Grace Rules the Humble

When the subject of Grace is discussed we should automatically think to ourselves “this is about humble people”. Jesus told us that the most exalted people in Heaven will be the ones that humbled themselves and became the servant of others. It’s a tough job because other people will sometimes crush you down. Thankfully, God said; I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. Isaiah 57:15 (NLT) We notice here that repentance is connected with humility. When a person is truly repentant before God, humility will become a part of their life. Anyway, our Creator has decided to recreate us in His own righteous image. God’s plan is described the New Testament and we can even read it in a hotel room. For example the Bible says; Just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:21 (NLT) When “grace rules” in our life it means that righteousness is our new desire.

Every human is in need of a transformation by God. This only happens when grace comes into our life. Grace is defined in the Gospel as an unmerited new life, consisting of a relationship with God. He really wants people to love Him. Paul said; For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 1:9 (NLT) The plan of God is completely centered on Christ but it is the Spirit living is us that enables our righteous life. The power of the Spirit is how God’s grace can rule in a human life today. Another verse stipulates that we give up all sin. The New Testament tells us; the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. Titus 2:11 (NLT) God’s grace will certainly be seen in our life when we conduct ourselves in righteousness and devotion.

It is difficult to believe that this fantastic, rich new life of faith comes from God at no cost to us. Unfortunately, human beings have a long history of wasting their time doing anything and everything trying to earn God’s favor. Even today, some people argue that because we live a godly life and tell others about Jesus, we are trying to pay for our entrance to heaven. This is totally wrong. Christians are so humble and grateful for their new life that they usually wish they had spent more of their life serving God. It’s about our attitude. A Christian can only honor God. We certainly have nothing to pay Him with… everything already belongs to Him! Paul said; anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 2 Cor 5:17-18 (NLT) It is true that a believer is expected to introduce people to our Savior but it is not considered work. We serve the Savior because of an overflow of thanks-giving.

Our partnership with Jesus Christ is the most wonderful aspect of Grace. Paul was thankful that he had a union with God’s son and he encourages us; I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through him, God has enriched your church in every way… for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Cor 1:4,9 (NLT) Grace is all about a relationship with God. The heart of this relationship is our union with the Savior. Jesus is advocating with the Father on our behalf to make our new life possible. We are described as the one body of Christ and we will go to meet God as one family unit. It is a spiritual mistake to think of ourselves individually. It is about our union but also our behavior. We usually say “grace” before we eat our meals. Actually we are saying “thanks” in the name of Jesus. And when we behave in some graceful manner it is really a reflection of the grace that God has put into our life. Our new life of grace is played out in us when we allow the Spirit to have control of our daily actions.

Before Jesus came to make God’s grace available no one was able to become right with God. People can now triumph over evil and have a wonderful relationship forever. The Bible says; But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 (NLT) It makes us wonder why people aren’t lined up in front of the Church waiting to join the family of God. Because the Gospel is empowered by the Spirit it has spread everywhere in the world. Paul said; This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. Col 1:6 (NLT) Every verse talks about a changed life yet many people claim they have accepted grace BUT THEIR LIFE SHOWS that the Spirit is not leading their daily actions. Have we forgotten that God knows everything in our heart and that we cannot trick Him with our fancy talk?

There are also people who think a gracious God will not punish them with eternal fire. This is wishful thinking. Actually they are asking for mercy. Mercy is a feeling of compassion or pity. God has tons of compassion but He expects our life to belong to Him. However, someday He will put on the robe of Justice and call people to stand before Him. On that day God will act in perfect Justice. There are people who want to live by logic instead of faith who try to say that no one should be allowed into heaven if justice prevails. They don’t understand what grace is or what it can do in our life. God’s plan is centered on the fact that we actually become guiltless when we are joined with Jesus Christ as one being. No one can say that the value of the payment Jesus Christ made for us is not enough. The blood payment Christ made for sin has the power to make us completely innocent. We do not go to heaven as sinners. It is unreasonable to ignore Jesus, and live a self-centered life, then proclaim we are worthy of eternity with God. Justice is a very important part of God’s grace. The plan would not work at all if sinners were allowed to wander around in Heaven because of a feeling of compassion.

It is not a lot of fun to look at warning passages but we need to realize the gravity of life eternal if we miss out on the plan of grace. The small book of Jude says; I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Jude 1:4 (NLT) We see here that the sinful life of a church member is actually a denial of the Savior. We are to live a holy life in order to prove to other people that a life in Jesus is REAL. Another passage says; Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Heb 12:14-15 (NLT) We all know people who call our worthy life “works”. Living a holy or godly life is not works. A holy life is the result of a wonderful RELATIONSHIP with God. Remember that Grace is “an unmerited new life consisting of a relationship with God”.

It is sad but we have another problem with people in the church who are living religiously. This means that they live by following rules and trying to make others follow the rules. A religious life is not a personal relationship with God. It is about having a bond with the law that gives us control. Look at this passage; For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s grace. But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. Gal 5:4-5 (NLT) Please, seek God for a real relationship and give up trying to run His business for Him. Allowing the Spirit to control your life is the way to go. Just think how much worse the punishment will be for those who have trampled on the Son of God, and have treated the blood of the covenant, which made us holy, as if it were common and unholy, and have insulted and disdained the Holy Spirit who brings God’s grace to us. Heb 10:29 (NLT) We must live our righteous life the way God directs in order to receive the benefits of “the plan of Grace”.

The plan of grace is enormous and every Christian must learn about it if they want victory in their life. Remember that grace is not invisible and others are watching us. Paul saw grace in action when he watched Stephen die and its powerful image stayed with him all his life. If we expect to live with God someday it is imperative that we humbly accept what God has ordained for our life. We certainly do not need to waste time arguing over our opinions when we should be acting out God’s grace. Our soul must persevere (continue to believe) while God continues to renew us by illuminating and strengthening. In a committed believers life the Spirit is constantly fighting and winning over sin. This is why we are all invited to seek God’s help; So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy (compassion before judgment), and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Heb 4:16 (NLT) The Father, His Son and the Holy Spirit are all putting into effect the plan of Grace in us. They are raising us up to a new life. As we wait for our rapture may we learn to enjoy a life of grace.

Fire, Water and Blood

Even when people do not admit they are guilty every human has a terrible problem of sin in their soul. Because God is perfect in righteousness our sin has the power to keep us separate from Him. How can we ever follow a command like this? But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NLT) The good news is that the Almighty is always looking for people that sincerely want to change their life and become Holy. We must ask God for His help because we do not have the power needed to live a righteous life. To change a common, sinful person into a godly child of the Almighty is a large and difficult task. One of the things required to become part of His everlasting family is the total purification of our body, soul and spirit. In order to help us God has provided three categories of cleansing that are described by fire, water, and blood. The power of the Holy Spirit is behind all three forms of cleansing. In fact, the flame is even a symbol for the action of the Holy Spirit. All purification has the purpose of turning the unclean or common into something godly.

No one will ever live in Heaven if they are not consecrated completely to God. Jesus said something odd to Peter one day; I have come to set the world on fire, and I wish it were already burning! ... Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other! Luke 12:49-51 (NLT) Jesus was talking about the fire of purification. When we follow Jesus as righteous people we will become divided from the sinful people in this world. The trend of churches today is to blend in with the world. This idea is from the Devil for sure. Jesus said that He would even divide families into two parts. No one can serve God and be friends with the world. One or the other must be our choice. Even the Baptist knew this; John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat Luke 3:16-17 (NLT) The Spirit in us and the purifying fire of God will automatically separate us from the sinful world.

Purity in God’s world is normal. We have the idea that this polluted world is normal. It is not. We must change our thinking until the pure and genuine become our idea of a normal life. God cannot allow our faith to remain contaminated. Jesus said; It’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ‘where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out.’ For everyone will be tested with fire. Mark 9:47-49 (NLT) All Christians will have the rough fire of testing sometime in their life and it is necessary because we are weak. Our trial will leave us smoked up and tear streaked. Then we must use the living water to wash ourselves. We can see this principle in the Old Testament when worldly things were brought into the Israeli camp; The Lord has given Moses this legal requirement: Anything made of gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, or lead— that is, all metals that do not burn—must be passed through fire in order to be made ceremonially pure. These metal objects must then be further purified with the water of purification. Num 31:21-23 (NLT) After the fire of testing has passed we must continue to ask God to wash us with water daily. We call it confession of sins.

When the fire of testing is upon us we must take the long view to fight off discouragement. The long view is that we can live with God forever. Even the Lords disciples were tested. Peter wrote and said; So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NLT) Usually it is difficult to be happy when we are in the fire of testing. But testing really does happen to good Christians and somehow our faith must hold on to the goodness of God no matter what is happening. Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.  1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) There are many types of trials in the Christian life but we are to take them all into stride as we trust the Lord to deliver us. The cleansing of fire is the one type of cleansing that we do not usually ask God to give us. Let us remember the joy of our place in God’s family and His love during our time of trial.

Every type of purification is provided by Jesus and worked in us by His Spirit. Paul taught that cleansing was central to a Christian life. He (Jesus) gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. Titus 2:14 (NLT) Doing the good deeds of God requires a clean life. The water of purification is what a Christian seeks on a daily basis. This gentler cleaning takes place when we ask God to remove the impurities of our daily life. What comes to mind is the time that Peter asked Jesus to wash him all over.  “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” Jesus replied, A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, John 13:8-10 (NLT) Remember that we are talking about living a Godly life every day until the Lord comes for us. We were completely cleaned all over when we were baptized in water. This symbolized our complete death to a dirty life.

It is very important that we study the Scriptures daily. Everything we need for our complete cleansing is contained in God’s word. Paul said; Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.  He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. Eph 5:25-27 (NLT). Every Christian must do their part to see that the Church becomes wrinkle free. The church today has been told that they don’t need to do anything because everything has been done for them. This is wrong. When Christians wanted to live any way they pleased Paul said this; Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you. Romans 6:16-17 (NLT) The teachings of the New Testament are there for us to obey and they will keep us clean.

Now we come to the greatest cleansing in the Scriptures. Our spirit and soul become clean when we are “sprinkled with Christ’s blood”. Scripture says; And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Heb 10:21-22 (NLT) It is very clear in this passage that the blood of Jesus makes us totally clean with God. But once again we see that water is needed to wash the daily dirt off of our bodies. The word of God will keep our daily life clean in this world. King David said; Who may climb the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? Only those whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies. Psalms 24:3-4 (NLT) Even here we see that both the heart (inside) and the hands (outside) must be pure in order to please God. This reflects the purification needed from both the blood and the water.

The Lord has always used symbols to teach us about His reality. These three symbols of purification could be seen in front of the temple of God in the old days. The fire was burning on the altar day and night ready for sacrifices. Then at times the priest would sprinkle blood on the altar. After the fire and blood were done the priest was required to wash in a great basin or sea of water. The clean priest could then enter the temple to serve God. The same interesting symbols can be seen in this prophesy about Heaven; I saw before me what seemed to be a glass sea mixed with fire. And on it stood all the people who had been victorious over the beast Rev 15:2 (NLT) If the glass sea is representing the righteousness of water purification then the fire is the power of the Spirit that overcame the trials for the saints. Of course, the cleansing of Christ blood is being proved by the people in white robes who stand on the water and the fire. The reason for purity is always to make something sacred. Only Holy things can be dedicated to the service of God. People are made up of body, soul and spirit and all three must be purified in order to be an overcomer. We must be pure to be an acceptable sacrifice for God.

These three types of purification (the fire, water and blood) illustrate the complete Christian life here on earth. The blood is about power and justification. The water is for our life here on earth and our sanctification. The fire will cause the purification of our faith. Even Jesus went through testing and came out of it so pure that we rely on his purity for our salvation. Although we depend on Jesus for everything we need the Lord requires us to follow Him as meticulously as we possibly can. God wants us to desire to be exactly like Him. The Bible says; Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Eph 1:4-5 (NLT) We must try our best to live as an ambassador who represents the King. Our walk should match our clean heart. If we are right with God our testing will seem a light thing.

Manifestation of the Divine Life

Jesus came to earth in order to identify with humans. This was the greatest manifestation of the divine life possible. History says that God manifested His divine life with a burning bush when He spoke to Moses. Jesus is certainly a superior manifestation to the bush but the Jews seem to have preferred the bush to Jesus. The Scripture says; They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Cor 4:4 (NLT) Today there are other manifestations of the Divine life right here among us. They are the saints of God and the world does not understand them. Every saint has the living spirit of Jesus inside of them. We become a divine manifestation from God when He sends us out to live in this world. Paul said; So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Cor 5:20 (NLT) Looking at history we can see that God has always intended on making saints of his servants by allowing His Divine life to be shown through us. It has taken many years for the plan of God to reach the wonderful place that it has today. There are a few million who understand the glory of God.

We are standing where we are today because God has always desired to have a relationship with mankind. There have been a number of covenants that God has made with people in the past. For example, whenever we see a rainbow in the sky we remember what God promised us after the flood. However, the New Testament covenant is God’s last and greatest covenant with people. A covenant is the declaration of God’s promises conditioned on our obedience. As Christians, we study this covenant because it is very large and has so many different things available for us if we will simply ask God for them. In fact, the big question is whether we are seeking to experience everything the covenant of grace can do in a human? Because many church people are self-satisfied they do not even want God to do any great works in their life. In order to serve as a manifestation of Divine life we must be willing to give up our precious things. However, this new life is worth living simply to enjoy a peaceful life full of expectations and hope. Serving Jesus is the most exciting thing possible on the entire planet. However, the blind cannot see it.

One New Testament writer said this about God’s new covenant; But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. Heb 8:6 (NLT) These better promises are what make it possible for us to become a manifestation of the Divine life. God’s covenant contains the revelation of His purpose and also the power that enables us to join Him in the accomplishment of His purpose. We must be whole hearted and press-on toward the greatest life possible. All covenant rights come only from Jesus Christ and they are brought into our life by the Holy Spirit. To live as a manifestation of God means we must be ready for a supernatural life. Some people seem to think this means they have become superior to other humans. The Bible tells us many times that this is absolutely wrong. The reverse is actually true. God’s power is transforming our proud life into the humble life of a servant.

Our complete life is to become an illustration of trust in the Divine. God has condescended to make this wonderful covenant with human beings. Unbelievably, our small part of the covenant is to simply trust Him and be willing to become a manifestation. Of course, we will become absolutely convinced that we are part of God’s eternal family. Nothing in heaven or earth can shake our assurance in the plan of God. Because of this confidence we will obey Him even if we face certain death. Our total reliance on the death of Jesus will mark our life and is seen by the world around us. This kind of trust in God and His Word will activate the covenant in our life. Only one thing can ruin our faith-trust relationship. To put it simply “DIY” or doing it yourself. To be a manifestation of the Divine life we must give up the self-effort that we love so much. Our efforts must be replaced by the Divine power. Jesus said; He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:17 (NLT) Jesus promised that a new leader would bring His power to live inside of us.

The New covenant is wonderful because it contains a new life that will change us completely and it will last forever. We could say that Jesus is the provider and that the Spirit is the applier. To recap, we are a manifestation of the Divine life when we walk in faith, when we crucify the flesh and when we enjoy the liberty of God’s victory. Where does the Bible tell us we are a manifestation? Peter told us; he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:4 (NLT) We must believe that it is possible to share God’s Divine nature. How can we expect something to happen to us if we do not believe it? Paul taught many times that; the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Cor 3:18 (NLT) Many people refuse to be made into His image. What makes people think they can be saved but refuse to be in His image and be a manifestation? May the Lord bless us with the desire to be His manifestation on this earth.