We are not, but what we are is a "CALLED-OUT" body that is the visible expression of the Lord Jesus Christ in this earth.

We are strangers and pilgrims who are here as Ambassadors for Christ acting under His direction as the Head. If we would simply follow the written instructions from His Word we would function much more effectively.

aw

aw said "I'm sorry, but I think you are missing the point by comparing the church to an "ORGANIZATION." We are not, but what we are is a "CALLED-OUT" body that is the visible expression of the Lord Jesus Christ in this earth."

Sorry, but I am not confused.  I understand that the Scriptures indicated the Elect are to be imitators of Christ and to be a body.  I am pointing out that the "modern church" is not an imitator of Christ, hence the points I raised.  The "modern church" is organized as a corporation which has a board of directors (shortened to "board").  They are a creation of the state since they follow all the guidelines from the state and not Scripture.  They also receive a tax break for following the guidelines of the state and not Scripture.  The "faithful" of the "modern church" expect to receive a benefit from both Caesar and God.  As I indicated, God has a rude surprise waiting for them.  However, had they read the Scriptures and applied them, it wouldn't be a surprise.  

Okay, I see your point and mine is that we who know better should follow the biblical instructions and beseechings with regard to who we really are.

What we have, as you have aptly stated, is an organization filled with tares, apostates, and unbelievers who go about conducting religious services while many of the leaders are Sheep in Wolves clothing and false prophets.

It reminds me of where Paul said, "Are you of Apolllos, et.al." The modern church has come right along and done the very things the scriptures warn against us doing.

Thanks for participating in this discussion,

aw

You can call it anything you want but the fact is the Church must have an identifiable physical presence on earth to fulfill its mission.

We are told to appeal to the Church in Mat 18:17  And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

How can one do this if the one true Church established by Christ is not something you can go to.  I prefer to call it an organization because it has a defined hierarchy of Bishops, Presbyters and Deacons but if you want to call it an organism feel free.  

But one thing it is NOT, is a loose grouping of local churches. Because that allows someone to be seen as a heathen and publican in one local assembly and simply move on to the next and maybe get a different ruling in the dispute.  If that happens both of these loose assemblies cannot be the true Church as they disagree on a matter that was to be decided by the Church.

Romans 12:3.  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
 4.  For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
 5.  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
 6.  Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
 7.  Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
 8.  Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
 9.  Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
 10.  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
 11.  Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
 12.  Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
 13.  Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
 14.  Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
 15.  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
 16.  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.


1 Corinthians 12:12.  For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
 13.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
 14.  For the body is not one member, but many.
15.  If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
 16.  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
 17.  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
 18.  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
 19.  And if they were all one member, where were the body?
 20.  But now are they many members, yet but one body.
 21.  And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
 22.  Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
 23.  And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
 24.  For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:
 25.  That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
 26.  And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
 27.  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
 28.  And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
 29.  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
 30.  Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
 31.  But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.




 

I'd just like to point out, that this is an American perspective.  Taxation is different in other countries; here in Australia, there is no tax free status for churches.  In the United Kingdom, it's the Church (or other charity) that can claim the tax back, not the individual giving the money (which seems a much better way of doing it to me).

It wasn't on offer.   When did Christ use a computer?

Hmm, Michael;
I’m not so sure we are so “loose-knit” as we might imagine.  After all, we all have the same “Boss”, and I feel sure the Boss knows what is going on with each and every part of His Church – whether it is one of the Protestant parts, a Catholic part or an Orthodox part.

(Now – please DON’T drag me into an argument concerning the differences in churches and which one may be “more right” than others.  I won’t play in that playground.)

My point is – what may look like a real mess to you and me probably makes Perfect Sense to our Perfect Boss.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
I Corintians 1:25

Having a board of directors is one characteristic of a corporation, but its hardly a defining one.


So, if I obey the law of the land, that makes me a creation of the state?  ???  

Michael, you got to be kidding! Do you really think that because you have a pope, bishops and priests that your cult is better than Christian churches? Why don’t you explain to us how well your religious order handles child molesting perverted priest who molest helpless little children? We already know the answer, they keep things hushed up and move them to a new location where they molest more helpless children.

Saint Pilgrim

aw, I tip my hat to you.  At least their are a few noble minded individuals on this forum who can look at the Scriptures and make a proper assessment and judgment of the error of the "modern" church and/or world.

Any church group who operates under the auspices of the 501(c)3 status is an organization. This is a proven fact. When the American Church took "the mark" of the 501(c)3 they exchanged the truth of God's Word for the Lie. When a church (corporation) takes the tax exempt status, they are limited by the IRS what they can and cannot preach from the pulpit. They are no longer governend by Biblical standards, but rather the message of the gospel is dictated by the government.(just look to our northern neighbors in Canada)

However, take the Chinese house church movement....there are millions of Chinese Christians who refuse to be a part of the Three Self Patriot Movement (TSPM) which is the "official state church".They risk life and limb, to be able to worship the Lord in spirit and truth. Many have referred to the TSPM as the "harlot", which they refuse to be joined with.

So in essence the True Church is not an organization. It is governed by Gods Laws not mens.

Psalm 119

In this week's(Feb. 2) The New Yorker magazine, under a panel cartoon(p. 40):


"I don't belong to an organized religion.  My religious beliefs are way too disorganized."



    8)    ;D    ???

Psalms 119 said "They are no longer governend by Biblical standards, but rather the message of the gospel is dictated by the government.(just look to our northern neighbors in Canada)"

Psalms 119 is thinking.  Good job.

Psalms 119 said "So in essence the True Church is not an organization. It is governed by Gods Laws not mens."

The problem is the modern church does not imitate Christ nor the teaching of Christ, instead they imitate the government.  

However, in Scripture, the body of Christ was "organized" to represent the human body, of which Christ was the head and God was the head of Christ.  You will also, notice that other parts of the body had no right to be separate from the body of Christ (Division/Factions), nor considered more important then any other part of the body.  However, if Pastor C. Lupus, Pastor Rep Tile or So-Called Christian brother came into the body (viruses) the other parts of the body had a duty to remove them from the body.

I will gladly show all Scripture to back up my paragraph, if requested, however, right now I don't have the time.

Alrighty here I am to bust out with my opinion. But first, I want you to know about me. I am a Southern Baptist. I am also the son of a minister. I have grown up in both comfort and extreme poverty. At this present moment I am receiving an education in Riverside, CA.

None of that is to show that my opinion is right or wrong, but merely to give everyone a background of my life.

I have not shame in calling myself a Southern Baptist. Nobody in this denomination would ever state the claim that if one is not a Southern Baptist, then they are not a Christian. Certainly everyone would agree, that whether SB, Lutheran, Episcopal, Methodists, or yes, even Catholic, Pilgrim; everyone would agree that one's salvation bears no weight on what group you belong to.

I will take offense, however, at ANYONE who seems to feel superior in faith to myself because they "meet in someone's home" instead of a church building. Nor do I claim to be the most spiritually mature, however, arrogance over this matter is uncalled for. There is nothing wrong with holding church in a larger building. Praise the Lord that some places NEED larger buildings to accomadate all those who are seeking or being spiritually fed! And the fact of the matter is, no matter where you go in the USA there will be taxes. Property taxes, etc. Do you think the Lord cares if the church gets good enough treatment from the government today as to be able to avoid some of these taxes? Why not look upon this as a blessing. People, in America, have the privilege now of going to church and, as of now at least, the government supports it.

I agree with the statement as well, that Christ's church is not an organization. It is an organism. Living and working to fulfil the commands of Jesus who is the Christ. But you also need to understand that the "Board of Directors", as one poster called them, are there to maintain the upkeep of the building. I hope with ALL of my heart that none of you find this process sinful. Maintenance of any place of worship for Christian's should be like second nature. Wherever we meet, God is there. There is no shame in keeping it beautiful for Him.

Perhaps, I am looked down upon for my choice of association. I am a Southern Baptist. Denominations are NOT sprung forth by the devil. People naturally gravitate to where their beliefs are more commonly held. It is not the work of Satan that, in order to prevent any heretical ideas from breaking up the church, that this body of believers set forth some guidelines as to what they believe. Just because I am a Southern Baptist, however, it is not mandatory that I agree with everything they put forth. In no way do they tell us what to believe. And, although I do not know where you all live, I have lived in Pennsylvania and California, I have never encountered any Christian who did not regard other Christians, no matter what denomination, as their brother or sister in Christ.

It is a shame that this has to be debated. All Christians, no matter where they gather for worship, should all be working toward the same goals: Reach people with the love of Christ Jesus and grow in individual understanding of the Lord and his precepts to become more Christ-like.

God Bless---Mike

Some other things to note here that are different between a church and a corporation is that a church receives a tax breack that falls under a classification of non-profit.
Do they make a profit?  Technically yes, every church should be putting monies aside for growth, outreach, and other projects and such.  However it is not an organization that is building a war chest to compete with Bill Gates.  
Also since you mentioned a board as in board of directors....I guess that also depends on the church.  I am a member of an Independant Baptist Church.  We have no board of directors, or anything of that nature.  Matters of finance are brought forth to the church family as a whole.  
Another difference is that with a corporation the investors of that corporation receive monies back in the form of dividends or increase in share price.  There are no shares in a church nor are there dividends.  
The analogy of a church with a corporation falls flat when looking at most churches or even most church organizations.  

We are directed to pay unto Ceasar what is due (taxes).  This is for anybody or any organization.  It is not the church which establishes the tax codes, but it is Ceaser.  The tax codes were established to be somewhat fair.  If someone donates to their local charity (non religious) they receive a tax break, a church is a christians charity, because the money in turn generally gets routed to charitable works.  Thus the individual may also get a tax break.  No harm there.  And it is not boasting to claim that as well.  Ceaser provides steps for filing for taxes and donations are a way to earn a break.  I would agree with you if the point were more to someone filling the most they could legally file for, but yet they did not contribute that amount.  (it is easy to do, and our tax prep had mentioned it, but I rejected it).  The gment does not check donations unless they are above a certain amount.  

As far as places of assembly.  I would agree with other comments here that have stated that it does not matter where as long as the Spirit is invited to come in as well.  God will allow His church to grow to however big it needs to be.  The Bible shows us that not only is the church an organisation of like minded people for God's glory, but He provided it for us as well.  It is to be a place of learning for us, a place of fellowship to join with others who believe as we do, it is to be a place of comfort.  Since God provides the church for us also then He will ensure that our needs are met as well.  

I personally do not like big churches.  I prefer smaller services of less than 200.  Although I love to see a good Godly church build up beyond that, and I pray that mine does.  But some people like larger churches for the people or the involvement that particular church may be able to offer that person as far as community work and things like that.  God does not limit the size of His individual churches in the Bible.  

Ummm not too sure whether "unworthy servant" here is opposing or supporting me. At any rate, I agree with everything that is said in unworthy's post. Please know that it is not MY view that it is bad to meet in a large building. The entire point I was making with that is, when a group meets in a larger building there needs to be some sort of governing body over the upkeep. Thank you for citing Scripture. I was pressed or time earlier and was unable to break out my Bible. I hope there was no misunderstanding of anything I said. It seems like we agree. Please have a great day. ---Mike

When the body of Christ had a need for "maintainance" in the body, they didn't run to the pharisees nor to the romans to ask them to be the head of Christ so they could elect a board (of directors) to resolve the problem.  Instead, the righteous pulled righteous men from the congregation to resolve the problem.

Acts 6:3-5 "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.  "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."  The statement found approval with the whole congregation;  and they chose Stephen,  a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas,  a proselyte from Antioch.

And when they had a bigger despute to resolve, they took it back to the council of Jerusalem.

And your point is?

ebia asked "And your point is?"

If you chose to be a slave of Caesar that is your choice . . .

Ro 6:16 - Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?

However, the apostles and I were bought with a price:

1Co 7:23 - You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.

That is why we imitate the true Master:

Joh 10:27 - "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me;

What on earth are you on about?

You're very quick with your bible quotes, but you haven't stopped to explain what argument you are making.

ebia stated "What on earth are you on about? You're very quick with your bible quotes, but you haven't stopped to explain what argument you are making."

Well, it should be very clear, but some people in the Scriptures had real problems with their eyes, ears, and understanding, so I will be clear.

Many chose to obey man over God and few chose to obey God over man.
I count mysellf with the few, Why don't you?

Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.

I think it's great you're clear, unworthy.  It's nice to have everything all figured out and all your cyphers neatly in a row.


How old are you, anyway, about sixteen?


    ::)

Well, you know kids are getting a lot smarter now a days ::)

They are?

On the other hand, I expect more sense from my year 7's (12 year olds) than this guy seems capable of.

In the present dispensation there is only one true Church, which is called the Body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22, 23; 3:1-6) separate and distinct from the prophesied, earthly king­dom of Christ. The historical manifestation of the Body of Christ began with the Apostle Paul before he wrote his first epistle (I Thes. 2:14-16 cf. ; Phil. 1:5, 6 cf. Acts 16; I Cor. 12:13, 27 cf. Acts 18).

Your friend and brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

Oklahoma Howdy to The Crusader,

AMEN BROTHER!

This seems to be a very difficult topic for some to understand for whatever reason. This is a CHURCH not built with human hands, and IT IS ETERNAL with CHRIST AS THE HEAD. There isn't any brick or mortar, pews, and there certainly isn't any of man's denominational tags and labels. It doesn't have a tax status, it isn't a corporation, it isn't an organization, and it answers to no man. The members who are still physically alive go to brick and mortar buildings called churches (with a little "c"). "churches" are in many ways accountable to men, but THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST is accountable ONLY TO GOD. The brick and mortar churches of man, regardless of size or splendor, are ugly as mud fences and NOTHING in comparison to THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST.

There is grief, crime, corruption, sorrow, and lies in man's brick and mortar churches, hopefully along with a healthy dose of truth, worhip of Almighty God, and joy for those who belong to Christ. There is nothing but glory, truth, peace, joy, comfort, and worship in the CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST.

I can't understand why many people have no clue what THE REAL CHURCH, THE CHURCH WHICH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST is. There is NO real church made with brick and mortar, and GOD could care less how big it is, how fancy it is, how many people go there, and certainly not any of man's names they might put over the door.

Love In Christ,
Tom

blackeyedpeas, once again I agree with you 100%.
I also believe this would be a good tract.

Thanks Brother

The Crusader
<:)))><

Right and the bottom line is that the church is synonymous with PEOPLE and not denominations, names, buildings, theologies, or any organization. There is NO distinction- neithe Jew, nor Greek, male or female, slave or free, baptist or methodist, charismatis or pentecostal, tongue talker or non- tongue talker, and black or white.

aw

Right-on aw!
I wish I had said that!
(http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/aktion/action-smiley-033.gif)

AMEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS!

I have a temple in my heart, and it belongs to HIM. The exterior of the temple is very simple and made of clay, but HE will change it some day to something beautiful and incorruptible. As plain and small as it is, HE will keep the temple.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Ya know Tom, by faith, we have a continual presence of the Lord of Lords. We can always come boldly to the throne of grace with full assurance of fdaith as long it is by His blood and in His name.

aw

AMEN AW!

That's one of the most beautiful and precious truths of the Gospel of God's Grace. I don't need burnt offerings, animal sacrifices, or an appointment with a high priest. I can talk to our Lord and Saviour anytime I want to, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I also have HIS Holy Spirit dwelling within me as a guide and comforter. This is only a small sample of the Glory and Majesty of God's Grace and love for HIS children.

He wants us to lay our burdens at HIS feet, and HE wishes to hear our prayers.

Anyone who ever experiences this joy and peace will never turn back.

Thanks be unto GOD for HIS unspeakable GIFT, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Love In Christ,
Tom

This gets me to thinking, which is usually a dangerous thing, but I think is ok this time... ;D  I wonder if we equate just what that throne is often times.  It could be the very throne upon which God sits in Heaven, but I think not.  The passage from which this statement is drawn is highly picturesque of the Old Testament Law vs. the New Testament fulfillment thereof.  With that said, what is this throne?  I believe it to be the very Mercy Seat atop the Ark of the Covenant upon which the blood was sprinkled each year.  Why? Because before, the only one who could approach that throne was the high priest, and he only once a year upon the basis of blood.  When Christ, as the High Priest offered the final sacrifice, the veil, that separated us from God's Mercy Seat was torn from top to bottom.  Where before we feared to go, now we are free to go.  And why?  To find mercy, and grace to help in time of need.  Instead of hiding, and sacrificing for every sin in order to get mercy, we simply go and asked, washed in the blood of our Lord and Savior.

Yup.  He dunnit agin.  Went and started talkin' bout the Old Testament sacrificial system in relation to Jesus' sacrifice.  What can I say?  It's a beautiful picture!

Oklahoma Howdy to Allinall,

Brother, I've thought about that very thing many times. There is an obvious connection and comparison between the Mercy Seat and The Throne of Grace. Another obvious connection and comparison regards temporary and imperfect sacrifices for forgiveness of sin in comparison to the PERFECT AND ETERNAL SACRIFICE OF JESUS ON THE CROSS. Other obvious comparisons involve temporary cleansing and purification under the Old Covenant with the Eternal CLEANSING BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST AND PURIFICATION BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW COVENANT. There are a host of other comparisons, and each one makes JESUS more and more PRECIOUS. I like the analogy of shadows of things to come in the Old Covenant and the PRECIOUS REALITY OF JESUS CHRIST IN THE NEW COVENANT. Some folks don't have a clue why many Christians understand the Biblical definition of the bondage of sin and death under the Law. The REALITY is further magnified in a huge way with the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT.

When I think about approaching the Throne of Grace in prayer, I think of it more in a precious and loving way as in talking to THE FATHER THAT I LOVE. I do think about the Mercy Seat in the Old Covenant, especially in my studies, but I think of it more as a harsh and unapproachable place associated with death sentences for violations of a single commandment in the approach or in the procedures that had to be performed to the letter. In this, I see an obvious contrast between Law and Grace. Under Law, a High Priest had to approach in perfection, and an ordinary person wouldn't dream of getting near that Holy Place under fear of immediate death. Under Grace, a plain and simple person, especially a child, can come to the throne of Grace and be welcomed by their Heavenly Father. The contrast is massive.

Some people may even have a picture imagined in their mind from various portions of the Holy Bible. For the Old Covenant, one might imagine a massive, all-consuming light that would put your eyes out and a voice that would boom to the point of being deafening. For the New Covenant, one might imagine a gentle, quiet, and loving Shepherd tending HIS flock. Again, involving a massive and stark contrast. The contrasts and comparisons go on and on, but the beautiful end result is the matchless Grace and Love of God.

As a final analogy, HIS children all know there is a side of righteous destruction, but our hope is in the promises of eternal joy and peace with our Saviour in Glory. The Scriptures speak of these promises as being so sure that the tense of the promises are already DONE. So, the quality and quantity of our hope is in direct relation to the quality and quantity of our faith.

Thanks be unto God for HIS unspeakable GIFT!

Love In Christ,
Tom