DM#6: Before we can even begin with the ABC’s

Doctrine of the Mysteries #6

Before we can even begin with the ABC’s

The doctrine of the mysteries is a curriculum that can only be learned by those who have been regenerated in the spirit. The light of God’s written Word does not shine in the hearts of those who are lost. Paul tells us why in 1Cor 2:14, “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.” This curriculum is meant for the members of the Body of Christ, as it can only be understood in the mind of the spirit. It cannot be understood or received in the carnal mind.

2Cor 4:3-6 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: (4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (5) For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (6) For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

So, how then do we receive the mind of the spirit?

What do we do between justification and glorification?

What do we do between justification and glorification?

Rom 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Paul tells us that if we truly believe in Jesus Christ by hearing and responding to the grace gospel, we are freely justified by the ‘decree’ of God, and we can have peace with God, and access to the grace that He provides, Rom 5:1-2.

Through faith in the gospel of grace, we are transferred from the administration of death, which is in Adam, into the administration of life, which is in Christ. When we belong to Christ’s administration, we are now identified with righteousness, peace, and life, as Paul continues to tell us,

Rom 5:17-19 For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

All this activity happens the moment God saves us. We do not feel anything new. We do not sense anything different. Nothing changes in our flesh or in our mind. What has changed has all happened in the spiritual realm. We have a new relationship to God. We are identified in Christ. We are sealed into the family of God. We know this and believe this because the written Word tells us.

So, what now? If I’m saved in my spirit, what happens to my life here on earth? What happens in my circumstances? What do I do from here on?

DM#5: That which may be known of God is manifest

Doctrine of the Mysteries #5

Rom 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world 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 that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

That which may be known of God is manifest

A person can make up excuses. They can tell themselves, and others, that they do not believe in God, or in being accountable to Him. They can reason away the truth with philosophy, or science, or skepticism. They can even revel in the glory of their ignorance, but they can never completely hide themselves from God. There will always be that deep sense of truth, ever present within them.

Insights into the messed up 'Modern Denominational' view of Salvation (incl. the Olive Tree)

Insights into the messed up 'Modern Denominational' view of Salvation

Below is a comment on one of my posts regarding salvation by grace through Christ alone. After the comment, I reply with my answer, rightly divided.

COMMENT:

If people listen to the gospel that you preach, in which people are saved by grace alone, they would never be saved. Anybody can just narrate passages, but teachers should first learn before teaching. On a little side note before the shocker, Paul blatantly tells the Gentiles in the church that just as the Israelites have been cut out of the Olive tree, so can they, if they do not continue in His goodness. That means it is possible to NOT continue in His goodness, which he says will result in being chopped off! There are many more versus like I’LL SAY I NEVER KNEW YOU, and I’LL SPEW OUT OF MY MOUTH, and I WILL BLOT YOUR NAME OUT OF THE BOOK OF LIFE, and many more.

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 7): Our Blessings

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 7 of 7): Our Blessings

Start with Part 1 of the series here.

Romans 5:1 begins, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have..." and then proceeds to speak of the blessings that we have as believers. These are blessings given to every person who has been justified by faith. In previous lessons we have already seen that we have peace with God, a standing in grace, a hope of glory, and are sealed with the Holy Spirit. As wonderful as this is, there is even more! In this lesson we will learn more about the marvellous blessings that we have in Christ.

Regeneration

Titus 3:3 describes each one of us before we were justified by faith: "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another." Certainly not a very pretty picture! We were enemies of God and were spiritually dead. However, that is not the end of the matter! "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour" (Titus 3:4-6). This passage tells us about another spiritual blessing we have. We have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The word "regeneration" means, to be produced anew. The Holy Spirit has quickened us in our spirit. We are no longer "dead in trespasses and sins," but have spiritual life within us.

DM#4: The grace gospel, to all nations

Doctrine of the Mysteries #4

Rom 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. (15) So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The grace gospel, to all nations

When the Lord chose Paul to be the apostle and minister of the Mysteries, He indicated to Paul that this message was for everyone, saying,

Act 9:15 … bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

Similarly, Paul confirms this condition in our key verse saying that he was a debtor to the Greeks and the Barbarians. The term, Greeks, could denote “those who dwelt in Greece”, but it can also be synonymous with those who are civilized, or refined, or the wise. As for Barbarians, the term itself, properly denotes one who speaks a foreign language, or a foreigner, and the Greeks applied it to all who did not use their tongue. See the following verse for example,