Dead Unto Sin Alive Unto Righteousnes4

Dead Unto Sin

&Alive Unto Righteousness

By

Ian R Lottering

Dead Unto Sin Alive Unto Righteousness

Dead Unto Sin

Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest

(Mt11:28 NKJ)

Ian R Lottering

Dead unto sin alive unto Righteousness

1


Dead unto Sin

&

Alive Unto Righteousness

By

Ian R Lottering

2


Contents

Prayer of a Surrendering Heart 5

Preface 6

Prayer 8

Chapter 1 8

Rom5:12 to Rom6:14 8

What is Man? 8

What Now?

10

Some Definitions

11

Chapter 2 12

We are Acquitted 12

All have Salvation 13

God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense 14

Grace 16

Adam & Eve 16

Moses 16

No Longer I who Live 20

3


Chapter 3 21

The Death He Died 21

Righteousness 23

Summary 25

Come to Him 25

Sinner’s Prayer 26

Backsliders 27

Backslider’s Prayer 27

Contact Particulars 28

4


Prayer of a Surrendering Heart

Christ, be Master of my Life;No more do I want to live in Strife,No more, Seek I to follow; my self-willLord; Guide me, by Thy guiding Light.

No more do I Thee; want to fightRather; Be Thou my daily Delight!And let Thy Light shine in my LifeDeep, Clean and shining; Bright!

Spirit; Lead me, to please none Other; But Thee!Keep me; Oh Lord, Steadfast; In Thy daily Path.Help me; Lord, to Live for TheeAnd to die to Me!

ByRobert Ian

5


Preface

To God, be all the Glory and thanksgiving, for that which He has done in my life. I am truly grateful for the day that the Lord myGod, saved me; giving His only begotten Son, for me. He loved us so much, that He gave us Jesus Christ; to die on the cruel cross,little more than two thousand years ago; to save and set us; freefrom our iniquities, sin and wickedness. So we could have eternallife, through our acceptance of Jesus Christ, as Lord, Master andSaviour, of our lives.

Truly; there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Tim 2:5amp). Jesus tells us,He is the only Door, the only Way; there is no other! “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father exceptby (through) Me. (Jn14:6amp). This is but, one of a few points and reasons, why we are always to be grateful and thankful, toward our God.

Due to our acceptance of Christ Jesus, as Lord and Master of our lives, we desire to die to our sin, living unto Righteousness. Why? We willingly, desire to live a life, pleasing unto God! We no longer live after the precepts of man in this life, rather after the precepts of God! Remember we are in this world, but we are not part of it.

This is the reason; why I felt impressed on my heart; to bless you with this brief study. The desire and prayer of my heart, foryou i.r.o. this study; is so you will be able to grow in understanding, toward the Lord’s Loving Concern over you, who arereading this as His child. That through this you would rather runto Him, instead of running away, from His Presence. My prayer is

6


that you would, daily grow, in the strength and ways of the Lord;our God. He reminds us in Proverbs 3vv 1 to 8: -

“My Son, forget not My law or teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments; For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquillity [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], theseshall they add to you. Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. So shallfind favour, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgement] of God and man. Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones. (Pr3:1-8amp).

If this brief study only places in your heart a hunger for God’s Word, bringing you to a closer walk and relationship, with God. Ishall rejoice with you, giving thanks to my personal Lord and Saviour; Jesus Christ! That would be enough! May the Lord bless and keep you, as you go through, reading, and this study. Do not read it only. Make a personal study for yourself. Then you will be able to encourage, helping others, to the Glory of God!

“My Son, do not forget My Law; but let your heart keep My commands; for length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth, forsake you; Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favour and high esteem; in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lordwith all your heart; And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him; And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh; And strength to your bones. (Pr3:1-8 NKJ.).

Address

Your brother and fellow servant in Christ, Jesus:Together in the Lord’s HarvestIan & Joan LotteringAddress: -No 07 Draai Meraai601 Joseph Bosman Street0183 SilvertonPretoriaGautengSouth Africa

7


Contact us:-

Cel: - +27 076 071 9783Email: - [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]: - http://[email protected]: - http://fertiileground.wordpress.comFacebook: - ianlotter@facebook Twitter: - ianlottering@fertiileground

8

./http:%2F%[email protected]

http://fertiileground.wordpress.com/

mailto:[email protected]




PrayerFather, in Jesus Name, we come to You, asking wisdom and understanding. Lord, that the eyes of our understanding may be enlightened by Your Word. Father; we desire to find out, and learn of the richest Treasures to be found in the wealth of Your Word. Father for You to be Glorified, in and through our lives, in and through the Name of Christ Jesus; our Lord; Amen!

Chapter 1

Rom 5:12 to Rom 6:14We are and were born in Sin, because of Adam’s fall. Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all, because all have sinned- (Rom 5:12 NKJ).

Remember God, had originally, wonderfully created us in His Image, without sin; to partake of and enjoy His Love, which He has for us. The Lord; had originally given us authority and dominion, over His Creation.

For He has said: - “ Let Us make man in Our Image, according to Our Likeness; let them have Dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” SoGod created man in His own Image; in the Image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have Dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birdsof the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”(Gen 1:26 - 28 NKJ.).

And God said; “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed;which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruityields seed; to you it shall be for food. “Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;” and it was so.(Gen 1:29 – 30 NKJ.).

When our Lord created and formed us, He found no fault. God created, all things; making them beautiful and wonderful, in His sight. There is no imperfection with God’s creation. ‘Tis always good, to know and realize those things which our Lord created, have always forever been good. God saw everything He had made. Indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Gen 1:31NKJ).

9


For our Lord, always makes things of lasting beauty. David writes, saying that we’re beautifully and wonderfully made. (See Ps139:13-15.). Even as recorded in Ps 8:4-6 which says:-

What is Man?

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that Youcare for him? Yet You have made him but a little lower than God [or heavenly beings], and You have crowned him with glory and honour. You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hand; You have put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field. The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, howexcellent (majestic and glorious) is Your Name in all the earth! (Ps8:4-9Amp)

Remember when the Lord created us; He made us in His image. We had been given authority and dominion over all creation. All things great and small had been placed under our reign. We were to rule and reign as kings, beside God. Yet we missed the mark, and messed up. Why? What had happened, to our kingship?

For God is over all. We lived in Paradise. The Lord placed us in Paradise (Eden), to tend to God’s Creation, on Earth. We were to tend the garden. We even had close fellowship with our Creator. Regularly, daily, in the cool evening, God would come down, to fellowship with us (seeGen3:8).

We can almost imagine what it had been like, to fellowship with our Creator. Imagine listening into their conversation. We could even, hear Him telling Adam, of His Great Love toward them. He would explain to him the mysteries of the universe. How He spoke,all creation into being. He most probably told Adam, how He (our Lord); carefully, gently, lovingly, created, formed and shaped Adam in the form and image of God.

Often they daily, enjoyed sweet fellowship; with one another. Immediately at the beginning, we realize and recognize God’s deeplove of His creation and toward mankind. Like a loving Father, Hetenderly cares, warns and Woo’s Adam.

God had one further charge, for them to heed; after giving them instructions, as to the tending of Eden. He desires the best, forHis crown creation. So He warns them, not to partake of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Disobedience to these instructions given; would lead to diverse, destructive consequences. Should they perhaps have partaken thereof they would surely die.

All went well in this dispensation of innocence, until the sorrowful moment, when instead of obedience, to our Creator, we listened to the serpent’s deceit. He questions God’s

10


authenticity, authority and His instructions given to Adam. In sodoing he sows doubt, fear and unbelief, in the heart of man and his wife.

Paul writes saying that we are not unaware or ignorant of his evil devices (see 2Cor 2:11). Our Lord also tells us of Satan’s deceit (see Jn 9:44). Through his deception Satan leads all mankind to their destruction (Gen3:1-13).

Therefore Christ and His apostles, warn us to watch, be on the lookout, for the enemy’s deceptions. Peter writes in his 1st letter to the church, for us to be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seekingwhom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world (1Pet 5:8-9NKJ).

This originally happened, leading to man’s downfall, causing us to lose our God given authority and dominion. Instead of heeding our Creator, we listened to the Deceiver, who messed totally withour DNA. We had partaken of the forbidden fruit, losing our sweetfellowship, with our Creator.

This deception came into our Paradise, when the serpent beguiled,lied, to Eve; questioning the original instructions given to Adam, by our Creator. He (the enemy of our souls) still uses the same strategies today also.

This is the reason why we are warned to watch and be ready, to beon the lookout for the attack of our enemy. Who comes as a roaring lion, to see whom he can devour? Him we are to resist. Yet we are only able to resist the devil, when we submit ourselves to our Lord.

Our forebears were not fully aware of their consequences, when heeding the serpent’s lies and deception. Through their action, this leads to Adam and Eve’s downfall and our eventual demise. Eventually due to their disobedience, death entered into their world, we lost our God given dominion, and sin entered into the world. God was now no longer able to fellowship, with His crown creation; therefore He banished us from Paradise.

Remember God, although He is Love, is also Holy, Righteous without sin; Merciful and Forgiving. Our disobedience, then leadsus away from fellowship with God. Adam where are you? (Gen 3:9). This position we live in, because of original sin, leads to the breakdown of fellowship with our Creator.

Because of Adam’s fall, his disobedience and transgression, sin entered into the world. Bringing forth all of sins allies;

11


trouble, sorrow and death to rule together, over man. Through oneman’s disobedience, (offence); all had to die therefore through one man’s obedience, all were able to live (see Rom 5:15 – 21).

What Now?

What is to happen now? We are unable to have fellowship with our Creator (see Gen 3:7-11). We realize God and sin are unable to mix! Our sin brought separation, between God and ourselves. Yet it is not unable to be reconciled with God. As it is written in Scripture: -

Behold, the Lord’s Hand is not shortened at all, that it cannot save, nor His ear dull with deafness that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. (Is 59:1-2 NKJ).

You see; God and our sin are unable to mix. For God is first of all Holy, Pure, Righteous, and Sinless! Yet at the same time: - He is also Faithful, Forgiving, Gracious, Loving, Merciful and True. God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man thatHe should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. (Num 23:19-20 NKJ).

For all of us have sinned and fallen short of His Glory (Rom3:23 NKJ). Our sin always leads us to death and destruction. The wagesof sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23 NKJ). Whereas through one man’s sinful act; death entered into the world, therefore how much all the more so; through one Man’s Righteous act, all may come to repentance, experiencing salvation (Rom 5:15-21NKJ). How would this fit; what does it have to do with, our discussion? We tend to ask.

This is the reason why Christ Jesus came; born of a virgin, without sin. He is the only Righteous person; (God in flesh), worthy and able to save; heal and deliver mankind from both; sin and death. He indeed is God’s blueprint, His plan, His way of escape for our salvation. For without the shedding of blood therehad been no sacrifice for sin. Christ paid the highest price, HisLife and death on the cross, for man’s redemption and salvation. (Gen 3:15, Gen 22:18; Gal 3:16; Is 7:14; Gen 12:1-3; Heb 11:17-19; Is 9:6 & Lk 2:10-12 NKJ).

We are therefore reconciled to God, because of this single act ofGod’s Love toward us. Christ became sin for us, so we could be made righteous. We know that it is written, how Christ became a

12


curse for us; for cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree (see Gal3:10-14). For the Law of Life in Christ Jesus, delivered; set us free from the Law of Sin and Death. (2Cor 5:21; Rom 5:17-21; Rom 8:1-4).

Remember Christ did not come into this world, to condemn the world. Rather He came into this world, to save that which is lost. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world; through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the Name of theOnly Begotten Son of God. (See Jn 3:16-18.).

Some Definitions- - -

13


14

Word Definitions

Word Definition

Dominion i) Power of /or right to rule ii) Sovereignty iii) (Often capitalized); self-governing state or nation; of the commonwealth, other than or besides the U.K. acknowledging the British Monarchy; as Head of State. iv) (Law) Absolute ownership; Right of possession.

(Longman’s Dict. Of the English Language. 1985.).

Justify: - i) To prove or show, to be just; Right or Reasonable. ii) To judge, regard or treat as Righteous and worthy of iii) To adjust or arrange (as) exactly. iv) a) Show a sufficient lawful reason for an act done. b) To fit exactly.

Justification: - i) Act of; process of; state of been justified by God. ii) a) Being justified or justifying b) What or that thing or act which justifies. iii) Spacing out of a line of text.

(Longman’s Dict. Of the English Language. 1985.).

Justification (Gk)i) Dikaiosis(Gk): - denotes act of pronouncing righteous, justification, acquitted

from guiltii) Dikaioma: - concrete expression of

Righteousness. A declara- tion of aperson or thing is Righteous. (Rom 5:16.).

iii) (vb.). a) Dikaio: - deem to be right. b) To show to be righteous.(Vine’s “An Expository Dict. Of Biblical

Words.”).


Chapter 2

We are Acquitted“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom 5:19-21 NKJ).

Through Christ dying on the cross, we are acquitted, from all sinand iniquity. When we confess

our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn 1:9 NKJ).

Remember Jesus paid the full penalty for all our sin. Our sin came between us and God, keeping us from abundant life. Thereforewe are justified because of Calvary. Christ died in our place. Hebecame a curse for us, for it is written; cursed is anyone who hangs on a tree. Christ came to redeem us from the curse of the law. This is why He hung on the cross. He died in our place. We were and are unable to redeem ourselves.

He is the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. He also desires to acquit us from sin. He came to deliver us, from the devils hold, on our lives. Through our acceptance of Christ, we partake of God’s free gift of life (Jn 3:16-17; Rom5:15-21). We know the thief comes to kill, steal and to destroy us. We are certain, Christ had come for us to have life, and to have life inabundance (see Jn 10:10).

Does this mean we can carry on sinning? That we can do so according to our hearts content? Most certainly not! This does not give us the go ahead, to keep on living in sin. Christ’s

15


blood cleanses us from all sin. When we abide in Him, i.e. when we abide in Christ, we do not wish to sin.

For as it is written, that which is born of God, is able to overcome the world. It is through our faith in Christ Jesus, thatwe are victorious. Seeing we believe, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, we are able to overcome, not to be overcome.

We are reminded in Rev 12:11; we overcame the enemy through the Blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony. Read carefully,it says overcame him (the enemy), this is past tense. The Lord defeated the enemy on our behalf, when He made a public spectacleof the principalities and powers, when He was nailed on the crosstriumphing over them (see Col 2:13-15).

We know the Lord always causes us to triumph (2 Cor 2:14b). He also knows the end from the beginning. In fact He declares the end from the beginning, He is God and there is no other. I know no other God (Is 46:9-10). He (Christ Jesus) is after all the Alpha and the Omega; the Beginning and the End (Rev 21:6b; Rev 22:13).

For our Lord knows all things. There is nothing, which He does not know. We might be able to fool ourselves or fool others, but we are not able to fool God. For God knows what is in the heart of man. For this reason He promises to give us a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone. He can soften our hearts. He changesus from the inside out. Our Lord does not see as man sees. He sees right into our hearts.

We are admonished, we are encouraged, to keep on serving the Lordour God in spirit and in truth. I am reminded of the woman at thewell, who asked the Lord about where to worship Him. He asked theSamaritan woman for a drink. She wanted to know how is it possible that a Jew would ask her for water to drink, as Jews hadno dealing with Samaritans.

So He spoke to her about living water; opening an opportunity, for answering her concerns. We know this occurrence, as recorded in John 4. We recall later that He speaks to her about worshipping God. He told her the time was coming, and is here, when true worshippers, would worship the Lord in Spirit and Truth.

But recognize His Love, compassion He had for her. He never judged nor condemned her. Instead He pointed her to Himself, who is able to give the Living Water. He through His compassion made her thirst for more. In Lamentations we read of, our Lord’s bountiful compassion, mercy and His Loving-kindness.

16


“_ _ _ this I recall and therefore I have hope and expectation. It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions (mercies) fail not. They are new every morning, great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord ismy portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord is good to those who wait hopefully and expectantly for Him, to those who seek Him [inquire of and for Him and require Him by right of necessity and on the authority of God’s Word]. It is good that one should hope in and wait quietly for the salvation (the safety and ease) of the Lord.” (Jer. 3:21-26 Amp.).

All have SalvationFor just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One Man the many will be made righteous. (Rom 5:19 NIV).

_ _ _ All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, (Rom 3:23 NKJ).

When Adam messed up, through his sin and disobedience, all of us entered into sin. We therefore inherited Adam’s sin. We are unable to bring ourselves into righteousness. All our attempts, at being made righteous through our good works, are as filthy rags.

Although there is nothing wrong with doing good works, at all. Weare to remember it is not good works that will save us from our sin and iniquity. Only through our accepting Jesus Christ, as Personal Lord, Master and Saviour; are we able to experience grace and salvation. Christ out of His Love for us came to die inour place. There is Salvation through no one else, except Jesus Christ.

Christ Jesus has been both Righteous and obedient. Even now whileHe intercedes on our behalf, we know He is our Righteousness. He is faithful to the end. We are aware through that which Christ suffered; He learned obedience, although He was a Son. Through His perfect obedience, Christ authored Salvation, for all those who obey Him. He is also the Author and finisher of our Faith (Heb 5:5-10, Heb 12:2).

The Law, brought condemnation into the world. They, who live according to the Law, have to fulfil every one of them. Their works been brought to the forefront. But as mentioned earlier, all our good works are as filthy rags. These works are not able to save us. For the letter is made fast in the stone tablets of our hearts. This letter condemns us, for we are unable to keep all the Law and the prophets, due to our sinful, Adamic nature.

Jesus came fulfilling the Law and the Prophets. He is without sin, God in flesh. We know Jesus came into the world; not to condemn the world, but that through Him the world may be saved. Therefore when we believe, in Him; we need no longer be condemned. We understand whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

17


This is not cheap grace! You see Christ paid for us, our salvation, through the shedding of His, most precious Blood. He is our Sacrifice. He is the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. For without His shed Blood there is no sacrifice or remission for our sin.

Truth is we are unable to save ourselves from death and destruction. When Adam fell; sin entered into the world. Due to this single act of disobedience; both Adam with his wife (Eve); brought judgement upon themself and all of their offspring. For this reason Paul writes in his letter to the Romans confirming that all of us had sinned, falling short of God’s Glory (Rom3:23).

Therefore we may miss God’s plan for our life, which could have severe repercussions; throughout our life. With the increase of the Law, condemnation also increased. This increase makes it all the more impossible, for us to follow the Law. The Lord tells us unless our righteousness far surpasses the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees, we shall by no ways enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 5:20).

What then are we able to say, in light of these matters? Seeing we are unable to be made righteous, except through our acceptanceof Christ Jesus. Jesus is our righteousness. He knew no sin, yet He became sin for us, so we would be able to be made the righteousness of God in and through Him (2 Cor 5:21).

God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

Because of our sinful nature, we cannot keep or fulfil the Law. Sin has a hold on us; thereby destroying us. At the same time oursin nature, controls us which leads to death. For we are aware ofthe wages of sin being death; but the gift of God, is eternal life in and through Christ Jesus our Lord. (See Rom 6:23 NKJ). This is why the Lord came to fulfil the Law and the Prophets.

The Lord made a plan; He made a way, for us to receive our salvation. Where there is no way, our Lord makes a way; yes even in the wilderness. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springsforth; do you not perceive it and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (See Is 43:19amp).

Now the Lord being aware of our predicament, made available to usthe way of Salvation. He said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by (through) Me. If you had known Me [had learnt to recognize Me], you would also have known My Father; From now on you know Him and have seen Him.”(Jn 14:6-7 NKJ; Amp.).

18


Remember as our sin increased, God’s Grace prevailed. For, we aresaved by grace; through faith working by His Love for us. He first loved us. When we come to God, confess our sin, accepting Christ in our hearts and our lives, we shall live. We enter into the Grace of our Lord, because of His Love. We then pass from death to life. This eternal life is given to us through Christ Jesus our Lord (1Jn 3:14; 1 Pet 2:9-10; Jn 3:15-18; Jn 3:35-36).

Note: - “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved}, and raised us up together, and made us to sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding great riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:4-10 NKJ).

(We shall look at this in more depth and detail later when looking through Paul’s letter to the Ephesians).

Let’s briefly look at grace. What is grace? As said earlier it isnot cheap, neither is it for sale. It is the gift of God, given to all who call upon His Name. I have an illustration, which manymay recall. I have used this illustration often. So have other pastors, ministers, hand maidens and servants of God. Here is theillustration. You may have seen it before. As far as I know thereis no copyright on this illustration, so I have the liberty to use it: -

Grace stands for: - God’s

Riches

At

19


Christ’s

Expense God's Riches Christ's Expense

Grace

Grace is undeserved, unmerited favour. It is also a short prayer said before meals. It may also be a title, form of address for anArchbishop, Duke or Duchess. A polite form of behaviour; to kindly agree to be present at (an event) (Collins Eng. school Dict)

Grace also speaks of mercy, these two (grace & mercy); I believe work together. How do we experience grace, mercy and forgiveness?We see throughout scripture the blueprint, of God’s mercy. These ultimately work together, through God’s Love toward us. We believe, receive God’s promises, because of the greatness of God’s Love; toward us.

This free gift of grace and mercy; we receive through our acceptance of Christ Jesus alone, as our personal Lord and Saviour. The term grace is also known, as Divine Grace. Divine grace, refers to blessings which come from above. It is given without merit. We are not able to pay the price of Grace.

This Grace is God given. It is a free gift. Only through Jesus Christ, who is the Author and Finisher of our Faith (Heb12:2). Wetherefore look unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2NKJ).

Christ took the blame and our shame, upon Him, when dying on Calvary’s tree. We could not, through our sacrifices, receive or experience, God’s Grace and Mercy. We are not able to deliver or save ourselves, from sin, wickedness or our iniquity. The price is too high, for us to pay. We are admonished to, regularly seek His Face.

This Grace enables, empowers us to do His will. This Grace also empowers us to be everything; the Lord wants us to be. It is of importance, for us to receive this Grace. Grace may also refer toGod’s gifting, provided for us, in and Through Christ Jesus; (TheAnointed One and His Anointing). He is God’s preferred answer forour salvation.

Remember it is by Grace we are saved. This works through faith, because of God’s Love; toward us. Charis; which is the Greek for

20


Grace, is the state of God’s favour and kindness; toward us who believe.

Grace is found throughout scripture. There are examples, of those in scripture who found, partook and tasted of God’s grace. Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of God’s Grace which He hadshown towards His people; Israel.

Adam & Eve

We also see, God’s grace and mercy; shown towards Adam and Eve, after their fall. Our Lord gave us His first Messianic Prophecy. In Gen 3:15 we find the following: -

“_ _ _ I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”(Gen 3:15 NKJ).

Before sending Man; from out of Eden, although we fell; the Lord made tunics (garments) of skin for Adam and Eve. Therefore we areable to see, beholding, God’s Goodness, Grace and Mercy. He really loves us, although as Adam, we mess up. God is still gracious, merciful and forgiving.

When the Lord; had being grieved in His Heart with the sin and wickedness of mankind. Though wanting to destroy man, because of their wickedness: - God showed grace toward Noah, a Righteous man. He then instructed Noah to build an ark, to preserve life and his family. Yet He was prepared, willing to forgive, to show grace and mercy, for all who would call upon His Name. There is much to study about grace, which we shall cover in due course.

Moses

Moses needed to experience more of God’s presence, therefore he asked the Lord to reveal Himself to him. When revealing Himself to Moses; in Exodus we find the following: -

Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.” But You have not let me know whom You will send with me.Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ “Now therefore, I pray, if I have found gracein Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and thatI may find grace in Your sight. And consider this nation is Your people.”(Ex 33:12-13 NKJ).

From this Scripture, we are able to see even Moses; had found, grace and favour before God. Moses went further, into God’s

21


Presence, seeking to know Him more. With such fervency he sought God’s face. When we seek the Lord, we shall find Him. When we draw near to Him, He shall draw near, close to us.

It is absolutely important for us, to clearly seek the Lord’s Presence; for us to daily, regularly, seek His Face! This is why Moses sought the Lord. He wasn’t prepared to lead a large nation,such as Israel, out from captivity, unless the Lord’s Presence went with him. Today our Lord, desires to lead, His Children; HisPeople, from captivity.

Come out of her, come out from Babylon, is our Lord’s call for us. Come out of Egypt, the worldly system. We are in the world, yet not part of her. The Lord calls us out, sets us aside for HisGlory, His Grace to be seen upon us.

The Lord desires for us to accept Him, into our life, our spirit,soul and body. Therefore today, as long as it’s today; we are to call upon His Name, to seek His Face. When Israel cried out, for the Lord, to deliver them! He heard from heaven! He called and prepared, Moses to lead them from out of Egypt. To be able to deliver them, from Pharaoh!

Even so Jesus came to deliver us from sin and from the enemy. Moses prophetically spoke, of our Lord’s Grace and Mercy. He asked for the Lord’s Presence, to go with Him. The Lord desires for us to daily, dwell, to walk in His Presence. We are to daily practice, the Presence of God. This is what Moses desired.

Unless the Lord’s presence went with him, Moses; was not preparedto lead Israel out from the tyranny of Egypt: -

Then he (Moses) said to Him (the Lord); “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are on the face of the earth.” (Ex 33:15-16 NKJ).

In his seeking, Moses sought to seek, experience God’s; Glorious Presence. The Lord met him where he was at. Moses humbled himselfbefore the sight of God. He was able to see the Lord face to face. The Lord revealed His Glory toward Moses. He Himself shows His Goodness, through proclaiming His Name to Moses.

And Moses said, I beseech You, show me Your glory. And God said, “I will make all My Goodness pass before you, and I will proclaimMy name, THE LORD, before you: For I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show Mercy and Loving Kindness on whomI will show Mercy and Loving Kindness.” (see Ex 33:18-19amp).

22


Although Israel turned aside, murmured against the Lord; He had given the Commandments a second time to Moses. While being in theLord’s Presence; God revealed His Nature. This is one of the reasons; Moses sought the Lord; to go with them. To be able to lead a nation, you need the Lord’s presence, and His Wisdom.

When a righteous king rules, leading a people in the ways of the Lord, then it should go well with that nation. Grace is still needed to lead. Moses had been raised, trained of the Lord to lead a people, out from captivity. In these days we need righteous rulers, to lead the people. We earnestly need to walk in the righteousness of the Lord.

We need to daily experience God’s Grace. In this time, God revealed Himself, to Moses. Even today we need to know more of God’s Love. For God’s grace works, through faith and Love. God isRighteous. He does not approve of sin. He is also gracious and merciful. He is Holy and Just. Let God be God, and every man a sinner, saved through Grace. This is why Christ Jesus, who is Godin flesh, came to this world.

Then the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name of the Lord. And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means, clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and fourth generation.” So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth and worshipped. Then he said, “If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people; and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”(Ex 34:5-9 NKJ)

Even as Moses, stood in the gap, interceding for Israel; even so,Christ Jesus our Lord; intercedes for us. He is the first born, of many brethren. Jesus, fully God, fully man paid the price, forour sin. Remember He is Faithful and True (Rev 19:11-16). Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn14:6). He is gracious, loving and merciful. He is the only Mediator, between God and man(1Tim 2:5). When we call on the Name of the Lord, we shall be saved from sin’s destruction (Rom 10:13).

This does not; give us a licence to sin. Neither does it mean we can carry on sinning, for grace to increase (Rom 6:13-16). Grace is not cheap. Christ paid the price, for our sin, with His Blood;which He shed at Calvary. He who knew no sin became sin for us, on our behalf, so that we could be made the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus (2Cor 5:21).

Christ broke sin’s hold over us, through His death and resurrection. We through Christ are made a new creation (2 Cor 5:17; Rom 6:4; Gal 6:15; Rom5:12-21). We therefore through Christ, died to sin and are resurrected to life. Because of our sin nature, we are unable to fulfil the Law and the Prophets. The

23


Law in fact, reminds us of our sinful nature. Yet there is grace for us through Christ. This is also why Christ came, to deliver us from the Law and the Prophets. He came also to fulfil them (Mt5:17).

--- No Longer I Who Live---

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, Because we know thatChrist (the Anointed One), being once raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over Him. For by the death He died, He died to sin [ending His relation to it] once for all; and the life that He lives, He is living to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him]. Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, but alive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions. (Rom 6:7-12amp).

Through our acceptance of Christ, as our Lord and Saviour; we no longer desire to live our life in sin. We therefore, willingly put off, the old nature. We die to self. We live for Christ. This is what Paul had been speaking of, when writing tothe Galatians about been dead to self. About living the crucified life; Paul writes: -

“For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; 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. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain (see Gal 2:19-21 NKJ).

Then this life we are only able to live by; through faith and Love. For our human nature; (ie our flesh); is in constant conflict, with God’s Nature. Paul writes of this malady (condition) in his letter to the Romans. No person truly walking with our Lord, is able to say he or she is totally free, from this trouble. Each of us has this inner conflict, battle, of which Paul writes, within ourselves.

What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would have known covetousness unless the law had said, “you shall not covet.” For I would but sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead. I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. (Rom 7:7- 9 NKJ).

24


We constantly have to be on our guard, humbling ourselves in God’s sight, resist our enemy, who shall flee from us. We are told to watch. At the same time, we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord, Master, and Saviour. In so doing, through Christ, we are able to surrender to Him. We are to Put off our sinful nature, put on God’s Nature through Christ, Jesus our Lord. This means dying to self, living for Jesus. Sin is to be no longer, the strong man, ruling and reigning, over our human nature. We ratherrule and reign, in and through, Christ living within us (our spirit soul and body, is then surrendered to Christ, Jesus our Lord).

John spoke of this in his first letter, when addressing the matter, of confession of sin and unbroken fellowship with our Lord (1Jn 1:7-10). Writing to the church, in general; we find himtalking about confessing our sin, to the Lord. He is faithful andjust to forgive, us our sins. For John writes of fellowship, withone another, in and through Christ Jesus our Lord.

How can we say; we have fellowship with Him, yet still live in darkness. Or we say, we love the Lord, yet we do not love those whom we see. We say we walk in the light, yet in the same breath,we deny the One who gives us Life, access to the door of our heart. When Christ starts working in us, we find we desire more of His Presence.

No one is able to draw near to the Father, except he be drawn to Him through the Son, and none can be drawn to Messiah, unless he is drawn to the Son by the Father. Jesus tells us; “I am the Way,the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him (Jn 14:6- 7NKJ).

Simon Peter said at one time; when our Lord sought an answer fromHis disciples, and those travelling with. To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe; You are the Messiah, the Holy One of God (Jn 6:67-69 NKJ). We are to believe,Jesus is Messiah.

Often like Philip, we seek the Father, yet it may seem, although there are people who live out God’s Grace, life, mercy and salvation amongst us; we may be spiritually blind, and do not see. This is the situation with Philip. He asks to see the Father, yet Christ Jesus clearly tells him; “I and the Father are

25


One, if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.” (See Jn 14:9-12).

On returning to Romans, we find the following scriptures, of interest. These speak of our salvation which is received by faith, believing on Christ Jesus, working through His Love. Christ loved us first. As Christ is, so are we in this world (1Jn4:17b). We are to believe Christ is who He says He is; a rewarder of all those who diligently seek Him and His Face. Therefore; let us diligently seek after Him, for we shall not be disappointed!

The word is near you even in your mouth, and in your heart (that is the word of faith which we preach) that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. For the scripture says, “whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew andGreek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all those who call upon Him. “For whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom 10:8-14 NKJ).

Remember when we come to Jesus; repent from our dead works (sin),call upon His Name; we shall be saved. Through His shed blood, onthe cruel cross, we are cleansed from all our sin and iniquity. Bearing all these things in mind, we no longer, desire to please our fleshly lusts and desires.

For when we repent from our evil works, with our whole heart, He is ready and willing to forgive us of all, our sin and iniquity. We therefore daily delight ourselves in Him, doing His will. We no longer desire or want to please ourselves (that is our flesh).We choose, rather, to do that which is right and pleasing, in Hissight. Therefore; through the repentance of our sin, and acceptance of Jesus Christ, as personal Lord, Master and Saviour;we shall be saved.

Scripture clearly states the following: -

Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him. If we disown Him, He will also disown us; if we are faithless, He will remain faithful, for He cannot disown Himself. (2 Tim 2:11-13 NIV).

26


But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one Man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgement followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. Forif, by the trespass of one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the One Man, Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:17 NIV).

Bearing all these things in mind

i. Remember, although Christ died and was crucified, God raisedHim from the dead. Death could not have hold of Him.

ii. He willingly laid down His Life, for us, so that we could have Life and Salvation, through Him.

iii. He overcame death and the cross; therefore death cannot havehold of Him.

iv. Through His shed Blood on Calvary, we are cleansed from sin.v. Through our acceptance of that which He did for us; we seek

to do that which is pleasing in His sight.vi. Christ is raised from the dead; thus we are able to partake

of His resurrectionvii. We are saved by Grace, through acceptance of Christ’s

finished work.viii. Christ became sin for us.

ix. He died once and for all, on behalf of all mankind.x. Through His death and resurrection, we are reconciled to

God.xi. We are able to repent from our dead works (sin); and

therefore can come to Him.xii. Therefore it is no longer I who live, but Christ; who lives

within me.

27


Chapter 3

The Death He Died

For by the death He died, He died to sin [ending His relation to it] once for all; and the life that He lives, He is living to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] Even so consider yourselves also dead to sin and your relation to it broken, butalive to God [living in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions. (Rom 6:10-12 Amp.).

The death Christ died on the cross, becoming sin for us, is finalized once and for all (Heb9:26-28). The reality is, Christ laying down

His Life on our behalf, makes us the Righteousness of God, in andthrough Him (2 Cor 5:21). He is the only way, the only door, the only Truth (Jn 14:6). He is the only Mediator, between God and man (1Tim 2:5). He became sin for us (past tense).

Therefore enabling us to be made righteous, not through anything we have done, but through our believing on Him. You see, religious tradition; expects of us to do good works, to receive any acceptance, grace, mercy or love. They teach that if you havebeen a good person, in this life through doing good works, you obtain a better life.

The world and religion may teach; it is through works, prestige which makes you a good person. Therefore you are called a good righteous person, through what you have done, or do for others. There is nothing wrong with good works per se. Yet it is written;all our good works are as filthy rags, in the eyes of God. For

28

He has


God is not that way inclined, neither is He impressed, through our good works. We can’t buy our way to heaven. We are not able to save ourselves.

The heart of man is desperately wicked, since we are born into sin. Thus God made a way, for us through Christ Jesus, who is ourSacrificial Lamb. It is, only through believing on Him, that we are able to experience, Grace, Love, Mercy and Forgiveness. When calling upon Him, we are saved from sin.

Even as Abraham’s righteousness had been accredited to him, through his faith on God; whom had promised, because He is faithful (Rom4:13-16; Gen 15:6 & Rom4:20-25). We know God does not lie (Num 23:19). He diligently made a way, for us to be delivered from sin. He through Christ Jesus delivered us; from Satan’s lordship over us. Through accepting Christ Jesus we passed from death to Life (1Jn 3:14). The Lord came to set the captives free.

Neither should we allow sin to rule and reign over us, (i.e. our mortal bodies); nor are we to obey its lusts. No longer need we continually live in sin. The Lord paid the price, for our sin. Heshed His Blood for us at Calvary, becoming our official sacrifice. For the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from all our sin (1Jn 1:7).

For we have died with Christ to sin’s mastery. Through our acceptance of His Sacrifice, we live a crucified life. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ Who lives in me, i.e. in my heart (Gal 2:19-21). On relating to this act of God’s Loving Kindness, we no longer desire to sin. Rather we choose to live a crucified life, dedicated to God. For His Love draws us to Him.

Therefore we put to death our old man, and we desire to live without sin. We choose to live for God, because of what Jesus didfor us. We participate of God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense. We die to our sin and live unto righteousness. We are made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Then we shall walk in the Light even as He is in the Light. We shall have fellowship one with another, because the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin (1Jn1:7NKJ).

When we walk in the Light of God, through Christ Jesus our Lord, we have liberty. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (2Cor 3:17). We are able to fellowship with each other,

29


because of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Through His blood, He cleansesus from all our sin and iniquity. This doesn’t mean we are without sin. We have been born and brought forth, from our

mother’s womb, with original sin (Ps 51:5).

The only difference between us and the world is; we are sinners saved by Grace, through faith which works by Love (Eph2:4-10). Actually more than this, yes much more, for we arealso heirs of God and joint heirs with the Son.

The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God. 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 mustshare His suffering; if we are to share His Glory. (Rom 8:16-17amp).

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the Truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His Word is not in us. (1Jn1:8-10 NKJ).

According to scripture; when we abide in Christ, we are not able to continually live in sin. Sin no longer has charge of us. Through Christ Jesus, we are made righteous and are become a new creation. The old, sinful nature neither does nor should; have charge over us.

Righteousness

For remember Christ Jesus; who did not know sin, became sin for us, to take away, deliver us from our sin. Through that which He had done for us, we are made righteous and are made the righteousness of God in Him (1Jn3:6, 9-10; 1Jn3:4-5; 2Cor5:17-21). Righteousness; what is righteousness? What does it mean to be righteousness? Who is made righteous? Who are the righteous? We are told that through Christ Jesus; we are made the righteousness of God. An understanding concerning this matter is:-

30


Righteousness means we are in right standing with God. It’s also that characteristic, of being upright, before God and man.

According to Longmans Dictionary of the English Language it is:

1. Acting in accordance with divine or moral law2. Free from sin’s guilt3. Morally right4. Justified 5. Arising from an outraged sense of justice

Synonyms of righteousness are found, to follow are

1. Goodness2. Honesty3. Morality

For us to be made righteous, we accept that there is nothing we are able to do, in our own power, to receive righteousness. All our righteous acts are as filthy rags, in God’s eyes. We are unable to pay the price. Righteousness is a gift given to us through Christ Jesus. In Him we are become the Righteousness of God. We believe the Lord, take Him upon His Word.

Abraham believed the Lord’s promise given to him concerning Isaac. Because He had believed God, it was accredited to him, as righteousness. He had been called the friend of God. We also may be called friends of God. We are able to learn from Abraham, for he walked with God. He still remains our father of faith, even until this day, for all we who believe.

We also are to believe, take the Lord on His promises, on His Word which concern us. Our lives are made righteous through our acceptance of Christ. Christ is our Righteousness. He is the Righteous one of which the Scriptures speak. He is God’s Righteous Servant, through whom our righteousness is justified (Is 53:11).

We are reminded that it is through His Righteous acts, that we are delivered from our sin and iniquity. We are unable to deliverourselves. We may try and try and try, doing so through our own innovation. We may try through religious activity, or good works,even through various charities.

31


There is nothing wrong with doing these good works, yet scripturetells us the heart of man, is naturally evil. We therefore need to allow the Lord, to have charge of our life. He longs to give us life, because of the greatness of His Love toward us. He makesus righteous.

Because of death and destruction, brought into the world, throughone man’s sin, namely Adam’s disobedience, all will perish. God through His insurmountable knowledge, made a way for us, to be set free and delivered us, through Christ’s Righteousness.

Thus through receiving Christ, we are then delivered, and made righteous. Received in such a degree through Christ; who died in our place on our behalf; therefore we may freely receive eternal life, having become God’s righteousness. This had been done for us, to such an extent so we would, be able through grace and righteousness reign, seated in heavenly places with Him; both in this world and the world to come.

Therefore this had been done through Christ’s, dying on the cross, so we would be delivered from Satan’s kingdom of death, destruction and darkness, into God’s Kingdom of blessing, life and light. Death could and would never reign over Him. His is an Everlasting Kingdom. Through Christ Jesus, who is Lord over all, we are able to live and be made righteous. Through Christ’s Righteousness, we are also, able to rule and reign with Him.

Through Him we are called kings, priests and prophets. A chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that we may proclaim the praises of Him; who called us out of darkness into His marvellous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (See 1Pet2:9-10 NKJ.).

From these scriptures, we are able to understand that it is through Christ Jesus alone, that we are made righteous. Through Him we are called, made and able to walk upright before God and man. It is only through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord, that we are called the righteousness of God. Because of Christ Jesus; we are also, made, set free, and delivered from the guilt of sin.

Christ fulfilled both the law and the prophets. He became our living sacrifice. He is the Lamb of God, who has taken away our sins. He was without spot or blemish. He has been examined, tested and tried. He passed the test of time. He is the only One;

32


who had been found worthy to be offered and sacrificed, for the forgiveness of the sin, of many. He paid the price of our sin. Heis alive. He arose again, from death. He became the First Born ofmany brethren.

There would be no other, worthy; to pay the price which sin had demanded, of mankind’s disobedience and our pride. Christ is our prime, prized possession, when receiving Him, into our hearts andlives. He went all the way, paid for us with His Holy, Righteous Blood. He did this so we through Him would be made God’s Righteousness.

Summary

After going through this brief study, we are able to see the importance of the following points.

We are born in sin, because of Adam’s disobedience Because we are dead in sin, we are unable to fellowship with

our Creator and with each other Through Christ’s death, resurrection, ascension, and His soon

return we are made righteous We are made the Righteousness of God through Christ Jesus

(2Cor 5:21) Our old sinful nature, need no longer be alive Sin no longer rules over us, because of that which Christ

Jesus, had done for us on the cross We are made a new creation (2Cor 5:17 & Gal 6:15) We are accepted by the Beloved (Eph 1:2-6) Christ’s dying on the cross is finalized, once and for all

(Rom 6:1-14) We are reconciled to God, through Christ Jesus; our Lord (2Cor

5:18-20) We are ambassadors for Christ (2Cor 5:20) We are set free from sin (Rom 6:5-9) We are redeemed through His Blood (Eph 1:7) We are servants and slaves of whom we choose to obey or serve

(Rom 6:15-18) I set before you blessing or cursing, choose blessing (Deut

11:26-28) I set before you death or life, therefore choose life (Deut

11:26-28) Therefore when we choose Christ, we choose life Choose this day whom you will serve (Josh 24:14-16)

33


Come unto Jesus

What need we do to be saved, and experience salvation? Indeed a very important, question, for us to ponder during our lifetime. This question may be in our hearts, and upon our lips. This question’s answer may be of great concern, in this life and the one to come.

Our answer to this question determines where we are to spend eternity. Whether; we are to be with the Lord for eternity in heaven, or are we to be cut off, from life’s very source. From scripture, we understand we are not unaware of satan’s devices. For he goes around as a roaring lion, seeing whom he may devour, leading to death and destruction.

We are admonished, to humble, submit ourselves in the side of God; resist the enemy, who will flee away from us in due course. We are also to watch be ready, at all times, with all prayer and supplication, making all our requests known to Jesus Christ our Lord, Master; Saviour, He is God in flesh; No one is able to compare with Him. Let God be God, and each man a liar.

We are reminded through scripture, that all have sinned; falling short of God’s Glory (see Rom3:23). Know the wages of sin is death, yet God’s Gift unto us is Eternal Life; through Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom6:23).

For the Lord; is near to all who call upon Him. When calling uponHim, He answers us, showing great, mighty, wondrous things, whichwe do not know (Jer33:3). Remember, when we call upon His Name; He shall always answer us. His Name is above all other names. Forat the Name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, every tongue, confessJesus Christ is Lord.

The following is definitely needed for us to act upon. Know, readand understand, for us to experience and have salvation, we need to: -

Recognize our need for Jesus Christ, as Lord and Saviour of our life.

Acknowledge we are born in sin. Confess our need of forgiveness. Call on the Lord’s Name, and we shall be saved (Rom

10:13). Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for our Salvation (Jn

3:16).

34


Repent from our sin (Lk 13:5). Submit to God (Jas 4:7; 1 Pet 5:5-9). Resist the devil and he will flee from us (Jas 4:7; 1Pet

5:5-9). Confess with our mouth the Lord Jesus (Rom 10:8-9). Believe in our heart God raised Him from the dead we

shall be saved (Rom 10:9-14)

Sinner’s Prayer

Lord Jesus I thank You, for first loving us. Thank You, Lord, fordying in my place upon the cross. I acknowledge, confess I have sinned, falling short of Your Glory. I know, realize sin’s wages,is death; yet Your gift given to us is eternal life, through Christ Jesus; our Lord.

Lord, I come before You as I am, asking You for Your Forgiveness,repent from my sin and wickedness. Jesus, I ask You, to come intomy life, as personal, Lord, Master, and Saviour of my life. I repent of my sin, acknowledge You are my Lord. I confess with my mouth, You have risen from the dead.

Right now, Lord Jesus; I accept You into my heart, as personal Lord and Saviour! I renounce the devil, and all his works in my life. I give him no further hold and right in my life today. Lord, According to Jas 4:7; I humble and submit myself in the sight of God, resist the devil and he shall flee from me.

Right now I am, a Blood washed son of God. I am made the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, because of that which You have done for me. I acknowledge and confess, You are the Only Begotten Son of God. According to 1Jn 4:1-3; You are God in flesh!

According to 2Cor 5:17-21; I am now become a new creation, old things have passed away, all things in my life are made new. I amnow reconciled to God. Thank You Lord, although You are without sin; You became sin on my behalf, so that through You; I could become the Righteousness of God!

Amen!

35


Backsliders

If you had given your life to Jesus, yet somewhere along life’s road; you seem to have missed the mark. Remember the Lord is married to the backslider (see Jer3:14-22 NKJ). He encourages us to return from our backslidings. The Lord has not forsaken you, neither has He forgotten you.

Remember the prodigal son, returned to his father. His father welcomed him back home. He held no record of his messed up life. Even so Christ Jesus, our Lord, welcomes the backslider, when he or she returns to Him. When we confess, our sin; He is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins (1Jn1:9-10).

When we who are called by His Name (Jesus) humble ourselves and pray, seek His Face, turn from our wicked ways; the Lord hears from heaven, forgives our sin then heals our land (2Chron 7:14). He is always ready and willing, as the Father (see Lk 15); looking out for us, to return to Him. He will welcome us back into His Presence.

Jesus Christ dearly loves us. When we return to Him, He restores our soul. Although, we might have badly messed up, He is always ready to restore us. Thus when we call on Him, in the time of trouble, He shall hear us and show us great and wondrous things, which we know not (see Jer 33:3).

“Come unto Me all you who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Jesus Christ; see Mt 11:26-30 NKJ).

“Return to Me, O backsliding children,” says the Lord; “for I ammarried to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledgeand understanding.” (Jer 3:14-16 NKJ).

Backslider’s Prayer

36


“Lord I come before You, and I ask You, for Your forgiveness of my sin. I confess, I have followed, my own ways. I realize that Ihave both; messed and slipped up, badly in my life, through foolish, unwise decisions I had made.

Lord; I repent of my foolishness, and my wrong decisions, which Ihave made. I receive Your Grace, Mercy and Forgiveness for my life. I thank You, Lord for loving me enough, to die on the crossin my place. Thank You Lord; also for receiving and restoring me today. Place me in Your rightful place. This I ask of You in Jesus, in Your most Precious Name! Amen and Amen!!!

When you prayed any of the above prayers; you are welcome to contact, write me for further material. My prayer for you; is that you grow in full maturity. Our Lord would train; prepare you, to grow in Him. He shall never let go of our hand. He desires for us to rule and reign with Him, through the greatness of His Love toward us.

My contact particulars:

Blog: - http://[email protected]

Blog: - http://fertiileground.wordpress.com

Email 1): - [email protected]

Email 2): - [email protected]

Facebook: - www.facebook/Ianlotter

Twitter: - ianlottering@fertiileground

37

./http:%2F%[email protected]


http://fertiileground.wordpress.com/


38


39


40


41


42


43


44


45

Dead Unto Sin Alive Unto Righteousnes4

Documents

Transcript of Dead Unto Sin Alive Unto Righteousnes4