Christian Identity – Part I – The Believers Position
Sep 24The search for identity and meaning can drive one to great successes or tragic failures. For the Christian, however, the question is answered throughout Ephesians. We are chosen! We are selected as a favorite out of “many [who] are called” (Matthew 22:14) “out of the world” (John 15:19). What a privilege! We are God’s choice to bear His name, represent His cause, and share His glory throughout eternity.
Repenting From Dead Works
May 18"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and a faith toward God." (Hebrews 6:1) The phrase "dead works" can be found only twice in the New Testament. In the first (our text) it refers to the deeds of the unsaved sinner from which he must turn away in salvation, while in the second, later in the same epistle, it refers to unprofitable deeds accomplished by the believer, from which we must also turn away (Hebrews 9:14).
The Believer’s “Judgment Seat of Christ”
May 01"For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17) There is a terrible day of judgment coming for those who reject Christ, but for those who do believe the gospel and trust the Lord Jesus for salvation, "there is therefore now no condemnation |i.e., judgment|" (Romans 8:1). Yet our text tells us that judgment actually begins with those who obey the gospel! This apparent contradiction vanishes when one realizes that it is merely for the purpose of preparing those who are already saved to serve Him in eternity.
The Middle Wall of Partition
Apr 15
"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us." (Ephesians 2:14) This middle wall of partition is a figure with important symbolic applications. The only specific Old Testament reference to a partition is to the wall shielding the Holy Place in the Temple of God as built by Solomon. "So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold: and he made a partition by the chains of gold before the oracle; and he overlaid it with gold." (1 Kings 6:21) This gold-covered wall separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where God met annually with the high priest at the Ark of the Covenant. Apparently the opening through the partition was covered with a thick veil, preventing others from entering or even seeing the Ark inside. But that veil was rent, and soon the wall itself torn down, when Christ died and rose again, forever opening the way to God for all who would come in faith through Him (Hebrews 10:19-20).
To be of “One Accord”
Mar 15
“And all who believed were together and had all things common. And they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. And continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they shared food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:44-47 These scriptures describe, in a beautifully simplistic way, the attitude, atmosphere and approval of true fellowship amongst Christians who gather in the name of Jesus Christ.
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