The subject of election or being chosen by God, often makes Christians uncomfortable.  The subject is usually ignored, fought over, or its the cause of much anxiety and lost sleep.  Those who are consumed by whether or not they are chosen, may not be viewing it from the right perspective.  

Making ones calling and election sure is not the end result of a theological debate.  It is the result of Christian growth and embracing the promises of God’s Word.  If a believer is neglecting his spiritual growth, he will not be able to make his calling and election sure.  It will be unsure.  II Peter chapter one deals with the  building blocks of spiritual growth which are the evidences of God’s sure calling.

Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:  Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (strong desire).

[But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12&13)].

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

The preceding verse contains the building blocks for spiritual growth, spiritual maturity, and sanctification.  Saving faith is the foundation Christians build upon.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).  Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction brought about by hearing the word* (Romans 10:17).  More faith and stronger faith, comes only from the hearing of God’s Word.  Only through the Bible can you and I add to our faith!  Faith does not come by experience.  Saving faith comes only from the Scriptures.

Add to your faith virtue.  Virtue is moral excellence.*  Moral excellence comes from obedience to God’s Word.  Salvation is threefold.  We are delivered from the penalty of sin.  We are being delivered from the power of sin and one day we will be delivered from the very presence of sin.  Virtue or moral excellence is experiencing deliverance from the power of sin.  Every Christian believer has this capability through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Zachariah 4:6, Romans 8:11) and the living Word of God (Psalm 119:11 , Hebrews 4:12).

Add to virtue knowledge.  True knowledge comes from the treasury of God’s Word.  Christ, speaking of Scripture said,………these are they which testify of me (John 5:39).  Do you really want to know Christ better?  You will find Him in the pages of Scripture (Luke 24:27).

Add to knowledge temperance.  Temperance follows knowledge which means that it is time to put into practice that which has been learned.  Temperance is self-control.*  Self-control comes from the Spirit filled life.   The Spirit filled life is the result of letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Ephesians 5:18&19, Colossians 3:16 ).

Add to temperance patience.  Patience is to abide under or endure.  For this patience, believers are strengthened with all power (Colossians 1:11) in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16).*  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;        (Romans 5:3).  Patience is trusting the Lord (Proverbs 3:5&6) and learning to rest in His promises (Psalm 131:2).  Patience is waiting for Him (Isaiah 40:28-31).

Add to patience godliness.  Godliness is to be devout.  It is that piety and attitude which is well pleasing to Him.*  Godliness is living according to God’s will (Romans 12:1&2).  Godliness with contentment is great gain (I Timothy 6:6).

Add to godliness brotherly kindness.  Brotherly kindness is gentle consideration, goodness and love to those of like faith, the Christian brotherhood (I John 3:14 & 5:2).**

Add to brotherly kindness charity.   Charity is agape’ love.  In the NT this word is used to convey God’s will to His children concerning their attitude one to another and toward all men.*  Biblical love is being right in all our relationships.  Genuine love seeks the highest good for the object of its attention.  Biblical love is known by its actions           (I Corinthians 13).

For if these things (building blocks) be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  But he that lacketh these things (faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity) is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten (begun to doubt) that he was purged from his old sins.

Assurance comes from God through His written Word by the Holy Spirit.  Neglecting God’s Word will make you doubt and forget.

Wherefore the rather, brethren (Peter is talking to Christians), give diligence to make your calling and election sure (are you unsure, are you doubting, have you forgotten?): for if ye do these things (add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge temperance, to temperance patience, to patience godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, to brotherly kindness charity), ye shall never fall:

These building blocks are the evidence of God’s election or choice, because they are the result of Christ’s workmanship in us (Ephesians 2:10).

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of (don’t forget, don’t doubt) these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.  Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;

II Peter 1:1-12

Note:   The Scriptures are meat, milk, bread and honey to the believer.  I believe that the doctrine or teaching of election is meat.  Therefore, I believe that the appreciation and comprehension of this teaching will grow and become a precious truth to the believer as he/she matures in the faith.

The view from the valley (our starting point) is limited by our lack of knowledge and maturity in and of the Lord.  As we begin the ascent and endure the climb, our view becomes clearer and more majestic as we near the summit (our journey’s end).  And so it is, with the meat of God’s Word. 

Why stand ye here in the valley debating with one another and wringing your hands?  Begin the ascent!

…and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

 *W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN

**The Analytical Greek Lexicon – Sixth Printing December 1970 Zondervan Publishing House – Grand Rapids, Michigan

But as many as received him (Messiah Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:        (John 1:12).

Being born again is the starting point of a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ.  This relationship is that of a father to his children.  Just as a child is born physically into his/her earthly family, so he/she must be born again spiritually in order to enter the kingdom of God and His heavenly family.  Jesus speaking to Nicodemus, Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

Jesus Christ is the door to the kingdom.  Our entrance to His kingdom is through Him and Him alone.  Jesus told His disciples; I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one cometh unto the Father but by me (John 14:6).

Christ’s kingdom is the place of His rule.  During the church age, His rule is in the hearts of believers (those who have received Him as  Saviour and Lord).   We need a new heart because, the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it (Jeremiah 17:9)?  Jesus taught that out of the heart all manner of sin is conceived.  Our sinful heart condition has alienated us from God.  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man (Matthew 15:18).  We need new hearts.

What does it mean to receive Him and how is that done?  Ephesians 2:8&9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. 

We are not saved by the church or by our good works.  The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day thought that because they were circumcised, they were the children of Abraham.  They claimed Abraham as their Father, but Jesus declared to them: If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.  But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.  Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.  Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?  He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God (John 8:39-47).

Those that were depending upon the outward sign of circumcision for salvation were called children of the devil by the Lord because they had only religion (external ceremony).  Still, many today depend on ceremony and participation in righteous works for salvation.

Those that had only religion came face to face with the Lord of Glory and did not know Him.  True Christianity is a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Those that know Him, follow Him and worship Him in spirit and in truth.  The apostle Paul wrote, But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God (Romans 2:29).

And he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and he (the Lord) counted it to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6).  Abraham exercised saving faith before he was circumcised (Romans 4:8-12).  The NT believer is saved the same way Abraham was, by grace through faith plus nothing.

Grace is God’s enabling and unmerited favor.  No one can come to Christ except the Father draw him (John 6:44).  Faith is a firm persuasion or conviction brought about by hearing the Word of God.*  The Bible is the written Word of God.

If you want to have a relationship with God through Christ, experience His forgiveness, inherit eternal life, and understand Scripture then you need a starting point.  You must be born again. You must be born into God’s family.

Are you willing to exchange your religion for a relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ?  If you are willing, then please do it now.  Talk to God.

But as many as received him (Messiah Jesus), to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:          (John 1:12).

Salvation is of the Lord!

 *W.E. Vines Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words – Copyright 1984, 1996, Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, TN

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Romans 13:1-14

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

Modesty is a badge of humility.

                                                                  Psalm 23                                                                (A Psalm of David.)

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

                                         All the way my Saviour leads me                                         What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

Lyrics by Frances J. Crosby, pub. 1875 – Public Domain

According to the dictionary a mentor is a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

A spiritual mentor is wise or skilled in living God’s way according to the Scriptures and is able to instruct others through the proper interpretation and application of God’s Word.

Do you have a spiritual mentor?

Death is coming.  For some of us, we can see the dust on the horizon rising from the wheels of his chariot, the time is so close.  For others, the air is clear and still, there is no dust…, yet we are filled with apprehension, because we know he is coming.  We ask ourselves…, will we see the dust or will we straighten up from some unfinished task as he pulls into the yard? 

Death is coming.  It’s not a question of if he is coming, but when?  His chariot wheels are already turning, his horse is lathered……and there is dust…, we just can’t see it yet.  He is on the way.  The only thing to do is get prepared.  Death will arrive shortly.  Are you ready?

Death is sin’s offspring.  God told Adam in the Garden of Eden “of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:17   But Adam ate of it, he disobeyed and death came.  Death is separation.

  Physical death is separation from the body.  Spiritual death is separation from God.  Both came at Adam’s sin….spiritual death first and physical death following.  “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12.

As sinners we owe a payment for our sin, “For the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23.  It must be paid.  If we pay it ourselves we must not only suffer physical death, but spiritual death as well.  Spiritual death is the second death, which is eternal separation from God in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone Revelation 20:14-15.

The gospel (good news) is that someone has already made the payment for us and offers that payment and its benefits to us as a free gift.  “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us…” Romans 5:8.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved (delivered from sin’s penalty).   For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”                   Romans 10:9&10

Jesus speaking……”I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.  Believest thou this?”  John 11:25&26

Will you receive God’s payment for your sin?  Will you receive His Son as your own personal Saviour?  If you will, just now talk to God.

He is risen indeed!

From the gospel tract He Is Risen by Monty McCoy – copyright 1996.

When it comes to spiritual things the Bible is very clear about spiritual leadership. The responsibility for spiritual decisions and direction in the home lay squarely upon the shoulders of the husband and father.

This does not mean that the wife should have no input.  It should mean that once the wife has had input, the matter is the husband’s to decide.

I say all that to say this to the wife.  Do not give the husband permission to make a bad decision.  Some husbands will badger their wives until they just give up and say: OK, go ahead and do it.  This is giving him permission to make a bad decision and it makes the wife party to it.

When scenarios like this occur, the wife should keep the responsibility for the decision squarely on her husband’s shoulders.  Here is how that is done.  The wife should say: I understand that this is what you want to do.  I disagree, and I think proceeding will be a mistake, but this is your decision to make.  Don’t argue, plead or manipulate.  Try to keep the emotion out of it and resume normal conversation.

This conversation should always follow the same pattern when the husband wants to make a bad or wrong decision.  Spirit led submission does not mean that the wife should agree to do wrong or use bad judgment.  If the husband proceeds, his decision will affect the home, but the wife needs to be patient and trust the Lord with her husband.   After making a couple of bad decisions, it should dawn on the husband that there is wisdom in the wife’s input.  Only a fool would continue to ignore sound advice.

If the husband realizes his decision is wrong, this is not the time to say: I told you so, or to blow it off by saying: It’s OK, no big deal.  It is a big deal.  Just let it sink in and reassure him of your love.

(Of course I am not talking about illegal activity on the part of the husband.  Some felonies, if not reported before the fact, make the wife an accomplice.)

(Lest someone think this is misogynistic, this counsel also applies to Christian men who find themselves under another person’s authority.)

Note: Ultimately the wife will learn to trust the Lord with her husband,…….even when he is wrong.

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Refrain:
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.         

Open my mind, that I may read
More of Thy love in word and deed;
What shall I fear while yet Thou dost lead?
Only for light from Thee I plead.

Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.

Clara H. Scott, pub. 1895

Copyright status is public domain.

…let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…

Job Chapter 42:5&6

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.  Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

The Hebrew word for abhor means to reject, despise, or refuse.*

The Greek word for abhor means to turn oneself away from as  one would turn away from a bad smell or stench.  This meaning includes the idea of detesting or hating the offensive object.

After an encounter, the Old Testament character Job concluded; Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.  The result of Job’s encounter was to turn away as he would from a stench.  Such a turning away would be done quickly until distanced from the despised and repulsive object.  Job was turning away from himself.  He stated that he abhored (despised) himself.

What was the encounter that produced such a hasty and repulsing reaction to his own self?   Job’s encounter was with God.  He had just said this about God; I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.  When Job saw God as He is, he saw himself as he truly was and the result was a biblical view of himself.

Self-esteem permeates our culture.  You are worthy is a slogan adopted by our culture and educational systems.  This slogan is an attempt to build the self-esteem of those to whom it is directed.  In his book, The Vanishing Conscience, John MacArthur gives an example of how self esteem works.  Math students from several countries were tested for their mathematical abilities.  Along with the test, students were asked to answer the simple question; Are you good at math?  The group of students who scored the highest answered “no” to this question, while the lowest scoring group, the Americans, answered “yes”. [1]

You’ve heard the old adage concerning good news and bad news?  The good news is that we are making good time.  The bad news?  We are headed in the wrong direction!  We, the Americans, scored the lowest,…..but we felt good about it.

Our culture is trying to lift the self image in an effort to give hope.  When individuals have no hope they often turn to self destructive activities.  When an individual comes to the place where they hate or despise themselves, they are unable to receive the required remedy, because the real answer has been excluded from our educational systems.  The individual who despises himself needs to see Jesus Christ, God’s Son, as The Redeemer of his/her lost, sinful soul.

Although living several hundred years before Christ, Job declared; For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: (Job 19:25).

The answer is to see God as Job did.  When Job saw God as He is (sinless) and he saw himself (a sinner),  he was so repulsed by his sinful condition that he repented in dust and ashes.  He changed his mind and humbled himself before the Lord and worshiped.  Job’s repentance, humility, and trust in His Redeemer brought change and blessing from God.

God’s wrath was kindled against Job’s friends (ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath).  Job’s friends were commanded to bring sacrifices and offer them up as a burnt offering for their sin (and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept:)….And the LORD turned the captivity of Job.

Have you seen God?   Much like Job, Isaiah saw God and his response was the cry of the leper……Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts    (Isaiah 6:5).

Do you have a biblical view of yourself?  When you see God as He is (in the pages of Scripture) [2], you will have an opportunity to obtain a biblical view of yourself.  It will no longer be I am worthy………………it will be He is worthy!

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him (Romans 5:6-9).

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…

[1] The Vanishing Conscience by John MacArthur – pg. 80; published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson.  [2] Scripture – Do not use a paraphrase.  Use a reliable translation.  I would recommend the KJV, the NKJV, the NASV, & the ESV.

Note:  Perhaps you have made the statement; I hate myself.  Is it because you have failed to live up to a certain standard?  Maybe it is the world’s standard or even your own standards you have failed to live up to.  God has a standard that certainly no one can live up to because we are all under the curse of sin.  God’s standard is perfection.

  Fortunately, for you and I, God is offering us a substitute who can fulfill His standard on our behalf.  His name is Jesus Christ.  He is God’s Son and He alone has fulfilled God’s Standard of Righteousness.

Messiah Jesus took the penalty of our sin upon Himself when He died upon the cross of Calvary.  He was buried and rose again from the dead.  His perfect righteousness is applied to all who accept Him as God’s provision of righteousness on our behalf.  If you hate yourself,  lift your eyes off of yourself and onto the perfect Lamb of God.  Repent (change your mind) and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.  Accept Him as your Saviour and Lord.  Harden not your heart.  Let today be the day of your salvation!

If you claim to be a Christian and you hate yourself to the point of despair, perhaps you have unconfessed sin that is burdening your conscience.  I John 1:8-10 says;  If we say that 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.

How are we to confess our sins?  We confess them directly to the Lord.  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; (I Timothy 2:5).  We are to confess our sins as soon as we are aware of them.  Name the sin and agree with God about it.  Wrong thoughts are sin.  Follow the Psalmist’s direction; Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee (Psalm 119:11).

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…