The Good Of The Father (For Heavens Sake) # 2162

 

And in My Fathers house are many abodes; yet if not I would have told you, for I am going to make ready a place for you.  And if I should be going and making ready a place for you, I am coming again and I will be taking you along to Myself, that where I am, you also may be

Johns Account 14: 2-3, Concordant New Testament Translation 

Depending on what your own view of Jesus is, you might have a differing view on heaven as well.  There are some who see it as a future reward, while I tend to look at it as my present reality.  Like I said, this knowing depends on your own personal knowing of Jesus.  Do you see Him as a distant savior, or as the very reason for your life?  Those within the church will tell us that sin has distanced us from God.  That we have been separated from the Father by our own sins.  While it is true that all have sinned and wanted for the glory of the Lord {Paul to the Romans 3:23}.  Many misread or simply ignore the passage which follows Paul's warning we find in Romans.  That verse which proclaims that we have been justified "Gratuitously in His grace, through the deliverance which is in Christ Jesus" {Paul to the Romans 3:24}.  Yes, we've sinned, but Jesus has given Himself for the death of that sin {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Not only that, we  ourselves have also died to sin with Jesus {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Here is where the present reality of the kingdom of Heaven comes into play.  Jesus has spoken that "I am going to make ready a place for you" {Johns Account 14:2}.  If you believe that Jesus is not simply a far off observer, but the purpose of your life, then you will hold a different view of heaven than those in the church who claim to be the experts on preaching about it.  Jesus has spoken that our life is now lived in union with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  So, if we live in union with the Father, are we not in heaven now?  Isn't God dwelling in heaven?  If you adhere to the teachings of the mainstream church, you might just consider this line of thinking as blasphemous.  Yet I do not speak to this truth of my own accord, but of that which has been recorded in the scriptures.  

For some, it might be difficult to understand how heaven could resemble such a reckless, sinful place as the world in which we live.  Yet even the apostle Paul reminds us that "Our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a savior also, Jesus Christ" {Paul to the Philippians 3:20}.  Are we still awaiting a savior?  The way I understand it, that savior, Christ Jesus, has already arrived.  Paul's words are but another example of the truth we find that our home is now in heaven with the Father.  The world around us may not look much like the gold lined streets of the Fathers kingdom, but rest assured heaven is real and it is now!  Like I said, your own view of heaven will depend on your view of Christ Jesus.  I see my life as being lived within the love of the Father.  My home is not of this world, but in the Fathers kingdom.  THIS is my home.  However, if you are of the mindset that you live a life separated from God, then you might have difficulty in understanding your place in the Fathers heaven.  For you, sin is still the obstacle needed to be overcome in order to "Punch your ticket" into heaven.  As if our place in heaven is something we must achieve ourselves.  Jesus has spoken that He has gone to make a place for us, "That where I am, you also may be."  If I live a life within the love of the Father, then I believe that heaven is a current reality for me.  I AM where the Lord Jesus is.  My home is in heaven, not within this world.  

For our realm is inherent in the heavens, out of which we are awaiting a savior also, the Lord Jesus Christ 

Paul to the Philippians 3: 20, Concordant New Testament Translation

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Not Who We Were Expecting) # 2161

 

Who, being inherently in the form of God, deems it not pillaging to be equal with God, nevertheless empties Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming to be in the likeness of humanity

Paul to the Philippians 2: 6-7, Concordant New Testament Translation

Here's a question for all of you out there who claim to know Jesus.  Would you know Jesus if you saw Him?  What would He look like?  Would He resemble those illustrations we've all seen in the children's bibles and paintings?  That traditional image of Jesus we've all been accustomed to seeing?  Indeed, there have been many illustrations and paintings done over that past few hundred years that depict the image of Jesus which the church wants us to see.  But what is the true image of Him?  For myself, I did not realize the true image of Christ until I had been out of the church for more than a few years.  Up until then, my image of Jesus was exactly what I saw in the bible illustrations and paintings of Him.  An unkempt, bearded man, sometimes sporting a halo over His head, sometimes not.  In 2008, Christian author Wayne Jacobsen penned a book titled "So you don't want to go to church anymore."  In it, the main character has encounters with an individual which he suspects resembles (In characteristics) the apostle John.  So, along those lines, would you recognize Jesus if you were to encounter Him on the street?  What would you be expecting He would look like?  Well, you might be surprised to learn that you may have already encountered Him more times than you can count.  You might be even more surprised to know that you are more than able to enjoy that personal relationship with Christ Jesus, but you simply have not realized the truth of who you are in Him.  That's right, you and Jesus linked together in an unshakable bond.  The apostle Paul speaks to this union in Galatians.  Paul proclaims that "Yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ" {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Paul understood that his life as he once knew it, was no more.  Having been crucified with Christ, what was once his life as he knew it, was now Jesus in Him.  Or, for lack of a better definition, He in Christ.  

In the book of John, Jesus has proclaimed that we now live in union with He and the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  So, I ask you again, would you know Jesus if you were to encounter Him?  I would suggest that the Jesus you've been looking for looks nothing like you expected.  One of the most difficult truths which I have struggled to unpack is the truth that I live as Jesus.  Follow me here, we know that Paul has spoken to the truth that we no longer live, but Jesus lives within us.  We know that Jesus Himself has proclaimed that we now live within the love of the Father.  So, knowing this truth, what does Jesus look like?  Well, how about this, try taking a look in the mirror.  What you see is who you really are, a reflection of Christ in Whom you now live.  The sad part of this is that the mainstream church has tried to deflect this truth for over 1500 years.  This is why it has been so difficult for me to address that it is not I who live, but that I live within the Father.  Trust me, 1500 years of church teachings are difficult to overcome.  But this in no way diminishes the fact that we now live within God.  Through Jesus, we have been reconciled once again unto Him {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:18-20}.  The church will tell us that sin has separated us from God, but this is but one lie spoken by those within the Christian religion.  For Jesus Himself, and we as well, have died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  Those within the church will wring their hands upon hearing this.  They will say, "What about our daily sin?"  Fortunately, Paul gives us his response to this in his evangel.  As he proclaims, "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it?" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}.  Indeed, the Jesus you have been looking for is most likely not the savior you were expecting to see.  Not only do you look like Him, you ARE Him.  

Yet all is of God, Who conciliates us to Himself through Christ, and is giving us the dispensation of the conciliation, how that God was in Christ, conciliating the world to Himself, not reckoning their offenses to them, and placing us in the word of the conciliation.  

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5: 18-19, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Carnal Mind) # 2160

 What, then, shall we declare?  That we may be persisting in sis that grace should be increasing?  May it no be coming to that!  We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it? 

Pual to the Romans 6: 1-2, Concordant New Testament Translation

I recently saw a video posted by disgraced Christian pastor Mark Driscol in which he made the statement that sexual sin has been the cause of many families to cease to exist.  Now, I can't dispute his claim, as my own family was broken up over the misguided thoughts of my father.  Meanwhile, my own thoughts once migrated to the desires of the flesh as well.  Like father like son?  Growing up, my main goal was that I did not become the man that my own father had been.  I'm thankful to say that it never happened.  While I might have dabbled in the misguided thoughts of the flesh which he did, my thoughts would eventually be guided by the Father and not the flesh.  Many Christians might have described my fathers life as one prone to sin, and they might not be too far off the mark.  What is obvious is that his thoughts were focused on the flesh and not on the man he truly was in the Father.  This is where I and my father differ.  While I may have gone through a time when my thoughts were focused on the pleasures of this life, I eventually realized that this is not the man that I am.  This knowledge of the flesh came knocking at my door once again recently as I have been aware of the thoughts and actions of an acquaintance of mine.  I look at him and I see that which I once partook in.  I see in him the thoughts of the flesh.  This is the carnal mind.  The mind directed more towards thoughts of what this world has to offer than what the Lord has already given unto us.  The scripture tells us that to be carnal minded is death, but to dwell in the spirit is "Life and peace" {Paul to the Romans 8:6}.  Again, I would say that when are thoughts are on the pleasures of this world, that they are misguided.  THIS is not who we are.  Indeed, when it is revealed unto us who we truly are in the Lord, our thoughts and mind will follow.  My own father never realized that which was revealed to him.  

I don't think that I would be too far off base to say that my acquaintance is suffering from a mental disorder.  His mind is set on that which is not beneficial to him.  This was my own mindset for some time.  Of course, along with these thoughts came those of guilt and shame over what I was doing.  Yes, I knew that what I was doing went against those plans which the Lord had for me, but I also had been taught that God was on a different plane that I was.  I hadn't yet realized that my life...is His life.  Jesus has spoken to the union which we have within the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  There is truth in the passage that we will know the truth and that it shall make you free {Johns Account 8:32}.  That truth is knowing who we are in the Father.  If Christ Jesus has set us free, then we shall indeed be free {Johns Account 8:36}.  It is Christ Who has freed us from that bondage, that we would no longer be "Slaving for sin" {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Those within the church will describe the person entrenched in thoughts of the flesh as someone engaging in sin.  Yet the apostle Paul had a different understanding.  He understood that one who has died to sin cannot be living in it any longer {Paul to the Romans 6:1-2}.  The truth is that we have died to sin together with Christ {Paul to the Galatians 2:20, Paul to the Romans 6:8}.  This is the truth which sets us free.  Free from the guilt and shame of a mind focused on the carnal world.  Free from that which once held us in bondage.  Our issue, as with my own father, is that we do not yet realize that Christ has freed us.  

Now if we died together with Christ, we believe that we shall be living together with Him also 

Paul to the Romans 6: 8, Concordant New Testament Translation 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Truth That Sets You Free) # 2159

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

Johns Account 8: 36, Concordant New Testament Translation 

I had a conversation the other day about those doubts fears which I used to carry with me for so many years.  Fears of not being accepted by others.  Fears of not being accepted by God.  In a sense, I wasn't free at all.  Sure, I knew Jesus in the sense that I had read and heard of Him, but I didn't truly know Him, and this is why I was not free.  Jesus has spoken in the book of John that "If the Son should be making you free, then you shall really be free" {Johns Account 8:36}.  So, you could make the case that without knowing Christ Jesus, we are not really free at all.  We might think that we are, but only through knowing the truth which we have in Christ can we really be free.  Those within the church will talk about being free in Jesus, but they rarely preach the truth which truly makes us free.  Growing up in the Christian religion, it was my understanding that freedom in Christ meant following the rules set forth by the church.  That was the depth of my understanding of Jesus.  What I knew about Jesus came from what the church taught me.  What the church taught me was that Jesus and I were separated.  The best that I could ever hope was to "Be like" Jesus.  My friends, THAT is not true freedom in Christ.  What it is is submission to the narrative preached by the church for over 1500 years.  The narrative that man is inherently sinful, and that is what separates him from God.  The root of this lies with the Roman emperor Constantine, who in 325 AD convened the First Council of  Nicaea.  This gathering of bishops was convened in order to attain consensus in what the church taught.  That is, to affirm the narrative which they would preach to the masses.  That narrative still exists today, and it has kept many from realizing the truth we find in Christ Jesus and knowing true freedom in Him.  

In order to realize the freedom which we have in Christ, one must know who we are in Him.  Jesus has spoken to this truth, that we do not live our lives separated from God, but within His love {Johns Account 14:20}.  When I swallowed the church kool aid, I had no idea of that freedom which I already had in Christ.  The truth that I was already saved through Him, and just didn't realize it at the time.  This is the predicament which too many believers find themselves in today.  Free in Christ Jesus, yet unaware of who they are in Him.  All they know is what the church feeds them.  I've mentioned to a good friend of mine a few times the fact that the struggle we face is fighting 1500 years of church teaching.  The truth found in Christ is not found in a Sunday sermon, but by the revelation of the Father.  For all of the years I spent warming a pew each Sunday, I didn't realize who I was in Christ until I made the decision to leave the brick and mortar church.  Once free of the false teachings and theology, I was free to discover who I was IN Christ Jesus.  The words of the apostle Paul were beneficial in that Paul speaks in his evangel that "Living in me is Christ" {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  Jesus in me?  You mean, I'm not a sinner like the church told me for so many years?  Again, Paul helped me to understand the truth found in Christ.  That Christ Jesus died to sin "Once for all time" {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  That the sacrifice of Jesus is real and final.  Sin is no longer an issue for us, for through Christ we have been freed from it.  Paul affirms this when he speaks that "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}?  THIS is the truth we have in Christ Jesus.  This is the freedom we have in Him.  

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

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (What You Never Knew About Jesus) # 2158

 

For even as, in Adam, all are dying, thus also, in Christ, shall all be vivified 

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15: 22, Concordant New Testament Translation

The prevailing wisdom among Christians is that Jesus died on the cross that our sins would be forgiven AND that those who believe in Him shall be saved.  Yet somehow, those within the mainstream church have succeeded in hijacking this truth for a counterfeit message spoken from the pulpits for thousands of years.  The message that our salvation is somehow a transaction which must take place.  That in order to be saved one must accept Christ Jesus.  Growing up in the church, I often struggled with if I was indeed saved or not.  Was I behaving well enough?  Was my belief in Jesus sincere enough for Him to allow me to be saved?  This is what the false message spoken by the church has given us.  But what if I was to tell you that your salvation is less about what we do, and all about that which Jesus has already done?  Would you be interested?  Most Christians will hold the line that salvation rests with our decision to accept Christ Jesus into their lives {Paul to the Romans 10:9}.  Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved {Acts of the Apostles 16:31}.  This act of acceptance has become the transaction by which our salvation is purchased.  But how is it that we can conduct a transaction with that which has already been freely given unto us {Paul to the Ephesians 2:8-9}?  As the apostle Paul has spoken in his evangel, salvation is the free gift of the Lord unto us.  Paul knew that were salvation simply a transaction, that those who have been able to achieve it would boast of their own status of being saved.  This is something which I have witnessed first-hand within the church.  This is not how salvation was meant to be.  Yet too many believers are not aware that they have already been saved.  That Jesus has already provided for our eternity within the Fathers presence.  Again, Paul speaks to this relatively unknown truth in his evangel.  The truth which speaks to "As in Adam, all are dying, yet, in Christ, shall all be vivified" {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15:22}.  

What Paul is speaking to is that salvation is less about a transaction and all about the person of Christ Jesus.  Now, I have written about the concept known as universal salvation before, but never with the understanding that our salvation rests not with our acceptance of Jesus, but in the truth that Jesus Himself IS our salvation {Paul to the Romans 5:19}.  Indeed, through the obedience of Christ Jesus shall many be considered saved.  The simple truth is that you have already been saved, you simply are not aware of it.  You're not aware of the truth that salvation has never been about what we do, but all about what Christ has done for us.  Too many Christians have had this truth hidden by the false narrative preached from the pulpits of the church.  Therefore, it does not surprise me in the least that very few have the understanding that their salvation lies within Christ.  My own realization of salvation has only recently been revealed unto me by the Father.  Like most, I've struggled with thoughts of if my salvation was indeed secure.  The truth is, when we see our life for what it really is, this truth becomes more and more apparent.  Jesus has spoken that our life is lived within the love of the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  This is our union life with Him.  This is also our salvation given to us through the obedience of Christ Jesus, that our life AND our salvation now reside with Him {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:15}.  We no longer live to ourselves, as those within the church are so fond of saying, but to Christ.  THIS is the Jesus you never knew. 

And He died for the sake of all that those who are living should by no means be still living to themselves, but to the One dying and being roused for their sakes 

Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5: 15, Concordant New Testament translation 

~Scott~ 

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~ 

The Good Of The Father (Living Free) # 2150

 

For freedom Christ frees us!  Stand firm, then, and be not again enthralled with the yoke of slavery 

Paul to the Galatians 5: 1, Concordant New Testament 

For the past week I have been watching the preparations that are being undertaken for the celebration of this nations 250th anniversary.  Across the country, people will be celebrating not only the birth of our nation, but the freedom that comes with living here.  Now, there will be those on the left side of the aisle who will try their best to demean and disparage this great experiment in self governance, but anyone who knows our history knows that this nation born out of battle remains that shining example of democracy known all over the world.  We're told that to live in America is to live free.  Indeed, there is a lot to be said for that.  We have the freedom to travel.  The freedom to speak our mind AND the freedom to worship in whatever way we choose without fear of government oppression.  Yet many Americans do not know what it truly means to live free.  The apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians that it is Christ Jesus Who has truly set us free {Paul to the Galatians 5:1}.  The apostle John has proclaimed that if "The Son should be making you free, you will be really free" {Johns Account 8:36}.  We're not talking about constitutional freedom here, but true, life changing freedom.  This is the freedom which man will never take from us.  This is the freedom which Christ Jesus has provided for us.  So what is it to live free in Jesus?  Growing up I would hear this phrase tossed about many times, but I never realized what it meant to live free in Christ until later in life.  It wasn't until I realized who I was in Christ that I came to know the freedom which comes from living within the Fathers love.  THAT is true freedom.  I would say that to know Jesus is to know that you are free in Him.  Free of the condemnation preached by those within the church.  Free of the guilt and shame of the sin debt which was crucified on that cross so long ago.  To live free in Jesus is to know that we ourselves died with Christ that our old man would be put to death for good {Paul to the Galatians 2:20}.  As Paul proclaims, what remains is Christ. 

As I said, I never knew the meaning of truly living free in Jesus while in the mainstream church.  They talk of living free in Jesus, but rarely put it into practice.  Many Christians have never known what it really means to be free of all of the religious and traditional trappings which the church places upon us.  They know that there are requirements which must be met in order to enjoy eternity in the Lords presence.  That comes with a price, so we're told.  Well, if there were a price to be paid for that freedom, it has already been paid in full by Jesus Himself.  What remains is for Gods children to realize the freedom which we now have in Jesus.  For me, this realization was more of a revelation given unto me by the Father.  The revelation that I was no longer a sinner, which runs contrary to the false teachings of the church.  For those within the church, sin continues to be a major issue for believers.  For those who have known the truth of a life lived within the love of the Father, sin is something we no longer need to fear.  As Paul has spoken, "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}?  Knowing the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus means knowing that not only did Jesus die to sin, but that we have died with Him.  Sin no longer holds us captive {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Just like those on the Democrat side of the aisle will do their best to demean this great nation, so will those within the church take each and every opportunity to proclaim that we are not free, but still in sins bondage.  But to know the truth of our freedom lived within the Father is to see beyond the lies of the church separation theology.  For to know our live in Jesus is to know the freedom which we have in Him. 

Nothing, consequently, is now condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.  Not according to the flesh are they walking, but according to spirit, for the spirits law of life in Christ Jesus frees you from the law of sin and death 

Paul to the Romans 8: 1-2, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (God Unexpected) # 2149

 

Now, whenever all may be subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also shall be subjected to Him Who subjects all to Him, that God may be all in all 

Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15: 28, Concordant New Testament 

Here's a question for all of the believers out there, where is the LAST place that you would ever think of looking for God, or Jesus for that matter?  Growing up, I was taught that God was indeed everywhere and saw everything that man ever did.  God had been keeping score from the beginning.  I've heard many a pastor speak to the pages of events by which mankind would be judged in that day.  Thus, I grew to fear that impending judgement of the Lord.  Where am I headed with this?  The apostle Paul has spoken that God is indeed all in all {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15:28}.  He has created all which we see and is in all which we see.  I can recall facing difficult circumstances in years past where my first prayer was always, "Where are you, God?"  Despite God being all in all, I was raised on that false belief that my sin had separated me from Him.  This separation theology continues to be preached from the pulpits of the mainstream church.  When the difficult times arrive, we're told to seek the Lord in prayer for His help.  But then the doubts arise, will He hear me?  Has my sin upset God enough that He will allow me to suffer?  How long will it take Him to deliver me from my situation?  These are all thoughts I've encountered in the past.  There have been times that I dreaded difficult situations because I wondered if God would even be there for me.  Thankfully I no longer walk that road.  Which brings me back to my question, where is the last place which you would expect to find God?  Well, in the past, I would separate my bad experiences from God.  God was in heaven watching over me while I was here suffering.  The best that I could do was to pray for His deliverance from my trials.  There have been times that I would pray myself into exhaustion hoping that God would act in my favor.  Well, it turns out that He was there the entire time. 

The truth we have in the Father is that we cannot believe that He is all in all and not believe that He is within our difficult circumstances and illness as well.  Yet we have been conditioned by the church narrative to separate our difficult situations from Him.  We pray for His intervention.  We invite those around us to intervene for us.  Almost every church I have been in has had some sort of prayer ministry or another.  Their mission is to offer prayers to God for those who are suffering, as if God were somehow distant from it all.  But instead of being distant from it all, God is all in all.  There is nothing which we will ever go through that we do not go through in His love.  Jesus has spoken that we live a life within the Father {Johns Account 14:20}.  Knowing this truth of our life within Him will open our eyes to the truth of the words spoken by Paul, that He is indeed all in all.  God is within our triumphs as well as our defeats.  Ask any well intentioned believer and they may just admit that pain or sickness is the last place that they would expect to find God.  But He's always been there, too many of us simply haven't believed that He was, myself included.  How is it that we can say that God sees and knows everything and not realize that He is always an intimate part of all we are?  The fault lies with the lie spoken by Satan the deceiver, who has spoken the lie that we are indeed separated from God.  That our life is lived alone apart from Him.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  God is all in all, which includes every intimate part of our life lived within His love.  Our prayer should not be for God to intervene for us, but for Him to reveal that which He is accomplishing through us.  

For all am I strong in Him who is invigorating me -- Christ! 

Paul to the Philippians 4: 13, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (The Jesus Narrative) # 2148

 

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 

There has been a narrative spoken within the mainstream church for thousands of years.  This is the narrative that we, as sinners, needed a savior in order to atone for that which we had done.  Enter Christ Jesus.  Enter the Jesus narrative.  It is a consensus among Christian believers that Jesus is that sacrifice for that which we have done.  In fact, it is the foundation of the Christian faith.  But this is but a piece of that narrative.  It is also taken as fact that God treated Jesus like a red headed step child on that cross.  That He turned His back on His beloved Son and poured out His righteous anger upon Him.  How else could one explain the torment which Jesus endured?  After all, we're sinners (Yes, we're still considered such by the church), and we deserve the Lords violent anger as a result of our sin.  But we didn't receive that penalty, Jesus did.  It is believed that Jesus received the full wrath of the Lord which our sin deserved.  This is the narrative which I grew up believing in.  So, I believed that God could not deal with me on a personal level, that I had been separated from Him because of my sin nature.  Again, this is all a part of the Jesus narrative.  The passage which opened my eyes to the truth of the death of Jesus was spoken by the apostle Paul in the book of Galatians.  It is this very passage which shoots the Jesus narrative all to hell (If there even is a hell, but more on that later).  Paul speaks to the truth that Jesus did not receive the full wrath of God on that cross, but that WE died with Him at His side.  That's right, Jesus died TO  sin once for all time {Paul to the Romans 6:10}.  This is referred to as Penal substitutionary atonement, the belief that Jesus died absorbing the wrath of God which had been meant for us.  Thus, He became that savior which we so desperately needed.  But is it more believable if Jesus absorbed our sin, or if the sin itself was put to death?  But the early Christians had a different view of what Jesus endured on the cross.  They didn't refer to it as punishment, but of victory.

Very few Christians refer to Jesus' death on the cross as a victory, but that's exactly what it was.  For on the cross, Jesus didn't absorb the wrath of the Father, but marched into enemy territory and defeated the enemy which had held the Lord's children in bondage for so long.  On that cross, Jesus conquered sin {Paul to the Romans 6:6}, death {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15:55-57}, and wickedness {Paul to the Colossians 2:13-15}.  But this truth never has and never will fit into the Jesus narrative created by those within the church.  We're sinners, we're guilty and WE deserved the Lord's punishment.  As our Savior, Jesus took the penalty of that sin, along with the anger and wrath of God, all for the forgiveness of our sins.  It's a good story if you can sell it.  And that's exactly what the mainstream church has been doing for thousands of years, selling that Jesus narrative.  Is it any wonder that Paul asks the question, "O, death, where is your victory" {Paul to the Corinthians (1) 15:55}?  For Paul the answer is simple, Jesus defeated death on that cross.  He also knew the answer to the sin issue which surprisingly continues to plague us thousands of years after the death of Jesus.  For anyone who worries they are still condemned by their sin, which those within the church continue to preach, Paul had the answer for that, too.  "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it?" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}.  As Paul spoke in Galatians, we have DIED to sin!  We have been crucified beside Jesus on that cross.  It is that sin which has been defeated by Christ Jesus on the cross {Paul to the Romans 6:6}.  Again, this truth spoken by Paul goes against the Jesus narrative preached by the church.  This is why so many believers believe that they continue to live in bondage to sin, because the church says that we do.  There is a reason that the gospels never speak of God punishing Jesus in our place, because the Jesus narrative had yet to be invented.  What the scriptures DO speak of is the victory of Christ Jesus over what once held the Lord's children in bondage.  But I guess that doesn't fill many seats on Sundays.  

Who rouses Him from among the dead, yet also being dead to the offenses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He vivifies us together jointly with Him, dealing graciously with all our offenses, erasing the handwriting of the decrees against us, which was hostile to us, and has taken it away out of the midst, nailing it to the cross, stripping off the sovereignties and authorities, with boldness He makes a show of them, triumphing over them in it 

Paul to the Colossians 2: 13-15, Concordant New Testament 

~Scott~ 

The Good Of The Father (Mandatory Jesus) # 2147

 

The God that makes the world and all that is in it, the Lord inherent of heaven and earth, is not dwelling in temples made with hands, neither is He attended by human hands, as if requiring anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all.  Besides, He makes out of one every nation of mankind, to be dwelling on all the surface of the earth, specifying the settling of the seasons and bounds of their dwelling, for them to be seeking God, if, consequently, they may surely grope for Him and may be finding Him, though to be sure, not far from each one of us is He inherent, for in Him we are living and moving and are, as some poets of yours have also declared, 'For of that race also are we.' 

Acts of the Apostles 17: 24 - 28, Concordant New Testament 

I ran across an interesting video from outspoken pastor Martin Zender the other night with the catch line being, "God forces us to love Him."  I immediately thought that he had somehow gone off the rails until a friend explained what it was that he was referring to.  See, for a long time I have been hammered with the church teachings that I needed to accept Christ Jesus in order to be saved.  Indeed, there is some scripture basis to back up this claim {Paul to the Romans 10:9-10}.  Jesus has spoken that He is the one true pathway to the Father {Johns Account 14:6}.  But this isn't what Zender was referring to at all.  What he was basing his statement on is something which many in Christian circles wring their hands over.  That the God they supposedly serve, is all in all.  That God is within all which he has created.  And, since all has been created by the Father, He is within every last bit of it.  For there is nothing which has ever escaped His notice.  Now, Christians do a good job of professing that they believe that God is the creator of all which is in the universe and around us, yet they fall short when it comes to putting that belief into practice.  I should know, because I was once walking with that crowd myself.  Back in my church days I believed that I was indeed separated from God because of my sin.  That sin which Jesus gave Himself to die for {Paul to the Corinthians (2) 5:21}.  That not only had Christ Jesus perished on that cross, but that my old nature was crucified with Him {Paul to the Romans 2:20, Paul to the Romans 6:8}.  This is why I can boldly say that I have been freed from that which I once was.  That through the sacrifice of Jesus, I am no longer a sinner.  Yet those within the Christian faith often bristle when I speak of this freedom that I have in Jesus.  "So, you can simply go on sinning?"  No!  To believe this nonsense is to disregard not only the works of Jesus but the very words of Paul as well.  When asked this question, Paul had the answer.  "We, who died to sin, how shall we still be living in it" {Paul to the Romans 6:2}?  

Now, when we understand and believe that God is all in all, this begins to make sense.  That contrary to the false teachings of those within the church, that God has never been separated from that which He has lovingly created.  That He has always been an intimate part of who it is that we are.  So, what does this say of the popular Christian narrative that we must somehow "Choose" to accept Jesus in order to be saved?  Well, if God is indeed all in all, what choice do we actually have to make?  Jesus has spoken that we do not live our life outside of the Father, but within His love {Johns Account 14:20}.  So, if our life is lived within the Father, can we really utilize that which is known as the freedom to choose?  Indeed, if we were separate from God, as those in the church are so fond of pointing out, then perhaps that moment of free choice would seem more plausible, but we're not.  So, is this more of God guiding us into that realization of our life within His Son than of our own freedom to choose?  I would say yes to that.  Hence, this is where I run afoul of many within the Christian religious community.  Those who continue to believe that they themselves have that ability to choose for themselves.  That our salvation is ultimately dependent upon whatever choice we may or may not make.  Do they really believe that God has no say in what we do?  Has the veil of the deceiver so clouded their vision that they accept whatever version of God the pastor comes up with?  Apparently so.  But even through this confusion, it is God Who is within it all.  and THAT is the truth we need to understand.  

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~