" . . . I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
IT IS THE LORD'S MANNER to prepare men for a blessing of magnitude – abundance. This Divine propensity was revealed to Amos. "Surely the Sovereign LORD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7, NIV). Therefore, it should not surprise us that the prophets spoke of God copiously pouring out His Spirit upon men.A
FRUITFUL FIELD PRODUCED
"Until the Spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest" (Isa 32:15). The context of Isaiah's prophecy involved the coming Messiah. He was the "Man" who would "be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (v 2). With the government upon His shoulder, and men being reconciled to God, "the eyes of them that see shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear shall hearken. The heart also of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly" (vs 3-4). This is a description of "abundant life."
THE BACKGROUND OF BLESSINGThe background of the blessing of the Spirit would be trouble, desolation , and lamentation (vs 10-14). Suddenly, the Lord would break through the clouds of impossibility, pouring His Spirit upon the people from "on high." The result would be a superabundance of fruit and stability. Where desolation once dominated, fruitfulness would break forth on all sides.
ROBUST LIFE
"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour My Spirit upon thy seed, and My blessing upon thine offspring: and they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses" (Isa 44:3-4). Sin brought barrenness and dissatisfaction on both personal and collective levels. Nothing having its genesis with humanity could eliminate these conditions. However, God Himself would relieve the oppression produced by transgression. He would do this by pouring His Spirit upon the people. Note, the purpose realized by this outpouring would not be a specialized ministry, like that of an Apostle. Nor, indeed, would it be the feelings of euphoria or the endowment of spiritual gifts. Instead, robust spiritual life would be realized. Sudden and stable growth would take place, as individuals would become as flourishing trees planted by the waters. There would be rich satisfaction as the human spirit, likened to parched and dry ground, would drink in of the abundance of the Holy Spirit. This outpouring is also called God's "blessing."
EXPANDED SPEECH AND INSIGHT
"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out My Spirit" (Joel 2:28-29). Here is the prophecy with which Peter correlated the events on that memorable day of Pentecost. While other prophecies might have been viewed as provincial or regional, Joel spoke of an outpouring of the Spirit upon "all flesh," or "all mankind" (NASB), or "all people" (NIV). The effects would dwarf all previous human experiences. Both sons and daughters would prophesy, speaking forth unto edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor 14:3). "Old men" would "dream dreams," something ordinarily experienced by "young men." Young men would "see visions," something normally associated with "old men." A certain spiritual freshness would be experienced that would honor God and edify the people. Even the socially deprived would be swept into the blessing: "servants" and "handmaids."
JESUS SPEAKS
"On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified" (John 7:37-39, NKJV). During the feast of Tabernacles, the general harvest festival, the Jews drew water and poured it out before the Lord as "drink offerings" (Num 29:35-39). In the last day of this feast, the Lord Jesus stood and cried out of a superior pouring – the pouring forth of the Holy Spirit. He spoke of it in terms of the effects of the outpouring. Rather than pouring out a small supply of water or wine before the Lord, a gushing river would erupt within the inmost part of men. A river of living, or fresh, water would not flow into man, but out of him. The rich resource of Divine supply would be placed within the redeemed, as Jesus declared to the Samaritan woman. "But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).
THE MAGNITUDE OF THE ABUNDANCE of the Holy Spirit, which "those believing in Him would receive," is vividly described. It would be like the torrent of a rushing river, flowing out from the redeemed, bringing refreshment and hope to a race bludgeoned by sin. This blessing is centered in the New Covenant, not a specialized ministry. It is inherent to salvation, and is in no way extracurricular. All of this and more is involved in Jesus coming that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. Nothing about salvation is meager!
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, October 1, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
WE DO HAVE ENEMIES
"But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied." (Psalm 38:19, NKJV)
THE MAN OF GOD acknowledges the conflict brought on by his faith. There are individuals in the world that are "my enemies." If this were not so, Jesus would not have told us to "love" our "enemies." (Matt 5:44). They are against us, and are determined to reject the light they see in us. They oppose us because they have no alternative if they prefer this "present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). Such enemies are "lively," or living and active, taking the initiative against us. Their aggression is sometimes remarkable, lacking any support from reason or logic. But these enemies are also "strong" – at least that is how they appear. They are able to adversely affect us by accomplishing what we do not want them to accomplish. These enemies are in society. They are in our homes. They are also in our churches. They bring suffering and sorrow upon the people of God, and they often do so with apparent impunity and strength.
ENEMIES ARE NUMEROUS"They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away" (Psa 69:4). Sometimes our enemies outnumber our friends. Their aggression often provokes us to give rather than take, and to bless when there is no apparent reason to bless. In this, we have our blessed Savior as the supreme example. While men took from Him, He brought blessing to them! He also said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt 5:44).
ENEMIES DRIVE US TO OUR GOD"All Thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me" (Psa 119:86). Here, adherence to the Word of God incurred the indignation and hatred of the world. Further, their hatred erupted in persecution: the infliction of pain. Although this takes differing forms, ranging from excommunication from their society to bloody persecution, it all has a common effect: it provokes the persecuted one to call upon the Lord.
AGGRESSION AGAINST THE SAINTS"The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully" (Ezek 22:29). I do not cease to marvel at the hostility of the ungodly. Given due opportunity, they resort to oppression, robbery, and vexation. They seem to care little about the grief experienced by the godly. Whether it is hating Joseph, criticizing Moses, refusing to listen to Jeremiah, or the stoning of Stephen, the enemies of the saints have no regard for their persons, feelings, or advantage."
BEHOLD, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me" (Job 21:27). The wicked concoct reasons to oppress the godly, even creating "devices" to bring the oppression to pass. Many are the believers that have experienced these sufferings – not only from the world in general, but from their own mates, members of their family, or even members of their church.
IT IS NOT OVER YET!"Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause" (Psa 35:19). The persecuted know more than the persecutors! Those who oppose the godly must not take delight in what they have done. By opposing the people of God, such have aligned themselves against God Himself, and He will "avenge His elect," though He appears to "bear long with them" and their prayers seem to be unanswered (Lk 18:7). The day has been appointed when the oppressors of the saints will bow at their feet, worship them, and acknowledge that Jesus has loved them (Rev 3:9).
PERSECUTION FROM PRINCES"Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of Thy word" (Psa 119:161). Opposition often comes from those in high circles. Herod killed John the Baptist, and Pilate joined with him in aggression against the Son of God (Lk 23:12). Today we are experiencing subtle opposition from the princes of the world. But it is "without cause" when inflicted upon those living by faith. What will be the reaction of the godly to this ungodly persecution? They stand in awe of the Word of the Lord! They will not tremble and fear before the rulers of this world, but will consider the commitments of the Lord in His Word. There is coming a time when opposition and enemies will cease, and the weary will be at rest. Until that time, we admit we have enemies, but we also admit they are vastly inferior to our God. We choose to put our trust in Him, and have no fear of man.
– Given O. Blakely
THE MAN OF GOD acknowledges the conflict brought on by his faith. There are individuals in the world that are "my enemies." If this were not so, Jesus would not have told us to "love" our "enemies." (Matt 5:44). They are against us, and are determined to reject the light they see in us. They oppose us because they have no alternative if they prefer this "present evil world" (Gal. 1:4). Such enemies are "lively," or living and active, taking the initiative against us. Their aggression is sometimes remarkable, lacking any support from reason or logic. But these enemies are also "strong" – at least that is how they appear. They are able to adversely affect us by accomplishing what we do not want them to accomplish. These enemies are in society. They are in our homes. They are also in our churches. They bring suffering and sorrow upon the people of God, and they often do so with apparent impunity and strength.
ENEMIES ARE NUMEROUS"They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away" (Psa 69:4). Sometimes our enemies outnumber our friends. Their aggression often provokes us to give rather than take, and to bless when there is no apparent reason to bless. In this, we have our blessed Savior as the supreme example. While men took from Him, He brought blessing to them! He also said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matt 5:44).
ENEMIES DRIVE US TO OUR GOD"All Thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me" (Psa 119:86). Here, adherence to the Word of God incurred the indignation and hatred of the world. Further, their hatred erupted in persecution: the infliction of pain. Although this takes differing forms, ranging from excommunication from their society to bloody persecution, it all has a common effect: it provokes the persecuted one to call upon the Lord.
AGGRESSION AGAINST THE SAINTS"The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery, and have vexed the poor and needy: yea, they have oppressed the stranger wrongfully" (Ezek 22:29). I do not cease to marvel at the hostility of the ungodly. Given due opportunity, they resort to oppression, robbery, and vexation. They seem to care little about the grief experienced by the godly. Whether it is hating Joseph, criticizing Moses, refusing to listen to Jeremiah, or the stoning of Stephen, the enemies of the saints have no regard for their persons, feelings, or advantage."
BEHOLD, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me" (Job 21:27). The wicked concoct reasons to oppress the godly, even creating "devices" to bring the oppression to pass. Many are the believers that have experienced these sufferings – not only from the world in general, but from their own mates, members of their family, or even members of their church.
IT IS NOT OVER YET!"Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me: neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without a cause" (Psa 35:19). The persecuted know more than the persecutors! Those who oppose the godly must not take delight in what they have done. By opposing the people of God, such have aligned themselves against God Himself, and He will "avenge His elect," though He appears to "bear long with them" and their prayers seem to be unanswered (Lk 18:7). The day has been appointed when the oppressors of the saints will bow at their feet, worship them, and acknowledge that Jesus has loved them (Rev 3:9).
PERSECUTION FROM PRINCES"Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of Thy word" (Psa 119:161). Opposition often comes from those in high circles. Herod killed John the Baptist, and Pilate joined with him in aggression against the Son of God (Lk 23:12). Today we are experiencing subtle opposition from the princes of the world. But it is "without cause" when inflicted upon those living by faith. What will be the reaction of the godly to this ungodly persecution? They stand in awe of the Word of the Lord! They will not tremble and fear before the rulers of this world, but will consider the commitments of the Lord in His Word. There is coming a time when opposition and enemies will cease, and the weary will be at rest. Until that time, we admit we have enemies, but we also admit they are vastly inferior to our God. We choose to put our trust in Him, and have no fear of man.
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, September 27, 2010
WHAT IS MAN???
"What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" (Psa 8:4)
THE CROWNING WORK OF GOD was the creation of man. Everything else led up to this wonderful creation. Hear the marvelous words again. "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion . . ." (Gen. 1:26-27).
THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN MAN AND THE BRUTE CREATION have proved a stumbling block to the evolutionist. Viewing apparent progression in various forms of life, the uninformed scientist concludes man was the result of a natural progressive process. Independently of purpose, and without the involvement of a Creator, man is thought to have evolved over a lengthy period. The seriousness of this heresy has escaped the attention of many. If random evolution is the "mother of us all," then morality, or the judgment of right and wrong, is something to be determined by every individual. Rather than supporting the false postulate that man evolved from a lower form of life, the similarities between man and some of the brute creation provides evidence of God anticipating His crowning work, humankind.
SCRIPTURE DECLARES THAT the world was created as an arena for mankind. From the higher vantage point, it is a stage upon which the drama of redemption is being enacted. Although man was made from the dust of the earth, it is not his mother. The earth owes its existence to God's purpose for man, and therefore is not an end of itself.
AFTER THE FLOOD
Following the flood, humanity received a fresh start. The mandate to replenish the earth would be given, as the human enterprise resumed. Had the divine image been destroyed? Indeed, it had not. Capital punishment, for instance, was instituted because of God's image within man. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man" (Gen. 9:6). Those who oppose capital punishment only reveal their fundamental variance with God. If it is true that God's image is found in humanity, the effrontery of the malicious taking human life is the ultimate rebellion against God. That is why it is not treated lightly. Human life has value because it has come from God in a special way. Men and women are still in the similitude of God, and thus must be respected (James 3:9).
AS SEEN IN THIS TEXT, the divine image was not destroyed when sin entered the world. Its presence, though marred, became the basis for valid and productive rationality.
THE IMAGE AND GLORY OF GOD
When dealing with confusion in the church, the Spirit reminded the thoughtless of the divine imagery in man. "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7).
THE MARVEL OF THIS STATEMENT is that man is the "glory of God" as well as His image. Here is where God is made known in a unique way. If you were afforded the benefit of seeing and studying an angel, it would be overwhelming. Their might, wisdom, and glory would be staggering. Yet, you would not see as much of God in that angel as enlightened eyes can see in people, particularly the redeemed of the Lord. Divine qualities are found in humanity that are not found anywhere else. Affinity with God is offered to the race of Adam that has not been afforded angels like Michael and Gabriel. Man is an extension of God himself, capable of transcendent things when forgiven and blessed by God.
THE OFFSPRING OF GOD
The thought of God having "offspring" is striking. One term describing Adam is "son of God" (Luke 3:38). Paul dealt a devastating blow to idolatry when he reminded the Athenians and Stoics that even certain of their own heathen poets had perceived this. "For we are also His offspring." (Acts 17:28-29).
IT IS INEXCUSABLE TO THINK of man in isolation from God, and yet we are continually challenged to do so by the world. Sadly, even the professed church joins in this conspiracy of Satan to rob the soul. Forgetting that we are God's offspring constrains men to consider the problems and difficulties of life as though there was no God or relationship with Him. The Spirit well says that it is "God with Whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13), and again, "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God" (Psa. 14:1; 53:1). Proper thought requires that God Himself be a primary consideration.
IN THE SIMILITUDE OF GOD
The early church soon began to drift from the Lord. It became easy for some to claim identity with God without living by faith. James, the brother of our Lord, wrote to correct this condition. He found believers railing on their fellow man, and quickly brought them to task for it. Because man is in the image of God, James resorted to reason. "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God" (James 3:9). There is something to consider.
– Given O. Blakely
THE CROWNING WORK OF GOD was the creation of man. Everything else led up to this wonderful creation. Hear the marvelous words again. "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion . . ." (Gen. 1:26-27).
THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN MAN AND THE BRUTE CREATION have proved a stumbling block to the evolutionist. Viewing apparent progression in various forms of life, the uninformed scientist concludes man was the result of a natural progressive process. Independently of purpose, and without the involvement of a Creator, man is thought to have evolved over a lengthy period. The seriousness of this heresy has escaped the attention of many. If random evolution is the "mother of us all," then morality, or the judgment of right and wrong, is something to be determined by every individual. Rather than supporting the false postulate that man evolved from a lower form of life, the similarities between man and some of the brute creation provides evidence of God anticipating His crowning work, humankind.
SCRIPTURE DECLARES THAT the world was created as an arena for mankind. From the higher vantage point, it is a stage upon which the drama of redemption is being enacted. Although man was made from the dust of the earth, it is not his mother. The earth owes its existence to God's purpose for man, and therefore is not an end of itself.
AFTER THE FLOOD
Following the flood, humanity received a fresh start. The mandate to replenish the earth would be given, as the human enterprise resumed. Had the divine image been destroyed? Indeed, it had not. Capital punishment, for instance, was instituted because of God's image within man. "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made He man" (Gen. 9:6). Those who oppose capital punishment only reveal their fundamental variance with God. If it is true that God's image is found in humanity, the effrontery of the malicious taking human life is the ultimate rebellion against God. That is why it is not treated lightly. Human life has value because it has come from God in a special way. Men and women are still in the similitude of God, and thus must be respected (James 3:9).
AS SEEN IN THIS TEXT, the divine image was not destroyed when sin entered the world. Its presence, though marred, became the basis for valid and productive rationality.
THE IMAGE AND GLORY OF GOD
When dealing with confusion in the church, the Spirit reminded the thoughtless of the divine imagery in man. "For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God" (1 Cor. 11:7).
THE MARVEL OF THIS STATEMENT is that man is the "glory of God" as well as His image. Here is where God is made known in a unique way. If you were afforded the benefit of seeing and studying an angel, it would be overwhelming. Their might, wisdom, and glory would be staggering. Yet, you would not see as much of God in that angel as enlightened eyes can see in people, particularly the redeemed of the Lord. Divine qualities are found in humanity that are not found anywhere else. Affinity with God is offered to the race of Adam that has not been afforded angels like Michael and Gabriel. Man is an extension of God himself, capable of transcendent things when forgiven and blessed by God.
THE OFFSPRING OF GOD
The thought of God having "offspring" is striking. One term describing Adam is "son of God" (Luke 3:38). Paul dealt a devastating blow to idolatry when he reminded the Athenians and Stoics that even certain of their own heathen poets had perceived this. "For we are also His offspring." (Acts 17:28-29).
IT IS INEXCUSABLE TO THINK of man in isolation from God, and yet we are continually challenged to do so by the world. Sadly, even the professed church joins in this conspiracy of Satan to rob the soul. Forgetting that we are God's offspring constrains men to consider the problems and difficulties of life as though there was no God or relationship with Him. The Spirit well says that it is "God with Whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13), and again, "the fool hath said in his heart, there is no God" (Psa. 14:1; 53:1). Proper thought requires that God Himself be a primary consideration.
IN THE SIMILITUDE OF GOD
The early church soon began to drift from the Lord. It became easy for some to claim identity with God without living by faith. James, the brother of our Lord, wrote to correct this condition. He found believers railing on their fellow man, and quickly brought them to task for it. Because man is in the image of God, James resorted to reason. "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God" (James 3:9). There is something to consider.
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, September 24, 2010
NOT CONFOUNDED
"Wherefore also it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded." (1 Peter 2:6)
THE HOLY SPIRIT ALWAYS sends us to the Scripture, anchoring our faith in Divine utterance. In the Kingdom of God, the ultimate proof of a matter is not human logic, visible evidence, or popularity with the people. It is always God's Word – what He has said on the subject. And, if God has said nothing concerning the matter, it is unlawful for it to be the primary focus of our thought and speech. This is a principle of God's Kingdom, and is to be embraced.
NOW THE SPIRIT WILL CONFIRM the truth stated in preceding verses. He will justify the choice of Jesus as the Foundation for life, as well as our total dependency upon Him. He will also confirm why our sacrifices are accepted of God "by Jesus Christ."
THE WORD "CONTAINED" is an unusually strong word. Most of the Standard versions are consistent in using this word. The RSV reads, "it stands in Scripture," and the NIV reads "in Scripture it says." But this means more than saying it is in the Bible – although it surely is. The emphasis of the expression is not what is contained, but what does the containing. It is as though the Spirit said, "The Scripture is wrapped around this truth." Isaiah was used to provide the actual statement (Isa 28:16), but all of Scripture supports, and is about, this reality.
GOD HIMSELF PLACED His Son in Zion – where He works, and where He has placed His name – in the following capacities. The words of our text elaborate on these realities. (1) The One through Whom every aspect of God's working is determined: "Chief Corner Stone." (2) God appointed Jesus to this saving ministry, and He has no relevance for men apart from salvation: "Elect." (3) All Kingdom values find their apex in the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone brings value and worth to every facet of spiritual life: "Precious."
NO WORD OF SCRIPTURE has been written without regard to the Son of God, Savior of the world. It is all wrapped around Him, testifying of Him (John 5:39).
THE POSITION OF THE "CHIEF CORNER STONE" was itself evidence of God's Sovereignty. The devil sought to thwart the laying of this Stone, and provoked men to do their best to stop it also. Thus it is written, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break Their bands asunder, and cast away Their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon My holy hill of Zion" (Psa 2:2-6).
THE PLACEMENT OF THE "CORNER STONE" occurred when Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God (Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 1:3; 1 Pet 3:22).
BECAUSE JESUS IS THE "ELECT," nothing done independently of Him, or in disassociation from Him, will be recognized by God. God has chosen Him, and will receive no one who fails to choose Him also. Because of the effectiveness of His ministry toward believers, He is "precious," for in Him our hopes are brought to fruition, and our deepest desires satisfied. He is "precious," held in honor and prized most highly, to us, because that is how the Father regards Him. In a very real sense, what God thinks of Jesus is the very root of our acceptance. When we regard Jesus in the same manner as God, He fully receives us. That regard for Jesus is summarized in a single word: "believes." We receive Jesus as God has presented Him, and have cast the weight of our soul and destiny upon Him. In the words of John, we have "believed the record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10).
HERE WE HAVE ONE of the great promises of God: "he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded." "Confounded" means "put to shame" (NIV), or "disappointed" (NASB). It means the person who believes on Christ will never be disgraced because of that faith. Such a person will never be made to blush for his unwavering faith in the Chief Corner Stone. Jesus is everything God has declared Him to be, and those who rely upon Him will find that to be true. The believer will never find a single aspect of life that is not supported by the Lord Jesus. There is not a single facet of our being that does not find its ultimate goal in the Son of God. There are no exaggerations about His accomplishments or the value and effectiveness of them. No statement concerning Him is merely rhetorical or metaphorical. The faith that is bold enough to fully embrace Christ, abandoning the poverty of this world and its wisdom, will never be proved wrong, or be dissatisfied.
– Given O. Blakely
THE HOLY SPIRIT ALWAYS sends us to the Scripture, anchoring our faith in Divine utterance. In the Kingdom of God, the ultimate proof of a matter is not human logic, visible evidence, or popularity with the people. It is always God's Word – what He has said on the subject. And, if God has said nothing concerning the matter, it is unlawful for it to be the primary focus of our thought and speech. This is a principle of God's Kingdom, and is to be embraced.
NOW THE SPIRIT WILL CONFIRM the truth stated in preceding verses. He will justify the choice of Jesus as the Foundation for life, as well as our total dependency upon Him. He will also confirm why our sacrifices are accepted of God "by Jesus Christ."
THE WORD "CONTAINED" is an unusually strong word. Most of the Standard versions are consistent in using this word. The RSV reads, "it stands in Scripture," and the NIV reads "in Scripture it says." But this means more than saying it is in the Bible – although it surely is. The emphasis of the expression is not what is contained, but what does the containing. It is as though the Spirit said, "The Scripture is wrapped around this truth." Isaiah was used to provide the actual statement (Isa 28:16), but all of Scripture supports, and is about, this reality.
GOD HIMSELF PLACED His Son in Zion – where He works, and where He has placed His name – in the following capacities. The words of our text elaborate on these realities. (1) The One through Whom every aspect of God's working is determined: "Chief Corner Stone." (2) God appointed Jesus to this saving ministry, and He has no relevance for men apart from salvation: "Elect." (3) All Kingdom values find their apex in the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone brings value and worth to every facet of spiritual life: "Precious."
NO WORD OF SCRIPTURE has been written without regard to the Son of God, Savior of the world. It is all wrapped around Him, testifying of Him (John 5:39).
THE POSITION OF THE "CHIEF CORNER STONE" was itself evidence of God's Sovereignty. The devil sought to thwart the laying of this Stone, and provoked men to do their best to stop it also. Thus it is written, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break Their bands asunder, and cast away Their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall He speak unto them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon My holy hill of Zion" (Psa 2:2-6).
THE PLACEMENT OF THE "CORNER STONE" occurred when Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God (Rom 8:34; Eph 1:20; Heb 1:3; 1 Pet 3:22).
BECAUSE JESUS IS THE "ELECT," nothing done independently of Him, or in disassociation from Him, will be recognized by God. God has chosen Him, and will receive no one who fails to choose Him also. Because of the effectiveness of His ministry toward believers, He is "precious," for in Him our hopes are brought to fruition, and our deepest desires satisfied. He is "precious," held in honor and prized most highly, to us, because that is how the Father regards Him. In a very real sense, what God thinks of Jesus is the very root of our acceptance. When we regard Jesus in the same manner as God, He fully receives us. That regard for Jesus is summarized in a single word: "believes." We receive Jesus as God has presented Him, and have cast the weight of our soul and destiny upon Him. In the words of John, we have "believed the record that God gave of His Son" (1 John 5:10).
HERE WE HAVE ONE of the great promises of God: "he that believeth on Him shall not be confounded." "Confounded" means "put to shame" (NIV), or "disappointed" (NASB). It means the person who believes on Christ will never be disgraced because of that faith. Such a person will never be made to blush for his unwavering faith in the Chief Corner Stone. Jesus is everything God has declared Him to be, and those who rely upon Him will find that to be true. The believer will never find a single aspect of life that is not supported by the Lord Jesus. There is not a single facet of our being that does not find its ultimate goal in the Son of God. There are no exaggerations about His accomplishments or the value and effectiveness of them. No statement concerning Him is merely rhetorical or metaphorical. The faith that is bold enough to fully embrace Christ, abandoning the poverty of this world and its wisdom, will never be proved wrong, or be dissatisfied.
– Given O. Blakely
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
HE IS PRECIOUS
"Unto you therefore which believe He is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the Stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the Head of the corner, and a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word." (1 Peter 1:7-8)
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE in people is not found in their works, but in their faith. To be sure, believers are different from the world in their manner of life. That is why their "light" can shine among men. They express themselves differently from the world. Yet, the root of all of their distinctiveness is their faith. Believing is the cause of an acceptable life! Apart from faith, it is not possible to please God, or to live for Him.
THE SPIRIT NOW ARTICULATES the first and foremost effect of believing: it makes Jesus "precious" to us. He is "the pearl of great price" (Matt 13:46), and the "bright and Morning Star" (Rev 22:16). When it comes to nourishment, He is the "Bread" that came down from heaven, giving life to the world (John 6:35,41). The insatiable thirst of the human spirit is satisfied alone in Him (John 4:14; 6:35). He is the "Door" of entrance into the sheepfold (John 10:7), and the "Light" that brightens our day (John 8:12). To us, Jesus is most highly esteemed and honored. We are willing to give up anything but Him, and declare war on anything that threatens our possession of Him. "He is precious!" As Isaiah said, He is "a beautiful crown and a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people" (Isa 28:5).
BUT WHY HAS THIS PRECIOUSNESS OCCURRED? What has caused the people of God to regard Jesus so highly? It is their faith: it is because they have believed the record God has given of His Son (1 John 5:10-11). When they believed, the Father turned His face toward them, and opened the greatness of His Son to them. It is in this manner – by beholding, or believing in, the Son – that the Father draws us to Him (John 6:44). Note, the Spirit does not say Jesus OUGHT to be precious to those who believe, but that He IS precious to them. Their faith has made Him precious – indispensable, and worthy of aggressive pursuit.
BELIEVING IN JESUS has brought God's view of the Son to us. It has brought us into harmony with heaven, so that we regard Jesus in the same manner, though not as fully, as our Father. God will do nothing toward us without the Son. The believer, obtaining the same mind, will also offer nothing to God apart from the Son.
HUMANITY IS ULTIMATELY DIVIDED into two classes: believers and unbelievers, those who accept the Chief Corner Stone, and those who do not. Here those who fail to believe are referred to as "them which be disobedient." This is so because the consummate disobedience is failing to believe in, and rely totally upon, the Son of God (John 16:9). Those who fail to believe on Christ have done precisely the same thing as "the builders" – the Jewish leaders. They have emphatically rejected Jesus as God has presented Him. God has said His Son is indispensable, and unbelievers have said that He is not. God has said men cannot be received from Him apart from His Son, and unbelievers have dogmatically rejected that fact.
ALTHOUGH JESUS HAS BEEN PLACED as a Chief Corner Stone and sure Foundation, He is also a "Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence." The NIV reads, "A Stone that causes men to stumble and a Rock that makes them fall." Men will be led to glory because they have received Jesus as their "all in all," or they will fall into hell because they have rejected Him in that capacity. Jesus will NOT take second place, for God has already exalted Him "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" (Eph 1:21). Flesh is willing to make some place for Jesus, but not the preeminent place. Thus it constrains unbelievers to stumble over Jesus to their own destruction, rather than rely completely upon Him unto their full salvation.
ONLY THE PREACHING OF JESUS will reveal the hearts of men. As long as men preach a social gospel, or a message that centers in humanly perceived needs, the truth will not be known, either about God or men. But when the Son of God is preached in power, those who are approved of God, and those who are not, will be revealed. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the Sure Foundation and the Stone of stumbling – the means through which the destiny of all men is determined. He is the appointed basis of all God's dealing with men. Those who believe on Him see this, and thus Jesus becomes exceedingly precious to them.
– Given O. Blakely
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE in people is not found in their works, but in their faith. To be sure, believers are different from the world in their manner of life. That is why their "light" can shine among men. They express themselves differently from the world. Yet, the root of all of their distinctiveness is their faith. Believing is the cause of an acceptable life! Apart from faith, it is not possible to please God, or to live for Him.
THE SPIRIT NOW ARTICULATES the first and foremost effect of believing: it makes Jesus "precious" to us. He is "the pearl of great price" (Matt 13:46), and the "bright and Morning Star" (Rev 22:16). When it comes to nourishment, He is the "Bread" that came down from heaven, giving life to the world (John 6:35,41). The insatiable thirst of the human spirit is satisfied alone in Him (John 4:14; 6:35). He is the "Door" of entrance into the sheepfold (John 10:7), and the "Light" that brightens our day (John 8:12). To us, Jesus is most highly esteemed and honored. We are willing to give up anything but Him, and declare war on anything that threatens our possession of Him. "He is precious!" As Isaiah said, He is "a beautiful crown and a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people" (Isa 28:5).
BUT WHY HAS THIS PRECIOUSNESS OCCURRED? What has caused the people of God to regard Jesus so highly? It is their faith: it is because they have believed the record God has given of His Son (1 John 5:10-11). When they believed, the Father turned His face toward them, and opened the greatness of His Son to them. It is in this manner – by beholding, or believing in, the Son – that the Father draws us to Him (John 6:44). Note, the Spirit does not say Jesus OUGHT to be precious to those who believe, but that He IS precious to them. Their faith has made Him precious – indispensable, and worthy of aggressive pursuit.
BELIEVING IN JESUS has brought God's view of the Son to us. It has brought us into harmony with heaven, so that we regard Jesus in the same manner, though not as fully, as our Father. God will do nothing toward us without the Son. The believer, obtaining the same mind, will also offer nothing to God apart from the Son.
HUMANITY IS ULTIMATELY DIVIDED into two classes: believers and unbelievers, those who accept the Chief Corner Stone, and those who do not. Here those who fail to believe are referred to as "them which be disobedient." This is so because the consummate disobedience is failing to believe in, and rely totally upon, the Son of God (John 16:9). Those who fail to believe on Christ have done precisely the same thing as "the builders" – the Jewish leaders. They have emphatically rejected Jesus as God has presented Him. God has said His Son is indispensable, and unbelievers have said that He is not. God has said men cannot be received from Him apart from His Son, and unbelievers have dogmatically rejected that fact.
ALTHOUGH JESUS HAS BEEN PLACED as a Chief Corner Stone and sure Foundation, He is also a "Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offence." The NIV reads, "A Stone that causes men to stumble and a Rock that makes them fall." Men will be led to glory because they have received Jesus as their "all in all," or they will fall into hell because they have rejected Him in that capacity. Jesus will NOT take second place, for God has already exalted Him "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" (Eph 1:21). Flesh is willing to make some place for Jesus, but not the preeminent place. Thus it constrains unbelievers to stumble over Jesus to their own destruction, rather than rely completely upon Him unto their full salvation.
ONLY THE PREACHING OF JESUS will reveal the hearts of men. As long as men preach a social gospel, or a message that centers in humanly perceived needs, the truth will not be known, either about God or men. But when the Son of God is preached in power, those who are approved of God, and those who are not, will be revealed. Jesus, and Jesus alone, is the Sure Foundation and the Stone of stumbling – the means through which the destiny of all men is determined. He is the appointed basis of all God's dealing with men. Those who believe on Him see this, and thus Jesus becomes exceedingly precious to them.
– Given O. Blakely
Monday, September 20, 2010
A UNIQUE COVENANT
"I will make a new covenant . . . Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord" (Hebrews 8:8-9, NKJV).
THE NEW COVENANT PRESUMED the reconciliation of the people. The Old Covenant presumed the basic alienation of the people. That is why the accent of the Old Covenant was placed upon doing, as distinguished from the New Covenant which places the emphasis on believing and being. The New Covenant is, in every way, unique.
THE NEW COVENANT BEGINS with the remission of sins, and announces the identity of the people with God. Everyone in the New Covenant begins by being delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Col 1:13). Those within the covenant are not striving for identity with God, they possess it through Jesus Christ. God, who puts us into Christ, makes Him to be "unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30).
THIS IDENTITY IS NOT A MERE FORMALITY – as with Israel of old. They were God's people because of their relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a GROUP identity, not an individual one. The people did not have the character of God, and were not "partakers of the Divine nature" – a status enjoyed by those in Christ Jesus (2 Pet 1:4). The Word of God chaffed against their unregenerate souls – unregenerate because their hearts were not circumcised, and they were not born again. They did not feel comfortable in the presence of God, for their natures were unlike His. The glory of God and their persons were simply incompatible. That condition describes everyone outside of Christ, religious or not.
BUT IT IS NOT SO IN THE NEW COVENANT! Here, the association of the individual with God is very real and personal. Believers have been "joined unto the Lord," and are "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17). They have been "justified from all things" upon the basis of a sacrifice offered by another, even the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 13:39). Their names are already written in heaven (Lk 10:20; Heb 12:23). They already have an eternal inheritance reserved for them in heaven (Heb 9:15; 1 Pet 1:4).
HERE WE SEE ANOTHER REFRESHING ASPECT of the New Covenant. It confirms "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (Prov 4:18 NIV). In the New Covenant, it is not merely a matter of restraining a basically sinful nature. Rather, it also involves culturing a basically godly nature – the "new man" (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10).
LET NO ONE SUPPOSE that those in Christ no longer confront the sinful nature, or "flesh." It is still within us like a lingering and unwelcome enemy. It must therefore be crucified and mortified (Gal 5:24; Col 3:5). For the New Covenant person, however, the real "I" lives by faith in Christ (Gal 2:20). It serves the law of God (Rom 7:25), and does not have a desire to sin (Rom 7:17). Because the regenerated part of the believer is superior, being "born of God" (1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18), those in Christ are "MORE than conquerors through him that loved" them" (Rom 8:37).
THE LAW PROMISED LIFE to those who worked, fulfilling its demands to the finest detail: i.e., "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them" (Rom 10:5). But those in Christ Jesus, constituents of the New Covenant, "BELIEVE to the saving of the soul" (Heb 10:39), and BELIEVE "for everlasting life" (1 Tim 1:16).
THESE MARVELOUS CIRCUMSTANCES set the stage for considering perseverance. Those in Christ Jesus have been given resources that will enable them to finish the race, be faithful until death, and be steadfast and unmoveable. It is true that only those who "endure to the end will be saved" (Matt 24:13). We should be reminded of this, lest an "evil heart of unbelief" be found in us, resulting in our departure "from the living God" (Heb 3:12). Those, however, who make this their main message have come short of their responsibility. The saints are to be reminded of the marvelous grace and power that have been given to them. They are all part of the New Covenant.
IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, you are within the New Covenant. You are already accepted by God, have been pronounced righteous, and have been given everything that "pertains to life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). God requires nothing of you that you cannot do, and do well! You can "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10). However, all of this is done within the confines of the New Covenant. It will be accomplished by God's grace and through your faith. If you have not done well in the matter of achieving, start majoring on believing.
– Given O. Blakely
THE NEW COVENANT PRESUMED the reconciliation of the people. The Old Covenant presumed the basic alienation of the people. That is why the accent of the Old Covenant was placed upon doing, as distinguished from the New Covenant which places the emphasis on believing and being. The New Covenant is, in every way, unique.
THE NEW COVENANT BEGINS with the remission of sins, and announces the identity of the people with God. Everyone in the New Covenant begins by being delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Col 1:13). Those within the covenant are not striving for identity with God, they possess it through Jesus Christ. God, who puts us into Christ, makes Him to be "unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Cor 1:30).
THIS IDENTITY IS NOT A MERE FORMALITY – as with Israel of old. They were God's people because of their relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was a GROUP identity, not an individual one. The people did not have the character of God, and were not "partakers of the Divine nature" – a status enjoyed by those in Christ Jesus (2 Pet 1:4). The Word of God chaffed against their unregenerate souls – unregenerate because their hearts were not circumcised, and they were not born again. They did not feel comfortable in the presence of God, for their natures were unlike His. The glory of God and their persons were simply incompatible. That condition describes everyone outside of Christ, religious or not.
BUT IT IS NOT SO IN THE NEW COVENANT! Here, the association of the individual with God is very real and personal. Believers have been "joined unto the Lord," and are "one spirit" with Him (1 Cor 6:17). They have been "justified from all things" upon the basis of a sacrifice offered by another, even the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 13:39). Their names are already written in heaven (Lk 10:20; Heb 12:23). They already have an eternal inheritance reserved for them in heaven (Heb 9:15; 1 Pet 1:4).
HERE WE SEE ANOTHER REFRESHING ASPECT of the New Covenant. It confirms "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (Prov 4:18 NIV). In the New Covenant, it is not merely a matter of restraining a basically sinful nature. Rather, it also involves culturing a basically godly nature – the "new man" (Eph 4:24; Col 3:10).
LET NO ONE SUPPOSE that those in Christ no longer confront the sinful nature, or "flesh." It is still within us like a lingering and unwelcome enemy. It must therefore be crucified and mortified (Gal 5:24; Col 3:5). For the New Covenant person, however, the real "I" lives by faith in Christ (Gal 2:20). It serves the law of God (Rom 7:25), and does not have a desire to sin (Rom 7:17). Because the regenerated part of the believer is superior, being "born of God" (1 John 3:9; 4:7; 5:1,4,18), those in Christ are "MORE than conquerors through him that loved" them" (Rom 8:37).
THE LAW PROMISED LIFE to those who worked, fulfilling its demands to the finest detail: i.e., "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them" (Rom 10:5). But those in Christ Jesus, constituents of the New Covenant, "BELIEVE to the saving of the soul" (Heb 10:39), and BELIEVE "for everlasting life" (1 Tim 1:16).
THESE MARVELOUS CIRCUMSTANCES set the stage for considering perseverance. Those in Christ Jesus have been given resources that will enable them to finish the race, be faithful until death, and be steadfast and unmoveable. It is true that only those who "endure to the end will be saved" (Matt 24:13). We should be reminded of this, lest an "evil heart of unbelief" be found in us, resulting in our departure "from the living God" (Heb 3:12). Those, however, who make this their main message have come short of their responsibility. The saints are to be reminded of the marvelous grace and power that have been given to them. They are all part of the New Covenant.
IF YOU ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, you are within the New Covenant. You are already accepted by God, have been pronounced righteous, and have been given everything that "pertains to life and godliness" (2 Pet 1:3). God requires nothing of you that you cannot do, and do well! You can "walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10). However, all of this is done within the confines of the New Covenant. It will be accomplished by God's grace and through your faith. If you have not done well in the matter of achieving, start majoring on believing.
– Given O. Blakely
Friday, September 17, 2010
THE TRUTH
"And ye shall know the truth, and THE TRUTH shall make you free." (John 8:32)
TRUTH IS ALWAYS FOUND IN THE SINGULAR in Scripture. We never read of "truths" in the Bible, but always of "truth." In God's Word, "truth" speaks of ultimate reality – spiritual substance. It is more than a series of statements that are "true," although all statements of Scripture can be thus defined. Everything in the Word of God is true, and cannot be denied, doubted, or questioned with impunity. However, in this text we are speaking at a higher level, a more foundational view – KNOWING the truth. This not knowing about the truth, but realizing its benefits.
THERE IS A DOMINANT THEME, or center-point, in Scripture. Everything contained therein finds meaning in that locus. The Person of Christ is the personification of that center – He Himself is the Truth (John 14:6). That is why Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life" (John 5:39-40). From the standpoint of Divine objective, it is the "eternal purpose" of God. As it is written, "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself: 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: 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" (Eph 1:9-11). Nothing in Scripture is unrelated to Christ Jesus, and God's "eternal purpose."
THE BODY OF REALITY, or opening, this focus is "truth." It contains diversity, and yet is perfectly united. No Divine utterance is at fundamental variance with another Word of God. A variety of subjects are addressed in the Word of God, but those subjects are never the heart of Scripture. What is more, they may only be comprehended within the greater light of the Person of Christ and the purpose of God.
SCRIPTURAL STATEMENTS CAN BE properly understood only in the context of the focus of Scripture. That is the greater context of every individual text. While there is value to contextual considerations, they do not yield the optimum benefit. Some advantage may be realized from language studies, historical considerations, and sociological circumstances. However such advantages are only minimal, and will not yield "spiritual understanding."
AT THIS POINT, I want to show the consistency of this view of "truth" in God's Word. Remember, it is always declared in the singular. Several references include the definite article with the word "truth," i.e., "THE truth." This language presupposes a inter-related body of reality; i.e., varying perspectives of a single focus or center. Thus, we do not read of "a truth," "some truth," "part of the truth," or "any truth." Truth can no more be divided than God the Father or the Christ, His Son. The Lord our God is "One," and so is truth!
THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH liberates men from the tyranny of the devil and sin. "And ye shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you free" (John 8:32). Knowing "A" truth will not make you free, but knowing "THE" truth will ! This is more than a few Bible verses; it is the spiritual superstructure that supports the Bible verses! From this perspective, "the truth" is not merely information.
WITH THIS IN CONSIDERATION, Jesus came to make known the purpose of God to save humanity for Himself. Everything He said related to that purpose, and nothing was unrelated to it. When asked about truth by the despot Pilate, Jesus stated His mission. "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto THE TRUTH. Everyone that is of THE TRUTH heareth my voice" (John 18:37). Pilate was looking for novelties, but Jesus had none to give. He did not come to give interesting disquisitions, but to make known the mind of the Lord. Those with an appetite for God's will and a desire to participate in His eternal purpose have an ear for Jesus. They delight in His words, and sit at His feet. As He said, "My sheep hear My voice" (John 10:27), and there are no exceptions.
THERE ARE TWO MORAL FORCES at work in the world: THE TRUTH and the lie. The truth comes from God and leads to heaven. The lie comes from Satan and leads to the lake of fire. God has promised to destroy all enemies of the truth. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [back] THE TRUTH in unrighteousness" (Rom 1:18). Through wickedness, evil men impede the progress of truth, holding it back, or restraining its dynamic influence upon human hearts. Ungodliness does not merely hold back "A" truth, like that of forgiveness, grace, or spiritual utility. It does obscure the perception of what the Lord is doing, as revealed in the Person of Christ, and the manifestation of God's eternal purpose. There is a sense is which the corruption of any aspect of the truth causes the whole of it to become obscure. Do you "know the truth?"
– Given O. Blakely
TRUTH IS ALWAYS FOUND IN THE SINGULAR in Scripture. We never read of "truths" in the Bible, but always of "truth." In God's Word, "truth" speaks of ultimate reality – spiritual substance. It is more than a series of statements that are "true," although all statements of Scripture can be thus defined. Everything in the Word of God is true, and cannot be denied, doubted, or questioned with impunity. However, in this text we are speaking at a higher level, a more foundational view – KNOWING the truth. This not knowing about the truth, but realizing its benefits.
THERE IS A DOMINANT THEME, or center-point, in Scripture. Everything contained therein finds meaning in that locus. The Person of Christ is the personification of that center – He Himself is the Truth (John 14:6). That is why Jesus said, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life" (John 5:39-40). From the standpoint of Divine objective, it is the "eternal purpose" of God. As it is written, "Having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He hath purposed in himself: 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: 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" (Eph 1:9-11). Nothing in Scripture is unrelated to Christ Jesus, and God's "eternal purpose."
THE BODY OF REALITY, or opening, this focus is "truth." It contains diversity, and yet is perfectly united. No Divine utterance is at fundamental variance with another Word of God. A variety of subjects are addressed in the Word of God, but those subjects are never the heart of Scripture. What is more, they may only be comprehended within the greater light of the Person of Christ and the purpose of God.
SCRIPTURAL STATEMENTS CAN BE properly understood only in the context of the focus of Scripture. That is the greater context of every individual text. While there is value to contextual considerations, they do not yield the optimum benefit. Some advantage may be realized from language studies, historical considerations, and sociological circumstances. However such advantages are only minimal, and will not yield "spiritual understanding."
AT THIS POINT, I want to show the consistency of this view of "truth" in God's Word. Remember, it is always declared in the singular. Several references include the definite article with the word "truth," i.e., "THE truth." This language presupposes a inter-related body of reality; i.e., varying perspectives of a single focus or center. Thus, we do not read of "a truth," "some truth," "part of the truth," or "any truth." Truth can no more be divided than God the Father or the Christ, His Son. The Lord our God is "One," and so is truth!
THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH liberates men from the tyranny of the devil and sin. "And ye shall know THE TRUTH, and THE TRUTH shall make you free" (John 8:32). Knowing "A" truth will not make you free, but knowing "THE" truth will ! This is more than a few Bible verses; it is the spiritual superstructure that supports the Bible verses! From this perspective, "the truth" is not merely information.
WITH THIS IN CONSIDERATION, Jesus came to make known the purpose of God to save humanity for Himself. Everything He said related to that purpose, and nothing was unrelated to it. When asked about truth by the despot Pilate, Jesus stated His mission. "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto THE TRUTH. Everyone that is of THE TRUTH heareth my voice" (John 18:37). Pilate was looking for novelties, but Jesus had none to give. He did not come to give interesting disquisitions, but to make known the mind of the Lord. Those with an appetite for God's will and a desire to participate in His eternal purpose have an ear for Jesus. They delight in His words, and sit at His feet. As He said, "My sheep hear My voice" (John 10:27), and there are no exceptions.
THERE ARE TWO MORAL FORCES at work in the world: THE TRUTH and the lie. The truth comes from God and leads to heaven. The lie comes from Satan and leads to the lake of fire. God has promised to destroy all enemies of the truth. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [back] THE TRUTH in unrighteousness" (Rom 1:18). Through wickedness, evil men impede the progress of truth, holding it back, or restraining its dynamic influence upon human hearts. Ungodliness does not merely hold back "A" truth, like that of forgiveness, grace, or spiritual utility. It does obscure the perception of what the Lord is doing, as revealed in the Person of Christ, and the manifestation of God's eternal purpose. There is a sense is which the corruption of any aspect of the truth causes the whole of it to become obscure. Do you "know the truth?"
– Given O. Blakely
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