Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 22, 2012

The Works of God

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 2:6-10.
 
“6 But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me;  God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.  7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised 8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), 9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.  10 They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.”  Galatians 2:6-10.
 
———————–
 
Paul recognized God’s work in both Peter and himself in today’s Scripture.  In addition, God put a desire or will to help the poor in both hearts:  “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13. 
 
Reformed Doctrine a/k/a Calvinism recognizes and proclaims the works of God.  Arminianism recognizes and proclaims the alleged “free-will” of man.
 
Reformed Doctrine a/k/a Calvinism recognizes and proclaims God’s work in “Unconditional Election”, “Limited Atonement”, “Irresistible Grace”, and “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed Doctrine of salvation.  Arminianism pins salvation on the wisdom and will of man, because they maintain God loves everyone, Christ died for everyone, and the only distinguishing reason some are saved, and others are not, is the wisdom and will of those who chose Christ.
 
In today’s Scripture, we read that God “effectually worked“.  Reformed Doctrine labels it “Irresistible Grace“.
 
Reformed Doctrine recognizes the work of God in Scripture.  Here are some Scriptures.     
 
Psalm 44:1
“O God, we have heard with our ears, Our fathers have told us The work that You did in their days, In the days of old.”
 
Psalm 64:9
“Then all men will fear, And they will declare the work of God, And will consider what He has done.”
 
Psalm 66:3
“Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!  Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You.”
 
Psalm 66:5
“Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men.”
 
Psalm 72:18
“Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, Who alone works wonders.”
 
Psalm 73:28
“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;  I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.”
 
Psalm 74:12
“Yet God is my king from of old, Who works deeds of deliverance in the midst of the earth.”
 
Psalm 75:1
“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks, For Your name is near;  Men declare Your wondrous works.”
 
Psalm 77:14
“You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.”
 
Psalm 78:7
“That they should put their confidence in God And not forget the works of God, But keep His commandments,”
 
Psalm 86:8
“There is no one like You among the gods, O Lord, Nor are there any works like Yours.”
 
Psalm 145:10
“All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, And Your godly ones shall bless You.”
 
Isaiah 25:1
“O LORD, You are my God;  I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name;  For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.”
 
Isaiah 29:23
“But when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, They will sanctify My name;  Indeed, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob And will stand in awe of the God of Israel.”
 
Jeremiah 51:10
“The LORD has brought about our vindication;  Come and let us recount in Zion The work of the LORD our God!”
 
“Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?”  Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.”  John 6:28-29.
 
John 9:3
“Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
 
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
 
1 Corinthians 12:6
“There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.”
 
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
 
Ephesians 3:7
“of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.”
 
Colossians 2:12
“having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”
 
1 Thessalonians 2:13
“For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.”
 
1 Peter 1:2
“according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood:  May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.”
 
Revelation 15:3
“And they *sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty;  Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!”

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 21, 2012

Reformed Doctrine: “this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!”

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 2:1-5.
 
“1 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.  2 It was because of a revelation that I went up;  and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.  3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.  4 But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.  5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”  Galatians 2:1-5.
 
——————————
 
Today’s Scripture shows Paul standing firm.  “But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”  Verse 5. 
 
The Book of Galatians is devoted to hammering home the point of our freedom from the Law.  In the last chapter of Galatians, we read:  “It was for freedom that Christ set us free;  therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1
 
Reformed Doctrine (which emphasizes the “sola” of “grace alone”) is also known as the “doctrines of grace”.  Like Paul, those of us who believe in Reformed Doctrine face peer pressure from those in the church who would like to draw us back into a man-centered/works-centered “gospel” like Arminianism which emphasizes man’s alleged “free-will” and man’s alleged contribution to his own salvation whether it be his works or his will.  
 
But, Reformed Doctrine shouts:  “No!!!  Man is dead in sin and cannot contribute works or will or anything else to his salvation.  The only thing that man contributes is his “Total Depravity”!!!  Our salvation is determined by “Unconditional Election”.  There is no condition supplied by man that motivates God to save us.  We are truly saved by grace alone!”    
 
Like Paul, we likewise need to resist peer pressure.  We need to stay committed to the truth of Reformed Doctrine.  We need to “stand firm“.  
 
It is interesting to note that although Peter was included in Paul’s criticism in Galatians 2:11-14, Peter later wrote in 1 Peter 5:12:  “Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God.  Stand firm in it!” 


1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”
 
Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”
 
Ephesians 6:14
“Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,”
 
Philippians 1:27
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”
 
Philippians 4:1
“Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.”
 
2 Thessalonians 2:15
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 20, 2012

The Gospel: “What do you have that you did not receive?”

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 1:10-24.  Here is the link to this full text – Click here: Galatians 1 NASB – Introduction – Paul, an apostle (not – Bible Gateway 

We will focus on the following verses 10-17. 
 
“10 For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God?  Or am I striving to please men?  If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.
 
11 For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.  12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
 

13 For you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it;  14 and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions. 15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, 17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me;  but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus.  Galatians 1:10-17.

———————————-

Consistent with the fact that Reformed Doctrine maintains that the gospel is all about the work of God alone through grace alone from “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement” through “Irresistible Grace” through “Perseverance of the Saints better known as Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Five Points of Calvinism a/k/a the Reformed Doctrine of salvation, Paul emphasizes in today’s Scripture that the gospel was not received from man but was received from God “through the revelation of Jesus Christ”.  Paul emphasizes that point by contrasting “black with white”:  the “black” of Paul’s “former manner of life” persecuting the church with the “white” of God setting Paul apart even from his birth to call him through His grace to reveal and preach Jesus. 

Reformed Doctrine also contrasts the “black with white”:  the “black” of man’s “Total Depravity” with the “white” of God’s work of salvation as stated above.

Comparing Arminianism with Calvinism, Arminanism emphasizes what man provides while Calvinism emphasizes what God provides.  Arminianism emphasizes that man provides (alleged) “free will” choice of Christ, whereas Calvinism emphasizes that God provides “Unconditional Election”.  Arminianism emphasizes that man provides the wisdom and willpower to live the Christian life, whereas Calvinism provides the “Irresistible Grace” to live the Christian life.  Arminianism emphasizes that man provides perseverance to the end, whereas Calvinism emphasizes that God provides “Preservation of the Saints” to the end.

Here is how the Reformed Confession The Belgic Confession defines the gospel.      

Article 22:  Of Faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that, to attain the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Ghost kindleth in our hearts an upright faith, which embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, appropriates him, and seeks nothing more besides him.  For it must needs follow, either that all things, which are requisite to our salvation, are not in Jesus Christ, or if all things are in him, that then those who possess Jesus Christ through faith, have complete salvation in him.  Therefore, for any to assert, that Christ is not sufficient, but that something more is required besides him, would be too gross a blasphemy:  for hence it would follow, that Christ was but half a Savior.  Therefore we justly say with Paul, that we are justified by faith alone, or by faith without works.  However, to speak more clearly, we do not mean, that faith itself justifies us, for it is only an instrument with which we embrace Christ our Righteousness.  But Jesus Christ, imputing to us all his merits and so many holy works which he has done for us, and in our stead, is our Righteousness.  And faith is an instrument that keeps us in communion with him in all his benefits, which, when become ours, are more than sufficient to acquit us of our sins.

Using the language of The Belgic Confession, for any alleged gospel to “assert, that Christ is not sufficient, but that something more is required besides him, would be too gross a blasphemy:  for hence it would follow, that Christ was but half a Savior”.

Here is how the Reformed Confession The Heidelberg Catechism defines the gospel.     

Question 30.  Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?

Answer.  They do not;  for though they boast of him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior;  for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Savior;  or that they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in him necessary to their salvation.  

Using the language of The Heidelberg Catechism for any alleged gospel to assert “Jesus is not a complete Savior” or that “all things in him necessary to their salvation” are not in Christ is to show that they really do not believe in Jesus as their only Savior, but rather that they depend on their salvation on something that they themselves provide or that something else provides.  

“For who regards you as superior?  What do you have that you did not receive?  And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”  1 Corinthians 4:7

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 19, 2012

“a different gospel”

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 1:6-9. 
 
“6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel;  7 which is really not another;  only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.  8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!   9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”  Galatians 1:6-9. 
 
———————————
 
This Scripture refers to “a different gospel”, and this Scripture recognizes such a danger of it that it pronounces a curse on those who would dare preach it.   Many are eager to claim that they preach Christ and present the true gospel according to the Word of God.  But, it may be “a different gospel”.  There are many false preachers and teachers.  As Calvin stated in his Commentary to Galatians 1:6-9:  “To know what are the leading points of the gospel, is a matter of unceasing importance.  When these are attacked, the gospel is destroyed.”  Here is a link to the full Calvin’s Commentary on this Scripture – Click here: Commentary on Galatians and Ephesians – Christian Classics Ethereal Library    
 
As stated in my Reformed Doctrine tag above:
                                  
“In recent years, we have witnessed the explosion in growth of nondenominational churches under such labels as community churches, fellowships, and mega-churches.  Some of these churches are not only rejecting denominational standards, they are also rejecting or ignoring well-established doctrinal standards as well.  And, even some of the denominational churches are also rejecting or minimizing the importance of doctrinal standards as well.  Some of these churches primarily market themselves to seekers who want to feel good without truth or doctrinal restraints.  Even though doctrine is simply defined as “teachings”, some of these nondenominational churches, and even some denominational churches, portray doctrine as unnecessary, divisive, or worse.
                                           

However, doctrine cannot be avoided unless a preacher or teacher just quotes Scripture without making any summary or other comment.  We need to determine how important is truth.  We need to determine how important is sound doctrine.  We need to determine which doctrine of salvation is best supported by Scripture.  We need to determine how important it is to believe and teach the true doctrine of salvation.

…

In conclusion, Scripture keeps coming back to the importance of truth. 
 
Jesus said both in Matthew 15:9 and Mark 7:7:  ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’” 
 
Jesus also stated in John 4:23-24:  “But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth;  for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  ”God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  
 
Jesus also stated in John 16:13:  “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth;  …” 
 
On the other hand, there are those who “did not receive the love of truth so as to be saved”.  2 Thessalonians 2: 10-13. 
                                                                      

Truth and doctrine are supremely important;  failing to believe the truth can be evidence that one is not saved (“worshiping God in vain”).  Truth is revealed by Scripture, not by our feelings as to what is just and true.

Scripture reveals the truth that salvation is a work of God alone, by grace alone, and that God handles all the points of salvation from unconditional election through limited atonement through irresistible grace through preservation of the saints.                                        

This true doctrine of salvation is summarized by “TULIP“, which is the Five Points of Calvinism and which is Reformed Doctrine and more fully taught in the Reformed Confession called The Canons of Dordt.  (A link to Canons of Dordt is in the right column under “Links”).”

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 17, 2012

Our God rescues us.

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 1:1-5.
 
“Paul, an apostle (not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), and all the brethren who are with me,
 

To the churches of Galatia:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forevermore.  Amen.”  Galatians 1:1-5.

——————————-

It is wonderful to meditate on our God Who rescues us. 

Psalm 18:19
“He brought me forth also into a broad place;  He rescued me, because He delighted in me.”
 
Psalm 18:48
“He delivers me from my enemies;  Surely You lift me above those who rise up against me;  You rescue me from the violent man.”
 
Psalm 22:8
“Commit yourself to the LORD;  let Him deliver him;  Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”
 
Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them.”
 
Psalm 50:15
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble;  I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.”
 
Psalm 72:14
“He will rescue their life from oppression and violence, And their blood will be precious in his sight;”
 
Psalm 81:7
“You called in trouble and I rescued you;  I answered you in the hiding place of thunder;  I proved you at the waters of Meribah.  Selah.”
 
Psalm 91:15
“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;  I will be with him in trouble;  I will rescue him and honor him.”
 
Psalm 116:8
“For You have rescued my soul from death, My eyes from tears, My feet from stumbling.”
 
Psalm 136:24
“And has rescued us from our adversaries, For His lovingkindness is everlasting;”
 
“24 “Can the prey be taken from the mighty man,
Or the captives of a tyrant be rescued?”

25Surely, thus says the LORD,

“Even the captives of the mighty man will be taken away,
And the prey of the tyrant will be rescued;
For I will contend with the one who contends with you,
And I will save your sons.
26 “I will feed your oppressors with their own flesh,
And they will become drunk with their own blood as with sweet wine;
And all flesh will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior
And your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.”  Isaiah 49:24-26

Jeremiah 39:18
“For I will certainly rescue you, and you will not fall by the sword;  but you will have your own life as booty, because you have trusted in Me,” declares the LORD.’”

Daniel 6:27
“He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

“68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
70 As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
71 Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;
72 To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
73 The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
74 To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
75 In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.”  Luke 1:68-75

Colossians 1:13
“For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,”
 
1 Thessalonians 1:10
“and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.”
 
2 Timothy 4:18
“The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom;  to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
 
2 Peter 2:9
“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,”

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 16, 2012

Grace, Love, Peace, and Fellowship “are found in Christ Jesus”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 13:11-14.
 
“11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace;  and the God of love and peace will be with you.  12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.  13 All the saints greet you.  14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.”  2 Corinthians 13:11-14.
 
——————————–
                                   

If you have the Lord Jesus Christ, then you will have His grace.  If you have God, then you will have His love and His peace.  If you have the Holy Spirit, then you will have His fellowship.  But, if you don’t, then you won’t.

Verse 14 is not a hopeful wish for love and peace for everyone.  Verse 14 is a promise to only those who have the Lord Jesus Christ, God, and the Holy Spirit.

We get a clue about this fact in Verse 11:  “… and the God of love and peace will be with you.”  Verse 11 infers that the God of love and peace is not with everyone.  But, the rest of Scripture is more expressive.  Grace, love, peace, and fellowship are only given to those in Christ.

Here are just some Scriptures. 

Ephesians 1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,”

Ephesians 2:7
“so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” 

Colossians 1:2
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”

1 Thessalonians 1:1
“Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:  Grace to you and peace.

1 Timothy 1:14
‘and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.’

2 Timothy 1:9
“who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,”

2 Timothy 2:1
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

“I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.   God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  1 Corinthians 1:4-9.

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers;  for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?  Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?  Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols?  For we are the temple of the living God;  just as God said,

“I WILL DWELL IN THEM AND WALK AMONG THEM;
AND I WILL BE THEIR GOD, AND THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE.                                                                                                       “Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord.
“AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN;
And I will welcome you. 
“And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.”  2 Corinthians 6:14-18.  

So, what is the importance of all this?

Some teach that God loves everyone and Christ died for everyone.  Some teach that grace is given to everyone.  Believers of that false teaching will be led into complacency, doubting a literal hell, because God loves everyone and gives grace to everyone in their mind.  Believers of that false teaching will see no urgency nor sense in being separate or different from unbelievers or in repenting of their sin and changing their behavior.  Believers of that false teaching will be led to believe that there are many different broad paths to salvation rather than one narrow way to salvation only through Jesus Christ.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 15, 2012

“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith” by Scripture and Reformed Confessions

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 13:5-10.
 
“5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith;  examine yourselves!  Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?  6 But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves do not fail the test.  7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong;  not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved.  8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.  9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong;  this we also pray for, that you be made complete.  10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.”  2 Corinthians 13:5-10.
 
———————————
 
How simple!  Scripture here states that you are of the faith if “Jesus Christ is in you”.  Verse 5.    
 
Likewise, 1 John 5:12 states:  “He who has the Son (Jesus Christ) has the life;  he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life.”
 
Romans 8:9-11 puts it this way:  “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.  But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.  If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”
 
2 Corinthians 1:21 emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in giving us the assurance of faith:  “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God,  who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.
 
Likewise, Ephesians 1: 13-14 states:  “In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.” 
 
 
Here is what the Reformed Confessions states about faith to help us test ourselves to see if we are in the faith.
 
Here is part of what The Heidelberg Catechism states:
                                              

Question 21.  What is true faith?

Answer.  True faith is not only a certain knowledge, whereby I hold for truth all that God has revealed to us in his word, but also an assured confidence, which the Holy Ghost works by the gospel, in my heart;  that not only to others, but to me also, remission of sin, everlasting righteousness and salvation, are freely given by God, merely of grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits.

Here is part of what The Westminister Confession of Faith states:

Question 72:  What is justifying faith?

Answer:  Justifying faith is a saving grace, wrought in the heart of a sinner by the Spirit and Word of God, whereby he, being convinced of his sin and misery, and of the disability in himself and all other creatures to recover him out of his lost condition, not only assents to the truth of the promise of the gospel, but receives and rests upon Christ and his righteousness, therein held forth, for pardon of sin, and for the accepting and accounting of his person righteous in the sight of God for salvation.

Here is part of what The Canons of Dordt states:
 
Article 12.  The elect in due time, though in various degrees and in different measures, attain the assurance of this their eternal and unchangeable election, not by inquisitively prying into the secret and deep things of God, but by observing in themselves with a spiritual joy and holy pleasure, the infallible fruits of election pointed out in the Word of God – such as a true faith in Christ, filial fear, a godly sorrow for sin, a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, etc. 
 
Here is part of what The Belgic Confession states:
 
Article 22:  Of Faith in Jesus Christ.

We believe that, to attain the true knowledge of this great mystery, the Holy Ghost kindleth in our hearts an upright faith, which embraces Jesus Christ, with all his merits, appropriates him, and seeks nothing more besides him.  For it must needs follow, either that all things, which are requisite to our salvation, are not in Jesus Christ, or if all things are in him, that then those who possess Jesus Christ through faith, have complete salvation in him.  Therefore, for any to assert, that Christ is not sufficient, but that something more is required besides him, would be too gross a blasphemy:  for hence it would follow, that Christ was but half a Savior.  Therefore we justly say with Paul, that we are justified by faith alone, or by faith without works.  However, to speak more clearly, we do not mean, that faith itself justifies us, for it is only an instrument with which we embrace Christ our Righteousness.  But Jesus Christ, imputing to us all his merits and so many holy works which he has done for us, and in our stead, is our Righteousness.  And faith is an instrument that keeps us in communion with him in all his benefits, which, when become ours, are more than sufficient to acquit us of our sins.

In conclusion, “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.”  1 John 5:13.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 14, 2012

“He is my rock”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 13:1-4.
 
“1 This is the third time I am coming to you.  EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES.  2 I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone, 3 since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.  4 For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God.  For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”  2 Corinthians 13:1-4. 
 
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The Corinthians were “seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me (Paul)”.  In the last two chapters, we read about Paul’s defense of his apostleship.  Now, finally, we get to the conclusion.  “For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.” 
 
Paul experienced power and signs and wonders.  “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.”  2 Corinthians 12:12   He even “was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak.”  2 Corinthians 12:4  And yet, we sense Paul’s frustration with the Corinthians and his weakness.
 
Elijah also experienced power and signs and wonders.  Elijah witnessed the miracle of fire on Mount Carmel consuming the altar in bold confrontation with the prophets of Baal and confirming his status as a true prophet of God.  “Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.  When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces; and they said, “The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God.”  Then Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal;  do not let one of them escape.”  So they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and slew them there.”  1 Kings 18:38-40.  And yet, in the very next few verses, we read about Elijah’s fear of Jezebel and his fleeing from Jezebel.  “But he (Elijah) went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough;  now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.”  1 Kings 19:4. 
 
At times, we may feel like Paul and Elijah.  We may do some good works.  We may endure through many troubles and afflictions.  We may even experience “spiritual highs”.  But, we still find ourselves weak.
 
But, there is hope!
 
We read in today’s Scripture:  “yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”  Verse 4.  God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us.  “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9. 
 
God is at work!  Just like God worked in Paul for the good of the Corinthians, God is at work in you for the good of others, “both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13. 
 
We may not know what type of grace that we will receive.  It may appear very little.  Elijah received a bread cake and a jar of water.  “He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat.”  Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water.  So he ate and drank and lay down again.  The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you.”  So he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.”  1 Kings 19:5-8.    
 
Someone may object:  “But Elijah heard the voice of an angel!”  But, we have a Bible full of the promises and encouraging words of God!!!
 
And, someone can be sent by God to act as our angel.  In a very difficult time of financial stress (maybe ten years ago or so). I remember not even having lunch money, yet I was summoned to the church by my Pastor for a meeting.  I felt weak and murmured:  “Here, I am serving God, but I have nothing to eat.”  But, God arranged our meeting to be in the fellowship hall at a time when the ladies of the church were serving potluck lunch.  When I arrived, they seemed to compete with each other to see who could lay out the best and most food in front of me!  They were my angels, and this was sufficient grace.
 
Today, I feel weak and discouraged.  I am just being honest.  I don’t know what grace God will send to me.  But, I trust Him.  “… He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”  Psalm 92:15.   

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 13, 2012

“He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness”

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 12:19-21.

“All this time you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you.  Actually, it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and all for your upbuilding, beloved.  For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish;  that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances;  I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have sinned in the past and not repented of the impurity, immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.” 2 Corinthians 12:19-21.

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Our children (literal and figurative, as in children of faith) can either be either our pride and joy or our humiliation and mourning.  Paul makes it clear that his recent pleading was not to selfishly promote himself, but rather his pleading to the Corinthians was “all for your upbuilding, beloved”.  And, Paul feared that the Corinthians’ sin would cause his humiliation and mourning.

“A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish son is a grief to his mother.”  Proverbs 10:1.

“I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.”  3 John 1:4.

And so, what do you think that a Sovereign Almighty God and Faithful Father would do for His children?

What would such a Sovereign Almighty God and Faithful Father Who delights in righteousness and Who exercises righteousness on earth (Jeremiah 9:23-24) do for His children??

“Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”  1 John 3:2.

“No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious:  anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.”  1 John 3:9-10.

“15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”  16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.  18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  19 For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God.  20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  22 For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  23 And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body.  …  28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;  30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified;  and these whom He justified, He also glorified.  31 What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”  Romans 8:15-23 and 28-31.

In conclusion, as loving and faithful parents clothe their children with the most beautiful clothes that they can afford, our Sovereign God and Faithful Father clothes His children with the most beautiful clothes of righteousness. “I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”  Isaiah 61:10.

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Posted by: Bill Hornbeck | February 12, 2012

“For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God”: The Love of Christ Controls Us

Today’s devotion comes from 2 Corinthians 12:11-18.
 
“11 I have become foolish;  you yourselves compelled me.  Actually I should have been commended by you, for in no respect was I inferior to the most eminent apostles, even though I am a nobody.  12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.  13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that I myself did not become a burden to you?  Forgive me this wrong! 
                     
14 Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you;  for I do not seek what is yours, but you;  for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.  15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls.  If I love you more, am I to be loved less?  16 But be that as it may, I did not burden you myself;  nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I took you in by deceit.  17 Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I?  18 I urged Titus to go, and I sent the brother with him.  Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he?  Did we not conduct ourselves in the same spirit and walk in the same steps?
 
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We almost cringe when we read Paul speaking this way (almost foolishly, as he admits) to the Corinthians.  Paul should not have to beg or plead for the love and loyalty of the Corinthians.  But, such language by Paul proves the depth of his love and care for the Corinthians.

We can identify with Paul.  Sometimes, we have to beg, plead, and speak foolishly to our own children to get them to trust us and follow our advice. 

“Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God;  and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences.  We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart.  For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God;  if we are of sound mind, it is for you.  For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died;  and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.”  2 Corinthians 5:11-15. 

We sense that there was little or nothing that the Corinthians did to deserve Paul’s love.  There is little or nothing that a newborn baby does to deserve their parents’ immediate love.  There is absolutely nothing that we did to deserve Christ’s love.  (Remember “Total Depravity”, the “T” of “TULIP”.)  

But, Paul loved the Corinthians.  Parents immediately love their children from their birth (and parents continue to love their children as long as the parents live).  Christ loves us.

Such love makes us talk crazy at times.  But, such love also makes us sacrifice for their good beyond all reason as well (crazy too).  “For the love of Christ controls us”.

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