The Good Of The Father (The Case For Salvation) # 2157

 That in the name of Jesus every knee every knee should be bowing, celestial terrestrial and subterranean, and every tongue should be proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord, for the glory of God, the Father 

Paul to the Philippians 2: 10-11, Concordant New Testament Translation 

Ask most Christians who it is that will be saved and you'll probably hear of a conditional salvation.  That is, Gods free gift salvation with a condition attached.  That being that one must accept and believe in the Lord Jesus.  I get it.  This has been something which I have struggled with for some time.  Not because I don't believe in Jesus, but because it seems that our salvation is tied to something which we do on our own, of our own free will (more on free will later).  The apostle Paul makes it clear in Ephesians that our salvation IS NOT of our own efforts {Paul to the Ephesians 2:8-9}.  Now, the rub comes from if we constitute our choosing to believe in Jesus as conscious effort on our behalf.  If so, then we're contradicting the very words spoken by Paul that salvation is not of our own doing.  This has been my struggle with the truth of salvation.  But there's another wrinkle to add to this discussion.  Suppose that it was never Gods intent that any of His children would be condemned to hell.  This is the concept of universal salvation, and many Christians bristle at the very mention of it.  In their minds, the good must be rewarded and the wicked punished.  This is what they have been taught through years of church theology.  This is what I was taught growing up in the Christian faith.  If I was good enough, then I would be saved.  But I continued to worry that God would somehow find me unworthy of His salvation.  I blame the church for this, for it is the mainstream church which espouses the teaching that good and wicked are separated.  Not only that, but that sin has separated us all from God.  Many Christians use the words of Paul spoken in Romans that all are deserving of judgement {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  But they seldom mention that passage which follows this verse, that "Being justified gratuitously in His grace" that through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus that sin no longer defines us {Paul to the Romans 3:24}.  I am no longer condemned.  So, does this guarantee my salvation?  I've believed in Christ, I've fulfilled my part of the deal.  

As I've said, the idea that all will be saved is often considered to be akin to heresy by many Christians.  They've done their part, they believed, now they want their reward.  On top of that, they want those who haven't believed as they have to be condemned to hell (if there is such a thing, but more on that later).  But is that what Gods desire is for us?  Well, if the stellar requirement for achieving salvation is that one believe in and accept Christ Jesus then God has an answer for that, but it's not one which the church theology Christians want to hear.  Paul speaks in Philippians that "In the name of Jesus every knee should be bowing" {Paul to the Philippians 2:10-11}.  So, eventually, EVERYONE will confess and believe in the Lord Jesus.  Will God condemn to hell all who have done their part to achieve His salvation?  Will He deem their belief in Jesus not good enough, or too late for them to be saved?  Christians are fond of telling stories of death bed conversions, of how those who have not believed suddenly change their minds in their final moments of life.  Are they worthy of Gods free gift?  If we say yes, then we must also agree that in that day all will be saved, as in that day everyone will accept Jesus as Lord.  This is the predicament many Christians find themselves in.  To accept the truth that salvation is dependent upon ones belief in Christ is to accept the truth that all will acknowledge Him as Lord and shall be saved.  Bingo, universal salvation!  But what about the wicked being punished?  This is no longer relevant when every knee bows to Jesus.  Of course, this opens up an entirely new list of questions.  Is there even a hell?  What ultimately happens to the wicked?  Does God condone wickedness?  These are the issues which Christians wring their hands over.  All the while ignoring the truth of the free gift of the Lords salvation.  That all will be saved.  

For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is Gods approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting

Paul to the Ephesians 2: 8-9, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Perfect Union) # 2156

 

In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you 

Johns Account 14: 20, Concordant New Testament translation

Since it has been my habit from time to time to speak to things you probably more than likely will not hear coming from the pulpits of the mainstream church, I thought I'd add another installment to that list.  So, here's my question, when was the last time that you ever heard a pastor speak to your union with God and/or Christ Jesus?  If I were to guess, not many believers have been introduced to this truth which we have in the Father.  My own knowing of this truth didn't come from some Sunday sermon, but from the revelation of the Lord.  My eyes have been opened, the veil has been lifted.  I'm not speaking from my own personal opinion here, but from the very words spoken by Jesus.  It is Jesus Who has proclaimed that we shall know that He is in the Father, that we are within Christ and that He is in us {Johns Account 14:20}.  Has there ever been a more perfect union than this?  My own realization of my union life within the Father has led me to look at my life very differently than before.  No longer do I see myself as being separated from God, as those within the church have been so very fond of proclaiming.  To put it simply, I go where the Father goes.  I do as the Father does.  I live AS the Father in whose love I dwell.  Is it any wonder why the powers that be within the church would not speak to this truth?  If everyone knew of this wonderful truth of our life lived within God, what need would we have for organized religion?  We would know that He is in us.  We would no longer be searching for Him.  Ironically, my revelation of my union with God didn't arrive while I was still an active church member.  In those days I swallowed whatever the pastors taught me.  It wasn't until after I left the organized church that I began to have these conversations with a good friend of mine.  Conversations of how God was closer to me than I had ever realized.  That sin was no longer the central issue of my life.  THIS is the truth which the church needs to be speaking to.  

My first introduction into what the church might refer to as blasphemy came from the words spoken by the apostle Paul in Galatians.  Paul speaks to the truth of his own death with Christ Jesus {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Having been raised in the church and Christian theology, this was difficult for me to accept at first.  You might say that I needed to deprogram what I had learned about God up until that point.  The church claimed that I was a sinner, Jesus assures me that I no longer carry that scar with me.  The church says that I need to work for my salvation.  The words spoken by Paul assure us that salvation is the free gift of the Lord {Paul to the Ephesians 2:8-9}.  But what about our life?  That day to day struggle we all endure.  Are you separate from God or do you live each day within Him as Jesus has assured us?  I would say that to live thinking that you're separate from God is to live the lie of the deceiver.  For it is Satan who has spoken the lie that we can "Be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3:5}.  How is it that we could ever be separated from God Who has created us in His likeness {Genesis 1:27}?  Yet this is what you'll more than likely hear spoken from the pulpits of the church.  Not the truth of our perfect union with the Father, but the lie proposed by Satan that we have been separated from Him.  I firmly believe that we were never meant to live life governed by fear {Paul to Timothy (2) 1:7}.  The fear of not being saved.  The fear of never knowing what it's like to be closer to God.  This is not the life He has in store for us.  The words spoken by Jesus assure us that our life is lived within the Father.  The perfect union. 

With Christ have I been crucified, yet I am living, no longer I; but living in me is Christ.  Now that which I am now living in flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, Who loves me, and gives Himself up for me

Paul to the Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (All Will Be Saved) # 2155

 

(for for this we are toiling and being reproached), that we rely on the living God, Who is the savior of all mankind, especially of believers

Paul to Tomothy (1) 4: 10, Concordant New Testament 

One of the biggest hijackings of the truth man has ever known is not the governments coverup of the existence of UFO's.  No, the biggest coverup of the truth mankind has ever known comes from inside the mainstream church.  For it is those within the church who have not only hijacked the good news of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, but also the best news of all.  That being that all shall be saved through the love, grace and mercy of the Father.  For centuries, the church has spewed the lie that only those who have accepted Christ Jesus in their lives were worthy of the salvation of the Lord.  Indeed, they have not only overlooked the truth, but have hijacked it entirely.  They have filled the minds of millions of believers with a false condition by which the salvation of the Lord is tied to.  I grew up living this lie, believing that my eternity with God (more on that later) was somehow tied to my belief in Jesus.  But here's the kicker which those within the church rarely mention, were those of Old Testament times saved?  Are they deserving of the Lords presence for eternity?  If we answer in the affirmative then we must also agree that these individuals of the faith never once believed nor put their trust in the Lord Jesus.  Seeing as Jesus had not yet been miraculously conceived, how is it that these of the faith could enjoy the benefits of Gods salvation without fulfilling the requirement that one must accept Jesus in order to be saved?  I mean, the church will tell us that accepting Christ Jesus into our life is the basis of our acceptance into heaven.  Our ticket into heaven if you will.  But their words are contradicted by the very scriptures they proclaim speaks to our requirement for the Lords salvation.  The apostle Paul, writing to young Timothy, speaks of their reliance on "The living God, Who is the savior of all mankind, especially believers" {Paul to Timothy (1) 4:10}.  Why didn't Paul speak especially of believers in this passage?  Why doesn't he mention even once the requirement for salvation which the mainstream church speaks of?  Why indeed?  The answer is that there IS NO requirement for that which is freely given to us by God.  

Those within the church have hijacked that which is freely given to us by the Lord and spread the lie which claims that there is a requirement to be met for that gift.  That being the acceptance of the Lord Jesus.  But, if we accept this requirement as truth, doesn't that make our salvation no longer a gift, but a transaction which we must pay for?  Again, Paul disputes this lie spoken by the church when he proclaims "For in grace, through faith, are you saved" {Paul to the Ephesians 2:8-9}.  Paul continues by reminding us of our salvation "It is Gods approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting."  Paul knew that were our salvation dependent on our own abilities, that there would be boat loads of arrogant believers out there proclaiming that they themselves were responsible for their own salvation.  But, isn't this what those within the church have been telling us for generations?  That WE are the ones who are ultimately responsible for our own salvation?  That in order to be saved that we must accept Christ Jesus into our lives?  So, you're telling me that Paul got it wrong?  That salvation is not the free gift of God, but of our own ability to choose and accept Christ?  Do we simply deny the words of Paul written in the scriptures in order to save the churches hijacking of the truth?  Of course, those within the church are more than happy to proclaim the truth of the scriptures when it fits their agenda.  When it fits the hijacking of the truth.  The truth has always been that our salvation is not a transaction we conduct, but the free gift given unto us by the Father.  But, I'm guessing that the truth doesn't fit into the church narrative.

For in grace, through faith, are you saved, and this is not out of you; it is Gods approach present, not of works, lest anyone should be boasting

Paul to the Ephesians 2: 8-9, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Whipper Snappers) # 2154

 

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves, according as the custom of some is, but entreating, and so much rather as you are observing the day drawing near

To the Hebrews 10; 25, Concordant New Testament 

Back in my church days, it was assumed that your place should be in that church each and every Sunday.  If you were to miss a week of services, people would wonder why.  Most of the people I encountered were good intentioned and honestly wanted to know if you were doing ok.  They would ask if you needed prayer for whatever it was that had kept you from the gathering.  I always appreciated that.  But, on those occasions where someone would miss more than one Sunday, that was often an issue which needed to be dealt with.  For this, the church would often call in the whipper snappers to attempt to bring you back to the flock.  The whipper snappers were usually those who had been in the congregation for some time and were well known and respected.  Sometimes they were retired members who were serving the congregation, while other times members of the pastoral team were assigned to crack that whip.  In those times where I was absent from the gathering for an extended time, I could often expect to get a call from one or more of these whipper snappers whose job it was to bring the lost sheep back into the fold.  After all, wasn't it the duty of the congregation to gather each and every Sunday no matter what?  I would often wonder if the pastoral staff would receive calls from the whipper snappers whenever they would venture off on vacation.  Or, was it just those in the congregation who were seemingly going astray who the whipper snappers would focus on?  One poll revealed that in the last 25 years around 40 million Americans have forsaken the gathering of one church or another.  That's a lot of calls for the whipper snappers to make isn't it?  Of course, it's no secret that church attendance has taken a nose dive in the past few years, myself included.  Funny thing, after a short while being absent from the church I had attended for so many years, I stopped getting calls from the whipper snappers altogether.  Did they consider me one of the lost sheep?  

I must admit that even I was recruited a few times to join the ranks of the whipper snappers.  I would be tasked with contacting one or more members whom I was familiar with in order to see if they were doing ok.  These welfare checks often ended with the other party assuring me that everything was good and that they would soon be back among the ranks of the gathering.  Honestly, it was never my intention to be overbearing or snoopy, I was simply adhering to the suggestions of the whipper snappers to check in on those who may have wandered from the flock.  But, is this one of the contributing reasons why so many people have been leaving the mainstream church?  I would think so.  Those within the church all too often recite that passage found in Hebrews which speaks to "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves {To the Hebrews 10:25}.  Therefore, many are told that the assembling of the congregation is pretty much of a requirement within Christianity.  But the context of this passage tells a different story altogether.  See, back in the time in which it was written, those who followed Jesus were often persecuted by the governing Roman authorities.  There were many who, in order to avoid this persecution, would refrain from being seen gathering among those associated with the Christians of the day.  Therefore, the author of Hebrews encouraged these followers of Jesus not to fear the persecution, but to continue to gather in His name.  Are those who are refraining from gathering today fearing persecution?  Or, are they simply seeking something which they're not finding within the church?  In my case, it was more along the lines of my search to know Jesus more intimately in my life.  The words Jesus spoke to those seeking that same thing continue to resonate with us today, come and see {Johns Account 1:39-41}.  For those seeking a relationship with Jesus, there will be no follow up calls from church whipper snappers, but His invitation to all to come and see.  

He is saying to them, "Come and see."  They came, then, and perceive where He is remaining, and they remain with Him that day.  It was about the tenth hour

Johns Account 1: 39-41, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Like Father Like Son) # 2153

 

Jesus, then, answers and said to them, "Verily, verily, I am saying to you, the Son can not be doing anything of Himself if it is not what He should be observing the Father doing, for whatever He may be doing, this the Son is doing likewise 

Johns Account 5: 19, Concordant New Testament 

Growing up I often wondered what it was that God looked like.  I was taught that I had been created in the likeness of the Father {Genesis 1:27}.  But was I to assume that this human flesh of mine resembled who God is?  Then I realized that God is spirit {Johns Account 4:24}.  So, am I spirit as well?  Because if I had been created in that likeness of God, I must resemble Him in some way.  I am all He is.  If you speak to any run of the mill believer about this subject and you might get that deer in the headlights look in response.  Indeed, even Jesus Himself was criticized for proclaiming that "I and the Father, We are one" {Johns Account 10:30}.  Was He that far off base with this statement?  Why is it so hard for Christians to grasp the truth of the scriptures?  Well, for one, we're fighting thousands of years of church ideology.  Those within the church will brand us a sinners despite the truth spoken by the apostle Paul that Christ Jesus has died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  The ideology spoken by the church will accept that Jesus died for the forgiveness of sin, but in the same breath they will proclaim that sin continues to play a major part in the lives of believers.  So much so, they will say, that it is our sin which has separated us from God.  Here lies the question which those within the church will refuse to accept, is God sin?  Most Christians even shudder when they're reminded that God is within sin itself.  Hasn't He created all which we see?  Is He not the creator of the universe?  I say that we cannot declare God the creator of all if we cannot admit that His fingerprints are upon sin as well.  And for that I am deemed as speaking blasphemy.  I get it.  So it is that too many Christians believe in a God of convenience.  It's convenient for them to accept Him when it falls within the narrative spoken by the church.  

If we seek the Father, then we must begin by seeking Jesus.  If we desire to know what the Father is thinking, then seek His Son.  For Jesus has spoken that "The Son can not be doing anything by Himself if it is not what He should be observing the Father doing" {Johns Account 5:19}.  Like Father, like Son.  Look at all which Jesus has done and know that what He was doing was exactly what the Father has done.  There can be no other way.  Thus, if we seek to know the Father, seek thee first Jesus.  So, how does this translate into who I really am?  Well, if I have been created in His likeness, then I am all which he is.  God has poured all that He is into me.  This is who I am.  Not only that, Jesus has spoken to the truth that not only are we created in the likeness of God, but that we live a life within His love {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is who we are, this is who I am.  The church will proclaim that I remain a sinner saved by the blood of Jesus, when in fact it is that blood of Jesus that has freed me from the bondage of sin.  That is who I am.  Like Father, like son {First Epistle of John 3:1}.  The church ideology will preach that God cannot be in the presence of sin, which is the basis for their belief that I cannot be within God Himself.  But, as I said, it is through the shed blood of Jesus by which I have been freed from sin {Johns Account 8:36}.  Sin no longer defines who I am.  What defines me is who I am within the Father.  This is what defines all who have been created in his likeness.  That's a good place to be.  

If ever, then, the Son shall be making you free, you will be really free 

Johns Account 8: 36, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

Good Of The Father (Dead Man Walking) # 2152

 

With Christ have I been crucified, yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ,  Now that which I am now living in flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, Who loves me, and gives Himself up for me

Paul to the Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament 

One of the hardest things which I have ever had to wrap my understanding around about my life in Christ Jesus is the truth spoken by the apostle Paul in Galatians that I am no longer living.  All which remains is Christ in me {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  I am, in fact, dead to that which I once was.  I'm not that guy anymore.  Some would say that I am, indeed, a dead man walking.  For I was crucified on that cross with Christ.  So, what does that translate to as far as my life today is concerned?  This is the question which a few good friends of mine broached in a recent "Living as Jesus" podcast.  What is our life like now that we know who we are in Christ?  Are we the same as we thought we were before we knew Him?  I would say no.  Before I knew the truth of my life lived within Christ, I carried the worries and concerns of what it was that I needed to do in order to satisfy Jesus.  I had been taught in the long standing church theology that Jesus and I were separated.  That I toiled away here on earth while Jesus resided a the Fathers side in heaven {Johns Account 1:18}.  According to the separation theology spoken by the church, it is my own sin which has separated me from God.  This is why Paul's message spoken in Galatians is so very important to us.  Yes, we WERE once in sin and fell short of Gods expectations for us {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  But when Jesus was crucified on that cross to put sin to death, we were there with Him {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Not only did Jesus die for the forgiveness of sin, He TO sin once for all time {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Where too many Christians fall short is believing that Jesus only forgave "some" sin, and that they must continue to be concerned with all which might occur in our daily life.  In other words, we're still sinners despite the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.  

Whenever I get into a conversation about Jesus and the forgiveness of sin with other believers (which is quite often), I often refer them to the words of Paul which we find in Romans 6:6-11.  It is here where Paul gives us the truth of sin as it pertains to those who have been crucified with Christ Jesus.  The truth that we're no longer "slaving for sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  This is what I see in my life lived within the Father.  That being branded by sin is something which I have died to already.  That having been put to death with Jesus, that I am now no longer condemned as a result of sin {Paul to the Romans 8:1}.  As a result of being crucified with Christ Jesus, I am a new creation in Him {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:17}.  As I told my friend the other day, this is how I see the difference in my life today than from before I had the Fathers revelation of His Son in me.  I no longer need to be concerned with living the perfect life, or of simply "Being like Jesus" as those within the church are so fond of proclaiming.  I am not like Jesus, I live today AS JESUS.  Indeed, if my life is lived within the love of the Father, this is who I am!  Jesus confirms this in His words spoken of our life today, that we live a life in union with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  Of course, this fly's in the face of the separation theology taught by the church, but it is indeed backed up by the scriptures.  I truly believe that it has never been the Fathers intent that we live our lives in fear of His judgement.  This is the very reason by which Jesus has been introduced into this world {Johns Account 3:16-17}.  Not to condemn, but that "The world may be saved through Him."  Others might see a sinner, I see a dead man walking.  

In that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you 

Johns Account 14: 20, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Jesus You Don't Know) # 2151

 

Thereupon we, the living who are surviving, shall at the same time be snatched away with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus shall we always be together with the Lord

Paul to the Thessalonians 4: 17, Concordant New Testament 

I've heard a lot of talk lately concerning the end times.  Talk from many Christians concerning the rapture.  That moment when believers will be caught up with the Lord in the clouds.  Too many of these wanna be prophets speak as if they are assured of the exact time and date of when this will occur.  The truth is, only God knows the precise hour and time {Matthews Account 24:36}.  Despite this, many claim that they can read the "Signs of the seasons" in order to predict these events.  If God has a sense of humor, I'm sure that He is quite amused at those who seemingly know when He will act.  But the issue that I have with those who speak of the rapture is that they speak of the impending return of the Lord Jesus.  Here's my question for those who believe this bunk, where has Jesus gone exactly?  THAT is the question which might break this conversation wide open.  For the traditional mainstream church belief is that Jesus is sitting in heaven at the Lords side awaiting that moment when He will once again return amongst us.  Never mind the fact that the scriptures speak of the other appearances of Jesus after His resurrection.  There are many Christians who believe that THIS will be His "Second coming."  It's a good story if you can sell it.  But back to my question, where has Jesus gone?  If we follow the traditional church preachings, we believe that He resides in heaven with the Father.  Yet I hold a different view on that.  I believe that Jesus, resides in us.  That's right, that Jesus is indeed in us.  The apostle Paul speaks to this union in Galatians {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Paul knew and understood that Jesus wasn't dead, but that he himself had indeed died with Christ Jesus on that cross.  What remained, and what remains, is Christ Jesus in us {Paul to the Romans 6:8}.  Therefore, Jesus is not waiting for that moment to come down from the clouds, because He's already here among us.

Needless to say, this truth of Jesus has rarely been preached within the pulpits of the church.  To toss another monkey wrench into the traditional church theology, Jesus Himself has proclaimed that we live our lives in union with the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  We are not separated from Jesus nor God, but we live each and every day within the Fathers love.  Whenever I mention this truth to most believers, I'm accused of cherry picking the scriptures to suit my narrative.  Well, there is a narrative there, but it belongs to the church itself.  It's the same narrative that has been preached for thousands of years.  That man has been separated from God due to his sin nature.  That very sin nature which we ourselves died to with Jesus on the cross {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Despite the forgiveness of sin being one of the hallmarks of the Christian faith, we're told that sin is still that main issue in our lives.  So, did Jesus give Himself for the forgiveness of sin or not?  Do the scriptures not speak to this truth?  Perhaps I'm simply cherry-picking verse again.  Those within the church will tell us that Jesus will return once again, but He's never left.  They'll tell us that He sits in heaven at the Fathers side, when in reality He resides within us.  I am not arguing that the rapture will indeed happen, but the timing of it is something only the Father knows.  And what about this, suppose that rapture is simply the Lord gathering ALL of His children unto Him once again?  What if His desire is not to sort out the good from the bad, but to bring all into His presence?  Again, probably not something you've ever heard coming from the pulpits of the church. 

In an instant, in the twinkle of an eye, at the last trump.  For He will be trumpeting, and the dead will be roused incorruptible, and we shall be changed 

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15: 52, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~