To perceive we have or are overcoming, as in behaving like and living as a Christian by our actions and morals is one thing but to be delivered from ourselves, what we are in the Adam man is quite another. Overcoming by our behavior, including intellectual biblical awareness, so called bible training and studies often simply reflects upon ones self. A job well done, performed by the Adam nature, the old man [all that we naturally are] with its sin, lusts, ambitions, judgements etc. As ultimately, all be it perhaps with good intent, the Adam man's personas main object is the producing of feelings and experience a form of self satisfaction. "The Lord says. Cursed be the man that trust in man [himself], and makes flesh [feelings emotions the natural sinful moral nature] his arm [guiding force] " Jer. 15:5
Theses behavior's when taken up in the mind set of the old man we were are just a attempt at a purposeful godly alteration; the remaking of ourselves to act differently based upon and implemented by our unchanged perception of our established old Adam person hood; which Jesus Christ came explicitly not to change, but to put away forever. To then be replaced by His own self image as our new consciously defining quality.
The circumstances God provided man before the Spirit was give were on mans level [earthly or for the old Adam] but afterward [Pentecost] we are required for the sake of our own enlightenment, by God's word, to enjoy Him in His Son or as the word says "in a new and living way"; spiritual heavenly. "Set your mind on things above, not on the things of the earth" Col. 3:2. How may we accomplish this? Why is knowing this important?
To be "delivered" from what we are [natural men] on God's terms we must depend [have faith] on something outside of ourselves: exercising that faith and trust in a Man who has previously overcome what we were in our stead and perceive His work as establishing God's desire to reform us into a new creature seen in Jesus Christ His Son, in order to accept us. Thereby making us of necessity all new in His sight. And for us a God given opportunity to gain a new existence or conscious awareness of this fact, when realized by faith. A newness only available to us by counting on what God has done in His Son or faith in its truth. Of course we must know this as our Christian life! Even more we must live this as our Christian truth. So then by faiths perception we must learn to see ourselves in His [Jesus Christ] very person. This results in Christ living His life through us. "Without faith it is impossible to please God" Heb. 11:6.
Yes in fact we already have overcome what we are, in the Fathers judgmental view; by us being seen in His Son Jesus Christ and we applied there [in Him] by His actions in our stead, in which we become aware of or knowingly included in by our faith only. Then that spiritual transference being counted as righteousness, as our right standing with God. As to a individual accomplishment of this position we are simply left out of the picture. There is nothing we can do to acquire our overcomers status. Grace has provided all we need. Few know this type of deliverance but many are trying to work toward it. Or worse not even thinking about the need for it, as a awareness or as a conscious condition.
Most never know [this truth is seldom taught in todays church] the fact of their established personal righteousness in His Person, as to a life condition of their new creation heavenly existence; their new identity or Spiritual position; seeing themselves as a new creation. "To give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face [all that He is for us] of Christ Jesus" 2 Cor. 4:6. Why is that?
Our station here is in the condition of the Adam flesh man, a morally sinful condition with all it's self centered concerns. The term "the flesh" is really the manifestation of sin in the yet unredeemed [heavenly transfiguration]Adam human body. No thinking Christian could deny we are is such a state. So as ones living in the condition of this sinful body without the benefit of a new creation heavenly awareness as prescribed by God, it is only natural the we would look to the contemplation of ourselves.
We can only see within the confines of the old or dead Adam personality without God's new message to mankind as the definitive circumstance defining our life. Our actions and preconceptions within are always looked to as a explanation of just who we are. Even for our relationship with the living God. This however when we remain confined to this mind set is not Christianity! "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away, behold all [including what you were] things have become NEW" 2 Cor. 5:17
Our deliverance, which comes from God in the form of the sacrifice of His Son is a practical matter also. So on some level there is a experience to be recognized, it is in a new identity to discover. Well just what is it we are delivered from, how do we proceed and what does it feel like? How do we get it?
To be delivered [brought from one place to another] we first must appropriate something! Become mindful of something new. Even more important we must adopt a new definition of ourselves. Just as God has given us one, that of His Son. This really is what Christianity is. Developing a completely new life as to the perception of our inner man; a new way of seeing ourselves. Without that we simply remain in the worldly mode of Adam. But this is not acceptable to the Father, as we have been remade by God in His Son's image for a purpose. We must discover that. Of course to know this is a process which is wholly the work of the Spirit of God, His life force within us. We must learn by the mental recognition of a biblical fact to, as the word tells us in Col. 3 "Put off the old man". This is not about behavior but about a new inner self recognition.
Just what are we being delivered from by Christ's Spirit which holds us in such bondage to the old Adam man condition as life? The answer is the flesh; or what we are in Adam as condition in our natural perception of ourselves and life around us. The present persistent sinful, self centered environment of our living a unaware earthly nature. Many of us knowing no other, and for the unbeliever "because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience" Col. 3:6.
But in order to be delivered from this physical/mental/spiritual confine first we must gain some knowledge regarding the flesh and the Adam man in order to develop the new identity in Christ the Father wishes for us, to separate ourselves from the natural. The Spirit has provided a way to do that which is most practical. His Word which is very descriptive, leaves no doubt and is really quite simple. But it is never the less a step by step process because our mind and sense of ourselves must change. Not a easy task! "And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him" Col. 3:10.
The bible teaches us that the Adam man is sinful, fallen, unacceptable and finally for God's judicial purposes died upon the Cross with Christ in His representative sacrifice. But the flesh is another matter and is not to be confused with the Adam man who in God's view has been judged and is now gone forever; this is what redemption means. So we may now say along with Paul that he [the Adam man] is to be put off. For our true deliverance, which is a mental apprehension, is to be from the flesh, or our sinful moral condition. Of which not one bit of is not under God's judgement. Yet we are set free from by God's grace. "For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God" Col. 3:3.
By coming to know God's Word as it describes our new creation nature "in heavenly places" we become spiritually and mentally disassociated from this man of flesh who is only deserving of judgment. We will be delivered from this condition by knowledge and by the Spirit in the adoption of our new creation nature as our Christian life definition. The Adam man and his flesh nature has been dealt with, faith sees to that. We no longer need align ourselves with what we were before being born again into a new life. But first we must become acquainted with the new man we have become in Christ. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creation" 2 Cor. 5:17.
Adam was our father as to humanness. He was in the garden walking with God without sin. But because he was made in God's image as a reflection of God's mind, in his mental capacity, he could make choices and he did. He went his own way. This was called sin. Adam of old who is still on the earth now remains in us as a permanent condition leaving him outside of God's perfect holiness in and of himself forever. Hence the need for a new man, a new birth, a new inheritance. We right now [all men] are in and of that Adam man as a condition, and have inherited that same condition as natural men upon the earth.
Adam has not been made better by the new birth. Hence to be truly saved in Gods estimation we must be given a new nature, a new inheritance from a different source, from a New Man or second Adam. Which all believers were. But whom few have consciously occupied or even recognized. This new creation nature is a factual biblical spiritual reality. "As the branch cannot bear fruit itself, except it abide [live out our existence] in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in Me" John 15:4.
However this capacity of sin we have in ourselves resides in God's judgmental view in our flesh. A inherent by product of our nature while we are upon the earth. Flesh in our simple understanding is what we are made of. But in God's mind implies our moral personality, our conscience and our awareness of ourselves enclosed in and subdued by the natural mans sinful thought process. Sin is in us because we are here, we are alive. Adam was made of flesh in the garden but after the garden the flesh newly contained sin and had to be annulled from God's Holy perception. Therefore Adam became judged as worthy of death. He had to be done away with.
Adam, the man who sinned, was put away upon the cross. "There is therefore no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" Rom. 8:1. God in Jesus became flesh like Adam, but his flesh did not contain sin because His Father was not a Adam man as ours was. He had a Holy permanent inheritance. Therefore He qualified to replace us [He was the second or last Adam 1 Cor. 15:45] in a new and living way. He and we [us by spiritual transference] now by God's Grace had/have a different inheritance a different DNA if you will, which is wholly spiritual. Which God in His grace applied to us via [in permanent representation] His Son the moment we first believed!
The problem is we have trouble knowing the new man we are because it is now a spiritual station and wholly of the mind. Yes it is gradually reflected in the soul or actions when known, and the Father will conform us all. But that adventure is a road trod through desolate places [we must need it] where few venture to tread, preferring their known comfort zone which hold them in a vice like grip attached to the world of Adam the first.
So we had a man, Adam, who talked with God walked with God had open free unhindered communion with God; who then chose to sin. God still loved him, in his being just as before. But now because of the sin which was contained in him in his flesh, a moral condition, God could no longer accept him into fellowship into His eternal and glorious life. Which He greatly desires. As a matter of fact Adam had to be entirely done away with. Yes Adam was [we are] still fully capable of great and good works as a action. But now for the first time of great evil also. Making him [all of the Adam man] in God's view only evil or sinful; because the sin resided in his flesh the same location as the good, all of which is still with us today.
Now he [Adam] was cursed forever; not by God but by the presence of sin in him, even though capable of love and kindness. We still remain in that very same condition. Being born again does not remake the Adam man or remove the sin from his flesh and God does not grade us on a curve depending upon various good works, which we are very capable of. Then what are we to do?
The only possible answer is to first find redemption, [believe] then possess [by faith] eternal life, salvation; then the hard part, live consciously [by knowledge] in the transferred condition in which we were spiritually newly formed in God's mind; which is the express image of His Son Jesus Christ seated at His right hand. "That I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus" Phil. 3:12. This is simply positional truth and identity in Christ realized and then reckoned upon or counted as true and rested in by faith. All contained in the mind as a apprehension of what we are now as Christians; new creatures, a new race delivered from the flesh because we finally apprehend this truth. Apprehension is our deliverance!
Thank God His Grace covers our ignorance of this truth and by simple faith we are secure forever. However to honor the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to live His life, we must become newly aware. Not many know this nor will they take this path because it requires a great sacrifice. Namely themselves, their familiar Adam nature whom they have simply accepted as their lot! "But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that wherein we were held" Rom. 7:6.
Along with Paul we must learn to say with biblical knowledgeable conviction; "within me, that is in my flesh there is no good thing". Then we might have a chance to knowingly internally actively live the life God wishes for us.
Yes the Father has a special delivery for you of a new life: all that you have to do is give up as to any godly value of establishing your presence with the Father in dependence on the Church life [works, fellowship, feelings of belonging], the family life, [being a good provider etc.] your moral rightness, your ambitions, your lusts for building God's kingdom here and any attachment as to any eternal or Godly value of anything what so ever in this world accomplished in and by your natural actions. After you have done all that then you must simply trust Jesus Christ in faith; as he is very straight forwardly presented in scripture as the only true definition of your life! Upon that conviction as a mind set Christ will live His life through you, requiring no work on your part and opening a new door to your enjoyment of absolute freedom. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Rom. 5:1.
Friday, December 25, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
THE TIME IS NOW
The times we live in right now are the Christian age or the new Christian dispensation under grace. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ establishes this and the Epistles from Acts forward teach it. "Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus" Heb. 12:2. While this, the Christian Church age of grace is made mention of prophetically in the previous old earthly dispensation, which was under the law, there was no hint of the form it would take. Namely its under Grace, by faith, heavenly spiritual makeup, that constitutes the true reality of the Christian life. "We have received...the Spirit of God; that we might know the things that are freely given us of God" 1 Cor. 2:12.
The previous or earthly dispensation of the Law that guided the life of the Jew for over fifteen hundred years as recorded in the old testament was also the driving influence of the Synoptic recordings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Whose letters for the most part are really a continuation of the old testament or the earthly teachings of the prior period under the law. All these writings, the old testament as well as the synoptic four gospels, are written for the Christian but not too the Christian; at least as pertaining to his form and function in the carrying out or living the Christian life. Yet these legal admonitions spoken of before the Holy Spirit was given are often used by the church today for examples of proper Christian behavior. The sermon on the mount and so called beatitudes being most often sited as binding guides for the Christian life.
All these writers of the old age were entirely under the influence of the law, as to there understanding [mindset] in these historic recordings, including the disciples experience and observation, and later the Apostles synoptic recordings of those events. So how could they apply directly to the Christian under Grace? For instance: are we, the Christian too maintain a meek attitude for a earthly inheritance [Matt.5:5]? No never for our inheritance is not the earth its heaven [Phil. 3:20]. And besides the natural attitude which this verse is referring to can be only one of the earthly dweller as there was none other at that time! The bible says however for the Christian in this age; "Your life is hidden with Christ in God" Col. 3:3. Yes we live on the earth in our flesh but our true life according to the scriptures is in Christ in heaven. This is a important spiritual distinction which separate us from the earth; accessed by faith in His Word, not in our natural reasoning powers!
The previous earthly dispensation's influence was dominant in the teachings of Jesus. Which was directed toward those who were earthly Adamic or legal in nature. Just as recorded in the gospel writings, and so cannot be applied directly as a condition to those under grace. As the historic facts retold there all took place during the period of the Law. To and for those under it including Jesus pronouncements on the mount. In other words they were the times of the earth under the old testament age. Only a un-biblical, out of context, spiritualization of these strictly legal mandates would dare to assume they apply directly to the Christian as to life. As the Holy Spirit had not yet been given during the past times they referenced; despite Christ's presence on the earth just prior to the ending of the Law. Which was the previous rule of life. Jesus was born, lived and died under this very same Law so that it would not be over us. "Seeing that we have died [with Christ] to that which once held us in bondage, the Law has now no hold over us" Rom. 7:6a.
On the other hand one cannot but help to see the great change of God's manifestation to His children under His Grace, which only came after Pentecost. He changed our observation of Him by it's introduction. He was before, a unapproachable God of legality housed in a temple, hid behind a vale requiring sacrifice for sin on a regular basis, a God only of the Jews; allowing rituals and demanding the keeping of commandments to approach Him.
Yet in His Grace, by His Son's life and death, not by the Law, He fulfilled His own legal perfect demands. Making the way for the gift of His Grace by the light of the all new never before taught or even mentioned teachings of the spiritual or heavenly new creation life. A life to be lived only by faith, not the letter "The Law is not of faith" Gal 3:12. Us positioned wholly in Christ. A here to for unimaginable new revelation made known by Paul's letters as a completely new revelation to mankind, inspired by the Spirit of God. A never before thought of concept by the earthly Jew or Christ's disciples, and never taught by Jesus Himself. "So that we may render a service which, instead of being old and formal, is new and spiritual" Rom. 7:6b.
The self perception up until [and still remaining for many] then was strictly one of man becoming better, hoping to be pardoned of sin, while subduing the earth or waiting to be saved and set aside for God's work here. Or as most now simply waiting for our time to go to heaven. With the new messages of Paul however all that changed. Yet many are still influenced, interpret and are taught, as to the carrying out of their Christian nature, under the Law of the old earthly standing of men, even to this day. These teachings have influenced the modern church greatly and were first taught by the Roman catholic church. Encouraging parishioners to grasp and include that which is earthly and under the Law to capture them in a organization. "To him that does not work [not under Law] but believes in Him that justifies the ungodly [us] his faith [never Law, obedience, works, service or church membership etc.] is counted for righteousness Rom. 4:5.
Make no mistake if one is living inwardly and maturely today as a heavenly new creature in Christ as a individual Christian, in awareness of God's intentional putting to death of his Adam nature, he is also very aware of those wishing to make everything better around him and thus marking their actions as indications of their walk still in the old Adam personality. Trying to change things for God or even themselves in their natural or self centered earthly identification attempting to do the right thing. This has created for so many a dependence on self and adherence to the world system which much of the church has embraced. Opening the door to judgement of the church on the worlds terms. Just note the example and history of persecution of and also by the church. The world is filled with religious violence and over zealous works of the still remaining entrenched earthly culture of the old dispensation; not only seen in the Christian community [Rome] of the past, but throughout the religious[Islam] world today. They simply have not believed in God's Word. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" Heb. 10:22.
One need not look far today to see the natural worldly Adam men's influence upon the current system and the church life. If this were not true and the Word of God and Christ as life with us simply resting in His grace, was the Christians conscious awareness of themselves, there would be no Christian sects declaring their way is the right way, busily preparing themselves for His return. Or denominations vying for a place of righteous prominence. There would not be a need for formulas to follow, weekly sermons to encourage us to live as Christians, towers of books, individual men being held up as light bearers, constant training sessions, repetitious prayers, never ending conferences. Not to mention the grievous differences [world ecumenical counsel of churches] to be attempted to be ironed out among the many variations of their so called christianity. And also there would be no need for spectacular showplaces [entertainment centers] to lure the flock. And certainty no disagreement as to what path to follow. We all could simply say;"Put on the whole armor of God [your faith in His overcoming all and us positioned in Him] that you may stand against [the world system] the wiles [pleasing the flesh] of the devil" Eph. 6:11.
The times of men who were and are dwellers of the earth are still with us even in the Church and they weave a very crooked path. Which the term religion [law, rules, traditions], including the secular worldly influence upon all men, [liberalism, progressivism, humanism] best describe. These earthly forces wish still, as in the old testament and synoptic times, to contain God here for themselves, or simply do not even acknowledge Him. Primarily thinking of Him unaware perhaps, for their own use or for the justification or substantiation of their behavior. Shaping Him into a form that best suits their selfish although well intentioned needs.
This does not make them knowing conspirators of these first Adam fleshly concepts or bad or of evil intent necessarily. Just so deeply unknowing of what could be if they knew the freedom of His life as their very own. They have traded the truth for the done away with old way; for their own natural satisfaction, embracing ignorance of the scriptural revelation for their own comfort so they may rest in what's familiar. Which in todays world [since the printing press] for the true Christian at least there can be no excuse.
The reason Paul and others throughout this Christian age have taught and strongly emphasized a embracing of a heavenly spiritual nature by faith only is because any other teaching can only be and does result in a earthly or religious and therefore legal in nature outcome. There is no room for resting upon His grace in faith when one is in the embrace of the earth and the laws of duty. Never seeing oneself in the light of heaven. In other words many Christians remain fastened to just what Jesus Christ came to do away with by His death on the Cross. They have ignored His very purpose. Specifically that He, first in fulfilling the Law, then killing [dying unto] the Adam man did away with any inheritance we received from Adam for the purpose of God's judgment or to partake in The Fathers inheritance. All passed unto us in His Son. Which changed forever His estimation of us, placing us in a entirely new race of men. A Godly glorified place in Christ, a Man [us included] at the Fathers right side. "That the name [His very life] of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you [seen by our acceptance of us hid in Him], and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" 2 Thess. 1:12.
Jesus entered heaven as our very representative, taking us there with Him in Spirit for a new life. "We were raised from among the dead" with Him. We now have a new status which rejects the old way entirely. Our obedience to rules and works, a need for constant emotional support and being nursed in a never ending immature state adds no value. As a life resting under grace lived through our souls [minds] by His Spirit requires only faith in the Words explicit acknowledgement of our heavenly nature resulting in a renewed mind. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" Eph.1:3.
The Father showed by the introduction of the all new, Christ's [a Man] very personhood in glory, as the object of our faith and we "hid in Him", or positioned in Him. A new way of evaluating oneself. Which is only achievable by faith in our presence in His Resurrection and Ascension. Which we were inclusively intended by God to be spiritual partakers of. "The Spirit takes what is mine and makes it know to you" John 16:15. This is the reality God has for us. Thus the Christian dispensation is heavenly spiritual. Our life and work is not here. There is a new way of observance, a new life which allows Christ to live His Life through us for any accomplishment here. It is found in a reevaluation and a exchange of the old nature for a completely new one, all carried out in the mind, by faith just as the bible teaches. "Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; 1 Pet, 1:8.
The condition for the new dispensation partaker is now one of faith [not works and obedience in the old Adam identity], in a new reality which only requires knowledge of it and a life of resting in faith of it as to its application. We need no longer wait in the Adam condition for relief from what we are in the flesh trying our best. We will never be free until we see the death of the Adam man of condition as transferred to the New Man of life, who is Christ Jesus and ourselves as partakers. This is a reality that must become a all consuming attitude! The only thing keeping us in place is our self centered comfort, held in by the constraints of what has become so familiar to us. Now is the time to enter heaven.
The previous or earthly dispensation of the Law that guided the life of the Jew for over fifteen hundred years as recorded in the old testament was also the driving influence of the Synoptic recordings of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Whose letters for the most part are really a continuation of the old testament or the earthly teachings of the prior period under the law. All these writings, the old testament as well as the synoptic four gospels, are written for the Christian but not too the Christian; at least as pertaining to his form and function in the carrying out or living the Christian life. Yet these legal admonitions spoken of before the Holy Spirit was given are often used by the church today for examples of proper Christian behavior. The sermon on the mount and so called beatitudes being most often sited as binding guides for the Christian life.
All these writers of the old age were entirely under the influence of the law, as to there understanding [mindset] in these historic recordings, including the disciples experience and observation, and later the Apostles synoptic recordings of those events. So how could they apply directly to the Christian under Grace? For instance: are we, the Christian too maintain a meek attitude for a earthly inheritance [Matt.5:5]? No never for our inheritance is not the earth its heaven [Phil. 3:20]. And besides the natural attitude which this verse is referring to can be only one of the earthly dweller as there was none other at that time! The bible says however for the Christian in this age; "Your life is hidden with Christ in God" Col. 3:3. Yes we live on the earth in our flesh but our true life according to the scriptures is in Christ in heaven. This is a important spiritual distinction which separate us from the earth; accessed by faith in His Word, not in our natural reasoning powers!
The previous earthly dispensation's influence was dominant in the teachings of Jesus. Which was directed toward those who were earthly Adamic or legal in nature. Just as recorded in the gospel writings, and so cannot be applied directly as a condition to those under grace. As the historic facts retold there all took place during the period of the Law. To and for those under it including Jesus pronouncements on the mount. In other words they were the times of the earth under the old testament age. Only a un-biblical, out of context, spiritualization of these strictly legal mandates would dare to assume they apply directly to the Christian as to life. As the Holy Spirit had not yet been given during the past times they referenced; despite Christ's presence on the earth just prior to the ending of the Law. Which was the previous rule of life. Jesus was born, lived and died under this very same Law so that it would not be over us. "Seeing that we have died [with Christ] to that which once held us in bondage, the Law has now no hold over us" Rom. 7:6a.
On the other hand one cannot but help to see the great change of God's manifestation to His children under His Grace, which only came after Pentecost. He changed our observation of Him by it's introduction. He was before, a unapproachable God of legality housed in a temple, hid behind a vale requiring sacrifice for sin on a regular basis, a God only of the Jews; allowing rituals and demanding the keeping of commandments to approach Him.
Yet in His Grace, by His Son's life and death, not by the Law, He fulfilled His own legal perfect demands. Making the way for the gift of His Grace by the light of the all new never before taught or even mentioned teachings of the spiritual or heavenly new creation life. A life to be lived only by faith, not the letter "The Law is not of faith" Gal 3:12. Us positioned wholly in Christ. A here to for unimaginable new revelation made known by Paul's letters as a completely new revelation to mankind, inspired by the Spirit of God. A never before thought of concept by the earthly Jew or Christ's disciples, and never taught by Jesus Himself. "So that we may render a service which, instead of being old and formal, is new and spiritual" Rom. 7:6b.
The self perception up until [and still remaining for many] then was strictly one of man becoming better, hoping to be pardoned of sin, while subduing the earth or waiting to be saved and set aside for God's work here. Or as most now simply waiting for our time to go to heaven. With the new messages of Paul however all that changed. Yet many are still influenced, interpret and are taught, as to the carrying out of their Christian nature, under the Law of the old earthly standing of men, even to this day. These teachings have influenced the modern church greatly and were first taught by the Roman catholic church. Encouraging parishioners to grasp and include that which is earthly and under the Law to capture them in a organization. "To him that does not work [not under Law] but believes in Him that justifies the ungodly [us] his faith [never Law, obedience, works, service or church membership etc.] is counted for righteousness Rom. 4:5.
Make no mistake if one is living inwardly and maturely today as a heavenly new creature in Christ as a individual Christian, in awareness of God's intentional putting to death of his Adam nature, he is also very aware of those wishing to make everything better around him and thus marking their actions as indications of their walk still in the old Adam personality. Trying to change things for God or even themselves in their natural or self centered earthly identification attempting to do the right thing. This has created for so many a dependence on self and adherence to the world system which much of the church has embraced. Opening the door to judgement of the church on the worlds terms. Just note the example and history of persecution of and also by the church. The world is filled with religious violence and over zealous works of the still remaining entrenched earthly culture of the old dispensation; not only seen in the Christian community [Rome] of the past, but throughout the religious[Islam] world today. They simply have not believed in God's Word. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" Heb. 10:22.
One need not look far today to see the natural worldly Adam men's influence upon the current system and the church life. If this were not true and the Word of God and Christ as life with us simply resting in His grace, was the Christians conscious awareness of themselves, there would be no Christian sects declaring their way is the right way, busily preparing themselves for His return. Or denominations vying for a place of righteous prominence. There would not be a need for formulas to follow, weekly sermons to encourage us to live as Christians, towers of books, individual men being held up as light bearers, constant training sessions, repetitious prayers, never ending conferences. Not to mention the grievous differences [world ecumenical counsel of churches] to be attempted to be ironed out among the many variations of their so called christianity. And also there would be no need for spectacular showplaces [entertainment centers] to lure the flock. And certainty no disagreement as to what path to follow. We all could simply say;"Put on the whole armor of God [your faith in His overcoming all and us positioned in Him] that you may stand against [the world system] the wiles [pleasing the flesh] of the devil" Eph. 6:11.
The times of men who were and are dwellers of the earth are still with us even in the Church and they weave a very crooked path. Which the term religion [law, rules, traditions], including the secular worldly influence upon all men, [liberalism, progressivism, humanism] best describe. These earthly forces wish still, as in the old testament and synoptic times, to contain God here for themselves, or simply do not even acknowledge Him. Primarily thinking of Him unaware perhaps, for their own use or for the justification or substantiation of their behavior. Shaping Him into a form that best suits their selfish although well intentioned needs.
This does not make them knowing conspirators of these first Adam fleshly concepts or bad or of evil intent necessarily. Just so deeply unknowing of what could be if they knew the freedom of His life as their very own. They have traded the truth for the done away with old way; for their own natural satisfaction, embracing ignorance of the scriptural revelation for their own comfort so they may rest in what's familiar. Which in todays world [since the printing press] for the true Christian at least there can be no excuse.
The reason Paul and others throughout this Christian age have taught and strongly emphasized a embracing of a heavenly spiritual nature by faith only is because any other teaching can only be and does result in a earthly or religious and therefore legal in nature outcome. There is no room for resting upon His grace in faith when one is in the embrace of the earth and the laws of duty. Never seeing oneself in the light of heaven. In other words many Christians remain fastened to just what Jesus Christ came to do away with by His death on the Cross. They have ignored His very purpose. Specifically that He, first in fulfilling the Law, then killing [dying unto] the Adam man did away with any inheritance we received from Adam for the purpose of God's judgment or to partake in The Fathers inheritance. All passed unto us in His Son. Which changed forever His estimation of us, placing us in a entirely new race of men. A Godly glorified place in Christ, a Man [us included] at the Fathers right side. "That the name [His very life] of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you [seen by our acceptance of us hid in Him], and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" 2 Thess. 1:12.
Jesus entered heaven as our very representative, taking us there with Him in Spirit for a new life. "We were raised from among the dead" with Him. We now have a new status which rejects the old way entirely. Our obedience to rules and works, a need for constant emotional support and being nursed in a never ending immature state adds no value. As a life resting under grace lived through our souls [minds] by His Spirit requires only faith in the Words explicit acknowledgement of our heavenly nature resulting in a renewed mind. "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" Eph.1:3.
The Father showed by the introduction of the all new, Christ's [a Man] very personhood in glory, as the object of our faith and we "hid in Him", or positioned in Him. A new way of evaluating oneself. Which is only achievable by faith in our presence in His Resurrection and Ascension. Which we were inclusively intended by God to be spiritual partakers of. "The Spirit takes what is mine and makes it know to you" John 16:15. This is the reality God has for us. Thus the Christian dispensation is heavenly spiritual. Our life and work is not here. There is a new way of observance, a new life which allows Christ to live His Life through us for any accomplishment here. It is found in a reevaluation and a exchange of the old nature for a completely new one, all carried out in the mind, by faith just as the bible teaches. "Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see Him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; 1 Pet, 1:8.
The condition for the new dispensation partaker is now one of faith [not works and obedience in the old Adam identity], in a new reality which only requires knowledge of it and a life of resting in faith of it as to its application. We need no longer wait in the Adam condition for relief from what we are in the flesh trying our best. We will never be free until we see the death of the Adam man of condition as transferred to the New Man of life, who is Christ Jesus and ourselves as partakers. This is a reality that must become a all consuming attitude! The only thing keeping us in place is our self centered comfort, held in by the constraints of what has become so familiar to us. Now is the time to enter heaven.
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