Tag: eternal life

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How To Know and Experience The Love and Victory of God

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A Letter to the Children (Part 13)

© 2025 by C. O. Bishop

1st John 5:1-5

Introduction:

John begins this passage with the critical importance of Faith:

1 Whosoever believeth [trusts…is persuaded: Greek “pisteuon”] that Jesus is the Christ [the Messiah] is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat [the One who “sired” you as a born-again child…the offspring…of God] loveth him also that is begotten of him. [The other “born-ones” of God.]

First, the “belief” implied here in 1st John 5:1, is not simply “intellectual assent.” It is not just a casual “admission of a fact.” Rather, it is a decision to trust in Jesus as the Messiah, with all that the name “Messiah” implies. It is a deliberate choice. It is a commitment to depend upon His blood at the Cross, as our only hope for salvation.

Also, the result of that choice (which we call “saving faith”) is multifaceted: At that very moment, The Holy Spirit placed each of us into the Body of Christ, permanently. Finally, (also permanently) the Holy Spirit indwelt each of us, individually. Also, we gained a new position, in Christ, and a new destiny as His born-again child…His offspring. As a result, we began a new relationship with the Sovereign God of the Universe. We do so through the Person of Jesus the Messiah. And, as we daily choose to engage in that relationship, He works daily to “transform us through the renewing of our minds,” by His Love.

Furthermore, Romans 12:2 encourages us to choose that continual renewal. He calls us to embrace that transformation. In contrast, he says to avoid being compressed and deformed by the World. Avoid being forced into its mold, conforming us to its values.

What Does That “Transformed Life” Look Like?

2 By this we know that we love the children [“tekna“…offspring] of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

Compare Jesus’s words in John 14:21-23.

“21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

The agapé love always manifests itself in behavior. As we allow our experiential knowledge of Christ to grow deeper, we will find ourselves more thoroughly committed to obey Him. As we learn to love God with the agapé love, and learn to walk in obedience to Him, we suddenly realize that in so doing, we are also loving the brethren.

Change in Perspective

We discover, experientially and progressively, that His way is literally always the best. So, we choose, more and more consistently, to follow His lead. As a result, we respond to our “fellow-travelers” and we react to our surroundings more and more consistently the way Jesus would have us to respond and react.

One of the results of that particular transformation is that unbelievers see the change in our attitudes and behavior, and they have to admit to themselves that “whatever they’ve got, it seems to be real!” (Remember, Jesus said, “by this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Again, this is the agapé love, not just brotherly love.)

3 For this is the love of God, [this is what marks people who love God, as opposed to loving the World, or loving self.] that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. [Not heavy…Not burdensome.]

A genuinely transformed life is willingly seeking to obey the Word of God, Jesus, Himself. We seek to obey the Spirit of God. We desire to walk in fellowship with Him, in Partnership with Him in His Work.

Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him that sent me and to finish His work.” The “transformed life” begins to echo that desire, seeing the completion of His work as the beating heart of God in our daily lives.

Serving With Jesus

In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Remember that, when Jesus said, “my yoke is easy, and my burden is light,” He meant exactly that! Clearly, the life He calls us to enjoy is impossibly hard in the flesh…it can’t be done at all! However, He never asked us to “live the Christian life” in our own strength. On the contrary, He said “apart from Me ye can do nothing!”

I am told that the Greek word Jesus used for “yoke” implied a double-harness, whereby two workers could share a load, and get far more accomplished. He did not say, “Here, put my yoke upon you and become my slave.” Rather, He invites us to join Him in double-harness, and work with Him.

Laborers Together With Christ

This is what is different about being a “disciple” of Jesus, as opposed to being a disciple of any human teacher: We are not just “trying to emulate our teacher,” or trying to “earn His favor” through obedience. He conferred His favor upon us “unearned.” (We call that Grace!)

He has already “blessed us with all spiritual blessings, in the heavenly places.” He is working with us, and as we walk with Him, He is transforming us from the inside, so as to make us His fellow-laborers. And He promises to reward His “fellow-laborers.”

But allowing Him to live through you makes even the things we consider “major trials” to be relatively easy. Unbelievers experience the same sorts of things, and they have no supernatural “comforter” on whom they can lean and find “rest for their souls,” as Jesus promised us.

What About “Victory in Jesus?”

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

We frequently sing the hymns, “Victory in Jesus,” and “Faith is the Victory,” but I think we seldom connect either of them with this passage. 1st John 5:4, 5 spells out the fact that our faith in Jesus as the Messiah, as the incarnate Son of God…God in the flesh…that faith is the victory that overcomes the world.

Hezekiah’s Example

The moment King Hezekiah (In 2nd Chronicles 29-32) set out to trust the Lord and to worship Him only, God began blessing Him with protection and sustenance. And, when the enemy (King Sennacherib, of Assyria) laid siege to Jerusalem, Hezekiah was already in the habit of trusting the Lord for all things. So, he simply continued to do so. And you may recall the rest of the story: The Angel of the LORD went out that night (We call Him Jesus) and He killed 185,000 troops in the enemy army. The rest packed up and went home. And the enemy king was murdered by his own sons while he worshipped in the temple of his god, Nisroch.

That Victory belonged entirely to God, but it was given to Hezekiah and Jerusalem by Grace, through Faith. And God says that if you are trusting in Jesus as the Son of God, the sacrificial Lamb of God, then He has made you a victor over the World. You have been declared the victor, by Grace, through Faith.

No Coincidences!

As we continue to trust Him and walk with Him, and Work with Him, the victories become more pronounced. We will no longer feel tempted to just say, Well that was serendipitous!” or “What a coincidence that was!” We will recognize His hand at work in our lives, and we will be encouraged to exercise still greater faith.

There was no “coincidence” that caused 185,000 troops to die that night outside Jerusalem. And, it was not due to any “coincidence” that the remaining forces decided they had better things to do, back in Assyria.

It was no coincidence (and no surprise to us,) that Sennacherib was murdered by his own sons. We have learned the character of God: People who mock Him and who attack His people will be judged by Him.

What Are You Seeking?

Our victories may not be of such earthshaking character. But, in our own lives, the lives of our friends and families, and in our church family, we can learn to look for such victories. We have frequently noted that “God has big hands, and He leaves big fingerprints.” If we learn to watch for them, we see His fingerprints everywhere.

J. Vernon McGee told about a big game hunter who spent five months in India When he came home, he was regaling some friends and acquaintances with stories of the hunt. But someone asked about missionaries, and he remarked that he saw missions as a waste of time and money. He said, “In the five months I was there, I didn’t see a single missionary!” An old man on the edge of the group asked, “Pardon me for asking, but how long did you say you were in India?”

The man replied, “Five months!”

The old man pressed on: “And, why did you go there?”

The hunter replied, “To hunt tigers!”

“And, did you see any tigers?”

“Oh, yes,” the man replied: “We saw scores of them!”

The old man said, “That is very odd! I was in India for thirty years, and I never saw a tiger! But, then…I was there as a missionary, and I saw hundreds of other missionaries! It must depend upon what one is looking for!”

Make it “Personal:” What are YOU Seeking?

As we walk by faith, seeking God’s will, and looking for His “fingerprints:” As we seek the evidence of His handiwork, we gain deeper and deeper insight into His Word, and we become increasingly alert to His working in our lives. And that is exactly what He wants us to do!

Lord Jesus, teach us to love the Brethren, to obey Your Word, and to learn to see the victory of God in our own lives.

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Do You Know How to be Sure That You are Secure in Christ?

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Biblical Support for the Security of the Believer

© Richard Banham

(“Once Saved, Always Saved”)

I. Scriptures that Guarantee Security “in Christ.”

John 5:24 – Jesus says that the believer has passed (past tense) from death to life – will not come into judgment – has everlasting life. The life given is not “everlasting” if it can be lost again.

John 6:37 – Jesus said that those who come to him will never be “cast out”. We are the Father’s gift to the Son. The Father is not going to take the gift back.

John 10:27, 28 – His sheep will never (under any circumstance) perish (be lost) Vs. 29 states that no one can pluck them out of the Father’s hand.

John 17:15, 24 – Jesus’s prayers are always answered. He prays that we will be kept from the evil one (the Devil) and that those whom the Father gives Him will be with Him in eternity.

Paul’s Epistles

Romans 8:38, 39 – Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. (Neither time, space or matter or all creation).

1 Cor. 1:29-31 – To avoid boasting, God has put us “in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 12:13) by baptism into His death. In effect, we have already died for our sins by the death of another and according to 1 Corinthians 1:30 He has already become our sanctification and redemption. This is because God sees us “in Him” (Read Gal. 2:20).

Gal. 2:20 – We have already died (been crucified) with Christ. To die (or be lost again) would be “double jeopardy.” We died for all our sins by His death.

Eph. 1:13 – We have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. This is the pledge of our inheritance until our bodies are redeemed. We are God’s possession. Nothing can break this seal.

Eph. 4:30 – We are sealed even if we grieve the Holy Spirit who sealed us (2 Cor. 1:22).

Phil. 1:6 – The good work that God has begun in us, He will perfect (finish). (He doesn’t start the foundation of a house without eventually putting on the roof.)

Col. 3:3, 4 – We, as believers, have already died for our sins (all of them) by the death of Christ. Our life now is “hidden with Christ in God.” How can we be lost again?

2 Tim. 1:12 – He is able to keep us, having committed ourselves to Him.

Heb. 7:25 – He is able to save forever those who come to Him because is praying for them.

Peter’s Epistles

1 Pet. 1:5 – We are kept (protected) by His power for a salvation (of the body) to be revealed in the last time.

John and Jude

1 John 2:19 – those who are not saved (but look like they are saved) go out from us, because they are not really of us.

Jude 1 – We have been called and we are kept for Jesus Christ (by God).

II. Biblical Truth that Defines Salvation.

  1. The Biblical doctrine of Justification by faith precludes any concept of works (self effort). Romans 3:24-25 states that justification (being declared righteous by God…resulting in salvation) is a “gift”. In verse 25 it says that Christ’s blood satisfied the holiness of God’s anger against our sins (propitiated means God is satisfied). 1 John 2:2 – He (Christ) is the propitiation (satisfaction of God’s Holiness and Justice) for our sins – all of them (They were all future when He died). We do nothing to get our salvation (but believe) and by the same token there is nothing we can do to lose it.
    Romans 4:4-5 says “Now to the one who works his wage is not credited as a favor (grace), but is what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies (saves by declaring righteous) the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness”. To feel that we have to “hang on” to be saved is just another way of teaching salvation by works.
  2. Roman’s 5:1-9 – This Scripture passage tells us that already having been justified (declared righteous) by faith we now have peace with God. It goes on to say that we stand in the grace of God (and we rejoice in the hope of His coming).
    Vs.9 tells us that “we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.”
    Justification by God is a once for all time finished gift.
  3. The possibility of a real believer losing their salvation would put them under the Law of God again. Galatians 3:23-25 tells us that before we were saved we were under the law. That the law “was our schoolmaster to bring us Christ” but now that faith has come we are not under the schoolmaster. “Christ is the end of the law to everyone who believes” (Rom. 10:4). Eph 2:8-9 tells us that salvation is a gift. One does not work for a gift. “Not of works lest any man should boast.” Romans 8:1-4 tells us that the law was weak through the flesh. We could not keep the law, so God sent His son and with His death “condemned sin in the flesh.”
  4. To believe that a truly saved person can lose his or her salvation is to mix up justification with sanctification. Justification is instantaneous. It happens the moment we believe in the cross of Christ.
    Sanctification is a process for which we begin to develop holiness in our lives. This is accomplished in all who are saved, (justified) by the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit living in them.
    Romans 8:4 tells us that righteousness is (after we are saved) produced in us by “walking in the Spirit”. Through the Holy Spirit we are to put to death the deeds (sins) of the body (Rom. 8:13).
    This is the “normal spiritual life.” But though it began with free justification, the normal spiritual life has nothing to do with producing justification. Justification is the work of Christ. Sanctification (walking in the spirit) is the work of the Holy Spirit after we are saved.

III. Biblical Examples:

Those Who Appeared to be Saved as Opposed to Those Who Really Were.

It should be noted that nobody in Scripture that was truly saved ever lost their salvation. Also, the Bible describes nobody that was ever “born again” more than once.

  1. In Hebrews 6:4-8 there is a description of a type of person who, upon a casual reading, seems to have fallen away from the Lord and, as we might suppose, has therefore lost their salvation.
    It should be noted in this passage that if indeed they did lose their salvation, they can’t get it back. It says “for it is impossible, if they should fall away, to renew them again unto repentance”. They would “put the Lord to open shame.”
    The person described was once “enlightened” and tasted of the heavenly gift” and “made a partaker of the Holy Spirit, tasted of the good word of God and the Powers of the world to come.”
    It would certainly seem (on the surface) that they had been a Christian but lost their salvation.
    But let us stop and think for a moment. Have we not known people that were in the church, seemed to take part in everything others did and yet eventually left and acted as though they were never saved?
    This is what John tells us in 1 John 2:19. He says that they (in this case many antichrists) “went out from us, but they were not (really) of us”. They had to leave to prove to us that they were not “of us.”
    The Hebrews 6 passage aptly describes the traitor, Judas Iscariot. He looked and acted so much like all the other apostles that on the night of the last supper, after Jesus had announced that one of them would betray him, each disciple asked Jesus, “Is it I”?
    Matt 26:22 – “and began every one of them to say to him, “Lord, is it I”?
    This description fits Judas, who, though he had walked with the Lord Jesus three years and had partaken of the “heavenly gift.” was not really one “of them.” In fact, Jesus had said, “Have I not chosen you twelve and one of you is a devil”? (John 6:30) Judas even cast out demons! (Mark 3:14, 15; Mark 6:12; Luke 9:1)
    The person described in Hebrews 6:4-8, though heavily involved in “Christian Things” and having had the advantages of even the Spirit, was never really saved, any more than Judas was.
    Peter, on the other hand, appeared not to be a believer, when he denied the Lord at a crucial time (John 18:15-27). Christians don’t always act like Christians. Nevertheless, Peter was saved. Jesus had said that Satan had desired Peter, but he had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail (Luke 22:31, 32).
    Our confusion about the idea of people losing their salvation comes from our limited knowledge of who truly is saved, and who is pretending, like Judas Iscariot.

  2. The parable of the wheat and the tares (weeds) in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43 shows us how the authentic and the false can easily be confused. The tares looked so much like the real wheat that the angels were prohibited from plucking up the tares, lest they inadvertently pull up the real wheat also (vs 29). The wheat was a picture of real believers. The tares were not.
    Another example of the false among the true is in 2 Peter 2. (The false teachers.)
    It should be noted that these “false teachers” that shall come (and have come) were not really saved. The Greek word for them being “bought” (agorasanto) used here indicates that though the price was paid for them, they remained on the “slave block.” They are not saved. They ignored the price paid for them, and taught false doctrine in the church.
    In the end of the chapter, we have those that “have escaped the pollution of the world” turning back to it (2nd Peter 2:20-22). The characteristic of them is they are not called “sheep,” (who turned back into dogs or pigs:) They are called “dogs” and “sows,” both regarded by the Jews as unclean animals. There had never been a true conversion. They were never saved. And, as described in this chapter, the enemy has always used evil people infiltering the church, to corrupt it.

IV. Other Scriptures Seeming to Suggest that Once Saved, You Could Be Lost:

Matthew 24:13 “He that endureth until the end, the same shall be saved.”.

The question becomes “saved from what?” Those who remain faithful to the Lord until the end of that Terrible Tribulation Time, described in the context, will be physically delivered to enter the millennial kingdom in their physical bodies. The passage is not talking about personal salvation from sin.

There will be those who are not killed during the “Great Tribulation” and do believe in Christ.

These are those who will still have their physical bodies so that they can produce the children described in Isaiah 11:6, 8; 65:20.

1st Corinthians 10:12 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

Again, the context of the verse is very important. The context of this passage indicates a tendency of Christians going back into their old practices of sin, just like many in ancient Israel did in the desert. Obviously Christians “fall”, but this does not mean that they are lost again or that God is even through with them. I can fall. You can fall. But our salvation doesn’t depend on us. He has already bought us (Philippians 1:6.)

In Galatians 5:4 we have the expression “fallen from grace”

Again, we must not read into the word “fallen” the idea of being “lost” in regard to salvation. The writer to the Galatians (Paul) was showing that when they, as a group, were including circumcision as part of salvation, they had fallen away from the doctrine of Grace. Remember that Grace excludes any human ritual or work.

In John 15:6 the passage is talking about “fruit bearing”. Those that remain in Christ will bear “much fruit”. The word in the Greek is meiné, meaning “remain.” The idea of remaining in Christ has to do with the behavior of the person in regard to fruit bearing.
(Compare 1st John 1:7… “walking in the Light,” with Him.)

It is not the same as the believer being placed into (baptized into) the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. (1st Corinthians 12:13). That is his position, brought about by Christ (or the Holy Spirit) when he was saved. The “remaining in Christ” in John 15:1-8 is his action: his subsequent behavior, if he is to produce fruit.

Notice in verse 6 that if he does not abide (remain) in this way, he is thrown into the fire by men, not angels, as in Matthew 13:41, 42. The believer who is not fruitful, who does not “remain with” (walking with) Christ is cast aside by men, “and trodden under foot.”

(Matthew 5:13). Paul spoke of such people as “castaways” (put on the shelf). Not useful to God. Again, this passage is not talking about salvation, but service: how to produce fruit for the Lord.

V. Eternal Security:

The relationship that exists between us and God is a personal relationship. Throughout the Bible the Heavenly father is always coaching us on how to live, because He deeply loves us.

This love is to be returned by us and so we find many scriptures that try to show us the unhappy consequences of not returning His love. We need Him.

Like any good parent (and God is the best), He does not want us to languish in insecurity. How can we love a parent if we are never sure whether that our relationship with them is secure and settled? A believer in that doubtful condition is unsettled, fearful and insecure.

This is certainly not His will, as we have tried to show by His precious Word.

Remember that the “Helmet of Salvation,” described in Ephesians 6:17, is designed to protect your head…your mind…your thoughts.

In 1st John 5:11-13, God says that He wants you to know that you have Eternal Life. If you ignore this truth, and/or deny that you can know you are eternally secure in Christ, by His completed work, alone, then you simply cannot “wear” the Helmet of Salvation: Your thoughts will be “fair game” for the enemy, continually suggesting that God is going to reject you.

Richard Banham

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How to Understand: “The Last Time” and “Antichrists”

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Paired Concepts: “The Last Time” and “Antichrists”

© 2025 by C. O. Bishop

1st John 2:18-29

18 Little children [paidia], it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist [singular] shall come, even now are there many antichrists [plural]; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Introduction to The Last Times…“the Final Hour.”

We often think of the “end times” as something that begins after the Rapture of the Church; And in one sense, that is accurate. The “Day of the Lord” does begin with the rapture of the church. And it runs through to the Great White Throne Judgment after the Millennial kingdom.

It is important to remember that John was speaking to the Church at large, around AD 90, not AD 2025. So, we have been living in “the Last Days” ever since Acts chapter two, when the Church Age fully began. It has been nearly 2000 years! The first century Church understood that they were living in the last days, just as fully as we are today. They did not have all the modern fulfillments of prophecy that we have. They simply had the Word of God on the matter, and they believed Him.

Greek Roots

The Greek words “eskaté ōra” are translated as “last time.” (The words literally mean, “last hour.”)

The word “eskaté” is the root of the theological term “eschatology.”

Eschatology means the “study of last things.” Or, the “study of the end times.” But we usually mean “the study of the end times beginning at the rapture!” But John meant the entire Church age and everything to follow.

So, we know that we are already living in the “last hour.” Our behavior and priorities and choices should reflect that knowledge. The Greek word “eskaté” appears 54 times in the New Testament. But 46 of those times, it is translated “last:” Not always referring to the end times, either…it was used just as we use the English adjective “last.”

A Clue about the Last Times

One “clue” John gave us that we truly are in the end times, is that the world is full of the “spirit of antichrist.” (1st John 4:3 “And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”)

Many deny the deity of Christ and even deny the Incarnation, at one level or another. Some deny that He ever existed, though most do not. The secular historians of that time wrote about Jesus, but condemned him as a troublemaker and as a false messiah. No one in that time denied that Jesus had existed: they just rejected Him wholesale. This seems to be part of what John calls the “spirit of antichrist.” But more specifically, perhaps he means those in religious circles who deny that Jesus is “God in the Flesh.” He is the Creator God, incarnate. The Judge of all the Earth.

Who is Jesus, Really?

I heard a pastor say, “I don’t want people praying to Jesus!” But in Hebrews 1:6, God the Father commanded all the angels to worship God the Son, at the moment of His birth. The angels, of all beings, know to worship ONLY God: So, if they worship Jesus,  how much more should we, who, for the moment are lower than the angels, also worship Him?

In John 5:22, 23, Jesus said He is the ONLY Judge of all the earth. “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

God the Father said Jesus is the Creator, in Hebrews 1:8-12 “8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.

10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.”

Some people—even some claiming to be Christians—hotly deny that Jesus is the Creator: This response reveals the “spirit of antichrist.” True believers are filled with Joy and Wonder to realize that their Savior is actually the Creator and Judge as well.

Doctrine (And How We Respond to It) Truly Matters!

Eventually, those who deny His Deity and His Authority will separate themselves from those who believe He to be as He reveals Himself in His Word. They leave, calling us deluded fools. They think we are “idolizing” Jesus. No! He is the true God of the Old Testament and He concludes the New Testament. Jesus is the exact opposite of an idol. He received worship from humans during His earthly life, and from the Angels even before He created the world. But His detractors eventually throw up their hands in disgust, and they leave.

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

It is a mistake to use verse 19 to condemn anyone who leaves a local assembly as being “an unbeliever in disguise.” A person might drift away, or even suddenly leave, for many reasons. Some are drawn away by the “priorities of work and family:” They fail to see God’s priorities encompassing all their needs, including work and family.

Some were hurt by other people in the flock: That wound has not been healed. That disunity has not been mended. They left to escape trauma! Ezekiel 34:4 says some of the flock have been “driven away.” We do not condemn such a person as if they were somehow lacking when the truth is that the oversight of the shepherds is lacking. The flock is sinning (Ezekiel 34:17-22.) The flock is  scattered “…because there is no shepherd.” (Ezekiel 34:8)

The Holy Spirit Rules in Truth

20 But ye have an unction [an anointing] from the Holy One, and ye know all things. 21 I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth.

All believers have the same Holy Spirit: He dwells in us. If we allow Him to do so, He produces Biblical unity…not forced conformity, but rather consensus: two or more coming to precisely the same conclusion, because they are guided by the same Spirit. (Two genuine believers may come to slightly different conclusions regarding the interpretation of some given passage of scripture, and there is no disunity implied.)

Satan’s lies are to turn us away from faith in The Lord Jesus, and to cause us to believe some other voice, in His place. The Holy Spirit never disagrees with the Bible. He is the Author of it. He agrees with the Living Word, Jesus, because He is God. There is no disunity in the Godhead!

Denying the Messiah

So, from the very beginning of the Gospels, some have rejected Jesus with great animosity. His own neighbors in Nazareth attempted to kill Him, intending to throw Him off a cliff. The enemies in John chapter 11 watched Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead, and immediately plotted to kill both Lazarus and Jesus, to suppress the truth that Jesus was the Messiah.

22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. 23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Jesus addressed this dichotomy, in John 5:22, 23, saying “He that honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father which sent Him.”

Not everyone who “claims the Name of Jesus” has actually received Him as Savior. Maybe they simply do not see themselves as a lost sinner, needing a Savior. Maybe they have never understood that Jesus claimed to be anything more than just a man. I have met people who did not seem to be rejecting Jesus, but simply had no idea that Jesus was God in the Flesh.

“Antichrists” (Plural) or “THE Antichrist” (Singular)?

But those who do understand His claim and who openly reject it, seem to be the people John labels as being “antichrists” in the plural sense, as opposed to the Antichrist (singular,) who is clearly described and predicted in 2nd Thessalonians 2:3-12.

So, John warns us, here, against those who desire to subvert believers and to render them ineffective. We are to stay in the teaching of God’s Word and not allow ourselves to be diverted to some other belief, no matter how attractive it may sound.

Abiding in Christ, and in His Word

24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

Jesus taught on this idea in John 15:5-8, saying for us to abide in Him and abide in His Word (also see John 8:31 “If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”)

In 2nd Peter 1:19-21, He warns that we are to see His Written Word as our only source of Light in a dark world: We are to focus our attention on His light as we would focus our eyes on a physical light in a physically dark place.

25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

Each of us, individually, entered into our relationship with him, as we heard the portion of His Word that we call the Gospel of Salvation: It is the Good News of Jesus’s Death, Burial and Resurrection for our sake.

It is the fact that His blood fully paid for our sins…my sin, personally! He paid for Your sin, personally! And, having entered that relationship through faith in His promise of eternal life by His Grace, we continue therein through continued faith in His Promises and Obedience to His Word.

So, Why is This Passage Included in the Bible?

26 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you.

This is another “purpose clause:” John knew that Satan, the enemy of our souls, will use whatever means he can, to deceive us and to “seduce us” away from our walk with Jesus. That enemy has done the same things to the entire human race, ever since the Creation of the World.

27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

As people sometimes say, “We have an Edge!” We have the indwelling Holy Spirit. He is guarding our hearts. We are not entirely dependent upon human teachers: Rather, we each have an indwelling teacher who quietly warns us when a deceiver speaks. I think each of you have experienced something of this sort: someone was expounding on a subject, and you suddenly felt a warning in your mind, that “Something is very wrong with this message!”

A Built-in Warning System

Bank employees are carefully trained to recognize counterfeits: How? By intense study of real currency and of real identification, etc. They may not even know “precisely” what is wrong about a bill or an ID card…they just know immediately that “something is wrong:” They can take it to their supervisor who will confirm their suspicion, and point out exactly what is wrong. 

We have the Author of Truth living in us, as our constant supervisor and Protector. He warns us in the same way. We study the “Real Currency” of God’s Word, to prepare ourselves to clearly see the world. When we hear teaching that just…sounds “off,” to us, we go back to the Written Word, to check and see precisely what is wrong. That is the practice for which the people in Berea were commended, in Acts 17:11. “They received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”  (Perfect! Do that!)

So, What’s The “Conclusion?”

28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 29 If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

We “abide in Him,” ourselves, by continuing in His Word, and by striving to walk with Him in the Light, as we saw in the previous chapter. That ongoing experiential relationship gives us a growing confidence in the joy of His return, as opposed to our fearing His return. 

But He also gave us a way to “look around us” and spot bad teachers and false brethren. We are not “judging others” in a negative sense: We simply apply the standard God has given, so as to have godly discernment in our dealings with people.

Lord Jesus, teach us what it means to walk in the light, and to recognize the many false teachers in the world today, as we compare their teaching with the precepts in Your Written Word. Help us to apply Your Wisdom in every area of our lives.

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How to Understand What it Means to be a Child of God

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A Letter to the Children  (Part 5)

What Does it Mean to Be a Child of God?

© 2025 by C. O. Bishop

1st John 2:12-17

Introduction: Bible Terminology Regarding the Children

I thought I remembered that the Greek word in 1st John, translated as “little children,” was “nepoi” but I was mistaken. The word “nepoi,” means “babies who can’t talk yet,” and it is always translated “babe,” “child,” or “childish.” But that word is not used in 1st John at all.

The word translated as “little children,” here in verse 12, and back in verse 1, is “teknia.” “Teknon” (singular) or “teknia” (plural) means “offspring:” it literally means “born-ones.” We are now the legitimate children of God…His offspring, born of Him! That is a positional truth: we are permanently “in Christ,” and forever His “born-ones.”

But, at the end of verse 13, the word translated as “little children” is “paidia,” meaning “toddlers: little children.”

Earlier in verse 13, the word translated “young men” is “neaniskoi.” “Neaniskos” (singular) or “neaniskoi” (plural) simply means “young man” or “young men” and that is the only way it is translated in the Bible.

And, at the beginning of verse 13, God used the word “pateres” which is the plural of “pater.” It is virtually always translated as “fathers.”

God uses these four words to describe the relative levels of maturity among believers.

The Letter to the Children

12 I write unto you, little children [teknia], because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.

Again, this is positional truth: If you have been born again as a child of God, then your sins have already been forgiven for the sake of the name of Jesus. Your position in Him guarantees a number of “positional” truths. Some of those are listed in Ephesians 1:3-14.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Positional Truths

  • God has already blessed you with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, in Christ.
  • You were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world.
  • You are holy and blameless before him, in His Love.
  • You are predestined to be recognized as a full heir of God.
  • You are predestined to fulfill the good pleasure of His will
  • You are predestined to be to the praise of the Glory of His Grace.
  • You are already accepted in the beloved (Christ.)
  • You already have been redeemed through His blood.
  • You already have full forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace.
  • God has already abundantly blessed you in His wisdom and prudence.
  • He has made known unto you the mystery of His will…one piece at a time.
  • Your inheritance in Him is secure.
  • You will eternally be to his glory and praise.
  • Your position in Him is sealed by the Holy Spirit.
  • The indwelling Holy Spirit is the “down payment” of the rest of the glorious inheritance promised to you. You are absolutely secure in Christ because He says so, and because the Holy Spirit is your guide, and your guard; and He seals you in Christ until the redemption of the purchased possession.

If you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior: If you have placed your faith in His shed blood at the Cross, then every single thing in that passage is true of you as a believer, regardless of how you are behaving today. Your position (“In Christ”) is perfect.

Condition, in Contrast to Position

But your condition could be terrible. You could be wallowing in sin and self-pity, or giving in to every desire of your old sin nature. That sin, given time, will ruin you! But you are still safe, under the Blood of the Cross. You are losing eternal reward, through self-indulgence, and apathy. But the fact is, once Jesus takes hold of you, He never lets go!

Fathers and Young Men

13 I write unto you, fathers [pateres], because ye have known him that is from the beginning.

This distinction seems not to be based only on the length of time a person has been a believer: The word translated “known,” here, is the ginosko form of knowledge, just as in chapter one. It implies that the ones whom God calls  “fathers” have been in an ongoing, growing relationship with Jesus for a long time. It seems to imply a level of maturity and stability, based upon a long-term, experiential relationship with the Lord Jesus.

Does “time in service” necessarily produce wisdom? No! There are people who spend their whole lives striving to follow God in their own strength, and never tap into His wisdom and power. So, because they have not been in an “ongoing, growing relationship” with the Person of Christ, effectively, they have just been “practicing religion.” As a result, they remain carnal and spiritually unwise. These are not the ones God calls “fathers” in the faith.

 I write unto you, young men [neaniskoi], because ye have overcome the wicked one.

The “young men” are the growing, strong believers who are learning to overcome by faith, and have learned a habit of obedience to Christ.

Back to the Children

 I write unto you, little children [paidia], because ye have known [ginōskō] the Father.

The relationship between the new believers (toddlers) and God, their Father, is fertile ground for growth. A receptive heart for His Word is expected in them, so they can feed on His Word and grow, spiritually. 1st Peter 2:2 says, “as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby.” This is part of that personal, experiential knowledge of God in which we are called to immerse ourselves.

14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

Notice that the reason the young men have become strong is that the Word of God abides in them. And the result of that strength, based upon an active relationship with God’s Word, is that they have overcome the wicked one. That should be adequate motivation for us to choose to soak up God’s Word, and let it richly abide in us as well.

What About the World Around Us?

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

This is a command to not Love! How do we reconcile John 3:16 “For God so Loved the World…” with this command, telling us (seemingly) to do the opposite?

First, we want to notice that the “things in the World,” according to verses 15 and 16 are not the same as the people of the World…the lost sinners Jesus came to save. The sinners Jesus came to save are ensnared by the sins and lusts of the “World System of thought, values, and behavior.”

Positionally, they, too, are enemies of God, according to Romans 5:10 (“10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”)

And they all were born as children of wrath according to Ephesians 2:1-3, (“1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.”)

But God still sees them as the precious souls for whom He died. He wants them to be saved.

World System of Thought and Values

In contrast, the World system of ungodly thought, forever at odds with all of God’s righteousness, is an enemy that cannot be saved. God loves the sinner, but He condemns the sin.

He came to save sinners, according to 1st Timothy 1:15. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” But God is not attempting to “rescue” the pattern of rebellion and idolatry and violence that is in the World System of values.

Three Weapons Satan Has Used throughout History

God reveals the true contents of the World System of Values:

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

  • The Lust of the Flesh,
  • The Lust of the Eyes, and
  • The Pride of Life.

Think back: where did we first see those three weapons used on a human? It was in Genesis chapter three, where the woman saw:

  • That the fruit was good to eat (lust of the flesh)
  • That it was pleasant to the eyes, (lust of the eyes) and
  • That it was to be desired to make one wise. (Pride of life.)

Where else did we see them used? It was in Matthew chapter four, where Satan tested Jesus in the desert. He said,

  • You’re hungry! Turn these rocks into bread! (The lust of the flesh.)
  • Look at the glory of the World! I will give you all this wealth! (The lust of the eyes.)
  • Prove yourself! Throw yourself down, and make the angels save you! (The pride of life.)

Modern Experience

All that sort of thinking (“Follow your heart!” “Take care of number one! “Pay yourself first!”” “If it feels good, do it!” “Name it and Claim it!” “Keep up with the Joneses!” “Impress your friends and neighbors!” “Toot your own horn: No one else will do it for you!” “You deserve a break today!”)  All of that is easily recognized as a ploy of the enemy, and a trap, once you recognize it as his handiwork.

But all those values are temporary: They have zero lasting value. The toys and joys of this life are fleeting, at best. The decisions and choices we make will either have eternal value, building an eternal reward … or they will not.

Learn to recognize Satan’s sneak-attacks: In contrast, learn to seek and find the leading of God. There is a spiritual war in progress, and the outcome will have eternal results.

Lord Jesus, teach us to follow You faithfully, and to become the Men and Women of God You have called us to be. Make us alert against the attacks of our enemy, and guard our hearts against him. Teach us to see the works of the flesh as evil, and the wisdom of the world as a trap. Teach us to walk in the light with You.

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Is The Resurrection Really True? How Does it Affect You?

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The Resurrection: Is it Real, and How Does it Affect You?

© C. O. Bishop 2010 (revised 2025)

Introduction:

We are here to celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. We come with a sense of reverence, and joy. That is as it should be. But let us also consider why we feel that way.

Why is the Resurrection so important? Do we just want to feel good, believing that somewhere, somehow, Jesus is still alive today, and that someday, He will come back? Or is there more at stake? And when we talk about the topic of “resurrection,” are we talking about a physical resurrection, or just the “going to heaven when you die” sort of idea?

They took Jesus’s wrecked, mortal shell down from the cross, carefully wrapped it in cloth with embalming spices, and laid it in a solid rock tomb: Did He really come back to life, fully healthy, and leave the tomb, without disturbing the stone at the door? Was the tomb really already empty, before the angelic messenger rolled the stone away? Did the angel really roll it back just to reveal the empty tomb to the women who had come to complete the embalming process? Or was it all just a hoax? Just a nicely-told “religious myth?” And, finally, does it really matter? Let’s see what God says about the Resurrection.

Consider Prophetic History:

The theme of the Resurrection begins in Genesis 22. God gives us just a hint, in Abraham’s obedience, attempting to sacrifice Isaac. We see that God says it was a test, but later, in Hebrews 11:17-19, we find that Abraham had assumed God would bring him back from the dead. God raises the subject of resurrection over and over, throughout the Old and New Testaments, and it runs all the way through to the Revelation.

In Job 19:25, God stated itvery clearly, through Job: He states that “I know that my Redeemer liveth, and shall stand upon the earth at the last day, and, though, after my skin, worms shall devour my flesh, yet will I see him, with myeye, and not another.” How did Job know? Moses wasn’t born yet, so he had not written any of his books. So either God gave that revelation to Job as a prophet, or He gave it to others and they handed it down as an oral tradition, and Job simply confirmed it.

Later Prophets

God used later prophets, including King David, to pen the scriptures telling us specifically that He would not leave the Messiah’s body to rot…that He would physically resurrect his body. “Thou wilt not suffer thy Holy one to see corruption…thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (sheol/hades)” (Psalm 16:10) Remember that the Hebrew word “sheol”, translated as “hell,” only meant “the place of the dead,” and included the place then called Paradise. He was not going to stay dead, and He would not allow his physical body to rot.

Isaiah 53:8-12 states that after his death and burial, the Messiah would live to see his “offspring”, and that after his death he would be rewarded richly. Both would be patently impossible, without a literal, physical resurrection. Jonah 1:17-2:10 tells us of Jonah’s experience with the great fish (or whale, as some translations say). God intended this passage as a Messianic Prophecy—the prophet did not die: but Jesus did. Jonah spoke from the belly of the fish—not from Sheol. God did not raise Jonah from the dead, any more than He did David , who said similar things. In Psalm 22, No one pierced the hands of David ; But they certainly did pierce Jesus!

New Testament Prophecy: Jesus speaking!

And, in Mathew 12:39,40, Jesus laid hold of that particular prophecy of Jonah as the sign for unbelieving Israel—saying that just as Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish, so he himself would spend three days and three nights in the heart of the earth: not in the tomb, but in Sheol/Hades: Specifically, in Paradise, as he promised the thief on the cross.

The companion idea was that it was ONLY three days and three nights. God guaranteed that the Resurrection would happen, and He guaranteed it would happen in a specific way and at a very specific time.

In Zechariah 12:10, the Lord Jehovah—the Creator God—states that the day would come when He would return, and Israel would see him. He said that “they shall see Me whom they have pierced, and mourn for Him as one mourns for his only begotten son…” In that passage we learn that Jesus is

  • the almighty God,
  • in the flesh;
  • eternal by nature, but who
  • became flesh for the purpose of the Cross (seen in the fact that they pierced Him.)

We see Jesus, in fact: the Resurrected Messiah, confronting those He came to save—unbelieving Israel—after they crucified him. What an uncomfortable situation that will be! And yet, in that moment, he will be confronting a nation which is finally repentant. This still necessitates the Resurrection: the future of Israel depends entirely upon the truth of the Resurrection.

Thousands of Years of Prophetic Credentials

Except for the reference in Matthew, all the above prophecies were in writing, and in the possession of the Jews, long before Jesus walked the earth; but Jesus didn’t leave it at that. He reminded them, and underscored the Resurrection truth. In John 2:19-21 the Jewish rulers demanded a sign, and He said, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days!” The Jews thought he meant Herod’s temple, but the scripture says, he was referring to his physical body.

When Jesus comforted the thief on the cross (Luke 23:43), he said, “…today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise.” (Incidentally, notice that he did not say “in the tomb,” but “in Paradise.”) That doesn’t specifically promise the resurrection, but it does promise a blessed life after death.

The Resurrection is Critical to the Truth of the Gospel!

But the physical resurrection of Jesus and the physical, bodily resurrection of his followers is as necessary to the Gospel as the truth of the Crucifixion. The point is this:

  • If Jesus was not resurrected, then He was not the Messiah, since it was promised that the Messiah would be resurrected.
  • And, If He was not the Messiah, then He was not the Son of God.
  • If He was not the Son of God, and literally God in the Flesh, then He was not the Savior, sent into the world by God,
  • And His blood could not wash away sin,
  • And His death was a simple miscarriage of justice, and one more tragedy to add to an already overburdened world.

But in John 10:17,18 Jesus told his disciples that He had the authority to lay down his life, and to take it up again…that no one would take it from Him, but He would lay it down, and take it up again. Now, either that was true, or it was not true! If it is true, then the resurrection happened, exactly as He said it would. If it was not true, then he was either a crazy liar, or a poor deluded fool who was about to get himself killed!

But Jesus demonstrated his power over death by raising the dead—some who were only minutes or hours dead, some were on their way to their grave. And one who had been in the grave for four days. There may have been more…but He gave ample evidence that he was not exaggerating.

What about Our Resurrection?

In John 10:28 He further states that He gives his followers eternal life, and that they shall never perish. Again: either it is so, or it is not so…that is a very powerful promise. If Jesus has the authority he claims to have…and keeps his promises, then the resurrection of his followers is sure to come, as well. Job’s faith will find fulfillment in the person of Christ. Abraham will find the promise complete in his risen Master. And we have something to hope for as well!

Romans 1:1-4 speaks concerning God’s Son, Jesus Christ, saying that he was “Declared to be the Son of God, with power, according to the Spirit of Holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” That means that the resurrection was God’s stamp of approval… God’s signature on the contract… God’s seal; saying “YES! This is my Son!”

In Hebrews 1:8-12 God the Father says that God the Son (Jesus) is the Creator: that He remains the same throughout the ages, and that his years shall not fail. He later points out (Hebrews 10:21) that Jesus has entered into the Holy of Holies through the veil, which is his flesh. And that He has made the way for us to follow.

In 1st John 5:11-13, it says that God wants us to know that we have eternal life. He says that this life is in the Son of God. He says whoever “has the Son, has the life”…and that those who do not have Him do not have the eternal life He offers.

Resurrection Is Vital Truth!

Can you see how vital the truth of the Resurrection is to the message of the Gospel? If Jesus was NOT resurrected, we are in deeper trouble than anyone has ever thought we were in. It would mean that the person we thought was the Savior was NOT the savior, but a liar, or a self-deluded fool. That is why, in 1st Corinthians 15:14-19, Paul says that if Christ has not been raised, then:

  • Our preaching amounts to nothing
  • Your faith is futile
  • We are found to be false witnesses of God, because we have testified that God did raise Jesus from the dead,
  • You are still in your sins (if He is not our saving sacrifice—we have no forgiveness!)
  • Those who have died, believing in Christ, are forever lost.

He concludes that “If we have hope in Christ for this life only (no resurrection, in other words), then we are of all men most miserable…” (most to be pitied.) Some of the world sees us that way. Most either mock us for fools, or hate us because they first hated Christ.

But the truth still stands: the Resurrection either did happen, or did not happen. There is really no middle ground. We believe it did happen, just as God says. If it did not, then all the rest of our beliefs fade into sad folly, because all of the Christian faith rests upon the Resurrection!

What Can We Conclude?

What shall we do with these things, then? If I already believe in the Resurrection, does it make me believe more? Or make me more emphatic in arguing with others? That is not my purpose in offering these thoughts. We frequently wonder whether it is really necessary to believe all the accounts of miracles in the Bible. Perhaps we wonder whether at least some of them might be pious-sounding forgeries, added after the fact.

The problem with that idea, in this particular case, is that the forgers would have had to go back and change all the prophetic writings of thousands of years of history. If that is what happened, then we simply do not have God’s Word. But, there is no evidence that this has happened: Quite the opposite. There is more evidence to the truth of the Bible than any other document in history.

An even larger issue, provided we are satisfied with the pedigree of God’s Word, is that this particular miracle was predicted thousands of years in advance, affirmed many times throughout history, and re-stated in further prophetic writings. If this one isn’t real, we don’t have a Savior! This is a miracle upon which to stand fast, without doubts.

The Historical Narrative:

Jesus arose from the dead, physically, hours before daylight, by the simple expedience of passing through the winding cloths they had wrapped him in; he folded the napkin from his face, and set it aside, and then transported himself away, by passing through the solid rock. He then waited for the women who would be the first to discover the empty tomb.

There were still sixteen Roman soldiers guarding the sealed (but now-empty) tomb. An angel appeared: He was bright, and fiercely shining, and they all fell— apparently unconscious—then, after they awakened, they fled. But the angel rolled the stone back from the door, and sat on it.

The women arrived, wondering how they would get in to complete the embalming process, knowing that the massive doorway stone was far beyond their best efforts. They found the empty tomb with a new guard—the angel—who said “Why do you seek the Living One among the dead? He is not here!”

Appearances of the Risen Christ

Then Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, and comforted her: And… He sent her, as the first Resurrection witness, to tell his disciples to meet Him in Galilee.

Sometime during that day, he met with Peter, who had some special issues to deal with. Later that evening, he met two of the apostles on the road to Emmaus, and they hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the others. Jesus showed up, just as they were telling about the meeting on the road, and He greeted the remaining apostles as a group, also dealing with the doubts that Thomas had suffered.

Over the next forty days, he revealed himself to many other disciples: in one case, to over five hundred at once. He later met with James, then again the whole group of apostles, just before he ascended back to Heaven. Later, he met with Paul, whom he had chosen to be an apostle as well. (We read about that in Acts chapter 9.)

The Voices of the Martyrs and the Witness of the Spirit

We have the historical witness of these changed lives, the witness of the epistles they wrote, and the voices of two thousand years of martyrs to persuade us. But those of us who have placed our faith in Jesus’s Blood for our Salvation have another witness: We have the indwelling Holy Spirit. So, we encourage anyone who will listen, saying “He is risen! He is risen indeed!”

Of course, we freely admit: If He actually is dead, and his corpse is simply missing, then, as Paul said, we are of all men most to be pitied.

But, He’s Alive! We can see His Glory in the lives of believers around us. We look to His coming with unspeakable Hope and Joy. And we confirm: “He is risen, indeed!”

Lord Jesus, we exalt You for your Holiness and Majesty, and we rejoice before You as our Resurrected Savior! Fill us with the consciousness of Your Presence in our Lives, and Shine through us as we live to Serve You!

Scripture Reference List:

Genesis 22 Isaac (compare to Hebrews 11:17-19)

Job 19:25 My Redeemer lives

Psalms 16:10 Not left to rot

Isaiah 53:8-12 After death, shall see his offspring, and be rewarded

Zechariah 12:10 Look upon me whom they have pierced

John 2:19-21  “Destroy this temple…”

Matthew 12:40 3 days, 3 nights (Referring to Jonah’s prophecy)

Luke 23:43 Thief on the cross…Paradise

Romans 1:4 God raised him from the dead, declared, by that fact, to be his son.

John 10:17, 18 I have the authority to lay down my life and take it up again

Revelation 1:18 he that liveth, and was dead, and, behold, I am alive forevermore

Hebrews 1:8-12 “Thou art the same and thy years shall not fail

Hebrews 10:21 entered in through the veil

John 5:24 Have eternal life now

John 10:29 They shall never perish

1st John 5:11-13 Know you have eternal life

1st Corinthians 15:19  we are of all men most miserable…

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Beginning a New Year, and Considering the New Foundation

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Beginning a New Year, and Considering the New Foundation

© C. O. Bishop September 2005 revised 2025

Introduction:

As a believer, I think it is good to occasionally take a “What Now?” Break: just to take stock, and determine our next step.

There are five ways we tend to make decisions:

  • One is by Habit—just do what we have always done.
  • Another is Convenience—just do what requires the least effort, or thought.
  • Another is Peer Pressure—Just do what pleases our friends, or family, etc.
  • A fourth is Default—we’ve made so many bad decisions, no good choices are left!

But God wants us to make decisions by Direction from His Word. God wants us to consciously align ourselves with His Word, and daily make the choice to obey Him. Sometimes it becomes a moment-by-moment battle, but it is always a choice.

The New Foundation

As believers, we have begun something new in our lives—maybe it was two, ten, twenty, or more years ago—we began a new life, in a new location. We were in Adam, but now we are in Christ. When we trusted Jesus’ finished work at the Cross, depending upon His shed blood for the forgiveness of our sins, we were born again, in Christ.

1st Corinthians 15:22 says that we were “In Adam”, and that we are now “In Christ”. “In Adam, all died: In Christ all shall be made alive…” The issue is our position, in Christ.

Ephesians 2:19-22, says that there has been a sharp change—I am no more a stranger to God, nor to His people. I am a fellow-citizen with His Saints, and in fact, I belong to His household. I am now a child of God. Furthermore, he says, I am “built upon the foundation of the apostles and the prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”

How Was the Foundation Laid?

1st Corinthians 3:10, 11 says, “According to the grace of God which is given unto me (doing what he is gifted to do) as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

So, the foundation IS Jesus, and the apostles (like Paul) are the ones who “laid that foundation” as they did their jobs as church-planters and evangelists. Jesus is the foundation and the cornerstone of the whole church: the Apostles and Prophets are part of the foundation of the church in the sense that through them came the Word of God, and the Church is founded upon God’s Word. But remember: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is still the whole foundation.

That new Foundation is firm: it’s secure. In Luke 6:47-49, Jesus said that anyone who hears His Word, and obeys it, is like a man who builds his house by digging deep and laying his foundation on a rock (the word here is “Petra” meaning “bedrock”—a monolith—not flagstone, or gravel). He says when the floods come, that house is unshakeable. The contrast is given in both Matthew and Luke, of the man who hears the Word, but does NOT obey, being like someone who builds his house on the earth, or, in Matthew, it says “the sand”, and when the floods came, the house fell because, effectively, there was no foundation.

What is the Problem With Sand?

Perhaps we have poured a slab of concrete: we bolted everything to that slab. We say it is a firm foundation. But if the concrete is on sand—and, if the groundwater takes away the sand, the foundation will move, and crack under its own weight, and the house will be destroyed.

Most sand is made of tiny pieces of rock. (Not all sand is rock —some is coral, or even seashells, ground fine by the waves.) But those tiny pieces of rock, though they are as hard, individually, as the original bedrock, are useless as foundations. They are fragmented. 

In Matthew 16:13-18 Jesus said (specifically about the truth that He is “…the Christ, the Son of the living God”,) “…on this Rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The word he chose there is “petra”—a feminine word, specifically meaning bedrock—a monolith. (He also called Peter “a rock,” but the word he chose there was “petros,” meaning a stone—something you can pick up and move.) This truth— the bedrock of the Gospel— is the monolith upon which we are to depend.

Other “truths,” whether creeds, ethical codes, or human standards, though seemingly dependable, are only a conglomeration of ideas. They are not firm as a collection: they are like “fragments of stone”…sand. Human reasoning, though it contains many truths, is still like “sand.” There is no underlying monolith…no bedrock of truth on which to build a life.

No Other Foundation

There is no other foundation that can be laid, and none is needed. Once the foundation of Christ is laid, we begin to build upon it. Jesus is the foundation of each believer’s life.

Each of you has placed your trust in the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Savior: God’s chosen sacrifice!  That one monolithic truth, the fact that Jesus Himself is God’s only solution to sin, death, the grave, and eternal judgment, is the only foundation we can have. That foundation is strong and eternal. It’s secure: It won’t crack, rot, erode, or burn.

So—What Now?

If that foundation was laid in my life, however many years ago, what should I do about it now? Should I just sit back and wait for the Lord’s return? I am already part of the building, right? Well, yes. But there is more to the story:

There is an individual sense in which Jesus Christ is not “just” the foundation of the whole church, but also the foundation of the individual Christian’s life.

Let’s go back to 1st Corinthians 3:10-15. (read it)

Paul says we need to pay attention to how we are building on the foundation in our lives.  We are constantly building—and in only two categories. (It looks like six, because there are six things listed, but they fall into two categories: combustible and noncombustible.)

One Test For Eternal Value

In the final analysis, the test will be on the eternal quality of the work we do. The Foundation is secure. Let’s read: He says “… every man’s work will be tested by fire—if his work remains, he shall receive a reward: if his work burns, he shall suffer loss, yet he himself shall be saved, though as one escaping through the flame.”

The Foundation is Rock…it will never burn. Our works, though built upon the foundation of Jesus Christ in our life, may or may not burn—it depends on Who initiated them—Who enabled them?  Jesus said, in John 3:19, that “…he that doeth truth (acting in obedience to the principles of God’s Word) comes to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” Paul touches on the same idea in Philippians 2:13, saying, “…it is God who works in you, both to will and to do what pleases Him.”

Only God Builds Eternal Structures.

God laid out that same concept a thousand years earlier, saying, (Psalm 127:1) “Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it…”

Jesus agreed, in John 15:5, that, “…apart from Me ye can do nothing.”  Now, if any human had said that (and humans HAVE said it), it would be the grossest arrogance. When Jesus said it, it was the simplest truth…Jesus is the Creator and the Sustainer of all things. Colossians 1:17 says, “In Him, all things hold together.” Neither we nor anyone else can even exist apart from Him, let alone accomplish anything of lasting value.

But His works have eternal value. And He says we will receive rewards for allowing Him to work through us. So…what should we do now? Paul says, “Take Heed!” Pay attention! Listen to what the Lord says in His Word, and make it a growing, vital part of your life. The Psalmist poses the question, in Psalm 119:9, “How shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy Word.” The truth hasn’t changed over the years, though the circumstances often have changed.

Making it Personal

I am on the Rock Foundation of Jesus Christ. But what comes of that, in terms of reward, is entirely dependent upon my continuing response to His Lordship. If I take it lightly, he will hold no honor in store for me. 1st Samuel 2:30 says, “…them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” We would never go so far as to say we despised the Lord, but what else can you call it, when we ignore His Word?

Remember that He is so closely linked with His Word, that Jesus is called “The Word.” When we either ignore what we know of His Word, or we refuse to feed on His Word, so as to learn more, or we neglect to make Him the center of our life, we are despising His Word—and Him.

A Warning From God

Look at the context of 1st Samuel 2:30—this was a warning, actually a pronouncement of judgment, to a priest—a believer—a genuine man of God, who had become lax. He was no longer  “taking heed”. He hadn’t really heard the Word of God in years. When God chose to speak again, he did so through young Samuel. And the very first message was one of judgment.

I really do NOT want God to have to “shake his head and call me home,” as He did Eli, the priest.  I want to be faithful to His commandment. My desire is to obey God’s Word: to honor the Lord Jesus with my life and be a blessing to my family, to the church, and others. But, I cannot do it except by His empowering Holy Spirit. I have no capacity to live for God, on my own. When Jesus said, “Apart from Me, ye can do nothing,” He meant exactly that.

The Continuing Contrast

In Galatians 5:16-23 (read) Paul states a contrast between two things that sound like extremes: One seems to be total depravity as the result of living in the flesh. The other seems to be some sort of total sanctity, as a result of allowing the Holy Spirit to live through us. But the fact is, those ARE the choices. You either allow the Holy Spirit to live through you, resulting in the kind of a life that God can bless, and that produces works having eternal value (and rewards), or you live in the flesh, thus producing works of temporal value at best, and often of obvious negative value.

Our old nature is not only completely corrupt: Ephesians 4:22-24 says it is getting worse! And, the new nature is not just “better:” GOD says it is created in HIS likeness, in Righteousness, and in True Holiness. We do have a choice, but there is no middle ground. There is no in-between…there is no “neutral.” On a moment-by-moment basis, we are either building with non-combustiblematerials, or we are building with combustible material. And the day is coming when it will all be tested, simultaneously.

How Should We Then Live?

We need to be in the Word. We need to be in Prayer. Of course, we need to be in Fellowship with God, through obedience to His Word, and in Fellowship with other believers by deliberate choice to join with them, and to meet one another’s needs. We need to pray together, study together, and grow together. He calls us to love one another and to love the Lord together. We have the foundation, Jesus Christ. But living by his direction, in fellowship with Him is the only way to build on that foundation anything of lasting value. We have to choose to do so every day—every hour—sometimes on a moment-by-moment basis.

How Will You Choose?

  • Will you choose by habit, and just do what you have always done?
  • Might you choose by convenience, and just do what is easy?
  • Will you choose by peer pressure, so as not to alienate your family or friends?
  • Will you choose by default, because you wait until there are no more choices?

Or, will you choose by direction from God’s Word, and in obedience to His Holy Spirit? That is the only choice that will result in God’s blessing, and building for eternal reward.

I pray that I, as an individual, and that we, as a church, will choose to build wisely.

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Three Points Are Needed In Our Testimony As Believers

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The Testimony of a Believer

© C. O. Bishop 2010 (revised 2024)

Ephesians 2:11-22

Introduction

Last week we took a rather quick trip through Ephesians chapter 2. Today we will go back and pick up some details.

We often hear people encouraging us to “share our testimony” with others. Sometimes that seems difficult to do. The fact that so many “celebrities” have given “dramatic” testimony on television, the radio, or in public forums doesn’t make it any easier.

We are left to think, “Well I guess I have nothing to say! I didn’t sell drugs on the street, or lead a motorcycle gang, or star in ungodly movies, or run a multimillion-dollar business, or anything like that, and I certainly don’t have a very interesting life.”

But drama is not what the believer’s testimony is about. We are told to very simply share our testimony, to present the good news of salvation, as if we were each just one beggar telling another beggar where to find free food.

What Makes a Salvation Testimony?

Every Christian, in the simplest analysis, has the same testimony:

  • I was lost
  • Jesus saved me
  • I am saved, and (hopefully) am enjoying my new relationship with God. (Details vary.)

Where is the “drama” in that? The only real drama happened at the Cross. If people want drama, they can read the gospel story, and see the crucifixion, and hear Jesus’s promise to the thief on the cross, “Today, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise!” That’s real Drama! And that part is true for every believer. We will be with Jesus forever.

Let’s look at Ephesians 2:11-22, and see what Paul wrote to the believers at Ephesus, during the first century.

Our Old Position

The people to whom he wrote were all believers, but they were predominately Gentile believers. There had been at least a few Jewish believers in that church originally, and I assume that there still were, but evidently, it was mostly Gentile, and he addressed them as Gentiles, reminding them of their OLD position.

Remember, we have talked about positional truths so far, in most of the book of Ephesians. The subject is about to change to “conditional” truths: things that should be true of all believers, but often are not.

Remember!

Paul said, “Remember…” It is good for us to reflect on the facts of our life,

  • before salvation,
  • at the time of our salvation, and
  • in our life since then.

Paul told them (the Ephesians believers) to remember that they HAD been Gentiles in the flesh—born as heathens—with no connection with God. They were still “genetically Gentiles,” of course, but it no longer affected their relationship with God. The following twelve verses explain what changed, and what resulted from that change.

He said “…remember that you were “called the uncircumcision” by those who are called “the circumcision in the flesh, made by hands.” Those who called them that were only outwardly changed. In reality, they were just as separated from God as the Gentiles whom they scorned.

He said, “…at that time you were without Christ” (no Messiah was promised to the Gentiles, specifically—though the Messiah promised to the Jews was also the Messiah for the Gentiles—but most Gentiles knew nothing about the promised Savior.)

He said, “…you were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel…” (Israel rejected them, and the Gentiles were unable to join their ranks without major changes forced upon them.) He said, “…you were strangers from the covenants of Promise….”  None of the promises to the Jews were specifically TO the Gentiles, though there were plenty that involved them.

We Were Without Hope

Paul pointed out that at that time, before their salvation, they were without hope, and without God—”lost as a ball in high weeds,” effectively. They were in the world, and lost; without hope and without God.

Now—did this only apply to the “bad” people— those who were criminals, or immoral, or something? No, it applied to ALL who were “without God.” That is always the deciding factor.

Think back to Genesis. When Noah went aboard the Ark, and his family went with him, and two of every kind of animal—what happened to those left outside? They all died. Just the wicked? I suppose that could depend on your point of view, since God says we all are possessed of a wicked nature—but good, bad or indifferent, everyone outside the ark was lost. And everyone who is without God (whether they know it or not) is also without hope.

A few verses back, in verses one through three of this same chapter, God described the lostness of the whole human race. And his solution, there (verse 4) and here (verse 13) is the same. In verse 4, it began, “…But God, who is rich in mercy…” here, in verse 12, it says, “But now in Christ Jesus…”

So, What Changed?

This is the transition, in everyone’s testimony. “Yes, I was on God’s ‘death row’, but Jesus died in my place!” or, “I was lost and didn’t even know it—I was just happily headed for Hell—but God sent someone to shine a light on my life, and let me see my lost condition, and Jesus became my Savior when I placed my trust in His shed Blood!” That is the transition, the change—the “What Happened” part of the story.

What does God say about that transition? He says that we have been brought near to God, by the blood of Christ, and that we are in Him. Though we were far away, we have been brought near, in Christ. See verse 13.

He goes on to say that Jesus is our peace, as he has made the two human groups (Jew and Gentile) who once existed side by side, but were always at odds, to be one group, healing the rift between them. In his own flesh, He abolished the enmity between Jew and Gentile.

And, How?

How did he do it? By completely fulfilling the Old Testament Law, that had stood as the divider, for all ages. He fulfilled it for himself, by living a perfect life.

But how did he fulfill it for me? I had already broken the Law, and the Law had only one thing to say to me…it said, “You must die!” Ezekiel 18:4 says “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” So Jesus fulfilled the Law for me…by dying in my place.

Turn to Galatians 2:19…There, Paul stated, “for I, through the Law, am dead to the Law, that I might live unto God.” Through Jesus keeping the Law for me, I am dead to the Law—when God’s Law looks at me, it sees a dead man, upon whom judgment has already been completed. There is no further condemnation because that judgment was poured out at the Cross. Now I can live for God. I am actually free to do what I was designed to do.

Back in Ephesians again…when Jesus had completed the fulfillment of the Law, he preached peace to us all—Jew and Gentile. Jesus himself had predicted this in John 10:16 by stating, “…other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also must I bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” I’m not at all sure that the disciples understood that statement, but in light of the rest of scripture, it is pretty easy to see, and to know that this passage in Ephesians is making the same statement.

What is Our New Position?

The bottom line becomes the fact that we have all gained access to the throne of God by the Holy Spirit. The Jews assumed they had access because of being Jews, and because they professed to keep the law. But God says, in Romans 5:2 that we only have access to His Grace by faith—that is the access offered to the whole World.

Ephesians 2:18 states that, as believers, we have access to God, via the Holy Spirit. We cannot approach Him in the flesh. This is a key point to understand. We have been joined to Him permanently; we are saved eternally, but, in terms of relationship, we can only draw near to Him by the Holy Spirit. So, we have to learn to walk by faith, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, if we want to consistently have access to the throne of God. We do so via 1st John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Then we go back and obey again.

Still In Christ

Are we always “happy” in Christ? Nope. We get frustrated, and cranky, like a bunch of little children whining from the back seat, saying “Are we there, yet??” We still have an old nature…we are still sinners…just saved sinners. Sinners saved by grace. We either learn to walk with God, confessing our sins and learning to obey Him, or we live lives that are up and down…sometimes happy, sometimes not. As a little child, learning to walk, the secret to success is in getting up more often than you fall down.

What else does Paul say about our new position in Christ? He says that we are no more strangers and foreigners. God no longer sees me as a heathen. In fact, he says I am a fellow citizen of heaven, right along with all the saints that have gone before—and, more importantly, I am part of the family of God. I have been born again, and God is my real Father.

What does the Future Hold?

Together with all the believers of this age, we are being built together as a habitation of God. The Holy Spirit lives in each of us individually. But God lives in us collectively. And, collectively, we are called the Temple of God. I don’t feel like a “brick,” or a “doorpost”…but God says I am part of that living temple that He is building for his own glory and pleasure. And that is a good reason to learn to live for Him today. We are now the living temple of God!

We are already placed in His body, as members of the Body of Christ. He says we are currently being built together as a habitation of God. We want God to be glorified in us…so the book of Ephesians is written to that end. God wants us to know how to go about it. We have learned about our new position in Christ, and in the coming weeks, we will examine the rest of what God says about our walk with Him.

But, For Now:

In the meantime, remember that your testimony has three parts, just like the testimony of the Ephesian believers. You can accurately say, I was lost—I was without God. Then you can tell how you were saved…what Jesus did at the Cross for you, and when it was that you received Him as your Savior. Finally, you can tell what it has been like to live as a believer. It is not always easy, is it? Then say so! But then you can tell how Jesus has met your needs in the hard times.

The more frequently you share this story with others, the more natural and easy it will become. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise.” Let’s begin to show that kind of wisdom, and look for opportunities to win souls, as He has commanded us.

Lord Jesus, open our eyes to the lostness of the world around us. Open our hearts to feel their pain. Help us to reach them with the Good News of the Gospel: the free food that was once offered to us, and which we now offer to others. Allow the light of Your presence to shine through us, to Your Glory.

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What Should be the Result of Being “In Christ?”

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In Christ—A Continued Study in Ephesians

© C. O. Bishop (Cornell Estates 2010 THCF October 2013) revised 2024

Ephesians 1:15-23

Foundation for progress: Framework for prayer.

Introduction—Review

In our study of God’s Word, we find that some promises and commands are given to a single individual…and not to anyone else. Some are to a particular family or a particular nation. But, as a rule, the New Testament epistles are to every believer during the Church age. (The word “epistle” just means a “letter”—a written message. They are mostly instructions to the Church.)

A few weeks ago, we discussed positional truth; things that are true of us because we are in Christ. We learned some precious truths from Ephesians 1:1-14. As a brief review of our position in Christ: If you have placed your dependence upon Jesus Christ as your Savior, then:

Positional Truths

  • The book of Ephesians is written to you! (v.1)
  • You are one of the faithful in Christ Jesus. (v.1)
  • God has already blessed you with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, in Christ. (v.3)
  • God chose you in Christ, before the foundation of the world. (v.4)
  • You are holy and blameless before him, in His Love. (v.4)
  • You are predestined to be recognized as a full heir of God. (v.5)
  • Also, you are predestined to fulfill the good pleasure of His will. (v.5)
  • You are predestined to be to the praise of the Glory of His Grace. (v.6)
  • He has already accepted you “in the beloved” (that is, “in Christ”.) (v.6)
  • You already have been redeemed through His blood. (v.7)
  • You already have full forgiveness of your sins, according to the riches of His Grace. (v.7)
  • God has already abundantly blessed you in His wisdom and prudence. (v.8)
  • He has made known unto you the mystery of His will…one piece at a time. (v.9, 10)
  • Your inheritance in Him is secure. (v.11)
  • You will eternally be to his glory and praise. (v.12)
  • Your position in Him is sealed by the Holy Spirit. (v.13)
  • The indwelling Holy Spirit is the “down payment” of the rest of the glorious inheritance promised to you. You are secure in Christ because He says so, and because the Holy Spirit is your guide, your guard, and your seal until the redemption of the purchased possession. (v.14)

A Foundation for Progress:

These precious promises are the foundation for everything that follows. All the instructions to believers are based on the security of our position in Christ. Without that foundation, none of what follows would be possible, and most of it would be incomprehensible.

In verse 15, Paul has drawn some conclusions: He says that, based on their faith, and their secure position in Christ, he is praying for them. Praying for what? That they should win the lottery? To “live long, and prosper?” No: He says he gives thanks for them, every time he thinks of them. But he goes on to pray for certain specific things.

15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

A Framework for Prayer:

We can pray for any person, saved or unsaved. We can pray for physical health and prosperity for any person, saved or unsaved. But the things Paul chose to pray for, about the believers, can only be done for believers.

Without our foundation in Christ, none of what Paul is praying for is even possible. There is no point in asking God to fill an unbeliever with His wisdom, for instance. I will certainly pray for the health and welfare of non-Christians—but the very best thing I can pray for them is that they will be saved…that the Gospel will break through their resistance, and bring them to Christ. Believers are a different story: There are very definite things for which we ought to pray on their behalf. So, let’s see what Paul does ask for:

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

“The Spirit of Wisdom”

Paul prays that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ will give unto the believers the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. This is not about the Holy Spirit, who is resident in the body of every believer, but rather the result of His work in the believer’s life.

When 2nd Timothy 1:7 says God “did not give us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love and a sound mind,” He is not suggesting that there are several possible “spirits” he could have given, to be contrasted with the Holy Spirit, but rather that the result of the Holy Spirit in our lives should be that we are characterized by power, love, and sound thinking.

Similarly, because of the Holy Spirit’s work in my life, the Word of God should be increasingly open to me. I freely admit there are portions of God’s Word I have never understood. I am thankful that today I understand a good deal more of His Word, and of His character than I did 50 years ago, but I attribute this to God’s Grace, and His Holy Spirit, not to any particular strengths or gifts I possess, nor to hard work on my part.

“And of Revelation”

Paul prayed that the believers would be filled with God’s wisdom; and that He would reveal himself to them (remember they did not yet have the New Testament.)

We look for God’s revelation within the Written Word. Often, in my own study, I will suddenly “see” something that has always been there…a connection between two passages, or a pattern I had not previously grasped.

God continually reveals Himself to His people…just as Paul prayed He would. And He does so as His people seek to Know Him—that is, to gain an experiential, working, personal knowledge of the Living God (Gr. “ginosko”– in Spanish it would be “conocer.”)

This is not just being “aware of a fact.” There is a separate word in Greek for that—the word “eido.” (Spanish has this same structure: “saber” means “to know as a fact.” English lacks this distinction.) People may “know” that there is a God, for instance, but they can’t know Him personally until they approach him through Jesus Christ. And, even then, it will be a growing, deepening relationship, not a “once-met, fully-understood” idea.

“In The Knowledge of God”

So, how can we “Know God?” According to Proverbs 1:7, the beginning of such knowledge is the “fear of the Lord.” When we first recognize our sin and our hopeless guilt before the God who we now recognize as our Judge, we have experienced that initial fear of the Lord.

Then we approach Him as lost sinners, and we cast our hope upon His blood at the Cross. We still fear his displeasure, but now He is our Redeemer and our Savior. And now we can draw still nearer to him, as our provider, our teacher, and our friend. We read His Word, and we try to discern His will. And we pray, seeking to know His direction for our lives. We learn to love Him and trust Him more and more. And in the process, we learn a pattern of obedience, and we begin to reflect His likeness in our behavior.

Paul says this “relational knowledge” should produce the spirit of wisdom and revelation in our lives. His wisdom changes our behavior, and His constant revelation of Himself to us through His Word satisfies our souls.

Paul Prays that the “Eyes of Our Understanding” May be Enlightened.

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Physical eyes are useless without physical light. People frequently talk about having good “night vision”, but even cats, owls, and other such nocturnal animals cannot see in total darkness. All eyes require at least some light…it is just that some require less than others. But the source of light for “the eyes of our understanding” is the Word of God, alone!

John 1:1, 14 states that Jesus is the living Word. Revelation 19:13 calls Jesus “The Word of God.” John 1:9, 10 says that He is the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the World!” Jesus is our only source of enlightenment. When Paul prayed for the eyes of our understanding to be “enlightened,” he expected it to be done through the agency of the Word of God—(Jesus, specifically, but the written Word, as well.)

So, what happens when eyes receive more light? Usually, they see more, right? So, what does Paul expect us to see, and understand, as our understanding is enlightened through God’s Word?

What Does Paul Expect Us to See and Understand?

  1. We can understand and know what is the hope of His calling. God wants us to “dig in” and find out what it is He offers us…and truly understand the joy of what is yet to come. We are attempting to do exactly that in this study and others.
  2. That we may know the riches of the Glory of His inheritance in the saints—not our inheritance in Him. I don’t fully understand this. I do know Jesus says his saints are a “treasure” to Him. But, quite frankly, I don’t see us that way. We are a bunch of rebellious, stubborn sinners, that He has somehow transformed into a body of believers. He has declared us to be righteous in Him. And it is literally so! But I can’t grasp that on an intuitive, emotional basis.

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Three Words For “Power”

  • Paul also prays we will understand the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe…the same power that He used when He raised Christ from the dead. There are several words translated as “power,” in the Bible, and three of them are used in this passage. The most common one is “dunamis”—this is the word from which we get the word “dynamo” (a power-generating device) and the word “dynamic.” It is the “Can Do” power of God: The “Is there anything too hard for me?” power of God. This is the first word translated as “power” in verse 19.  It is His ability toward us who believe.

The second word for power, in verse 19, is the word “kratos”—meaning “dominion:” Rulership… ruling over things or persons. Because God has dominion over all things, He could raise Jesus from the Dead.

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

The Importance of Authority

But another word translated as “power” is “exousia”—it means “authority.” Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth…” and He meant authority. But the “dunamis” power (the “can-do” power) is also His. So, because He is the Ruler, God possesses both the authority and the ability to do anything He desires, in this world and the world to come. And, He wants to exert that power through us to reach the world around us.

Notice that in verses 20 and 21, Jesus was not only “raised from the dead:” He was set at the right hand of God the Father (the proper place for God the Son), and He is “far above” every other authority (power,) including not only all human authority but all super-human (angelic) authority. This is where the word “exousia” is used in this passage…to point out that the authority of Jesus Christ exceeds all other authority. The Father and the Son are in perfect agreement—there is never a conflict there. But when we fear that some local “conflict of authority” may “limit” God’s protection for us, God says His authority exceeds all others.

Jesus is The Head of the Body, the Church

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

God has made Jesus the head of a new creation—the Church: His body. The Church, proper, includes “all believers from the day of Pentecost to the moment of the Rapture.” I don’t understand everything about that Body. Verse 23, says that we are His fullness: I don’t understand how that is so, but it refers to Church-age believers, only. Not the Old Testament saints. I don’t know why God does things the way he does—and that is OK. He is God: what He does is right, and good, and Holy.

Now, notice: in the short outline for prayer that Paul laid out, he talks about things that are far beyond our scope of natural understanding:

  1. He wants us to fully know the Hope of His calling
  2. He prays that we will fully know the Riches of His inheritance in the Saints…the Church!
  3. God wants us to fully know the utter enormity of His limitless ability, His dominion, and His authority, which He applies on our behalf.

And with that enlightenment of “the eyes of our understanding,” we have a reasonable hope of understanding at least a fair amount of it. All of the wisdom, understanding, and joy he offers is dependent upon us seeking a growing, deepening relationship with Jesus, the author of wisdom. This is a conditional promise, unlike the “positional” promises in the first 14 verses. Backing up further, it all depends upon our being “IN Christ” in the first place. The prime “condition” to all these promises, is our position in Him: having received Christ as our Savior.

Conclusion:

The first question, then, has to be: “Where are you today, in your own life?” Are you in Christ? Have you placed your trust in Jesus’ shed blood as full payment for sin? If so, then you are “in Christ,” a member of His body, and you are heir to all the things in Ephesians 1:1-14. The promises and blessings in the first 14 verses are all unconditional. If you belong to Jesus, then all those things belong to you, permanently. Salvation is a gift: it is completely dependent upon what Jesus did at the Cross. All God asks is that you place your faith in His completed work.

However:

The things in the last nine verses are conditional…they depend first upon your being a believer, and second, upon your choosing to grow!

We must choose to deepen our relationship with God. And, even while consistently choosing to draw near to God, there is an endless continuum, in which we can continue to grow; from today until the day when He takes us home forever.

Rewards are not a gift; they are dependent upon our obedient response in this area. If, as a believer, we choose to go our own way, we will not lose our position in Christ, but our condition will surely suffer, and our rewards will certainly diminish.

Whatever your position or condition today, I pray that you will respond to the call of God, and draw near to Him. May the Lord give you the strength to do so.

Lord Jesus, fill us with the desire to know You personally, and to learn to learn to walk with You.

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What is the Result of the “Federal Headship” Doctrine?

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What is the Result of the “Federal Headship” Doctrine?

Romans 6:1-10; compare Romans 5:12 and 1st Corinthians 15:22

Introduction:

Two (and three) weeks ago we talked in detail about our new position in Christ, reading from Ephesians 1:1-14. Last week we talked extensively about the concept of Baptism, specifically how we were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. Today we will look at both our position in Christ and that Baptism by the Holy Spirit, reading from Romans 6:1-10.

In the past, we talked briefly about the doctrine of “Federal Headship.” Since Romans 6 is so heavily involved with that particular doctrine, it seems good to spend more time with it today.

Romans 5:12

If you remember anything of the previous teaching, you will remember that when Adam sinned, we sinned with him…in him. God counted Adam’s fall into sin as our fall into sin> He acted as our representative. As a race, we have consistently demonstrated the truth of that bit of history, in that all of us continue in sin, to varying degrees.

Adam exercised his authority (probably unknowingly; truly ignorant of the outcome) to make a decision on behalf of the whole human race. He became the head of the entire fallen race of Man. We had no real choice in the matter, though it is evident that we would have made the same choice as Adam did. Collectively, we were “dead in sin,” as Paul teaches in Ephesians chapter two.

1st Corinthians 15:22

But the other side of the Federal Headship concept is the fact that Jesus is the head of a new Man. Jesus exercised His authority as well; in full knowledge of what he was doing, to make a decision for all of humanity. But in this particular case, God gave us a choice. We can stay “in Adam,” where we were born, or we can be transferred into Christ via the new birth. Today, the text in Romans 6 speaks to those who already consciously have chosen to trust in Jesus’ blood sacrifice: those who already have been born again as members of that “New Man.” This letter is to the members of the Body of Christ.

Romans 6:1-10

Dead to Sin

Just as we fell into sin with Adam, and were dead in sin, we were crucified with Christ and are dead to Sin. We have no consciousness of either one. Both actions were done on our behalf. The one was done without our knowledge, and we had no personal choice—it is simply a fact. The other was also done without our knowledge, but, having heard the Gospel, we did have a choice: we could either receive that gift of Eternal Life, through Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection… or reject it.

We know, too, that Grace came, in the Person of Jesus Christ, as God’s only solution for Man’s sin. So, Paul first poses the question,

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Should we sin more to get more Grace? Absolutely not! It is unfitting for us to remain in sin, because that is no longer where we live! We are dead to sin. This is Paul’s opening statement of fact, and upon its truth and exactitude hangs all the rest of the argument.

How Are We Dead To Sin?

How can Paul say that we are dead to sin? I certainly don’t feel dead! On the other hand, I doubt that I would have said I felt “dead to God,” before I was a believer. I felt pretty alive, and wouldn’t have even understood the concept of being “dead to God.”

Think back, though: when Adam fell into sin, he died spiritually the moment he physically ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He was separated from fellowship with God. Yes, 930 years later, his spirit was separated from his body, as well. We call that “physical death.” But at the moment he ate that fruit, his spirit was separated from God. He died spiritually.

God’s Intervention

Had God not intervened with Grace, and restored fellowship, Adam would have been lost… permanently separated from God. In my own case, as an unregenerate man, I was separated from God… I was dead to God. I was born that way. Had I physically died in that state I would have been eternally lost. That is the simple truth.

But now, being joined to God through Jesus’ sacrifice and by God’s Grace, I am “separated” from sin as a principle. In God’s sight, I have been separated from my old sin nature, because He gave me a new nature in the new birth. Now it is possible for God to fellowship with me, and it is possible for me to love Him…because I have a new nature.

From God’s perspective, the old sin nature is dead. He does not propose to patch it up, correct all its ills, or restore fellowship to it. If we read Romans 8:7, we can see that the old sin nature is (still…present tense) antagonistic toward God, and it cannot be made subject to Him. God says it can’t be done.

So, the only way He can redeem a fallen human is to offer them a new birth. The old sin nature had to be set aside. I have not lost my old sin nature, but I am “separated” from it. God wants fellowship with the new Me; He does not seek to change the old Me; but rather to let it starve as He feeds the new Me.  So, how did I die to sin, then?

Baptized into Death

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

The baptism to which Paul refers, here, is not water baptism. There is no water in this passage. Water baptism is only an object lesson—a picture, or a demonstration— of something real that has already happened. Water baptism (in the New Testament) is reserved for believers because it announces that the baptism by the Holy Spirit has already occurred…that the believer has been placed into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit. (1st Corinthians 12:13)

So, Water Baptism announces what has already happened: I have been separated from my old sin nature, because Jesus’ death is reckoned as my death. I died with him: just as I died in Adam, and was lost, I have been crucified with Christ, and my sins have been dealt with at the Cross. I am separated from my old sin nature through that death. When did it happen? The moment I trusted His completed work at the Cross as being full payment for my sins. At that moment, the Holy Spirit placed me into the Body of Christ, though I was completely unaware of it.

But Paul says that “death with Christ” is not all I gained there: I also gained eternal life!

Baptized into Life

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Just as I was fully identified with Adam in his sin and his spiritual death, and I was born that way, I am now fully identified with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection, to the extent that God expects me to start living in that reality. Why?

Because I have been re-born that way. In short, He says that because I already have been re-born a literal child of God, I am to begin acting that way. And his reasoning is very clear: he says that I am dead to sin—separated from it. I have a moment-by-moment choice to make as to which nature (old or new) will be manifest and prominent in my daily life. I am to “walk in the newness of life.” As I mature in my Christian life, that walk will become more consistent.

Two Natures

When I started Bible school, one of the staff members had two children living there in the school: I assumed they were much older than they truly were. The older girl seemed to be in her early twenties, but occasionally she acted like a 16-year-old. Her brother seemed to be ten or twelve, but occasionally he acted like a five-year-old. This was very irritating until I learned that she actually was 16 and he actually was five (but large for his age.) Both usually seemed fairly mature, but both kids occasionally just “acted their age!”

Sometimes Christians are under the control of the Holy Spirit, and we are impressed with the grace in their lives. Occasionally they “act their age,” so to speak, and behave like “natural” men. (And, YES, it is sin!) But that does not make them a hypocrite—it proves that they have two natures, just like you! We need the constant control and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives to have any sort of consistent walk with Him.

The next phrase (verse 5) assures me that since I have been buried with him (in him—this is what Federal Headship implies), then I shall be (future tense) also in the likeness of His resurrection.  From the moment I was born again, when I believed the Gospel and received Christ as my Savior, I’ve been guaranteed a resurrection, to be with Him and like Him forever!

A Done Deal

In fact, in Ephesians 2:6, he states that God has already “raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ.” There’s that “location clause” again. This is positional truth. The only conditions are the ones laid down by Jesus himself: (John 5:24) “He that heareth my words and believeth on Him who sent me…” Those who have heard the Gospel and believed it—placed their full trust in the completed work of Jesus at the Cross, are placed into Christ, and they are safe in Him forever.

The identification is so complete that God views it as already done. He will never again see me as a lost sinner; my old self is separated from the new me—“dead”—and the new person (created at my new birth, whether I knew it or not) is free forever from the curse of the Law. What an amazing change!  My old position, in Adam, left me completely doomed. My new position, in Christ, leaves me completely blessed, and fully accepted by God.

What Should the Result Be?  

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

If I know that I am dead to sin, and dead to the Law, what should the result be? I should begin to place my trust in that fact, and not give in to the desires of sin anymore. This is not just self-control; it’s recognition that those desires are no longer “mine”—they are the desires of my old sin nature, and, though it still exists within me, it is an “enemy within the gates”, so to speak.

I have to be conscious that it is there, recognize its movements and inclinations, and defend my heart against them. Fortunately, I am not alone in this battle. I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and He is faithful to warn me and to guide me, so that I can see what to avoid.

Only By the Spirit

Is it easy? No! In fact, without the constant empowering and enabling of the Holy Spirit, it is utterly impossible. Unbelievers, through self-control, can appear to be good persons, and do good things, and avoid bad things, etc., but their actions are still controlled by their old sin nature (the only one they have as an unbeliever.) So, the scripture says (Isaiah 64:6) that even their “righteousnesses are as filthy rags”; and so are mine, if I try to “do good things” in my own fleshly power and motives. This is true of the whole human race.

I have nothing to offer God except my new nature, and the work the Holy Spirit can do through me. As an unbeliever, even my thoughts and prayers were corrupted by who I was as a sinner. The only prayer of an unbeliever that God commits Himself to answer is the one that confesses Him as Savior and places faith in His Grace.

God’s Guarantee

8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

God has given us a guarantee that we will live with Him eternally; He asks us to start living in that reality today—now. He says that since Jesus can never die again, and can never be tested again, and has paid the price for sin, once-for-all, we should take heart from that fact and step forward into the liberty He offers us as well. As a result, He says we can be free from the ravages of sin in our lives!

We do not have to be torn apart by fear, jealousy, pride, anger, and lust. We can be free from the destructive, conflicting desires of our old nature, only because we are part of a new creation. It is because we have been separated from our old nature to the extent that we no longer have to obey it. I will freely tell you, however, that while this is completely true, I certainly have not mastered this concept. I find it a very difficult idea to grasp.

Next time we will discuss how that is supposed to work.

Lord Jesus, lead us into the truth of your Word. Enable us to walk in the newness of life!

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Compare your “Position” In Christ vs. Your “Condition”

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In Christ—Comparing “Position” and “Condition”

(Part One)

© 2024 C. O. Bishop

Ephesians 1:1-7

Introduction:

Recently, questions have come up in our Bible Studies which convinced me that we should take a break from 1st Corinthians. We need to address some foundational truths in Ephesians. Please turn with me to the book of Ephesians, chapter one.

Ephesians 1

1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:  2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

To The Believers

The Apostle Paul initially addressed his Epistle to the church at Ephesus, but he used words showing that it truly is addressed to all believers, everywhere, throughout the Church age. The first major theme is that the believers are “in Christ.”

Paul said the letter is to the Saints at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus. That includes all the believers of the Church age. He offers to all believers the Grace of God which results in the Peace of God. Another thing: he referred to the believers as “Saints”…we tend to think of saints as “super-Christians.” But the word means “holy; sanctified; set apart for God’s purpose”—it does NOT mean problem-free, or sinless.

The saints here are the “faithful in Christ Jesus”—and if you are a believer, that includes you. (Notice it does not say, “…those who are faithful to Christ.” but rather “…those who are the faithful in Christ”) That means the believers—this letter is addressed to you—these truths apply to you. (Listen carefully, because the book of Ephesians is a letter from God to you.)

Grace, then Peace

Now: notice that Grace always precedes Peace in the Christian experience. This is especially true at Salvation, where God’s Grace had to be extended to me before I could have peace with Him. But, it is also true in daily life, where I continue to need God’s Grace to experience His peace. The one peace is the peace with God; the other is the peace of God.

One is named in Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Compare Ephesians 2:8, 9 “By Grace are ye saved through Faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” ) Romans 5:10 says that we were enemies of God. But now we are at peace with God.

The other (the Peace of God) is identified in Philippians 4:6, 7. “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the Peace of God, which passeth all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

I need to seek God’s Grace all the time—He is my sustenance, and by His Grace, I live. He’s the true source of peace. Peace with God means God no longer holds my sins against me. His Justice and Holiness were truly satisfied at the Cross. The Peace of God is what sustains me in everyday life—especially in rough times. But both are the result of His Grace.

All Spiritual Blessings

3   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

It is strange, how we extend our blessing back to God…but we do—and it is something that is very consistent throughout the scripture. It would seem logical that only He can bless us…but the reality is that we also bless God. It is a form of worship.

And the next thing it says is that He has already blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. This is the introduction to the next section…He says four things:

  1. God has blessed us—(that’s past tense…He already blessed us)
  2. With all spiritual blessings—(there is nothing lacking)
  3. In heavenly places—(not all the blessings are visible: we accept His blessing by faith.)
  4. In Christ—(the blessings are in Him, and they are ours because we are in Him.)

All Spiritual blessings are already yours, because of your relationship with Jesus Christ. This is called a positional truth. If you have received the Lord Jesus as your Savior, all the things in this passage are already yours. Some may argue that this statement only means that the blessings are in Christ, but we will see that not only are we “In Christ.” but we are also “seated in the Heavenlies” with him, though we certainly don’t feel that way. Ephesians 2:6 says you are already seated in the heavenlies. But, most importantly, you are in Christ.

There Are Two Possible Positions (Locations):

1st Corinthians 15:22, lists two positions: “in Adam,” and “in Christ,” with the results of each. These two possible positions (or locations) can be compared with the same relative positions regarding Noah’s Ark. When the flood came, everyone on earth was in one of two places—they were either in the Ark, or they were not in the Ark.  Similarly, everyone today is either in Christ or not in Christ…in which case they are still in their natural state, “in Adam.” Let’s see what the Bible says is true about you, because you are in Christ.

4   According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

This is where it says we were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. Now I could take that at least two different ways. I could say that “we” who believe were chosen in Christ (that is, as a group—“those who would believe”) or I could say that each of us were hand-picked for his glory. And I believe both are probably true.

Why Two Positions?

1st John 2:2 says Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, but not all people choose to receive Him. The majority do not! In John 6:44, Jesus said, “No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” But, in John 12:32, He also said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” His Grace is extended to all, but not all believe.

This agrees with John 1:12 “…but as many as received Him, to them gave He power (exousia: “authority”) to become (genesthe: “be generated as…born as”) the sons (the word here is tekna: “children”—literally, “born-ones”) of God, even to those who believe on His name.” 

There is an element of personal choice, as confusing as it may sound. To be honest with God’s Word I have to teach both ideas—God’s Sovereignty, and Man’s free moral agency. It is a powerful, precious, and dangerous gift, this gift of choice. Use it wisely. Choose Christ.

We are Chosen to be Holy and Blameless before Him.

This is in the context of positional truth, so I’ll address it that way first. You are holy to God—you are blameless in His sight. This is simply a fact, (Ephesians 4:24 says that our new nature…the one we received at the new birth, is “created in righteousness and true holiness.”)

This is a positional truth…it is true because you are in Christ. Now: based on that reality, you are also called to live a holy life and to live a blameless life. But God says He will give you both the will and the ability to do it. Philippians 2:13 says “It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Our position does not dependon our condition. We will talk more about position and condition. For the moment, remember that:

  • “Position” is WHO you are, and WHAT you are, because of WHERE you are (In Christ!)
  • “Condition” is HOW you are doing, and WHAT you are doing.

Practical Application

Your position in Christ is perfect: your condition may be terrible. Samson was in terrible “condition” as a believer—but his position was perfect.

Lot was in such bad shape as a believer that no one would have guessed he was one. But in 2nd Peter 2:7, 8, God says Lot was a righteous man. As believers, because we are in Christ, our lives are lived under the mantle of God’s unconditional Love. He no longer sees us as lost sinners. He sees us as His dear children, born to Him by the new birth. Therefore, He brings us along, step by step, as He molds us into His own image. He is pleased with our toddling efforts to learn to walk with Him. He no longer condemns us for our failures.

What is Biblical Adoption?

5   Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

As believers, we are predestined to what God calls “adoption.” (The Greek word is huiothesis:) It means the “placing of sons.” It is a legal term, an official term: not a familial term. Adoption is not how you became a child of God: Adoption is how you, as a born child of God will be recognized as a full heir of God. This idea comes from Greek and Roman society, where a man had to officially recognize an heir, before that child was recognized as a “Son”—a “huios.”

Romans 8:23 says the completion of that process will not happen until you receive your new body. We already have been born again, begotten of God. We are called “teknia:” His “born-ones”—His offspring… His little children. But we will not be fully established as Sons, until we are with him. However, we have received the Spirit of adoption, according to Romans 8:15. 

No Confusion Needed

To avoid confusion, it is good to understand the difference between the kind of “adoption” that is common in our society and the one that is spoken of in the New Testament. In our society, adoption always means “taking responsibility for someone who is not your offspring and treating them as someone who is your offspring.” But, the Bible word “adoption” always means taking your own offspring, and declaring them to be your legal heir.

Remember that in our form of adoption, our adopted child will never take on our genetic characteristics, because they were not born to us. In the New Testament, while Jesus declared that not all are God’s children, He also said that all could become God’s literal children by faith, through the new birth. The invitation is to “whosoever believeth in Him.”

Incidentally, it is probably good to notice that it is “according to the good pleasure of HIS will” that He does this—not because we want Him to, or any other reason. He is the Sovereign God and the Eternal Father. (Do you want something to think about, and puzzle over? Read Isaiah 9:6, 7—Then ask yourself, “Who is the Everlasting Father?”)

What Will Be The Result?

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

I will be “to the praise of the glory of His grace!” By His Grace, He has (past tense) made me accepted in the Beloved…I’m accepted by God, in the Beloved(Jesus Christ.) There’s that “position” thing again…because I am now found in Christ, I am accepted by God in Him.

I can’t overstate the importance of your position in Christ: If you are not in Christ, then none of these things are true about you. They don’t apply. You are not accepted, not predestined to the adoption of sons, etc. So. Where is the “dividing line?” How do I know whether I am “in Him?” Well, that is the next verse!

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The redemption is through His Blood. If I have placed my dependence in His Blood, as the only possible payment for my sins, then I now have redemption in him. I have now been “bought back” out of the marketplace of Sin. Redemption is a precious concept. This Greek word, “lutroō,” means to be set free—it is used together with another word (exagorazo) meaning “bought out of the marketplace, not to be sold again.” They mean I have been bought out of the slave-market of sin, with the express purpose of being set free, forever. (Wow!)

How Can We Know for Sure?

So, “How can I know if I am in him?” The answer is fairly simple—it is on the strength of Jesus’ promise in John 5:24. “Verily, verily I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life.”

Because of that promise, I can confidently say: “If you have heard the good news of Jesus’ death for your sins, and His resurrection, and have placed your faith in His finished work at the cross, then you have eternal life (read the promise again—that’s exactly what it says), you will never be condemned, but rather, you have crossed over (there’s your “dividing line”) from death unto life. It can’t be any simpler.

What Have We Learned?

  • The Book of Ephesians is to you!
  • You are one of the faithful in Christ Jesus. You are a Saint: God’s private property!
  • God has already blessed you with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies, in Christ.
  • Along with all believers, You were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world.
  • You are holy and blameless before God, in His Love.
  • You are now predestined to be recognized as a full heir of God.
  • Also, you are now predestined to fulfill the good pleasure of His will.
  • You are now predestined to be to the praise of the Glory of His Grace.
  • God has already made you accepted in the beloved (in Christ.)
  • You already have been redeemed through His blood.
  • You already have full forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His Grace.

Next week we will continue into Ephesians 1:8-14. By the time we complete the first 14 verses of this chapter, we will see seventeen things that are all true of you, because you are “In Christ.”

Lord Jesus, take us in hand and teach us the elements of Faith, so that we may stand firm in the perfect position You have purchased for us, and learn to behave in a manner appropriate to that position.

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