Contend for the Faith

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Pete

Although he was eager to talk to them of their common salvation, he instead appeals to them to contend for the faith. While he wanted to get lost in the grandeur of deliverance, he instead felt he needed to be real about the great danger of destruction. Though he initially intended to talk to them of the steadfast love of God, he instead warns them of the condemnation that awaits those who pervert grace.

Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.    (Jude 3-4 ESV)

They had entered the assembly of the saints in secret. Stealthily they had settled in alongside those who had been “called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ” (v.1). Jude piles on the metaphors concerning these infiltrators. They were “hidden reefs at your love feasts” . . . shepherds who feed themselves . . . waterless clouds . . . fruitless trees . . . wild waves of the sea . . . wandering stars (vv.12-13). Driven by their flesh-invoked, and perhaps satanically inspired, dreams, they “defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme glorious ones” . . . blaspheming “all that they do not understand” (v. 8, 10). They were, and are, quite simply, bad news for the people of the good book.

And, they have “crept in unnoticed.” Therefore, writes Jude, contend for the faith.

In our day, I sometimes fear that we have reacted so strongly to the legalism of past generations that, as part of preaching “by grace alone,” we have failed to recognize the need to still contend for the faith among those calling themselves people of God. That while we are careful to not rely in the flesh at all, we fail to see the need to still bring the flesh under submission. That while our salvation is by grace alone through faith alone, it is possible to pervert, or transpose, grace such that, rather than make us free FROM SIN, it is used as an excuse TO SIN. That our liberty is swallowed up in license. And so, says Jude, we need to enter the fray and agonizingly struggle for the truth of the faith delivered to us.

We need to be people of the Book. We need to be people who are careful not to quench the illuminating work of the Spirit. We need to be people ready to call sin for what it is . . . sin! And, we need to be people who are ready to engage error and wrestle it to the mat . . . especially when it’s error from the inside.

But we are not people who do this on our own. For just as it was Jesus who delivered a people out of the land of Egypt (v.5a), it is Jesus who is able “to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy” (v. 24a). As we build ourselves up in our most holy faith . . . as we pray in the Holy Spirit . . . as we keep ourselves in the love of God . . . as we wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life (vv. 20-21) . . . then will we be able, by grace, to contend for grace. Then will we, with power, be able to defend that which is true.

And then, with eagerness, we will bask in the wonder of our common salvation.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

No Greater Joy

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Pete

There are a lot of things that can bring joy. A lot of things that can cause gladness . . . a lot of things that will lead to rejoicing . . . a lot of things to be thankful for. But in his third epistle, John refers to something that brought him maximum joy.

When John tallied up all the reasons for joy he could think of, when he ranked them according to that which provided him the greatest gladness, there was a joy that ranked at the top. While others, like remembering his risen Savior, might be equal to such joy, there was no greater joy.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3John 4 ESV)

No greater joy. I pause. Really? No greater joy? While other things might evoke a similar joy, nothing else ranks above it? Again, really? It’s kind of an “over the top” statement if you think about it.

Of all the joys that John had known — think the Mount of Transfiguration . . . think communing in the bosom of Jesus . . . think of the empty tomb . . . think of eating with the risen Christ — of them all, none was greater to John than hearing that those he had birthed into the kingdom were living their lives according to the truth. Sure, there had been rejoicing, even in heaven, as God used John to lead darkness-dwellers into the Light through the power of the gospel. But there was no greater joy than to see those who had been brought into the Light, walking in the Light.

In the economy of heaven, how important is a walk that matches the talk? Pretty!

What a disservice is done when I think that how I live my Christian life is less important than the fact that I’ve become a Christian. When I think that as long as I’ve sealed the deal on eternal security, I can kind of “wing it” according to what I think works best for now.

But if John reflects the heart of God . . . if John personifies the mind of Christ . . . and I think he does, then the Father has no greater joy than to hear, and in His case, see, that His children are seeking to walk in truth. That they order their ways as people not of this world but as those seeking a city to come. That they set their way in accordance with the Word. That they take their cues not from what’s the popular thinking of the day, but from what is permanent truth for eternity. That their conduct reflects not the world of darkness from which they were delivered, but the realm of Light to which they have been called.

How we walk the Christian walk is important. How we regulate our lives is very much on heaven’s radar. And it is a joy invoker.

Saved by grace, we follow by grace. Sealed with the Spirit, we learn to walk in the Spirit. Called to be holy, we seek to be holy. For His joy.

No greater joy. Really! No greater joy then that His children are walking in the truth.

Might I bring Him such joy. By His grace . . . for His glory.

 

Posted in 3John | Leave a comment

The Most High Rules

Posted on November 18, 2014 by Pete

Kind of one of those “Duh!” moments for me this morning. I’m reading Daniel 4. King Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream . . . Daniel’s second interpretation . . . God’s continued revelation of Himself to a pagan sovereign. And I found myself, as I think I have most times when reading this in the past, in wonder as to the amount of attention God gives to the Babylonian king. The amount of focus heaven directs to this one man. And I conclude, as I have in the past, God is willing to give a lot in order to get a heart. And while that might be true, I’m thinking this morning that in “seeing the trees,” I’ve may have missed some of the forest. That it might be less about the interaction between the Teacher and the student, and more about the lesson being taught. The lesson that’s repeated three times in this chapter. Duh!

The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, the decision by the word of the holy ones, to the end that the living may know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will and sets over it the lowliest of men . . . till you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will . . . until you know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men and gives it to whom He will.    (Daniel 4:17, 25, 32 ESV)

If repetition is Scripture’s megaphone of emphasis, then, while the dealings of the God of heaven with the king of Babylon are fascinating and instructive, the main point of the passage is that those who read it understand that the Most High rules.

It’s about “the Most High” . . . God referred to in this way 6 times. And it’s about His rule over the earth. His might, His authority, His mastery, His position as captain of the helm. Know that the Most High rules the kingdom of men.

In a world that seems a bit out of control . . . where, in general, leaders reject the Scriptures . . . and where governments aggressively seek to annex other lands . . . and where sects rise to wage wars of terror . . . in such a world, I need to be reminded that Heaven rules (4:26).

Our God is the Most High . . . He is the Sovereign of all sovereigns. The King of heaven, though permitting sinful men to be sinful men, will only do so for a time . . . and in that time His hand is not staid from directing world affairs as serves His eternal purposes. And in that time He is not idle, but through His people . . . and by His Spirit . . . and with the message of the gospel, seeks to make Himself known through His Son. Calling men and women to, like Nebuchadnezzar, know the mighty workings of Heaven as He has made provision for redemption. That men and women, through faith, might humble themselves and cast themselves upon the mercy and grace of God and receive the gift of eternal life. That men and women might know the Most High who rules through the Son He sent to serve.

The King of heaven rules the kingdoms of men. “His dominion is an everlasting dominion . . . and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand” (4:34-35).

And when people, whether they be kings with authority or people with unassuming day jobs, get the lesson and know the Most High, their response is the same . . .

I praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are right and His ways are just . . .
(Daniel 4:37 ESV)

The Most High rules! To Him be all glory!

 

Posted in Daniel | Leave a comment

The Revealer of Mysteries

Posted on November 17, 2014 by Pete

Started in our Daniel this morning. Man, I like coming back to this book! Gotta love Daniel and his resolve not to defile himself with the king’s fare (1:8). Always inspired by his confidence in the calling of his God to take the path less traveled. But as much as the man Daniel stirs me in these opening chapters, it is the God of Daniel who fires up the awe-o-meter. For my God is a revealer of mysteries.

. . . there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries . . .    (Daniel 2:28 ESV)

So declares Daniel to the insomniac (and somewhat out-of-whack) king of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar has had a disturbing dream and calls his “wise men” to interpret the dream. But he’s a bit paranoid . . . he’s thinking these wise men are more like wise guys . . . charlatans who have been stringing him along. And so, he demands that they interpret the dream without him telling what it is. That they must reveal to him both what he dreamt and what it means.

Impossible, they say. No man on earth can do such a thing . . . no king has ever asked such a thing. Can’t be done! O’ yes it can . . .

Enter the Revealer of Mysteries . . . the One who brings to understanding deep and once hidden secrets. Enter the God of heaven.

Daniel petitions His God, and his God provides revelation to Daniel. Daniel seeks to know the mystery, and his God determines to make known the mystery. And the king’s own awe-o-meter goes nuts!

The king answered and said to Daniel, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery.”    (Daniel 2:47 ESV)

To the king, through Daniel, God reveals the mystery of a future kingdom that the God of heaven, Himself, will establish . . . a kingdom that will never be destroyed . . . a kingdom that will stand forever (2:44).

And to me, through His Word, through believers who have patiently taught me, and by His Spirit, the Revealer of Mysteries had made known to me a mystery or two as well. The mystery of how a holy God can be both just and the justifier of those contaminated with sin. The mystery of how God Himself entered humanity and offered Himself as the final atoning sacrifice for the transgressions of all men and women. The mystery of how those who once were not the people of God, and who were far removed from the promises of God, can be brought into living relationship with God. The mystery of forgiveness. The mystery of spiritual rebirth. The mystery of having the righteousness of Christ credited to my account. The mystery of grace.

How can it not impact the old awe-o-meter?

Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
   to whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
   He removes kings and sets up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
   and knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things;
   He knows what is in the darkness,
   and the light dwells with Him.
To you, O God of my fathers,
   I give thanks and praise . . .     (Daniel 2:20-23a ESV)

To Him be all glory. Amen?

 

Posted in Daniel | Leave a comment

Jehovah Shammah

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Pete

It’s been a ride. From glory seen . . . to glory departed . . . to glory returned. From exile due to judgment, to return due to grace. From hard to visualize visions of whirling creatures, to easy to understand object lessons acted out by a faithful prophet. And when it all comes to an end . . . when the prophecy is done . . . when the curtain falls . . . there is a city encompassed by a people who have been brought into a land. They are the people of God . . . it is the land of promise. And the name of that city is Jehovah Shammah.

The circumference of the city shall be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on shall be, The LORD is There.   (Ezekiel 48:35 ESV)

When all is said and done . . . when all is done and said . . . The LORD is There . . . Jehovah Shammah.

It is the culmination of reconciliation . . . it is the end state of regeneration . . . it is the God desired outcome of redemption. The people of God are in the land and their God is in their midst. And so, we look for a city . . . and it will be called Jehovah Shammah . . . because The LORD is There.

I believe there will be a literal fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy. A day when Christ will reign on earth in a city surrounded by those of the twelve tribes. And it will be called Jehovah Shammah, For the LORD is There. Jesus the Christ is Jehovah . . . the always existing I AM . . . the Incarnate God . . . the defining radiance of God’s glory . . . the exact imprint of His being. And He will be on the throne. He will be the glory that fills the temple. The King of kings and Lord of lords will reign. Jehovah Shammah.

And, I believe, there will be a greater fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophetic conclusion. A celestial city . . . a place that’s out of this world . . . literally.

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.”   (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV)

A city with no temple, “for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” A city with no need of natural light provided by the sun or moon, “for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” A city with the river of life flowing through the middle of it. A city centered by a throne . . . a city inhabited by the Lamb. The LORD is There. Jehovah Shammah.

And while I wait for Ezekiel’s future forecast to play out, I’m reminded that there is another temple in existence today. A temple defined by a spiritual dynamic whereby sinners saved by grace are joined together in and through the Spirit of God to be a dwelling place of God (Eph. 2:21-22). That where two or three are gathered in His name, He is in the midst of the them (Matt. 18:20). That even now, the mysterious working of the kingdom of God is active in the hearts of all who believe . . . for The LORD is There . . . Jehovah Shammah.

By His grace . . . for His glory.

 

Posted in Ezekiel | Leave a comment

What’s It There For?

Posted on November 13, 2014 by Pete

Of all the words I’ve read this morning the one that’s particularly caught my attention is the word “therefore.” You know . . . as in, when you come across a “therefore” find out what it’s there for. It’s a fundamental rule in seeking to understand the text. Determine the context . . . seek to connect the cause-and-effect dots. And so that’s what I’m noodling on . . . one of the “therefores” in my reading in John this morning.

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table. Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:1-3 ESV)

It’s not the first “therefore” I’m thinking about. I think Jesus came to Bethany because He had set His face to be at Jerusalem but also knew that the chief priests had given orders that anyone seeing Jesus should report it so that He might be arrested. So Jesus lays low before the Passover with some friends.

But it’s the second “therefore” . . . the “therefore” of Mary anointing the feet of Jesus that has me pausing.

At first, I think Mary’s extravagant worship is just in response to seeing her brother, Lazaraus, reclining at the table with Jesus. She stands to the side as she watches Jesus interact with those invited to the dinner given in His honor. And she can’t help but keep staring at her brother . . . the dead man made alive. The one who had seemingly breathed his last, whose body had been wrapped in burial spices and linen, whose lifeless corpse had been laid in the tomb and had remained there for four days. The one who rose from the dead in response to Jesus’ command, “Lazarus, come out!” The one who testified as a living object lesson of the truth that Jesus was indeed “the Resurrection and the Life” (John 11:17-44).

You gotta know that, as she gazed upon her brother, the gratitude and awe so welled up within her that her only response could be extravagant worship.

But I also wonder if the “therefore” isn’t there because she took notice of her sister Martha. Faithful Martha . . . devoted Martha . . . Martha driven by the gift of hospitality. Martha served. She served Jesus . . . she served those who were with Jesus. She was the first to go to Jesus when He came after Lazarus had died. Even then, in her grief and confusion, she confessed her faith, “Yes Lord; I believe You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world” (11:27). And so she served.

Therefore, because Martha was serving the Son of God, and because Lazraus was reclining with the Giver of Life, Mary responded by anointing the only one worthy of worship. She took very expensive perfume and, without measure, poured it on the head (Mark 14:3) and feet of Jesus. As the fragrance filled the house, she humbled herself at the feet of Jesus, her favorite place before the Master, and wiped His feet with her hair. With that which was her glory (1Cor 11:15) she glorified her Lord. Thus she subjected herself fully in exaltation and adoration to the One her brother reclined with, and to the One her sister served.

And long after the dinner was done . . . the aroma of the worship would remain . . . in the house . . . and in her hair. Even as Jesus would be betrayed, condemned, and die, the fragrance would never be far from Mary. I’m thinking even after His resurrection, a wisp of that expensive sacrifice would have remained in Mary’s hair and she would have been moved again to worship.

Martha served . . . Lazarus reclined . . . therefore Mary anointed. He is worthy of extravagant worship. And that’s what it’s there for.

To Him be all glory!

 

Posted in John | Leave a comment

An Either/Or Matter

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Pete

Taking a hard and fast position isn’t all that popular these days . . . unless it’s a hard and fast position that asserts there shouldn’t be any hard and fast positions. Our world seems bent on replacing “either this or that” with “both this and that.” If something works for someone, it should be accepted by everyone. But I’m reminded this morning that, while not everything is a black-and-white issue, some things are. Some things are an either/or matter.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. (1John 4:1-3 ESV)

John writes of that which is either from God or not from God. Of those who are either “from the world” (4:5a), or those who are “from God” (4:6a). Of that which is either “the Spirit of truth,” or that which is “the spirit of error” (4:6b). And it hinges on a non-negotiable, you gotta take a stance, question. Who is Jesus Christ?

Those who confess, . . . those who believe and thus freely and openly declare, that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh are of God. Those who do not confess Jesus are not from God. It’s an either/or matter.

Those who confess, confess that He is Jesus. That the one given the name “Jehovah is Salvation” by His virgin mother did so under the direction of an angel sent of God. He was to be called Jesus because “He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). Those who confess Him as Jesus affirm that He came into the world in order to redeem men and women through His death on the cross.

They also confess that He is Jesus the Christ. That He is the promised Messiah. The One spoken of in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms. That He is God’s blessed Servant, the one Isaiah said would allow Himself to be led like a lamb to the slaughter . . . that the Lord might lay on Him the iniquity of us all . . . that, by His wounds, we could be healed. That He is Branch of the vine of David, rightful heir to the throne. That throne established today in His invisible kingdom, the kingdom residing in the hearts of those who own Him as Lord of their lives. That throne which will one day be visibly established on earth as He returns in His majesty and glory. He is the Christ.

And, they confess that He is . . . not that He was. Their confession is more than some mental ascent to the historical reality of a carpenter from Nazareth who made some outlandish claims. But it is an ardent belief that Jesus the Christ has come into the world. He appeared in flesh . . . died on the cross . . . rose from the dead on the third day according to the Scriptures . . . ascended into heaven . . . and has sent His Spirit into the world.  His Spirit today calling men and women to faith and into relationship with the risen Christ.  His Spirit sealing and indwelling those who respond by faith that He might ever be with them. Oh, and that’s another either/or . . .

. . . for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1John 4:4 ESV)

The Spirit of Christ in us trumps the spirit of all that is antichrist in the world.

It comes down to an either/or matter. Who is Jesus? “By this,” writes John, “we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

O’ that the Father would continue to reveal His Son by the Spirit of truth . . . through His people . . . according to His abundant grace . . . for His eternal glory.

Amen?

 

Posted in 1John | Leave a comment

Hindering Meditation

Posted on November 7, 2014 by Pete

None of them will be nominated for “Comforter of the Year.”  In fact, their notoriety lies in how badly they drew alongside Job to strengthen him in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy.  And while they may have been better served to let their words be few, it’s not like Job doesn’t fuel their fire with his increasing demand to have an audience with God so that he can defend the unjustness of his situation.  Thus, we shouldn’t be too quick to disregard all that Job’s comforters speak to him.  Something Eliphaz says this morning has me thinking.

But your are doing away with the fear of God and hindering meditation before God.  (Job 15:4  ESV)

There’s a time for talking, and a time for thinking.  A time to state, “Here’s how it is!” . . . and a time to consider, “Why is it so?”  Sometimes it’s appropriate to let God know how you feel . . . but probably after you’ve spent some time reflecting on who He is.  So, as I noodle on it, I think there’s some wisdom in Eliphaz’s words.

Job’s desperation for answers leads to demands of God.  You get the sense that Job is looking for a face-to-face, man-to-man, hash-it-out meeting with the Almighty.  His fear of God is waning . . . his boldness is increasing . . . and it’s impacting his thinking . . . distorting his consideration . . . clouding his meditation.

Holy reverent awe of God can go a long way to proper meditation . . . and a more level headed assessment of a situation.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.  (Proverbs 9:10  ESV)

Given the open access I have been given to the throne of grace, I need to be careful of approaching in anyway that diminishes God’s holiness or exalts my human wisdom.

Instead, by maintaining the fear of God, by always remembering first who He is, then my meditation, my understanding, my insight will be unhindered and my spirit sensitive to His Spirit’s voice.

O’ that I might not hinder my meditation of Him.

By His grace . . .  for His glory.

Posted in Job | Leave a comment

Making A Win Out Of A No Win Situation

Posted on November 6, 2014 by Pete

This morning I am chewing on the lengths to which God will go for the sake of His Name. Reading in Ezekiel 36 and 37 . . . and it’s kind of a no win for God.

Israel’s rebellion and spiritual adultery has profaned God’s holy name. The people who were called to come out of the nations and be separated unto the LORD, have not. In fact, by taking “the best” of the pagan practices from all the nations around them, they’ve become the worst. And so, God’s holy name is desecrated by the those He had called to be His holy people.

So what’s a holy and just God to do? He must judge sin. Rebellion and adultery demand wrath. So God judges their sin and scatters them among the nations. But that poses another problem when it comes to God’s name.

But when they came to the nations, wherever they came, they profaned My holy name , in that people said of them, “These are the people of the LORD, and yet they had to go out of His land.” (Ezekiel 36:20. ESV)

Don’t judge them and the name of God is tarnished because of their sin. Judge them and it says something about how “special,” or not, it is to be part of God’s chosen people. And so, for the sake of His holy name, and in order to vindicate His great name, God determines to do something beyond anyone’s imagination. He redeems a people who had turned their backs on Him.

He determines to gather His scattered flock . . . to cleanse them from their sin with a water He will provide Himself . . . to give them a new heart which is turned toward Him . . . to take up residence within their very spirits and souls through His own Holy Spirit . . . to bring them into the land of promise . . . and to be their God so that they might be His people. All that people might know that He is LORD. All for the sake of His holy name.

It is the Name that a world dead in sin desperately needs too know. And God goes to great lengths to make His name known.

For at the core of His plan to redeem a people is the necessity for sin’s wages to be paid in full. In order for God to justly and righteously call a sinful people to Himself, their sin must be atoned for. And the foundation upon which God’s name is held up as holy is the death and resurrection of His One and Only Son. The wages of sin paid in full . . . sin and death conquered forever . . . the Holy Spirit poured out without measure.

All for the sake of His holy name. And for the benefit of those who respond to the call to be His holy people.

All for the glory of the Name . . . All through the out-pouring of grace . . .

To Him be praise forever. Amen?

Posted in Ezekiel | Leave a comment

Behold!

Posted on November 5, 2014 by Pete

Bottom line . . . I like the word “behold” better than the word “see.” I know the word behold literally means to see but, at least in my mind, beholding something is far more than just seeing something. Beyond just observing, to behold, for me, implies an intense focus. Perceiving not just with the eyes but with all of the senses able to connect with the object of the beholding. It invites inspection and examination . . . hints at discovery and discernment. So, if you’ll allow me, I’m “cherry picking” my Bible translation this morning as I chew on the following verses . . .

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.   (1John 3:1-3 NKJV)

Behold what manner of love. Focus on its makeup . . . discover its depth . . . consider its implication . . . glory in its reality.

The manner of love God has given to us is a love which declares us to be children of God. Those who have been redeemed from the slavery of sin have been adopted into the family of God. Offspring born of God . . . having God’s seed abiding in them.  Through the Spirit, invited to address the God of Creation as Abba Father. Behold what manner of love!

We are the children of God. Despite all our work-in-progress imperfections that doesn’t change. Even through our failures, He continues His work of fashioning us into the image of His beloved Son. We are not there yet (Boy! . .  . am I not there yet!), but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him. For now, His Spirit testifies with our Spirit of the Father’s steadfast love towards us . . . that we should be called children of God!

And so, John says, “Little children, abide in Him” (2:28).

Abide . . . and behold!

By His grace . . . for His glory.

 

Posted in 1John | Leave a comment