GRACE AND THE TRUTH - DAILY INSPIRATION

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WHY STRUGGLE?
By Miles Stanford


"But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord" (ll Cor. 3:18.).

Our Father allows the believer to struggle with self, not for victory, but for defeat. Then the "wretched man" learns to rest in the Victor.

"Once you have begun the Christian walk, and know the blessedness of it, you are not trying to correct yourself, for you know that all has been removed from the eye of God; and you insist on the fact that self has been to the Cross, and that Christ is your life. The old man was crucified, and you cannot reform him; all attempts of amiable people to reform him are only denying the fact that he has been dealt with in judgment. The responsible (law) man is not before God now. It is now the day of grace. Everyone who receives His grace is set free from the domination of the old man. The appeal to the believer now is not to do, but to look." - J. B.S.

"The believer is never told to 'overcome sin,' but to reckon, on the ground of his death with Christ, that he has died to it. On the basis of death, he is told not to 'let' sin reign in his life. It is to be dealt with by an attitude of death not by 'overcoming.' The believer therefore is not to be spending his whole life in getting victory over sin, but understanding his position as having died unto sin."

" [We] are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Cor. 3:18.).

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GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY AND PRAYER
By Pastor Paul Hume

Scripture Reading: Rom. 8:26-27; Phil. 4:6-7; I Jn. 5:14-15

"Prayer changes things." You have heard this motto all your life perhaps. Does it? You reply, "Why, of course, I've seen prayer change things." Indeed, prayer does change things, but it doesn't always -----even when asked according to the Word of God and in much earnest sincerity. Why? Because God is sovereign, and He answers prayer "according to His will"

"The possibilities and necessity of prayer, its power and results, are manifested in arresting and changing the purposes of God and in relieving the stroke of His power." This statement was made years ago in a periodical called "The Christian Worker." Do you think that your prayers and mine, or even all the prayers of all the true saints the world over together can change the purposes of God? Nay! Nay! What God has purposed, that He will perform! Yet God has purposed that His saints pray not to change His purposes but to bring His purposes about! In other words, God moves on His people to pray to the end that certain things may take place: e.g., the out-break of genuine spiritual revival. History records several such. Saints prayed and prayed. Finally God sent the long-awaited "showers of blessing." Saints were refreshed and sinners were added to Christ by the hundreds. How did it come about? Through prayer. Yes, but behind that was the sovereign pleasure of God to send such reviving at that time.

Why pray? We should do so regularly and constantly ("Pray without ceasing"  l Thes. 5:17) in order to be totally dependent upon the Lord instead of upon ourselves and our maneuverings. We should pray so that we might be brought to the position of worship (an almost unheard of thing except for our so-called Sunday morning "Worship Services" which are really preaching services) and honoring Him who is "God over all, blessed forever." Again, we should pray because it has been ordained as one of the means of our growth in God's grace. Prayer is also a means for the exercising of our faith. Furthermore, prayer has been given so that we may share with our Father in Heaven those things we have need of as well as the needs of others. Therefore, pray, pray, and pray!

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REVEALED BY THE SPIRIT
By RALPH BALOG

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:5

For nearly 2,000 years members of the Body of Christ have received spiritual insight and blessings by reading the Word of God. The Word of God was written by the Spirit of God (II Tim. 3:16). So it is the Holy Spirit, since the time of the apostle Paul, Who reveals truths from His Word for the Body of Christ. The key word in Eph. 3:5 is NOW.

Paul, however, was confronted "face to face" with the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ in the heavenlies (II Cor. 12: 1-4). From Him, Paul received the many revelations which became his "epistles" to the churches of that day and also our direct instructions for today.

Question? If all members of the Body of Christ are indwelt by the same Holy Spirit of Christ, how is it we have numerous denominations all claiming to teach the truth? Answer! The Holy Spirit never reveals anything apart from His holy Word, RIGHTLY DIVIDED, so all denominations are wrong!

God in II Tim. 2:15 is telling us how we may be approved workmen, through whom the Spirit can reveal truths to bless us and cause us to walk worthy of our vocation as ambassadors for Christ.

Let no man deceive you with vain words. The Holy Spirit gives no special revelations to mankind today. Nor does the Lord Jesus Christ "walk with you and TALK with you." Sorry, but hymnology is not proper theology. God speaks only through His Word as we read it and the Spirit applies it to our heart.

We must read the Word and allow it to saturate our thinking. Then the Spirit of God has something upon which to act to cause us to become more and more into the likeness, spiritually, of our blessed Head, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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ON TO PERFECTION OR BACK TO PENTECOST
Part 1 of 2
BY RUSSELL S. MILLER

Paul, in all his epistles, always exhorts the saints to "edification". In Romans, the Corinthian epistles especially, even in the Acts of the Apostles "the churches [had] rest ... and were edified" (9:31); at Thessalonica, in his prison epistles, and his letters to Timothy, he affirms that believers should "exercise [themselves] rather unto godliness" (I Tim. 4:7). His insistence that saints are to be built up in the faith, edified, and established in sound doctrine and practice is profound.

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Eph. 4:14).

He insists that his gospel, message, and ministry, is to be made known far and wide, and was made known throughout the whole world:

"For I would not, brethren, THAT YE SHOULD BE IGNORANT OF THIS MYSTERY, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits ... " (Rom. 11:25).

"... we speak wisdom among them that are perfect ... ", are the words of his first epistle to the Corinthians, "yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a Mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (I Cor. 2:6,7,8.) .

Here the exhortation is not merely doctrinal, but an exhortation to practical Christian living also, and to "perfection" or maturity in the most holy faith. He reminded the Corinthians that "the Lord of glory" was "crucified" on their behalf, "that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the Scriptures", even as "Christ our passover is sacrificed for us" (5:7). This behooves me, it behooves us all, to walk worthy of Him "the Lord from heaven", who loved us so.

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col. 1:10).

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day" (II Cor. 4:16).

"Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, YET NOW HENCEFORTH KNOW WE HIM NO MORE" (II Cor. 5:16).

This is why we follow the heavenly ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the epistles of Saint Paul. As the Apostle said so often, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ" (I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; I Thes. 1:6). There is much indeed that was "written aforetime ... for our learning" yet the Apostle of grace "beseeches" us to follow the heavenly ministry of Christ as revealed through him. We are not exhorted to follow the Commission of Matthew, Mark, Luke or John, as Great as it was, because God has something far greater today. Paul was " ... called by His grace, To reveal His Son in me ... " are the Apostle's exact words in Galatians 1:15,16. As great and glorious as His Millennial Kingdom shall be, yet The Lord Jesus Christ, in the "exceeding glory" of His grace (II Cor. 3:10), is revealed in Paul's epistles.

"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man."

"For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 1:11).

"And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ" (Eph. 3:9).

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ON TO PERFECTION OR BACK TO PENTECOST
Part 2 of 2
BY RUSSELL S. MILLER

God wants us to know His Son. And He has given us a great deal of evidence, proving that His Son can perform that which He has said He will do, if we would only trust Him:

"That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death" (Phil. 3:10).

And, in Hebrews, as in all his epistles, his exhortation is rather "on to perfection" (Heb.6:1), and not back to the Pentecostal "powers of the world to come" (Heb. 6:2) and the so-called great commission. This was the problem at Corinth with those who were "speaking in an unknown tongue" (I Cor. 14:2,4,13,14,19,27). Paul exhorts us to maturity in Christ through the revelation given to him by the glorified Lord Jesus Christ! "And this will we do, if God permit" (Heb. 6:3). In Colossians he exhorts believers to "mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth", and he names them-the lusts of the flesh. And to "put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication ... " and to "put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him" (Col. 3:5-14). "Put off the old man with his deeds" and "put on" the Lord Jesus Christ.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one Body; and be ye thankful.

"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom".
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him" (Col. 3:15-17).

A failure to heed these exhortations only causes many not to see the transitional element in the Acts of the Apostles. Tongues, signs and visions have all passed away with their water baptisms, laying on of hands, miraculous healings and resurrection campaigns. Even the offices of apostles and prophets have ceased (I Cor. 13:8.) leaving "some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ:

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:11,12,13) .

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FACT FINDING
By Miles Stanford

 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord" (II Pet. 1:2).

We cannot too highly value and appreciate heart-hunger for the Word. It is of the Spirit of Truth. We may have been born again without knowing much of the Bible, but we certainly are not going to grow to any extent apart from a careful and persistent study of the Word of God. Yes, the maturing believer is a Spirit---dependent student of the Scriptures, "whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (II Pet. 1.4).

"Christian progress is not a question of attaining to some abstract standard, or of pressing through to some far-off goal. It is wholly a question of seeing God's standard in God's Word. You advance spiritually by finding out what you really are (in Christ), not by trying to become what you hope to be. That goal you will never reach, however earnestly you may strive.

"It is when you see you are dead unto sin that you die to it (daily); it is when you see you are risen that you arise; it is when you see you are a 'new creation' in Him that you (progressively) grow. Seeing the accomplished fact in the Word determines the pathway to the realizing of that fact. The end is reached by seeing, not by desiring or working. The only possibility of spiritual progress lies in our discovering the truth as God sees it; the truth concerning Christ, the truth concerning ourselves in Christ."  -W.N.

"Come and see the works of God" (Ps. 66:5 ).

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With Eternity's Values in View
(Part 1 of 5)
By Charles Wages


We often emphasize that "eternal life" is the happy privilege of all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. How true and wonderful this is! This is the "fact" that through "faith" in the finished work of Christ on the cross, the vilest sinner can be saved! (Eph. 2:8-9) However, we often seem to neglect the "effects" that eternal life has on the believer.

What does it mean to have everlasting life? Are there changes in the attitudes and actions of one who through faith in Christ has received "eternal life?" Passing from death unto life is such a tremendous truth that it should have a resounding effect on our lives. We often try to visualize "life after death." What happens right after we die? Well, to the believer, it is "absent from the body, and present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8.). However, we realize that before Christ came into our lives, we were "dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph. 2:1). When we believed the truth of the gospel, God "quickened" (made alive) us and gave us eternal life. We read in Ephesians 2:5-6 that,

"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:"

It is clearly taught in Scripture that before we were "saved by God's grace," we were "dead in trespasses and sins." Physical death is what we usually think of when we refer to "dying." It is true that "the wages of sin is death," and "it is appointed unto men once to die." However, death is referred to in several ways in the Scriptures. For example, the Scriptures speak of individuals being dead while they live (l Tim. 5:6). That is, they are "dead to Christ," but not dead with Christ! Then, the wonderful truth becomes clear,

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that, we shall also live with Him:" (Rom. 6:8.)

Further we are admonished,

"Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom. 6:11)

It is this "newness of life," from the deadness of sin that produces the "eternal life" that we possess the moment we trust the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. Now, again, what is the meaning of this to the believer? The eternal life, a gift from God, is a fact, but what about the "act" of "fact"?

It is important to see that this eternal life that God gives us by His grace is a present possession. Notice the statement of our Lord:

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my Word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

This present position and possession of eternal life will be ultimately consummated as stated in Colossians 3:2-4,

"Set your affection on things above, not on things of the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."

This "eternal life" is not only a present possession, but it is an eternal position. We are informed in Philippians 3:20-21:

"For our conversation (citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."

Think of this! The saved sinner is a "heavenly citizen!" The instant a person truly receives Christ as Saviour, his or her citizenship is recorded in heaven! The apostle Paul is led to state this truth in these terms in Ephesians 2:5-7,

"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."

This is the "blessed assurance" of the believer!

Not only is the "eternal life" our present possession, our present position, but it is also our present protection. This life, this eternal life that He has so freely given to the believer, and the full realization or acceptance of it, guards the child of God from falling for every false doctrine that arises. Colossian 2:6-8 is not only a warning to the believer, but instruction in how to live for Him in this wonderful eternal life.

"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught; abounding therein with thanksgiving."

Finally, the eternal life we have as His children, should have a wonderful and lasting effect on our lives. We need to realize and accept the fact of present, eternal life, given to us by God through Christ. Eternal life should produce "sound minds" to know and appreciate the values that are eternal. This great truth of the present reality of eternal life produces in the believer "what sunshine does for stained glass windows."

"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed and an persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12)

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With Eternity's Values in View
(Part 2 of 5)
By Charles Wages

We have seen previously that eternal life is a present position and protection to one who has trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. This is completely by the death of Christ on the Cross. It is not by our good works whether religious or secular (Eph. 2:8-9). Eternal life is in the "here" as well as the "hereafter."

Seeing and believing this wonderful truth, we should not neglect the "effects" that eternal life has on the believer. Are there changes in the attitudes and actions of one who has received eternal life?

First, knowing one has eternal life should have an effect on one's "personal" life. We have to believe and accept the devastating life of the past. Ephesians 2:1-3 states:

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins: Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind: and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."

This life before we were saved is called the "old man" in Colossians 3:1. Some of the characteristics of the "old man" are anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication. There are many more too numerous to mention. However, when a person trusts the Lord for salvation, he or she becomes a "new" person in Christ!

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we are told that,

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new."

Notice the emphasis on the "new creation" and that "old things are passed away." The "old man" has nothing to look forward to but death. The "new man" now has eternal life and looks forward to an eternity in the presence of the Lord! Again, it must be stressed that eternal life is a present possession and should make a great change in our attitudes and actions while we live on this earth.

This realization of present possession of "eternal life" should have an effect on our "spiritual" life as well as our "personal" life although they are closely related. An eternal connection with the Lord should be accompanied by a spiritual communion with Him. Communion basically involves fellowship. Fellowship with whom? 1 John 1:3 states,

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ."

We must have "communion" with the One who has given us eternal life. This communion or fellowship is through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. (Rom. 8:26-27) Communion involves communication. We have to have God's eternal life before we can have God's learning. The Scripture is clear that the "natural" man (devoid of eternal life) cannot understand the truth of God's Word.

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

The realization of our eternal life gives the believer a yearning for learning. Learning more about this wonderful "eternal life" is a wonderful journey! This journey includes communion with the Lord who constantly and consistently loves us. Communion involves worship. One must have "eternal life" before one can worship the eternal God. We are told in Philippians 3:3,

"For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."


This spiritual worship or communion should include:
Reading and studying God's Word (2 Tim. 2:15)
Prayer or communicating with God (1 Thess. 5:17)
Fellowshipping with believers (Heb. 10:25)The full realization that eternal life is a present result of having trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour brings stability and soundness to the child of God. This results in sound values, sound minds, and real security to the believer. Let's remember that the Scripture says,

"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

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With Eternity's Values in View
(Part 3 of 5)
By Charles Wages



It is a Scriptural fact that before we can live with and for the Lord, we must first die with Him! It was the apostle Paul, writing under the inspiration of God, who wrote,

"I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me." (Gal. 2:20)

Then, we read in Romans 6:8,

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall also live with Him."

We have seen this is fact—that the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has everlasting life as the gift of and from God! How is the believer to act "with eternity's values in view?" Natural life can be a wonderful experience, but because of the sin nature and its results, this natural life is not always so wonderful. However, with "eternity's values in view," life takes on a new perspective. The Scriptures advise us to:

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Col. 3:2)

Natural life has the earth in view. Eternal life has heaven in view. Natural life mainly has self in view, whereas eternal life has the Saviour in view. With "eternity's values in view," we can better serve our heavenly Father and be of service while living on earth. We must constantly keep in mind that our Lord came to earth, died on a cross, but went back to heaven. Ephesians 1:19-23 says,

"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."

Knowing and believing this wonderful truth, or rather believing and knowing this glorious truth, enables us it to keep looking up." Humanly and humorously, it has been said, "Keep looking up, especially when there is only mud under your feet." "With eternity's values in view," we can see more clearly the tasks or work that is at hand. Surely, it gives a stronger desire to learn more, live better, and love stronger.

The more we look at the things of the world, the more we see Satan's work. After all, Satan is the god of this world system or the "age" in which we live.

"But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost; in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, less the light of the glorious gospel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto them." (2 Cor. 4:3-4)

One of the main works of the devil is to blind people so they cannot see the work of the Lord and believe the gospel of God's grace. Also, that blinding work of the devil also affects the believer. It keeps the child of God from "remembering" that the Lord has redeemed him or her from the penalty of sin. In other words, it affects our sight. Note carefully what God led Peter to write in 2 Peter 1:8-9:

"For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from the old sins."

Also note, it is said of this blindness, "he cannot see afar off." In other words, the believer being blind of God's work in saving his soul, cannot have "eternity's values in view!"

In the context of these verses in 2 Peter, the believers were told to add to their faith virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (verses 5-7). These are "spiritual vitamins" to enable us to see what's ahead! It is possible for a person to know they are saved, know how they were saved, know from what they were saved, but not know why they were saved. Sometimes a person can be like the little bird that flies backward and only sees where he has been, but not much about where he is going.

We have seen that the eternal life God so freely gives to those who trust Him for salvation is a precious reality, a present protection, a permanent position. All of these should have a prevailing effect on our values in daily life. For example, the believer should have a "sound mind" in spiritual and earthly matters. This can only be accomplished if we have our thinking and decisions based on "sound doctrine." This sound doctrine or teaching can only be found in God's Word and teaching based thereon. This is especially vital when we are warned in 2 Timothy 4:3-4,

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

One of the attributes of eternal life is that of a "sound mind." We read in 2 Timothy 1:7,

"For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Out of a "sound mind" comes "sound words" based on "sound doctrine." This truth can be used in the life and experience of the child of God to convince the unsaved of their great need of the Saviour. Paul, writing to his son in the faith, said in Titus 1:9,

"Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

It should go without saying that "with eternity's values in view," our lives will be more "wholesome" and useful. We will be more able to think and act with more stability and steadfastness. The amusing story is told of a young man who lost his job in the orange juice plant—he couldn't concentrate! When our thinking goes astray we should remember to KEEP LOOKING UP!

Think soberly, soundly, and with "eternity's values in view!"

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With Eternity's Values in View (Part 4 of 5)
By Charles Wages



We have seen previously that presently and positionally, we have eternal life because we have trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour. The more we continue to trust Him and give Him pre-eminence as the Lord Jesus Christ, the more this eternal life becomes a reality to us. The more we keep "eternal" values in view, the less burdensome and bothersome the cares of the world become. When we realize that scripturally and spiritually, we have been made "new creations" in Christ Jesus and that "old things have passed away," it helps us to see what eternity holds in store for all believers!

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, He is a new creature; old things are passed away: Behold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Cor. 5:17-18.)

When we see that by God's grace and power we have become "new creations" in Christ Jesus, then it is easier to have the "new heavens" and "new earth" in view. When we can see and believe what Romans 8:18 teaches:

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

We can surely keep "eternity's values in view." We all experience the "sufferings of this present time." These "sufferings" of the present include vainness (vanity), groaning, and travailing (with the old creation) bondage (lack of liberty), and no hope.

However, the eternal life that God gives enables us to see beyond "this vale of tears" and fully realize that,

"Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." (Rom. 8:21)

The full and fulfilling realization that a believer has eternal life affects our personal life and our prayer life. The apostle Paul's prayer as recorded in Ephesians 1:15-23 was principally concerned with his expectations of a heavenly life.

"Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints." (Eph. 1:15-18.)

Verse 18 of this prayer is especially significant. It concerns and emphasizes the eternal salvation that God gives to those who trust the Lord Jesus Christ. We shouldn't take advantage of the "gift." We should recognize the change that has taken place in our lives. We have "passed from death unto life." To have "passed from death unto life implies a change from one place to another. It also implies a change from one person to another. That is, from Satan to the Saviour. The writer visited a rest home to visit an elderly brother. The attendant at the front office said, "Oh, he has "passed." I knew what she meant, whether she did or not. It could spiritually be said of a lost sinner when he or she accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, "they have passed." Romans 6:1-13 is a great teaching passage on death and life. It clearly teaches that those who believe are "baptized" into His death and raised unto a newness of life. It also emphasizes that believers "should walk in newness of life" (vs. 4). This "newness of life" includes and involves walking with "eternity's values in view." How wonderfully important Colossians 3:1-4 becomes!

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With Eternity's Values in View
(Part 5 of 5)
By Charles Wages



Our theme throughout these lessons has been that "eternal life" is not some "far distant hoped for possibility," but rather a present, permanent, position that every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ has by the marvelous, matchless grace of God. This truth is a scriptural "fact" that should determine our every act.

Often the question is asked, "Do you think a person could be saved and not know it?" Or conversely, could one be lost and not know it? These seem to be "foolish" thoughts or questions, but, in fact, they have tremendously important implications. A person could have been baptized in infancy or joined a church, thinking it was necessary for salvation or eternal life. Some even think they have "sinned away salvation" or committed the "unpardonable sin." There are numerous misconceptions why a person would not know whether they were saved or not. There is a familiar passage of Scripture in 1 John 5:9-13,

"If we receive the witness of man, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He has testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God has the witness in himself : he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in the Son. He that hath the Son, hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God."

Verse 13 is the verse closely connected to our theme, "With Eternity's Values in View." This verse is often referred to as an assurance of our salvation. It surely does give us that assurance, however, it specifically says, "that ye may know that you have eternal life." Surely, "eternal life" and salvation are closely connected, however the stress is on "eternal life," and further that we may "know."

Knowledge is a wonderful thing, but how much do we "know" about the eternal life God has given to those who have believed? Knowledge is often defined as "the fact or condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience or association." However, simply stated, the real understanding of life and eternal life only comes through His Word. It is a wonderful experience to feel like a believer or even to rejoice in the eternal life God has so freely given, but we can only "know for sure" because He has declared it! The apostle John was led to write, " These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God." (1 John 5:13)

The emphasis in this verse seems to be on the expression, "that ye may know that ye have eternal life." How can we "know" we have eternal life? The answer is, "this is the record" (vs. 11) and "These things have I written unto you" (vs. 13). It is recorded in God's Word! Therefore, we can know!

Having and knowing we have eternal life is a wonderful experience and feeling, but we "know" it because God says so. Knowing for sure we have eternal life will amplify the values of this life naturally and spiritually. The value we place on human life will increase, and our desire to see them redeemed will be greater.

"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (1 John 5:20)

The Apostle Paul knew, when he wrote under inspiration,

"For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." (2 Tim. 1:12)

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NEED, THEN SUPPLY
By Miles Stanford


"Not as though I had already attained ... but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:12).

The heavenly Husbandman develops a believer on the same principle that He does a tree: planting, growth, consolidation, rest, and then more growth. There are stages. We are shown our sin and need-self. Then we hunger for freedom and life--Christ. This is a progression. At first, we consider the shocking revelation of self the greatest of calamities; later, we realize that it is the pathway to the blessed revelation of our life in the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Before we can take on the likeness of the Lord Jesus, we must see ourselves and know how we look; we must be brought into the place where we are not dismayed nor cast down when we discover how little we are conformed to His image. It is only as we see our need, that we can be supplied." - C.McI.

"It does us no good, but only discourages us if we see our failures and shortages and do not behold the beauty of Christ, and apprehend and experience our sufficiency in Him. On the other hand, if we see only what we are in Him and do not discern our defects; if we do not apprehend that which must be appropriated and worked out in us; if we do not see all that must be put off, and that Christ must be put on in actual control and manifestation, we become self-satisfied and puffed up --- we lose our invaluable 'need.''' - C.McI.

"I certainly do count everything as loss compared with the priceless privilege of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil. 3:8, Wms.).

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Keep Your Eye on the Finish Line
by Pastor Ricky Kurth



“Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34).



Here in John 4, the Lord was just beginning His ministry, but He already had His eye on the finish line. What a great example for us!It is so easy to get caught up in the details of everyday life and give little or no thought to life’s end. As Pastor Stam used to say, “Most people live for this life as if it were never going to end, and they live for the next life as if it were never going to begin, when the very opposite is the case!” Too often this is true of God’s people as well.

Of course, as grace believers we are not just interested in what the Lord Jesus would do. Since we follow Paul as he followed Christ (I Cor. 11:1), we look to Paul as our example. But this is how he lived his life as well! He talked about how it was his goal, as he says, to “finish my course” (Acts 20:24). He too lived his life with his eye on the finish line!

If you are wondering what it means to live like this, notice that the Lord said that while on life’s journey, He made it His “meat” to do God’s will. The Bible word “meat” speaks of food of any kind, and food is the most important thing in your physical life. If you don’t believe that, just try going without it for a few days! This writer has a friend who says that while fasting, he will sometimes go to the grocery store just to gaze upon food! Thus the Lord was saying that continuing to do the will of His Father was the most important thing in life, and the way to live with the finish line in view.

How about you, dear Christian friend? Are you living your life with your eye on the finish line? It is important to notice that while the Lord talked about the finish line at the beginning of His ministry, Paul spoke of it as he neared the end of his life. And so if you are a young Christian, it is not too early to start living with the finish line in view, and if you are a “seasoned citizen” in the kingdom of God, it is not too late!

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THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN
by Russell S. Miller



"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the Scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures" (I Cor. 15:3,4).

There is, in fact, only one way of salvation in this day and age of grace in which we live today: Christ's death upon that cross. In the above passage we read that "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS" and it is upon the basis of this one Sacrifice that God saves souls today. Thus the extreme importance of trusting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour! His death upon Calvary's cross is the only means of salvation from sin's consequences. The Lord Jesus "made peace" for every believer "through the blood of His cross" (Col. 1:20). Listen to the Apostle's declaration to the Ephesians:

"BUT NOW IN CHRIST JESUS YE WHO SOMETIMES WERE FAR OFF ARE MADE NIGH BY THE BLOOD OF CHRIST" (Eph. 2:13).

Our communion with God today is based upon the blood of Christ (I Cor. 10:16; Heb. 10:19; Eph. 3:12). In Hebrews alone there are twenty-two references to the blood of Christ whether in type or antitype (Heb. 2:14; 9:7-25; 10:4,19,29; 11:28; 12:4,24; 13:11,12,20). "AND WITHOUT [THE] SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION" (Heb. 9:22). Such is our access to God.

"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh" (Heb. 10,19,20).

"According to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" (Eph. 3:11,12).

The Apostle Paul uses the Greek word, katallagee, rendered "atonement" once (Rom. 5:11) and "reconciliation" three times in his epistles (Rom. 11:15; II Cor. 5:18,19), in speaking about the basis of the only way into God's presence today.

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

"By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:1,2).

But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, CHRIST DIED FOR US.

Much more then, BEING NOW JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, MUCH MORE, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

"And not only so, but WE ALSO JOY IN GOD through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement? (Rom. 5:9-11).

So we have here the blessed truth that "Christ died for our sins"; that we are "justified by His blood"; that we are "saved from wrath" through the death of Christ, and not by our own works. And we are "reconciled to God by the death of His Son" (Rom. 5:10). "His life" at the right hand of God is the manifest evidence of His resurrection and His Almighty power to save those that believe. The fact that "He ever liveth to make intercession for us"  keeps us for time and eternity (Heb. 7:25; Rom. 8:34). So, whether we like it or not, even changing our minds cannot change His mind about our salvation in Christ Jesus.

No, God does not change His mind regarding those who place their faith in His Son. Jesus Christ is the Eternal God and "whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever" (Ecc. 3:14; Rom. 8:35-39).

It is therefore not a conditional salvation that Christ wrought upon the tree, but a perfect and complete redemption was fully accomplished by the Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross. If there had been any other way surely "the only wise God" would have known. "If there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the Law" (Gal. 3:21). But there was no other way! None other can save you from Hell and the Lake of Fire. Oh, keep this in memory and don't ever forget that "CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS" because this is the only way to heaven.

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I TESTIFY IN THE LORD
By Pastor Ivan Burgener


"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord that you henceforth walk not as Gentiles walk (Eph. 4:17). Spiritual growth is to be evident in our walk. In the One Body all growth is "out of" Christ as the Head. Growth depends on "supply," and the supply depends on "the effectual working in the measure of every part," that is, the unity, function, and cooperation of all members (Eph. 4:15,16). Col. 2:19 puts it well, "......the Head, out of Whom all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increases with the increase of God." This is edifying and building up the Body Christ!

The energy for this growth comes from God Who "works (energizes) all things" according to His eternal purpose (Eph. 1:11). The great expression of the working of His mighty power was when He raised Christ from the dead. That same power seated Christ "at His own right hand in the heavenlies...far above all" (1:19,20). Paul said his gift for service was by "the effectual working of His power" (3:7). And his prayer for us was that this same power would "work in us" (3:20). Finally, we read of "the effectual working...of every part" (4:16).

Thus Paul warned how Gentiles walk "in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (4:17,18.). Romans tells of the whole creation made "subject to vanity" (8:20), and how Gentiles turned a deaf ear toward God. "For when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their reasoning and their foolish heart was darkened" (Rom. 1:21). Three times in that chapter it tells of God's response to their rebellion. He "gave them up to uncleanness ...gave them up to vile affections...gave them over to a reprobate mind" (1:24,26,28.). This explains their walk, "according to the course of this age, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the sons of disobedience" (Eph. 2:2), "who being past feeling have given themselves over to licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." (Eph. 4:19.) Vanity expressed itself by darkened  ...alienated ...ignorance...blindness... a dulled conscience...licentiousness... uncleanness... greediness."  Walk not as Gentiles walk!