Jesus Christ As The Means Of Salvation
Some Attributes of God
A.) God is Omniscient (all knowing) Psa.139:1-4;147:5;Hebrews 4:13. God's foreknowledge is not limited by time; He knew that man would fall, but He also knew His plan of Redemption and Salvation.
B.) God is an invisible Spirit that cannot be seen
1.) John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
a.) No one; angels, the man Jesus Christ, or men have ever or will ever see all of God.
b.) "Bosom" is speaking of the intimacy between Jesus and God. It is a figurative expression. God does not have a chest.
2.) 1 John 4:12a No man hath seen God at any time.
a.) In the Old Testament what they saw were manifestations. These were instruments by which God has revealed parts of Himself: of His character, love, grace, power, and mercy.
3.) John 4:24a God is a Spirit. Eph.4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit.... 1 Tim.1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible...
C.) Hebrews 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets
1.) Heb. 1:1 refers to the different outward, visible or audible manifestations of God.
2.) These are not just apparitions and mirages. They are tangible contacts between God and man.
D.) No man can see God as He really is. Remember, He's not confined to shape or size, and also He is not a quantity or material substance.
E.) We know of God only by His manifestations to us-- They are experiential evidence that we can see, feel, hear, etc. The Bible, the new birth, the infilling of the Holy Spirit are ways that He has dealt w/ man. These are ways we know about these things. He has revealed Himself through the senses-- from His realm of the Spirit into our realm of the flesh: the human body, soul, and spirit.
1.) It is that which is perceivable like gravity or wind. You know it is there because of its affect.
2.) We cannot see a spirit w/ physical eyes, but God did manifest Himself in physical forms to man to reveal aspects of His nature.
F.) In the New Testament, God manifests Himself in His only-begotten son Jesus Christ who was the visible representation of invisible YAHWEH (Hebrew word for LORD) to man and in him dwelt all the fulness of the God-essence, i.e., the Father, bodily.
G.) Following this God manifested Himself to each individual believer as the Holy Spirit dwelling within. This was the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, BUT NOW revealing Himself in a different relationship than before
1.) NOTICE: John 2:19-21 w/ Gal.1:1 w/ Romans 8:11w/ John 4:24 w/ Eph.4:4
This is Where Genesis 1:26,27 Comes In-- lets take a look at it and see what God's plan is
Genesis 1:26 this is God's desirer--that we be made in His image and likeness. God was speaking here prophetically and anticipatively of His son Jesus, the last Adam, who working w/ his Father would make man in His image. God created man (Adam) in His own image, and Adam had glory and fellowship w/ the Father before the world ( the world system) was (John 17:5), i.e. before there were any other people on earth. But Adam fell from his position w/ God and the curse came upon all mankind.
Jesus became the true Adam (man) that God started out to make--it was a process from innocence to perfection. In his sinless life he had unbroken fellowship w/ the Father; he became the new order and pattern for men.
Notice the following references: Eph.2:10,20-22;4:24;col.3:10,11; 2 Cor.5:17; Gal.4:19; Romans8:29.
In Genesis 1:26,27, both "make" and "create" are used. "make" = "asah" = to labor, work about something, to make, produce by labor; it shows a process of time. "Create" = Bara = to cut, carve out, form by cutting, implies that it's done from nothing, instantly.
Summary: God in beginning created man in His image, but after the fall, God has been working w/ His first perfect son Jesus through the blood of the cross to make man (process of labor) into the image and likeness of God. See John 4:34;5:17,18.
We the saints, now are in Christ's stead in this work--2 Cor. 5:18-21.
It's a process as we yield to God's Spirit and die to self.
Genesis 1:26 " Let us make ( a process ) in our image after our likeness. "
Image = the outward, and Likeness = the inward
Image = 1.) Head ship.
2.) Ability to communicate by articulated speech.
3.) Head and fountain of the human race.
4.) Fitted for dominion.
5.) Intelligence.
6.) Reason.
7.) Erect bearing ( dignity and manner and elevation of being. )
8.) A visible representation of God on earth.
Likeness =
1.) Inward relationship.
2.) Similarity of heart of God.
3.) Holiness of character.
4.) Unity of heart and mind.
Adam was created in the image of God. After this creation, God began to make him into His likeness. This was interrupted by the fall, and man lost much of the likeness of God. This, in turn, affected the image of God in which man was made. God has since been making man into His likeness and, therefore, also making man into His image, which shall be completed when we receive a celestial body.
So God manifested Himself through Christ and now through His saints who are in Christ;
2 Cor.5:17-21 we are now a new creature or creation in Christ and we have the ministry of reconciliation, as ambassadors for Christ.
John 5:17,36 Read. Father and Christ working together-- this is how He wants it to be w/ us-- working together w/ Him as Christ did.
This was God's plan from the beginning: His logos, word or plan.
Gen.1:26,27 God had a plan before He created anything; this is not an after thought, this plan is referred to in the gospels, the mystery, the logos or plan of God.
Jn.1:1 from the beginning. Word, Gr.= logos = Christ. Christ and the plan are the same.
Isa.55:11 The word shall go forth and accomplish that which I please; this is what Christ did, he accomplished God's word as God desired. He was the word or logos of God from the beginning, the plan of God. He did God's will completely, w/ out blame.
Word = logos, Gr. = collecting or collection of things in the mind to be expressed in words. The thought process--it signifies the outward form of an inward thought, plus the inward thought itself. Jesus was the word of God in flesh, the express image or essence of God. Jn.1:14; Heb.1:3; Col.2:9.
So God has chosen us by is foreknowledge, " To be conformed to the image of his son that he might be the first born among many brethren. " before the foundation of the world = Kosmos, Gr. = to set in order = the word system, not the earth. Earth has a different Greek word (Rom.8:28,29).
Before the world system was in existence through sin etc.. God had a plan for mankind, the logos of God, and this plan was made manifest through Christ. It was made manifest to the full when Christ came, Jn.1:14 in Jesus Christ man could not only see God, but God's plan.
We see that God had a purpose, a plan, a logos, before the world began--for his saints.
He created things having a purpose and a plan in his mind. this plan ( which is none other than the bride of Christ, and the redemption of this bride through Jesus Christ ) is part of the logos. This is part of the inward thought and plan that God had before he started creating.
This predestinating took place before the foundation of the world. The Father predestinated us in Jesus Christ to himself. This is God's plan, marked out before hand, by his foreknowledge. This is not violating our free will, but God being Omniscience, all knowing, knew who would respond to his love---thru Jesus Christ.
We were existing in God's purpose and will. we were existing in his logos. God had a will, he wanted to accomplish something and this "something" ( the bride of Christ ) he purposed it, approved it in himself, in his plan, in his thought. God started creating with a plan, a good pleasure which he purposed in himself.
Eph.1:10 explains further that the mystery of his will is, " That in the dispensation of the fulness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth: even in him. "
The mystery of the will of God which he had purposed in himself, but which is made manifest to us in Christ and the church or Christ in us the hope of glory.
Col.1:9 "...And to desire that ye may be filled w/ the (full) knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. "
Rev.4:11 "...For thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure ( Greek = will) they are and were created. "
Rom.8:29 " For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the first born among many brethren. " Verse 30 "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called..."
1Cor.2:7 " But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory. "
Jn.17:24 " .......That they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. "
Here we see that the calling of the saints is done according to God's foreordination and plan. He prepared a plan in which we fit in, because we yielded to Him. It was not a random chance, but as we would say--yes-- totally yielding to Him!!!!
Whatever God plans, He does. Whatever He starts, He finishes. Isa.14:24 "...Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass: and as I have purposed, so shall it stand. "
Jer.23:20 " ...Till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly. "
Psa.33:11 "The counsel of the lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."
Isa.46:9-11 " Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, my counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: calling a ravenous.....................I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. "
Isa.43:13 " Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it? or who shall hinder it? "
Isa.40:8 "The grass withereth .....but the word of our God shall stand for ever!!! "
So we see that God has made known the mystery of His will; which He hath purposed in Jesus Christ, the word, or logos or plan of God made manifest in flesh, the expressed image of God.
Genesis 3:15 says that the woman's seed shall bruise the serpent's head. This is a prophecy of Christ and then the church that's in Christ.
The main fulfillment of that is the woman's seed, Christ, shall bruise Satan's head or his dominion. Eve came forth from Adam. And from Eve, down in history, was to come Christ who would destroy the authority of the devil over mankind. But looking at it in another sense, Adam represents Christ, and Eve, the church. And the church was brought forth out of the pierced side of Christ. And the church brings forth a seed, in the end of time, in the spiritual sense, in the manchild who is to bruise the serpent's head. It is fulfilled in that way as well, by Christ, and those in Christ who fully appropriate Christ and move up into the position where Christ is dwelling in them in a rich and full way.
So this is a plan or logos of God, not an after thought. God had planned from the beginning by His foreknowledge to crush Satan's head and save mankind through Jesus Christ. ( 1 John 3:8). Eph.3:1-11 (Read) The mystery of Christ and the Gentiles coming in. God knew this from the beginning but revealing it to man through the ages. Verse 11 His eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. God knew the whole plan before He even spoke a word. Gen.3:15 1st step in God's plan to give man hope, Gen.3:21 2nd step by making coats of skins, and clothed them. These two scriptures are prophecies of God's plan of hope for mankind after Adam and Eve fell. Gen.3:21 probably a lamb that was slain, a prophecy of Christ who is the lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Now we have the opportunity to fellowship with God as Adam did in the garden, but we will have it even greater in the new heaven and earth.
Rev.21:3 Fellowship with God forever. Rev.22:3 No more curse. In Gen.3:17 God cursed the ground, but in the new heaven and earth there will be no more curse. In Rev.22:2 the Tree of Life is restored. Jesus Christ is now our Tree of Life, John 14:6 I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by or through me.
O.T. Law-- Penalty of Sin Was Death. Sin is a transgression of the law 1 John 3:4; Romans 3:20. Now the first Adam was a type of Christ, Romans 5:14 (figure = type). Christ was the last Adam that God would create. The first Adam fell, the last Adam Jesus Christ past the test without sin. Adam in the garden was given a test and he fell. Jesus Christ was tested and he was found perfect, without sin. (1 Peter 2:21-24)
Transgression in the Greek is "parabasis" it means a step to one side of the Law (willingly). So it means to willingly step to one side of God's Law. A willful stepping aside of God's Law. The first thing Eve did was eat of the forbidden tree and disobeyed God's Word. John 8:29 Jesus Christ always did those things that pleased God. He never overstepped the line of God's Law. 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22 (Read). He obeyed God to the fullness, which is a standard or example for us to live for God. Now in the Old Testament, Israel had to sacrifice animals without spot or blemish, etc... they had to be perfect, because they pointed to Jesus Christ who would be perfect and without spot or blemish. They were types of Christ in the Old Testament.
Now we are justified before God through Christ. Christ lived a perfect life before God and gave his life for us. God accepted this sacrifice and imputed righteousness to us. Imputed righteousness = to reckon to one. Psalms 32:2 with Romans 4:6 Imputeth righteousness without works. We are now legally saved and righteous, but not experientially yet. But it is God's desire that we become experientially righteous, but this can only be done in Christ, as we abide in Christ. Christ was that lamb that gave his life for us. Christ's life was given, as a lamb sacrifice was in the Old Testament, for our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made righteousness of God in him. 1 Corinthians 1:30 But to him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. All through Jesus Christ. Christ lived for us and fulfilled the Laws of God, for us! Matt.19:17 None good but one, that is, God; but if thou will enter into life, keep the commandments. Christ was still under the Law, Hebrews 9:22 without shedding of blood is no remission or a letting go, a letting go of sin. So Christ fulfilled the Law, and we are righteous and just before God, in Christ.
Hebrews 1:1,2 with 1 Peter 1:10,11 The prophets testified of Christ and his sufferings. So Christ came to fulfill the plan of God that Adam failed at (Christ being the last Adam). In the first Adam, all die, but in the last Adam, all live (Romans 5:17-19).
Colossians 1:15 Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature or all creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17 now we (in Christ) can be born-again becoming a new creation with a new nature and new relationship with God. Now we are able to fellowship with God as Adam did in the Garden before he fell. The Last Adam has restored that relationship with God by fulfilling all the requirements of God, Therefore, we can come boldly to God (through Christ) and make our request be known. (Heb.4:16)
God Was Incarnated In Christ-- God was in Christ, Colossians 2:9 For in him (Christ) dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead or essence bodily.
So God did not become a man, but He took up permanent residence in the man Jesus Christ. Incarnation means God was in Christ. Jesus was one person with two natures, he was fully God and fully man. This is called the "dual nature" of Christ. He was both God and man. 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh...., etc... That is the mystery, God in the flesh. God incarnated in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ. Christ was flesh, a man, but God dwelleth in him. John 10:30 Christ said, I and the Father are one.
God did this to confirm the prophecies of the Old Testament (son and God with us). Read Isaiah 7:14 with Isaiah 9:6. Son's name Immanuel, God with us. Read Micah 5:2 Shall be born in Bethlehem. He shall have a birth but whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Showing both Deity = God and humanity = son. He's a son having a birth in Bethlehem and God whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting.
Two Reasons Why Jesus Came as Deity and Humanity
1.) Old Testament prophecy: to come as a savior (man). Isaiah 53:3-6 (Read) He was wounded and bruised for us as a man. Jeremiah 23:5 To come as a king to reign and prosper, etc... from the line of David.
2.) To reveal the Father to Israel as God. John 12:48,49 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, that one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. His words will judge. Verse 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. His Father's words, he spoke the logos, the word of God will judge us (God in flesh). John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. God incarnated in Christ.
A.) God incarnated Himself, so He could become the true High Priest-- Christ is our high priest. He is our mediator between man and God. Uniting God and man, because he was fully God and man. He knew what it was like to be man and tempted as man. Hebrews 2:10 He was made perfect through sufferings. Hebrews 2:17,18 He was our high priest as man, because he was also tempted. To stand in for us, as the Levitical high priest stood for Israel. Hebrews 4:15,16 Tempted in all points yet without sin. So now we can come boldly to the throne of grace to receive help. The high priest stood for the whole nation of Israel, as Christ does for us.
B.) God incarnated Himself in order to put away sin through the supreme sacrifice-- Hebrews 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (a lamb can't take away sin, but only is a type-- Christ is the supreme sacrifice). Christ is everything. Mark 10:45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and give his life a ransom for many. Hebrews 2:9 Christ tasted death for every man. 1 John 3:5 And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. (as the high priest did for Israel). The high priest stood in for the nation of Israel, as Christ, the true high priest, stands in for all in the new nation, the spiritual Israel.
C.) God incarnated Himself to defeat the devil-- 1 John 3:8 To destroy the works of the devil. Only God can destroy the works of the devil. Man is no match for the devil, in himself. Hebrews 2:14,15 Christ destroyed the power of the devil through death. John 12:31 The prince of this world (Satan, 2 Corinthians 4:4) would be cast out.
D.) In order to set an example to a Godly life-- Christ had to have God, God had to have Christ, the man. Genesis 1:26 It is God working through the man, Jesus Christ, to bring man into God's image and likeness. Christ being the image of the invisible God, Colossians 1:15. We are meant to be one with God. Ephesians chapter 5 one with God. Spiritually we need to be one with God. John chapter 17 This was Christ's prayer for us to be one with God, as he was one with the Father. 1 John 2:6 Walk even as he did, (Christ as our example), he walked a Godly life. Christ was God manifested in the flesh (Christ one with God), our pattern to walk by. 1 Peter 2:21 He is our example to follow.
The Life of Christ
Christ, the last Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:45 The last Adam was made a quickening spirit or a life giving spirit, he gives life. 15:47 The second man (Christ) is the Lord from heaven. The first Adam and the second Adam, it also calls the second Adam the last Adam showing only two Adams existed. All die through the first Adam and all live through the second or last Adam, Romans 5:17-19.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law. Christ was still in the old covenant. Verse 5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. To redeem us from the law. Hebrews 9:16-18 Christ's death is the start of the New Testament. Matthew 3:13,14 Christ was even Baptized. Christ needed not to repent and be Baptized. You have to sin to repent, Christ never sinned. It was to fulfill all righteousness, Matthew 3:15, suffer = to allow or permit. Had to fulfill, to be our example that we need to obey God's Word as he did. Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. He did this to fulfill the law. Romans 5:20 Grace has abounded because of Christ, so we can have fellowship with God. Romans 6:1,2 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
The Death of Christ-- He had to die for our redemption
Isaiah 53:10 Christ's soul an offering for sin, as in the Old Testament lamb sacrifices were. The death of Christ was very important. Without, there would be no redemption for man. He was born to died for us. Genesis 2:17 Death, if thou eat of the forbidden tree. So all died in the first Adam, but through Christ's death we all shall live. Genesis 3:15 Prophecy of Christ to crush the head of the serpent (Satan). Genesis 3:21 God made coats of skins, and clothed them. The skins are from an animal, so the animal had to die first. These coats of skins pointed to Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, who became the covering for our sins (Rev.13:8; Hebrews 10:10).
Christ Was Our Vicar = taking the place of another-- Someone that's acting in place for another. To stand in place for; a substitute. It was vital for Christ to die for us.
He did not die for his own sins. 1 Peter 2:22 He did no sin (never!). Hebrews 4:15 He was without sin.
Why Did He Die? For our sins. Isaiah 53:5,6 for us. 1 Corinthians 15:3 For our sins. 2 Corinthians 5:21 For us. Also read Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 3:18; John 10:11 Mark 10:45.
As the blood of the lamb in Egypt (the passover), God passed over them with the judgment as He does now with us being in Christ our passover lamb. Exo. chapter 12 with 1 Corinthians 5:7. Christ the true sin offering. The Old Testament was only types pointing to the true fulfillment, Christ. Isaiah 53:10 He offered his soul as an offering for sin. Leviticus 6:24-30/ Hebrews 10:1-4.
Was It Unfair for Christ to Die? No!
No, because Christ is God in a human body, God is doing it with His human life. He has the right to pay the penalty. Acts 20:28 (God's own blood) in His human temple where He dwelleth, Jesus Christ, John 2:19. Christ was God's body to dwell in. Titus 2:13,14 in the Greek it says, Our Great God and savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us. But, Christ had his own will. Even though he had his own will, he choose the Father's will, and God raised him from the dead in three days. He did not go to hell forever.
The Death of Christ-- What did it do?
1.) It Provided Full Satisfaction to God-- For the injustice that had been done. For man's sin is against God, something had to happen to bring justice to God. God's nature is justice. Genesis 2:17 Thou shall surely die. Sinners could not be saved until God's plan be completed. God excepted Christ's death for all mankind. Christ's death was a penalty for man's sin against God; to satisfy God. As the Law in our state is broken, their is a penalty. Man's crime of sin was punished through His death, thus fulfilling Divine justice. 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. So he became a curse for us to redeem us from the curse. 1 Peter 3:18; Mark 15:34.
2.) It Satisfied God's Law-- Not to destroy the Law but to fulfill the Law; the 10 Commandments still remain. The blood of Christ brought a new covenant with God, Hebrews 9:15,16 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. John 1:1 God's Word or plan was with or toward Him from the beginning. Matthew 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Romans 8:1 No condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, verse 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death, verse 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. The law could not save you; it could only tell you what to do, but Christ can save you because he fulfilled the law. The law was to show that man was weak and sinful and in need of help, to show that the penalty of sin was death, to indicate, through the sacrificial system, God's provision of blood for an atonement. Christ was totally obedient to the law. Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Galatians 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. First, the law said, thou shall not, and Adam and Eve broke the law causing all to die, but now, because Christ was totally obedient to the law and fulfilled it, we can all have life through Christ. Romans 7:4,6 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised for the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. We were dead to the law but now we live through the Spirit.
3.) It Brought an Atonement-- At-one-ment = state of being one with God. Leviticus 6:2-7;4:13-20. The priests shall make an atonement, the word for atonement in the Hebrew is Kaphar = to cover over; to cover over the sin and guilt of the sinner (by the blood of Christ). Psalms 51:9 David said, hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Isaiah 38:17 For thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. Micah 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities: and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. The word atonement is not in the New Testament, but reconciliation is, Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. This word atonement here is better translated reconciliation. Reconciliation = to change attitudes because of the actions of another. So Christ's death is more than just a covering for our sins, but also it gives us a new attitude toward God.
4.) It Brought Satisfaction to God-- to please Him. Propitiation = to make favorably inclined. Inclined = to please God. God has been reconciled to man through Christ's death. Romans 6:13;5:10 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. Hebrews 2:17 That he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 1 John 2:2;4:10; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:5. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 To deliver us from the wrath to come.
5.) It Brought Reconciliation-- Reconciliation = to change attitudes because of the actions of another. Speaks of an exchange of two parties or a change of one's penalty by the action of another. Christ was the vicar, to take the place of another. Someone that's acting in place for another; a substitute. He stood in for man to reconcile man to God. Romans 5:10,11;11:15; 1 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.
6.) It Brought a Ransom-- Ransom = the release of a person in return for payment-- The price demanded or paid. Man was a slave under the law and the devil; Christ paid the price to release us. Christ died for the whole world. John 3:16; Matthew 11:28. John 1:29; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:11; 2 Peter 3:9; Hebrews 2:9; 1 John 2:2.
Ransom For Man-- Matthew 20:28/Mark 10:45. To redeem His people Luke 1:68;2:38; Hebrews 9:12. Redemption = to loose, Luke 24:21; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18; Ephesians 1:7;4:30; Romans 8:23.
Did Man Save Man, Being That Christ Was a Man? NO!
It Was God Through the Man, Christ-- Isaiah 43:11 There is no savior besides me, says the Lord. 1 Timothy 4:10 God the savior of all man. God created everything in the beginning, there was none besides Him.
1.) Christ saves, but Christ means the man, the anointed one. This is speaking of his humanity. He is the savior because he was the tool or instrument that God used. Salvation is only by God. There is no man that can save, only God can save. Acts 4:10,12 There is no other name under heaven that man can be saved by (Jesus). Matthew 1:21,23 He shall save his people. This is talking about Jesus as God and as man, Deity and humanity-- both are needed to save man. God with the man, God through the man, Genesis 1:26.
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.Christ's death wouldn't of done anything if God didn't except it. John 3:16 It was a sacrifice for God as well as Christ, the son. God gave Romans 8:32. In a sense, God gave Himself for man, John 2:19 it was God's temple.
2.) Satan was behind the death of Christ, but God turn it all around and used it for man's redemption. 1 Corinthians 15:52-58. Luke 4:13 The devil tempted him to try to get him off the track of God, the same that he does with us. He wants to devour us 1 Peter 5:8. Christ said, it stands written. Then he, the devil, tested the disciples until he came to Judas, then he began to work on him. John 13:27 Satan entered into Judas. Matthew 26:14-16,37 And on, Judas betrays Christ. Satan thought how can he reign if he was dead; he worked on the Jews until they put Christ to death. John 8:44 They were working for their father, the devil. Matthew 27:18 For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. 1 John 3:12 Of that wicked one, the devil. Genesis 3:15 God's prophecy of this (bruise his heel); God foreknew all things before it happened, so God used this to defeat the devil. Acts 2:23 Foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. By the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. Revelation 13:8 The lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world. Acts 3:18 But those things, which God before had shown by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Acts 4:27,28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. God's plan marked out before hand. God does not force your free will, but by His foreknowledge He knows the end from the beginning. He knows every step and choice we will ever make, because He knows all things. Matthew 26:24 The Son of man goeth as it is written of him: but woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! it had been good for that man if he had not been born. Luke 24:46 And said unto them, thus it is written and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. Christ knew it was the plan of God. Isaiah 43:13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it or who shall hinder it. I act and who can reverse it!
The Resurrection Of Christ
Romans 10:9,10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Acts 16:31 Believe and be saved.
1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Verse 15 Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raise up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. Verse 17 If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Verse 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
Christ was 3 days in Hades or Sheol. He was literally Resurrected. God put His Spirit back in his body and raised him up. Christ really did die. Mark 15:44,45 And Pilate marveled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
John 19:30 He gave up the ghost, his spirit. Death is separation of body and spirit to God. Your body is a temple or dwelling place for your soul and spirit; your soul, the real you, your personally, your spirit is given to contact God. John 19:33 Dead already. Verse 34 Forthwith came there out blood and water. Blood and water flowing concludes death. Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for ever more, Amen, and have the keys of hell and of death. He was literally "dead".
His body was raised and seen: Luke 24:39,40 It was his body, not just his spirit, same body as before. Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Psalms 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption, Acts 2:31. Mark 16:6 and he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. The tomb was enmity, where was the body? He is risen! John 20:5-7 When the disciples came, they did not find him. Luke 24:41-45 He ate food, these thing must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
John 20:25 The disciples knew him and recognized him, verses 27,28 Thomas said, my Lord and my God. John 21:7 The disciples said, it is the Lord. Luke 24:34,37-40 (Read) verse 39 Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Verse 40 He showed them his hands and his feet.
Christ prophesied of his death. John 2:19-21 Jesus said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. He was speaking, of course, of his body. Also read Matthew 12:40.
The angels testified. Luke 24:4-8 (Read) saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.
The Resurrection of Christ Was Different Than Others
Others were raised from the dead in the Bible, but they died again. Christ was raised from the dead and he liveth for evermore, Revelation 1:18. Now some scriptures on others that died and were resurrected: 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:17-24; Mark 5:22-43;Luke 7:11-17; John chapter 11; Acts 9:36-43; Acts 20:7-12. Now as I said these all died again, but Christ liveth for evermore!
Christ Was Different When Raised From the Dead
John 20:19,26 Christ was now able to walk through doors (the doors were shut). He was a new person able now to show more Deity, speaking as to Him being God manifested in Christ. Christ's resurrection was unique, because his body could now pass through doors, etc.. He now has a different fellowship with us. Romans 6:9,10 He unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. He only dies once. Also read 2 Tim. 1:10; Revelation 1:18. He also has abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, and he liveth for evermore. 1 Corinthians 15:50 says, Flesh and blood cannot enter into heaven, when Christ ascended possibly he made the final change to his heavenly, glorified body. Possibly received his glorified body when he ascended into heaven. Philippians 3:20,21 verse 21 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.
At the Rapture, we will have a new body fashioned like unto his (Christ) glorious body. The disciples saw his physical body, not his glorified body.
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Matthew 17:1-9, He was showing them what the glorified body would be like, the transfiguration. The change was revealing the inward Deity.
1 John 3:1,2 Now we are the sons of God (present tense), and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. The disciples did not see his glorified body.
The Results of The Resurrection
1.) Romans 1:4 Sons of God with power. This proves he was the son of God. Matthew 12:38-40 It was a sign to the world. As Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. John 2:18-22 Speaking of his temple (his body). It was a sign. It proved Christ to be the Son of God.
2.) It shows that God accepted. Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification. Acts 2:24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Why? Because Christ was sinless. He died for our sins, or because of our sins, not for his sins. It showed God's acceptance of Christ's sacrifice.
3.) Christ is our high priest, our mediator. 1 Timothy 2:5,6; Romans 8:34 he also maketh intercession for us. Ephesians 1:20-22; Romans 5:9,10.
4.) It gives assurance that God's power is with us. Ephesians 1:18-20; 4:8; Philippians 3:10 Paul praying that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection. It shows that God's power is available to us.
5.) It guaranteed a resurrection of the saints. It guarantees that our bodies will also be resurrected. Romans 8:11; John 5:28,29; 6:40; Acts 4:2; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thess.4:14.
6.) It proves there will be a judgment day. It proves that there will be a judgment day of the Godly and ungodly. Acts 10:40-42 To be the judge of quick and dead. Philippians 2:10,11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Acts 17:31 There is a day in which he will judge the world. John 5:22,23; 2 Timothy 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:10 (Read). It proves there will be a judgment day.
Without The Resurrection 1.) All our sacrifice for the cause of Christ would be in vain.
2.) The apostles would have borne false witness. 3.) We would still be in our sins. 4.) There would be no resurrection of the saints. 5.) Our faith would be in vain.
Christ's Ascension and Exaltation
Ascension = Christ was caught up forty days after his death.
Exaltation = Christ receiving glory, power and honor from God.
Ascension-- Luke 24:50,51; Acts 1:9,10; John 20:17/John 13:1; John 16:7,10,16,17; Ephesians 4:8-10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:21,22; Hebrews 4:14. (Read).
Exaltation-- To lift up. Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Matthew 3:11 He shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. Also read Romans 8:34; Eph.1:20; Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a or in the Greek it says, the name which is above every name. Colossians 3:1 Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. Matthew 22:41-46 Read. Also read Revelation 3:21.
What Does The Exaltation of Christ Include?
1.) His crowning with glory and honor. Hebrews 2:9 God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. God has put Christ in a position of authority above all.
2.) His receiving of a glorified body. Philippians 3:21 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.
3.) His authority over all, including the church. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
4.) His governmental authority with the world. Matthew 25:31-46 (Read).
5.) His head ship of the church. Ephesians 1:22 (Read).
3 Results of Christ's Ascension and Exaltation
1.) He lead captivity captive. He transferred Old Testament saints from Hades to Heaven. Ephesians 4:8-10; Philippians 1:23 Paul desired to depart and be with Christ; which is far better.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Now we can go to Heaven when we die.
2.) He gave gifts to the church: Gifts of the Spirit. Ephesians 4:8-13; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11,28-30.
3.) He imparted the Holy Ghost. John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth, It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 7:37-39; John 14:16; Acts 2:33 (Read).
Conversion-- To Turn About
Christ died for the whole world, but we have to believe. God has already done everything He can do, we have to accept it and do something. He won't go against our free will. It's by God's grace that we have eternal life. He does not have to save man. Man, of course, deserves death (Romans 6:23) but, by God's grace, He sent Christ to died for our sins and through Christ we now can have eternal life. But, we need to believe and accept what God has done. Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. The grace of God that bringeth salvation. We have to come to salvation. We have to acknowledge that we have sinned before God and repent and be converted.
5 Witnesses of God's Existence to Man
1.) The creation. Romans 1:20 (Read) man is without excuse.
2.) Man's conscience. Romans 2:15 (Read). The law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness.
3.) Jesus Christ. John 18:37 Thou sayest that I am king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
4.) The Bible. John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
5.) The church. Acts 1:8 Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Another way God deals with man is through the conviction of the Holy Spirit-- Convicting man of his sins through the Holy Spirit. John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. He, speaking of the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, 16:7. Reprove = convict.
Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove or convict them. We need to convict them by speaking the truth in love.
1 Corinthians 14:24,25 Through prophecy, one of the gifts of the Spirit. We are to yield to the gifts of the Spirit, so the Holy Spirit can convict.
Some Examples of the Conviction by the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart. Pricked means to be pierced or stabbed. They were convicted by the Spirit of God.
Acts 7:54 They were cut to the heart. They were convicted. Heavy pressure was put on them. Cut means to saw asunder. It's like you saw through a log.
Acts 5:33 They were cut to the heart. Also read Acts 16:29,30; Acts 24:25 He trembled, but said go away. He was convicted and wanted nothing to do with God.
Repentance
Now it's up to the person to come to God. God convicts man, but man has got to do something with that conviction. He can either turn away or he can repent and be saved.
Repentance = to change one's mind-- to fill sorrow for sin and change one's life for the better.
The Greek word for repentance is "metanoeo". It means to change one's mind. To turn away from sin and change. It involves the knowledge of sin. You have to realize that you are a sinner in order to repent. Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8; Acts 2:38.
Luke 15:17,18 The lost son. He acknowledged that he had sinned, and then he came back to his father. The same with us and our heavenly Father. We have to acknowledge our sins and come to Him.
Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30; Acts 20:21 Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:9 God's desire is that all should come to repentance. Revelation 2:5 God even says to Christians, repent. Change your mind about your walk with Me. True repentance is a change of mind. A change of mind about the way your living and turn yourself around.
Faith in God-- Repentance in itself will not save you, we need to exercise faith in God
Repentance in itself will not get you to heaven. A lot of people know that they have sin, but you have to have faith in God and turn to Him. Matthew 6:27 We can't change ourselves. We are not changed by repentance, in itself, but by God are we changed and saved. We must turn completely to God after we repent; faith in God.
Faith is knowledge-- Romans 10:8-15 (Read). We must have a knowledge about God. The word of faith, which we preach. It's a knowledge or understanding; it's a foundation to start building on-- the substance. We must have knowledge of God's plan and promises and by faith implement them into our life.
We must make decisions to follow God and believe Him. We need to put our faith into action, and live for God. God has left things in our hands. He will convict you of sin, etc... but we need to do our part. We need to repent and change or turn about with faith in God.
Man Has a Free Will-- he can make the decision by his own free will
The will-- the power of making a reasonable choice or decision. We have the freedom to make our own choices whether they are bad or good, God does not violate our free will. Joshua 24:15 Choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, etc... or we will choose to serve the LORD. This was a decision of their own free will. God couldn't say choose, if we don't have the power to choose.
Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father. It's your choice to choose to do the Father's will or your own. Matthew 26:39 Christ said, not my will, but as thou wilt. Luke 12:47 This servant knew the Lord's will, but he did not do it. God's Spirit moves on the heart and mind of man, and it's what you do with it that counts.
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes or mind observe my ways. Matthew 11:28,29 Come to me and I will give you rest, He will give rest to your heart. Acts 16:31 Believe-- making a decision. Christianity is reasonable. Revelation 22:17 Come and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. You have a free will, freely. Anyone!
John 6:44 Nobody can come to God unless the Father draws, but God will not draw you against your will. Drawing is a calling out of love, He's not dragging you against your will. It's a tender loving drawing, so you will choose Him. Jeremiah 31:3 Therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. John 6:45 Learned of the Father, cometh unto me. John 6:37 And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
John 12:32 Will draw all men unto me. Everybody! 1 Timothy 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved. 2 Peter 3:9 He's not willing that any perish.
After the decision, you must count the cost of discipleship-- must make Jesus your master and surrender all to him.
Christ must be your savior and Lord. Matthew 8:18-20 Christ making sure he was really serious. Are you really willing to follow and give up all? Luke 14:28-33 You start to build, but you don't finish. Did not count the cost of following Christ. Verse 33 Must be willing to forsake all.
Born Again-- begotten from above. The new birth, justified, regenerated, conversion-- union with Christ
The New Birth-- legally you are saved and have eternal life. Legally your justified before God. Experientially your born again.
Justification-- the act of God where by man is made or counted just, or freed from the guilt or penalty of sin.
We are legally declared righteous before God
1.) It's a legal act that was performed from God. God now looks at you as righteous-- forgiven.
2.) God imputes righteousness into you.
3 Steps to Justification
1.) He has forgiven all your sins-- He has not only forgiven all your sins, but He has imputed Christ's righteousness into you.
Romans 4:7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
Ephesians 4:32 Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. We are to forgive others, because God has forgiven you. Because you are in Christ.
Colossians 2:13 Having forgiven you all trespasses.
2.) Man is restored fellowship with God-- Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. God is our Father.
3.) Man is legally given Christ's righteousness-- By faith! God takes the righteousness of Christ and imputes it in us. This happens at the time we are born again.
Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputed righteousness without works. Imputed without works; it's by faith.
1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. We are legally righteous before God through Christ. We really are clean in the eyes of God. Everyone has the same standing with God through Christ.
Romans 3:26,28 (Read) Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:16 (Read) Faith is a condition of your justification, not the reason for it.
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace. It's by God's grace.
Also read Titus 3:7 By His grace. Romans 5:9 Through Christ's blood.
So we are justified or righteous by faith in the blood of Christ. It's all by God's grace.
Regeneration-- Re = to be reborn, Generated = to be born. To be reborn or born again. A new birth.
It's the inner creation of the fallen spirit by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5 He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. It's the washing away of our sins; a new birth.
It involves man's spirit; it is made alive back to communion with God, which was separated at the fall of Adam. It's a renewing of the Holy Ghost.
John 3:3,7 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
This Is Very Important! Born again-- Born = to beget or begotten, Again = from above. Begotten from above.
The Holy Spirit Does it Somehow
John 3:5,6 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Begotten form above. Verse 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Born of the spirit. Flesh produces flesh, Spirit produces spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to you and produces the new birth. Titus 3:5 A renewing of the Holy Ghost. You are made new. But, it's a process of growth as in 2 Corinthians 3:18 We are changed from glory to glory. Being born again is only the first step in the process. Being born again enables us to start on this journey of becoming a true mature son of God.
Also It's by God's Word That We Are Changed
James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures or creation.
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. You must be born again, there's no other way.
Man Fell by The Law, So God Gives Us a New Nature
With the old nature, we fell and were by nature the children of wrath, Ephesians 2:3. By nature the children of wrath.
Luke 16:8 The children of this world. Making a contrast between the children of this world (the old nature) and the children of the new creation (the new man).
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, ..... children of disobedience.
1 John 3:10 In this the children of God (the new nature) are manifest, and the children of the devil (the old nature). But we still have the flesh (the old nature). So we need to yield to the Spirit of God with our newly begotten spirit (the new nature). This will enable us to have communion with God and walk in the spirit and not the flesh. We need to walk different to kill the flesh (the old nature).
John 3:3,6 First step is to be born again. Then the washing of the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5. Then the new life, Ephesians 2:1,5,7. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature or creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. Galatians 6:15 A new creature. Jeremiah 17:9 God will give you a new heart, for man's heart is very deceitful. Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.
This Was Not Available in the Old Testament Time
The Old Testament all pointed to the coming of Christ. Everybody in the O.T. was still under the law, and in Romans 3:23 it says that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. So the key to the New Testament is the fact that Christ died and rose from the dead and ascended into heaven and conquered sin, which had all mankind in bondage, and now, we can be born again and have communion with God.
Now the Old Testament saints are saved in heaven, Hebrews 11:13-16. Matthew 8:11 Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Ephesians 4:8-11 He led the captive, captive. In other words, he took them that believed to heaven with him. He took them captive to him. So even though they were in the Old Testament, they believed God's promises, and through Christ they are saved and have eternal life. But, the mark of the New Testament is the fact that it is finished, Christ's death and resurrection, etc.., and now we can be born again and experience the new life with God.
Conversion-- To Turn About, A Decision of the Will to Turn About.
So conversion means to turn about. Matthew 18:3 Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Be turn about and become like a child-- born again. Become like a child that's innocent and free, etc.... Be humble!
Matthew 13:15 Be converted, and I should heal them. Luke 1:16,17 (Read).
Luke 22:32 When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
Acts 3:19 Repent, change your mind then be converted.
Also read Acts 11:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Serve the living and true God.
2 Peter 2:21,22 They turned from the Lord to their old ways, we need to turn from our old ways and serve the living and true God-- be converted; turn about.
Results of This
1.) A New Creature-- 2 Corinthians 5:17 A new creature or creation. Galatians 6:15; Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained or marked out beforehand that we should walk in them.
2.) A New Man-- Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. We are to put off the old man and put on the new man.
Colossians 3:9.10 Put on the new man. We are legally a new man, but we also need to put on the new man experientially, by walking it out.
3.) A New Desire To Overcome Temptation-- Become righteous. 1 John 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1 John 3:2 Now are we the sons of God. 1 John 5:4,18 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
4.) New Attitudes-- 1 John 5:1 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. We are to love one another with the love of God.
1 John 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
1 John 4:19 We love him because he first loved us.
5.) A New Love For The Word Of God-- Psalms 119:97 O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.
1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
6.) A New Love For The Lost-- 2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us. The love of Christ in us will move us to love the lost.
7.) We Are Now Heirs To Eternal Life-- Romans 8:16,17 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. We are now the children of God and completely in His will.
8.) We Now Have Union With Christ-- We are in Christ; one with him. Romans 8:1 You are in Christ Jesus. Also Christ is in you, as the anointed one, that son ship with God. Not the man, but his attributes (meekness, love, kindness, gentleness,etc.). Christ was not Omnipresent, all present.
2 Corinthians 3:18 Now we can be changed form glory to glory into the image of God through Christ.
Galatians 2:20 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. Now the man, Christ, does not live in us, but the attitude of Christ. Philippians 2:5 Let this mind (Christ's mind-- to do God's will) be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. We are in the body of Christ, union with Christ. He is the head and we are the body. Union with the body of Christ, the brethren, and Christ, the head.
