The Sinless One

Comfort of the Scriptures

Lord's Day, March 22, 2015

“We have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).

There are certain things that are essential, if we are to be saved. There are things which are absolutely necessary; they cannot be dispensed with. First, there must be a Saviour “without sin.” This we have in God’s beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, “who did no sin,” “who knew no sin,” “and in Him is no sin.” Even so, His holiness and sinlessness cannot in itself save us, for “without shedding of blood is no remission.” It was necessary that He give that sinless life for us, that we might be “redeemed ... with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot.” Then, though He died for all, forgiveness must be personally received, and here we have another essential, namely, faith. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Be sure, dear reader, that you have personally received “the gift of God [which] is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord,” who said that “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.”

He shed His blood for your sins,
That you might forgiven be,
That you might know and praise Him
Throughout all eternity.

References: 1 Peter 2:22; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 3:5; Heb. 9:22; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Heb. 11:6; Rom. 6:23; John 14:6.

The above is from Comfort Of The Scriptures by John Marchbanks.

     Believers are cleansed and made whole, and seen as righteous in the sight of God, only by the precious, sinless, shed blood of of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

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Salvation Is Of The Lord

Comfort of the Scriptures

Friday, March 20, 2015

“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.” “Christ is ... entered into ... heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body” (1 Cor. 15:3; Heb. 9:24; Phil. 3:20-21).

From start to finish, our “salvation is of the Lord.” He died for us on the cross, he lives for us in heaven, and He is coming to receive us unto Himself. “Christ died for our sins.” “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God,” for “all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” Yes, “Christ ... died, yea rather ... is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.” He has “entered into ... heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.” “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” And we have His sure promise that “if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” “Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: Thy blessing is upon Thy people.”

His blood has washed away my sins,

And now He liveth for me,

And He shall come to take me home,

Forever with Him to be.

References: Jonah 2:9; 1 Peter 3:18; Isa. 53:6; Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; John 14:3; Psa. 3:8.

     The above is from John Marchbanks Comfort Of The Scriptures.

     May these words be a blessing to all this day. What hope and assurance the word of God gives the believer! 

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To God Be The Glory

     God tells us in His word that His purpose for saving us is to bring glory, honor, and praise to His Name. What a privilege as well as responsibility believers have, to be a shining light for Jesus here in this dark, godless world! It is good to remember this purpose God has for us, otherwise it is easy to get off course, and be carried away with self-importance, self-will, or something else that becomes an idol to us. 

"Even every one that is called by My Name: for I have created him for My glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him... This people have I formed for Myself; they shall shew forth My praise." Isaiah 43:7,21.

"In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will: That we should be to the praise of His glory..." Ephesians 1:11,12a.

     When we have the desire to help others, whether it is financially, or any other way, if we do it in a way that gives God the credit and not ourselves, we are bringing glory to His Name through good works.We can do good works with a meek and humble spirit, that does not bring attention to ourselves, when we are acting in love to others, following the example our Lord Jesus displayed when He was here on earth. 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." Matthew 5:16.

"Having your conduct honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Peter 2:12.

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." 

1 Corinthians 10:31.

     Doing good works is very important as a means of glorifying God, but it is also important that we can, and should glorify God in all that we do, that is, in our entire manner of life. This includes our home life with our families, how we treat our neighbors, and how we act on the job with our boss and co-workers. All of these areas are wonderful opportunities to show forth the glory of God.

     The word "whatsoever" in the above verse is very important to remember. Once we profess to be Christians, we are watched very closely by others, oftentimes, much more closely than we realize. It is easy to bring reproach to the Name of God if we are careless with our words or deeds while doing trivial insignificant things. Others are watching us closely at these times, watching to see if we are truly living for God all the time, not just when we know others are watching us. 

     

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Fear not, trust Him, and be at peace!

Fear not:

"Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee..." Isaiah 43:1-2.

"Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over?" Isaiah 51:10.

"For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee." Isaiah 41:13.

The same God that parted the Red Sea for the children of Isreal, when all seemed hopeless, promises to be with His own still today. For He changes not, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. 

TRUST IN HIM:

"And they that know Thy Name will put their trust in Thee: for Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek Thee." Psalm 9:10.

"Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Psalm 62:8.

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." 
Psalm 91:2.

     Who we put our trust in is of the upmost importance. The Enemy of our souls is busy deceiving many in a countless number of ways. Whether it be false, man made religions, trusting in politicians, trusting in wealth, or anything else aside from the God of the Bible, is like walking on quicksand, it may look safe, but it is not the solid ground of trusting the Lord God almighty! 

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8.

"Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the LORD our God." Psalm 20:7.

   "Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever:" Psalm 146: 3-6.

AND BE AT PEACE:

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7.

"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." 
2 Thes. 3:16.

     Very similar to putting our trust in the wrong thing, we can also be easily deceived by Satan into thinking everything is alright between ourselves and God, when actually it is not. This is a type of false peace that will send souls to an eternity in Hell. True peace only comes from believing that the shed blood of Jesus, and that alone, can cleanse us from our sin, and make us acceptable in the sight of God. 

"For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." 
1 Thes. 5:3.

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." 
1 Tim. 2:5.

.

"Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee." 
Job 22:21.

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"Go, Stand and Speak"

I have put together some thoughts on the different components of this verse, and I hope it will be a blessing and encouragement to all who read it.

GO: 

     When the Angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and brought Peter and John out of the prison, it was not simply for the sake of relieving them from their present situation, it was because the Lord  planned to use them to further proclaim the good news of the gospel  of  the Lord Jesus Christ! When the gospel is proclaimed, it requires energy and activity. Peter and John had to get up on their feet, and go! 

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." Ephesians 6:15.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation..." Isaiah 52:7.

"And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went... "then the Spirit said unto Philip, go near, and join thyself to this chariot, and Philip ran thither to him... "Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus." 

Acts 8:26-27,29-30,35.

Stand and speak:

     I believe this means to have the courage and boldness to speak the truth of God's word to a lost and dying world. Speaking the truth in love, spreading the light of Jesus to a dark and dying world. 

"... be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might... that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil... That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth..." Ephesians 6:10-11,13-14.   

     

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth..." Romans 1:16.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit... that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel." Ephesians 6:18,19.

"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." Matthew 10:27.

     

In the temple to the people:

     In the temple (or temple courtyard) was a public place where many people gathered. The idea is to reach the "common man", or multitudes, with the gospel message, wherever possible and however possible.

"The Lord is...  not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9.

"And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." Luke 14:23.

All the words: 

     It is extremely important that when we proclaim the gospel, that we are proclaiming the complete gospel. Leaving something out in an attempt to make it easier on the ears to listeners, will only serve to harm them in the long run. Repentance must be preached, and that an eternity in Hell, separated from God, awaits the sinner who does not turn from his sins and believe that only the shed blood of Jesus can wash us from our sin and make us seen as cleansed and righteous in the sight of God.

     "... I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you... testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks, repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ... For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." Acts 20:20-21, 27.

Of this life:

     "This life" that is being referred to here, is not this present, sin-filled life that leads to spiritual death, and an eternity in Hell, but rather, the new life that is promised in Christ, through the gospel, which is eternal life.

"The words that I (Jesus) speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life... Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life." John 6:63,67-68.

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by Me." John 14:6.

"Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!" Deuteronomy 30:19. (NLT)

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