BORN again believers’ victory and wellbeing lie in the knowledge of what God the Father has granted us in the finished/accomplished work of Christ Jesus. Our peace is that the Gospel of Christ is there to proclaim a done deal. It's heaven at first, not heaven at last.
As a minister or preacher, my commission derives its mandate from the certainty of the Good News. We're solidified by Ephesians 1:13-14, Amplified, which is instructive, "[13] In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in and adhered to and relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. [14] That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it - to the praise of His glory." With the Holy Spirit in us we know, as it were, how heavenly life tastes.
The Glad Tidings of our Lord Jesus Christ hands to us this wholesome dish by grace through faith. Ephesians 2:8 stamps, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God," Salvation is a full package handed to us by God without our input or self effort.
We need the peace, confidence, conviction and assurance in our inner being, as we pursue our individual dreams. As we unavoidably face persecution, pressure and resistance, there’s always a satanic whisper to instil fear and doubt in us so that we abandon our God ordained destinies. The devil doesn’t want us to see the end of it because it will give glory to God.
The Grace of God is the tested and tried and approved brand. In dispatching its carriers, Jesus instils the requisite confidence. He assured and assures in Matthew 28:20, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Nowhere along this path are we on our own as long as we’re single-minded in bringing multitudes to His fold. He's with us and He says always.
Those who receive and accept the Gospel and confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ are adopted into His family. The Godhead, that is, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, comes and dwells in them. Jesus settled that for us in John 14:16, 23, Amplified, “[16] And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another comforter (counsellor, helper, intercessor, advocate, strengthener, and standby), that He may remain with you forever. [23] Jesus answered, if a person [really] loves me, he will keep my word [obey my teaching]; and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him.”
Accepting the Gospel of Christ releases the presence of God the Father. This presence is continuous and uninterrupted. So we don't ask the Holy Spirit to come. Our presence introduces the presence of the Holy Spirit. The presence isn’t based on our feelings but on God’s sincerity and faithfulness.
Christ is in the believers and believers are in Christ. We’re inseparable. Jesus nails it in John 14:20: “At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.” A born again archbishop and someone born again now are equally in Christ. Knowledge may differ, but the spiritual reality is settled.
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We may function differently according to spiritual gifts, but we’re all seated in the heavenlies. Ephesians 2:6, Amplified, declares: “And He raised us up together with Him and made us sit down together [giving us joint seating with Him] in the heavenly sphere [by virtue of our being] in Christ Jesus (the messiah, the anointed one).” Without enough knowledge, some may feel far away.
This has been accomplished by grace and not works. We didn’t deserve it, earn it, merit it or attain it. It was because of God’s goodness, love, mercy, kindness and grace.
Hebrews 13:5 comforts us: “Let your conversation [conduct] be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” The Father will not leave you nor abandon you. He’s with you and in you. Whatever you’re pursuing, please do it fully aware that the Godhead is in you. He’s not about to abandon you.
The incarnation was for the purpose of coming to us and reconciling us to Him. He made the move and we accepted it. Matthew 1:23 guides: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
With a clear conscience, pursue your dreams and accomplish your goals. Isaiah 41:10 encourages: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” The hand of the Lord is upon you.
He told the Israelites in Deuteronomy 31:8: “And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Please don’t feel condemned nor inferior.
You may think you don’t measure up, but it’s not on you, but it’s by God’s Grace. You will prosper and flourish. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Grace and peace be multiplied to you through knowledge.
- All Bible quotations are from the King James Version unless otherwise stated.
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