" A Search for ATONING BLOOD "

 

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul." Leviticus 17:11

One spring evening many years ago, and old Jewish gentleman gave the following personal account to a meeting of fellow Hebrews.

"This is Passover week among you, my Jewish brethren, and as I sit here I was thinking how you will be observing it. You will have to put away all leaven from your houses; you will eat the Matzoth (unleavened bread) and the roasted LAMB. You will attend the synagogue and carry out the ritual and direction of the Talmud; but you forget, my brethren, that you have done everything but that which JEHOVAH required first of all. HE did not say, 'When I see the leaven put away,' or 'When I see you eat the Matzoth, or the LAMB, or go to the synagogue,' but HIS WORD was, 'When I see the blood, I will pass over you.' AH ! My brethren, you cannot substitute anything for this. You must have the blood - blood-blood !"

     As he reiterated this word with ever increasing emphasis, his black eyes flashed warningly, and his Jewish hearers trembled before him. Blood ! It is an awful word for one who reveres the ancient oracles and yet has no sacrifice. Turn where he will in the Book, the blood meets him; but let him seek where he may, he cannot find it in the Judaism of the present.

     After a moment's pause, the old man went on somewhat as follows:  "I was born in Israel, nearly seventy years ago. As a child I was taught to read the Law, the Psalms, and the Prophets. I attended the synagogue and learned what I was told, that our's was the true and only religion. As I grew older and studied the Law more intently, I was struck by the place the blood had in all the ceremonies outlined there, and I was equally struck by its utter absence in the rituals in which I was brought up. Again and again I read Exodus 12 and Leviticus 16 and 17. The latter chapters especially made me tremble as I thought of the great day of atonement and the place the blood had there. Day and night, one verse would ring in my ears:  'It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.'  I knew I had broken the Law. I needed atonement. Year after year, on that day, I beat my breast as I confessed my need of it; but it was to be made by blood, and there was no Blood !

     In my distress, I at last opened my heart to a learned and venerable Rabbi. He told me that GOD was angry with HIS people, the temple was destroyed, and a Mohammedan mosque was reared up in its place. The only spot on this Earth where we dare shed the blood of sacrifice, in accordance with Deuteronomy 12 and Leviticus 17, was desecrated when our nation was scattered. That was why there was no blood. GOD HIMSELF had closed the way to carry out the solemn service of the great Day of Atonement. According to the Rabbi, we must turn to the Talmud, rest on its instructions, and trust in the mercy of GOD and the merits of our fathers.

     I tried to be satisfied, but could not. Something seemed to say that the Law was unaltered, even though our temple was destroyed. Nothing else but the blood could atone for the soul. We dare not shed blood for atonement elsewhere than in the place the LORD had chosen. This meant we were left without an atonement at all. The thought filled me with horror. In my distress I consulted many other Rabbis. I had but one great question -- Where can I find the blood of atonement ? I was over thirty years of age when I left Israel and came to Constantinople with my still unanswered question ever before my mind, and my soul exceedingly troubled about my sins.

     One night I was walking down one of the narrow streets of that city, when I saw a sign telling of a meeting for Jews. Curiosity led me to open the door and go in. Just as I took a seat I heard a man say, "The blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanses us from all sin." It was my first introduction to Christianity, but I listened breathlessly as the speaker told how GOD had declared that 'Without shedding of blood is no remission.' However, HE had given HIS only begotten SON, the LAMB of GOD, to die for our sins, and those who trusted in HIS Blood were forgiven of all their iniquities. This was the MESSIAH of Isaiah 53, and this was the SUFFERER of Psalm 22.

     Ah, my brethren, I had found the blood atonement at last. I trusted it, and now I love to read the New Testament and see how all the shadows of the Law are fulfilled in JESUS. HIS Blood has been shed for sinners - once for all. It has satisfied GOD, and it is the only means of salvation for either Jew or Gentile."

Dear Reader, have you yet found the Blood of atonement ? Are you trusting in GOD's smitten LAMB ?

It is written in GOD's WORD:

"...when I see the blood, I will pass over you..." (Exodus 12:13)

"...for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul." (Leviticus 17:11)

"...the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanses us from all sin." (1st.John 1:7)

"In WHOM we have redemption through HIS blood, even the forgiveness of sins:" (Colossians 1:14)

"But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of GOD;" (Hebrews 10:12)

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD has raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9)

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our SAVIOR/MESSIAH. The LORD JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent ME, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" Wounded for Our Transgressions (Sins) "

 

Isaiah 52:13-53:9  "Behold, MY SERVANT shall deal prudently, HE shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at THEE; HIS visage was so marred more than any man, and HIS form more than the sons of men: so shall HE sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at HIM: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.

Who has believed our report ? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed ? For HE shall grow up before HIM as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: HE has no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see HIM, there is no beauty that we should desire HIM. HE is despised and rejected of men; a MAN of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from HIM; HE was despised, and we esteemed HIM not. Surely HE has born our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem HIM stricken, smitten of GOD, and afflicted. But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on HIM the iniquity of us all. HE was oppressed, and HE was afflicted, yet HE opened not HIS mouth: HE is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so HE opened not HIS mouth. HE was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare HIS generation ? for HE was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was HE stricken. And HE made HIS grave with the wicked, and with the rich in HIS death; because HE had done no violence, neither was any deceit in HIS mouth."

     "HE was wounded for our transgressions" (53:5). HE, JESUS CHRIST, was wounded (broken, slain) for our rebellion (revolt, sin, trespass). The week prior to Resurrection Sunday is known as the Passion Week or Holy Week, referring to the crucifixion and agony of JESUS' physical sufferings leading up to and including HIS death on the cross of Calvary. I caution you, however, not to get lost in the sympathies that arise when we think of the physical agony HE suffered. Yet, we dare not minimize it either, for it demonstrates the length to which our SAVIOR would go and the depth of suffering HE would endure in order to purchase our redemption. 

     Isaiah records that "HIS visage was so marred more than any man, and HIS form more than the sons of men" (52:14). But remember, please, the reason for HIS hanging suspended upon that cruel instrument of death: "HE was wounded for our transgressions," said the prophet. GOD the FATHER sent HIS SON to die for my sins and your sins. Peter declares that HE "bare our sins in HIS OWN body on the tree . . . by whose stripes ye were healed" (1st.Peter 2:24 pictured above). Let the beauty and power of HIS redemptive work grip your heart today. Say to yourself, "HE died for me." Have you personally received HIS free gift of life ? Have you entered into the blessed reality of John 1:12 pictured above ? JESUS CHRIST bore your sins; HE took your place; HE paid your sin debt in full. Why not receive HIS offer of salvation right now ? If you have already trusted in HIM, then rejoice with great rejoicing for this life eternal and for HIS perfect and completed redemption. JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: The Daily Bible Study.

Used  with  permission.  www.featoday.org

" Is Salvation Really Great ? "

 

Hebrews 2:1-4  "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the WORD spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard HIM; GOD also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the HOLY GHOST, according to to HIS OWN will ?"

     Yes, our salvation is great indeed ! The salvation from sin and its deadly penalty and the resulting gift of eternal life "to every one that believes" (Romans 1:16 cf. above Acts 16:31) ought to be something that we deeply treasure in this life; it also should be a truth that we continually meditate upon and magnify each day. The fact that we are "forgiven" of sin (Colossians 2:13 below), "reconciled" to GOD (2nd.Corinthians 5:18), "justified freely by HIS grace" (Romans 3:24), and "sanctified" (1st.Corinthians 6:11) should tremendously encourage us as we study these and so many other biblical truths in our time remaining on this Earth. The relationship we have with GOD the FATHER through HIS SON JESUS CHRIST, sealed by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT of GOD, is truly amazing and ought to thrill every Christian. It is the greatest relationship available in this life. When we contemplate our great salvation - and we regularly should - it is humbling to realize an infinitely holy GOD could love sinners so much that HE provided a way to redeem us - to buy us out of the slave market of sin so we could have a personal relationship with HIM as HIS dear children and bring glory to HIM in this lifetime as well as the next.

     The fact that JESUS CHRIST is GOD incarnate qualified HIM to be our sin-bearer; HIS substitutionary sacrifice on Calvary's cross was of infinite value, signifying that HE could provide the offer of salvation for every single person who has ever lived - from the Creation through the end of the millennial kingdom. JESUS CHRIST the LORD died and rose again to pay in full the sin penalty owed by each person since the first man, Adam (1st.John 2:2); this is truly an astounding reality. Do you treasure this "great salvation" ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" Critically Important News "

 

Ephesians 2:1-9  "And you has HE quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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 works in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in time 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, who is rich in mercy, for HIS great love wherewith HE loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with CHRIST, (by grace ye are saved): and has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in CHRIST JESUS: that in the ages to come HE might show the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us through CHRIST JESUS. For 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."

     Daily we are inundated with news. Some of it is interesting, and some of it is relevant to our life in the present. But GOD has news that makes everything else pale in comparison. It is important because it affects not just today or the near future but all eternity. This GOOD NEWS from GOD is the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST. The Bible tells us that, prior to being saved, we "were dead in trespasses and sins" (v. 1 above). Being "dead" does not imply that we are unable to live or function, nor does it mean we are powerless to comprehend our spiritual condition or its remedy. Rather, it means we are separated from GOD, unable to save ourselves. Because we are sinners by birth and deed, our mind, emotions, and will are under the control of sin. Thus, anything we attempt to do in order to bring about GOD's forgiveness is also tainted by human depravity, rendering it unacceptable to HIM. This sinful condition leaves mankind in a state of spiritual death, unable to accomplish any work that would generate life (v. 9).

     However, we have good news: The LORD JESUS died in our place. HIS death, burial and resurrection secured the forgiveness of our sins, reconciling us to GOD the FATHER. When we are forgiven, we receive the gift of eternal life. To obtain this eternal life, each person must exercise faith in what CHRIST has done on his or her behalf (v. 8). Every individual must "believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST" (Acts 16:31 above), trusting in the Gospel message (see picture below) in order to be saved (v. 8). The one who received the gift of salvation is saved and safe forever because of WHO CHRIST is and what HE has done, having paid in full the just penalty for our sin. Have you believed this important news of the Gospel ? GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.   www.feasite.org

" True Victory "

 

Athletes have long-been aspiring for victory. Years of training, self-discipline, perseverance, patience, and determination are all in preparation for the goal. Whether competing as a team player or individually, the hope is to reach that defining moment when victory is claimed.

WHAT IS TRUE VICTORY ?

     Astylos of Croton, an Olympic champion in ancient Greece, donned the prestigious olive wreath six times, claiming highest victory in three Olympiads. A record-breaking runner, Astylos' claim to fame was winning an event in which the athletes ran with a full armoured suit.

     Though Astylos gained fame and notoriety and was among those reaching the pinnacle of successful athleticism, he died a defeated and lonely man. It was discovered by his compatriots, that he had received a bribe to participate under the banner of Syracuse. To dishonor his name, the people of Croton demolished his statue and converted his home into a prison. His family disowned him.

     The victory of Astylos was temporary. "And every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." (1st.Corinthians 9:25) True and lasting victory is not found in trophies, medals, and the praise of men. The victor standing in the winner's circle today will be replaced by another tomorrow. Age, injury, and fading popularity prevent victory from being permanent.

     True victory is not found in position, but in a person, JESUS CHRIST. "For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul ?" (Mark 8:36) Friend, if you want true victory, it has already been won for you !

1. Without JESUS CHRIST, we are ALL losers. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of GOD." (Romans 3:23) Because we are all sinners, we are all under the same condemnation of sin. Defeat is certain.

2. The condemnation of our sin will send us to an eternal death in a Devil's Hell. "For the wages of sin is death,. ." (Romans 6:23a) "Wherefore as by one man (Adam), sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Romans 5:12) If we have broken even one of GOD's Commandments, we will stand condemned before GOD. "For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (James 2:10)

3. GOD loved us so much that HE gave HIS only perfect and sinless SON to suffer in our place. HE became our substitute. "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, . .For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that HE was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1-2a,3-4). "For GOD so loved the world, that HE gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) "For HE has made HIM to be sin for us, WHO knew no sin. ." (2nd.Corinthians 5:21). "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us." (Romans 5:8)

4. Our victory was won when JESUS CHRIST triumphed over the grave and hell. "O death where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victory ? . . .But thanks be to GOD, which gives us the victory." (1st.Corinthians 15:55,57) "CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that HE was buried and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures." (1st.Corinthians 15:3-4)

5. CHRIST's victory is ours for the claiming. The prize is eternal life with HIM in Heaven. "But as many as received HIM, to them gave HE power to become the sons of GOD, even to them that believe on HIS name:" (John 1:12). "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the LORD JESUS, and shalt believe in thine heart that GOD hath raised HIM from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. . .For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved." (Romans 10:9-10,13)

     Friend, do not be satisfied with temporary victory. The accolades of men, material gain, and financial success will never give true peace and satisfaction. True victory has already been won for you ! If you believe that JESUS CHRIST was crucified, buried and that HE rose again for you and if your trust in HIM as your only SAVIOR, you will receive the forgiveness of all your sin and the gift of eternal life. Step up and claim it. Call on the LORD JESUS CHRIST today ! You can pray this simple prayer or one like it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner; and I believe that YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for you always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. JESUS said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that hears MY WORD, and believes on HIM that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:24)

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

" The REST of the STORY "

 

The story of our LORD JESUS CHRIST did not end with HIS death on the cross. The Bible says that after three days, HE rose again from the grave.

The angel of the LORD said, ". . .I know that ye seek JESUS, which was crucified. HE is not here: for HE is risen, as HE said. Come, see the place where the LORD lay" (Matthew 28:5-6).

The Gospel according to the Bible is that CHRIST died for our sins, HE was buried, and most importantly, HE rose from the dead on the third day.

1st.Corinthians 15:1-4,  ". . .I declare unto you the Gospel. . .that CHRIST died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that HE rose again the third day according to the Scriptures."

CHRIST's resurrection and life complete the Gospel story. We are saved not by the life and death of the SON of GOD, but by the death and life of the SON of GOD. ". . .We were reconciled to GOD by the death of HIS SON, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS life" (Romans 5:10).

The rest of the story is that JESUS rose from the grave and gave us the promise of HIS return.

JESUS  IS  COMING  AGAIN  !

In Acts 1:11, the angel of the LORD said, ". . .this same JESUS, which is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen HIM go into Heaven."

The next great event on GOD's calendar of events is the rapture of the church, when the LORD JESUS will come again for those who have put their trust in HIM.

Dear Friend, have you put your trust in GOD ?

You may ask, "What does it mean to trust GOD ?"

FIRST, trust GOD when HE says that every person is a sinner.

Romans 3:10 reads: ". . .There is none righteous, no, not one.

And again in Romans 3:23, the Bible says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of GOD."

Our sins have separated us from GOD. Before a person can know that he has eternal life and that he will go to Heaven, he must first know and believe that he is a sinner.

SECOND, trust GOD when HE says that sin must be paid for.

Romans 6:23 reads: "For the wages of sin is death. . ."

According to GOD's WORD, we are all sinners, and our sin must be paid for. If we fail to trust GOD in this life, we will die without CHRIST and spend eternity separated from GOD.

THIRD, trust GOD when HE says that CHRIST died for our sins.

Romans 5:8, reads: "But GOD commended HIS love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, CHRIST died for us."

The best news that anyone could ever tell you is that JESUS CHRIST died for your sins. All our sins were laid on HIM. HE paid our sin debt in full.

FOURTH, trust GOD when HE says we must pray and receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR.

Romans 10:13 reads: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved."

A person can believe that GOD loves him. He can believe that he is a sinner and that sin must be paid for; BUT if he is not willing to trust GOD by receiving the LORD JESUS as his personal SAVIOR, he will die without CHRIST.

Let us review for a moment.

1. Do you realize that GOD loves you ? (John 3:16)

2. Do you believe that all men are sinners ? (Romans 3:23)

3. Do you agree with the Bible that sin must be paid for ? (Romans 6:23)

4. Do you believe that CHRIST died for you ? (Romans 5:8)

5. Do you see that you must personally pray and receive CHRIST as your SAVIOR ? (Romans 10:13)

The Bible says that "the goodness of GOD leads thee to repentance" (Romans 2:4). If you would be willing to turn to GOD in repentance and faith, and receive CHRIST as your personal SAVIOR, pray this simple prayer or one like it:

LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.

NEW  LIFE

Everlasting life begins when we receive CHRIST as our personal SAVIOR. The LORD JESUS said, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish. . ." (John 10:28).

THE  REST  OF  THE  STORY  IS

JESUS says to those who receive HIM, ". . .because I live, ye shall live also" (John 14:19).

Now that you have received the LORD JESUS as your personal SAVIOR, please contact us or plan to visit us. We would like to REJOICE with you in your newfound faith.

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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GULF COAST BAPTIST CHURCH

Pastor Tom Sexton

312 SE 24th. Avenue

Cape Coral, FL  33990

#239-574-1000

www.GulfCoastBaptistChurch.com

(c)Five Star Christian Publications, (239) 574-STAR

info@5scp, www.5SCP.com

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" Are Ye Not Carnal ? "

 

1st.Corinthians 2:14-3:4  "But the natural man receives not the things of the SPIRIT of GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who has known the mind of the LORD, that he may instruct HIM ? But we have the mind of CHRIST. And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in CHRIST. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men ? For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal ?"

     A popular teaching in the church today denies the possibility of a "carnal believer" and claims, rather, that only two groups of people exist: saved ("spiritual") and lost ("natural"). This is true concerning one's standing before GOD, but the question remains: Can a truly born again believer behave in the same manner as an unbeliever ? And, if so, what could this behavior entail ? Answers to these questions are important to the understanding of the entire book of 1st.Corinthians. This was a church not known for godly behavior or for grasping key biblical doctrines. Rather, these believers were notorious for their divisiveness (1st.Cor.1:10-13), toleration of sexual perversion (1st.Cor.5:1-13), and acceptance of serious doctrinal error (1st.Cor.15:12-19). Hence, they were "carnal" (1st.Cor.3:1,3).

     What does it mean to be carnal ? It simply indicates that a Christian is behaving in accordance with the flesh, like a "natural man," as opposed to one who is "spiritual." One who is carnal is an immature believer (1st.Cor.2:15;3:1-2) who has not sufficiently grown in the things of GOD. Despite his righteous standing before the LORD (Romans 4:5 above), having been saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), he is acting in a way that might cause others to identify him as one who is unsaved or unregenerate (1st.Cor.2:14). He is still only able to partake of spiritual "milk" (1st.Cor.3:2) and is failing to grow into the mature believer GOD intends him to be. The carnal person is unable to consume the "meat" of the WORD that he might advance in the things of CHRIST (1st.Cor.3:2). Among many other characteristics, "envying, and strife, and divisions" mark such carnal individuals (1st.Cor.3:3-4). What do others see in your life: spirituality or carnality ? Is your biblical diet "milk" or "meat" ?

     It is, indeed, sadly possible for true born again believing Christians to sin and live according to the fleshly desires (1st.John 1:8 above,10;2:15-17). Believers in the church can behave lustfully, greedily, and divisively (1st.Cor.1:11-13;Romans 16:17), and such sinful conduct is not exclusive to unbelievers. These and many other sins are visible manifestations of carnality, that is, a walk that is according to the flesh rather than the SPIRIT.

     Consider, for example, "righteous" Lot whose soul was "vexed" as he was living among the wicked in the city of Sodom (2nd.Peter 2:8 above). The words "just" and "righteous" identify this man as a believer who was justified before GOD (2nd.Peter 2:7-8). But, after the destruction of Sodom, he got drunk and was seduced into incest by both of his daughters (Gen.19:30-38). Certainly neither drunkenness nor incest characterize the behavior of a spiritual man, yet the Scriptures declare him "just." Furthermore, David multiplied to himself wives in direct violation of GOD's Law (Deut.17:17), and his deeds of blatant adultery and subsequent murder (2nd.Sam.11:1-27) are acts that would cause one to conclude this man had only so-called "spurious faith." And yet, the Bible could not be more clear that David was a man after GOD's own heart (Acts 13:22). In the New Testament, Peter, who had walked on water and confessed JESUS as the MESSIAH (Matthew 14:27-29;16:13-17), later forsook and then denied his LORD multiple times (Matthew 26:56-75). Yes, carnality is a potential, real, and terrible situation for the believer, and those who desire to be godly need to avoid it at all costs. We must allow the meat of the WORD (1st.Cor.3:2) to mature us into saints whose lives, testimonies and ministries glorify GOD. GDF

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.     www.feasite.org