The Character of the Cross Work of Christ

[Dave...]

The Character of the Cross Work of Christ

by Robert L Reymond

Excerpt From A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith

THE CROSS WORK of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is God’s Alpha and Omega, stands at the beginning, the center, and the end of God’s eternal will and all his ways and works. Christ’s cross work is sacred ground. It is the church’s “holy of holies.†John Murray describes our Lord’s cross work as “the most solemn spectacle in all history, a spectacle unparalleled, unique, unrepeated, and unrepeatable†and the site of “the most mysterious utterance that ever ascended from earth to heaven, ‘My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?’ †Beholding it, we are spectators of a wonder the praise and glory of which eternity will not exhaust. It is the Lord of glory, the Son of God incarnate, the God-man, drinking the cup given him by the eternal Father, the cup of woe and of indescribable agony. We almost hesitate to say so. But it must be said. It is God in our nature forsaken of God. The cry from the accursed tree evinces nothing less than the abandonment that is the wages of sin.… There is no reproduction or parallel in the experience of archangels or of the greatest saints. The faintest parallel would crush the holiest of men and the mightiest of the angelic host.

As the Surety of the elect in the eternal plan of salvation, and in fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Abraham (Luke 1:54–55, 68–73; Rom. 15:8–9; Gal. 3:8–9, 13–14), and as the Mediator of the covenant of grace and the only Redeemer of God’s elect, the Lord Jesus Christ performed his saving work in their behalf in his threefold office of prophet (Deut. 18:15; Luke 4:18–21; 13:33; Acts 3:22), priest (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 3:1; 4:14–15; 5:5–6; 6:20; 7:26; 8:1), and king (Isa 9:6–7; Pss. 2:6; 45:6; 110:1–2; Luke 1:33; John 18:36–37; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 19:16). Theologians refer to these as the three offices of Christ, with all the other christological designations such as Apostle, Shepherd, Intercessor, Counselor, and Head of the church being subsumed under one or more of these three general offices. Fulfilling his office work of prophet, Christ (1) claimed to bring the Father’s message (John 8:26–28; 12:49–50), (2) proclaimed God’s message to the people (Matt. 4:17) and to us, his disciples (Matt. 5–7), and (3) foretold or predicted future events (Matt. 24–25; Luke 19:41–44). Still today he continues to exercise his work as prophet in “revealing to us, by his word [John 16:12–15] and Spirit [1 Pet. 1:10–11] the will of God for our salvation†(Shorter Catechism, Question 24) and our edification (Eph. 4:11–13).

Executing his office work of high priest, Christ (1) offered himself up to God as a sacrifice to satisfy divine justice and to reconcile the church to God (Rom. 3:26; Heb. 2:17; 9:14, 28) and (2) makes and continues to make intercession for all those who come unto God by him (John 17:6–24; Heb. 7:25; 9:24). Performing his office work of king, Christ (1) calls his elect out of the world to become a people for himself (Isa. 55:5; John 10:16, 27), (2) gives them officers, laws, and censures by which he visibly governs them (1 Cor. 5:4–5; 12:28; Eph. 4:11–12; Matt. 18:17–18; 28:19–20; 1 Tim. 3:1–13; 5:20; Titus 1:5–9; 3:10), (3) preserves and supports them in all their temptations and sufferings (Rom. 8:35–39; 2 Cor. 12:9–10), (4) restrains and overcomes all his and their enemies (Acts 12:17; 18:9–10; 1 Cor. 15:25), (5) powerfully orders all things for his own glory and their good (Matt. 28:19–20; Rom. 8:28; 14:11; Col. 1:18), and (6) finally takes vengeance on his enemies who know not God and who obey not the gospel (Ps. 2:9; 2 Thess. 1:8). This delineation of Christ’s three general offices indicates that he exercises them in both the estate of his humiliation and the estate of his exaltation (Isa. 9:6–7; Ps. 2:6; Rev. 19:16). That is to say, one must not think that it was his prophetic and priestly ministries that he exercised before his death and entombment while it is his kingly office that he has exercised since his resurrection; the Scriptures represent him as exercising all three offices in both estates. In filling these offices Christ meets and fulfills all the needs of men. “As prophet he meets the problem of man’s ignorance, supplying him with knowledge. As priest he meets the problem of man’s guilt, supplying him with righteousness. As king he meets the problem of man’s weakness and dependence, supplying him with power and protection.â€

In this chapter our Lord’s office work as priest will be particularly considered.

The cross work of Christ is central to the Christian faith and its proclamation, because of who it was who died on the cross and what it was he did there. With the apostles the church affirms that it was the eternal Son of God, the Word who became flesh, the Lord of glory, who died on Calvary (Rom. 9:5; Titus 2:13; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1; John 1:1, 14; 20:28; 1 Cor. 2:8). Accordingly, in its best moments, the church has “gloried in nothing but the cross†(Gal. 6:14) and has “resolved to know nothing among [the nations] except Jesus Christ and him crucified†(1 Cor. 2:2). It has done so even though it knows that the preaching of the cross is “a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles†(1 Cor. 1:23). It has done so, not only because it knows that “God was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [the message of the cross] to save those who believe†(1 Cor. 1:18, 21), but also because it recognizes that the cross of Christ is “the power of God and the wisdom of God†(1 Cor. 1:24). For Paul to characterize the cross of Christ the way he did in 1 Corinthians 1:24—â€the power of God and the wisdom of Godâ€â€”implies that God accomplished a truly great salvation through the cross work of the Lord of Glory. One can sketch the momentous outlines of that “so great salvation†simply by surveying what the New Testament epistles affirm about the “body,†“blood,†“cross,†and “death†of Christ, words which taken in their contexts represent that great work in terms of a sacrifice (see also 1 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 7:27; 9:26, 28; 10:10, 12, 14).


THE BODY OF CHRIST

The New Testament affirms the following about the accomplishments of Christ’s “body,†this word referring in the contexts cited to his body offered up in sacrifice to God:

Romans 7:4: Christians “died [???????????, ethanat?th?te] to the law through the body of Christ.â€

Colossians 1:22: God “reconciled [?????????????, apokat?llaxen] you by the body of [Christ’s] flesh through death to present you holy and unblemished and blameless in his sight.â€

Hebrews 10:10: Christians “have been made holy [?????µ????, h?giasmenoi] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.â€

1 Peter 2:24: Jesus “bore [?????????, an?nenken] our sins in his body on the tree, in order that we might die to sins and live for righteousness—by whose wounds you have been healed [??????, iath?te].â€


THE BLOOD OF CHRIST

The New Testament affirms the following about the accomplishments of Christ’s “blood,†the word blood in these verses to be construed as theological shorthand for his sacrificial death.

Acts 20:28: God “acquired [?????????????, periepoi?sato] [the church] through his own blood†(or “through the blood of his own [Son].â€

Romans 3:25: God “publicly set Christ forth [????????, proetheto] as a propitiation [??????????, hilast?rion], through faith in his blood, to demonstrate his justice because of the passing over of sins committed beforehand in God’s forebearance.†(See also Heb. 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10)

Romans 5:9: Christians “have been justified [????????????, dikai?thentes, that is, pardoned and constituted righteous] by his blood.â€

Ephesians 1:7: Christians “have redemption [???????????, apolytr?sin] through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses†(see Col. 1:14, where Paul attaches directly to “redemption,†virtually as a synonym, “the forgiveness of sins.â€)

Ephesians 2:12–13: Gentile Christians “who once were far away have been brought near [????????? ?????, egen?th?te engys] [to Christ, to citizenship in Israel, to the benefits of the covenants of the promise, to hope, and to God himself] by the blood of Christ.â€

Colossians 1:20: God was pleased through Christ “to reconcile [?????????????, apokatallaxai] all things to himself, having made peace [?????????????, eir?nopoi?sas] through the blood of his cross.â€

Hebrews 9:12: Christ “entered the Most Holy Place once for all through his own blood, having obtained [????µ????, heuramenos] eternal redemption [????????, lytr?sin].â€

Hebrews 9:14: The blood of Christ “will cleanse [????????, kathariei] our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God.â€

1 Peter 1:2, 18–19: God’s elect were chosen “for sprinkling by the blood of Jesus Christ,†which figure portrays Christ’s death as a sacrificial death in fulfillment of the Old Testament typical system of sacrifice in which the blood of bulls and goats was ceremonially sprinkled on the persons and objects to be cleansed. Furthermore, it is by his “precious blood†that the believers “were redeemed [??????????, elytr?th?te]†from their former empty way of life.

1 John 1:7: “The blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses [?????????, katharizei] us from all sin.â€

Revelation 1:5: Christ “loved us and freed [???????, lysanti] us from our sins by his blood.â€

Revelation 5:9–10: Christ “purchased [????????, ?gorasas] for God by his blood men from every tribe and language and people and nation, and made [????????, epoi?sas] them for God a kingdom and priests, and they will reign on the earth.â€


THE CROSS OF CHRIST

Paul states the following about the accomplishments of the “crossâ€â€”again, metaphorical shorthand for Christ’s sacrificial death:

Ephesians 2:16: God “has reconciled [????????????, apokatallax?] both [Jews and Gentiles] in one body to God through the cross, having put to death [??????????, apokteinas] [God’s] enmity by [or “onâ€] it.â€

Colossians 1:20: Christ “made peace [?????????????, eir?nopoi?sas] through the blood of his cross.â€

Colossians 2:14–15: God “canceled [?????????, exaleipsas] the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it out of the way [????? ?? ??? µ????, ?rken ek tou mesou], nailing it fast to the cross. Having disarmed [????????µ????, apekdysamenos] the rulers and authorities, he exposed [them] publicly [?????µ?????? ?? ????????, edeigmatisen en parr?sia], triumphing [????µ??????, thriambeusas] over them by it.â€


THE DEATH OF CHRIST

Finally, the New Testament affirms the following about the accomplishments of the “death†of Christ:

Romans 5:10: “When we were enemies, we were reconciled [?????????µ??, kat?llag?men] to God through the death of his Son.

Colossians 1:21–22: “Once you were alienated and enemies in your minds as shown by evil works, but now God has reconciled [?????????????, apokat?llaxen] you … through [Christ’s] death, to present you holy and unblemished and blameless in his sight.â€

Hebrews 2:9–10: “We see Jesus, through the suffering of death, being crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God in behalf of all he might taste death. For it was fitting for [God] … in bringing many sons to glory to perfect the Author of their salvation through suffering.â€

Hebrews 2:14: Christ “shared in their humanity in order that through his death he might destroy [?????????, katarg?s?] the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free [????????, apallax?] those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.â€

Hebrews 9:15: “He is the Mediator of a new covenant in order that, by means of death as a ransom to set them free [??? ???????????, eis apolytr?sin] from the trespasses under the first covenant, the ones who have been called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.â€

Other verses, without using the noun “death,†also speak of what Christ accomplished when he “diedâ€:

John 12:24: By “falling into the ground and dying,†Christâying “produces many seeds.â€

Romans 5:6: “When we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.â€

Romans 5:8: “When we were still sinners, Christ died for us.â€

1 Corinthians 15:3: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.â€

2 Corinthians 5:15: “He died for all in order that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.â€

Excerpt From A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith


http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/a ... swork.html

 

[glorydaz]

Amen...the body, the blood, the cross, and the death of Christ. And yet we see some men trying to claim their good works ultimately save them. The Lamb of God takes away sin, and raises us into newness of Life. For anyone to claim they can glory in any way in their own salvation is nothing more than unbelief in what Christ accomplished for us while we were yet sinners.

 

[Adullam]

The work of the cross empowers us to operate at a higher level of righteousness than the OT standard. Men seek to justify themselves through through a personal belief in a universal sacrifice for sins on the cross. It is men who judge their own worthiness and this according to a biased reading of the scriptures. Rather, the reality of the cross causes men who experience it to walk in victory over sin, the world and the devil. The cross makes us overcomers. The Holy Spirit cannot abide in a sinful person. The Holy Spirit makes a man holy in thought and deed. No law is against this holiness. This holiness fulfills the law and the righteous requirements of God.

There are they who seek to claim the efficacy of the sacrifice of Christ for themselves while remaining in their wickedness. They claim that they cannot be condemned because of their private apprehension of Christ through their own belief.

There is a great heresy afoot that states that one need not turn from his sinful ways to obtain eternal life. In this scheme God no longer desires righteousness, just a self-interested claim to a personal deal through belief that a man can be an exception to the universal rule as a type of side deal. Clever, but dishonest. Is God become dishonest?

God looks upon the heart. IF we turn to God in true repentance He will empower us to walk in His ways. This is the New Covenant which is by faith and faithfulness. IF we then turn from the simple humility and build again our former pride and sinfulness...then we forfeit God's support. Without Him we can do nothing.

 

[Drew]

Amen...the body, the blood, the cross, and the death of Christ. And yet we see some men trying to claim their good works ultimately save them. The Lamb of God takes away sin, and raises us into newness of Life. For anyone to claim they can glory in any way in their own salvation is nothing more than unbelief in what Christ accomplished for us while we were yet sinners.

Who is saying this gd? You have made an accusation of sorts, so please stand behind it. Who has claimed that their own works ulitmately saves them?

I suggest that you think carefully about who you place on this list. Some may indeed to deserve to be on this list. Others with whom you disagree, do not.

So am I one of the people who claim that my own good works save me? A simple yes or no will suffice.

 

[Drew]

Romans 5:9: Christians “have been justified [????????????, dikai?thentes, that is, pardoned and constituted righteous] by his blood.â€

This is indeed true, but not in the sense that I believe that you see it to be true. I cannot emphasize this enough. Any statement about how believers have already been justified - and there are indeed such statements such as this one you provide - must also be understood in light of statements that place the justification of the believer in the future, such as this one:

for it is not the hearers of the Law who are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified

So the picture that has justification as fully and entirely accomplished in the present simply cannot be correct if, repeat if, we believe that everyhing that Paul writes is inspired scripture.

 

[glorydaz]

Amen...the body, the blood, the cross, and the death of Christ. And yet we see some men trying to claim their good works ultimately save them. The Lamb of God takes away sin, and raises us into newness of Life. For anyone to claim they can glory in any way in their own salvation is nothing more than unbelief in what Christ accomplished for us while we were yet sinners.

Who is saying this gd? You have made an accusation of sorts, so please stand behind it. Who has claimed that their own works ulitmately saves them?

I suggest that you think carefully about who you place on this list. Some may indeed to deserve to be on this list. Others with whom you disagree, do not.

So am I one of the people who claim that my own good works save me? A simple yes or no will suffice.

Yes, you claim your own work of obedience is what ultimately saves you.
Good deeds done through the power of the Holy Spirit do not save you, Drew.

Good deeds are merely the evidence whereby we can know you were saved.
They are the natural outcome of being saved....God has so ordained we should walk in them AFTER we have been born of God. They do not contribute to our salvation. Salvation is a free gift of Grace.

 

[Adullam]

Mercy is a free gift.....Yes! God will have mercy on whom He wills. So then faith is not required?

 

[glorydaz]

There is a great heresy afoot that states that one need not turn from his sinful ways to obtain eternal life. In this scheme God no longer desires righteousness, just a self-interested claim to a personal deal through belief that a man can be an exception to the universal rule as a type of side deal. Clever, but dishonest. Is God become dishonest?

God looks upon the heart. IF we turn to God in true repentance He will empower us to walk in His ways. This is the New Covenant which is by faith and faithfulness. IF we then turn from the simple humility and build again our former pride and sinfulness...then we forfeit God's support. Without Him we can do nothing.

The only heresy I see is from those who claim God is not able to keep His sons from falling.

I've never seen such a skeptical view of the power of the Holy Spirit to change the hearts of men. All this talk of "schemes" and "self-interest" and "personal deals". Where is this coming from? Why always talk of pride and sinfulness? Don't you realize those who are the Lord's are new creatures with a heart to follow God?

Do you go to a church filled with unsaved people? Don't you have any real Christians to fellowship with? Haven't you been exposed to the victory that is had by those who truly love the Lord? Separate yourself from those who love sin...remove yourself from those who are filled with pride. They aren't the believers...seek out those who know God and then you won't be so negative about God's power to lead us into righteousness.

 

[glorydaz]

Mercy is a free gift.....Yes! God will have mercy on whom He wills. So then faith is not required?

Did someone say faith isn't required?
We are justified before God by the faith of Jesus Christ.

He is the author and finisher of our faith...it, too, is a gift freely given, and a fruit of the Spirit.
Our faith is increased as we learn to trust in Jesus instead of ourselves.

We live by His faith when we live in Him....

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

When we're found in Him...we have His righteousness counted to us.

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

 

[Adullam]

There is a great heresy afoot that states that one need not turn from his sinful ways to obtain eternal life. In this scheme God no longer desires righteousness, just a self-interested claim to a personal deal through belief that a man can be an exception to the universal rule as a type of side deal. Clever, but dishonest. Is God become dishonest?

God looks upon the heart. IF we turn to God in true repentance He will empower us to walk in His ways. This is the New Covenant which is by faith and faithfulness. IF we then turn from the simple humility and build again our former pride and sinfulness...then we forfeit God's support. Without Him we can do nothing.

The only heresy I see is from those who claim God is not able to keep His sons from falling.

I've never seen such a skeptical view of the power of the Holy Spirit to change the hearts of men. All this talk of "schemes" and "self-interest" and "personal deals". Where is this coming from? Why always talk of pride and sinfulness? Don't you realize those who are the Lord's are new creatures with a heart to follow God?

Do you go to a church filled with unsaved people? Don't you have any real Christians to fellowship with? Haven't you been exposed to the victory that is had by those who truly love the Lord? Separate yourself from those who love sin...remove yourself from those who are filled with pride. They aren't the believers...seek out those who know God and then you won't be so negative about God's power to lead us into righteousness.

The scheme that is afoot is the name it and claim it approach to salvation. If I buy a medal of honour on e-bay is that the same as receiving it from the president? Does this not cheapen the medal, if anyone can pin it on themselves? So it is with "cheap grace." I judge my self to be a believer and declare my self eternally saved and glorified? Only a brainwashed person would fail to see the foolishness of this.

By upholding the truth of the cross and the grace of God, we seek rather to re-establish the value of the gospel ACCORDING TO REALITY. One who is dead in Christ no longer sins. There is revival all around them. Miracles become a daily occurence. The gospel is according to power and it works (not according to works). The gospel you speak of just doesn't work. We are not the awarders of righteousness. God is...and it is according to power.

 

[Adullam]

Mercy is a free gift.....Yes! God will have mercy on whom He wills. So then faith is not required?

Did someone say faith isn't required?
We are justified before God by the faith of Jesus Christ.

He is the author and finisher of our faith...it, too, is a gift freely given, and a fruit of the Spirit.
Our faith is increased as we learn to trust in Jesus instead of ourselves.

We live by His faith when we live in Him....

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

When we're found in Him...we have His righteousness counted to us.
[quote="Philippians 3:9":2i3lxe3l]And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

[/quote:2i3lxe3l]


We only have His life when we have experienced His death. Rather than hiding behind Jesus, God holds us up as an example to follow. If there is reality in our faith, we lead a miraculous life.

 

[Adullam]

There is confusion here between a free gift and what is freely given.

Eternal life is not a free gift; but it is freely given to they who give all for Christ. These then walk as Jesus did on the earth in divine strength and power.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to disciples in order to function in the spiritual entity called the church. Gifts do not save disciples. They are a responsibility and give us a duty to perform for the sake of the kingdom. Again, gifts don't save one. The are adornments and are subject to the character or lack thereof of the holder of the gift.

 

[glorydaz]

The scheme that is afoot is the name it and claim it approach to salvation. If I buy a medal of honour on e-bay is that the same as receiving it from the president? Does this not cheapen the medal, if anyone can pin it on themselves? So it is with "cheap grace." I judge my self to be a believer and declare my self eternally saved and glorified? Only a brainwashed person would fail to see the foolishness of this.

By upholding the truth of the cross and the grace of God, we seek rather to re-establish the value of the gospel ACCORDING TO REALITY. One who is dead in Christ no longer sins. There is revival all around them. Miracles become a daily occurence. The gospel is according to power and it works (not according to works). The gospel you speak of just doesn't work. We are not the awarders of righteousness. God is...and it is according to power.

Salvation isn't a medal that can be bought, so NO it is not cheapened when we give the glory to God instead of to ourselves when we obtain it. When we believe and are born of the Spirit, we are new creatures...we have been given a new heart. The Spirit within confirms our adoption as sons with our spirit and we can have perfect confidence and peace...total assurance that we have been saved by the grace of God, and not by our own efforts to please God. Salvation is a gift from God...so that none can boast in any way.

You use the term miracles quite loosely. God works in the lives of believers, but miracles are never done by man. We do see the power of God because we are IN CHRIST. We see His work through us and we give all the glory to Him. I've heard no one claim man is the "awarder of righteousness". The Gospel I speak of is THE GOSPEL. It not only works, it is the power of salvation. I'm not denying it's power, and I certainly don't give man any of the glory that belongs to God alone.

Yes, the preaching of the cross is foolishness to them that are perishing.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

It may not be worldly wisdom, but God saves those who BELIEVE.

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

The natural man cannot understand spiritual things.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 

[glorydaz]

We only have His life when we have experienced His death. Rather than hiding behind Jesus, God holds us up as an example to follow. If there is reality in our faith, we lead a miraculous life.

Rather than hiding behind Jesus? You do come up with the oddest statements.
Would you rather go before Him, or follow after? Think about it.

Let's just put it this way. You are not perfect...I can guarantee that. If you were, God could have just had you die on the cross and Jesus wouldn't have had to come at all. God does not hold us up as examples to follow....only Christ is to be lifted up. We may be examples to others when we lead godly lives, but it is only as they see Christ in us. He is the only One to be lifted up.

We certainly should refrain from commending ourselves...if commendations come they should be from without because pride is ever waiting at the door of the heart of man.

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

If you aren't being chastened then you aren't a Son of God. We are to be servants...become less so that Christ can become more. We die to self so our life can be hid with Christ in God. You should know the drill....the least shall be greatest. He who boasts in himself will be brought low. Wash the feet of others and DENY SELF.. not brag about miracles that are not yours to boast about.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

 

[Joe67]

Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith.

What distinction is there in the authorship and the finisher of our faith?

Faith that leads to peace with God. Romans 5:1

Faith that leads into grace and its accompanying tribulations that work patience and experience and hope. Romans 5:2-5.

This finishing faith that leads to hope, sheds the love of God abroad in our hearts by the holy Spirit (of suffering) that is given unto us. Suffer it to be so. The fellowship of his sufferings. If we suffer with him, we will be glorified with him. Our suffering is not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us. But our suffering must needs be and Jesus finishes his faith in us.

Phil 1:29
29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; KJV

2 Thess 2:13-14
13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
KJV

Joe

 

[Adullam]

The scheme that is afoot is the name it and claim it approach to salvation. If I buy a medal of honour on e-bay is that the same as receiving it from the president? Does this not cheapen the medal, if anyone can pin it on themselves? So it is with "cheap grace." I judge my self to be a believer and declare my self eternally saved and glorified? Only a brainwashed person would fail to see the foolishness of this.

By upholding the truth of the cross and the grace of God, we seek rather to re-establish the value of the gospel ACCORDING TO REALITY. One who is dead in Christ no longer sins. There is revival all around them. Miracles become a daily occurence. The gospel is according to power and it works (not according to works). The gospel you speak of just doesn't work. We are not the awarders of righteousness. God is...and it is according to power.

Salvation isn't a medal that can be bought, so NO it is not cheapened when we give the glory to God instead of to ourselves when we obtain it. When we believe and are born of the Spirit, we are new creatures...we have been given a new heart. The Spirit within confirms our adoption as sons with our spirit and we can have perfect confidence and peace...total assurance that we have been saved by the grace of God, and not by our own efforts to please God. Salvation is a gift from God...so that none can boast in any way.

You use the term miracles quite loosely. God works in the lives of believers, but miracles are never done by man. We do see the power of God because we are IN CHRIST. We see His work through us and we give all the glory to Him. I've heard no one claim man is the "awarder of righteousness". The Gospel I speak of is THE GOSPEL. It not only works, it is the power of salvation. I'm not denying it's power, and I certainly don't give man any of the glory that belongs to God alone.

Yes, the preaching of the cross is foolishness to them that are perishing.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

It may not be worldly wisdom, but God saves those who BELIEVE.
[quote="1 Corinthians 1:21":2dwyyqv3]For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

The natural man cannot understand spiritual things.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

[/quote:2dwyyqv3]


The power to declare ourselves righteous? The power to claim we will never fail the Lord? The Christian life is as a race. There is a beginning and an end. Our race isn't finished yet. We don't get to judge our own hearts as you do. To declare yourself eternally righteous because of a moment's decision is beyond ridiculous. It is both arrogant and presumptuous. You simply cannot let God be the justifier in your life. This is a scandal to you. This is out of your own hands so you don't like it. You prefer a slick assurance salesman's evangelical sounding pitch to trusting the living God in a living hope...not declaring yourself eternally justified and glorified in a smug assurance. A hypnotized person doesn't realize they've been hypnotized. A deceived person thinks they are seeing reality.

You miss the point of all I'm saying. So geared are you to justify yourself through your faith. Any religious person in the world does the same with their own belief. That is what religion does. One identifies with the religion and then claims the promises of that religion. Blind and deaf.

You believe you're saved (which is a process and not a done deal anyway) so you think you are. This is according to the modern indoctrination that the flesh latches onto to save itself. If we ask if the believer beside you is equally eternally saved, you say...I don't know, ask him!

 

[Dave...]

The power to declare ourselves righteous? The power to claim we will never fail the Lord? The Christian life is as a race. There is a beginning and an end. Our race isn't finished yet.

Everything glorydaz told you was biblical. Anyways, here's some things to consider.

1 John 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

You can tell a tree by it's fruit. That man in first John 2:19 was never in the race to begin with. We enter the race by trusting in Christ alone, through faith alone. The finish is sure if the faith is genuine. We test ourselves daily to see whether or not we are in the faith, Not to earn something more for justification. We look to the evidences of our lives to confirm one way or the other our claims of a genuine saving (trust in Christ alone) faith. And thankfully we don't need to be perfect, for our faith rests in Christ Jesus who was perfect for us. Self deception is what we are warned about over and over in scripture. God already knows if we are saved or not (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The "test yourselves daily" etc. is for us to know whether or not we are self deceived.

Born again believers always overcome the world. (1 John 5: 5)

We are upheld by the power of God (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Perhaps Jude can explain better. Evidence, not merit.

Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (This is our part)

24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. (God's part)

Also here.

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (our part)

13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. (God's part)

We don't get to judge our own hearts as you do. To declare yourself eternally righteous because of a moment's decision is beyond ridiculous. It is both arrogant and presumptuous. You simply cannot let God be the justifier in your life. This is a scandal to you. This is out of your own hands so you don't like it. You prefer a slick assurance salesman's evangelical sounding pitch to trusting the living God in a living hope...not declaring yourself eternally justified and glorified in a smug assurance. A hypnotized person doesn't realize they've been hypnotized. A deceived person thinks they are seeing reality.

You miss the point of all I'm saying. So geared are you to justify yourself through your faith. Any religious person in the world does the same with their own belief. That is what religion does. One identifies with the religion and then claims the promises of that religion. Blind and deaf.

You believe you're saved (which is a process and not a done deal anyway) so you think you are. This is according to the modern indoctrination that the flesh latches onto to save itself. If we ask if the believer beside you is equally eternally saved, you say...I don't know, ask him!

I think that you misunderstood glorydaz. He's not speaking of His own righteousness for coming to faith, but the righteousness of God imputed to us as a result of our initial faith. As I'm sure glory already knows, faith is a gift, just as repentance is also. Even our perseverance in faith is a gift.

There is a race, as you say, but if we are truely born again, the end is sure because we trusted in Christ alone for our justifiaction. The works were something we did as a result of a changes heart. For God requires mercy, not sacrifice. Mercy is natural, sacrifice is not.

Repentance is a gift from God; Acts 11:18, 2 Timothy 2:25 etc.

Faith is a gift from God; 1 Corinthians 2:5, Romans 12:3, Ephesians 2:8, Philippians 1:29 etc.

Perseverance is a gift from God; Philippians 1:6, 1 Peter 1:5 etc.

Dave

 

[Joe67]

Believing and being justified with God is the beginning. Being saved/sanctified that is the finishing. We believe when God speaks to us. We are sanctified when God sprinkles our heart from an evil conscience and washes our bodies in pure water as we serve in newness of Spirit.

We are God's workmanship in both processes.

1 Cor 1:18-24
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. KJV

Most all who post on this forum, including myself, have been raised under the premises of Greek thought concerning God and man. Jesus Christ has been presented under these premises. We have lived under the times of the Gentiles. When the Son hands the kingdom over to the Father then we will live under the premises/terms/commands/promise of the covenant that the Lord made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; which is not the covenant he made at Mt. Sinai.

Joe

 

[lovely]

Righteousness does not come by the Law, but Christ was made sin for us so that we may be made righteousness in Him. THAT'S why Jesus could say, 'except your righteousness EXCEED that of the scribes and pharisees, you shall IN NO CASE enter into the Kingdom of Heaven'. We are, as believers, free to obey, because we are dead to the flesh and no longer serve sin, but are alive in the Spirit and free to serve righteousness SO that the righteousness of God, apart from the LAW, can be made mainfest in us...this IS THE CROSS WORK OF CHRIST and the Spirit of Life in us. We, who are in Christ, are not establishing our own righteousness through the LAW by doing faith works, but we are manifesting God's righteousness in the Spirit by doing good works in Christ....Good works 'in Christ' which GOD has prepared for us to walk in.

 

[glorydaz]

You can tell a tree by it's fruit. That man in first John 2:19 was never in the race to begin with. We enter the race by trusting in Christ alone, through faith alone. The finish is sure if the faith is genuine. We test ourselves daily to see whether or not we are in the faith, Not to earn something more for justification. We look to the evidences of our lives to confirm one way or the other our claims of a genuine saving (trust in Christ alone) faith. And thankfully we don't need to be perfect, for our faith rests in Christ Jesus who was perfect for us. Self deception is what we are warned about over and over in scripture. God already knows if we are saved or not (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The "test yourselves daily" etc. is for us to know whether or not we are self deceived.

Exactly, and the message that really needs to be taken to heart is the "examine yourself" part. I see a lot of "examining" going on, and a lot of judging of all those "sinful Christians" who are "falling away" in droves...even though there is no fruit to verify their claims. And yet so many don't seem to have any assurance of their own salvation. I say "examine yourself" and make sure.

I agree, we only enter the race when we're born again...regenerated through the Spirit into life. You can't run this race unless you have the Holy Spirit. Sanctification is the name of the game. The Holy Spirit is the fuel, and we carry with us the helmet of salvation....I do see a lot of doubt in the power of God to keep those He's raised into newness of life. He's equipped and empowered them, goes before them and behind them, leading and guiding....just where does that fear come from when it's God's WILL that Jesus will lose NONE.

The way is paved, the course is set, the pitfalls are many - so that we learn to trust and have faith in our Lord and Saviour. 'Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come'....thus our faith is built up and our surrender becomes more complete. We learn to rest in Him with full assurance that what He has started He will complete. Praise His Glorious Name.

There is a race, as you say, but if we are truely born again, the end is sure because we trusted in Christ alone for our justifiaction. The works were something we did as a result of a changes heart. For God requires mercy, not sacrifice. Mercy is natural, sacrifice is not.

Speaking of justification, this armour we're given when we have been quickened and begin the race, includes righteousness. Now I'm sure there are those who would love to claim this breastplate of righteousness as "my righteousness", and not imputed righteousness, but it is a part of the armour, nonetheless. Not only that, it's our breastplate, protecting that new heart of flesh we received when we were quickened.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

I especially like the "helmet of salvation" we take with us on this race. It's a great assurance to many of us as we pass through the trials and tribulations the Lord sets before our path. We are confident everything works together for our good, and we can glory in the fellowship of His suffering, instead of our good deeds which we shouldn't rightly be considering to begin with....they are but our duty, and God has ordained that we walk in them.