Grace, Grace- Amazing Grace

SECTION 1 – The concept Grace explained

 

A) INTRODUCTION

Much has been said and written on this highly debated subject - GRACE.

This teaching is by no means an endeavour to cover everything on this subject, because I believe we still have to fathom, explore and discover the depths of this amazing work of God called “Grace”.

We are only scratching the surface at this stage and I just know that much mindboggling insight and understanding will still be revealed on this subject.

The purpose of these teachings is just to highlight some vital aspects on the subject of Grace – giving clarity, insight and understanding on these aspects to enable us to walk in the freedom that God has measured out for us.

Very important! (Paul is writing to the Ephesians)

Eph 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

Eph 3:9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; (NKJV)

Eph 3:10 [The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere. (AMP)

 

Paul is telling the Ephesians that -the complicated, many-sided, wide-shining, manifold, greatly diversified, abounding in variety  -  >wisdom of God in all its infinite variety and innumerable aspects must be made known to the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly sphere through the church.

Grace is but one of these revealed aspects and varieties of the wisdom of God. It is of the utmost importance to understand that not one of these aspects functions in isolation (on its own). All these various aspects are interconnected with each other and are interdependent of and interrelated to each other. All together they constitute the “manifold wisdom of God”, “the fullness of God” expressed in and through Christ Jesus!

 

B) THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF GRACE

God the Father is the source and the author and finisher of Grace

 

I am quoting a number of Scriptures confirming that God is “gracious” and also some Scriptures where the expression “the grace of God” is used

The word “gracious” is self-explanatory while the expression “the grace of God” means: the grace coming forth from God.

Gracious

(2Ch 30:9) For the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him."

(Neh 9:17) .....But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in loving-kindness; And You did not forsake them.

(Neh 9:31) "Nevertheless, in Your great compassion You did not make an end of them or forsake them, For You are a gracious and compassionate God.

(Psa 67:1) For the choir director; with stringed instruments. A Psalm. A Song. God be gracious to us and bless us, And cause His face to shine upon us-- Selah.

(Psa 84:11) For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

(Psa 86:15) But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.

(Psa 116:5) Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate.

(Joe 2:13) And rend your heart and not your garments." Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in loving-kindness And relenting of evil.

(Jon 4:2) ....for I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness, and one who relents concerning calamity.

 

The grace of God

(Luk 2:40) The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

(Act 11:23) Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord;

(Act 13:43) Now when the meeting of the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and of the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the grace of God

(Act 14:26) From there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had accomplished.

(Act 20:24) "But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.

(Rom 1:7) to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Rom 5:15) But the free gift is not like the transgression. For if by the transgression of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.

(1Co 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Co 1:4) I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus,

(1Co 3:10) According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.

(1Co 15:10) But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I laboured even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me.

(2Co 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2Co 1:12) For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.

(2Co 6:1) And working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain

(2Co 8:1) Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,

(2Co 9:8) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

(2Co 9:14) while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.

(Gal 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

(Gal 1:15) But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, was pleased

(Gal 2:21) "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

(Eph 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Eph 2:8) For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

(Eph 3:2) if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace which was given to me for you;

(Eph 3:7) of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God's grace which was given to me according to the working of His power.

(Php 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Col 1:2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

(Col 1:6) which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth;

(2Th 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2Th 1:12) so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2Th 2:16) Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,

(1Ti 1:2) To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

(2Ti 1:2) To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Tit 1:4) To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.

(Tit 2:11) For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

(Phm 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Heb 2:9) But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

(Heb 12:15) See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it may be defiled;

(Jas 4:6) But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

(1Pe 4:10) As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

(1Pe 5:10) After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.

(1Pe 5:12) Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!

(2Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord;

(2Jn 1:3) Grace, mercy and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

(Jud 1:4) For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

 

C) BRIEF EXPLANATION OF “GRACE”

GRACE IS GOD’S DISPOSITION – HIS APPROACH AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS US.

The word “DISPOSITION” means - a person’s natural qualities of mind and character; inclination; tendency

GRACE is therefore: God’s natural quality of mind and character, His inclination and natural tendency towards us, expressed in the most awesome way in the New Covenant in and through Christ Jesus

 

The Hebrew word (Old Testament) for “grace” is “Chên” and The Greek word (New Testament) is “Charis”

 

The Hebrew word “Chên ” is derived from the word: graciousness, (see below for the meaning of “graciousness”).

“Chên”- Grace: means: favour, grace, acceptance, kindness, precious, well- favoured.

 

In the Old Testament Genesis 6:8 stands as the fundamental application of this word, meaning: an unmerited favour or regard in God's sight.

Gen_6:8 But Noah found grace (favour) (grace^H2580) in the eyes of the Lord. (AMP)

Beyond this, however, the word conveys a sense of acceptance or preference in a more general manner as well.

 

The Greek word “Charis” is derived from the Greek word “chairō”: which means:

To be full of “cheer”, that is, calmly happy or well off; to rejoice exceedingly;

From this we can see that God takes great joy and pleasure in bestowing His Grace and Mercy upon us.

 

Defining the words “gracious, graciousness” and “grace”

 

Gracious or Graciousness (Hebrew: “chânan” and Greek: “chairō”) means:

To bend and show kindness to an inferior; to be compassionate;

To be gracious; pity; have mercy on;

To direct favour to, to favour, show favour

To be shown favour; to be shown consideration; to make gracious; make favourable,

 

Grace (Hebrew: “chen” and Greek “charis”)

An undeserved benefit from God; unearned and unmerited favour

A favour done without expectation of anything in return

The absolute freeness of the loving-kindness of God to men, finding its only motive in the bounty and free heartedness of the Giver

Grace denotes a free and spontaneous willingness to bestow good on him that is destitute of it, either in a way of kindness, or in a way of compassion.

Grace is to show favour, mercy and pity.

The word excludes all idea of merit in the object of free favour.

Mercy is the practical, daily outflow of His grace in the form of His deeds in my life.

 

D) GRACE IS A PERSON!

Grace is however not a doctrine or a principle:

Grace is a Person and that Person is Jesus Christ our Lord!!

 

Grace is both a Person as well as a dynamic working, an action, an outflow and a powerful accomplishment coming from that Person – Jesus Christ!

 

How can I say that Grace is a Person? Let me explain:

The Bible says (about Jesus)

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was THE Word, and THE Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.

Joh 1:3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Joh 1:14 And THE Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (NB without the definite article THE)

 

Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Correct translation =THE Grace and THE Truth (NB the definite article “THE” is present – although the definite article is absent in most of the Bible Translations, it does appear in the original Greek language).

 

Insertion to explain the use of the “definite article” in Greek (Taken from: “The Complete Word Study New Testament” by Spiros Zodhiates)

“The definite article in Greek is sometimes translated with the English definite article “the”. However the function of the two is quite different. In English, the definite article is used to particularize, to refer to the particular object. In Greek, however, it serves to emphasize in some way, the person or thing it modifies. Hence, in most cases, the definite article in Greek serves to identify.

There is perhaps no other part of Greek grammar where the Greek idiom differs so greatly from the English. For instance, an English grammarian would never place the definite article before a proper noun (e.g. “the Thomas”), though in Greek it is very common.

A word without the definite article most often points out the quality of something.”

 

 

Thus:

Where the Bible speaks about “THE grace and THE truth” – it refers to and identifies a Person - and that Person is Jesus Christ.

This is confirmed by Jesus Himself in:

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.

I am: to be, to exist. Jesus is saying here: I myself in person exist as the Way, the Truth and the Life and out of His person flow all aspects of Truth, of Life and of Ways (the way to the Heavenly Father and the way of living).

SIMILARLY, JESUS CHRIST AS A PERSON IS: THE Grace and THE Truth. (The word “and” is used as a copulative, linking the Grace and the Truth together)

AND OUT OF HIS PERSON FLOW ALL QUALITIES OF GRACE AND OF TRUTH

Moses is the personification of the Law

 

Jesus Christ is the personification of the Grace and the Truth

Joh 1:14 And THE Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

The invisible Word (Who was in the beginning, Who was God and Who was with God) was created or formed into a person – Jesus Christ.

 

We behold the glory of this person Jesus Christ:

Behold means:

View attentively, contemplate, to look closely at, that is, to perceive with unceasing interest. "A careful and deliberate vision which interprets...its object,"

 

Glory (Gr: doxa) means:

Extract from “The Complete WordStudy Dictionary – E-Sword”

Primarily means thought or opinion, especially favourable human opinion. The “doxa” of man is human opinion and is shifty, uncertain, often based on error.

But there is a glory of God which must be absolutely true and changeless.

God's opinion marks the true value of things as they appear to the eternal mind, and God's favourable opinion is true glory.

Glory, therefore, is the true apprehension of God or things. The glory of God must mean His unchanging essence. Giving glory to God is ascribing to Him His full recognition.

The glory of God is what He is essentially; the glory of created things including man is what they are meant by God to be, though not yet perfectly attained.

Taken from: “Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words- E-Sword”

Primarily signifies thought or an opinion, estimate, and hence, the honour resulting from a good opinion.

God's favourable opinion is true glory. The glory of God means His unchanging essence. Glory, therefore, is the true apprehension of God.

Giving glory to God is ascribing to Him His full recognition of who He is and ever will

It is used of the nature and acts of God in self-manifestation, i.e., what He essentially is and does, as exhibited in whatever way he reveals Himself in these respects, and particularly in the person of Christ, in whom essentially His "glory" has ever shone forth and ever will do.

 

Thus: Jesus Christ is the visible manifestation of God’s favourable opinion towards us.

This “manifested Word – or Glory” is full of grace and truth.

 

“Full” means: complete, lacking nothing, perfect, abounding or abundant.

To thoroughly accomplish

The Word became flesh for the purpose of thoroughly accomplishing and applying all the qualities of Grace and Truth!

E) THE PERSON, JESUS IN OTHER CONTEXTS

We have seen that Grace is a person – Jesus Christ. In the same context, Jesus, as a person, is also the following (all with the definite article indicating His person)

 

- The Bread of Life

Joh 6:35 And Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes on Me shall never thirst.

Joh 6:48 I am the Bread of life.

Joh 6:53 Then Jesus says to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you do not have life in yourselves.

Joh 6:54 Whoever partakes of My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

Joh 6:55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.

Joh 6:56 He who partakes of My flesh and drinks My blood dwells in Me, and I in him.

Joh 6:57 As the living Father has sent Me, and I live through the Father, so he who partakes of Me, even he shall live by Me.

Out of Jesus as the Bread of Life, flow all the spiritual nutrients that we require to live a Godly fruitful life.

That is also why He is called, “El Shaddai” – the “All Sufficient One”, or rather the “Breastfeeding God”.

Every nutrient that a newborn baby might require is already contained within the mother. Similarly, everything that I need for my life is contained within God and is conveyed to me through Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit.

 

- The Light of the world

Joh 8:12 Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.

Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Joh 1:5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Joh 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Joh 1:7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe.

Joh 1:8 He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

Joh 1:9 That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.

Mat 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. (We represent and reflect Him as light in this world).

Light is knowledge, understanding and wisdom and also the Energy of God.

 

 

- The Door of the sheep

Joh 10:7 Then Jesus said to them again, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

Joh 10:8 All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.

Joh 10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by Me, he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture.

Joh 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

(Actually:” ....that they might have life and abundance”)

 

Every open door and every breakthrough already exists in Christ.

 

 

- The Good Shepherd

Joh 10:11 I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Joh 10:13 The hireling flees, because he is a hireling and does not care for the sheep.

Joh 10:14 I am the Good Shepherd, and I know those that are Mine, and I am known by those who are Mine.

As the Good Shepherd He is constantly taking care of me and taking responsibility over my life. He is my Provision (and not only my Provider)

 

 

- The Resurrection and the Life

Joh 11:25 Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, though he dies, yet he shall live.

Joh 11:26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?

1Co 15:13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen.

1Co 15:14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

1Co 15:17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!

1Co 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

1Co 15:21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.

1Co 15:45 And so it is written, "the first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible has put on in corruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "death is swallowed up in victory."

1Co 15:55 "o death, where is your sting? o Hades, where is your victory?"

1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 4:24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,

Rom 4:25 who was delivered up because of our offences, and was raised because of our justification.

 

My justification was made complete through His resurrection

Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father so that we might walk in newness of life.

 

- The True Vine

Joh 15:1 I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.

Joh 15:2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away. And every one that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bring forth more fruit.

Joh 15:3 Now you are clean through the Word which I have spoken to you.

Joh 15:4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

Joh 15:5 I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

Joh 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered. And they gather and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

Joh 15:7 If you abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you.

Joh 15:8 In this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit, so you shall be My disciples.

There is a constant stream of His life-giving substance flowing through me enabling me to bring forth fruit and fruitfulness

2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

2Pe 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

 

 

- Christ also became for us:

1Co 1:30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us WISDOM from God—and RIGHTEOUSNESS and SANCTIFICATION and REDEMPTION—

Christ is my wisdom, my righteousness, my sanctification and my redemption

It is all about CHRIST!

 

F) CHRIST AS THE MANIFESTED GRACE OF GOD

 

Christ is the centre of everything – He is the Grace of God manifested to us, in us and through us.

- It pleased God, the Father that all the fullness of the Godhead should dwell in Christ and that we should be complete in Him

Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Col 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Col 1:17 And He is before all things, and in Him, all things consist.

Col 1:18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.

Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

Col 1:20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Col 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

Col 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

 

Of the Godhead: (Of the Divinity) means:

The very essence of God; God's personality

The word “Godhead” properly denotes the divine nature and perfections of God - not the divine attributes, but the divine nature.

Joh 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and GRACE FOR GRACE.

FOR: instead of, in place of, in substitution of; or Grace upon Grace

 

 

- Christ as the last Adam completely recreated me

Some interesting facts about Christ being the last Adam

My life is built upon the life of Jesus Christ – the last Adam – a Life-giving Spirit:

1Co 15:45 Thus it is written, The first man Adam became a living being (an individual personality); the last Adam (Christ) became a life-giving Spirit [restoring the dead to life]. [Gen. 2:7.]

 

Last Adam (the final one)

Christ became the last Adam. (The last Adam, means the final Adam)

In Christ “Adam and the Adam nature” ceases to exist in me

The result of Jesus Christ as the last and final Adam is very profound:

The moment I am engrafted in Christ, the first Adam nature ceases to exist. I do not have two natures. In Christ I am a new creation – the old things have passed away – everything became new.

2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Rom 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

 

I now have the nature of God

2Pe 1:2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

2Pe 1:3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

2Pe 1:4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Heb 3:14 For we have become fellows with Christ (the Messiah) and share in all He has for us,[AMP] (For we have become partakers of Christ NKJV)

Rom 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 8:10 But if Christ lives in you, [then although] your [natural] body is dead by reason of sin and guilt, the spirit is alive because of [the] righteousness[that He imputes to you].(AMP)

Conclusion:

God IS Love: The meaning of the word “IS” is: “the reason for existence”

God as the loving Creator God and Father, wanted to show mercy to mankind and He did this through His Son, Jesus Christ

1Jn 4:8 ......., for God is love.

1Jn 4:9 In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

1Jn 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1Jn 4:19 We love Him because He first loved us.

Joh 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

SECTION 2 – The purpose and application of Grace

 

A) GRACE DEALS WITH SIN AND THE LAW

God deals with the question of sin and the law through grace

 

Grace is that aspect of the manifold wisdom of God which deals vigorously with the Law and with sin on our behalf.

What the Law could not achieve, i.e. “to make us righteous before God”, is being done through Grace.

Grace does not overlook or ignore sin!!

Grace is that wonderful working of God, in and through Christ which confronts sin and the law directly (head-on) and takes it completely out of the way (breaks it away).

Through Grace God also takes away completely the feelings of guilt and condemnation incurred by sin and the inability to keep the law.

 

Scriptures to confirm this:

Joh 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Either takes away or takes upon himself, in order to bear: either removal or expiation of sin. The one idea, however, is included in the other. The taking away of the sin is through His bearing it.

Expiation of sin means: to eradicate the guilt incurred by sins.

Isa 53:4 Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows;

1Jn 3:5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.

1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

1Pe 2:24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.

 

Grace is the saving and forgiving power of God released over the earth!

Grace is the operational/functional side of God – forgiving my sin and placing me in right standing with God

Act 15:11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace (the undeserved favour and mercy) of the Lord Jesus, just as they [ are]. (AMP)

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Rom 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Rom 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,

Tit 3:4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

Tit 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

Tit 3:6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour,

Tit 3:7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Heb 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honour, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

 

 

Paul emphatically states that he was saved by grace

1Ti 1:13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.

 

 

Grace is the direct link to the Holiness of God

Grace is not an open check to live a sinful and licentious life with the attitude of - “grace covers it all”.

Grace is not “a freedom to sin”, Grace is “a freedom not to sin”

 

Jude warns us about such an attitude

Jud 1:3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.

Jud 1:4 For there are certain men crept in privily, ...ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

 

No – the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ will break the power and control of sin over your life and lead you into a life of sanctification and righteousness.

Grace does not grant permission to live in the flesh – it supplies power to live in the Spirit.

Grace is the avenue that God uses to impart His Holiness into my life.

Titus 2:11-14 confirms this

Tit 2:11 For the grace of God (His unmerited favour and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind.

Tit 2:12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world,

Tit 2:13 Awaiting and looking for the [fulfilment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One),

Tit 2:14 Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds. [ Deut. 14:2; Ps. 130:8; Ezek. 37:23.] (AMP)

 

Has come forward (appeared) means: ( Tit 2:11 For the grace of God (His unmerited favour and blessing) has come forward (appeared)

To bring to light; become visible; to become clearly known; to shine upon

 

Trained us: ( Tit 2:12 It has trained us) (G3811: paideuō) means:

Originally to bring up or train up a child; to educate or discipline,

Used of activity directed toward the moral and spiritual nurture and training of the child,

To influence conscious will and action

To instruct; to correct,

To be instructed or taught or learn;

 

To summarise Titus 2:11-14

The grace of God became visible (was brought to light and became clearly known) to deliver us from sin and to grant us eternal salvation.

This grace of God teaches, educates and disciplines us and is constantly influencing our conscious will and action to actively live out the righteousness of God which was imputed to me!

The God of all grace will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us

1Pe 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace [Who imparts all blessing and favour], Who has called you to His [own] eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself complete and make you what you ought to be, establish and ground you securely, and strengthen, and settle you. (AMP)

(God will perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish us)

 

His grace gives us boldness to come into (and to live in) His holy presence

Heb 4:16 Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace ( the throne of God's unmerited favour to us sinners), that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (AMP)

 

We have grace to serve God with reverence and godly fear

Heb 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

 

By His grace He has called us to live a holy life

2Ti 1:9 [For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favour) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].

 

A life lived in the Grace of God is a life of victory over sin.

 

We reign in this life through Grace.

Rom 5:15 But the free gift is not like the offence. For if by the one man's offence many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

Rom 5:17 For if by the one man's offence death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

Rom 5:18 Therefore, as through one man's offence judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.

Rom 5:19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.

Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,

Rom 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin will not reign over us.

Rom 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Rom 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

Rom 6:13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

 

Rom 7:8 But sin, finding opportunity in the commandment [to express itself], got a hold on me and aroused and stimulated all kinds of forbidden desires (lust, covetousness). For without the Law sin is dead [the sense of it is inactive and a lifeless thing].(AMP)

Rom 4:15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

1Co 15:55 "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING? O HADES, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?"

1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.

1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Rom 5:21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so, grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

as sin reigned in death

1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. (Sin reigned in death through the Law)

 

 

Jesus said in John 10:10 that He came so that we may have life and abundance. These riches and abundance came by grace.

Joh 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

2Co 8:9 For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favour and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). (AMP)

 

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace (every favour and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [ possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. (AMP)

 

 

Grace produces spiritual growth

Col 1:5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,

Col 1:6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

 

By Grace, God made us accepted in the Beloved (Jesus Christ) and by the riches (abundance) of Grace, we have redemption and forgiveness.

By the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, we received His riches

2Co 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake, He became poor so that you through His poverty might become rich.

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Eph 1:4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,

Eph 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Eph 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace

 

2Co 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

 

 

You might say:

But I am still struggling to live victorious in certain areas of my life. Most probably it is because you have not as yet allowed Grace to overflow that area of your life. Maybe you are trying to live life by a set of rules, regulations and principles – the outflow of the Law.

Allow the fire of the Holy Spirit to purge you from religion and manmade principles and start living the Life of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

 

 

B) GRACE - THE ENABLING POWER TO FULFIL YOUR PURPOSE

 

Grace is that sustaining power flowing from God enabling you to fulfil His purpose and assignment for your life

Mary received special grace to become the mother of Jesus Christ

Luk 1:28 And the angel came in to her and said, Peace be with you, to whom special grace has been given; the Lord is with you. (BBE)

Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God became strong in spirit by Grace

Luk 2:40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.

 

Grace enabled the apostles to give witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus in the midst of persecution

Act 4:33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.

 

Paul and Silas functioned by the grace of God

Act 14:26 And from there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had [first] been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had [now] completed. (AMP)

Act 15:40 But Paul selected Silas and set out, being commended by the brethren to the grace (the favour and mercy) of the Lord.

Act 15:41 And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, establishing and strengthening the churches.

 

More examples of people in the New Testament who functioned and ministered in and by the grace of God

 

Paul

Rom 1:5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,

1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

1Co 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

 

2Co 1:12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.

Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace,

Gal 1:16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,

Gal 2:7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter

Gal 2:8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),

Gal 2:9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

Eph 3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

Eph 3:7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.

Eph 3:8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

 

Peter

1Pe 4:10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

 

1Pe 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

 

Grace to the humble

Jas 4:5 Do you think that the Scripture says in vain, The spirit that dwells in us yearns to envy?

Jas 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.

Jas 4:7 Therefore submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 

1Pe 5:5 Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

1Pe 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

C) GRACE – A SPECIAL ENDOWMENT TO TAKE YOU THROUGH DIFFICULT TIMES

Grace is that special endowment from God taking you through difficult times and keeping you focussed

 

Paul in his address to the elders in Ephesus

Act 20:19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews;

Act 20:22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,

Act 20:23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me.

Act 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

 

Paul when speaking about this great encounter which he had with God

2Co 12:1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord:

2Co 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven.

2Co 12:3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—

2Co 12:4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

2Co 12:8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me.

2Co 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

It is only by the grace of God that one can endure grief and suffer wrongfully

1Pe 2:19 For this is a grace, if for conscience toward God anyone endures grief, suffering wrongfully.

1Pe 2:20 For what glory is it if you patiently endure while sinning and being buffeted? But if you suffer while doing good, and patiently endure, this is a grace from God.

2Co 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

2Co 4:16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2Co 4:18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

D) GRACE – THE GATEWAY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

Grace as the person, Jesus Christ is the gateway to receiving the Holy Spirit and His fullness:

 

John the Baptist testified about Jesus Christ:

Joh 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him and *said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Joh 1:32 John testified saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.

Joh 1:33 "I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'

Joh 1:34 "I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."

Mat 3:11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mat 3:12 "His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

The above is also quoted in Mark 1:7-8 and Luke 3:16

Jesus Himself promised the Holy Spirit

Joh 7:37 Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.

Joh 7:38 "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'"

Joh 7:39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

Joh 14:16 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;

Joh 14:17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.

Joh 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,

Joh 16:7 "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.

Joh 16:8 "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

Joh 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Joh 16:14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.

Joh 16:15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

Joh 20:22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and *said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Act 1:5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

Act 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."

The Holy Spirit was poured out as recorded in Acts 2:4

Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Peter gave confirmation:

Act 2:16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

Act 2:17 'And it shall be in the last days,' God says, 'that I will pour forth of my Spirit on all mankind;

 

Paul writes the following concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God,

 

Rom 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

Rom 8:17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ,

Gal 3:1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?

Gal 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Gal 3:5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"--

Gal 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Tit 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Tit 3:6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour,

Tit 3:7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

 

E) APPLYING GRACE IN YOUR SPEECH

The word (“logos”) of Grace – Applying Grace in your speech

“The Word (the Logos)” is God’s creative, sustaining and maintaining power and activities

Joh 1:1 in the beginning was the Word(the Logos), and the Word(the Logos) was with God, and the Word(the Logos) was God.

Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.

Joh 1:3 all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

The reference here is to Christ Jesus – the Word that became flesh.

Joh 1:14 And the Word(the Logos) became flesh and dwelt among us,

 

Col 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Col 1:16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Col 1:17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

 

Heb 1:2 [But] in the last of these days He has spoken to us in [the person of a] Son, Whom He appointed Heir and lawful Owner of all things, also by and through Whom He created the worlds and the reaches of space and the ages of time [ He made, produced, built, operated, and arranged them in order].

Heb 1:3 He is the sole expression of the glory of God [the Light-being, the out-raying or radiance of the divine], and He is the perfect imprint and very image of [God's] nature, upholding and maintaining all things by His mighty word (Rhema) of power. (AMP)

He is also called:

The Word (the Logos) of Life

1Jn 1:1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—

The Word (the Logos) of God

Rev 19:13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.

 

The Word (the Logos – Jesus Christ) is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit

1Jn 5:7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word(the Logos) and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.

We have been born again by the Word (the Logos) of God

1Pe 1:23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word (the Logos) of God which lives and abides forever,

God created everything through the Word (the Logos - Jesus Christ) and everything that was created is being upheld and maintained by the “Rhema” Word.

God’s speaking is God’s action, because God’s speech is His energy released.

 

According to Romans 10 my speaking becomes God’s action, because my speech releases the energy of God in any given situation.

Rom 10:6 But the righteousness of faith says this: .......

Rom 10:8 ......"The Word (Rhema) is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart"; that is, the Word of Faith which we proclaim;

Rom 10:9 Because if you confess the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.

 

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word (Rhema) of God;

The moment we speak and proclaim Grace over and to people we release the creative, saving and sustaining energy of God over their lives.

 

God is urging us to speak this Word one to another

Col 3:16 Let the Word (the Logos) of Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [ all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom... (AMP)

Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

Eph 5:19 speaking to one another......

 

Examples in the Bible of the Word of His Grace

Act 14:3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Act 20:32 "So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

 

Speaking grace

The Word (the Logos) is the creative power of God and the spoken word (the Rhema) is His sustaining power. So the moment I declare grace over somebody, I as a co-worker with God, literally create and sustain grace in that person’s life

Eph 4:29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favour) to those who hear it. (AMP)

Col 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

 

Paul, Peter and John realised the tremendous power released in verbally declaring the grace of God, and they use it liberally in the following Scriptures

2Th 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,

2Th 2:17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

 

2Ti 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

 

(1Pe 1:2) ....... Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

 

1Pe 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

(2Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

 

2Pe 3:17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

2Pe 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus

 

 

Grace declared in salutations (introductory benedictions)

(Rom 1:7) To all who are in Rome: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Co 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2Co 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Gal 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,

(Eph 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Php 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Col 1:2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Th 1:1) To the church of the Thessalonians: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2Th 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Ti 1:2) To Timothy: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

(2Ti 1:2) To Timothy: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Tit 1:4) To Titus: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

(Phm 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Pe 1:2) ....... Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

(2Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

(2Jn 1:3) Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

(Rev 1:4) John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

Grace declared in closing benedictions:

1Co 16:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

2Co 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Gal 6:18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Eph 6:24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

Php 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Col 4:18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. ...Grace be with you. Amen

1Th 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

2Th 3:17 The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.

2Th 3:18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

1Ti 6:21 ...... Grace be with you. Amen.

2Ti 4:22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.

Tit 3:15 ...Grace be with you all. Amen.

Phm 1:25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Heb 13:25 Grace be with you all. Amen.

Rev 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

F) JOHN 1:16 EXPLAINED – “GRACE FOR GRACE”

 

Joh 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. (NKJV)

Different translations of John 1:16:

 

Those who portray the idea of “grace FOR grace:

(KJV) And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.

(MKJV) And out of His fullness we all have received, and grace for grace.

(NKJV) And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

(RV) For of his fullness we all received, and grace for grace.

(YLT) and out of his fullness did we all receive, and grace over-against grace;

 

Those who portray the idea of “grace UPON grace:

(AMP) For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with]one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift [ heaped] upon gift.

(BBE) From his full measure we have all been given grace on grace.

(ESV) And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

(LITV) And out of His fullness we all received, and grace on top of grace.

(NASB) For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.

 

Robertson’s Word Pictures in E-Sword gives the following explanation:

Grace for grace ( charin anti charitos ). The point is in anti, a preposition disappearing in the Koiné and here only in John. It is in the locative case of anta (end), “at the end,” and was used of exchange in sale.

See Luke 11:11, anti ichthuos ophin, “a serpent for a fish,”

Hebrews 12:2 where “joy” and “cross” are balanced against each other.

Here the picture is “grace” taking the place of “grace” like the manna fresh each morning, new grace for the new day and the new service.

 

Vincent’s Word Studies in E-Sword also elaborates on this:

Grace for grace. The preposition α ̓ ντι ́ originally means over against; opposite; before (in a local sense). Through the idea of placing one thing over against another is developed that of exchange. So Matthew 5:38, “An eye for ( α ̓ ντι ̀) an eye,” etc. This idea is at the root of the peculiar sense in which the preposition is used here. We received, not New Testament grace instead of Old Testament grace; nor simply, grace added to grace; but new grace imparted as the former measure of grace has been received and improved. “To have realized and used one measure of grace, was to have gained a larger measure (as it were) in exchange for it.” Consequently, continuous, un-intermitted grace

 

Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible (E-Sword) suggests the following:

Grace for grace - Many interpretations of this phrase have been proposed. The chief are briefly the following:

1. “We have received under the gospel, grace or favour, ‘instead of’ those granted under the law; and God has added by the gospel important favours to those which he gave under the law.” This was first proposed by Chrysostom.

3. “We have received grace ‘as grace’ - that is, freely. We have not purchased it nor deserved it, but God has conferred it on us ‘freely’” (Grotius).

4. The meaning is, probably, simply that we have received through him “abundance” of grace or favour. The Hebrews, in expressing the superlative degree of comparison, used simply to repeat the word - thus, “pits, pits,” meaning many pits (Hebrew in Genesis 14:10). So here grace for grace may mean “much” grace; superlative favours bestowed on man; favours superior to all that had been under the law - superior to all other things that God can confer on men. These favours consist in pardon, redemption, protection, sanctification, peace here, and heaven hereafter.

 

John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible (E-Sword) comments as follows:

Grace for grace: according to the different senses of the preposition αντι , different interpretations are given of this passage; as that signifies a substitution of a person, or thing, in the room of another, the sense is thought to be, the Gospel, instead of the law; or the grace of the present dispensation, instead of the grace of the former dispensation; grace, different from the former grace, as Nonnus expresses it.

Some think the phrase only designs the freeness of grace, and the free and liberal manner in which it is distributed, and received; along with which, I also think, the abundance of it, at first conversion, with all after supplies, is intended;

and that grace for grace, is the same with grace upon grace, heaps of grace ; and that the phraseology is the same with this Jewish one (k), טיבו על ההוא טיבו ,"goodness upon that goodness", an additional goodness; so here, grace upon grace, an abundance of it, an addition to it, and an increase of it: so חדו על חדו (l), joy upon joy, is an abundance of joy, a large measure of it; and "holiness upon holiness" (m), abundance of it,

 

The following explanations are given for the word “FOR” (Greek 473 – “anti”):

Strong:

Opposite , that is, instead or because of (rarely in addition to): - for, in the room of.

Thayer:

1) Over against, opposite to, before

2) For, instead of, in place of (something)

Wordstudy:

antí ; preposition with the general meaning of over against, in the presence of, in lieu of.

By way of substitution, in place of, instead of (Luke 11:11; 1Corinthians 11:15; James 4:15)

As implying succession (Matthew 2:22, the one king succeeding the other)

In John 1:16, translated with "for" in the phrase "and grace for grace," meaning grace upon grace, most abundant grace, one favour in place of or after another. God's grace is not given once-and-for-all, but there is a renewal of it that is constant.

 

Given all these insightful explanations of “Grace for or upon Grace” I will elaborate on the two mainstream interpretations:

 

1) FOR: instead of, in place of, in substitution of:

Under the law it was God’s prerogative to decide to whom he wanted to show mercy and grace.

 

Noah

Gen 6:6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

 

 

Moses

Exo 33:17 So the LORD said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name."

Exo 33:18 And he said, "Please, show me Your glory."

Exo 33:19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

God has, in Christ forfeited His right to decide to whom He wants to extend grace.

The very moment I am in Christ, God is legally obliged to pour out His grace and mercy upon my life!!

 

Jesus Christ came to the earth

Joh 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and GRACE FOR GRACE.

FOR: instead of, in place of, in substitution of.

“OPTIONAL” Grace was replaced by “LEGALLY OBLIGATED” Grace.

 

 

2) UPON: one grace after another; favour upon favour; continuous, un-intermitted grace:

 

There are no limits to God’s grace. It reaches to the highest mountain; it flows to the deepest valley; it reaches the unreachable and touches the untouchable.

The more we grow in understanding of the love and grace of God, the more we can receive it and apply it to our daily lives and live a victorious life.

I totally agree with the Amplified Bible translation of this Scripture:

Joh 1:16 For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received [all had a share and we were all supplied with]one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favour upon favour and gift [heaped] upon gift.

 

Grace is indeed the never ending story of the love of God towards us!

 

 

G) GRACE - MERCY– PEACE

 

When it comes to God dealing with sin, “Grace and Mercy” go hand in hand

 

The concept “grace” has already been explained and I will now focus on the concepts, “mercy” and “peace”

 

MERCY: ( G1656 : eleos)

Explanations of the concept “Mercy” given by different authors:

 

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (E-Sword)

In the New Testament “mercy” (eleos) is associated with “grace” (cháris) in the apostolical greetings and elsewhere.

The difference between them is that the freeness of God's love is the central point of charis (grace), while eleos (mercy) has in view misery and its relief;

Charis (grace) is His free grace and gift displayed in the forgiveness of sins - extended to men as they are guilty;

His eleos (mercy) (is extended to them) as they are miserable

 

- Thayer’s Greek Definitions (E-Sword)

Mercy : kindness or goodwill towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them

 

- The Complete Word Study Dictionary ( E-Sword)

Special and immediate regard to the misery which is the consequence of sin

Compassion, active pity

"The mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ" means salvation through Christ;

 

It is always grace and mercy that we find in the apostolic salutations, for as we experience guilt for our sin and receive God's grace, we also need mercy to alleviate the consequences of our sins which may remain unaffected by grace. The guilt and power of sin must be removed through God's grace before the alleviation of the misery of sin can be experienced.”

“Charis” (grace) is God's free grace and gift displayed in the forgiveness of sins as offered to men in their guilt.

“Eleos” (mercy) is extended for the alleviation of the consequences of sin.

Grace identifies the free nature of salvation, that which is unmerited and without obligation.

 

Mercy is the application of grace and rescues us from the pathetic condition of our sinfulness.

 

Grace takes away my sins and breaks the power of sin in my life, while mercy takes away every feeling of guilt!!!

 

 

Peace:

“Peace” is one of the great and awesome blessings flowing from grace and mercy

Grace and peace are combined together in the following salutations:

(Rom 1:7) To all who are in Rome: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Co 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2Co 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Gal 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,

(Eph 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Php 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(Col 1:2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Th 1:1) To the church of the Thessalonians: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(2Th 1:2) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Ti 1:2) To Timothy: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

(2Ti 1:2) To Timothy: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Tit 1:4) To Titus: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

(Phm 1:3) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

(1Pe 1:2) ....... Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

(2Pe 1:2) Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,

(2Jn 1:3) Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.

(Rev 1:4) John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne,

 

The meaning of PEACE - Taken from “The Complete Word Study Dictionary” on E-Sword)

“Peace (eirḗnē [G1515]) refers us to the effect of salvation, namely, that we were set free from the condemnation of sin and reconciled to God. This is true not only objectively in that we no longer stand before God as enemies but now as beloved children; but this is also true subjectively in that we have been relieved of the hostility in our hearts toward God and the torment of guilt in our consciences.

 

Further explanation on the concept “peace”

Peace constitutes welfare, prosperity, every kind of good and arises from reconciliation with God and from a sense of a divine favour bestowed on us.

It denotes all the blessings which accompany and flow from that reconciliation.

Peace is the assurance of your salvation through Christ, fearing nothing from God and consequently living a life of contentment and rest.

Peace is the direct result of redemption by Christ:

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Eph 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

Eph 2:15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,

Eph 2:16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

Eph 2:17 and He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near;

Jesus is also referred to as the “Lord of Peace” meaning we receive our peace through Him

2Th 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Rom 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

The “God of peace”

God is said to be the “God of peace”, meaning peace is a blessing of which God alone is the author and source and He is the only One who can bestow it on us. It is a free gift from God flowing from His grace and mercy.

Rom 15:33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

1Th 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Heb 13:20 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord,

Peace is for now

Peace is the precious present possession of the believer - it denotes the state of the children of God in this present life.

God's peace is independent of outside conditions  and is the fruit of salvation, guarding our hearts and minds.

It is not influenced by negative or positive circumstances

Php 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

Php 4:7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The expression "with peace" means with good wishes, benediction, and kindness

The salutation: "Peace be unto you” means “every good wish”

"Peace unto this house" means “every good wish for this house”

Shalom:

In the Old Testament the equivalent word for peace is “shalom” and means: wholeness, soundness, health, well-being, prosperity, completeness and welfare

Jesus as the Messiah is called “the Prince of Peace” in Isaiah 9:6

Isa 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. (NASB)

Isa 9:7 Of the increase of His government and of peace there shall be no end, (AMP)

 

H) FAVOUR – ANOTHER DIMENSION OF GRACE

The Greek word “Charis” is mostly translated as “Grace” in the New Testament, but sometimes also as “Favour”

In the Old Testament

The Hebrew word used for favour is “Ratson”

As a Noun - “Ratson” (H7522) means:

Favour; goodwill; acceptance; desire; pleasure, and the benefits flowing from these;

A kind act; kindness done or granted; benevolence shown by word or deed;

A gift or present; something bestowed as an evidence of good will;

“Ratson – favour” represents a concrete reaction of the superior to an inferior; the position one enjoys before a superior who is favourably disposed toward him.

Pro 19:12 The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favour is like dew on the grass.

When used of God, “ratson” may represent that which is shown in His blessings

As a Verb – “ratsah” (H7521) means:

To be pleased with or favourable to, be delighted with, be graciously received; make one favoured.

To regard with kindness; to support; to aid or have the disposition to aid, or to wish success to; to be propitious to; to befriend; to encourage..

In the New Testament

Favour, Favoured

The Greek word “Charis” is mostly translated as “Grace” in the New Testament, but sometimes also as “Favour”

As a Noun– “ charis” (G5485) – translated as “favour” meaning the following:

"Grace in a person, graciousness,"

"Grace on the part of a giver, favour, kindness,

“Charis” is translated as favour in the following Scriptures:

Luk 1:30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favour with God.

Luk 2:52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men.

Act 2:46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,

Act 2:47 praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Act 7:9 "The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him,

Act 7:10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.

Act 7:46 "David found favour in God's sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

As one can gather from the above explanations and use of the word “favour” that this concept is another profound application of “Grace”

It is used as being favoured by God, but mostly of finding favour with other people, in your workplace and in other secular settings. I believe this is also worked by God, e.g. Joseph found favour in the sight of Pharaoh and was made governor over Egypt.

I want to encourage you – understand and live in the Grace of God and you will find favour with other people, even with those who are not children of God

 

Grace implies more than favour; grace is a free gift, favour may be deserved or gained .

Another profound application of the word “favour” as a verb is the Greek word

“charitoo” (G5487), which means:

To endow with charis - grace, primarily signifying:

"To make graceful or gracious," or "to cause to find favour,"

The word “charitoo” is only used twice in the New Testament in the following instances:

The birth of Jesus Christ is announced

Luk 1:26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

Luk 1:27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

Luk 1:28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured -“charitoo” - ("endued with grace"), the Lord is with thee: blessed artthou among women. (KJV)

We have been made accepted and adopted as sons by grace in Christ Jesus

Eph 1:5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted - “charitoo” in the Beloved.

(NKJV)

Other translations read:

“The glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved”

 

In the case of Mary special grace (favour) was imparted to her to enable her to fall pregnant with the Son of God.

I believe God will still today endue us with special favour to do extra-ordinary things for Him in this earth

 

SECTION 3 – It is finished! No more law!

 

Grace proclaims – Free at Last: No more “Law”

 

A) GRACE VERSUS THE LAW

A choice unto life vs a choice unto death

 

Grace, in the Person of Jesus Christ, completely fulfilled the Law of Moses!

Mat 5:17 Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfil them.(AMP)

 

Meaning of the word “fulfil” NB! NB!

 

With regard to the “Law”:

To thoroughly accomplish

To bring to an end by completing it

To perform fully

To reach its goal

 

With regard to the “Prophets”:

To accomplish or perform that which was foretold or prefigured in the Old Testament by the prophets

To prove fully

To confirm with the fullest evidence

 

Quotation from “The Complete Word Study New Testament” by Spiros Zodhiates, Page 948:

“When Jesus said that He came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfil, meaning that He came not only to fulfil the types and prophecies by His actions and sufferings, but also to perform perfect obedience to the law of God in His own Person and to enforce and explain it fully by His doctrine. Thus He has fully satisfied the requirements of the law.”

 

Grace was ever present right from the start of creation

 

The grace of God toward mankind started with creation of man:

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

 

The breath of life:

One of the significant meanings of “the breath of life” is: “the Grace of God”

God inflated man with His grace and that was one of the vital keys to walking in God’s purposes and plans.

When Adam and Eve sinned, this vital key, Grace was forfeited.

 

Grace in the Old Testament after the fall of man:

The bestowing of grace in the Old Testament (after the fall of man) was dependable upon God’s decision. It was His prerogative to show grace and mercy upon whoever He wills.

This prerogative of God was dramatically changed in Chris Jesus – more on this later on.

Exo 33:18 And he (Moses) said, "Please, show me Your glory."

Exo 33:19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

 

Examples of grace in the Old Testament as coming from God

Gen_6:8But Noah found grace (favour) (grace^H2580) in the eyes of the Lord. (AMP)

stands as the fundamental application of this word, meaning: an unmerited favour or regard in God's sight.

 

Gen 18:1 Now the LORD appeared to him (Abraham) by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day.

Gen 18:2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth,

Gen 18:3 and said, "My Lord, if now I have found favour in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by.

Exo 3:20 "So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles which I shall do in the midst of it; and after that he will let you (Moses) go.

Exo 3:21 "I (the Lord) will grant this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be that when you go, you will not go empty-handed.

 

Exo 33:17 So the LORD said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name."

2Sa 15:25 The king (David) said to Zadok, "Return the ark of God to the city. If I find favour in the sight of the LORD, then He will bring me back again and show me both it and His habitation.

 

Psa 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD will give grace and glory; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Psa 102:12 But You, O LORD, abide forever, And Your name to all generations.

Psa 102:13 You will arise and have compassion on Zion; For it is time to be gracious to her, For the appointed time has come.

Psa 145:8 The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy.

Zec 12:10 "And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced.

God gave Joseph favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh . Acts 7.

Act 7:9 "The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him,

Act 7:10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household.

The prophet Isaiah speaks of this time of divine grace (favour) – the day of the Lord – when all the blessings of the Covenant will be poured out on God’s people – referring to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

Isa 49:8 Thus says the LORD, "In a favourable time I have answered You, And in a day of salvation I have helped You; And I will keep You and give You for a covenant of the people, To restore the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritages;

 

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;

Isa 61:2 To proclaim the favourable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,

 

 

B) WHERE DID THE LAW ORIGINATE FROM?

I believe it is of vital importance to know where the Law of Moses came from, because knowledge of this will give us complete understanding of why it was necessary for Christ to come and to fulfil the Law (to bring it to an end by completing it)

 

It all started in the Garden of Eden

Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Gen 2:8 The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed.

Gen 2:9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

 

Adam and Eve (having a free will) had a choice between life and death

Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;

Gen 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

 

Of all the trees in the garden there were these two significant ones: “the tree of life” and “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”.

 

THE TREE OF LIFE SIGNIFIED THE ABUNDANT LIFE OF GOD.

It was designed for their use, to support and maintain their natural life,

Adam and Eve were free to partake of the fruit of the “Tree of Life” and that would have given them the abundant life of God and with that immortality (Some calls it the “tree of immortality”).

 

It might be also a sign, token, and symbol to them of their dependence on God; that they received their life from God; and that this life was preserved by His blessing and providence, and not by their own power and skill; and that this would be continued, provided they transgressed not the divine law - “of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat”

For this reason it was impossible for God to allow them to eat of the fruit of the “Tree of Life” after they have sinned and God drove them out of the Garden of Eden – otherwise they would have gained immortality in a sinful state.

 

Christ is now to us the Tree of life and the Bread of life:

Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me.

Joh 11:25 Jesus said to her, I am the Resurrection and the Life! He who believes in Me, though he die, yet he shall live.

Joh 6:48 I am the Bread of life.

Joh 6:51 I am the Living Bread which came down from Heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread, he shall live forever.

Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Rev 22:2 In the midst of its street, and of the river, from here and from there, was the Tree of Life, which bore twelve fruits, each yielding its fruit according to one month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

 

What is the “tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil”?

Gen 2:9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

 

The word “knowledge” or “to know” also means:

To experience; to be skilful; to consider; to have a relationship

It also implies the exercise of the affections

“Good “ means:

Well pleasing; morally correct; proper; convenient; useful and profitable; abundant and plentiful; kind and benevolent; wellbeing; happiness

 

“Evil” means:

Bad; disagreeable; unwholesome; harmful; destructive; terrifying; heavy in heart; poor quality; ugly in appearance; poisonous; negative

 

“The tree of the knowledge of good and evil” is “God’s second best way of living” - the knowledge of what is wrong and what is right.

Through disobedience they forfeited the privilege of living life according to God’s best – His blessings, His Word and His Spirit together with the possibility of immortality should they partake of the “Tree of Life”.

They chose to live by the secondary source - the knowledge of good and evil.

The forbidden fruit

The Jewish people firmly believe that the forbidden fruit was a pomegranate – a round tropical fruit containing 613 (six hundred and thirteen) seeds in a juicy red pulp representing the Law of Moses which consists of 613 different laws, by-laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations.

NB! Today we still have this choice between life and death

What happened when Adam partook of the “Tree of the knowledge of good and evil”?

He chose death and this resulted in sin entering the world and through sin, death spread to all men

Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

Rom 3:10 as it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one;

Rom 3:11 there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God."

Rom 3:12 "They are all gone out of the way, they have together become unprofitable, there is none that does good, no, not one."

Rom 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

The moment Adam and Eve partook of its fruit, the Law with all its guilt, condemnation and resultant death was released over the earth (released but not yet written). They immediately experienced guilt and condemnation.

 

The Law released but not yet written:

Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

 

The writing of the Law ushered in knowledge of sin and constant sin consciousness which stands in direct opposition to grace:

Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

 

Although Christ Jesus completely fulfilled the Law, the Law is not abolished. I can still revert to the law and live life by its ordinances and statutes. By doing this I move away from Grace.

 

The result of Adam partaking of the fruit of the “Tree of the knowledge (experience) of good and evil” was absolutely devastating:

 

Sin and death entered the world

Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned—

Rom 5:13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Rom 5:14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come.

None is righteous because nobody was able to keep the Law perfectly

Rom 3:10 as it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one;

Rom 3:11 there is none that understands, there is none that seeks after God."

Rom 3:12 "They are all gone out of the way, they have together become unprofitable, there is none that does good, no, not one."

Knowledge of sin and feelings of guilt and condemnation overwhelmed mankind the moment the Law of Moses was given

Rom 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

The religious spirit released:

Satan has no life in himself to impart in other people like Christ has.

Life, eternal life is in God through Jesus Christ

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.

 

Joh 17:3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

The only alternative which Satan can offer to the life in Christ is “religion” – a set of rules and regulations to adhere to. Satan knew what the result would be of partaking of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil and that is why he did everything in his power to persuade man to eat of this fruit. The very moment they ate of these fruit the religious spirit, emanating from Satan linked up with the Law thus channelling religion through the Law. He used God’s second best to further his course and today the religious spirit is still rampant in the earth – every religion on earth has its origin here – driven by the cunningness of the devil.

That is the reason why Satan so fiercely opposed Jesus trying to prevent Him from going to the cross, because he knew the Law of Moses as well as the religious spirit (which is his greatest weapon) will be completely nullified at the cross.

Thank God, Jesus cried out on the cross “it is finished” and died, completely blotted out the Law and religion. Now I serve God in the newness of the Spirit and I can fully live out the original purpose of God:

"Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule”

To summarize:

The Law originated in the Garden of Eden as a result of man’s disobedience. Man was henceforth unable to walk in God’s original intend and purpose as spelled out in Genesis 1:28 "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule”

That is one of the main reasons why Jesus came to fulfil the Law – to bring us back to God’s original plan for us.

In Christ Jesus the Law has completed a full circle – the first Adam (a living soul) took us out of God’s plan – the Last Adam, Jesus Christ (a life giving Spirit) restored and reinstated the fullness of God in us.

 

C) THE LAW OF MOSES fulfilled BY CHRIST

 

The law of Moses was completely fulfilled and taken out of the way by Christ. We are now once more enabled to walk in Grace!

 

Absolute freedom flows from embracing this truth, because through His grace I can again live life as God has intended it for us – in righteousness and without sin consciousness – in the fullness of CHRIST!

 

Insertion:

It is of the utmost importance that we should discern between the “law of God” and “the Law of Moses”

The “Law of God” consists of specific instructions (commands, guidelines, teachings) given by God to specific people in special circumstances, seasons and dispensations, e.g. God’s dealing with Abraham; whereas the “Law of Moses” consists of the 613 laws, by-laws, statutes, ordinances and commandments that God gave specifically to Israel through Moses.

 

Listen to what God is saying to Isaac: (concerning the Laws of God)

Gen 26:4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;

Gen 26:5 because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws."

“Because Abraham obeyed my summons and kept my charge--my commands, my guidelines, my teachings." (MSG)

 

Genesis 26:4-5 do not refer to the Law of Moses, because this happened way before the Law was given in writing

Abraham walked in the ways of God long before the Law was given.

Abraham’s obedience was displayed in all the acts of his new life. He kept the charge of God, the special commission He had given him; His commandments, His express or occasional orders; His statutes and His stated prescriptions.

 

Jesus said:

Joh 8:56 Your forefather Abraham was extremely happy at the hope and prospect of seeing My day (My incarnation); and he did see it and was delighted.[Heb. 11:13.]

Gen 15:6 And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

Jas 2:23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS." And he was called the friend of God.

Abraham pleased God through faith and obedience, and not by the keeping of the Law of Moses.

Seeing that I belong to Christ I am a descendant of Abraham (taken out of the bloodline of Adam through rebirth and placed in the blessed bloodline of Abraham) and as such I am no more subjected to the Tree of knowledge of good and evil (the Law of Moses)

 

Gal 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.

To fully understand my statement that the Law of Moses was completely fulfilled and taken out of the way by Christ, we first have to gain knowledge and understanding of the covenant that God cut with Abraham

 

God only cut a covenant with Abraham – Not with Moses

The moment God cut a covenant with Abraham He already had in mind the fulfilment of the Law of Moses (which was not yet written at that stage).

 

FIRST – A CLOSER LOOK AT THE COVENANT THAT GOD CUT:

 

Different types of covenants were made in the Old Testament – some between God and men and some between men themselves, BUT

 

NB! God only cut one covenant!

I.E.: the unilateral one that He cut with Abraham

 

The cutting of the covenant with Abraham

Gen 15:9 So He said to him, "Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."

Gen 15:10 Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two.

Gen 15:17 And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.

Gen 15:18 On the same day the LORD made (CUT) a covenant with Abram, saying: "To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates—

Gen 15:19 the Kenites, the Kenezzites, the Kadmonites,

Gen 15:20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim,

Gen 15:21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites."

 

Meaning of: to (CUT) a covenant

H3772 ka ̂ rath kaw-rath'

To cut (off, down or asunder); by implication to destroy or consume; specifically to covenant ( that is, make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutting flesh and passing between the pieces):

To cut or make a covenant, deriving from the practice of cutting an animal in two in the covenant ceremony. God cut a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18).

A covenant was always CUT this way.

An animal (or animals) were cut in two and the inferior party to the covenant (or in some instances – both parties) would walk between the bleeding pieces of the split animals reciting the following: “ May the gods do so to me (and more also) as was done to these animals, if I do not fulfil the terms of this covenant.”

Because God knew that Abraham would regard himself as the inferior party, He allowed Abraham to fall in a deep sleep and He (God) made Himself the inferior party to the covenant and passed between the cut animals.

The smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces (a single blazing fire), was God Himself (the Shekinah - the manifested glory) who passed between these pieces!

SO – God, as the promising Party, cut a unilateral covenant with Abraham, with Abraham’s seed and with his descendants. God initiated the covenant set the conditions and cut the covenant. God’s oath was unilateral, unconditional, with no requirements demanded from Abram as his part in this covenant. Abram simply believed.

This dramatic cutting of the covenant with Abraham prefigures the precious gift of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ in whom this covenant was finally confirmed.

Jesus made Himself of no reputation to die on a degrading cross for all humanity – in this way His flesh was cut and the unilateral covenant of God made applicable to the whole world. We simply have to believe it

 

In the heavens this was actually a covenant cut between God and His Son, Jesus Christ manifesting in visibility through Abraham.

The Bible is quite clear about this in Galatians 3

Gal 3:16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "AND TO YOUR SEED," who is Christ.

Gal 3:17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ,that it should make the promise of no effect.

Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Gal 3:19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.

Everyone who is in Christ is part of this covenant

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"--

Gal 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (NASB)

 

Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (NKJV)

 

God never “cut” a covenant with Moses!!

 

 

The covenant that God cut with Abraham was implemented in two phases:

 

The first phase of implementation started when Israel were slaves in Egypt and is called “the Old Covenant” and lasted until the crucifixion of Christ

Exo 2:23 Now it happened in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.

Exo 2:24 So God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.

Exo 2:25 And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God acknowledged them.

 

By this time Israel was already a strong nation, but in slavery. When God heard the groaning of Israel He remembered His covenant with Abraham and his descendants and He called Moses to take Israel out of Egypt

 

Remembered: A verb meaning: to mention, to recall, to think about, to think on, to acknowledge, making known.

Thus, the first implementation of the covenant was through Moses when he took Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. During that time God established and instituted the LAW with all its statutes, ordinances and judgements.

The Israelites were totally dependent on keeping the Law in its totality. Everything – their breakthroughs, successes and acceptance by God – was determined by keeping the Law.

The lives of God’s people were directed by the Law of Moses with all its 613 laws, statutes, ordinances and by-laws.

This was their way of living

Note: I elaborate extensively on the Covenant and the Law of Moses in the Second Dispensation Teachings!!

The Law of Moses was only temporarily!! Until Christ came – the second and final implementation of the covenant, which is called “the New Covenant”

The second and final phase of implementation was fulfilled in Christ – in His finished work when His flesh was cut at the Cross.

On the cross Christ cried out “it is finished” and He gave up the ghost. At that point the veil which has blocked the way to the Holiest of All was rent in two symbolizing the fact that we now have free access to the intimate presence of God.

 

I will now show you step by step how the law was completely fulfilled and taken out of the way by Christ. Grace is now the governing factor

The ways of God

In the Old Testament times the lives of God’s people were directed by the law of Moses with all its 613 laws, statutes, ordinances and by-laws.

This was their way of living

 

This way of living was changed completely by and in Christ.

 

Under the Law (the Old Covenant) the outcome of my life was determined by what I DID (keeping the Law) – under the New Covenant (Grace) the outcome of my life is determined by my understanding and receiving of what CHRIST DID!!

 

 

In Christ we are now able to walk in the ways of God and according to His thoughts and not live life according to the Law of Moses

 

In the Old Covenant there was a distance between God’s thoughts and our thoughts, between His ways and our ways – (confirmed in Isaiah 55)

Isa 55:8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.

Isa 55:9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Isa 55:10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater,

Isa 55:11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

In the above Scripture God is emphasizing the fact that: “His thoughts are not our thoughts” and “His ways are higher than our ways”.

But immediately He is giving a promise:

“The word that goes forth from His mouth shall be like the rain and snow that come from heaven – it will produce a result and will not return void”.

 

In the New Covenant I am enabled to know the thoughts of God and walk in His ways

 

Indeed the Word (the Logos) went forth from God fulfilling this promise in Christ Jesus

Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Joh 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.

Joh 1:3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Joh 1:4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, FULL of grace and truth.

Joh 1:16 And of His FULLNESS we have all received, and grace for grace.

 

The ways of God:

The Word came down from God’s mouth (became flesh – Jesus Christ).

He is now “the Way” and in Him I am now acquainted and familiar with His ways.

By grace I now no longer live by the law, but according to the Holy Spirit who is ever teaching me His ways.

 

Jesus boldly declared in John 14

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.

Jesus Christ as the manifested great “I AM” personally became the way TO God and the ways OF God – a new way of living – not by the Law but by the Spirit in Christ Jesus

Rom 7:6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

 

Rom 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)! (AMP)

Rev 15:3 And they sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, Mighty and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God the Omnipotent! Righteous (just) and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the ages (King of the nations)! (AMP)

 

 

The Holy Spirit is constantly teaching us His ways, ever revealing God’s will, purpose and plans to us:

Joh 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever--

Joh 14:17 The Spirit of (THE) Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.(AMP)

Joh 14:26 But the Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall ( will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you.(AMP)

Joh 15:26 And when the Comforter has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me.

Joh 16:12 I have still many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or to grasp them now.

Joh 16:13 But when He, the Spirit of (THE)Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].

Joh 16:14 He will honour and glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.(AMP)

 

 

The thoughts of God:

Rom 11:34 For who has known the mind of the Lord and who has understood His thoughts, or who has [ever] been His Counsellor? [ Isa. 40:13, 14.]

 

Paul says that we have the mind of Christ:

1Co 2:16 For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa. 40:13.] (AMP)

 

The laws of God (not the Law of Moses) are written in our hearts and minds:

Heb 8:10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds, even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. (AMP)

Heb 10:16 This is the agreement (testament, covenant) that I will set up and conclude with them after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their hearts, and I will inscribe them on their minds (on their inmost thoughts and understanding),

Heb 10:17 He then goes on to say, And their sins and their lawbreaking I will remember no more. (AMP)

Paul reminds us of a constant renewal of our minds so that we can fully understand the purposes of God

Rom 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [ in His sight for you]. (AMP)

Eph 4:22 Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion;

Eph 4:23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude],

Eph 4:24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.

Eph 4:25 Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbour, (AMP)

The Holy Spirit gives us knowledge, understanding, insight and wisdom – He is the One together with the Word who renew our minds

Isa 11:2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him--the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the reverential and obedient fear of the Lord--

Isa 11:3 And shall make Him of quick understanding,

 

 

My life is not built upon a set of rules, regulations and principles – that is religion

My life is built upon the life of Jesus Christ - lived by the Holy Spirit

My life is now directed and sustained by grace

 

 

Under the law it was God’s prerogative to decide to whom he wanted to show mercy and grace, but He forfeited that right in Christ Jesus!

 

Noah

Gen 6:6 And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.

Gen 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

Moses

Exo 33:17 So the LORD said to Moses, "I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name."

Exo 33:18 And he said, "Please, show me Your glory."

Exo 33:19 Then He said, "I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

God has, in Christ forfeited His right to decide to whom He wants to extend grace.

The very moment I am in Christ, God is legally obliged (bound by His own promise and covenant) to pour out his grace and mercy upon my life!!

 

Jesus Christ came to the earth

Joh 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and GRACE FOR GRACE.

FOR: instead of, in place of, in substitution of.

“OPTIONAL” Grace was replaced by “LEGALLY OBLIGATED” Grace.

 

Col 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

Col 1:20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Col 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

Col 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and

 

Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but (THE)grace and (THE)truth came through Jesus Christ.

 

Grace, in the Person of Jesus Christ, completely fulfilled the Law of Moses!

Mat 5:17 Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfil them.(AMP)

 

Meaning of the word “fulfil” NB! NB!

 

With regard to the “Law”:

To thoroughly accomplish

To bring to an end by completing it

To perform fully

To reach its goal

 

With regard to the “Prophets”:

To accomplish or perform that which was foretold or prefigured in the Old Testament by the prophets

To prove fully

To confirm with the fullest evidence

 

 

Quotation from “The Complete Word Study New Testament” by Spiros Zodhiates, Page 948:

“When Jesus said that He came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfil, meaning that He came not only to fulfil the types and prophecies by His actions and sufferings, but also to perform perfect obedience to the law of God in His own Person and to enforce and explain it fully by His doctrine. Thus He has fully satisfied the requirements of the law.”

 

 

D) SCRIPTURES ON THE LAW, CHRIST AND GRACE

 

More scriptures to confrim and explain the position of the law in relation to Christ and His Grace.

 

Freely you have received, freely give - no pre-conditions as in the Law of Moses

 

Jesus made this significant statement in Matthew 10:7-8

Mat 10:7 "And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

Mat 10:8 "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.

This has got nothing to do with forbidding them to receive any form of remuneration for preaching the gospel

 

The meaning of the word “freely” explains it all:

Freely (Greek – dorean) has the following meaning attached to it:

Without hindrance or restraint, gratuitously, undeservedly, without charge

Freely (dorean) comes from the Greek word “dorea” which means:

“A free gift, stresses its gratuitous character ”

 

Jesus is thus saying the following to His disciples in Mat 10:8?

“I did not put any hindrance or restraint of the Law on you when I ministered my grace to you. See to it that you do exactly the same – do not enforce the requirements of the Law when you preach my gospel. Do not lay any burdens (of the Law) upon the people.

 

The word “freely – dorean” appears in the following Scriptures confirming its gratuitous character (a free gift):

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Rom 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

 

Rev 21:6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.

Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

 

 

Christ met every pre-condition of the Law by dying on the cross – that is the reason why He cried out “IT IS FINISHED” before He died

Joh 19:30 Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

Finished means:

Completed; perfected; to bring to an end; to end; to accomplish; fulfil; to bring to a close

 

Jesus said that a new garment cannot be put on an old garment and new wine cannot be put in old wineskins

Luk 5:36 And He was also telling them a parable: "No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise he will both tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.

Luk 5:37 "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined.

Luk 5:38 "But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.

Luk 5:39 "And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough.'"

 

Jesus was talking to the Pharisees about some questions regarding the Law of Moses when He gave this parable about the new garments and new wine. It is quite obvious that He was referring to the new way of life under grace – grace is never compatible with the Law

In Luke 5:39 He emphasises the fact that it is difficult for someone who is so prejudiced by the Law to change to something as drastically new as the Gospel of Grace

 

“The prejudiced person will not even try the new, or admit that it has any merits. He knows that the old is pleasant, and suits him; and that is enough; he is not going to change” (Plummer- Robertson’s Word Pictures – E-Sword).

Christ is the end of the Law - elabouration on Romans 10:4

Rom 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

“Christ is the end of the law” – this part is placed first in the sentence to emphasize the point of thought. This Scripture is conveying the following about the Law:

 

“Christ is the end of the law” means the following:

1. Christ is the goal or aim of the law –

meaning either that the intent of the law was to make men righteous, which was accomplished in Christ, or that the law became our tutor to Christ

Gal 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.

 

2. Christ is the fulfilment of the law – He completely blocked and sealed it off

Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfil.

3. The Law was terminated by Christ. He put a stop to the law as a means of salvation

To those who are in Christ the Law has no longer legislative authority to command: “Do this and live; do this or die”. Paul is pointing out two opposing systems, the one based on doing (the Law), the other on believing (righteousness by faith). The system of faith, represented by Christ, brings to an end and excludes the system of law. The Jews, in holding by the system of law, fail of the righteousness which is by faith. (See also Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:2-14)

Christ put a stop to the law as a means of salvation

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Eph 2:15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,

Col 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

Col 2:14 having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Luk 16:16 "The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time the gospel of the kingdom of God has been preached,

Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but (THE)grace and (THE)truth came through Jesus Christ.

The main idea of Romans 10:4 is that Christ ended the law as a method of salvation for “every one that believes” whether Jew or Gentile.

Christ wrote “finish” on the Law as a means of salvation.

 

The ministry of death and condemnation versus the ministry of the Spirit and righteousness

2Co 3:7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones (the Ten Commandments), was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,

2Co 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

2Co 3:9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

2Co 3:15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.

2Co 3:16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

 

Righteousness is through Grace

Rom 3:19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (and also sin consciousness)

Rom 3:21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,

Rom 3:22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;

Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Rom 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

 

 

The promises of God to Abraham are obtained by faith, according to Grace and not through the works of the Law

Rom 4:13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Rom 4:14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect,

Rom 4:15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

 

By faith we were moved from one “position” (the Law) to another “position” (Grace)

Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Rom 5:2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

 

Paul states it as a fact – we are not under law, but under grace

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under (underneath) law but under (underneath) grace.

Message translation : Rom 6:14 Sin can't tell you how to live. After all, you're not living under that old tyranny any longer. You're living in the freedom of God.

 

By death we are freed from the Law and now married to Christ to walk in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

Rom 7:1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I speak to those who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?

Rom 7:2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband dies, she is released from the law of her husband.

Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband lives, she marries another man, she will be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law, so that she is no adulteress, though she has married another man.

Rom 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God.

(Message Translation of Romans 7:4: When Christ died he took that entire rule-dominated way of life down with him and left it in the tomb, leaving you free to "marry" a resurrection life and bear "offspring" of faith for God.)

Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.

( Message Translation of Romans 7:5: For as long as we lived that old way of life, doing whatever we felt we could get away with, sin was calling most of the shots as the old law code hemmed us in. And this made us all the more rebellious. In the end, all we had to show for it was miscarriages and stillbirths.)

Rom 7:6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

 

The law of the Spirit of the life in Christ freed me from the law of sin and death enabling me to live according to the Spirit

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Young’s Literal Translation: for the law of the Spirit of the life in Christ Jesus did set me free from the law of the sin and of the death)

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, [ subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice AMP]

Rom 8:4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the fleshbut according to the Spirit. [ our lives governed not by the standards and according to the dictates of the flesh, but controlled by the Holy Spirit AMP]

Jesus came to take away the first and establish the second

Heb 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Heb 10:5 Therefore when He comes into the world, He says, "Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but You have prepared a body for Me.

Heb 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You have had no pleasure.

Heb 10:7 Then I said, Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God."

Heb 10:8 Above, when He said, "Sacrifice and offering, and burnt offerings and offering for sin You did not desire, neither did You have pleasure in them" (which are offered according to the Law),

Heb 10:9 then He said, "Lo, I come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first so that He may establish the second.

Heb 10:10 By this will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

 

Christ is the Mediator of a better covenant to replace the old one.

He is now writing His laws in our hearts

Under the Old Covenant (the Law) there was a constant reminding of sin – under the New Covenant (Grace), God remembers my sins and my iniquities no more

Heb 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much He is also the Mediator of a better covenant, which was built upon better promises.

Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been without fault, then no place would have been sought for the second.

Heb 8:8 For finding fault with them, He said to them, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, and I will make an end on the house of Israel and on the house of Judah; a new covenant shall be,

Heb 8:9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt," because they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not regard them, says the Lord.

Heb 8:10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My Laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Heb 8:11 And they shall not each man teach his neighbour, and each man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest.

Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more."

Heb 8:13 In that He says, A new covenant, He has made the first one old. Now that which decays and becomes old is ready to vanish away.

 

Heb 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.

Heb 10:15 The Holy Spirit also is a witness to us; for after He had said before,

Heb 10:16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord; I will put My Laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,"

Heb 10:17 also He adds, "their sins and their iniquities I will remember no more."

Heb 10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

 

 

Man is not justified by the law or by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ

Gal 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

Gal 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

Gal 2:19 For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.

[Gal 2:19 For I through the Law [under the operation of the curse of the Law] have [in Christ's death for me] myself died to the Law and all the Law's demands upon me, so that I may [henceforth] live to and for God.(AMP)]

Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ (when Christ was crucified, the Law was crucified with Him); it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Gal 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God(I do not make the grace of God of no effect); for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

Gal 3:11 But that no one is justified by the Law in the sight of God is clear, for, "The just shall live by faith."

Gal 3:12 But the Law is not of faith; but,

 

Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the Law resulting in us now partaking of the blessing of Abraham (righteousness given through the covenant) and receiving the promised Holy Spirit

Gal 3:5 Then He supplying the Spirit to you and working powerful works in you, is it by works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

Gal 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.

Gal 3:7 Therefore know that those of faith, these are the sons of Abraham.

Gal 3:8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations through faith, preached the gospel before to Abraham, saying, "In you shall all nations be blessed."

Gal 3:9 So then those of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Gal 3:10 For as many as are out of works of the Law, these are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the Book of the Law, to do them."

Gal 3:11 But that no one is justified by the Law in the sight of God is clear, for, "The just shall live by faith."

Gal 3:12 But the Law is not of faith; but, "The man who does these things shall live in them."

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone having been hanged on a tree");

Gal 3:14so that the blessing of Abraham might be to the nations in Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith .

The Law was our tutor (trainer) until Christ (the Seed of Abraham) came

Gal 3:15 Brothers, I speak according to man, a covenant having been ratified, even among mankind, no one sets aside or adds to it.

Gal 3:16 And to Abraham and to his Seed the promises were spoken. It does not say, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, " And to your Seed," which is Christ.

Gal 3:17 And I say this, A covenant having been ratified by God in Christ, the Law (coming into being four hundred and thirty years after) does not annul the promise, so as to abolish it.

Gal 3:18 For if the inheritance is of Law, it is no more of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by way of promise.

Gal 3:19 Why then the Law? It was added because of transgressions, until the Seed should come to those to whom it had been promised, being ordained through angels in the Mediator's hand.

Gal 3:20 But the Mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

Gal 3:21 Is the Law then against the promises of God? Let it not be said! For if a law had been given which could have given life, indeed righteousness would have been out of Law.

Gal 3:22 But the Scripture shut up all under sin, so that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under Law, having been shut up to the faith about to be revealed.

Gal 3:24 So that the Law has become a trainer of us (our guardian, our tutor) until Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal 3:25 But faith coming, we are no longer under a trainer.

Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:27 For as many as were baptized into Christ, you put on Christ.

Gal 3:28 There cannot be Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is no male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

 

“The faith” of Galatians 3:23 & 25 explained

Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.

Gal 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.

Gal 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

 

The word Faith (actually “the faith”) in these two verses refers to the Person of Christ who is the Source of our faith and means the following:

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, has come and through faith in Him we obtain eternal salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God

Not my faith, but His faith that never ever waivers

God sent forth His Son to redeem those who were under the law

Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Gal 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Rom 8:15 For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

The law produces slaves. The Spirit by grace produces sons of God.

 

We are saved by grace and not by works

Rom 11:5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

 

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Eph 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Eph 2:9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

 

The priesthood of the Law has changed, and there is of necessity also a change of the law. We are now governed by the Law of the Spirit of the life in Christ Jesus, our High Priest

Heb 7:11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?

Heb 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law.

 

The Levitical Priesthood has come to an end. A new Priesthood was established under our High Priest, Jesus Christ, according to the order of Melchizedek, and we now enjoy a 24/7 access to the most Holy presence of God.

The Law of the Levitical priesthood only condemned, while there is no condemnation under our new High Priest, Jesus Christ:

Rom 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

 

Paul spoke to the people at Antioch – by Jesus everyone who believes is justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Act 13:38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man (Jesus) is preached to you the forgiveness of sins;

Act 13:39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

 

The church in Antioch was confronted with the problem of mingling the law and grace

Act 15:1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."

Act 15:2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question.

Act 15:4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the apostles and the elders; and they reported all things that God had done with them.

Act 15:5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

Act 15:6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

Act 15:7 And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: "Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.

Act 15:8 So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us,

Act 15:9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

Act 15:10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

Act 15:11 But we believe that through (through=the channel of the act) the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they."

Act 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles.

 

NB!

I can choose to either function from grace or from the law, or I can mingle the two.

I can choose to live from “The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil” (the Law) or to live from “The Tree of Life”

 

 

Justification by the law; means we have fallen from grace.

You do not fall from Grace when you sin – you fall from Grace when you attempt to be justified by the Law .

Gal 1:6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

Gal 1:7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Gal 2:21 I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain."

Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Gal 5:2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.

Gal 5:3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

Gal 5:4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

2Co 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

2Co 6:1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

 

Heb 12:14 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Heb 12:15 looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Heb 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them

 

Guilt and condemnation flows from the Law, while blessings flow from Grace

Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Gal 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"--

Gal 3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The blessing of Abraham is the blessing of “righteousness” – the ability to stand before God without any feeling of guilt or condemnation

 

I can attract all the blessings flowing from God by adhering to the advice given in the following Scriptures:

Rom 12:17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.

1Th 5:15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

1Pe 3:8 To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;

1Pe 3:9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.

1Pe 3:10 For, "The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.

 

 

Inherit a blessing means:

To take into possession; to receive the portion assigned to one, receive as one’s own or as a possession

 

From the above we gather that it is possible to be born again and still not enjoy all the blessings of salvation, because the moment I return evil for evil, or insult for insult, I stop the flow of blessings to my life.

I can inherit blessings the moment I bless other people (bless means to speak well of and to speak good things over others), especially those who have done me wrong. So when someone has done me wrong, for me to inherit blessings, I have to not only forgive, but also have to speak well of that person and proclaim well being over him/her.

My wife, Averille received the following revelation from God regarding the above:

The moment you speak bad or gossip about other people, or slander people you find yourself functioning under the Law, because the Law is always judgemental and condemning.

The danger of functioning under the Law is that you have fallen from grace and have been severed from Christ and no blessing will flow to your life.

Gal 5:4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

 

Always remember: Grace covers my weaknesses, but also weaknesses in other people

 

Rest your hope fully upon the grace

1Pe 1:10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

1Pe 1:12 To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things which angels desire to look into.

1Pe 1:13 Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

 

The Law could never inherit the Promises of God

Moses never entered the Promised Land, because it would have been a manifestation that the Law (of which Moses was the representative and personification) could take into possession the promises of God.

Only Grace can take hold of what God has measured out for us.

 

The Law of commandments is called “the enmity” - a barrier of dividing wall between Israel and the rest of the world excluding the Gentiles from God. This enmity was abolished and put to death through the cross of Christ. All are now one new man in Christ:

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Eph 2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

Eph 2:15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace,

Eph 2:16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.

 

Jesus completely wiped out the handwriting of requirements (the Law) by nailing it to the cross

Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,

Col 2:14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

(AMP)Col 2:14 Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.

Col 2:15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Col 2:16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,

Col 2:17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

Col 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Col 2:19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Col 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—

Col 2:21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,"

Col 2:22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men?

Col 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

E) HOW DID CHRIST WIPE OUT THE LAW?

 

How did Christ wipe out the handwriting of requirements (the law)?

 

A very significant statement is made in the Hebrews 9 where the layout and priestly service of the Tabernacle of Moses is described

Heb 9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

Heb 9:2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary;

Heb 9:3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All,

Heb 9:6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.

Heb 9:7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;

Heb 9:8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.(NKJV)

This first tabernacle represented the Law with its religious order of the day and was blocking the way to the permanent heavenly spiritual Holiest of All – the intimate presence of God.

One of the assignments of Jesus was to take the first tabernacle out of the way and to open up the way to the presence of God for all nations

 

That is the reason why Jesus said in John 14:6

Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV)

 

Jesus is now starting to prepare the way to His Father

An interesting story is recorded in John 2 where Jesus visited the temple in Jerusalem and drove those out of the temple who were doing business there

Joh 2:13 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Joh 2:14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business.

Joh 2:15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned the tables.

Joh 2:16 And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!"

Joh 2:17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, "ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE HAS EATEN ME UP."

The Jews asked Jesus

Joh 2:18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?"

Jesus’ answer is very significant

Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

Joh 2:20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"

Joh 2:21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Joh 2:22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

Jesus was referring to His body when He challenged the people to destroy this temple. His body symbolically became the first tabernacle to be destroyed at the end of His life on earth.

 

Jesus’ body (the first tabernacle) was systematically broken down in the most horrific way (this was prophesied in detail by Isaiah)

Isa 53:2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, And like a root out of parched ground; He has no stately form or majesty That we should look upon Him, Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.

Isa 53:3 He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

Isa 53:5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed.

Isa 53:7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He did not open His mouth; Like a lamb that is led to slaughter, And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, So He did not open His mouth.

Isa 53:10 But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,

 

The breaking down of the first tabernacle:

The fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)

Luk 22:63 Now the men who held Jesus mocked Him and beat Him.

Luk 22:64 And having blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck You?"

Luk 23:16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him"

Joh 19:1 So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.

Mar 15:15 Wishing to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.

 

Concerning the scourging Psalm 129:3 has the following to say:

Psa 129:3 "The plowers plowed upon my back; They lengthened their furrows."

 

Mar 15:17 They *dressed Him up in purple, and after twisting a crown of thorns, they put it on Him;

Mar 15:18 and they began to acclaim Him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

Mar 15:19 They kept beating His head with a reed, and spitting on Him,

Luk 23:21 But they shouted, saying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him!"

Joh 19:16 Then he delivered Him to them to be crucified. Then they took Jesus and led Him away.

Joh 19:17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha,

Joh 19:18 where they crucified Him,

Mar 15:25 It was the third hour when they crucified Him.

 

Mar 15:33 When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.

Mar 15:34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?" which is translated, " MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

Luk 23:46 And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, "Father, 'INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.' " Having said this, He breathed His last.

Joh 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, "It is finished!" And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Mar 15:38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

Joh 19:33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.

Joh 19:34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

 

 

“Scourging” and “Crucifixion”

I will now elaborate on the concepts “Scourging” and “Crucifixion”. This will give us a vague idea of what Jesus went through to ensure salvation and freedom from the Law for us:

Mat 27:26 Then he (Pilate)let Barabbas go free: but after having Jesus whipped (scourged), he gave him up to be put to death on the cross. (BBE)

 

Scourge; Scourging; whipped:

The scourging before the crucifixion was a brutal Roman custom and was part of the capital punishment.

Among the Romans it was customary to scourge or whip a “slave” before he was crucified. This was done to inflict greater suffering, than crucifixion would be alone, and to add to the horrors of the punishment. Our Lord, being about to be put to death after the manner of a slave, was also treated as a slave as one of the lowest and most despised of mankind.

 

The instrument used in scourging:

(Taken from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia – E-Sword)

A Roman implement for severe bodily punishment. Horace calls it horribile flagellum. It consisted of a handle, to which several cords or leather thongs were affixed, which were weighted with jagged pieces of bone or metal, to make the blow more painful and effective. It is comparable, in its horrid effects, only with the Russian knout. The victim was tied to a post (Act_22:25) and the blows were applied to the back and loins, sometimes even, in the wanton cruelty of the executioner, to the face and the bowels. In the tense position of the body, the effect can easily be imagined. So hideous was the punishment that the victim usually fainted and not rarely died under it. It usually preceded capital punishment

Thank God by His stripes we are healed

 

The crucifixion of Jesus

The Cross

(Taken from Fausset’s Bible Dictionary – E-Sword)

The instrument of a slave's death, associated with the ideas of pain, guilt, and ignominy. Scourging generally preceded crucifixion: Jesus bore His own cross toward Golgotha outside the city (Heb_13:12;), but sinking exhausted probably He was relieved, and it was transferred to Simon of Cyrene;

 

Crucifixion described by different authors:

Easton:

Crucifixion

(Taken from Easton’s Bible Dictionary – E-Sword)

A common mode of punishment among heathen nations in early times

This was regarded as the most horrible form of death, and to a Jew it would acquire greater horror from the curse in Deu_21:23.

This punishment began by subjecting the sufferer to scourging.

The condemned one carried his own cross to the place of execution, which was outside the city, in some conspicuous place set apart for the purpose. Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs of the sufferer. Our Lord refused this cup, that his senses might be clear (Mat_27:34).

The accounts given of the crucifixion of our Lord are in entire agreement with the customs and practices of the Roman in such cases. He was crucified between two “malefactors” (Isa_53:12; Luk_23:32), and was watched by a party of four soldiers (Joh_19:23; Mat_27:36,Mat_27:54), with their centurion. The “breaking of the legs” of the malefactors was intended to hasten death, and put them out of misery ( Joh_19:31); but the unusual rapidity of our Lord's death (Joh_19:33) was due to his previous sufferings and his great mental anguish. The omission of the breaking of his legs was the fulfilment of a type (Exo_12:46). He literally died of a broken heart, a ruptured heart, and hence the flowing of blood and water from the wound made by the soldier's spear (Joh_19:34).

 

Smith:

Crucifixion

(Taken from Smith’s Bible Dictionary – E-Sword)

Crucifixion was in used among the Egyptians, Gen_40:19, the Carthaginians, the Persians, Est_7:10, the Assyrians, Scythains, Indians, Germans, and from the earliest times, among the Greeks and Romans. Whether this mode of execution was known to the ancient Jews is a matter of dispute. Probably, the Jews borrowed it from the Romans. It was unanimously considered the most horrible form of death.

The one to be crucified was stripped naked of all his clothes, and then followed the most awful moment of all. He was laid down upon the implement of torture. His arms were stretched along the cross-beams, and at the centre of the open palms, the point of a huge iron nail was placed, which, by the blow of a mallet, was driven home into the wood. Then through either foot separately, or possibly through both together, as they were placed one over the other, another huge nail tore its way through the quivering flesh.

Whether the sufferer was also bound to the cross, we do not know; but, to prevent the hands and feet being torn away by the weight of the body, which could not "rest upon nothing but four great wounds," there was, about the centre of the cross, a wooden projection strong enough to support, at least in part, a human body, which soon became a weight of agony. Then, the "accursed tree", with its living human burden, was slowly heaved up and the end fixed firmly in a hole in the ground. The feet were but a little raised above the earth. The victim was in full reach of every hand that might choose to strike.

A death by crucifixion seems to include all that pain and death can have of the horrible and ghastly, -- dizziness, cramp, thirst, starvation, sleeplessness, traumatic fever, tetanus, publicity of shame, long continuance of torment, horror of anticipation, mortification of untended wounds, all intensified just up to the point at which they can be endured at all, but all stopping just short of the point which would give to the sufferer the relief of unconsciousness.

The unnatural position made every movement painful; the lacerated veins and crushed tendons throbbed with incessant anguish; the wounds, inflamed by exposure, gradually gangrened; the arteries, especially of the head and stomach, became swollen and oppressed with surcharged blood; and, while each variety of misery went on gradually increasing, there was added to them, the intolerable pang of a burning and raging thirst. Such was the death to which Christ was doomed. -- Farrar's "Life ofChrist."

The crucified was watched, according to custom, by a party of four soldiers, Joh_19:23, with their centurion, Mat_27:66, whose express office was to prevent the stealing of the body. This was necessary from the lingering character of the death, which sometimes did not supervene even for three days, and was, at last, the result of gradual benumbing and starvation. But for this guard, the persons might have been taken down and recovered, as was actually done, in the case of a friend of Josephus. Fracture of the legs was especially adopted by the Jews to hasten death. Joh_19:31.

In most cases, the body was suffered to rot on the cross by the action of sun and rain, or to be devoured by birds and beasts. Sepulture [burial or internment] was generally, therefore, forbidden; but in consequence of Deu_21:22-23, an express national exception was made in favour of the Jews. Mat_27:58. This accursed and awful mode of punishment was happily abolished by Constantine.

 

 

Barnes:

And they crucified him –

(Taken from “Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible” on E-Sword)

To “crucify” means to put to death on a cross. The “cross” has been described at Mat_27:32. The usual manner of the crucifixion was as follows: After the criminal had carried the cross, attended with every possible gibe and insult, to the place of execution, a hole was dug in the earth to receive the foot of it. The cross was laid on the ground; the person condemned to suffer was stripped and was extended on it, and the soldiers fastened the hands and feet either by nails or thongs. After they had driven the nails deeply in the wood, they elevated the cross with the agonizing sufferer on it, and, in order to fix it more firmly in the earth, they let it fall violently into the hole which they had dug to receive it. This sudden fall gave to the person that was nailed to it a violent and convulsive shock, and greatly increased his sufferings. The crucified person was then suffered to hang, commonly, until pain, exhaustion, thirst, and hunger ended his life. Sometimes the sufferings continued for days; and when friendly death terminated the life, the body was often suffered to remain - a loathsome object, putrefying in the sun or devoured by birds.

This punishment was deemed the most disgraceful and ignominious that was practiced among the Romans. It was the way in which slaves, robbers, and the most notorious and abandoned wretches were commonly put to death. It was this, among other things, that exposed those who preached the gospel to so much shame and contempt among the Greeks and Romans. They despised everything that was connected with the death of one who had been put to death as a slave and an outlaw.

Since it was the most ignominious punishment known, so it was the most painful

The following circumstances made it a death of special pain:

1. The position of the arms and the body was unnatural, the arms being extended back and almost immovable. The least motion gave violent pain in the hands and feet, and in the back, which was lacerated with stripes.

2. The nails, being driven through the parts of the hands and feet which abound with “nerves,” created the most exquisite anguish.

3. The exposure of so many wounds to the air brought on a violent inflammation, which greatly increased the poignancy of the suffering.

4. The free circulation of the blood was prevented. More blood was carried out in the arteries than could be returned by the veins. The consequence was, that there was a great increase of blood in the veins of the head, producing an intense pressure and violent pain. The same was true of other parts of the body. This intense pressure in the blood-vessels was the source of inexpressible misery.

5. The pain gradually increased. There was no relaxation and no rest. There was no prospect but death. The sufferer was commonly able to endure it until the third, and sometimes even to the seventh day. The intense sufferings of the Saviour, however, were sooner terminated. This was caused, perhaps, in some measure, by his previous fatigue and exhaustion, but still more by the intense sufferings of his soul in bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows in making an atonement for the sins of the world.

End of insertion

 

I don’t think words can truly describe the horrific death that Jesus suffered for the forgiveness of our sins and to free us from the Law of Moses.

 

 

F) A SURGEON’S PERSPECTIVE ON CHRIST’S CRUCIFIXION

 

The scourging and crucifixion of our Lord through the eyes of a surgeon

 

Christ’s crucifixion from a medical point of view

The following was taken from the website: www.crucifixion1.com (with permission - granted as per the under mentioned email)

from:	WILLIAM GREENE <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
to:	Deon Gerber <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>,  gudoc96 <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
date:	Mon, May 20, 2013 at 3:10 PM
subject:	crucifixion
mailed-by:	hotmail.com

Dear Deon 
I am pleased that you found my work useful. One of my goals is to share this powerful message with the world. 
As I believe I mentioned at the end, I did not do the research for publication. I use it only for group PowerPoint presentations. 
I did not keep notes on where I obtained the information. In many cases, the original words were so powerful, I used them directly. This is acceptable for my purposes, but might be considered plagiarism, if used in print. 
You have my permission to use my material. Keep me informed of your progress. 
I will be happy to make presentations in S. Africa, but need transportation funding. 
Dr Bill Greene

Taking into account all the pain, agony and suffering that Jesus went through on our behalf, let us take heed of the words written in Hebrews 10

Heb 10:9 then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second.

Heb 10:10 By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Heb 10:14 For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Heb 10:15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us; for after saying,

Heb 10:16 " this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws upon their heart, and on their mind I will write them ," He then says,

Heb 10:17 "and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

Heb 10:18 Now where there is forgiveness of these things, there is no longer any offering for sin.

Heb 10:19 Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

Heb 10:20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh,

Heb 10:21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

Heb 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

 

LET US HONOUR GOD BY ACCEPTING AND RECEIVING HIS GRACE UNCONDITIONALLY!!

 

 

 

SECTION 4 – Grace and the Holy Spirit

 

A) THE WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH REGARDS TO GRACE

 

The Day of Pentecost or Shavuot where Moses received the Law (Torah)

Shavuot is a major Jewish festival (the Festival of Weeks) held on the 6th (and usually the 7th) of Sivan, fifty days after the second day of Passover. It originally began as a harvest festival, but it also commemorates the revelation at Sinai and the giving of the Torah (the Five Books of Moses)

Shavuot is also called the Day of Pentecost.

It was on this day that God visited His people after their exodus from Egypt and through Moses, brought the Law down from Mount Sinai. This day of visitation is the birthday of the nation of Israel. Moses brought down the Torah or Law for the nation.

"From the day that Israel went out of Egypt, unto the day that the law was given, were fifty days”

According to the later Jews, the day of Pentecost was kept also as a festival to commemorate the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai.

 

 

The Day of Pentecost where the church was born and the Holy Spirit was given

Acts 2:

Act 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Act 2:2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Act 2:3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them.

Act 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

50 days from when Christ, our Passover has been sacrificed God again visited His people by His Holy Spirit . But on this occasion God's presence is not as unapproachable as on the former visitation back at Sinai, where only Moses could stand in His presence.

Back at Sinai it was a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, but this visitation on the Day of Pentecost was quite different – it was inspired by grace and not the law.

Tongues of fire came down from heaven to rest upon consecrated individuals gathered to wait upon God. Moses had seen the burning bush that was not consumed by the fire – similarly tongues of fire descended and rested upon the hundred and twenty people in the upper room, not to consume them but to fill them with the Holy Spirit. This was the beginning of the Holy Spirit outpouring continuing until today (according to Revelation 5:6)

Rev 5:6 And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.

Whereas three thousand people had died under the Law on the previous visitation three thousand are now saved by Grace as the Apostle Peter preaches to the crowds coming up to the Feast. And so on this awesome day, the Day of Pentecost comes to its appointed New Covenant fulfilment - the day on which the Church is born.

It is noteworthy that this feast is called the time of the giving of the Torah, rather than the time of the receiving of the Torah. We are constantly in the process of receiving the Torah - we receive it every day, but it was first given at this time. Thus it is the giving, not the receiving, that makes this feast significant.

God gave it to Moses – Moses received it and gave it to Israel.

The same with the Day of Pentecost (the outpouring of the Holy Spirit) –

We celebrate the Giving of the Holy Spirit to us.

 

God gave Jesus the Spirit without measure.

Joh 3:34 For since He Whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaims God's own message], God does not give Him His Spirit sparingly or by measure, but boundless is the gift God makes of His Spirit! [Deut. 18:18.] (AMP)

 

Jesus Christ our Lord, received the Spirit and gave Him to us.

Act 2:32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.

Act 2:33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.

Jesus commanded us to receive the Spirit

Joh 20:21 Then Jesus said to them again, Peace to you! [Just] as the Father has sent Me forth, so I am sending you.

Joh 20:22 And having said this, He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit!

 

Why is the Holy Spirit so important with regard to Grace?

Because the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of (the) Grace!! (the Person – Grace – Jesus Christ)

Heb 10:29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

(AMP)thus profaning it and insulting and outraging the [Holy] Spirit [Who imparts] grace (the unmerited favour and blessing of God)? [Exod. 24:8.]

 

Wherever the Bible speaks of “The Spirit of....” it points to that specific work of the Spirit in explaining, revealing and imparting the contents, quality and value of that which follows the word “of” e.g.:

The Spirit of Truth – is the Holy Spirit revealing and imparting God’s Truth to you

The Spirit of Christ – is the Holy Spirit at work revealing everything about Christ to you

The Spirit of God – is the Holy Spirit revealing the deep things of God to you

Etc., etc

 

 

The Spirit of grace

The Holy Spirit reveals and imparts to us the fullness and completeness of Grace – of Jesus Christ as God’s manifestation of Grace to us.

Without the Holy Spirit it will be impossible to understand and grasp the depth of Grace.

For Israel:

The Passover lamb that was sacrificed symbolised their deliverance and exodus from Egypt.

The Torah provided the requirements by which they had to live by.

 

For the believer:

The death and resurrection of our Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ is our deliverance from a life of sin. The Holy Spirit is now guiding us into all Truth, taking us into the fullness of Grace and teaching us the complete and finished work of Christ.

 

 

- A few examples in the Bible of the profound working of the Holy Spirit with regards to Grace

 

It is only by the impartation and revelation of the Holy Spirit that we can come to know everything that God has done for us by His Grace.

1Co 2:9 But as it is written: "eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

1Co 2:10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

1Co 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given (given by grace) to us by God.

 

The meaning of “that we might know” in 1 Cor 2:12 is “to know and understand intuitively” through the revelation of the Holy Spirit

“Freely given” means: That which are conferred on us as a matter of grace or favour.

 

 

The ministry of death versus the ministry of the Spirit:

2Co 3:2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;

2Co 3:3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.

2Co 3:4 And we have such trust through Christ toward God.

2Co 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God,

2Co 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2Co 3:7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones (the Ten Commandments),was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away,

2Co 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious?

2Co 3:9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

2Co 3:10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels.

2Co 3:11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

2Co 3:12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—

2Co 3:13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away.

2Co 3:14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament (the Law♦ ), because the veil is taken away in Christ

2Co 3:15 But even to this day, when Moses (the Law♦) is read, a veil lies on their heart.

2Co 3:16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (A constant revelation by the Spirit about the fullness and completeness of Christ given freely to us and our unhindered access to it ♦ )

2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

♦ My own insertion.

 

 

The law of the Spirit....sets me free from the law of sin and death and we now walk in the newness of the Spirit.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death.

Rom 7:6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter.

 

 

The righteous requirement of the law is fulfilled in us by the Spirit.

Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,

Rom 8:4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

 

 

The Law produces slavery – the Spirit produces sons of God

Rom 8:15 For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] nota spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [ the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.

 

 

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law so that we can receive the promised Holy Spirit.

Gal 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"),

Gal 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 

 

 

Jesus redeemed those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. As sons we receive the Spirit of His Son (the Spirit conveying the fullness of Jesus to us) to take into possession our inheritance in Christ

Gal 4:1 Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all,

Gal 4:2 but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father.

Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.

Gal 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Gal 4:5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Gal 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"

Gal 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

 

 

Sons of God are led by the Spirit and not by their natural senses. We are no longer subject to the spirit of slavery to fear (a result of the law), but we have received the Spirit of adoption (the Spirit producing sonship)

Rom 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

Rom 8:15 For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father!

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. (AMP)

 

 

Paul is contrasting the flesh (the keeping of the law and the results worked by it) with the Spirit. We received the Spirit not by the works of the law, but through faith.

Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?

Gal 3:2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?—

Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

Gal 3:4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?

Gal 3:5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

 

Only by walking in the Spirit can I overcome the lust of the flesh (which is an outflow of the law - 1Co 15:56 Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power through the Law. AMP)

Gal 5:16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 

The Holy Spirit is ever applying the finished work of Jesus Christ (the redemption from sin and the law) to my life.

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

You are not under the law:

You are under a different dispensation - the dispensation of the Spirit. You are free from the restraints and control of the Mosaic Law, and are under the control of the Spirit of God.

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

 

 

Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Keeping in mind that Paul’s letter to the Galatians is all about the question of should the Law be kept or not.

Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

Gal 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

The flesh (the resultant outflow of the Law) will always produce corruption, but the Spirit will always produce everlasting life (life without limitations).

 

 

No condemnation for those who are in Christ and walk according to the Spirit

Rom 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Rom 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh,

Rom 8:4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (NASB)

 

Every work in the Kingdom will be done and finalised by the Spirit through Grace.

Zec 4:6 So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit ,' Says the LORD of hosts.

Zec 4:7 'Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone With shouts of "Grace, grace to it!" '

B) THE FLESH VS THE HOLY SPIRIT

 

The Flesh as an outflow of the Law

versus

The Holy Spirit (The one who will always take me into the fullness of the finished work of Jesus Christ)

 

Life lived in and by the Holy Spirit opposed to life lived by the law through the dictates of the flesh – Overcoming the flesh by walking in Grace through the Holy Spirit

 

In this Teaching on “Grace” we have talked a lot about the Law and the Holy Spirit, but there is another significant concept mentioned in the Bible which requires our attention – that is the concept of “the flesh”.

I believe clarity on this subject will empower and enable you to walk in the Spirit and thereby reign in this life over the flesh

 

 

I) DEFINITION OF THE CONCEPT “FLESH”

 

The term “flesh” in the Bible has different meanings and connotations attached to it. Here are some of the main ones:

 

General meaning of the word “flesh”

1) Flesh is the soft substance of the living body, which covers the bones and is permeated with blood of both man and animals

 

2) Flesh also means: the whole body of man

 

3) The term “All Flesh” means: all living things having flesh, and particularly humanity as a whole

 

4) Flesh is "the weaker element in human nature," as in: Matthew 26:41 and Romans 6:19

Mat 26:41 "Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Rom 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

 

5) To be "wise after the flesh," as in 1 Corinthians 1:26 means: “with wisdom acquired by mere human study without the Spirit

 

With regard to Christ the word “flesh” has the following connotations:

1) The human nature of Christ (John 1:14, “The Word was made flesh.”)

Compare also 1Timothy 3:16 and Romans 1:3:

1Ti 3:16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh,

 

2) The complete person (personality) of Christ (John 6:51-57)

Joh 6:51 "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh."

Joh 6:52 Then the Jews began to argue with one another, saying, "How can this man give us His flesh to eat?"

Joh 6:53 So Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves.

Joh 6:54 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.

Joh 6:55 "For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.

Joh 6:56 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.

Joh 6:57 "As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me.

Joh 6:58 "This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever."

" And the bread . . . is my flesh," mentioned by Jesus in John 6:51 means that Jesus Himself is the principle of life and nutrition to the regenerated person;

See also Matthew 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."

 

3) The expression “in the days of His flesh," in Hebrews 5:7, means: His past life on earth in distinction from His present resurrected life

 

When “flesh” is used in relation to the Law and the Holy Spirit it means the following

1) The human nature without the Holy Spirit

 

2) The mind which is not renewed – also called the “carnal mind” (Romans 8:7; 12:2)

Rom 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God;

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

3) The unregenerate state of man; man not being renewed (Romans 7:5),

Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death .

Note the link between the flesh and the Law of Moses – the Law arouses sinful passions resulting in a life lived in the flesh

 

4) “The seat of sin in man” and “ the sinful element of human nature as opposed to the “Spirit” ( 1John 2:16; Romans 6:19; Matthew 16:17)

1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

 

Rom 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Mat 16:17 And Jesus said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.

 

5) To live “according to the flesh” is to live and act sinfully according to the dictates of the flesh (Romans 8:4, 5, 7 and 12).

II) ORIGIN OF THE FLESH AND HOW IT OPERATES

 

The flesh originated from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil, which is also the origin of the Law

 

A brief overview of the creation of man and how man started to live by the dictates of the flesh

(See First Dispensation Teachings: “Created in His Image to function in His Likeness” for a detailed teaching on the creation process)

Man was created a spirit being in the image of God, who is a Spirit.

Man, as a spirit being was attached to this Spirit God and was thus able to walk in and by the Holy Spirit. His life was governed by the Word of God, the blessing of God and by the Holy Spirit

However man fell in sin by eating of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil and was detached from God thus forfeiting the ability to walk in the Spirit (he existed now without the Holy Spirit). Man also had to live without the blessing of God and the power of the Word of God.

Man is now alienated from God and instead of being governed by the Spirit of God working through his spirit, he is now governed by his flesh working through his soul dimension.

Man as a social being (now separated from God) was unable to live life on his own and he desperately had to find another system which could direct and govern his life. His flesh (his nature without the Holy Spirit) found that in the Law of Moses – man had a feeling of satisfaction and security in keeping the Law - a feeling of pleasing God.

 

The relationship between the Law and the flesh

The flesh, functioning out of guilt and condemnation is constantly seeking recognition and acceptance from God and man - the flesh always wants to impress God and his fellow man. One way of achieving this is for the flesh to adhere to manmade rules, regulations and principles and by keeping the Law – and by doing this, man has a feeling of, “I deserve to be blessed, because I have performed”.

Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.

Rom 8:3 For God has done what the Law could not do, [its power] being weakened by the flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]. Sending His own Son in the guise of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, [ God] condemned sin in the flesh [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice], [Lev. 7:37.] (AMP)

That is the reason why people feel secure in doing things like:

- Tithing in order to be blessed by God and to avert being cursed,

- Sowing a seed (money) to obtain a harvest,

- Paying first fruits to gain benefits,

- Submitting to the authority of leaders, and

- Living up to the expectations of others in order to be accepted by society and not being rejected, etc.

The Bible confirms the above:

Gal 6:12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

The Law, which is the backbone of the flesh, was released over mankind the moment they ate of the “Tree of knowledge of good and evil” and since then man’s flesh (the human nature now without the Holy Spirit) endeavoured to find favour with God by keeping the Law. The flesh found a safe haven in the Law, thus trying to impress God.

The Law finds expression through the flesh (the carnal mind). The flesh acts as a channel for everything that the Law wants to obtain and achieve.

The Jezebel spirit and the authoritarian spirit were released over the earth the moment Adam and Eve fell in sin and the flesh is driven by these two spirits. (More on this in another Teaching)

 

 

Why is the Law and the flesh so detrimental to us?

Sin entered into this world through Adam and death entered through sin

Rom 5:12 Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned--

 

Sin is described as the sting of death (the channel through which death flows) and sin is kept alive and active by the Law – the power of sin is the Law finding expression through the flesh

1Co 15:56 the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; (the strength of sin is the law.)

The word “power” or “strength” (Greek: dunamis) used in this Scripture is the same word for “power” used in Acts 1:8 where Jesus told His disciples that they will receive power when the Holy Spirit will come upon them

 

The Law (and the keeping of the Law) is the driving force behind sin which eventually leads to death. That is the reason why Jesus came to fulfil the Law (to complete it and take it out of the way) – He annulled the driving force behind sin so that we can live victorious through the Holy Spirit.

After annulling the Law, Jesus forgave us our sins (took it away completely), cleansed us from all guilt and condemnation and imputed His righteousness to us.

As one can see from the above – the Law and the flesh work hand in hand – the one compliment the other. The Law finds visible expression through the flesh and the flesh finds comfort and security in the Law

 

 

 

 

 

III) THE DEVASTATING RESULTS OF LIVING BY THE FLESH

The flesh only produces death and hostility towards God. It cannot please God:

Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.

 

Rom 8:5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

Rom 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so,

Rom 8:8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

 

 

The flesh can take you captive and that captivity can take you away from the fullness of Christ:

Col 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

The desire of the flesh to uphold the Law will sever you from Christ and will make you fall from grace

Gal 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Gal 5:2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.

Gal 5:3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.

Gal 5:4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

The flesh produces guilt and condemnation which can lead to all kinds of sicknesses and diseases

The flesh leads to division amongst people and in the church:

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.

1Co 3:2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;

1Co 3:3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?

1Co 3:4 For when one says, "I am of Paul," and another, "I am of Apollos," are you not carnal?

 

Paul’s answer to division is – preach Christ and Him alone:

1Co 2:2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

 

1Ti 6:3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,

1Ti 6:4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,

1Ti 6:5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

The significant results of those who sow to the flesh as opposed to those who sow to the Spirit

Keeping in mind that Paul’s letter to the Galatians is all about the question of should the Law be kept or not (should believers be circumcised or not).

Gal 6:6 The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.

Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

Gal 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Gal 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

The flesh (the resultant outflow of the Law) will always produce corruption, but the Spirit will always produce everlasting life (life without limitations – the good things of God).

Galatians 6:6-9 is closely related to what Jesus said in John 10:10

Joh 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).

Satan (depicted as a thief here) through deception stole, killed and destroyed Adam and Eve’s intimate relationship with God in the Garden of Eden.

Jesus came and restored life and abundance back to us

Sowing to one’s own flesh means to still believe Satan’s lies and live a life according to the flesh which will only result in the destructive and corruptive deeds (works) of the flesh as described in Galatians 5:19-21

Gal 5:19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

Gal 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Sowing to the Spirit means to embrace the fullness of the life and abundance of Jesus Christ by the power and ability of the Holy Spirit which will result in bringing forth the fruit of the Spirit and a life without limitations.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Living life through the flesh results in ugly deeds (works) of the flesh – carnal thoughts and deeds:

Gal 5:19 Now the deeds (doings, practices, works) of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

Gal 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

Gal 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Those who practice the deeds of the flesh will never inherit the Kingdom of God:

1Co 6:9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals,

1Co 6:10 nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

1Co 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption.

 

Gal 5:21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 

To inherit means:

To take into possession; to receive the portion assigned to one, receive as one’s own or as a possession

 

To inherit the Kingdom of God means:

To gradually advance in the kingdom and take into possession what is measured out for you in the kingdom.

The kingdom is a realm of power, strength and authority. Partaking in the works of the flesh deprives you of a privileged position of ruling and reigning, while walking in the Spirit will allow you to operate in the power and authority of the kingdom

 

There is only one way to see, enter and inherit the Kingdom of God and that is to be born again (born from above, born from the Spirit) – the flesh can never know God, never walk with Him and never have a relationship with Him:

Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Joh 3:4 Nicodemus *said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?"

Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Joh 3:6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Joh 3:7 "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

Tit 3:3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

Tit 3:4 But when the kindness of God our Saviour and His love for mankind appeared,

Tit 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

Tit 3:6 whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour,

 

 

IV) FLESH VERSUS THE HOLY SPIRIT – OUR FREEDOM IN CHRIST

 

Life in the flesh flows from the Law, whereas life in the Spirit flows from the fullness of the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is therefore of vital importance to have full insight and understanding of the finished work of Christ.

The Law, although coming from God is not compatible with the Holy Spirit.

The Law (the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil) finds practical expression through the flesh (the carnal mind)

The fullness of Christ (the Tree of Life - His finished work) is practically expressed and implemented in us, by and through the Holy Spirit

 

God entirely moved away from the Law because of Christ – He is not involved there anymore – so why should I try to please God through an obsolete system.

 

From the beginning of creation it was never God’s idea for us to live by the flesh– His desire for us was and still is, to know Him through the Spirit and to walk in and by His Holy Spirit!!

Only Christ could fulfil the Law, conquer the flesh and bring us into this new life in the Holy Spirit

 

Jesus said in John 6:63

Joh 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

The profound prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17 confirming the following:

- the authority of the Son of God over all flesh

- eternal life is to know God and Jesus Christ

Joh 17:1 Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You,

Joh 17:2 even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.

Joh 17:3 "This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.

Joh 17:4 "I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.

 

Paul confirms that only Christ can set me free from this body of death

Rom 7:24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?

Rom 7:25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord

 

Bear in mind that just as Adam and Eve had a choice between eating of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil, and the fruit of the Tree of Life, we also have that same choice today!

I can choose (even if I am a believer) to follow the flesh (the practical expression of the Law) or I can choose to follow the Holy Spirit – the One who will always take me into the fullness of the finished work of Christ

 

 

Some Scriptures to confirm this:

Paul in his letter to the Romans tells us that we have the choice of who will master over us

Rom 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts,

Rom 6:13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Rom 6:18 and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Rom 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.

Rom 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

In his letter to the Philippians Paul beautifully describes how he forsakes his confidence in the flesh and how he chooses to follow Christ

Php 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

Php 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;

Php 3:3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

Php 3:4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:

Php 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;

Php 3:6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless.

Php 3:7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

Php 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

Php 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

Php 3:10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;

Php 3:11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Php 3:13 Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead,

Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

I will now take you on an exciting journey through different Scriptures, showing you how Christ accomplished the victory for us over the Law and the flesh and in the process gave us His Holy Spirit

The Law operating through the flesh is in direct opposition to the Holy Spirit. The flesh (thriving through feelings of guilt and condemnation) will constantly try bringing you back to the keeping of the Law, while the Holy Spirit will constantly remind you of the finished work of Jesus Christ through which the Law was fulfilled and annulled

Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire (lust) of the flesh.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.

Gal 5:18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

 

The desire or lust of the flesh is a human endeavour to obtain righteousness through the Law (through human efforts and works) –an impossible exercise

 

One cannot live by the Law of Moses and by the Holy Spirit simultaneously – it is impossible – you either live by the Spirit or you live by the Law which expresses itself through the flesh.

 

God is a Spirit and only the regenerated spirit man can have fellowship and communion with God.

Scriptures to substantiate the above:

Gal 3:1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?

Gal 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Gal 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman.

Gal 4:23 But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.

Gal 4:28 And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise.

Gal 4:29 But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also.

Gal 5:24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Gal 5:25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

 

The ministry of the Spirit and of righteousness, which gives life, has exceedingly more glory than the ministry of death and condemnation

2Co 3:3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

2Co 3:6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

2Co 3:7 But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was,

2Co 3:8 how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory?

2Co 3:9 For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory.

2Co 3:13 and are not like Moses, who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away.

2Co 3:14 But their minds were hardened; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ.

2Co 3:15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart;

2Co 3:16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (free access to the finished work of Christ)

2Co 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit .

The Amplified Bible on 2 Cor 3:17-18

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). [ Isa. 61:1, 2.]

2Co 3:18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes ] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

 

The flesh takes us back to the Law, while the Holy Spirit is constantly changing us into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ

One of the main reasons why Jesus came to the earth, was to give the Holy Spirit back to us, to enable us to live life in the Spirit

 

A few Scriptures to confirm this:

Two profound prophecies in the Old Testament about the coming of the Holy Spirit:

 

1) God will create a new heart and spirit in us which will have the ability to accommodate the Holy Spirit by whom we will be enabled to walk in His will and plans

Eze 36:26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Eze 36:27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.

Eze 36:28 "You will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers; so you will be My people, and I will be your God.

 

2) God will pour out His Spirit on all flesh

Joe 2:26 "You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; Then My people will never be put to shame.

Joe 2:27 "Thus you will know that I am in the midst of Israel, And that I am the LORD your God, And there is no other; And My people will never be put to shame.

Joe 2:28 "It will come about after this That I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind (all flesh); And your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions.

Joe 2:29 "Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.

 

The Holy Spirit came as a result of the finished work of Jesus Christ

 

John, the Baptist:

Joh 1:32 John testified saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him.

Joh 1:33 "I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'

Joh 1:34 "I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God."

Jesus said:

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth who will ever be with us and in us

Joh 14:16 "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;

Joh 14:17 that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit)abides with you and will be in you.

Joh 14:18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

The Holy Spirit is the true Teacher

Joh 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.

The Holy Spirit will always testify of Jesus

Joh 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,

The Holy Spirit will convict concerning sin, righteousness and judgement

Joh 16:7 "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you.

Joh 16:8 "And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

The flesh desires principles to live by – the Holy Spirit leads us into all the truth, i.e. the fullness of Jesus Christ

Joh 16:12 "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.

Joh 16:13 "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

The Holy Spirit will constantly disclose everything about Christ to us. He will never ever take us back to the Law and the flesh

Joh 16:14 "He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.

Joh 16:15 "All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.

 

 

John, the Baptist foretold the coming of the baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire through Jesus Christ:

Mat 3:11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mat 3:12 "His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

 

Malachi also prophesied about the coming of the Messiah as a refiner’s fire:

Mal 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger (John, the Baptist), and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord ( the Messiah, Jesus Christ), whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

Mal 3:2 "But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.

Mal 3:3 " He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.

Mal 3:4 "Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. (Referring to the original intent of God as in the Garden of Eden)

 

I think we are in urgent need of the baptism of fire by the Holy Spirit to purge, cleanse and purify us from the flesh (from old mindsets, ways, and wrong motives and of the desire to keep the Law)

 

No justification (righteousness) through the Law and the flesh – we need a Saviour

 

Paul speaks about the desire or lust of the flesh which is human endeavour to obtain righteousness through the Law (through human efforts and works) –an impossible exercise!

Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire (lust) of the flesh.

 

Some Scriptures to confirm that man cannot be justified (made righteous) before God through the Law and the flesh:

Rom 3:19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;

Rom 3:20 because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.

Rom 3:21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested

Rom 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

Gal 2:16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, sothat we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.

Gal 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them."

Gal 3:11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith."

 

Rom 9:7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."

Rom 9:8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who a re the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.

 

 

Jesus Christ came and freed us from the power of the flesh and the Law:

 

The Spirit gives life - the flesh profits nothing

Joh 6:63 "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.

 

We died to the Law through the body of Christ and have been released from the Law

Rom 7:1 Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives?

Rom 7:4 Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.

Rom 7:5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.

Rom 7:6 But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

Rom 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.

Rom 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Heb 9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh,

Heb 9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

 

The physical circumcision (representing the Law), avails nothing:

Gal 5:2 Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you.

Gal 5:3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.

Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

 

Gal 6:12 Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Gal 6:13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.

Gal 6:14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Gal 6:15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. (a new creative act)

The flesh was removed by Christ through a spiritual circumcision

Col 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,

Col 2:10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;

Col 2:11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;

 

Php 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision;

Php 3:3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

Php 3:4 although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more:

Php 3:8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ,

Php 3:9 and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,

 

This spiritual circumcision took placed as follows:

Col 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

Col 2:13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,

Col 2:14 having cancelled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Col 2:15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

We are not to allow the flesh to rule over us anymore, because we now belong to the body of Christ and to Christ who is the Head of the body

Col 2:16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day--

Col 2:17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.

Col 2:18 Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,

Col 2:19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.

1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

1Pe 4:2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

1Pe 4:3 For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.

1Pe 4:4 In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;

Rom 13:12 The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light.

Rom 13:13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy.

Rom 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.

Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Gal 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

We have died with Christ to the principles of the world (the flesh) and should not revert to it

Col 2:20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as,

Col 2:21 "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!"

Col 2:22 (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)- -in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?

Col 2:23 These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Gal 3:1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?

Gal 3:2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?

Gal 3:3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Two great promises of God will manifest in our lives if we adhere to the instruction to cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit

2Co 6:16 Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said, " I will dwell in them and walk among them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

2Co 6:17 "Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate," says the Lord. "and do not touch what is unclean; And I will welcome you.

2Co 6:18 "And I will be a father to you, And you shall be sons and daughters to Me," Says the Lord Almighty.

2Co 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

 

How can I cleanse myself from something if it is only the blood of Jesus that can cleanse me?

I cleanse myself from something by avoiding something that I know is harmful to my spiritual life.

I can cleanse myself from the flesh by ensuring not to submit to its promptings to revert to the Law

I can cleanse myself by asking the Holy Spirit to purge and purify me through His fire from all wrong attitudes, motives and behaviour.

In Romans 8 Paul eloquently narrates the working of the Holy Spirit opposed to the working of the flesh and the Law: (I quote from the New American Standard Bible)

 

The starting point to a victorious life through the Holy Spirit is to grasp and understand the profound truth mentioned in the first verse – no condemnation for those who are in Christ:

In Christ there is no condemnation whatsoever – condemnation came through the Law via the flesh and is now replaced by a life of no condemnation through the Holy Spirit

Rom 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

 

Insert:

Other Translations (using another Greek Manuscript) for Romans 8:1 reads as follows:

Rom 8:1 there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

From the above translation it would appear that “walking according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh” is conditional to “no condemnation”.

But let’s have a careful look at this verse in this translation:

The second word “who” (which I have highlighted) does not appear in the original Greek manuscript meaning that that part of the sentence actually belongs to verse two. A more correct translation should be:

Romans 8:1-2

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

Those who are in Christ now walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh, for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set them free from the law of sin and of death.

 

Feelings of guilt and condemnation are strong weapons in the hands of Satan and he would love us to read this as a precondition to experiencing no condemnation.

 

Let us continue our journey through Romans 8

A new law (the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus) came into effect, setting me free from the law of sin and death (the Law of Moses) and the flesh.

The Law could not make us righteous – so God had to send His Son in the likeness of flesh to condemn sin and to rule out the flesh

Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law in us, thus replacing a life according to the flesh with a life according to the Spirit .

Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

Rom 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh[the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit].,God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, [subdued, overcame, deprived it of its power over all who accept that sacrifice],

Rom 8:4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Two groups of people now exist: those who are according to the flesh (people who cling to the Law) and those who are according to the Spirit (whose lives are now controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit)

Rom 8:5 For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

 

1 Corinthians 2:2-5 and 13-15 elaborates on this:

1Co 2:2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.

1Co 2:3 I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling,

1Co 2:4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

1Co 2:5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.

1Co 2:13 which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.

1Co 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

1Co 2:15 But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one.

Each group produces their own significant results – those of the flesh are hostile toward God which leads to death (the flesh cannot please God), while those of the Spirit experience life and peace:

Rom 8:6 For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace,

Rom 8:6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]. (AMP)

Rom 8:7 because the mind set on the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, (God’s Law here is not the Law of Moses)

Rom 8:8 and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Rom 8:9 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

Rom 8:10 If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. [the righteousness that He imputes to you].

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.

For those who are in Christ, living in the flesh is no option – there is no other way but to live by the Spirit

Life in the flesh leads to death – life in the Spirit is true life and freedom

Rom 8:12 So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--

Rom 8:13 for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

The sons of God are led by the Spirit and are not influenced by natural things. They live according to Isaiah 11:1-3

Rom 8:14 For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

 

Isa 11:1 Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch from his roots will bear fruit.

Isa 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Isa 11:3 And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear;

The Spirit produces sons– the flesh produces slaves

Rom 8:15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons [ the Spirit producing sonship] by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"

The Spirit gives constant testimony that we are children of God (born from Him), that we are heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ. WOW! What a testimony!

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,

Rom 8:17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him];, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.

Rom 8:17 And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory.

 

 

To conclude:

A wise man will follow the Holy Spirit

 

 

 

SECTION 5 – Charisma – The results of Grace

 

A Profound work of the Holy Spirit

A) CHARISMA – THE RESULT OF GOD’S GRACE

*Readers - Very important

“Charis” (Grace) produces a constant result called “CHARISMA” (Translated in English as “Gifts”)

 

Charisma means:

The practical, operational and functional results of God’s Grace

A gift of grace, an undeserved benefit

The suffix - ma , indicates “the result of grace”.

There are seven Greek Words in the New Testament all translated in English as “GIFT(S)”, but all with different meanings:

Gifts (Different Meanings)

1. "Doron" (1435) Gift This word is used of gifts given as an expression of honour; for support of the temple; for God; as the gift of salvation; for celebrating. The word "doron" appears in the following scriptures: Matt 2:11; 5:23,24; 8:4; 15:5; 23:18,19; Mark7:11; Luke21:1,4; Eph2:8; Heb 5:1; 8:3,4; 9:9; 11:4; Rev 11:10

2. "Dorea" (1431) Denotes a "free gift" stressing its gratuitous character. Used in the New Testament of a spiritual or supernatural gift. It appears in the following Scriptures: John 4:10; Acts 2:38 (where the gift of the Holy Ghost is the Holy Ghost Himself); Acts 8:20; 10:45; 11:17; Rom 5:15,17; 2 Cor 9:15; Eph 3:7; Eph 4:7; Heb 6:4

3. "Dorema" (1434) "The thing given" and "the result of giving" and appears only in Rom 5:16 and James 1:17 (Every good gift (1394) and every perfect gift (1434) is from above)

4. "Dosis" (1394) "The act of giving" It appears only in Phil 4:15 and James 1:17 (See scripture under point 3).

5. "Doma" (1390) "Gifts" Lends far greater emphasis to the character of the gift rather than its beneficent nature. It appears in the following scriptures: Matt 7:11; Luke 11:13; Phil 4:17 and Eph 4:8 (In this latter verse the gifts refer to the fivefold ministry of Eph 4:11 - the fivefold is purely about the developing of your character to be Christlike).

6. "Merismos" (3311) " a dividing” This word is used in Heb 4:12 as "dividing asunder" and in Heb 2:4 as "gifts of the Holy Ghost" meaning the distributions of and made by the Holy Ghost. This is the only place where the expression "gifts of the Holy Ghost" is used.

7. "Charisma" (5486) Gift ; "A gift of grace" ; "The result of grace" ; "an undeserved benefit from God" "A favour done without expectation of return"; "unearned and unmerited favour" and "absolute freeness of the loving-kindness of God to men, finding its only motive in the bounty and free heartedness of the Giver". "Charisma" is found in the following scriptures: Rom 1:11; 5:15.16; 6:23; 11:29; 12:6; 1 Cor 1:7; 7:7; 12:4,9,28,30,31; 2 Cor 1:11; 1Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6, 1 Pet 4:10

To clearly understand the concept “Charisma – the result of Grace” and how the “result of grace” is realised in my life, one needs to take a closer look at what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

What Paul had in mind in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14

For the sake of this teaching I am only quoting 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

1Co 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant:

1Co 12:2 You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.

1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

1Co 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

1Co 12:8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit,

1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit,

1Co 12:10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.

1Co 12:11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (NKJV)

From 1 Corinthians 1:1 up to 1 Corinthians 11:34 Paul deals with various issues (mainly administrative things) like the division in the church, their fleshly and immoral conduct, things pertaining to marriage life, things offered to the idols, self-denial, idolatry and the Lord's supper.

In 1 Corinthians 12:1 Paul ushers in a whole new teaching concerning the spiritual things :

1Co 12:1 Now¹¹⁶¹ concerning⁴⁰¹² spiritual⁴¹⁵² gifts, brethren,⁸⁰ I would²³⁰⁹ not³⁷⁵⁶ have you⁵²⁰⁹ ignorant.⁵⁰

The word now¹¹⁶¹ used here indicates the start of a whole new section

 

Explanation on the word “gifts” used in 1 Corinthians 12:1

NB! In most Translations of 1 Corinthians 12:1 the word “gifts” is printed in italics indicating that the word “gifts” (charisma) does not appear in the original Greek manuscripts

 

A more correct translation of “concerning the spiritual” would be:

Now concerning “spiritual matters”; “the things of the Spirit”; “the things pertaining to or proceeding from the Holy Spirit”; or “the things communicated or imparted by the Holy Spirit”

 

The following Translations of 1 Corinthians 12:1 convey the correct meaning:

1 Corinthians 12:1

(BBE) But about the things of the spirit, my brothers, it is not right for you to be without teaching.

(LITV) But concerning the spiritual matters, brothers, I do not wish you to be ignorant.

(MSG) What I want to talk about now is the various ways God's Spirit gets worked into our lives. This is complex and often misunderstood, but I want you to be informed and knowledgeable.

(YLT) And concerning the spiritual things, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant;

 

So what Paul is actually saying here is:

Nothing can be compared to a life of knowledge and experience of spiritual things.

He is also saying:

It is good to know and apply all the teachings of the previous chapters, but what is most important is to be acquainted with the spiritual order of the Godhead.

In other words: 1 Corinthians 12, 13 & 14 is not about the “gifts” of the Spirit, but is about spiritual matters and various aspects pertaining to the Holy Spirit!!

(See my detailed Teaching on these chapters)

 

The only place in the Bible where the expression “gifts of the Spirit” appears is in Hebrews 2:4 (English Translations) meaning “distribution”

Heb 2:4 God²³¹⁶ also bearing them witness,⁴⁹⁰¹ both⁵⁰³⁷ with signs⁴⁵⁹² and²⁵³² wonders, ⁵⁰⁵⁹ and²⁵³² with divers⁴¹⁶⁴ miracles,¹⁴¹¹ and²⁵³² gifts³³¹¹ of the Holy⁴⁰Ghost,⁴¹⁵¹ according²⁵⁹⁶ to his own⁸⁴⁸ will?²³⁰⁸

Heb 2:4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts( athe distributions of and made by the Holy Spirit) of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

GIFTS³³¹¹ here is the Greek word: “merismos” meaning:

A separation or distribution:

 

The only other place in the Bible where the Greek word “merismos” appears is in Hebrews 4:12 where it has the meaning of “separation” or “dividing asunder”

 

Now Paul starts to highlight the various aspects and workings of the Holy Spirit:

1 Corinthians 12:3 is pivotal :

1Co 12:3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.

The primary work and function of the Holy Spirit is to make Jesus the Lord of my life (the Supreme Master in every area of my life), to reveal Christ to us, to testify of Christ and to glorify Christ (See also John 15:26 and John 16:14)

 

In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Paul describes the spiritual order and functioning of the Deity:

1Co 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

 

In 1Corinthians 12:4 “There are diversities of gifts (5486 charisma - the resultant work of grace) but the same Spirit” Paul is using the word “charisma” to explain this particular working of the Holy Spirit

 

The use of the word “charisma” here indicates that:

Every “charisma” – resultant working of grace - is being realised and made tangible and visible by the Holy Spirit. That is the profound function and work of the Spirit – to practically bring to fruition the result of grace in my life

Verse 5: "And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord (Christ).

Administrations (ministries) (Greek word – diakonia) mean:

"Serviceable labour, service, compassionate love toward the needy

Every business, every calling, so far as its labour benefits others, is a diakonia").

Jesus came as a servant to the earth and that is why every ministry is linked to Him.

Verse 6: "And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all". "Operations" are “the results of the energy (power) of God in the believer” or “the results energized by God's grace.”

 

Within the spiritual order and functioning of the Deity, the following is important to know:

- “Charisma” – the result of God’s grace is linked to the Holy Spirit

- “Ministry” or “serving” is linked to our Lord Jesus Christ

- “Operations” or “activities” are linked to God the Father

The 7th verse is very significant:

1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:

"Manifestation means to make known, to make visible, to show. It also refers to those to whom the revelation is made."

The “manifestation of the Spirit” in this context also means: the way the Holy Spirit expresses Himself through me!

As from verse eight, Paul lists a few things which are made known by the Spirit - word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gifts (charismata) of healing (the plural indicates healing of the total man - body, soul and spirit), working of miracles, prophetic activities, discerning of spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues.

(It is absolutely clear that the nine things that are listed here are not “gifts”, but “manifestations” of the Spirit. There is a vast difference between a “gift” and a “manifestation”.)

These are not all the manifestations of the Spirit. The Spirit is there to realise everything which God the Father creates and which is brought into the earth by Jesus Christ the Word (Logos).

To summarize for the purpose of this Teaching on “Charisma”:

1Co 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts (charismata), but the same Spirit.

“Charisma” – the result of God’s grace in my life – is realized and made tangible and visible by the Holy Spirit. Truly a unique work of the Spirit

Every “charisma” is implemented and put into effect in my life through the Holy Spirit.

 

(See separate teachings on “A study in 1 Corinthians 12, 13 and 14” for a comprehensive exposition on this topic)

B) VARIOUS CHARISMAS

We will now have a look at the various “charismas” in the New Testament – the results produced by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ and which are practically realised by the Holy Spirit.

 

i) Paul’s urgent prayer that we come short in no gift (charisma)

1Co 1:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 1:4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,

1Co 1:5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge,

1Co 1:6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,

1Co 1:7 so that you come short in no gift (charisma), eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1Co 1:8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul is confirming that “Grace was given in Jesus Christ” and through this “Grace we were enriched in everything in Christ”

Now he is praying that every “charisma – every resultant work of grace” will manifest in our lives and that we will come to complete understanding of it

ii) Paul is praying for the opportunity to impart spiritual gifts (charismas)

Rom 1:9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Rom 1:10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you.

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift (charisma), so that you may be established--

 

That I may impart –

That the results of Grace may flow through me to you

That I may “give,” or communicate to you

To communicate the knowledge of something; to make known; to show by words or tokens

To share with one

His heart’s desire is to make known to them all the benefits of the resultant working of Grace.

 

iii) “Charisma” – the result of God’s grace is irrevocable

Rom 11:29 For the gifts (charisma) and the calling of God are irrevocable. (Without repentance, unregretted)

Gifts (charisma): Jesus paid the price once and for all, and God will never ever change His mind regarding Grace or the “results produced by Grace”

Calling: The word “calling” “klēsis” here denotes that act of God by which He extends an invitation to people to come and partake of His favours, whether it is by a personal revelation, or by the promises of the gospel, or by the influences of his Spirit. All such invitations or callings imply a pledge that He will bestow the favour, and will not repent, or turn from it.

iv) “Charisma” – eternal life in Christ Jesus

Rom 6:22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift (charisma) of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Grace produces eternal life

1Co 15:45 And so it is written, "The first man, Adam, became a living soul," the last Adam was a life-giving Spirit. (Imparting the life of Christ to us)

 

Eternal life: = “life without limitations” (and of course: eternal life after death)

 

The restrictions of Law

Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.

Gal 3:24 Therefore the law was our tutor (schoolmaster, guardian, trainer) to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Gal 3:25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Gal 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

Tutor (schoolmaster, guardian or trainer):

The law so designated by Paul (Gal_3:24, Gal_3:25). As so used, the word does not mean teacher, but pedagogue, i.e., one who was entrusted with the supervision of a family, taking them to and from the school, being responsible for their safety and manners. Hence the pedagogue was stern and severe in his discipline.

The Law set strict boundaries, rules and regulations. Under the Law you were deprived of your freedom.

One of the greatest “charismas – the result of God’s grace in my life” is a “life without limitations.” The boundaries set by the Law were removed by Christ and I am now able to adhere to the five commands of God in Gen 1:28

Gen 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion

Joh 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they might have life, and that they might have more abundantly.

 

The Holy Spirit creates and realised the life of Christ in my life!

2Co 3:6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

 

 

v) “Charisma” – imputed righteousness

Rom 5:15 But the free gift (charisma) is not like the offence. For if by the one man's offence many died, much more the grace of God and the gift (dorea-free gift stressing its gratuitous character) by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.

Rom 5:16 And the gift (dorema-the thing given & the result of giving) is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offence resulted in condemnation, but the free gift (charisma) which came from many offences resulted in justification.

Rom 5:17 For if by the one man's offence death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift (dorea) of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

 

“Charisma” here is justification = justified means to be rendered (regarded) as just or innocent and free i.e. righteousness.

God’s righteousness is imputed and imparted as a gift and cannot be earned.

Justification comes by faith in the blood and the finished work of Christ and is realised in me by the Holy Spirit.

1Co 6:11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

 

 

vi) “Charisma” – God’s comfort in troubled times and protection in life threatening situations being the result of prayer

2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

2Co 1:4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2Co 1:8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.

2Co 1:9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

2Co 1:10 who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us,

2Co 1:11 you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift (charisma) granted to us through many.

 

vii) “Charisma” – complete healing

1Co 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts (charismas) of healings by the same Spirit,

 

1Co 12:28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts (charisma) of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

“charisma” here is: healing

Healing: restoration of health, remedy, cure, deliverance, refreshing

Salvation is God’s rescue of the entire person and healing is His complete repair of that person (body, soul, spirit – spiritual and material). A complete lifelong restoration process –as we grow in the knowledge and understanding of the complete and finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is ever changing me into the very image of Christ.

 

 

viii) “Charisma” – talents, abilities, traits and potential

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every one who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think. But set your mind to be right-minded, even as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

 

Eph 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

 

Rom 12:6 Having then gifts (charisma) differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy (prophetic functioning or activity), let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;

Rom 12:7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching;

Rom 12:8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Having means: we are clothed with it or, we are pregnant with it; we have it as a permanent possession

 

“Charisma” here is:

Seven different traits, abilities and talents given to us by God the moment we were conceived by our parents. Every one of us is born with all seven of these abilities, each one having them in a different compilation.

These charismas must be activated and developed through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can operate and function effectively in the earth.

 

Note:

SEE SUPPLEMENTARY TEACHING ONE (under section 8) WHERE I elaborate on the seven abilities and how they function

 

Paul and Peter are urging us to “not neglect”, but to “stir up” and to “minister to each other” the gifts (charismata)

1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1Ti 4:13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1Ti 4:14 Do not neglect the gift (charisma) that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

1Ti 4:15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

2Ti 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift (charisma) of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS."

1Pe 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

1Pe 4:10 As each one has received a gift (charisma), minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1Pe 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The laying on of hands and prophecy are instrumental in activating these gifts (charisma) in other peoples’ lives

1Ti 4:14 Do not neglect the gift (charisma) that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

2Ti 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift (charisma) of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

ix) “Charisma” – special grace (ability) to fulfil your God given assignment

1Co 7:7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift(charisma) (proper gift) from God, one in this manner and another in that.

“Charisma” here is: Special Grace in Paul’s life to stay unmarried for the purpose of fulfilling his special assignment and calling to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Proper gift: denotes “property” or “special relationship”

Paul is saying here, that as a result of a special relationship between him and the Holy Spirit, God entrusted this peculiar gift (charisma) to him to enable him to fulfil his destiny unhindered.

 

In conclusion:

The Holy Spirit is ever at work to realize and implement the thoughts and plans of God in my life.

SECTION 6 – The results energized by God’s grace

 

A) THE ENERGY OF GOD AT WORK

Another outflow of His grace

 

In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 Paul describes the spiritual order and functioning of the Deity:

1Co 12:4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

1Co 12:5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord.

1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.

 

The essence of the Deity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is grace

God the Father is a gracious God:

Neh 9:31 ..... You are a gracious and compassionate God.

1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am,

The grace and the truth came through Jesus Christ

Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Joh 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of grace

Zec 12:10 "I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication,

Heb 10:29 ...and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

 

Within the spiritual order and functioning of the Deity, the following is important to know:

- “Charisma” – the result of God’s grace is linked to the Holy Spirit

- “Ministry” or “serving” is linked to our Lord Jesus Christ

- “Operations” or “activities” are linked to God the Father

 

With regard to this teaching I would like to highlight 1 Corinthians 12:6 which speaks of the energy of God at work through His grace

1Co 12:6 And there are diversities of activities (differences of workings, different operations) but it is the same God who works all in all.

 

1Co 12:6 And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all. (AMP)

 

Diversities of activities (operations), but the same God who works all in all:

In this Scripture we have the “energy” of God at work.

God is the Energy and the Energizer of the Universe. All the diverse activities originate from Him and He works all of that in all of us.

The Greek word used for “activities” or “operations” is “energema” which comes from the word “energéō” which means: “to effect” or “to produce and effect”

The suffix -ma in “energema” makes it (the operations of 1 Corinthians 12:6), the result or effect of enérgeia (G1753), energy.

1 Corinthians 12:6 therefore speaks of:

“The results of the energy of God in the believer” or

“THE RESULTS ENERGIZED BY GOD'S GRACE”

 

The word “energema” is also used in 1 Corinthians 12:10 where it also carries the meaning of:

“The results of the energy of God in the believer”

1Co 12:10 to another the working of miracles,

By His grace God releases His energy in and through us to enable us to accomplish great and awesome things!

This is a covert working of the Holy Spirit which sometimes produces spectacular overt results.

 

Energy:

The best way to explain the invisible "ENERGY" of God is to compare it with "ELECTRICITY".

"ELECTRICITY" is best defined by the results it produces. It is generated in a power station and conveyed to our homes and offices via a network of cables and wires. It is invisible and not so easily defined. We experience the results of the electricity: electrical equipment is working e.g. lights, computers, stoves, microwave ovens etc.

The "ENERGY OF GOD" works in a similar way. It is invisible, is generated by God Himself and produces some awesome results in our everyday walk of life.

 

God’s energy is released through speaking

God’s speaking is His action, for God’s speech is His “energy released”

If God wants to do something He just speaks it into existence.

 

The moment God speaks His energy is released in any given situation.

Rom 8:10 "THE WORD (Rhema) IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):

THUS: The moment we speak in the Name of Jesus our speaking becomes God’s action and His energy released.

 

In that way we work miracles in our everyday walk of life!

Results energized by God’s Grace are produced:

Healings take place, restoration, deliverance, miraculous provision and many more

“Energema”: is God in His infinite Grace working with man, ever releasing His Divine energy to accomplish great things in the earth

Mar 16:20 And going out, they proclaimed everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word by miraculous signs following.

God wants us to utilize all the “Charismas - results of His Grace” which He worked in Christ to live out the mandate of Gen 1:28... Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion.

To enable us to accomplish this God released His energy – a covert working of the Holy Spirit into our lives. Now by His Grace His energy is producing amazing results.

Placed in the body of Christ:

Through this “energema – (activities, workings, operations: the results energized by His grace), God also places us unilaterally in a functional position in His body.

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—

1Co 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased.

 

ALSO:

In His infinite wisdom, God decides who He wants to separate for specific tasks.

By His Grace and energy (the Holy Spirit) and “the results energized by His grace”

God decided that Peter will work amongst the Jews and Paul amongst the Gentiles.

Gal 2:7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter

Gal 2:8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),

 

Worked effectively: means He who effected (produced an effect - the results energized by His grace), in the case of Peter that he should be the apostle of the Jews, effected also in my case that I should go to the Gentiles.

Be satisfied with the functional position in the body of Christ into which you were placed by God Himself and live it out to the full, for this is where God’s power and provision is at work.

Do not question God and rebel against Him for He knows best for each and every one of us.

 

 

B) MORE SCRIPTURES ABOUT THE ENERGY OF GOD

 

Some more Scriptures where the “energy of God at work” is beautifully portrayed – indeed a precious work of the Holy Spirit:

 

- God raised Jesus from the dead through His energy!

..........that you may know what is

Eph 1:19 .......the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working (energy, operation, efficiency, active power) of His mighty power

Eph 1:20 which He worked (effectively produced by His energy) in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,

Eph 1:21 far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

Eph 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

Eph 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

- The body of Christ is joined and kept together and is growing by the energy of God!

Eph 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—

Eph 4:16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working ((energy, operation, efficiency, active power) by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

- His energy enables me to touch and influence other people’s lives!

Col 1:28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

Col 1:29 To this end I also labour, striving according to His working (energy, active power) which works (effectively produced by His energy) in me mightily.

Col 2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

Col 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Col 2:11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,

Col 2:12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working (energy, operation, efficiency, active power) of God, who raised Him from the dead.

SECTION 7 – Grace & “Praise and Worship”

 

Worshiping through the law vs worshiping through Grace

 

A) WORSHIP DEFINED

 

Purpose of this teaching:

We are constantly confronted with choices and it is no different when it comes to worshiping God. We can choose to praise and worship God the way the people of Israel did, i.e. governed by the Old Covenant system, or we can as Paul told the Corinthians “And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all]”, choose this better way which is governed by Grace through the Holy Spirit.

 

Remember what we said earlier in this teaching:

The law was completely fulfilled by Christ Jesus and we are now able to walk fully by Grace!

 

Absolute freedom flows from embracing this truth

Joh 1:17 For the law was given through Moses, but (THE)grace and (THE)truth came through Jesus Christ.

 

Grace, in the person of Jesus Christ now succeeded the law, because the law was completely fulfilled in Christ

Mat 5:17 Do not think that I have come to do away with or undo the Law or the Prophets; I have come not to do away with or undo but to complete and fulfil them.(AMP)

Adam and Eve had a choice between life and death

Gen 2:16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;

Gen 2:17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

“The tree of the knowledge of good and evil” is the Law and the moment Eve and Adam partook of its fruit, the Law with all its condemnation was released over the earth (released but not written yet). The writing of the Law ushered in knowledge of sin and constant sin consciousness.

Although Christ Jesus completely fulfilled the Law, the Law is not abolished. I can still revert to the law and live life by its ordinances and statutes. By doing this I move away from Grace.

(This is more fully explained in Section 3)

 

 

So, you and I can choose today to praise and worship God according to the pattern of the Tabernacle or we can choose to praise and worship Him in the newness of the Spirit created by the Grace of God. The old has been replaced by the new –a life lived by the Law was replaced by a life lived by the Spirit.

Praise and worship is of course not limited to an activity during a church meeting - Worship is a way of life – a lifestyle.

 

Sadly, much of our praise and worship (singing) in our churches today is based upon the religious order of the Tabernacle of Moses – the Outer Court, the Inner Court and the Holiest of Holies. That by doing so most of the time we do not realize we are approaching God through an obsolete system.

 

A brief explanation of the concept “worship”:

The concept “worship” is nowhere defined in Scripture.

 

The Greek word for “worship” is: Proskunéo ̄ ; G4352: which means:

To kiss, adore. To worship, show respect, fall or prostrate before.

Literally, to kiss toward someone, to throw a kiss in token of respect or homage

The ancient oriental (especially Persian) mode of salutation between persons of equal ranks was to kiss each other on the lips; when the difference of rank was slight, they kissed each other on the cheek;

When one was much inferior, he fell upon his knees and touched his forehead to the ground or prostrated himself, throwing kisses at the same time toward the superior . It is this latter mode of salutation that Greek Writers express by proskunéo ̄ .

 

Psalm 2 gives a wonderful description of Jesus Christ being appointed as the Son of God and receiving the nations as His inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession, and ends with this significant verse:

Psa 2:12 Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity],....(AMP)

“The word “kiss” here is used in accordance with Oriental usages, for it was in this way that respect was indicated for one of superior rank. This was the ancient mode of doing homage or allegiance to a king” (Albert Barnes’ notes on the Bible)

In the New Testament “Proskunéō” generally means: to do reverence or homage to someone, usually by kneeling or prostrating oneself before him.

In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Jewish Bible, the Old Testament) it means to bow down, to prostrate oneself in reverence, homage ( Gen_19:1; Gen_48:12).

 

Another meaning of “worship”:

A dog licking his master’s hand in appreciation and adoration

 

Someone once defined worship as follows:

WORSHIP IS OUR RESPONSE, BOTH PERSONAL AND CORPORATE, TO GOD – FOR WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE HAS DONE – EXPRESSED IN AND BY THE THINGS WE SAY AND THE WAY WE LIVE.

In the Old Testament times “worship” found its expression in and through the Tabernacle (the Tabernacle of Moses was replaced by later on by the Temple), i.e. different sacrifices, the keeping of certain feasts and once a year the highlight when the High Priest enters the Holiest of Holies. These rituals were done over and over.

It is absolutely imperative that we understand that the old system was abolished and replaced by a far better and more excellent way – a permanent dwelling in the Most Holy Place

 

NB!! The intimate activities of God take place in the Most Holy Place – not in the Outer Court or Inner Court.

God met with the High Priest once a year in the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle and revealed His Shekinah Glory (His manifested glory).

 

With this in mind, I would love to take you on an exciting journey through the book of Hebrews to show you how the Old Covenant high priest was replaced permanently by the New Covenant High Priest, Jesus Christ.

I will also explain the major shift that took place when the Most Holy Place was moved to another location.

 

First, a brief description of the Tabernacle of Moses

Heb 9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

Heb 9:2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary;

Heb 9:3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All,

Heb 9:4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;

Heb 9:5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Heb 9:6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.

Heb 9:7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;

 

 

B) WORSHIP IN GRACE

Now the journey to show you how Jesus Christ replaced everything of the old (the “first”) with Himself and how we obtained the legal right to function boldly in the Most Holy presence of God.

 

- By faith we became partakers of Christ and obtained the right to enter His rest

Heb 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,

(Consider – see to it that you carefully know and understand Jesus as Apostle and High Priest)

Heb 3:5 And Moses truly was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken afterward.

Heb 3:6 But Christ was faithful as a Son over his own house; whose house we are, .....

Heb 3:7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear His voice,

Entering His restin the wilderness,

Heb 3:11 so I swore in my wrath, 'they shall not enter my rest.' "

Heb 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

Heb 3:13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called "TODAY," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Heb 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ ......

Heb 3:18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?

Heb 3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

 

- By entering His rest we have ceased from works (the works of the Law)

Rest (a dynamic activity of the Holy Spirit) is a perpetual celebration of Christ and His finished works

Heb 4:1 Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

Heb 4:9 There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.

Heb 4:10 For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works (the works of the Law) as God did from His.

Heb 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Heb 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

 

 

 

 

 

- Our High Priest, Jesus Christ paved the way for us (we are IN Him) to come boldly to the throne of grace (i.e. the place where “Grace” emanates from)

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

Heb 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [ Appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]

 

- God appointed His Son, Jesus Christ as High Priest (according to the order of Melchizedek) to become the author of our eternal salvation and also to annul the Law and usher in a new hope.

Heb 5:5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: " You are my Son, today I have begotten you."

Heb 5:6 As He also says in another place: "you are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek";

Heb 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.

Heb 5:9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

Heb 5:10 called by God as High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek,"

Heb 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

Heb 7:15 And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest

Heb 7:16 who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life.

Heb 7:17 For He testifies: "You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

Heb 7:18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness,

Heb 7:19 for the law made nothing perfect (not even our worship); on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Heb 7:20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath

Heb 7:21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: " The Lord has sworn and will not relent, 'You are a Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek' "),

Heb 7:22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Heb 7:26 For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;

Heb 7:27 who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

Heb 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

 

- Through which “oath swearing” was Jesus made High Priest?

Heb 7:21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "THE LORD HAS SWORN AND WILL NOT RELENT, 'YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK' "),

Heb 7:28 For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.

The answer is given in Psalm 110- the only place in the Bible where this “Oath swearing” is recorded – God revealed it to David.

 

Psa 110:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said to my Lord,"Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool."

Psa 110:2 The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies!

Psa 110:4 The LORD has sworn And will not relent, "You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek."

 

- Jesus as High Priest, became a Minister of the “heavenly sanctuary” and of “the true tabernacle” – an outflow of the New Covenant.

Heb 8:1 Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

Heb 8:2 a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.

Heb 8:3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.

Heb 8:6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

Heb 8:7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

Heb 8:8 Because finding fault with them, He says: "behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—

Heb 8:10 for this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My Laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Heb 8:12 for I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."

Heb 8:13 In that He says, "A NEW COVENANT," He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

- The outcry of the Holy Spirit – “the way into the Holiest of All is blocked by the existence of the “first tabernacle”

Heb 9:1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary.

Heb 9:2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary;

Heb 9:3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All,

Heb 9:6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.

Heb 9:7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;

Heb 9:8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.

 

 

From the above we conclude that it is impossible to enter the Most Holy presence of God (the Holiest of All, where the intimate activities of God are taking place) while you are still functioning in the “first tabernacle” with all its rituals and human performance and fleshly activities. It is two different worlds – you are either functioning from the Most Holy Place (the Heavenly

Tabernacle), or you are functioning from the First Tabernacle (which represents the Law).

 

 

- By His own blood, Jesus Christ secured a permanent entry into the Most Holy Place on our behalf – once and for all. He took away our sins, Grace made it possible!

Heb 9:11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.

Heb 9:12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Heb 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh,

Heb 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

 

Heb 9:22 And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

Heb 9:24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

Heb 9:25 not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—

Heb 9:26 He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

 

- We now have boldness to enter the Holiest.

Heb 10:19 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,

Heb 10:20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,

Heb 10:21 and having a High Priest over the house of God,

- Let us draw near

Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

“Let us draw near” means:

- Let us keep on coming to our High Priest; Instead of deserting Him,

- Let us make daily use of Him.

- Let us maximise our rightful place in the presence of God.

 

This verb “draw near” in the Book of Hebrews means “reverent approach for worship” and is used in the following Scriptures in Hebrews :

Heb 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Heb 7:25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Heb 10:1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.

Heb 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

Heb 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

- Let us hold fast and let us consider

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,

Heb 10:25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Jesus Christ is the High Priest of our confession

Heb 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession;

- Do not ever cast away this confidence of living in His presence without condemnation – it has great rewards

Heb 10:35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.

- We have come to the new things of God in Christ.

Heb 12:18 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,

Heb 12:19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.

Heb 12:20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: "and if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow."

Heb 12:21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.")

Heb 12:22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,

Heb 12:23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,

Heb 12:24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel

 

 

The first tabernacle

As one can see from the aforementioned, our dilemma is “the first tabernacle”. The “first tabernacle today is not a physical place, but the old way of serving and worshipping God – i.e. according to all the rituals of the law (this is religion and not life).

 

- How was the way into the “Holiest of All” been opened?

Heb 9:7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance;

Heb 9:8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing.

 

- Jesus did it! He took away the “first tabernacle” and opened the way for us to enter the Most Holy Presence of God once and for all.

 

Some of the Jews were asking a sign from Jesus to which He replied:

Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

Joh 2:20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"

Joh 2:21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

 

Heb 10:5 Hence, when He [Christ] entered into the world, He said, Sacrifices and offerings You have not desired, but instead You have made ready a body for Me [to offer]; (AMP)

The body of Jesus became the “First Tabernacle” (the outer and inner courts where human activities take place) and Jesus is telling the people “destroy this temple so that I can establish the permanent perfect tabernacle.

Only the Holiest of All will remain where there is no human effort, but it is only God through grace.

 

 

- The breaking down (destroying) of the body of Jesus began (prophesied by Isaiah):

Isa 53:5 And he is pierced for our transgressions, Bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement of our peace is on him, And by his bruise there is healing to us. (YLT)

Mat 27:26 Then he (Pilate)let Barabbas go free: but after having Jesus whipped, he gave him up to be put to death on the cross. (BBE)

 

Having Jesus whipped:

The scourging before the crucifixion was a brutal Roman custom and was part of the capital punishment.

Among the Romans it was customary to scourge or whip a “slave” before he was crucified. This was done to inflict greater suffering, than crucifixion would be alone, and to add to the horrors of the punishment. Our Lord, being about to be put to death after the manner of a slave, was also treated as a slave as one of the lowest and most despised of mankind.

 

Mat 27:29 And, weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on His head and put a reed (staff) in His right hand. (AMP)

Mat 27:30 And they spat on Him, and took the reed (staff) and struck Him on the head.

Mat 27:31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified.

Mat 27:35 Then they crucified Him,.....

 

The following insertion on crucifixion which was taken from “Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible” on E-Sword beautifully describes how the First Tabernacle was destroyed and the way into the Holiest of Holies was opened

And they crucified him - To “crucify” means to put to death on a cross. The “cross” has been described at Mat_27:32. The usual manner of the crucifixion was as follows: After the criminal had carried the cross, attended with every possible gibe and insult, to the place of execution, a hole was dug in the earth to receive the foot of it. The cross was laid on the ground; the person condemned to suffer was stripped and was extended on it, and the soldiers fastened the hands and feet either by nails or thongs. After they had driven the nails deeply in the wood, they elevated the cross with the agonizing sufferer on it, and, in order to fix it more firmly in the earth, they let it fall violently into the hole which they had dug to receive it. This sudden fall gave to the person that was nailed to it a violent and convulsive shock, and greatly increased his sufferings. The crucified person was then suffered to hang, commonly, until pain, exhaustion, thirst, and hunger ended his life. Sometimes the sufferings continued for days; and when friendly death terminated the life, the body was often suffered to remain - a loathsome object, putrefying in the sun or devoured by birds.

This punishment was deemed the most disgraceful and ignominious that was practiced among the Romans. It was the way in which slaves, robbers, and the most notorious and abandoned wretches were commonly put to death. It was this, among other things, that exposed those who preached the gospel to so much shame and contempt among the Greeks and Romans. They despised everything that was connected with the death of one who had been put to death as a slave and an outlaw.

Since it was the most ignominious punishment known, so it was the most painful

The following circumstances made it a death of special pain:

1. The position of the arms and the body was unnatural, the arms being extended back and almost immovable. The least motion gave violent pain in the hands and feet, and in the back, which was lacerated with stripes.

2. The nails, being driven through the parts of the hands and feet which abound with “nerves,” created the most exquisite anguish.

3. The exposure of so many wounds to the air brought on a violent inflammation, which greatly increased the poignancy of the suffering.

4. The free circulation of the blood was prevented. More blood was carried out in the arteries than could be returned by the veins. The consequence was, that there was a great increase of blood in the veins of the head, producing an intense pressure and violent pain. The same was true of other parts of the body. This intense pressure in the blood-vessels was the source of inexpressible misery.

5. The pain gradually increased. There was no relaxation and no rest. There was no prospect but death. The sufferer was commonly able to endure it until the third, and sometimes even to the seventh day. The intense sufferings of the Saviour, however, were sooner terminated. This was caused, perhaps, in some measure, by his previous fatigue and exhaustion, but still more by the intense sufferings of his soul in bearing our griefs and carrying our sorrows in making an atonement for the sins of the world.

End of insertion

 

The above describes how the body of Jesus (the temple, the first tabernacle) was destroyed.

- A more detailed description of the suffering of Jesus (His scourging and crucifixion) is given in Sections 3D and E of these Teachings

When Jesus cried out – “it is finished” and He died – the first tabernacle died with Him.

The first tabernacle is now taken out of the way and we have a permanent blood bought legal right into the Most Holy Presence of God. Let us draw near with boldness!

 

- The tabernacle of God is now with us

Heb 9:11 But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.

 

Rev 21:1 Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.

Rev 21:2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.

Now, one can understand the outcry of Paul

Gal 4:9 Now, however, that you have come to be acquainted with and understand and know [the true] God, or rather to be understood and known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly and worthless elementary things [ of all religions before Christ came], whose slaves you once more want to become?

 

Something very profound happened when Jesus died and was buried. During the three days between His death and His resurrection, the unthinkable and unexplainable happened.

Jesus prepared a place for us at the right hand of the Father and the Most Holy Place was moved from the earthly Tabernacle to the following locations!

1. My spirit

2. The church

 

Jesus is talking to His disciples before His crucifixion, telling them that He will die and go and prepare a place. After He has prepared a place He will come again and receive us to Himself so that we may be where He is.

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in Me.

Joh 14:2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, so that where I am, you may be also.

 

I will come again: is written in the present tense and does not refer to the Second Coming of Christ.

The whole process of going away, preparing a place, coming again and receiving to Himself has to do with something different – Jesus is referring to His position at the Right Hand of His Father, which He prepared by entering the Heavenly Tabernacle with His own blood once and for all.

This process is carefully described in Ephesians 2 – all done by Grace

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

For this purpose!

Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

 

We are now seated with (in) Him (Christ) at the right hand of God, our Father – the place that Jesus went and prepared for us. This is now our spiritual home (abode) from where we function in every facet of our lives – whether that may be my everyday walk of life, ministry, praise and worship, relationships etc.

 

Further explanation on this is given in 1 Peter 3 and Ephesians 4

1Pe 3:18 For Christ [the Messiah Himself] died for sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous (the Just for the unjust, the Innocent for the guilty), that He might bring us to God. In His human body He was put to death, but He was made alive in the spirit,

1Pe 3:19 In which He went and preached to the spirits in prison, (AMP)

 

Eph 4:8 Therefore He says, "When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts to men."

Eph 4:9 (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

Eph 4:10 He who descended is the same also as He who ascended up far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.)

 

- What Jesus said about worship in John 4 is very significant

A very interesting question is put to Jesus: Where (in what place) should we worship?

Joh 4:19 The woman said to Him, Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet.

Joh 4:20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.

Joh 4:21 Jesus said to her, Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you shall neither worship the Father in this mountain nor yet at Jerusalem.

Joh 4:22 You worship what you do not know, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

Joh 4:23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to worship Him.

Joh 4:24 God is a spirit, and they who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

The place of worship has been moved from the mountain, from Jerusalem right into my spirit.

True worship takes place in and from my spirit, which is now “the Most Holy Place”, from where I am ever pursuing the truth about the love and grace of God.

The word “in” means: “a fixed place of rest”

 

 

The Message Translation of John 4:23-24

Joh 4:23 But the time is coming--it has, in fact, come--when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. "It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship.

Joh 4:24 God is sheer being itself--Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

 

The Apostle Paul is confirming where the “Most Holy Place” is now situated:

 

- Within me as an individual:

God regards my body (and spirit) as His Most Holy Place where His intimate presence dwells

1Co 6:17 But the person who is united to the Lord becomes one spirit with Him.

1Co 6:19 Do you not know that your body is the temple (the very sanctuary) of the Holy Spirit Who lives within you, Whom you have received [as a Gift] from God? You are not your own,

1Co 6:20 You were bought with a price [purchased with a preciousness and paid for, made His own]. So then, honour God and bring glory to Him in your body. (AMP)

- Within the church collectively:

God regards the coming together of the saints (i.e. church) also as His Most Holy Place where His Holy Spirit is dwelling and actively working.

1Co 3:16 Do you not discern and understand that you [the whole church at Corinth] are God's temple (His sanctuary), and that God's Spirit has His permanent dwelling in you [to be at home in you, collectively as a church and also individually]? (AMP)

1Co 3:17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.

 

2Co 6:16 What agreement [can there be between] a temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; even as God said, I will dwell in and with and among them and will walk in and with and among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. [ Exod. 25:8; 29:45; Lev. 26:12; Jer. 31:1; Ezek. 37:27.]

The Greek word for “temple” is “naos”: which means “the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle”.

“Naos” – was moved by Christ to my body (to be more exact – to my spirit) and to the church (church is the coming together of believers – it can be any time, any place. The moment God’s children come together it constitutes the church)

In other words: the “naos” or “Most Holy Place” is no longer a visible, tangible place, but is invisible inside of me and inside of the church (believers coming together). These are now the places where the intimate workings and activities of God are taking place.

I live a life of worship from this Most Holy Place – the permanent dwelling place of God and of Christ through the Holy Spirit.

 

- Now we can understand the significance of Ezekiel 36

Eze 36:26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Eze 36:27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

Eze 36:28 Then you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; you shall be My people, and I will be your God.

 

C) SINGING AND MAKING MUSIC AS PART OF WORSHIP

 

Singing and making music: a profound and wonderful way of giving expression to a life of praise and worship in an audible and physical way.

 

In this short discussion I will focus on what is said about singing in the New Testament.

 

Eph 5:14 Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

Eph 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Eph 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Eph 5:17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Eph 5:18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

Eph 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Correct translation of verse 19: “speaking to one another. ^{(Full stop after “another” and then the start of a new sentence)} Sing and make melody in (in = a fixed place of rest)your heart (heart = the centre of man's inward life) to the Lord in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”

Eph 5:20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Eph 5:21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.

Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Correct translation of Col 3:16: “.. teaching and admonishing one another. ^{(Full stop after “another” and then the start of a new sentence)} Sing with (with = a fixed place of rest) GRACE in (in = a fixed place of rest)your hearts (heart = the centre of man's inward life) psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.

 

The heart is the seat of true psalmody, "singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord"

 

Psalms

Comes from a word that means: “to touch or play on a musical instrument”

“Psalms” are sacred songs or poems which are sung to stringed instruments, (telling the story of man's deliverance or commemorating mercies received) and may here refer to those of David.

 

Hymns

A hymn is a song of praise, in honour of God.

Whereas a psalm is the story of man's deliverance or a commemoration of mercies received, a hymn is a declaration of how great someone or something is. Examples of this can be found in the following Scriptures: (Luke 1:46-55, Luke 1:67-79; Act 4:24; Act 16:25).

It is a direct address of praise and glory to God.

According to Augustine a hymn has three characteristics: It must be sung; it must be praise; it must be to God.

Spiritual Songs

The word “song” on its own is the general term for a song of any kind and comes from a word which means: “to sing in praise or honour of someone”.

The original use of singing among both believers and idolaters was in the confessions and praises of the respective gods. Paul qualifies it in Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16 as spiritual songs in association with psalms and hymns, because “song” by itself might mean any kind of song, as of battle, harvest, festal etc.

SPIRITUAL means:

Filled with and governed by the Spirit of God

Pertaining to or proceeding from the Holy Spirit

Of things spiritual, communicated or imparted by the Holy Spirit:

 

"Spiritual songs," meaning those composed in the Spirit - songs of which the burden is the things revealed by the Spirit – and can thus flow into “prophetic songs”

Spiritual songs spring from the Spirit of God and are imparted to the spirit of man. They are an infusion of the Holy Spirit to quicken and inform.

In the Bible the concept “spiritual” indicates man regenerated, indwelt, enlightened, endued, empowered and guided by the Holy Spirit; conformed to the will of God, having the mind of Christ, living in and led by the Spirit.

The spiritual man is a new creation born from above.

 

 

- More examples of singing in the New Testament

 

Mat 26:30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Act 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

The results: Act 16:26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.

1Co 14:15 Then what am I to do? I will pray with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will also pray [intelligently] with my mind and understanding; I will sing with my spirit [by the Holy Spirit that is within me], but I will sing [intelligently] with my mind and understanding also.

1Co 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.

Heb 2:12....., "I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."

Jas 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

Rev 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,

Rev 5:10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."

Rev 14:3 They sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.

Rev 15:3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."

The song of Moses as celebrating the deliverance of God's people, and the song of the Lamb as celebrating redemption by atoning sacrifice.

Praise and thanksgiving is an outflow of a life of worship!

 

 

 

D) FURTHER ElabourATION ON THE SUBJECT OF WORSHIP

- Just to recap on the concept “worship”:

The concept “worship” is nowhere defined in Scripture.

The Greek word for “worship” is: Proskunéo ̄ ; G4352: which means:

To kiss, adore. To worship, show respect, fall or prostrate before.

Literally, to kiss toward someone, to throw a kiss in token of respect or homage

The ancient oriental (especially Persian) mode of salutation between persons of equal ranks was to kiss each other on the lips; when the difference of rank was slight, they kissed each other on the cheek;

When one was much inferior, he fell upon his knees and touched his forehead to the ground or prostrated himself, throwing kisses at the same time toward the superior . It is this latter mode of salutation that Greek Writers express by proskunéo ̄ .

Psalm 2 gives a wonderful description of Jesus Christ being appointed as the Son of God and receiving the nations as His inheritance and the ends of the earth as His possession, and ends with this significant verse:

Psa 2:12 Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity],....(AMP)

“The word “kiss” here is used in accordance with Oriental usages, for it was in this way that respect was indicated for one of superior rank. This was the ancient mode of doing homage or allegiance to a king” (Albert Barnes’ notes on the Bible)

In the New Testament “Proskunéō” generally means: to do reverence or homage to someone, usually by kneeling or prostrating oneself before him.

In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Jewish Bible, the Old Testament) it means to bow down, to prostrate oneself in reverence, homage ( Gen_19:1; Gen_48:12).

 

Another meaning of “worship”:

A dog licking his master’s hand in appreciation and adoration

 

Someone once defined worship as follows:

WORSHIP IS OUR RESPONSE, BOTH PERSONAL AND CORPORATE, TO GOD – FOR WHO HE IS AND WHAT HE HAS DONE – EXPRESSED IN AND BY THE THINGS WE SAY AND THE WAY WE LIVE.

- We have been designed and created by God for the purpose of worshipping and praising Him

 

Eph 1:5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

Eph 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

Eph 1:9 He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him

Eph 1:10 with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him

Eph 1:11 also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,

Eph 1:12 to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.

Eph 1:13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

Eph 1:14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

 

Php 1:11 having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

 

 

Some more Scriptures in the New Testament referring to praise and worship:

Rom 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

 

Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Rom 14:11 For it is said in the holy Writings, By my life, says the Lord, to me every knee will be bent, and every tongue will give worship to God. (BBE)

 

Rom 15:8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,

Rom 15:9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, "Therefore I will give praise to you among the Gentiles, and I will sing to your name."

Rom 15:10 Again he says, "Rejoice, o Gentiles, with his people."

Rom 15:11 And again, "Praise the Lord all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise Him."

 

Rom 16:27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

Php 3:3 for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,

1Ti 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Heb 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

 

1Pe 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

Jud 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy,

Jud 1:25 to the only God our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever.Amen.

Rev 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying:

Rev 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honour and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created."(NKJV)

(The twenty-four elders represent the earthly church in the heaven)

 

Rev 15:4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You, For Your judgments have been manifested."

Rev 19:5 And a voice came from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you His bond-servants, you who fear Him, the small and the great."

 

E) HEBREW AND GREEK WORDS RELATING TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP

 

(taken from the website www.justworship.com with their permission)

 

- HEBREW WORDS RELATING TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Listed below are 58 Hebrew words related to praise and worship. Scripture references are given for each word with the translated word in bold. The New King James Version was used unless otherwise noted. Most of the Hebrew definitions have been compiled from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 

The 10 most prominent words are listed first.

Barak:

To kneel or bow, to give reverence to God as an act of adoration, implies a continual conscious giving praise to God, to be attuned to him and his presence 

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

Psalm 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful to him, and bless his name. 

Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Guwl :

To spin around, under the influence of any violent emotion 

Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! 

Psalm 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in his salvation. 

Psalm 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Hallal :

To praise, to make a show or rave about, to glory in or boast upon, to be clamorously foolish about your adoration of God 

Psalm 22:23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him, and fear him, all you offspring of Israel! 

Psalm 44:8 In God we boast all day long, and praise your name forever. Selah 

Psalm 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips.

Ranan :

To creak, to emit a stridulous sound, to shout aloud for joy 

Psalm 7:17 I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. 

Psalm 33:1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous! For praise from the upright is beautiful. 

Psalm 98:4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.

Shachah :

To depress or prostrate in homage or loyalty to God, bow down, fall down flat 

Psalm 29:2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to his name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 

Psalm 66:4 All the earth shall worship you and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to your name." Selah 

Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Shuwr :

Trolling minstrelsy, to sing, singer (man or woman) 

Psalm 18:49 Therefore I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name. 

Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; Play skilfully with a shout of joy. 

Psalm 144:9 I will sing a new song to you, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to you...

Tehillah :

To sing hallal, a new song, a hymn of spontaneous praise glorifying God in song 

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 

Psalm 40:3 He has put a new song in my mouth -- praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord. 

Psalm 149:1 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and his praise in the assembly of saints.

Todah :

An extension of the hand, avowal, adoration, a choir of worshipers, confession, sacrifice of praise, thanksgiving 

Psalm 50:14 Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High. 

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 

Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Be thankful to him, and bless his name.

Yadah :

To use, hold out the hand, to throw (a stone or arrow) at or away, to revere or worship (with extended hands, praise thankful, thanksgiving) 

Psalm 33:2 Praise the Lord with the harp; Make melody to him with an instrument of ten strings. 

Psalm 61:8 So I will sing praise to your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. 

Psalm 18:49 Therefore I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name.

Zamar :

To touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument i.e. play upon it, to make music accompanied by the voice, to celebrate in song and music, give praise, sing forth praises, psalms 

Psalm 66:2 Sing out the honour of his name; Make his praise glorious. 

Psalm 71:22 Also with the lute I will praise you -- and your faithfulness, O my God! To you I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel. 

Psalm 144:9 I will sing a new song to you, O God; On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to you...

 

Alats :

To jump for joy, exult, be joyful, rejoice, triumph 

Psalm 5:11 But let all those rejoice who put their trust in you; Let them ever shout for joy, because you defend them; Let those also who love your name be joyful in you.

Psalm 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High. 

Ps 68:3 But let the righteous be glad; Let them rejoice before God; Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

Alaz :

To jump for joy, exult, be joyful, rejoice, triumph 

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise him. 

Psalm 68:4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; Extol him who rides on the clouds, by his name YAH, and rejoice before him. 

Psalm 98:4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.

Anah :

To eye or to heed, pay attention, to respond, to begin to speak, to sing, shout, testify, announce, give, account, and afflict 

Psalm 147:7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; Sing praises on the harp to our God...

Calal :

To mound up, exalt, reflex, to oppose, cast up, exalt (self), extol, make plain, raise up 

Psalm 68:4 Sing to God, sing praises to his name; Extol him who rides on the clouds, by His name YAH, and rejoice before him.

Caphar :

To score with a mark, to inscribe, to enumerate, recount, celebrate, show forth, speak, talk, tell 

Psalm 9:14 That I may tell of all your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in your salvation. 

Psalm 79:13 So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever; We will show forth your praise to all generations. 

Isaiah 43:21 This people I have formed for myself; They shall declare my praise.

Chagag :

To move in a circle, to march in a sacred procession, to observe a festival, to be giddy, celebrate, dance, to keep or hold a solemn feast (holiday), to reel to and fro 

1 Sam 30:16-17 And when he had brought him down, there they were, spread out over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing, because of all the great spoil which they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah.

Chuwl :

To twist or whirl in a circular spiral manner, to dance 

Judges 21:23 And the children of Benjamin did so; they took enough wives for their number from those who danced, whom they caught. Then they went and returned to their inheritance, and they rebuilt the cities and dwelt in them.

Dagal :

To flaunt, to raise a flag, to be conspicuous, set up with banners, 

Psalm 20:5 We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! May the Lord fulfil all your petitions.

Gadal :

To cause to be large, increase in estate, honour or pride, advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, lift up, magnify, promote, speak proudly of 

Psalm 34:3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. 

Psalm 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. 

Psalm 70:4 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; And let those who love your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified!"

Giyl :

A revolution (of time and age), exceeding joy, gladness, greatly, rejoice 

Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! 

Psalm 65:12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side.

Gol :

To call aloud, a voice or sound, bleating, crackling, cry, fame, lightness, lowing, noise, proclaiming, sing, sound, thunder, voice, yell 

Psalms 95:1 Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. 

Psalm 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to him with psalms. 

Psalm 98:4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.

Hilluwl :

A sense of rejoicing, a celebration of thanksgiving for harvest, merry, praise 

Leviticus 19:24 But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, a praise to the Lord.

Kabed :

Numerous, rich, honourable, to make weighty 

Psalm 22:23 You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him, and fear him, all you offspring of Israel! 

Psalm 86:9 All nations whom you have made shall come and worship before you, O Lord, and shall glorify your name. 

Psalm 86:12 12 I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify your name forevermore.

Kabod :

Splendour, copiousness, glorious, glory, honourable 

Psalm 29:1 Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord glory and strength. 

Psalm 66:2 Sing out the honour of his name; Make his praise glorious. 

Psalm 96:8 Give to the Lord the glory due his name; Bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Kara :

To bend the knee, to sink, to prostrate, bow down self, bring down low 

Psalm 22:29 All the prosperous of the earth shall eat and worship; All those who go down to the dust shall bow before him, even he who cannot keep himself alive. 

Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

Karar :

To dance, whirl 

2 Samuel 6:14 Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.

Macha :

To rub or strike the hands together (in exultation), clap 

Psalm 98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord...

Machowl :

A round dance, dancing 

Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness... 

Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with the dance; Let them sing praises to him with the timbrel and harp. 

Jeremiah 31:13 13 "Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old, together; For I will turn their mourning to joy, will comfort them, and make them rejoice rather than sorrow."

Mangiynah -

A satire, music 

Lamentations 3:63 Look at their sitting down and their rising up; I am their taunting song.

Massa :

A burden, an utterance chiefly a doom, especially singing, prophecy, song, tribute 

Habakkuk 1:1 The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. 

Note: Habakkuk 3:19 The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and he will make me walk on my high hills. To the Chief Musician. With my stringed instruments.

Mechowlah :

A dance company, dances 

Exodus 15:20 Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 

Jeremiah 31:4 Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin of Israel! You shall again be adorned with your tambourines, And shall go forth in the dances of those who rejoice.

Mizmowr :

Instrumental music, a poem set to notes, the word most frequently used for titles of the Psalms 

Psalm 3:1 A Psalm of David when he fled from Absalom his son. 

Psalms 13:1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. 

Psalm 15:1 A Psalm of David.

Nacah :

To lift, exalt, extol, hold, up, honourable, magnify, regard, respect, yield 

Psalm 28:2 Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your holy sanctuary. 

Psalm 63:4 Thus I will bless you while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name. 

Psalm 134:2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

Nagan :

To thrum, to beat a tune with the fingers, to play a stringed instrument, to make music, sing to stringed instruments 

Psalm 33:3 Sing to him a new song; Play skilfully with a shout of joy.

Natsach :

To glitter from afar, to be eminent (as a superintendent), especially of the temple services and it's' music, to be permanent, excel, chief musician (singer), overseer, set forward, used in the title of the Psalms 

Psalm 4:1 To the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm of David. 

Psalm 5:1 To the Chief Musician. With flutes. A Psalm of David. 

Psalm 8:1 To the Chief Musician. On the instrument of Gath. A Psalm of David.

Negiynath :

Instrumental music, a stringed instrument, a poem set to music, an epigram 

Lamentations 5:14 The elders have ceased gathering at the gate, and the young men from their music.

Paras :

To break apart, disperse, break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out 

Psalms 143:6 I spread out my hands to you; My soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Selah

Patsach :

To break out (in joyful sound), break forth into joy, make a loud noise 

Psalm 98:4 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. 

Psalm 98:6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King. 

Psalm 100:1 Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!

Pazaz :

To solidify (as if by refining), to spring (as if separating the limbs), leap, be made strong 

2 Samuel 6:16 Now as the ark of the Lord came into the City of David, Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.

Ragad :

To stamp, to spring about (wildly or for joy), aloud, noise, shouted 

Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance... 

1 Chronicles 15:29 And it happened, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the City of David, that Michal, Saul's daughter, looked through a window and saw King David whirling and playing music; and she despised him in her heart.

Renanah :

A shout (for joy), joyful voice, singing, triumphing 

Psalm 100:2 Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before his presence with singing.

Rinnah :

A shrill sound, shout of grief or joy, gladness, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, triumph, singing 

Psalm 107:22 Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. 

Psalm 118:15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 

Psalm 126:6 He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Rowmam :

Exaltation, praise, be extolled 

Psalm 66:17 I cried to him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

Ruwa :

To split the ears with sound, shout (for alarm or joy), blow an alarm, make a joyful noise, shout for joy, sound an alarm 

Joshua 6:20 So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. 

Psalm 47:1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! 

Psalm 65:13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; The valleys also are covered with grain; They shout for joy, they also sing.

Samach :

To brighten up, cheer up, make glad, make merry 

Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your mercy, for you have considered my trouble; you have known my soul in adversities... 

Psalm 48:11 Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of your judgments. 

Psalm 105:3 Glory in his holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord!

Sameach :

Blithe or gleeful, glad, joyful, making merry, hearted, rejoice 

Psalm 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness...

Sason :

Cheerfulness, welcome, gladness, joy, rejoicing, mirth 

Psalm 119:111 Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart.

Shabach :

To address in a loud tone, a loud adoration, a shout, proclaiming with a loud voice (unashamed), to glory, triumph, power, a testimony of praise 

Psalm 63:3 Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you. 

Psalm 106:47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the Gentiles, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise. 

Psalm 145:4 One generation shall praise your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.

Shaown :

Uproar (as a rushing), destruction, noise, pomp, rushing, tumult 

Psalm 66:1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! 

Psalm 81:1 Sing aloud to God our strength; Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacob.

Shebach :

Adore, praise, to adulate 

Daniel 2:23 "I thank you and praise you, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of you, For you have made known to us the king's demand." 

Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honoured him who lives forever: For his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation.

Shiryah :

A song, singing, musical song 

Psalm 96:1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. 

Psalm 98:1 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! For he has done marvelous things; His right hand and his holy arm have gained him the victory.

Suws :

To be bright, cheerful, be glad, make mirth, rejoice 

Psalm 35:9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; It shall rejoice in his salvation. 

Psalm 40:16 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; Let such as love your salvation say continually, "The Lord be magnified!" 

Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at your word as one who finds great treasure.

Taga :

To clatter, slap hands together, clang an instrument, to become bondsman by hand clasping, blow a trumpet 

Psalms 47:1 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!

Teruwah :

An acclamation of joy or a battle cry, clangor of trumpets, sounding of an alarm 

Psalm 27:6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in his tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

Zammar :

An instrumental musician, singer 

Ezra 7:24 Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tax, tribute, or custom on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God.

Zemar :

Instrumental music 

Daniel 3:7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 

Daniel 3:10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image...

Zemirah :

A song to be accompanied by instrumental music 

Psalms 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to him with psalms.

Zimrah :

A musical piece, song to be accompanied by an instrument, melody, psalm 

Psalm 81:2 Raise a song and strike the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the lute. 

Psalm 98:5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm...

 

 

- GREEK WORDS RELATING TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP

Listed below are 45 Greek words related to praise and worship. Scripture references are given for each word with the translated word in bold. The New King James Version was used unless otherwise noted. Most of the Greek definitions have been compiled from Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. 

The 8 most prominent words are listed first.

Agalliao :

Jump for joy, exult, be exceedingly glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly) 

Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight. 

Acts 16:34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household. 

Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready."

Kampto :

To bend 

Romans 14:11 For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 

Ephesians 3:14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ... 

Philippians 2:10 ...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth...

Humneo :

To hymn, religious ode, to celebrate God in song, sing a hymn, praise (unto) 

Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

Acts 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

Humnos :

To celebrate, one of the psalms, hymn 

Ephesians 5:19 ...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord... 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Oide :

A chant or ode (the general term for any words sung), song 

Ephesians 5:19 ...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord... 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

Revelation 5:9 And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation...

Proskuneo :

To kiss like a dog licking the master's hand, to fawn or crouch, to prostate oneself in homage, to reverence, to adore, worship 

Matthew 28:9 And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held him by the feet and worshiped him. 

John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." 

Revelation 5:14 Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped him who lives forever and ever.

Psallo :

To rub or touch the service, to twitch or twang, to play on a stringed instrument (celebrate the divine worship with music and accompanying odes), make melody, sing, psalms 

1 Corinthians 14:15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 

Ephesians 5:19 ...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord... 

James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.

Psalmos :

A set piece of music, a sacred ode accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument 

1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 

Ephesians 5:19 ...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord... 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

 

Ado :

To sing 

Ephesians 5:19 ...speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord... 

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

Revelation 15:3 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: "Great and marvelous are your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the saints!

Aineo :

To praise 

Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying... 

Luke 24:53 ...and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen. 

Acts 3:8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them -- walking, leaping, and praising God.

Ainesis :

The act of praising, to thank 

Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.

Ainos :

A story, praise 

Luke 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

Allelouia :

Praise ye Jehovah, an adoring exclamation 

Revelation 19:1 After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honour and power belong to the Lord our God! 

Revelation 19:4 And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying,"Amen! Alleluia!" 

Revelation 19:6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, " Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!

Arete :

Manliness, excellence, praise, virtue 

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, his own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light...

Chairo :

To be cheerful, happy or well off, God speed, hail, joy, rejoice 

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

Choros :

A ring, round dance, choir, dancing 

Luke 15:25 "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing 

Acts 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch... 

Note: Prochorus, one of appointed deacons, means leader of the dance.

Doxa :

Glory, dignity, honour, praise, worship 

Luke 2:14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" 

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Doxazo :

To render or esteem, glorious, honour, magnify, full of glory 

Luke 18:43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. 

Revelation 15:4 Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before you, For your judgments have been manifested."

Enopion :

In the face of, before, in the presence (sight) of 

Luke 4:7 Therefore, if you will worship before me, all will be yours."

Epaineo :

To applaud, commend, laud, praise 

Romans 15:11 11 And again: "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Laud him, all you peoples!"

Epainos :

Laudation, a commendable thing, praise 

Ephesians 1:6 ...to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he made us accepted in the beloved. 

Ephesians 1:12 ...that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of his glory. 

Ephesians 1:14 ...who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of his glory.

Ethelothreskeia :

Voluntary, arbitrary and unwarranted piety, sanctimony, will worship 

Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind...

Eucharistia :

Gratitude, grateful language (to God as an act of worship) thankfulness, giving of thanks 

Ephesians 5:4 ...neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 

Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever...

Eucharisteo :

To be grateful, to express gratitude, to say grace at a meal 

Ephesians 5:20 ...giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ... 

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Revelation 11:17 ...saying: "We give you thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the one who is and who was and who is to come, because you have taken your great power and reigned.

Euloged :

To speak well of, to bless, thank, invoke benediction on, bless, praise 

Matthew 21:9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David! 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'Hosanna in the highest!" 

Luke 1:64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.

Eulogetos :

Adorable, blessed 

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ...

Eusebeo :

To be pious toward God, to worship, to respect, show piety, support (toward parents) 

Acts 17:23 ...for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the one whom you worship without knowing, him I proclaim to you...

Hallomai :

To jump, to gush, leap, spring up 

Acts 3:8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them -- walking, leaping, and praising God.

Homologeo :

To assent, covenant, acknowledge, confession is made, give thanks, promise 

Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.

Hosanna :

Oh save, an exclamation of adoration 

Matthew 21:9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna to the Son of David! 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'Hosanna in the highest!" 

Mark 11:10 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest!"

Kauchema :

A boast, to glory, glorifying, rejoice 

Hebrews 3:6 ...but Christ as a Son over his own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.

Latreuo :

To minister, render religious homage, serve, to do service, worshiper 

Acts 24:11 ...because you may ascertain that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 

Philippians 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh... 

Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins.

Megaluno :

To make or declare great, increase or extol, enlarge, magnify, show great 

Luke 1:46 And Mary said: "My soul magnifies the Lord... 

Acts 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God...

Mousikos :

Musical (as a noun), a minstrel, musician 

Revelation 18:22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore.

Proskunetes :

An adorer, a worshiper 

John 4:23-24 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship him.

Skirtao :

To jump, sympathetically move, leap for joy 

Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.

Sebasma :

Something adored, an object of worship (god, altar), devotion, that is worshiped 

2 Thessalonians 2:4 ...who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

Sebazomai :

To venerate, adore, worship 

Romans 1:25 ...who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

Sebomai :

To revere, adore, devout, religious, worship 

Acts 18:7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 

Acts 18:13 ...saying, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law" 

Acts 16:14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.

Sugchairo :

To sympathize in gladness, congratulate, rejoice 

Philippians 2:17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

Sumphonia :

Unison of sound (symphony), a concert of instruments (harmonious note) music 

Luke 15:25 "Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing.

Theosebes :

Reverent toward God, worshiper of God 

John 9:31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, he hears him.

Therapeuo :

To wait upon menially, to adore, to relieve of disease, cure, heal, worship 

Acts 17:25 Nor is he worshiped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, since he gives to all life, breath, and all things.

Threskeia :

Ceremonial observance, religion, worshiping 

Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind...

Time :

A value, money paid, valuables, esteem, honour and precious 

Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks to him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever...

 

 

I believe we still have to fathom the depths of praise and worship but for the purpose of this Teaching on Grace the above will suffice

 

 

SECTION 8 – Supplementary teaching

 

Elaboration on the abilities (Charisma) of Romans 12:6-8 – What they are and now they effect my daily life

 

 

A) CHARISMA AS THE PRACTICAL PART OF THE “IMAGE” OF GOD IN US

 

THE CHARISMA OF ROMANS 12

(See First Dispensation Teachings: “Created in His Image to function in His Likeness” for a detailed exposition on “The Image of God in us”

 

What are the different talents, abilities, interests, traits and characteristics that God has placed inside of us when He created us in His “image”?

 

The answer is found in Romans Chapter 12 – the Bible calls it “Gifts” [Greek: Charisma – (Plural: Charismata) – a more correct translation would be: “grace gifts”]

 

Rom 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

 

Eph 4:7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift.

 

Rom 12:6 Since we have gifts (charisma) that differ according to the grace given to us,

{Rom 12:6 Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) (AMP)}

each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if 1)prophecy (prophetic activity or functioning), according to the proportion of his faith;

Rom 12:7 if 2)service, in his serving; or he who 3)teaches, in his teaching;

Rom 12:8 or he who 4)exhorts, in his exhortation; he who 5)gives, with liberality; he who 6)leads, with diligence; he who 7)shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

 

Paul states in Romans 12:6 - “We HAVE gifts (having gifts)” meaning:

We are clothed with it

We are pregnant with it

We have it as a permanent possession

We are wired with it

It is similar to a tree with leaves – the leaves grow from the tree. The ability to bring forth leaves is vested in the tree itself – these gifts (charismata) are vested inside of us and must become visible.

 

 

- Just to recap on the meaning of Charisma and Grace :

Charisma

The practical, operational and functional results of God’s Grace

A gift of grace, an undeserved benefit

The suffix -ma, indicates the result of grace.

 

Grace :

Grace is God’s disposition (approach) towards us – unearned and unmerited favour.

Grace is the absolute freeness of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and free heartedness of the Giver (God).

Grace denotes a free and spontaneous willingness to bestow good on him that is destitute of it, either in a way of kindness, or in a way of compassion.

Grace is to show favour, mercy and pity.

The word excludes all idea of merit in the object of free favour.

Mercy is the practical, daily outflow of His grace in the form of His deeds in my life.

So by His grace God impregnated me with potential, different talents, abilities, interests, traits and characteristics!!

 

NB!! First I want you to clearly understand that these “charismata” are not a “Christian or church thing”. They are given by God through His Grace to every person on this planet called earth!!

 

 

The “Charismas” in Romans 12 are:

Seven different gifts (characteristics, traits, abilities, talents, interests and potential) given to us by God the moment we were conceived by our parents. Every one of us is born with all seven of these gifts, each one having them in a different compilation.

We are wired by God with these traits, characteristics and interests – each one of us in a different compilation, composition or make up.

One, two or even three of these are normally dominant and that dominance will describe your main (or general) purpose and direction in life.

God gave these abilities to us to enable us to live our daily lives in a practical way, to interact with each other, to live together in harmony with other people and to take me into His purpose for my life.

These abilities enable me to live a balanced integrated life in relation with my environment and the community.

They were never intended to be used in the church – although it will certainly manifest in church meetings.

NB! “Charisma” – the result of God’s grace in my life – is realized, implemented and put into effect in my life by the Holy Spirit.

1Co 12:4 Now there are varieties of gifts (charismata), but the same Spirit.

 

The charismas of Romans 12 must also be activated and developed through the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can operate and function effectively in the earth.

I was born with these seven “charismata” and the moment I am born again, these “charismata” are also “born again - regenerated” by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. They are infused by the Spirit

 

Now Paul and Peter are urging us to “not neglect”, “stir up” and “minister to one another” these gifts

1Ti 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1Ti 4:13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1Ti 4:14 Do not neglect the gift (charisma) that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

1Ti 4:15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. (NKJV)

2Ti 1:6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift (charisma) of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

2Ti 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (NKJV)

1Pe 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "LOVE WILL COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS."

1Pe 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

1Pe 4:10 As each one has received a gift (charisma), minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1Pe 4:11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (NKJV)

 

 

B) THE 7 CHARISMAS OF ROMANS 12

 

The seven charismata mentioned in Romans 12, explained in more detail:

 

Rom 12:6 Since we have gifts (charisma) that differ according to the grace given to us,

{Rom 12:6 Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) (AMP)}

each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if 1)prophecy (prophetic activity or functioning), according to the proportion of his faith;

Rom 12:7 if 2)service, in his serving; or he who 3)teaches, in his teaching;

Rom 12:8 or he who 4)exhorts, in his exhortation; he who 5)gives, with liberality; he who 6)leads, with diligence; he who 7)shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

1) Prophecy (prophetic ability, activity or functioning), according to the proportion of his faith;

2) Service, in his serving;

3) Teaches, in his teaching;

4) Exhorts, in his exhortation;

5) Gives, with liberality;

6) Leads, with diligence;

7) Shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

These are all designs given by God to us freely to enable us to realise our potential, live life to the fullest and to walk in the mandate that He has given us in Gen 1:27 "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule (have dominion)

1) Prophecy (prophetic ability, activity or functioning)

The word “PROPHECY” has two meanings attached to it:

A) “Prophetic ability, working, functioning or activity” “divine enablement”

It has this meaning in

Romans 12:6; 1 Cor 12:10; 1 Cor 13:2; 1 Thes 5:20; 1 Tim 4:14; Rev 11:6; Rev 19:10

B) “That which is prophesied”

It has this meaning in

1 Cor 13:8; 1 Cor 14:6 & 22; 1 Tim 1:18; 2 Pet 1:20 & 21; Rev 1:3; Rev 22:7,10,18,19

 

What is prophetic activity (ability)?

 

NB!!

Each one of us moves and lives in the prophetic (prophetic functioning, activity) or has prophetic abilities. God made us that way – we were created in His IMAGE and according to His LIKENESS!!

Prophetic ability is an invisible, divine driving force laid inside each one of us (this one common factor working in each and every one of us) enabling us to express ourselves in this world in line with what God has measured out for us.

The prophetic ability in me gives me insight and understanding of life with all its complications and challenges and allows me to formulate and practically implement answers and solutions. The prophetic is the ability to apply these answers and solutions to all the areas of my life.

The prophetic gives birth to and accomplishes things – it gives life and visibility to potential. This is indeed the creative part of the image of God within us!!

Therefore the prophetic ability in me enables me to complete life’s assignments, fulfil my purpose and reach my destiny.

God in His infinite wisdom placed “Prophetic abilities” in each one of us to enable us to fully know and understand His plans, purpose, thoughts, dream, vision, will and calling for our lives and to enable us to live it out fully.

By flowing in the prophetic, I act as an ambassador of God and the interpreter of His mind and plan – in other words the speaking forth and doing of the mind and the counsel of God

REMEMBER – God’s speaking is God’s action. We operate like God operates – in His likeness. So it is not only the speaking forth of, but simultaneously the acting out and the practical implementation of the mind and the counsel of God.

The prophetic is not something static. It is dynamic, active, operative, energizing, functional, effective and operational.

 

Prophetic functioning is pivotal to the proper functioning of the other gifts of Romans 12:6-8

The prophetic is the ability to realize and implement in practical ways the other six gifts (charismata).

We won’t be able to live a successful life without this most wonderful and dynamic “charisma” that God has placed inside each and every one on this earth. Allow the Holy Spirit to optimize this ability in you!

 

Prophetic functioning and faith goes hand in hand

Rom 12:6 Since we have gifts (charisma) that differ according to the grace given to us,

each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if

1) prophecy (prophetic activity or functioning), according to the proportion of his faith;

Faith is the sense of my spirit enabling me to understand God and to direct and adapt my life accordingly.

The greater my knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ and His finished work, the greater my application of the gifts of Romans 12!

 

NB! The prophetic working, activity or functioning flows from without the complete work of Christ – the last Adam – a Life-giving Spirit – it testifies of the fullness and completeness of Jesus Christ.

Rev 19:10 Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he *said to me, "Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (prophetic ability, activity or functioning)."

 

Lost abilities restored in Christ

We lost the efficiency of this ability when Adam & Eve sinned, but Jesus came to rectify it and on the day of Pentecost these prophetic activities and abilities were restored and activated

Act 2:16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel:

Act 2:17 "And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

 

“Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” – not only the prophets as was the custom in the Old Testament, but “your offspring” shall move in the prophetic

 

Be acquainted with God’s plan for your life

If the purpose of the prophetic ability in me is to establish in a practical, visible and tangible way in the earth that which God has in mind for me and what He has measured out for me, it implies that I must be acquainted with and understand His plan, His purpose and His destiny for my personal life.

 

Therefore prophetic ability and functioning is connected not only with revelation, but with vision

At the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (recorded in Acts 2) – “vision” was restored

Act 2:17 "And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

“SEE VISIONS” AND “DREAM DREAMS” in this context means: the ability to know and to understand the inherent personal plan and purpose of God for your life and the ability (wisdom) to live it out fully.

- One example of the efficiency of the prophetic in the OT:

Prophetic activities played a vital role in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem

NB!!- The elders prospered through the prophesying of Haggai, the prophet and Zechariah, the son of Iddo:

Ezr 6:14 And the elders of the Jews were successful in building through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decree of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.

Ezr 6:15 This temple was completed on the third day of the month Adar;

 

2) Service, in His serving ( or ministry, in the ministry);

Ministry (serving) is the passion, compassion and love that we have for other people to alleviate their need and to love and to serve them

Without this wonderful ability we would not be able to establish and maintain meaningful relationships. –

This is a truly amazing part of the image of God within us as illustrated by Jesus who set the example of true ministry: He came to serve and not to be served

Mat 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Php 2:5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,

Php 2:6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Php 2:7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant,

Jesus said in Mathew 20:28

Mat 20:26 "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant,

Mat 20:27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave;

Mat 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Amplified Bible: Just as the Son of Man came not to be waited on but to serve)

 

Ministry – (Greek word “diakonia”) means:

Serviceable labour, service, assistance

Ministry involves compassionate love towards the needy

Service (ministry) means to be of service to each other. It involves other people and my relationship with them.

Every business, every calling, so far as it labour benefits others is a “diakonia” – ministry, service

The Greek word for a minister, servant or deacon is “Diakonos” and comes from the meaning: “one who is labouring in the dust, or running through the dust”.

 

“To minister” or “to serve” (Greek “Diakoneo”) means: “to wait upon” with emphasis on the work to be done and not on the relationship as such, although building a strong relationship is also part of ministry

The core meaning is: to wait upon, to be a waiter (a waiter is there for the benefit of other people – to ensure they are served properly)

A waiter only serves what is on the menu, not questioning or criticizing the circumstances of the one who is being served

Also means: to adjust, regulate, set in order

In MINISTRY the main reference is to the voluntary service or advantage rendered to another – in contrast to a slave “doulos” who is compelled to serve his/her master

A few examples from Scripture regarding ministry (service) in the context of Romans 12:7

 

Certain women ministered to Jesus and His disciples in a striking manner – they provided for them out of their personal means financially and materially:

(What a great example of how business people and people with means should sustain the spreading of the Gospel)

Luk 8:2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,

Luk 8:3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means.

(Amplified Bible: many others, who ministered to and provided for Him and them out of their property and personal belongings)

Other people who ministered in different ways to Jesus:

Peter’s mother-in-law

Mat 8:14 And when Jesus went into Peter's house, He saw his mother-in-law lying ill with a fever.

Mat 8:15 He touched her hand and the fever left her; and she got up and began waiting on Him. (AMP) ( she arose and served them NJKV)

 

The sinner woman with the alabaster vial of perfume

Luk 7:37 And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume,

Luk 7:38 and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.

Women who used to follow Christ and minister to Him

Mar 15:40 There were also some women looking on from a distance, among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and Joses, and Salome.

Mar 15:41 When He was in Galilee, they used to follow Him and minister to Him;

 

Jesus said that whoever wishes to be great must be a servant:

Mat 20:26 Not so shall it be among you; but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, (AMP)

Luk 22:26 But this is not to be so with you; on the contrary, let him who is the greatest among you become like the youngest, and him who is the chief and leader like one who serves. (AMP)

 

In Acts 6 the ministry of food to the widows is mentioned:

Act 6:1 Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.

Act 6:2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables.

Act 6:3 "Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.

Act 6:4 "But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."

(The “ministry of the word” is also mentioned in this passage of Scripture but I will deal with that concept and other meanings of the word “minister” separately)

 

In 1 Corinthians 16 and 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 Paul is highlighting the ministry of material things to needy saints

1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also.

1Co 16:2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.

1Co 16:3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;

2Co 8:4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

2Co 9:1 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints;

2Co 9:7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2Co 9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.

2Co 9:13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,

In 1 Corinthians 16:15 Paul is making special mention of the household of Stephanas who devoted (addicted) themselves to the service of the saints (That is, by aiding the ministry; by showing hospitality; by providing for their needs)

1Co 16:15 Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts and our first fruits in Achaia (most of Greece), and how they have consecrated and devoted themselves to the service of the saints (AMP)

 

In 2 Timothy 1:16-18 Pauk is commending the ministry of the household of Onesiphorus

2Ti 1:16 The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain;

2Ti 1:17 but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me.

2Ti 1:18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day— and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.

Ministry to the saints will never be forgotten by God:

Heb 6:10 For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labour and the love which you have shown for His name's sake in ministering to the needs of the saints , as you still do.

 

3) Teaches, in his Teaching;

 

God as the great Teacher and Instructor of His people placed this wonderful ability in us as part of His image

 

To teach: (1321 didasko) means: – to give instructions, to know or teach. Instruct by word of mouth or by example

To teach has inherent in it the calculation of the increase in understanding of the pupil (learner),

The thing aimed at when teaching is the shaping of the will of the pupil (learner)

Teaching is about the impartation of knowledge and experience to other people’s lives, and also the receiving of impartation from others.

Teaching (1319 didaskalia): The act of teaching, instructing, tutoring

Teaching refers not only to that which is taught, but also to the authority of the teacher, thus not simply the subject taught, but that which is accomplished and achieved by the teaching.

Teaching is a daily activity done by each and every one – it might be:

As parents educating our children; training people in the workplace; imparting skills to other people; training people at education institutions; self-education and self-development; etc.

We are daily teaching, training and educating other people and ourselves while also learning from each other.

We not only have the ability to teach and to train, but also to be taught and to learn

 

4) Exhorts, in his exhortation (encouragement);

He who exhorts, in the encouragement (exhortation)

Exhorts (3870 “parakaleo”) means: to call to one’s side and aid, to help

To admonish or urge one to pursue some course of conduct (always prospective, looking to the future, in contrast to the meaning “to comfort”, which is retrospective, having to do with trial experienced)

To give advice and guidance

This “charisma” enables you to encourage and support people to reach their purpose and destiny in life, helping them to develop strong areas in their lives and to overcome weaker areas. This applies to our everyday walk of life; i.e. family, workplace, relationships, etc. and is aimed at bringing out the good in each and every one of us.

 

Something amazing is mentioned in Romans 12:2

Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

To optimize this “charisma”, Paul urges us not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we may prove what the will of God is

“That we may prove” means: to bring out that which is good in me or in somebody else

 

Exhortation (3874 paraklesis) means: the act of calling toward helping, exhortation and encouragement toward virtue.

The entire Scripture is actually a “paraklesis” – an exhortation, admonition, encouragement or comforting words for the purpose of strengthening and establishing us.

From the word “paraklesis” comes the word: “Parakletos” (or “paraclete”) and means: He who has been called to help, a helper; legal advisor; pleader; an advocate; one who comes forward on behalf of and as the representative of another.

In 1 John 2:1 Christ is termed our intercessory Advocate (“Parakletos”).

1Jn 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

1Jn 2:2 and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.

Christ designates the Holy Spirit as “Parakletos” (John 14:16) and He calls Him “another”, which means of equal quality.

Therefore, the Holy Spirit is designated by Jesus Christ as equal with Himself and God.

Joh 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counsellor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever-

Joh 14:17 The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you. (AMP)

This new “Paraclete”, the Holy Spirit was to witness concerning Christ and to glorify Him – He will always declare the fullness and the completeness of the finished work of Christ to us.

The Holy Spirit is called a “Paraclete”, because He undertakes Christ’s office in the world while Christ is away from the world. He is also called the “Paraclete”, because He acts as Christ’s substitution on earth.

The Holy Spirit “in us” and “with us” enables us to encourage and exhort people even if we are experiencing difficult times.

If we do not allow the Holy Spirit to develop this “charisma” in and through us, we will act in a harsh way towards others, always criticising and finding fault. That is the reason why Paul says in Romans 12:2 “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed...”

 

5) Gives, with liberality;

He who shares (gives), in simplicity (liberality)

The ability to make room for and accommodate each other and to share your life and all your life experiences with other people

 

Give: to give over, share, impart, to give a share of, to share with someone, communicate and converse with each other

Rom 1:11 For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established;

Giving means: to share with someone, communicate, to give cooperation, to help carry the burden, to love one another, to take joint responsibility

 

The opposite meaning:

To receive from; take to oneself; to withdraw; to remove, take away

Simplicity (liberality): (572): purity, sincerity, faithfulness, generosity

Not having a double motive

faithfulness toward others, manifest in helpfulness and giving assistance to others

Faithful benevolence out of proper motivation

It is imperative to know and understand that we are not alone in this world. We are part of a family, a community and a nation and we are interdependent of each other.

Therefore sharing with each other what we have (not talking of material things only) is of crucial importance.

What a profound part of the image of God – God shared His Son, Jesus Christ with us. Christ as a life-giving Spirit imparted His eternal life to us

 

6) Leads, with diligence;

He who takes the lead, in diligence, he that rules, with diligence

Leadership: to take the lead; to give direction; the ability to influence other people

Rule: to stand before (i.e. in rank), to preside, to lead, to set over, to care for something (to attend to), leader, ruler, director.

Diligence: eagerness, earnestness (with haste and speed) zeal

 

We all have leadership abilities which we apply in our everyday walk of life in every area of our lives – giving guidance, direction, advice etc. – as parents, in the workplace, amongst our friends and so forth

 

Leadership with diligence is also the ability to follow the lead, to take and adhere to instructions, to give cooperation and to take joint responsibility.

 

Leadership is not a position – it is a function

 

7) Shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

Closely related to no. 2 – “service; ministry”

 

Show Mercy: To feel sympathy with the misery of another, and especially sympathy manifested in act.

To show compassion; To extend help; to have pity or mercy on;

Mercy is my caring side

MERCY: The outward manifestation of pity; it assumes need on the part of him who receives it and resources adequate to meet the need on the part of him who shows it.

Mat 9:35 Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Mat 9:36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. (NKJV)

The general meaning is to have compassion or mercy on a person who is in unhappy circumstances – implying not merely a feeling for the misfortunes of others involving sympathy, but also an active desire to remove those miseries.

Mercy is the ability to take care of each other (of your children, family, friends, colleagues etc.) and to love and respect each other regardless of the prevailing circumstances.

Gal 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfil the law of Christ.

Cheerfulness: that readiness of mind, that joyousness, which is prompt to do anything with gladness.

Php 2:14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing;

Php 2:15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

 

*Reader - So there you have it!

God’s image in us contains all seven of these traits, abilities, talents and potential.

This enables us to live a successful, victorious life where we could experience fulfilment and satisfaction.

We are indeed His representatives on the earth.

I want to encourage you: there is so much more potential in you than what you have achieved up to now. Don’t just stick to one thing – realize all of your potential (potential means capable of being or becoming).

 

2Co 13:14 The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you . (MSG)